Charade

by Lori Foster

  Tyler lunged from his chair, nearly overturning it. He paced across the room, keeping his back to Carlie.

  She spoke mildly, as if it didn’t matter one way or the other. “If you’d rather not hear this now, I’ll understand.” The truth was, she couldn’t believe she was actually telling him. She hadn’t shared intimate details of her past with anyone, not even Brenda. But in a way, it felt good to talk about it, to say things out loud. She drew a deep breath, then looked at Tyler again.

  He was watching her closely. After a few seconds, he resumed his seat. “Go on.”

  His expression was rigid and his eyes blazed despite his obvious effort at control. Carlie couldn’t help herself. She felt a genuine smile pull at her lips. “So outraged on my behalf?”

  “I’d dearly love to get my hands on him.”

  He said it so levelly, with so much gravity, Carlie believed him. She was shocked. Without thinking, she patted his arm. “Relax. It wasn’t all that bad.”

  Tyler growled at her. “Don’t lie to me, Carlie, ever.”

  “You mean ‘ever again,’ don’t you?”

  “I don’t consider your little masquerade at the pool house lying.”

  Her eyes widened, he seemed so sincere. “You don’t?”

  “No. You would have told me the whole of it soon enough, if I hadn’t jumped the gun and been such a jerk. Now quit dodging the topic and finish your story.”

  “All right. The first time I really complained, he said it was my fault. He blamed me completely, excusing himself by saying I didn’t respond the way I should. He said I should act more like a woman, and dress up a little more. I tried. I always tried to do what he told me to do. It...just didn’t work. I couldn’t be...ready as quickly as he wanted, and he would get angry, and...it was a fiasco.”

  “It wasn’t your fault.”

  He was so vehement, so sure, Carlie felt comforted, despite herself. She nodded. “I know that. Now. But I believed him when he said I was frigid. And I couldn’t see making him abstain just because something was wrong with me. I...tolerated him, which only made matters worse. After a while, we grew so distant, I decided it wasn’t worth having a home or family or husband if I had to put up with the sex.”

  She didn’t say another word until Tyler prompted her. “So you asked for a divorce?” He sounded impatient, and she swallowed the hurt that always swamped her whenever she thought of those times.

  She shook her head. “I felt so guilty. But then I came home early one day, and I caught him in bed with another woman. She didn’t appear to be having any difficulty enjoying him. He wasn’t overly concerned that I found them, either. In fact, he seemed almost proud. I think he needed to prove to me that it wasn’t him. That it was me, and only me, that caused the problem.”

  “And you believed him.”

  It was a statement, and Tyler sounded somehow disappointed with her deduction. She sighed. “What was I supposed to think? I certainly didn’t have anything to compare with. But I was more than ready for the divorce. The only problem was, he didn’t want it. He was very possessive of me, and he fought the divorce for a long time. He hounded me for so long, I had to move to get away from him. Looking back, I think it would have been impossible for him to accept any part of the blame. It would have been a mark against his masculinity. I can almost understand him, now. But then...I just wanted out.”

  “And when you finally got out, you decided you never wanted in again, is that it?”

  Carlie tried to draw forth some of the energy she’d been feeling earlier. She needed it now to get her through the next few minutes. It was emotionally debilitating discussing her past, but even more so discussing it with Tyler. She didn’t want him to look at her with pity, to feel sorry for the naive, foolish, young woman she’d been.

  She angled her head proudly, refusing to turn away from his probing gaze. Surprisingly, she didn’t see pity in his eyes. Just determination. “I’m strong, Tyler. I don’t need a man. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I dress to please myself, and I work at a job I enjoy. What I can’t get on my own, I don’t really need.”

  “I understand what you’re saying, Carlie. But everyone needs other people. You can’t just close yourself off.”

  She stood again. “I can. I did. I finally got that divorce, finally got my freedom, and I don’t intend to ever put myself in that position again. It was difficult and stupid, relying on someone else for my happiness. But I’m intelligent enough to remember the lesson, even if I occasionally have a memory lapse.”

