“What happened this morning? Why did you want to talk to me?” He figured it had to be better than the scene that had just played itself out.
She picked up her coffee and sipped, carefully placing the mug back in front of her.
“I had a call from my mother this morning.”
Oh shit. Gill felt like banging his head against the table. Just when he’d thought it couldn’t get worse.
Chapter Eight
Alicia’s head still felt like it was whirling an hour later when she let herself and Gill into her home. She’d already contacted Millie and told her to reschedule all her appointments for the rest of the day. She’d also had to explain that possibly quite a few of their clients might be requesting their files be transferred to one of the two other law firms in town.
Millie had been indignant on her behalf. Alicia could still hear her secretary’s “why those sanctimonious idiots” ringing in her ears. The support had felt good though. It was nice to see that not everyone thought she was a scarlet woman.
It was amusing, really. She’d never thought of herself as a femme fatale before. It sounded so mysterious, so exotic. Not at all like the boring, bland woman she’d allowed herself to become these past ten years. She rubbed her forehead as the tension behind her eyes increased.
Gill closed the door, shutting the world outside, and reached for her coat. “Why don’t you take something for your headache? I’ll make you some tea.”
“That would be nice.” She hauled off her boots and padded to the bedroom. She wanted to change out of her business attire and into something more comfortable.
“I can take the day off if I want to,” she muttered as she stripped off her clothing and hung it in the closet. “I’m the boss, after all.” She paused and stared at the clothing hanging there. Suit after suit seemed to mock her. Granted, many of them were in vibrant colors and they were all tailored well, but they were still suits.
“But you are a suit,” she mocked as she grabbed an old pair of faded jeans and tugged them on. “You’re a lawyer.” She wrapped her arms around herself, fighting back a chill that had nothing to do with the cold. She was a lawyer and she loved it. If she couldn’t work at her chosen profession any longer, it would be a devastating blow.
“Don’t borrow trouble.” She grabbed a cherry-red sweater and pulled it over her head. The bright color made her feel better and the soft wool helped to fight back the chill. She grabbed a pair of thick socks from the drawer and tugged them on, wiggling her toes as the warmth started to seep back into them.
She could hear Gill puttering around in the kitchen as she padded back down the hall. She stopped long enough to turn up the heat before joining him. The time had come to lay all her cards on the table. She’d never been a coward, and she didn’t plan to start being one now.
Straightening her shoulders, she strode into the kitchen, coming to a halt just inside the door. Gill stood with both hands pressed against the counter, staring out the window.
Her heart sped up. No matter how many times she saw him, she was always struck by what an incredibly masculine picture he made.
His jeans hugged his legs and butt like a second skin. His shoulders were wide, stretching the seams of the long-sleeved, chocolate brown pullover he was wearing. The color contrasted nicely with his blond hair, which barely brushed the collar of his shirt.
His face was in profile, highlighting the rugged features—the hard jaw, the slightly battered nose and his high forehead. He wasn’t handsome in the traditional sense, but the man had charisma. He drew her like a moth to a flame. Unable to stay away any longer, she stepped into the room.
He hadn’t given her any indication he’d known she was watching him, but his shoulder muscles stiffened slightly before he turned to face her. He’d known she was there all along. Of course, he did, she reminded herself. The man was a cop. She’d noticed that he always seemed to be aware of his surroundings. She imagined that was as automatic to him as breathing after so many years.
“Sit down. The kettle is almost boiled.”
Alicia tried to read what he was thinking, but it was next to impossible. He’d appeared very relaxed back at the diner, but she’d sensed his underlying anger with the situation. He’d gone quiet when she’d related the tense conversation she’d had on the phone with her mother. She wondered if this was the beginning of the end. Would he decide that now was the time for him to pack his bags and leave town?
She tensed at the thought. Her head throbbed, reminding her that she’d forgotten to take anything for her headache. It was just as well. Pain medication made her sleepy and right now she needed all her senses about her. She’d have her tea and they’d talk. After that, she’d worry about her pounding head.
Why would he stay? He had no ties here. All his friends, the life he’d known for the past twenty years was back in Alabama. His sister, his only real family, was in California.
He’d told her one night that his parents had died in a car crash more than fifteen years ago and he wasn’t close to the smattering of cousins, aunts and uncles that remained.
She’d started this affair, knowing it would end sooner rather than later. His job for her was basically done. There was no reason for him to have to endure any more scenes like he had this morning at Jessie’s. It was a reminder of just what life could be like sometimes in a small town, and it wasn’t always pretty. After having his personal life dragged out in front of everyone, Alicia wouldn’t be surprised if it hadn’t turned him against small-town living and sent him fleeing back to the city. At this point, she wouldn’t blame him.
Gill poured water into a mug on the counter and placed the kettle back on the stove.
He plucked a napkin from the holder on the counter and picked up the mug, placing both on the table in front of her.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Alicia decided it was up to her to begin. “I know I started this…” she waved her hand toward him and then back at herself, “…thing between us.”
The corners of his lips twitched. “Thing?”
