She groaned inwardly, and slumped into her office chair. She bit her fingernails to the quick and winced at the pain, as Maxine proceeded to tell her just how angry Greg was.
On top of everything else on her agenda today, Josh's teacher wanted to talk to her about his slipping math grade.
But behind it all, was that stupid, senseless dream and Cooper's kisses. It was ludicrous for a grown woman to dream such a fairy tale. It haunted her. And so did Cooper's kisses. She tried to push it to the far corners of her mind, but she couldn't ignore it. Never had a man kissed her like that. Greg never kissed her like she was the most desirable woman in the world.
She had tried to erase Cooper from her mind. But it wasn't that easy. She should start concentrating on Greg. It had come down to some kind of weird showdown. If she was going to marry Greg she had to make an effort for his sake.
Greg barely spoke to her all morning. She was lucky to be included in the luncheon with the Senator.
It was obvious Maxine was the only one making any impression on Senator Gallagher. They laughed and chatted all through the meal, while Greg shot little reprimanding glances at Angela. She was sure that there were times when Maxine played the cunning politician's woman better than she. Until now, Angela never considered playing a role.It had never appealed to her. It until didn't.
Had she been deluding herself that she had found Mr. Right, only because she needed a father for Josh so desperately? "Live in your mansion, have your 2.5 children" wasn't that what Coop had said?
To top it all off when they returned to campaign headquarters there were protesters lined up in front of the doorway. No one could get in or out of the office, and someone had already called the police.
"Maybe you should talk to them, Greg," Angela suggested when the group refused to budge.
A squad car had arrived and the police were trying to move the crowd out of the way. In a small town this could cause sensational headlines.
"Officer," Greg smiled into the crowd, as he boldly approached him. "I don't wish to press charges. These people have every right to assemble. In fact I'm glad to see them here. I realized when I took this stand I'd have opposition. I welcome it. I won't lift a finger to disturb them. It's their constitutional right to assemble."
The crowd seemed to calm. Like a mighty hand waving over an angry sea. Some of them were actually listening. Some began to back off. They didn't leave, but they were no longer adamant. Angela had to admire Greg for his stand, and his diplomatic way of handling a bad situation. But this was one of the reasons she had fallen for Greg in the first place. He was a good man, a fair man, and a damned good politician, she thought with pride.
Greg smiled and went inside.
As Angela went to the file cabinet, Greg tapped her on the arm. "I'd like to talk to you for a minute."
Angela adjusted her jacket, straightened a wayward curl, and followed Greg into his office. She was well aware of the fact that every time he called her into the office the other girls watched with open curiosity. Today there was a knowing look on all their faces.
Greg removed his glasses and flung them on the desk in a haphazard manner. It wasn't a calculated move. He was angry. He paused a moment, then looked directly at her, his eyes swallowing her whole.
"Angela," he said drawing a deep breath trying to control his temper. Greg seldom lost his temper but she knew he was on the verge of it. "I've got to be able to depend on you in every way. This wasn't the day to be late. It can't be tolerated, you understand. I've tried to be understanding of your problem, but it's very important that you make a good showing here in the office. I can't play favorites. I've already made exceptions for you because of the farm."
Angela wrung her hands, bit her lip and opened her mouth to apologize, but his hand went up to stay her. She felt the urge to bite her nails, but knew they were nearly raw. So instead, she held her hands in her lap.
"But, that's not why I wanted to talk to you. I called you in to talk about that Johnson character."
"Coop?" Her head flew up in surprise.
"Y…yes," he said, wrinkling his nose up. "Coop. I've given it a lot of thought and I think he is a very bad influence on Josh. He was teaching him to cuss and play poker the other night. And to believe you just stood there saying nothing. You're much too lenient on the boy, Angela. Today's kids demand a tough hand."
"Oh, now, Greg." She let out a little laugh before she caught the seriousness on Greg's face. "As far as the cussing he can pick those words up at school. And what's so bad about poker? It's only a card game. It's not like they were playing for money."
