For Better or For Worse Read online

  Until she convinced him she wasn’t going to shatter and break if he touched her, until he looked at her as a woman, not a sick woman, they didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of succeeding.

  Damn, but she wanted this to be a real getaway, a chance to mend for both of them. The way Alex continued to stare straight ahead, his jaw set, it looked as if it were up to her to break the ice.

  She thought for a moment and then asked, “How’s Zeus doing?”

  He gave her a startled look before returning his gaze to the road. “Fine.”

  She rolled her gaze skyward. “Could you be a little more brief?”

  Alex slanted her another look, this one amused, at least. “He’s getting around more, but he’s still learning to compensate for the loss of his paw.”

  Better. At least it wasn’t a one-syllable answer. But she didn’t want to have to drag every word out of him. They sat in bucket seats, but she scooted as close to him as she could and laid a hand on his thigh.

  He jerked and gave her a sharp look.

  She took a deep breath. In for a penny... “Okay. Question. What’s the wildest place you’ve ever made love?”

  The car swerved to the right. “What?”

  “Don’t be a spoilsport.”

  “What kind of crazy question is that?”

  “Come on, there’s no place to run, and I won’t let you hide. Out with it.”

  He shook his head. “You’re insane.”

  “Yep. Certifiable.” She squeezed his thigh. “But I’m also stubborn. I suppose I should warn you. I have ways of making you talk.”

  He laughed. “All right already. I’m thinking.”

  Jenny settled back and smiled. Amazing how talk of sex was a surefire icebreaker. Talk of sex, hints of sex. Anything that had to do with sex automatically started the ball rolling.

  “Okay.” His mouth curved into a playful grin. “I once had sex in a bathtub.”

  Disappointed, Jenny snorted. “A bathtub?” Was he referring to the two of them a few nights ago? “That’s not so wild.”

  “Yeah?” He slid her a brief look before changing lanes. “The bathtub was in a model home during an open house.”

  She gasped. “Alex McAlester, you didn’t.”

  He shrugged. “You asked.”

  “Okay, you’re right. That is wild.” She laughed. The admission was so unexpected.

  “Your turn.”

  “That wasn’t the deal.”

  “Jen...” He drawled her name in warning.

  “Okay, but I’ve got to think about this.”

  He grunted.

  “I’m not kidding.” She shifted, suddenly uncomfortable with the game. “I was a late bloomer, and anyway, I’ve really never gone for casual sex.”

  “I didn’t know we were talking about casual sex.”

  “Okay, but it’s not like I’ve had a lot of relationships.” She folded her arms across her chest. “I was busy working.”

  “Right. You have five seconds.”

  She made a sound of exasperation. “You don’t believe me.”

  “I didn’t say that, but I’m sure you’ve had at least one unorthodox encounter.”

  “That’s a fancy way of putting it.”

  “One second remaining.”

  She laughed. “All right. It was on the roof of my building one summer—right around sunset. It was getting dark, and I didn’t think anyone could see us, but when we, um, well, when we’d finished, someone, somewhere applauded.”

  Alex laughed so hard he had to slow the car down.

  “It wasn’t funny. I was never so humiliated in my life.”

  He reached over and took her hand, and the tension between them seemed to evaporate. “It’s funny now.”

  “Yeah, I guess.” She held on to his hand, enjoying his touch. His skin was warm and his grasp reassuring. So much better to feel than to think. Thinking made her too aware of the obstacles in their way. “Okay, now you get to think of a question.”

  “Hmm, let me think.”

  “Don’t get carried away.”

  “You ask me where I had the wildest sex and then tell me not to get carried away?” The mischievous glint in his eyes made her nervous. “What’s your most wicked fantasy?”

  Jenny’s eyes widened. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

  “Nope.”

  “Come on, that’s too intimate a question.”

  One side of his mouth lifted. “And your point is?”

  She frowned. He was getting way too much into this game. Of course this was what she wanted, wasn’t it? This sexy man-to-woman talk instead of the caregiver-to-sick-person mumbo jumbo. But tell him her wildest fantasy? Oh, God.

  She could make something up.

  “I’m waiting.”

  She cleared her throat. She hadn’t even opened her mouth yet, and heat filled her cheeks. “No censure, right?”

  “Nope. Tell it like it is.”

  “I meant from you.”

  “Oh.” He laughed. “I won’t say a word. Quit stalling.”

  She cleared her throat again. “I’ve always fantasized about—okay, now this isn’t politically correct...”

  “Jen, it’s only fantasy. Just say it.”

  “I’ve thought about being swept away by a stranger. Someone tall and not too dark.” Her little joke fell flat. “Being sort of, well, helpless.”

  His jaw tensed, and he shifted slightly in his seat. “Go on.”

  She didn’t know how to read him. Did he think she was just awful? “That’s all.”

  The look he gave her said everything. He didn’t disapprove, he was turned on. “There’s got to be more to the fantasy.”

  She hesitated, the heat still stinging her cheeks. “Are you shocked?”

  He shook his head.

  “Maybe a little?”

