by Leanne Banks
Nicole felt a rush of protectiveness for her sister. “Tabitha may not have been perfect, but no one is. If it weren’t for Tabitha, we wouldn’t have Joel.”
Impatience flashed through Maddie’s eyes and her lips tightened. “You’re right. Without Tabitha, there would be no Joel,” she said, her tone laced with irritation. “Now tomorrow, I’ll be sending over three na-” She broke off and corrected herself. “Three candidates to assist you with Joel. Choose which one you like best and then perhaps you can visit the preschool in the afternoon. I would have sent the assistants today, but Rafe insisted you and Joel needed a chance to relax.” Maddie led the way down the stairs then pressed her card into Nicole’s hand. “I know you’re only staying here temporarily, but Rafe and I want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. In his position he can get terribly busy, so if you need anything at all, please feel free to call me.”
The proprietary tone in Maddie’s voice rose again. It grated on Nicole, although she couldn’t say why. “Thank you. Hopefully Joel and I will be able to manage on our own.”
“Okay. I’ll just have a word with Rafe before I leave. Good-bye now,” Maddie said and turned away.
Nicole walked to the kitchen to get a bottle of water and surveyed the contents of the refrigerator. Hearing footsteps behind her, she turned to find Rafe looking at her.
“Hungry?” he asked. “We have a housekeeper and chef. I’m sure they can whip up whatever you like.”
“I was just looking to see what I could fix for Joel tonight.”
He shook his head and closed the refrigerator door. “You’re not preparing meals. You’re supposed to help Joel adjust.”
“That’s part of making him adjust,” she said. “I always cook at home.”
“Tell the chef the time you want dinner and what you want. Would you like to take a shower, spend some time in the Jacuzzi?”
“I might have time for that. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to pry Joel out of the playroom. He’s fascinated by all the new toys. You need to be careful about spoiling him.”
“I know, but I’ve got four years to make up for. Plus, I want him to be comfortable here.”
“But will you be?” she asked. “Won’t you miss living on the sea?”
“I’ll be there every day.” He shrugged. “Maybe I can take the three of us out for a weekend if I ever get caught up. Maddie gave you the rundown on the applicants for the nanny position, right?”
“Yes, and I told her that since I’ll be here, Joel won’t need a nanny.”
He shook his head. “You’ve had to do this by yourself for a long time. You may not want to admit it, but I’m sure there have been times when being a single parent has been overwhelming. I want you to have all the help you need.”
“Thank you,” she said, still a little irked by the idea. “About Maddie,” she said.
“She’s amazing, isn’t she? Most efficient woman I’ve ever met,” he said.
She opened her mouth to ask the question that burned inside her, then thought better of it. “Very efficient.”
“Take some time to relax.” He nodded and put his hand on her arm. “You and I can talk more after dinner.”
After Nicole finally got Joel settled in for the night, she wandered downstairs to join Rafe on the patio. He stood, staring into the distance, appearing lost in thought. She didn’t know what to make of him. His strength appealed to her at the same time that it frightened her. Was he the kind of man to use his strength against those weaker than him?
She hesitated joining him, but he must have sensed her presence because he turned around. “Hi. Have a seat. I bet you’re tired.”
“Not too much,” she said and sat down.
He pointed to the two glasses of wine on the table. “Have some wine.”
“Thank you. It’s been a long day.”
He sat beside her. “Tomorrow will be easier.”
Taking a sip of the red wine, she was not at all sure she agreed with him. “This is just the first day in a whole new world.”
“It will be much easier for both you and Joel now. You won’t have to worry about financial matters. You’ll have assistance whenever you need it. I have to tell you I’m still surprised that you and Joel didn’t live with your father.”
Her stomach clenched. “My father can be controlling. With him it’s his way or the highway. I’ve found it’s better for me to go my own way.”
“What about Tabitha?” he asked.
“Tabitha had a different relationship with our father. She was able to walk a fine line of charm with him and most of the time, it worked.”
“When it didn’t?” he asked.
“It wasn’t pleasant,” she said.
“Are you saying-”
“I’d rather not discuss my father, if you don’t mind,” she said and fought against that trapped feeling she so strongly associated with her father. She didn’t have to discuss him, she reminded herself and rose.
“Let’s walk,” he said, superseding her desire to leave. He stood and took a sip of red wine, then led the way into the landscaped backyard, lit with soft floodlights and trees wrapped in minilights.
“It’s beautiful,” she said, the sound of crickets calming her.
“Nice,” he agreed, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I’m used to the sound of the water lapping against the boat, the gentle movement of the yacht, the smell of salt air.”
She glanced at him. “You sound like you’re homesick.”
“Maybe a little,” he said. “The sea is cleansing. The rhythm of the waves is soothing. Even though I conduct business on my yacht, I can turn it all off if I want and just enjoy the ocean. No crowds, no rush. Instant getaway from it all.”
Nicole couldn’t help thinking how Tabitha had always wanted to be in the middle of the party. “How in the world did you ever get involved with my sister?” she couldn’t help asking.
He chuckled again. “You have to admit she was a head snapper, seductive when she found something she wanted, charming.”
