by Webb, Peggy
“I think I’m the one who’s supposed to do the sweeping.”
Kirk’s intercom buzzed and his secretary’s voice came over the speaker. “Mr. Maitland, I’m calling to remind you of your conference with Mr. Lackey at two.”
“Thank you, Karen.”
Joanna stood up and smoothed down her dress. “What a mess. When planning a seduction, always bring a change of clothes,” she quipped. “I read that somewhere in a magazine.”
“What sort of magazine...” Kirk caught himself and stopped, grinning. “Old habits die hard.” He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll call and have someone bring you a change of clothes.”
“What about you?”
“I keep a change here at the office.”
“For seductions in the swivel chair?”
“Strictly for business, Joanna.”
He picked up the phone and dialed.
Chapter Nine
Joanna bought her car, a bright blue Jaguar, and emailed the Dixie Virgins about the turn of events, ending her emails with, “You know how I always asked all of you for DETAILS! Well, I got my details in that swivel chair in Kirk’s office. At least part of them, and I plan to get the rest very soon!”
She set her studio up in the sunroom at Meadow Lane, replacing the dining furniture with an easel, worktable and desk.
It took her only a week to accomplish her tasks. During that week, Kirk had kept his distance. Joanna understood and didn’t press. He’d promised to court her, and she knew he would—when he decided the time was right. She found that she enjoyed her new freedom. She filled her time with sketching and her new charity, the Pet Lovers’ Association.
On Saturday she got up early and headed for Westwood Park. The Pet Lovers’ Association was having a pet show to raise money for the animal shelter. The show had been her idea. Unlike most animal shows, the pets didn’t have to be purebred. Any animal would do. And all would get a ribbon. There would be categories for the ugliest cat, the shortest dog, the most bowlegged chicken, the rabbit with the longest ears. If an animal didn’t fit the categories, Joanna would make up one.
Marsha was already there, setting up the registration booth.
“Hi, Joanna. You look perky today.”
“I feel as if there’s been a contest to pick the luckiest woman in the world, and I won the prize.”
Marsha laughed. “Stand close to me. I want some of that luck to rub off.”
“Tough day?”
“Tough week. Tough life. Sometimes I question my wisdom in choosing law.”
“I’m sure the feeling will pass. Most bad feelings do.”
“Thanks, pal.” Marsha stacked the registration sheets on the table. “Here comes our first entrant. It looks like Frankie Meaders and his performing basset hound.”
“What does it do?”
“When Frankie whistles ‘Yankee Doodle’ the dog howls.”
“How do you know?”
“Because they live next door to me. Frankie just learned to whistle and that’s the only song he knows. He practices constantly. You register him. I can’t bear to give that dog a prize.”
In the next half hour, Joanna registered Frankie’s basset hound, three poodles, a Siamese cat and a big white goose named Myrtle.
“Hello, Joanna. Is this show just for children or can anybody register?” That familiar voice made her heart pound in a crazy rhythm. She jerked her head up, smiling.
“Kirk! How have you been?”
“Staying busy, biding my time.”
Marsha, who had finished registering the last person in her line, joined the conversation. “I must be seeing things. Kirk Maitland at a pet show. What brings you out?”
“Hello, Marsha.” he smiled in her direction. “I saw your ad. It clearly stated that you and Joanna would be registering pets. And so I’ve brought mine.”
He picked up the small dog at his feet. Nobody had noticed the little animal. At the sight of Joanna, his tail wagged fiercely.
“You’ve brought Rags,” Joanna said. “I’m so glad. You must have stopped by Meadow Lane.”
“Yes. I had to get a few of my things anyway, so I decided to bring our faithful friend over. I think he deserves a prize for eating your egg soufflé, don’t you?”
Joanna’s smile widened. “Indeed I do.”
“Private joke?” Marsha asked. “Or can anybody join?”
“Not private,” Kirk said. “One morning when I had practically ordered Joanna to eat, she defied me by feeding her breakfast to Rags.”
