by Leanne Banks
She looked up at him and began pushing the stroller again. “Are you a nap person?”
“I can be, but I’ll only go fifteen minutes tops.”
“When I sleep, I like it to last for hours and hours without interruption,” she said.
“Says the single mother of a baby,” he said with a nod of understanding. “There’s a reason sleep deprivation is used as a form of torture.”
“It’s really much better than those first couple of months. It helps if I look back at how things were when I first came home from the hospital with him. I have Nanny and she’s an enormous help.”
“And the solar system on the ceiling,” he added with a half grin.
That half grin made her stomach take a dip. She looked away. “Yes, the solar system.” She turned silent and fretted over her feelings.
“You don’t need to be uncomfortable with me because of what happened the other night,” he said.
Upset by his ridiculous comment, she rounded on him. “Of course I’m uncomfortable with you. I tried to seduce you and you didn’t want me in return. The situation is beyond awkward and—”
“I didn’t say I didn’t want you,” he said. “I just know I can’t have you. It’s for the best.”
Her heart skipped a beat when he confessed in a double negative sort of way that some part of him perhaps did want her. Her heart seemed to want to ignore the latter part of what he’d just said. Her heart was being very foolish, she told herself and she closed her eyes, shaking her head. “I’m not sure talking about this is going to help,” she said, and opened her eyes. “But I’m doing some things to help alleviate my...” She took another breath. “Complete humiliation.”
“Ericka...” he said.
She lifted her hand to cut him off. “Please. If we must talk, choose another subject.” She turned the stroller around and headed for the cottage at a brisk pace.
Treat stayed right by her side. “How do you like those Broncos?”
She glanced at him in confusion. “Broncos? What on earth—”
“You said change the subject. I said the first thing that came to mind. Denver Broncos,” he said. “Football.”
“Oh, American football,” she said. “I remember that Valentina’s husband is a big fan, but he favors another team. Rangers?” she guessed.
“That’s baseball. Sounds like he could be a Texas fan,” he said.
“Texans. That’s what it is,” she said. “And Ackies?”
“Aggies. That’s college football. They’re from Texas, too,” he said.
“Where are these Broncos from?” she asked. “Didn’t you grow up in Texas?”
“Yes, but I had to expand my loyalties when I played pro for Kansas City,” he said.
“I didn’t realize you played professionally. Was Kansas City a good team?” she asked.
“They were pretty good when I was with them, but I was on the injured list way too often,” he said.
“Does it ever hurt?” she asked. “Wherever you were injured,” she said.
He chuckled. “I got injured all over my body at one time or another, so I’d be in bad shape if I hurt all over. But my left knee took the worst of it. I work out every day, but I can tell you when it’s going to rain because my knee lets me know.”
“How upset were you when you had to quit playing?” she asked.
“I was pretty disappointed, but I didn’t have time to mope. With no family left, I didn’t have a place to land. I had to switch gears as quickly as possible. Luckily I had a buddy who wanted a partner for a security business. I lived on SpaghettiOs for a while, but I’m eating better now.”
“SpaghettiOs?” she echoed.
“Spaghetti and meatballs in a can,” he said.
“Oh, that sounds disgusting,” she said. “Your palate must be destroyed from that. No wonder you turn down Simon’s food.”
“I’m sure Simon’s food is delicious. I just don’t want you to think you’ve got to feed me. I can handle that.”
She nodded. “I’m curious. How do you handle that? What do you eat?”
He rubbed his jaw as if her question made him uncomfortable. “Nothing you would want,” he said.
“Okay,” she said. “But answer my question.”
He sighed. “I didn’t want you to know that I eat a lot of peanut butter and canned soup.”
She wrinkled her nose. “That’s ridiculous. You’re so determined to stay away from me in the cottage that you give up gourmet food for peanut butter. Unless you’re eating peanut butter and bacon. Otherwise you deserve your bad food,” she told him.
He stared at her in surprise.
“I feel better now. And look, we’re at the gate so you can go back to your man cave and eat some peanut butter. Ciao,” she said as she pushed the stroller to the front door. Pulling Leo up into her arms, she hugged him close. “When you grow up to be a man, try not to drive women crazy,” she told him.
Leo looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes and smiled. Her heart swelled with love. “Oh, darn. You’re already too gorgeous. The female race is doomed,” she said, then kissed his chubby cheek.
Ericka divided the rest of her day between caring for Leo and doing work for the palace. She would likely be out late tonight due to the Christmas Art Show, and she tried to balance the demands of childcare with Nanny so that Nanny wouldn’t become overwhelmed. Ericka treasured Nanny’s presence and was actually a bit terrified of losing her. She couldn’t imagine replacing the sweet woman.
As she showered and fixed her hair and make-up, she felt a mixture of emotions. Part of her regretted her decision. What had she been thinking? She wasn’t ready to start dating and she truly didn’t have time for it. At the same time, a shot of excitement raced through her when she picked out an emerald-green dress she’d worn pre-pregnancy from her closet, and it fit.
