A king-size bed dominated the room but she looked away hurriedly when unwanted images, steamy images of entwined bodies flashed through her fertile imagination. Her pulse spiked and her skin felt hot all over. Horrified, she shook the vision away, impatient with her graphic thoughts of sex and lovemaking. Kate fixed her attention on the display of photos covering a nearby portion of the bedroom wall. Gradually, her pulse slowed as she perused the faces in the portraits.
Safer.
Much safer.
The only trouble was that the faces in the photographs bore wide grins as though they’d witnessed her discomfort. When color filled her cheeks, Kate searched for something else to take her mind off Lane.
She spied an en suite and pushed the connecting door open. The large spa bath—big enough for two—caused an action replay. Masculine and feminine limbs entwined. Hot passion and slow, drugging kisses while the couple made love. Kate’s right hand shot to the cold water tap. A burst of frigid water would force her confused emotions to order.
The scuff of a foot on carpet jerked her head up. There it was again. Kate jumped about to stare in the direction of the noise, her heart pushing and clawing its way up her throat. The door squeaked as a hand pushed it open.
Someone was entering the bedroom.
Gasping, Kate searched frantically for a place to hide. Behind the door—it was the only possible place. She leapt into hiding, her heart hammering loudly enough to play in a rock and roll band.
But not quite fast enough.
Chapter Nine
“What do we have here?” Lane’s husky voice held an edge of humor.
Kate backed from her hiding place and knew her cheeks were burning. Think. “You said I could explore.” Guilt made her words fast and choppy, almost belligerent as she tried to justify her presence in his bathroom.
“So I did,” he mused, a gleam in his pewter-gray eyes. He prowled toward her, his footfalls silenced by the thick wool carpet.
Kate edged back, forcing her mouth into a wide yawn. “Ah, good night. I think I’ll go to bed. I’m very tired.” She was babbling—best shut her mouth and leave. She stepped around him, intending to scuttle away but found herself restrained by one iron-muscled arm. Her heart knocked against her ribs and her breath hitched.
The musky scent of him coiled around her, sending every sense into overdrive. The earthy undertones of his aftershave made her think of the countryside. Trees. Wilderness. Two lovers alone.
Stop, she thought, aghast at her wayward imagination.
Swallowing audibly and refusing to meet his gaze, she pulled at his hands. No telling what she might see in his expression. “Let me go,” she pleaded, embarrassed at being caught snooping after the fuss about separate rooms.
Busted.
Okay, she admitted it, but that didn’t mean he had the right to laugh. Finally, unable to bear the suspense, Kate looked up. “Please let me go.”
“I don’t think so.” His eyes twinkled with silent laughter and a promise that he intended to punish her in some devious way.
Kate’s eyes narrowed. She took a deep breath, her chest expanding as she prepared to argue. She took another deep breath for good measure. Standing this close to him played hell with her nerves. The dark stubble on his rugged face reminded her of his masculinity. And the sexy and enticing aftershave didn’t help—Calvin Klein, she thought in a stupefied daze. It gave a girl bad ideas.
His lips curved in a captivating smile. Kate found herself swallowing nervously, wondering if she dared touch his lips as her brain urged. It wasn’t that she felt afraid exactly. But the purposeful look in his eyes made her mouth as dry as a dish of popcorn without butter.
“Kate,” he murmured. Her name sounded musical when he said it. Shivers strummed low in her belly when he drew her closer. And when he settled her against his firm body, a whole orchestra played.
She cleared her parched throat. “I don’t think we should do this.”
He ignored her and lowered his head. His breath misted across her face, warming her mouth. “I’ve wanted to do this all day. All week. Ever since I first saw you.”
Lane lowered his head, capturing her lips in a masterful kiss. Shock paralyzed her for an instant before she raised her arms to push against his chest.
He drew away immediately. “Kate, I only want to kiss you. Please?”
His hand trailed down her cheek. The air sizzled between them. Frissons of electricity shot from his fingertips, blasting through her body to sink low into her belly.
“You’ve, ah, kissed me.”
