His Secretary's Little Secret

by Catherine Mann

  Portia leaned into his touch, his fingers releasing the ache in her muscles. Her eyes fluttered shut. “All’s well. The food’s amazing and the ginger ale really works. The midwife who stopped by before I left the hospital had some great suggestions. I wish I’d thought to reach out for help sooner.”

  “You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here for you and our baby.” He leaned close to her, folding his body to whisper in her ear.

  “I do appreciate your saying that. And thank you for giving me space on the marriage proposal. I need time to adjust, we both do.” It’d been two days since she’d been proposed to and hospitalized for extreme dehydration. Two days hadn’t supplied her with enough time to make a life-altering commitment. She needed to weigh the pros and cons to arrive at the most logical course of action. She’d lived her whole life preparing to be independent. Now Easton was asking her to depend on him. She wasn’t sure she knew how.

  “The news is already spreading and I can’t control other people’s reactions.”

  The reactions of other people bothered her less and less. Her primary concern remained the health of her child. “Let’s deal with one day at a time. For a free spirit, you’re sure trying to think fifty steps ahead.”

  “Then let’s focus on the moment,” he said, pushing ever so slightly deeper into the knot in her right shoulder.

  She melted into his touch, how his strong but intuitive hands knew just how to knead away the tension of the past two months. His thumbs found and worked loose a knot below her shoulder blade, then he stroked lower along her back.

  And she knew—she just knew—she wanted, needed, more from this elemental moment alone with him. So beautiful in its secluded simplicity with the whole of nature at work around them, as tumultuous as her feelings for this man. She wasn’t used to such a lack of control over her emotions, but right now, she reveled in it.

  Angling nearer, Portia tipped her face up for a kiss, her emotions close to the surface after all they’d experienced together today. She palmed his chest, his heartbeat firm and accelerating against her touch. Her arms slid upward and around his neck, deepening the kiss, and with a hard groan he rolled her onto her back until they both stretched out on the quilt. The scent of the laundry detergent teased her nose along with the sweet musk of fresh hay. Clean and earthy and elemental all at once.

  Easing her refuge-branded T-shirt off, she tossed it aside and met his eyes boldly, inviting. And as his eyes lit with fire, he didn’t hesitate to unhook her bra and reveal her body to his hungry eyes. He stroked her skin, pulled away her shoes and jeans, touching and kissing and igniting her until her head thrashed on the thick quilt and she whispered pleas for him to get naked now, damn it.

  A sigh of relief shuddered through him and he tossed away his clothes in a haphazard pile, his eyes staying linked with hers. Peering deep into her with fierceness.

  Even in the muted glow of the barn’s backup lights, she could still make out the definitions of his tanned, muscled body. Every fiber of her being screamed a possessive mine.

  And yes, she saw how his eyes caressed all of her with clear appreciation, arousal. Desire. She’d never felt more beautiful, and truth be told, it had more to do with the way he touched her than with any look in his eyes.

  Easton kissed along her neck to her ear, nibbling her earlobe and whispering, “Are you sure you feel okay? You were just in the hospital—”

  Her fingers went to his sensual lips. “I’m fine, and the doctor cleared me for all activity short of bungee jumping.”

  “Well, then that’s good for us since bungee jumping is nowhere on my agenda.” He grazed kisses along her jawline back to her lips again. “But if you need to stop at any time, just say the word.”

  “Trust me, I will. Our baby means the world to me.”

  Easton’s hand trailed down her side to her stomach, his eyes focused on her pale skin as he rested his hand there. A small, awestruck smile tugging at his mouth. “To me, as well.”

  Her heart softened at his words, and she reached for him, pulling him back over her, determined to take everything from this time together that she could.

  The storm raged outside, but she and Easton were safe here together. But she knew too well the real world and worries couldn’t stay at bay forever.

  That marriage proposal still loomed between them, and she was no closer to feeling comfortable saying yes.

  * * *

  Sleep eluded him, but that was probably for the best. After they’d made love, they’d dressed and curled up on the blanket together. Portia fell asleep in an instant.

  He wondered if his brother was safe or if the storm was letting up anytime soon. He’d tried to call Xander, but the cell phone reception was crap due to the storm.

  They were in the oversize stall with Ginger Snap and her baby. It was the safest interior room in the barn. He watched as the deer tried to nurse her fawn, struggling to get the action right.

  He picked up a piece of hay, rubbed it between his fingers and crooned softly, “You can do this, Ginger Snap. I know it’s not easy, girl, but you can do it. You can be a good parent to your baby. You know what to do.”

  The momma deer flicked her ears toward Easton.

  “I’m sorry we’re not in the clinic, girl, but I’m here with you. Portia’s here with you, too.”

  Oh Lord. Portia. He turned his gaze back to where she slept. Watched her chest rise and fall, the soft sounds of her steady breath reassuring him.

  He could spend an eternity with her. And damn, but that rocked his world. And settled his footing all over again. He’d never found any woman he felt this way about, and he knew he never would again. She was...Portia.

  His mind drifted back to their lovemaking and the spark between them. Incredible—like nothing he’d experienced before. He wanted to win her, to make her stay. Every moment without an answer to his proposal made him feel like she was a step closer to bolting out of his life forever.

