Erotic Invitation

by Carly Phillips

  No one answered on the other end of the phone. Apparently she’d have to rely on herself, something she’d done all her life on the fast career track, so there was no reason why she couldn’t trust her judgment now. She hung up the phone and sat up straighter, feeling more confident with the reminder.

  Last night she’d had Jack eating out of the palm of her hand, or more accurately off the grapes around her neck, she thought, shivering at the sensual onslaught of memory. His tongue lapping her skin, his lips moist and warm against her flesh, inches away from the slope of her breast and the rigid, aching nipple. She closed her eyes and allowed the remembered sensation to wash over her before forcing her mind back to today’s reality. If she could handle him in the throes of passion, she could certainly handle him over the breakfast table this morning.

  Having made her point, things between them could return to normal. She repeated the mantra throughout her morning shower and regular routine, and reiterated the words as she made her way down to the coffee shop inside the hotel where they were scheduled to meet with Mr. Lederman. At least she’d have the eccentric older man as a buffer between them to break any initial tension.

  The hostess walked her to an empty table and she chose the seat facing into the restaurant. With no breathtaking view to look at, no fresh air and ocean breeze blowing through her hair, and neither the tangy scent of salt or the warm coconut fragrance of sunscreen to wreak havoc on her senses and distract her, she should be able to concentrate on business with no problem, Mallory thought.

  And then she laid eyes on Jack as he walked into the restaurant.

  She thought she’d been prepared. His preppy afternoon outfit yesterday had been charming. His casual choice of clothing last night had been sexy but manageable. But today’s choice of royal-blue swim trunks and white athletic tank top revealing deeply bronzed skin threatened to be her undoing, leaving her breathless and speechless at the same time.

  Not a good combination for a woman who’d convinced herself she was in control. “Morning, Jack.” She pasted on her brightest smile and met his gaze.

  “Mallory.” His voice was gruff, reminding her of all that had passed between them last night.

  He stared at her, eyebrows lifted high, shock registered on his face. She knew without him saying a word, her clothes and hairstyle both surprised and disappointed him. Her choices had been a deliberate part of her plan to return things between them to normal.

  But her heart had begun a frantic, pounding beat, one she couldn’t calm with slow, deep breaths or a calculated selection of wardrobe. Normal obviously couldn’t be achieved by outward appearances alone. Not anymore. She sighed. Yet another sign she’d crossed into scary territory with this man.

  Determined to maintain control, she held his gaze, refusing to back down first until he finally averted his stare with a muttered growl. He seated himself, not across the table from her as she’d expected, but close beside her. Too close.

  His body heat, greater than the morning sun overhead, put her even more off balance. Only a verbal barb could maintain distance between them now.

  She forced a welcoming smile. “I was starting to think I’d have to call out the National Guard to look for you,” she said. “Rough night?”

  Jack blinked and exerted all the energy he possessed into remaining in his seat and not pulling the pins out of her tight bun, or opening a button on her suit jacket to reveal the skin he’d laved so thoroughly last night.

  Anger and frustration. He wasn’t sure which emotion was stronger but he refused to let her see either.

  He shook his napkin out and placed it on his lap. “Nope. I slept fine. You?”

  She shrugged. “No problem.”

  A waitress paused at the table to hand them menus. “Coffee while you’re waiting for the third person?” she asked.

  “Yes, please,” Jack said. “But there’s been a change and it’s just the two of us for breakfast.”

  Mallory gasped in surprise and Jack took perverse pleasure in being able to shock her as well.

  “I’ll give you a few minutes to decide, then.” The other woman walked away.

  “What happened to Mr. Lederman?” Mallory asked.

  “He got called out of town.”

  “Over the weekend?” she asked incredulously. “With us waiting here to discuss the possibility of handling his divorce?”

  So it sounded strange to her, too. Jack nodded. “Doesn’t make sense to me either. We’re going to have to figure out what’s going on with him.”

  “Do you think he’s having an affair?”

  “Good possibility.”

  “You didn’t need to think that one over.” A frown turned her lips downward.

  He preferred her smiling. “Never discount any angle.”

  She tipped her head to the side and he imagined her black hair falling over her shoulders in disarray. After last night’s revelation, not even the severe bun was a distraction to his hormones.

  “After you mentioned his disappearing act in the sauna yesterday, I tried to come up with the one thing he’d hide from his potential attorney. An affair was it. I mean anything else and he’d come clean.”

  “Possibly. I’ll talk to him as soon as he gets back. If we’re going to represent him I don’t want any surprises. The more we know the more we can prepare for ahead of time.”

  “Sounds like a good plan. I’ll work on getting information on Mrs. Lederman in the meantime. Maybe you could scour the premises or something. There’s got to be information waiting to be dug up by an intrepid guy like yourself.”

  Jack muttered about crazy women, grabbed for the menu and flipped it to the breakfast offerings on the back.

  Mallory did the same. As she sat perusing the choices, Jack wondered if she was as calm inside as she appeared. His ego needed to believe she wasn’t finding the cover as easy this morning as it had been in the past.

