Tempted by a Carrington

by Linda Hudson-Smith

  Lanier silently rejoiced. There was nothing else to say; this was simply a moment to savor. Dallas had said how he felt about her ability to love…and he’d voiced it so beautifully. What more did she need to hear? There was nothing that could top this moment in time.

  Dallas consulted his wristwatch. He had two hours or so to give to Lanier. Quickly stripping out of his clothes, he tossed them aside. Lanier was already nude and hot for him. All systems were on go.

  Dallas was upset that his attention span was on zero. His mind kept reverting to the lovemaking he’d shared with Lanier. He had tried to call her before entering the restaurant, but the answering machine had come on.

  His coaches and the manager demanded that all cell phones be turned off during meetings and other important business events, so he wouldn’t get a chance to try again.

  Rod Tillman, respected manager of the Texas Hurricanes, tapped his fork against a crystal goblet. “Team, glad you’re all accounted for. It’s nice to see everyone. We are so close to the big show. Are you guys beginning to smell victory?”

  A round of applause broke out.

  Tillman looked over at Dallas. “Carrington, your performance has been our saving grace lately, and you’ve brought us back from the brink of defeat the last few games. Can we let him know how much we appreciate his commitment to excellence?”

  A standing ovation followed. He was the superstar, and no one minded giving him his props. Although he refused to wear that title, he knew he was an extraordinary player.

  Dallas acknowledged his teammates with a huge smile. Holding his hands out, he gestured for everyone to sit. “Every single one of our wins has been a team effort. You guys deserve the same credit.”

  Dallas stood to address his teammates. “We can do this! As Mr. T. said, we’re so close to winning the coveted pennant race. Personally, I can darn near taste it. If we sustain our level of play, the Texas Hurricanes will be in the World Series. Some of us have a ring, or rings…and some don’t. Let’s make sure our team walks away with the whole enchilada.” Dallas sat down.

  The Hurricanes’ superstar pitcher, Manny Torres, stood. “I agree with Dallas. We haven’t been this close to a pennant race win in three years. We all dream about the rings, which are important, but winning is everything. Let’s keep a yes we can attitude.”

  The team was on a natural high, determined to go all the way. Everyone knew things didn’t always turn out as planned, but there was no room for negative thinking.

  Winning it all was the team’s focus.

  Lanier stood back and looked at her handiwork. She smiled, mentally giving herself a huge pat on the back. She’d been busy pulling together a light menu for an evening of fun with her girlfriends. The menu consisted of a tossed salad, homemade turkey and chicken salads on wheat rolls and glass platters of citrus fruits, apples and seedless grapes.

  Lanier had wanted to bake a large batch of chocolate chip cookies, Ashleigh’s favorites, but time ran out. Awakening from her nap a couple of hours ago, Lanier had hastily dressed in a pair of black jeans, a white polo and white sneakers. Dallas had given her a natural sleeping pill, the kind she loved. His lovemaking had been relaxing, but it had also left her craving more.

  Lanier thought she heard the front door opening. It had to be Ashleigh. Running up front, she looked around for her friend, but the house was empty. “Maybe I’m hearing things.”

  While heading back to the kitchen, Lanier heard a loud noise and she turned around and faced the door. A big grin slowly spread across her lips. “Hey, I thought I’d heard someone.”

  “Sorry if I startled you,” said Ashleigh. Dressed in impeccable casual attire and carrying several bags, Ashleigh moved into the hall. “I came inside a minute ago, but I went right back out for my purse. I’d left it in the car.”

  The two women went into the kitchen.

  Moving over to the counter, Ashleigh began emptying the bags. “From the look of things, you have it all together, but I don’t see any nuts, chips or dip. My trip to the grocery store has paid off. I bought a bunch of salty snacks.”

  “What time will Kelly get here?” Lanier asked Ashleigh.

  Ashleigh began folding the empty bags. “She was on her way the last time we talked.”

  The doorbell rang and both women laughed.

  Ashleigh grinned. “Your question is answered, unless you’re expecting someone else.”

