Chapter 9

Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady

M ac lay in the darkness, waiting for dawn. He’d lain awake half the night, listening as the wind howled at the gable end of the brick-built barracks, and then a group of Lancaster bombers had grumbled and groaned their way home from some raid across the Channel. It was almost six o’clock, an hour away from daylight. He reached over and drew back the curtain. A light film of silver frost speckled the inside of the glass window. England sure was cold.

He got dressed and went in search of breakfast. The mess hall was almost empty. A few of the guys looked rough. They probably hadn’t slept much either. The further into the tour you got, the more you seemed to lose yourself. Your service number became your identity, and you, the real you, ceased to exist. They were here for King, country, and Roosevelt. The rich aroma of coffee made his mouth water, and he grabbed a cup then asked for eggs and toast. After breakfast, he strolled back to his room to freshen up properly. He decided to hang out at the officer’s club for a while and maybe write those letters home he’d been putting off.

Stella’s train was due in at three o’clock. Meldreth Station was deserted except for the guard in the ticket office. Mac wondered what to say. Of course, he knew what he wanted to say, but he didn’t wish to push her away. Stella was the kind of girl you took home to meet your folks. She was the real deal, forever. He’d known it from the moment he saw her across the dance hall. Yesterday, he’d found out the train times so he could meet her when she returned. It sure would be a surprise, though would she be happy to see him? Maybe she’d think he was pushy and be mad as hell. He couldn’t stand the thought of her being with another guy, especially one like Alex.

In the distance, the whistle of the train rang out clear and shrill, and the sound of the steaming engine filtered into earshot, gradually growing louder. As the black train huffed into the station, it exhaled a bilious smog of white vapour and screeched to a halt.

A grey-haired woman stepped down from one carriage, grasping a walking stick in her hand, and a porter came to her aid, gathering her bags. Mac waited, but no one else emerged. Then the door of the rear carriage swung open, and he saw the slender, toned calf beneath the door as Stella stepped down from the train and his heart lifted. He strode over, flashing a wide grin.

‘Mac, what are you doing here?’ Stella’s voice almost sang with surprise, and her green eyes widened and sparkled.

‘I figured you might appreciate a lift home.’ He grabbed her brown leather case, his hand brushing hers as he gazed into her eyes. She didn’t object; in fact, she seemed pleased, and his arms twitched to hold her. A piercing screech screamed as the guard blew his whistle, and the train chuffed out of the station. Mac held out his arm, and she linked hers in his as they strode across to the jeep.

‘You shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble for me.’

‘What trouble? I’ve got the whole day off, tomorrow too, so it’s no problem at all.’ He just loved the way her cheeks took on that rosy glow. Man, she was cute. ‘Besides, you’re worth it.’ What he so desperately wanted to say was how much he’d missed her, but it didn’t seem right somehow, not yet.

Mac put the case on the back seat then jumped into the driver’s seat and gazed at her, drinking in her beauty as if for the first time.

‘Did you miss me?’ Stella’s mouth curved upward into that tantalising smile of hers, her words catching him off-guard.

‘You bet I did, honey.’ He reached over and brushed her cheek with his fingertips, light and soft. As she gazed into his eyes, he lost himself in sparkling emeralds, leaning ever closer, her naked lips full and tempting.

‘Oh, Mac, I . . .’

He heard her sharp intake of air. Her sighs and breaths exuded a power over him he couldn’t resist, and he took her in his arms and kissed her. A hint of prairie flowers rose from her supple skin; she was intoxicating, and he was falling deeper and deeper under her spell. ‘I guess I’d best get you home.’ Reluctantly, he released her and started up the engine.

‘I’d love a cup of tea,’ she said, stifling a yawn. ‘Come on driver, homeward bound.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’

The drive to Bourn didn’t take long as the jeep whipped along the tree-lined lanes. When they pulled up outside Lilac Cottage, Mac cut the engine. ‘How about coming for a drink with me tonight? We could find a quiet pub somewhere away from the base.’

‘All right. Pick me up around seven.’ She squeezed his hand and leant towards him, brushing his cheek with her lips.

