by Linda Cajio
The tour of the town took exactly five minutes, as promised. He really had already seen it all. One couldn’t help doing so when driving down Main Street to work every day. So much for his grand tour, he thought wryly. Charity didn’t say anything, just smiled.
As they drove south on Route 49 toward Maurice Lake, he was disconcerted to see how close his ritual clearing was to the town and made a mental note to get farther out into the pines. There were lots of lonely places where a man could park a car, walk in among the scrub pines and oaks, and find a clearing of sandy soil to hold a good wild-man cleansing.
Maurice Lake was long and narrow and had the advantage of privacy from Milton’s prying eyes. Jake smiled happily as they found a place and settled in.
The picnic lunch he’d brought wasn’t spectacular, but the ham and cheese sandwiches went well with the business discussion. He found himself watching her as she munched on her sandwich, her head bent over a spec sheet. Her fingers, he noticed, were slender, the nails blunt-filed and painted clear. Her brown hair, free by design this time, glinted with golden highlights in the sun, emphasizing the honey coloring. It fell forward, hiding her expression and making him wonder what she was thinking as she read. And what, if anything, she was thinking of him. Maybe, a little voice suggested, he didn’t want to know.
“This is nice,” he said, leaning back on one elbow. He stretched his legs out to the end of the blanket and crossed his ankles.
She glanced up. “I thought you’d like it.”
“Really? Why?”
“Oh … ah …” She had the oddest expression, as if she were scared. “What you said the other day about the ancient ways. I figured you’re an outdoor person.”
“Some.” He shrugged. “But I don’t like sports.”
She gaped at him. “You’re kidding.”
“No. I never liked team sports. Well, they were okay, but I was never good at them. Does that make me a traitor to my species?”
“Probably.” She frowned in puzzlement. “I would have thought you were the biggest fan since the Gipper.”
“Not me. Whatever gave you that idea?”
“Oh, I don’t know. You just seemed the type. You have that nature-boy look.”
“I do?” It was an odd remark, but he shrugged it away and pointed to the specs. “I noticed at your place that you had notes about several suppliers.”
“I’ve been calling some, getting prices, seeing what they can put together for us. I checked with Mary. It’s going to be very tough to be competitive, and the only way we can see to do it is to literally put the computer hardware and software together ourselves.”
“I had a feeling that would be the case. Tell me, what are you going to night school for?”
“Business,” she replied, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m getting my bachelor’s degree.”
“It’s tough going at night.”
She nodded. “It’ll take a while. I’ve gone for two years already and if I stick to the end, it means a—more opportunity.”
He knew she meant more money and promotions. It was nearly impossible to work up from the ranks without a college degree. She didn’t strike him as an ambitious go-getter, though, concerned with only an impressive title and commensurate salary. “I admire you for what you’re doing.”
She grinned wryly. “Thank you, I think. I feel like I’m in a race to see if I’ll survive to get the degree.”
“You’ll survive. You’re smart.” He realized abruptly the added pressure he’d put on her. “This project is too much for you, isn’t it? I can assign—”
“No. I mean, yes, it’s a lot, but it’s going to look good on the résumé.”
He laughed. “As long as it stays at Wayans.”
She laughed, too, then silence grew between them, an easy one, as if they had reached a plateau of understanding. She stretched her legs out, braced her hands behind her, and tilted her face to the sun, her eyes closed. Her breasts were outlined by her white cotton sweater, full and tipped up. She was wearing a bra, but that didn’t matter. He could see her nipples pucker slightly, just a nub of visibility but erotically there. With her shoulders back, the bottom of her sweater was raised slightly, allowing a glimpse of a bare midriff. Her thighs produced a perfect V at the junction of her legs. She looked like a sun worshipper, pleasured and sensual, and an internal volcano exploded in Jake. He had the overwhelming urge to touch her.
He pulled himself up, leaned over, and kissed her.
