Never Date Your Ex

by Genevieve Goodwin

  He frowned. "None at all?"

  She nodded. "My mother died when I was a teenager and I never knew my father. He abandoned us when I was a baby. My mother had no family here and none that she kept touch with either. I believe she had a falling out with them over my father. She never talked about it."

  Aidan's expression grew still. "It must be difficult sometimes, being alone in the world with no family," he said.

  Jamie didn't want to admit how lonely she felt or how much she still missed her mother. "My work keeps me busy and I have lots of friends," she said with false cheerfulness. But even as she spoke, she realized most of her Palm Beach friends were clients or society people that were more acquaintances than anything else. But she still had her best friend, thank goodness.

  "Kerrie is like a sister to me. We've been best friends since grade school. I couldn't live without her. I really do have much to be thankful for." Again, nagging feeling of wanting more popped in her head. She tried to ignore it.

  Aidan nodded. "Ross is a great kid. I don't know what I'd do without him," he said. "Being a father changed my life in the best of ways."

  "You're a good father," Jamie said. "Ross is a wonderful boy."

  Aidan smiled widely. "He is," Aidan agreed. "He really likes you, too."

  Jamie couldn't help but beam. There was something so special, so pure about a child's affection.

  Aidan reached out and grasped Jamie's hand. "My son has good taste," he said with a grin.

  The waiter appeared with wine and appetizers, and Jamie was thankful for the break in their conversation. She couldn't allow herself to believe in fairy tale endings.

  Aidan raised his wine glass to Jamie. "Here's to new beginnings," he said.

  She toasted and took a sip of the wine. The restaurant was wonderful, the food superb and the setting unabashedly romantic. After a couple of glasses of wine, Jamie felt much more relaxed. They had an animated conversation, and she found they had a lot in common, considering their careers it shouldn't have been surprising. They both had a love of classic design, Mediterranean architecture and any building of historical significance.

  "With your love of historic buildings, why on earth would you want to tear Villa Milagros down?" Jamie finally asked the question that had been heavy on her mind for weeks now.

  "It's personal," Aidan said quietly.

  "Would you like to elaborate?"

  Aidan took a deep breath. "I guess you'll eventually find out. Ross's mother, my ex-wife, was murdered. Her body was found at the bottom of the stairs inside Villa Milagros."

  Jamie's hand rose to her mouth as she gasped.

  "The house is a constant reminder of her death and the pain it caused. I don't want Ross growing up in the shadow of town gossip. I want to tear it down so everyone can forget, including me, what happened there."

  Jamie felt the color drain from her face. "It was my childhood home. I lived there with my mother my entire life, until she died. I had to sell it to pay her hospital bills."

  He nodded sadly. "Fate can be cruel, what can I say?"

  "I've spent my life breaking my back to make enough money to buy it back. It's all I have left of my mother."

  Aidan leaned back in his chair and grimaced. "And I want to destroy it."

  Jamie closed her eyes a moment. This couldn't be the happening. She'd imagined Aidan wanting to tear Villa Milagros down to build some high-rise condos or other commercial venture. The thought of a brutal murder taking place in her beloved home was bad enough; the fact that it was Aidan's late wife made her doubly ill. She couldn't blame him for wanting to erase such a horrid memory. But she couldn't bear the fact her cherished home could be torn down either.

  "I wish it had never happened," Aidan said. "But it did and I'll have no peace, as long as Villa Milagros still stands."

  Jamie turned and stared at the ocean. Moonlight glistened on the surface as the sea moved toward the shore, crashing against the sand with fury.

  "At the moment, Conrad has the house, so there isn't much point in discussing what we'll do with Villa Milagros. She doesn't belong to either one of us," she said quietly.

  "Strange he should bid on the house at all," Aidan muttered. "Does he know why you want to buy it?"

  "I've never discussed it with him. He and I never really talked. We attended parties and fundraisers together a few times. I'm afraid the society pages grossly exaggerate our involvement," she said with a grimace. "With his money and connections, he can find out anything he wants."

