by Sandy Loyd
After long seconds he finally spoke. “My assistant’s drawing up a contract with the stipulations we negotiated last night. I’d like to bring it by later this afternoon, if that’s okay?”
“No,” she said, wanting to keep contact with him at a minimum. “I have a few errands to run and don’t want you to waste your time.”
Dev nodded. “Okay. How about if my assistant gives you a call when it’s ready to sign and she can drop it off. Then you can bring it by the office when it’s convenient.” He caught her gaze. “By avoiding me you’re only prolonging the inevitable, you know.”
“I’m only avoiding potential problems.”
“Oh?” His eyebrows rose as he regarded her intently. “Admit it. You’re afraid of me. Of what might happen when the whistle blows and I pursue you.”
There was challenge in his tone.
She snorted. “I’m not afraid of you.” She avoided his eyes, afraid he’d see how close to the mark his statement really was.
Dev reached over and took her chin with his fingers, turning her to face him. Their gazes locked. Finally, he smiled. “You’re lying.”
“No,” she said on a breathless sigh, shaking her head.
“Then prove it.”
The whispered dare swirled inside her brain as she watched him lower his head in slow motion. She should turn away. Kissing wasn’t in her best interest, but she didn’t move. Instead, she closed her eyes and felt his soft lips touch hers, wanting to savor something she’d never gotten to experience as a teen. It was only a kiss. What could it hurt?
He took his time, kissing her thoroughly and for an extended moment, Judith lost herself in his mouth and gave in to the need to respond. She let go of her reserve and melted against him. Let his lips and tongue work magic. And that’s how it felt. Magical. He swept her away to never-never land, just like he had that first night, only this time she was fully aware of what his lips and mouth were doing to her senses.
A full minute passed before she realized he’d broken the connection. His breathing was labored. It took an enormous amount of effort for Judith to clear her mind and take in air, especially when her lungs seemed impaired.
She tried to turn away, but he gripped her chin again, forcing her to hold his gaze. The raw desire she saw in his eyes should have scared her off. It didn’t. She felt drawn to him. If she were a rose, he’d be her sunshine. Without him, she wouldn’t be able to fully bloom. Shaking the thought and coming to her senses, she pulled her chin free, reached for the handle, and opened the car door.
Once out, she leaned in. “I’m not afraid, merely cautious. I think we should keep to my plan and see each other only when necessary.”
She turned and strode up the walk without looking back, feeling the heat of his gaze with every step. Safely inside her house, she lowered her forehead against the cool wood and exhaled a sigh of relief when she heard him drive away.
For a long while Judith stood with her head against the door, taking deep breaths and wondering about her sanity. She might as well face facts. She was no match for Dev or guys like him. Not that she was afraid of him, she wasn’t. What bothered her more was making a fool of herself. She felt like an inexperienced kid again and she hated that feeling. It bothered her so much she briefly considered pulling out of the project. The paperwork wasn’t signed yet. She still had an out, a small window of time to decide.
Her kitchen beckoned. Nothing could be decided until she ate.
While scouting out lunch in the refrigerator, she reviewed the last twenty-four hours.
She grinned. The guy was too much. When he wasn’t terrifying her with his blatant sex appeal, his dynamic personality was tugging at her mental strings. There was nothing about him she didn’t like. Dev “Mac’ McAllister was too appealing, especially when he turned his attention to melting her resistance. His smile could melt an iceberg.
She carried a loaf of bread, sliced ham, lettuce, and cheese over to the cutting board.
Maybe if they’d just met, had no history, she might be tempted to ride Dev’s sensual wave to see where it led. The time they spent together, last night and at the site, along with his kisses, made her realize she could really fall for him. She already liked him…liked being with him, and they were sexually attracted to each other. That hadn’t changed in ten years.
Judith picked up the glass of milk she’d poured, along with her plate, and drifted to the table. She instinctively knew it would simply be a matter of time before he wore her down. Look at what had happened earlier. He had her up against the wall, literally. It took all of her willpower to walk away, just like in the car.
