by Anna Sugden
He went upstairs and joined them on the landing. They stiffened, but didn’t back away.
“I’ll take care of that.” He indicated the knob in her hand.
“Thank you, Mr. Jake.” Her half smile wrenched his heart.
The imp affected him almost as much as her mother.
“I can’t believe that call took so long.” Mimi walked onto the landing. “I’m sorry, but...” She broke off as she saw them standing uneasily at the top of the stairs. “Is everything all right?”
“Fine.” Jake said quickly. “Emily’s going to check out that princess room so her mom and I can do our tour of the house. Isn’t that right, Maggie?”
“Uh...yes.”
Emily waited for her mother’s nod before rushing off.
Mimi looked at Maggie. “Are you sure?”
Maggie’s uncertain gaze flicked to him. He could see she wanted to believe he wasn’t mad, but something held her back.
“She’s worried because this came off the banister.” He tossed the knob from hand to hand. “I’m trying to convince her it tells me the house has been well loved and lived in.”
“You’re absolutely right.” Mimi took the knob from him. “If only all clients understood such things. We’ll add it to the list of items that’ll need fixing, if you’re interested enough in the house to put in an offer.”
“Works for me.”
“Speaking of troublesome clients—” she held up her phone “—I’m sorry, but I really need to sort this one out before he blows his sale. You’re in capable hands with Maggie.”
“For sure. We can manage without you. Right, Maggie?”
Maggie nodded.
“Great.” Mimi headed downstairs. “Any problems and I’m only a phone call away,” she added wryly.
As the front door closed, Maggie cleared her throat. “Thank you,” she said softly.
Jake shrugged off her gratitude. “Shall we get on with the tour?”
“Certainly.” Her smile was tremulous but genuinely warm. “We can start up here.”
His excitement was tinged with sadness. While the incident had reinforced his feelings about the house, it had also reinforced why dating Maggie could never work.
Her defiant support for her daughter convinced him that someone had definitely mistreated them both. No wonder she was nervous, scared to trust him.
The problem was he didn’t know how to handle her or Emily. It had been bad enough screwing up with Adam. Getting it wrong with a vulnerable kid would be a million times worse. No, better to keep things casual. To focus on his game and winning the Cup.
It was a sensible plan. So why did he feel like a loser?
* * *
“DO YOU THINK the bed’s for sale?”
Jake’s question made Maggie’s heart swan-dive to her stomach.
She’d been trying to avoid looking at the beautiful cherrywood sleigh bed that took up most of the guest bedroom. It was the bed of her dreams.
From the moment she’d seen the bed she’d wanted it. Imagined herself in it. But her brain was playing tricks on her, because in her daydream she wasn’t alone. Or sleeping. Worse, Jake was the man who’d tangled the sheets with her in that daydream.
“Maggie?” He stared quizzically at her over the width of the bed.
She hoped he couldn’t read her mind. A flush crept up her neck.
“Um,” she stammered, trying to regain her composure. “Mimi said the owners were divorcing and pretty much anything can be bought.”
“I want this bed and the matching furniture.”
Jake walked around the bed to join her. His hand glided over the curved footboard, his fingers caressing the snowflakes carved into the gleaming wood. How could a simple gesture, one she’d done herself only minutes ago, take on such a suggestive feel?
Maggie dipped her head, hoping to mask her blush. “Anything else?”
“Put whatever you think I’ll need on the list. I trust your judgment.”
“Don’t you want a say?”
She’d expected him to be as pedantic about the decor and furniture as he’d been about the house itself. But once he’d decided to buy the Victorian, he’d lost interest in the details. She’d had to insist he take a more thorough look around so they’d know what needed to be done before he took possession.
“Not really.” He shrugged. “As long as I can move in and it’s livable.”
“What about your furniture from Chicago? I don’t want you to end up with duplicates.”
“There’s enough room to accommodate everything in my apartment several times over.”
“Okay. I’ll make a list, check costs and get your approval before I finalize anything.
“Sounds good.” Jake leaned back against the high mattress, crossing his legs at the ankles. “I’d like this bed moved to the master bedroom.”
Maggie made a notation on her clipboard. She ignored the twinge in her chest at the thought of someone else sharing her bed...that bed...with him.
Not that it was any of her business. It was just a case of...bed envy.
The silliness of her thoughts made her smile.
“Want to share the joke?”
She looked up. His ice-blue gaze caught hers and held it. The laughter faded to be replaced by heat.
She licked her suddenly dry lips, trying to moisten them.
His eyes dropped to her mouth. She could almost feel his touch on her lips.
Fire raced through her blood, setting her pulse dancing. Her clipboard dropped to the floor. Raising her fingers to the base of her throat, she covered the throbbing that had to be visible to his searching gaze.
A half smile played on his lips, as if he knew what she was doing and why.
The delicate cotton dress, which had seemed appropriate for the humid heat, now seemed flimsy. The thin material clung to her moist skin despite the air-conditioning. It provided little in the way of a barrier, leaving her vulnerable to the flames in those blue eyes and to the desire building within her.
