Bed of Roses Page 0,59

wouldn't have the business. None of us would."

"That's not the kind of thing I mean."

"Would you, have you ever pushed me into doing something I didn't want to do - genuinely didn't want - and did you push because it was what you wanted? No. I'm sorry you found out about Jack and Emma the way you did. But I think the situation's a little strange for all of us. None of us saw it coming. I don't think Jack and Emma saw it coming."

"I can't get used to it." He sat, sipped his coffee. "By the time I do, it'll probably be over anyway."

"Aren't you the romantic?"

He shrugged. "Jack's never been serious about a woman. He's not a dog - exactly - but he's not the long haul guy either. He wouldn't hurt her on purpose. He's not made like that. But . . ."

"Maybe you should have a little more faith in your two friends." She sat back, swiveling side-to-side in the chair. "I think things happen between people for a reason. Otherwise I couldn't do what I do every day. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't, but there's always a reason."

"Under that you're telling me to stop being such a hard-ass, and just be a friend."

"Yes." She smiled at him. "That's my answer, my solution, and where I'm trying to manipulate you. How am I doing?"

"Pretty well. I guess I should stop by and see Emma."

"It would be nice."

"Let's go over these papers first." He opened his briefcase.

Twenty minutes later, he gave a quick knuckle rap on Em-ma's door, then pushed it open. "Em?"

He heard the music, or what he thought of as her work music - harps and flutes - so walked back to her work area. She sat at the counter, arranging little pink rosebuds in a white basket.

"Em."

She jumped, swung around. "Scared me. I didn't hear you."

"Because I'm interrupting."

"Just getting a head start on some arrangements for a baby shower this week. Del." She got up. "How mad at me are you?"

"Zero. Less than zero." He found himself ashamed she would think otherwise. "I'm at about seven out of ten with Jack, but that's an improvement."

"I should point out that when Jack's sleeping with me I'm also sleeping with him."

"Maybe we could just find a code word for that. Like you and Jack are writing a novel together, or doing lab work."

"Are you mad because we're doing lab work, or because we didn't tell you?"

"He didn't tell me. Anyway, it's mixed. I'm trying to come to terms with the lab work, and I'm pissed he didn't tell me you and he were . . ."

"Lining up the test tubes? Labeling the petri dishes?"

Frowning, he slid his hands into his pockets. "I don't like the lab work code after all. I just want you to be okay, and happy."

"I am okay. I am happy. Even though I know the two of you punched each other over it. Actually, maybe that makes me happier. It's always flattering to have guys punch each other in the face over me."

"It was an impulse of the moment."

She stepped to him, reached up so she could frame his face, and brushed her lips over his. "Try not to do it again. It involves two of my favorite faces. Let's go sit out on the back patio, drink some lemonade, and be friends."

"Okay."

W HILE THEY DID, JACK TOOK A SEAT IN MAC'S STUDIO AND unrolled the plans for the proposed addition.

"It's the same design I e-mailed you, but with more detail, and the couple of changes you wanted."

"Look, Carter! You have your own room."

He danced his fingers over Mac's bright cap of hair. "I was kind of hoping we'd still share one."

Mac laughed, leaned closer to the plans. "Just look at my dressing room. Well, client dressing room. And God, I love the patio space we'll get. Want a beer, Jack?"

"No, thanks. Got anything soft?"

"Sure. Diet."

"Crap. Water."

When she went into the kitchen, Jack pointed out details to Carter. "These built-ins will give you plenty of shelves for books, or whatever you want. For files, for supplies."

"What's this? A fireplace?"

"One of Mac's changes. She said every professor worth his PhD should have a fireplace in his study. It's a small gas log unit. It'll also provide an additional heat source for the room."

Carter glanced over as Mac came back with a bottle of water and two beers. "You got me a fireplace."

"I did. It must be love." She kissed him lightly,