Minor Opposition
Page 12
“You can come to Shadow Lake this summer and to the farm for horse riding and roller skating and bike riding and...” Johnny spouted a dozen activities.
“Sounds like fun. What a great friend you are.” She glanced at Alex and puzzled over the fleeting emotions she saw in his dark eyes.
“Wait ‘til we get to the park,” Johnny said. “First we go to Mother Goose Land and see Great June and Great Jack. Always give me a giant lollipop.”
“They’re Dad’s aunt and uncle,” Alex said. “They work at the park. They say it keeps them young.”
Laurel stared at their entwined hands. Alex possessed a continuity she’d never known. So often in the past, she’d wished for a relative, even a cousin three times removed. Alex released her hand. She felt as though something precious had been offered and withdrawn.
“When is Megan coming back?” she asked.
“Tomorrow, I think. Dad might know. Wait until she sees the latest development.”
“Which is?”
“Your house. I’m sure she expected you to still be living in the guest suite.”
Laurel chuckled. “You should have known I wouldn’t be content to vegetate until her return.”
“I’m sure she expected you to have a reason to remain.”
Laurel’s spirits slipped another notch. His words reminded her that all she could hope for was friendship. “Maybe I’ll escape her lectures for several days since I’m working tomorrow.”
“That’s hardly fair. I thought your first month was supposed to be orientation.”
She shrugged. “Life’s not fair. Mary Karnes apologized for the schedule. She’s working and I guess she thought I should too. Should give us time to sort things out. You know, when I worked at Eastlake while attending Grantley, the nurse managers never worked a weekend.”
“Eric changed that. He also works every other weekend. The staff nurses cheered.”
“Sort of evens things up a bit. He’s made some interesting changes, like Megan’s unit.”
“Some of the doctors fought that idea. Now they’re pushing for more like units to open. Who knows, one day, Eastlake will become a magnet hospital and be turning nurses away. We lost over a third of the nursing staff last year. The acting Director made life miserable for them.”
“Jenessa filled me in on what I’d missed in the list letters.”
“How do you like the ED?”
She turned and looked at Johnny. His eyes were closed. “It’s interesting and in some ways like the clinics I helped set up around the world. A lot of the patients use the ED as their primary physician.”
“I know, and there’s not much I can do to change that. My schedule’s overflowing and my partner has a year of residency left.”
Laurel turned in the seat. “What would you think about a clinic staffed by nurse practitioners?”
“Personally, I’d love it and I’d be glad to supervise them. Some of my colleagues would be up in arms even though they have no room for new patients. I know Jen would jump at the chance.”
“The ED would be more efficient without the drop-ins.”
Alex nodded. “Do you really like Eastlake?”
“I wish I hadn’t run away to join circus IHRM, but the gypsy life held a great appeal.” She sighed. “Years ago, after the accident, when I was ready to be discharged from the hospital, one of the nurses wanted to adopt me. The trustees refused to consider her petition. They were sure she was after my money.”
“Do you ever wish that had happened?”
“I wish a lot of things had happened, but I’ve learned to file wishes under fantasy.”
“You’re an amazing person. I’m glad you’ve become part of our life.” He switched on the radio. A soft jazz piece played.
Her body vibrated to the notes of the bass line and with an awareness of something building between them that she was afraid to define. She closed her eyes and entered a fantasy.
*****
“We’re here.”
The sound of Alex’s voice jolted Laurel from a dream tinted with sweet sensuality. She sat up and turned to look at Johnny. She saw a gray car. Was it the same one she had seen drive past the house yesterday?
“I didn’t mean to sleep,” she said.
Alex chuckled. “Neither did Johnny. Do you want to do the honors?”
Laurel opened the passenger’s door. “Johnny, honey, we’re here.”
Johnny said up. “Did we beat Timmy? Did we?”
Alex stretched. Laurel watched the play of muscles beneath his green tee shirt. Johnny imitated his father. A black station wagon pulled into the row behind them.