  Tyler stood also, looking very intent. He took a small step toward her. “What we have is more than a memory lapse, sweetheart. And I’m going to prove it to you.”

  Carlie stiffened. “You’re going to go home.” Her words were firm and unrelenting.

  “Yes. But I’ll be back.” She relaxed slightly at his easy compliance. Then he continued. “You have to accept that I’m not like him, Carlie.”

  A rush of soft laughter escaped her. “Don’t you think I know that? You’re nothing like him. But I’m still myself. And I can’t change.”

  A smile twitched on his lips. “You change so often, I can’t keep up with you. I’m only beginning to discover who Carlie McDaniels is.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve told you who I am.”

  He shook his head. “You don’t know yourself, honey, so how could you tell me?” Then he cupped her cheeks in his palms, holding her gently captive. Against her lips, he breathed, “We’ll find her together, Carlie. I promise.”

  His kiss was light and filled with tenderness, a mere brushing of his lips. Then he turned to go. Carlie didn’t say a word. What was there to say? He’d find out soon enough she was exactly who she seemed to be. And then he’d leave her alone. She was strong enough to wait him out.

  At least, she hoped she was.

  * * *

  Tyler would be showing up any minute. She’d spent her morning girding herself for the impact of seeing him again. He hadn’t canceled on the school project, so she would have to continue working with him. But she was ready.

  He sauntered onto the gym floor with his usual air of confidence, and several of the children ran to greet him. Lucy had taken a particular liking to him, and when she threw her arms around him, he tugged on one of her braids.

  Tyler took a few minutes to address the other kids, talking with each one, asking about school, joking and teasing and being teased in return.

  Carlie felt herself softening. Whoever would have thought Tyler would show so much understanding with children? And it was innate, she was sure, not something that could be summoned forth at will. Children knew if an adult really liked them. And Tyler truly cared about the children.

  It hit Carlie then. Tyler, too, had an alter ego, just as she did. In fact, more than one.

  There was Tyler the businessman, the astute lawyer who handled cases with flair and savvy. And there was also Tyler, the ladies’ man, with a reputation well known by the female population. In fact, Carlie now realized that reputation had been encouraged more by the ladies than by Tyler himself. The things he valued in a woman, as far as she could tell, were intelligence and laughter, not her measurements and unfailing willingness.

  And he was also a very perceptive man, considerate and indulgent, with a gentleness toward all things weaker or smaller. That was why he dealt so well with children.

  Tyler looked up and caught her scrutinizing him. He strolled over, dribbling the ball. With a slight smile, he stopped directly in front of her. “I know what I’m thinking. Are your thoughts the same?”

  Carlie shrugged, stealing the ball away from him. “I was thinking you should get married and have children of your own. You’re very good with them.” She glanced at him, saw his shock and smiled with satisfaction. “That’s all.”

  “That’s all! Hey, wait a minute.”

  He was too late. She blew the whistle and the children lined up. For the next two hours, Carlie made certain s
he kept her distance from Tyler, always making sure she had at least one of the kids close to her. It was an ingenious plan—and it was obviously frustrating Tyler. He scowled at her throughout the last fifteen minutes of the practice.

  Tyler walked two of the children out to their parents’ cars, talking with the moms and dads a few minutes before coming back to the gym. She wasn’t going to bother asking him what the discussions were about this time. He’d never confided in her last time. When he noticed she was still in the gym, he headed toward her, falling into step beside her as she started for the locker room.

  “I want to talk to you, Carlie.”

  “Can’t right now. I’m running late as it is.” That was an easy truth to give, though Tyler didn’t accept it.

  “Late for what, dammit?”

  She didn’t look at him. “Don’t curse at me, Tyler.”

  “Then stop avoiding me!”

  “In other words, if I don’t, you’re going to continue to blast me with your foul language?”

  He grabbed her arm, halting her. “Talk to me. Please.”