Three
His mouth on hers was so sudden and so firm, Charity had no reaction. She was too busy being frozen to the spot.
He lifted his head and, oddly, she felt bereft.
“I know, I know. Right over the boundaries,” he said, settling back on his side of the picnic blanket. “It was never my intention to kiss you. It just happened. It won’t again.”
She nodded, not trusting her voice. Her lips could still feel the pressure of his, not demanding, not questing … just sure. It was the weirdest notion.
“Aren’t you going to yell at me?” he asked.“Demand to be taken home? Call me every name in the book?”
“No,” she replied, permitting herself a tiny smile. “You’re doing a good job of berating yourself, so I’ll just leave you to it and be adult about the whole thing. It was just a kiss, and, like anything forbidden, you had to try it. Now it’s past. Do you want Mary and me to continue to try to find one or two major manufacturers for the LAN software so the computers can share files, or shall we go to agreements with small suppliers?”
Jake frowned. “I think this is worse than you acting like a stereotypical female. At least then I could be the adult one.”
She tilted her head. “I am never a stereotypical female, Jake.”
He grinned. “And I’m rapidly becoming your biggest fan. Do you realize that’s the first time you’ve said my name?”
“I’m just getting more relaxed with you.” Liar, she thought. It had slipped out. Despite his earlier offer, she had studiously avoided saying it, preferring not to use anything privately and Mr. Halford publicly. “Now, what do you want to do about the LAN?”
“Let’s try the suppliers first. I think we’ll get better deals from them. I know a few I can call.” He looked up at the near-cloudless sky. “Are you sure you don’t want to throw a Scarlett and stamp your feet?”
“No, thanks.” She made a note on the spec sheet. “Suppliers, it is.”
She read farther down the sheet, but she was all too aware of the male body reclining next to her. The truth was, she didn’t know what to do with him. He seemed to project one image, then act entirely differently. Each moment demanded all of her wits just to show a calm face to him.
That kiss, she thought, feeling again the compelling gentleness of his lips. She would have expected demanding caveman force. Instead, the kiss had been soft, a touch that stirred sensations throughout her. It lingered even now, that unique feel of his mouth on hers. She hadn’t been with a man in a long time. Maybe it was too long if she was reacting to Jake Halford like this.
He had invaded her home that morning, unrequested and after she’d told him no. He’d caught her at her worst, something she shouldn’t forgive him for. She should have refused to go with him, but it had been hard to—especially when he’d said he was lonely. She sensed he’d meant it. Certainly, the words had penetrated her armor, not that she seemed to have much around him. Somehow, seeing him dancing around his fire had wiped out all the normal barriers in a business relationship.
“Either there’s a nude picture of Kevin Costner on that page, or you’re daydreaming.”
Charity blinked, then couldn’t help grinning. Dances with No Clothes On was closer to the mark than he’d ever know. “Actually it’s Armand Assante.” As soon as the name left her mouth, she realized Jake had the same dark good looks as the actor.
Jake grimaced. “Some great-looking actor. I should have known. I did know. And here I was, hoping you
were daydreaming about that kiss. I know I was.”
“Sorry,” she lied. “Do I have to push you in the lake after all?”
“Not me.” He strove for an innocent expression, but he couldn’t quell the gleam of sensuality in his eyes. “I’ve been a very good boy.”
She laughed. “With several slips.”
“So I’m not perfect. Why would you want perfect anyway? Imperfection is much more fun.”
She shook her head. “Can we get back to the specs?”
“Nope.” He rose to his feet.
“We’re going home now?” she asked hopefully.
He stared at her, his eyes opening wider and wider until they were almost bulging, then he threw back his head and loosed a primal yell. “Aaaarrgggghhhh!”
Before she could wonder what was happening, she was yanked up off the blanket and flung over his shoulder. She yelped and struggled in a jolt of panic.
“I know who needs the dunk in the lake,” he huffed as he stumbled toward the water. “And it isn’t me.”
