A Perfect Trade (Harlequin Superromance)

by Anna Sugden - A Perfect Trade (Harlequin Superromance)

  “We’re already ahead of the game.” His voice was low, intense. “The procedure will work this time.”

  “You can’t promise that. The odds are long and...”

  “It’s not a promise. I’m telling you how it’ll be.”

  She couldn’t help smiling. “The last time you made a strong declaration, you helped the Cats win the Cup.”

  His answering grin was self-deprecating...almost. “Yeah.”

  Jenny laughed. “You’re such a jock.”

  “Yeah.” There was nothing self-deprecating about that grin.

  She tried to ignore the frisson of awareness that shimmied through her. Now wasn’t the time.

  She could have pulled away. Should have. But, for those few moments, she wanted to savor the feeling.

  Jenny suddenly decided she was tired of fighting the attraction between her and Tru. She wanted to explore it. “Let me buy you lunch,” she said, as they reached his Range Rover. “To celebrate another successful phase completed.”

  His green eyes widened. “Are you sure you’re up for it—you still look woozy.”

  “It’ll wear off by the time we get to a restaurant.”

  “All right, but if it doesn’t, we’ll go out for dinner tomorrow.”

  Once in the car, Jenny laid her head back and closed her eyes. The gentle purr of the expensive engine lulled her to sleep.

  She dreamed of three babies in Ice Cats romper suits. Chubby-cheeked and blowing bubbles. She turned to Tru, to tell him to take a picture.

  He’d vanished.

  She tried to call for him, but she had no voice.

  The babies started to frown. One began to cry. Then another. Still, she searched for Tru.

  Suddenly, she heard laughter—her uncle’s, Irving’s, Randy’s. The horrible sound surrounded her, echoing in her head. The third baby began to wail.

  Then she saw Tru. He was laughing as he picked up one of her babies and put it in an enormous baby carriage.

  He was taking her babies.

  “No!” she yelled soundlessly, as he took another. “You promised.”

  “It’s for the best.” He pushed them away.

  No!

  They disappeared into a fog. She tried to run after them, but her legs wouldn’t move. The cacophony of laughter grew louder. Hands reached for her, dragging her in the opposite direction. Shaking her.

  “Jenny. Wake up.”

  She forced her eyes open. Her heart pounded furiously as the jeering laughs faded.

  Focusing on Tru’s face, she told herself to believe the concern in his green eyes, not the fears of her subconscious.

  “Bad dream?” He gently brushed her hair from her forehead.

  “Nightmare.” She shivered as she tried to banish the horrible images. “I don’t think the drugs have quite worn off.”

  “That’s why I brought you home.”

  Looking out of the window, she noticed they were in her driveway. The smell of fast food filled the car. The bag at her feet bore a familiar golden-arches logo.

  “I went to the nearest drive-through. Hope that’s okay.”

  Touched by his thoughtfulness, she smiled. “You’re totally spoiling me.”

  He stroked his thumb across her cheek. “You deserve it.”

  Delight and desire skipped through her. “Not many people would agree with you.”

  “I don’t care about other people.” His thumb traced the shape of her jaw. “Only the best for the mother of my babies.”

  Perhaps it was the remnants of the dream, but his words unsettled her. They weren’t his babies.

  She pulled away. “It’s weird to think that while I’m eating burgers and fries, someone across town is making my babies in a test tube.”

  Tru stiffened. He undid his seat belt, grabbed the fast-food bag and got out of the car.

  Guilt tightened her chest. He shouldn’t bear the brunt of her bad dream. How could she restore the earlier warmth between them, without explaining about the dream? Perhaps she could pretend to faint, so he had to catch her. That would appeal to his superhero complex. The mental image of him wearing tights made her giggle as she unlocked the front door.

  Tru shot a glance over his shoulder toward his car, probably wondering how to make a polite exit. “I should go.”

  Damn it. Not yet. “I’m a little woozy.”

  He didn’t look convinced. “Why don’t you lie down? I’ll call later to check on you.”

  “What happened to looking after me until I was okay?”

  “You don’t need anyone to look after you.” His flat tone stung.

  If she didn’t do something, he’d leave.

  She stepped closer, until they were toe to toe. “What about our lunch?”

  “I’ve lost my appetite.” He dropped the fast-food bag on the hall table.

  “Really?” She moved forward, so her body pressed against him.

  “Yes, really.” The huskiness in his voice gave him away.

  Her pulse skipped. She had him.

  “Did you only lose your appetite for food?” she murmured, her mouth a breath away from his.

  Desire flared in his green eyes. He sighed. “Yeah. Only for food.”

  Need tugged, deep inside her. She willed him to kiss her—and he did.

  Tru kissed the tip of her nose, then started to step back. “Later.”

  Wait, what?

  She grabbed his polo shirt and pulled him toward her. “I prefer now.”

  “This probably isn’t the best time... The drugs and all.”

  “You said we should celebrate.”

  Still, he hesitated.

  Jenny sensed this was one of those moments where one misstep could have big repercussions and she didn’t want to lose what they’d built between them.

