Lucas opened his mouth but decided he had no answer for that one. He cursed softly. “I forgot her breakfast…and her vitamins…”
“Lucas…get yourself some food from the cantina. I have a kitchen and I can cook,” Mia chuckled softly at the wince on his face. “She can take her vitamins later…did you believe I would allow Scarlet to go hungry?”
“I…Mia, no, of course not…I am going to chalk it up to my brain being scrambled from spending the night with you in my arms and just head off to work,” he tossed files into his case and snapped it shut, his keys lifted off the bureau. Hands did a quick pat down for his phone and wallet before quietly leaving them asleep.
Mia finished the morning orientation and settled Scarlet into the bike seat, peddling quickly to the front. She knew they had half days on Fridays and it was almost eleven. She came to a stop next to Cassidy’s desk, relieved that Mac and Abby were also near.
“Mia! I have some more applicants for you,” Abby hurried to her desk and returned with the banded stack, noticing the distraction on Mia’s face as she dropped them into the basket at the front of the bike.
“Thank you…thank you, Abby…” She looked intently at Cassidy. “I must talk with you, please….and perhaps Mac…I do not know…I…”
“No problem, Mia,” Mac pulled up a chair and relaxed, winking at Scarlet and grinning at the giggle he got. “What’s up?”
“I do not…this is not to do with the resort,” she said carefully, bracing the bike in place as she thought her way through it. “I am not sure how to…” She stopped and took in a long breath, looking from Cassidy to Mac. “Cassidy has told you of the…the issues with the Grand’Mere?”
Mac nodded, straightening up in the chair at the obvious concern on Mia’s face. “What’s wrong, Mia?”
“Oh…I must…I used another room last night…I…we…needed a…a suite…a second room,” she concluded, mildly cursing the color she knew was in her cheeks.
Cassidy went to the computer, glancing at Mia. “It’s okay, Mia…for Scarlet last night? Do you want me to change rooms for you?”
“No…no…I want…Lucas’ house…” Her voice ran off in a torrent for French for several sentences.
“A bug?” Mac worked through the disjointed phrases.
“You speak French?” Cassidy looked at him, green eyes wide.
“Hmm…and Latin and Italian and a smattering of Greek,” Mac looked a little embarrassed and shook his head. “But that is strictly never to be used in public around females.”
Mia’s laughter joined the others before she sobered. “Yes…a bug…”
“And I’m guessing it’s not the…” He let his fingers crawl over the desktop.
“No. Those I can handle,” she told him, bringing one foot up and then down loudly.
Abby and Cassidy just laughed.
“Bug…that is what Lucas said…the house is bugged…”
“Damn…”
“Twenty-five cents!” Scarlet called out, holding up her little palm.
“She has you playing her game?” Mia laughed as he forked over a quarter.
“She’s very clever,” Mac grumbled, looking seriously at Mia. “You’re serious? You think because of the…the other issue…yeah, yeah…I have what I need at the house. What time will you guys be there?”
“Probably five…I’m not sure…”
“No matter…we don’t have anything scheduled outside the house tonight…and I wanted to talk to Lucas about the landscaping anyway,” Mac stood up, scratching his head. “Seriously…bugs…huh…”
“You can detect these things? I…I was tucking Scarlet down last night when I swore…out of the corner of my eye, I saw a…a faint light…I asked Lucas if there was a web cam in her room, and he said no,” Mia rubbed her palms over her face. “I have never been so frightened…”
“Mac’ll check things out, Mia,” Cassidy frowned, leaning back in her chair. “This thing is getting out of hand. People photographing you at work…the thing on Monday with Scarlet and now this…I can’t imagine the stress.”
“You are such good friends,” Mia blinked to force the heat back. “Thank you. Oh, please…one more thing,” she glanced around with a small frown and pointed. “One of those…just so long as we operate the cantina. We will slowly be taking it over and changing the items but I need something my people can use to get the food there.”
“No problem,” Cassidy leaned in and tapped on the computer. “I’ll have one marked and at the kitchen door first thing Monday. Will that work?”