  “Only you and Kelly,” Lanier responded.

  The two women went out into the hallway and headed for the front door, which Lanier opened for Kelly. “Hey, girl, how are you?”

  Kelly smiled warmly. “I’m fine, thanks.”

  “Glad to see you,” Lanier said. She drew in Ashleigh and Kelly for a group hug.

  The party of three settled into the family room, chatting away and laughing at each other’s silly jokes and remarks. They were so caught up with discussing recent happenings in each other’s lives that an hour and a half passed by with lightning speed.

  Kelly stood. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back. I need to get something out of my car.”

  “Need some help?” Ashleigh asked.

  “It’s just a couple of light packages. I’ll only be a minute or two.” Kelly took off running.

  Lanier looked at Ashleigh. “Are you hungry?”

  “Close to starving,” she confessed. “I’ve barely eaten a thing today. I have to start eating for two again, and staying so busy isn’t an excuse.”

  Kelly returned with a shopping bag in her hand.

  “I brought presents for you guys,” Kelly announced cheerfully. She dug into her shopping bag and came up with two beautifully wrapped boxes. She handed one to each of her friends. “Hope you like what I chose.”

  Ashleigh took her time removing the wrapping paper, but Lanier ripped off her paper in one fell swoop. Pushing aside tissue paper, Lanier gasped with pleasure. The pure white silk gown and matching robe looked priceless and elegant. She removed the lingerie and saw that it was floor length.

  Seeing Lanier’s gift had Ashleigh hastening to open hers. She whistled. “Is this too hot or what? Austin is going to love me in this red daredevil nightgown. He might let me keep this one on my body a little longer than normal. Sometimes I don’t know why I bother to wear nightclothes to bed.”

  Lanier grinned. “You know why. Stripping away your clothing can get pretty erotic.”

  “That’s an understatement,” Kelly remarked. “I loved the gowns enough to buy one of each for myself in nude and basic black.”

  Lanier smiled. “Thanks a bunch, Kelly. It was thoughtful of you to bring gifts.”

  Ashleigh waved her hand. “I second that! My gown is stunning. I’m eager to see Austin’s expression when I wear it. Thanks so much.”

  “You’re both welcome. It was my pleasure,” Kelly said.

  “The food is ready to serve,” Lanier announced. “If you guys go into the dining room, I’ll bring everything in there. I made a pitcher of regular iced tea and an herbal one for you, Ash. Does anyone want something other than tea?”

  Both women shook their heads.

  “I’m going to put on some music,” Kelly announced. “I’m in the mood for salsa. Is that okay with everyone?” Once she got the approval from her hosts, Kelly thumbed through the Latin selections.

  Ashleigh put the gowns back in their boxes and laid them aside. She was glad Lanier was ready to serve dinner. She was way too hungry.

  Finished with the light meal, Lanier glanced around the table. This was the first time in a long while that the threesome had gotten together for an evening of chitchat and fun. It had taken a few hours to pull together the light feast, yet it had been polished off in mere minutes. There was no doubt in Lanier’s mind that everyone had enjoyed the food.


  “It’s time for dessert. Let’s eat it in the family room. Coffee?” Lanier inquired.

  Kelly held up a finger. “Please, black for me.”

  Ashleigh stood to begin clearing the table. “You ladies go on into the family room. I’ll take care of the coffee after I tidy up things a bit.”

  Lanier leapt to her feet. “Not a chance, girl. I want you and your precious baby on board to go sit in your favorite recliner and get comfortable. Put up your feet and relax. I’ll make the java. Skedaddle, ladies. I’ll be along in a few.”

  Kelly stood, playfully bumping Lanier’s shoulder with hers. “We’ll get this done much faster as a team. Then we can get into the latest Hollywood rumors.”

  Everyone laughed. Ashleigh hugged her partners in crime before vacating the room.

  Kelly stacked dirty dishes, saucers, serving bowls and platters and carried them into the kitchen. She loved this dining room and would’ve decorated hers in a similar fashion had she seen it before her house was built.