"First it's cussing, disrespect, and then gangs."
"Oh, but, Greg, surely you don't . . ."
Greg had a bad time last week at one of his rallies; a youth gang had hassled him, making it almost impossible to finish his speech. Because of his position he was exposed to all kinds of situations, and it sometimes made things harder on Angela because of it. She knew he had her and Josh's best interest at heart, but he was taking this much too seriously.
"I most certainly do. It's a bad influence. I'm only concerned with Josh. Once I'm elected we'll have an image to live up to. Not just me, but you and Josh, too. I know you think I'm overly concerned with what people might or might not think, but I want the good life for both of us, all of us. And there are some sacrifices we'll have to make. You must understand these things now. It'll be a part of your life too. And sometimes it won't be easy."
For some strange reason Angela's Wednesday movie night came to mind. It was the one night she allowed herself complete freedom. No more rollers in her hair, no baggy sweats, no getting away from it all. No attending the 'Palace' late at night. Privacy would be a thing of the past. Could she accept this? It was a high price to pay to live in the grandeur.
She sighed heavily. It hadn't occurred to her that she would be giving anything up except the farm. That was enough. About the only thing Greg wasn't going to change was her little dream. No, that was too private. And suddenly that dream seemed very important to keep. It might be crazy. It might be out-dated, but it was hers.
She nodded slowly. "I hadn't given it much thought, I'll admit. Our getting married seemed so far in the future, it was like a fantasy. But of course you're right, Greg. And I apologize for this morning. My alarm didn't go off."
"That's a nice way to look at it. A fantasy!" he mused absently. "But," he sobered quickly, "It's getting closer to a reality. And the reality isn't a fairy tale."
"Isn't it?"
"No. Listen, I told you I had made special plans for tomorrow night. And I have. We're having a candle light dinner at a very posh restaurant in Dallas. Then I've made reservations for us at the Hotel Intercontinental for the night. It's a beautiful hotel, and our room will be nothing less than spectacular. I've spared no expense. I want you to take care of any arrangements for Josh. Naturally, I'll pay for it."
Angela pinked. He had been busy. And thoughtful, she admitted. "But who's going to watch Josh for me?" It had always been an easy out before. So this was the showdown! The "High Noon" of her life.
"Why not your farm manager? He seems to take care of everything else for you."
Was that a hint of bitterness in his voice?
"Oh, but I couldn't ask. I mean he's a man, for goodness sake. I couldn't just ask him."
"Why not? This is the millennium, isn't it?"
"Well, like I said, he's a man. He isn't a baby sitter. I didn't hire him to baby-sit."
"What difference is there in watching Josh in the afternoon or at night? Josh will be asleep, for goodness sake."
Angela thought about it. If she loved Greg, and if she were really going to marry him, it was time they had some quality time together. They needed this time.
"I suppose I could ask him to sleep in the guest room. That way it wouldn't sound like I'm asking him to baby sit."
"Sounds like a wonderful idea. You handle it any way you see fit, darling."
"A
ll right."
"Great. Now, you better get back to work so we can get out of here early tonight. Unfortunately, I have a dinner engagement with the Senator."
"Yes, of course."
Tomorrow was the big day, she whispered to herself. Angela felt insecure, confused, and unprepared for what might or might not happen with Greg.
After a quick supper, Angela suggested Josh spend the night with Tim. She didn't tell him she had to work, but he took it for granted. It seemed easier not explaining; she needed some thinking time to herself.
It was nine o'clock before she could slip out of the house and go to the Palace Theatre. But she couldn't concentrate on the movie; she was worried about how to ask Cooper. Worried about her date turning out badly. Reluctantly she drove back home in a haze of confusion, and went to bed early.
The next afternoon she found Cooper by the barn working on the incubator. He was sweaty and dirty and—all man.
"Uh, I have a date this evening, Coop. And I was just wondering if you have plans?"