  “I’m sorry. I was shaken by the nightmare.” She explained about the giant baby carriage and the mocking voices.

  When it came to the part where her babies were stolen, her voice shook. Fear gripped her insides, as if it were happening all over again. Tru touched her arm, giving her strength. Once again, he’d put aside his own hurt to look after her.

  She couldn’t tell him the truth. “A faceless man t-took them.”

  He wrapped her in his arms and stroked her hair, encouraging her to rest her head on his chest. His heart thumped steadily beneath her ear, soothing her, as did his unique scent of citrus, clean cotton and male heat. “It’s okay,” he said softly.

  Jenny wanted more than to be comforted.

  She lifted her head. Then her gaze. Up past his broad shoulders, his rugged jaw, lingering on his mouth. She moistened her dry lips.

  His neck muscles worked as he swallowed hard.

  She smiled, then ran the tip of her tongue over his lips. He groaned, the sound vibrating from his chest to hers.

  Her pulse jumped. Her nipples hardened. Deep within, she clenched her muscles and felt liquid heat pool. She took advantage of his slightly open mouth to nip his bottom lip.

  “Ah, Jenny-fair. You’re killing me.”

  This time, the use of his old endearment warmed her. Thrilled her. Then his mouth covered hers and she was lost as passion took over.

  His arms tightened around her. Their bodies pressed closer, joining them from chest to hips and lower.

  Tru widened his stance so she could move closer still. The hard bulge of his erection ground against her, creating an ache that demanded satisfaction.

  The sound of someone clearing her throat vaguely penetrated the haze of desire and need. A familiar voice asked, “Don’t they call this sleeping with the enemy?”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  COWARD!

  Jenny shook her head as Tru’s car pul
led out of her driveway. He couldn’t have retreated any faster if he’d been skating back to defend against a two-on-one, in overtime.

  At least he’d left her the burgers and fries.

  “You have some ’splainin’ to do.” The quote sounded odd in Maggie’s English accent.

  Jenny closed the front door. “This isn’t what it seems.”

  “No?” There was no censure in Maggie’s voice, but hurt filled her brown eyes. “Then tell me how things really are.”

  Guilt tugged at Jenny. The time had come to tell her friend the whole story. She was almost relieved. “It’s a long and ugly story.”

  Maggie hugged her. “Sweetie, I know all about ugly stories.”

  “All right.” Jenny held up the fast-food bag. “Can I interest you in lunch while we talk?”

  “I shouldn’t—the salt—but I’d kill for junk food. Do you have any strawberry jam? It’s yummy on chips.”

  “Eww.” Jenny wrinkled her nose. “Is that a craving?”

  “I’m afraid so.” Maggie grinned.

  “Gross. Make yourself comfortable and I’ll see what I’ve got. Can I get you a drink? Please don’t say some weird combination of milk and ginger ale.”

  “A soft drink would be great. Jake and Emily are making me drink milk at every opportunity. I’m scared I’ll start mooing.”

  Jenny laughed and headed into the kitchen. She found a half-empty jar of strawberry preserves in the refrigerator. She gave it to Maggie, then shared out the food and sodas.

  Her friend dipped a fry in the jam. “Mmm. You should try this.”

  “Uh, no, thanks. I’ll stick to ketchup.”

  They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes.

  “When were you going to tell me you’d stopped hating Tru?” The gleam in Maggie’s eye was almost innocent.

  Jenny choked on a French fry. “What?” she spluttered.

  “It was hard to miss. You’ve been spending a lot of time together lately. Especially the past couple of weeks.”

  “I’m surprised you didn’t say anything before.”

  “You can handle yourself. If Tru makes you happy, that’s all I care about. Given what I interrupted, I’m guessing he just might.” Maggie fanned herself. “That kiss was hot enough to curl my toes and I wasn’t involved.”

  Jenny’s cheeks reddened. Damn. She’d never been embarrassed about being caught kissing a guy before.

  She bit into her burger and chewed slowly, trying to work out where to start. “Things between me and Tru are...complicated.”

  “That’s gobsmacking. Are you going to tell me why, or do I take your burger hostage?”

  Jenny’s laugh caught in her throat. She blurted out the simplest answer. “Tru’s helping me get pregnant.”

  Maggie froze. Jam dripped off her French fry. “Well, that explains why you retired as queen of the puck bunnies.”

  Jenny stared at her. “You don’t seem shocked.”

  “About what?” Her friend shrugged. “Wanting a baby? Most women our age do. Sleeping with Tru? You two have been in love with each other since you were kids.”

  “I’m not in love with Tru.” She may not hate him anymore, but love? She was still getting used to like. And to the fire that erupted between them every time they kissed. Her pulse kicked. She could still feel the press of his lips on hers. Still taste him. She stopped that thought before her brain started to imagine what sex with Tru would be like. That was the last thing she needed right now.

  “We aren’t sleeping together,” she said quickly.

  “Then how is he getting you pregnant?” Maggie frowned. “The turkey-baster trick?”

  “No. I’m having IVF treatment.”

  “Okay. Is he paying for it or donating swimmers?”

  “Both.”

  Maggie blinked. “Do you plan to get married?”

