by Judy Jarvie
On impulse, and a tiny devil inside urged her on, Maddie found herself tempted to push him into the tub. The old Maddie would’ve done it in a blink. She would have now, if she’d been confident she wouldn’t drown him. If their prior kiss hadn’t happened.
Instead she merely made a threat in jest. ‘I should push you in and wipe that smile of your face.’
‘When all I’ve done is save you from drowning to The Weather Girls?’ Lyle stood showcasing that gladiator-styled body. He towelled himself off and she almost groaned watching as glossy skin and hard sinew competed for attention. Potency buzzed live between them as he wiped away that vanilla and rose fragranced foam and his grey searching eyes met hers.
Lyle walked past her to discard his towel but turned so swiftly it made her gasp aloud. She lost balance when he gripped her shoulders, and she realised she was captive in his arms.
‘No mercy, Maddie Adams. This time I’m throwing you in.’
Lyle watched Maddie pull a robe over her swimsuit. He could still feel the wet warmth of her skin tingling on his fingers.
He hadn’t pushed her into the spa; he wasn’t that cruel. He’d simply grasped her wrists at the last minute to make her gasp and scream. And he’d been millimetres from kissing her again thanks to his own impulsiveness. Holding her in his arms, in nothing but that clinging fabric, had been sweet sensational torture. When she’d slipped from his grasp to shower off her slippery layer of foam he’d been fired beyond reason and had clung like a desperate man to good sense.
Now water pearls glistened like crystal on her bronzed skin. His brain jumped to images of him tasting each droplet.
Commanding inner control he diverted from thoughts of swimsuits and forced his mind away from images of them both writhing in that soft, bubbly mass. He strode to the cupboard and pulled out a fresh robe for her which she accepted.
Lyle shook his head. ‘I’m glad we’re talking properly again. I felt like I should send out a search party for my old in-your-face nanny. The one who was feisty and fightable.’
Teasing and honesty were better than strained awkwardness. He coaxed her with a cajoling look and she half-smiled back.
‘You like to tease, Lyle.’
‘I’m teasing with the truth. Plus you like to bait me plenty. It’s not like you can’t take it or dish it out.’
Lyle stretched, flexed his body, then caught her gaze rise from his legs and up his body as a tiny gulp betrayed her. Her courage to stare spun away when she reached his chest.
He seized advantage. ‘I wanted to tell you how you’ve influenced me at work. I almost locked a supply company rep in the storeroom last week. He overdid the gingerbread Christmas trees – more than Santa Claus could handle – then tried to shirk blame. Bad move. Maybe he needs Maddie’s boot camp punishment? Shall I book him in for bubble wars?’
A smile tugged her lips as she tied her robe belt tight. ‘How long did you leave him in the gulag?’
‘No force employed, subtle persuasion only,’ Lyle stated softly. ‘I can be very convincing when I’m in the right. We came to an amicable agreement with a healthy discount from our next order.’ The look he threw her was loaded. Her eyes darting away then back registered a direct hit in his persuasion comment.
‘And if your head gets bigger you’ll float right across the pool.’ She faked derision.
‘Do you mind if I test out the floating theory with a swim?’ Lyle diverted his attention to the water.
‘It’s your pool. I’m going now. I’ve caused enough damage for one day.’
His heart kicked at the departure threat. ‘Don’t leave on my account. I figure you should stay here and make sure every bubble’s popped before you go. By the way, I’m kidding – in case you take me seriously and try to clean up.’
Lyle walked closer and pointed down to toes that were alternately painted in varied vivid shades of pink, from flamingo to hot candy. ‘Cute.’
‘Why limit yourself to just one bottle,’ she answered, regarding her own toes. ‘I guess that only applies to nail paint and not bathing products.’
‘But limits do stifle opportunity.’
Inwardly he congratulated himself on direct hit number two. Her narrowed eyes confirmed it.
‘I’m sensing a hidden point to these conversations. We’re on the same wavelength, remember? We’re being sensible.’
‘Yes, ma’am.’ He licked his lips. Her gaze stayed there. Then her tongue flicked to moisten her own lips.
‘Are you making a point here?’
