As soon as she hit the bottom steps, Mae stood there holding Ellie, who was already rubbing her eyes.
“I really appreciate this,” Rachel said, giving Ellie a kiss on the forehead. Well, that was a mistake. Now the poor child had a perfect red lip outline. “Sorry about that.”
Mae laughed. “No trouble at all. I’ll clean her up, read her a story and get her in bed. She’s such a sweetheart.”
Rachel loved how this family had so easily taken them in. The family and the staff. They were all so close-knit, so bonded. That’s what Rachel wanted for her daughter, for their new life.
“You look quite lovely,” Mae stated, glancing to Rachel. “Is there some young man you’re meeting at the party?”
“I’m going to talk up the charity auction.” Though if she happened to see Matt, she wouldn’t mind sneaking off for a kiss or two. “I don’t plan on staying for the entire event, so I shouldn’t be long.”
“Oh, please.” Mae patted Ellie’s back. “You’re young and stunning and dressed up. Stay for the whole thing. I assure you we are all fine here, and if anything arises, I’ll call you.”
Rachel smiled. “Thank you. For everything you’re doing for us.”
“No thanks necessary.” Mae started up the steps. “You go have a good time and don’t worry about a thing here.”
Gus came down the hallway dressed as a pirate in all black complete with eye patch and parrot on his shoulder.
“Well, look at you.” Rachel crossed to him and smiled. “You look great.”
Alexis came from the back of the house, where her room was, and Gus turned, then glanced back to Rachel. “I’ll be walking in with the most gorgeous ladies there tonight. How did I get so lucky?”
Alexis looked absolutely stunning in her white one-shoulder dress with gold sandals, and gold ribbons holding her hair back. The goddess look definitely suited her.
“We’re the lucky ones,” Alexis stated, giving her grandfather a kiss on his cheek. “Nothing better than a rogue pirate. Are we all ready?”
Rachel nodded and when she stepped outside, the car had been brought around for them. Anticipation curled through her. Even though she wasn’t used to being this fussed up, she couldn’t deny her excitement about the party or seeing Matt. Being lovers aside, she was glad he’d come back into her life. She’d missed him. But knowing why he stayed away...well, that still left her confused and a little hurt. She wished he’d been up-front with her, but at the same time, she couldn’t fault him. Had he come forward after Billy’s death and told her he’d had feelings for her, Rachel highly doubted she would’ve believed him. She certainly wouldn’t have been in the frame of mind to hear such things.
Matt was special. What they had was special. She had no clue where they were going, if anywhere, but for the first time in a long time, she was going to enjoy herself and have a good time.
When they pulled up to TCC, the valet opened their doors and greeted them. Rachel went first and stepped into the lobby. The entire place had been decked out with pumpkins, lights, faux spiderwebs and a witch’s cauldron, and the entry to the bar and billiards room had a fog machine to really set the stage and showcase guests as they entered.
Searching the sea of costumes, she didn’t spot Matt. There were so many faces she recognized, mostly the men she’d photographed, but disappointment settled in. He’d said he was coming, so he’d be here, right? Besides, she was here to chat up the upcoming auction. That was her main focus.
Rachel maneuvered through the crowd, passing a Queen of Hearts, a couple dressed as Belle and the Beast, and another couple dressed as eggs and bacon. Everyone looked so amazing, and suddenly she didn’t feel so insecure in her dress, especially considering the lights were low and there were so many people around. The music blared from the DJ’s stand at the far end of the room and there were several people on the dance floor already.
This was definitely a fun, festive party. Somehow, though, she’d lost Gus and Alexis. Rachel sighed and eased her way around people to squeeze into a slot at the bar. A nice glass of wine would hit the spot. She rarely drank, but she’d love to have a nice white.
“Buy you a drink?”
