by Lori Foster
Chelsea bristled. “Are you threatening me?”
R.J. thought she looked titillated by the possibility. He shared a quick, conspiratorial glance with Dana and almost smiled. They both knew Chelsea was no match for Megan, not when Megan was protecting her own.
Megan shook her head. “Of course not. I’m merely making my position on the matter clear.”
Chelsea nodded and took her leave, seeing that all the grand news was over. Megan watched her go with a frown. “That woman is a barracuda.”
R.J. stared at his mother, caught in a mix of emotions. In so many ways, he worried about her, especially with all the scandal of late. But every so often she managed to remind him what a strong, capable woman she was. He said simply, “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.”
“Why the sudden disclosure?” He was curious about how she could have kept such a “clue” secret for so long, and why. If she’d had proof, why hadn’t she used it earlier and spared them all?
Megan reached up for a hug, and R.J. readily indulged her. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, leaning back to see his face. “I’ve been so distracted what with the baby, the clinic’s anniversary and then with Connor suddenly showing up….”
R.J. scowled at that reminder. He wasn’t too keen on this so-called long-lost cousin. Connor O’Hara had crawled out of the woodwork, and his timing couldn’t have been more unfortunate.
“R.J. wasn’t blaming you, Megan,” Dana offered, automatically stepping in to smooth things over for him. She did that a lot, too, R.J. realized, kept his life organized and orderly even out of the office. She reminded him of family birthdays and holidays. She sometimes bought the gifts for the occasions, as well. He shook his head in dawning wonder as she added, “He’s just been very worried himself.”
Megan gave Dana an assessing look. “I trust you’re taking very good care of him?”
Dana laughed, but it sounded a bit forced. “I’m doing my best.”
R J. eyed her determined expression, then smiled. “Her best is pretty impressive, as far as I’m concerned.” He watched Dana blush as he said it, and knew she was thinking of the simple, sizzling kiss she’d given him. Since he hadn’t fully recovered himself, he found it prudent to change the subject. “So, mother, are you going to tell me what this mysterious clue is?”
Megan’s smile turned impish. “I don’t believe I will. This is our ace in the hole, possibly the only chance we’ll have to sort truth from fiction. The real mother will know what I’m talking about, so it’s best if I just keep it to myself.”
Now that he was no longer being named the irresponsible father, R.J. didn’t care enough to press her on it. Chelsea Markum could still make trouble, just as she’d promised to do. But now that Tanya was discredited, he really had nothing to worry about. He was so relieved to have that worry put to rest, he wanted only to get back to his office with Dana so they could talk.
The anticipation he felt annoyed him, and he forced himself to stay with his mother awhile longer, proving to himself, if no one else, that nothing had actually changed between him and Dana.
Everyone else had left the reception hall, including Maitland’s press personnel and the security guard. For the moment, at least, they’d done all they could to suppress the scandal.
Only Megan, Dana and he lingered in the reception hall. “How is Connor settling in?” R.J. asked, trying not to let his suspicions filter through.
Connor claimed to be the son of Clarise Maitland O’Hara, Megan’s estranged sister-in-law. Clarise and her husband, Jack, had had a falling out with the family and moved away from Austin a long time ago. There had been no contact between the families over the years, and now that both his parents were dead, Connor had suddenly appeared to mend the long rift.
Megan had welcomed him with open arms, disregarding her children’s concern. Still, Connor was one more reason for R J. to worry about her. Though he’d only met the man briefly, he’d wanted his mother to let him run a check on him, to verify his story, but Megan had insisted on taking care of the matter.
Seeing R.J.’s concern and hearing the words he hadn’t spoken, Megan studied her son closely. He was worried about her, she knew, but for the moment, she could do nothing to reassure him. At least not where Connor was concerned. Only her daughter Ellie knew the whole truth about Megan’s nephew, and Ellie had promised to keep her secret—at least for now.
Eventually she’d have to share the story of her tragic past with all her children, Megan realized. They had a right to know, especially now that she’d found out her baby boy hadn’t died when she was seventeen, regardless of the lie her father had told her. Regardless of how they’d all lied to her. Connor was alive, and that was all that mattered—for now.
Standing a little straighter, Megan shook off the heartache of the past. Her family had their hands full tending to the scandal surrounding another boy. Her own past would have to wait. After all, forty-five years had passed, so what would a few more months matter?
Megan summoned her most motherly smile, the one that reminded her children she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, despite how they liked to fret. “As you know, Connor has moved into one of the family condos. I thought that would be easiest.”
Easiest, or cheapest? R.J. wondered, still not liking the situation at all. He rubbed his chin as he watched his mother’s expression. “That’s…very generous of you.”
Megan lifted one brow. “I can afford to be generous, and you know it. Besides, he’s family.”
“And I suppose you’ve given him money?”
Her stern expression showed that she considered bis question impertinent “Don’t fret over it, R.J. I know what I’m doing. If you recall, I’ve been handling my own affairs rather well for quite some time now.”
With a reluctant grin, R.J. drew her to him for one more hug, then set her away from him. “Of course you have. And now you’re handling mine, as well. I hope this newest disclosure about Tanya will stifle some of the speculation. I’m getting damn sick and tired of being gossiped about.”
