by Mimi Barbour
“Absolutely. Most of our employees cover their children and two of them insure their aging parents.”
“That would be wonderful. Mom refuses to let me sell one of the Speedy Auto shops.” As she mentioned Maria, Emma bit her lip, feeling a pang of remorse at the thought of leaving her stepmother for long hours.
“Anything wrong?”
“I hate to leave Mom alone during the day.”
“With a good job, you’ll be able to hire aids to help her. From what I understand, you’ve already devoted days and months caring for your stepmother. Maybe it’s time to take care of yourself, Emma.” His gaze rested on her, compassionate and thoughtful, and he gently caressed her hair. “Do you ever have fun?”
Surprised, she flung him a quick look and shrugged. “With Mom in constant need of help because of her back problem, there’s no time for fun.”
Actually, she’d forgotten the meaning of the word. Even at Christmas. She’d decorate a meager Christmas tree, all on her own, in the silent house where Mom spent the holiday time crying about her darling daughter Patricia being far away. Often fed up, Dad would leave and go to his favorite refuge at the auto shop.
“Trust me, we can make time for a bit of fun.” He lifted her chin with his finger.
Was it concern or empathy or raw desire darkening his gaze?
Her eyes rounded.
“Can I show you?” His wicked grin tantalized her.
Yes, yes. She smiled, eager to discover his brand of fun, to share a kiss with this wonderful man who’d just offered her a job and a fantastic solution to her problems—the same one who seduced so many women, magnetized gossip columns, and threatened a senator’s campaign.
Excitement bubbled in her stomach. “Yes,” she whispered. “Show me.”
He cupped her face and his lips slowly brushed her mouth.
That was it? She sighed, closed her eyes, and sagged against his solid chest.
His arms wrapped around her and he deepened his kiss, a delicious kiss, thrilling and sensual, and as dangerous to her heart as she’d feared. He tasted her lips, played with her tongue, and ignited a fire in her belly. She moaned and wound her fingers behind his neck, knowing she could spend hours in his arms without complaint.
When he released her, he buried his mouth against the base of her neck and then spread tender kisses along her throat and cheeks.
“Emma, you’re too sweet for a jaded man like me.”
She didn’t flinch at the long slow stare he aimed at her. “Are you really too wicked for a naïve girl like me?”
He chuckled at her tit for tat answer. “Unless you try to reform a reprobate that many consider beyond redemption.”
“Me reforming you?” Emma tried to keep her growing excitement at bay, telling herself to be sensible.
“My father insists I should change and follow my brothers’ example—meaning I should be monogamous and stick to a wife or an official fiancée. I would prefer a steady girlfriend. Are you game?”
“Are you asking me to be your steady girlfriend?” Her jaw dropped. “Seriously?
A wide grin on his face, he nodded with enthusiasm. “I promise it’d be fun.”
Oh she had no doubt her attractive companion could charm her socks off. She also had a feeling he could be an attentive friend and healthy companion to rely on—if only for a while, but...
“It won’t work, Josh.” Her stomach in turmoil, she placed her hand on his chest to ward him off.
“Don’t worry. I’ll coach you. You’ll be perfect.” His gaze warmed her face and his mouth settled on hers, urgent and demanding. The man knew how to kiss, how to make her shiver and long for more.
His lips trailed along her jaw and grazed the skin at her throat. “Say yes, please. Convert me into a good guy.”
Maybe she was naive or crazy or plain silly, but she trusted Josh. Still dazed, she chuckled. “I can try.”
“How can I ever thank you?”
She should be the one thanking him. The magnitude of her debt to him and his family punched her in the stomach. And doused her in the icy reality of her problems.
As if she needed more complications to her already complicated life.
“Forget it, Josh.” She sobered and eased out of his arms. “I’ll be working for you. Are all your interns flirting with the boss?”
