Rory

by James, Nicole

  Carmen leaned forward. “Really? What’s it called?”

  “Coffee on the Corner.”

  “It’s in Grand Junction?” Rayne asked.

  Liam nodded. “You’ll have to come see it sometime. Especially once your child is a little older. She has a cute children’s book corner set up. The kids in town love it.”

  “And so do the parents. It gives them somewhere to take their children and bonus—amazing coffee drinks!” Max told them.

  Rory excused himself and came back five minutes later with a hot steaming mug. He held it out to her. “Here.”

  She took it, frowning, then looked down in the mug. “Aww, you made me hot cocoa! Thank you!”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “I could get used to this.” She smiled and took a sip.

  “What? Hot cocoa every night?” Rory asked.

  “No. You waiting on me like this,” Rayne teased. When she looked over, she noticed Jameson’s eyes on her with a contemplative look on his face. Did he not appreciate her answer? Did he think she was using his brother? Her chin came up. She hadn’t asked to be brought here.

  They spent an enjoyable hour outside until the bottle was empty, and a chill set in that even the fire couldn’t chase away.

  “I guess we should be going,” Sasha announced.

  Carmen turned to Jameson. “Thank you for dinner.”

  He tipped his head. “You’re welcome. It was nice to have the company.”

  “You have a lovely place,” Jenna added.

  “Thank you. Feel free to visit your friend anytime.”

  Sasha nodded. “Thank you. We’ll be checking in on her often.”

  Rayne stood. “I’ll walk you out.”

  She moved inside with them while the brothers stayed on the balcony.

  After the sliding doors were closed, Jenna practically burst. “You are so lucky to be staying here. Oh, my God, I would die to stay here.”

  “It’s really amazing,” Carmen added, putting her arm around Rayne. “I like him, Rayne. Please promise me you’ll give him a chance?”

  “I’ll give him a chance, but I’m not promising it will go anywhere.”

  “I think it will. I saw the way he was with you, so attentive, bringing you a blanket and tucking you in, and making you hot cocoa. He’s really sweet.”

  “I suppose so.”

  “You should have seen him at the shop earlier. He really took charge.”

  “Did he now?”

  “Um hmm. I’m so happy for you, and I’m so glad he showed up today.”

  “No thanks to you,” Sasha said.

  Carmen cut her eyes to her, giving her the shut-the-hell-up big-eyed look.

  Rayne frowned. “What was that look about?”

  “Nothing,” Carmen said, glaring at Sasha.

  Rayne stopped at the door, her hand on the knob. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing,” Carmen said.

  “Bullshit. Spill. Who’s to thank for Rory showing up? Did one of you call him?”

  “No, I swear,” Sasha insisted.

  Rayne knew Carmen would tell all. “Carmen?”

  “I had nothing to do with it,” Carmen exclaimed, holding her hands up.

  “Nothing to do with what? And who did?”

  Carmen looked at Sasha.

  “Oh, thanks,” Sasha snapped at her.

  “Somebody better tell me.” Rayne folded her arms. “No one is leaving until you do.”

  “Fine by me. I’d love to stay,” Jenna teased.

  Rayne knew what she was up to. “Don’t try to distract me or joke about this. I want to know.”

  Sasha began quietly, “Okay, fine. I may have—”

  “May have…?” Carmen jammed her hands on her hips.

  “All right, I called someone at LA Tonight and let it slip about the baby.”

  “You what? Are you insane?”

  “I did it for you! I got you a thousand dollars.”

  “What?”

  “They paid me for the story.”

  “Go.” Rayne opened the door and pointed.

  “I didn’t have anything to do with it, Rayne, I swear,” Carmen said.

  “Please, just go, all of you.”

  The women slunk out the door, and she fought the urge to slam it behind them.

  When Rayne walked back outside, the guys were gathering up empty glasses and turning off the fire. Rory looked up, his eyes moving over her face.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  He knew immediately with just a look at her face. If she hadn’t been so upset, she would have thought that sweet. He was really becoming very in tune to her needs and feelings in such a short time. Okay, to be fair, it probably wasn’t that hard to read that she was upset.