Marsha chuckled. “Kirk Maitland, I believe you’ve met your match.”
His smile was for Joanna only. She basked in the promise in his eyes.
“I believe I have,” he said softly.
Marsha saw the look that passed between them. “Well now,” she said, “suppose I let Joanna look after you? I see an approaching pig who will probably need my full attention.”
While Marsha dealt with Kermit Granger and his pig, Squealer, Joanna turned her full attention to Kirk. Remembering the last time they’d been together, she felt flushed.
“I’m glad you came, Kirk—for the sake of the animals.”
“So am I.” His eyes gleamed as they raked over her. “For the sake of the animals.”
The huskiness in his voice and the look in his eyes made her want to haul him under the registration table and make love to him right in the middle of Westwood Park.
“It will cost you, of course.”
He bent down to pick up the registration sheet and a pencil. “It already has,” he said softly, for her ears only. “Seeing you without taking you in my arms has cost me ulcers.”
She smiled. “I think something can be arranged.”
“Are you asking me for a date, you brazen woman?”
“Yes. Total freedom is lonely.”
“Relinquishing control is lonely, too, Joanna.” He filled out the form as he talked. “Tonight?”
“Yes.”
“Dinner at eight?”
“And later?”
“Who knows? It’s been a long time since I’ve been involved in a sincere courtship.” He grinned wickedly at her. “I’m not sure I can remember what to do.”
“Most of the magazines suggest candlelight and cuddling.”
“I think we can improve on that, Joanna.” He reached into his pocket and brought out a folded check. “I believe the fee goes to the animal shelter.”
“Right. We’re hoping to build better winter quarters.”
“Rags and I are happy to make this contribution.”
She unfolded the check and looked at the amount. It was for five thousand dollars. “Thank you, Kirk. I believe I can match that.” She furrowed her brow as she tried to calculate the balance in her account. “Can’t I?”
Kirk laughed. “You can more than match it, Joanna. You’re set up so that you won’t have to come to me for anything—unless you try to buy New York.”
“Only if it goes on sale.” As he laughed, she pointed in the direction of a roped-off arena. “You can take Rags over there with the other pets so the judges can give him a ribbon.”
Kirk strolled off with Rags, whistling.
Marsha shook her head and leaned toward Joanna. “I don’t believe what I’m seeing. Just look at him over there in that arena full of children. I’ve never seen him so relaxed. What in the world have you done to him, Joanna?”
“It’s magic.”
“It must be. The Kirk Maitland I know is a dedicated workaholic, like me.”
They both watched as Kirk squatted down beside a small girl with a bobtailed beagle. He smiled and chatted with her as naturally as if he dealt with pigtailed five-year-olds every day.
“He looks so happy,” Marsha said. “I’m proud for you, Joanna. I’m proud for both of you.”
“Thanks.”
Marsha laughed. “Forthright, as always. I almost wish you’d given me a silly denial. Kirk Maitland is one g
reat guy. I could feel deprived if I thought about this too long.”
“You’re too smart to waste time on regrets.”
“Exactly. Let’s get on with this business of the pet show.”
Joanna and Marsha registered the last of the pets and were stuffing the money into a bag when the bottom dropped out of the sky. Raindrops as big as tadpoles poured over them, sending children and animals scurrying in every direction. A great gust of wind whipped across the lake and ripped the banners off the registration booth.
“I’ll take care of the money,” Marsha yelled as she ran toward her car. “You grab the registration sheets.”
Joanna started stuffing the sheets into her purse, glancing up now and then to see Kirk helping the two judges, Glenna Rigsby and Letitia Blankenship, hustle the children and their pets to the shelter of a nearby pavilion.
Kermit Granger was anxious to go, but his pig had other ideas. Squealer, excited by all the commotion and not seeing anything that looked even remotely like a pigpen, decided to be ornery. He planted his hooves in the mud and balked right in front of the big white goose. Myrtle took exception. She reached out with her beak and whacked him on the tail. Squealer gave an outraged grunt and scooted across the park, dragging little Kermit Granger behind him.