He opened his mouth, then clamped it and stared at her. “Actually, I never fool around with the interns. That’s a no-no in my firm.” He backed up a couple of steps. “At the office, we maintain a very professional ambiance,” he said in a solemn tone that gave her a glimpse of the successful lawyer at work. “I’m glad you’re going to work with us, not just to pay for your stepmother’s therapy, but because it’s time for you to take care of yourself too.”
In a way Josh was right. She should think about her future. And she’d better keep a tight rein on her senses. Playing his girlfriend was certainly not the way to prepare for the future.
Chapter Three
“We have an announcement to make,” Josh said when he and Emma returned to the family room.
Three pairs of eyes focused on Josh and Emma, and three bright smiles greeted them. “Should I bring the champagne?” Howard’s gaze lifted expectantly toward Josh.
Josh guessed their misunderstanding and arched his eyebrows. “No need. But I’m happy that Emma has agreed to work for my firm. She’ll start tomorrow. Full-time. She’ll be able to cover her stepmother under our insurance program.”
Nancy and her husband looked at each other. “I thought...,” Nancy started.
Josh cut her off. “Having a reliable job with a good insurance is more important to Emma and her stepmother than you paying for a few bills.”
Howard squeezed Josh’s shoulder. “Couldn’t agree more. These medical expenses can reach exorbitant numbers.” His eyes narrowed on Josh. “But I trust you not to lose track of our campaign,” he said with a meaningful look.
“I don’t see any conflict of interest between me hiring Emma and your campaign. We’ll definitely be able to help you, Dad. Meanwhile Emma starts tomorrow at eight o’clock.”
“Good, good, although I thought….” Maria sent him a dubious glance. “Never mind. Glad to know you’ll have a job in a respectable firm, Emma. Hmm,” the woman muttered. “Maybe there’s still hope.”
Already Emma scrambled to kneel at her side. “Mom, I promise I won’t abandon you. It’s only a few hours—”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Maria retorted. “I’m not an invalid.”
“I’ll dress you before I go to work, and I’ll have your breakfast and lunch ready by your side.”
Josh’s heart filled with sympathy for Emma. So generous, so dedicated to her stepmother. At least, he’d been able to contribute to her happiness by giving her a job. And she’d be with him all day in a private place and away from the curious paparazzi. Much better than acting his fiancée in public for three months.
“Don’t worry so much, Emma.” Nancy stood and went to sit in the chair beside their young guest. “After volunteering for twenty years at Newton-Wellesley, I know the affiliated services. I will arrange a home service for Maria, an aid who’ll help her shower, dress and eat. And I’ll check to see if we can have volunteers visit often and drive her to therapy.”
“Nancy, you’re a godsend.” Maria’s hand covered her heart. “I’m so grateful. I don’t know how to thank you. You see, Emma, how incredibly nice the Duttons are? I’ll drop a good word in the neighborhood. We need more political people like you, Senator Howard.”
“I appreciate that, Maria. Every bit helps and every vote counts.” His father sidled next to him. “You didn’t follow our plan,” he said in a muted tone. “When will you announce your engagement?”
“No engagement, Dad. Be realistic. I just met Emma.” Quite annoyed by his father’s insistence, Josh rubbed his chin. “Maria neglected to inform her about the role you wanted her to play, and frankly I couldn’t get myself to throw
a bargain at her. What do you want me to say? Be my fiancée for three months because my mother is helping yours. She’s a generous young woman. I offered her a job that would give her back her sense of dignity. In return, she may help me reform my ways.” Josh couldn’t help a smile.
“Really?” Howard clapped Josh on the shoulder, a big grin on his face. “I’m glad she caught your interest, Josh. She’ll be tucked in your office during the day and hanging on your arm in the evening. Without being a journalist, I can smell romance in the air. We need you settled for the sake of my campaign.”
The hell with the campaign. “I promise there will be no scandals. Now stay out of my life.”
Senator Howard frowned. “As long as I don’t see nasty comments in the tabloids.”
Josh huffed. He didn’t have time to spare for tabloids or other scandalous rumors. Protecting his newest employee’s interests had now topped his priorities.