  It unnerved her, seeing him so abjectly sincere. “I’m sorry. Really. But I’m starting some night courses and I’m running late. I should have left ten minutes ago.”

  He searched her face. “What time will you get home?”

  “Late.”

  “Too late to see me?”

  “There’s no reason for me to see you. I told you that.”

  “And I didn’t accept it. I guess we’re at an impasse.”

  “We aren’t anywhere. I’m late and you should be getting home. Goodbye.”

  “No. I’m not leaving until you tell me what you meant by that crack about children.”

  “It wasn’t a crack.” She glanced at her watch, a deliberate show of impatience. “You’d make an excellent father. You should find yourself a woman like Bren, and settle down. It would relieve the boredom you’re forever complaining about.”

  “I haven’t complained about being bored since I met you. And I don’t want a woman like Bren. I want a woman like you.”

  It took great willpower not to react to that statement. Her stomach had lurched and her pulse had skipped a beat. But he was only being Tyler, flirting and teasing. She couldn’t take him seriously. “You want a woman who doesn’t want you back? I don’t know, Tyler. That might be kind of hard. Didn’t you tell me that all the women want you?”

  “No. I don’t recall saying that. But I know you do, Carlie. Shall I prove it?”

  Carlie flushed, silently cursing him for challenging her, especially when she knew she couldn’t win. “I can’t deny I enjoyed sex with you, Tyler. That isn’t what I meant, and you know it. Why don’t you take up a hobby? Collect stamps or something so you can entertain yourself without annoying me.”

  “I wasn’t trying to annoy you! I’m trying to talk to you. I want you to forgive me, I want—”

  “You’re forgiven.”

  “That was a little precipitous, wasn’t it?” He eyed her suspiciously. “What are you forgiving me for?”

  “I have no idea. You’re the one who wanted forgiveness.” She raised her eyebrows politely. “You tell me.”

  He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for yelling at you, for jumping to conclusions and saying hateful, uncalled-for things.”

  “They were called for. And you were justified.” She looked down at her clasped hands and made the necessary effort to relax. “Will you forgive me, also? For deceiving you and using you and causing you embarrassment?”

  “Carlie.” He pulled her against his chest, despite her stiff, unyielding posture. “There’s nothing to forgive, honey. I understand why you didn’t tell me.”

  Carlie slowly stepped away, then started toward the gym door. “It’s in the past, Tyler,” she called over her shoulder. “Forget about it. We’re both obviously very sorry and determined not to make the same mistakes again. That’s good enough for me. Now, I have to go. I’ll see you Wednesday.”

  “Carlie...”

  She didn’t stop, didn’t turn to him, didn’t slow her pace at all. But she could feel his eyes boring into her and just before the heavy back door swung shut behind her, she heard a bang that sounded suspiciously like a fist hitting a locker.

  * * *

  “You’re going to have to help out here, Bren!” Tyler said as he paced the kitchen, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. Carlie was being entirely unreasonable. She wouldn’t see him beyond practices and wouldn’t take the time to talk to him when it wasn’t absolutely necessary. He’d about run out of ideas. And he was getting desperate.

  Brenda and Jason stared at him as he paced. Brenda shook her head. “Carlie would never forgive me if I got in the middle of this.”

  “Just try talking to her for me. She’ll listen to you.”

  “Not a chance. Carlie won’t listen to anything I have to say. Not with things so fouled up.”

  Tyler glowered at her. “Things are not fouled up! Carlie and I being together is not a mistake.”

  “Hah! Carlie’s more determined than ever to stay away from men. She won’t even go out with that old school-board guy, and he’s certainly no threat.”

  Tyler halted, then looked at Brenda. “What are you talking about?”

  “There’s some old stuffed shirt on the school board—”

  “He’s only thirty-six, Bren,” Jason interrupted.

