Love With A Stranger (11 page)

Cass put aside the box, leaned back into the pillows, and closed her eyes to reminisce. Kristy had been her best friend for years before she married Tom and carelessly discarded her ex-sister-in-law because of Tom’s insistence she have nothing to do with Brad’s family. She had sneaked a few calls to Kristy during the first five months of their marriage; then a busy schedule, an argument with Tom after he discovered her action, and too much time passed swiftly until she was too embarrassed to phone Kristy and too worried about Tom’s reaction to disobey him.
I was stupid and weak-willed!
Cass admonished herself.
I should have told Tom that Kristy was my best friend and I wasn’t going to terminate the relationship! I was such a blind coward. I sacrificed so much to please him, to make him happy, to make our marriage work: and my thanks were countless sordid betrayals!

Cass hoped and prayed that Kristy would understand and forgive her. Cass suddenly realized that since Kristy and her parents knew about Tom’s death, so did Brad. She was glad her first husband hadn’t sent a card or phoned her; he was out of her life and that’s the way she wanted it!

Cass also realized she was getting agitated by those potent feelings and grim thoughts, and she cautioned herself to calm down just as Linda entered the room. “Time to take your vital
signs, Cass,” the pretty nurse told her, “before we go exercise. I’m sure your lunch is settled by now.”

“I’m ready when you are,”
more than ready for a distraction.

Linda took her pulse and blood pressure twice each, then looked at Cass. “What’s wrong? One’s too fast and the other is slightly elevated. And your cheeks are flushed and your muscles are taut. What brought this on?”

Cass hoped her half-lies would be convincing as she answered. “I was looking through sympathy cards and letters that arrived while I was…incapacitated, and thinking about Tom and old friends I haven’t seen for years. I can hardly believe how much my life has changed in the last month. Soon, I’ll have to make plans about my future; and I have to admit, that’s a. little scary.”

“It’s only normal to be intimidated and frightened of the unknown, and normal to have contradictory emotions,” Linda assured her change. “One can’t help but be angry at a loved one who died from…a preventable accident.” Linda knew from news reports that Thomas Grantham had been speeding and not wearing a seat belt. “I’ll fix you a cup of herbal tea to calm you. It isn’t time for your next pill and I’d rather not give you an extra one unless you really need it.”

“Tea and exercise and a soothing shower will do the trick,” Cass told her, then watched Linda record her symptoms and readings for Jason. She hoped the brief episode wouldn’t cause him to increase her medication, as she needed clear wits to deal with her problems.

While Linda was downstairs preparing the tea, Cass phoned Kristy in Augusta, but, according to her answering machine, she was out of town. After the beep tone sounded, Cass left a brief message and her phone number.

As Cass sipped the calming beverage Linda brought her, she planned the letter she would write to Kristy that afternoon so it would be waiting when her friend returned home. A letter, she reasoned, was the best way to contact Kristy after so long,
as she could explain her feelings and actions and it would give Kristy time to think things over before responding.

On her way to the spacious and well-equipped gym situated in one corner of the sprawling house, Cass halted for a few minutes to ask the housekeeper to clarify a point that troubled her. “Inez, why didn’t you tell me that Doctor Burkman stopped by to see me weeks ago?”

Inez’s words tumbled forth in rapid-fire succession. “I knew you were upset about those other nosy people and I didn’t realize you knew him that well and wanted to see him. You were asleep that day and I was busy with chores and I forgot about him with all that was going on. You had me so worried about you, ma’am.”

Cass was skeptical of the woman’s explanation, though the woman’s tone and expression didn’t indicate she was being dishonest. “Have those two detectives come around during my illness?”

“No, ma’am, I haven’t seen or heard from them.”

“Have they spoken with Peter again?”

“I don’t know, ma’am; he didn’t tell me. And I haven’t seen anything on TV or in the newspaper about it.”

“Are people still driving by the house?” Cass continued her questioning.

“Very few, ma’am, and nobody bothers me when I’m out.”

“That’s good news. Maybe things can get back to normal soon.”

“I hope so, ma’am; you don’t deserve being treated badly.”

“Thank you, Inez. I’ll be in the gym with Linda doing exercise. When you finish your chores, you can leave.” Cass halted her departure, turned, and said, “Oh, yes, I’m grateful for all you’ve done for me and I hope Linda’s presence isn’t too much extra work and disruption for you.”

