by Kristi Gold
Kristina didn’t move, even after Drew had slipped on his shorts and shoes and started up the walkway, pausing near the tree line to stare off into the darkness.
Now suffering the effects of the night air and Drew’s sudden aloofness, Kristina felt chilled to the bone, and totally helpless. How would she ever break through those barriers he’d built around his heart?
At the moment, that seemed an impossible task. Maybe she should give up. But she couldn’t do that. She would have never gotten anywhere in life by throwing in the towel or giving in to the insecurities that still reared their ugly head now and then.
Lilly’s advice came back to her, feeding Kristina’s determination to try and make Drew forget his pain. Try and prove to him that she was willing to love him with everything she had to give, even if that meant giving him everything, body, soul and heart.
Coward.
Cursing himself and the couch, Drew rolled onto his belly and punched his pillow with the force of his anger. He’d had the perfect opportunity, and he’d blown it.
Kristina had put her faith in him, her trust, and he didn’t deserve it one damn bit. Tonight he’d been the ultimate jerk by seducing her, then closing himself off the moment she tried to tell him how she felt about him, how much she admired the man she believed him to be. Funny thing was, she’d mistakenly thought this was about Talia. At one time Talia’s death was an issue he hadn’t been able to deal with, but since Kristina had come into his life, the guilt and pain were lessening, and he’d begun to feel whole again. Yet he didn’t have the guts to tell Kristina the truth, that this scheme to bring them together wasn’t his idea at all.
He had told her the truth about one thing. She didn’t know him. Not really, even though he’d felt closer to her than any woman, emotionally speaking, since Talia. Maybe even the closest he’d ever felt to a woman, period.
Bottom line, he was lying to her. The whole thing had been a lie. Except tonight he was struck with the realization that he was dangerously close to falling for Kristina Simmons.
That was absolute gospel.
Eight
Kristina’s head began to spin as if she were dangling from the massive family tree.
For the past few minutes, Drew’s sister-in-law Maura had been seated across from Kristina at the picnic table, attempting to list all of the Connellys, past and present. So far she’d only managed a briefing of Drew’s siblings—three sisters and four brothers, including Drew’s twin, Brett, not to mention three half brothers. Kristina suspected there was definitely a story there. She could only hope that she wouldn’t have to pass a heritage test in order to find her own branch among the tangled limbs, if in fact things worked out between her and Drew. After last night, she wasn’t sure she would ever be able to reach past Drew’s grief in order to win his heart.
An attractive young woman approached the Connelly men gathered beneath a nearby oak, garnering Kristina’s attention. She nodded toward the mystery guest. “Which one is that?”
“She’s not a Connelly,” Maura said in a whisper. “She’s Grant’s assistant, Charlotte Masters.”
Kristina eyed the woman now conversing with Drew, Grant, Tobias and Maura’s physician husband, Doug. She was dressed in a crisp white shirt and neatly pressed navy shorts, while Kristina sat wrapped up to the neck in a modest terry cover-up she wore over her swimsuit. The men seemed more than attentive, and that made Kristina more than a little envious. What red-blooded male could ignore a woman slight of frame with strawberry-blond hair and a striking face? Yet Charlotte didn’t smile all that much.
Maura caught Charlotte’s attention and signaled her to join them with a wave. “I’ll introduce you two.”
Charlotte waited for Grant to sign some papers before answering Maura’s summons. She strolled to the table to join them, a folder clutched against her chest. Her tentative smile didn’t erase the worry from her expression. “Hi, Maura. How are you feeling?”
Maura rubbed a palm over her slightly swollen belly beneath the simple knit top. “Very well, thank you. Would you like something to eat? I’m sure Rosie would be glad to make you a plate. She’s just now putting everything away in the kitchen.”
“Oh, no. I’m not hungry.” The young woman’s already pale complexion turned waxen. “Thank you, though.”
“Are you feeling okay?” Maura asked.
“Actually, I…” Her gaze wavered for a moment then focused on Kristina.
