The Swear Jar (16 page)

Chapter Eighteen

Monday morning, Duncan was up
before the alarm.  John’s birthday party had gone well.  Although Lisa didn’t
make him wear a party hat, they did sing him Happy Birthday.  They gave him his
usual gift, a tie.  Birthday ties were an inside family joke.  Growing up, the
boys would pool allowances and buy him a hideous tie.  The joke was on them
because no matter how bad the tie was, he would wear it.  He had been proud
they chose presents for him, even if the style was questionable.

When Andrew started dating Lisa,
she stopped them from buying ugly ties.  Lisa had chided them for abusing poor
Duncan’s affection.  This year’s tie was cerulean blue.  He thought the tie
would look great when Meara had the Youth Services Committee meeting.  He
wanted to impress her and if he also outshone Russell, it was a bonus.

He got ready for work in nervous
anticipation.  He was going to be incredibly early, but he couldn’t wait
anymore.  He wanted to see Meara and find out where their friendship was going. 
He arrived before anyone else.  He carried a bag from the Branches and Twigs
Bookstore with the dragon and bear inside.  Not sure what to do with it, he put
it in his office.  Meara appeared, walking slowly up the path.  She wasn’t
limping, but he could tell her ankle was bothering her.  He opened the door for
her.

She smiled radiantly.  “Thank you,
Sir Duncan.  I was hoping you’d open the door.  My ankle is killing me.  Good
morning!”

His fears melted away.  “Lady
Meara, may I carry your bag for you?”

“You don’t mind?  Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”  He lowered his
voice to a growl.  “What else are knights in shining armor for?”

Momentarily lost in his eyes, she
asked nervously, “How was your weekend?  How’s your friend?  And John’s
birthday party?”

He unlocked the door to her
office.  “Fine.  Everything went fine.  Here you go.  Get yourself settled.  I’ll
be right back.”

He left her standing in the office,
staring after him quizzically.  She busied herself around the office.  He
returned a few minutes later, carrying the bag from the Branches and Twigs
Bookstore.

She laughed.  “You went to the
bookstore!  Did you find any books for John?”

“I found a huge pile and a teddy
bear.  John was enchanted.  He wanted me to read to him right in the middle of
the party.  The bear is his new best friend.  I wanted to thank you.”

“Mr. Phillips, I didn’t do
anything.  You picked out everything,” she said.

His smile faltered as he handed her
the bag.  “This is for you.”

She reached inside.  “What a
gorgeous dragon!  I love it.  We’ll have a lot of fun with him in storytimes.”

He frowned.  “No, he’s for you.  I
mean, you can use him in storytimes, but he’s yours.”

She lowered her voice.  “Thank you,
Duncan.”

His heart skipped a beat.  “There’s
something else in the bag.”

She pulled out the little bear. 
“He’s adorable!  And look at the bandage on the left ankle!  I feel so stupid
about what happened.”

“It was an accident.  There’s a
card too,” he said.

She shyly bowed her head as she
read the inscription aloud.  Her voice radiated warmth into his soul.  He had
written ‘To Meara from Duncan.’  Today was a fantastic day.

“Hey guys!  How did it go on
Friday?” asked Sherrie, from the doorway.

“Hi, Sherrie!  The painting is
done, but Miss Meara sprained her ankle.  Don’t let her work too hard.  The
ankle is still bothering her,” he said.

“Sherrie, you’ve been warned.  I’m
a klutz,” Meara laughed.

“May I speak to you in the meeting
room, Miss Meara?  I’d like to get your opinion.  All this painting has made me
realize maybe the meeting room could use some work,” he said.

“Of course, Mr. Phillips.  Sherrie,
can you start putting the books back on the walls?”

Meara followed Duncan to the
meeting room.  He held the door open.  Walking in, she turned to face him.  He put
his arms around her waist.

He whispered in her ear.  “I missed
you.”

“I missed you.”  She relaxed in his
embrace.

“You called me Mr. Phillips.  You
scared me a little.”

“I’m sorry.  I wasn’t sure how you
wanted to handle this,” she giggled.

“We said to forgo formality around
each other.  Did you really think I got the dragon for the library?”

“I didn’t want to assume on either
count.  I can’t decide if I want to call him George or Smaug.”

“Please assume.  George?  As in
Saint George and the Dragon?  And Smaug as in
The Hobbit
?”

“All right, I’ll assume.  One of my
favorite books.”

“Mine too.”

“Smaug it is then.”

