Perfect Fit (7 page)

“I’d love to go on a date with you tomorrow, Mr Jacobs.” Regina placed her hand on the table.

Spencer put his hand on top of hers. “I’ll pick you up at six-thirty in our foyer, Mrs Jacobs.”

She breathed deeply—she loved hearing him say it, and he knew it. Regina squirmed in her chair, fighting the urge to go around the table and kiss him. Spencer’s grin told her he knew the effect he was having on her. She returned his smile and watched his fade as his eyes widened.

“It’s not good to tempt me, Doc.”

“Christ, they’re playing doctor already. Get a room, guys.” Dakota strolled in carrying a container and a drink.

Regina frowned at him. “We are in a room…my office, to be exact. I’m having lunch with
my husband
.” She looked at Spencer. He winked and chuckled. Regina glanced back at Dakota, then frowned when she spotted Blake then the rest of her partners entering—all carrying food from Braxton’s. Julianne came in last with Keenan Callaghan, her fiancé.

“Are we having a party?”

“Spencer deigned to grace up with his presence. It is a party that we haven’t had in a long time,” Dakota retorted.

“F—”

“Behave, Reggie.” Spencer moved to her side of the table, bringing his food with him. He sat on the arm of her chair.

Julianne took a seat and Keenan the other. The others spread out around them, some sitting on chairs and others the floor. Before she knew it, they were all eating and chatting. Spencer was even getting along with Blake. Regina shook her head. She should have known they would find their way here. It happened whenever Spencer came by for lunch, which was rarely. They were all close so when he came by, the partners found their way to join them for lunch. Spencer used to come to many of their functions or get-togethers, but it was iffy as to whether he actually stayed or was called into the hospital. Regina leaned against him and ate her food without really tasting it. She was just enjoying being with him and their friends.

Spencer’s cell rang, and he glanced at the display, then at her. Regina placed his partially finished lunch in the bag as he answered. She didn’t listen to his conversation, already knowing what was coming. It was usually a variation of what happened, but the same result—he was leaving for an emergency. She was used to it as a doctor’s wife. She smiled even as she thought it. She hadn’t felt like one in a while.

“Sorry, guys, gotta go,” Spencer spoke, capturing her attention.

Their friends and Blake gave him their goodbyes. Regina rose and lifted the bag, carrying it as she followed him to the terrace door. They paused by the door and she looked at him.

“Be safe.”

“You always say that.” Spencer grinned softly. “Missed it.”

“Me too.” She handed him the bag. “See you soon.”

“I’ll be home after you’ve already left for work in the morning.” He touched her cheek. “I’m looking forward to our date.”

“Ditto.” She pushed him playfully. “Now, go make people well.”

He chuckled then left. She leaned against the doorjamb and watched as he crossed the expansive porch. Regina took her cell out of her pocket, then dialled. She smiled as
Trust
by Keyshia Cole featuring Monica started to ring. Spencer stopped, frowning and looking at his cell. He turned his head, staring at her and inclining his head. Spencer lifted his hand, and she waved. Then he went down the steps, disappearing from view. She disconnected the call.

“Why did you change his ringtone this time?” Julianne came to join her.

She looked at her friend. The happiness on her face radiated through her whole being. Regina was so happy that after the tragedy Julianne had gone through losing her first husband, she’d managed to find someone again. She glanced to where Spencer had gone. Hopefully, this was also a new start with her old love.

“He pulled a caveman with Blake.” Regina glanced at Julianne. “You could have told me, Jules, that Blake”—she glanced at the room beyond and noted no one was looking at them, but lowered her voice anyway—“
liked
liked me.”

“Ahhh…so you finally noticed. I was wondering how long it would take you to figure it out. Hell, we all were.” Julianne grinned. “Dakota owes me a hundred bucks. He thought you never would.”

“You bet on me?”

“Yep. A hundred.” Julianne shoved her shoulder. “We can go to Simply
Essential
to get some housedresses to drive Spencer insane. They’re having a sale.”

“Only if you’re buying something for me out of that hundred.” She thought of her date. “I have a date with my husband. I need to go to the shop later to get something to wear. Wanna come?”

