The Road To Love: Love by Degree / The Rain Sparrow

“The grocery budget couldn’t manage it?”

“Not unless everyone else is willing to eat oatmeal three times a week for the remainder of the month.”

“I don’t suppose they would be,” he muttered. “All right, make me a list and I’ll buy what you need.”

Ellen was half hoping that once he saw the price of fresh shrimp, he’d realize it might be cheaper to take Michelle to a seafood restaurant.

“Oh, by the way,” Derek said, examining one of the envelopes in his hand. “You got a letter. Looks like it’s from Reed.”

“Reed?” Her lungs slowly contracted as she said his name, and it was all she could do not to snatch the envelope out of Derek’s hand. The instant he gave it to her, she tore it open.

“What does he say?” Derek asked, sorting through the rest of the mail. “He didn’t write me.”

Ellen quickly scanned the contents. “He’s asking if the electrician has showed up yet. That’s all.”

“Oh? Then why didn’t he just call? Or send an email?”

She didn’t respond, but made a show of putting the letter back inside the envelope. “I’ll go into the kitchen and make that grocery list before I forget.”

“I’m really grateful, Ellen, honest.”

“Sure,” she grumbled.

As soon as the kitchen door swung shut, Ellen took out Reed’s letter again, intent on savoring every word.

Dear Ellen,

I realized I don’t have your email address, so I thought I’d do this the old-fashioned way—by mail. There’s something so leisurely and personal about writing a letter, isn’t there?

You’re right, the Monterey area is beautiful. I wish I could say that everything else is as peaceful as the scenery here. Unfortunately it’s not. Things have been hectic. But if all goes well, I should be back at the house by Saturday, which is earlier than I expected.

Have you become accustomed to the idea that your mother’s remarried? I know it was a shock. Like I said, I remember how I felt, and that was many years ago. I’ve been thinking about it all—and wondering about you. If I’d known what was happening, I might have been able to postpone this trip. You looked like you needed someone. And knowing you, it isn’t often that you’re willing to lean on anyone. Not the independent, self-sufficient woman I discovered walking around my kitchen half-naked. I can almost see your face getting red when you read that. I shouldn’t tease you, but I can’t help it.

By the way, I contacted a friend of mine who owns an electrical business and told him about the problem with the kitchen outlet. He said he’d try to stop by soon. He’ll call first.

I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you—and the boys, but mostly you. Actually, I’m pleased you’re there to keep those kids in line.

Take care and I’ll see you late Saturday.

Say hi to the boys for me. I’m trusting that they aren’t giving you any problems.

Reed

Ellen folded the letter and slipped it into her pocket. She crossed her arms, smiling to herself, feeling incredibly good. So Reed had been thinking about her. And she sensed that it was more than the troublesome kitchen outlet that had prompted his letter. Although she knew it would be dangerous for her to read too much into Reed’s message, Ellen couldn’t help feeling encouraged.

She propped open her cookbook, compiling the list of items Derek would need for his fancy dinner with Michelle. A few minutes later, her spirits soared still higher when the electrical contractor phoned and arranged a date and a time to check the faulty outlet. Somehow, that seemed like a good omen to her—a kind of proof that she really was in Reed’s thoughts.

“Was the phone for me?” Derek called from halfway down the stairs.

Ellen finished writing the information on the pad by the phone before answering. “It was the electrician.”

“Oh. I’m expecting a call from Michelle.”

“Speaking of your true love, here’s your grocery list.”

Derek took it and slowly ran his finger down the items she’d need for his dinner with Michelle. “Is this going to cost more than twenty-five dollars?” He glanced up, his face doubtful.

“The pecans alone will be that much,” she exaggerated.

With only a hint of disappointment, Derek shook his head. “I think maybe Michelle and I should find a nice, cozy, inexpensive restaurant.”

Satisfied that her plan had worked so well, Ellen hid a smile. “Good idea. By the way,” she added, “Reed says he’ll be home Saturday.”

“So soon? He’s just been gone two weeks.”

“Apparently it’s a short job.”

“Apparently,” Derek grumbled. “I don’t have to be here, do I? Michelle wanted me to help her and her sister paint.”

“Derek,” Ellen said. “I didn’t even know you could wield a brush. The upstairs hallway—”

“Forget it,” he told her sharply. “I’m only doing this to help Michelle.”