As they passed Joanna’s booth, Kermit yelled, “I can’t stop him.”
Joanna set out after them with the goose in hot pursuit. “Shoo. Go away,” she yelled at the enraged goose as she tried to catch Kermit and his runaway pig. “Let go of the rope, Kermit. Let go!”
“I’ll lose my pig.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll catch him.”
Kermit released his hold and the pig continued his run for safety.
“Don’t let Squealer get away,” he yelled to Joanna.
Kirk saw what was happening and joined the chase. “Hang in there, Joanna,” he yelled. “I’m coming.” He managed to cut the goose off and head him toward the lake. Myrtle flapped into the water and began swimming sedately, as if she’d never even considered anything as gauche as attacking a pig.
With the goose problem out of the way, Kirk concentrated on reaching Joanna. She was topping the hill behind the merry-go-round. Using his long-forgotten skills from high school track days, Kirk caught up with her. She had her hands on the pig’s leash.
“I can’t hold him, Kirk,” she yelled.
“I’ve got him.” He grabbed the leash.
The pig was small but had the advantage of being low on the ground and surefooted in the mud. Kirk and Joanna lost their footing and went down. Kirk kept his grip on the leash while trying to break Joanna’s fall. Man, woman and pig ended up in a tangled heap. Heedless of their predicament, the rain slashed down on them, adding insult to indignity.
Kirk lifted the pig off Joanna’s lap. “Are you all right, Joanna?”
“Yes.” She was sitting on his left leg. “Are you?”
“I don’t think anything important’s broken.”
She looked at him and began to laugh. “You should see your face. You’re covered with mud.”
“I feel rather foolish. You’re sitting there with a pig in your lap, and I’m sitting here thinking about making love. It must be that wet T-shirt.”
“I’ll have to remember to wear it more often.”
“Without the pig.”
“Definitely.”
Keeping a firm grip on the pig, he leaned over Joanna. “There’s no point in wasting an opportunity,” he murmured as his lips brushed against hers. “Especially since everybody else is on the other side of the park.”
“I agree. I’ve always wanted to be kissed in the park in the rain.”
It was a sweet joining, a glad reunion after a week apart. With their battle armor finally thrust aside, there was nothing between them this time except the pig. The rain soaked them as they sat in the mud puddle and kissed. It lasted until their reluctant captive demanded attention in a high, squealing voice.
“If it weren’t for that pig, I might have scandalized you right here in the park, Joanna.”
“I might have let you.”
Kirk helped her up, tucked the noisy pig under his arm and started back across the park. By the time they got Squealer back to his grateful owner, most of the mothers had come to pick up their children. Kirk took Rags from one of the judges, and he and Joanna saw the last of the children off.
Joanna patted Rags’ wet head. “You’re bringing him back to Meadow Lane, aren’t you?”
“Yes. Poor old fellow would have his feelings hurt if I sent him back with you. He’s partial to the Lincoln. Besides, he’s a little nervous from all the excitement. I don’t want you driving with a nervous dog.”
Joanna beat Kirk home by five minutes. She just had time to put the tea on before he drove up. It seemed strange to her that he rang the front doorbell. When she opened the door, he was standing there, holding Rags and smiling.
“You don’t have to ring, Kirk. This is your home, too.”
“Not now it isn’t. It’s yours, Joanna. I only use my key for emergencies, such as getting Rags for the pet show.” He handed the dog to her.
“Aren’t you coming in?”
“No.” He smiled. “I have a big date tonight. I have to go home and get some of the mud off.”
“I think you look good in mud. Your date must be a very picky woman.”
“She’s a very beautiful woman.” He smiled tenderly at her. “Even with a dirty face.”
“I’m making tea, Kirk,” she said softly. “We could shower first.”
