The #1 Bestsellers Collection 2011

by Catherine Mann

  And she wouldn’t let him.

  Thank heavens by midweek they were almost back to normal. Normal for them, that is.

  Subsequently, when Matt walked into her office before lunch on Thursday she pretended she could ignore him.

  “What are you doing?”

  She glanced at him, then back to the computer screen. “Guess.”

  He expelled a breath. “Lana, I’ve checked those old accounts and there’s nothing else there. If there was, I would have found it.”

  “No, there’s something more. I can feel it. I—” She fell back in her chair as a thought made her heart skip a beat. “Are you saying you believe I didn’t do it?”

  His eyebrow slanted. “Let’s say I’m giving you the slight benefit of the doubt.”

  “How kind,” she drawled, pretending that even his halfhearted support didn’t thrill her. It did. Perhaps he was getting to know the real her. He had to know she wasn’t a person who would steal from others. Hadn’t returning the wallet made him see that?

  She mentally slumped. She shouldn’t give too much credence to what he said. If he could make love to her while believing her a thief, then he could as easily change his mind about this.

  “Come on. We’re going out to lunch,” he muttered.

  Her mind whirled in surprise, then withdrew. “I’d rather stay here and look through these.”

  “I want to go shopping.”

  She sat up straight. “I told you I don’t want any clothes.”

  “It’s not for you. I’m going to buy some things for Megan’s room.”

  “Things?”

  “Furniture.”

  She lifted her chin. “I spent a lot of money on her furniture.” She saw his eyes flicker. “Not stolen money,” she said, feeling as if they were back where they started.

  He inclined his head. “And you did well,” he conceded, “but I want her to have the very best. Now that she’s used to her new room, it’s time for new furniture.”

  His words reminded her of a discussion at the ballet. “Didn’t I hear your friend Justin talking about buying baby furniture for his son’s room?”

  He scowled. “Yeah, so?”

  She tilted her head. “You don’t have to one-up him, you know.”

  “I won’t even bother to reply to that,” he snapped, then looked at his watch. “I’ve made a booking and we’re going to be late.”

  “Since when does that worry you?”

  “It doesn’t.”

  Sighing, she grabbed her purse and stood up. “I’ve already had a piece of cake for morning tea.”

  “Your figure can handle lunch.”

  The compliment sent the blood rushing to her head, but she concentrated on getting out of the room. He took her elbow as she passed him by, bringing her close but not too close as he walked her from the room and down the corridor. She wasn’t sure if his hold was to remind everyone she was his wife, or to let her know who was boss.

  Probably both, she mused, knowing in either case it was a proprietary gesture and nothing more.

  Ten minutes later they were seated at a restaurant with a glorious view of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The weather was perfect for a lunchtime walk or a jog, and many people were doing exactly that along the pathways. Others were sitting on the grass and taking in the harbor view.

  Lana wished she was sitting out there in the sunshine, rather than sitting in here with Matt. Out there she could escape being close to him. In here there was no escape.

  “We need to talk,” Matt said, once they’d ordered a light lunch. “About Megan.”

  Her heart seemed to squeeze tight. Did he want a divorce already? No, then he wouldn’t want to furnish Megan’s room.

  A wave of apprehension swept through her as her old fear rose. Perhaps he wanted Megan, but wanted to get rid of her? Perhaps he’d found a way to push her out of her daughter’s life?

  He leaned back in his chair. “I’ve located a new day care center for her.”

  Lana’s shoulders slumped. “Is that all?”

  He scowled. “What did you think I wanted to talk about?”

  “I thought you were going to finally offer to buy Megan off me.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Would you sell her?”

  She looked him straight in the eye. “I’d rather die first.”

  Silence; then he said with a twitch of his lips, “Defeats the purpose, don’t you think?”

  “You know what I mean.”

  His humor disappeared. “I wouldn’t ask that of you, Lana. I can see you love Megan more than life itself.”

  A warm feeling bounced inside her chest. “Thank you.”