“Right, but I’m sure Michelle would be willing to help you in exchange.”

“Hey, we’re students, not slaves.”

The following afternoon, the electrician arrived and was in and out of the house within thirty minutes. Ellen felt proud that she’d correctly traced the problem. She could probably have fixed it if Reed hadn’t become so frantic at the thought of her fumbling around with the wiring. Still, recalling his reaction made her smile.

* * *

THAT EVENING, ELLEN had finished loading the dishwasher and had just settled down at the kitchen table to study when the phone rang. Pat, who happened to be walking past it, answered.

“It’s Reed,” he told Ellen. “He wants to talk to you.”

With reflexes that surprised even her, Ellen bounded out of her chair.

“Reed,” she said into the receiver, holding it tightly against her ear. “Hello, how are you?”

“Fine. Did the electrician come?”

“He was here this afternoon.”

“Any problems?”

“No,” she breathed. He sounded wonderfully close, his voice warm and vibrant. “In fact, I was on the right track. I probably could’ve handled it myself.”

“I don’t want you to even think about fixing anything like that. You could end up killing yourself or someone else. I absolutely forbid it.”

“Aye, aye, sir.” His words had the immediate effect of igniting her temper, sending the hot blood roaring through her veins. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Reed since he’d left, but two minutes after picking up the phone, she was ready to argue with him again.

There was a long, awkward silence. Reed was the first to speak, expelling his breath sharply. “I didn’t mean to snap your head off,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

“Thank you,” she responded, instantly soothed.

“How’s everything else going?”

“Fine.”

“Have the boys talked you into any more of their schemes?”

“They keep trying.”

“They wouldn’t be college kids if they didn’t.”

“I know.” It piqued her a little that Reed assumed she could be manipulated by three teenagers. “Don’t worry about me. I can hold my own with these guys.”

His low sensuous chuckle did funny things to her pulse. “It’s not you I’m concerned about.”

“Just what are you implying?” she asked with mock seriousness.

“I’m going to play this one smart and leave that last comment open-ended.”

“Clever of you, my friend, very clever.”

“I thought as much.”

After a short pause, Ellen quickly asked, “How’s everything with you?” She knew there really wasn’t anything more to say, but she didn’t want the conversation to end. Talking to Reed was almost as good as having him there.

“Much better, thanks. I shouldn’t have any problem getting home by Saturday.”

“Good.”

Another short silence followed.

“Well, I guess that’s all I’ve got to say. If I’m going to be any later than Saturday, I’ll give you a call.”

“Drive carefully.”

“I will. Bye, Ellen.”

“Goodbye, Reed.” Smiling, she replaced the receiver. When she glanced up, all three boys were staring at her, their arms crossed dramatically over their chests.

“I think something’s going on here.” Pat spoke first. “I answered the phone and Reed asked for Ellen. He didn’t even ask for Derek—his own brother.”

“Right.” Derek nodded vigorously.

“I’m wondering,” Monte said, rubbing his chin. “Could we have the makings of a romance on our hands?”

“I think we do,” Pat concurred.

“Stop it.” Ellen did her best to join in the banter, although she felt the color flooding her cheeks. “It makes sense that Reed would want to talk to me. I’m the oldest.”

“But I’m his brother,” Derek countered.

“I refuse to listen to any of this,” she said with a small laugh and turned back to the kitchen. “You three are being ridiculous. Reed’s dating Danielle.”

All three followed her. “He could have married Danielle months ago if he was really interested,” Derek informed the small gathering.

“Be still, my beating heart,” Monte joked, melodramatically folding both hands over his chest and pretending to swoon.

Not to be outdone, Pat rested the back of his hand against his forehead and rolled his eyes. “Ah, love.”

“I’m out of here.” Before anyone could argue, Ellen ran up the back stairs to her room, laughing as she went. She had to admit she’d found the boys’ little performances quite funny. But if they pulled any of their pranks around Reed, it would be extremely embarrassing. Ellen resolved to say something to them when the time seemed appropriate.

* * *

FRIDAY AFTERNOON, ELLEN walked into the kitchen, her book bag clutched tightly to her chest.

“What’s the matter? You’re as pale as a ghost,” Monte remarked, cramming a chocolate-chip cookie in his mouth.