‘Nope. Didn’t realise your toenails were off limits.’
They were close, toe to toe. Near enough to touch, to taste. To feel her heat and taste her sweet minty-fresh mouthwash. To reach out and grasp and claim as they had in his den. Now Lyle sorely wished he’d waited so he could seize advantage now. This time in swimsuits.
But he wouldn’t touch her unless she wanted it. He’d promised. He aimed to keep it. He wanted her to want him back just as hard. Next time she’d have no doubts.
She hesitated and turned to go.
‘Maddie, please don’t leave. Stay, shoot the breeze.’
‘I’m done.’ She shrugged but still lingered. ‘If I don’t get this hair combed out it turns wild and interesting. It’s too wilful for its own good. Just like you.’
Lyle grinned. ‘That’s what I want. Old Maddie and her rapier tongue putting me firmly in my place. Let your wild side back out; buttoned up doesn’t suit you so well. The swimsuit looks amazing by the way.’
Lyle walked to the shower reaffirming to himself he’d come in here to mend broken fences. Not to provoke her. Yet the more he strived for engagement the more it spurred him on. He wanted to make her fully aware that he’d keep his word, but he wouldn’t run or hide from the chemistry.
Sticking to boundaries with this woman in close proximity challenged everything. Especially his peace of mind, when she pushed away a sleek cord of dark, damp hair that tortured his testosterone to new limits.
Lyle saw that strand of hair cling to her neck and he longed to reach for it. Push his hands into those warm, wet strands. Kiss her and lower her onto the poolside lounger right now.
Lyle switched on the pool shower and let the sprays blast him. Wishing he could just pull her with him – vowing he’d only do so when she asked. Or her eyes told him she was willing.
Did she want this just as badly?
‘I best go and change. Then maybe you can brief me fully about the launch over coffee? I’ll make us some.’
‘Better than that, I’ll take you over there myself later. Sound okay?’
‘Sounds good.’
‘On one condition,’ Lyle warned. ‘You relax with me. We stay as we were, okay? No more awkward stuff.’
‘Okay, boss. Always nagging, never content to settle,’ she muttered.
‘Why settle? When demanding more makes sense?’
Lyle strode to the pool to dive and slice through its calm blue surface. He swam hard for three lengths and when he re-emerged Maddie had gone. In his mind he could still picture every pink toenail. Her skin covered in that crazy, snow-white foam. Every appealing inch of toned leg was etched in his mind. Best of all he could remember the longing he’d seen, despite her evasion.
He’d push inch by inch – until she seized courage. Until she realised resistance was plain crazy. Until she swam beyond her self-imposed ideals, and finally took that plunge.
Maddie stood outside the historic castle frontage of a very grand, old country house hotel and stared back at Lyle. His face gave nothing away, but she could see a hint of sparkle in those grey eyes that were usually so steely.
‘What are you up to, Lyle? Why are we here? I thought we were heading to the Grassmarket Café to work?’
Lyle pocketed his keys and linked his hand into hers. ‘C’mon. All in good time. First I’ve booked you an appointment. Consider it a reward.’
Maddie followed him over the crunchy gravel drive and tried to stead
y a heartbeat that was now waivering in uncertainty.
What was he up to?
‘What have I done to deserve a reward? It can’t be the Jacuzzi.’
Lyle laughed and when they reached it, he opened the hotel’s grand entrance door wide. ‘Oh ye of little faith. Come in out of the cold and stop thinking the worst.’
They walked into an ultra chic and plush reception and Lyle was greeted by the staff like an old friend. He was soon heading off up a sumptuously carpeted corridor, obviously well-acquainted with the place.
‘You jumped to my aid to look after my son. Plus you’ve agreed to help on the launch also. I figured, as Josh isn’t here, the least I could do was reward your hard work. You hinted at never having been pampered at a spa before. Well, now’s your chance. Three hours with Demelza and I guarantee you’ll be floating on air.’
They arrived at a beautiful marble annexe to the hotel. Glass, stripped wood, opulent silks and textiles, bamboo screens. Glimpses of an azure pool with rainbow lighting and a rope swing beside a plunge pool. Heaven!