  Their gazes linked, and all at once Lana felt they connected on a level beyond the bedroom. For a moment they both saw a true part of each other, not the facade they sought to present.

  Then the waiter provided a diversion by returning with their drinks, and she broke eye contact and took a sip of her mineral water to give herself something to do.

  “Now, back to the day care center,” Matt said brusquely once they were alone. “I’ve found a suitable one not too far away.”

  Suddenly Lana felt apprehensive. “You have?”

  His eyes narrowed. “What’s the matter? I thought you’d be happy.”

  “I am. I mean, I am, but I’m not.”

  “That makes sense,” he drawled.

  She grimaced. “I’m frightened for her safety, Matt. I didn’t have to worry about that before, but now it’s a real threat.”

  He considered that. “I’ll make sure she’s safe, Lana.”

  She let out a slow breath of relief. “I know you will.”

  He held her gaze, a pleased look in his eyes. “Have you considered that she may not need to go to day care at all? She’s only little. It might be best for her to continue staying at home with Ruth on the days that you’re working. What do you think?”

  That thought had occurred to her, too, but she shook her head. “No. She needs to get used to it again. Next year there’ll be just me and her and …”

  “You don’t have to worry about any of that,” he said, his face closed now.

  She paused a moment. Then said, “You know, Matt, I don’t say no just to be difficult. I do whatever’s good for Megan, despite what’s good for us.”

  He held himself stiffly. “I appreciate that.”

  Suddenly she felt sorry for him. His whole life had changed. “But I have to admit it’s been a new experience for me, sharing responsibility for her like this,” she conceded. “It takes time to get used to it.”

  A friendlier look entered her eyes. “She’s our responsibility, Lana. Don’t forget that.”

  His words sent a quiver of delight through her veins. He wasn’t being possessive of Megan, or arrogant toward her. He was merely acknowledging their mutual love for the most important person in their lives.

  As it should be.

  Lunch arrived, and Lana fought back disappointment at the interruption. She and Matt had bonded a moment ago and she liked the feeling.

  If only …

  What?

  If only Matt could really believe she wasn’t the bad person he thought she was?

  If only he didn’t need proof she hadn’t stolen the money?

  If only they could end up friends for Megan’s sake?

  She sighed, knowing that wasn’t possible. There was too much between them now for them ever to be friends.

  They finished eating in silence, then had coffee. She drank hers down quickly, wanting to get this over and done with and get back to work. The less time spent in Matt’s company the better. She was getting too soft where he was concerned.

  Matt took a last mouthful of coffee. “Right. Let’s go shopping.”

  He drove them to a baby boutique that she remembered Justin mentioning. She shot him a wry look as they got out of the car.

  “He recommended it, that’s all,” he defended, but she saw the humorous gleam in those dark eyes, and
a soft glow filled her.

  The manager came out to greet them the minute they stepped inside the store. “Mr. and Mrs. Valente,” he welcomed, and Lana shot Matt another knowing look, which he ignored this time.

  The store manager knew a good sale coming and he was extremely helpful. As for Matt, he was businesslike on the outside, but she could see he was enjoying himself. He ordered a new crib, then saw something better that would turn into a bed for Megan’s future use, and ordered that one instead. He did the same with a toy box and a stroller. And he wanted to buy the biggest playpen there.

  Lana saw the playpen and laughed.

  “What’s so funny?” he asked as the store manager went off to see about delivery.

  “You. You’re like a kid in a toy store.”

  He shrugged. “Hey, it’s not every day a man gets to buy things for his daughter. Besides, we are in a toy store.”

  “Enjoy it while you can. I doubt she’ll let you when she gets older.”

  They shared a smile that could have deepened to something more, only her cell phone rang. It was Ruth saying Megan had a high temperature and wasn’t well.

  “We’ll be right there,” she said, seeing Matt pull his shoulders back as if expecting a blow.

  “Megan?” he muttered after she’d ended her call.