“Sure.” Julianne studied her. “Don’t let the silence linger.”

Regina knew what she meant. She remember their conversation a few months ago when she’d told Julianne that very thing. Regina nodded.

“Good. It’s great to see you two together again.”

“We have things to work out.”

“Yes. But now you’re under the same roof. That’s a start back to each other.” Julianne clapped her hands. “Now, we’ll have to outfit you so you can bring him to his knees.”

“If only I can be that lucky,” she muttered.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Regina linked her arms with her. “We’ll go after work.”

“Why wait? It’s not like we have anything pressing to do.” Julianne turned them to face the room. “Who’s up to a trip to Simply
Essential
? Regina has a date with Spencer.”

The women all agreed to go, already getting up. The men rose, looking resigned, then met by the table. Regina watched, confused, as Keenan, Dakota and Byron—another of her partners and Dakota’s brother—placed out their hands, then made the gestures of rock, paper, scissors then shot. Blake watched too, his expression as confused as she felt.

“What is that about?”

Julianne laughed, then said, “I took Keenan to the shop, and it was sensory overload for him. He loved the results, but hated the shopping. He said too many women were ogling him. Hell, he’s a handsome man. He should expect it. He didn’t like that there were so many men there, either, even though some were there with other women. Said they were watching me too much.” Julianne rolled her eyes. “He’s jealous, but won’t admit it. He started a movement between the men in the family and friends that if any of us say we are going in any of their presences, one of the men would have to go with us to make sure we’re safe from the marauding men.” Julianne up her hands. “Those were his words.”

“And you let him get away with that?” Regina looked at them in disbelief.

She saw they were talking low to Blake. He blinked, then started to laugh.

“He thinks he is. I’ve already dissuaded the men. Dakota and Byron know better and are just humouring him. They find it funny that he gave me a ring”—she wiggled her finger—“and now he’s jealous when he wasn’t before. I figure it’s upcoming wedding jitters. He’ll get over it soon. Or I’ll make him.” Julianne’s grin was fierce.

Regina chuckled. Her phone dinged and she glanced at it. She opened the text from Spencer and read it, smiling.

I’ll work on my trust. Won’t do it again. Leave my ring tone alone. :) Crazy woman.

She looked at Julianne. “He’ll get used to your idiosyncrasies.”

“Yep. Like Spencer is to yours. He probably missed that changing your ring tone thing.”

“He did.” She chuckled.

“Come on, ladies. I’ll go with you to this Simply
Essential
.” Blake shook his head at Keenan. “You reap the benefits of her looking so good. No need to worry about others looking. She won’t let them touch. Trust her.” Blake walked over to them.

“Now, see? Blake you are such a smart man.” Julianne slid her arm into his, looking back at Keenan.

Regina stifled a laugh at Keenan’s sheepish expression. It was good to see the man who was usually so sure of himself realise he was being jealous. It was silly, since Julianne loved him, and before she’d let him in her life, she had been alone for a long time.

“Reggie.” Blake held out his other arm.

She took it and smiled. “Rascal. You’re a troublemaker.”

“I know. But I’m so good at it.” He laughed. “Let’s go, ladies.” He led them out of the terrace door. Regina heard the others following. “Get the ladies’ bags and meet us at the car, Keenan!” Blake called out.

“I’m not liking you much at the moment, Blake!” Keenan yelled.

Regina laughed. The two of them had got along from the start and become great friends. Blake led them to the van he used to transport his wares. He opened the door and they piled in. After closing the door, he jogged around the hood and got in the driver’s seat. Looking through the windshield, Regina saw Keenan as well as Dakota and Byron coming down the steps with their purses. They were bickering. She shook her head at their antics. When they arrived at the van, they all got in, then Blake headed towards the main road. Regina listened absently as Keenan spoke behind her from where he sat next to Julianne.

“I was being a jealous fool.”

“Uh-huh,” she replied. “But you’re my fool.” Julianne paused. “Do it again and you’ll be sorry.”

Keenan laughed then they were silent. Regina peeked and saw them kissing. She faced forward.

“Hey! I’m sitting right here. No groping in the back seat,” Dakota said.