‘You’ve brought me here for spa treatments?’ She quickly thanked fate she’d just shaved her legs as she stared around in wonder.
‘Finest Edinburgh has to offer.’ Lyle said, flicking the receptionist a gold membership card. ‘You’re booked for the full Icelandic Indulgence package. I think Demelza mentioned something about hot stones.’
‘What about a swimsuit, what about you, what about work?’
Lyle put up a stalling hand. ‘For three hours forget the worries and enjoy yourself. As to the swimsuit Demelza will find you something in the boutique and add it to my bill. You can really splurge and go for the pedicure in rainbow colours. Whatever you want, just tell your new fairy godmother.’
Maddie could only nod. Nod and marvel at having the most amazing, fantastic, luxurious hotel she’d ever set foot in in her life at her own private disposal.
‘You’re not planning on coming in with me and watching me as torture, are you, Lyle?’
Lyle laid a hand on her arm. ‘I’m heading to the gym. Then I’ll be in the suite right next door, ironing out an old sports injury kink. So don’t moan too loud, the walls are very thin. We can meet up for a drink when you’re done. And I expect to find you floating on luxury, imported air. Here comes Demelza now, to whisk you off to paradise.’
Lyle watched her emerge post pamper-a-thon and it took everything he had not to hug her.
The enormous fluffy robe lent her a soft, adorable air. Her face glowed with health, vigour and no doubt rather a lot of expensive spa treatments extracted from every part of the globe.
But the best thing of all was her hair – mussed up, spiky and coated in the masseuse’s special aromatic red mud. She’d had an orgasmic head rub and it showed.
Lyle nodded to the waiter who produced a glass of champagne for Maddie in a blink. ‘Good treatment, was it?’ said Lyle, reclining in his basketweave chair, still in his own robe.
‘Uh … more than good … so good I still can’t force my brain to spoil things by talking.’
‘You look knocked out,’ he remarked.
‘Better than sex,’ she breathed.
‘Honey, I wouldn’t go that far.’
‘How does she work that magic with her fingers? It’s like my body’s turned into velvet heaven.’
‘Maddie, keep your voice down. I don’t want to lose my membership here. Or my sanity.’
Lyle grinned. Watched her sip her champagne and close her eyes. He wanted her so badly. Seeing her this way, relaxed and glowing like a perfect garden rosebud about to unfurl was worth the money and effort of arranging this surprise at the last moment and calling in favours to get it.
‘Maddie,’ he said softly and gently touched her shoulder. ‘You’re falling asleep. And the waiter’s here for you to order lunch.’
Maddie opened just one eye, blinked and blushed as she was handed her menu card to choose from. ‘Now I know what true paradise feels like. Thanks for introducing me to the finer things, Lyle.’
‘Don’t thank me,’ Lyle answered. ‘Just choose. Back rubs make me ravenous.’
With the appeal of a very content and sleepy Persian kitten, Maddie Adams, for once, did as she was told.
The organisation of the Grassmarket Café’s launch was very far from complete. In fact, it was galaxies away and at this rate they’d be lucky if a single reporter came for free finger food.
Lyle wanted a ‘must attend’ event with media presence and buzz. Nice theory but reality bit hard with iron teeth.
Maddie realised fast on checking the file she’d have her work cut out. Her spirits sagged despite the morning’s energising attentions. So much for her chance to prove herself.
As Lyle drove her to The Grassmarket Ice Café she chanced a sidelong look up from the file she’d been reading. ‘I think I’ll need to refine things to pull in the press interest. Will that be acceptable?’
Subtext – we’re floundering a lot. About to capsize.
Lyle watched her as he shifted gears and drummed his hands on the wheel. ‘Just as long as you keep the Ice Café concept prominent. We want to get word out that we’re open and we’re a different brand.’
The planning file noted entertainment requirements – an ice sculptor, light ball jugglers, performers and a DJ. But that was where the innovation ended. She kept her reservations silent but knew fast, creative thinking was vital.
And just when she thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. As Lyle parked up, he passed her his cell phone to hear a saved message. ‘The DJ cancelled yesterday, here’s his call. We’ll need to make rearrangements to fill the gap.’