  Jenny puffed out a breath. “No...not yet...not never...not to him. Probably not.”

  Her friend raised an eyebrow. “That is complicated.”

  “Tru and I have an agreement.” Jenny explained what they’d decided.

  “I assume you’ve worked out all the ramifications of what you’re doing, so I won’t press. Just reassure me there won’t be any custody issues.”

  Jenny wasn’t surprised by her friend’s comment, after the problems Maggie had gone through with her ex over custody of Emily. “It’s all signed, sealed and legal.”

  “Then I think you’ve chosen well. Tru is a good man. I’m sure he’ll make a great father. You’ll be able to count on him.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I think it’s time you told me the whole story, from the beginning,” Maggie said gently.

  Jenny straightened, though it felt as if the butterflies in her stomach were peppering her insides with practice pucks.

  The sun was low in the sky by the time she’d finished. The remains of their lunch sat cold and congealed on their plates. Crumpled tissues littered the table.

  The knot in Jenny’s chest, which had been tightening for months, had finally begun to ease. Whatever happened, she had Maggie in her corner.

  “There’s only one thing I’m not sure of,” her friend said slowly.

  Jenny laughed shakily. “Just the one?”

  “Why don’t you make your relationship real?”

  “It’s not that simple. Tru...”

  Maggie interrupted. “He betrayed you terribly, but he meant well. He was trying to protect you, because he loved you. Besides, he’s clearly learned his lesson.”

  “Has he?” Jenny thought of what Tru was doing on the memorial committee. How he was keeping his brothers in the dark about his father’s contact. She understood why he thought he needed to, but the potential for his family to get hurt was still there.

  “Hasn’t he?” Maggie countered. “He’s kept his promises so far and he’s agreed to help you according to your terms.”

  Her friend had a point. “Maybe. But it would be too much, too soon.”

  “Sweetie, you’re making babies together.”

  “Actually the embryologist is doing the making.”

  Maggie rolled her eyes. “Tru isn’t perfect—no man is. His methods may not always be the best, but his intentions are. Don’t you think he’s earned the benefit of the doubt?”

  “Possibly.”

  “What are you afraid of, love?”

  Jenny considered the question for several moments. “That I’ll make another mistake. Only this time, it won’t just be me who’ll pay the price.”

  “I understand how you feel. You know how hard it was for me to trust Jake, after everything I’d been through with Lee. But sometimes you have to take a leap of faith or you could miss out on something, or someone, really special.”

  Before Jenny could respond, a cell phone tinkled.

  Maggie looked at her watch. “That’ll be Jake. He checks on me regularly—making sure I’m okay.” She smiled indulgently. “For a tough guy, he’s become a terrible worrier.”

  “Let him know you’re all right.”

  While Maggie answered, Jenny thought about what she’d said. Tru had bent over backward to help her and he’d abided by all the conditions she’d set, even when he’d have strongly preferred otherwise. The image of the gurgling, green-eyed babies from her dream popped into her head. This time, they were part of a warm, cozy tableau that included both Tru and her.

  Maybe a family of her own wasn’t so far out of reach, after all. What did she have to lose? The legal agreements would protect her if things didn’t work out. If they did...

  Yearning tugged at her heart. Wasn’t it worth the risk to find out?

  * * *

  TWO DAYS LATER and Tru could still taste her.

&n
bsp; It was driving him crazy. His body ached constantly with need; frustration gnawed at his gut. His mind had only one track.

  And his heart?

  Tru had accepted the comfortable pattern he and Jenny had fallen into; one that a braver man might say resembled dating. He’d told himself to be patient, and settled in for what would likely be a long game, probably including overtime. Things between them had progressed further than he’d dared to dream. But, every time they kissed, he wanted more—a hell of a lot more.

  He knew that without Maggie’s interruption, he and Jenny wouldn’t have stopped at kissing. He also knew a happily-ever-after wasn’t in the cards just because they’d shared a couple of spectacular kisses. Nor because they’d always be connected by a child, if the IVF was a success.

  That didn’t stop him from hoping that this time everything would work out. If the pregnancy took and held, he knew he had a real chance. This time, he wouldn’t blow it.

  Of course, that all depended on what happened today.

  He’d arrived at Jenny’s place in good time, so she wouldn’t be alone when she made the call to Sally. Neither of them had felt like eating breakfast. His half-drunk cup of coffee had gone cold. Conversation had been minimal; the growing anticipation like another person in the kitchen.

  Tru glanced at the clock. Eight more minutes—they’d been told to phone the IVF clinic at ten. He paced the kitchen, wishing he could strap on his skates and take to the ice. Half of him was desperate to make the call, the other dreaded it. From Jenny’s jerky movements as she wiped down the countertop for the umpteenth time, she was suffering the same conflicting emotions.

  “More coffee?” Her bright tone was edged with tension.

  “No, thanks. I’m wired enough.” He washed his mug before putting it on the rack to dry.

  Jenny brushed against him as she leaned across to wring out the cloth. He chewed the inside of his cheek, trying to control the tingling her brief touch had caused. She draped the cloth over the gleaming tap.