by Eugene, Lisa
Livy giggled and looked at me as if I was crazy. “I’m a balenina. A princess has a ti…ti…” She turned to her father. “What is it, Dada?”
“A tiara,” Luke supplied, strolling over to us.
“You are right. My mistake,” I admitted gravely, then shared a smile with Luke over Livy’s head.
My heart was fluttering wildly in my chest, but I found the little girl so delightful that it almost overcame my jitters. Almost. I pointed to my office. “I’d love to see what you’ve brought. You can put them out on my desk.”
I watched Livy bounce happily into my office and then turned to Luke, a smile still on my face.
“I’m afraid sometimes she can be five going on sixteen.” He scratched his jaw.
“I hear you, Dada!” Livy yelled from the room.
“You see,” he whispered with a grin.
I grinned back, wondering at the sudden warmth liquefying my insides. I felt tingly all over, like my blood was effervescent in my veins.
“I’d like to make a donation also, to the autism event. I caught your interview this morning. You were very…persuasive.”
There was something about the way he said the word that had my heart racing again and plunged me back to startling reality. God! I was standing there grinning like the village idiot!
I jerked my gaze around the room to realize all work at the Vandercamp Foundation had come to an abrupt halt. My employees were staring at me with silly grins on their faces. All they needed was popcorn and soda and their entertainment would be complete. I pulled my shoulders back and cleared my throat noisily.
“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Davenport.”
“Luke, please.”
“As you can see,” my stern voice rang loudly, “my staff has plenty of time on their hands. I’ll see if I can find someone to assist you.”
Like boisterous school children, each one of the women raised a hand excitedly, yelling “Me! Me! Me! Please pick me!” Luke grinned with amusement, his gaze never leaving my face.
I rolled my eyes at the group. Cindy was in the crowd, smiling wide as she took in the scene. They were obviously mocking my futile attempt at authority. I picked Desiree. Desiree was an older woman from the south and was usually a stickler for manners and decorum. The rest of the group groaned plaintively and I shook my head in disbelief.
But it was when Desiree put on a syrupy southern twang and crooned to Luke, “Why don’t you come on over and show momma what you got to give!” that I threw my hands up in defeat and turned to march into my office. An eruption of laughter followed me and Luke’s soft chuckle reached my ears, causing strange flutters in my belly. Alice’s voice floated through the commotion and froze my footsteps. I turned around, confused.
“The Plaza? Your wedding? The donation? What were you about to say?” Alice reminded, and immediately my gaze flew to Luke and my stomach flip-flopped. He seemed to be busy chatting with Desiree, but I saw his shoulders tense under his jacket and knew he hadn’t missed a thing.
“Umm…let’s hold off on changing the raffle tickets for now,” I said, and hurried into my office.
By the time Luke finished his paperwork and joined us in my office, I had learned the story behind each toy: who had given Livy what, when, and for what occasion. Not surprising, her dad had been a major benefactor. I was impressed by Livy’s friendly disposition and talkativeness. She didn’t seem to possess the shy wariness that five year olds usually had with strangers. She never mentioned a mother in her rambling monologue, and I wondered if Luke was divorced or separated. I also couldn’t help wondering what he was doing there. I wasn’t naive enough to believe he’d just come to make the donations. There was something in his eyes that spoke of another purpose.
Luke entered my office and closed the door behind him. After depositing his and Livy’s coats on one of the two chairs, he plucked Livy from the seat with a dramatic sweep, then sat down and plopped her on his thighs. Livy squirmed and giggled, then settled comfortably onto her father’s lap. I could tell they were very close. There was a bond between them that was almost tangible, a deep connection of warmth and love. For some reason my brain started to shuffle through my childhood memories for a similar scene and I came up lacking. Abandoning the quest, I regarded him across my desk.
“Did you survive all that estrogen? It appears you’ve acquired some fans.”