Maddie resisted the urge to scream or say rude words. ‘This project’s in a mess which surprises me. You usually have everything so well under control.’
‘The agency I hired will be hearing from my lawyer.’ Lyle pursed his lips – a mouth that had kissed her and warranted full reciprocation, firing her like crazy and making their intimacy impossible to erase. Watching that mouth again still inspired internal tremors. Lap upon lap in the swimming pool hadn’t eased her preoccupation.
‘You’re project manager. I know you’ll go the distance to make this soar.’ His expression told her he was firm and she had his trust – progress. ‘Do what you think is warranted.’
They left the car and approached the café, just as a glamorous woman in a scarlet coat and patent heels arrived, smiling at Lyle. She waved as she strutted over the cobblestone road from her flashy sports car.
Lyle looked at Maddie. ‘Meet Heather, my sister.’
‘Hey, cavalry’s here. Let’s get cracking, shall we?’ Heather Sutherland said with a wide smile, holding out her hand. ‘You must be Maddie.’
‘Heather’s your backup. She runs a dating agency so events management is her forte; nothing fazes Heather. Just don’t let her take over like she tries to do with me. You’re the boss.’
‘My brother’s his usual charming self.’ Heather smiled. Her dark curly hair and piercing grey eyes matched her sibling’s. ‘Glad to finally meet you. Lyle’s raved about his American super nanny. So let’s go rescue launch night.’
Maddie was relieved when Lyle left to go to the winter market café. It gave her respite. At least she and Heather could brainstorm without inhibitions about Lyle’s reactions. Or his presence haunting her every move.
Maddie tapped her pen on her pad with growing force. ‘What we need is a special guest to attend, but that’s tricky given the deadline. The budget won’t run to a big fee and I don’t have any celebrity contacts. You?’
Heather narrowed her eyes. ‘I have one press puller client, Ewan McQueen.’ Heather drew a magazine from her handbag and thumbed to a glossy feature showing a shirtless tennis star wielding a racket. ‘National tennis legend and number one ranking eligible bachelor. I organise his escorts for high profile functions. He owes me a few favours as it happens.’
Maddie stared. ‘You know him well enoug
h to ensure he attends?’
Heather scrunched her nose up and lovingly stroked her trend-to-the-minute cell phone. ‘I can be very convincing. String pulling, my dear Maddie, is my specialty. Of course, I may have to drag him out on the town to get a yes. He likes a good time.’
‘Well, if you work on that I’ll focus on finding a new DJ. Luckily my uncle employs a guy who’s a wedding DJ as a hobby.’ Stefano had his uses; he’d been doing weekend functions for years. Two ticks on the long list providing Stef and Ewan McQueen were free.
‘There’s something else,’ said Heather tapping her lips. ‘How about a fashion show interval to add some glamour?’
Maddie liked Heather – her lively, quick mind. But could they really pull all this off? ‘We’ve booked some local dancers. I suppose we could use them as models. What were you thinking?’
‘My designer friend would welcome free publicity so I’m sure I could get her on board. Plus her stuff is amazing: bags, accessories, jewellery. Lyle wants the Ice Café theme prominent so precious metals, ice whites and glass would work. Think space-age. If we source white and silvery spandex catsuits it could work. What do you think?’
‘I think it sounds perfect.’ Maddie answered.
‘Sexy?’ Heather pushed.
Would Lyle like a sexy, space-age catwalk show at his launch? Was he into sexy? Her mind skidded to her memory of him newly showered.
Maddie kept to herself that she thought Heather’s brother had sex appeal enough all on his own. How would Heather react if she knew she’d kissed him?
‘What about Ice Café Intros – speed dating?’ Heather was clearly on a roll. ‘Why not throw a speed dating theme in?’
‘Explain how it could work.’ Maddie was mindful that Lyle had warned her to rein Heather in. But it was only fair to hear her out first.
‘I regularly organise dating nights. Small select dinner parties with carefully chosen successful singles, with entertainment icebreakers like murder mysteries and jazz nights. I could invite some clients along for a speed dating launch and stipulate everyone has to come dressed in white and silver. A hot bachelor compère in a white tux – Ewan McQueen. What do you think?’
