Читать книгу Single Kid Seeks Dad - Linda Randall Wisdom - Страница 11

“How is Nick doing with his community service?” Ginna Stone asked when she met Lucy for lunch a week later.

Ginna had called her that morning and suggested that since she had the day off from the hair salon they get together for lunch. Lucy was always glad to see her best friend and new sister-in-law. Lucy had always thought Ginna would be a perfect match for her brother, Zach. She proved it when she’d secretly paired the two for an island getaway. Now they’d been married for months, and Lucy had never seen them happier. Ginna joked that she was going to return the favor by fixing Lucy up with Mr. Right, but so far her matchmaking efforts had failed.

“He’s doing very well. He goes over to that clinic and cleans up after animals and cats and exercises the dogs, but he still won’t go near Luther’s litter box,” Lucy told her. “His excuse is that he’s so tired from his work at the clinic he only has enough energy left to do his homework.”

Ginna chuckled. “But he finally acknowledges Luther has a litter box. I remember when he pretended it didn’t exist. Isn’t that a step in the right direction?”

“I guess so. I still don’t understand why Nick did this. He’s always had an inventive mind, but he’d outgrown that mischievous streak of his. He was really behaving himself. Until now.”

“Zach once told me about some of Nick’s more colorful antics.” Ginna sipped her iced tea. “And to think you let Nick live,” she teased.

“There were times when I wondered which one of us would survive his childhood,” Lucy admitted. “When Nick was eight, the school psychologist told me that Nick was acting out because he didn’t have a father figure. Zach had gone to the appointment with me and told the man that Nick had him as a male figure in his life. He felt the school needed to do its part by offering Nick and kids like him more challenges. That’s why I was so happy when we moved out here and I found Fairfield. They offer just the right programs for a boy with his smarts. Until this happened. Now I’m just grateful they didn’t expel him.” She sighed.

“Look at it this way. Nick had a lapse of good judgment. He’s becoming a teenager, Luce. Collectively, my brothers don’t have intelligence anywhere close to Nick’s. Trust me, they pulled some pretty wild stunts in their day. Mom claimed it’s because of them that she had to start coloring her hair so young.”

“No wonder I have highlights done so often.” Lucy laughed. “How are Emma and Trey doing?” She mentioned her niece and nephew, Ginna’s stepchildren.

“They both love second grade. The principal talked to us about putting them in different classes. They prefer splitting up twins unless the parents object. It gives the kids a chance to be more individual. Zach and I thought it was a good idea since Trey seems to follow in Emma’s shadow too much. Now that he’s in a different class he’s had a chance to come into his own more. He stands up to her in ways he wouldn’t have dreamed of before, and last weekend he even pulled a practical joke on her. It’s great to see him turn into his very own little individual.”

“For someone who didn’t want kids, you’ve sure turned into Super Mom,” Lucy teased. “And to think you were so mad at me for setting you up with Zach on your trip.”

“Which you will never let me forget,” Ginna verbally tossed back, but she looked very happy as she uttered the words.

Lucy grinned back. “You’ve loved every minute of it.”

“Yes, I have. In fact—” she leaned forward “—it’s nothing definite yet, but Zach and I are looking at property out this way.” She held up her hand. “We haven’t said anything to my parents yet. For Zach, writing his magazine column and now his books means he can work anywhere, and while I enjoy working for CeCe at the Steppin’ Out Salon, the idea of having my own salon has been calling me for the past year or so. If it works out, Nora and I would look for local space. She and Mark are looking around here, too.”

“Abby said she and Jeff found a house in the area. They don’t want to say anything to Cathy and Lou until the escrow closes,” Lucy said, mentioning Ginna’s oldest brother and sister-in-law. “She said there’s another fire station opening and Jeff has already put in for a position there. Lou said if the rest of the Walker sons would return to Riverside County he could have his very own fire-fighting department and paramedics.” She grinned.

“They’ll love having everyone around them. Dad used to joke about his Walker Dynasty,” Ginna said. “Which, whether you like it or not, you are a part of.”

“I learned that the day of Nick’s hearing. I was very grateful for everyone’s support,” she confessed.