  Kelly retrieved a lemon meringue pie from the refrigerator and sliced the entire pie and transferred the slices to dessert plates.

  “Better add another sliver of pie to Ashleigh’s plate. She loves lemon meringue.”

  Kelly grinned. “Got it!”

  Since Ashleigh didn’t drink anything with caffeine while pregnant, Lanier retrieved a carton of cold soy milk and poured a full glass, and when the coffee was ready, they carried everything into the family room.

  Ashleigh looked up from the newspaper she held when her friends entered. Watching as Kelly and Lanier laid out items on the coffee table, she knew it’d do no good to try to help. Lanier poured coffee into two cups and handed one to Kelly. Picking up the glass of soy milk, she handed it and a fancy paper napkin to Ashleigh.

  Ashleigh smiled. “You remember everything, don’t you?”

  Lanier smiled back. “Just the important stuff. Half the time I can’t remember my name.”

  “Speaking of names, have you and Austin picked one for the baby yet?” Kelly asked.

  “We’ve tossed around quite a few, but we haven’t settled on anything definite. If it’s a girl, we’ve seriously discussed naming her after my maternal grandmother, Ireland. I found her name while I was researching my family tree.”

  “Ireland Carrington is rich and classy. I love it,” Lanier remarked, loving the beautiful name. “What about a boy?”

  “Austin likes London. I like Taylor.” Ashleigh chuckled.

  “London and Ireland,” Kelly remarked. “If you keep that trend, you’ll have a little United Kingdom running around your place. The guys are named after Texas cities, so I’m surprised Austin isn’t sticking with family tradition.”

  “Oh, I beg to differ,” said Ashleigh. “San Antonio Carrington has come up. Laredo is another one mentioned for a boy or girl. I’m not fond of either, but I’ll go along with whatever Austin wants. I just hope he doesn’t decide on El Paso or Lubbock. Dallas said to go with Tejas, which is based on the Caddo word for Texas. Can you imagine using all three names if I have triplets?”

  The ladies had a good laugh over Ashleigh’s comment.

  “I promise to let you know our final decision. We have seven months to get it right. I’d love a girl, but all I want is a healthy baby.” Ashleigh glanced at Kelly. “A wedding date yet?”

  Kelly’s smile beamed. “We’re thinking about this Christmas Eve. You and Austin got married on Christmas Eve, and the truth of the matter is that the guys had always talked of having a triple wedding. Houston wants to get married on the same day as you and Austin.”

  Ashleigh clapped her hands. “That’s wonderful! We’d love to share an anniversary with you two. Maybe Austin and I can renew our vows at the same time. His mom always dreamed of her sons sharing one wedding date.”

  Lanier wished she could disappear. She and Dallas were nowhere near ready to revisit wedding plans, yet he wanted to be married. Sure that she was holding him back, her heart lurched painfully.

  Ashleigh instantly noticed Lanier’s melancholy expression. “Honey, I’m sorry if we upset you. We’d never do anything to hurt you.” Ashleigh came over and sat down next to Lanier and gave her a tender hug. “You can have the same wedding day, too, if you want it. Dallas would marry you in a heartbeat. He loves you so much, Lanier. You have to feel his love.”

  Kelly felt awful. She crossed the room and settled down at Lanier’s feet. “Ashleigh’s right, you know. Dallas is ready for happily ever after. Have you two discussed marriage?”

  Lanier wiped away tears at the corners of her eyes. “Dallas used to talk about it, but he no longer brings it up. I get too upset. Why am I so abnormal? Every woman wants to get married and live happily ever after with the man she loves, but just the thought of it terrifies me. Yet I couldn’t love Dallas more.”

  “Lanier, there’s no other woman for Dallas Carrington. He’s told us that time and time again. Do you want to marry him?” Kelly asked.

  “Of course I do. But when you come from a background as horrendous as mine, how do you even entertain the idea of forever? My parents got addicted to drugs and alcohol and let their child be taken away. They’re remarried now, but they were divorced. Dallas doesn’t want just a wife, he wants babies, too. He’d love to have four or five kids. I’d love kids someday, but what happens to them if I turn out like my own parents? You tell me.”