Her mindless panic shut off, or at least was replaced by one less concerned about her life. “Don’t you dare throw me in the water!”
He grunted, and she braced her hand against his back to keep herself from sliding around in the fireman’s carry. His flesh was hard and warm under his shirt, and she might have been tempted to explore further if he hadn’t stopped at the water’s edge. The lake didn’t have any kind of beach, just high marsh grasses lining its shore. They were up around his knees.
“You’re not really going to throw me in the water,” Charity said, tilting her head up and around.
“I ought to,” he replied over his shoulder.
They couldn’t quite see eye to eye, but they were touching almost everywhere. Charity found herself grinning, enjoying the fun. Jake was surprising, and that made him stimulating. And dangerous.
She decided to get in some private needling. “You’re a little old for this he-man stuff, aren’t you?”
“That could get you tossed in a second, lady.”
“If you can manage it. I haven’t heard such puffing since I read The Little Engine That Could to my niece.”
“That’s it!” He leaned forward, though keeping a tight grip on her. Unfortunately, he leaned a little too far.
Charity flailed wildly to keep her balance as Jake staggered around trying to right his. She grabbed on to his back and attempted to slip out of his grasp before he took her down with him.
He grabbed at her, then tripped and stumbled, and both of them fell flat into the lake. She hit it with a splash, the cool water closing over her body even as she broke free of Jake. It wasn’t deep, and she sat up, water streaming down her face.
She wiped it away, pushing her hair out of her eyes. “Jake!”
“Are you okay?” He touched her arm, water pouring off him as if he were the Tivoli Fountain.
She nodded. They looked at each other … and began to laugh.
“I’m sorry,” he said, struggling to catch his breath.
She giggled. “You ought to be.”
“That’s what you get for fooling around at your age.”
“My age!” she gasped in mock outrage. “Look who’s talking. The old man and the sea.”
“You’ve got to admit, I hold a great strategy meeting.”
“It is different.” And dangerous, she added to herself. She was having a hard time equating this easygoing man with being her boss. Their relationship was precarious at best, and she needed to be careful she didn’t make him a friend. Although friendship was probably the least of her worries with Jake.
He stood up and offered his hand. After a moment’s hesitation, she took it. It was cool and wet and incredibly smooth. He hauled her upright, practically against him. The mood, so light, suddenly turned sober as they stared at each other. And sensual.
“If I hadn’t promised to be a gentleman …” he said hoarsely, his words trailing away.
She didn’t answer, afraid of what she would stir if she did. But his wet clothes were plastered to him, revealing what she’d already seen. Her nipples hardened into sensitive nubs, and her blood, despite the chill on her skin, coursed hot through her veins, causing a throbbing deep inside her. One little move, she thought, and she couldn’t answer for how she would react. For all his crazy ideas, she liked Jake. And for all her lectures to herself, she would love him to kiss her again.
He did move finally. He dropped her hand and stepped back. “I promised, dammit. Better pack up the things. I think the meeting’s over.”
He turned away and walked onto the shore.
Charity’s fingers literally itched to reach out and pull him back. Her hands lifted for an instant, then she forced them to her sides. Slowly, she followed him out of the water, telling herself she ought to be grateful for the common sense he exerted.
She was beginning to hate common sense.
“Right, Bob,” Jake said into the telephone receiver. “It’s for a minimum ten years’ spare parts … They’re looking for service over the long term, and I think that’s where we all have the advantage over the big guys … Even the government’s figured out what we already know, that smaller suppliers can actually sell cheaper than the manufacturer sometimes … We’ll come up to Boston and do a presentation.”
“Great!” Bob Markens said. “I’m extremely interested in this.”
Jake put his hand over the mouthpiece and permitted himself a groan of frustration, even though he had made the suggestion. He could just imagine Charity’s reaction to this after the incident at the lake. He wished that thought had occurred to him before his invitation. “Fine,” he said to Bob. “How about the end of the week?”
