Miss Fortune (32 page)

She stepped back a little farther from the sink and looked down, then behind. They did seem a little baggier than usual. But according to her scale, she hadnt lost more than a few pounds at most.

Anyway, Myron said, your old man is not going to cut you off, no matter what he says. I bet if you call him up and tell him youre starving, hell come through. Hes just trying to scare you into finishing school, thats all. So hows that going, by the way?

Pretty good, she said, perking up, for school was, at last, going well. I think I settled on a dissertation topic. Im going to write up the prospectus over the holidays.

Hey, thats great! Myron said, and his smile was, Rachel knew, genuine. You know, Ive been doing some thinking about my situation, he said.

There was a huge shock, Myron thinking about himself.

Im not sure teaching college-level courses is my thing.

Whoa, that was really a shock. Rachel stopped what she was doing and turned around to look at him again. Not high, not kidding What do you mean? she demanded. Youve been a college professor for, like, ever !

I know, Myron said with a laugh, and shut the fridge door, sauntered over to the pantry. I just feel like its time for a change. You remember that place my folks have on Hilton Head?

How could she forget? It was the one decent place hed ever taken her, and even then shed had to pay for half of the trip.

I was thinking of going down there and doing some surfing. Just spend some time getting my head on straight, maybe smoke a joint or two and sort of mull over what life is all about, you know what Im saying?

No, she didnt know what he was saying. This could not be the same, tenure-starved man shed known for the last few years. Are you all right, Myron? she asked. This doesnt sound like you at all. I thought academia was your life.

He laughed again, pulled out some bread and peanut butter and proceeded to make a sandwich. I guess you arent the only one whos been changing, Rach.

Have I been changing?

Are you kidding? Look at you. Working, finding a dissertation topic, going to the gym thats not the Rachel I know.

It wasnt really the Rachel she knew, either.

The phone rang. Ah I need to get that, she said, and ducked out of the kitchen, feeling his eyes on her back.

Hallo, might I please speak with the gorgeous woman who refuses to believe that penguins make marvelous pets? the distinctive British voice asked when she answered.

A warm flush went right through her. Speaking, she said, smiling softly, and pushed her hair behind her ear.

What are you about, Rachel? Ive missed your laughter today.

Ive been holed up in the library.

How exciting for you. I hope it was at least productive.

It was. Ive got enough to write a prospectus, I think.

Fantastic news! Flynn said happily. Ive absolutely no idea what a prospectus is, but Im chuffed to bits for you, love. Perhaps we might celebrate your blinding successIll grab some takeaway Chinese and stop by, eh?

Well She glanced over her shoulder. Myron was standing in the kitchen, eating his sandwich, staring at her. I could just come there.

Here? But were always here, arent we? And besides, your place is much roomier. After a thorough study of chapter fourteen of the tantric manual, Im rather convinced well need all the room we can get.

Rachel laughed, but she could feel the heat in her face and stole another glimpse of Myron. But my house is really a mess. Honestly, theres not that much room, she said low. I promise, Ill have it all cleaned up in time for Thanksgiving. Youre coming, arent you?

Wild horses couldnt keep me away, he said. But cant we have a preview

Tonights really not good, she said quickly.

He said nothing for a moment, then laughed low. Are you, by chance, hiding anything?

Hiding? She laughed nervously.

Bodies, perhaps? Gold bouillon? Brownies?

Rachel smiled. Wouldnt you like to know.

Yes, actually, I would. You treat that charming little bungalow like Fort Knox.

She detected a little irritation in his voice. Flynn

Right, come here, then. Ill order up the Chinese, if thats all right.

Thanks. Ill see you in an hour, okay?

Yes and do be quick, will you? Chapter fourteen will take a bit of time.

What about special shoes?

Couldnt possibly hurt.

See you soon, she said, and clicked off, stood there for a moment, then finally turned around. Myron had finished his sandwich. But he was still staring at her.

He brushed his hands together, removing the crumbs. So! I guess then, from the sound of it, youre still seeing that guy.

She nodded.