Derek and Pat turned toward her, their faces revealing concern.

“I got my algebra paper back today.”

“And?” Derek prompted.

“I don’t know. I haven’t looked.”

“Why not?”

“Because I know how tough Engstrom was on the others. The girl who wrote about solving that oddball conjecture got a C-minus and the guy who was so enthusiastic about Mathematics in World War II got a D. With impressive subjects like that getting low grades, I’m doomed.”

“But you worked hard on that paper.” Loyally, Derek defended her and placed a consoling arm around her shoulders. “You found out a whole bunch of interesting facts about the number nine.”

“You did your paper on that?” Pat asked, his smooth brow wrinkling with amusement.

“Don’t laugh.” She already felt enough of a fool.

“It isn’t going to do any good to worry,” Monte insisted, pulling the folded assignment from between her fingers.

Ellen watched his expression intently as he looked at the paper, then handed it to Derek who raised his brows and gave it to Pat.

“Well?”

“You got a B-minus,” Pat said in obvious surprise. “I don’t believe it.”

“Me neither.” Ellen reveled in the delicious feeling of relief. She sank luxuriously into a chair. “I’m calling Charlie.” Almost immediately she jumped up again and dashed to the phone. “This is too exciting! I’m celebrating.”

The other three had drifted into the living room and two minutes later, she joined them there. “Charlie’s out, but his roommate said he’d give him the message.” Too happy to contain her excitement, she added, “But I’m not sitting home alone. How about if we go out for pizza tonight? My treat.”

“Sorry, Ellen.” Derek looked up with a frown. “I’ve already made plans with Michelle.”

“I’m getting together with a bunch of guys at the gym,” Pat informed her. “Throw a few baskets.”

“And I told my mom I’d be home for dinner.”

Some of the excitement drained from her, but she put on a brave front. “No problem. We’ll do it another night.”

“I’ll go.”

The small group whirled around, shocked to discover Reed standing there, framed in the living-room doorway.

CHAPTER FIVE

“REED,” ELLEN BURST OUT, ASTONISHED. “When did you get here?” The instant she’d finished speaking, she realized how stupid the question was. He’d just walked in the back door.

With a grin, he checked his wristwatch. “About fifteen seconds ago.”

“How was the trip?” Derek asked.

“Did you drive straight through?” Pat asked, then said, “I don’t suppose you had a chance to see the Lakers play, did you?”

“You must be exhausted,” Ellen murmured, noting how tired his eyes looked.

As his smiling gaze met hers, the fine laugh lines that fanned out from his eyes became more pronounced. “I’m hungry and tired. Didn’t I just hear you offer to buy me pizza?”

“Ellen got a B-minus on her crazy algebra paper,” Monte said with pride.

Rolling her eyes playfully toward the ceiling, Ellen laughed. “Who would have guessed it—I’m a mathematical genius!”

“So that’s the reason for this dinner. I thought you might have won the lottery.”

He was more deeply tanned than Ellen remembered. Handsome. Vital. And incredibly male. He seemed glad to be home, she thought. Not a hint of hostility showed in the eyes that smiled back at her.

“No such luck.”

Derek made a show of glancing at his watch. “I gotta go or I’ll be late picking up Michelle. It’s good to see you, Reed.”

“Yeah, welcome home,” Pat said, reaching for his basketball. “I’ll see you later.”

Reed raised his right hand in salute and picked up his suitcase, then headed up the wide stairs. “Give me fifteen minutes to shower and I’ll meet you down here.”

The minute Reed’s back was turned, Monte placed his hand over his heart and batted his lashes wildly as he mouthed something about love, true love. Ellen practically threw him out of the house, slamming the door after him.

At the top of the stairs, Reed turned and glanced down at her. “What was that all about?”

Ellen leaned against the closed door, one hand covering her mouth to smother her giggles. But the laughter drained from her as she looked at his puzzled face, and she slowly straightened. She cleared her throat. “Nothing. Did you want me to order pizza? Or do you want to go out?”

“Whatever you prefer.”

“If you leave it up to me, my choice would be to get away from these four walls.”

“I’ll be ready in a few minutes.”