“I’m going to kiss you now.”  He
pulled her close.

“Duncan!  What if someone peeks in
the window?” she giggled.

“That giggle.  Then he or she will
get an eyeful.”

He held her face and kissed her on
the lips.  She returned the pressure and wrapped her arms around his waist. 
One kiss turned into many.   In a short time, they lost track of long they had
been standing there.

He whispered into her ear.  “Have
lunch with me today.  There’s a little café in town.  Unless you have other
plans?”

She rolled her eyes.  “Yes, I have
a hot date with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  I got on Diana’s last
nerve so I was left to my own devices this morning.  I managed toast for breakfast. 
I’m not sure I’m even dressed right.  My socks might not match.”

He laughed.  “Break your plans. 
I’ll feed you.  We can sneak in a discreet nibble or two.  I could give you a
clothes inspection.”

He nuzzled and kissed her neck.  He
could get lost in her arms.  She felt lightheaded and nervous.  She shook her
head.

“Duncan!  I’ll take my chances with
my wardrobe.  Lunch sounds good.  What time?”

“I love when you say my name.  High
noon.  Meet me by the Circulation Desk and I’ll drive.”  He silently kicked
himself for using the word love.

“High noon it is, Mr. Phillips.” 
She tried to release herself from his embrace.

He held her fast.  “John says thank
you for wishing him happy birthday.  My two sons and daughter-in-law asked me
about you.”

She wriggled free, unable to
breathe.  “What did you tell them?”

“I told them you’re my friend.”  He
frowned, realizing he had said something wrong.

“How do they feel about it?”

“They’re getting used to it,” he
said softly, realizing he needed to go slowly with her.

“How do you feel?”  Her brow
furrowed as her eyes clouded.

“I want you in my life.”  He put
his arm around her waist.  “How about you and your family?”

“My family likes you.  And so do
I.”  She blushed.  “Duncan?  The other night, you used the word fathom.  You
winked at me, so I looked it up.  I hope you fathom me too.”

Groaning, he boosted her up onto a
table.  She didn’t stop him.  He ran his hands along her back while he kissed
her.  He pulled her buttocks closer to him.  She stroked his face and ears.  Her
hands ran through his hair.

She moaned softly.  “Duncan?”

“Yes, Meara?”  A thrill ran up his
spine.

“Is it lunchtime yet?” she whispered.

Duncan laughed into Meara’s hair. 
He looked into her dazed, smoldering eyes.

“No, it’s not lunchtime yet.  We
need to control these impromptu makeout sessions.”  He tried to sound stern,
but failed.

“I agree, Mr. Phillips.  They’re
highly unprofessional, yet extremely satisfying,” she giggled.

“If you keep giggling, someone’s
going to get more than just an eyeful.  I’m going out this door and you should
go out that door.”

“Yes, sir!” she laughed.

He rolled his eyes.  He kissed her
dimple then kissed her deeply.  He retreated out of the room before he lost his
mind and self control.  Sighing, she went in search of Sherrie.  She had a huge
grin on her face, remembering his kisses.

“Was he giving you a hard time
about the meeting room?” Sherrie asked.  “It’s a lot to expect us to paint that
room and prepare for the meeting.”

“No, he wasn’t giving me a hard
time.”  Meara’s face went blank contemplating the possibility.

“Is your ankle bothering you?  Your
face looks funny.”  Sherrie looked concerned.

“No, I’m okay.”  Meara tried to
recover.

“If you say so.  Before I forget,
Friday is Duncan’s birthday.  The staff usually chips in on a card, a small
cake and pizza.  It’s not mandatory, but it’s fun.”  Sherrie smiled.

“Count me in!  Friday, huh?  He
didn’t say anything to me.”  Meara frowned.

“Duncan doesn’t celebrate his
birthday, so we celebrate it for him.  I’ll let Lucy know.”

They spent the morning decorating
the Youth Services room.  They worked hard until the room looked bright and
inviting.  The displays drew people’s attention.  The flow of the room was
better.  Stuffed animals along the windows invited the children to play.  Noon
came.  Meara went to get her purse.

Sherrie gave Meara a quizzical
look.  “Where are you going?”

“Mr. Phillips and I are going out
to lunch,” Meara said.

Sherrie smirked.  “Have fun.  Well,
maybe not too much fun.”

Duncan was waiting for her at the Circulation
Desk.  Tom and Lucy were curious.

“What’s up?” asked Tom.