“Yeah, but that was only a taste. An appetizer. I want the main course.” His soft lips closed over hers once more.
Oh boy. The man knew how to move his lips. Her bones felt as though they were dissolving on her, no longer capable of holding her upright. Her hands fluttered up to grip his shoulders—an anchor in an emotional storm.
Lane seemed to take this as a signal. He nuzzled the skin behind her ear. She shivered, one sensation layering on top of another. He touched her with his callused fingers, his teeth tugged at her lower lip, nipping then soothing. Heat zipped down her body, gathering momentum, building until she trembled and yearned for his hands on her bare skin.
“Lane,” she whispered. She opened her mouth to his and raised her hands, fingers curling through his soft dark hair.
His hands caressed her back, dragging her closer until they melded together from breast to hip. With her gaze on his, Kate reached for the top button on his shirt.
“Lane, are you ready yet? We’ll be late if you don’t hurry.” The feminine voice called down the passage, ripping apart the sensual bubble encompassing them.
Lane let out a soft groan of protest before pulling away from Kate. “Lousy timing,” he mumbled under his breath, continuing to knead the muscles in Kate’s shoulders. “I won’t be much longer, Caryn. Fix yourself a drink,” he called back.
“Okay, Lane. Five minutes.” High heels creaked, fabric swished, signifying the woman’s retreat.
“Who’s that?” Kate demanded. Outrage replaced every scrap of the sensual longing that had threatened to swamp her senses and lead her astray.
“I have a meeting with Caryn.” Lane urged her toward the door. “We’ll talk in the morning, but right now I need to change.” He propelled her from his room and shut the door.
Kate blinked when she found herself in the passage. He had another woman in his flat and he kissed her? She stomped back to the guest room without meeting the other woman—Caryn. Thank you, God.
Her bedroom door closed with a firm click. The bolt protested when she shot it.
Another woman.
Kate stalked the length of her bedroom clenching and unclenching her hands then whirled about for the return journey to the door. Wait a minute. Wasn’t Caryn the name of his agent? Wasn’t she the agent who disliked the publicity about Lane and his love child?
Yes, that would explain things. He was acting with caution, which made sense. A slow grin built. Her right hand crept up to finger her kiss-swollen lips. Wow, the man packed a punch with his kisses. She hadn’t kissed many men since Steve. Hadn’t even been tempted, but Lane Gerrard pushed emotions inside that she hadn’t experienced for a long time. The smile faded in a slow death when the past intruded.
If Lane was Jamie’s father, then he’d left Nicole pregnant, alone without support.
And Lane had kissed her while another woman waited for him.
Reality encroached when she added all the facts to make jerk. After all, she didn’t know for sure the woman was his agent. Her mouth tightened.
The longer Kate thought about the kiss, the more she seethed. Lane Gerrard probably owned a bulging black book, hand-held computer or whatever the fashionable equivalent. He’d admitted this afternoon he didn’t need to chase women. With his wealth, they chased him.
Kate dropped to the bed and curled her hands into the soft feather duvet. For a person who prided herself on good sense, she had jus
t made one hell of a big mistake allowing that kiss.
* * * * *
The next morning Kate frowned at the mirror in her bedroom. She looked like a hag. Shrugging, she turned away from the reflection. As of last night, she was off men.
Finished.
Kaput.
Her appearance didn’t matter.
The lock on the door snapped back. She stalked down the passage headed to the kitchen, intending to find a cup of coffee first before leaving for work. If Lane wasn’t awake yet, she would call a cab. Kate stomped around the corner and skidded to a halt at the kitchen door.
The blonde sitting at the kitchen table leaned back and stretched slowly, unaware of her audience. Her back arched like a cat—a golden cat in her amber-colored business suit. “Mmmm,” she sighed.
Kate hesitated and her eyes narrowed. She’d been right to feel angry last night. Lane had brought a woman home with him. She turned to leave before sighting the coffeepot.
Kate had no idea about the protocol for meeting an acquaintance’s lover the morning after. Too bad. “Hello,” she said loudly.
