Fate Intended (The Coulter Men Series Book 3) (9 page)

Chapter 12

The flight home was much less traumatic. The skies were clear, and the plane didn’t hop and jump every few minutes. Jane looked out her window and waved bye to Sammy. The little boy almost cried when she left. He was her beach buddy on Saturday. They walked up and down the sand, accumulating treasure. Jane had a purse full of tiny shells. Sammy said they were made for girls. The big ones were made for boys.

As the plane lifted off the ground, she turned to Trip and said, “I really enjoyed the weekend. I am glad you talked me into it.”

He took her hand in his and lifted it for a kiss. “My only regret is you kept running me off at night.”

Jane blushed and shook her head at him.

“They loved you, Jane. Even Hope and Grace loved you. Were you pinching them before handing them to me?”

“Of course not!” She gave him a punch. “I wouldn’t pinch babies. They did cry when you held them.”

“And never for you.”

“I just got lucky,” Jane assured him.

“You have a gentle spirit. That’s what Jenna and Mollie said. They liked you.”

“I liked them too. They are so nice. And informative. They told me stories of your girlfriend.”

“My girlfriend?” Trip acted shocked. “I don’t have a girlfriend. Just this hot little Russian tamale who won’t let me snuggle with her at night.”

“A Russian tamale? What’s a tamale?” Jane laughed.

“It’s Mexican food. Bad analogy. I couldn’t think of a Russian food.”

“Boiled cabbage,” Jane offered.

“Oh, God no! Let’s just go with a Russian sweet.”

Jane leaned across his seat and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “That works for me.”

He gave her hand a squeeze. “Good.”

“So, did you want to know what they told me?” Jane asked.

Trip rolled his head against the back of the seat. “I’m not sure. Is it going to get me in trouble? Make me look bad? I’m trying hard to impress you, ya know.”

Jane rolled her eyes and spilled the beans. “Well, it seems Old Livia.”

“Old Livia, eh?”

“Yes. Sammy said that was her name. Who am I to argue?”

Trip laughed.

“Anyhow, Old Livia told Jenna she should never use motherhood as an excuse for being soft in the middle. And she told Mollie that she was smart to leave teaching to stay home with the girls, because teaching wasn’t really much of a profession anyhow.”

“She said that crap to them?” Trip looked shocked. “Why didn’t they ever mention it to me?”

Jane shrugged. “I guess they didn’t say anything to your brothers either. They just did prayer vigils that you’d get smart.”

He caressed her cheek with his thumb. “Oh, I got smart all right.”

Jane’s smile was thin, but her eyes shined bright as she said, “I’m glad you got smart, too.”

Departing the plane, Trip’s phone rang. He grimaced and answered.

“Hello.” He placed a hand on Jane’s back as he escorted her down the air steps. “I’m stepping off the plane now.” Trip cradled the phone against his ear as he grabbed their luggage off the cart. “Just landed, I swear.” They walked together toward the car. “No, I’m not lying. No, I haven’t forgotten. I already said I’d be there.” He dropped the luggage on the ground and dug into his pocket for his keys. “Love you, too.”

He hung up the phone and slid it in his pocket. As he dropped the luggage in the trunk, he said, “Still want to meet my mother?”

Chapter 13

Jane hovered over Sasha in the kitchen, peeping over her shoulder, waiting for the right moment to ask a favor.

Sasha slowly mixed herself a cup of hot cocoa, oblivious to the agitated shadow of her friend. She licked clean the cocoa spoon, rinsed it, dried it, then carefully placed it neatly on a napkin on the counter. She cast a glance over her shoulder at Jane and finally asked, “You wanting cocoa?”

Jane shook her head. Sasha frowned. She tucked her satin robe tighter to her body with a sigh as she picked up her mug and slid past Jane, muttering something as she passed from the kitchen to the couch. Jane was pretty certain her grumbling was a creative mix of curse words selected from the three languages Sasha was most fluent in.

Jane assumed she was being avoided, but undeterred, she followed.

She and Trip had gone out every night this week. And ever since she returned from the weekend at the beach, every date and mention of Trip left Sasha with a permanent scowl. The mere mention of a date detail sent Sasha into narrow-eyed, tight-lipped irritation. Talk to her of dogs, work, even politics and she was friendly. Well, as friendly as Sasha could be.

Jane cleared her throat and licked her dry lips. She felt like she was facing a dragon rather than a friend. “Sasha?”

Sasha didn’t acknowledge; she flipped on the TV and tossed the remote on the table.

Jane traced the plaid pattern on the couch. “Can I ask a favor?”

Sasha gripped her cocoa and grimaced.

“Please, don’t say no until you hear me out.”

Sasha set her mug on the table and turned her attention to Jane.

Jane jumped in. “Trip invited me to his coming home party tomorrow night.”

“He’s been home for two weeks.”

“I know, but his mother is just getting around to it.”

“So, how does that concern me?”

“Well, for beginners, I don’t have anything to wear. Trip said it will be formal.”

“Not that I care, but how formal?”