Johnny dashed to the car. “We won.”
A boy with dark auburn hair climbed out of the wagon. “Doesn’t matter if you was here first. Our picnic lunch is better than yours.”
“Not. Mrs. Rodgers put in chicken and cherry tarts.”
“Well, we have ham and beef and chocolate cake.”
Alex took Laurel’s hand. “Brady and Lisa Simons, this is Laurel Richmond.”
Brady arched an eyebrow. “Nice...to meet you. I can see...why Johnny is enamored.”
His auburn-haired wife elbowed him in the ribs. “You promised to behave.” She turned to Laurel. “I’m glad to meet you. Pay no attention to these juveniles and I don’t mean the boys. They’ll spend all day one-upping each other and then wonder why the boys do the same.”
Brady winked. “Buddy, take my second piece of advice.”
Laurel looked from Brady to Alex. What advice had that been? She turned and saw the boys running across the parking lot. “Johnny, wait for us.” She remembered the gray car and set off at top speed. A man strolled toward the boys. Laurel reached them and grabbed Johnny’s hand. Before she caught a glimpse of the man’s face, he turned and walked away.
When the three other adults reached Laurel and the boys, she still clutched their hands. Alex grasped Johnny’s shoulder. “What have I told you about running off?”
Johnny toed the dirt. “I shouldn’t, but I saw my other Pop. I need to tell him I don’t want to live with him. Want to stay with you.”
“And you will,” Alex said. How had Johnny learned about Richard’s plans? Alex felt as though a boulder had landed in his gut. “Let’s go to the park. Make sure you and Timmy stay with us.”
“Sorry, Daddy.”
Laurel, Lisa and the boys strolled toward the fair. Alex and Brady stopped.
“Just what’s going on?” Lisa asked.
“Later.” Laurel pulled out her wallet and paid for the whole group. Lisa protested. “Please,” Laurel said. “I’ve never been to an amusement park.”
“Never? Your parents must have been ultra strict.”
Laurel shook her head. “My guardians.”
Lisa hurried to catch up with the boys. Laurel waited for Alex and Brady. She handed them the tickets. Alex shook his head. “This was supposed to be my treat.”
“I couldn’t hold the boys back. Lisa has them. They’re talking to Mother Goose and the Farmer in the Dell.” She pushed between Alex and Brady. “You said today would be fun. Business later.”
Brady laughed. “She’s bossy...and right.”
Alex held up a hand. “All right. Fun. I can’t imagine how Johnny learned about his grandfather’s plans.”
“Kids make great spies,” Brady said. “Remember the things we used to do.” He took Laurel’s other arm.
They joined Lisa and the boys. Alex introduced her to his father’s great aunt and uncle and they made plans to meet for lunch. After sitting a time, they watched the boys explore the various nursery rhymes.
Johnny and Timmy climbed through the Old Woman’s Shoe and slid down the tongue. They explored Mother Hubbard’s cupboard, knocked Humpty Dumpty off the wall, rode on the pond with the Owl and the Pussy Cat and enjoyed the other clever adaptations.
After a leisurely lunch, they left Mother Goose Land. Brady and Lisa took the boys to the children’s ride area.
“I’d like to ride every ride.”
“If we have time.”
As they settled into the roller coaster seat, Alex put his arm around her. Three teenage couples rode in the seats ahead of them. The car started up a hill and entered a dark tunnel. The teenagers giggled. Alex captured Laurel’s mouth with his. He broke off just as they emerged into the light and plunged down the first dip.
She wasn’t sure if the sensation in her abdomen rose from the kiss or the sudden downward plunge of the car. Why had he kissed her?
From the roller coaster to the Whip, to the bumper cars. Laurel reveled in the new experiences and in what she saw in Alex’s eyes. By the time they went to relieve Brady and Lisa, they’d ridden three roller coasters and a number of the other rides. Laurel looked at the merry-go-round. “I wish we had time for another ride.”