Self-preservation made her want to run as far away from Dev as possible.
Her biggest problem? Part of her wanted to stay and find out what would happen. It was this part she was so afraid of because she knew after today she had very little resistance against him.
As she ate, her mind spun. She should back out of the job. A pang of regret hit her.
She fell in love with the building all over again after spending the morning traipsing through it. Dev, shrewd as he was, had taken her there for that very reason. She had to give him credit. He’d found her Achilles’ heel.
She finished lunch, then went into her home office and sat at her desk, which was really a drafting table spanning an entire wall. She didn’t bother with turning on the lamp. Plenty of natural light poured in from wall-to-wall windows.
She focused on a tree in the yard, still debating.
While she wasn’t dependent on her business for survival, for things like paying rent and eating, her business was every bit as important to her for a different reason. Her work gave her a sense of accomplishment, a sense of who she was. Having a job like the building remodel on her resume would increase her sense of satisfaction, and show those who said she couldn’t do a man’s job that they were wrong. She needed to explore all options before giving it up.
The buzzer interrupted Judith’s thoughts.
She opened her front door and recognized the no-nonsense woman from Dev’s office.
“Ms. Reid?” Her eyebrows quirked. “We met earlier, remember? I’m Maude Abrams, Mr. McAllister’s assistant. I have a contract for you to sign.” She handed Judith the contract.
“I guess I should read it and make sure there aren’t any surprises,” Judith said, glancing at the pages.
“It’s a fair document, very up-front. You won’t find anything in it not discussed earlier,” Maude said, dismissing Judith’s concerns with the wave of her hand.
“Oh?” Judith’s eyes narrowed. “You sound so sure.”
“I am. I read it as I typed. In fact, it seems to benefit you more than Dev.” Then she smiled in such an engaging way that Judith had no doubt the grin could be used to win over board members and small children alike. “So, I’m curious. And because I’m nosy by nature and make it my job to stay on top of things, I couldn’t let it pass without seeing for myself what’s what. I’m supposed to drop this off and leave, but I’m hoping you’ll invite me in to satisfy my curiosity.”
Her honesty caught Judith off guard. Definitely a shrewd lady.
“Well then, come on in.” Maude Abrams reminded Judith of her outspoken grandmother and she felt an instant rapport with the feisty woman. Before her death, Grandmother Reid had been Judith’s confidante, someone who understood her perfectly and never made her feel like an outsider. “And since you’re so candid, I’ll return the favor. I’m just as interested in Dev as you are in me. Maybe we can swap information.”
“I’m sure the next few minutes will be beneficial to both of us.” The grin on Maude’s face transformed into one that now could only be called mischievous.
“I have apple pie, if you’d like a piece,” Judith offered. She just might learn something useful.
“Sounds wonderful. I like your place,” Maude said, looking around. “Who’s your decorator?”
“I did it myself.” She couldn’t contain her pleasure
as her gaze followed Maude’s. “You really like it?”
“I do. You have a flair for putting colors and textures together.”
Maude trailed behind her to the kitchen, where the two chitchatted about her decorating while Judith poured coffee and cut two pieces of pie. She set two steaming cups, then filled plates, in front of them as they settled themselves at the table. “There you go.”
Judith decided she more than liked Maude Abrams. Her nonstop compliments over her taste had Judith readily dropping her natural reserve. She was pragmatic and friendly with a great sense of humor. Soon both were joking around and talking about inconsequential things.
“You seem to know Dev pretty well, Ms. Abrams,” Judith commented after Maude told her they’d been working together for almost ten years.
“I do. But what’s this ‘Ms. Abrams’ stuff. Call me Maude. Everyone does. Since you’re going to be working with the company, I’d say we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”
Judith nodded. The two continued talking until, without thinking, she revealed information she’d never told anyone concerning her connection to Devon McAllister. Not even Kate knew about that night. She certainly never meant to unload so much, but the woman’s sympathetic questioning had her revealing more than she’d intended.
