Lost and Found (Beyond Fairytales)

by Linnea Alexis

Eli’s heart warmed to hear Haley giggle—a great bonus, considering how hard he had worked to get a mere smile out of her. Her happiness was contagious. He hadn’t enjoyed himself this much in a long time. Maybe not since the last time they were together. Besides her large, green eyes, the sound of her laughter was what had drawn him to her when they met.

  A curl fell across her face, and he pushed it away gently. She shivered and leaned into his touch.

  Maybe she didn’t hate him anymore. He’d been pretty rough on her during the legal proceedings and needed to make it up to her. He slid closer and grinned when she didn’t move away.

  He draped his arm across the back of the booth. When she rested her head against his arm, he threaded his fingers through her silky, red hair. He wanted to kiss her, but decided to take it slow. He had all night. Being with Haley made him realize how much he’d missed in life. For him, life had become work, work, and more work. Climbing the corporate lawyer-ladder had consumed him.

  He’d achieved his goal of becoming one of the most successful divorce attorneys in Orange County, but success had only brought emptiness with it.

  Starting tonight, he was going to make changes in his personal life. He had all the money he needed. Relationships were more important. Money wouldn’t keep him warm at night. He wanted Haley beside him and in his bed.

  They finished their bottle of wine. She stared at him through heavy eyelids and touched his lips. Overwhelmed by need, he captured her hand and kissed each fingertip. As he brushed his lips against her soft, warm mouth, he tasted wine, lasagna, and desire. More. He wanted more, but this wasn’t the appropriate setting. He’d wait until they returned to their room

  Music broke out. Eli peeked through the archway into the lounge next door, where couples congregated in the middle of the room and swayed to the rhythm of “I Love the Nightlife.” He slid out of the booth and offered his hand. “Shall we?”

  Not John Travolta by any means, he had, however, discoed at enough frat parties to know he wouldn’t embarrass himself. He wasn’t about to miss out on an opportunity for a slow dance that would give him a perfect excuse to hold her in his arms and press his body to hers.

  She smiled and accepted.

  Eli paid the tab, and they stepped into the crowded bar.

  The music was disco—KC and the Sunshine Band, the Bee Gees. He coaxed Haley into the crowd of college-age couples. She held back at first, but soon the upbeat tempo pulled her into a party mood. The wide grin on her face let him know this was the perfect ending to a tension-filled day.

  “More than a Woman” played, and he held her close enough to feel her heart pound against his chest. Closing his eyes, he recalled how perfectly their bodies had fit together in the past. Like tonight. The music stopped, and still they clung to each other, letting their bodies sway to the beat of their hearts. The crotch of his pants tightened against his growing erection.

  She pulled away. Her eyes darkened with emotion. “I think we’d better leave,” she whispered.

  Shit. He wanted to keep holding her.

  “All right.” He pressed her hand to his lips and kissed it.

  On his way out of the club, he bought a bottle of wine from the bartender. For later.

  Chapter Nine

  Desire rose in Haley when they returned to the motel room. Dancing with Eli, plus the wine, summoned a need so powerful, her body trembled. Fearing her legs would fail her, she leaned against the door for support.

  A shy smile played on his lips and grew into a wicked grin. His gaze locked with hers, and his dark, hooded eyes summoned a want so strong, her core ached for his touch.

  She wanted this dangerous man, but was she ready for the wild evening his body promised? After all, she wasn’t eighteen anymore. She was a grown woman.

  Did he remember their Palm Springs weekend so long ago? Tempted to ask, she decided against it in case he didn’t recall her. How embarrassing would that be? Especially when she had given her name as Clarice. And hadn’t he introduced himself as Larry?

  As if sensing her nervousness, Eli said, “Don’t worry. I don’t bite…anymore.”

  A shared memory skittered across her brain. She stiffened and jerked her head back to read the expression in his eyes.

  “You have nothing to be worried about. I’ve grown up…Clarice.”