“Later,” he promised. “With Johnny.” He tugged on her hand. “I’m sure Lisa and Brady are waiting.”
They spent their hour and a half watching the boys. One of the rides, a replica of a railroad handcar, pitted Laurel and Johnny against Alex and Timmy. The ride ended in a tie and a reward of ice cream.
When they joined forces with Brady and Lisa, they toured the Arcade. Brady and Alex competed to win prizes. Soon the boys, Laurel, and Lisa carried stuffed animals. They rode the Ferris Wheel and the merry-go-round twice before going to the park’s restaurant for dinner.
By seven, Laurel felt exhausted and by eight, both boys were asleep on their feet. Alex carried Johnny. Brady held Timmy. Laurel walked with Lisa.
“What couldn’t you tell me earlier?” Lisa asked.
“Alex’s father-in-law has threatened to take Johnny away.”
Lisa stopped short. “That makes no sense. Rhonda’s dead. Poor Alex. He went through hell until she took off. What a piece of work she was. Selfish, self-centered. Even before she left, she neglected Johnny. Entertained her friends, mostly men during the day when Alex was at the office. If Johnny wasn’t the picture of Alex, I’d wonder about his parentage. If it comes to a court fight, I’ll be glad to testify.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t.” Laurel wanted to ask a dozen questions. She finally realized why Alex didn’t trust her, but she had nothing but money in common with his dead wife.
“She inherited money from a grandparent and within a week, she was gone.”
Once again, Laurel resented the trust fund and her guardians. She clenched her fists. Would her money ruin this chance to find love? She paused beside the other couple’s car. “It’s been fun.”
Lisa smiled. “We’ll have you and Alex over for dinner soon.”
“We’re not a couple.” Dinner with Lisa and Brady might be fun, but she didn’t think Alex would accept. “See you.” She walked to Alex’s car. “I enjoyed myself today. Thanks for asking me.”
“I’m glad you could come.” Alex started the car.
His smile made her thoughts sizzle. She hastily shut them down.
When they reached Eastlake, she thought Alex would drop her off before going home. Instead, he drove through town. “Do you mind if I get Johnny to bed.”
“No problem.” How could she protest more time spent with him?
When they reached the house, Alex carried Johnny inside. Laurel waited in the family room where Jake and Sarah watched television. She turned down Sarah’s offer of cake and coffee. A short time later Alex returned. They walked to his car.
When they reached her house, Alex parked at the curb. She turned toward him. “Thanks for the fun day. Your friends are easy to be with.”
“They liked you.” He opened his door. “Hope you didn’t mind Brady’s teasing.”
“It was another first.” She sighed. The camaraderie between the men, though mixed with rivalry, spoke of a firm friendship. “You don’t have to walk me to the door.”
“I want to.”
The husky quality of his voice reminded her of the night he’d declared he wanted her and then pushed her away. She had no idea what she would do if he repeated the action.
When they reached the house, she searched for her key and unlocked the door. “Would you like to come in for coffee?”
“I think I would.”
His acceptance startled her. She had difficulty believing that after all the time he’d spent keeping his son between them that he wanted to be alone with her. She frowned. Before the plans for the amusement park had been made, he’d invited her to dinner. Had he changed his mind about her?
The minute the door closed behind them, he pulled her into his arms. “All day I’ve wanted to do this properly.” His lips brushed hers.
She put her arms around his neck. Why question his motives when his actions suited her? His tongue traced her lips. His teeth nibbled lightly. She breathed in his scent. Her heart pushed blood through her arteries with the force of a flash flood.
If this was a fantasy, let the dreams continue for the rest of her life.
She parted her lips. His tongue slid inside and thrust against hers. She reciprocated. The beat of his heart pulsed against her fingers and she felt her heart beat with the same rhythm.
He pressed her ever closer until she felt his hardness against her abdomen. She rose on tiptoe, striving to bring him to where she throbbed. His embrace matched those of her wildest imaginings of being held, of loving him and being loved in return.