“That’s the way they are. Dad always hoped that at least one of the boys would go into the auto renovation business with him, but he should have known better; Jeff wanted to be a fireman since the day he accidentally set the garage on fire, and Brian and Mark are naturals as paramedics. Now Dad hopes one of the grandkids has grease in his or her veins.” She chuckled. “Don’t you find it odd that Nick is working for the man you’ve avoided all these months?”

“Not the way my life is going.”

“I thought for sure Logan was going to be successful at Grandpa’s birthday party.”

Lucy shook her head. “Luckily, Mark’s proposal to Nora took the spotlight off us.” She remembered that evening very well. It seemed every time she turned around Logan was there. While she was attracted to the blond, good-looking veterinarian, she was also wary. She had an idea the man knew just how cute he was and capitalized on it. Since Lucy’s ex-husband had been blond and good-looking, she tended to stay away from the type.

Ginna peered at her closely. “Lucy. You’re not—” She suddenly burst out laughing, “You are! You’re blushing. Lucy, you’re blushing!”

Lucy resisted the urge to feel her cheeks to see if they felt as warm to the touch as she sensed. “I am not.”

“Yes, you are!” Ginna was delighted with her friend’s loss of composure. “Logan is very good-looking.”

“If you like the aging-surfer look.”

“Blond hair and a tan don’t automatically make you a surfer. Besides, I understand he gave that up after he graduated from veterinary school.”

“That type plays the field as if they’re still in high school,” Lucy pointed out. “Besides, I don’t need a man in my life.”

“Yeah, right.” Ginna held up her left hand with its sparkling diamond wedding band and engagement ring displayed on the third finger. “That’s what I said and look what happened.”

LUCY MENTALLY CURSED Ginna for planting ideas in her head. She even felt a little nervous when she arrived at the clinic to pick up Nick. She never suffered from paranoia until all her friends wanted to do some matchmaking for her.

As she walked into the clinic she steeled herself to come face to face with Logan. She hadn’t seen him the past few days, but she didn’t expect her luck to continue to hold.

“Mom, I need to come in real early tomorrow,” Nick greeted his mother.

She wrinkled her nose at the smelly young man standing in front of her. “And you have to do this because…?”

“It’s Adoption Day. The dogs have to be bathed and brushed and the cats have to get cleaned up,” he explained. “Jeremy can’t come in early because he’s got an exam. I thought maybe you’d come in with me and help. You will help us, won’t you?”

“Nick said you wouldn’t mind helping us out, Mrs. Donner,” Kristi spoke up.

Lucy wondered if the young woman owned anything other than black crop tops and camouflage pants. Each time she’d seen Kristi the wardrobe had been the same. Still, she doubted the young woman had trouble deciding what to wear when she got up in the morning.

Nick beseeched her. “Please, Mom?”

She could never turn him down when he used the magic word. “Just don’t make a habit of this.”

“We’d appreciate it, Mrs. Donner,” Kristi said.

“Logan, Mom said she’ll help us tomorrow,” Nick called out.

When Logan walked into the kennel area a large macaw with green and turquoise feathers was perched on his shoulder. Lucy noticed that the hungry-looking Malamute trotted along beside him. He still had a cell phone in his mouth. The dog, that is.

“Maybe this is a silly question, but is there a reason why that dog has a phone in his mouth?” she asked, gesturing to the husky who watched her with an unblinking silvery-blue gaze.

“He’s hoping to hear from a cute little collie who was in here a few months ago,” Logan said glibly.

“He’s better off without her. I heard collies can be fickle,” she said. “Also high-maintenance with all that fur. So what’s his real story?”

He looked down and grimaced. “I found Magnum on a side road about eight months ago,” he replied. “Poor guy had been hit by a car and wasn’t in good shape. When I was checking him over, I set my cell phone down on the ground. It started ringing and I guess Magnum didn’t like the sound. He picked it up and growled every time I tried to get it back from him. To this day, I’m not sure if he’s waiting for a call or still figuring out how to make one. Since he nominated himself as the clinic’s guard dog, I decided he wants to keep it on hand in case he has to call nine-one-one.”