As she did so, he turned, his mouth finding hers. She was too tempting, and he couldn’t resist. He slipped his hand inside her great coat and placed it on her thigh, gently caressing the softness beneath. As he slid it towards her waist, she placed her hand on his, guiding it back down.

‘I have to go.’ Stella glanced out at the small cottage, suddenly sounding brisk.

‘Is that your landlady at the window?’

‘Oh no. She’s looking right at us.’

‘Come on then.’ As Mac grabbed the case from the back seat, the front door of the cottage creaked open. Mac glanced up to find a plump middle-aged lady at the entrance.

‘There you are, dear. Did you have a good trip?’ She smiled as she viewed him over Stella’s head with questioning eyes.

‘Oh, yes, thanks.’ Stella’s face flushed scarlet.

‘And I see you have a gallant escort today.’ Mrs. Brown glanced between Mac and Stella; her eyebrows raised.

‘Oh, this is Lieutenant John Mackenzie. He’s stationed at Bassingbourn.’

Mac stepped forward. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.’ He held out his hand.

Mrs. Brown’s face softened and broke into a girlish smile, and she giggled. ‘Oh, I’m very pleased to meet you, Lieutenant.’ She shook his hand. ‘Well now, where are my manners? Come in, come in. I’ll make us all a lovely cup of tea.’ She turned and bustled away through the hall.

‘That was easier than I expected,’ Stella said with a puzzled look.

Half an hour later, they were all sitting in the living room with a tray of tea and sandwiches. Mac sat on the sofa next to Stella, and Mrs. Brown sat in an armchair by the fire. She seemed intent on finding out everything about him, but he didn’t mind, answering all her questions with all the patience and politeness that had been bred into him from the day he was born. ‘These sandwiches are lovely, ma’am. I hope I’m not depriving you of food now.’

‘Oh no, not at all, Lieutenant. You’re welcome here any time.’

‘Thank you, ma’am. I appreciate your hospitality.’ Mac drained the last of his tea. He didn’t care for it much, but it would be improper to have declined it. He flicked a gaze at the clock on the mantelpiece. Five thirty. ‘Well, ladies, I think it’s time I was getting along. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, ma’am.’ He held out his hand to Mrs. Brown.

‘Oh, and you, Lieutenant,’ she said, remaining seated as she shook his hand.

Stella sprang up. ‘I’ll see you out.’

As they walked to the door, Mac couldn’t stop grinning. ‘See you at seven.’

‘All right.’ She smiled, as he reached for her hand.

He leant in and kissed her, feeling her warmth against him as he drew her close, a rush of desire rising within him. ‘Hey, I’d better go,’ he murmured, nuzzling her hair. He opened the door and turned his face to the salmon-pink sky, watching the sun as she slipped towards the horizon. ‘Till later, then.’ He zipped up his leather flight jacket.

‘Bye, Mac.’ Stella gazed up at him, a smile tugging on those velvet lips.

The door closed behind him with a creak as he ambled down the garden path. He sprang into the jeep and turned the key, wondering what was happening here. Did he imagine it, or did she really like him? He smiled, yet he couldn’t help thinking about what lay ahead. The other guys lived for today, while he was busy making plans. Without them, there was no future, but what he really wanted to know was whether he figured in hers.

***

A quiet drink. That’s what he’d hoped for so he could ask her about Alex, only he hadn’t counted on running into Vera. She was at the pub with Sam, and so far, had kept them chatting for over an hour. Boy, could she talk? At long last, he had Stella to himself, and he drew her close, the heat of her body against his as they swayed across the floor, and the soft dulcet tones of Vera Lynn eclipsed all thoughts of Alex. Holding Stella in his arms was like coming home, but then she stiffened, and he felt a tap on his shoulder. He spun around to face a man a few inches shorter than himself, dressed in RAF blues.

‘Alex!’ Stella stepped back.

‘Do you mind if I cut in?’ Alex glowered at Mac, and his eyes narrowed, while the corners of his mouth twitched to form the glimmer of a smirk.