Dana shook her head. “Nothing will stop the gossip completely until the parents are named. You heard Ms. Markum—the Maitland men are still fair game.” Her brows drew down, and her slender nose wrinkled. “I wanted to trip her as she left.”
Startled, R.J. stared at her a moment then burst out laughing. Megan seemed taken aback by bis lack of restraint, then she smiled.
As she started out the door, Megan said, “I have to admit, Dana, the same thought crossed my mind.” R.J. chuckled again.
In some ways, he mused, Megan and Dana had a lot in common. They were both strong, proud women. Strange that he was just now noticing the similarities.
But then, he’d noticed a lot of things about Dana lately. And that, more than anything, made him very determined to get their working relationship back on track.
* * *
Two mornings later, Dana stepped into the office, early again in the hopes of freeing up some time for R.J. But before she’d even turned the lights on in the dim room, she knew she wasn’t alone.
R.J.
She knew it was him. She could detect his hot musky scent, feel the throbbing awareness of his presence. She also felt more, his emotional turbulence, the beat of his anger. What was wrong?
Quickly placing her purse in a file drawer, she rushed across the plush carpet in the outer office to R.J.’s inner sanctum. He sat behind his desk, staring out the window at the early morning traffic on May-fair Avenue. Bright sunshine flooded through the window and illuminated the office. It reflected off his light brown hair and gilded his brown lashes, leaving shadows on his lean cheekbones.
His mood was disturbing, though he hadn’t yet said anything. “R.J.?”
Very slowly he turned his chair to face her.
Since that awkward kiss where she’d made a total fool of herself, he’d been more distantly polite than ever. Dana had gone out of her way to reestablish the
ir professional relationship, burying her feelings deep. R.J. had seemed to welcome her efforts, and returned them in kind.
But now, his eyes burned with a harsh light. “You’re early.”
“So are you.” Dana surveyed his features and then turned briskly to make coffee. “First things first, R.J. I need coffee, and I assume you do, too.”
Rather than wait for her, he unfolded himself from the chair and followed her out. “Thanks. I could use a cup.”
Dana looked at him sharply. “Are you all right?”
“Just dandy.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and leaned against her desk while she measured coffee and water.
Once she was done and the coffee machine had begun to hiss, Dana turned to him and crossed her arms over her sand-colored suit jacket. “What’s wrong?”
R.J. dropped his head forward with a humorless laugh. “Shall I add mind reading to your repertoire of sterling qualities?”
There was more bite in his tone than usual. “It doesn’t take a mind reader to know something’s upset you. What’s happened?”
”Hell, what hasn’t happened? This infernal situation has gone from bad to worse.”
”You want to explain the worse part?”
He gave her a cynical smile. ”Sure, why not? Last night, one of our more high-profile mothers checked out of the clinic.”
“The movie star?”
“Bingo.” He shook his head in disgust. “And right now, three prominent families are packing up to go, too.”
“But…I don’t understand. I thought since you’d been cleared, everything would have calmed down some. It doesn’t make sense that they’re leaving now—”
“Nothing has calmed down. Chelsea Markum made an announcement late last night that they’re upping the reward from five thousand dollars to fifty thousand for an exclusive with the real mother. This morning, dozens of women showed up to lay claim to the title,”
“Oh my God.”
“Damn right.” He gave her another cynical smile. “And guess who they’re naming as the father.”
Dana groped for her chair and then fell into it. “Dozens of women?”
“At least forty.” R.J. managed a rough laugh. “Hell, I don’t know whether I should be insulted or complimented. What kind of a Lothario do they think I am? My social calendar has never been busy enough to accommodate forty women. But does that concern Markum?” He snorted. “Right now, she’s interviewing each and every one of them, hoping like hell she can nail me to the wall. We’re losing patients because of this publicity. Every paper from the most respected to the worst rags are lobbying out in our parking lot, hounding everyone who goes in or out.”
Dana shut her eyes. Several people had approached her when she’d arrived this morning, but at the same time, a limo had pulled up to the curb and drawn them away. She’d thought someone in the limo was checking in, but now wondered if it was someone preparing to pick up a patient and check out—a more likely possibility.
She swallowed hard. “I can’t believe all those women are trying to name you—”
“Oh, it’s not just my blood they’re after. Since Jake isn’t around to defend himself, he’s become another prime target.”
Dana had met Jake Maitland once, but she wasn’t sure what he did for a living. She’d heard rumors of him being a government agent of some sort. She knew whatever he did was secretive and kept him away more often than not. “At least they’re not singling you out.”
“It doesn’t matter.” R.J. began pacing, his movements agitated and stiff. “All this attention is damaging the clinic and threatening the anniversary party. You know what that party means to my mother.”
“Megan can hold her own, R.J.” The coffee was ready, and Dana got up to pour R.J. a cup. She handed it to him, and he took several deep gulps before speaking again.
There was a spark of sardonic humor in his eyes as faced her. “You want to know what my mother is doing right now? She’s questioning the women.”
“Her secret clue?”
