The Name of the Game

by Jennifer Dawson

  “What way?” She tested the doneness, deciding the cookies were perfect.

  “You’re not a fantasy, Gracie.” He came up behind her and put his arms around her and she melted into his strong chest. “Admit I’m different.”

  She took a deep breath. “You are.”

  He kissed her temple. “We’re going to have to talk about us soon.”

  All her muscles tensed and he ran his hands up and down her arms, soothing her.

  “I’m not ready.”

  “You’re afraid.” A simple, straightforward statement; like the man himself.

  “Yes.” Why bother denying it, he already knew the truth.

  He squeezed her tight. “Me too.”

  She twisted, turning to face him. “You are?”

  He nodded. “This is more complicated than I expected.”

  “Yes, it is.” Her other timer dinged. She pulled back. “Duty calls.”

  “Saved by the bell.” He released her and she moved to her ovens. Behind her he asked, “Have you given a Chicago bakery any more thought?”

  She pulled the sheet cake from the oven and put it onto the cooling rack. He’d made the suggestion a couple times but she didn’t see how that was possible. She shrugged. “Not really.”

  There was a long moment of silence before he said, “Okay. I’m going to go for a run.”

  Happy to change the subject, she put a smile on her face and turned to him. “How many miles?”

  He shrugged. “I’m thinking ten.”

  “Ten! That’s insane.” She moved to the oven and pulled out her cupcakes. “What is the matter with you? Didn’t I wear you out last night?”

  He laughed. “Actually, I’ve never had more energy.”

  “You’re sick and demented.”

  “So you keep telling me.”

  She grinned. “I’ll make you the peanut butter and chocolate protein bars while you’re gone. I have just enough time to make sure they’re set before you get back.”

  He grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, giving her a long, hard kiss. “God, I adore you.”

  And just like that all the air sucked from her lungs.

  She was in love with him.

  For the first time in her life she was completely, head over heels in love. And she had no idea what to do about it.

  James observed the progress the construction team had made on his brother’s vacation home, while Shane panted for breath next to him.

  Shane put his hands on his knees and heaved out, “You fucking suck.”

  James grinned, and leaned up against a tree. “It’s good for you.”

  “You’re a sadist,” Shane said, sweat trickling down his temples.

  “So I’ve been told.” James wiped his own sweaty face. Sure, it had been a hard ten miles but it hadn’t been that bad. Given his late night, he’d actually gone at a more leisurely pace. “I took it easy on you.”

  Shane rolled his eyes and finally managed to catch his breath. “Whatever.”

  James chuckled. “If you ran with me more often maybe you’d be in better shape.”

  “I’m in fine shape, compared to normal people.”

  True, Shane didn’t have an ounce of fat on his body. He’d always been blessed with the good genes and hardly had to work at it at all. Unlike James, who, even after all these years, would go flabby in an instant if he didn’t work at it.

  James pointed to the house, a white frame home that sprawled over the large lot, with a big wraparound porch and plantation shutters. “They’ve made good progress.”

  “Yeah, should be done soon. They started on the drywall last week,” Shane said.

  They were silent for a bit, and the cold November air chilled James’s skin.

  Shane finally cast him a sideways glance. “So, what’s going on with you and Gracie?”

  Something. Although he was unclear how to define their relationship. But it was clear this wasn’t the easy, uncomplicated fling he’d envisioned. Nor was she going to wear off given enough time.

  If it ended, or when it ended, it would be messy.

  He was starting to need her. She was the last person he talked to each night and the first thing he thought of when he woke up. He wanted more, but she seemed content to drift along, and he didn’t want to push it yet. He understood her now, how she thought and felt. What she believed. He’d learned enough about her past to figure out that commitment terrified her, and instinct warned him to take baby steps.

  But he already knew his own truth. He was keeping her. He just had to figure out how.

  Realizing his brother watched him, James shrugged. “Nothing that concerns you.”

  Shane laughed. “You always were a talker.”

  “Want to show me around inside?”

  “Is it serious?” His older brother was the mother hen of the family and couldn’t quite break the habit of worrying about them even though they were all grown, successful adults.

  Normally, James would shut down this line of questioning, but he wanted something from his brother and he would have to pay to get it. James jutted his chin toward the house. “Can we at least get out of the cold?”

  “Wuss.” Shane grinned and pulled the key out of a hidden pocket in his pants.

  They bounded up the stairs and entered the house, with its wide-open spaces and high ceilings. Even with the drywall only partially installed, James could tell the house would be spectacular. His brother would have it no other way.

  They walked across the plywood to the back of the house where the kitchen would be. It had floor-to-ceiling arched windows that overlooked the backyard. Shane had the trees cleared away so the river was visible. The view was scenic and peaceful and James could imagine working for hours in the quiet tranquility.

  He smiled. “Dad would have loved this.”

  Shane propped himself up against the structure that would be an island. “Yeah, he always talked about a place where he could experience small town life.”

  Truth was, their dad would never have been able to afford anything like this. Finances hadn’t been his strong suit, but none of them held it against him, not even Shane, who’d worked to the bone to ensure they didn’t lose everything.