He straightened, bringing his body near enough that his scent teased her nose. If she reached out, just a bit, she’d be able to touch him.
His presence surrounded her.
Overwhelmed, yet thrilled, Maggie began to wonder how he kissed, what he tasted like. No sooner had the thought popped into her head than she yearned to find out.
Now.
She took a half step toward him. He moved closer, too.
He was so tall. So broad.
So intoxicating.
His head lowered as she tilted hers up to meet him.
His mouth was centimeters away.
“Mummy, I’m hungry. Is it lunchtime?”
Emily’s voice from the hallway broke the spell.
Maggie stepped away from Jake hurriedly, straightening her clothes with trembling fingers, though he had yet to touch her.
She cleared her throat, then called out, “Just a few more minutes.”
Leaning over to pick up her clipboard, she tried to slow her quickened breathing.
Oh, my God! She’d responded to Jake as blindly and urgently as a moth to a flickering flame. She’d been about to make a stupid mistake. Again. Hadn’t she learned anything?
Just because he’d treated Emily kindly over the banister knob didn’t mean he wouldn’t lose his temper the next time something broke. She’d already seen that he could be unpredictable. Even though it hadn’t happened, it didn’t mean it wouldn’t happen again.
No matter how attracted she was to Jake, she couldn’t risk her daughter’s safety.
Maggie straightened slowly, avoiding his gaze. Clutching the clipboard to her chest, she said briskly, “We should get a move on. We still have a few more rooms to go t
hrough.”
“Maggie?” His voice, huskier than normal, sent a tingle down her spine.
Afraid he wanted to discuss the near kiss, she rushed out into the hall. Thankfully, the next room was a study. She couldn’t handle another bedroom.
Why couldn’t she be immune to Jake’s sexy charm? There was something about him that made him far more enticing, and dangerous, than any other man.
All the more reason not to repeat the same bloody mistake.
“Is everything okay?” Jake stood in the doorway, studying her carefully.
“Fine. Just got lots to do today.” Her voice sounded brittle. “So, the study...”
Cool disinterest replaced the heat in his blue eyes. “I’ve seen all I need. Get me the paperwork and we’ll go from there.”
As he turned and left, Maggie stared after him. She told herself she was relieved she’d managed to convince him of her indifference so easily.
A little pang in her chest said she was lying.
* * *
NICE GOING, JACKASS!
Jake swore silently. What had he been thinking?
His body clearly hadn’t got the message that there could be nothing between him and Maggie. One glance at her poised so temptingly beside that bed and his brain had dived into his suddenly too-tight boxer shorts. Hell, without Emily’s interruption, they’d probably be testing that mattress right now.
Seeing his own desire mirrored in Maggie’s dark eyes had switched off his common sense. All he’d been able to think about was tasting her. Touching her. Undoing every one of those little flower-shaped buttons.
Damn it! He was hard again.
Leaning his forehead against the cool glass of the kitchen window, he willed his erection to subside.
His cell chirped, interrupting his heated thoughts. His mom’s number on the caller ID got his body back under control instantly.
“Hey, Ma, what’s up?”
“Have you asked Maggie to the Labor Day party?”
He sighed. “I told you, I don’t want to complicate things.”
“What’s complicated? You’re inviting her to a barbecue. It’s a holiday and she’s a nice woman in a new country. You invite your teammates, especially those far from home, so why not Maggie?”
“All right, I’ll mention it to her.”
He’d just hung up when Maggie entered the kitchen with Emily.
No time like the present. “Mom wants to invite you guys to our annual Labor Day barbecue. It’s a fun, relaxed day. Lots of people—neighbors, family and friends.”
“Can we, Mummy?” Emily’s pleading look was Oscar worthy. “Ple-e-ease. I’ve never been to a Labor Day barbecue. Ever. In my whole life.”
“We’ll see,” Maggie said stiffly.
“That means no.” Emily’s bottom lip jutted out.
“It means we’ll see. Auntie Tracy may have other plans.” Maggie turned to him. “Thank your mum and tell her I’ll let her know either way as soon as I can.” Her closed expression made it clear what that answer would be.
He should have been relieved, not disappointed. Perversely, Maggie’s swift dismissal made him determined to convince her to come to the barbecue.
“It’ll be a great opportunity for you and Tracy to combine business with pleasure. The Ice Cats will be there, too.”
“I’ll get back to you.” Maggie’s frustration said he’d tipped in a winner. “If you’re ready to go, I have another appointment.”
“Sure.”
The victory felt empty. Maggie’s desperation to get away from him was a kick in the ego. Thanks to that almost kiss, the relaxed feeling between them had been replaced by tension. He might as well have stolen a taste.
“If you and Emily wait on the porch, I’ll reset the alarm and lock up.” Her voice was coolly professional.
“Come on, Short Stuff.” Jake held the door open for Emily.
“I’m not short. I was the tallest girl in my class.”
He grinned. “You’re not as tall as me. Anyway, it’s just a nickname. Like Cupcake or Pumpkin or Half Pint.”
She wrinkled her nose. “My dad said nicknames are stupid. He didn’t like it when Mummy called me Em.”