Maura, too, glanced at Kristina. “I’m sorry. I’m being rude. Charlotte, this is Drew’s fiancée, Kristina Simmons. Soon to be Connelly.”
If only that were a concrete fact, Kristina thought. “Nice to meet you, Charlotte.”
The young woman’s responding smile was pleasant enough, but somewhat distracted. “Very nice to meet you, Kristina.”
Feeling as if she were intruding, Kristina asked, “Would you like me to leave so you two can talk?”
“No. That’s not necessary.” Charlotte sighed. “I suppose there isn’t much point in trying to keep it a secret, but I’m not used to…well, having such private matters made public.” Her smile was easier, her tone rueful. “I suppose I’d better get used to it, though. I’ll be showing soon enough.”
Maura’s green eyes widened with shock. “You’re pregnant?”
“Yes, I am.”
The surprised expression remained on Maura’s features. “When did you find out?”
“A little while ago,” Charlotte said.
A rather vague answer, Kristina decided.
“Sit down and we can exchange war stories,” Maura said. “How far along are you?”
Still standing, Charlotte sent a nervous glance at the men who now seemed occupied with their own conversation. “I really can’t stay. I need to get back to the office; work doesn’t wait, even on Saturday. But since I’m here, I did want to ask you a question. A medical question.”
Kristina realized that Charlotte was still evading Maura’s questions about how far along she was in the pregnancy, and she wondered if the omission was intentional.
Maura scooted over and patted the bench. “Have a seat for a minute and I’ll put on my nurse’s cap.”
Charlotte reluctantly complied and sat with her hands clasped atop the folder. “Is it normal for me to be having morning sickness all day? Nothing bad actually, I’m just queasy.”
“You have been seeing a doctor, haven’t you?” Maura asked.
“Oh, yes. But this just started and I haven’t had a chance to ask him about it. The thing is, for the last several days I seem to be nauseous all the time. Not severely, but I thought morning sickness only happened when you first woke up.”
“What trimester are you in?”
“First.”
Finally, an answer, although Kristina still puzzled over Charlotte’s obvious avoidance of the question.
Maura laid a hand on Charlotte’s arm. “It’s perfectly normal, then. I haven’t had any morning sickness to speak of, but I was a little light-headed at first. As long as you’re keeping food down, consider it one of the little nuisances that comes with bringing a baby into the world.”
Kristina decided that a little nuisance now and then would be well worth it, given the opportunity to carry Drew’s child. But Charlotte’s odd behavior had Kristina wondering if the woman was all that excited about having a baby.
Charlotte slid from the bench and stood. “Thanks, Maura. I need to get back into the office now.” She sent Kristina a small smile. “Congratulations, Kristina, and best of luck. Drew’s a wonderful man.” She left a good deal more quickly than she’d approached them.
“What on earth is up with that woman, racing off that way?”
Kristina looked up to see Lilly standing behind Maura, having returned from inside the house where she’d retired with Emma and Amanda immediately after lunch.
“Actually, she just dropped a bomb,” Maura said over one shoulder. “Seems she’s pregnant.”
“I suspected as mu
ch,” Lilly said. “I heard her name come up in that context between Grant and Emma. Of course, they didn’t realize I was listening.”
“You mean you were eavesdropping, Lilly?” Maura asked with mock surprise.
“I was gathering information,” Lilly said. “I find it’s the only way to keep abreast of the Connelly clan happenings.”
“Is Charlotte married?” Kristina asked.
Maura shook her head. “No.”
At least now Charlotte’s discomfort made more sense to Kristina. She could definitely relate to those times when it seemed the whole world held you under a microscope.
“And as far as I know,” Maura added, “she’s not involved with anyone.”
Lilly expelled an impatient sigh. “I suppose this means you didn’t ask about the father.”
“I didn’t think it was my place to ask,” Maura said.
Lilly leaned on her cane and clucked her tongue. “My dear, sometimes being blunt is the only way to discover such an important fact.”
“Do you have any idea who this mystery man might be, Lilly?” Kristina asked, genuinely curious.