“She’s no trouble, ma’am. She’s nice and she’s helping you a lot.”

As they worked out in the gym, Linda asked, “Is it all right to invite Jason to eat with us when he comes over after work? He must get tired of dining alone, and he’s good distraction for you.”

“That’s fine with me. He’s interesting and entertaining. And it will be a nice way to thank him for his concern and care.”

As Cass showered and got ready for dinner and their handsome guest, she thought how excited she was about seeing Jason. She was glad she didn’t detect any romantic interest in Linda for him, nor any in him for the nurse.

As she put on a light touch of makeup and a subtle hint of perfume, Cass decided there was a very important and private errand she needed to get out of her way and off of her mind tomorrow.

Jason wondered whose idea the invitation was. He hoped it was Cass’s, who looked good enough to devour in a blue pants outfit, her shiny brown hair caressing her shoulders as he longed to do. Her color appeared normal tonight on a flawless face with a dark-ivory complexion, and her mood serene. He yearned to trail his fingers over her high cheekbones, to gaze for ages into those expressive chocolate eyes, and to hold her in his arms. She had a magical way of chasing away his loneliness. It was a treat just to spend a brief time with her and a delight to converse with her. It would be ecstasy to lie in bed with her and—“This is a pleasant surprise, ladies,” he said as he quelled his provocative thoughts and took a seat at the glass-topped table to Cass’s left. “Otherwise, I’d be going home to a cold sandwich, chips, and cola and a dive into a oile of medical journals afterward.”

“You work too hard, so you can use a break,” Linda remarked.

Cass wondered if Jason was eyeing her in more than a professional manner. Her emotions were bruised and seeking appeasement,
and her imagination was running wild. Maybe after Tom and Brad’s betrayals, she needed to feel wanted. If only Jason didn’t look so appealing, she wouldn’t be so affected by him. He had removed his coat and tie, rolled up his sleeves to a few inches below his elbows, and unfastened the top two buttons of his shirt, giving her a partial view of a virile chest and strong forearms. His physique was excellent; his smile, easy and engaging; his blond hair, finger inviting. His blue eyes seemed to sparkle from an inner vitality and even his laughter was sexy. To cool the heat assailing her body, she said, “Linda’s right. Relax and enjoy yourself because this is a social occasion among friends. I’m sure we can all use a break tonight.”

“I know the customer is always supposed to be right and, in this case, I’m certain the patient is, so I’ll take her advice,” Jason remarked with a grin, causing Cass to send forth a radiant smile that fanned the flames of passion’s fire which already was ignited within him. He ordered himself to cool his blaze of hunger for her or he could expose his improper feelings. “It looks and smells delicious. Thanks, Linda,” he said as the nurse put a filled plate before him and set a basket of rolls nearby.

“Just let me know if you two want seconds. I’m keeping everything covered on the stove. For some stubborn reason, broccoli and rice refuse to behave themselves by staying warm on the table, and gravy likes to blanket itself with a yucky film to hold its heat.”

Jason and Cass exchanged smiles at Linda’s amusing descriptions.

The nurse observed how they looked at each other; then how both almost shyly glanced away as if they didn’t want to be caught.
So,
she mused,
I wasn’t wrong; they are attracted to each other, and they’d make such a perfect couple. After all he’s suffered in the past, Jason deserves a good woman like Cassandra. As for you, Cass, methinks you didn’t have a happy marriage, my new friend, or you would be grieving more over
your husband’s death and you’d show no interest in your virile physician this soon after your loss. It will be most interesting to watch a romance blossom between you two. Perhaps I can help this little bud come to fruition.

Cass eyed the golden-brown baked chicken sprinkled with assorted herbs, fluffy white rice with gravy made from the chicken drippings and canned cream of chicken soup, steamed broccoli with butter, and spiced apple rings on her plate. “Linda’s a wonderful cook, Jason,” she half-jested, “and I suspect she’s trying to fatten me up.”

“Well, you have lost weight since I last saw you at the club,” Jason observed before taking a bite of chicken, “so take advantage of it. I have to say, Cass, you look and sound better every time I see you.”

“That’s because I’m receiving such excellent care from you two. I just may get spoiled with all of this superb attention and service.”

Jason chuckled. “Well, it never hurts to be spoiled and pampered once in a while. Isn’t that right, Linda?”