It hit her that she had totally lost confidence in herself. Before her marriage, she’d had plenty of male admirers. Since her divorce and pregnancy, when she looked in the mirror she saw a tired woman, dumped by her husband, with zero sex appeal. Because she’d been so busy trying to take care of Leo and make a life for her baby and herself, she hadn’t realized how much her husband’s betrayal had affected her self-esteem as a woman.
Ericka closed her eyes for a moment then looked in the mirror. Maybe it was time to push the reset button. She was no longer the young naive woman who’d married her husband and agreed to follow wherever he led. True, she was often tired and felt more vulnerable than she liked. But she was stronger now.
* * *
Treat wasn’t all that comfortable with the event tonight. He was accustomed to Ericka staying in the cottage with the baby. Although he knew he shouldn’t care, he did. He worked out, took care of online reports, showered and shaved, but he still didn’t feel great about tonight. He needed to keep his feelings hidden, however. He dressed in slacks, dress shirt, tie and sport jacket. That should do the trick. At least for tonight.
He went outside and waited for the car from the palace. He understood that he would be riding in the front with the driver while some Italian businessman rode in the back with Ericka. The thought of it made him lose his taste for everything, but he needed to conceal his feelings.
The expansive limousine arrived and Treat waved them into a spot in front. He held up the universal sign for stop then went into the cottage. Nanny was holding Leo. “Is she ready?” he asked.
“I think so,” Nanny said as she walked down the hallway. “I think your vehicle has arrived, miss,” she called to a closed door.
The door flung open and Nanny gasped. “You’re so beautiful.”
Ericka rounded the corner in the hall and smiled. “You’re so sweet,” Ericka said, and then walked down the hall in a formal emerald-green dress and a cre
am-colored stole.
Treat succeeded in staring at her without dropping his jaw, but it was tough. She looked more beautiful than a beauty queen. She looked like a princess.
She glanced at him and nodded. “Good evening,” she said. “I may need a little extra help getting in and out of the palace vehicle. I haven’t been wearing heels much lately.”
“I can do that,” he said.
“Thank you,” she said, walking toward Nanny and Leo. She pressed a kiss against the baby’s cheek, leaving a lipstick stain that many men would welcome, including himself.
Treat escorted her to the vehicle and Mr. Italian stepped outside. He was a not-too-young man with model looks and a muscular frame. Treat had wondered if Antonio was just a pretty face, but apparently the man operated several companies.
Antonio bowed slightly then took Ericka’s hand and lifted it to his lips.
At that moment, Treat hated Antonio.
“You look very beautiful, Your Highness. Please allow me to assist you into the limousine.”
She met his gaze and smiled. “Thank you so very much, Antonio. I appreciate your help.”
And Treat hated the man even more.
The couple neglected to close the window between the driver and backseat, so Treat was able to hear nearly every word Antonio and Ericka exchanged. Antonio flirted. Ericka responded lightly. Antonia flirted more. Ericka smiled and sat closer to him.
He couldn’t stand it when she smiled at Antonio. It made him want to break every window in the car, but he held it all in. He had a job to do.
Treat escorted the couple into the event for the Christmas Art Exhibit. As Ericka allowed Antonio to hold her hand, he clenched his fists together. The two of them wandered through the exhibit, studying and discussing the works of art.
After a time, Antonio grabbed two glasses of champagne and offered one to Ericka. She accepted, smiled and clicked her glass against his.
Antonio pressed a kiss against her wrist and it lasted a few seconds too long for Treat. Frowning, he wondered if Ericka was asking for more than she wanted to deliver.
Should he question her?
At the same time, Treat was concerned that Antonio might be expecting more from the end of the night than he might get. He forced himself to block out his jealous feelings and focused on his job as protector.
Another hour passed and he watched as Antonio kissed her hands and drew her against him. Ericka laughed and appeared to flirt with him. Treat could tell that Antonio was becoming more intent and drawn in by Ericka.
Antonio finally took a break and dismissed himself, most likely to the restroom. Treat approached Ericka. “May I have a word with you?” he asked.
“Of course,” she said, and allowed him to guide her to the lobby of the art center. “Is there a problem?”
“There could be,” he said. “I’m concerned that Antonio may want more from you than you want to give.”
She lifted her chin. “Maybe I can deliver what he wants. At least he finds me attractive and he’s not afraid to admit it.”
Treat ground his teeth. “I’m not afraid to admit my attraction for you,” he told her. “I’m just trying to draw a line of professionalism.”
“Enjoy that line,” she told him and turned away.
“Ericka,” he said, tugging her arm.
The princess glanced down at his hand on her arm. “Yes?”
He pulled her closer and pressed his mouth against hers, sliding his tongue inside, tasting and taking her. She was deliciously sweet in a forbidden way. She tasted like sin and heaven at the same time.
He forced himself to draw back and looked deep in her eyes.
“You are such a pain in the butt,” she said breathlessly, and stalked away from him.
Treat stared after her, completely aroused. This cake assignment was turning into his worst nightmare.