R.J. nodded. “So far, the guesses have ranged from webbed feet to mismatched eyes.”
“Oh, lord.”
“My thoughts exactly. Next thing you know, some ditzy woman will claim the baby has wings.”
Dana hid a smile. R.J. could rail and curse and stomp all he wanted, but deep down, he maintained his sense of humor. He might not laugh or joke often, but neither was he an infernal grouch.
And his concern for the baby was evident, despite his frustration. “Maybe Megan will be able to send them all home this afternoon.”
“I doubt it. Some of them are refusing to answer her question or even take a guess, claiming it’s an insult to the love they feel for the baby, or that the baby’s affliction is no one’s business.”
Dana lifted her brows. “So now the clue is an affliction? I suppose that’s as good a cover as any.”
”Even if Mother did get them all booted out, more would show up. I have to do something, Dana. I’ve been totally discredited as far as the public is concerned. First I’m accused of abandoning a defenseless infant, now I’ve been leaping from one bed to the next at the speed of light.“ He moved to stand directly in front of her. ”All night long, after the Tattle Today TV report, I’ve been thinking about this. I need to repair the damage done to my name, and hopefully in turn, that’ll help the clinic’s reputation.”
Something in his expression warned her. He was watching her too closely, as if to judge her reaction. He did that often. R.J. was notorious for standing back and absorbing reactions and responses so he could use them to his advantage, a means to an end. It made him an excellent businessman and—by repute—an excellent lover.
She shivered at the thought, then quickly pulled her mind back to the problem at hand.
What could R.J. possibly want from her? Especially when she’d already promised she’d do anything in her power to help?
Dana sipped her coffee, refusing to be drawn in by his speculative scrutiny. He liked the effect he had on people, how easily he could rattle them, but she refused him the satisfaction of making her squirm. That was one reason she’d lasted so long as his secretary—she pretended to be immune. R.J. needed strong people around him to counteract his autocratic nature. Weaker people got trampled; strong people got his respect. “Do you have any ideas on how to handle this?”
He crossed his arms over his chest and stared down at her, his gaze hard and direct, unrelenting. “Yes. I’m going to get married.”
Bewitched
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
************************************************************************************************
The look on her face wasn’t encouraging, R.J. thought. She appeared caught between disbelief, nausea and hysteria. The disbelief he understood perfectly. Dana knew better than most how he felt about marriage.
The nausea and hysteria he hoped were from surprise. Happy surprise.
Then that serene curtain dropped over her features and her expression became blank. It annoyed him that she worked so hard to hide her feelings from him, especially now, when he needed to know what she was thinking.
She looked past him, not meeting his eyes. “I see. Are you sure that’s the…right move to make?”
Her voice trembled the tiniest bit, and R.J. wondered how best to explain his plan so he could gain her cooperation.
With an edge of steel in his tone, he said, “I don’t see too many other options, Dana. I thought about it last night, before Markum even offered the money for the exclusive. If I marry, I’ll immediately represent the settled, domestic family man instead of a free-swinging bachelor.”
Obviously agitated, she got up to pour herself more coffee. It struck him that they spent a lot more time talking lately than usual. When she’d come in, Dana had set a large stack of files on her desk. Work she’d taken home? His resolve hardened as he considered that possibility.
“Dana, have I put you behind in your work by bringin
g my personal problems into the office?” He wasn’t used to sharing his worries so openly, so he hadn’t even noticed the amount of time he’d kept her away from her desk.
She waved the suggestion away. “No, of course not.”
She sounded positive, but he couldn’t let it go. “You’re the most industrious woman I’ve ever known. I can’t remember a time when you haven’t filled every available minute with work, but for some time now you’ve been coddling me while I sit here and grumble.”
“That’s not true!” Her head rifted with a brief show of temper, ready to defend him—even against himself. “You’ve had a lot on your mind and I’ve… I’ve enjoyed our chats.”
He nodded at the stack of files. “Have you been working at home?”
Her expression turned wary. “Just a little.”
“Then how have you been keeping up, because I know you too well to think you’d ever let yourself fall behind. You’re as conscientious about work as I am.”
Her eyes narrowed and her shoulders squared. “If you must know, I’ve been coming in earlier, getting things done before you arrive.”
“Goddamn it.” Filled with disgust for himself, R.J. sighed loudly. “That’s what I was afraid of. But it’s at an end right now, honey, you understand?”
At the use of the endearment, she froze, and her slender brows shot up a good inch. She turned mute on him, merely staring.
R.J. chuckled. “Well, that certainly got your attention, didn’t it?”
“I –”
“No, don’t start explaining things to me. I’m sorry if I took you by surprise.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and he noticed how the gesture made the bottom of her jacket flare open, displaying the curves of her hips. Damned if he’d ever noticed before that Dana had hips! The discovery filled him with disquiet and a simmering curiosity, which he doggedly suppressed. “No more working before or after hours, understood?”
“Whatever you say, R.J.”
Which meant she’d do whatever she damn well pleased, R.J. thought. He sighed again in massive frustration, then decided to let it go. After all, if things went according to plan, he’d soon be in a better position to know if she was working more than she should. “I think we need to get back on the topic.”