  She took a sip of wine, feeling it slide smoothly down her throat. "So, how do you know Conrad? I can't imagine a common event that would bring you two together."

  He gestured to the waiter for the check. "I don't want to waste our night talking about that snake," he said. "Let's enjoy the rest of the evening. How about a walk on the beach?"

  "Sounds great." Jamie felt relaxed with the wine flowing through her. Why had she been so nervous, so anxious about Aidan?

  They walked down to the shore and she kicked off her shoes, loving the feel of the sand between her toes. The night was balmy and breezy. A full moon sat low in the sky, casting a luminous glow on the tips of the waves. She was well fed and buzzing from the wine. She ran ahead of Aidan, dancing in the surf as the waters grasped at her feet then disappeared back into the sea.

  Aidan watched Jamie, amazed at the transformation a little bit of wine could make on her behavior. She was part woman, part girl and, as he remembered, a terrific kisser. Yes, he hadn't forgotten that part of her and he intended to sample it again tonight. But he wanted her in complete control of her faculties, so he would wait for her giddiness to wear off. They'd an early dinner; it was barely nine o'clock now. There was plenty of time for the wine to wear off. Life had taught him to be a patient man. He would wait. The payoff would be more than worth it.

  Aidan walked along the beach with Jamie for hours, talking, joking, sharing stories. Fifteen years had passed and he still felt exhilarated walking next to her in the briny air under the moon light.

  It was nearly eleven o'clock when Aidan pulled his truck into his driveway. Jamie's wine induced exuberance had faded and she'd grown quiet and reserved. She let Thorn outside the back yard and returned to the living room a few minutes later. Thorn greeted Aidan with an enthusiastic jump while Jamie stood nervously in the background.

  "Thanks for a lovely evening," she said. "I can't remember when I've had so much fun."

  Aidan watched her in the darkened living room, a faint smile curving his lips. He hadn't expected her to react any other way. She was anxious about being alone with him; she was going to try and avoid any physical contact with him. She was scared of being hurt, of being abandoned, afraid to love, but the fact was, he didn't care. He wanted to be with her and she wanted to be with him. There were consequences to think of, ones even he wasn't sure he wanted to face.

  Still, he didn't give a darn.

  He'd suffered being so close to her all week, unable to show his affections. It had been torture to have her so near, to smell her flowery perfume throughout his house, to hear the soft rustle of her silky robe as she walked through the hall at night, and feel the softness of her skin against his lips as he'd chastely kissed her cheek 'good night' each evening.

  But he wanted her to come to him knowing that there was no certainty, no promises, nothing but the undeniable force that seem to bring them together almost against their will. He wanted her to come to him, knowing that it may be the destruction of her life as she knew it. He wanted her to come to him against her better judgment, but to come anyway because there was nothing that she could do to stay away from him.

  "Thanks again for a lovely dinner. Good night." She turned to go upstairs.

  Aidan grabbed her arm to stop her. She didn't struggle

  "Kiss me," he said softly, enclosing his fingers in hers as he mounted the first step.

  She was as breathless and shaken as he was, but paused at the steps. "I'm not sure that
's the best idea."

  "Kiss me anyway," he said.

  She hesitated a second too long. He released her, reluctantly. "My door won't be locked," he said and began up the stairs, unbuttoning his shirt as he climbed.

  He looked down at her as he reached the landing. "Good night, Jamie." He was certain he'd seen a flicker of regret in her expression as he turned away. He definitely felt his own disappointment.

  As Jamie watched Aidan turn the corner, she grabbed the handrail to steady herself. The wine had long worn off and she really didn't need to be steadied; she held on to the banister to keep herself from running after Aidan and throwing herself into his arms. She wanted his arms around her, wanted to feel his soft kiss, she couldn't deny it.

  Seeing Aidan every day had done nothing to cool her feelings for him but only fed the fires more. Seeing him in the role of a father had done nothing to diminish his appeal but had only made her like him more. Which was exactly why she could not kiss him no matter how much she wanted to; if she spent another evening enjoying his sweet kisses, she would be lost forever. The day the wrecking ball crashed its way through Villa Milagros, her heart would be broken all over again.