That magnetic dimple appeared at the corner of his mouth and my eyes immediately zoomed to it. Willfully I tore my gaze away and let it drop to Livy, who was busy twirling a spiral of dark hair.
“Oh, they’re a fun group! Although one very important person seems to be missing from the fan club. I’m wondering what I need to do to impress her.”
Oh, you’ve already done it!
I firmed my lips and looked away, trying not to smile. He made me want to smile all day long. He made me think of us laying idle in the grass on a hot summer day, of rolling down a hill while peals of laughter followed us, and of having hot, sweaty sex under a deep velvet sky. I didn’t know what to feel around him. The scale could tilt in any direction. I could be dismantled by his presence one minute, then the lever would tip and intense arousal would have me wet and achy in the next. Just the memory of him inside me was enough to cause a seismic shift off balance.
This was so not good! Not good at all. Things were far from settled with me and Josh. He really shouldn’t be here and I shouldn’t be thinking about smiling, or scales—or sweaty sex! Definitely not sweaty sex! I had to tell him to go. I’d thank Livy for the toys and make an excuse about getting back to work.
“It’s a nice day out. I was thinking of taking Livy to the park. How about joining us?”
I started to shake my head, but Livy suddenly perked up in Luke’s lap, her eyes gleaming. “Oh, awesome! Come with us!”
“I really must get back to work.”
“Oh, come on! Pleeeese! I show you my dance!”
I looked at Luke, dumbfounded. Livy’s voice and her huge doe eyes were melting my resistance. How could I say no? Luke was trying his best to keep a straight face, but I could tell he was restraining a smile. His mischievous green eyes twinkled when he shrugged innocently. Another round of beseeching came from Livy, and I reluctantly gave in, accepting a giant hug when she hopped off her father, came around the desk, and threw her little arms around me. Luke helped Livy into her coat and she ran into the other room to announce our destination.
I stood and shook an accusing finger at Luke. “Shame on you…using a little girl to get your way.”
I tried to use that same stern voice I’d attempted on my employees earlier, but again failed miserably. He stood, his long legs bringing him closer, and his large body crowding me in the small office. I could barely see past his broad chest and shoulders. My eyes latched on to the sweeping curve of the tattoo showing above his shirt and I felt the scale tilting again, causing my heart to rev faster. Capturing the finger I pointed at him, he drew it to his lips. His pink tongue snaked out and twirled slowly around the tip, coating it in wet heat. I felt the lick down to my sex and bit the inside of my cheek to choke back the groan swimming in my throat. The scent of sandalwood dulled my senses and his heated gaze drilled into mine.
“I don’t need Livy to get my way, Kay. You already know how I accomplish that.”
I swallowed hard as he dropped my finger and turned away.
Damn him! The fucking scale just broke…
The park was within walking distance from the office and Luke had been right. It was a brisk, sunny afternoon. A nice day for a walk. Despite my earlier resistance about coming with him, I figured it might be best if we talked. Considering how we met, he might have misconceptions about me. I wasn’t looking for a lover. I might be married in three months. Our sexual encounter had been a singular event. And although I still had vivid dreams about that night, it had been a mistake. I loved Josh and was still trying to work things out in my head. Luke had to know he couldn’t just show up in
my life. I needed to make that clear.
I sat with him on a park bench, watching Livy. Livy had just performed her dance routine for an enrapt audience of two and now she skipped about merrily, chasing leaves and collecting rocks. I smiled as I watched her, seeing the world through a child’s eyes and marveling at the thrill she got out of ordinary things.
“She’s such a happy little girl,” I noted absently.
Beside me, Luke nodded. He was still for a moment, then his quiet voice reached my ears. “She’s a joy. I lost my wife four years ago. Livy was a baby, too young to remember. I guess that’s a blessing. She’s always been a happy child. I make sure it’s that way.”
I listened to the hollowness in his voice, feeling the weight of his loss.
“I’m sorry. Livy adores you. Her eyes light up when she looks at you.”
He chuckled. “Most of the time it’s with defiance.”