“I’m here too, and you don’t hear me whining,” Rayne, another of her partners, said. “Suck it up. They are in love.”

Regina laughed. She listened to their banter as she planned what she wanted for her date. Spencer hadn’t told her where they were going, but she remembered she’d seen an outfit at the store that she had wanted to get. Now she had an excuse. She hummed as she imagined the look on his face when he saw her.

* * * *

Regina smoothed the cotton jersey fabric trying to control her excitement as she checked herself one more time in the mirror. The rich green of the halter-top pantsuit complemented her eyes and skin tone. The draped neckline left a tantalising glimpse of the top of her breasts. The gold double necklace with coloured gems placed periodically throughout and matching bracelet on her wrist completed the outfit. She looked down at the hem of the pantsuit which stopped at her ankles, showing off her toes in her opened toed sandals, and her nails. Both were now a pale beige colour with a floral design on them. Regina looked at herself again in the glass and touched the backcomb that held her hair pinned up at one side. It had starburst gems the same green as her clothing. She’d left the rest of her hair down around her shoulders, and she stepped back, liking how her kinky curls moved with her. She lifted her shaking hand then shook it out before placing it over her stomach. Butterflies were dancing in her stomach. She laughed at herself for being so silly. This was a date with her husband—the man she knew almost as well as she knew herself. She rolled her shoulders then breathed out, feeling a sense of rightness settle inside her.

Yep. She was ready for this date. She chuckled, then patted the hidden pockets in the pants suit. She had lipstick, money and her keys. Turning, she headed out of the bedroom then descended the stairs. Spencer must have heard her because he came out of the living room. Regina paused, caught by the look in his eyes. It made her tingle in all the right places. She hadn’t seen such naked desire on his face in a long time.

Someone is getting lucky tonight.
She fought a smirk at the thought. So much for his no sex rule. She finished coming down the steps and checked him over. He was in beige—an open necked shirt, partially unbuttoned, leaving a tempting glimpse of his chest visible, and his slacks were slightly loose. Open-toed sandals completed his attire. Spencer met her at the bottom of the stairs.

“Dakota tried to warn me, but you can’t ever be prepared for this.” Spencer held her hand, staring at her. “You’re lovely, Reggie.”

“You too, Spence.” She placed her other hand on his chest, smoothing down his shirt and straightening his collar. “Where are we going?”

“Bella’s.”

“Perfect.” She snuggled against him.

Spencer held her loosely around the waist. Bella’s was perfect for seduction. The supper club was a classy yet comfortable dining establishment. Although reservations were in high demand, Regina figured Spencer had called Bella, the owner, herself. After all, she was family. Bella was Julianne’s cousin. Regina was looking forward to spending the night there, from cocktail hour to the great food, then enjoying the nightclub or live entertainment after dinner. She froze as she thought of dancing with Spencer. Panic set in and she inhaled deeply, trying to calm.

“Reggie? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” She stepped back. “Let’s get going.”

Spencer led her across the foyer and out of the front door. She locked up then they went to his car, and in moments were headed out for their night. Regina looked out of the window, wondering if she could dance with him. He was right that she hadn’t danced in a long time.

“Reggie, if you don’t want to go, we don’t have to.”

Pull it together.
“No, I want to.” She smiled at him. “How was your day today?”

He studied her in the dim light of the car interior, then spoke. “It was good. Strange being back on the day shift. Lots of new faces.”

Regina listened and asked questions as they chatted, driving towards Bella’s. By the time they arrived at the club, she was in a better frame of mind. They went to the door, bypassing the line of people. They gave the bouncer their names, and he let them enter.

“The line is kind of long for a weekday.” Regina wondered why. “Is there something going on today?”

Bella’s was busy in general, but the line wasn’t usually so long on weekdays.

“No idea.” They approached the hostess.

“Reggie, it’s good to see you again.” She looked at Spencer. “Long time no see, stranger.”

“I missed you too, Khandi.” Spencer tweaked her nose. “You don’t usually man the hostess stand even on nights when it looks as busy as it does tonight.”

“I’m gonna get my husband to beat you up.” Khandi Locke, Bella’s sister, smacked at Spencer’s hand. “And I don’t, but it’s a
special
night.”