She nodded reluctantly. “She was charming. But you seem deeper, smarter. How could you have fallen for her?”
“I was younger. She was everything I wasn’t. Privileged. Pedigreed. Classy. I was a foster kid from the poor part of Philadelphia. She was a dream come true.”
“And she was beautiful, wild and sexy,” Nicole said.
“She was beautiful and alluring. Wild at times. Sexy, but not really sexual.”
“Really?” Nicole said, unable to contain her curiosity, even though she knew this was a taboo topic. “I always got the impression she was a man-eater.”
“Not in a sexual way,” he said. “She was actually perfunctory about sex. Hot before, but not so much during.”
Nicole gaped at him. She’d always thought that Tabitha made men crazy with her sexuality.
“You seem surprised,” he said, his expression amused.
“I never knew-” She broke off. “I just heard what she said about herself and what other people said about her.”
Meeting her gaze, he nodded. “I’ve learned that some women are hotter when they’re teasing than when they deliver.” He looked at her as if he wanted to find out if she fit into the first or second category.
Surprised at the rush of heat that suffused her, she took a quick, calming breath. “Tabitha talked about being a master of the tease.”
“She was,” he said. “That seemed to be all she wanted out of it. There’s more to pleasure than teasing.”
His dark gaze felt as if he penetrated all the way to her soul. She was acutely aware of the contrast between his masculinity and her femininity. The night seemed to close around them and curiosity trickled through her. It had been a long time since she’d felt curious about a man, since she’d felt desire. Why now? Why with him?
She should back away. Right this second, she told herself, but her feet may as well have been lead weights. She held her breath as he stepped closer and
lifted his hand, rubbing his fingers over a strand of her hair. “Soft,” he said. “You could be a crazy-making contradiction.”
Her heart hammering in her chest, she swallowed. “What do you mean?”
“Soft hair, soft skin, a voice that reminds me of good brandy. All that softness and a titanium backbone.”
She couldn’t help laughing at the wry tone when he’d described her backbone. “Ah, you’re just used to being surrounded by yes men and yes women. The great Rafe Medici has spoken, so that’s the way it goes.”
“Ah, you think I’m great,” he said and his lips lifted in a sensual smile that sent ripples all the way down her body.
“I’m sure you can find crowds of people who will tell you how great you are. You don’t need another one,” she said, wishing she could pull back, but his fingers on her hair kept her captive. Or was it the way he looked at her that prevented her from moving away.
“Sometimes one is more compelling than a crowd,” he said and gently tugged her hair, drawing her closer to him.
“I’ve been curious about that mouth of yours since the first time I saw it, since the first time you blew me off. I’m betting you’re a little curious about me. I think it’s time we took care of our curiosity,” he said in a such a low voice that she couldn’t turn away.
He lowered his head and she should have backed away, should have at least turned her cheek or dipped her head, but she didn’t. Although she would die before she confessed it, she was curious about Rafe Medici. Too curious.
It was just a kiss. Just one, she thought. Then never again. His mouth pressed against hers and she immediately felt dizzy. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the scent of his cologne, the promise of strength from his chest just inches from hers. The sensation of his mouth was both firm and sensually soft as he rubbed against her lips as if he was determined to savor her.
She instinctively parted her lips and he gave a low groan of sexy encouragement. Nicole felt a ripple of awareness in her most sensitive places. Yet, he only touched her lips.
Her heart rate picked up and a burgeoning need swelled inside her. More. She wanted to slide her breasts against him. She wanted to feel his arms around her. She wanted…
She could sense that he wanted more, too. He slid his tongue over the seam of her lips and she opened for him, giving in to her curiosity, in to the delicious, decadent sensations he generated in her.
He plunged his tongue deeper, as if tasting weren’t enough. He wanted to devour. Her mind began to spin and she reached for his shoulders, trying to stabilize herself, but he slid his arms around her and drew her flush against the front of his hard body.
She felt his arousal and the craving inside her tightened like an overstretched rubber band. Breathless, but loath to pull away from him, she returned his kiss with a passion that surprised her.
Seconds later, he pulled back slightly, lifting his head. His eyes glittered with potent arousal. His nostrils flared slightly as he caught his own breath.
“I don’t think one kiss is going to take care of our curiosity.”
Five
Rational thought returned slowly. Nicole felt a hard smack of regret. Shaking her head, she backed away. “Oh, no. I can’t believe-”
He put his hands on his hips and looked skyward. “Oh, tell me you’re not going to play the innocent virgin who was taken advantage of by the bad, bad man.”
She blinked at his description. “Well, I’d like to, but I’m not that innocent and it’s not like you forced me.” She bit her lip, trying to pull herself together. “Combination of wine and a long day,” she said, turning toward the house. “I like that explanation much better.”
“Explanation or excuse?” he asked as he walked beside her, one stride of his for every two of hers.
“Either is fine with me. I’m sorry for giving you the wrong impression.”
He stepped in front of her just before she reached the door. “The word is teasing,” he said. “Must run in the family.”