Jane shrugged.

“Black tie? Business suit?”

“I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking you. He just said it was formal, that his mother likes to do things fancy.”

“That figures.” Sasha rubbed her forehead, then she looked at Jane. Sasha suddenly looked tired. “Jane, you know you are playing with fire.”

“It’s just a party.”

“With his family. You should avoid that kind of personal involvement.”

“I’ll be smart. I’ve been smart.”

“No. No, you’re not. You have been with him every day. You go too fast. At that speed, you will not think right.” She tapped her head with her finger. “You need to understand….” Sasha took a deep breath and shook her head. “You can’t fall in love. You can’t be honest with him. Ever. Don’t you get that?”

Jane nodded and gave Sasha her best puppy dog eyes. “Please? He makes me happy. That’s all. I’ve never truly had a proper relationship. I just want to be normal, for just a bit. I am very careful…. I swear.”

Sasha rolled her eyes.

“I never even got to go to a dance as a student.”

Sasha frowned. “Poor baby. Having a rich daddy and servants not enough?”

“I’m talking boyfriends. I never had one. Never went to a movie with a boy. Or had a romantic dinner. Or…”

“Good God, just stop. Fine. Fine.” She agreed, though her tone was annoyed. “I will show you what to wear.”

Jane took a suck of air. Easy favor down. Tough one on deck. “There is one more favor.”

Sasha shook her head and dropped her chin toward her chest.

“Will you please, please, please come with me to the party?”

Sasha offered her a rare look of astonishment. “You’re joking, right?”

“No. I don’t want to go alone because, like you said, Trip’s mom and her friends will be there. I won’t know anybody, and I’ve been to more boxing matches than I have parties. I mean I can’t even think of a party I have attended. Well, my birthday, but Poppa brought in circus bears and clowns, and that was not fancy. A party for adults? I won’t know what to do.”

Sasha didn’t budge.

“Please? Poppa always told me you would be the one to teach me to be a lady. Please? Come, Sash, for Poppa?”

Sasha’s eyes narrowed as she took a sip of her cocoa. “Using your father against me….is cruel. Maybe I will go, but only to keep a better eye on you.”

“Yes. Yes, you’re right.”

“Da,”
Sasha said. “Now leave me alone.” She leaned over and grabbed her mug. “My cocoa is getting cold and I am missing
Jersey Shore.”

Jane grabbed her and wrapped her arms around her for a big hug. Sasha accepted the hug stiff as a board, but without complaint.

“Let’s pick out clothes,” Jane sang.

“Now? Party is not till tomorrow. Why now? I am in pajamas, with my cocoa. I am relaxed.”

Jane looked as pathetic as a kicked pup. Sasha sighed and stood up. She started toward her room, then turned to Jane, who was still on the couch, and asked, “Well? Aren’t you coming?”

“Really? Thank you. Thank you. I want to look beautiful. I want them to not think Trip is dating a peasant, no? Too bad I don’t have any money. I could go buy something brand new.”

“I have money. You can—”

Jane shook her head.
“Niet.”
She held up a hand to Sasha. “I just talk foolish. The money we save is for a good reason. Not for this. But dreaming is fun, yes?”

Sasha shrugged. “I don’t like to dream. I am better suited for reality.” She opened the closet door and ruffled through her dresses. “Besides you dream enough for the both of us. That’s what scares me most. What kind of dreams have you hatched for the clueless Mr. Trip?”

“I haven’t even thought—”

“Really?” Sasha asked as she pulled cocktail dresses from her closet and tossed them on her bed.

Jane sorted through them with youthful vigor, telling Sasha, “This is so much fun. Better than dress-up! We’ll have a good time, and I swear, I will always remain rash.”

“I pray you mean rational…but I fear you speak truth without realizing.”

“Yes, rational. I’m excited…silly mistake.”

“Mmm, hmmm.” Sasha groaned as she dug deeper into the closet. She pulled out a gauzy blue dress. “This one.” She held it up to Jane. “It will be beautiful on you. You have pretty eyes. They catch attention with their blue.”

“Really?” She held it to herself and looked herself over in the mirror. “Trip says he loves my eyes too.” She giggled and spun back to face a grim-looking Sasha. Jane sighed. “Please, Sash. Don’t be grumpy. We are having fun.”

“Sorry. I can’t help but worry. You are going to get hurt. You dream too much. And dreams are useless. And reality sucks. That’s the truth of life. You can’t live happily ever after with Prince Charming. You can’t ever marry him, can’t have children with him. I know hurt is coming for you.”

“Not necessarily…one day….”

“No day. Everything takes fingerprints and ID. The fake crap we have wouldn’t protect us from anything more than a traffic violation.”

“They fingerprint…even to have babies?”

“Of course, Jane. They do it for security. To keep people from stealing them and to keep sloppy nurses from mixing them up in nursery.”

“I never really thought about it.”

“Well, you better start. Especially as fast as you move.”

“But I’ve never…Trip has not really…even…you know.”

