Page 15 of Unexpected Union

He leaned his head closer. The sweetfragrance he’d smelled earlier enveloped him. He liked it, likedthe memories that it brought. Hesitantly he reached up to pat herback, letting his hand move to her head, savoring the silky textureof her hair again. It was still as soft as it looked. What alwayssurprised him was how warm it felt.

“I’m so mad at you,” she wailed.

“Why?”

She pushed against his shoulder, steppingback when he released her. Turning, she pulled a paper towel fromthe roll and blew her nose. Keeping her back to him, she wiped hereyes.

She shrugged. “You are risking your verylife for a dumb job. That’s such a waste.”

“Sometimes a man has to work to getahead—”

She spun around and glared at him. Mitchnoticed the spiky lashes, still drenched in tears. For a moment heremembered he’d heard once that pregnancy lent a certain glow towomen. It must be true. Audra looked beautiful—tears, enormousshape and all.

“No! I won’t accept that excuse. What areyou getting ahead for?”

He didn’t want to be discussing this. Hetried to avoid entanglements for this very reason. He felt totallyout of his depth and didn’t like it a bit. Give him a clear-cutcriminal case and he was a pro.

Not some emotional quagmire that he hadn’t aclue how to navigate.

“I wanted to provide you with nice things,”he said slowly.

“You’re talking about buyingthings.I didn’t wantthings. I earn a sufficient salary on my ownto enable me to afford a nice apartment, pretty clothes, baby toys.I wanted attention from my husband. You’re devoted to work andthat’s that. Of course, did you ever think about the fact you don’thave any outside activities? No hobbies? And you will be all alonein your old age, unless you count Thomas and Tessa. But I don’thave to worry about that do I? Nor will you if you keep crashingcars.”

“I work hard because I like it.”

Why was he defending himself? Was it becausehe’d heard virtually the same lecture from Thomas just a weekago?

“And what else do you like?” shechallenged.

Mitch stared at her. The question echoed andreechoed.

What else did he like?

What had he taken time to enjoy over theyears? When was the last time he’d gone swimming or playedbaseball? What was the last movie he’d seen for the sheer fun ofit? What about the last time he went to a nice restaurant to enjoya meal? Or seen a play or gone to a ball game?

He remembered and the memory was poignant.They’d gone together to that Italian restaurant and ended upfighting.

She gave a sad smile. “Go on and get back toyour work. It’s what defines you.”

She spun around and pulled out a pot,banging it on the stove.

He cleared his throat. “Shall I plan to eathere?”

“Whatever.”

He didn’t want to leave. Yet Audra hadobviously dismissed him. She was already pulling food from therefrigerator, then a huge frying pan from the lower cupboard.

Feeling disoriented, Mitch returned to theliving room. He had several papers he had printed. His secretarywas sending him two briefs and the report she’d drafted for hisboss by courier. He’d have them in the morning.

But for the first time the exhilaration ofwork waned.

He placed the laptop on the table and walkedto the door. Pushing open the screen door, he stepped out on theporch. Sitting on one of the dark green Adirondack chairs, he gazedout across the ground to the glimpse of the lake.

One small mishap and everybody and hisbrother thought they had the right to chastise him for his chosenway of life. First his doctor, then Thomas, now Audra. Or Audraagain.

Could there be a hint of truth in what theyall said? Maybe, just maybe, he needed to take a long hard look athis life.

Chapter Five

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