“I said I’m sorry.” She swallowed. “We shouldn’t be doing this. I need to keep a clear head about Joel. He’s my first priority.”
“We have Joel in common,” he said. “You and I are already entangled.”
How could she possibly maintain the cautious perspective she needed if they became lovers? What about the warnings Tabitha had made? “There’s also your history with my sister.”
“And that’s been over for more than four years.”
Frustration and apprehension skittered through her like jabbing needles. “Why me?” she demanded. “You could have any woman you want. You probably do have any woman you want.”
“I’m not sure if that was an insult or not,” he said. “But have you ever considered that I’m intrigued by your combination of class and determination? You’re naturally beautiful, but you don’t flaunt it. Under the right conditions, I suspect you’re a sweetheart. And now I know there’s fire underneath. You know it, too. We both got hot when I kissed you. Do you really think you’re going to be able to dismiss that?” He gave a short chuckle. “When you wake up in the morning, do you really think you’re not going to feel that burn anymore?”
Deep down, she knew he was right. She also knew that being with him would be so wrong.
The only reason Nicole slept well that night was because she was exhausted. When she awakened in the morning, Joel was already back in the playroom. She hugged him tightly and learned he’d already eaten breakfast, but he was eager to play with all those new toys. The doorbell rang and the housekeeper, Carol, announced the arrival of the first mother’s helper candidate.
Hours later, after intermittent breaks to check on Joel, Nicole had interviewed all three candidates. She still felt reluctant to choose one of the three applicants. It seemed to underscore her departure as Joel’s primary caregiver.
Maddie called to ask what her decision was and Nicole told her she wanted to sleep on it. Maddie also informed her that Rafe probably wouldn’t be home tonight. Yay, thought Nicole. By dinnertime, Joel was exhausted and needed to settle down. Nicole read two books to him and he fell asleep during the second book. She almost nodded off herself.
Giving a silent whisper of thanks that Rafe hadn’t come home, she gave in to the temptation to take a dip in the Jacuzzi next to the pool. For just a few moments, she told herself. Then she would go to bed and sleep like a baby.
She pushed the button to turn on the jets and slid into the steamy, bubbling water with a sigh of appreciation. Since she’d stepped into the role of mothering, she’d pushed aside any kind of sensual pleasure so that she could care for Joel. He was more important than visits to the spa, more important than massages or facials, or even a long bath. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed a good soak, how rejuvenating it could be.
Rafe arrived to a quiet house. As he entered the foyer, he heard only the ticking of the grandfather clock he’d requested that Maddie purchase. The sound reminded him of a similar clock in the house his parents had rented in Philly.
A yawning edginess scraped across his nerves. He grabbed a bottle of water. He climbed the stairs to the second floor, checked on Joel as the boy slept peacefully. Rafe had missed the kid today. He walked into his master bedroom and prowled the large suite, glancing outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Spotting Nicole in the lit Jacuzzi next to the pool, he stared. Leaning her arms against the first step of the whirlpool, she rested her head backward against the side of the concrete perimeter.
From his window, he saw her slick, shiny breasts encased in a black bathing-suit top. He wondered what she wore below, wishing she were completely naked. What he would give to take off that black little scrap of material and caress her with his hands and mouth. What he would give to slide bikini bottoms down her long, lithe legs and learn all her secrets.
Feeling the drumbeat of arousal in his blood, he stripped off his clothes and put on a swimsuit. His first instinct was to go nude, but he didn’t want
to frighten her away. Grabbing a towel, he headed downstairs and made his way to the hot tub.
He found her with her eyes closed and the steam rising around her, her hair slicked back, and he stepped into the tub. Her eyes flashed open and she sank deeper into the whirling bubbles.
“Rafe,” she said. “I didn’t know you were here.”
“I just got here. You made it look irresistible.”
“I probably should have simply gone to bed.”
“Why?” he asked, his gaze dipping to her cleavage.
“I was tired.”
“So you decided to take a relaxing dip in the Jacuzzi. That’s why it’s here.”
She inhaled and let out a long sigh. “I guess you’re right. I’m not used to treating myself.”
“Maybe that’s something you should change.”
She shook her head. “Too much to do. When I get back to Atlanta, I’m sure I’ll have a ton of work waiting for me.”
“No need for you to rush back to Atlanta. You’re doing something very important for Joel right here,” he said. He wouldn’t tell Nicole what he had planned for her and Joel yet. He knew he needed to break past several barriers before she agreed to his plan of staying at his place for Joel’s security and for Rafe’s pleasure.
“I know that,” she said in a quiet, pensive voice.
“You’ve done a good job with him,” he said.
“Thank you. He’s a little shy and hesitant sometimes, but-”
“I noticed that. I think a karate class would be a good idea for him.”
Nicole stared at him, splashing as she sat up. “Karate? He’s too young for that. Besides, I’m very firm about teaching him to be nonviolent.”
“Karate isn’t violent,” he said, surprised at her reaction. “It teaches discipline, physical fitness, self-control. All that fosters self-confidence.” He remembered a time when he was young that his physical fitness had felt like the only thing he could control in his life. “You don’t have him involved in any sports, do you?”
