The Battle Within (13 page)

Vicky hugged Sandy one last time before she headed out of the door. She gave her an impish grin, “You might as well get our bail money ready. Anyway…remember call me for anything!”

Once she made it to the garage and into her car, she called Jason to let him know she was on her way.

He answered on the first ring, “I was about to call you. I’m here in this hotel room alone waiting on my sexy wife. Where are you?”

She was pulling out of their garage and heading for the street. “Sorry, I’m late. There was so much to do since our parents extended their vacation. Finding a babysitter on short notice wasn’t easy. I almost thought we were going to have to cancel tonight.”

“No way was that happening.”

Vicky laughed, “Eager aren’t you?”

“Very.”

“I needed to spend some extra time going over everything since this is Sandy’s first time babysitting the kids overnight.”

Jason lay on his back on a luxurious bed in an unbuttoned shirt and slacks. He’d kicked off his shoes but sat up on his elbow when she’d mentioned Sandy. He took a quick look at his watch, “Sandy? What is she doing there? I thought the nanny was going to stay until somebody else arrived at 7 PM?”

“She had some emergency and couldn’t stay until then. So, I called Sandy.”

“It’s just…I’m confused. Did Franklin call to say he couldn’t make it?”

“Franklin? Why would he have called to say anything?”

“My assistant didn’t call to tell you that Franklin was going to stay over to watch the kids tonight? When you called to say mom and dad extended their vacation, and we might have to cancel if we couldn’t find someone we trusted to watch the kids, I called Franklin.”

“I didn’t talk to your assistant today. I was running around so much that it’s possible I could have missed her call or any messages she may have left. So…are you saying that Sandy is at the house to watch the kids, and Franklin is on his way over to watch the kids? Oh…boy. I better call her.”

Jason responded with a devilish grin, “No. Don’t call her. I mean…we’ll call them…just not now. Let’s call them say in a few hours.”

Vicky giggled, “Mmhmm…you are so bad Mr. Rutherford.”

“Just the way you like me.”

*****

Sandy came down the stairs after checking in on Angel and Jay with the baby monitor in her hand. They seemed to be sleeping soundly.

She rubbed the back of her neck as she went into the family room. Unbeknownst to Vicky, staying over tonight was a welcome reprieve from all the tension at home.

Roman’s mother and sister were driving her insane. They did an excellent job of pretending all was well until he wasn’t around. The second he was out of earshot, they were the rudest women she’d ever met.

On a couple of occasions, she had to put them in their place. However, each of them had gone back to Roman telling him versions of the story that in no way resembled the truth. Then, he’d come home, and they’d fight over it. It was really amazing, how in such a short period, the strain that was being put on their relationship because of it. Sandy was sure that…that was exactly what his mother and sister intended.

And, it was more than tiring trying to defend herself all the time. Sandy had no idea when they were leaving, but she was more than ready for them to go. Thank god they lived in another state.

She walked over to close the draperies in the picture window but decided she wanted to see the sun completely set. Instead, she turned the television on for company but kept the volume low.

Curling up on the couch, she pulled out a book called A Storm Is Coming by LaShawn Vasser. She’d been trying to read it over the last couple of weeks but had been too busy. Tonight, she planned to find out what all the fuss was about.

*****

“I don’t understand why you have to stay over?” April was more than a little upset, “I get that King Jason asked you to watch his children but why couldn’t they bring them to your house?”

Franklin pulled up into the circular driveway, “Sweetheart, the baby is only six weeks old. If he were my son, I wouldn’t want to bring him out either if I could help it.”

April pouted, “I still think it’s ridiculous.”

“I promise, I’ll make up for canceling our dinner plans.”

“You better.”

“I will, and I’m here…so I’ll give you call a bit later.”

April’s voice dropped into a sexy whisper, “Please do. You know I can’t sleep until I hear the sound of your voice.”

“Then, I better make sure to call. I promise…I’ll call you.” After she said her goodbyes, he disconnected his phone.

