Still Mr. And Mrs.

by Patricia Olney

  Evelyn poured herself a drink.

  “Would you like something, my darling?” she asked Rebecca.

  “Evelyn,” Gabe warned softly, “Doctor Solberg said you shouldn’t drink.”

  Evelyn waved him off. “That old coot. The only reason I still see him is to make him think I need his advice.”

  “You do need his advice,” Gabe said. “He’s supposed to make you feel better. And the doctor’s orders are no drinking.”

  Evelyn paused for a moment then handed her drink to Gabe. “Here, you take it. I didn’t really want it anyway.”

  Rebecca sidled up to the bar and slid onto a padded bar stool next to him. “I’d love a soft drink, if you have one.”

  Gabe let out a sigh and sat down. If Jonathan Fox hadn’t insisted on seeing the “delightfully charming Mrs. Stewart” during the merger talks, Gabe wouldn’t be in this sticky position, sitting next to his soon-to-be ex-wife.

  Nor would he be thinking of children, sperm donations, or how wonderful Reb looked, or how much she still affected him.

  He watched her chatting happily with Evelyn as though they’d just seen each other the day before.

  He’d forgotten what a dramatic physical presence she was with her long, untamed red curls, her tanned complexion and tall, statuesque figure. Even more, she had a way about her. Her personality caught everyone’s attention, even in a crowded room.

  Reb was electric, filled with fire and enthusiasm. It was one of the things that first attracted him to her. She had an innate ability to draw out of him all of the things he wasn’t. Maybe more so than he wanted.

  His throat constricted.

  She was confident, yet fragile at the same time, he thought, taking a huge gulp from the glass of Chablis that Evelyn had given him.

  “You know,” Evelyn was saying, “it was the happiest day of my life when you two married.”

  Gabe finished off the wine in one big swallow? “Evelyn,” he said as calmly as he could, “must we go into all this right now?”

  He could swear he detected a hint of challenge dancing in Evelyn’s gray eyes.

  “Don’t be such a grouch, Gabriel dear.” Evelyn reached for a pack of cigarettes only to have them whisked out of her hands.

  Evelyn shot Gabe a look of defiance and shrugged. “Rebecca knows exactly what’s going on here. And I’m sure she knows exactly how I feel about you two and the situation in which you’ve now found yourselves.”

  Rebecca took a leisurely drink of her cola. “He told me, Evelyn.”

  Evelyn settled in a seat across the bar. “Well, as I was saying, it was the happiest day of my life when you two married. And equally the most unhappy day when I learned about this nasty little divorce.”

  “Evelyn,” Gabe warned, “there’s nothing nasty going on. We’re just two different people who can’t live together.”

  “Or apart,” Evelyn finished for him.

  She turned her attention to Rebecca. “Unfortunately, the timing of your divorce may cost The Toy Factory its merger. Jonathan Fox just simply adores you.”

  “I know. Gabe’s told me. I’ll do my part.” Rebecca looked at Gabe. “And you do yours with my business … and your donation.”

  “A business?” Evelyn asked. “Donation? What donation?”

  Gabe groaned silently.

  “He’s promised to help me open a day care center in Phoenix. It’s a dream I’ve had for years, Evelyn. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  Gabe let out the breath he’d been holding.

  Evelyn smiled at her grandson. “Why, Gabriel, darling, how generous of you. And smart.”

  “I’m doing what’s best for The Toy Factory and this merger, Evelyn.” Gabe shoved his hands into his pants’ pockets, and wandered to the French door. His gaze traveled down the manicured lawn to the glistening pool.

  He heard Reb let out a small laugh, the sound tinkling in his ears like a lost love song. Lord, help him, he prayed. It was going to be the longest ten days of his life.

  “If it’s okay with him,” he heard Reb say.

  Frowning, he walked back to where Reb and Evelyn were whispering together.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Evelyn reminded me that the board and the other guests are arriving tomorrow morning around eleven.” Rebecca reached for his hand.

  He froze. “And?”