“Absolutely, and Cass deserves it. She’s one of the best patients I’ve ever had. We’re becoming good friends and having fun.”

Cass laughed and joked, “Even when she works me hard in the gym. Mercy, I must be terribly out of shape because she has to massage me after every session so I can move again.”

Jason couldn’t help but envision Cass lying naked on a bed while
he
massaged and stroked her from head to feet, both soothing and arousing her body. As he collected a forkful of rice and gravy, he told her, “Exercise and proper diet will help keep that blood pressure down so we won’t have to depend on extra medication to do the trick.”

Cass knew he was referring to what he had read earlier on her chart about her tension this afternoon. He, like Linda, had believed her deceitful excuse. Though she felt guilty about lying to them, some things were too personal and humiliating
to reveal. She was certain her thoughts and emotions would be vastly different tonight if she didn’t know the truth about Tom and it didn’t ravage her soul. “That suits me better than using drugs.”

“They serve their purpose when needed, but they shouldn’t be abused. In my physician’s opinion, it’s better to let the patient and nature do most of the healing work.”

Jason was elated by Cass’s physical and emotional improvements. He was delighted he had taken the risk to reach her and to bring her back from a dazed state which he still found dubious. There was no way he could prove it, but he believed her original condition was caused—probably by drugs secreted into her food and/or drink—by someone whose wicked streak he knew too well. He suspected there was a devious reason why Peter Grantham had needed to keep Cass’s mind clouded for a while, a reason that most likely had to do with money and inheritances and that had Peter worried and angered and desperate. Jason had known Cass for less than a year, but he didn’t think her recent erratic behavior was normal for her, even in the midst of a tragic ordeal. She was so good and trusting that it probably hadn’t entered her mind she was being duped and harmed. No matter what he had to do, Jason vowed, he was going to make sure she wasn’t tricked again. He turned his attention to the two women. “I’m glad to see you’re getting along so well; I was certain you would.”

“It’s wonderful having someone nice around me every day,” Cass admitted. “A house can get awfully big and quiet and lonely by oneself.”

“I know what you mean,” Jason concurred. “Especially with children grown and gone.”

“I wouldn’t know about that since I’ve never had any. Tell me about yours,” Cass coaxed as she tried to suppress the anguish and disappointment she carried with her at being childless. But it wasn’t too late to have a family, she told
herself, if she could find a special man who was agreeable to starting one at their ages.

Jason noticed the momentary sad look in Cass’s eyes before she concealed it. He couldn’t help but wonder if not having children was a medical problem for her or Tom, or a personal decision made with her husband because of his age or a reluctance to share her. He wouldn’t mind having another child, especially with Cass; in fact, the idea was most appealing to him. “I have fraternal twins,” he revealed. “A boy and a girl, twenty-three. I married and had children while I was young. I lost my wife to breast cancer four years ago. My daughter lives in Savannah with her husband and her two-year-old boys, identical twins named Larry and Harry. Traci’s husband owns and runs a construction company there; he does residential and small job commercial building. My son is studying at the medical college of Georgia in Augusta; Stacey wants to become a surgeon and practice in Atlanta. Considering his high grades, dedication, and determination, I’m confident he’ll succeed.”

Cass knew he had spoken of his first wife, a woman to whom he had been married for nineteen happy years according to Linda. He had wed his second wife less than a year after his beloved’s death and had divorced after only two years of marriage, thirteen months ago. Linda hadn’t revealed the reason for the break-up if she knew it. Cass reasoned that Jason could have remarried too hastily out of loneliness and a need to fit into a “couple’s world.” Possibly his second wife had wearied over competing with a ghost, or his two children could have caused dissension. Perhaps Jason Burkman wasn’t the perfect man she presumed him to be. Considering her track record selecting husbands, maybe she wasn’t a good judge of character where men were concerned. Being twice wed and both having marriages that terminated in death and divorce gave her and Jason something in common, though a sad and negative matching thread in their lives. “Does Stacey have a girlfriend or fiancée?”

Jason pierced a broccoli flower with his fork. “Not yet; he claims he’s too busy studying and working to have time for a serious romance.”

“Ah, one of the woes of becoming and being a doctor,” Linda quipped. “So little time and energy for taking care of matters of the heart.”

Jason nodded and asked Cass, “Do you have any family back home?”

