Oh, she missed Zac’s arms around her. She had been too long without them. “So you won’t have time to come with us to Adam’s parents today then?” she said for something to say.
He darted a look at Adam first. “Not today, no.”
She felt awkward all of a sudden, as if she was pitting the two of them against each other. And that was ridiculous. Taking a breath, she turned to Adam. “Is Kirsten ready? Does she need a hand?”
“No,” was all he said, but the look in his eyes held anger. At her. Great. This was going to be such a wonderful day. Not!
“Kirsten’s never on time,” Zac said wryly, clearly getting back to normal.
“I heard that, Zac Ryan,” the woman in question said, coming into the living room and giving him a hug.
Erin was glad the other woman’s presence eased the tension as she watched the pair banter back and forth, obviously having a fondness for each other. Both were attractive people and she even wondered if Zac had been involved with Kirsten at any time, but neither gave any sign of doing so.
Of course, concentrating on them gave her something to do rather than look at Adam. She could feel the anger bouncing off him in waves and aiming straight for her. About fifteen minutes later he suggested they’d better get going.
Kirsten put down her coffee cup on the bench. “You and Erin go ahead while I get my things and make a quick call.” She headed toward the bedroom. “Meet you down at the car.”
Erin tried to delay going downstairs alone with Adam, but eventually she could do nothing but say goodbye to Zac and get in the elevator with Adam. His silence made her uneasy as they went down to the underground parking lot. It wasn’t like him to be angry and to remain angry. It was a side to him she was seeing far too often lately. And usually over something she’d done.
Like now.
She didn’t think she could handle this for the next couple of hours. It might make him feel better to “send her to Coventry” - in other words ignore her - but it didn’t do anything for her.
“Look, Adam, I said I was sorry,” she said, as they reached his car. “If Zac can forgive me, you shouldn’t have any problems with it.”
His hand stilled as went to open the car door for her, his eyes impaling her. “Let me understand this. You don’t pass on a complete message so that people get anxious and upset, but as long as you say you’re sorry then that’s okay, is it?”
A soft gasp escaped her lips. She hadn’t expected such an attack, even if it was deserved. “I don’t know what else I can say.”
His brows drew downward in a frown. “Dammit, Erin. I just find it hard to believe you’d do something like that, firstly to a woman who’s never done you any harm, and then to a man you’re supposed to be in love with.”
She shuddered. Having Zac know what she’d done had been terrible enough, but having Adam think bad of her didn’t sit comfortably at all. “I know,” she whispered. “And I am in love with Zac,” she said, taking exception to his “supposed” comment. “That’s why I did it.”
“That’s a reason, not an excuse.”
His holier-than-thou attitude got to her. She lifted her chin. “Don’t tell me you’ve never done anything you’re ashamed of, Adam?”
“Never,” he snapped.
“Really?” She held his gaze.
He grimaced. It was obviously far from the truth. “Okay, you’re right. I’ve done some things that would make your toes curl.” He paused. “But that still doesn’t let you off from what you did.”
Hearing him speak about toes curling made her think of him standing in the bathroom naked. The picture of it wasn’t something easily forgotten, and she could feel herself flush remembering the look of his well-muscled body covered in drops of water from the shower, and the daring look in his eyes. Now that had made her toes curl.
But she was in love with Zac, right?
“About the other night…” Adam said, interrupting her thoughts.
She gulped. Surely he didn’t mean… They hadn’t spoken about it… There was nothing to say anyway… “What other?”
Her shot her a very masculine look. “You know what I mean, Erin.”
She could feel her face growing even hotter. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she lied.
His lips began to curve in that sexy way, suddenly the old Adam, with a wicked light in his eyes that belonged to the devil himself. He winked at her. “Lots of lucky ladies have seen me naked, you know. Just think yourself one of the blessed.”