“There’s only so much temptation a man can bear, Joanna.” He gave her a swift kiss. “See you tonight.”
o0o
They ate by candlelight. Afterward they rode down the Natchez Trace to the Old Town overlook. The rain had stopped, and the earth smelled fresh and green. Shadowed by the tall pines, they danced with Joanna humming the tunes.
“You’re glorious in the starlight, Joanna. I could spend the rest of the evening just looking at you.”
“I have something better in mind.”
“Will I enjoy it?”
“Why don’t you try it and see?”
She stood on tiptoe and pressed her mouth to his.
“I enjoy it, baby,” he whispered. “I plan to enjoy it for a long, long time.”
And he did.
They didn’t get back to Meadow Lane until two o’clock. Joanna’s face was glowing and her lips were love-pouted. Kirk left whistling.
o0o
He took her to the ballet and the symphony and the theater. He took her to openings at the art gallery and to readings at the library. He took her to movies and to lakes and to zoos. And always he was careful to restrain his passion. Their kissing sessions were ardent and prolonged, but he set limits. He knew Joanna was young and innocent and vulnerable. He didn’t want a repeat of what had happened in his office. He didn’t want her to confuse sex with love. And he didn’t want to fool himself, either. He had to be very sure that what he felt for Joanna was the kind of love that would last a lifetime. He wasn’t about to make another mistake.
o0o
They were on the way home from a benefit dance for the American Cancer Society, and Joanna leaned into the curve of his arm..
“Tired, Joanna?”
“Almost aching. I can’t believe I danced every dance.”
“Tupelo’s young bachelors wouldn’t let you alone. I’m afraid I was jealous.”
She turned and smiled up at him. “Were you?”
“Yes. Enough to cut in so that nobody had his hands on you too long. I’m not accustomed to the pace you set, Joanna. Every bone in my body aches.”
She patted his face. “Poor sweet thing. I know just what you need.”
“What?”
“The hot tub.”
“Sounds tempting. But no thanks.”
“There’s no reason for you to do without that luxury simply because you’re in some dinky little apartment.”
&n
bsp; “It’s actually quite comfortable, Joanna—if I remember to suck in my stomach so I can get between the refrigerator and the kitchen table.” He laughed so she would know he was teasing.
As he turned into the winding driveway that led up to Meadow Lane, he changed his mind about the hot tub. One of his suits was still in the bathhouse.
He was already in the warm swirling water when Joanna joined him. She was wearing a gold bikini hardly big enough to hold a sneeze. He was thankful for the cover of the water.
“The water feels great, Joanna. Join me.”
“Not yet.” Her smile was delightfully wicked. He watched in fascination as she reached for the hook on her swimsuit bra.
“In Spain,” she drawled, “we consider the nude body a work of art.” The wisp of gold drifted to the concrete. Kirk drew in his breath at the sight of her. Her breasts were luminescent in the moonlight, the glowing mounds tipped by nipples deep rose and proudly erect.
His eyes feasted on her, savored her luscious beauty.
“In Tupelo we consider the nude body a blatant invitation.”
He reached up and pulled her into the swirling waters. “You temptress.” He set her squarely on his lap. Her eyes widened. He chuckled. “Play with fire, you’re liable to get burned.”
“It can’t be soon enough to suit me.” Dipping her hand in the warm water, she splashed her torso, leaning back so Kirk could watch the water slowly trickle over her breasts. “So... burn me,” she said softly.
And he did. He devoured her lips, her breasts, holding her astride, plunging against her in the water until they were both breathless. When it was over he held her loosely against his chest.
“The next time there will be no swimsuits between us.”
“Hallelujah.”
“I had meant to give us more time, but under the circumstances that seems foolish.”
“Wasteful,” she agreed.
“I’d meant to do this with candlelight and roses.”
“The answer is yes.”
He chuckled. “I haven’t even asked the question yet, you delightful little hoyden.”
“I’m waiting.”
“Will you marry me, Joanna?”
“I thought you’d never ask. Yes, yes, yes. When?”
“I’ll call Dad and Sophie tonight. As soon as we can get them back from their summer place, we’ll be married.”
