For Better or For Worse Read online

  “You okay now?”

  “Fine.” Except her mood had gone south. “I only meant that if children are important to you, it’s not too late.”

  “You’re right. But it takes two, remember?”

  “Oh, really? Gee, I’d forgotten.”

  Her sarcasm got a smile out of him. “Like I said before, I’m old-fashioned. I want to be married to my children’s mother.”

  “But you said you’d never get married again.” Jiminy Christmas, why couldn’t she let the matter drop?

  “Yes, I did.” He looked as if he wanted to say more but fell silent, studying her as if searching for some kind of cue.

  Did he want her to push for an answer? Was she standing in his way? He’d assured her otherwise. Nothing had changed in the two months they’d been married.

  Except maybe their relationship.

  She moistened her lips before saying, “I’ve always wanted children, too.”

  “Yeah?” Something sparked in his eyes, some indefinable emotion that started her heart pumping faster. “What’s stopped you?”

  “I guess I’m old-fashioned, too. I haven’t found the right guy yet.”

  “You must have met a lot of men in your line of work.”

  “Yup, but no one that got me thinking long term.” She exhaled slowly, hoping to steady her pulse. Alex got her thinking long term. There was no point denying it. Maybe it was because she was vulnerable. Maybe the feeling would eventually pass. She had no idea. But right this minute she’d crawl into bed with him if he asked.

  He glanced at his watch, and disappointment surged through her. He was probably more concerned about getting to the library. And he should be. The research was important. She wished he’d ask more questions about her goals as far as a family. Maybe they were more compatible than he thought.

  Maybe she ought to give him a deep, wet kiss that would let him know she wanted more than friendship. Oh, God, she hated this stuff.

  When he stretched his neck again and winced, she decided to seize the opportunity. “This couch isn’t working out for you, is it?”

  “For another two or three days it’ll be just fine.”

  She held her breath. “I have a queen-size bed. I know it would be a little short, but it’s still longer than the couch.”

  He frowned and shook his head. “No way are you sleeping out here.”

  “I wasn’t suggesting that.”

  His eyes met hers, and she knew darn well she didn’t imagine the flicker of desire she saw in them.

  “Like I said...” She cleared her throat. “It’s a big bed. Big enough for both of us.”

  “I don’t know, Jen...” He rubbed his jaw, looking agitated.

  At any moment, she was going to die of mortification. Not because she was about to get rejected but that she’d been stupid enough to ask in the first place.

  “It’s tempting.” He stared her in the eyes. The pulse at his throat leaped like crazy. “But I’m so afraid of hurting you. I may roll over in my sleep and press against your back and... I don’t know.”

  A nervous giggle escaped her when she realized it was her physical well-being he was concerned with.

  He frowned. “What is it?”

  “You won’t hurt me. I promise. The incision is so well padded. We can even sleep with a couple of pillows between us if it’ll make you feel better.”

  The shadow of disappointment that crossed his face made her heart soar. “There are other reasons it might not be a good idea.”

  “Such as?” Made brave by his reaction, she leaned closer so that their breath mingled.

  His gaze dropped to her lips, and he moved closer. They’d barely made contact when someone knocked at the door.

  She jerked back. No one knocked at her door. Ever. Hardly ever, anyway. And certainly not before they were buzzed into the building.

  “Who’s that?” Alex got up.

  “I have no idea.”

  He looked through the peephole. “It’s a man...late twenties, early thirties.”

  “Tall? Dark hair? Blue eyes?”

  “Dark hair. I don’t know about the eyes.”

  Was it Steven? Was he back in town? He lived two doors down. He wouldn’t need to be buzzed in. “I think I know who it is.” Excited to see her friend, she motioned to Alex to open the door. “Go ahead and let him in.”

  Alex unlocked the dead bolt and opened the door. Steven stood in the doorway. He gave Alex a curious look and stepped back, but when he saw Jenny, he broke into a big smile.