  “Has mom seen the house since the frame was completed?”

  Shane rested his hands on the plywood where a countertop would eventually be. “Are you going to avoid the question forever?”

  Reprieve up, James sighed. “I think it might be serious.”

  “I’m not surprised,” Shane said.

  That got James’s attention. “I sure as hell am.”

  “She turned Evan down at Maddie’s wedding. After that I knew it was a matter of time.”

  James didn’t want to think about his younger brother hitting on Gracie. He could handle the countless men who constantly wanted her, but the visual of Gracie and Evan, their heads close together, was still an unpleasant memory.

  He looked out the window. “I need a favor.”

  “Anything.” The word was absolute. That was the way Shane was. If it was in his power, he’d walk through fire for any of them.

  James turned away from the window and faced his brother. “You know Gracie has been overrun with orders from Chicago.”

  Shane nodded. “Cecilia told me.”

  “I think she should consider opening a storefront in Chicago.” The idea had germinated soon after her first visit, but no matter how many times he suggested that as a possible solution to her current problems, she’d rejected the idea.

  Shane cocked a brow. “And it puts her in Chicago.”

  “I won’t pretend I don’t have ulterior motives.” If James wanted a relationship with her, it made logical sense she’d have to move to Chicago. She had the beginnings of a thriving business, a clientele already recommending her, and James couldn’t move to Revival. He had tenure at one of the most prestigious universities in the country.

  “Have you talked to her about this?” Shane asked.

&nbs
p; “I’ve suggested it, but she’s reluctant to discuss it.”

  Shane scrubbed a hand over his jaw. “Have you pressed?”

  James shook his head. “As you’ve pointed out, I can hardly be objective.”

  “And how do you think I can help?”

  The truth was, James didn’t know how Shane could, but he had to start somewhere. “You are one of the most successful businessmen in Chicago. Maybe you could talk through the options with her? Then it’s not me wanting to change her life, but one business person to another.”

  Shane tilted his head to the side and got that faraway expression he wore when working something out in his head. James waited patiently and didn’t interrupt.

  After what seemed an eternity, Shane said, “Even though she’s got an established business here, she can’t make much money. This is a small town and though she has no overhead, people can only eat so many cakes. Even if she’s open to the idea, I doubt she’ll have the capital to open a storefront. Chicago is an expensive place to do business, especially when you’re used to the cost of living in a small town.”

  James scrubbed a hand over his jaw. See, this was why he stuck to academics. He’d been so focused on getting her to discuss the possibility he hadn’t thought through the business side of the equation. “I hadn’t thought about that.”

  “Business 101, Jimmy.”

  “I missed that class in school.” The flare of hope burning in his gut died a quick death. “So you don’t think it’s feasible that she could move her business to Chicago.”

  Shane shrugged. “I don’t know her financial situation, but it’s doubtful. I do, however, have a solution.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’ll front her.”

  James blinked and shook his head. “I can’t ask you to do that.”

  “She’s Gracie. People are already clamoring for her. She bakes like she’s got magic in her hands, everyone that lays eyes on her loves her, and my future wife happens to be some sort of public relations guru.” Shane’s expression turned pleased and satisfied. “I’ll get the money back and even if I don’t, I can eat it.”

  Said with the confidence of the very rich.

  James wasn’t quite sure how much money his brother actually had, and never asked, but he made their pro-football-player brother look like he made peanuts.

  That hope once again flamed anew. It was a solution and James needed a solution. “Do you think she’ll go for it?”

  Shane nodded. “We’ll devise a plan she can’t refuse.”

  James mulled it over, liking the idea more and more. If they did the work for her and gave her the financial support to make it happen, as a businesswoman she’d have to consider the opportunity. James nodded. “All right, what’s the next step?”

  Shane grinned and rubbed his hands together in almost maniacal glee. “I’ll put Penelope on it first thing Monday.”

  Penelope had worked as Shane’s right hand for years, but she was also Maddie’s best friend.

  “Can we trust her not to say anything?” That James asked that particular question should have been a warning, but he was too intent on finally hitting on the perfect solution to care.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  It had been a crazy couple of weeks and Gracie had worked like a madwoman. She smiled at Harmony, who’d been by her side through the whole thing, helping her in ways Gracie hadn’t even imagined. “Have I told you how happy I am you came to town?”

  Harmony laughed, the sound like music. “Only every day. You’re getting lax on the compliments.” She walked over to the mixer, flicked off the lever, and silence descended over the kitchen.

  “I’ll try and show more appreciation.” Gracie grinned at her.

  She couldn’t be happier with Harmony’s performance and she was a dream to work with. She was good-natured, hardworking, and blushed easily, giving Gracie endless hours of fun teasing her. They worked side by side in both companionable silence and friendly camaraderie. Harmony had taken over almost all of Gracie’s routine baking duties so she could concentrate on the two elaborate cakes she had to deliver to Chicago.

  Two more cakes and she’d be done until after Christmas. At the beginning of the New Year she’d have to put serious thought into a business plan. This constant traveling wouldn’t work as a long-term solution.

