Stormy Passion

by Brenda Jernigan

  Of course he knew all the answers, but he had to play dumb. “I'm proud of you. You finally took a chance and branched out on your own.”

  I've taken a lot of chances since I've met you. That is what she wanted to say, but instead she said, “In the last few months, I've discovered quite a bit about myself.”

  Her foot slipped and Adrian tightened his hold. “I'm a little tired,” Dani admitted reluctantly. “Let's go sit down.”

  As he glided her over to where they had left their things, Adrian asked, “What have you found out?”

  “One thing, I've learned to walk on my own two feet.” She glanced down and laughed at the skates. “Well, almost. Skates excluded.”

  “I never had any doubts,” Adrian admitted.

  “Is that why you never bothered to call?”

  He didn't say anything for a few minutes. His eyes were dark, impassive. “To be truthful, I'm not sure why I didn't call you.” He picked up her hand. “It's not that . . . I didn't want to. It's just that you scare the hell out of me.”

  “I don't believe that.”

  “I don't expect you too. But you're different, Dani. I haven't been able to dismiss you like I have the other women. Yet, I don't want to rush into anything either. I’ve made too many mistakes.”

  “I wouldn't exactly call three months rushing.”

  Adrian laughed. “I guess you're right.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Dani stood in front of the bathroom counter brushing her hair until it shown like golden honey. With a sweeping flick of her wrist she pulled her hair up and tucked it into a French twist, leaving small whips of hair escaping around her face. Her face glowed. In spite of her best reservations, she found herself looking forward to tonight. Wanting to look her best, she chose a short black crepe dress that was simple yet elegant.

  Satisfied with her appearance, she rode the glass elevator down to the lobby to meet Adrian. When she stepped off the elevator she realized she was a little early, and she wasn't sure Adrian would even be here. Not wanting to appear too eager, she turned and walked to her right, giving the Atrium a quick once over.

  Oh, he was there all right. And what she saw took her breath away. Dressed in a black tux and looking extremely debonair, he stood talking to a beautiful blonde who seemed to be flirting with him. His head was tilted toward the woman as she spoke, and Dani felt a twinge of jealousy.

  Dani must say she couldn't blame the woman. Who wouldn't flirt with him? But Dani didn't like it either. She realized she'd never felt jealous over Steven. Oh, she'd been disappointed, even disgusted when Steven had flirted with other women, but she'd never felt this painful stab in the pit of her stomach. It definitely wasn't an emotion she liked.

  She now knew something she'd expected over the last two months. She'd never really loved Steven at all. He had been an obsession with her and nothing more. She never wanted to be in that kind of a relationship again.

  She glanced at Adrian. He was different. And so were her feelings.

  She realized that she loved him, and with that knowledge, came the fact that he could hurt her. What a scary thought. She didn't want or need any complications like that at the moment. She really didn't know what she wanted, or what she expected, but now that she was face to face with her feelings, she had to make a decision. Her steady-as-you-go road now had several speed bumps and slowly she would learn to deal with each one on her own terms.

  Walking up behind Adrian she asked, “Have you been waiting long?” She nodded to the woman.

  He swung toward her. “You're right on time,” he said, his eyes wide. “And absolutely beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” Dani felt her cheeks heat with pleasure.

  “Dani, I'd like you to meet Paula.”

  Paula smiled, but not a smile that she meant. It never reached her eyes. “My replacement, Adrian?” Paula addressed Adrian as if Dani weren't even there. “I must run along. It was good seeing you,” Paula reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “Merry Christmas, darling.” Then as if an afterthought hit her, she looked at Dani. “I hope you can keep him, dear, since the rest of us haven't managed to.”

  “I don't want him,” Dani lied.

  “That's my girl.” Adrian slipped his arm around her waist.

  “Well, Adrian. Maybe there is one woman you've not completely charmed off her feet. Remember, you know my phone number.” And with a flounce of silk, Paula was on her way.

  “Your girlfriend?”

  “Ex.”

  “Doesn't sound like it.”

  “Are you jealous, sweetheart?”

  “Come on, let's go,” Dani urged irritably. He was laughing at her, but she'd be damned if she'd answer that question. He must know how she felt about him. She was sure that anybody that looked at her could see love written all over her face.