  Alex smiled. He’d been mildly surprised but more excited than anything else. He wouldn’t admit either to her. Nor that he was so hard and ready he’d like nothing more than to pull over and make love to her right now.

  Of course he wouldn’t, and not just because they were on the freeway.

  Her hand moved on his thigh, and he sucked in a breath. She had to see he was hard. His jeans were so damn tight he thought he’d explode. How could he subtly tell her to stop? That she was making him crazy?

  “Your turn,” she said, finally stilling her hand. “Tell me your fantasy.”

  “You aren’t done.” Was he a masochist? Did he really want to hear more? Could he take any more?

  “Oh, yes, I am.” She laughed, her cheeks a becoming pink.

  He grumbled under his breath, and she moved her hand up his thigh again. Man, he would probably regret this. “You’re my fantasy.” He kept his eyes off her and on the road. He couldn’t believe he was making the admission. “I want to make love to you. All night long. I want to use my mouth. Taste every inch of you.”

  Jenny sighed. “You have to know you’re my fantasy, too. You’re sweeping me away right now. I’ve missed you these past two nights.”

  He took one hand off the wheel and touched the silk of her hair, the satin of her cheek. “I should be shot for expanding this conversation. We have another hour before we get to Boston, and if we don’t change the subject, we’re liable to end up in a ditch somewhere.”

  As if to confirm his words, someone honked behind them when he swerved.

  She laughed. “Okay, hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.”

  “Hey.” He gave her hand a pointed look when she squeezed his thigh. “Hands off me.”

  “Whatever you say, Doc.” She grinned and folded her hands in her lap. He was tempted to recant when she added, “There is something else I want
ed to discuss, and now that I have your undivided attention...”

  Something in her tone made him uneasy. “I’m listening.”

  “I was thinking that I could be of help at the clinic.”

  Was she serious? He darted her a look. Her earnest eyes met his before he returned his attention to the road. The idea was ridiculous. She needed to stay home, do her exercises and concentrate on getting well.

  “What do you think?” She sounded so tentative he didn’t want to burst her bubble and come right out and say no. “I know what you’re thinking,” she added, “but I am well enough. I wouldn’t overdo it. Maybe I could start off working a couple of hours a day.”

  “I don’t know, Jen. I really have to think about this.”

  “What’s there to think about? You could use the help when Heather’s away. And even when she’s there, you’ve complained she can’t keep up.”

  Hell, if he said no, there’d be a war. If he said yes, he’d be worried about her all the time. “Sometimes there’s lifting involved. Heavy cages with dogs in them.”

  “And?” She had that stubborn frown on her face. Worst, she looked disappointed.

  He sighed. “And either Tuck or I can do it.”

  “Really? Are you saying you agree?”

  “No, I don’t agree, but yes, you can work at the clinic if you want.”

  “Thank you, Alex.” She kissed his cheek. “You won’t regret this.”

  Right. He already did.

  * * *

  “IT’S A NICE ROOM, isn’t it?” Jenny pushed aside the blue floral drapes. “Look, we can see the lake from here.”

  “Why don’t you sit down while I unpack?”

  “Because I’ve been sitting for three hours.” She knew he meant well, and that was the only reason she hadn’t wrung his neck. “I’ll unpack my own things. I didn’t bring much.”

  She took one last look at the lake then let the drapes fall into place. They weren’t really in Boston, but outside the city a few miles. And the lake wasn’t really a lake, more like a man-made pool, but that was okay. She was just so darn happy to be here. Alone with Alex.

  She picked up her carry-on and hoisted it onto the queen-size bed.

  “I wish you’d let me do that,” Alex grumbled.

  “I’m sorry. I should have. But it wasn’t heavy.” She gave him a smile and slid her arms around his waist, tilting her head to look at him. “Don’t be grumpy.”

  His gaze lingered on her mouth. “I’m not grumpy.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  Amusement lit his eyes but only for a moment, then they darkened. She knew damn well what he was hungry for.

  “I am,” she said quickly, and stepped away from him before she gave in and they climbed into bed. Better to make him wait. Let him think about the weekend ahead and how much they can enjoy each other if he lets go. “I saw a cute little café about a block from here.”

  “Wouldn’t you rather just have something in the room?”

  She realized with disappointment that the desire in his eyes had been replaced by concern. He wanted to stay in because he thought she might be unwell. Not to do wicked things with her. She’d see about that.

  “Nope. I’d like to eat out. Anyway, the walk will do me good.”

  “Walk? Why can’t we drive?”

  “You can if you want.”

  He wanted to argue. It was written all over his face. To his credit, he said nothing. He finished unpacking and waited for her to do the same without offering to help.

  Good sign.

  Their walk to the café was short, but the uneven sidewalk made the trek a little uncomfortable. Alex had to know it was difficult for her, but he said nothing, only offering his arm as any man would do.

  Eating out was fun, and the double entendres throughout the meal were the best kind of foreplay. They laughed and ate and talked until all they were the only two lunch patrons left. The walk back went slower, but not until they got to the room did Alex ask how she was doing.

  She kissed his cheek. He got A for effort.