“Miss Meara and I are discussing
painting the meeting room.  I thought a nice lunch would persuade her.  Wish me
luck!”  Duncan grinned.

Smiling, Meara overheard Duncan. 
It was sweet of him to make up a cover story.  Meara wondered how long it would
be before the staff figured out they were dating.  Then again, Meara wasn’t
sure they were dating.

“Shall we, Miss Meara?” asked
Duncan.

He held out the crook of his arm. 
She instinctively knew he wanted her to touch him.

“Yes, Mr. Phillips.”  She gently
squeezed his arm.  “I’m going to need a lot of convincing.  I hope you’re
prepared to argue your case thoroughly.”

She winked when she said
thoroughly.  His mind wandered.  He needed to find a private, quiet place where
he could kiss her again.  Tom, Lucy and Sherrie gathered behind the Circulation
Desk.  They watched Duncan and Meara leave.  Lucy crossed her arms in front of
her.

“I wonder what’s up with those
two,” said Lucy.

“You’re going to lose our bet,
Lucy,” grinned Tom.

“I never agreed to that bet, Tom. 
It’s disgusting.  We shouldn’t be making bets,” chided Lucy.

“What happened after we left
Friday?” asked Sherrie.

“Something happened.  Meara
sprained her ankle.  Let your mind wander,” mused Tom.

“Tom!” said Lucy.

“He has a point.  How do we know? 
We should leave them alone.  They make a good couple,” said Sherrie.

“They do,” Lucy said softly.  “Tom,
don’t say a word unless it’s nice.”

“They’re good for each other. 
They’re trying to be discreet.  Let’s respect that, but it doesn’t hurt to
wonder.”  Tom mused.

“You were almost perfect, Tom.”  Lucy
groaned.

“Somebody should be having fun
around here.  It might as well be them,” Tom answered.

“When they’re ready to tell us, they’ll
tell us,” said Sherrie.

Lynn’s Café was busy.  Lynn gave
them a quiet booth in the back of the room.  Duncan returned Meara’s hair
scrunchie, attached to a single pink rose.  He knew her feelings on roses, but
he had wanted to get her one and told her so.  Inhaling the fragrance, she was
touched by his romantic gesture and told him it was appreciated.

They chatted quietly, laughed and
held hands.  He brushed a stray hair out of her eyes and caressed her cheek. 
He wanted to pull her into his side of the booth and kiss her.  He reminded
himself to slow down.  He loved her, but she might not be there yet.  He hoped
his patience would be rewarded.  He had said she was worth the wait and he
meant it.

Holding hands while walking up the
library path, they returned from their first date without chaperones.  She
wanted to ask him out for his birthday.  She felt tongue-tied and didn’t know
how to bring it up.  As they entered the library, they squeezed hands one last
time before letting go.  Behind the Circulation Desk, Tom and Lucy watched
silently.  Meara, with a dreamy smile on her face, found Sherrie.

“Are we painting the meeting room?”
asked Sherrie, teasing Meara.

“Painting what?  The meeting room. 
We decided to keep talking about it.”  Meara fibbed.

“I’m sure.  Are we in the clear for
next week’s meeting?” asked Sherrie.

“Yes, we’re safe.  No crazy last minute
projects,” replied Meara.

The rest of the week flew by
quickly.  Duncan and Meara continued to steal time together.  She was stressed
about hosting the meeting, so he didn’t push for any more makeout sessions.  He
did offer support and suggestions when she needed it.  They would begin and end
their days at the library with quiet chats and discreet kisses.

By Thursday, Meara still hadn’t
asked Duncan out for his birthday.  She had spoken to Diana about it.  A shy
Meara was new to Diana.  She told Meara to ask him out and see what happened. 
Worst case was he had other plans.  When Thursday came and Meara hadn’t asked
Duncan, Diana took matters into her own hands.  Around noon, Diana walked into
the Youth Services Room.

Diana glanced at Meara’s ankle. 
“Are you being careful?  Do I have to call the doctor?  You’re a big pain in
the butt when you’re sick.”

“Thanks, Di.  Love you too.  What
are you doing here?” Meara asked.

“I got out of work early.  It’s a
holiday weekend, remember?  Anne goes back to school next week.  I’m spending
some time with her.  Have you spoken with Duncan yet?”

“No.  I’m working on it.  I still
have time.”

“While you’re working on it, I’m
checking out some books.  I’ll be back before I leave.  Watch that ankle,
missy.”