Kelton's Rules (Harlequin Super Romance)

by Nicholson, Peggy

  Sky pushed his glasses up his nose. “But if the man wants to get back together with her? Not be divorced anymore?” He blinked as Jack’s hand came to rest on his shoulder, silently bidding him to stop as they came to a corner. The light changed and they walked across the street. Jack’s hand stayed in place, warm and heavy and making him feel funny inside—sad and happy and as if he belonged somewhere for the first time in months and months.

  “It’s hard,” Jack said in his rumbly voice. “But it takes two people to want to be married. If only one of a couple wants it, it doesn’t work.”

  “But what if somebody—one of them—really wants it. Loves the other—”

  “Even then, Sky, that’s not enough. Sometimes you have to learn to take a no. Let go of something you wanted and loved. It isn’t easy, and Lord knows it hurts. But it’s part of growing up.”

  “Mr. Murphy was a grown-up.” Bigger than Jack, even.

  “On the outside, maybe. His insides haven’t quite caught up with the rest of him. You’re not all the way grown till you can take a no and come back at least trying to smile. Pretending to smile.”

  “Pretending isn’t honest, is it?”

  “Well, if you pretend to smile, sometimes it turns into the real thing—and then it’s honest.” Jack pulled him to a halt. “Mind if we cruise the hardware store for a minute? I could use a five-eighths-inch drill bit.”

  AFTER THEY’D RANSACKED the consignment store, they lugged their bags of goodies to the car. “We’ve got to grocery shop at some point,” Abby reminded them both. “But first, you know what I need? Some lingerie.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Wait and see. Where can we find a nice department store in this town?”

  “Now that is really pretty,” she said a short while later, fingering a low-cut brassiere made of a sheer sparkly lilac fabric.

  Kat wrinkled her nose. “Eeuw!”

  “Girl stuff, absolutely,” Abby admitted. “But I’ve got to try it on. This one would make me feel like a superhero.”

  “Huh?” Kat cocked her head, looking so much like her father that Abby almost laughed out loud.

  “You know. I walk around in a shirt and a pair of slacks and the world sees plain, shy, everyday Abby Lake. But beneath this humdrum disguise lurks—” Abby held the sparkly brassiere to her chest and shimmied her shoulders “—ta-dah! Lilac Lady! Ready to leap tall buildings and battle monsters whenever and wherever I hear the call. As long as I can find a phone booth to change in.”

  Kat giggled and shook her head. “You’re nuts!”

  “Probably, but it’s kind of nice to be two people at once. A private person and a public one. So…I’m going to go try on this brassiere, and while I do that, why don’t you look around? See if your inner lady needs anything.” Abby had already spotted precisely what Kat needed, but that would take some tactful maneuvering. First step was simply to be a role model.

  Once they’d made their choices in the lingerie department, Abby insisted they change into their purchases, to feel like superheroes all the sooner. Seeing the glow on Kat’s face as she came out of the dressing room, buttoning her shirt over a demure cotton camisole with pink satin shoulder straps and edging, Abby considered her mission complete.

  Still, when they passed the perfume counter on their way out, she couldn’t resist pushing her luck. Kat consented to sniff—then warily accepted a dab of this behind her ears and a spray of that in the crook of her elbow. Abby explained about pulse points and how a woman’s body heat would alter a scent, make it her own. But today was a day to appreciate rather than buy; they left the counter empty-handed, blithely reeking of roses and orange blossoms and jasmine.

  With the exit in sight, they passed through the men’s accessory section. Abby touched Kat’s shoulder. “I’d forgotten about your brother. Todd. Should we be shopping for him while we’re here? Maybe he could use a new wallet? Or some aftershave?”

  Kat scowled and looked at her feet. “Dunno.”

  “Well, then, let’s not worry about it today.” She’d tell Jack to buy and mail those books he’d mentioned. “But tell me about Todd,” Abby coaxed, brushing a wisp of bangs off Kat’s forehead. “What’s he like?”

  “Dunno. He’s just a guy. Conceited. And he’s not as tough as he thinks he is. Once when he was visiting us, he fell off his bike and cried.”

  “Did he? Still, it must be nice to have a big brother.”

  “Dad thinks it is.”

