Stormy Passion

by Brenda Jernigan

  She gasped and coughed up the offending piece of meat. Embarrassed, she reached for the napkin to rid herself of the morsel. Still coughing, she managed to sit back down, but not without noticing that everyone was staring at them. Heat rose to her eyebrows as she wiped the water from her eyes.

  “You okay, Miss Kapur?” Marty asked while Adrian patted her on the back.

  Dani nodded, still unable to speak.

  “It appears I've saved your life once again,” Adrian commented as he handed her a glass of water. “Here, take a couple of sips, sweetheart. It should make you feel a little better.”

  “You two know each other?” Marty asked.

  Dani sipped the cool water, then nodded at Marty's question still unable to speak. Of all the ways to embarrass herself, she thought. Of course, it was all Adrian's fault. Why did he always spring up in her life at the most inopportune times?

  “Good.” Marty smiled. “Now you'll have somebody to take to the musical.”

  Dani cleared her throat, but her voice still came out in a whisper, “I guess so,” she rasped, her voice oddly hoarse. How could she do otherwise? Marty seemed to like Adrian, and she did have two tickets. Maybe somebody up there was looking out for her.

  Marty stood. “Since you have someone who apparently can take good care of you, Miss Kapur, I'm going to run back to the office. I have another meeting. The limo is at your service while you’re in New York. Here.” He handed her a cellular phone. “Just punch two, and Henry is at your service.”

  “You have really done way too much, but thank you,” Dani managed to get out before taking another sip of water.

  Adrian moved into Marty's seat. “Waiter, bring the lady a cup of hot coffee.”

  Dani sat back and dabbed at her eyes. Evidently, Adrian didn't seem aware that three months had passed since they had last spoken, because he acted like he'd just seen her yesterday.

  The waiter brought a cup of hot coffee, and she took a sip, hoping it would relieve her hoarseness and soothe her throat. “Small world, isn't it?” Dani tried to sound carefree, but her statement came out forced.

  “Sure is. I never seem to know where you're going to pop up. It's a good thing I did happened to be here, because once again you needed saving.” Adrian leaned over and took her hand. “Do you suppose I'm your guardian angel?”

  She pulled her hand from his grasp. “I would have said the devil, myself.”

  “Ah, Dani. How I've missed your sharp tongue.”

  “Evidently, you haven’t missed me much since you haven’t bothered to call.”

  “I had a very good reason.”

  “Yeah, sure.” Dani stood, grabbed her coat and purse then started for the door.

  Adrian reached for her, but she jerked away. “Don't you want to hear my reason?”

  “No,” Dani said, punching in the Limo's number. “Henry, can you pick me up at--” She turned to look at the building.

  “Nicky's,” Adrian supplied.

  “Nicky's,” she told the driver.

  “Look, I told you before that I was going through a nasty divorce. And I wanted that behind me before I saw you again.”

  She stopped at the street curb, raised her chin and with a cool stare, she said, “No, Adrian, you never told me anything of the sort. Now you’re telling me you were going call? Get real.”

  Adrian, his body warm and sexy loomed over her, but instead of stepping away, Dani waited to see what he would do. He took her face in his hands. “I really can't imagine never seeing you again.”

  His piercing blue eyes were hypnotic and she wanted very much to believe him. There was something so damned charming about him. Her composure slipped a notch. Dani, girl, you are so hopeless, She told herself. As the limo pulled up, Dani jerked away from Adrian. “Don't.”

  He grabbed her arm. “Listen, Dani. It's Christmas, and you're in New York and I'm in New York. I think we need to talk. We'll talk, but first let me show you the city. It's much more pleasant than sitting in a cold hotel. Then we can take in that musical, which I believe Marty told you to take me to,” he said with a grin. “Besides, I haven't bought my mother's Christmas present and I could use some help picking it out.”

  Dani looked at his handsome features stamped with determination. At the mere mention of Christmas his eyes sparkled like a child's. “Don't you have to work today?”

  “No. I've got some time off. What do you say?”