The woman whirled about in her seat, her right hand flying to her mouth. When she registered Kate, her stiff body relaxed into a more normal posture.
“Hi. You must be Kate. Lane said you were staying with him. Coffee?” She smiled, a good-natured smile highlighting her high cheekbones and stunning green eyes. “You have the look of a woman desperate for coffee.”
“Please,” Kate agreed as she slid into a vacant chair. Cool—that was how she acted even though the strange woman’s friendly manner made her want to smile in return.
The woman stood, her lithe body stretching when she pulled two mugs from a nearby cupboard. After asking Kate’s preferences, she poured a cup and pushed it across the table to her.
“I’m Caryn,” she said, offering one slender hand for Kate to shake. She filled the second cup and topped up her own. “Lane’s in the shower. He won’t be long.”
Kate blew on her coffee, fuming in silence. She felt stupid. Naïve. Caryn moved around Lane’s kitchen in a familiar way that told Kate she visited regularly.
Letting Lane kiss her last night had been a mistake.
The beautiful blonde gave a wide yawn and smiled in chagrin when she saw Kate looking. The smile highlighted two enchanting dimples.
Beauty and dimples as well.
Kate almost snarled when she recalled her own reflection in the mirror this morning.
“Pardon me!” Caryn said, smothering a second yawn with a dainty hand. “Lane and I were out rather late last night. I didn’t think the meeting would ever end.”
“Yeah, the sponsors are tough,” Lane drawled from the doorway, “but Caryn is more than a match for them.” After wandering over to the table, he gave Caryn a peck on the cheek. He darted an inquiring look in Kate’s direction, as if he were considering repeating the action, but her glower made him change his mind. “I take it you’ve done the introduction thing.”
“Of course we have, silly,” Caryn said. “Lane has mentioned you often enough during the past week. I feel as though I know you already.”
The clock in the formal lounge struck nine.
“Cripes, is that the time?” Caryn wailed. “I must go.” She scooped up a pair of black high heels from under the table, pulled them on and stood, smoothing the amber skirt of her suit over her slim hips. “Don’t forget about our meeting this afternoon,” she reminded Lane, and with a wave she hurried off, the scent of Chanel No. 5 floating in her wake.
Lane dropped into the seat beside Kate and nursed his cup of coffee. “I’m lucky to have Caryn as my agent. She’s represented me since I was a green rookie of eighteen.”
“Your agent.” Kate’s eyes narrowed. So she’d been right. That might put a different slant on her presence, but Kate still burned at the thought of last night’s stupidity and the way she’d let down her guard.
“It was tough for both of us back then.” Lane smiled as he reminisced. “Both of us were barely out of school but both hungry for the big time.” He grinned. “Our learning curve was steep and things didn’t always work out the way we wanted. We made our share of mistakes but we managed. Caryn is like the sister I never had.”
Guilt made Kate sigh. Maybe she had acted hastily and with unfairness. “Did Caryn know Nicole?”
Lane started, an arrested look sweeping across his face. “You know, I hadn’t thought to ask. Caryn attended the same parties. They were her hunting ground for new clients and contacts. I’ll ask when I see her later today.” He stared at Kate for so long, she flushed.
“What?” she snapped.
“Ah, the prickly Kat is back.” His lips curved into a predatory grin.
“What?” Kate demanded. She glanced down at her T-shirt, her jeans and scowled at him. “My clothes aren’t inside out.”
Lane slouched back in his chair and laughed. “I’m happy. Haven’t you ever laughed because you were happy?” He bent over to press a kiss on her cheek. She froze and jerked away. “What’s the problem? You didn’t mind last night.”
Kate leapt up so abruptly her chair tipped over and hit the floor with a loud bang. She edged away and turned to stare out the window, myriad feelings making her throat ache.
Lane rolled his eyes. Women. He’d never understand them. Signs the height of a billboard surrounded her shouting “hands off”. He’d bet she wasn’t taking in the view. Games. Damn, he hated the games women played.
The brittle thump of china echoed in the silent room as Kate slammed her cup on the counter and whirled to face him. “Just what do you want from me?”