  “Honey, where have you been?” he cried, rushing over to kiss her.

  CHAPTER TEN

  “I THOUGHT YOU were still in Paris.”

  “I got in last night. Brian told me you’d called last week, and I came right over.”

  Alex shouldn’t have been annoyed. It was none of his business whom Jenny called—or that the guy was extraordinarily good-looking and sitting so close to Jenny he was practically on her lap.

  “Oh, gosh, I’m sorry.” Jenny smiled at Alex. “This is my very good friend, Steven Casper.” She leaned into him when he put his arm around her. “Steven, this is Alex McAlester.”

  It didn’t escape Alex’s notice that she didn’t refer to him as her husband. Or friend.

  Steven got up and extended his hand. The guy had a smile that probably had women lining up to do his laundry. “Good to meet you, Alex.”

  “Same here. Please, sit.” Just not next to Jenny.

  Steven resumed his position beside Jenny, his arm around her shoulders. “You look a little pale. Are you okay?”

  “Fine.” She smiled and squeezed his thigh. “Happy to see you.”

  Alex figured he ought to ask the guy if he would like something to drink, except he didn’t really want him sticking around. Instead, he took a seat opposite them in an uncomfortable thrift shop armchair.

  He wondered why Jenny had never mentioned Steven. The guy seemed awfully familiar with her, though it didn’t appear she’d told him about the surgery.

  “I’m so sorry I couldn’t be with you for your father’s funeral, honey.” Steven twirled a strand of Jenny’s hair around his finger. “I was in Rome, and I couldn’t get to Boston and back in time. How did it go?”

  She shrugged, the mention of the funeral bringing sadness to her eyes. “As well as could be expected, I guess. He had so many friends who attended.” She smiled at Alex with a fondness that tightened his chest. “Really good friends.”

  Steven looked at Alex with new interest. “Are you from Cooper’s Town?”

  “Cooper’s Corner,” Jen and Alex said at the same time.

  “I stand corrected.” Steven laughed and turned his attention to Jenny without waiting for an answer. “I went to that restaurant in Florence that you recommended, and it was fabulous.”

  “Thank goodness. I haven’t been there for three years. I was hoping it hadn’t gone downhill. What about the Musé d’Orsay in Paris? Did you make it there?”

  Steven shook his head. “I didn’t have time. Maybe next trip.”

  Alex sat in shock, only vaguely listening as they discussed different European cities and museums and restaurants. When had Jenny gone to Europe? Ed hadn’t mentioned anything. And Ed had told him everything Jenny was doing.

  He stared at her, feeling as if he was looking at someone he didn’t know. She’d thrown him a few nervous glances, which confirmed his suspicion that there were aspects of Jenny’s life Ed had known nothing about.

  And this guy Steven. How did he fit into the picture? Jenny had never mentioned him, and neither had Ed. He didn’t seem to be a boyfriend. He’d know more about Jenny’s medical problems if he were. Maybe they had a casual relationship. No-strings-attached sex.

  The v
ery thought drove a dagger through Alex’s heart. No, he had no rights to her. They had a no-strings-attached relationship, as well. Foolishly he’d started to think they could have more, that perhaps she could enjoy a life in Cooper’s Corner. With him. Now he wasn’t sure. He wasn’t sure of anything.

  “So, tell me about you,” Steven said, sandwiching her hands between his. “Have you found another job yet?”

  “No, but I haven’t been looking.” She glanced at Alex. “I’m married, Steven. Alex is my husband.”

  He looked at Alex in surprise, and then his gaze went to Jenny. “You little devil. You never breathed a word about another man in your life.” Grinning, he leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips. He didn’t let go of her hands, either. Pretty nervy considering what she’d just told him. “Congratulations. To both of you.”

  “Thanks,” Alex mumbled, twice as confused over their relationship. Maybe they were platonic friends. No matter, there was still a lot about Jenny that Alex apparently didn’t know, and it ate at him.