  Her phone beeped, signaling an incoming text from James. When will you be done?

  Since he was a man who liked silence and her house was nothing but a racket, he’d set up the garage apartment as an office space so he could work on the publications he needed to complete over the school break. Despite the craziness, they spent every last minute with each other, and her fear about the depth of their relationship continued to mount. Another subject she was putting off until after the New Year.

  Gracie smiled at his text and Harmony chuckled. “There’s only one person who makes you smile like that. The professor must be out of his cave.”

  Gracie texted back. I’m finishing up, maybe fifteen minutes. Was it ridiculous that it seemed like a lifetime? Probably, but she didn’t care. She loved him and she was going to enjoy it. While he was here, she’d vowed to throw herself into him, unreservedly and freely, until he forced her to deal with the future.

  She’d worry about that later; now she just wanted to see him. Gracie beamed at Harmony. “Is it that obvious?”

  “Yes, but it’s adorable,” the other woman said.

  Her phone beeped again. Good. Please report to my office in 30 minutes, dressed appropriately.

  Hmmm, what did that mean? Something good, she was sure. A rush of heat washed over her. How was it possible he was this much fun? To think, six months ago she’d believed he didn’t have a fun bone in his body. Appropriately?

  Almost panting, she waited a full minute for his response. I’m very disappointed with your term paper, Ms. Roberts. Proper discipline is required.

  Instantly her professor fantasies sprang to mind, and if she hadn’t been leaning against the counter, she would have melted into a pool of butter on the floor.

  Harmony whistled. “Ohhh . . . What’s that about?”

  Another text. I trust you won’t be late, or suffer additional consequences. Professor Donovan.

  Gracie’s knees actually weakened. She licked her lips. All that control—she shivered—when properly channeled, was the most delicious thing she’d ever experienced. “Um . . .” Gracie looked around as a low throb took up residence between her legs. “Could you finish up here?”

  Harmony raised one dark brow. “With the look on your face, I’d be cruel not to.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  Harmony waved her toward the door. “Go have fun with your dreamy boyfriend.”

  The term gave Gracie pause; she’d never heard anyone refer to him that way before. Something else to ponder when she wasn’t raging with desire. She sighed. “He is dreamy, isn’t he?”

  Harmony laughed. “Yes, and apparently very creative.”

  “He has his moments.” Gracie clutched her phone in her hands.

  “Go, go, before you pass out.”

  Gracie practically flew upstairs, searching frantically through her closet for the perfect outfit. She had the perfect top in mind but she couldn’t find it, and she flung clothes from her dresser like a madwoman as she raced around her bedroom to get ready. Fifteen minutes later it looked like a mini tornado had torn through her room, but damned if it wasn’t worth it.

  She slipped on her coat and was out the door. Ready and willing for whatever James dished out.

  Exactly twenty-five minutes after he sent his last text, Gracie was at the garage-apartment door. James affixed a stern expression on his face and waved her in from his position behind the desk. He’d debated long and hard about what he was about to do, but now he was committed.

  She entered the room in her trench coat, her hair in a ponytail, her cheeks a pretty pink from the cold.

  He raised a brow and said in his
most serious voice, “Ms. Roberts, good of you to be on time.”

  She gave him a pouty smile, made all the more obscene by the pink gloss on her lips. “I didn’t want you to think I didn’t take my grades seriously.”

  His lips quivered with the desire to smile but he repressed it, gesturing toward the seat he’d arranged in front of the desk in preparation for her arrival. “Have a seat.”

  She nodded, and slowly undid her coat, unfastening each button with elaborate attention to detail. Clearly she was intent on being a tease, and James leaned back in his chair, enjoying every minute of it. When the coat dropped to the floor he almost had a heart attack, and it took every ounce of his self-control to maintain his distant facade.

  She was right out of a professor’s wet dream.

  She wore the thigh-high tights he loved so much, and a red, black, and gray pleated skirt so short there was a gap between the hem and the exposed flesh of her thighs. His gaze locked on her skintight black top, and the words in red glitter over her magnificent chest. Spank me.

  Funny, that was just what he had in mind, but it no longer surprised him when they were on the same page. For two people with supposedly nothing in common, they thought remarkably similarly.

  “I said sit, Ms. Roberts.” Letting the hard edge of lust into his voice.

  She gave him a smug, knowing smile and sat down, crossing her legs and letting the hem drift up to show the edge of her panties. White cotton. Gracie always remembered the finer details.

  She licked her lips. “I’m prepared to do whatever is necessary to improve my grade.”

  “Good. You’ll need to if you intend to pass.” He opened the bottom drawer of the ancient desk and pulled out one of the large textbooks he used in his classes. “I’ve prepared a three-part exam. Are you ready to proceed?”

  She gave him a sly little smile. “I’m sure there’s an easier way to make up my grade. Maybe something a bit more fun.”

  He’d always been a controlled person, and until Gracie, had never really thought about how that extended to sex. The more she’d seemed to like his control in the bedroom, the more fascinated he became with the idea of taking it a bit further.