“You know what I mean.” She glared at him. “This one-night stand, this affair or whatever you want to call it.”
His face sobered. “How about a relationship?”
“Fine. I started this relationship when I approached you at Shamus and Cyndi’s wedding.”
“I don’t remember putting up much of a fight.” His voice had lowered into the tone she thought of as his bedroom voice. It made her stomach flutter and her skin heat. She tried to ignore it.
“That’s not what I mean and you know it.” Why was he being obtuse about this?
“What do you mean, sugar?”
She closed her eyes briefly and swallowed hard as his tone gentled. The two of them sitting at the table, just talking, was such an intimate moment that she had to blink back tears. Her emotions were close to the surface, but she shoved them back down. She’d get through this no matter what. She wouldn’t give in to tears. She’d gone into this affair with her eyes open. In fact, she was the one who had insisted on keeping it a clandestine affair.
“I knew you wouldn’t be here for long.” Her voice was low and husky with unshed tears. She cleared her throat, taking a sip of tea before continuing. “But I was attracted to you. More attracted than I’d ever been to any other man. Even though I knew better, I thought I could have an affair with you, take what I want and not get hurt.”
“Alicia—”
“No, let me finish.” She stared at him, beseeching him to let her finish this while she still could. “Please.”
He nodded, but she could feel the barely suppressed energy vibrating from him. His body was tense, coiled for action. He held himself still, like a predator waiting to pounce.
She shook her head, amused at her own train of thought. Gill was a civilized man, not a barbarian.
Although the way he was staring at her was anything but civilized, and her body responded i
mmediately. The tips of her nipples hardened, elongating into tight points that pushed at the cups of her bra. Her sex clenched tight, awash with cream that dampened her panties.
Taking a deep breath, she forged onward. “This was an affair, plain and simple. I knew you wouldn’t be staying.” She wrapped her hands around her mug, feeling the warmth seep into her palms. “This has gotten out of hand. You didn’t sign up for a public inquisition or to have your honor and integrity questioned. Your job for me is done. You probably want to leave as quickly as possible, and that’s most likely the best thing to do.”
Alicia didn’t look at him. Couldn’t look at him. She hadn’t thought she was a coward, but had discovered that she was. She couldn’t watch him walk away from her.
Her stomach clenched and she bit her lip to keep from crying.
“Are you done?” he asked, his voice soft, yet firm.
She nodded, still refusing to look at him.
“That’s bullshit. All of it.”
Her head snapped up. Anger whipped through her. “Bullshit?” She’d just poured her heart out to him and that’s all he had to say. “Bullshit!”
“Yes. Bullshit.” He stood up so suddenly the chair tipped over, falling to the floor.
Putting his hands on the table, he leaned forward until their noses were almost touching.
As she watched, his nostrils flared and his lips flattened. “I never asked for a one-night stand or an affair. That was what you wanted.”
She came to her feet slowly, flattening her hands on the table so that the tips of their fingertips were almost touching. “Then what do you want?”
“You,” he growled. Grabbing her by the shoulders, he practically dragged her around the corner of the table and into his arms. Her mug went flying, tea spilling everywhere, but she didn’t care. Their lips met. Clinging. Tasting.
“I don’t know why I want you so damn much,” he muttered as he peppered her face with kisses. “You’re stubborn and opinionated and too blind to see what’s right in front of you.”
She returned his kisses, desperate to touch any part of him she could reach. Her lips coasted over his strong jaw, his slightly crooked nose and his firm chin. “You’re no prize yourself.” She tunneled her fingers into his hair. “You’re stubborn and opinionated too.
And just so damned male.”
He chuckled and then groaned as she hitched her legs around his hips, crossing her ankles at the small of his back. She did it without thought, knowing he wouldn’t let her fall. Her mound brushed against the hard bulge in his jeans. It felt so good, she did it again, this time intentionally. Heat flooded her lower body.
Gill positioned his hands beneath her thighs, holding her steady. He nibbled and nipped at her neck, working his way steadily toward her ear.
“If I’m so bad, why are you still here?” she gasped as he flicked his tongue over the curve of her ear.
“Don’t you know, sugar?” He stilled, his entire body going motionless. “I love you.”
Now it was her turn to freeze. Somehow, she got her lips to work even though they felt as numb as the rest of her. “What did you say?”
Keeping his arms wrapped around her, he turned and pushed her back against the wall. Her breasts were pressed against his chest, her sex against his. It felt natural and right. Perfect.
Using his lower body to keep her upright, he leaned back slightly, clasping her face between his palms. “I said I love you. I know it’s quick, but I’m old enough to know my own feelings. I love your mind, your sense of justice, your sense of humor, the way you see the world around you. I love waking up in the middle of the night and feeling you wrapped in my arms. I love showering with you in the morning, and starting our day together. I love knowing you’re thinking about me during the day, the way I’m thinking about you.” Gill rubbed his thumbs over her flushed cheeks. “I love hearing your voice when I come through your front door at the end of the day.” He kissed her softly, gently.
“I love you, Alicia.”