  He was right about her being in a big, unfamiliar city. And she really didn't want to sit in her room . . . alone. “I guess so. But I've got to check into the hotel first.”

  Adrian smiled when Dani turned her back, but that quickly faded when he saw Henry start to say something. “You must be Henry, I'm a friend of Miss Kapur's.”

  The chauffeur frowned, but Adrian gave him a signal to play along.

  After Dani checked in at the hotel desk, she returned to Adrian, who'd taken a seat in the lobby. “Let me change clothes and get rid of this suitcase, and then I'll be ready to see your city.”

  “Should I come up with you?”

  Dani shook her head and held up her hand. “I don't think that's a good idea.”

  Adrian’s dark brow flicked upward with amusement. “Afraid to take a chance?”

  Dani smiled at him. She couldn't help herself when he was this charming. He could charm the pants off anyone as she could testify. “The last time I took a chance--I nearly drowned,” she pointed out, then turned toward the elevators before he could respond.

  Quickly, she changed into her white wool slacks, silver sweater and tennis shoes. Grabbing a silver ball cap, and heavy jacket, she headed for the door.

  She really wasn't sure that spending time with Adrian was such a good idea, but then again maybe it was. She had to decide if she was going to tell him about the baby. She'd keep everything on the light side, and she definitely wouldn't fall willingly into his arms again.

  True she might love him, but he'd never given her any indication that she was anything more than a bed partner. And Dani didn't want someone popping in and out of her life. She wanted someone who would make a commitment.

  He stood when Dani approached him, and she couldn't help thinking he'd take any woman's breath away. He had a supreme sense of confidence about him that she liked. He gave her a sweeping appraisal from her head to her toes, and Dani shivered with delight.

  Adrian's casual dress made her think of the beach. He was dressed in an oatmeal-colored sweater, brown slacks, and a chocolate brown coat.

  “Why don't we walk to Macy's?” Adrian said. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he took her elbow. “I could use the fresh air and exercise.”

  “I'd like that,” Dani said, then shrugged into her nylon bright pink jacket. A wool jacket would probably be better but she didn’t have one.

  “Every pick-pocket in town will be able to see you coming,” Adrian said. “But I have to admit that color is becoming.”

  “Thank you,” Dani said easily. “If I'm accosted, I have you to protect me, so I'm not worried.” The words had tumbled from her mouth so easily, but the truth was she really did feel safe when Adrian was near her.

  “But who is going to protect me?”

  She smiled. “You don't need protecting.”

  “That's where you might be wrong, Dani.”

  She realized that his words held a double meaning, but she didn't comment as they left the hotel.

  “Time Square. I never thought I'd see it in person.”

  “It’s impressive,” Adrian said. “Did you know that Broadway is one of the longest streets in the world?”

  As they walked down the crowded street, Dani said. “It's very crowded. Even the sidewalks are almost as bad as the streets. I feel like I'm going to be run over at any moment.” She turned and pointed toward the busy thoroughfare. “Just look at that traffic jam.”

  Adrian chuckled. “I've never thought about it, but there is one difference.”

  “What's that?”

>   “The human's don't have horns.”

  “Thank goodness,” Dani laughed. “I decided on the way into the city that no one in New York can drive without a working horn in their vehicle.

  They crossed at the curb and continued down Broadway.

  “I must say the stores are certainly decorated prettily,” Dani commented.

  “Do you have plans for Christmas?” Adrian asked.

  “Not many. I told my mother I'd go home for Christmas.”

  “Sounds nice. It’ll give you a chance to compete with your brother and sister.”

  “Don't remind me,” Dani said with a half-laugh. “But this year is different.”

  Adrian wasn't so sure he liked the way she said that. Could she have met somebody in the last three months? That was a thought he didn't find appealing. “You don't look any different,” he teased, trying not to demand what was different.

  She stopped walking, drawing his attention. “You're looking at an independent business woman.” Dani smiled, took his hand and they moved on. “I started my own advertising agency.”