  Ah. “Why do you say that?” Casually she hooked a hand through Kat’s elbow to pull her along. “Todd’s related to you, not your dad.”

  Kat heaved a sigh that must have come up from her toes. “Dad said once…to my uncle Drew…that sometimes he thought it would’ve made more sense if my mom had given him Todd—and taken me instead.”

  Oh, Kat! Abby’s heart contracted. She moved her hand from the girl’s elbow to her shoulders, half hugging her as they walked. “He said that in front of you? When?” Jack, how could you?

  “I was hiding behind a curtain. He’d tucked me into bed, but I couldn’t sleep. And I wanted to listen to him and Uncle Drew talking.”

  Sometime years ago, then. But oh, it was the wounds of early childhood that cut the deepest, left the worst scars. So you’ve been trying to out-boy the boys ever since, my poor sweetie. To prove yourself a keeper. “I wonder if maybe he meant something different than you heard?”

  Kat frowned. “What d’you mean?”

  “I mean sometimes we take things wrong. Not how they were really intended. I wonder if your dad wasn’t simply saying that he was scared about being able to raise a daughter.”

  “Scared?” Kat snorted. “Dad’s not scared of anything!”

  “Oh, you’d be surprised, kiddo. I’ll bet maybe he was scared that he couldn’t do a good job, bringing up a little girl. Though it sure turns out he was wrong. He’s done a super job. You are so special.”

  “Me?” Kat’s eyes were shiny with tears as Abby stopped and turned to grasp her shoulders.

  “You, Katkin. Extra-super special. Your dad is the luckiest guy in the world to have you in his life—and believe me, he knows it.” I wish I had a daughter like you. Abby brushed the back of one knuckle playfully along the girl’s brow. “All you need to be absolutely, completely perfect is eyebrows, and they’re on the way.” There, that had won a smile.

  Meantime, you and I have something to talk about, Jack Kelton! “Well…” She glanced around. “You know, it’s getting late. I think we’d better head straight for the grocery store, then go find the guys.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  BY THE TIME they reached Jack’s office, it was nearly sundown. Too late to go home and cook, he insisted, when they walked in his door. “And I’d say it’s my turn to provide a meal. Let’s eat out.

  “Any success?” he inquired, guiding Abby along with a hand at her back while Kat and Sky raced ahead to the Subaru. “I half expected you two to show up in dresses and heels.”

  “I’m afraid I left my fairy godmother wand at home. So, no—no ball gowns and glass slippers this trip, but we do have a few things to show you.” And secret talismans he’d never see, like the lilac brassiere and bikini set Abby was wearing, which did make her feel superhero-sexy. “And I suppose it’s okay to tell you that she’s wearing a Calvin Klein camisole that should carry her most elegantly through any sixth-grade gym class.”

  “A camisole! This calls for champagne.”

  He took them to a wonderful Mexican restaurant where they ordered margaritas instead of champagne, and the evening was delightful. Sky was full of his day’s adventures: he’d watched a real trial in court, helped Jack’s secretary Emma clean the fish tank, then listened to her sing the latest song she’d written, which was better than anything on the radio.

  Sounds like a crush in the making to me, Abby mused with a smile. And Jack had bought Sky a special hammer, with a perfect balance and swing. She flashed him a warm look across the tab
le. Thank you! His kindness and generosity to her son were almost reason alone to love him. Almost.

  “I bought some fishing lures,” Kat bragged, not to be outdone. “And a jungle hat.”

  “And you smell,” Sky noted, leaning over to sniff her. “Oh, yuck!”

  “He’s just jealous,” Abby said quickly as Kat’s brows flew together. “Guys aren’t as free as we are. We can wear anything they can—and dresses besides. And no matter how much they’d love to, guys can’t ever smell like flowers. Or wear certain colors, like shocking pink.”

  “I always wanted to wear mauve and dance around with a rose between my teeth,” Jack said mournfully. “But alas, it was not to be.”

  “Oh, gross!”

  “Daddy, you did not!”

  Closing ranks in the face of adult insanity, Sky and Kat shuddered with disgust. While above their heads, Abby and Jack shared a moment of silent laughter across the table.

  And whatever this feeling was, it didn’t feel like friendship.

