She and Cody were two different people, Maggy rationalized. Cody was in love with life and wanted to sample and savor all the pleasures life had to offer, without having to worry about whether his actions were rational, logical or even sensible. Tonight was a perfect example. He gave no thought to the consequences of going to the Boom Boom Club. He only thought of the pleasure it would give her mother. Cody clearly played by his own rules—just like her mother.
Maggy glanced at him. How would he love? she wondered, shocked at the train of her thoughts. The answer came instantly. By his own rules, no doubt, just like he did everything else. Judging by his affection for Bobby, Cody’s loving would probably be total and thorough. The thought sent a ripple of longing through her, and Maggy shivered.
Cody was so close she could see the thick sweep of dark lashes that circled his eyes. See the full softness of his mouth. A mouth that laughed too easily, and too often. For an instant, she wondered if his lips would feel as soft as they looked. Startled at her thoughts, she shook her head.
She couldn’t allow herself to get involved with him, at least not personally involved. She couldn’t afford to let her personal feelings grow.
Despite their differences and despite her resolve, Maggy realized she was far too attracted to the man for her own good. It was just that he was so blasted appealing! He seemed to be attacking her—however unconsciously—on all levels.
Physically, he was so attractive that he caused every one of her nerve endings to cry out with curiosity.
Emotionally, Cody appealed to the compassionate nature in her. She couldn’t help but appreciate and admire the kind of man he was. To take on the responsibility of a child and raise him as his own, how could she find fault with him for that? Bobby was growing up in a secure, warm environment, full of love and devotion because of Cody.
Intellectually, Cody appealed to her reasonable, rational side. What he was trying to do, regardless of how bizarre it was, was noble and endearing. He was willing to risk his career just to insure Bobby’s future. How on earth could she find fault with that?
She couldn’t, Maggy realized dismally. And she knew it. It left her feeling so vulnerable.
“Mags?” Lost in her own thoughts, she jumped at the sound of his voice. Cody was so close that his soft breath teased her delicate skin. Startled, Maggy turned, and found him only inches away. Her breath lodged in the back of her throat like a broken chicken bone.
“What?” she stammered, allowing her eyes the pleasure of looking at him.
He was smiling down at her with such tenderness her stomach contracted. He dropped his fingers to her shoulders and traced a lazy pattern. Maggy squirmed uncomfortably. His touch was causing her breath to come quickly. If he was trying to distract her from their conversation, he was doing a good job. Struggling to attend to the matter at hand, Maggy shifted away, trying to get some relief from the heat radiating through her.
She had to handle this right here and now, or before she knew it, she would end up painting the jail, storming Washington or doing the Lord knew what else.
“I want to talk to you about my mother,” Maggy finally said, forcing her mind back on track.
“Would it help if I said I was sorry about tonight?” He vainly tried to hide a smile, and Maggy looked at him dubiously.
“Are you sorry?” she inquired with a lift of her brow.
“Nope,” he returned, grinning from ear to ear. “Your mother and I had a fine old time. You should have seen her, she was wonderful. I really think she had a good time. For a few moments there she forgot about everything. She was alive, Mags, and you heard her, she said she couldn’t remember when she’d had so much fun. You know your mother. She’s not happy unless she’s got a cause to support, or someone to help. How can you be mad at her for that?”
She couldn’t, Maggy realized with a scowl. “I thought you said you never did anything sensible or rational,” she grumbled, and he laughed softly, giving her a quick hug.
“I guess even I do something surprising once in a while.”
Surprising? That sure was a funny name for what he was doing, Maggy decided. “Cody, you know all the reasons why I can’t help you find a woman. We’ve already gone through it. You know what I think you should do.”
He nodded. “I know. You think I should do something sensible, rational, or—I forget the other one,” he admitted with a lopsided grin.
“Logical,” she managed to get out. “What you want to do isn’t any of those things.” She took a deep breath, hoping to calm her jagged nerves. “On the other hand,” Maggy said carefully, “I don’t want my mother traipsing around town trying to find a woman for you. Lord knows how much trouble she’ll get into.” Maggy failed to add that her mother left to her own devices was bad enough, but add Cody to the pot and she was certain the cauldron would be brewing with more trouble than even she could handle. There really was only one solution to the problem.