  Lana nodded, worry already eating at her. “She’s got a temperature.”

  Matt put his arm under her elbow, speaking to the store manager as he guided her to the front door. “Our daughter’s sick. I’ll get my PA to call you and arrange payment.”

  “Very good, sir. I hope your daughter is okay.”

  “So do I,” Matt said, his voice as rough as gravel.

  Lana’s heart was in her mouth as they drove home. “She might be teething, Matt. That’s probably all it is.”

  “Teething doesn’t make them sick.”

  She glanced sideways at him. “How do you know that?”

  “I’ve read some books about it.”

  That surprised her. “A lot of doctors say that teething doesn’t make them sick, but I’ve heard it lowers a child’s resistance to picking up germs.”

  “Germs?” he asked, as if she’d said a dirty word.

  “Cold germs, that’s all.” She could see the grimness on Matt’s face and she felt sorry for him. The playboy was truly gone right now, and in its place was a very worried father.

  “Do you have a family doctor?” he asked.

  “Not really.”

  His mouth tightened as he used his cell phone to call his mother, telling her the situation and shooting out instructions.

  He hung up. “Mum will get our family doctor to pay a visit.”

  “Good,” Lana murmured.

  She usually visited the local medical center if she or Megan needed a doctor, though she wasn’t sure Matt could understand that. He had wealth and connections, and for the first time ever, she thanked God he did. She wanted the best for her daughter.

  As soon as Ruth opened the door, Megan cried out to Lana, who hurried forward and took her daughter in her arms. Lana’s heart lurched at Megan’s rosy red cheeks, stained by tears. She wore only a diaper and felt hot to the touch.

  Then Megan saw Matt, gave a loud cry and threw her arms out toward him, wanting to be held by her father. Lana looked at Matt and her legs almost gave out at the sheer love for his daughter on his face. She willingly handed Megan over to him.

  “I’ve given her some medicine,” Ruth said calmly as they moved inside. “And I’ve been cooling her down in the bath.”

  “Thank you, Ruth,” Lana said, looking at her daughter with a worried frown. “Let’s take her into the living room, Matt.”

  “I’ll just go wet this washcloth again for her,” Ruth said.

  Once in the living room, Megan whimpered and Matt looked helpless all of a sudden. “Shouldn’t we take her to the hospital?”

  Lana tried not to show her worry. “Let’s give the medication a chance to work until the doctor gets here.”

  Megan started crying again and he tried to soothe her. “Dammit, where is that bloody doctor?”

  Lana wiped her daughter’s nose with a tissue. “Try not to worry, Matt. Kids can look so sick one minute and the next they’re up and running around.” She gave a sympathetic smile. “Believe me, there were some nights I walked the floor with her when she had a cold or colic and I would have sworn she had pneumonia or something worse.”

  Matt stiffened. “I would have been there if I’d known.”

  She groaned inwardly. “It wasn’t a criticism of you.”

  Megan continued crying and he shot Lana a dark look. “Really? It sounded like it to me.”

  She knew he was panicking deep inside, so she allowed him his snide remark. “Matt, I was only trying to say she’ll be back to normal in no time. Just take it easy.”

  “Like you’re doing?” he snapped, as Megan continued crying. “You seem to be taking this real easy. But you’re an old hand at this, aren’t you?”

  She angled her chin. “That’s enough, Matt.”

  “No, it’s—”

  “Mr. Valente,” Ruth warned, coming back into the room with the washcloth. “This is not the time or place to be arguing. Your daughter is sick. She needs you to remain calm.” She sounded like a schoolteacher reprimanding one of her students, and Matt’s face blanched.

  A moment crept by.

  He let out a slow breath. “You’re right, Ruth.” He looked at Lana. “I’m sorry, Lana. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

  “I know, Matt.”

  After that the doctor came and said it was probably only a virus but to keep an eye on her. The medication had worked by then, so the little girl soon fell asleep.