When his hands slid beneath her tee shirt and his fingers released the clasp of her bra, a moan rose in her throat. She wanted to suggest they go to the living room, but she couldn’t speak. Instead, she used her mouth to caress his. Her fingers stroked his face.
The need to touch him soared. She tugged his shirt loose. Her hands moved along the muscles of his back and she rocked her body against his. He caught the rhythm. His mouth moved from hers long enough to pull her shirt over her head. His thumbs brushed her nipples.
“Alex.” His name emerged on a sigh.
A flash of light flared through the glass window beside the door. As though he emerged from a trance, Alex shook his head. “I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have gone this far.”
She rested her head against his chest. “This is all I’ve ever wanted. Stay tonight.”
“I can’t.” He caressed her nape. “I want to stay. I want to love you. I have to remember Richard Cooper. He’ll destroy anything we build between us with innuendoes and lies.”
She shook her head. “He couldn’t. I’ve loved you for so long and I’ll never stop.”
Alex kissed her lightly and opened the door. A flash of high beams came from a turning car and blinded Laurel. She clutched her shirt against her chest. A wave of sadness swamped her. How could she ever hope to persuade him that her love was the lasting kind?
*****
For several minutes, Alex sat in his car and waited to see if the car would return. His body ached and his emotions felt battered. His desire for her was acute but he didn’t want her to come under attack. No matter what she felt, ugly accusations would destroy her.
As he drove home, he thought of the things Brady had revealed. Was Richard completely sane? First there had been Rhonda’s death. Then a large business loss. Finally, Marisa had been diagnosed with cancer. Alex felt a pang of sympathy. Richard doted on his second wife. Alex recalled his own sadness when Rhonda had died. How much deeper the grief would be when there was love.
His hands gripped the wheel. Though he understood Richard’s reaction to grief and fear, he couldn’t be allowed to disrupt Johnny’s life. That would bring a return of the insecurities and nightmares. Had something Rhonda had said triggered Richard’s actions but her death had been months ago. Surely if that was the scenario, Richard would have acted before now.
Alex glanced in the rearview mirror and saw headlights. When he pulled into the driveway at home, the car sped past. He released his grip on the wheel. T
he problem had to be solved before someone was hurt.
*****
On Sunday morning after a thorough orientation to the ED, Laurel sat at the desk working on a list of criteria for the nurses she would soon begin training.
She glanced at the clock and realized the hands had barely moved since the last time she’d looked. The morning had been quiet. Only two patients had come in and only one of them had been serious. Don’t think about quiet. Those kind of thoughts sent vibrations in the air and caused freak accidents.
The doors whished open. She glanced up. Megan marched across the room. Her firm steps made her blonde curls look like dandelions bobbing in the breeze. The grim expression on her face proclaimed a storm to come.
“What are you doing here?” Megan asked.
“Working as triage nurse,” Laurel said. “Right now, I’m developing criteria for training purposes. How was your course and your vacation?”
“I can’t believe Alex let you do this.” Megan’s hands rested on her hips. “I told him to take care of you. I drove out to his place before I went to my apartment and found you’d left.”
“Alex was wonderful. When I felt better, I found a job. You know how I hate being idle.”
Megan glanced around. “Can you take a break?”
“I could.’ Laurel picked up a beeper and stopped at the admissions desk. “I’ll be in the lounge. Beep if you need me.”
When they reached the lounge, Megan leaned against the door with her arms crossed on her chest. “How could you ruin my plans? Alex and Johnny need you.”
“How could you dream up such a scheme without considering what Alex and I want?”
“Because you’re both blind.”
Laurel shook her head. “Things are more complicated than you know.”
“Your money?”
“Partly.”
“What else could there be?”
“Richard Cooper is trying to gain custody of Johnny by legal or illegal means and our being together will give the man ammunition.”
Megan walked to the credenza. “Richard Cooper is a creep.”