* * *
Ericka tried her very best to pay attention to Antonio, but he mind was stuck on the kiss she’d shared with Treat. Her lips burned, her heart hammered and all her womanly places swelled and moistened. Staring into Antonio’s lustful eyes, she couldn’t summon the least bit of interest.
“Antonio,” she said. “I’m so sorry, but I think I should leave. I’m not feeling well.”
“You are ill?” he asked, his brown eyes tilting in concern.
“The nanny for my son has been sick. I hope I haven’t caught her cold.” That much was true, although Ericka was suffering from a different kind of illness. Complete lust for her bodyguard.
“I’m so sorry, but I think I should go home,” she said.
Disappointment crossed Antonio’s handsome face. “Of course,” he said. “Let’s leave right away.”
Antonio escorted Ericka to the palace limo with such a gentlemanly attitude that she felt guilty. At the same time, she knew she shouldn’t lead him on. They rode quietly through the streets of Chantaine toward her cottage. Finally, they passed through the gates and the doors of the limo opened.
Antonio attempted a passionate kiss, but Ericka couldn’t find it in herself to pretend. She pulled back and smiled. “Thank you. I really should go.”
“Call me if you change your mind,” he said.
“Good night,” she said as she stepped out of the car.
Treat took her hand and helped her stand.
As the limo rode away, Treat turned away. “Regrets? You wish you had stayed with him?”
“You made that plenty difficult when you kissed me,” she said.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have,” he said.
“Don’t start with that now,” she said. “My American brother-in-law once gave me a great quote. Go big or go home. What are you going to do?”
“If I followed my professional guidance, I would walk you to the cottage door and go back to my room,” he said.
She crossed her arms over her chest. If he rejected her again...
“If I follow every other urge and need, I would take you back to my room and make love to you.”
She bit the inside of her lip. “What are you going to do?”
“Are you sure you want this?” he asked her. “Because once I take you into that room, I’m not going to want to stop.”
Ericka bit her lip. She couldn’t remember a time that she’d wanted a man more than at this moment. “Take me with you,” she whispered.
Sweeping her into his arms, he took her to his room and bed, releasing her onto his mattress. “You’re so beautiful. You have no idea,” he said, pulling off his tie, jacket, shirt and slacks.
Ericka’s heart slammed so hard against her chest she couldn’t find any words to respond to him. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
“Just tell me what you want,” he told her. “Because I want to give it to you.”
How could she say that all she wanted was him? She took several deep breaths and swallowed hard. “You,” she finally managed. “All I want is you.”
She slid her hands over his muscular chest and arms and lower.
“Oh, Ericka, you’re too much, but you make me want more,” he said.
He kissed her and caressed her body with his hands and mouth. Every breath, every heartbeat made him want more of her. Her lips tasted like cherries and felt like sex.
“You’re just too good,” he said.
“I want you,” she said, sliding hers hands down between his legs.
Treat nearly burst out of control, but he reined himself in. “I’m trying to pace myself,” he told her, covering her hands with his.
“Don’t do that,” she said, meeting his gaze. “Give me all of you.”
Her expression nearly sent him over the edge, but he hung on long enough to put on protection. Then he pushed her sweet white thighs apart an
d plunged inside.
She gasped.
He stopped. “Okay?”
She closed her eyes, then wriggled against him.
He swallowed a groan. “What are you doing?” he muttered.
“You. I’m doing you,” she said. She wriggled again as she lifted her mouth to his.
That’s when Treat lost control. He just wanted her way too much. Thrusting inside her, he watched her as her eyes darkened in arousal.
She felt so good and tasted so sweet, he thought as he clutched Ericka’s derriere, then flew into the most intimate moment he’d ever experienced. He flew high in the sky and wanted more than anything to take Ericka with him.
“Come with me,” he urged, sliding his hands over her sweet body.
When he felt that she hadn’t gone over the top, he slid his hand between their bodies. She wiggled against him. Again and again.
“Give me you,” he said. “Give me you.” He continued to rub her sweet spot and she clung to him.
Finally she clenched and rippled against him, her climax producing a ricochet through her to him. “Oh,” she whispered. “Wow.”
He couldn’t help smiling at her response at he pulled her against him. “Yeah. Oh. Wow.”
Chapter Nine
“You know this wasn’t the wisest thing for us to do,” he said. “I don’t want anything to damage your reputation. I’m not concerned about my own situation—”
“Oh, stop being a saint and stop trying to play my big brother when you’re my lover,” she said.
“I’m not trying to play your big brother,” he told her. “But it’s my job to protect you.”
Sighing, she pushed her hair behind her ear. “It’s lovely of you to protect me, but I’d rather you make love to me.”
“But you need to make a decision. Do you want to keep this between you and me? Or do you want it public?”
Frowning, she sighed again. “I actually don’t want anyone in my business. I don’t want anyone studying Leo. I don’t want anyone analyzing you and me under a microscope. It’s strange, but I feel protective of my relationship of you and me. Do we need a contract for this?” she asked.