Jeez. What could Jake say to Emily? He could hardly call her father a dumb bastard.
“Almost everybody I know has a nickname. I’m Bad Boy, because it’s easier than Badoletti.” No point telling her the other reasons. “Then there’s my teammates—Blade, Tru, Ike and Mad Dog, among others.”
“My dad plays...” Emily paused as Maggie came outside, accompanied by the whine of the alarm, and locked up. “My dad doesn’t have a nickname.”
As they followed Maggie down the path, he wondered if Emily’s father was the one responsible for her fear. It made horrible sense. And reinforced why Maggie and her daughter were a complication he should walk away from.
Yet, it was hard not to respond to Emily. Ahead of him, the breeze caught Maggie’s dress, lifting the skirt briefly to reveal almost the full length of those sexy legs. It was even harder, he acknowledged, not to respond to Emily’s mother.
When they reached the cars, Emily said, “I suppose it’ll be all right for you to give me a nickname.” She jammed her fists on her hips. “But not Short Stuff.”
Jake pretended to think about it. “How about Babycakes?”
Emily snorted.
“Sugar Pie?”
She rolled her eyes in disgust.
“Choochi Face?”
“Mr. Ja-a-ke.”
“I’m out of ideas. What do you suggest?”
“You may call me Princess.”
He let out a bark of laughter and bowed. “All right, Your Majesty.”
“You’re funny, Mr. Jake.”
Maggie’s lips twitched. “Hop in and fasten your seatbelt, Em.”
Emily gave a theatrically royal sigh and did as she was told.
Maggie turned to Jake. “I’ll email you the details of what we’ve discussed, as well as a list of items you may want to purchase.”
“Great. Thanks.” When she got in the car, he added, “Don’t forget Mom’s invitation.”
“I won’t.” She closed her door.
Jake watched them drive away. Emily waved enthusiastically until they were out of sight. Grinning, he walked to his M-Class. Cute kid. Just like her mom.
As he got in his SUV and started the engine, he replayed his visit to the house. The near kiss in the bedroom. The tense situation on the stairs. If only Maggie didn’t have the baggage of her past, she’d be perfect for him.
He stopped the thought with a shake of his head. The problem wasn’t Maggie’s baggage.
It was his.
He looked back at the Victorian. Everything was working out fine. The season was right around the corner. He’d found the home he’d been searching for. His new life was pretty much on track. Why, suddenly, did that not seem enough anymore?
CHAPTER SIX
WHEN MAGGIE ACCEPTED Jake’s invitation to the Labor Day barbecue, she hadn’t imagined the view from the Badoletti’s deck would be so spectacular.
A dozen men, half bare chested and half wearing sleeveless vests were embroiled in a game of American football. She’d never seen such a prime collection of six-packs, glutes and pecs.
“Holy cr—”
Maggie cut Tracy off with a stern look. “Little pitchers.” She patted Emily’s head.
“Sorry.” Her sister grinned sheepishly. “But take a look at that.”
She followed Tracy’s gaze to the tangle of men. “Oh, my.”
Jake. Shirtless. Glorious.
Muscles rippled in his broad chest as he scrambled free and leaped to catch the ball. Her heart thudded at the lean, corded
strength in his arms and legs.
He must have sensed her watching, because his gaze homed in on her like an ice-blue laser. His triumphant grin turned feral as his eyes skimmed her body from head to toe, lingering on her bare shoulders before dropping to the hem of her sundress and focusing on her legs. Then he winked and turned back to the game.
She exhaled deeply. Jake Badoletti was one hard man to ignore.
“You’ve been holding back on me,” murmured Tracy, as Emily sat on the steps. “What’s going on between you and Bad Boy?”
Maggie swallowed. “Nothing.”
“Uh-huh. That look made my temperature go up thirty degrees, and he wasn’t aiming it at me.”
“Jake’s all wrong for me.” She ignored her body’s vehement disagreement.
“I’m not suggesting you marry him. What’s the harm in a couple of dates?”
That’s how it had started with Lee. The perfect antidote to her father’s dictatorial rule, her ex had offered everything a sheltered eighteen-year-old had dreamed of. His charm had thrilled, while his brooding good looks had tempted. But the prison he’d trapped her in had been far worse than the one she’d left behind.
Still, that didn’t stop her wondering what a date with Jake would be like. How it would feel to have his attention, his charm focused solely on her. To be the woman in the glamorous dress, on his arm as they went to a smart restaurant or a Broadway show. How the evening might end with...
Stop! She wouldn’t let her mind stroll down that dangerous path.
“You could have a short, hot-and-heavy fling.”
Maggie ignored the tempting images flitting through her brain and the twinkle in Tracy’s eyes. “That’s not why I came to the States.”
“I know, but what a nice bonus.”
“I want a quiet, normal life. Free from the constant pressure of being in the sights of the paparazzi lenses. From the stress of knowing everything I do will be splashed across the gossip media and analysed to death.” She sighed. “It’s my only chance to live the way I choose, instead of kowtowing to someone else’s rules and expectations. I want to be free to be me—whatever me is. A man doesn’t figure into that right now. Least of all, one like Jake.”