  “So, you’re going to live here, I hope?” Steven asked pleasantly.

  She shook her head. “Actually, I’ve given up the apartment and we’ll be heading to Cooper’s Corner in a few days.”

  “Oh, no. I’ll miss you. Who can I bitch to when the super tells me the squeak in our plumbing is all in my head?”

  Jenny laughed. “You’ve never had trouble finding someone to bitch to.”

  Steven placed a dramatic hand on his chest. “You wound me.”

  She gave Alex an apologetic look. “You’re probably wondering what in the heck we’re talking about. Steven is my neighbor from two doors down. He and the building superintendent have not gotten along from day one.”

  “No one gets along with that arrogant SOB.” Steven waved a hand. “Anyway, I can’t believe you’re leaving the city, the bright lights, the fast pace. Honey, you’re going to miss it, and then just try finding another rent-controlled apartment when you come crawling back.”

  Jenny smiled. “I could always stay in your apartment. You’re never there.”

  “True. In fact, I fly back to Rome in two weeks for a Versace show.”

  “Steven’s a model,” she told Alex. “You’ve probably seen him in ads for Ralph Lauren.”

  A model. That made sense. The perfect hair, perfect teeth, perfect smile. He was also too self-absorbed to realize Alex had never seen him in an ad or heard of him before. In fact, he barely acknowledged Alex and kept talking to Jenny, who slipped Alex odd glances.

  “Brian and I would love to take you two to dinner in celebration of your wedding.” Steven looked at Alex then. “You name the night and restaurant. I’ll make the reservations.”

  “Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll have time.” Alex tried to appear apologetic as he met Jenny’s eyes.

  In spite of her skeptical look, she said, “You’re right. We have too much to do before we leave.”

  Alex found it strange that she never mentioned the surgery. Nor did Steven ask about her health. They couldn’t be that good friends if he didn’t know she’d been in great pain for more than a year. Petty, Alex knew, but the thought appealed greatly to him.

  “How about I bring over lunch then?” Steven scanned the room. “Do you need help packing? I could order something from Fazzio’s to be delivered, and we could pack and catch up on what’s been happening at the same time.”

  “I don’t know.” Jenny looked confused. “Alex? What do you think?”

  “That’s your call, sweetheart.”

  At the endearment, her eyebrows rose. “You may need some help with the lifting.”

  Steven bent his elbow to show off a muscular bicep. “I’m all yours. Use and abuse me.”

  Jenny laughed and shook her head. “Knock it off, Steven.”

  He grinned and winked.

  Obviously it was a private joke between them that Alex didn’t get. But he liked the fact that Steven seemed sincere about helping with the manual labor. Out of jealousy, maybe Alex had misjudged him. The thought he was capable of jealousy chafed.

  “Thanks, but I’ve arranged for professional movers to pack up. Jenny just needs to decide what she’s taking and what she wants to get rid of.”

  She gave him a dark look Steven caught, judging by the speculative frown he bounced between them.

  What the hell had he done to deserve that look? Alex wondered.

  “I’ll start sorting through things after you leave for the library,” she said, her tone a little cool. “What day are the movers coming?”

  “Either Thursday or Friday, depending when you get—” He stopped himself just in time. He’d almost blown it and mentioned needing the doctor to release her to travel. If she’d wanted her friend to know about the surgery, she would have told him by now.

  No one said anything, and then Steven stood. “I think I forgot a cake in the oven.”

  Jenny sighed and gave him a dry look.

  Steven chuckled. “You guys apparently need to do some talking. I’ll buzz you later.”

  Almost as if on cue, Alex’s cell phone rang. He answered it, knowing it had to be Tuck. It was. Their conversation was brief. The news wasn’t good. Within a minute he disconnected the call.

  “I have to fly to Boston right away,” he told Jenny. “There’ll be a car waiting to take me to Cooper’s Corner.”

  “Is it the Great Dane?”

  He nodded grimly.

  “Go get your things. I’ll call the airline.”