Lilly carefully slid onto the bench beside Maura. “I haven’t a clue. Charlotte has never seemed interested in any of the Connelly sons.” She rubbed her chin, looking thoughtful. “Except perhaps Rafe.”
Maura scoffed. “They argue every time they come in range of each other. Besides, she’s not Rafe’s type.”
Lilly rolled her eyes. “I didn’t realize Rafe had a type. Just this past year he’s dated a dancer, a socialite and a soap-opera star. And wasn’t there a tennis player last year?”
Kristina wondered, amused, if Rafe had any idea how well his grandmother kept tabs on his love life.
“But every one of them was definitely a foot-loose-fancy-free sort,” Maura said. “I don’t see Charlotte that way.”
Looking thoughtful, Lilly said, “Hmmm. You do have a point. That boy is entirely too skittish about matrimony. Still, he is a man and a Connelly. And Charlotte is an attractive woman.” She centered her gaze on Kristina and patted her hand. “Dear, if you’re concerned that Drew is a possibility, I assure you that you have nothing to worry about.”
Kristina’s face heated to furnace proportions. “I wasn’t actually worried about that.” Not that the thought hadn’t momentarily crossed her mind. After all, Drew had seemed pleased to see Charlotte. And he was a single, vital, gorgeous, sexy man, qualities a woman couldn’t easily ignore. Kristina had learned that firsthand.
Lilly and Maura traded knowing smiles, exactly the reason why Kristina avoided playing poker.
The men strolled toward the table and Doug took the empty spot on the bench beside Maura. Tobias slid in on the other side of Lilly while Drew claimed his place next to Kristina, draping an arm around her neck, much to her surprise and joy.
“What were you girls talking about?” Drew asked.
“Not you, Grandson,” Lilly added. “We were discussing Charlotte Masters’s pregnancy and the phantom father of her child.”
Grant stood in the same spot Charlotte had occupied earlier. “Then she told you.”
“She told Kristina and me,” Maura said.
Forking a hand through his hair, Grant said, “The secret is now out, but the father still remains a mystery.”
Lilly nailed Grant with a serious stare. “I hope it’s a mystery to you, Grant Connelly.”
“Mother, I’m warning you.”
“Oh, posh,” Lilly said. “We’re all family, and we all know about Seth’s parentage. It’s not as if it’s a secret to Emma, either, God bless your wonderful wife’s generous heart.”
If only Maura had gotten to Seth in her family summary, Kristina thought. But she hadn’t, therefore Kristina couldn’t begin to comprehend this conversation. She intended to have Drew explain, if they were ever alone again.
Grant studied the grass beneath his feet. “I would rather not discuss the past, Mother. Emma and I have put all that behind us.”
“I’m only saying that I hope you have learned your lesson, my cherished son.”
“Let’s face it, Grandmother,” Doug said, a teasing grin on his handsome face. “Dad’s getting a little too old to be dipping into the secretarial pool.”
The secretarial pool? Things were becoming all too clear to Kristina.
Lilly cackled. “If a Connelly man’s still breathing, he’s never too old. This family’s males have virility down to a fine art. That certainly still holds true with your grandfather.”
Tobias turned red from the tip of his chin to the top of his bald head. “Lilly, behave yourself. You don’t want to run Kristina off, do you?”
“Yes, Grandmother, behave yourself,” Drew said in a cautionary tone.
Ignoring the warnings, Lilly favored Kristina with a smile. “I’m sure she knows exactly what I mean, don’t you, dear?”
“Grandmother, please.” Drew’s voice was low, barely restrained. His mouth formed a grim line, his eyes devoid of amusement.
“Oh, lighten up, dear Drew. Not one soul here expects you two to be chaste now that you’re engaged.”
All eyes turned to Kristina as if awaiting confirmation that Drew, like the rest of the Connelly men, had a healthy sexual appetite. She’d only begun to see that side of him, and had to admit she wanted to see more. Soon.