Rachel glanced over her shoulder. Matt had a wide grin on his face and had donned a fireman’s costume sans the big coat. The red suspenders over the white T-shirt really accented just how in shape he truly was. Granted she’d seen, felt and tasted those fabulous muscles, but now they were all on display.
“I thought you were joking about the costume,” she told him.
He raised a brow and leaned in closer. “Want to play with my hose?”
She couldn’t decide to laugh or roll her eyes...so she delivered him both. “That line was terrible the first time you said it. Move on.”
“That was pretty lame,” he admitted. “But, do you?”
“Shut up.”
She laughed again as she turned back to the bar and waited for her drink. Matt ended up with a bourbon and paid for both drinks before taking her hand and leading her toward the opposite side of the room from the music. He found a table in the corner that was empty. A slow song had come on and most couples were dancing.
“You look so damn hot.”
Rachel crossed her legs beneath the table and toyed with the stem of her glass. “Thank you. I wasn’t sure about this costume, but Alexis refused to let me try anything else on.”
His eyes dropped to her lips, her chest, then back up. “Remind me to buy her a drink, too.”
Rachel had to admit she was glad she’d bought this costume now. The way Matt looked at her was well worth whatever she’d spent. She hadn’t realized she was worried what he’d think until now. Pleasure rolled through her at the fact she might just have the upper hand here.
“That’s some getup you have, too.”
This fireman’s costume was sexy as hell. His dark hair and dark lashes eluded to a man of mystery, but she knew all about Matt Galloway. Knew he’d do anything for her, including sacrifice his feelings for nearly a decade. And she also knew he was fabulous with her daughter and that before ever meeting her, he’d put her needs ahead of everything else.
“I borrowed all this from a friend,” he stated, then inched closer as his gaze dropped to her lips. “I’ve missed you.”
Her heart fluttered in her chest. Those three words held so much potential. She wasn’t sure what to ask as a follow-up. Had he missed her in general or missed her as in he was just horny? Was there a tactful way to ask?
He curled his fingers around his tumbler and settled his free hand on her thigh. Instant warmth and tingles spread through her. Damn it, she’d missed him, too. She didn’t want to get too attached, not in any way other than friends. But when he touched her, when he looked at her, she couldn’t help but want so much more.
And that was dangerous ground for her to be treading.
“How’s Ellie?”
Surprised at his question, and touched that he was even asking about her daughter, Rachel replied, “She’s good. I’m trying to plan a first birthday party for her and work on the auction, so things are a little hectic. I know she won’t remember the party and we aren’t even in our own home, but I’d still like to do something special.”
“Has she been to a beach?”
“What?”
“Why don’t we take her to Galloway Cove? She can play in the sand, splash in the ocean, put her face in a cake if that’s what you want. We’ll take my jet and there will be no pressure on you to do something extravagant. I can have my staff on hand to do whatever you want or I can tell them to leave us. Totally your call.”
Rachel blinked. Was he serious? Spending her daughter’s first birthday with Matt on his island seemed way, way too familial.
“I didn’t think you wanted more with me than...”
Matt smiled and inched closer, his hand sl
iding higher up her thigh. “Sex? I definitely want that, but we’re also friends. Why wouldn’t I want to help ease your worries and spend more time with you?”
Rachel shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“Think about it.”
Now that he’d planted the seed, she had no doubt that’s all that would occupy her spare thoughts. Part of her wanted to jump at the chance to take a relaxing, fun trip with Ellie to celebrate her first birthday. But the realistic side kicked in and sent up red flags telling her that might not be the best idea.
Rachel caught a flash of white from the corner of her eye. Alexis headed out a side door leading to the hallways and about a second behind her was a man wearing a black Zorro mask. Interesting. Who was Alexis slipping away with? Rachel didn’t need to ask, honestly. Her friend wasn’t so discreet at keeping the secret of the man she was infatuated with.
Well, maybe others didn’t notice, but Rachel knew her friend pretty well. Whatever Alexis wanted, Alexis would get.