  Easton snapped the piece of hay, smiling at the deer. “And we care about you. You’re not alone in this parenting. We won’t let anything happen to you. We’ll stay here with you all the way through. Although it’s going to be a long night, I’m afraid. Care to answer? Because I could use some help on my end with being a parent.”

  Cinnamon started to nurse, which seemed to calm Ginger Snap. Her head rested on the barn floor as she appeared to relax, her stressed breathing becoming easier.

  “You look like you don’t even need my assistance right now after all. But then you deer have been having young on your own without the father around. So maybe you could tell me something about why Portia is being so stubborn about marrying me? Or hell, even talking about it?”

  He watched Ginger Snap settle even more, her ears flicking attentively to Easton. The doe’s eyes were deep and dark. But mostly, he noticed how calm she looked now. He tilted his head, laying a hand on the ground.

  Portia stirred beside him, tossing slightly in her sleep.

  He waited for her to settle before continuing, “Sure, you and she can do this on your own. But she doesn’t have to. If she could just accept how much I care about her. I’m not going to leave her. I’m not like my parents. I’m steady. I’ve found a way to have adventures right here at home. I’m not...leaving...”

  Portia moved restlessly again, stretching, then yawning as she woke. She sat up slowly, carefully, and smiled ever so slightly before pushing her tousled hair from her face. She removed a scrunchie from around her wrist and piled her hair high on her head. With bleary eyes, she reached for the water bottle, popped off the cap and took a sip.

  Easton eyed her, worried. “Are you feeling alright?”

  She took another sip, waited, then nodded. “All seems well.” She picked up a cracker and nibbled it, as well. “Here’s the real test though.”

 
; He moved closer, cautioning, “Take it slow.”

  “I will. Morning’s close and I know what that usually means.” She rolled her eyes and stayed still, waiting.

  “No need to do anything other than rest.” Damn crummy time for a hurricane. A sense of helplessness kicked over him even as he knew there was nothing he could do to battle Mother Nature’s forces outside the barn door.

  The winds sounded softer but he suspected that was merely the eye of the storm.

  He stroked along her arm. “Have you given any more thought to my proposal?”

  She held up the cracker in the muted light, scrutinizing it. She shook her head dismissively. “Can we talk about that later, please?”

  Ginger Snap gave a huff.

  “I know I said we had time to work on this during the pregnancy, but I’m wondering if that’s a cop-out. We’re good together. We’ve known each other for two years. We get along well, and the chemistry between us is incredible, beyond incredible. I’ve never felt this much for anyone else. Can you deny you feel the same?”

  He meant it. Never had a relationship been more real to him. He’d ended other relationships quickly because he’d known they would not work out. He’d already spent more time with Portia than he had with any other woman. And even if he and she hadn’t been romantically involved, he knew her.

  Wanted her.

  Couldn’t let her go.

  He wanted to provide for her. For their child. He knew he could make this work between them if she stayed and didn’t bolt. How ironic was that? He’d been the king of leaving and now he could well be on the receiving end.

  It scared the hell out of him. And also made him all the more determined.

  “All of what you mentioned is good for dating or an affair. But it’s not enough for a marriage.” She set the cracker down, picked up the water again. Swirled it around as she stared at him.

  “Why not?”

  She put aside the water bottle. “Because it’s not love. We can have everything in sync, all the chemistry in the world and without love, we won’t last. That will be so much worse for our child. We have to get this right.”

  Ah, there it was. Portia’s need for absolute perfection bubbling to the surface. That need had held her back in the past. It kept her from pursuing something if every aspect wasn’t perfectly hammered down, all boxes checked. She’d waited for the perfect time to go to college too, but she’d been so busy planning, she’d never gotten around to just doing it.

  “My mother and father loved each other and it didn’t make them attentive parents,” he snapped the truth, frustration growing. “Hell, they flat-out lost us in foreign countries more times than we can count. Most kids travel and learn words in other languages like where’s the bathroom or I’m hungry. We learned take me to the embassy.”

  She cupped his face in a gentle, caring hand. “Easton, I am so sorry. That had to have been terrifying for you and your brother and it’s not right, not at all. But you also have to know that as much as you act like the absentminded doctor socially, when it comes to responsibility you are always one hundred percent there for your patients. You tell yourself you’re an eccentric like your parents because that keeps you from risking your heart.”

  “Like you’re using your brother’s education as an excuse to keep from living your life?” he asked quietly.

  “I’m taking care of him.” Her lips went tight.

  “He’s an adult.” Easton pointed out, reaching for her hand. “He can take care of himself. It’s your turn to have a life. Marry me.”

  She snatched her hand away, anger brewing in her eyes, making him feel like the storm had jumped inside the barn. “I don’t want to be your obligation and I don’t want some marriage of convenience.”

  “My brother and Maureen married for convenience and it’s worked out well for them. No one can deny that. Portia, I care about you.”

  “I realize that. You’re a good man. But I don’t want to depend on anyone. And if I did, it would be a man who loves me wholeheartedly. I deserve that.”

  “And you’ll have everything as my wife.”