  They continued to anxiously check on her throughout the evening, unable to sit still for long. By midnight she woke and was cool to the touch, and they each breathed a sigh of relief. It appeared the worst was over. After a drink of water, she fell asleep again.

  “Lana, I’m really sorry about snapping at you today,” Matt murmured, standing by the crib.

  She realized she had finally given himself permission to relax now that Megan was on the mend. “Matt, I understand. You were scared something serious was the matter with her.”

  His mouth flattened into a grim line. “It doesn’t excuse me taking it out on you. Hell, I can only imagine how it must feel to be alone and carrying the full weight of it all.”

  “Don’t beat yourself up about it.”

  He stood still for a moment longer, looking down at his sleeping daughter. Then he looked up. “Why don’t you go to bed,” he suggested quietly. “You should get some sleep.”

  “But you’re the one with work tomorrow.” She at least had a day off.

  “I don’t have to go in if she’s not better.” Then he heaved a sigh. “I suppose we should both go to bed,” he said, nothing remotely suggestive in his words.

  Lana nodded. “It’s been a long day.”

  He went to move away, then stopped. “Call me if I don’t hear her.”

  “I will.”

  He left the room and exhaustion swooped over Lana. The thought of bed and sleep sounded like heaven.

  Only, once she’d had her shower she felt incredibly thirsty and decided to get a cool glass of milk or she wouldn’t sleep until she did.

  And this time she remembered to slip on her satiny bathrobe over her chemise nightgown.

  Just in case.

  It was as well she did. At the kitchen door she got a jolt to find Matt standing there in his pajama bottoms, looking out the window over the back garden, the moon giving enough light for her to see his knuckles gripping the edge of the sink.

  She moved toward him in concern. “Matt?”

  He didn’t turn around.

  “Matt, are you okay?”

  He took a ragged breath. “I’m not sure I can handle this parenting stuff, Lana,” he muttered. “Tonight almost killed me worrying about her.”

&nbs
p; Her heart softened. Oh, she so knew how he felt. It was a tough job at times.

  “Too late,” she said gently. “Once you’re a parent there’s no going back. She has our heart.” Without thinking, she rested her hand on his shoulder and felt his muscles tighten.

  “Don’t touch me, Lana. Not right now. Not tonight.”

  The breath hitched in her throat. “Why?”

  “I may not be responsible for my actions.”

  A knot rose in her throat. “Then don’t be,” she whispered, squeezing his shoulder.

  He sucked in a sharp breath and slowly turned to face her, his eyes riveting on her face. “Are you sure?”

  She nodded.

  His hands slid onto her hips and held. “I’ve never wanted a woman like I want you.”

  Oh God, he was turning her into mush.

  “If we make love, I’m going to share your bed from now on, Lana.”

  She swallowed. “You are?”

  “It’s no use us pretending we don’t want each other.”

  Her heart thudded. Did he mean …

  “But I make no promises.”

  Her heart hit the floor, then picked itself up.

  Her eyes clung to his. “I don’t want any promises, Matt. I don’t want anything but for you to make love to me over and over.”

  He groaned and pulled her into his arms, his mouth capturing hers, her lips opening in invitation. He took slow sips from her mouth, drugging her with his taste and his velvety tongue.

  And then he stepped back and held out his hand, his eyes glittering in the dark. “Shall we make ourselves more comfortable?”

  Without hesitation she slipped her hand in his, happy to follow him wherever he led.

  They stopped briefly to check on their daughter, who thankfully continued to sleep peacefully, and they smiled at each other with deep connection.

  Then they went into his room and shut the door behind them, tucking themselves away, fully aware there was no need to hurry their lovemaking this time.

  He held her in front of him. “You’re gorgeous,” he said huskily, his eyes going over her from the top of her head, down over her satiny bathrobe, to her bare feet. Then his eyes rose upward. “God. I almost don’t want to take your clothes off you.”

  She became fascinated by the vein that pulsed in his neck. “You don’t?”