When he pulled away, Carly felt an immediate sense of loss. He touched his forehead to hers. “You pack a powerful punch,” he murmured. The night air froze his words into a puff of breath between them.
“So do you.”
“Does everyone react this way to your kisses? Or is it just me that you’ve decided to pick on?”
She felt the same about his kiss, but wasn’t about to admit it. “Everyone says the same thing. I’m a dynamite package.”
He grinned. “I’m sure.”
“You don’t believe me?” She continued to stroke his shoulders as her eyes widened in mock disbelief. “Why not? I’d never lie on purpose.”
His hands tightened on her waist. “Every woman lies.” He saw the narrowing of her eyes and added, “At some time or another. So do men.”
She expelled her breath. “Unfortunately, men and women have a habit of causing each other hurt.”
“Women seem to be better at it.”
“You must be kidding. I saw the look in Pamela’s eyes tonight. It seemed to me that she’s going to be the one to hurt.”
“Pamela has nothing to do with this. She’s a nice woman whom I date occasionally. We’re nothing to each other.”
“Really? I think she’d disagree with you.”
“It doesn’t matter. We’re just friends.”
He obviously didn’t want to answer any questions to do with relationships. Perhaps it was just as well, Carly thought. She didn’t want to know his views. She didn’t want to hurt, either.
Pete’s eyes revealed an overwhelming sadness. Given time, she believed that whatever was between them could have been something significant. But he didn’t want it that way and if she tried to pursue it, it would only end in disaster for her. Then both of them would be hurt for not paying attention to all the warning signs.
With as much reluctance as she could muster, she pulled back, dropping her hands to her sides. It was time to end this before it went any further.
“Thank you,” she said politely, for lack of anything else to say.
“You’re welcome,” he returned. But there was a glimmer of humor teasing a smile from his lips. “Would you like to try again?”
“Try what?”
“Another kiss,” he said gently. “Perhaps I can do better on my timing.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Never mind your timing. It’s just fine.”
“Should I work on my technique, then?”
He was making fun of her. She straightened her spine. “Truth to tell, it could use a little brushing up. But of course, it’s up to you.”
“Do you think practice might help?”
“Practice helps everything. Why don’t you find a woman you can become interested in and practice with her?”
“I like practicing with you.”
“But rehearsing with one you’re truly interested in is too important an opportunity to miss. Why, it’s like playing with the pros in Shae Stadium, while I’m just from a sand-lot baseball team.” She cocked her head and thought a moment before reconfirming her decision. “No, you need a special someone else to fill your bill. I’d just be a rookie substitute.”
“So, it’s not just the daughter that’s into baseball. It’s the mother, too.”
“Mothers usually try to learn everything that interests their children.”
“And what do men do?”
“You’d know that answer better than I do.”
Carly’s gaze locked with his. The moon shone brightly, illuminating his face. Was there really such a thing as fate and if so, was fate handing her grief in the shape of this man for a purpose, or was this some kind of bizarre joke?
Whatever it was, she had to put distance between herself and Pete or she’d wind up getting hurt. She took another step back. “Goodbye, Pete Cade. Have a nice life.”
He stood perfectly still, knowing any movement would cause her to run. “Stay awhile.”
She slowly shook her head. “No. I know high-voltage danger when I see it.”
The moonlight was reflected by the shimmering white of his scarf, making his tuxedo seem even more black. “We’re good together.”
“We were,“ she corrected. “We aren’t now. I won’t let us, and neither should you. It would be too painful.”
“Will you be my friend?”
“Of course.”
“Then, come back here and let’s talk about it.”
Carly took another step backward. “You don’t talk about being friends, you just are.“
“Then, as a friend, can I ask a favor?” Pete’s voice was so soft she almost took a step forward to hear him.
She smiled. “As long as you recognize the fact that a friend doesn’t always have to grant all favors.”
“Will you promise me you won’t go out with that jerk again?”
“Why?”
“Because I can’t stand the thought of you being with him. You deserve much better.”
“Thank you for the compliment,” she said, touched by his candor. But she was unwilling to grant Pete a favor so readily. “I’ll have to think about it.”
“Think hard.” There was a hint of steel in his voice.
A gust of wind picked up the white silk scarf and for just a moment it ruffled in the breeze. Carly wanted to go to him, smooth it down, and then hold him close to her so she could ease some of the hidden loneliness she saw there. It was startling how strong that feeling was, and equally frustrating that she couldn’t control her immediate thoughts better. “Good night.”
Without looking back, she turned and began walking toward the house.
“Carly?”
She stopped and stared up at the moon above her, lighting the way back to Pete. She refused to turn around and see him standing alone once more. “Yes?”
“I have a funny suspicion that you’re going to become my nighttime fantasy.”
A flush of heat seared all the way down to her toes before rising again and settling somewhere in the pit of her stomach. “Don’t blame that on me. I’m just an innocent bystander.”
“Dream of me.” It was an order.
“Good night.” She scuffed the crisp leaves to cover the sound of her own heavily thumping heart.
All the way home, Carly knew he was watching her.
All the way home, she wished she had the nerve to turn and run back into his arms.