“Perfect. My first people will be starting then. Thank you…thank you all so much,” Mia waved as she rode off to finish straightening the kitchen and work on lunch and a dinner for them this evening. In between, she read applications and worked with Scarlet on her printing.
Cassidy and Mia walked with Scarlet on the beach shortly after five. Mac and Lucas were moving slowly through the house, Mac’s head shaking and Lucas swearing loudly. Scarlet had her small palm filled with tiny shells by the time the guys came from the house.
“Well?” Cassidy asked anxiously, the grave expression on Mac’s face telling her what she needed to know. “You’re serious?”
“Three cameras and four voice,” Mac said flatly. “And these aren’t…they aren’t cheap and they aren’t that old.”
“I’d ask how you know that, but I’m not sure I want to know,” Cassidy stepped into his arm, her head shaking. “I just can’t…it boggles the mind.”
“I’d say what it does but I don’t have any more quarters,” Lucas ground his teeth and hoisted Scarlet into his arms. “What you got there?”
“Shells…I’m startin’ a collection…”
“What do we do with them?” Mia asked, looking from one adult to the other.
“I used gloves,” Mac said carefully. “They’re in a baggy, wrapped in a piece of thick rubber mat and sitting outside on the window ledge.”
“I’ll get them to Kate…see what she can do…” His frustration was obvious as he lowered Scarlet to the deck. “Time to wash up for dinner.”
“I need a bottle,” she looked at them expectantly.
“How about a baggy?” Mac pulled one out of his pocket and peeled it apart, holding it open for her.
“Cool,” Scarlet emptied her hands into the bag and took the plastic before wandering into the house, peering at her new collection.
Mia had brought food nibbles for Scarlet in small containers and settled her in her bedroom. She decided to have a dinner party and tell them all about her adventures. Soft music played in the background as she chattered and prepared the plates for her animals and dolls. Mia moved into the living area, the simple tank dress she wore swirling at her knees. She slid out of her sandals and sat next to Lucas on the sofa. He’d been silent since Mac and Cassidy had gone home.
“Six months at least is Mac’s guess,” He said, his head shaking in amazement. “And I never knew a thing. Someone was watching us…listening to us…”
“They are gone now, Lucas…” Mia touched his face softly.
“Stay right there,” he said after staring at her for a long quiet moment.
Mia watched him stride down the hall, pausing long enough to check on Scarlet before sinking back at her side. She slid to the side, one leg beneath the other. “Lucas?”
He took the palm she placed on his thigh and carried it to his lips, kissing the soft center. He tugged gently, helping her slide onto his lap facing him.
“You…Scarlet…and work…that’s all I want inside my head…is that too much for a normal guy to ask?”
Mia laughed softly, her forehead resting against his. “Perhaps some dinner might help,” she made a move to stand up, only to have his palms glide from her knees, beneath the hem of her dress and onto her behind. “Lucas…”
“I want you.”
Mia saw the fire burning in his eyes, her tongue out to bring moisture to her lips. “Scarlet…”
“Is
happy and playing…she’ll sit there and chatter to her animals until bedtime,” he whispered hotly, pulling her hard against him. Her hands came up to steady herself on his shoulders.
“Lucas…” Mia whispered his name before her mouth covered his, the flare of her own passion had been simmering just below the surface since being with him the night before.
“I couldn’t get you out of my head all day, Mia,” he slid his palms inside the opening of her panties, squeezing the soft behind and grinding his hips against her with a soft groan. He brought his hands between them, his fingers felt big and clumsy on the tiny buttons of her dress, but he was half lost in the passionate onslaught of her kiss.
A shiver ran through her when he opened the tiny clasp in the center of her bra, his palm closing over her breast possessively. Thick, dark lashes shaded her cheeks, her head tipped back as the wildfire sparked deep within her. His name whispered from her lips when his fingers stroked and aroused her nipple seconds before he bent forward to take it between his teeth.