  Adrian let out a puff of pent up air. He didn’t realize he’d been holding his breath. That was all, he thought, then remembered he wasn't supposed to know about her business. “Congratulations,” he said projecting excitement in his voice. “If we were not walking down the street, I'd give you a kiss.”

  “In that case it's better we're moving,” she said. “I'm not killing the world with my business, but I'm slowly growing and if I land the deal I came here to promote, things will be a little easier.”

  Adrian hoped that she did land his account, but he was a businessman first, and he'd have to listen to the other proposals and give them all a fair chance. He also hoped he knew what he was doing. His instincts warned him that Dani was going to be a complication. It seemed when he was around her he did things he normally would not do.

  Like shopping.

  He rarely took a day off and habitually worked into the wee hours of morning. Today he'd planned to simply say hello to Dani, then dismiss her as he usually did the other women in his life. But when he found he couldn't, it scared the shit out of him.

  “So that's what you're doing in New York?”

  Dani nodded. “I presented a proposal to your friend. I was hoping to meet with the President, but he wasn't available. I've heard tell he's a cold fish over a business deal, so it's probably just as well that I got the Vice President.”

  “Who said such a thing?” Adrian demanded, then decided he’d better tone his voice down. “I like the guy, myself.”

  “You know him?” Dani turned to Adrian. “How did you meet?”

  “We’re at Macys,” Adrian said, rushing her across Broadway avoiding the dangerous topic she wanted to discuss. “No more business talk, I've some serious Christmas shopping to do.”

  “This place looks like Santa's workshop,” Dani said upon entering the door. The big window displays were full of sugarplums and fairies, and would be any child’s dream come true.

  They went through the glass revolving doors and were greeted by security who gave them a curt nod before they entered the store. Inside there were festive holiday swags everywhere.

  “Try Mr. Macy's workshop,” Adrian whispered. “First on the list is Mom. I've been thinking of getting her a piece of jewelry. I could use a woman's opinion.” He guided Dani over to one of many glass counters.

  “What does your mother want for Christmas?”

  Adrian chuckled. “She said something about a grandchild, but she'll have to settle on jewelry for now.”

  Dani flinched, but Adrian didn’t notice. The woman could receive her wish, a little late, maybe, but Dani didn’t want Adrian feeling sorry for her. That wouldn't be any way to start a marriage. Besides, who was to say he’d marry her, anyway? He’d already made his opinion of marriage perfectly clear.

  No. The baby was her responsibility, Dani reminded herself. At least, the child would be good looking if he looked anything like his dad. Dani couldn't help wondering what kind of a Father Adrian would be.

  “Dani. Are you all right?”

  “Huh. Oh--yes, just daydreaming.” Dani tried to give him a reassuring smile. “What are you going to get her?”

  “Don't have a clue. She's not into rings, and it can't be anything fancy.”

  A clerk approached them. “May I help you?”

  Adrian explained what he was looking for.

  “May I suggest a pin or a necklace. Maybe a locket? Over this way,” the woman said, waving her hand.

  But Dani turned another way looking at all the lovely pens. “Look at this,” Dani called Adrian over to her side of the counter. She pointed to a beautiful hummingbird pin done with red and green stones. “Would she like something like this?”

  “Perfect. Have you met my mother?” Adrian asked softly. “Mom loves birds. She has feeders everywhere, especially outside her kitchen window.” He squeezed Dani around the waist. “I knew it was a good idea to bring you. I'll take it.”

  “Shouldn't you ask how much?” Dani whispered, hoping those were not real emeralds and rubies. She watched him pull out his wallet.

  “Not when it’s Mom.” He handed the clerk his Visa card.

  At least he had some income, Dani thought a moment before she realized the Visa was platinum. Something about Adrian didn't add up, but she was determined not to spoil the day by asking him a lot of questions. He'd probably refuse to answer any of them, anyway. Besides, it really wasn't any of her business. Since she wasn't marrying the guy.