  She shook her head; she was pissed and hurt, but as Rory’s brothers all watched her, waiting for her answer, the last thing she wanted to do was tell them that it was her girls who were the source of the “love child” story. What would they think of her? Would they think she was in on it? Would they think this was all some sort of shake down to get money from Rory now that he was successful?

  “Rayne?”

  She shook her head. “I’m hormonal. I get upset over nothing. It was sad saying goodbye. I suddenly felt like I was being left at summer camp.”

  Liam chuckled. “I’ve never heard Westwood Tower described as summer camp, but okay, I get you.”

  She tried to put on a happy face and shrugged. “It’s silly, I know.”

  “You’re allowed to be silly,” Rory said, a soft expression on his face.

  Rayne rubbed her hands on her jeans. “Um, I’m suddenly really tired. Thank you for dinner and, well, everything, but I think I’ll go lie down.”

  “Sure. Let me make sure you have everything you need.” Rory set some of the wine glasses on the bar and moved to her.

  “Goodnight everyone,” she murmured

  “Goodnight, Rayne,” Max replied.

  “Sleep well,” Liam said.

  “Goodnight,” Jameson replied as well.

  Rory followed her to her door. She paused in front of it and turned to him. She wasn’t sure what to say. He beat her to the punch.

  “Are you sure nothing’s wrong?” he asked.

  “Yes. I’m fine.”

  “Okay, then.” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Can I kiss you goodnight?”

  She nodded, and he dipped his head, pressing his mouth to hers. He cupped her jaw and tipped her head back farther. She let him. As much as she’d hated him when he’d disappeared on her, she’d been very attracted to him, and that attraction flared to life again. He was a good kisser; he was good at a lot of things where seducing women were concerned. At least, that was her experience.

  The kiss was hungry, demanding, and so good.

  In a single kiss, he stripped her defenses and stole all her anger, turning it into desire, and God help her, she didn’t want to fight it.

  His lips brushed hers again and again, seeking entry, and she gave it to him, opening to him a little more. He took it, going deeper. He tasted, teased, withdrew. She slid her palms up his chest to feel his heart beating under her hand.

  She wanted more and moaned under his mouth.

  Rory gave her what she wanted with another caress of his lips, then going deeper and taking possession of her mouth. Her defenses toppled like a crumbling wall. Her hands threaded into his hair to grab and fist and pull him closer. Heat curled in her belly. Her nipples tightened. Oh God, she wanted this and more.

  A hot palm slid upward in an unhurried caress. His hardness pressed against her, impossible to ignore.

  With a sweep of his hand, he brushed the hair off her neck. The gentle press of his warm mouth and hot breath moved along her collarbone, sending shivers and tingles in its path. She moaned, and he took her mouth again, covering her lips and capturing with his kiss the soft, ragged sounds she emitted.

  Strong hands slid up her ribs to cup her bre
asts. Her sudden reaction was strong as sensations bolted straight to her nipples, making them oh so hard. He tilted his head, positioning his lips over hers and dove deep, demanding more and pulling her against him until her breasts and those hard nipples were pressing against him.

  She melted, desire washing over her in huge waves. Oh God, she wanted him; she wanted him so badly. She loved the feel of his body against hers, but she ached for more.

  Suddenly, he retreated, breaking the kiss. She whimpered in protest. Her need for him was becoming an addiction she didn’t want to fight; instead she wanted to give in to it.

  Clutching her hips, he set her away, and her back pressed to the door.

  “Goodnight, Rayne,” he rasped out in a voice filled with gravel.

  He was breathing hard, at least she could cling to that, at least she knew he would go to his room as aroused as she was, as left wanting as she was. She could take some pleasure in that sweet revenge.

  “Goodnight, Rory.”