Cooper didn't give her a glance, but she noticed his jaw flex just a little, and the muscles in his arms seemed to tense, judging by the grip he had on the chicken wire. He was wearing a t-shirt and her mind began to wander again. Maxine was right; he was a hunk. Hard not to notice all those bulging muscles, she reasoned. The sweat made his skin glisten like satin.
Lord, she had to stop fantasizing about Cooper Johnson.
"Nope."
Angela flung her hands in the air in a helpless gesture. "I hate to ask, but ..."
"You want me to spend the evening with Josh. I'd be glad to."
He until hadn't looked at her.
And his not looking at her made her feel worse. Angela was a grown woman, she was doing what was best for her and Josh, he couldn't argue with that.
"I had no right to ask, Coop. W…would you mind spending the night in the guest room?"
Now he was looking. Not just looking, but delving deep into her soul at her heartstrings and pulling on them. Oh, dear God, she had no right to ask him. It all felt so wrong, so planned.
"If that's what you want."
Don't do this, Angel, his glance shouted at her, but he wouldn't say the words aloud...
Perhaps if he had…
"I don't know how I had the nerve to ask you. And any other time, I wouldn't dream of asking, but tonight is special. This wasn't part of the bargain. I don't want you to think I'm trying to use you, Coop. I'll understand if you say no."
Was she looking for an excuse to get out of her date? "I said I'd do it. Now, you better go get ready for your date."
The fixed grimness around his mouth haunted her. But she went back in the house before she completely changed her mind.
Angela fixed a quick supper for Cooper and Josh, and then went to soak in the tub. Her head was pounding. Greg was expecting a lot out of her tonight. But it all depended on him! It was up to him to set the mood. She quickly realized that after tonight there would be no turning back. She knew Greg had intimate plans, but would she succumb?
More aware of herself than ever, she glanced in the mirror as she dressed. She chose a plain, black sheath that was a bit too tight, and showed more than she cared to. But she hadn't bought clothes for herself in so long, it was no wonder. It undoubtedly was the sexiest dress she owned. Could she dare wear something like this? She was a mother for God's sake, her mind screamed, and this definitely wasn't mother material. But every woman had her moment. Why didn't she feel like this was hers?
She had been ten years without an intimate relationship with a man and it was time. Past time, she scolded herself.
She ran a shaky hand through her thick head of curls, unaware of how the auburn lights shone. She quickly decided to wear it up, to give her an air of sophistication she wasn't feeling. Her make up was flawless. A bit much, but still perfect.
Now came the hard part, facing her son and Cooper with this new woman look. She glanced in the mirror and cried with a frown, "This isn't me."
It didn't matter. It was too late to change.
Josh was busy feeding the stock when she finally came out of her bedroom like a schoolgirl going to her first prom. She exhaled a long sigh of relief. At least she was spared that embarrassment.
"Isn't Greg picking you up?" Cooper asked as he watched her from the living room. She hadn't heard him come in.
The frown on his face said it all. He hated her dress.
"Uh, no, he never picks me up. We try not to cause any more scandal than necessary."
"Picking you up is a scandal?" He quirked his head.
He was standing there in fitted jeans that made no secret of his masculinity. The bronze of his skin contrasted greatly with the crisp white shirt he had changed into. He looked as if he had just stepped out of a shower himself. Suddenly, she wished he had been the one to invite her out. But he hadn't. Wouldn't. Couldn't.
The air seemed to be charged with electricity.
"That dress is the real scandal," he whistled softly.
Angela felt the heat go up her face.
"Are you going out for the evening, or in?"
"I knew it," she gasped in dismay. Turning toward her bedroom, she started a hasty retreat.
But a hand reached out to pull her back. A big, strong, warm hand that pulsed with life. "No, no Angel, come here. You look great. Just different. Except for this," he said, moving closer. He took out a big red handkerchief from his back pocket and began blotting her lips gently.