  Last night had convinced him this Mallory was the facade, a veneer to cover the real Mallory, the passionate woman beneath the disguise.

  “Have you decided?” The waitress returned, interrupting his train of thought.

  “Mallory?”

  “You go first. I’m not sure yet.”

  “I’ll have the Hungry Person Breakfast.” Jack handed the other woman the menu. “I missed dinner last night and I’m starving.”

  Jack spoke to the waitress, but his gaze never left Mallory and he was rewarded. With his mention of last night, a flush crept up her cheeks, betraying her outward calm.

  “Whatever happened to Hungry Man or Hungry Woman?” Mallory asked, an obvious attempt to distract herself and him.

  The waitress laughed. “That’s Mrs. Lederman’s contribution to the menu. She says since women can get as hungry as men there’s no reason to offer two choices for the sake of using gender distinction.”

  Mallory smiled and even behind the thick lenses, her blue eyes sparkled with laughter. “Now there’s a woman after my own heart.” She handed the waitress her menu. “I’ll have the same.”

  “You got it.”

  As soon as the other woman disappeared out of view, Mallory leaned forward, arms braced on the table. “Do you realize what that means?” she asked.

  “Mrs. Lederman hides a feminist side?”

  “Mrs. Lederman’s had some say in hotel business. Granted it’s just a breakfast selection, but my gut tells me there’s more. Maybe she’s so calm about this divorce because not only does she not want it, but because if she’s forced into it she knows she’s got strong legs to stand on when dividing assets.” Mallory leaned back in her seat, folding her arms across her chest. “Maybe Mrs. Lederman’s smarter and more on top of things than she’s letting on.”

  Her perception impressed him and he admired her sharp mind at work. “Definitely something worth exploring.” He took a sip of his black coffee, needing the rush of caffeine to clear his head and get through this meal with his colleague who’d become much more to him in a very short
time.

  Last night she’d set out to teach him a lesson and she had. Tonight, he decided, would be his turn. He was a man who worked best on challenge and spur of the moment inspiration. Mallory provided both.

  He wasn’t through exploring her hidden depths. Not by any stretch of the imagination. “So after breakfast are you interested in joining me for a walk on the beach?”

  She glanced down. “I’m hardly dressed for the outdoors.”

  He recognized the excuse. “But your room’s right upstairs.”

  “I didn’t bring any kind of beach clothes.” She averted her gaze and he knew she was attempting to avoid him.

  He wanted to smile but held back. Apparently she liked being in control and ran when she wasn’t. “There’s a shop in the lobby.” He pressed his advantage.

  “They may not have my size.”

  This time he did grin. “Okay, Mallory. You’ve forced my hand. I’ve learned something about you this trip and you don’t like an insult or a challenge. Are you afraid to take that walk on the beach? Does being alone with me scare you?”

  She stiffened in her seat and Jack was pleased to realize he’d hit a nerve.

  “That’s ridiculous,” she muttered.

  Just then the waitress returned with their meals and Jack waited as she placed their breakfasts down on the table.

  “Can I get you anything else?” she asked.

  “No thank you,” Mallory said.

  Jack shook his head.

  “Then enjoy.” The waitress headed to the next table, leaving them alone once more.

  Jack picked up his fork. “Might as well get started.” He glanced at his watch. “And plan on joining me on the beach in an hour.”

  Mallory opened her mouth then shut it again, apparently realizing she’d been had.

  He dug into his eggs, knowing he needed all the fortification he could get. Because Jack had learned another lesson last night.

  When it came to Mallory, he could expect the unexpected.

  MALLORY’S EGGS sat cold on the plate while Jack had devoured his meal. How could she eat when she’d been backed into a corner—a corner, heaven help her, she wanted to be in. But as much as she wanted to be with Jack, she couldn’t lose control of herself or the situation.

  She was caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place. If she changed into her normal swimwear, the bikini she had hidden in her drawer, she’d not only be giving Jack what he wanted, she’d be ceding control. But he was right and she wouldn’t walk away from a challenge, or the plain fact that she wanted this time alone with him.

  She placed her napkin on the table. “I’m ready, are you?”

  He raised an eyebrow, obviously surprised by her willingness to pick up and go after the roadblocks she’d thrown up earlier. “Don’t you want to change?”

  She stood and slipped open the button on her jacket, then took the garment off, leaving herself dressed in a camisole. “I’m fine.”

  He shook his head. “You’re a stubborn one, aren’t you?”

  She shrugged. “It’s part of my charm.” Leaving him to sign the check, which was a business expense anyway, she headed for the back door to the restaurant leading toward the beach.

  No sooner had she opened the door than the fresh air and saltwater smells assaulted her. She blinked into the bright glare of the sun, focusing on the scene in front of her. Blue water stretched out to the horizon, disappearing into an equally blue sky with barely a cloud and only the sun to disrupt the soft banded hue. Mallory shook her head and took in the beauty. She’d lived in the bustling, congested city for too long. She’d also denied herself the luxury of relaxing vacations on tropical islands and beaches. The tangy scent of the salt, the soft breeze and the incredible view were heaven for her deprived senses.