“You mean you just let him keep your cell phone?”

“See that jaw? Those teeth? Trust me, you’d let him keep it, too.”

Lucy studied the black-and-silvery-gray Malamute, a hundred pounds-plus of pure muscle. “I see your point.”

“Here kitty, kitty, kitty,” the macaw cooed. A faint meow sounded before a ginger-colored cat trotted up to Logan. The cat sat back on his haunches and raised a paw, batting at the air.

“That’s Tigger, Beau’s cat,” Nick explained, stooping to stroke the cat, who immediately purred and arched under his touch. “He’s really sweet.”

“If only you paid that much attention to your own cat,” Lucy pointed out.

“Luther’s a hundred years old and hates me.”

“Luther is fifteen years old and merely cranky,” she said.

“Every boy should have a dog,” Logan said.

“Not when I’d be the one who’d be cleaning up the backyard.” Lucy looked at the kennels. She decided the dogs had grown even larger since the last time she’d seen some of them. “Are your Adoption Days successful?”

“Pretty much.” Logan transferred Beau to a series of thick manzanita branches set up as a macaw playpen in one corner of the large room. “We have it all set up outside. We have volunteers to help out with the animals and assist people in filling out the adoption paperwork, but we can always use more live bodies to help out.” He looked hopeful.

Lucy swore Logan’s expression when he turned her way echoed Nick’s. She feared he could prove as difficult to resist as her son was.

“I already said I’d come in and help wash the dogs when doing all this is actually his job and not mine,” she said.

“I’d call it mother/son bonding.”

“We already do plenty of bonding.” She tried to keep her eyes off a world-class male butt as Logan turned around when Gwen called out his name. She felt a blush burn her cheeks when she noticed Kristi’s attention was centered on her. The younger woman flashed her a cheeky grin. She held up her thumb and forefinger circled in a sign of approval.

Lucy was relieved when she and Nick were finally leaving the clinic.

“See you in the morning,” Logan called after her.

“Yes.” Why did she feel his words sounded more like a threat than a polite good-bye?

As they climbed into the Murano, Lucy looked at her son.

“The last thing most boys your age want is to spend more time with their mothers,” she said. “Especially if they’re working with a young woman like Kristi.” Please, do not have a crush on her! she silently begged.

“Kristi is really cool,” he said enthusiastically. “She’s been working hard to get her grades up because she wants to be a vet. I’ve been helping her with her chemistry. She kinda sucks at that.”

“Chemistry, terrific,” she muttered, switching on the engine.

Lucy decided it was a good idea she was helping out at the shelter tomorrow where she could see just how her son and one of his bosses interacted.

“Oh yeah, we need to be there about five-thirty,” Nick told her.

She almost slammed on the brakes. “In the morning?”

He patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Mom. I have faith in you.”

“Sweetheart, there are many things your mom can do. Being civil in the morning is not one of them.”

She silently vowed she wasn’t doing this because Logan had asked.

The first time Lucy had met Logan Kincaid she’d thought he was a good-looking man. He was the kind of male specimen who had her hormones sitting up and taking notice. Besides the blond hair, there wasn’t a physical resemblance to her ex-husband, but he had the same charm Ross had always exhibited. She decided Logan was one of those love-’em-and-leave-’em types. It was too easy to imagine him as a man who was convinced all he had to do was flash his pearly whites and the woman would instantly swoon in his arms. Luckily, she wasn’t the swooning type. Nor was she looking for a permanent man in her life. In fact, she wasn’t looking for anyone short-term either. Since her divorce she’d closely guarded her heart.

Her ex-husband had left her long ago after finding out she was pregnant. He’d told her he wasn’t father material and had no desire to learn how to be one. Her brother, Zach, and his first wife, Kathy, were there to help her get through her pregnancy and her new single state. Lucy did the same for Zach when his wife died in childbirth, leaving him with twins.

Lucy always regretted Nick not having a brother or sister. She thought her son might not have given in to his mischievous tendencies if he’d had a sibling. Then again, she rationalized, he also could have ended up with another partner in crime.