  After Rayne closed the door, she leaned against it and sighed. Her eyes fell on the French doors that led to the small balcony. She needed air and stepped out.

  Her fingers traced her lips, still feeling the press of Rory’s mouth on hers. All the fire that had been there in Vail was still there, burning just as hot.

  She took in a deep breath of night air and viewed the city lights. She didn’t approach the rail but craned to look to the right trying to see if she could spot Connor Motor Works. She saw the neon lights of the Cattleman’s Bar a few blocks down from it, but it was too dark to see Daniel’s shop. Her shop, she corrected herself. It was hard to think of it as hers, even all these months later.

  She thought of her dad’s diner and wondered if he was closing now. Slipping her cell phone from her pocket she noted the time. It was a few minutes past ten. She called him.

  “Hello?”

  “Dad, it’s Rayne.”

  “Hey, baby girl. Are you home?”

  “Um, no, that’s what I was calling about.”

  “You okay?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.”

  “Why aren’t you home yet? It’s late. Are you still at the shop?”

  “No. It’s a long story, but Rory O’Rourke came to the shop today.”

  “The father?”

  “Yes.”

  “What’d he want? Are you with him now? Where are you, honey? Now you’ve got me worried.”

  “Everything is fine. He came because he found out about the baby. It was on the news.”

  “On the news? How? Why?”

  “It doesn’t matter how. The why is because he’s a famous musician.”

  “A famous musician? You never told me that. So, what did he say? Is he going to step up and do the right thing?”

  “He wants to be here for the baby. I’m not sure exactly how that will be worked out.”

  “It’s simple. He marries you.”

  “It’s not that simple, Dad. This isn’t 1950; women don’t have to get married because they got pregnant.”

  “It would be easier on you, wouldn’t it, Rayne? You can’t tell me you want to be a single mother.”

  “Don’t you think I could do it? I took care of Daniel. Why do you think I can’t take care of my own child?”

  “I didn’t mean that, baby. I know you’d be a wonderful mother, but doing it by yourself is not going to be easy. It’ll be damned hard. You think that’s what I want for you? Would any father want that for his daughter?”

  “No, Daddy.”

  “Where are you?”

  “I’m with Rory. There’s something else I need to tell you. Because he’s a rock star, the paparazzi are going to be coming around the shop, the house, maybe even your diner.”

  “The papa-what?”

  “News reporters and photographers, Daddy.”

  “Coming ‘round the diner? For what?”

  “Trying to get pictures of me or more information about me.”

  “Rayne, this whole thing is crazy. We aren’t famous, rich people.”

  She had to get the rest of the story out before he sidetracked her. “Daddy, Rory brought me to his brothers condo in Westwood Tower, downtown. He did it so the photographers wouldn’t be able to get to me.”

  “Are you safe with him? Is that where you want to be?”

  “For now, I think it’s the best place. And yes, I’m safe with him, Daddy. He’s been very sweet and attentive.”

  “How long are you staying there?”

  “I don’t know. Until this blows over, I guess.”

  “What about the shop?”

  “Charlie and the boys promised they’d take care of things.”

  “I don’t feel good about any of this, Rayne.”

  “I know, but it’s just temporary.”

  “When do I get to meet this guy?”

  “Um, I don’t know.”

  “I want to meet him, Rayne. If he’s any kind of man, he’ll come meet your father. Especially after, well, after getting you pregnant.”

  “I’ll ask him.”

  “No, you tell him.”

  “I love you, Daddy.”

  “I love you, too, baby girl. Call me tomorrow?”

  “I will.”

  “Goodnight, honey.”

  “Goodnight, Daddy.”

  Rayne disconnected, heaviness dragging her heart. She got up and wandered into the bathroom. To get to it she walked through a huge closet. The bathroom had a big glass enclosed shower, a garden tub, double sinks, and a separate makeup area with a small tufted pink stool. There was also a large upholstered bench in the middle of the room.