“I know he’s pursuing me again and I’m having second thoughts about the project.” Her brow furrowed as she twisted her napkin.
“I see.” Maude nodded. “I wondered about your history, given Dev’s actions lately.”
“I can’t say I’m not flattered, but I don’t see Dev as long term and I’m not into getting hurt again. What do you think?”
Maude shook her head and tutted, then remained silent for a few minutes. Finally, she said, “Since you were so honest with me, I’ll be honest with you. I’ve known Dev a long time. I admire him and would never do anything to destroy our working relationship, but I sensed there was more going on here than merely business, which is why I butted in. Now that I know of your past, I’d like to help if I can.” She expelled a long sigh. “While I’ve never known Dev to be cruel, I do know he’s not perfect. He has both a healthy ego and a strong drive, and can be an arrogant bastard at times.”
“Tell me something I don’t know,” Judith said, meeting the older woman’s compassionate gaze.
“Okay.” Maude smiled. “He has such heart, but he also has wounds and they go deep. This sometimes affects his judgment.” She chuckled softly at Judith’s raised eyebrows. “Oh, he’s a ladies’ man all right, exacerbated by the fact that there’re so many available women at his disposal. He’s become cynical.”
“Cynical? I’ve never been after him, so why’s he pursuing me?”
“Good question.”
Judith’s gaze moved to her hands and she studied her fingernails for too long before she asked, “Do you think fate brought us back together? I mean, the attraction’s always been there right from the start. Maybe I’m worrying for nothing.”
“I’m not sure.” Maude shook her head and tutted again. The sound sent the swelling hope inside of Judith plummeting. After a moment of apparent deep thought, Maude’s revelation allowed hope to swell again. “I’ve watched his business strategies over the years and I know how his mind works. I could swear Dev’s scheming and this bothers me because I somehow think his scheming may not be what’s best for him in the long run. So we will have to do a bit of scheming on our own.”
“What’d you have in mind?”
“A plan. After all, I can’t let his cynicism ruin a good thing,” she said, clapping her hands together and rubbing, while the mischievousness in her smile climbed a notch. “I’ll help you keep your distance from Dev in order to give you both a little time.”
“How?” Judith’s expression took on an impish quality of its own.
“I’ll inform you of his movements in the office. Then you’ll know when to visit the site and when to avoid the area. In fact, we can start today. Dev has a meeting this afternoon. That’s a perfect time to deliver the signed contract.”
Maude stood and picked up her purse, ready to leave. “Remember, this will only work for a short time,” she cautioned. “He’s a cunning goat. He’ll figure out what we’re doing eventually and then you’ll have to deal with him. At least now you have some breathing room.”
Watching her walk out the door, elation surged through Judith. It all sounded so easy.
Their illuminating conversation left her in a more positive frame of mind. Humming, she headed for her office. She could handle Dev McAllister.
~
Her mission completed and armed with more information, Maude marched out of Judith’s house, realizing she’d had reason to worry. She’d been Dev’s assistant too long not to worry.
In nine years, a true friendship had developed between them and she loved Dev like a son. Oh, she was never a mother figure, because his own mother was still a strong presence. But she was everything else. Conscience, advisor, sounding board, and confidante.
Dev’s limo pulled to the curb. She climbed inside. Looking in the rearview mirror, she noticed Mike studying her reflection.
Finally, he spoke. “Well, what’d you learn?”
“You were right. There is something between them,” Maude said with a resigned sigh.
“I knew it.” His face lit with a smile. “Do you think anything’ll come of it?”
“I don’t know, Mike.” Maude sighed again. “She’s definitely someone who’d interest him…pretty, intelligent, witty…and she’s got grit. I like her. Too bad he’s gotten so cynical over the years toward women. I only hope he realizes what she has to offer before he destroys his chance with her.”