“MOM.”

“Umph.”

“Mom.” A hand touched her shoulder and gently shook it.

“Go ’way,” she mumbled, pulling her covers over her head to block out any hint of light.

“Mom, you have to get up.”

“Mom doesn’t exist.”

A corner of her blanket was pulled back and something warm and aromatic was practically shoved under her nose.

Lucy opened one eye to see if the aroma was real or a dream. Nick held out her largest mug filled with coffee. Light streamed in from the hallway. At least he’d been smart enough not to turn on the light in her bedroom.

She kept her eyes slitted. “What time is it?”

“Four-thirty.”

She groaned loudly as she pulled the covers back over her head. “I changed my mind. In fact, drive yourself to the shelter. I’m sure you can whip yourself up a fake driver’s license in no time. I promise not to tell.”

“Mom, you said you’d help us,” he reminded her. “You always said we have to honor our promises.”

Lucy bit back a curse. There was nothing worse than a son spouting back what a parent had taught him. She reached out and took the coffee mug from him. She sighed happily as she sipped the strong brew.

“I even turned the shower on for you, so by now it’s a nice warm temperature,” Nick said in a coaxing tone. “And I’m making waffles.”

Lucy perked up a little. “Waffles?”

“And bacon and eggs scrambled just the way you like them.”

She was starting to give in. “You hate getting up early just as much as I do.”

“I need to help get the dogs ready for Adoption Day.”

“And if you’re not there, who knows what that cranky old judge would do to you.” She pushed the covers back more. That was when she noticed that Nick was already dressed in a pair of ragged denim shorts and a faded T-shirt that she thought she’d thrown away a week ago. Considering what he’d be doing that morning, it was probably just as well he wasn’t better dressed. She slurped more coffee and held the mug out. “Please refill this for me while I shower.”

Nick took off. The refilled mug was returned before she finished crawling out of bed.

Lucy realized how important this day was to Nick when he cleaned up the kitchen after breakfast and she found Luther’s litter box filled with fresh litter. The stormy gray cat peered at her through golden eyes filled with feline suspicion before he stalked off to his favorite corner in the family room where he always took his morning snooze.

Her only problem was what to wear. She knew she should wear something she wouldn’t care about if it ended up ruined, but the feminine part of her didn’t want to look like a hag in front of Logan. Just because she was leery of dating him didn’t mean she didn’t want to look her best.

She dug through her drawers until she reminded herself that she was over thirty and wasn’t looking for the perfect outfit to wear to school, so she could impress the captain of the football team.

She also reminded herself that she wasn’t interested in Logan. She had a full life and didn’t need a man in it. A couple of times she’d considered getting back into the dating game, but it only took a few dates for her to realize dating wasn’t anything like she remembered. She wasn’t sure if she was dating the wrong men or she was the wrong woman for them. Either way, she’d come to the conclusion she was better off going solo.

“Just pick something.” She finally closed her eyes and pulled out a pair of old cotton shorts and an oversize T-shirt that she knotted at her waist. “Nick, please pour the rest of the coffee in a travel mug for me!” she called out. “The really big mug.”

“Already done. Like I’d let you leave the house without enough caffeine to send you rocketing into another galaxy,” he hollered back as he headed for the garage. “Come on, Mom! We’re gonna be late.”

Lucy started to leave her bedroom then paused and ran back to the bathroom to apply a hint of blush and lipgloss.

“Don’t want to scare the dogs,” she muttered to herself.

LOGAN HAD just checked on his patients who had remained in the clinic overnight when he heard shrieks and laughter coming from the kennel area.

“Bertie Beagle is starting to wake up,” Gwen announced, looking into the closet-sized room that doubled as Logan’s office. “He looks good, so does the pug. However, you look like hell. What time did you get to bed last night?”

He stretched his arms over his head. “Who says I got to bed? The Sullivans called about 2:00 a.m. and brought in their iguana. Sigfried wasn’t doing well.”

Gwen shook her head. “I guess you need this more than I do.” She set a coffee shop to-go cup on his desk.