  She took a hot shower, brushed her teeth and slipped on a night gown. In the guestroom that had become her haven for the last week, she turned out the light and lay in the darkness. She could hear the sounds of the house that had become familiar to her: the humming of the air conditioner, the soft music of the wind chimes outside, the muffled barks from Thorn as he dreamed whatever puppies dreamed about.

  She couldn't sleep.

  It was past midnight when she made up her mind. He had effectively lied to her by withholding the truth that he was bidding on Villa Milagros which he planned to destroy, that he had a son and that he knew and despised Conrad Malcom. He had warned her away from him and she hadn't listened, hadn't heeded the one truth he had told her. She was a smart woman; she knew that the tides were against them, they were on opposite sides and would very well end up in a battle for something that would destroy the other's chance for peace and happiness.

  But she didn't care. He'd made no promises, no declarations of love, or even affection. But by this time on Saturday she would be at the Gala, surrounded by all those who populated her secure little world. And she would hate it, every minute of it.

  Life was too short. It was time to live in the moment.

  She opened the door of the guestroom and took two steps toward Aidan's bedroom. The door was open, as he'd promised. She stood inches away, her heart pounding, and tried to breath.

  "Come in." His voice was low.

  She took a tentative step inside and could see the silhouette of his lean body lying on the bed.

  "Jamie, I-" he began, but she hushed his words at once.

  "No words," she said. "No lies. No promises we can't keep."

  He rose then, meeting her in the middle of the room as she stepped toward him. Aidan enclosed her in his arms, kissing her with a fervor that could have been frightening. But fear was the farthest thing from Jamie's mind.

  She kissed him back with all the sweet affection she'd bottled up all week. He kissed her as if he had all the time in the world, reveling in the joining of their lips, tasting the sweetness of the faint trace of wine and chocolate mousse. He threaded his fingers through her long hair and pulled her closer to him. In one breathtaking kiss, she felt bonded to this man forever.

  He was nearly breathless as he looked down at her in the shadow and ran his fingers along the beautiful curve of her jaw line, down the silhouette of her shoulders to her slender finger tips wrapped around his waist.

  She lay her head against his muscular chest, reveling in the comfort and affection she found in his arms. The only sound she could hear was the pounding of his heart, his slow and steady breaths and the soft wind chimes floating through the still darkness. She closed her eyes, giving into the blissful moment while she could, refusing to think of anytime beyond.

  ~

  Aidan hated to wake her, but he didn't want to leave for work while she was asleep. He used the excuse of arranging their schedules for the Gala tonight, but the truth was he wanted to make sure she wouldn't leave, that she didn't let her fears get the best of her. Although he didn't have all the answers, he knew one thing for certain; he was not going to let Jamie go. Not today, not next week. Not ever. That thought startled him as he relaxed his large frame on the guest bed where Jamie slept so peacefully. He smoothed her hair away from her face, running his fingers over the faint bruise that still lingered on her forehead. She moved toward his caress, making a soft mewling sound as she rolled over.

  "Jamie?"

  "Mmmm?" Her eyes were still closed. She looked incredibly beautiful in the morning. Her dark curls loosely spread around the pillow and her sweet heart shaped face looked so peaceful and relaxed. He didn't think he'd ever seen a more beautiful woman in his life.

  Aidan's work plans faded in his memory just watching her sleep. He had to do some paper work, and Saturday morning was the only time he could get it done. Tonight was the Gala. He couldn't afford to be distracted by Jamie, as much as he would thoroughly enjoy the prospect.

  Jamie reached up and slipped her arms around his neck, sighing sleepily as she pulled him closer to her.

  "What time do you want to leave for the Gala?" he asked.

  "Is that tonight?" she asked dreamily.

  "Yes."

  "Kiss me and I'll let you know," she said with a grin. She opened her eyes sleepily. "Why are you dressed?"