April was pissed. Jason always seemed to come in between whatever they had going on. She’d had her own plans for tonight. As a matter of fact, she’d stopped by the intimate apparel store and picked up a cute new lacy bra and panty set. Spent the last hour taking a hot soak in the bath and had a bottle of wine chilling in the refrigerator.

How was she going to get Franklin to propose if he wouldn’t be there? April got up and stomped passed her closet. Her eyes rested on a black raincoat. Could she do it? No way would Franklin expect her to show up at Jason’s in nothing but a raincoat and her sexiest bra and panties. Could she pull it off? If she wanted to be Mrs. Franklin Roth she’d better try.

*****

Franklin stepped out of the car with his overnight bag. He hadn’t had to use the key to Jason’s house in years, but it was a good thing he still had it. Otherwise, Jason would have had to drive all the way from the office to his condo to drop one off.

Walking up to the house, Franklin didn’t see anyone in the family room just soft lighting as he looked through the large glass windows. He unlocked the door and turned off the alarm once he entered the foyer.

The house was mostly dark except for a dim light on the wall next to the main door and the soft lighting coming from the family room. The nanny must be upstairs with the kids.

Franklin walked down towards the light. As he looked inside, he could see the form of someone laying on the couch.

Sandy was so engrossed in her book that she didn’t hear anyone enter the house and almost jumped out of her skin at the sound of a male voice.
Franklin?

“Hello?”

Sitting up quickly with her hand over her heart, she visibly relaxed once she saw that it was him.

“My god…you scared me half to death!”

The one woman who sometimes haunted his dreams was sitting wide-eyed before him, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He looked around the room to keep from staring, “Where’s the nanny?”

“She had some kind of emergency, so she left. What are you doing here?”

“Jason called earlier today. I guess something happened, and they needed someone to watch Angel and Jay at the last minute.”

Sandy was skeptical, “And he called you?”

Franklin walked fully into the room and dropped his bag on the floor next to the sofa, “Well…yeah. What’s wrong with me?”

“I…I guess nothing. But, do you even
like
children?”

Shaking his head, “After knowing me all this time there are still a lot of things about me you don’t
know. As a matter of fact, I love kids. I could ask you the same question. What exactly are you doing here?”

“Well, Vicky called. She asked if I’d watch the kids too.” Tilting her head, “You don’t think those two are plotting do you?”

He chuckled, “Jason maybe. Vicky definitely not. They probably just got their wires crossed.”

Right on cue, the sound of a baby crying came through the monitor.

Sandy stood up, “He’s probably hungry. It’s been a couple of hours since he had his last bottle. Why don’t you go get him before he wakes Angel and I’ll get his bottle ready?”

“Sounds good. I haven’t seen my little guy in a couple of days. I’ll be right back.”

Chapter 14

By the time Sandy came back from the kitchen, Franklin sat on the sofa holding the baby. The sight of him with Jay did something weird to the pit of her stomach. He’d taken off his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves. Tenderly, he rubbed Jay’s back. Jay was still crying but not nearly as robust as before.

Her throat felt thick, and she needed to clear it before speaking, “I have his bottle. It’s ready.” Unfortunately, the sound still came out as a croak.

However, Franklin acted as if he’d barely noticed as he reached for the bottle, “I’ll feed this little guy.”

Sandy held the bottle out to him. As he took it, their hands touched briefly. It was just a second, but did everything around them stop moving? The crazy energy that seemed always to sizzle just underneath the surface was present no matter how hard they tried to ignore it.

The sound of a hungry baby interrupted the uncomfortable moment. Franklin re-positioned Jay into the crook of his arms and gave him the bottle. Eagerly, he took it.

Sandy could use a bottle of wine, but drinking while babysitting probably wasn’t a good idea. Instead, she would settle for some lemonade. “There’s some lemonade in the refrigerator. I’m going to get a glass would you like one?”

Franklin looked up from feeding the baby, “Um…yeah. That would be great actually.”

The sense of peace he felt as he fed Jay was only eclipsed by the intense feelings for Sandy that he’d kept tucked hidden away in the deep recesses of his heart. But, right now…those feelings were threatening to escape.