  “I’m a little sore, as expected,” she admitted, “but otherwise I feel terrific. But I do think I’ll take a nice warm bath. That should fix me right up.” She moistened her lips. “But I’ll probably need some help. You know, scrubbing my back or searching for sponges.”

  The desire that flared in his eyes pleased her. He obviously remembered the last bath. So did she, and the memory made her body start to burn.

  “You get your stuff, and I’ll start running the water.”

  “Thanks.” She exhaled slowly. He hadn’t been in the bathroom yet so he hadn’t seen the tub. She had, and she wondered if he’d have the same idea.

  She went about the business of getting out the bath scents and candles she’d brought with her. It was the last of her stash from better days when she didn’t have to eke out dollars from her meager savings. She heard the water running and wondered what the heck he was doing in there. Stalling, she got her new teddy and matching black lace panties, then wrapped them in a towel along with the candles so he wouldn’t see them yet.

  She was going to seduce him into that tub with her if it was the last thing she did. He’d balk, afraid he’d hurt her. But the size of the tub was to her advantage. Three people could fit in that monster.

  When he still hadn’t come out, she carried her things with her to the bathroom, knocking briefly at the open door.

  “Alex, what are you—” She froze when she saw him reclining in the tub, wearing nothing more than a grin.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  “YOU’RE STILL WORKING here, huh?” Phyllis Cooper set her parakeet cage on the clinic’s reception desk.

  “Yup.” Jenny smiled. “It’s been two months now.”

  “And you haven’t gotten divorced yet.” Phyllis chuckled, and Jenny’s heart thudded. “Good for you. Some people think husbands and wives shouldn’t work together, that it’s a shortcut to divorce court. Don’t believe them. Philo and I have been running that store together for nearly thirty years.” She narrowed her gaze and leaned closer to Jenny. “The trick is knowing when to give each other space.”

  Jenny smiled again. This was not a conversation she wanted to have. She knew about giving each other space. Sometimes Alex gave her too much of it. Maybe they needed another weekend getaway. Two months later, memories of Boston still had the power to make her knees weak.

  Alex had been so sexy and demanding and giving. They’d barely left the room, and that had been okay with her. But as soon as they’d returned, something changed.

  They still made love, and most nights she slept in his bed. But the nights she didn’t, the nights he came home inexplicably late and claimed he hadn’t wanted to disturb her when he slept on the couch, she felt the distance between them.

  “So what’s wrong with Pierre?” Jenny asked, picking up a pen. She’d already pulled the bird’s chart. Phyllis loved fussing over him, and he’d become a frequent patient.

  “I think it’s his ears. He may have a little infection or something.”

  Jenny peered closer. Did birds have ears? She’d find out soon enough. Amazing how much she’d learned from Alex in the past two months—more than she had growing up on a farm.

  “I don’t think he can hear me.” Phyllis sighed. “He used to respond to my voice. Philo thinks Pierre’s fine and he’s just ignoring me. Like Philo does.”

  Jenny bit down on her lip to keep from laughing. Phyllis was totally serious. “Alex is in with a patient now,” Jenny said, studying the appointment book. “But I’m pretty sure he’ll have time to look at Pierre if you wait.”

  “Oh, bless you. That would be wonderful.” Phyllis stayed at the counter. Jenny had hoped she’d take a seat in the waiting area. “How have you
been feeling? You look good.”

  “I feel good. This is my last week of physical therapy.”

  “Oh, my, that was fast.”

  “I’ve healed so well and my range of motion has improved enough that my doctor said I could do the exercises at home.”

  “Good for you. I’m sure Alex is pleased.”

  Jenny smiled dutifully. She wished she could be so certain. He hadn’t responded to the news as she’d expected.

  In fact, to her disappointment, he’d hardly reacted at all.

  “He should be pleased,” Jenny joked. “Now that Heather is leaving, he’ll need someone full time.”

  Phyllis frowned. “I thought Betty Mae’s girl was going to take the job. She graduated from high school last spring.”

  Jenny’s chest tightened. Alex hadn’t said anything. She’d assumed... Oh, God, she didn’t feel well all of a sudden.

  “Maybe I’m wrong.” Phyllis pursed her lips. “But I could’ve sworn Betty said Cindy would start here after she got back from her graduation trip to Boston.”

  Jenny looked at her watch. “Oh, gosh, I’m late.” She laid down her pen, scrambling to think of an excuse. The hell with it. Phyllis didn’t have to know where she was going. Especially since Jenny herself had no idea. “Alex should be done in a minute,” she said on her way to the door.

  At Jenny’s abrupt departure, Phyllis’s brows rose. “Okay. Nice talking to you.”

  “Same here.” Jenny forced a smile, stepped outside and took a deep breath of the crisp fall air. Not paying attention, she nearly tripped on the stone step to the walkway.

  She hurried to her car, got in behind the wheel and stared at the thicket of maple trees behind the clinic. The whole wooded area had become a kaleidoscope of yellows and oranges. The scene was so beautiful it took her breath away. She often sat for a few minutes before or after work, just meditating. How could she not have appreciated growing up here?