“Joanna, please,” he said and his hands bracketed her face. “Don’t be embarrassed by the tears. Believe me when I say I’m feeling the same things you are, only they come out in different ways.”
Joanna stared up at him, not sure he could possibly understand.
“It’s been so long for you—it has for me, too,” Tanner went on. “I feel like a teenager again. And the drive-in has nothing to do with it.”
Her lips trembled with the effort to smile. Tanner leaned his forehead against hers. “We need to take this slow. Very, very slow.”
That was a fine thing for him to say, considering they’d been as hot as torches for each other a few minutes ago. If they continued at this rate, they’d end up in bed together by the first of the week.
“I’ve got a company party in a couple of weeks; I want you there with me. Will you do that?”
Joanna nodded.
Tanner drew her closer to his side and she tucked her head against his chest. His hand stroked her shoulder, as he kissed the top of her head.
“You’re awfully quiet,” he said after several minutes. “What are you thinking?”
Joanna sighed and snuggled closer, looping one arm around his middle. Her free hand was laced with his. “It just occurred to me that for the first time in my life I’ve met a real prince. Up until now, all I’ve done is make a few frogs happy.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Kneeling on the polished linoleum floor of the kitchen, Joanna held her breath and tentatively poked her head inside the foam-covered oven. Sharp, lemon-scented fumes made her grimace as she dragged the wet sponge along the sides, peeling away a layer of blackened crust. She’d felt unusually ambitious for a Saturday and had worked in the yard earlier, planning her garden. When she’d finished that, she’d decided to tackle the oven, not questioning where this burst of energy had come from. Spring was in the air, but instead of turning her fancy to thoughts of love, it filled her mind with zucchini seeds and rows of tomato seedlings.
“I’m leaving now, Mom,” Kristen called from behind her.
Joanna jerked her head free, gulped some fresh air and twisted toward her daughter. “What time will you be through at the library?” Kristen and Nicole were working together on a school project, and although they complained about having to do research, they’d come to enjoy it. Their biggest surprise was discovering all the cute junior-high boys who sometimes visited the library. In Kristen’s words, it was an untapped gold mine.
“I don’t know when we’ll be through, but I’ll call. And remember, Nicole is coming over afterwards.”
“I remember.”
Kristen hesitated, then asked, “When are you going out with Mr. Lund again?”
Joanna glanced over at the calendar. “Next weekend. We’re attending a dinner party his company’s sponsoring.”
“Oh.”
Joanna rubbed her forearm across her cheek, and glanced suspiciously at her daughter. “What does that mean?”
“What?”
“That little ‘oh.’”
Kristen shrugged. “Nothing…. It’s just that you’re not seeing him as often as Nicole and I think you should. You like Mr. Lund, don’t you?”
That was putting it mildly. “He’s very nice,” Joanna said cautiously. If she admitted to anything beyond a casual attraction, Kristen would assume much more. Joanna wanted her relationship with Tanner to progress slowly, one careful step at a time, not in giant leaps—though slow and careful didn’t exactly describe what had happened so far!
“Nice?” Kristen exclaimed.
Her daughter’s outburst caught Joanna by surprise.
“Is that all you can say about Mr. Lund?” Kristen asked, hands on her hips. “I’ve given the matter serious consideration and I think he’s a whole lot more than just nice. Really, Mother.”
Taking a deep breath, Joanna plunged her head back inside the oven, swiping her sponge furiously against the sides.
“Are you going to ignore me?” Kristen demanded.
Joanna emerged again, gasped and looked straight at her daughter. “Yes. Unless you want to volunteer to clean the oven yourself.”
“I would, but I have to go to the library with Nicole.”
Joanna noted the soft regret that filled her daughter’s voice and gave her a derisive snort. The kid actually sounded sorry that she wouldn’t be there to do her part. Kristen was a genius at getting out of work, and she always managed to give the impression of really wishing she could help her mother—if only she could fit it into her busy schedule.