  They bought gifts for brothers and sisters and by the time they walked out, Dani found herself truly in the Christmas spirit, something she hadn’t had before. Her problems seemed a million miles away, and that was a good feeling for now.

  “Look it's snowing,” Dani said with delight as she peeked around a stack of boxes looking for the limo. “I don’t see much of this back home.”

  Adrian opened the limo door, and after placing his packages on the seat he took hers and ushered her in. “I know a perfect way to enjoy the snow. Henry, take us to Rockefeller Center.”

  Dani couldn’t help noticing that he snapped instructions to the driver very freely. After all, Adrian was just riding along. Henry was her driver for the day. Maybe she should point that fact out to him, she thought, smiling.

  Snow had begun to cling to the lamp poles as they made their way to Rockefeller Center. She was surprised that it wasn't just a rink as she’d assumed. Businesses lined a small mall, The Associated Press, McGraw Hill, Simon & Schuster and each one had been decorated for the season. The massive Christmas tree at the end of the rink looked beautiful, bringing the spirit of the season into focus.

  They found a bench next to the rink, and Adrian suggested that he get them some skates. “I don't think I should do this,” Dani said. “I don't know how to ice skate. It doesn’t get cold enough to skate in Texas.”

  “Where is my spunky girl who dares to take a chance?”

  “I'm not your girl. And before I didn't have a crowd watching me make a fool out of myself.”

  “You'll be fine. Trust me.”

  “I've heard that line before. And look at the trouble it got me into the last time I listened to you.”

  “It's Christmas, Dani. Be nice,” Adrian teased. “What size shoe do you where.”

  “Six and a half.”

  “Be right back.”

  Dani watched the charming scoundrel walk away from her. It would be so easy to give in and forgive him for not calling her . . . to make excuses for him just like she had with Steven. But she'd been that route before, and she was finished with being a Wendy. She was never going to make excuses for a man again.

  Adrian returned with two pairs of ice skates and sat down beside her on the bench. After he had his skates laced, he brushed her hands out of the way and tied hers for her.

  “I'm not helpless, you know.” Dani realized she never had anyone treat her like Adrian did, and it puzzled h
er.

  “I know you’re not helpless, but these skates have to be good and tight so that you don't twist your ankle.” He finished lacing them and stood, holding out his hand. “O.K. Let's go.”

  “You've forgetting on thing.” Dani reminded him again. “I don't know how to skate.” She stood and her ankles immediately gave way. “See.”

  He pulled her onto the ice. “You'll be fine.”

  Before she could say another word of protest, he grasped her around the waist and began gliding her around the rink, backwards. She felt like she was waltzing. It was wonderful, glorious. She started to look down, but Adrian stopped her.

  “Don't. Just gaze into my eyes and relax. I won't let you fall.”

  Dani obeyed and before long she'd completely forgotten about her feet. She forgot about the huge snowflakes that caught in her hair and the frigid temperature that had kissed her cheeks. And she forgot they were in the middle of New York City.

  With Adrian’s arms around her, she felt so safe and secure, and it was easy to put the world away from her. His warm brown eyes held her. As he smiled, those sexy dimples in his cheeks captivated her. Dani could almost feel Adrian’s lips on hers as she well remembered the way he made her feel.

  “See how well you're doing. I'm a good teacher.”

  “And modest, too,” Dani replied wryly. “I like that.”

  “Are you looking forward to Christmas?”

  “Sort of,” Dani hedged, dreading the fact that she was going to have to tell her parents about the baby. She could picture the disappointment in their eyes now. Unsure of exactly how she would handle the subject, Dani decided she'd think about that when the time came.

  “H--Hello--you in there?”

  “I think so.” Dani blinked. “Sorry, I guess I have a lot on my mind today. With the presentation and all. A lot could be riding on it.”

  Adrian didn’t like the sad look that crossed her face, and he wondered what she wasn't telling him. She looked troubled. Could the amphitheater job be that important to her? Now he wondered if she was really doing all right.

  “Are you in New York for the ad agency?”

  “I'm in New York for my advertising agency.” She smiled.