“No, unfortunately. I was a late and only child, and my parents have been dead for years. What about you, Jason, any other family?”

“No siblings, but my parents are alive. They live in Richmond where my father owns and runs a medical supply company. My mother’s hoping he’ll retire this year so they can travel while they’re still healthy.”

“Is Richmond your hometown?” Cass asked.

“No, I’m from a little dot on the map that’s close to the Virginia capital. You said you’re also from a small town, right?”

“Yes, a tiny rural one called Neece; it’s near Athens; that’s where I moved to and worked for a while after high school graduation; then, later to Augusta.” Cass stopped her narrative to eat for a few minutes because she didn’t want to tell them she had relocated to Augusta because she had married her high school sweetheart and he was going to college there. Brad had assumed it would be easier to get through a small college rather than the University of Georgia in Athens. She had worked her fanny off to support them, as Brad had failed three courses and had to improve two grades in his major, so he had required an extra year to finish. That sorry excuse for a husband had shown his love, devotion, and gratitude by cheating on her!

“Did your parents move to Augusta with you?” Linda asked, trying to help Jason get better acquainted with Cass. She couldn’t do the same for her new friend because she herself knew the answers to the same questions she was asking Cass.
Any forays she made into that territory would tell Jason she was playing cupid and that could make him nervous, so it was up to Cass to glean any facts she wanted from him.

“No, my parents stayed on their farm until…I lost them five years ago.” She hurried on with the first thing that came to mind to prevent a wave of sadness from attacking her. “I attended college in Augusta. I started at twenty-three and it took me five and a half years to finish. The first two years, I went full-time on a grant, but that was a struggle when funds were reduced. The rest of the time, I took night classes and worked during the day as a secretary at a company that makes golf carts. I stayed there after graduation because they promoted me to administrative assistant.”

“Augusta, Georgia, is mighty big on golf,” Jason remarked to keep her talking and him learning more about her past.

“Yes, it is; the Masters Golf Tournament is held there every April.”

“It’s next week. Stacey asked me if I was coming up to attend, but my schedule is too busy at this time. His, too, for a visit. Augusta has several golf cart makers, doesn’t it?”

“Yes: E-Z-GO, Club Car, and Smooth Rider. I was working for Smooth Rider when Tom purchased the company three and a half years ago; that’s where we met, then married a year later. What about your family, Linda?” she asked to change the subject. She intentionally had mentioned Tom before one of them inquired about him, which would be normal.

“I’m from Jacksonville,” Linda related. “I still have parents and two married sisters with children living there. I worked in the southeastern Georgia Regional Hospital in Brunswick before I signed on with a home health-care agency to do privateduty assignments. I fell in love with this area and the pay is excellent, so I decided to stay here. Well, now that we’re finished eating, why don’t we play some gin rummy after I clear the table and load the dishwasher? I have a deck of cards
with me upstairs. A lot of my older patients loved the game, so they got me addicted to it.”

Cass laughed at her expression. “Suits me. What about you, Jason?”

“Suits me, too, but I’m sorely out of practice with cards.”

“Don’t worry,” Linda teased, “we’ll only play for funzies.”

Cass and Jason insisted on helping Linda with the clean-up chores before she left the kitchen to fetch the cards from her guest room.

While the nurse was gone, Jason said, “You look lovely tonight, Cass, and I’m really enjoying myself. I play golf regularly and play a little tennis with friends, but I don’t get out much like this. Having a social life is difficult at times, especially for a single person and somebody my age.”

“You make yourself sound ancient. How old
are
you?”

“Forty-two.”

“That’s young, Jason. So, how else do you spend your leisure time?”

“On occasion, I go boating, fishing, crabbing, or shrimping; the fresh air would do you good if you want to come along. You already know I enjoy the local ballet, orchestra, and symphony. Any of those would be nice diversions for you. This area also has more than its share of excellent restaurants. What about joining me for some of those outings? As you said earlier, we can both use occasional breaks.”

“All of them sound tempting, Jason, and I could sorely use distractions, but it wouldn’t look proper for me to go socializing with a man so soon after Tom’s death. I would appreciate it if you ask me again later,” she added for encouragement and to soften her refusal.

Jason lowered his voice to a whisper to ask, “Who’s to know and judge you, if we go only to places mostly frequented by tourists?”

“Peter and Inez would know and probably disapprove.”