So, he’d turned up, just like that. The proverbial bad penny. Mac drew himself up to his full height of five feet eleven just as Stella stepped forward.

‘Alex, I had no idea you were coming.’

‘Evidently, dear girl.’ Alex placed his hand on her arm and leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Mac tightened his jaw. Goddamn it. Conflict burned in Stella’s eyes, his last glimmer of hope as Alex steered her away, leaving him standing there, alone.

‘Cheer up. It won’t last. Alex is a lying, cheating, no-good swine. Stella feels sorry for him, that’s all.’ Vera took his arm and steered him over to a table tucked away in a corner of the bar.

Later, as Mac cast sideways glances at Stella, he caught her eye occasionally and the look that nestled there reassured him. Ten feet of floor space separated them, though it may as well have been the Channel, the gulf was so vast. He puffed out a breath, slamming the beer bottle down on the table. When Alex slipped his arm around Stella, Mac clenched his teeth. The guy was a fake and something stirred and swelled in his gut, surging up like a volcanic eruption, but he swallowed it down.

‘Hey, come on, Mac. Time to make a move, buddy.’ Sam cast him a sympathetic look.

He didn’t want to go, not just yet. He was keeping his eye firmly on that sleaze. Mac glanced at Stella again, only this time Alex caught him out and his mouth set in a tight line. Mac sprang up, keeping his eyes on Alex.

Sam placed his hand on Mac’s arm. ‘Leave it, Mac. We don’t need any trouble.’

Mac shook him off and strode across to Stella. ‘We’re going now. It sure was nice seeing you again.’ He tipped his cap and cast a half-smile.

‘Yes, yes, run along now. The lady is with me, and I’d appreciate it if you’d leave her alone.’ Alex drew her nearer, but she stiffened.

‘Well, you’ve done a swell job of treating her like a lady so far.’ Mac’s face hardened.

Alex took a slow, deep drag of his cigarette and exhaled smoke in Mac’s face. ‘Like I said, the lady is with me.’

Mac’s face burned and he clenched his fist by his side. The guy was trying to be cool, but he’d touched a nerve. ‘Good night, Stella. Hope to see you again.’ He couldn’t help himself. He turned to walk away and followed Vera and Sam outside, halting at the sound of gravel crunching behind him. He spun around. Alex strode towards him with a couple of guys for backup. Just then, Stella appeared in the doorway.

‘Bloody Yanks. Moving in while we’re away fighting.’

‘In case you hadn’t noticed, we’re fighting too.’ Mac took a step nearer.

‘Alex, please don’t.’ Stella came closer. ‘Please.’ Her voice was thin and pleading.

‘Not until I’ve made my point,’ Alex snarled. ‘Get back inside.’

‘Don’t talk to her like that.’ Mac squared up to him. ‘She’s not your property, pal.’

‘I am not your pal.’ Alex cracked his knuckles and took a swing, but Mac dodged out of the way.

‘Please, both of you. Stop!’ Stella’s voice quavered and rang out several octaves higher. Mac turned. Panic flashed in her eyes and her face visibly paled. ‘Mac, look out.’

He didn’t see it coming, and the force hit him like a brick in the jaw and spun him round, his knees buckling as he sank to the ground. His head swam, and his eyes filled with white sparkling floaters. Sam was by his side in an instant. Mac looked up to see the smirk on Alex’s face while he kneaded his fist.

Stella rushed towards him, but Alex grabbed her arm. ‘Leave it. Go inside, now.’

‘Mac, are you all right?’ She turned those wide green eyes on him.

‘Yeah. I’m okay. You go on.’ He nodded to her and winked.

‘Come on, Mac, let’s go before the landlord calls the MPs. That’s all we need.’

Mac rubbed his face, heaved in a deep breath of fresh air, and Sam hauled him to his feet. Jeez, that was one hell of a sock to the jaw. His heart ached, and a shallow dent punched his pride. She was under his skin all right, and he couldn’t get her out of his head. He had to have her, to hold her in his arms and love her forever. Stella made him feel again after this war had almost ravaged him. She eclipsed the darkness, and he couldn’t lose her, not now.