Sasha held up her hand. “But he will. Sex is always on men’s minds. I promise you. And sex is one thing, but I fear not enough for you. You will want
love.”
Sasha seemed to gag on the word. “You won’t be able to separate yourself from emotion and you will be hurt.” Sasha sighed and slammed the closet door closed and then turned to Jane. “I cleaned Miss Bitch’s apartment for you this morning…she still has his picture by her bed.”

Jane shrugged, nonplussed. “That’s not Trip’s fault.”

“Unless he never broke up.”

“He wouldn’t lie to me.”

“Really?” Sasha quipped.

“Really. He’s a good man. And I am smart. Smarter than you think.”

“I know you’re smart, but you’re also stubborn. How do I make a stubborn girl listen?”

Jane’s defense of her relationship and Sasha’s question were totally forgotten when her cell phone messenger went off. She pulled it out of her pocket and read the message from Trip. He was across the street at the private park next to the building. Without even saying good-bye to Sasha, she threw on her shoes and coat, grabbed Frosty and his leash and bolted. She nearly ran across the street, Frosty cradled under her arm as she dodged honking cars. Trip leaned against a swing set, standing straight and waving at her once he spotted her.

“I thought you were to spend the day with your friends?” Jane asked, breathless, as she approached.

“I know I said I couldn’t come, but I doubt I could sleep tonight without seeing you. And Eve wanted to go for a walk.”

“So you drove her to the park downtown?” Jane asked as she bent over to give Eve a pat.

Jane put Frosty on the ground and wrapped herself in Trip’s arms. She squeezed her body against his. Sasha was partly right about things moving toward a more intimate relationship. Jane didn’t know if Trip was thinking about it, but she knew she was plagued with curiosity. No matter how much she tried to ignore thinking about
it,
the thoughts were there. And when she was close to him, she didn’t know exactly what it was she wanted, but she knew she wanted much more. Jane closed her eyes and relished the feel of cool air on her warming face.

Sasha’s words rang in her memory. Could she simply have sex with him? Would it be enough? The idea depressed her. And how could she have any sort of relationship when most everything she shared with him was lies and partial truths? If she told him the truth, she could lose him. If she didn’t tell him, she would never truly have him as her own. And if he somehow found out she was lying to him, then what? Could he ever forgive her? Trust her? She laid her cheek against his chest. Why couldn’t her life just be normal? He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back, a satisfied sigh eased from his body as he held her in the brisk night.

She looked up at him. She tried to brush aside her worries, but she couldn’t. She smiled and hoped he didn’t notice. Trip’s eyes narrowed. His thumb brushed across her cheek. “What’s wrong, Janie?”

She sighed and her shoulders sagged. “Oh, I…I have just missed you.” She buried her face back into his chest. “I guess I was lonely today and fell into stupid Russian thinking that bad luck always follows good.”

“Are you sure that’s all?”

She nodded against his chest.

“You seem sad.”

“I-I-I….” Jane stammered. “I suppose I miss my poppa. I thought of him today. I thought… Poppa will like Trip…. Then I remember Poppa will never meet you. It made me sad. It made me miss life like it was before he died. And the holidays come soon….and….”

Trip brushed her hair back from her cheeks. “I understand. I still miss my own father on holidays, and it’s been years since mine passed on. But….” He kissed her temple. “This year we’ll be together. I want you to come stay with me. We’ll get a tree. I’ll make you dinner. You won’t have time to be blue.”

A giggle bubbled out from behind unshed tears. Only he could make her feel this happy with all that was wrong in her life. “You’re too good for me.”

“Shh, don’t say that. You’re exactly what I need. With you in my life, I have everything I could ever want…. Well, at least I would if you would kiss me.”

She gave his waist a squeeze, but offered no kiss.

Trip shook his head. “Come on…kiss me.”

“Hmm, I guess, bossy American.”

He laughed and pulled her tight. She burrowed her arms deeper into his coat wrapping her arms around his waist. She wished they weren’t standing in a park, in the middle of winter, heavy clothes separating them. She didn’t know where the desire came from, but she wanted to feel his flesh, bared and vulnerable. She knew he felt the same. His hands gripped the back of her neck, pulling her tighter until she could feel his quickened breath. All rational thoughts melted away, leaving only desire. She wanted to feel him closer, was about to tell him, beg him for more, but cold fate, or more precisely, the cold winds of November interrupted.

Frosty whined, then started to yap. Jane couldn’t ignore the little dog’s pleas. His thin, white coat of curls was no match for the chill. She looked down at him, and his body trembled and shivered. “Oh, poor
pebohok
.” She stepped away from Trip and picked the dog up and stuffed him in her coat.

“How is it the dog gets to be where I want to be?”

Jane grinned and gave Trip a quick kiss. “I have to get him inside. Sorry?”

“He’s the one who should apologize. Rotten mutt. Eve’s taking it, old boy. Jane,” he looked serious, “your dog is a wuss.”

Jane laughed. “A what?”

“Wuss. Pansy. Momma’s boy.”