“Tell me, Dad, didn’t you send one of your cars to be serviced at Speedy Auto shop?”
“Not one, two, your mother’s Mercedes and the campaign’s bus. This place is not cheap. They sucked my blood with their bills.”
“That’s what I thought. Yet Emma mentioned that her auto shops are not doing well since her father died.” Josh mulled over his words for a brief moment. He’d better investigate these places.
“Time for dessert.” Roberto rolled in a cart loaded with dessert and another with coffee and tea. Emma prepared an herbal tea for Maria and placed a piece of tiramisu and a miniature éclair on a plate. “Here, Mom. These look delicious.” She set them on the small table next to her mother and helped herself.
Josh poured himself a cup of coffee and pondered how to secure more private time with Emma. Another tour of the garden at night would raise curious questions. Maybe he could take her to his father’s office on the pretext of showing her some of his firm’s documents that were saved on his phone.
“I think it’s time for us to go,” Maria said, cutting off his tentative planning.
“I’ll call our driver,” Josh said and brought her the walker. While Emma helped her stepmother stand up, he pulled his mother aside. “Are you riding with Maria on your way...somewhere?”
Nancy gave him a cheeky smile. “Of course. How can I forget? Meanwhile you’re taking Emma...somewhere, right.”
“Of course. Thanks, Mom. Love you.” He winked at his mother.
“Thank you so much for a lovely evening.” Emma gently wrapped the shawl around Maria’s shoulders. “It was so kind of you to invite us.”
“You’re not getting rid of us yet.” Nancy chuckled. “We promised our daughter we’d stop by and see her baby’s first tooth. Howard and I will ride with you and then continue to her house.”
“But,” Senator Howard started. He grimaced as Josh nudged his side, and turned toward him. “What’s wrong with—”
“Your tie is twisted. Let me fix it.” He pushed his father away from their guests who were painstakingly proceeding to the door. “Just go along with Mom.”
“Can you explain?”
“It’s self explanatory. You’ll get it in a few minutes. Okay?”
“Okay. But you owe me one.”
Josh ignored him and caught up with the ladies at the door. “I’m so glad you came, Emma.” He took her hand and kept it between his.
“We had a great time. I can’t thank you enough for giving me a chance to work for you.” Her eyes shone with warm feelings, gratitude, and more.
The limousine waited at the curb. The driver helped Maria down the ramp and into the car. Nancy climbed beside her and Howard slipped into the front.
Emma turned to go down the few steps and stopped short, seeing the older folks occupying the car. Her eyebrows arched and she glanced at Josh. “I’ll have to squeeze in the middle. Bye, Josh.”
“No.” He held her hand. “There isn’t enough room. I’ll drive you.”
“But—”
“I have nothing planned for tonight. It’ll give us a chance to talk.” He strode to the passenger’s side of the limousine and tapped on the window.
His father lowered the window. “What’s up?”
“Since there isn’t enough space in here, I’ll drive Emma and I’ll show her my office or... We may be late.”
“We won’t worry.” Senator Howard burst out laughing and the limousine rolled away.
A relaxed grin on his face, Josh spun toward Emma.
Arms crossed on her chest and head tilted, she considered him with a frown. “Did you plan this whole thing by any chance?”
He smirked. “I don’t believe in chance. Only in hard work and careful planning.”
“So we’re following the limousine.”
“Not exactly. I prefer my own scenic route.”
She chuckled. “Do you always do it your way?”
“Most of the time.”
“And at work?”
“At work we have our clients’ best interests at heart. You’ll learn.” Josh took her hand and strolled to his car parked in the shade of an old maple tree.
“Nice sports BMW you have here.”
“I’m kind of fond of my little Fast-Bimy.” He opened the door for her and circled around the car to sit at the wheel.
“Very appropriate name.”
As soon as they cleared the gate, they got a glimpse of the family limousine. Josh followed the big Mercedes until it exited into Washington Street. He continued straight through the back roads.
Emma’s foot tapped his car’s floor.
“I don’t want to be late. I need to help Mom change. She must be tired by now.”