A car horn beeped out front. “That’s Mr. Lund,” Kristen said, glancing toward the living room. “I’ll give you a call when we’re done.”
“Okay, honey. Have a good time.”
“I will.”
With form an Olympic sprinter would envy, Kristen tore out of the kitchen. Two seconds later, the front door slammed. Joanna was only mildly disappointed that Tanner hadn’t stopped in to chat. He’d phoned earlier and explained that after he dropped the girls off at the library, he was driving to the office for a couple of hours. An unexpected problem had arisen, and he needed to deal with it right away.
Actually Joanna had to admit she was more grateful than disappointed that Tanner hadn’t stopped in. It didn’t look as though she’d get a chance to see him before the company party. She needed this short separation to pull together her reserves. Following their dinner date and the drive-in movie afterward, Joanna felt dangerously close to falling in love with Tanner. Every time he came to mind, and that was practically every minute of every day, a rush of warmth and happiness followed. Without too much trouble, she could envision them finding a lifetime of happiness together. For the first time since her divorce she allowed herself the luxury of dreaming again, and although the prospect of remarriage excited and thrilled her, it also terrified her.
Fifteen minutes later, with perspiration beaded on her forehead and upper lip, Joanna heaved a sigh and sat back on her heels. The hair she’d so neatly tucked inside a scarf and tied at the back of her head, had fallen loose. She swiped a grimy hand at the auburn curls that hung limply over her eyes and ears. It was all worth it, though, since the gray-speckled sides of the oven, which had been encrusted with black grime, were now clearly visible and shining.
Joanna emptied the bucket of dirty water and hauled a fresh one back to wipe the oven one last time. She’d just knelt down when the doorbell chimed.
“Great,” she muttered under her breath, casting a glance at herself. She looked like something that had crawled out of the bog in some horror movie. Pasting a smile on her face, she peeled off her rubber gloves and hurried to the door.
“Davey!” Finding her ex-husband standing on the porch was enough of a shock to knock the breath from Joanna’s lungs.
“May I come in?”
“Of course.” Flustered, she ran her hand through her hair and stepped aside to allow him to pass. He looked good—really good—but then Davey had never lacked in the looks department. From the expensive cut of his three-piece suit, she could tell that his real-estate business must be doing well, and of course that was precisely the impression he wanted her to have. She was pleased for him; she’d never wished him ill. They’d gone their separate ways, and although both the marriage and the divorce had devastated Joanna, she shared a beautiful child with this man. If he had come by to tell her how successful he was, well, she’d just smile and let him.
“It’s good to see you, Joanna.”
“You, too. What brings you to town?” She struggled to keep her voice even and controlled, hoping to hide her discomfort at being caught unawares.
“I’m attending a conference downtown. I apologize for dropping in unexpectedly like this, but since I was going to be in Spokane, I thought I’d stop in and see how you and Kristen are doing.”
“I wish you’d phoned first. Kristen’s at the library.” Joanna wasn’t fooled—Davey hadn’t come to see their daughter, although he meant Joan
na to think so. It was all part of the game he played with her, wanting her to believe that their divorce had hurt him badly. Not calling to let her know he planned to visit was an attempt to catch her off guard and completely unprepared—which, of course, she was. Joanna knew Davey, knew him well. He’d often tried to manipulate her this way.
“I should have called, but I didn’t know if I’d have the time, and I didn’t want to disappoint you if I found I couldn’t slip away.”
Joanna didn’t believe that for a minute. It wouldn’t have taken him much time or trouble to phone before he left the hotel. But she didn’t mention the fact, couldn’t see that it would have done any good.
“Come in and have some coffee.” She led him into the kitchen and poured him a mug, automatically adding the sugar and cream she knew he used. She handed it to him and was rewarded with a dazzling smile. When he wanted, Davey Parsons could be charming, attentive and generous. The confusing thing about her ex-husband was that he wasn’t all bad. He’d gravely wounded her with his unfaithfulness, but in his own way he’d loved her and Kristen—as much as he could possibly love anybody beyond himself. It had taken Joanna a good many years to distance herself enough to appreciate his good points and to forgive him for the pain he’d caused her.