“Is that one of those fancy drinks you like? The nonfat, no-foam, double-shot whatever?”

“Just be darned grateful I’m willing to share, Logan. Unless you want to wait while I make what you consider coffee.”

“Because I’m a wonderful boss who wouldn’t dream of depriving his favorite vet tech of her beloved coffee, I’ll wait for the coffee.” He smiled winningly. “What’s going on outside to cause all the laughter? Kristi isn’t known for having anything even close to a funny bone.”

“Nick Donner has one and it seems his mother does, too.” Gwen picked up the coffee carafe and carried it out to the sink. “The dogs are giving the crew a run for their money.”

Logan uncoiled himself from his chair. “Maybe I should take a look out there.”

She shot her boss a knowing look. “Right.”

Logan ignored her parting shot and headed down the hall.

“When Nick was little he hated baths with a passion, but he was never as bad as these guys!” Lucy laughed and jumped back but not fast enough as a wet soapy tail slapped her in the face.

“Thanks, Mom, just what I want people to hear.” Nick stood at another tub hosing down a Labrador mix that was happily enjoying his bath.

“Mothers love to embarrass their kids,” Kristi told him. “You should hear some of the sh—uh—nonsense my mom dishes out.” She caught the expression on Lucy’s face and quickly amended her words. “My mom told me I’ll do the same when I have kids.”

Kristi grabbed a tighter hold on the Labrador’s collar as he twisted around under the stream of water she directed at the dog. “Joey, you are a true water dog.”

Lucy drizzled shampoo on her rottweiler’s head and lathered it up with a steady stream of water.

“Why not wear a bikini?”

At the sound of Logan’s voice Lucy spun around from the tub, forgetting she still held the hose in her hand. Even though the water wasn’t turned on high, it was strong enough to hit him square in the face. She gasped in shock and quickly turned off the faucet.

“I am so sorry!” she apologized, handing him a towel until she realized it was too damp to do any good. Without saying a word, he took it from her and mopped his face.

“Wish I’d done that,” Nick chortled.

“No, you do not!” Lucy glared at her son.

“More than once we’ve all thought of soaking the boss,” Kristi said, “but he always stays inside all nice and dry while we’re out here getting as wet as the dogs.”

“But you enjoy it so much,” Logan reminded them as he tossed the towel to one side. He paused to look at Lucy. He’d seen her dressed up at a couple of local parties and he’d seen her dressed casually when she dropped Nick off here. But he’d never seen her like this. Her faded navy T-shirt with Basketball Mom From Hell on it, and her equally faded navy shorts were more wet than dry. He’d learned the hard way about the rottweiler’s love for water, so he wasn’t surprised she looked like the proverbial wet rag. Even wet, with her perky ponytail and lack of makeup, Lucy still looked cute, although he doubted she would want to hear that description.

Logan recalled that it was Lucy’s laughter that had first caught his attention. Full-bodied like a heady wine, rich like pure gold, the throaty sound traveled along his spine.

“And you hold your Adoption Day here?” Lucy asked, picking up a dry towel and drying off the large dog.

“We’ve got wire cages set up outside for the cats and dogs and a tent overhead,” Logan explained, watching Lucy put the rottweiler in his kennel then choose a medium-size terrier mix to bathe next. She picked him up and placed him in the tub. “If you’re up to hanging around for the day, we can always use the help.”

“I don’t know anything about dogs,” she pointed out.

“You have a cat.”

“Luther isn’t a cat. He’s a thug in a furry coat,” she explained. “I think he was a hit man for the mob in another life.”

“Logan doesn’t let just anyone adopt an animal,” Kristi said. “He wants to know they’re going to a good home. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up with one of the dogs.” She wrestled a young black Labrador onto a table and began drying him with a hair dryer.

Nick looked expectantly at Lucy. “A dog would be good. Every boy should have one,” he piously announced.

Lucy rolled her eyes. “I’m sure after working here for six months you’ll have your fill of dogs.”

“Didn’t you have any pets when you were growing up?” Logan asked her.

