He put one foot in front of the other until he enclosed her with his palms on each side of her hips. Leaning down until they were nose to nose, he bared his teeth.
“Don’t think you fool me. It’s an effort every time you see me to keep yourself from jumping my bones. I hear you next door tossing and turning every night, and no doubt, I’m all in your mind. And I see you trying to sneak glances at me when I’m half naked. You want me, Lana. I’m like a disease in your blood you can’t rid of.”
A saucy smile lifted her lips as she gave him a flippant shrug. “You did get something right …” She sauntered away from him and he watched as her behind swayed back and forth. “I certainly can’t get rid of you,” she called over her shoulder.
He was convinced she walked that way just to drive him mad.
“But you’re forgetting one thing, Jack. I know your type. And if I were to turn around and look at you right now, I’d see only one thing.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?” He loved the view she created, with her hips widened to accommodate the baby. He wanted to dig his fingers in her flesh just to get a handful.
“You looking at my behind.”
Her words didn’t register at first, but he knew she watched him. Then he understood what she said and leveled his gaze with hers, trying not to be embarrassed. She smiled knowingly and exited the kitchen with flourish.
Lucky wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry, so he just stayed angry.
Chapter Twelve
After carefully constructing the day off and getting Lana out of the house, Lucky had decided to go ahead with his plan to buy baby furniture. Ally offered to take Lana out of town to a baby boutique she’d talked about. Lucky gave Ally a wad of cash and instructed her to keep her out the whole day so he could get everything put together and set up.
It had taken almost a month to get the furniture in that Ally had said Lana wanted and in that month, he’d had time to cool off from their last encounter. One thing was certain. He was glad Lana was able to relax around him. Her father openly admitted that Lana had become a puppet with James. He spoke with Mr. Roche occasionally and each time, his father-in-law dropped him important tidbits of information about her relationship with her ex-husband.
As far as Lucky could tell, she was accustomed to his touch. She no longer shied away when he held her hand or gave her a quick kiss. But he asked himself every day, if he wanted her to trust him and care for him, why hadn’t he accepted her offer to sleep together?
Lucky was huddled over the baby crib with three sides put together, when the answer struck him.
He loved her.
Suddenly terrified, he sat down with a hard thud on the floor and ran a hand through his hair. Surely he was wrong. He’d gotten over her ten years ago. He’d vowed when she had said no to going to the prom with him he wouldn’t waste another minute on her. And when she’d gone and married James right out of high school and left town, the old saying out of sight, out of mind certainly applied.
He hadn’t thought about her except a handful of times when he’d run into her father at social functions.
Then, out of nowhere, she had been standing next to him at the party, all doe-eyed innocence, and the anger had come back swift and hard, knocking him for a loop. All he’d been able to think about was how much he wanted her to hurt the way he had.
Funny thing though, he was certain now she’d suffered for her choices. After Lucky lost the weight, he’d accepted himself and never looked back, only forward.
But now, he was looking forward, and he wasn’t sure what he saw. The ring was already on his finger. The baby was on the way. Not only did he have everything he’d ever wanted, but he had it with the one woman who’d stayed under his skin without him knowing. So what was his problem?
The problem was his wife didn’t love him back. And he suddenly wanted that more than anything.
In high school, he’d loved her from a distance, happy to simply imagine her falling in love with him for his sparkling personality and looking past all the weight. Now it seemed she’d fallen for him physically, but he’d made sure he was unavailable emotionally.
It didn’t escape his notice either that James had played a crucial part in this. The guy had been such a bully in high school that, at a particularly low point, Lucky had thought about ending his life. But he’d gotten over it almost as quickly as it hit him and he was determined not to let a guy like James win.
But now, Lucky had James’ wife, James’ baby, and what should have been James’ life. Only James had thrown it away for some other woman and money he couldn’t take with him when his life was over.
If Lucky was honest with himself, that part still pleased him. But his anger wasn’t just about the way James had treated him in high school anymore. It was that it had extended to Lana and broken her spirit. His wife had been hurt many times over, and if he didn’t find a way to prove to her that he was different, Lucky would only be the next disappointment in her life. He feared it might be too late already.
He made quick work of finishing up the furniture, and when everything was carefully placed and the pictures hung, he stepped back and surveyed his work. He had to say, the furniture paled in comparison to the hard work Lana had put into the room. The bedding had such a dainty look about it and it was perfect for a baby girl. The chair rail divided a lavender upper and a sage green bottom. Lana had hand-painted some butterflies and hearts sporadically over the walls. Every aspect of the room screamed of a mother’s love.
Satisfied, Lucky turned out the light and settled in for the evening. He even threw some chicken in the crock-pot for dinner. He’d fallen asleep on the couch when he awoke to a car pulling into the driveway. Unsure of how to show her the room, he decided just to let her find it. He didn’t want a big reveal or make her think she had to react. Chances were, after the last time they had tried to have a normal conversation he’d get smacked. Her patience was a lot thinner now that she was nearing the end of her second trimester.