  She stepped to the tub and turned on the faucet, testing the water until it was nice and warm. Then she stripped out of her clothes and sank down to her chin.

  Oh, God, it felt heavenly. She rested her head back and closed her eyes. She ran her hand over her baby bump. Right now it was small, but it wouldn’t be too long before she’d be struggling to get out of a tub like this on her own. Would Rory be around to help her? Did she want him to be? That was the million-dollar question.

  Her father was right; raising this child on her own would not be easy. She knew that. She also knew she didn’t want to go through the pregnancy and childbirth alone. She only hoped Rory wasn’t lying to her about his sincerity to be involved with this child’s life and to be here for her now.

  She let out a groan. The warmth of the water felt so soothing on her tired body. She stayed there, soaking until it began to cool, then she wrapped a towel around her and dug her pajamas out of her bag.

  She crawled under the covers and sunk into the mattress, sighing.

  Heavenly.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Rayne padded to the balcony door just as the sun rose. She slid the glass open and breathed in the crisp air. It was a glorious sunny morning until the first rumbles of morning sickness overtook, and she ran for the bathroom.

  A half hour later, she felt well enough to make her way down to the kitchen to find some crackers or dry toast and was thankful to find the place empty. She felt like hell and probably looked like it, too.

  Popping a slice of bread she found in the toaster, the sound of footsteps came from behind her. She glanced over her shoulder. Max.

  “Good morning, Rayne.”

  “Good morning.” She turned to the cabinet and took down a plate, hoping he didn’t want to make conversation.

  He moved to the coffee maker and made himself a cup. “You want one? We’ve got decaf.”

  She shook her head. “I’ll just have toast.”

  “Morning sickness?” he asked, his eyes dropping to the hand she rubbed over her stomach.

  “Yes. I should be used to it by now.”

  He moved to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of Sprite. “Have you tried this?”

  She nodded. “It helps.”

  He smiled and poured her a glass. “There you go, hon.”

  “Thank you.”

  “No prob
lem. I remember those days. My wife had a baby last year. She was hit pretty bad.”

  “What did you have?”

  “A daughter. Grace.”

  “Did you want a boy?”

  “Well, I have an adopted son named Ben, so I’ve got a little buddy.”

  “How is it having a daughter?”

  He chuckled. “She’s so happy and sweet. She’s already got me wrapped around her finger.”

  “I’ll bet.”

  “Do you know what you’re having?”

  “Yes. But I haven’t told Rory yet.”

  “I see. He should be the first to know.”

  “I suppose.”

  “Have you gotten anything yet as far as the nursery?”

  “Not really. I picked up a few things at a garage sale.”

  He nodded slowly. “I see.”

  “I’ll manage.”

  “I’m sure all our wives would love to have a baby shower for you. Has anyone planned one yet?”

  She shook her head. “Not yet. I’ve been more concerned with work lately.”

  “How is your shop doing? I liked the place.”

  “Business is down. I’ve been trying to brainstorm how to get sales up.”

  Max grinned. “You’re in a relationship with a famous person now. Maybe that will help.” He leaned closer and whispered, “Make him do a concert in the parking lot.”

  She giggled. “I’ll see, but I’m not sure you’d classify what we have as a relationship.”

  The smile faded from his face. “Rayne, he’s crazy about you. I mean that. When he first came back from his trip, he went on and on about this chick he’d met. He was totally infatuated and pissed at himself for losing his phone.”

  “Is that the truth? I wasn’t sure if it was just an excuse, and that maybe he just showed up at the shop because the media had gotten a hold of the story.”

  “He was stunned when he saw the report that you were supposedly pregnant, I’m not gonna lie, but all he could concentrate on was he finally knew how to find you.”

  She bit her lip, not sure she should believe him.

  “Rayne, look at me.”

  When she did, he continued.

  “Before we ever saw that report on the news, he’d already come to Denver and told us he had a list of all the repair shops in the metro area. He was going to go to every single one searching for you. If that doesn’t make this real for him, what does?”