  Except Adrian.

  Why couldn't she be one of those women who could play coy so that no one ever knew how she felt?

  Dani stared sightlessly out the limo's windows as it whisked them back to the hotel. The musical had been wonderful. She had never seen such elaborate set decorations and the music seemed to seep into every inch of her body. During the performance, she had been well aware of the man beside her. Somewhere during the first act he had reached over and taken her hand in his. She'd been warmed all the way to her toes for the rest of the performance. If only she could take a pill that would immunize her to Adrian.

  After the show they went for a candlelight dinner. The food had been delicious, but the strain of trying to keep their conversation light was wearing on her.

  When Adrian suggested a ride through Central Park, she thought it was a good idea. The park was magical with the light snow fluttering from the sky. Much too soon the wonderful night had come to an end.

  The slick black limo swung into the Marriott Marquis. They took the escalators up to the lobby where Adrian insisted on taking her to her room.

  As they made their way over to the bank of elevators, she was surprised how crowded it was even at this late hours. With groups in every corner there was no way they could talk.

  Finally, they reached her floor. Dani fumbled in her purse for the door card. “Thank you for a fantastic evening,” she said.

  She couldn't think of any other way to keep Adrian with her. Well, there was one way, but they had done that one too many times and she was carrying the proof. Besides she didn't want him to think that she'd crawled in bed with him every time they met. She reached up and kissed Adrian on the cheek. “Merry Christmas,” she whispered.

  “I think you can do better. After all it's Christmas.” Adrian's slip his arms around her so fast that Dani’s purse fell to the floor.

  He was a magnificent kisser, just as she remembered every night in her dreams. Sweet, savage fire swept over her as his lips molded over hers. He demanded a response as he pulled her closer to him. She didn't hold back because she couldn't. This man seemed to hold the key to her soul. She never dreamed she could feel so many raw, exhilarating sensations and she wanted to experience them all. And she wanted Adrian to remember her, no matter how far they wandered from each other.

  At last, he broke the kiss and pulled away, a slow smile forming on his face. He gazed at her for a long moment, then he said, “Merry Christmas. And that's the way to say it properly.”

  “Not bad,” she said huskily, refusing to reveal anything. Remembering her purse, she stooped to retrieve the black bag off the floor. “Darn, everything is scattered all over the carpet.”

  Adrian stepped back, stumbling over something. He caught himself in time to keep from crushing it. “Here, I'll help you.” He bent down and retrieved a white medicine bottle. “What's this? Have you been sick?”

  “Give me those--” Dani tried to grab them out of his hands.

  “Prenatal Multi Vitamins. Take one with meals.” Adrian’s eyebrows drew together as the contents of the bottle registered in his brain. He reached out grabbed her wrist, jerking her around. �
�I see you've been busy in the last few months. Were you going to tell me? Or just make me feel like a heel for not calling you--when you evidently were entertaining others?”

  This was exactly the scene she had wanted so desperately to avoid. “Keep your voice down.” Dani jerked her arm away and fumbled to get the door open. She stepped quickly inside and attempted to shut it but Adrian stopped her and followed her into the room.

  “So you forgave that jerk?” Adrian spat. It might have been phrased as a question, but it was an accusation.

  Dani swung on him, too furious to care any longer. “Why do you care?”

  “I don't know! But I do!”

  “The baby isn't Steven's.”

  “What are you trying to say?”

  “I'm not trying to say anything. You're the one asking questions.”

  “Well try saying something!”

  “The baby is yours,” she spat. “Now, are you satisfied?”

  “Mine?” Adrian seemed unable to believe what he’d just been told. No, I'm not satisfied. You see, Dani. You're not the first who has tried this trick on me.” He laughed bitterly. “And I thought you were different.” Rage surged within him. “I had hoped there might even be a future for us someday.”

  “You don't like children?”

  “I love children. I'd like to have a dozen of my own. But what I don't like are conniving, lying women. I just got out of a marriage with one cold-hearted bitch, and I'm not making that mistake . . . yet again!”

  “I don't believe I asked you to marry me, Mr. Massimino. Apparently, I made a mistake in thinking that you were a nice guy who would want to know he had a child. But I see I've made a mistake. If you remember, you sought me out.”