  Damn. He remembered. Her heart did a tap dance in her chest, and heat rose in her face.

  “I never forgot Palm Springs. And I never forgot you.” He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I don’t know about you, but the time we spent together at the Holiday Inn was the most memorable weekend of my life.”

  She rolled her eyes. “What guy wouldn’t remember a weekend of nothing but wine coolers, tequila, and sex?” Embarrassed, she covered her face with her hands. “Oh God, I’d never done anything so scandalous before and haven’t since. I don’t know what got into me.”

  “I did. And, if I recall correctly, it was a very nice place to be.” He ran his hand up and down her back. “Don’t be embarrassed. We were twenty-one-year-old kids without a care in the world.”

  “Eighteen. Actually, I was eighteen.”

  “Drinking illegally? Clarice, I’m shocked.” His hands flew to his chest in mock horror. “How’d you get into the clubs?”

  “I paid good money for my ID.”

  He grinned, showing the sexy, single dimple. “How’d you ever come up with a name like Clarice?”

  “I’d just watched Silence of the Lambs on TV, so the name was still fresh in my mind. Where’d you get Larry?”

  “You’re not going to believe me, but my high school swim team called me Larry. According to them, Larry was shorter than saying Libertini.”

  “So we both lied?”

  “Guess so. But you more than me.”

  Slapping his arm playfully, she asked, “What do you mean?”

  “You lied about your name and your age. I would never have plied you with tequila if I’d known you were only eighteen.”

  “That’s why I lied.”

  Cradling her face, he kissed her cheek and the corner of her mouth.

  Flames of desire consumed her body, and her heartbeat raced like a thoroughbred’s. Heaven help her, she didn’t want to be as captivated by him as she’d been ten years ago.

  She’d been a virgin when they’d hooked up and had lacked his experience. She’d given herself completely to him and ended up spending the most glorious weekend of her life with him. The master of seduction was what she’d called him. Not only had he brought her to climax in more ways and more often than she’d imagined possible, he had also taught her everything she needed to know about pleasuring a man. Liquid pooled between her legs, and she let out a ragged breath.

  “What did you think when you saw me again after all that time?” Her own voice sounded husky, unrecognizable.

  “I was stunned. I knew it was you. I’d fanaticized about the beautiful girl with the big cat eyes for a long time. You set the standard. No one’s even come close since.”

  “Then why did you brutalize me during the negotiations?”

  “I’m a damn good lawyer. I honestly didn’t mean to hurt you. When I saw the hurt look in your eyes, I backed off. I’m sorry. I truly am. Did you recognize me?”

  “Not at first. Not until you smiled, and I saw the dimple at the corner of your mouth.” And your full lips. “Then I knew it was you. But I didn’t know if you remembered me, so I didn’t say anything.”

  “Remember you? Hell, I never forgot you.”

  “You know all about me. What about you? Any kids?” She hesitated. “Spouse? Significant other?”

  He undid his ponytail, raked his hair with his long fingers, and wound errant strands behind his ears. “Actually, there is a female who shares my bed nearly every night.”

  “Oh.” The blood drained from her face.

  “Her name is Liza, and she been living with me for a couple of years.”

  Haley had heard enoug
h. She held her hand up, signaling him to stop. No way could she stay with him tonight. Reaching for the doorknob, she said, “I think it’s a bad idea to share this room. I’m going to check if there’s another vacancy.”

  “Would Liza’s shedding bother you?”

  “Shedding?”

  “Come on back here.” He reached for her hand. The naughtiness in his wide grin started at his lips and trailed a path to his eyes. “I’m talking about my cat…that just happens to be female.”

  “Your cat?

  “I’m over thirty years old, and I’m living with a damn cat. If I’m not careful, I’ll be known around the neighborhood as Catman. How pathetic is that?”

  “Growl for me, Catman.”

  Leaning his head back, he growled—hands raised, fingers curled like claws.

  “You’re crazy.” She doubled over in a fit of the giggles.