A short time later Jake hung up, laid his head on the desk, and groaned again. He had taken Charity home after their dunking and very platonically left her on her doorstep. He was proud he’d overcome all his male urges and been a perfect gentleman. Of course, he’d been suffering ever since, but that was another problem.
He had a feeling Charity wouldn’t remember his belated nobility when he told her they had to go see a prospective supplier in Boston at the end of the week. He had an even bigger feeling she’d turn into that stereotypical female and decide he was manipulating events in order for them to be away alone together.
Be positive, he told himself. Charity hadn’t worked for Wayans for several years without knowing supplier presentations were part of the everyday business. She’d understand.
He didn’t feel the same way later that day when she sat on the other side of his desk, looking expectantly at him. The muted violet jacket she wore complemented her coloring. He had the urge to strip it from her and find the creamy skin beneath.
He forced himself to smile. “I’ve got a supplier possibility, DGF Technologies. They may be willing to split the service duties over the term of the contract.”
“DGF.” She nodded. “They’re out of Boston.”
“That’s right. They’re extremely interested in this project and Wayans. This could be the big break we’re looking for in pricing.” He took a deep breath. “They want a presentation.”
Her expression didn’t exactly change. It somehow froze into a careful blank. “Here?”
“There.”
“Who would go?”
“Me … you …”
She stared at him.
“Charity, surely you’ve been on presentations before with Dave. This is no different.”
She still stared at him.
He brought up another point. “You must have realized that we’d have to do a presentation or two with the suppliers we need to cut in on the deal.”
“Yes, I realized it,” she said finally. “This one is very convenient, though, isn’t it?”
“Ah-ha!” He slapped his hand down on the desktop in affirmation. “I knew it! I knew that’s what you would think. And you said you weren’t a stereotypical female.”
“Only when it’s a stereotypical ma
le ploy.”
“This isn’t.” He sighed. “I know how it must look after that kiss. But I promised it wouldn’t happen again. And it won’t … unless you want it to.”
“I’m reminded of your little problem with the word no.” She smiled sweetly. “Is this one of those times?”
“No.” He grinned. “See? I’m getting better. Honestly, Charity, this really could be the big break we need.”
“Does Mary go?” she asked.
“Absolutely. How can you do a presentation without the tech?”
“I wondered if you had figured out a way.”
“I’m no fool.” He relaxed. “Feel better now?”
“I suppose.”
“By the way, you’re doing the presentation.”
She gaped at him.
He raised his eyebrows, surprised that she looked so astonished at the notion. “Do you have a problem with that?”
“No.” She blinked. “No. I didn’t expect to do it. I just assumed you would.”
“Why?” he asked, puzzled. “You’re the one putting all the materials together, so you’re the logical one to speak about it. You have done one before.”
“Of course,” she said smoothly. She got up from the chair. “If there’s nothing else …?”
He couldn’t think of a thing. Dammit. He stood. “That’s it. I’ll set it up for Friday. Can you be ready, or is that too soon? Or do you have a class?”
“Ahh … I think I can be ready by then. My classes are Tuesday and Wednesday nights.”
“Okay. Thanks for understanding the necessity of this meeting.”
She nodded and walked to the door.
He hurried after her. “Do you want me to help you with the specs?”
“No, I think I can manage.”
“I could come over—”
She whipped around. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, do you?”
“Probably not,” he admitted. “At least not according to your philosophy of men and women in the workplace. Of course, we’ve already established that’s not my philosophy.”
“True. But no more impromptu tours.”
She didn’t quite look him in the eye when she said it, and he wasn’t sure that meant any wavering on her part. He wasn’t about to press it at this point, either. He was circling in on his prey too nicely to scare her now. “No more tours. But I know you’re doing this in your off-hours and you might need help. I assure you I can be a perfect gentleman if it’s necessary.”