She still wore the same fragrance. Franklin wasn’t immune to the light smell of jasmine because it had always driven him crazy. It floated throughout the room even after she’d gone to the kitchen. That scent would forever remind him of her. He closed his eyes briefly, recalling the first time he’d held her in his arms and made love.

Sandy’s touch even her voice had always been a lifeline. What he wouldn’t give...No. He couldn’t let his mind go there. It was over. He’d made his decision. At this point, too many people would get hurt. And, Sandy seemed happy. That’s all he ever really wanted was for her to be happy.

How many different ways could Sandy imagine
killing
Vicky and Jason? She was probably already up to at least ten as she poured lemonade into two glasses. Of all nights to be alone with Franklin, it’s the one night that she and Roman had one of their worst fights.

Sandy tilted her head to the right then the left like a boxer while talking to herself,
you’ve got this
.
It’s no big deal
.
He’s just a man who put his pants on one leg at a time just like any other man. Oh…and don’t forget Sandra. He dumped YOU
!
And…you have a guy at home who loves you to pieces. Although, he may be on your last nerve, he still loves you to pieces
.

After a couple of deep breaths, she was ready, “Alright. I’m ready. I can do this.” She walked back into the family room. Franklin had Jay over his shoulder patting his back trying to get out a burp.

“You know you’re pretty good at that.”

He turned towards her, “What?”

“Handling babies. After seeing you with Jay, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear the pitter patter of little feet running around you soon.”

He paled, “I…I love kids, but I don’t plan on ever having any of my own. I’ll just be the doting uncle.”

Sandy put their drinks on the table and then sat down next to him. It was obvious that Franklin would be a great father but for whatever reasons he decided fatherhood wasn’t for him. She couldn’t help think that…that was…sad.

Jay let out an enormous burp. She laughed as she leaned over to caress his cheek, “My goodness. That was a big one little guy. And, it answered an age old question. Are guys born knowing how to burp loudly or is it learned? Now I know…you’re born with the knowledge.” Sandy handed him a napkin, “Your shirt is wet, but Jay seems full and content. His eyes are getting heavy. I better change his diaper before he goes to sleep.”

Franklin laughed a bit too, “I never knew you were curious about that. I could have given you that answer way before tonight. All you had to do was ask. Of course, we’re born knowing how to do it, and we take great pride in doing it
well
. However, some of us do
it
better than others.” He winked.

Was he flirting?

“I changed him while you were in the kitchen.” Franklin couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this…carefree. He was always able to be this way with her.

Ignore it. That was her plan…just ignore it. Sandy looked at Jay in awe. Whispering so she wouldn’t wake him, “He’s gone. He’s sleeping.”

“I’ll take him back up to his bed.”

“Please, let me do something.”

Franklin handed Jay over into Sandy’s arms. He watched her expression. She was positively glowing. She looked up to catch him gazing at her, and her smile faltered. Neither of them dared to breath or move. They were too scared of what might happen next. But, finally, Sandra was able to tear her eyes away from his.

“I’d better take him up.”

Franklin pulled back and wiped his hands up and down on his thighs, “Right.”

As soon as Sandy left the room, he sat back on the sofa and rested his head. Then, pinched the bridge of his nose, “I’m cursed.” He was sure of that now. Being alone with Sandy was complete torture. He should leave right now and go home because if he was tested…he might just fail.

It would probably be a good idea to call Jason and let him know he was leaving. Franklin pulled out his cell and dialed his number. Of course, his call went straight to voicemail.

After about ten minutes, Sandy came back downstairs, “They’re both sleeping peacefully. Although, I probably won’t get a lick of sleep tonight.” She took a seat on the opposite end of the couch. She needed to keep a little bit of distance between them.

“Franklin…you don’t have to stay over. I’m all prepared to be here until tomorrow morning.”

“I tried to call Jason to let him know we were both here but of course it went to voicemail. I’d hate to leave without talking to him first.”

Sandy laughed, “If that’s what you’re waiting for you’ll be here until tomorrow morning. Those two are getting
reacquainted,
and I can’t imagine, unless the hotel was on fire, anyone getting through to them tonight.”