  “I’m sorry, Jen. I’ll try my best to get back by tomorrow night.”

  “Do whatever you have to do. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

  “I’ll look after her,” Steven said, appearing totally confused.

  Alex shook the guy’s hand. “Thanks,” he said with very mixed emotions.

  * * *

  JENNY WISHED SHE’D asked Alex to leave her his cell phone. She had the phone in the apartment disconnected as soon as she married Alex and knew she’d be in Cooper’s Corner awhile. Now she had no way of reaching him unless she hobbled to the phone booth at the corner. But first she’d have to make it to Moe’s convenience store at the opposite corner to buy a long distance calling card.

  Or she could ask Steven if she could use his phone. But she knew he and Brian were gone for the evening because they’d asked her to go out to dinner and then a movie with them. Besides, she’d have no privacy talking to Alex in Steven’s apartment, and her friend would have more questions and opinions than a conservative Republican.

  She’d known Steven for three years and they had bonded quickly over a couple of skim milk lattés and a discussion regarding tenant’s rights when their building elevator had been down for two days.

  He was funny and charming and the best-looking guy she’d ever met. When she’d discovered he was gay and that Brian was his partner of six years, she’d been disappointed. But not for long. The easy friendship that had grown between them had become invaluable in some of her darker moments.

  She looked at the glowing red numbers of the digital clock and then at her walker and sighed. She might as well get her act together and hoof it to the corner before it got too late. Or should she wait for morning? No, she had to know he got there safely or she wouldn’t sleep.

  By the time she took a swipe at her hair with a brush and grabbed her keys, someone knocked at the door. She peered through the peephole. It was Steven.

  She opened the door. “I thought you went to dinner and a movie.”

  “Just dinner. I skipped the movie.” He strode in past her. “I couldn’t wait to get a hold of you alone.”

  “Why am I not surprised?” There was no getting around it. He’d seen her sitting, and he’d seen her standing. Now he was going to see her hobble. And have a mil
lion questions.

  He folded his arms across his chest. “I want to know what you’re hiding.”

  Apparently he hadn’t seen the folded walker resting against the wall behind the door or the cane she used around the apartment. Leaning on the cane, she took her first shaky step.

  He watched her a moment, then asked bluntly, “What happened?”

  She’d known better than to think she could avoid telling him the whole sordid story. But at least she didn’t have to do it in front of Alex. “I had surgery almost three weeks ago.”

  “Those stupid quacks finally found out what was wrong.” Steven’s disdain for doctors was no secret. “Come sit down.”

  He started to take her arm, but she gently stopped him. “It’s better if I go at my own pace.”

  “Sure.” He stood back and waited for her to settle on the couch, propped against the cushions she kept carefully arranged there. “Okay? Can I get you anything?”

  “A stiff drink maybe?”

  He frowned. “Aren’t you taking medication?”

  “I’m kidding. Just sit.”

  “Now, what’s going on?” He sat beside her, though not too close, and was careful not to jostle the cushions. “Honey, you have one hell of a lot to tell me. I can’t believe you got married. Who is he?”

  “You’re more concerned about Alex than the surgery?”

  “Damn right. You’re already recovering from the surgery, aren’t you?”

  “The implication being?”

  “Marriage can be a lasting thorn in your side.”

  Jenny snorted. “This coming from someone who’s been with the same person for six years? Are you telling me you’re tired of Brian?”

  “Of course not. We’ll be using each other’s rockers and denture cream.”

  “Thank you for making my point.”

  “We’ve known each other for twelve years. How long have you known Alex?”

  “Half my life.” That was the truth, even though it wasn’t quite what Steven meant. She remembered the time in high school when her friend Mandy Wilson had had a crush on Alex.

  He’d just graduated from veterinarian school and had gone to Cooper’s Corner to set up a clinic. He was ten years older than Mandy and of course didn’t give her a second look no matter how many times she took the poor family cat in to see him.