  Ashleigh put her arm around Lanier, hoping to calm her. “Sweetie, don’t do this. You are not your parents. You’re not responsible for their atrocious conduct. Have you thought of going back to your therapist?”

  Lanier shook her head. “The woman has more problems than me. She tells me her sob stories before I get a chance to tell mine. She’s had a bad upbringing…and shares many of my fears, including a fear of marriage. Maybe I need a new therapist.”

  Ashleigh kissed Lanier’s cheek. “Get a new therapist. Do whatever it takes to have the life you’ve dreamt of. Dallas loves you. He can give you anything you want.”

  Lanier nodded. “I know.” She frowned. “Let’s just change the subject, if you don’t mind. We got together to enjoy an evening of fun.”

  Ashleigh and Kelly agreed to change the topic of their discussion.

  Chapter 10

  A beautiful day in late September was just what Lanier needed to cheer her up. She had awakened feeling good. The trees on the property had changed to bold gold, browns, reds and reddish-yellows. It seemed to her as if she had waited forever to see the colors of autumn in full bloom. Spring bulbs had already been planted for next year.

  The young foster females had come back from camp for a brief stay. Lanier and Ashleigh had purchased new clothes and shoes for them to take along to college. Dallas and Austin had surprised the young ladies with a new SUV to drive to Southern Methodist University, where they’d been accepted. They’d left a few days early to get settled in.

  The hoopla of the past couple of weeks still hadn’t come to an end. The Texas Hurricanes were in first place in their division, poised to take it all. Dallas was currently on the road with his team. He’d been gone several days and was due to return home soon. Lanier missed him, but she’d grown used to his absences during baseball season. Knowing her answer would be no or “I can’t,” he’d stopped inviting her to come with him.

  Waiting on her mother to show up for lunch, Lanier paced the living room floor, looking out the picture window every five seconds. She felt totally unnerved. A showdown was imminent. Lanier had tried to put the meeting off until later since she hadn’t come up with all the questions she wanted to ask. Quite a few of her queries desperately needed answers. If she could get over her past, she’d stand a better chance of dealing with the present. Then she could finally begin planning a real future with Dallas.

  Lunch was ready
and was being kept warm on a low temperature in the oven. Lanier had prepared cube steak and gravy with mushrooms and onions. Angelica had come by earlier to see how Lanier was doing. As a gift to her son’s love interest, she’d brought a dozen yeast rolls fresh from her oven. The Carrington parents were extremely fond of Lanier.

  Back in the kitchen, Lanier checked on her meal. Lowering the oven door, she slid back the aluminum foil and peered down on the meat. Before she’d put the foil back in place, the doorbell pealed.

  Lanier looked panic-stricken. “She’s here,” she said to herself. “Please let me get through this visit. I badly want a relationship with my parents and to be able to move on with my life.”

  Moving at a snail’s pace, Lanier made her way to the front door, wishing Dallas was there for her. The man did wonders for her disposition. She truly missed him, though she’d seen him several nights in a row before his departure. Lanier planned to spend a lot more quality time with him so they could get on with their future.

  Lanier slowly inched the front door open, wishing she were anywhere but there. “Mom,” she greeted, smiling weakly.

  Barbara’s features appeared strained. “Is it really this hard to be around me?”

  “The truth? It is harder than anything I’ve ever done,” Lanier confessed.

  Taking hold of her daughter’s hand, Barbara lifted it to her lips. “I understand. The hardest thing I’ve ever done was forgetting I was a mother. I let a whiskey bottle and other substances come between my daughter and me. Can I please come in so we can talk? I won’t stay long. We can save lunch for another visit.”

  “Lunch is ready.” Lanier stepped aside. “We can go into the family room to talk first.” Lanier wanted to get this conversation over with.

  As Barbara followed Lanier, she bit down on her lower lip. Knowing she’d never comprehend the depth of pain her daughter had suffered at her own parents’ hands, she didn’t blame Lanier for how she felt. She just hoped to salvage their relationship.