  “SO,” JACK SAID a short while later as they drove into his office parking lot. “Who wants to ride home with me?”

  Sky opened his mouth to volunteer—then remembered. Today was Tuesday! He called his dad every Tuesday at eight; he was late already. His mom was carrying her cell phone as usual, but it would feel weird to make the call from Jack’s car, with Jack listening in.

  He slunk low in the back seat as Jack looked behind. “Um,” he muttered, confused and miserable.

  “Hey, the Katkin’s asleep,” Jack noted, lowering his voice.

  She was. She’d curled up in the crack between seat and door and was smiling in her sleep.

  “Then you’d better take care of them both,” Jack decided, turning back to the boy, “and I’ll catch you later.” He thumped his knee. “Great day, Sky.”

  So his feelings weren’t hurt by Sky’s desertion. Sky felt a surge of relief as he nodded. “Thanks for my hammer.” He was holding it in his lap. It was a most excellent tool, with a steel handle—not a wooden one—that should last forever.

  Jack got out of the car and strolled around its front. He stopped by the driver’s window, looking down at Sky’s mom. “You’re not too sleepy to drive?”

  “Oh, no,” she murmured. “I’m fine.”

  “Well, catch you later, too.”

  He touched her face with the backs of his fingers—Sky stiffened and sat up straight. Don’t do that! He rolled down his window and leaned out. “’Night, Mr. Kelton,” he said loudly.

  Jack straightened, gave him a lopsided smile. “Goodnight, Sky.” He swung away and strode off toward his Jeep.

  Across the parking lot, a car switched on its headlights and Jack put up a hand to shield his face from the glare. Tires squealed, the engine roared—the car rushed right at him!

  As Sky’s mother cried out, it screeched to a halt and the driver’s door burst open. A man staggered out. “Kelton!”

  “He’s got a gun!” Skyler cried. It was Mr. Murphy, the big, angry guy from court, and he was waving a gun!

  “Hands up, you bastard, and get over here! Where’s my damn wife?”

  “Beats me.” Jack stood with his hands raised on the far side of Murphy’s car. “You tried her father’s?”

  “You know damn well they’ve cleared out of there! You think setting timers on their damn lights was gonna fool me? Now where is she?”

  Jack’s voice was very, very calm, almost cheerful. “Well…why don’t we talk about that? And thanks for the ride, Ms. Lake,” he added in a flatter tone. “G’night.” His head moved the tiniest bit toward the road.

  Mr. Murphy spun around and pointed the gun at Sky’s mom. “You drive anywhere and I’ll shoot him! Got that? Stay where you are. Yeah, and give me your keys! Throw ’em out here where I can see ’em!”

  “Don’t,” Jack said in that calm, toneless voice. “Drive on. Murphy and I will stay here and talk.”

  “You shut up or you’re dead and she throws me the keys—now!”

  “Of course,” Sky’s mom said softly, then softer yet, “Get down on the floorboard, Skyler, and get Kat down.” The keys jangled as they hit the pavement.

  Sky couldn’t believe it, but Kat was still sleeping. She’d slid down even farther, where she couldn’t be seen.

  “Now get in the car!” Murphy screamed. “Do it!”

  Sky peeked over the edge of his door. Jack was climbing into Murphy’s car! His mom made a tiny moaning sound and leaned to grab something below her seat. Things thudded onto the floorboard. She was hunting for the phone, Sky realized, which was always at the bottom of her purse, under all her junk. But even if she called the police, the man was about to drive away with Jack and that would be awful!

  As Murphy’s car started rolling past them, Sky sat up—and threw his hammer as hard as he could.

  He’d meant to smash the windshield. Instead it clattered across the hood with a terrible racket. The car bounced to a halt—

  And kept on bouncing.

  Sky could see Jack and the guy moving behind the glass, arms swinging, bodies shoving, things thumping and cracking. Somebody yelped. The car was really rocking on its springs! His mom was telling somebody on the phone that it was an emergency, an assault, please, please, please, come quick!

  The horn blared on Murphy’s car—and kept on blaring.

  Kat sat up. “Whuh?”

  The horn continued to honk, and the far door of the car banged open. Jack stood up and rushed around its hood.

  “Oh, thank you, God!” Sky’s mom whispered.