He looked down at his shoes and sighed. Thats great, Rachel. Im happy if youre happy. Really. I am. Im probably going to move to Hilton Head anyway, so its not as if we were going anywhere, right?

Going anywhere? she echoed loudly. We havent gone anywhere since I cant remember when, Myron.

With a sheepish laugh, he folded his arms. Yeah, youre right, I know youre right. I guess Ive just been thinking about us lately and I thought maybe well, you know. Maybe we could hook up again.

Okay, so now the world had really spun right off its axis. She put the phone on the dining table, next to a pair of porcelain candlesticks Myron had left last week. Hook up? You and me? You dumped me, remember? Honestly, Myron, sometimes I dont get you at all.

Hey, its just a thought! No big deal, Myron said laughingly. Listen, I gotta run. So whats the deal with Thanksgiving? he asked as he strolled past her, as if hed never mentioned hooking up.

Nothing, she said, still perplexed by his last statement. Just a few friends.

Great. Im not doing anything, so Ill stop by. Maybe I can check out this dude youre so hot about, he said with a laugh. Okay, see you. Thanks for the sandwich. He reached for the door.

Myron! Rachel called.

He turned, and shook his head with a smile. Dont worry, RachIm not going to come back into the picture and screw things up for you.

Who was this guy? She didnt know if she should be more appalled that he thought he could actually screw anything up for her, or that he was even contemplating renewing a long-dead relationship. But at any rate, she had something more pressing on her mind. Actually, I was going to ask about my phoneyou know, the T-Mobile?

Oh yeah, he said, nodding thoughtfully. I still have that, dont I?

Yes. You still have it, youve had it forever, and Id really like it back. I havent paid the phone bill, and that may be the only phone I have

Not to worry, he said, lifting his hand and cutting her off. Ill bring it Thanksgiving. Okay, gotta jet. See you, he said, and with a wink, he sauntered out the door.

CHAPTER fourteen began with a mutual bath and cleansing, and was supposed to progress to something a bit more athletic, but thanks to some yin-and-yang techniques Flynn had perfected on his own, they never got past the bubble bath and champagne.

Afterward, they lounged in the bath, lying at opposite ends. Flynns toes were doing a little postcoital exploration on their own, but Rachels were on either side of his head, and wiggled when she talked.

He was admiring her, scarcely hearing her discourse on the intricacies of successful sidewalk pamphlet distribution, or whatever odd job shed done recently, because he was thinking of their lovemaking and how terribly pleased he was that she was a lustful lover, a woman who was as emboldened to seek her own pleasure as she was to give it.

Irishe didnt really like thinking of Irisbut while Iris thought nothing, apparently, of blowing Paul, she had been a fragile lover with him, always making little sounds to signal her fear of being broken in two, or her displeasure with particular positions.

Rachel, on the other hand, was eager to try almost any-thing, reveling in the most intimate of acts, encouraging him with her voice and her body. His orgasms were seismic, like a meteorite crashing to earth, and that just made him want her all the more.

So when she asked him what he was thinking, he felt himself get a bit red-faced. What, wasnt I listening with proper discernment? he asked with a lopsided smile.

No, you werent listening at all, she said, playfully splashing him. I asked you how you liked America, and you just grinned, she said as she pushed herself up and reached over the edge of the tub for the champagne bottle.

I adore America, he said.

Really? she asked as she hoisted the champagne over the side of the tub and refreshed one of the four glass tumblers the corporate flat boasted. Ive known some Europeans who dont care for it.

Thats what they say, Flynn said, holding his glass out to be refilled. They like to hate America, when really, this is where theyd like to be. As for myself, Im not afraid to say itI like America, and I adore at least one American.

Rachel smiled prettily and leaned up again. Flynn languidly watched her breasts rise from the water and float there as she put the bottle away. And I like the U.K., she said thoughtfully. Its funny, isnt it? Were so compatible in so many ways.

Its refreshing, Flynn agreed, and chuckled when he stuck his big toe in between her legs and Rachel gave a little squeal. But her eyes lit up with pleasure, and she shifted slightly, forcing his toe to slip deeper between her legs.

Youre a shameless tart, you know that, he said, grinning wickedly.