“Wait until she’s a teenager.”
He groaned. “God help me.”
I laughed. Luke had an amiable disposition and a warmth that made him comfortable to be around. If not for the strong physical attraction I felt toward him and our unorthodox introduction, I’d really enjoy his company.
His next words caught me off guard. “I hear you are no longer engaged.”
I drew in a deep breath but found I couldn’t look at him.
“Where did you hear that?”
“Michelle told me.”
My head snapped up. “You two were talking about me?”
“She just happened to mention it. I didn’t say anything.”
“Oh.” I inspected my hands resting on my lap. “I’m no longer engaged. But things are…still complicated.”
I sensed him nod. “I imagine so.”
My gaze traveled to Livy, who was practicing a ballet maneuver under a nearby tree. The memory of running from Josh’s apartment came rushing back to me along with the anger and pain that had fueled my impulsive decision to go with Michelle to the club.
“What made you go to Sensations?” I heard myself ask. “I know you said your friends gave you a present, but why?”
It took a long moment for him to respond and I felt his body stiffen beside me “The four year anniversary of my wife’s death was three months ago. I guess I had not been very good company. My friends had a hard time getting me out. The only thing I’ve done for the past few months is work and spend time with Livy. They arranged the night at Sensations.”
“Why me?”
He paused. “I told Ms. Carmen I didn’t want a professional. I know how the club operates. Some of my business associates are members. The women there are well trained in fantasy and illusion. I wanted it to be…real.” He shrugged with a sarcastic laugh. “I guess as real as it could get in a sex club.”
I thought it ironic because I’d been looking for a fantasy. I’d been trying to escape from real life.
“I heard about Ms. Carmen. I can’t believe she was murdered that night.”
He looked away and sighed heavily, his gaze tracking Livy. “It’s a real tragedy. She seemed like a nice lady.” His gaze skidded back to my face. “She said she had someone special for me, someone beautiful. She was right.”
My body started a slow tremble from the intensity of his gaze. The noise of the park and the vibrant colors receded to the background. There was only him, superimposed on a chaotic world I wanted to push away. A frosty wind blew and I huddled into my coat.
“Cold?” He removed his leather gloves and took hold of my hands. He rubbed them between his warm palms and I felt heat move through me like a tingling massage. My gaze dropped to his lips and the moment grew sluggish, almost at a standstill. He was drawing me in and I was powerless to stop it. I remembered his delicious taste and the erotic play of his tongue. The tension between our bodies grew thick and curdled with need, and I knew he was feeling it too. Breathy puffs slid through my lips, marking the desire that was a constant undercurrent between them. A choked sound gurgled from my throat, a sound of anguish infused with desire.
“Oh, God. I can’t do this…” I whispered.
“You can’t deny what’s between us, Kay.”
His fingers entwined mine, locking them tight as he leaned forward. His emerald eyes burned hot like his touch and his lips firmed.
“Tonight, Kay,”
Those simple words said everything—meant everything. There had been a question in his voice, a subtle shift in his baritone. My chest heaved up and down, trying to pulled oxygen into my lungs. My mind grappled for purchase, anything to break this spell I’d fallen under.
Just get up and walk away…walk away…this is nothing but trouble…trouble you don’t need in your life…
I could see Livy in my peripheral vision making her way toward us and my heart hammered faster at her approach. Luke commanded my attention, daring me to look away. He waited patiently, his handsome face relaxed. Livy was getting closer. Closer. Time was running out. My heart shattered my ribs and the breath got stuck in my throat. My body was aflame, burning so hot that sweat trickled down my back despite the cold. I grew damp and needy, an almost desperate craving between my thighs.
God help me… I wanted him…but I…I…couldn’t!
I yanked my hands away and bolted from the seat just as Livy appeared in front of us.
“I—I have to go!” I breathed, waving to them as I turned and hurried away, filling my starving lungs with air. I pulled up my collar, almost running back to the safety of my office.