  “And there isn’t enough room to accommodate all five board members and the two guests from Chapman and Fox and you and me. So …”

  “I’ve had Hines prepare the guest house for you two,” Evelyn explained.

  “What?” Gabe practically shouted. “That small one-bedroom hideaway on the other side of the estate?”

  “Of course, dear,” Evelyn said. “The very same.”

  Gabe shook his head. “We can’t do that, Evelyn.”

  “Why not?” Rebecca asked. “It’d be the perfect place for—”

  “For nothing but trouble,” he finished for her. “It won’t work. We’re getting a divorce. Remember? And we’re not staying together, alone in that tiny little bungalow.”

  Evelyn poured more Chablis into his empty wineglass.

  “Here, darling,” she instructed. “Drink this like a good boy. And think about what you’re saying. You have to make this work. A happily married couple would love to be secluded in a private, romantic hideaway.”

  “We’ll have to think of something else.” Gabe refused to look in Reb’s direction. He could feel her penetrating stare boring into his back. A wave of heat fanned through him.

  “Jonathan Fox,” Evelyn said, “would think it’s awfully strange that you two aren’t sleeping in the same room. He just might think you’re trying to pull something over on him. And the board is just sitting on pins and needles about pushing this merger through.”

  The muscle in his jaw began to twitch.

  “Understand,” Evelyn continued, “there is not enough room in this house for everyone.”

  Rebecca suddenly appeared at his side. “It’d give us time to talk.”

  Gabe stuttered for a reply. “I … ah.”

  Rebecca linked her arm in his, then placed a hand over his mouth. “Gosh, Evelyn, the arrangements couldn’t be more perfect if I’d planned them myself.”

  Rebecca was delighted with the way Evelyn handled everything. She’d just won. Gabe wouldn’t refuse her request now.

  It was too risky not to.

  She didn’t know what it was about Gabe that brought out the animal in her. It wasn’t that she was brazen, but pushing Gabe’s buttons was just too easy.

  Maybe it was the controlling facade he always wore. He’d always been passionate and loving when they were alone. That was the man she’d fallen for. She knew he was the only one she’d ever loved.

  Or ever would.

  Her mind drifted to happier times when he’d let himself go and have a little fun. She thought of his excitement when she proposed to do wild and crazy things to him in a crowded elevator in San Francisco. Or the time he’d stopped along the freeway during rush-hour traffic to pick her wildflowers because she’d said they were beautiful. He’d risked getting a ticket and a blemish on his perfect driving record.

  She looked up at him, their gazes locking. She was certain he still loved her. Could she risk allowing him back into her heart?

  Maybe he was right when he’d told her that they were opposites, and two people with values as different as theirs just couldn’t live together. If so, why did she still miss him, still want him and need him?

  She took in a deep breath. If she couldn’t have him, at least she would have his child.

  Gabe glanced quickly at his grandmother who was instructing Hines to put Rebecca’s things in the cottage.

  “A deal is a deal, understand?” His voice was deep and rough.

  “So you’ll agree to all my requests, then?” She stared straight at him. She wanted to leave no doubt in his mind that she was serious.

  He hesitated for a second.
“Yes, but only one donation. That’s where I draw the line.”

  “Agreed.”

  “That means no funny stuff, either. Okay?”

  “What funny stuff?” she asked.

  He practically laughed out loud.

  “We may be sleeping in the same guest house, but we won’t be sleeping in the same bed. I’m on the couch. You can take the bed … alone.”

  His eyes said something different. She could still get to him and that pleased her.

  “Whatever you say, Gabe, darling.”

  THREE

  An hour later as Rebecca unpacked her things in the bedroom of the guest house, Gabe wandered about the small living room trying to focus on his impossible predicament. And now Reb had the advantage.

  He paused by the open French door and stared out across the palm-tree-shadowed yard toward the moonlit pool. The very same pool he’d caught Reb swimming in.