Lane read confusion and fear in her bright blue eyes, heard the quiver of stress in her voice. The last week hadn’t been easy—for any of them. He bent and righted the overturned chair.
“Sit, Kate,” he said. “I’ll pour you another coffee and we can talk.”
Kate slumped back into her seat.
Lane refilled their coffee mugs and took the chair opposite. “We’ll receive Jamie’s birth certificate soon but I’m positive he’s my son.” He paused, but she remained silent so he continued. “I’d enjoy getting to know him better.” His nephews enjoyed his company even though Jamie showed resentment toward him. The children he worked with in charity and publicity projects seemed to like him. After matches, Lane had a legion of small fans clamoring for his autograph. It was ironic that his son hated his guts.
“A kid deserves two parents,” he said.
Kate glared at him. “So where were you during Nicole’s pregnancy? Where were you when Jamie was a baby? A toddler?”
He met her accusing eyes without flinching. “Don’t you think I’d have been there if I’d known? Why didn’t Nicole contact me?”
“I don’t know,” she said, the first to look away.
“We can’t do anything until the certificate arrives,” Lane said. The option of a DNA test hovered on the tip of his tongue but once again he remained silent. He didn’t want to draw a battle line between them because if they became embroiled in a clash, Kate would never let him see Jamie. There would be no winners in that case.
“Are you going to sue for custody?”
Frigging hell. He’d thought he’d sorted that one. He consciously made his body relax. “No, why would you think that? A week ago I didn’t know about Jamie.”
“You haven’t answered me.”
“You’re doing a first-rate job of raising Jamie. He’s happy with you. If I fought for custody and won, I’d need a nanny to supervise Jamie while I worked.”
“So you’re saying you’re not going to sue for custody.”
“Give it a rest, Kate. There’s no point even discussing this until we know the identity of Jamie’s father. But understand this—if I am his father, I’m not going to rip Jamie from the only home he’s ever known. Trust me.”
He looked sincere—even sounded sincere, but Kate had no idea whether to trust him. She barely knew him.
La
ne flashed an intimate smile, seemingly unaware of her jumbled thoughts. “Would you like to walk through the grounds before I drop you home?” Taking her agreement for granted, he captured her hand and tugged her toward the front door.
Outside, a soft breeze stirred the plants and tugged at her hair. They ambled along a winding path that took them through a stand of native totara trees. Sunlight streamed through gaps in the overhead canopy and a tui chortled in a nearby kowhai tree. Kate took a deep appreciative breath, the fresh air clearing her head. It was a slice of heaven after the barrage of reporters and the glut of problems from the last few days.
“You want to see Jamie on a regular basis,” Kate said, returning to their earlier conversation.
“Yes.”
“But for how long?” Kate decided she had to ask. She wanted Lane to understand it was all or nothing. He needed to make a firm commitment to Jamie.
He turned to face her, placed both hands on her shoulders and looked deep into her eyes. “Kate, if Jamie is my son, I want to be part of his life. I can offer financial help.” When she frowned, he added, “No strings attached.”
Kate didn’t know. He hadn’t hesitated in answering her questions. The problem was that her past kept intruding, holding her back. She didn’t trust her instincts. Steve used to lie through his teeth, and the two relationships she had attempted since gave her no incentive to trust. One of the men had been married while the other had wanted nothing more than a sleeping partner when the mood struck him.
“You’re right.” Kate pushed the past aside and straightened her shoulders. “We should wait for the certificate and talk about it then.”
“Try not to worry.”
He tugged her into a companionable hug. Her pulse sped up. Each sound around her magnified when he held her, seeming more—the whisper of the leaves moving in the slight breeze and the hum of an industrious bee. Every sense worked overtime when Kate gazed into gray eyes. His fingers moved lazily over her face, mapping and memorizing each curve and hollow. Each caress singed a tiny trail on her skin, making her eyelids grow heavy.
The guttural call of the tui jerked her back and warning bells rang in her head. This felt wrong. She didn’t know him well enough. It was too soon to trust with all the potential problems between them.
Playing to Win Page 11