With any other man the act of removing lipstick wouldn't be erotic, but his gentle touch to her mouth sent a current of fire up her cheeks and other parts unmentionable. She hoped her lips weren't trembling.
He was conjuring up so many unexpected feelings she could barely look at him, but she did. She was staring at him, but he was until concentrating on her lips. Only her lips.
He wasn't flirting. He wasn't being coy, or cute. In fact, if she didn't know better she would swear he was feeling sorry for her.
When he was through with her lips, he glanced at her briefly, smiled and then reached to pull her hair down. The red curls danced against his fingertips.
She could feel the tension within him; it matched her own. Her belly felt full of butterflies. Her heart lurched, then stopped and lurched again.
"That's better."
"Thank you," she whispered back.
He smiled again, and this time there was no mistaking his feeling. His eyes landed on her lips briefly as though he had just kissed her, and her heart tumbled over in her chest. Why did every emotion Cooper conjured in her mind feel executed? A kiss that never came had her in such turmoil.
"Y…you don't mind baby sitting Josh?"
He tipped her chin up, and looked deep into her eyes. "I like Josh, Angel. I would never mind his company. Actually, he's a lot of company. Now, don't worry. Run along, have a good time. And don't ever let Josh hear you call it baby sitting!"
"Thanks, Coop," she said breathlessly, tiptoeing just enough to kiss him square on the lips. A soft tender kiss that made her ache deep inside. There was something wildly devastating about Cooper Johnson these days.
"Go, before I take you to my bed," his voice lowered a notch. He had voiced her own thoughts and her toes curled. She'd better get out, or she might just let him, she thought wildly.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Greg couldn't take his eyes off her all evening. Well, wasn't that why she wore the dress in the first place? She planned to be seduced. And it was obvious it was Greg's intention, too.
But Angela didn't feel comfortable any more. She felt conspicuous. "Stop staring at me like that." She nudged him in the ribs when his eyes traveled her. It was flattering, but intimidating, too.
"I can't help it, darling. You are ravishing. I'd rather have you for dinner. This is a side of you I've never seen. So uninhibited. I like it."
Yeah, sure, she thought wildly, what man wouldn't want a woman that was offering herself. She was playing Maxine's
role and it didn't fit. When she grew silent he moved around the booth so that they were touching knees. But the contact only made her nervous. She had an urge to bite her nails, but realized it wouldn't look right. It would be so out of place. She practically had to sit on her hands to keep from doing it though.
"You see, this is good for us. I've never seen you like this. Never knew you could be like this. I like it."
Had she suddenly changed? Of course she had, a little voice told her.
"I'm until the same person, Greg."
"I wonder. You certainly don't look so prim and proper tonight. But very refreshing."
"Prim and proper? Is that how you see me?" Why couldn't she relax and enjoy all these compliments? "Thank you," she managed.
"I feel like there might be an Angela I don't know yet. It's exciting."
"I'm the same person, Greg, just different clothes."
"Well, you don't look it. Why, if you put your hair up real fancy, and added more make up I'd swear you were a different girl."
Oh, God, if he only knew!
"You know, Greg, there is a lot you don't know about me. I want to tell you everything tonight. We haven't had much time to talk. Or do anything else."
"Nonsense, darling. This isn't the night for talking, and you know it. Besides, it isn't necessary. I know all I need to know about you. You've had some rough times, but no more. No more mistakes."
Mistakes! What was he talking about? What mistakes? Josh? Was he referring to Josh as a mistake? Suddenly, her parents came to mind, and pain stabbed her. Did he think Josh was her mistake?
Anger grabbed at her insides.
She'd never know what he meant, because her protesting stopped when his kisses began. Greg could be very smooth when he put his mind to it.
To hell with fighting. It was time to start living. She was marrying this man.
So, why weren't his kisses setting her on fire? They were short and sweet and left her wondering if there would more to come. She couldn't stop feeling as though there should have been an interruption by now.
"To tonight's future," he toasted, his eyes devouring her.
Wandering Heart Page 10