Its all your fault, Mr. Oliver. A man is not supposed to know about toes So if you like it, do you think youll stay?

If the rest of me is permitted to join the toe.

I meant, Rachel giggled, do you think youll stay in America?

That stopped his toes exploration cold. Of course hed thought of it, but hed come to no satisfactory conclusion for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was his uncertainty of how Rachel fit into the museum scheme.

But he forced a smile to his face and shrugged his shoulders behind a sip of champagne. I couldnt rightly say, love. Why, have you an offer for me?

She laughed as she idly made a mountain of bubbles between them. Maybe, she said diffidently. I just wondered. Not that I am expecting anything, you know, but

As her voice trailed off, Flynn sensed something, and put his glass aside, sat up, leaning forward to see her over the mountain of bubbles. But ?

She looked up; the intense expression in her blue-green eyes pierced him clean through, so much that he almost reared back. An uneasiness cropped up in the pit of his belly, a certain signal of danger, but he held her gaze nonetheless

But I am falling have fallen in love with you.

The pronouncement so stunned Flynn that for a moment, he could not move, could not so much as draw a breath. He felt like a sodding idiot, an inexperienced fool. How could he have not seen this coming?

Rachel , he started calmly and quietly, but saw instantly that it was too late to salvage the moment, for she had seen and heard his hesitation and took it to mean her feelings were unrequited. Only nothing could have been further from the truth, really, and he was desperate to know how to say so without giving everything away, months worth of work, as she sank back against the edge of the tub, sliding down and down until the water was up to her chin, her face almost crimson.

But hey, dont let that get to you, she said with a very uneasy laugh before he could muddle his way through this excruciatingly unpleasant moment. Im the type to fall in love with just about anyone, she said, and he could hear the anxiety in her chuckle. People, animals, plants, she added with another panicked laugh. I even had a bike once that I fell in love with. I named him Arthurafter King Arthur, of courseand I rode him around the grounds, round and round. But I was like, twelve or something, way too old to be in love with a bike. Ha ha, right?

When Flynn didnt laugh, she suddenly shot up out of the water, sent some of it slopping over the sides in her haste to get up. Flynn tried to reach for her, but she backed away from him, stood there naked with dozens of rivulets of soapy water running down her body. Food, too. Remember chocolate? Now thats love. And movies. Ive seen Braveheart about ten times, did I tell you that? I just love that movie!

Rachel, please listen, will you? Flynn tried as she stepped over the tub and onto the small bathmat.

Oh no, Ive made you feel awkward! Im sorry, Flynn, I was really just sort of kidding around! she said, her hand flailing helplessly. Honestly! I dont expect you to say anything in return, and really, I thought youd just laugh, she said gaily, and reached for a towel, hurriedly wrapped herself in it, then struggled with the wet mane of hair down her back.

Its not that I dont have feelings, he tried in desperation, but thought it sounded terribly hollow. He stood up.

Rachel thrust a towel at him without looking at him, and honestly, for the first time, she seemed afraid to look at him. Oh, I know, she said. Its obvious you like me well enough, or we wouldnt be doing this, right? she said, and stepped to the sink and mirror, and focused on her hair, watching herself comb it except that the mirror was fogged over and she couldnt possibly see a thing.

Flynn wrapped the towel around his waist as he stepped out of the tub, then stepped behind her, wrapped his arms around her. I do adore you, Rachel. I do , he insisted. There are just some things I cannot explain, at least not yet, he said, feeling fantastically phony for it.

You dont have to explain anything, Flynn, she said, and leaned forward to the mirror again at the same time she pulled her hair over her shoulder, forcing him to let go of her. She began to braid it.

Ive hurt you. Stating the obvious made him feel like an ass.

You havent! she insisted in a high voice. Like I said, I didnt expect anything in return. I was just talking.

Rachel. Dear God, there is so much I want to say

Oh stop, will you? Youre making this into a much bigger deal than it is, really! she insisted with a laugh, and turned around, leaned up against the sink, smiling. A smile that came nowhere near her eyes. There was no masking the distress and humiliation he saw in her eyes, and hed never felt like such a cad as he did at that very moment.