It was powerfully overwhelming, sweeping hotly through them. Mia opened the buttons down his shirt, her palms needing to feel him, touch him. Her body fell forward, her teeth nipping his shoulder when his palm slid inside her panties, knowledgeable fingers stroking through the gathering feminine moisture. He swirled one finger and then two around the hot, tight opening, drawing the slippery dew up between the petals and over the pulsing nub.
Lucas slid her to the edge of his knees, his hands quickly opening his slacks and preparing himself before gripping her hips and moving her closer. He wanted her. And he wanted her now.
Mia took his mouth as his body slowly began easing into hers, his fingers toying with the feminine parts of her that sent tiny jolts of shock through her body. From the passion in their kiss to his hand tweaking her nipple, she felt the waves beginning. Felt the ripples washing over her, cascading and sending her senses into the fiery vortex. She tore her mouth from his, her shout smothered against his throat at the same time she released the control of her thighs, spreading them lithely and sending him deep inside her.
The power in her orgasm pulled him along for the ride, his head back and eyes closed even as his body thrust upward once and once more. Every ounce of control he had was used to keep from shouting her name, his mouth clamped tightly closed and breathing fast and hard.
Mia reveled in the feelings, her fingers gradually relaxed, grateful they hadn’t been clenched on his skin. The slender dancer’s body melted against him, dark lashes open enough to peer along the hall, her brain alert enough to hear Scarlet happily chatting with her toys.
“Lucas…”
He heard his name whispered and smiled, content. He lifted her carefully, watching as she quickly put herself back together, the sweet flush of pink in her cheeks all part of the afterglow.
Mia rose from the sofa, adjusting and straightening her clothing before wandering down the hall on bare feet. She stood by the door for a long minute, listening to the little girl tell her stuffed friends all about her day. Scarlet looked up and beamed brightly.
“How was the party?” Mia asked, entering the little girl room and sinking to sit on the floor with her around the child sized plastic table. All the chairs held one animal or doll, each with their own plate and cup.
“Very nice,” she leaned over, whispering loudly. “They missed me.”
“I am sure they did,” Mia agreed seriously, watching the small yawn break free. “I think it might be time for bed. We had a very busy day.”
“I think so,” Scarlet lifted her favorite doll and carried her to the small twin bed.
“Bring me your pajamas and I’ll help you,” Mia accepted the small top and loose shorts, quickly removing the dress and helping her into the pajamas.
“I don’t want to take my hair out,” Scarlet said when Mia reached for the tiny ponytail.
“I will fix it for you in the morning,” Mia promised, pulling the band free and ruffling the blond curls gently.
“Are you staying with us tonight?” Mia let herself be led to the bed, tucking the light blanket around the child and checking the window.
“Would that be alright?” Mia dimmed the light, her fingers lightly brushing the bangs aside.
“I think it would be nice,” Scarlet yawned again. “I only have a little bed, but you can have a sleepover with daddy. He has a big bed. G’night…”
“Good night, Scarlet,” Mia bent down, kissing her softly, turning to find Lucas watching them intently. “I have been approved,” she told him, stopping to stand before him.
“Hmm…and I do have a very big bed,” he said with a crooked grin.
“I did bring my pajamas,” Mia winked at him.
“I’m pretty sure you won’t be needing them until breakfast,” he assured her, taking her hand in his and leading her down the hall.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Lucas woke to the smells of food weaving their way into his subconscious. He was sprawled on his stomach, one arm dangling off the bed, the other curled beneath his head.
He knew instantly that he was not wearing his sleep pants. That thought made him frown and raise his head. He was up at least twice a night checking on Scarlet. Last night, he hadn’t moved. One eye closed while the other worked on focusing on the large numbers of the clock on the nightstand.
His body shot upright, instantly alert. Nine a.m.? Impossible. He hadn’t slept that late in four years. He scanned the vicinity before quickly tossing the blankets back and striding to the bathroom, exiting a few minutes later with his hands busily tying the sleep pants in place on his hips.
