A Stormy Spring

by MacKenzie, C. C.

  And Lucas didn’t look particularly happy at the prospect of being married to her. Who could blame him? It would mean an end to his hectic lifestyle. And wasn’t she getting a little ahead of herself? These days it wasn’t unusual for wealthy men to father children out of wedlock, it happened all the time. After all Lucas was an adult. Surely it was up to him to decide whether he would marry not his father?

  Her brow creased. To be honest she wasn’t sure how she felt about marrying again. Her own background was one of privilege. She knew she’d been lucky. But she preferred the simple life. Society parties, the press, the gossip and the intrigue that went along with it held no allure for her. Lucas lived in a world of paparazzi and screaming headlines.

  Although come to think of it, he’d taken her to a local bistro for dinner, not to any of the top restaurants or clubs where the paps lurked. She frowned. He hadn’t introduced her to any of his friends either. Perhaps he was embarrassed about his situation and who could blame him?

  Another thought occurred to her and her eyes met his.

  ‘Have you told your father?’

  ‘Not yet. It is one of the things you and I must discuss.’

  Indeed it was.

  Something like panic unfurled in her stomach. ‘I told you I need time to come to terms with this.’

  ‘Si, and I agree. However, I do not want my family to discover I am to be a father via the tabloids. It is simply a matter of time before someone talks, querida.’

  Relief on the one hand that he wasn’t ashamed of her mixed with the feeling she was being cornered by a very clever and successful manipulator stiffened her spine and made her voice cold.

  ‘Don’t play me, Lucas. Why don’t you spit it out?’

  Those dark eyes watched her now with an intensity that a couple of weeks ago she’d found arousing and now discovered was terribly intimidating.

  He took a deep breath and edged closer.

  ‘I want you to consider marrying me.’

  How romantic was her first response.

  ‘No,’ was her second wondering why she felt so devastated and disappointed.

  Lucas merely shunted his chair closer, those dark eyes never left her face.

  ‘Then we have a problem because my children cannot be bastards.’ He leaned forward now, dark eyes burning into hers. ‘Think about it. We are very good together, compatible in a way that matters in a marriage,’ he told her in a low but passionate voice alluding to the reason they found themselves in this position in the first place.

  What? A marriage was so much more than sex. Although he’d hardly been beating a path to her bedroom had he? And whose fault was that? her conscience demanded.

  Becca leaned in, too aware of their surroundings and the people in it.

  She kept her eyes on his and whispered back, ‘What are you talking about? You haven’t laid a finger on me or made a move.’

  His eyes went wide as he stared at her.

  ‘That is because I have been considering your feelings. You said you wanted space. Why do you think I sleep in a separate room? Why do you think I work late into the night?’

  Staring into those fathomless dark eyes Becca read the simple truth. He still wanted her. He still desired her. Vivid memories, too fresh, of needy nights filled with erotic dreams of frustrated lust, of tossing and turning desperate for his touch, his kiss, had her fight the overwhelming urge to smack him.

  Why hadn’t he said anything?

  Then the answer hit her.

  ‘In an attempt to keep me relaxed and stress free?’ she asked in a savage whisper.

  He nodded once and responded in kind, ‘I am doing my best, querida, but I am only human.’

  ‘Tell me about it,’ she shot back. ‘You’ve had me at a constant state of arousal for weeks with your little touches, holding my hand and stroking my arm. You need to learn the art of communication.’

  Insulted, Lucas sat back as if she’d slapped him. And she supposed she might well have done since he headed up a top PR firm and communication was his bread and butter.

  Leaning forward his dark eyes clashed with hers.

  ‘I am an excellent communicator. Also ...’ He made a lightening scan of the room and looking very serious now, his eyes met hers as he whispered, ‘Also, I have never made love to a pregnant woman before. I am a big man. I might hurt the babies.’

  Becca clapped a hand over her mouth, shoulders shaking as an unholy mirth flooded her eyes.

  God bless him.

  What the hell was he like?