For the life of her she couldn’t raise a smile. Her cheeks felt hotter than a furnace. And it wasn’t the wicked light in his eyes that worried her. It was the other more intense light at the back of his eyes that made her heart race faster than it should.
His eyes filled with a knowing tenderness. “Well, well. You’re embarrassed.”
“I’m not. It’s just that I--”
“Haven’t seen a man becoming aroused before?” he joked, but his voice had a husky tone to it. “Sounds like Zac must have been falling down on the job.”
“Adam!”
“What?” he said innocently. Too innocently.
She wanted to wipe the smile from that firm mouth. “Zac and I have a very active love life, thank you,” she said primly.
His smile faded, his eyes flashed with impatience. “Had, my sweet. Not have. Remember that.”
“How can I forget?” she snapped, just as Kirsten stepped from the elevator and into the parking lot. The other woman gave them both a curious look, but Erin managed to give a smile and start chatting.
One thing worried her as they drove off. For all her talk about Zac, it was Adam she couldn’t seem to get out of her mind lately. And it wasn’t only his naked body she kept thinking about either!
* * *
Late the next evening, Steve was still mentally stumbling around from his encounter with Cassie and Zac last night. After she had mentioned on-air about the newspaper interview, he’d realized the letter to the hospital might now be too little too late. So he’d swallowed his pride once again and had gone to speak to her, only to discover she’d had no intention of dumping the Aussie after all. It had been a kick in the guts, not to mention the sore arm and bruised ego he’d received from that Neanderthal.
Jesus, he couldn’t believe he’d actually given himself away over the letter. Now Cassie would tell the hospital administrators her suspicions and they’d probably still let her visit the sick kids. Not that she had any proof it was him, he told himself. He’d been very careful about not leaving any trails leading back to him. And surely they wouldn’t go to all the trouble of a DNA test just to prove it anyway? He’d typed up the letter on someone else’s computer in the office late at night, and the paper had been purchased from the local mall. Nothing could be traced back to him, he was certain.
And if that was overkill, he only had to think about Alicia. None of this had been too much to protect his interests with her, he decided, as he pretended to concentrate on the late news on the television but secretly watched Alicia flick through a copy of Vogue like it was a pack of cards, before lightly tossing the magazine down on the couch. A wave of apprehension swept over him. Something was worrying her.
God, he couldn’t take much more, especially now that Cassie and tough guy were going to do a live show from the new downtown mall tomorrow. His ex had dropped that particular bombshell at the end of her show tonight, and now he had no idea what he was going to do about it. If any of his old friends saw Cassie… If any one of them told Alicia who she was…
He swallowed hard and tried to act normal. “Alicia, honey, is there a problem?”
She grimaced delicately. “You know me so well, darling. Yes, there’s a problem.”
He held his breath. “Tell me.”
“Don’t get angry.”
“I never get angry with you. You know that.”
“I know.” She smiled softly, and his fear eased slightly. “It’s Mother,” sh
e said, her smile fading. “She’s all stressed out because Great Aunt Victoria is very religious and would be shocked to know you’re divorced. So Mother wants me to keep quiet about it if anyone asks about you at the wedding.”
He almost shuddered with relief. “Maybe your mother is right. Sometimes it’s better to say nothing.”
“But I wouldn’t want to lie about it,” she said, setting alarm bells ringing inside him. “And it’s not like you have anything to be ashamed about either. I mean, no man should have to put up with their wife’s affairs. I certainly wouldn’t have in your place.” Her eyes bathed him in admiration. “Besides, I love you, Steven. I want the world to know you like I do.”
He didn’t, he mused, even as something soft inside his chest seemed to unlock at her words. And he wasn’t just talking about in a selfish way either. What he and Alicia had together wasn’t something he wanted to share with anyone else. It was hard to believe but right now it was too precious, though that would probably change with time.
“I guess she’s worried they’ll be judgmental,” he said, taking a sip of his martini, trying to keep this from escalating into something big between mother and daughter.