Never in all her years had she ever heard anything so romantic. She’d never expected a declaration of love, let alone one so eloquent or beautiful. “Oh, Gill,” she breathed.
“This is the part where you tell me that you love me back.”
She could sense the unease behind the bravado and realized that he had no idea how she truly felt about him. Her lips parted. She leaned forward. “Gill,” she began.
And then the phone rang.
Alicia jumped and Gill swore. It rang the second time and he offered her a wry smile. “Answer or ignore it?”
The answering machine kicked in and her quick message was played. After the tone came a voice all too familiar.
“Alicia, I know you’re there. Millie told me you’d gone home. If you don’t answer, I’m coming over there.”
Alicia sighed. “It’s my mother.” She unhooked her legs and slowly slid down Gill’s body. “Hold my place?”
He nodded, slowly lowering his arms from around her. She grabbed the phone before her mother hung up and made good on her threat. “Mom.”
Her mother began to babble incoherently, and Alicia held the phone away from her ear for a moment before attempting to speak. “Mom, calm down.”
The chatter stopped and she heard her mother take a breath. “I heard that the fact you’re having an affair is all over town and that clients are leaving your practice in droves.”
Alicia’s stomach dropped, but she ignored it. “I think that droves is a bit too dramatic, Mom. I might lose one or two clients, but that’s it. I can always get more. I’ve worked hard in this town and my reputation can weather this.” As she said it, she realized that she truly believed it. “Besides which, I still have several large clients who won’t leave my practice.”
Now that she was truly thinking logically about it, Cyndi O’Rourke’s account alone was huge for her practice, and she knew without a doubt that Cyndi wouldn’t pull her business just because of Gill. If anything, Cyndi was likely to cheer the fact that Alicia had a lover. Her long years of work would speak for itself with the community. Yes, there would be some problems, but nothing she couldn’t handle. She felt her worries about her law practice slip away.
“But you’ve worked so hard to have a place in the community.” Alicia could hear the concern in her mother’s voice.
“Mom, I still have a place in the community.” She’d built her business from scratch and could do it again if it came to that, although she didn’t think it would. She had faith in herself and her abilities. “Maybe even more than I realized before.”
“But to risk it all for some man!” her mother wailed.
“He’s not just any man.” Alicia paused and stared at Gill, who had wiped up the spilled tea and now stood beside her patiently waiting. She had a sudden sense that he would always stand beside her if she’d let him. Now that the moment was at hand, all her old fears seemed silly and immature. “I love him, Mom.”
She sensed the flood of relief as he pulled her into his arms. She leaned against his chest and sighed with relief. His muscles tensed and then relaxed. She could hear the heavy, reassuring thud of his heart beneath her ear. This is where she belonged.
Her mother had gone silent. “Mom, are you still there?”
“Are you sure, Alicia?”
“More certain than I’ve ever been about anything in my life.” And she wasn’t just saying the words. She truly felt it right to the marrow of her bones.
“You’ll bring him to supper to meet me and your father?” She could picture her mother already planning what she would serve and what china she would put on the table.
Being proper was very important to Crystal Flint. She and her mother might be very different in the way they viewed life, but Alicia never doubted that her mother loved her.
Alicia smiled. It wouldn’t take Gill long to get her family’s stamp of approval. Not that he needed it, but she wanted her family to get along with him. She had no idea where t
heir relationship would go from here. It was enough for now that she loved him and he loved her.
“I’ve got to go, but I’ll call you later.”
“Alicia,” her mother paused. “I only want what’s best for you. I don’t want you to be hurt.” That was her mother’s way of letting her know she cared and Alicia felt the last of her tension seep out of her body.
“That’s what I want too. Talk to you later.” She hung up the phone and turned to face Gill. She felt strangely light, almost buoyant. “Now, where were we?”
“You were about to tell me how much you loved me.” His voice was thick with emotion.
“I was, wasn’t I?” She took his face between her palms, feeling the slight scratch of scruff on his chin. She met his gaze and saw her love reflected in his steel-blue eyes. “I love you, Gill Baron. No matter what happens, no matter what comes of it. I don’t care what anyone else thinks about our relationship. All that matters is us.”
“Alicia,” he groaned as he buried his face in the curve of her neck. He leaned down and grasped her bottom and lifted her. She tucked her legs around his waist, and wrapped her arms around his neck, as he started walking toward the bedroom. She couldn’t wait to make love with him.
Chapter Nine
Gill kept his face buried in Alicia’s neck, inhaling her sweet, seductive fragrance as he carried her to their room. He no longer thought of it as just hers. He’d put his stamp on the place in the short time he’d been here. Some of his clothes were in the drawers, his shaving kit was in her bathroom, his shirts hung in the closet alongside her blouses and the book he was reading rested on the nightstand. He felt more at home here then he did in the apartment he’d lived in for the past ten years in Alabama.
Alicia signified home.
He kicked the door shut behind him, and made his way quickly to the bed. He had to get her naked, to touch her soft skin, to taste her intoxicating cream, to claim her as his.
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