Lana quietly stepped inside the house and waved to her sister.
“Hey,” he said, standing to greet her.
She jumped and a hand slammed against her chest.
“Goodness, Lucky, you scared me. What are you doing here?”
“Just thought I’d come home early today. It’s been kind of slow at the office. Are you hungry? I cooked some chicken.”
“Sounds good. Let me put this stuff I bought for the baby in the nursery.”
Here it came. He honestly didn’t know what to expect. But he didn’t expect to find her some ten minutes after she had disappeared, sitting in the rocker crying her eyes out.
“Lana, what is it?”
“Look at it. It’s beautiful.”
He looked around the room, satisfied once again with his work.
“You like it?”
“I love it! But it’s just so…”
“What, Lana?” He walked over to her and knelt in front of her, looking up into her strained expression.
“Daddy can’t afford this. I know Ally had to have helped. She was the only one who knew this was my dream furniture.”
“But…”
“I can’t believe them. Did you know about this? Wait, that’s why you’re here today, isn’t it?”
Lucky was confused, but he didn’t lie. “Yes.”
“Did you help Daddy put it together? I need to go call him and thank him. No, maybe I should go over there. Ally’s a little sneak. That’s why she wanted me out of the house today.”
Lucky stood, not sure what to say or do. He didn’t want to correct her and embarrass her. And he certainly didn’t want to take credit for something she didn’t think him capable of. Instead, he stood there with his insulted pride.
“Do you care if I take your truck over to Daddy’s house?”
“Sure, that’s fine.”
He knew they’d tell her the truth, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it.
But looking at her, all
teary-eyed and perfect, made his heart flip-flop. He hated having to hold his feelings in, but she wasn’t ready to hear them.
Without thinking, he handed over his keys and watched as she left. When the headlights were out of sight, he returned to the kitchen and fixed himself a chicken salad. He waited up for her until midnight but when she didn’t return home, he finally turned the TV off and wandered to his bedroom. She had probably fallen asleep at her dad’s house or something. He thought about calling to make sure she was okay, but he didn’t want to seem controlling. He’d assured her he wouldn’t stop her from seeing her family, and he was determined to honor that promise.
But it didn’t mean he had to like it.
*****
Lucky was on instant alert when someone walked into his room during the night. A quick glance at the clock told him it was after one in the morning. He listened as the person lightly treaded across the carpet. Whoever it was tried to remain quiet.
When the person was within arm’s length, he felt a hand touch his. Acting quickly, he twisted the wrist and pulled it up behind the intruder. He applauded himself for his quick response. His PT trainer would be proud.
“Who are you?” he growled.
“Your wife, idiot,” came Lana’s sharp reply.
Taking a deep breath in to slow his heart, he let it out with a chuckle. “I’m not used to a woman being in my bedroom these days. Do you know what time it is?”
“I’m sorry,” she huffed, breaking free of his grasp and turning on his nightstand lamp. He squinted when the room flooded with light. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Tell you what?” His brain was still half asleep.
She plopped down on the edge of his bed and looked up at him.
“Why didn’t you tell me that the furniture was from you?”
Lucky shrugged and sat next to her. He looked down at himself and realized he was only in his underwear. Crossing the room, he pulled on some jogging shorts and a T-shirt. He might not be overweight anymore, but the insecurities of his bare flesh still plagued him.
“I just didn’t want to make a big deal out of it,” he said and sat down again.
“But it was a big deal.”
“No, not really.”
She angled her body to face him and drew a knee up onto his bed.
“You spent the whole day putting together furniture, and you let me believe Daddy did it.”
“Yeah.”
“But it’s more than just putting it together. Ally told me you called her and asked if I had mentioned anything I liked. It was really nice of you to think about the baby.”
“I was thinking of you, too. And if I’m totally honest, I was feeling a little left out.”
“Left out?” Her frown proved to him that she really had no clue he wanted to experience the pregnancy with her. He took another deep breath and let it out. It was now or never. Risking his heart again was going to hurt when it got trampled, but he knew he’d only be half of a man unless he tried one more time.
“It’s my fault, really. I’ve been working long hours trying to avoid you, actually.”
Lana continued to frown.
“I, um…I wanted to do something nice for you to let you know that I care.”
“I know you care, Lucky, or you wouldn’t have agreed to raise this baby as your own.”
“That’s just it. I don’t feel like it’s my own. I thought we’d be closer than we are.”
“You mean, you thought we’d be sleeping together?”
“Yes and no. I hoped we would be, but then when you suggested it a few weeks ago, I knew I couldn’t do it. Not without…”
“Keep going.”
Was he really going to do this? Was he really going to admit his feelings to her at 1:14 am?
“Not without getting involved.”
“Sex usually means you’re involved, right? I’m confused, Lucky. Just spit it out.”
“I decided I couldn’t get closer to you without falling in love with you again.”
“Wh…again?”
“You know I loved you in high school.”
“Lucky.”