“You’ve got a nice place here,” he commented, casually glancing around the kitchen. “How long have you lived here now?”
“Seven months.”
“How’s Kristen?”
Joanna was relieved that the conversation had moved to the only subject they still had in common—their daughter. She talked for fifteen minutes nonstop, telling him about the talent show and the other activities Kristen had been involved in since the last time she’d seen her father.
Davey listened and laughed, and then his gaze softened as he studied Joanna. “You’re looking wonderful.”
She grinned ruefully. “Sure I am,” she scoffed. “I’ve just finished working in the yard and cleaning the oven.”
“I wondered about the lemon perfume you were wearing.”
They both laughed. Davey started to tease her about their early years together and some of the experimental meals she’d cooked and expected him to eat and praise. Joanna let him and even enjoyed his comments, for Davey could be warm and funny when he chose. Kristen had inherited her friendly, easygoing confidence from her father.
The doorbell chimed and still chuckling, Joanna stood up. “It’s probably one of the neighbourhood kids. I’ll just be a minute.” She never ceased to be astonished at how easy it was to be with Davey. He’d ripped her heart in two, lied to her repeatedly, cheated on her, and still she couldn’t be around him and not laugh. It always took him a few minutes to conquer her reserve, but he never failed. She was mature enough to recognize her ex-husband’s faults, yet appreciate his redeeming qualities.
For the second time that day, Joanna was surprised by the man who stood on her front porch. “Tanner.”
“Hi,” he said with a sheepish grin. “The girls got off okay and I thought I’d stop in for a cup of coffee before heading to the office.” His eyes smiled softly into hers. “I heard you laughing from out here. Do you have company? Should I come back later?”
“N-no, come in,” she said, her pulse beating as hard and loud as jungle drums. Lowering her eyes, she automatically moved aside. He walked into the living room and paused, then raised his hand and gently touched her cheek in a gesture so loving that Joanna longed to fall into his arms. Now that he was here, she found herself craving some time alone with him.
Tanner’s gaze reached out to her, but Joanna had trouble meeting it. A frown started to form, and his eyes clouded. “This is a bad time, isn’t it?”
“No…not really.” When she turned around, Davey was standing in the kitchen doorway watching them. The smile she’d been wearing felt shaky as she stood between the two men and made the introductions. “Davey, this is Tanner Lund. Tanner, this is Davey—Kristen’s father.”
For a moment, the two men glared at each other like angry bears who had claimed territory and were prepared to do battle to protect what was theirs. When they stepped towards each other, Joanna held her breath for fear neither one would make the effort to be civil.
Stunned, she watched as they exchanged handshakes and enthusiastic greetings.
“Davey’s in town for a real-estate conference and thought he’d stop in to see Kristen,” Joanna explained, her words coming out in such a rush that they nearly stumbled over themselves.
“I came to see you, too, Joanna,” Davey added in a low sultry voice that suggested he had more on his mind than a chat over a cup of coffee.
She flashed him a heated look before marching into the kitchen, closely followed by both men. She walked straight to the cupboard, bringing down another cup, then poured Tanner’s coffee and delivered it to the table.
“Kristen and my daughter are at the library,” Tanner announced in a perfectly friendly voice, but Joanna heard the undercurrents even if Davey didn’t.
“Joanna told me,” Davey returned.
The two men remained standing, smiling at each other. Tanner took a seat first, and Davey promptly did the same.
“What do you do?” her ex-husband asked.
“I own half of Spokane Aluminum.”
It was apparent to Joanna that Davey hadn’t even bothered to listen to Tanner’s reply because he immediately fired back in an aggressive tone, “I recently opened my own real-estate brokerage and have plans to expand within the next couple of years.” He announced his success with a cocky slant to his mouth.