“I don’t have any other choice but to help you myself,” Maggy said glumly. His eyes were soft and warm and Maggy felt her stomach drop. “I’ll help you find a woman,” she stammered, dragging her eyes away from his in an effort to keep her mind on the problem at hand. At least if she handled it, if she helped him herself, she’d be able to have some control over the situation. And him. And her mother. Well, one could always hope.
“But I want you to know, Cody, I still don’t like it.” She tried to keep her voice firm, but made the mistake of looking directly into his eyes. A great fountain of warmth unleashed itself inside her. Those blue eyes, she thought hazily. Those beautiful blue eyes were going to be her downfall.
“I do appreciate it,” he said tenderly, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze and in the process pulling her closer so that one whole side of her body was pressed against him. She tried to draw back, but he wouldn’t let her. “Hey, where are you going? Aren’t you comfortable?”
Maybe he was comfortable, but for her, “comfortable” wasn’t exactly the word that applied. Being so close to him was stirring up emotions and desires that were confusing. She wanted to stay near him, to feel the warmth of his body, the lazy touch of his hand. And yet by doing so she was creating an emotional volcano for herself.
“I’m comfortable,” she mumbled, deliberately dropping her gaze to her lap so she wouldn’t have to look at him. She tried to remember what she wanted to talk to him about, but all she could think about was his nearness. And what it was doing to her.
“Maggy?”
She took a small breath, knowing that was all she could manage in her present position. Instinct told her to move away from him, but emotions told her to stay. Emotions won.
“What?” she said quietly, picking at an imaginary speck on her skirt.
“I never properly thanked you for bailing me out. I really do appreciate it. And don’t worry about your money. I don’t have much cash on me, but I’ll be happy to write you a check, or if you’d rather, I can transfer some money from my bank down home, but it will take a few days.”
She turned to look at him. How on earth could he sit there carrying on about money and banks, when all she could do was think about his nearness? His eyes prowled her face, tenderly caressing every inch until she swallowed heavily.
“Mags?”
She watched a tiny pulse beat in his neck. “What?” she whispered.
“You’re afraid of me, aren’t you?” His fingers traced a lazy pattern along her arm.
“Of course not,” she lied, unable to drag her eyes from his.
“You’re afraid I’m going to be trouble, aren’t you?”
Maggy sighed heavily. “Cody, you’re already trouble.”
The corners of his mouth lifted, and Maggy found herself answering his smile. The man was trouble, but Maggy had a sneaky feeling she was the one who was in trouble.
“You got that part right,” he assured her, his eyes brimming with amusement. “But, honey, I always have fun.”
Maggy nodded, feeli
ng unaccountably flustered. She had to admit, he did seem to be having fun. He always seemed to be smiling, his eyes always seemed to be brimming with laughter. But what about the consequences of his fun? Like her mother, he rarely gave any thought to the consequences of his actions.
“Mags, remember when I told you I’ve never done a logical thing in my life?” She could only manage a nod, wondering just where this conversation was leading. “Well, never let it be said that I lied.”
Maggy watched mesmerized as his face drew nearer. He was going to kiss her, and she knew it. Perhaps she should protest, she thought wildly, watching as his lips drew nearer in slow motion. But then Maggy realized she didn’t want to protest, it was what she had been waiting for, what she had been anticipating from the moment she’d laid eyes on him.
Her breath lodged somewhere in her throat, and her body surged with sweet anticipation as his lips gently touched hers. His mouth was warm, softer than she’d imagined, sweeter than she’d ever dreamed. Her breath came at an uneven pace now as Cody’s tongue gently tapped at her lips, urging her, encouraging her to allow him to explore. Maggy turned toward him, slipping her arms around him in welcome.
Her action caused Cody to growl softly, the sound rumbling up his chest as his arms embraced her. His hands slid up and down the length of her spine, touching, exploring, experiencing. Trembling, Maggy leaned into him, feeling the heat of his chest, the rapid pulse of his heart warm her breasts.