  “Everything?” Her head fell back in frustration and she sighed before she looked back at him. “You’re missing the point altogether.”

  “And what is the point?”

  “You’ve been thinking differently since you saw those glitter condoms in the honeymoon suite. Seriously. Glitter. Rubbers. Is that any reason to get married?” Scarlet hues rose high in her cheeks, anguish mounting in her voice.

  Damage control. Easton needed to calm her. “The lack of condoms—glitter or otherwise—is how this happened. Plenty of people have gotten married for fewer reasons.”

  “This is not funny.”

  “Trust me, I’m not laughing.”

  “This is no way to start a life together. I don’t even think I can continue to work here.”

  His temper rose, the weight of her words surprising him. “What the hell?”

  “Don’t swear at me!”

  He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. “I’m trying to figure out what’s going on in that mind of yours.”

  “I’m the logical one. This makes perfect sense.”

  “Not from where I’m standing. Maybe it has something to do with pregnancy hormones—”

  “Don’t. Don’t you dare suggest I’m illogical because I’m pregnant.” Tears welled, hovering in the corners of her eyes even as those same eyes spit fire and back-off vibes. “I know how I feel and what I want from life. I want my child to be happy and I want to stand on my own two feet.”

  “We’re both parents now. We need to make compromises.”

  “Oh, you really need to be quiet.” She shot to her feet. Her voice reaching new heights, causing Ginger Snap to bleat. “I am not some kind of compromise. I will never be anyone’s second-best disappointment ever again. I deserve better.”

  Head held high, she headed out. Hand on the barn’s wide double door, she hesitated. Rain still came down in sheets, but the hurricane’s eye could hold.

  A massive crack sounded, like a tree splitting, and Easton bolted to his feet, racing to Portia. He snagged her in his arms and rolled under a low-lying support beam just as a falling tree pierced the barn.

  Eleven

  The barn warped beneath the weight of the tree, groaning—a sickening sound of metal buckling. A small hole opened like a wound, allowing a throaty chorus of hurricane force wind to enter the safe space of the barn and rain to drip on the floor.

  Another groan. The tree sank lower, its branches scraping, cracking, filling the main part of the barn.

  Portia wriggled beneath Easton, craning her head to look. In the wind whipping through the hole in the roof, he couldn’t tell if she was injured or not. Her eyes were wide as she stared at the impending catastrophe a few feet away from where she lay pinned to the floor.

  If the roof gave way. No. He corrected himself—when the roof gave way—she would be in the trajectory of the crash if he didn’t get them out right now. He would have to worry about any possible bruises later. The situation was too urgent.

  He pulled her close and rolled to the stall with Ginger Snap. His muscles screamed at him to move faster. He barely registered the unnatural coldness of the wind swirling inside, tearing at him, working against him. He tried to communicate with Portia, but his shout was lost to the roar and the howl.

  Their fight didn’t matter now. The only thing that mattered to Easton was keeping her safe. He kept moving, shielding Portia’s soft body, pressing on through the invisible wall of wind filled with grit and twigs. Heaven forbid if a larger branch should come their way. He willed their bodies to move as one, shoving them both to the far left side, toward Ginger Snap and her newborn baby, who cowered in the corner. The two deer cried
and bleated in unison, fear rampant in those deep, dark, knowing eyes.

  Finally, Easton found a solid wall under a reinforced steel beam, the other corner of the stall and the reason he’d chosen this spot in the first place. He pressed Portia against the wooden planks of the side, rain drifting in through the branches and pooling on the floor. Rain still hammered outside, beating the roof and the ground. He kept his back to the storm just as the tree crashed the rest of the way into the barn. Sliced the metal clear open as wind and sky flooded them with the unnatural sounds of raw power.

  Thick, sideways rain pelted inside, and the shifting tree brought a scream from Portia. He hugged her closer. The oak moved one last time, settling, in a surreal way almost sealing off the elements beyond.

  For now.

  Heart hammering in his chest, Easton’s body pressed against hers. He counted them lucky to have been out of the fall zone of the tree.

  Easton felt her inhale sharply, holding her breath for a long time. Noted the ragged pace of her heart as she loosed the breath. The release of air seemed to rival the strength of the storm.

  She leaned into him. To Easton, it seemed as though her body might melt into his. He felt the tension in her stance, the fear in her skin. Despite the near-deadly experience, he felt strangely calm as her light floral perfume wafted by him. A glimpse of normalcy.

  How he wanted to protect her against all threats and hardships. Weather. Health. Finances. All of it.

  Portia’s messy ponytail tickled his nose, reminding him of gentler times with this sexy woman. Of being in a bed—a true bed with her.

  He inhaled deeply, steeling himself against the pelting rain as he dared a look behind him to survey the damage.

  The structure of the barn was intact—they wouldn’t have to demolish the building. But the barn had received substantial damage from Hurricane Elliot.

  But all of that could wait. Portia softened beneath his touch. She reached her slender hand for his, entwining their fingers. He squeezed tightly and then dropped her hand. Thunder and wind assaulted their senses, but they were close enough for Easton to reassure his pounding heart that Portia hadn’t been hurt.