“She’ll be fine. My mother is there to help her if needed. Besides, Maria wants you to start having a life.” With his right hand he squeezed her fingers.
“Still, I won’t be able to live with myself if I abandon her all of a sudden,” she said with a mournful voice.
“Emma, have you always been so close to your stepmother?” No, that wasn’t the right question. “Did you spend a lot of time with her as a kid?”
“Yes. I badly needed a mother and she needed me with her.” Emma turned toward him, her eyes shimmering with angst. “You see everyone has left her at one time or another. Her first husband married a younger woman. Her daughter Patricia left home to go to college, eventually got married, and hardly returned four or five times with her little boy in all these years. My father practically lived at his shops or on his boat until he died. Mom and I only have each other.”
Thinking about his large loving family, Josh mentally blessed his parents and siblings. They meddled in each other’s lives but were always supportive and ready to help and cheer.
“Weren’t you involved in sports or ballet or whatever activities young girls do?”
“No. No sports and no ballet.”
“So what did you do after school?”
“I studied, read, or helped Mom cook and sew. And I played with our German shepherd, Rino. He’s my best friend. And then Dad often took me to the shop and later to his boat.”
A big dog for a best friend? No wonder her father had tried to pull her away from home. “What did you do at the shop?”
“Everything a good mechanic does. Slide under the cars, stick my head beneath a hood, change a battery or a tire, clean the body or inside of a car.” Her face brightened and her eyes twinkled with excitement as she described her auto-repair tasks. “I’ve had my own blue jumpsuit since I was ten.”
“No way?” He could easily picture her in her mechanic’s uniform, her eyes made bluer by her outfit, a black stain on her cheek. Emma wasn’t just another pretty girl in distress. She could discuss cars and engines. A new respect filled him. “Can you diagnose a car problem?”
“Of course.” She finally smiled. “Is your baby misbehaving?” She rubbed the spotless dashboard with the tip of her fingers. “It still holds the leather scent. Looks pretty new to me.”
“It is new. Only three months old, and the love
of my life.”
She burst out laughing. “I can see that. Quite a silent engine for a sports car.”
“You do know a lot about cars.”
“I was only three when my mother died. Dad found it easier to keep me at his side all day long. I tagged along with the men in the shop. They explained things. It was so much fun helping them. When Dad married Maria, she tried to pull me away from the shop, saying it wasn’t a place for girls. Still Dad and I needed our time together.” She warmed up to her subject and seemed to forget her previous anxiety. “So I kept going twice a week. When I reached eighteen, he showed me the accounting part, the folders of receipts and copies of bills, the electronic files, the lists of vendors and customers.”
“What about now? Do you still go there regularly?”
Her face shut down, all excitement gone. “After Dad’s passing, I went several times. But the manager was... was...” Her forehead creased in dismay and her eyelids scrunched on a bad memory.
Suddenly on alert, Josh quizzed, “Did he hurt you? Bother you? What did he do?”
Her gaze rested on him, full of anger and frustration. “Let’s say he acted like a jerk. I stopped going.”
“What did he do to you?” Her hesitation speared his heart. “You can tell me. I’m a lawyer. I know how to keep a secret.”
“He tried to kiss me, touch me. When I pushed him, he laughed, and kept cornering me until I ran away. Every time I came to the shop, the same thing happened. I had to fight his paws all over me. Then I started taking Rino with me. He scared the bejeebers out of Scott when he tried to grab me.”
Josh burst out laughing. “I can imagine the scene.”
“It was hilarious to see the guy running to the office and screaming that he’d call the police if I didn’t take that monster away.”
“What about the other mechanics? Wouldn’t they come to the rescue?”
“The jerk had them all replaced by new ones.”
“Damn. Why didn’t you fire him?”
“Oh I did. At least, I told him he was fired. He sneered and said he ran the place. It would fall apart without him. That’s why I want to sell the shops. But Maria refuses to let me do it. She insists I can’t just throw my inheritance down the drain.”