All the way home, she called herself every kind of fool for even thinking of falling for a man who was all wrong for her.
* * *
“HELLO?” THE YOUNG, girlish voice spoke hesitantly into the phone.
“Cynthia, honey, it’s your dad. How are you, pumpkin?”
“I’m fine, Daddy, but it’s late. I’m already in bed.”
“Where’s Ian? Why didn’t he answer the phone if it’s so late? He’s got one in his room, too, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, but he’s spending the night with a friend so they could go to the football game at school. I wanted to go, too, but he said I was too young.”
Pete smiled at the disgust that laced her voice. Regardless of how close he was to his sister, Ian obviously no longer considered it acceptable to hang around with little girls. “He’s in high school now, honey,” Pete said gently. “It’s not that he doesn’t love you, but he needs to do different things.”
“I know, Daddy. I just wish he’d remember who has to listen to him when he goes on about Katie.”
“Tell him I said to be nice. And to be patient, too,” Pete replied. “Is everything all right?”
“It’s fine. Mom and Troy are in a line-dancing club and sometimes they let me go along. I like to watch.” Cynthia yawned.
“Your mom line dances?” He knew he sounded incredulous. He was. She would never have stooped to that in D.C. Or at least he didn’t think she would have....
“Troy loves it, and so does she. So do I. When I get older I’m gonna try it, too.”
“You do that, honey. Meanwhile, know that I lov
e you.”
“I love you, too, Daddy.” Her sleepy little voice drifted off.
He was being selfish in wanting her to stay on the line. “Go back to sleep and I’ll talk to you later.”
“Night, Daddy,” she said before the phone clicked off.
“Night, little pumpkin,” he said to the dead phone.
4
PETE CADE LAY IN BED and stared at the full moon laughing down at him through the skylight.
The ache of wanting Carly was still with him, stronger than ever. It was even in the breath he exhaled. His mouth and tongue still felt the sweet heat of her kisses. Her scent clung to his neck and jawline, and the feel of her slim form was imprinted on his body.
He cursed softly.
He physically craved a woman who was all wrong for him. Another joke on him.
He hadn’t wanted a woman this badly since a day after the first time he made love. Now he was older and more experienced and should have known better than to let a woman get under his skin so much that it hurt. Especially this woman. Everything about Carly was wrong for him, and yet he couldn’t stop thinking about what it would be like to make love to her.
But it was more than that. Just being around her was enough to bury his cynicism and bring back childlike yearnings he hadn’t experienced in a very long time. Things like loving, sharing, and the sheer happiness of being with someone who cares. Family. Children. Fatherhood.
No! the voice in his head shouted. Those dreams had died with his divorce. There was no use resurrecting them now. Damn it, this time he wasn’t going to chase after rainbows.
If he could get Carly to cooperate and have a wonderful affair with him, then perhaps they could both simply go their separate ways when it finally fizzled out. Carly didn’t see it his way right now, but there was nothing that said she couldn’t change her mind in the future. He’d be careful not to upset or get more than superficially involved with her daughter or aunts. No strings. That way, neither would have to break emotional ties when their fling was over.
His frown was replaced by a smile. However, the moon seemed to be looking down at him with disapproval.
Deliberately closing his eyes, he ignored it.
* * *
CARLY WORKED FEVERISHLY to finish the paperwork she had to complete before the failing slips were sent out. She had two or three students who were borderline. Failing was such a harsh experience for those who were truly trying to learn. Then there was another student, a handsome young boy, who thought that he should be granted the privilege of passing simply because he showed up at class.
Karen was sprawled on the floor of their small living area, tapping her teeth with her pencil as she wrestled with a math problem. Hank Aaron, the cat, was curled against her side, purring like an engine. The sound of the new Bonnie Raitt CD drifted through the room.
Carly leaned back in her chair, took a deep breath and let the music flow through her and unleash some of the knots in her neck and shoulders. She glanced out the window at the night sky and realized that once more she’d been unconsciously staring at Pete’s house.
She couldn’t see all the way through the woods, but a light gleamed in the darkness and she believed it was from his place.
There was so much she liked about him: his sense of humor, the way his eyes twinkled when he looked at her. His size was just right—taller than she, and lean with muscle. And his touch was sublime.
So what was her problem?
It was easy, her mind told her. His life wasn’t heading in the same direction as hers. He wanted no family, no ties, no emotions to clutter up his life-style.
In contrast, Carly wanted commitment. She needed a man who would love and give to her as much as she wanted to love and give to him. It was a tall order, but she wasn’t willing to compromise on those needs.
But other thoughts kept crowding through, thoughts that told her she already knew a man she was attracted to, and that there was no certainty another man would come along and sweep her off her feet. So, why not enjoy the now?
Before she could ponder her decision further, she picked up the phone and dialed Pete’s number. It rang four times, then his answering machine picked up. Carly was both disappointed and relieved. “Hi, Pete, this is your neighbor, Carly. I’ve thought over your idea of being an escort for some of the galas, and I changed my mind. I think it’d be fun. So, if you’re still interested, please let me know. Thank you.”