  He growled and laughed and growled some more. They laughed together, and he locked her in a bear hug. Tension and feelings of unease drifted out of the room.

  When the joking stopped, his smile faded, and he said softly, “You want to know why I prefer the company of a cat to humans?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  He released her and grabbed the wine bottle. “I’ve never met anyone I wanted to spend my life with. I’m too selfish. Too vain. Too ambitious.”

  She tilted her head, trying to figure out why he’d confessed his faults. “I guess I can see that.”

  “Well, I think I’m changing.” He opened the bottle and poured two glasses.

  Haley wanted to keep her wits about her, fearing if she drank too much, they’d pick up where they’d left off in Palm Springs. It was best to take it slow, keep her distance—for now. But she was playing with fire. Eli was charming, movie-star handsome, and more than a little lethal.

  What about sleeping arrangements?

  Soft rock music drifted from the television. Her gaze flicked in its direction.

  “I found an all-music channel. I think we could use some tunes. What do you think?”

  “Can you find something a little peppier?”

  “I can try.” He channel surfed, but found nothing faster. Dancing to soft, sexy mood music was too risky when she was in his arms.

  He offered her his hand. “May I have this dance, Clarice?” he asked in a cheesy Anthony Hopkins impersonation. His lips twitched, telling her he had mischief on his mind.

  A memory surfaced, giving her pause. Wasn’t an offer of a dance what started their affair in the first place? She knew how irresistible Eli could be. Did she really want to lose herself in his seductive embrace again?

  “Just one dance,” he said.

  The song was apropos—“Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum.

  She should have known better, but she took his hand anyway.

  He swept her into a firm embrace and stared into her eyes. “There. That’s not so bad, is it?” His dark eyes grew even darker beneath his half-closed lids.

  Oh, boy.

  Eli took the lead, and they danced, rocking side-to-side. He rested his cheek against her forehead and held her right hand in his left, lacing their fingers. “Relax,” he whispered. “I told you I don’t bite anymore. Unless you want me to.”

  Who was she kidding? She still wanted him. All the passion she thought had left ten years ago had found its way back.

  At the end of the song, he dipped her and slowly lifted her until they stood face to face. He brushed his lips against hers.

  Why was she allowing him to kiss her? It was wrong. He was Allen’s lawyer, for crying out loud.

  But he was also her ex-lover, and resting in his arms felt so right. He draped his arm around her shoulder. “I could use a refill on the wine. How about you?”

  She wanted to say no, but answered, “Yes.” Her breath caught at the sight of Eli walking away from her in tight jeans.

  He removed his watch and dropped it, along with the change from his pocket, on top of the dresser, letting her know he was getting ready to settle down for the night. He wasn’t going anywhere.

  Neither was she. As she watched his getting-ready-for-bed ritual, her heart stuttered. Oh, boy, I am in trouble now.

  Chapter Ten

  Something moved. Haley’s gaze flew to the window.

  Through the narrow opening between the drapes, she noticed a young boy, perhaps ten years old, cross in front of the pool. His hair, trousers, and long-sleeved shirt were white, his face pale, expressionless. He blended into the grayness outside.

  To make sure she wasn’t imagining the boy, she rushed to the window for a closer look. “Eli, can you come over here a minute? I want you to see something.”

  With two plastic glasses filled with wine, he moved to her side. “Yeah? What’s going on?”

  “I just saw the strangest thing. A young boy walked past the window.”

  “Are you sure it wasn’t the wine?” he said with amusement on his face. “In this weather?”

  A sick feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. Once again, it was raining. “But it wasn’t raining a minute ago,” she muttered and brought her hand to her mouth.

  “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He handed her a glass of wine.

  “Maybe I did.” But it didn’t make sense. Ghosts don’t exist, do they? Through the split between the drapes, she watched the sudden downpour slap at the swimming pool—splashing it, filling it to near overflowing. She glanced both ways, looking for the boy. Where did he go? Hopefully, he found someplace warm and dry.