“I don’t know what I’m trying to say, Lana. But I do know that I’d like to be there a little more for you. If you’ll let me.”
Lana’s eyes trailed his face one inch at a time. He was convinced by the time she was done that she’d be able to draw a perfect likeness on paper.
“Are you saying you want this marriage to be a real one?”
He swallowed past the lump in his throat. Did he? The more he tried to deny it, the more he knew it was true.
“Yes, Lana. I’d like for us to try to make this marriage real.” He pressed his lips together, not wanting to disclose his deepest fear that he still wasn’t good enough for her.
Frowning, a tear trailed down her cheek. He could tell by looking at her she was trying to figure out how to let him down easy.
“I want that, too,” she whispered.
Lucky’s eyes riveted to her face. What did she say? His confusion must have been evident.
“I want us to have a real marriage, too,” she repeated.
A smile bloomed on Lucky’s face. “Really?”
“I think we’re both pretty jaded, though. It’s taken us three months to realize we actually like each other. It’s probably going to take me another six to finally believe you’re not going to hurt me like James did.”
Lucky didn’t know what to say to that. Once again, she was being honest, but it wasn’t as bad as he thought. After so many wasted years, Lana Roche wanted a real marriage with him. He’d won the war after losing so many battles in the beginning.
She leaned forward and touched her lips to his gently. For the briefest moment, she kissed him and then fell into his arms, her face buried in his neck. When she pulled away, he saw weariness in her eyes and knew he’d once again be the victim of a cold shower.
“Good night, Lucky,” she said, her fingertips lingering on his as she pulled away.
“Good night, Lana,” he said and allowed his fingers to fall with a splat against his thigh.
She disappeared through his doorway and closed it with a soft click, leaving Lucky to wonder if he’d dreamed the whole thing.
*****
Lucky was gone the next morning by the time Lana finally ambled out of bed. When she walked into the kitchen, she saw he’d filled a coffee cup with water and laid out a tea bag for her. The simple gesture let her know he had been thinking about her before he left for work.
What a wonderful way to start her day.
Lana hummed as she went about the house, much as she had for the last three months since they’d married, doing laundry and tidying up. Occasionally, she’d stop and admire the nursery. She still couldn’t believe Lucky had thought of the baby enough to want to buy something.
Lana took a slow stroll to the mailbox after the mailman came by and enjoyed the autumn breeze. It was a blessed relief from the dog days of summer that had left her puffy and tired. She flipped through the mail, mostly junk, but came to an envelope addressed to Mrs. Lana Roche O’Donnell. It piqued her curiosity.
She tore it open and read the contents. It was a letter informing her of her tenth high school reunion, set to take place in a little over three weeks at the old high school gymnasium. Lana wasn’t sure how Lucky would feel about going, but she found she wanted to see some of her old friends and maybe catch up with them. She’d talk with him later about it.
One thing was for sure, he wasn’t going to agree to it without some serious persuading.
The phone rang just as she walked through the front door.
“Hello?”
“Could I speak to a beautiful, brown eyed women who goes by the name of Lana O’Donnell?”
“Lucky,” she giggled. “I didn’t expect you to be gone when I got up this morning.”
“Sorry about that. I’m a little behind at work. I wanted to be sure I came home early enough to spend some time wi
th you tonight.”
“Sounds wonderful. I have something I’d like to do with you, anyway.”
“Oh really?”
She laughed again at the suggestive tone in his voice. “I thought maybe we could sit down and try to come up with a name for the baby.”
Silence met her ears.
“What do you think?”
“If you want my input, I’d love to give it. I think you just made my day.”
“You think?”
“Nope. I know. You definitely just made my day.”
Lana bit her bottom lip. “I got an interesting letter in the mail.”
“What’s that?”
“My high school reunion is in a few weeks.”
“I take that back. Pretty sure you just ruined my day.”
“Does that mean you don’t want to go?”
“What do you think, Lana?”
She thought about it, but couldn’t help but wonder.
“Wouldn’t this be a good opportunity to go back to see everyone and say ‘I told you so’?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because, Lana. I don’t want to gloat about how I look. As soon as I do, I’ll blow up like the Michelin Man and never get it off again.”
A giggle erupted. “Would you go if I asked you nicely?”
“Can we talk about this tonight?” He was trying to avoid the issue, she knew, but she let him.
“Sure.”
“Thanks. I just wanted to call and tell you I was thinking about you.”
“Ditto,” she whispered. And then, because it felt so wonderful to open up to him, she added, “I miss you.”
“Ditto. See you in a few hours.”
Lana hung up the phone with a grin on her face. She couldn’t wait until he got home. Having a husband she actually enjoyed spending time with was a novelty to her. One she intended to enjoy.
Chapter Thirteen
Over the next few weeks, Lana worked on a surprise for Lucky, but it all hinged on his acceptance to go to the high school reunion. When she contacted the people making the arrangements, they were all too happy to help her with the surprise. They knew and respected Lucky and were all too eager to set up what she had envisioned.
Lucky for Her Page 12