  But by the look of hurt, confusion and sheer outrage crossing that fabulous face she’d deeply offended him.

  Poor Lucas, he’d opened up his heart to her, articulated his deepest fear and she’d done nothing but laugh at him.

  Using her napkin to dab her eyes, Becca gripped his hand across the table.

  ‘No, don’t be embarrassed. Please, Lucas, I’m not laughing at you.’

  ‘Si, you are.’

  ‘No, I’m not. You’re such a sweetie.’

  Sheer disgust curled his lip. ‘What the hell does that mean?’

  His tone made her shoulders shake again.

  Her eyes stayed on his as she clung to his hand. ‘It means you are a very nice man.’

  ‘Nice?’ If anything he looked even more incensed.

  Shaking her head, Becca forked a piece of the cake on her plate and as a peace offering offered him a taste.

  ‘How about amazing? Is that acceptable to your colossal ego?’

  A reluctant humour entered his dark eyes as he opened his mouth, tasted and swallowed.

  ‘Si, it is better than sweet or nice.’ He took another bite, did his signature shrug. ‘I have much to learn.’

  A gentle wave of affection for him washed through her.

  ‘Nature ensures babies are as snug as a bug in a rug and well protected.’

  He nodded as he narrowed his eyes. ‘You do not quite trust me. Do you, Becca?’

  She had no idea where that had come from. The entire conversation was beginning to feel a bit like truth or dare. But something bothering her for a while surfaced.

  ‘You thought I was married and yet you still wanted to see me.’

  Heat soared into his cheeks but his eyes remained on hers.

  ‘Not my proudest moment, querida. I have a rule never to touch a woman who is married. In my defence as soon as I saw you I wanted you. And if you are honest you felt it too, that connection.’

  ‘It’s only chemistry, lust.’

  ‘Damn right it is. We shared something very special that night.’

  ‘And since?’

  He didn’t attempt not to understand her. ‘I have not been with another woman.’

  ‘Not even Willow Bailey?’

  Annoyance lit his dark eyes. ‘I told you she was a client. Unfortunately, she believed she was the exception to the rule.’

  ‘So you’re saying it’s all in her head?’

  His deep sigh was heartfelt. ‘She is a beautiful woman. Talented, needy and temperamental who does not take rejection well.’

  She knew that was the simple truth.

  Another issue entered her head and made her voice cool.

  ‘Your proposal just now was not exactly romantic.’

  Now black brows winged into his hairline even as his eyes, filled with something wicked and lustful, glittered into hers and had her pulse hammering in her throat.

  She didn’t miss the hot flare of desire either.

  ‘You want romance, Rebecca?’ he purred, rolling the R in her name in a way that brought a hectic flush to her cheeks. ‘Do you think you are ready?’

  Was she?

  His thumb stroked the sensitive part of her palm, round and round sending a scorching spear of arousal to her core, evidently – her brain had packed its suitcase and gone to Timbuktu because she couldn’t think. Taking a shaky breath, she freed her hand.

  The time had come to make a choice.

  Lucas had b
een nothing but kind, putting her needs before his own and she’d been selfish, too tied up with her own shock and concerns to realise that he may be experiencing the same anxieties.

  He was a man who faced his fears she realised. He confronted them head on and moved ahead. It wasn’t difficult to read the uncertainty and anxiety in his dark eyes when he spoke of the babies sleeping in her belly. And his priority had been for their safety, to protect, to care for them and for her.

  If Becca followed her instincts it would be to give him a chance. She knew she was deeply attracted to him. Who wouldn’t be attracted to a man with the face and body of a Greek God? However, it wasn’t just his looks - Lucas was indeed, as Margo said, one of the good guys. Astonished she felt so much for him, she lifted her hand to his face, her fingertips tracing his sinful mouth.

  Was it conceivable that this could be the beginning of love and not merely simple desire or lust? She had no idea, but he was right. They had found something unique that first night and she wanted it back.