Mike’s smile faded. “You don’t think she can bring him around?”
“I hope so.”
Mike nodded, his brow furrowing into concern.
Maude understood his concern. She knew all about their friendship, one where Dev came looking for Mike in the evenings for a game of pool or chess and the line between employee and employer was crossed. Dev had become more like an older brother, or mentor, always available for help with school projects or to talk over any problems. Mike attended USF, University of San Francisco, working on his MBA. He lived in the servant’s quarters in Dev’s big house.
“But whatever he’s cooking up, she won’t swallow it easily.” She offered an encouraging smile. “The next few weeks should be interesting. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Good. He’s the best and he deserves the best.”
Maude nodded, agreeing. She had her reasons for wanting the best for Dev McAllister. An hour with Judith Reid was enough to know the younger woman was just that. The best.
In all the years she’d worked for Dev, he’d been nothing but a perfect, generous boss, whose praise and caring went beyond that of a mere employer. Dev became her rock when her husband of thirty-five years had developed prostate cancer three years ago, making it clear that she never had to worry about her job or money. Thankfully, Maude hadn’t needed much. Her husband’s cancer was caught early and he’d made a full recovery. But Maude never forgot Dev’s kindness. The bond it created would last a lifetime.
As Mike pulled away from the curb, Maude prayed that Dev wouldn’t do something stupid before realizing what he could have with a woman like Judith.
Chapter 4
Judith entered Mario’s Bar and Grille in high spirits. Evading Dev was working, and at those times she couldn’t avoid him, work interfered with his efforts to distract.
Her light step increased in speed as she caught sight of Kate Morrison sitting at a table near the window.
“Have you been waiting long?” She gave Kate a hug before pulling out a chair and sitting.
“Just got here. You look good.”
“So do you. Love the do. Shorter looks great on you.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Kate patted her dark brown hair. “Maurice went a little crazy with the scissors.”
“So, how�
��s the shop doing?” Judith asked, picking up a menu and glancing at it.
“Sales keep going up.” Kate owned and ran an antiques store in Redwood City. “Paul says it’s the best investment he ever made.”
“I’m not surprised.” Paul, a financial planner, had invested heavily when Kate moved her antiques store closer to the new home they’d bought. “Your stock is unique and always changing.”
Kate and her husband, Paul, two of her closest friends, got married last year. No one was happier or more surprised than Judith. At one time, Paul had been set on Judith as his one and only, and Kate had been just as crazy about his brother, James. It all worked out in the end, though, when Kate and Paul came to their senses and fell in love with each other, instead. Unfortunately, their new house was forty-five minutes away, so the two had to make plans to see each other for dinner.
“All of which takes time and effort,” Kate said. “I’m only too happy to be back from buying so I can now concentrate on selling.” She waited until the waitress took their drink orders and left, then updated Judith on her latest trip, the reason this dinner had been postponed. After a moment of silence, Kate prodded. “Now it’s your turn. I’ve been out of the loop too long. Paul told me you’re working with Dev McAllister on your new project, that his company owns the building.”
“Yeah, and I’m hoping this job will give me credibility.”
“Stop.” Kate held up a hand. “Your work already has credibility.”
“This will give me more.” Judith filled Kate in on what had happened in the past two weeks, including her interview with Dev and the work she’d done since then.
“Small world, isn’t it?” Kate said, adding when Judith’s eyebrows rose, “That James is working on the same job.” Paul’s brother was a partner in the architectural firm Morrison, Morgan and Stone, hired in conjunction with Judith’s company. “I can’t believe you’re working with family. They’re still best friends, you know.”
“Yeah, real amazing.” Judith smiled, covering up her ignorance. She figured they knew each other, even recently overcame the small shock about James’ involvement, but she didn’t realize until Kate’s comment that Dev and James were best friends. When she and Paul had been hanging out, she didn’t dare openly discuss Dev. She’d also steered clear of James and his social scene, never paying attention to him or his friends.