  Eli slipped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed gently. “Try to relax, babe.” He kissed her forehead. “Drink up. It’ll be morning before you know it.”

  “You’re probably right,” she murmured and sipped her wine. Both hoping and dreading she would see the boy, she peeked out of the window one more time.

  The opening notes of “Desperado” by the Eagles played.

  “That song is calling my name.” Eli took the glass from her and set it on the dresser. “Dance with me one more time,” he whispered, drawing her so close his arousal pressed against her stomach.

  Now would be a good time to stop this dance, but she couldn’t or didn’t want to. Instead, she slipped her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his.

  Releasing her hand, he slid his arms around her waist. His breathing became shallow, rapid.

  Heat pooled between her legs. Suddenly, she was eighteen again. Her heart pounded as she breathed in his same musky scent. “No,” she whispered. “We can’t do this. We were young, impulsive.”

  “What’s wrong with trusting your feelings? Your heart? Haley, I often think about how I felt then. There was honest emotion—”

  “Honest?” A slight giggle escaped. “We didn’t even give each other our correct names.”

  “Much to my regret. But it’s not uncommon for students to use fake names to match their fake IDs during spring break. We experienced an abandon I haven’t felt since. I need that. I need you. We had only each other, and it was beautiful. You felt something, too. Didn’t you?”

  “Yes.” She had felt something back then, and, God help her, she still did.

  “Then let’s give what we feel another try. Another chance.”

  “How is that possible? What about Allen?”

  “Fuck Allen.” He spat out the name like venom. “He’s got no say in what you do with your life. He’s dead, for crying out loud. You’re over twenty-one. For the lies he told about you during our negotiations, he should have been tossed in jail. He was a monster.”

  “I know. But he still terrifies me. There are times I feel like his ghost is lurking somewhere, waiting for me to screw up. To fail. He—”

  Eli kissed her hard, taking away her words and fears. He traced her cheek with the back of his fingers. “We were good together, Haley, real good. I let you slip away from me. I’m not going to make that mistake again.”

  His beautiful words flooded over her like a refreshing spring r
ain. She wanted to believe him. But was he sincere, or did he just want to bed her?

  “How about it?”

  “Let me think about it during our next dance.”

  Grinning, he lifted her, twirled her. He lowered her until their faces met and kissed her. She slid down his body and felt his need. Heat rushed through her body, and she trembled, remembering how he’d made love to her. Yes, they were good together.

  Arms entwined and bodies pressed together, they swayed to the music. She moaned. So did he.

  “Oh, babe. I need you so much right now.” He groaned and his hands slid from her waist to her ass. He pulled her closer, letting her know how much he wanted her.

  “Oh, yes.” Her answer came out as a moan, dripping with need. “P-please.”

  He lifted her, making it easier for her to wrap her legs around his waist—right where she wanted to be. Feeling his large erection pressing against her core, she moved against him. Opening her thighs wider, she ground harder.

  “Let’s get more comfortable,” he murmured between kisses. He carried her across the room and eased her onto the bed. He lay on his stomach next to her and moved his leg between her knees. To give him easier access, she spread her legs, and he blanketed her with his body, his erection pressing into her thigh.

  Covering her mouth with his, he reached under her shirt and cupped her breast. When he gave the breast a gentle squeeze, she moaned and bowed her back, bringing their bodies so close, his heartbeat pounded against her chest.

  “Do you like this?”

  Silly boy, why would she not like the way his hands caressed her body, stroked her passion? Common sense told her to use self-control—to stop this insanity before there was no turning back. But her need was too great and made her helpless to resist him. It had been a long time since she’d surrendered to unbridled lust. A long time since she’d allowed herself to fall into the arms of a lover. Such a long time…. “Uh-huh.”

  “Raise your arms.”

  Thrilled at the promise of what was to come, she complied, making it easier for him to slip her shirt over her head. When she arched her back, he unhooked her bra and tossed it aside.