  His eyes locked on hers and Lucas smiled. ‘I want to kiss you.’

  There was a naughty look in his eye she couldn’t resist. Who wanted to resist anyway? He bent his head towards her. Becca lifted her face to meet him, deciding this kiss was her choice and he needed to know it.

  Her lips were so soft, warm and welcoming.

  His body reacted recognising her scent, her taste and the feel of her. However, this was neither the time nor the place to get hot and heavy. He lifted his mouth with a reluctance that made her smile.

  She knew exactly what she was doing to him and his eyes promised retribution.

  ‘Time to go home.’

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  He didn’t want to give Becca time to change her mind.

  Lucas was more than aware that her trust in him was a fragile thing.

  Even though she’d said no to marriage, they’d come to a type of understanding, a breakthrough.

  She wanted romance?

  Hell, he’d give her romance.

  When they entered the house, he swept her up in his arms and took the stairs to his bedroom two at a time.

  Her hands wound around his neck and she sent him a bland look.

  ‘Can I just say that my legs are perfectly fine?’

  He shouldered open the door to his bedroom, then kicked it shut before sliding the lean length of her down his rock hard body.

  His hands cupped her face as he lifted it for his kiss. ‘I adore your legs.’ And his mouth plundered.

  His body hardened even further as the burn deep in his belly burst into flame.

  Becca forgot to breathe.

  She couldn’t think. It was impossible to kick-start her brain. And it took her back to the first time she’d met him. Ever since that night her whole life had spiralled out of control. Nothing had prepared her for this, the flames dancing along her flesh, creating liquid heat deep inside her body. Her too sensitive breasts ached and it felt fabulous. Then her fingers found and slid into the black silk of his hair.

  ‘How do you do this to me?’

  He spoke against her mouth, ‘You do it to me too, querida.’

  He took her lips again and again with long drugging kisses that left her aching for more.

  ‘It must be chemistry,’ she whispered into his mouth. ‘It’s the only logical explanation.’

  He kissed her as if he couldn’t get enough of her, his thick arousal pressing against her belly was hard and heavy with need of her.

  ‘Logic? Who cares?’ The deep rumble in his voice was a possessive, throaty seduction and shook her to her core.

  Becca pulled back, running a gentle palm over the clear taut skin of his cheek.

  ‘Give me a moment. I can’t think, can’t breathe.’

  His fabulous mouth curved. ‘Do you think after that statement I am going to stop?’

  Deep blue eyes studied every millimetre of his face.

  The confusion, desire and guilt Lucas read there threatened to destroy the moment.

  ‘Why do I feel so much for you? It doesn’t make sense. I’ve known one man before you and it took him months to get me into bed. All I can think of is having wild sex with you.’

  Lucas couldn’t help it, he grinned. ‘You do? Let me help you with that.’

  The smile trembled on her lips. ‘Why you?’

  He bent his head to steal another long kiss then rested his forehead on hers and ordered his hungry shaft to be patient.

  ‘Wanting me, it makes you feel guilty?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘I need to tell you that when I hear the love you still have for him, it makes me envious, querida.’

  Becca’s heart turned over at the longing in his voice, just as the tone of it caressed her skin with gentle fingers.

  He deserved total honesty.

  ‘I’m not sure I can give my heart again,’ she admitted, looking up into that fabulous face.

  And she wondered if she was being true to herself.

  ‘I will never ask for something you cannot give wholly and freely.’

  Becca’s breath caught in her throat as she stared into his dark eyes, fascinated by what she found there, for her.

  ‘You don’t strike me as a man who would be prepared to accept second best.’

  Lucas nodded, astonished at how quickly she’d come to understand him.

  Becca saw him quite clearly. She stood there with such bravery, such sincerity, staring up at him with those big eyes. And she was so amazingly beautiful to him. A lump the size of his fist rose in his throat as he buried his face in her hair afraid to show her the feelings threatening to choke him. She wasn’t ready to hear how much she already meant to him. And God knew he wasn’t ready to tell her.