  He wondered if her skin was still as smooth all over. Trapped in his memory forever was the tangled flame of her hair cascading down her shoulders and across her bare breasts, and the sensuous, dangerous look in her sultry eyes.

  With all her sexiness and allure, he could tell she hadn’t lost her vulnerability. She still brought out the protective streak in him.

  She could steal his heart again if he’d let her.

  He felt a sudden uncomfortable tightening spread throughout his tense body.

  What was he going to do with her?

  He heard the water from the shower turn off and then the soft tone of her voice singing in the background.

  He sank down on the plump royal-blue couch and closed his eyes, refusing to think anymore. Maybe if he let his mind go numb these next ten days would be over. And when he’d open his eyes …

  He detected the sweet scent of jasmine before he heard her walk into the room.

  “Oh, there you are.” Her gentle voice floated over him as softly as a heat wave.

  He opened his eyes and was momentarily speechless. “What is that thing you’re wearing?” The low-cut, cream-colored satin top flowed over her full breasts. Bits of white lace trimmed the edges, drawing his attention to where it shouldn’t. He knew if she were to lean over, nothing would be hidden.

  Her briefs came to the top of her thighs, and when she turned he could see the sides were cut clear to her waist, a waist that was made for his hands.

  He jammed his fingers through his now tousled hair. The pain in his chest deepened. Lord, he wished things were different between them. “You can’t wear that thing, Reb, it’s too …”

  “Too what?”

  “I, ah, I guess what I’m saying is, don’t you have any pajamas or a robe?”

  She rolled her eyes and walked toward the small kitchen.

  “My goodness, Gabe. I haven’t owned a pair of pajamas in years. And I’m not going to start now just because you’ve suddenly turned into a prude.”

  “I’m not a prude.”

  She smiled and pulled a chilled bottle of champagne out of the refrigerator.

  “I’ve always slept like this, remember? So what’s the big deal?”

  She retrieved two crystal champagne glasses from a cabinet and popped the cork. The bubbly spray shot upward, and she caught the spray in the kitchen sink.

  “Gabe, don’t worry so much. Everything will work out just fine,” she said, drying the counter-top with a towel.

  “I think we should set some ground rules here for the next ten days,” he said.

  She carried two fluted glasses of champagne into the living room, sat down and crossed her legs.

  The satin briefs inched up her thigh.

  He couldn’t help but notice the contrast of her tanned legs to the pale satin she was wearing.

  He reached for the glass of champagne and took a huge swallow, ignoring the fiery liquid racing down his parched throat.

  “For the next ten days, I’d appreciate it if you’d wear something more modest. And of course, not swim topless anymore.”

  “I’ll get a swimsuit tomorrow, I promise.”

  “And some pajamas, okay?”

  She rested her elbows on her knees. “You know this charade is your idea. Not mine. I can’t imagine what the problem is, unless …”

  She took a sip of champagne then placed her crystal on the pine coffee table in front of her. She smiled at him, and he knew she was teasing him.

  Gabe groaned. The urge to drag her off the couch and into his arms was so intense, it was almost unbearable.

  “Reb,” he said after a few seconds of silence. “Please, be serious.”

  “Don’t worry,” she said, as she rose from the couch. “I won’t embarrass you, Gabe. I won’t ruin your chance with this merger. We both want something here. But I’m also not going to change who I am, period.”

  He stood to face her. “All right. Fair enough.”

  “Well, then.” She retrieved sheets, a blanket and pillow for him. “I guess I’ll be taking the bed.”

  He smoothed the sheet over the cushion of the couch and looked up at her.

  She stood in the doorway, her soft curves silhouetted by the moonlight coming through the window behind her.

  She tempted him by merely standing there.

  It was almost his undoing.

  “Night, Reb. Sweet dreams.”

  The next morning, Rebecca rolled onto her back and stretched underneath the soft floral sheets. She stared at the ceiling, and watched the slow rotation of the white overhead fan. Her thoughts were immediately drawn to Gabe.