  “Well, he seems old, he’s so uppity.” She gave her attention back to Tyler. “Anyway, she’s gone out with him a couple of times. Mostly to talk over school stuff, or so he says. Personally, I think he’s trying to ingratiate himself. Now he wants her to help him head up a new fund-raiser at the school. Carlie said she needs to get together with him this weekend to discuss the particulars.”

  “Where?”

  Jason stood. “Now, Tyler...”

  He ignored his brother. The thought of Carlie with another man made him see red. He repeated, “Where?”

  Jason cleared his throat to hide his smile. “At her house, I believe.”

  “The time?”

  Jason glanced at Brenda, who was doing her best to look innocent. “I think she said around noon, but I can’t be sure,” she said.

  Tyler turned on his heel and headed out, not bothering to say goodbye. He didn’t see the smug grin on his sister-in-law’s face.

  Jason pursed his lips. “I thought you weren’t going to interfere.”

  “Of course I wouldn’t!” Brenda gasped. “I gave Carlie my word.”

  “Then what was this little scene you just enacted?”

  “A slip of the tongue?”

  “Clever. Just what I love in a wife!”

  * * *

  On his drive home, Tyler formulated his plan. It was Friday evening—he’d gone to his brother’s house, frustrated after another unsatisfying attempt to gain Carlie’s attention during the practice. She was getting very good at ignoring him. And after practice, she had to hurry off for her classes. He had no doubt they’d been planned just to thwart him. It annoyed the hell out of him.

  But he could be just as devious as Carlie. Since he had no intention of giving up on Carlie, he had to overcome her obstacles.

  And he had a secret weapon—his own project he’d been working on for some time. He’d planned to surprise Carlie with it. Now it would prove invaluable. But first he needed to get her alone for a bit. He hadn’t missed her response the day he’d held her only briefly. But he had been stymied by the fact that she seemed to find it so easy to walk away. She hadn’t even looked back as he’d willed her to do. Stubborn wench.

  At least she was never boring. He remembered the way she had held him so tight when he’d entered her, how she told him she cared. Not a little, but a lot. He had to believe that. She still cared, and she would get over her anger. He’d help her. Hell, he’d insist upon it.

  * * *

  Tyler planned his arrival perfectly, even to the point of driving around the block twice, waiting
for the strange car to show up in front of Carlie’s house. He parked and got out, whistling, a sheath of papers in his hand.

  He knocked on the door, then waited, doing his best to hide his smile. Carlie answered, dressed in her usual distasteful clothes. This time, it was a long skirt, hanging below her knees. Her slim calves and ankles were hidden by boots, the skirt topped by a large sweater which had no waist or any other defining lines. It was ugly as sin.

  “You look beautiful today, Carlie.” He spoke loudly enough for her company to hear. She glared at him, but he knew he had her. She was forced to be polite when a member of the school board was in earshot.

  “Hello, Tyler. What brings you here today?”

  He quickly shouldered his way inside before she could tell him she was busy. “I have some things to discuss with you about your project.”

  “The team?”

  “That’s right. I had some ideas to go over with you.”

  A man entered, dressed in a business suit and looking every bit as stuffy as Brenda had claimed he was. He didn’t so much as glance at Tyler. “Is something wrong, Carlie?”

  She looked harassed. “Ah, no.” Then she grudgingly made the introductions. “Tyler, this is Brad Shaw. Brad, meet Tyler Ramsey, the man I told you about. He’s proving to be a big help with the after-school basketball program.”

  The men shook hands. Tyler smiled with devious innocence. “I’m sorry, Carlie. I didn’t realize you had a date tonight.”

  She didn’t disappoint him with her reaction. He grinned as she turned beet-red. Tyler had the feeling it was mostly due to anger. “Brad is a member of the school board. We were going to discuss a new fund-raiser.”

  “Is that right? Maybe I could help. I’m always willing to help support the schools.”

  It was obvious he’d gotten Brad’s interest. He may have wanted to be alone with Carlie, but apparently he also wanted financial aid. He opted for the money. “Won’t you join us, Mr. Ramsey?”