  She stiffened in his arms. ‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered. ‘I’ve spoilt it.’

  He cupped her face between his hands, tipped her head back to look into those wide eyes.

  ‘You did not. But I have to be honest. I cannot seem to get past your need for wild sex.’

  With indecision so clear in her eyes, Lucas felt poised on a knife edge. He didn’t move, didn’t speak. He would have her. She was his. But he needed it to be her decision.

  With a brave tilt of her chin and a challenge in her eye, she smiled up at him.

  ‘Are you sure you feel up to it?’

  In response he swept Becca into his arms, strode to the bed and set her on her feet.

  ‘I can see you’re feeling fine.’

  ‘Raise your arms.’ Thrilling to the command in his deep voice Becca did as she was told.

  He swept off her sweater, his eyes going darker as he ran his gaze over the scrap of silk that was her bra. He unclipped it, drew it down her arms and tossed it over his shoulder. She knew her lack of breasts weren’t to every man’s taste. But the way Lucas looked at her made her nipples bloom like flowers thirsty for sunlight.

  He unbuttoned her jeans, slid down the short zip and swept them and her panties over her hips and down to her ankles before he knelt before her.

  Heart pounding too fast against her ribs, she watched heat sore into his cheeks as he ran strong hands from her ankles, up the sensitive skin at the back of her knees, her thighs and over her hips before his thumbs explored, gently parting the lips of her sex.

  Becca trembled, gasping as those dark eyes met hers and his thumbs slid through the slick evidence of her arousal.

  ‘You are more than ready for me, querida. You have no idea what you do to me. Sit,’ he ordered.

  She obeyed without question and lay back on her elbows as he removed her flat boots one at a time, then her socks before sliding off her jeans and panties.

  He knelt before her.

  ‘Open your legs. I want to see you. I want to taste you, to touch you.’ That deep voice did amazing things to the little bead of screaming arousal between her thighs, and she did as he asked.

  His hands gripped her hips and his head dipped between her legs.

  �
��Oh, God!’

  It felt so decadent lying with her legs spread wide and a gorgeous man between her thighs tasting her with long flat strokes of his tongue over her slick heat. His mouth sucked, his tongue swirled around the screamingly aroused bead of nerve endings. He brought her to the brink before he rose and stepped back.

  Jerky little sobs escaped from her throat and she couldn’t take her eyes off the bulge under the zip of his jeans.

  With aching slowness his eyes never left hers as Lucas stripped.

  Heat burned her cheeks as he kicked off his jeans and underpants and took his hard shaft in his fist, slowly pumping to ease the ache.

  Her shocked gasp made him smile.

  The man had absolutely no embarrassment about touching himself. Becca wondered if she’d ever get used to it and found she could hardly breathe.

  He was all lean muscle with a wide chest and shoulders and narrow hips.

  She looked lower.

  He had no shame when it came to his need of her either. And, boy, did he need her. For a panicked moment she wondered how on earth he’d managed to fit inside her last time and she slid further up the bed.

  ‘Come here, querida.’ The tone brooked no refusal.

  Her frantic heart jerked in her chest. ‘I’m fine where I am.’

  ‘Becca, come here.’

  Taking a deep breath, she scooted to the end of the bed and rose staring into his dark eyes before taking a few steps to the side and back.

  ‘Stop moving back every time I try to get close to you.’ There was a glint of humour in his eyes, his voice. The tone slid over her skin, a lingering caress setting every nerve ending alive.

  Her mouth went dry. ‘Wanting you naked and actually getting you naked is two entirely different things.’

  He moved towards her with a look in his eye that scared her to death and she took a hesitant step back which made him smile and run his tongue along his top teeth.

  This had been her idea, her choice, so why did she feel like she’d invited a big black panther into her room and now she was waiting for it to bite her?

  Becca swallowed audibly. ‘I’m not sure this is a good idea.’

  Those dark eyes mesmerised her even as the rumble of his deep voice vibrated through her blood.