“Yes, about her, not you.” She pulled a little face. “She’s my mother and I love her, but I know she can be a bit too worried about appearances sometimes.”
Yeah, it was a pain being filthy rich and having to worry what people thought of you. “It’s the way she was raised,” he pointed out.
“You’re so understanding, and I love you for it.” Her eyes took on a stubborn look. “But I’ve decided that I won’t lie. Not for anything. I think it’s wrong of Mother to ask me and I shall tell her so.”
Oh hell! It wasn’t a good idea to get Margo off-side before the wedding. Especially with Cassie doing the live show tomorrow…
“Perhaps you could get away with not giving a direct answer?” he suggested without sounding as panicky as he felt.
She shook her head. “That would still be lying. And once I tell one lie who knows where it will lead?”
His stomach churned with anxiety. “You do what you think best, honey.”
“Thanks. I knew you’d support me.” She leaned over and gave him a lingering kiss that made him forget - but only for a second - how terribly wrong it could all go for him.
She drew back. “Oh, I almost forgot. Daddy’s prepared a prenuptial agreement he wants you to look over.” Gracefully, she got to her feet. “I’ll get it for you.”
His day just got worse.
He gulped. “A prenup?”
“Yes, I was surprised too,” she said, going over to the bureau. “And of course I said no at first, but Daddy said it’s only to protect the family interests and that it’s nothing out of the ordinary.”
The old bastard.
He must have looked a bit shaken because she stared at him oddly as she walked back toward him. “Darling, are you upset about this? I know it would mean you’d get nothing if we were to divorce but we love each other, right? And if that’s the case we won’t be getting a divorce, so it’s a moot point, don’t you agree?”
His chest felt like it would burst. “Then what’s the need for a document between us?” he asked, wondering if underneath she had doubts about him but wasn’t saying.
She sat down next to him. Her eyes appeared clear of reservations yet… maybe it was his suspicious nature but was there something lurking in the back of those lovely blue depths? Something guarded? Perhaps a hint of mistrust? Had her father been telling tales out of school?
And then she smiled reassuringly. “It’s only for Daddy’s peace of mind. You know how fathers are,” she joked as she handed him the paperwork. “Read it at your leisure, darling. No hurry. Just as long as it’s signed within the next two weeks,” she teased.
Somehow he smiled back, and told himself he was letting his imagination get the better of him, but his mind was already ticking over excuses not to sign. It would have to be good, like pretending to break his hand. A bit drastic but he hadn’t come this far for nothing.
Then he looked at Alicia. Okay, so it wasn’t for nothing. She came as part of the package deal. Alicia and her money. Not Alicia and no money. And he hated the thought of doing without either one of them, yet oddly he hated the thought of how hurt she’d be if she knew the truth. He really didn’t want to cause her pain. Dammit. If only he had money of his own he wouldn’t have to use her this way. God, if only he’d been born rich. All he had to show for his life was a tenuous connection to an ex-wife with a grudge. Oh, and not to forget that stupid mutt called Muffy or Mitzy or whatever the thing’s name was - a mutt he’d never had any affection for anyway and so he had been glad to let Cassie keep the damn thing.
Just then a thought flashed through his mind and his heart almost bounced out of his chest. He may not have had any affection for that dog, but it had belonged to him as much as it did to Cassie, right? Everything else in their divorce had been split down the middle, so why not the mutt?
Holy cow!
The answer to his problem had been staring him in the face all the time.
* * *
As Erin had expected, Adam’s parents were very nice and were thrilled to meet a friend of their son’s, especially another one from Down Under. The only awkward moment was during lunch when his mother mentioned Zac’s ex-fiancée.
“The poor thing had a major auto accident,” Rhonda said sympathetically as she passed Erin the bowl of potato salad.
Erin could feel herself flush. “I know. That was me.”
“You!” Rhonda exclaimed, then recovered quickly. “Oh dear, I’m so sorry.” She tilted her head, a strangely disappointed look in her eyes. “So you’re back with Zac then?”