His lips gentled on hers as his tongue thoroughly sampled the silky warmth of her mouth. Cody tasted sweet, and dangerous. Ignoring the voice of reason that tried to caution her, Maggy ran her hands through the softness of his hair, wanting to feel every inch of him, wanting to experience everything he had to offer.
His hands roamed freely, so big, and yet so gentle as they spanned her slender waist, then moved upward to tease her rib cage.
Maggy moved her hands across his broad shoulders, enjoying the feel of his hard muscles against her soft palms. His kiss deepened, his lips sipping at hers until she was intoxicated with desire, drunk with unfamiliar longings.
Cody trailed his fingers slowly upward until they tangled in her hair, urging her closer until there wasn’t even room for a breath of air between them. Her heart slammed against her ribs as unfulfilled emotions stormed her body.
Whispering her name against her lips, Cody reluctantly rolled his mouth from hers. Cradling her face gently in his hands, he looked deep into her eyes.
“Oh honey,” he whispered, scattering a rainbow of tiny kisses across her face. She closed her eyes and allowed herself the pleasure of his lips. Her mouth ached with longing, wanting to reacquaint itself with his.
Finally, Cody pressed his forehead against hers. “Mags,” he said huskily, trying to talk around the catch in his throat. “I think I’d better say good-night. While I still can,” he added. His eyes were darkened by desire, and she could see a smattering of her lipstick on one corner of his mouth. Hesitantly Maggy lifted her hand and gently wiped it off. Cody caught her hand. His eyes pinned hers as he slowly brushed his warm mouth across the tender skin of her palm, sending a shiver of desire rippling through her. Stunned at the emotions that were ravaging her, Maggy pulled her hand free, embarrassed at the way she had responded to the man.
After dropping a quick kiss on her forehead, Cody rose. “Thank you for everything, honey, and for agreeing to help me despite how you feel about it. That takes a lot of courage, and I admire that.” He turned and scooped Bobby off the couch. “Tomorrow, well—tomorrow we’ll talk some more.” He grinned and flashed her a wink. “Your mother and I have some ideas for you.”
Maggy nodded, still in a daze. Tomorrow she would have to try to figure out exactly what had happened tonight.
She lifted a finger to her lips and her eyes closed as she remembered the taste of him. A thought penetrated her hazy brain and her eyes opened as she jerked upright.
They had conned her! Cody and her mother had known all along she was going to help him! They’d somehow managed to cajole and confuse her into agreeing to do just what they wanted!
Maggy smiled in spite of herself. Handling her mother wasn’t easy, but handling her mother and Cody was going to be… Oh Lord, what on earth had she gotten herself into?
Another thought crept slowly into her mind and a skitter of anxiety tensed her frame. Just what on earth did Cody mean—they had some ideas for her? Just what kind of ideas?
Maggy groaned softly. Knowing her mother and Cody, even tarring and feathering couldn’t be ruled out!
Chapter Five
“Come on, tiger, eat your breakfast.” Cody’s voice filtered through the lower level of the house, and Maggy quickened her footsteps in time with her pulse rate. Despite her misgivings, just knowing Cody was downstairs caused her to smile.
“Come on, tiger, just a little bit more. That’s a good boy. No, it doesn’t go on your head. No, don’t spit—Bobby!”
Maggy stepped into the kitchen and burst out laughing. Cody was vainly trying to wipe puddled milk and cereal off his face.
“Good morning,” she said, trying not to laugh at the scowl on Cody’s face or the cereal in his hair. “What are you two up to?” she asked with a smile.
A dish towel was thrown carelessly over Cody’s bare shoulder and he lifted one corner to mop his face. “I’m trying to give him his breakfast,” Cody grumbled. “And he’s trying to give it back to me. I think we’re at a standoff.” He glanced up at Maggy and grinned. “Don’t you look lovely this morning?” Cody’s gaze slowly went over her, taking her in from head to toe. His eyes gently slid over the pale blue linen suit, with its matching silk blouse. She had pulled her hair up into a chignon, letting tiny wisps curl at her ears.