Watching the change in Davey’s features as Tanner’s identity began to sink in was so comical that Joanna nearly laughed out loud. Davey’s mouth sagged open, and his eyes flew from Joanna to Tanner and then back to Joanna.
“Spokane Aluminum,” Davey repeated slowly, his face unusually pale. “I seem to remember reading something about John Becky taking on a partner.”
Joanna almost felt sorry for Davey. “Kristen and Tanner’s daughter, Nicole, are best friends. They were in the Valentine’s Day show together—the one I was telling you about….”
To his credit, Davey regrouped quickly. “She gets all that performing talent from you.”
“Oh, hardly,” Joanna countered, denying it with a vigorous shake of her head. Of the two of them, Davey was the entertainer—crowds had never intimidated him. He could walk into a room full of strangers, and anyone who didn’t know better would end up thinking Davey Parsons was his best friend.
“With the girls being so close, it seemed only natural for Joanna and me to start dating,” Tanner said, turning to smile warmly at Joanna.
“I see,” Davey answered. He didn’t appear to have recovered from Tanner’s first announcement.
“I sincerely hope you do understand,” Tanner returned, all pretence of friendliness dropped.
Joanna resisted rolling her eyes toward the ceiling. Both of them were behaving like immature children, battling with looks and words as if she were a prize to be awarded the victor.
“I suppose I’d better think about heading out,” Davey said after several awkward moments had passed. He stood up, noticeably eager to make his escape.
As a polite hostess, Joanna stood when Davey did. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
He sent Tanner a wary smile. “That’s not necessary.”
“Of course it is,” Joanna countered.
To her dismay, Tanner followed them and stood conspicuously in the background while Davey made arrangements to phone Kristen later that evening. The whole time Davey was speaking, Joanna could feel Tanner’s eyes burning into her back. She didn’t know why he’d insisted on following her to the door. It was like saying he couldn’t trust her not to fall into Davey’s arms the minute he was out of sight, and that irritated her no end.
Once her ex-husband had left, she closed the door and whirled around to face Tanner. The questions were jammed in her mind. They’d only gone out on one date,
for heaven’s sake, and here he was, acting as though…as though they were engaged.
“I thought he broke your heart,” Tanner said, in a cutting voice.
Joanna debated whether or not to answer him, then decided it would be best to clear the air. “He did.”
“I heard you laughing when I rang the doorbell. Do you often have such a good time with men you’re supposed to hate?”
“I don’t hate Davey.”
“Believe me, I can tell.”
“Tanner, what’s wrong with you?” That was a silly question, and she regretted asking it immediately. She already knew what was troubling Tanner. He was jealous. And angry. And hurt.
“Wrong with me?” He tossed the words back at her. “Nothing’s wrong with me. I happen to stumble upon the woman I’m involved with cosying up to her ex-husband, and I don’t mind telling you I’m upset. But nothing’s wrong with me. Not one damn thing. If there’s something wrong with anyone, it’s you, lady.”
Joanna held tightly onto her patience. “Before we start arguing, let’s sit down and talk this out.” She led him back into the kitchen, then took Davey’s empty coffee mug and placed it in the sink, removing all evidence of his brief visit. She searched for a way to reassure Tanner that Davey meant nothing to her anymore. But she had to explain that she and her ex-husband weren’t enemies, either; they couldn’t be for Kristen’s sake.
“First of all,” she said, as evenly as her pounding heart would allow, “I could never hate Davey the way you seem to think I should. As far as I’m concerned, that would only be counterproductive. The people who would end up suffering are Kristen and me. Davey is incapable of being faithful to one woman, but he’ll always be Kristen’s father, and if for no other reason than that, I prefer to remain on friendly terms with him.”
“But he cheated on you…used you.”
“Yes.” She couldn’t deny it. “But, Tanner, I lived a lot of years with Davey. He’s not all bad—no one is—and scattered between all the bad times were a few good ones. We’re divorced now. What good would it do to harbour ill will toward him? None that I can see.”
What Makes a Family Page 11