Erin shifted uncomfortably on her chair. “Um… no.”
Rhonda suddenly looked interested. “So you’re not attached?”
“Mom,” Adam muttered, flashing his mother a warning look. “It’s a long story and one I’m sure Erin doesn’t want to discuss.”
Disappointment crossed Rhonda’s face, but she was still slightly defiant. “It’s just that she’s so beautiful and I love her accent and --”
“Mom’s been hoping to marry him off for years,” Kirsten teased. “She wants grandchildren.”
“Shut up, Sis,” Adam growled, even as Erin’s heart rolled over at the thought of him being a father. The woman he loved had no idea what she was missing out on. He’d be a great father.
Kirsten pretended to look surprised. “What? I’m only telling the truth.”
Rhonda sniffed. “It’s true, I do want grandchildren. Heaven knows, Kirsten doesn’t look like she’ll be giving me some anytime soon.”
Kirsten made a choking sound in her effort to get the words out fast. “No way, Mom. I’m not ready to tie myself to a man.”
Rhonda sighed, and Erin felt kind of sorry for her. “That’s okay,” she told the older woman. “My mother keeps trying to marry me off too.”
“She does?” Rhonda said, then gave a short laugh. “There you are then. The two of you should get together and save us mothers some worry.” She smiled as Adam made a sound. “Sorry, honey. I got carried away again for a moment.”
Despite being uncomfortable about the subject matter, Erin smothered a smile. The older woman was so obviously not repentant.
“Hey, what about those White Sox?” Adam’s father said and changed the subject, for which everyone was grateful.
After that they had a great afternoon and ended up staying for an early dinner, so it was seven when they managed to get away. His mother begged them to stay the night, but Adam needed to get back to the city to finish up an architectural project for Monday.
Unfortunately, they were only halfway back when a banging sound started under the engine. “What the hell!” He pulled off to the side of the road as quickly and safely as he could.
An hour later they had two options. Stay at the local motel while he had his car towed to a garage and fi
xed first thing in the morning, or hire another car to drive back to Chicago then come back in the morning and swap cars over.
“That’d be a waste of time,” Erin murmured, meaning the second option. “It’s probably best we stay in the area.” They’d have separate rooms in the motel anyway.
Adam scowled. “I could always get Dad to come and get us, I suppose.”
“Why bother him at this late hour? I’m happy to stay here. The guy said there’s a motel just down the road.”
He raised an eyebrow. “If you’re sure?”
She grinned. “It’ll be an adventure.”
A short while later she wasn’t so sure when the lady behind the reception desk said they only had one room left. “But it’s got twin beds,” the woman added.
Adam looked at Erin. “It’s up to you.”
Erin hesitated, then winced at herself. Good grief, she was sharing an apartment with Adam, so what difference did sharing a room for one night make?
“I promise I’ll lock the bathroom door,” he drawled, and she blushed, not because the receptionist was looking at them with interest, but because she was remembering walking into another bathroom…
Adam’s bathroom.
All at once she wasn’t so certain she wanted him to lock the door.
* * *
“G..O..O..D…evening, Chicago. Yes, it’s time for “Night Talk”. And with me again tonight is that man-with-the-book-who-likes-to-cook, zany Zac from Down Under. It’s great you made it back, Zac.”
“I’m happy to be here, Cassie. And equally as happy for you to tell the world about the four-course meal I cooked you last night after the show.” He smirked at her. “Of course, first you’ll have to garnish the truth a little.”
“You’re hilarious, you know that.”
“Why? Because I want my cake and eat it too?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Have you finished yet?”
“Why? I didn’t hear the timer.”
“Enough!” she said on a groan.
“Okay. Okay. I’ll be good now,” he said with a smile that said the opposite. “You go ahead and tell everyone about the wonderful dinner we had. I don’t mind sharing.”
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