Ellen suppressed a shudder at the thought of what would’ve happened had Reed caught a glimpse of Monte’s antics. She herself handled the boys’ teasing with good-natured indulgence, but she was fairly sure that Reed would take offense at their nonsense. And heaven forbid that Danielle should ever catch a hint of what was going on—not that anything was going on.

With her thoughts becoming more muddled every minute, Ellen made her way to the third floor to change into a pair of gray tailored pants and a frilly pale blue silk blouse. One glance in the mirror and she sadly shook her head. They were only going out for pizza—there was no need to wear anything so elaborate. Hurriedly, she changed into dark brown cords and a turtleneck sweater the color of summer wheat. Then she ran a brush through her short curls and freshened her lipstick.

When Ellen returned to the living room, Reed was already waiting for her. “You’re sure you don’t mind going out?” she asked again.

“Are you dodging your pizza offer?”

He was so serious that Ellen couldn’t help laughing. “Not at all.”

“Good. I hope you like spicy sausage with lots of olives.”

“Love it.”

His hand rested on her shoulder. “And a cold beer.”

“This is sounding better all the time.” Ellen would have guessed that Reed was the type of man who drank martinis or expensive cocktails. In some ways, he was completely down-to-earth and in others, surprisingly complex. Perceptive, unpretentious and unpredictable—she knew that much about him, but she didn’t expect to understand him anytime soon.

Reed helped her into his pickup, which was parked in the driveway. The evening sky was already dark and Ellen regretted not having brought her coat.

“Cold?” Reed asked her when they stopped at a red light.

“Only a little.”

He adjusted the switches for the heater and soon a rush of warm air filled the cab. Reed chatted easily, telling her about his project in California and explaining why his work demanded so much travel. “That’s changing now.”

“Oh?” She couldn’t restrain a little shiver of gladness at his announcement. “Will you be coming home more often?”

“Not for another three or four months. I’m up for promotion and then I’ll be able to pick and choose my assignments more carefully. Over the past four years, I’ve traveled enough to last me a lifetime.”

“Then it’s true that there’s no place like home.”

“Be it ever so humble,” he added with a chuckle.

“I don’t exactly consider a three-storey, twenty-room turn-of-the-century mansion all that humble.”

“Throw in four college students and you’ll quickly discover how unassuming it can become.”

“Oh?”

“You like that word, don’t you?”

“Yes,” she agreed, her mouth curving into a lazy smile. “It’s amazing how much you can say with that one little sound.”

Reed exited the freeway close to the Seattle Center and continued north. At her questioning glance, he explained, “The best pizza in Seattle is made at a small place near the Center. You don’t mind coming this far, do you?”

“Of course not. I’ll travel a whole lot farther than this for a good pizza.” Suddenly slouching forward, she dropped her forehead into her hand. “Oh, no. It’s happening.”

“What is?”

“I’m beginning to sound like Monte.”

They both laughed. It felt so good to be sitting there with Reed, sharing an easy, relaxed companionship, that Ellen could almost forget about Danielle. Almost, but not quite.

Although Ellen had said she’d pay for the pizza, Reed insisted on picking up the tab. They sat across from each other at a narrow booth in the corner of the semidarkened room. A lighted red candle in a glass bowl flickered on the table between them and Ellen decided this was the perfect atmosphere. The old-fashioned jukebox blared out the latest country hits, drowning out the possibility of any audible conversation, but that seemed just as well since she was feeling strangely tongue-tied.

When their number was called, Reed slid from the booth and returned a minute later with two frothy beers in ice-cold mugs and a huge steaming pizza.

“I hope you don’t expect us to eat all this?” Ellen said, shouting above the music. The pizza certainly smelled enticing, but Ellen doubted she’d manage to eat more than two or three pieces.

“We’ll put a dent in it, anyway,” Reed said, resuming his seat. “I bought the largest, figuring the boys would enjoy the leftovers.”

“You’re a terrific older brother.”

The song on the jukebox was fading into silence at last.

“There are times I’d like to shake some sense into Derek, though,” Reed said.

Ellen looked down at the spicy pizza and put a small slice on her plate. Strings of melted cheese still linked the piece to the rest of the pie. She pulled them loose and licked her fingers. “I can imagine how you felt when you discovered that Derek had accidentally-on-purpose forgotten to tell you about renting out rooms.”