She shook her head. “My dad claimed he was allergic to goldfish. My mom told my brother and me that he was my pet and I was his. We agreed it just wasn’t the same.”

“At least you didn’t have to worry about fleas.” Logan walked over and draped a towel over the terrier before picking him up from the tub and carrying him over to a table for drying.

“Or getting him neutered,” Lucy said, tongue-in-cheek.

“Uncle Zach neutered.” Nick snickered.

“It’s not a word we guys like to hear,” Logan told him. He stepped back and watched Lucy towel-dry the terrier and mutter nonsense words to the dog. For a woman who claimed not to understand dogs, she was doing a good job of using the dryer, brush and comb on the dog and talking to him in the slightly high-pitched tone dogs enjoyed. She laughed when the dog jumped up on his hind legs and offered her a wet kiss.

“Who couldn’t resist a charmer like you?” she cooed at the dog.

Abruptly, he called out to Kristi, “Get one of the Adoption Day T-shirts for Lucy, will you?” Then he made for the door leading to the clinic.

He felt a tightening within his body at the idea of Lucy giving him the kind of attention she gave the dog. He wouldn’t mind a kiss on the nose. Or any other part of his body…

Lucy hadn’t missed the vibes practically jumping off Logan. If she didn’t know any better, she’d swear he had looked at her the way a big ol’ tomcat looked at a fat mouse. Not that she’d call herself fat. The man was interested. And why wouldn’t he act interested now? she asked herself. She’d been tracking him like a cat who hadn’t been fed in days.

“Three hours here and I’m already thinking in animal metaphors,” she murmured.

“Animal metaphors?” Kristi said, walking up with a bright red T-shirt in one hand. “This could be interesting.” She held out the garment.

“Cute.” Lucy looked at the black-lined heart centered on the shirt with “Adopt With an Open Heart” written inside it. “But there’s nothing on here to advertise the clinic.” She wasn’t surprised to see that Kristi’s shirt was black with a red heart.

“Logan doesn’t have these adoption days to promote the clinic. He does it to find homes for the animals.” Kristi stroked the head of the terrier who leaned contentedly against her leg. “Which is why I have two cats and a turtle at home. Jeremy has two dogs and Gwen has three. Brenda says she refuses to give in to the animals. But how can you resist these faces?” She bent down, cupped the terrier’s face in her hands and gave him a smooch. “Huh, Sweetie Pie?”

“Kristi named her that because she’s so sweet,” Nick explained, coming out from the rear of the kennels, now wearing an oversized red shirt himself.

Lucy felt as if she was seeing a new side to her son. He’d quickly become a part of this group. He might have been thirteen to Kristi’s nineteen, but the young woman treated him as an equal. Lucy felt a sudden constriction in her chest.

My baby’s growing up.

She suddenly turned away to hide the tears she could feel forming in her eyes.

“I’ll be right back.” Her voice sounded thick to her ears.

“Lucy, are you okay?” Kristi asked.

“I’m fine. Maybe I’m allergic to one of the dogs,” she muttered as she grabbed her tote bag and made her escape to a nearby bathroom.

When she left the small room later, her eyes were mercifully dry and she wore the T-shirt over black shorts she’d brought with her. She was walking with her head down, so intent on not looking for Logan, that she didn’t realize she was on a collision course until she literally walked into his chest.

“Oomph!” She reared back so quickly she would have fallen on her butt if Logan hadn’t grabbed hold of her arms. “Sorry.” She tried to step back but he still didn’t release her.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“You have a hard chest,” she said, and then could have kicked herself when she saw the amused glint in his eyes. She noticed they were deep, brown and dusted with gold.

Cat eyes. She mentally gave herself a good shake. Stop with the animal metaphors!

“Lucy.”

It wasn’t until then she realized he must have said her name more than once.

“Sorry. I’m not used to being dragged out of bed at the crack of dawn.”

He grinned. “Not a morning person, are you?”

“Not even close. It usually takes four or five cups of industrial-strength coffee to get me going.”

Logan’s smile was slow and way too dangerous for Lucy’s peace of mind. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

He walked away before she could ask for clarification. She decided she was better off not knowing.