“Dance with me.”
Matt came to his feet and pulled Rachel up with him.
“I figured you’d want to stay hidden in the corner and make out,” she joked as they headed for the dance floor.
He slid his arm around her waist and whispered into her ear, “Maybe I want to feel that beautiful body against mine instead.”
Oh, when he said things like that he made her wonder how she never realized how he’d felt. Granted he’d stayed away from her for the past year because he’d worried about her emotions and his restraint. That right there told her how much he cared. She had been upset at first, and she still hated that she’d missed an entire year with him, but he’d been trying to protect her from getting caught up in more emotional upheaval.
Damn it. She was falling for him. There was no denying the glaring fact staring her in the face. At this point all she could do was hope his feelings started shifting, as well. If he’d cared about her for so many years, then perhaps he would want more.
Rachel sighed. She couldn’t get her hopes up or hinge her future happiness on a man who clearly wasn’t in it for the long haul. Above all else, she had to protect her little family and do what was right for them.
Before they hit the dance floor, Rachel pulled away. Matt glanced back at her and she merely nodded her head toward the side exit. Once she slipped out, Matt joined her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
The thumping bass from the music inside pounded through the night. “I don’t think it’s a great idea for us to be seen dancing together. Talking is one thing, but grinding on the dance floor is something else entirely. You are the main event for the auction.”
Her heart ached the moment those words left her mouth. But the truth was he was the big draw, and it was her job to promote the auction and help bring in as much money as possible. Matt Galloway would give some other lucky lady a very nice fantasy date.
“I think we need to call this quits after the auction, too.” She had to guard her heart and try to keep some semblance of control here.
Matt crossed his arms over his broad chest, which only went to showcase his perfectly sculpted biceps straining against the short sleeves.
“And why is that?” he tossed back. “You think whoever bids on me will, what? Steal my heart or make me forget you?”
That was precisely what she thought, but she sure as hell wasn’t about to express her insecurities.
“I think that for as long as this lasts, we should enjoy it,” she corrected, closing the distance between them. “Then when the auction comes, we go back to Matt and Rachel. Friends.”
“Friends.”
The word slid out like he had sandpaper in his throat. His arms snaked around her waist and a second later she was flattened against his chest.
“You’re bidding on me.”
With her palms resting on his chest, Rachel shook her head. “I’m not. You know I’m right about this. The sex is muddling your mind, but I’m a package deal and you’re not looking for a family. You’re not even looking for a girlfriend, so we need to put a stop date on this.”
Or else my heart will get broken yet again.
His lips thinned as he stared down into her eyes. “Fine, but you’re all mine until then.”
Matt’s mouth covered hers. A whole host of emotions swept through her and she couldn’t decide if it was because of the kiss or the promised threat of being his. Matt clearly had territorial issues...another aspect that aroused her for reasons she couldn’t explain.
Oh, wait. She could. Never in her life, not even with her husband, did she feel this wanted, this valued. Matt made no qualms about his current feelings. But what would happen later? When he was done with the good times and the sex? She had to be the one to put an ending to this story.
Rachel lost herself in his kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and threading her fingers through his hair. She was a woman with wants and desires, and Matt was all too eager to help her check those boxes. She couldn’t stop this onslaught of emotions even if she wanted to.
His hands settled on her ass as he squeezed and had jolts of arousal spiraling through her.
The sound of a car door slamming had Rachel pulling back and glancing around. Nobody had pulled into this side lot. She took the moment to pull in a deep breath. When she glanced back to Matt, he had red lipstick smeared all over his mouth.
Reaching up, she swiped the pad of her thumb below his bottom lip. His tongue darted out and Rachel stilled, her eyes locked on his.
“Come to my suite tonight,” he told her in that husky voice that practically melted her clothes right off. “I need you, Rachel.”
“I can’t. I have a baby back at Lone Wolf Ranch.”