Self-consciously Maggy lifted a shaky hand to touch her hair. When Cody looked at her like that she felt warm all over. The man could do things to her just with his eyes that—
“Ma-ma!” Bobby squealed, drawing her attention. The toddler looked at her with such total adoration that Maggy’s heart melted.
“Morning, Sport,” she whispered, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on the toddler’s cheek. He smelled clean and sweet and totally irresistible. Bobby beamed up at her and Maggy slid a hand across his head, ruffling his hair. Cody was watching her intently, a quiet smile on his face.
“Where’s my mother?” Maggy inquired, unsettled now because of the way the man was looking at her.
“Sleeping,” Cody returned.
“Ma-ma, eat?” Bobby asked, turning big pleading eyes on her. No longer surprised at his expressions of endearment, Maggy smiled, feeling all her maternal instincts reach out to the motherless child.
“Eat!” Bobby insisted, reaching out to tug on her arm with a slightly damp hand. Maggy glanced down at her watch and frowned. She had overslept this morning, and was now running late. Miss Barklay was absolutely passionate about punctuality. But still—Maggy looked at Bobby. His big blue eyes were fixed on her in a way that tore at her heart. He’d had so little maternal affection or attention, no wonder he responded so warmly and quickly to her. How could she turn her back on him? She was torn between staying and feeding him, which she really wanted to do—or getting to work on time—which she knew she really should do.
“Not now, tiger,” Cody admonished gently, peeling the child’s hand from Maggy’s arm. “Maggy has to get to work.”
“Ma-ma, eat!” Bobby demanded, kicking his chubby feet against the chair. His lips formed a quivering pout as tears welled up in his eyes; a giant tear plopped down his face and rolled slowly down his cheek.
That did it! Maggy yanked off her jacket and draped it across the back of a chair.
She was already late, she was going to get a lecture from Miss Barklay whether she was an hour late, or over two, so a few more minutes wouldn’t matter. At the moment, comforting Bobby was uppermost in her mind.
“It’s all right, Cody,” Maggy said. “I’ll stay.”
Cody stood up.
And Maggy sat down.
“Something wrong, Mags?” Cody asked with a twinkle in his eye. He cocked his head and watched as a slow flush crept over her pale features. She tried to look everywhere but at him. But her traitorous eyes kept going back to him.
Wrong? Maggy swallowed hard. What could possibly be wrong? Just because there was a gorgeous nearly naked man standing in her kitchen, what could possibly be wrong?
Cody was dressed in a pair of ragged cutoffs—and nothing else. His feet were as bare as his chest. At least he had told her the truth about not liking clothes, she mused humorously, trying not to stare at the magnificence of his body.
A shaft of lemon-colored sunlight filtered through the corner window, highlighting Cody’s bronzed chest. His stomach, she noted, was flat and narrow, and his navel peeked out atop the waistband of his shorts.
Maggy tried not to stare at him. She was both excited and aggravated…aggravated that she found him so exciting!
She was supposed to be there for Bobby, Maggy chastised herself, not drooling over Cody like one of Miss Avalon’s schoolgirls.
“Want some coffee?” Cody inquired. “I just made it.” Maggy nodded, dragging her eyes from his and pouring all her concentration into the oat cereal, which Bobby was trying to spoon into his mouth. Cody leaned over and slowly slid a steaming cup of coffee in front of her. His muscles contracted with each movement, and she watched mesmerized.
Her pulse throbbed at the back of her throat as his arm brushed against hers. Tremors ran a wild race, chasing each other up and down her spine. Every time the man came near, she felt as if she were airborne—without a plane.
What on earth was wrong with her?
Last night she had lain awake for hours, thinking about Cody, about his kisses and her reactions to them. Never had she reacted so boldly, so wantonly to a man. Not that there had ever been a man in her life. Other than colleagues from the academy and a few casual dates, Maggy was inexperienced in the matter of men. Cody was unlike any man she’d ever met. Despite her reservations, Maggy found herself drawn to him and haunted by him.
Baby Makes Three: Heartwarming Love and Laughter Page 6