The back door closed, drawing everyone’s attention from her, and Emma came out in a flowing blue sundress that matched her eyes. She moved with inherent grace and stopped at her husband’s side, slipping her hand into his. Grant and Emma exchanged a meaningful look that could only be described as sincere affection, undisguised love, the way Kristina hoped that Drew might look at her some day.
“Amanda’s snoozing away,” Emma said. “She told me to wake her when you’re ready to go swimming.”
Doug rose from the bench. “I’m afraid we’re going to have to pass on that swim. I need to get Maura home.”
“So soon?” Emma asked.
“I’m afraid so.” Maura stretched and yawned. “It’s past my nap time.” She patted her belly. “Junior here requires lots of rest.”
“I could use a little nap, too,” Tobias said, patting his belly much the same as Maura had.
“I personally would like a dip in the pool,” Lilly added. “But I shall wait until Amanda is up from her nap. Drew, you and Kristina go ahead.”
After Maura and Doug had said their goodbyes, Lilly, Tobias, Emma and Grant followed the couple out to their car, leaving Drew and Kristina alone.
Drew pulled his arm from around her and planted his palm on her thigh. “Well?”
“Well what?”
He grazed her bare thigh beneath the terry cloth with light strokes of his fingers. “Care to go for a swim?”
“I’m ready if you are.”
He tipped his forehead against her temple and whispered, “Are you?”
Oh, she was. Ready and willing and burning with every brushstroke he made on the inside of her thigh with gentle fingers. “You mean am I ready to swim?” Her voice was little more than a croak.
Drew’s smile appeared. “Yeah, I guess so, although you sound like you’re ready for something else.”
Kristina’s face flushed hot. “I think maybe we need to focus on swimming at the moment considering your daughter and grandmother will be joining us in a while.”
He nibbled her earlobe. “I could use some cold water right now since it’s getting pretty damned hot.”
Kristina couldn’t argue that. Right now she felt as hot as the coals still smoldering in the nearby barbecue pit. And if he didn’t take away his hand, which he’d somehow managed to moved even closer to ground zero, she was going to go up in flames totally.
Clasping his wrist, she said, “The swim, Drew.”
With a sigh, Drew pulled his hand back and worked his way from the bench. “Let’s get going before I change my mind and use this table for something other than a picnic.”
That image came t
o Kristina in great detail, bringing with it a slow-burn heat that coursed through her entire body.
Kristina allowed Drew to take her hand and lead her away, but it wasn’t on the path they’d navigated the night before. “Isn’t the cove the other direction?”
“Yeah, but we’re going to the pool.”
Kristina laughed. “Probably a good idea. Less chance of encountering snakes.”
Drew gave her a smile and her bottom a pat. “Don’t count on it, babe. I know one that’s already on the alert.”
Kristina had no doubt about that. But she didn’t understand Drew’s sudden change in attitude. Today he was friendly, attentive, quite a contrast from last night. Would she ever be able to read him or understand his moods?
They started down a rock stairway leading to a small cabana that faced the lake. The pool soon came into sight, a large pool with a deck strewn with myriad lounge chairs and tables.
“Very nice,” Kristina said once they entered the iron gate.
“It would be if you take off that cover-up.”
Again, Kristina felt suddenly shy, ridiculous since Drew had seen her practically naked the night before. But now it was the harsh light of day, and although her swimsuit was relatively modest, she couldn’t shake the familiar self-consciousness.
She nodded toward the cabana. “What’s in there?”
“I’ll show you.” Drew tugged her toward the small pool house, released her hand and opened the door, allowing her entry.
Cool air drifted over Kristina as she entered, but it did nothing to quell the heady heat in her body when she turned to find Drew leaning back against the closed door, removing his T-shirt and baring his awe-inspiring chest to Kristina’s hungry gaze.
“Your turn,” he said in a low command.
Kristina’s hands went to the sash tied at her waist. Her fingers trembled, fumbled as she tried to loosen the belt.
Drew pushed off the door and walked toward her with a determined gait that matched his expression. “Let me help.”
Kristina really didn’t need his help, but she couldn’t deny that she wanted it.