  “What’s going on?” Kat punched Sky’s back. “Let me see!”

  Jack yanked open the driver’s door, hauled Mr. Murphy out from behind the wheel, and the horn stopped. He dumped him facedown on the pavement—then knelt on top of him. Panting, he glanced up at them. “Every… body…okay there?”

  “Oh, Jack, we’re fine,” his mom cried. “Should I—?”

  “Don’t get out, sweetheart. You called 9-1-1?”

  But they could all hear the sirens coming.

  Jack’s mouth was bleeding as he glanced up at Sky and grinned. “Now that’s the way to swing a hammer.”

  HOURS LATER Abby saw the headlights turn into Jack’s driveway—at last! She scrambled up from her front steps and ran. Flew through the old gate between the yards, across the grass to reach him just as he stepped out of the Jeep and turned. “Oh, Jack!”

  “Ooof!” His arms closed around her as they collided, fell back against the vehicle’s side. “Hey…hey, easy!”

  “Oh, God, Jack!” Her arms locked around his waist, Abby buried her face against his chest. “I…” Was so frightened. He almost killed you right there in front of us. “If anything had happened to you!” Jack with his strength and his kindness and his wonderful silliness, to be swept away from her all in a senseless second? Before I ever had a chance to— Every time she pictured it, her stomach turned over.

  “Hey, it’s okay.” He lifted her chin. Smiled down at her.

  But it so nearly wasn’t! She hugged him tighter, glorying in the hard solidity of him—safe—there in her arms.

  “I’m not even scratched,” he insisted. Framing her face with one big hand, he kissed her.

  She shuddered, arched up against him on tiptoe and kissed him back, tears welling. Oh, Jack. She’d known that she cared for him, but not till that night, helplessly watching that struggle in the car, not knowing who’d win it… She’d been reliving her terror ever since.

  Only now with their mouths hungrily fusing, their tongues caressing and gliding, her arms sliding up around his neck and her breasts against his hammering heart, could she begin to really believe that she hadn’t lost him. That Jack was still here in her world, where he ought to be.

  His lips trailed up her cheek, to brush back and forth through her lashes. “Tears? No tears, sweetheart. No need for ’em.”

  “S-sorry.” She tried to laugh through her sniffles. “I was just so scared.”
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br />   “I’m sorry you were scared. I’ll go back and thump the creep again for scaring you.”

  “No, don’t—” But he swallowed her refusal, turning them both with dreamy slowness as he kissed her—till she found her backside pressed against the car. His hardness nestled snugly against her belly. She shivered and moved closer, her hips rocking to meet him.

  “Whew!” Jack lifted his head. “Or maybe I should thank him.” He angled his head to nibble her ear. Laid a string of hot, open-mouthed kisses down the side of her neck. She gasped with sheer pleasure—gasped again as his hands closed around her waist and he lifted her up to the hood of the Jeep.

  She opened her thighs and he slid between them. “Oh, Abby!”

  She’d only meant to satisfy herself that he was unharmed, but in satisfying that need she’d awakened further needs, deeper hungers, in them both. She moaned with impatience as he surged rhythmically against her, sharing his arousal, driving hers higher and higher. Their tongues twined, danced… He raised his head, breathing hard. “Heck of a time to be asking, but the kids, are they out of the way?”

  “I put them to bed at my place.” It had taken hours to calm them down. Sky had talked a blue streak, gloating over every minute of the fight, telling her again and again what might have been, how close they’d come to tragedy, till she’d wanted to scream. And Kat had been cranky, furious that she’d missed the excitement, jealous that Sky claimed to have saved the day. Badly frightened under her petulance.

  “They should be fine there, for a while.” He rubbed his cheek back and forth against hers and something scratched.

  She tilted her head far enough back to focus. “Oh!” In the dark, she’d missed the flesh-colored bandage on his cheek. “You are hurt.”

  “Just a gash. The paramedic patched me up.” He smiled as she cradled his face in both hands, scanning him critically for more damage. “Nothing to speak of.”

  “Nothing!”

  His hands curled around her hips and he pulled her close, closer; they moved as one, yearning for that final melting release. “All I could think of,” he said in a whisper, “before I got hold of the gun, was that it couldn’t end this way, before I’d loved you.”