  Jack caught up with her on the sand, completing the perfection of the setting surrounding her. Not that she’d tell him that. She leaned down and slipped off her low pumps and slung them over her shoulder along with her suit jacket, letting her feet luxuriate in the cool, soft sand.

  In silence they made their way down to where the water lapped at the shore. Leaving her shoes and jacket on a vacant lounge, she walked side by side with Jack, down the long and empty stretch of beach.

  “When’s Mr. Lederman due back?” Mallory asked, breaking the silence.

  “Sometime this evening is my guess.”

  “I wonder what his real story is. I know we’re missing crucial pieces of information.”

  A high squeaking noise sounded above them, white seagulls diving through the air, above the water. She glanced back down and caught sight of Jack, taking in his appearance and not caring if he noticed.

  He’d shoved his hands into the back pockets of his swimsuit and his powerful legs propelled him along. She was grateful for the early morning hour and the lack of company joining them on the beach. She wasn’t ready to share the man or the moment, she realized, surprising herself.

  “Divorce is never easy or honest,” he said. “Not between the spouses and not between client and attorney. Most relationships are the same. I ought to know considering I lived it as a child.”

  “That’s so sad.” Her mother and father may not have been the best parents she could ask for, but they loved each other and honesty existed between them.

  Mallory had never allowed her thoughts to veer in the direction of marriage and family. How could she when her career goals came first and didn’t mesh with the concept? That didn’t stop her from believing in the institution, though, or the possibility of a real and honest relationship between a man and a woman.

  “It’s not sad, it’s fact.”

  She shook her head. “No I meant your attitude is sad and so is the fact that you can base it on one kind of life experience. Not all relationships are difficult or based on lies or the divorce statistics would be even higher.”

  “Maybe they should be. Did you ever consider the fact that many of those who don’t divorce merely stay together out of convenience?”

  “Did you ever consider the notion that couples stay together out of love and respect for each other and the lives they’ve built together?” She glanced up at him, suddenly wanting him to view relationships and possibilities as she did.

  Not for them, she assured herself, because there was no them, but for him. Because he’d be a happier man if his mind and heart could soften toward the idea of honest relationships.

  He shook his head. The ocean breeze disheveled his dark hair, blowing strands across his forehead. His laid back, sexy appearance was at odds with the determined, grim look in his eyes.

  She supposed his attitude ought to turn her off, but instead she felt more drawn to him than before. A distinct fluttering took up residence in her stomach. She recognized the yearning as sexual desire, the tug at her heart as a more emotional connection.

  He’d obviously suffered as a child. So had she. He’d apparently built high walls and defenses. Glancing down at her linen skirt and camisole, she realized she’d done the same. They had more in common than she’d ever believed. His effect on her had always been potent but instead of quenching her desire, last night’s sensual give-and-take combined with this morning’s beach walk had whet her appetite for more.

  More of Jack Latham.

  More about Jack.

  “I never would have pegged you for an optimist or a dreamer,” he said at last.

  She smiled. “I hadn’t thought of myself in those terms either. If asked I’d have called myself a realist.” But apparently a romantic lurked beneath the illusion she’d spent years creating.

  “The woman I met last night was no hard-edged realist.” His voice took on a gruff edge.

  At the reminder of their sensual evening, her body softened and warmed, much the way her mind and heart had already thawed toward Jack. Mallory wondered what would happen if she freed the dreamer inside herself, the one he was obviously drawn to, at least for the nonbusiness parts of this trip. Could she still
rein it back in when this excursion ended?

  She shook her head, letting the breeze push fallen strands of hair back from her face. Even if she desired more, she couldn’t risk her job nor could she potentially risk her heart. She inhaled the salty air, regret infusing her deep inside.

  Mallory decided the time for revelations and intimacy had ended. Back to safety. “The woman last night may not have struck you as a realist but the attorney who’s helping you on this case is definitely one.”

  “Return to business.” Disappointment flickered in his eyes and laced his tone.

  She nodded, knowing she had no choice. “So will you confront Lederman about your suspicions?”

  “I was thinking of a more behind-the-scenes quest for information. Whatever you and I can find out before we hit Paul up for details. If our imaginations are acting overtime and he’s truly involved with his son and a business deal, then accusing him of an affair or hiding something more will force him into giving the case to another firm.”

  “Something neither of us want.”

  “Because you view this as your stepping stone to partnership?” he asked with uncanny accuracy.

  “Because the firm has my loyalty, and yes because I want to make partner.” And she didn’t want her obsession with Jack or her blatant move last night to jeopardize all she’d worked for.

  He stopped walking without warning. She didn’t realize he wasn’t beside her until he called her name. She turned, making her way the few steps back toward him.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “I don’t want you to think I’d do or say anything to destroy your chances for partnership.”

  “I’d hope you wouldn’t. In fact I guess a part of me must have trusted you not to betray last night or else I’d have been a fool to set that plan in motion.”

  He reached a hand up to cup her cheek. His warm yet roughened palm caressed her skin. “You’re no fool.”

  The cool breeze blew around them and she shivered, a blatant reaction to his touch and not the ocean air. “Neither are you.”