CHAPTER FOUR
Luke
I dropped Livy off at my apartment into the capable hands of Mrs. Rogers. I made it to work just in time for my one o’clock meeting with Tom Grummel, the current owner of ACE, and Grummel’s assistant Glen Callis. I’d known Tom Grummel for many years and had always liked him. I had tremendous respect for the older man who’d run his company for more than two decades.
After I graduated from Cornell with a degree in journalism and communications, I worked for a major network for a few years. I developed many contacts in the PR business. Ironically, it had been Tom who’d encouraged me to branch out on my own and start my own PR firm. With hard work, networking, and offering special services such as investor communications and internet SEO, I’d made Davenport a tremendous success. Having influential contacts such as Matt Wilkinson had been instrumental in getting important clients, but I knew that in this business, success was all about results, and I’d had to work my ass off to prove myself.
ACE was my primary competitor. I had been surprised when, just a few months ago, Tom approached me and offered to sell his company. I had wondered if ACE was having financial troubles, but after looking at balance sheets, income statements, and other financials, my accountant, tax advisor, and other specials assured me the company was not only thriving, but doing extraordinarily well. Other than stating that he was selling for personal reasons, Tom hadn’t offered any further explanation.
I already had my hands full with Davenport PR, but knew I’d be a fool to turn down such an opportunity. Tom Grummel had a great team of computer geniuses that could boost the productivity of my company in the growing field of social media. This should be a seamless transition and one that would greatly benefit Davenport PR.
I sat at a mahogany conference table and faced Tom and Glen. I couldn’t help but notice that Tom looked more tired than usual and he seemed to have lost some weight since the last time I’d seen him. Glen had a friendly, relaxed smile and had done most of the talking throughout the meeting. It was obvious the man was competent and extremely knowledgeable.
I folded my hands in front of me and leaned forward, my gaze steady. The majority of our dealings so far had been through Glen. I didn’t want to pry, but I sensed there was more going on. I also wanted to reiterate things with Tom and make sure we were on the same page as far as his expectations.
“Tom, I’d like a word please,” I stated, nodding to my colleague across the table.
T
om Grummel hesitated a moment, then his eyes widened in understanding. He mumbled something to Glen about meeting him back at the office and the other man stood. Glen stretched a hand out to me.
“I just want to say that we’re very excited about this.” He smiled. “Davenport PR is an excellent company and we’d all be honored to work for you. If there’s anything else you need, just let me know.”
I nodded and stood to shake his hand. I watched as Glen shrugged into his coat and belted it, then left the office. Retaking my seat, I sent a speculative gaze in Tom’s direction.
“Tom, I don’t mean to pry, and I think this acquisition will be good for my company, but I can’t help but wonder again why you’re selling. I know you said personal reasons, but is there something I should know?”
Tom’s shoulders drooped and he faced me squarely. Pushing up his glasses, his bony jaw tightened.
“I’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer and I honestly can’t do this anymore. I want to retire and spend whatever time I have left with my family.”
I let the admission sink in. Tom’s words filled me with a deep sadness. “I’m sorry.”
“Not many people know. I was diagnosed five months ago. I don’t have much time left, they tell me. I’ve been dealing with other health issues on and off for the last few years, but this one seems to have beaten me. After several rounds of chemo, there’s been no change. The chemo’s been worse than the cancer. I can’t do it anymore.”
“I understand. I’ve heard it can be rough. Sometimes quality of life is what’s important.” I cocked my head slightly. Something still bothered me. “Why don’t you sell the company to Glen? He seems like he’d be up to the task and knows a hell of a lot about your company.”
Tom sighed. “Glen’s a good guy, but I started this company from nothing just as you did. There are people who depend on me—people I’ve made promises to. I know that you’ll take care of them. Glen is a wiz with computer software and at business. He’s a hard worker, but he’s not a people person, you know what I mean? It’s important to me that the people who work for me find a home. You have a great reputation and I’ve always known you to be a man of your word.”