Reed shrugged noncommittally. “I was thinking more about the time he let you climb on top of the roof,” he muttered.

“He didn’t let me, I went all by myself.”

“But you won’t do it again. Right?”

“Right.” Ellen nodded reluctantly. Behind Reed’s slow smiles and easy banter, she recognized his unrelenting male pride. “You still haven’t forgiven me for that, have you?”

“Not you. Derek.”

“I think this is one of those subjects on which we should agree to disagree.”

“Have you heard from your mother?” Reed asked, apparently just as willing to change the subject.

“Yes. She’s emailed me several times. She seems very happy and after a day or two, I discovered I couldn’t be more pleased for her. She deserves a lot of contentment.”

“I knew you’d realize that.” Warmth briefly showed in his green eyes.

“I felt a lot better after talking to you. I was surprised when Mom announced her marriage, but I shouldn’t have been. The signs were there all along. I suppose once the three of us kids were gone, she felt free to remarry. And I suppose she thought that presenting it to the family as a fait accompli would make it easier for all of us.”

There was a comfortable silence as they finished eating. The pizza was thick with sausage and cheese, and Ellen placed her hands on her stomach after leisurely eating two narrow pieces. “I’m stuffed,” she declared, leaning back. “But you’re right, this has got to be the best pizza in town.”

“I thought you’d like it.”

Reed brought over a carry-out box and Ellen carefully put the leftovers inside.

“How about a movie?” he asked once they were in the car park.

Astounded, Ellen darted him a sideways glance, but his features were unreadable. “You’re kidding, aren’t you?”

“I wouldn’t have asked you if I was.”

“But you must be exhausted.” Ellen guessed he’d probably spent most of the day driving.

“A little,” he admitted.

Her frown deepened. Suddenly, it no longer seemed right for them to be together—because of Danielle. The problem was that Ellen had been so pleased to see him that she hadn’t stopped to think about the consequences of their going out together. “Thanks anyway, but it’s been a long week. I think I’ll call it a night.”

When they reached the house, Reed parked on the street rather than the driveway. The light from the stars and the silvery moon penetrated the branches that hung overhead and created shadows on his face. Neither of them seemed eager to leave the warm cab of the pickup truck. The mood was intimate and Ellen didn’t want to disturb this moment of tranquillity. Lowering her gaze, she admitted to herself how attracted she was to Reed and how much she liked him. She admitted, too, that it was wrong for her to feel this way about him.

“You’re quiet all of a sudden.”

Ellen’s smile was decidedly forced. She turned toward him to apologise for putting a damper on their evening, but the words never left her lips. Instead, her eyes met his. Paralyzed, she stared at Reed, fighting to disguise the intense attraction she felt for him. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to lean toward him and brush her lips against his. She could smell the woodsy scent of his aftershave and could almost taste his mouth on hers. With determination, she pulled her gaze away and reached for the door, like a drowning person grasping a life preserver.

She was on the front porch by the time Reed joined her. Her fingers shook as she inserted the key in the lock.

“Ellen.” He spoke her name softly and placed his hand on her shoulder.

“I don’t know why we went out tonight.” Her voice was high and strained as she drew free of his touch. “We shouldn’t have been together.”

In response, Reed mockingly lifted one eyebrow. “I believe it was you who asked me.”

“Be serious, will you,” she snapped irritably and shoved open the door.

Reed slammed it shut behind him and followed her into the kitchen. He set the pizza on the counter, then turned to face her. “What the hell do you mean? I was being serious.”

“You shouldn’t have been with me tonight.”

“Why not?”

“Where’s Danielle? I’m not the one who’s been patiently waiting around for you. She is. You had no business taking me out to dinner and then suggesting a movie. You’re my landlord, not my boyfriend.”

“Let’s get two things straight here. First, what’s between Danielle and me is none of your business. And second, you invited me out. Remember?”

“But...it wasn’t like that and you know it.”

“Besides, I thought you said you were far too old for boyfriends.” She detected an undertone of amusement in his voice.

Confused, Ellen marched into the living room and immediately busied herself straightening magazines. Reed charged in after her, leaving the kitchen door swinging in his wake. Clutching a sofa pillow, she searched for some witty retort. Naturally, whenever she needed a clever comeback, her mind was a total blank.