  "I have to go by the office this morning," he said.

  She stuck her bottom lip out and pouted. "Oh."

  She rolled over and propped herself up on her elbow, gracing him with a sleepy grin. "I guess you better go then," she said.

  Aidan felt conflicted. He'd love nothing more than to spend a lazy day with Jamie, just cuddling and watching old movies. He couldn't think of a better way to spend a free Saturday. "Work can wait," he said.

  Jamie smiled. "I thought so."

  One breakfast in bed, two kisses and half an old movie later, Aidan finally went to work. Reluctantly. Very, very reluctantly.

  Chapter Fifteen

  After a blissful morning, Jamie spent the earlier part of the afternoon in Palm Beach, touching base with her office in the late morning and then shopping until early afternoon. She had returned to her condo in Palm Beach to pick up a dress for the Gala but found that her current wardrobe had suddenly become sorely lacking. She had countless evening dresses. Most of them tasteful and terribly expensive, but none of them seemed to fit her current state of mind.

  The boutiques of Palm Beach were world-renowned and she knew most of the owners, many of whom were her clients. She would have preferred to shop in Miami but Palm Beach was a remarkably small town despite its actual size, and the crowd could be full of petty and powerful people. If she bought her dress from an outsider, she was bound to make enemies.

  "I'm looking for something a little chicer than I normally wear," she told Cara Willard who owned the Duchess Boutique. "But still simple and elegant."

  Cara clasped her hands together with excitement. "It's about time. You're such a lovely woman but always so conservative. I have the perfect dress for you, darling." Cara nodded to one of her salesgirls who moved at her command. "It came in last week. A Versace." She shook her head, "Elegant, classy and just the right touch of glamor."

  The salesgirl brought out a dress of deep sapphire blue silk. "The color will be perfect for you. Try it, you will see."

  Cara was right. The dress was beautiful, the silk was soft and flowing to her ankles, but it moved gracefully, hugging her figure as she walked without clinging too tightly. The strapless dress came with a wrap in matching fabric that was embroidered with silver threading. Furthermore, it fit her perfectly, needing no alternations. A definite must considering the Gala was tonight.

  "Silver sandals in a mid-heel and you will be smashing," Cara said with delight.r />
  Jamie stared at her reflection in the mirror. Was that really her? She looked different somehow, nothing like the conservative woman she had been the last several years. She twirled around in the dress, loving the luxurious feel of the silk as it swished around her ankles. She felt like another person in the dress, wild and wanton and free.

  Cara laughed as she brought a pair of glittering sandals over to Jamie. "It suits you. Conrad will be pleased when he sees you."

  Jamie was quiet a moment. It was a small town indeed, but apparently word of the Palm Beach Post's retraction was not getting around. Or perhaps it never ran. Jamie had never checked to make sure.

  "The truth is Conrad and I have broken up," she told Cara.

  Cara's widened in surprise. She shook her head sadly, "You poor dear," Cara clucked sympathetically.

  "Not at all. Actually, the Post had been misinformed. I was never engaged to Conrad. They were supposed to print a retraction of the announcement. At any rate, I have another date for the Gala."

  Cara perked up. "I must say this is all news to me. I can't wait to meet your new man. Who is he?"

  Jamie smiled to herself. What Cara really meant was who is he in our small society of rich, powerful families?

  "I'll introduce you at the Gala." Before Cara could ask any more questions, Jamie was off to the dressing room. She skillfully changed the subject when she came out, asking Cara about her most current husband while waiting for her dress to be packaged. As Jamie was walking out the door in came Reny, her flaming red hair done up in an extravagant coif, no doubt in preparation of tonight's Gala.

  "Jamie my dear, I'm so surprised to see you!" Reny exclaimed as she planted an air kiss next to Jamie's check.

  "Reny, you look lovely as always."

  "Thank you, dear."

  "I've got to run but I'll see you tonight at the Gala," Jamie said.

  "You're going?" Reny stammered. "Of course, you are! You're on the Board, aren't you?"