She quickly hung up, her heart beating rapidly against her ribs. Karen looked up at her for a moment, then, uninterested, went back to her work.
Carly had done it. Now the ball was in his court. If he still wanted her as a partner at some of his social functions, all he had to do was answer her call.
“What if he doesn’t call?” she questioned aloud. She slammed her mouth closed.
“What, Mom?” Karen asked without taking her eyes from her paper.
“Nothing honey. But it’s time for you to head for bed.”
“Aw, Mom,” came the automatic response, but Karen slipped her papers inside the schoolbook. “Can’t I watch TV a little tonight?”
“I’m afraid not, honey. Go brush your teeth.”
Karen did as she was told, and Carly leaned back and stared out the window at the small light on the other side of the wood.
Apparently, he was out for the night. Her imagination replayed his earlier date with Pamela. Carly could see them dancing around the floor together, locked in an intimate embrace, and she felt a jab of jealousy. She quickly squelched it.
He wasn’t hers.
She didn’t want him as a lover.
She couldn’t afford him in her life.
She’d made a mistake by calling him.
Just then the phone rang and Carly recoiled, but picked it up.
Pete’s voice was on the line. His low, gravelly tone tripped her heartbeat. “I just got your message. Do you mean it?”
“Hi... Yes,” she said, suddenly feeling breathless. “Unless, you’ve made other arrangements.”
“No other arrangements. I have a party this Saturday night at the Smithsonian Institute. Can you make it?”
“My calendar is clear, although I’ll have to check with my aunts to see if one of them can baby-sit.” Liar! she chided herself. She didn’t even have a calendar!
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll hire a sitter if they can’t. Go down to Neiman Marcus’s couture department and talk to Shelly. This is formal and she’ll help you choose something appropriate.”
“You don’t think I can do that on my own?”
“I can’t take the chance. This isn’t a social occasion for me. It’s strictly business. Please do as I ask.” His tone was brisk, businesslike. “I promise it won’t hurt,” he added wryly.
His words rankled her. The only thing that kept her silent was that he might be right—she wasn’t that experienced in the ways of the truly wealthy.
“Okay, but just this time,” she said, unwilling to give control of the situation over to him entirely.
“Good.” Satisfaction laced his voice. “I’ll pick you up at eight.” He hung up.
“Who was that, Mommy?” Karen stood by her desk chair, her dark auburn curls glinting in the lamplight.
She was such a precious bundle of love. Carly held out her arms and enveloped her daughter in them. “Our neighbor, Mr. Cade, sweetheart.”
“He doesn’t like us much, does he?”
Carly looked down, surprised. “What makes you say that?”
“He didn’t smile,” Karen answered.
Carly hadn’t been prepared for that one. “Smile?”
“You know. Smile?” She gave a big grin, showing all her baby teeth.
“You decided he doesn’t like us because he didn’t smile?”
Karen nodded.
Carly gave her an extra hug. “Well, we’ll just have to make him smile, won’t we?”
Karen’s head nodded against her mother’s shoulder. “Maybe you could te
ll him some jokes?”
“Good idea, honey.” Carly kissed the top of her daughter’s head. “Now go to bed. I’ll be in there to read you a story in just a minute.”
When Karen disappeared, Carly leaned back and closed her eyes. She’d taken a big step forward in asking Pete if the offer was still open. But her bold move had been worth it. Pete had said yes and she would see him again. Be with him again.
At least, for a little while.
* * *
PETE HUNG UP THE PAY phone in the banquet-room hallway and allowed his grin free rein. He’d called home to his message center when his beeper had gone off. He’d have to listen to his intuition more often. He’d been right. When he’d heard Carly’s voice, he’d known he needed to call her back right away before she changed her mind.
A twenty-piece band blared some raucous tune in the background, but Pete paid no attention. His heart was beating quickly in his chest and there was what had to be a stupid smile on his face. He hadn’t felt this good in a very long time.
Oh, he knew nothing had changed—he still didn’t want to be the substitute father to any child, no matter how cute, cuddly or needy. As Carly had said earlier, he’d already been there, done that.
He could waltz Carly around the floor a few times, couldn’t he? Just because he danced to a tune didn’t mean he had to buy the orchestra, did it?
“Is everything all right, Peter?” a voice behind him said, and he turned, his grin slowly fading.
“Everything’s fine,” he said to the brunette who was his date for the evening. She was beautiful, polished and had the body of Venus. But she didn’t have sparkling green eyes that laughed at him, that glimmered with hidden thoughts so tantalizingly close to the surface. She didn’t have a quick wit and warm way about her.
The brunette was ideal for a function like this, but her presence didn’t tease him with fantasies of other, more personal moments together.
“Peter?” His date brought him out of his thoughts. “Aren’t we supposed to be dancing?”
He forced his mind away from Carly. She wasn’t going to be something he obsessed about or even thought about on a regular basis. He wouldn’t allow her to become that close.
He grinned, teasing her with a sexy smile. “I hope it’s a slow dance, because I want to hold you in my arms and whisper sweet somethings in your ear.”
The Twelve Gifts of Christmas Page 5