“Then I’m coming to you,” he threatened. “I have to be with you. So either get Ellie and bring her—I still have that baby equipment from our dinner—or I’ll climb up the damn trellis and come into your bedroom.”
She had no problem imagining Matt scaling his way into her bed. “There’s no trellis outside my window,” she joked, trying to lighten the moment before she stripped him out of this damn costume and begged him for anything he was willing to give.
His hands gripped her backside, grinding her hips into his. “What’s your decision?”
As if she had one. She wanted him; he wanted her. This was an age-old song and dance. But nothing about this was typical or normal or...hell, rational.
“You better come to me. Ellie will be asleep when I get home.”
“Then leave a door unlocked or meet me out back and sneak me in.” He nipped at her lips. “And I’m staying the night.”
Oh, mercy. She’d just made a booty call date with her best friend and she was sneaking him into her temporary housing. Classy. Real classy.
Her hormones didn’t seem to care, though. The anticipation of the night’s events only had her body humming even more.
What was she going to do when it was time to call it quits?
Thirteen
“Where the hell are they?” Gus demanded.
Rose shook her head and sighed. “They’ve both been missing from the party for nearly an hour.”
Alexis and Daniel had snuck out. There was no other way to spin this. They were purposely trying to sabotage the auction and totally go against their family’s wishes. Gus couldn’t stand the thought of a Clayton stealing his sweet Lex away.
Gus turned back to Rose. He’d sent her a text to meet him in the back gardens on the other side of the clubhouse and away from the party so as not to be seen. He’d gone out and she’d come about five minutes later.
As he stared at her, with the moonlight casting a glow over this elegant, vibrant woman, Gus couldn’t ignore the punch of lust to his gut. He’d had that same heady reaction multiple times when they’d been younger, but he couldn’t afford that no
w. Those days were gone, decades had passed. Lives had been changed.
Besides, he flat-out didn’t want to feel anything for her. Things were much simpler if he could just go on thinking of Rose Clayton as the enemy.
But she’d come to the party dressed from the Victorian era and he couldn’t deny how stunning she was. Even though they weren’t together, never would be and he still had that anger simmering inside of him, he could freely admit she was just as breathtaking as ever. The dip in her waist only accented the swell of her breasts practically spilling over the top of her emerald-green dress.
Damn it. He needed to focus and not think of her tempting body...or her at all. One wrong turn in his thoughts and he’d fall down that rabbit hole of memories he’d vowed never to rehash.
“So what do we do?” she asked. “I called Daniel, but he didn’t pick up.”
“I did the same with Alexis.”
Rose smoothed her white curly wig over one shoulder. “On the upside, he has agreed to be in the auction. Just make sure you get your granddaughter out of the way of bidding when he hits the stage.”
“I know my part,” he growled, frustrated over the missing couple and agitated with himself for that niggling of want toward Rose. “Alexis won’t be around even if I have to fake a heart attack.”
Rose’s eyes widened. “Don’t joke about something like that.”
Was that...care in her tone? Whatever. He wasn’t giving that a second thought right now. He had a mission and he couldn’t deviate from it.
“I’ll text Alexis and tell her I’m not feeling well,” Gus stated, pulling his phone from his baggy pirate pants. He hated this damn costume. He’d rather have dressed up as a rancher, but Alexis had forbidden him to wear his everyday clothes. “We came together so I’ll have her meet me in the lobby. Surely that will get a response.”
Rose nodded. “Good.”
Gus shot off his text and held his phone, waiting. Silence curled around him and Rose, and the tension seemed to grow thicker with each passing second. There was so much he wanted to say, so many things he’d bottled up over the years, but what would be the point? Yes, he wanted answers. Hell, he deserved answers. But learning the truth of what happened all those years ago didn’t matter now. Nothing mattered but stopping their grandchildren from falling in love...or whatever the hell they called it. The thought of his sweet granddaughter hooking up with a Clayton irritated the hell out of him.
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