Lucas scanned the pink and gold bedroom, frowning. The bed was neatly made. The toys in their places. It was then he heard the giggling coming from the kitchen. His arms opened with the same naturalness that had him dropping to his heels to scoop her up after the delightful squeal.
“Daddy!” Little feet hit the floor and were around the counter and launched with arms raised.
“Good morning,” he went through a long ritual of greeting, leaning her over his arm and tickling her belly with his mouth, grinning and taking her giggles in before hugging her tightly. Bare feet carried him next to Mia, his free hand out and beneath her chin, tipping her face up to accept her greeting. “Hi.”
Scarlet took it all in with a happy smile, squirming and pointing to the stool she had been in. “We made you breakfast,” she announced, two little hands spread out to show him the collection. “But Mia said you were really tired. Are you better now?”
“I think I might be,” he admitted, hooking his foot in one of the stools and dragging it close to the counter. He bit down on a slice of toast and reached for the coffee.
“I must go out, Lucas,” Mia glanced at the small watch on her wrist.
“Alright,” he drained half the coffee and looked at her expectantly. “Where to and how much time do I have to get ready?” He looked over at Scarlet, head bent and busily making multi colored fish for her drawing. Her hair was neatly bundled and she was wearing a pair of blue jean shorts and a t-shirt.
“I have the addresses of some farmer’s markets,” Mia explained, lifting the lid from a small plate with scrambled eggs. “They don’t open until ten. It is one of the reasons I bought the wagon.”
Lucas accepted the fork and plate she slid toward him. “Okay…got time…” then her comment registered. “You’re buying for the resort?”
“I am buying for my kitchen. It is my budget there. I have trainees next week and we will be cooking for the cantina,” she told him happily. “So when you are hungry, you might stop by for food.”
“We picked out our recipes this morning,” Scarlet told him seriously.
“Good food?” Lucas teased, the sense of relaxation something he hadn’t known for a while. “Alright,” he took a large bite and headed to the bedroom. “Give me a couple minutes, ladies.”
“Lucas…the back of the SUV must be empty.”
“I hear y
ou…” He called out to her, pulling a shirt over his head. “Scarlet! You walking or riding?”
“Umm…I’m gonna ride today,” she announced royally, going to her room and returning with a small book in her hands.
“Good choice,” Lucas agreed, entering the room sliding his wallet into his pocket. He looked at Mia. “Ready to go?”
“Yes,” was her stunned answer, taking in the jeans, t-shirt and shoes. She lifted the pack she carried and hooked it on her shoulder, taking Scarlet’s palm and exiting the house. She stood to the side, watching him quickly moving and organizing, removing things from the inside taking them into the house. “Lucas, I can take my wagon…it’s empty…”
“So…is…” Lucas came out of the house, pulling the door behind him. “This one.”
Mia swallowed and strode around to the passenger side of the car, opening the door and watching him buckle Scarlet into her seat. Behind her seat was the stroller, folded into a neat, compact bundle.
“I hope you realize what you have agreed to, Lucas,” Mia listened to the click of her seat belt.
“I am learning about your world,” Lucas said simply. “So…punch in some addresses, Mia.”
“No, no, no!” Mia shouted, following him into the kitchen with a box of green beans. “Tomatoes never go into the fridge! On the counter, please.”
“What are you making on Monday?” Lucas was amazed at how Scarlet sat on the stool, reading, writing and watching. But never moving.
“Many things,” Mia brought in the last box of berries with a satisfied now. “Come to the cantina for lunch and you will know then.”
“I had fun at the market,” Scarlet said with a smile, lifting a strawberry and biting down.
“So did I,” Lucas followed her example and sampled a berry, leaning on one of the high stools and watching Mia move expertly around the kitchen. “We’ve never gone to the market before.”
“Spring, summer and fall, the fruits and vegetables we use in our recipes will come from the local farms whenever possible,” Mia explained simply, glancing around and nodding. “We can go now.”
WindSwept Narrows: #2 Cassidy, Abby & Mia Page 26
