On Baby Patrol by Sharon De Vita

Author:Sharon De Vita
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2011-06-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

“Joanna, why on earth are you saving, never mind using, this suitcase?” Michael asked as he walked into her bedroom. “Surely you can afford a new suitcase, and if you can’t, I’ll be glad to buy you one.”

He held the battered, water-stained, badly discolored brown suitcase with two fingers as if he were afraid it might bite.

They’d returned to her house right after dinner so she could pack up some things. While she gathered some necessary clothing and toiletries, she’d sent him down to her basement storage area to get her suitcase and to explain to Mrs. O’Bannion what was going on.

“I can more than afford a new suitcase,” she said taking the offending object out of his hand and opening it on her bed. “But I don’t want a new suitcase.” Carefully she began laying folded clothes into it. “Did you talk to Mrs. O’Bannion?”

He nodded. “All taken care of.” He lifted the top of the suitcase and practically sneered at it. “I’ve seen better things in the trash, hon. What gives?”

“Michael,” she said in exasperation, snatching the lid from him so she could continue packing. “You ask too many questions.” She glanced up at him, then sighed again, realizing she’d been sharp with him. It was totally unintentional. “I happen to like this suitcase, all right?”

“Okay,” he said slowly. “I’ll buy that, weird as it seems, but why do you like it? I mean there has to be a reason.” He lifted the battered lid again. “It’s not exactly what I’d call...attractive.” It was downright ugly, not to mention in incredibly deplorable condition. Knowing how meticulous she was about everything, this suitcase business didn’t make any sense. Michael shook his head as she snatched the lid away from him again. His gaze went to hers. “So what gives?” He was pushing it and he knew it, but this was just really strange.

“There is a reason,” she said evasively, turning from the bed to gather up her night wear and some lingerie.

“But you don’t want to tell me?”

She grinned. “Now you’ve got it.”

He shook his head. “I’m think I’m offended,” he said, feigning hurt. “And here I thought we were friends. I tell you all my secrets.”

She laughed. “Not true, Michael.” One brow lifted. “I seem to recall you having a distinct memory lapse about what happened the night you went out with...Amber,” she said, hoping she’d gotten the right name and the right woman.

“It was Pearl,” he said, correcting her, and then had the good grace to flush uncomfortably. “And it wasn’t a...memory lapse...precisely. Just selective recall.”

She laughed again. “I’ll bet.” Placing her hands on her hips she grinned up at him. “Seems to me that must have been one interesting escapade if you’ve got selective recall about it.”

Michael suddenly looked nervous. “Whatever you do, Joanna, don’t, I repeat, don’t mention Pearl to my mother or brothers.” He fairly shuddered at the thought. He’d endured nearly a month of teasing from his family after the “Pearl incident” as it was fondly referred to.

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