  They were both determined to carry the charade to the end, despite the difficulty of maintaining an emotional distance from each other. She knew she had to. She couldn’t risk the chance of being rejected by him again if she started to depend on him as she once had.

  Perhaps that’s why she wanted a child so much. She’d be able to love someone unconditionally in a way her mother had never loved her. Being abandoned at age seven had taught her resiliency, but given her a tremendous fear of rejection too.

  She’d never shared her shame with Gabe about being dumped in a foster home. He’d met her wonderful adopted parents, Allen and Rosemary O’Neil, but she’d never had the courage to tell him about her mother. It was too painful.

  She sat up and glanced around the pale yellow and light green bedroom, breathing in the fresh scent from the assortment of bouquets in crystal vases that were scattered about the room.

  Maybe if she sneaked into the kitchen without disturbing him, she could make a pot of coffee and wake him up with a steaming cup.

  Rebecca silently walked out her door and peeked around the corner.

  He was already gone.

  She tried to tell herself it didn’t matter, but she knew it did.

  The fact was, Gabe had probably risen before dawn and dashed out the door half dressed in order not to see her. The sheets and blanket were folded in a neat pile to the side of the couch with the fluffy pillow on top. There was no other sign that he’d even been in the guest house at all.

  She walked back into the bedroom, determined not to let Gabe spoil her joy. After all, she had the chance to get what she wanted.

  A baby. His baby.

  She brushed her hair up in a high ponytail, and pulled on a pair of bright red bicycle pants and a matching red sports bra. Then she grabbed her rollerblades from the closet.

  What she needed to do was to work off her restless energy. Then she would shower and meet Gabe and Evelyn in the main house.

  She smiled.

  The morning was still young.

  An hour and a half later, after circling the block for the last time, Rebecca coasted down the street, letting the rush of the air cool her steamed-up body.

  The workout felt good, releasing more tension than she realized she had.

  She jumped a small puddle of water on the sidewalk, rolled through the wrought iron gates and down the curve of the driveway.

  Just a few feet away, Rebecca could see Gabe leaning over the op
en trunk of a sporty black Cadillac.

  He didn’t hear her approach, and as Rebecca glided closer, she was transfixed by the firm wall of his back straining through the cotton knit of his blue polo shirt. His tawny-colored shorts displayed the muscled curves of his powerful legs and she couldn’t help but notice how the rich fabric stretched across his backside just right.

  She grinned, soaring closer to him in one swift motion, and grabbed his butt, squeezing gently.

  He hit his head with a dull thud on the inside of the trunk, and let out a litany of four-letter words.

  Reb circled the car and threw her head back with a squeal of laughter.

  “Rebecca, dammit.” He frowned at her as she came to a stop in front of him. “You scared the you-know-what out of me.” He pushed back the dark hair that had fallen over his forehead.

  Never before had he looked so charming.

  Then she spied the Saks Fifth Avenue bag in his hands.

  “Oh, a present?” She reached for the sack only to have him snatch it away.

  “Not now, Miss Nosy.”

  Her eyes widened with surprise. “You did get me something, didn’t you?”

  “Maybe.”

  “What is it?”

  “All I can say is you can’t keep wandering around in your skimpy night things,” he said as he glanced at her.

  She knew better than to let him slip around her heart, but the thought that he’d bought her a gift warmed her. It was the little things, such as this, that reminded her why she’d loved him so.

  “Let me see, please?” she begged.

  He shook his head. “This isn’t the time or place, Reb.”

  She reached for the bag again, but he quickly shoved it behind his back.

  She skated to his other side.

  “I can get that, you know,” she challenged.

  He smiled at her. “This isn’t a game, Reb. I think we should just go inside where it’s cool and then I’ll give this to you.”

  “Aw, come on. Let’s see it now.”

  “Reb, take off the skates and come on inside. Okay?”

  The businesslike attitude was back, and the wall was up again, she realized as she looked at him.

  She lunged for the package, her fingers grasping the edge of the bundle. She burst out laughing as she pulled it free from his hold, and skated away from him.