  “Save it, Dani. Listen and listen good. It’s not my child that you carry, and the reason I know that, sweetheart,” he growled, enunciating each word. “ . . . is because I had the mumps when I was a teenager, and it left me with little chance of becoming a father. The doctor was surprised when my wife got pregnant, but that is another story that I don’t want to get into. So take your song and dance to the real father.”

  Dani stumbled backwards, and Adrian reached out to steady her. She jerked. Her breathing becoming erratic from his jarring announcement. There was no way he'd ever believe her, no matter that it was the truth.

  “Don't touch me!” Dani hissed, glaring at the man she loved. “I’ve not asked anything of you, so don't stand here with your righteous indignation accusing me. Dani was so angry that the words wouldn't come, so she shoved him toward the door. “There is one thing I know for sure. I didn't get pregnant by my imagination, and rest assured, Adrian, I'll never bother you again! Thank you for a lovely evening, even though I provided the tickets and transportation. Now, I'm telling you like you told me, have a nice life Mr. Massimino!”

  Before Adrian could open his mouth, Dani slammed the door in his face. He remained staring at it for a long moment. Lifting his hand, he started to knock, but stopped short, letting his hand fall to his side.

  What had just happened here?

  He had really enjoyed the evening. He’d even been prepared to take a chance and tell Dani he'd like to see her again. He rubbed his chin. He couldn't understand why he was so fascinated by her.

  After being trapped by his last marriage, he had sworn he wouldn't let that happen again no matter how he felt at the moment. Adrian rubbed a hand over his face. God, he felt like someone had just slammed a fist into his stomach.

  The door had shattered the silence in Dani's room. It had effectively put her love life on ice, as well.

  She stared at the closed door. Just before she closed it, she'd glimpsed a glimmer of raw hurt in Adrian's eyes.

  After several minutes, Dani finally realized everything had happened for the best. Adrian was now out of her life for good. It was time to move on again. She could see he wasn't the least bit interested in being a father.

  What did he mean about the last time he'd been tricked into marriage? Had some woman actually told him she was pregnant to get him to marry her? That would explain his anger.

  Oh, well. Those were questions she'd never have the answers for. So wearily she undressed, packed her bags and crawled into bed. Of course, sleep eluded her.

  What sleep she did manage was not peaceful. She was in love and miserable.

  The next morning Dani slid into the limo, and sat silently thinking as Henry drove her to the airport. He hauled her bags to the aircaps for check in, then turned to her. “Have a safe trip, Miss Kapur. Are you sure you feel like flying? You look a little under the weather.”

  “Thanks, Henry. I didn't sleep well last night. I'll be fine.” Dani managed a weak smile then made her way through the airport. She kept hoping she would turn at any moment and see Adrian. If she shut her eyes, she could see him rushing up to her, begging for her forgiveness, then sweeping her into his arms, telling her that their life together would be wonderful.

  But when she opened her eyes to the real world she realized that she’d have to give up her fairy tale endings.

  The flight home was long, and she was sick most of the way. By the time, she staggered off the plane, she felt like kissing the ground and swearing she'd never get on a plane again.

  Susan was waiting for her and waved to get her attention. Happy to see a familiar face, Dani trudged over to her friend, took one look at Susan, and burst into tears.

  Dani filled Susan in on the details of her trip to New York as they rode home from the airport.

  Once they were in the apartment, Susan turned to Dani and took her by the shoulders. “Something doesn't add up Dani. It sounds like you and Adrian had a good time up until he found the pills.”

  “That's right. We did. That was the third time he has left me. Like they say, three times and you’re out.”

  “You mean three strikes and you’re out.”

  “Whatever. I just know that I can't go through saying goodbye to Adrian ever again. The man has walked all over my heart, and I feel completely numb inside.” Dani pulled away and dropped her purse on the couch. “He said there was little chance for him to have children, but the key word here is little. Because he then turned around and said something about his wife had been pregnant, and it was a miracle, yet he has never mentioned the fact that he had a child. Can you believe that? He found out about our baby and he ran. I don't want another man who's afraid of commitment.”

  “Now wait a minute.” Susan slumped down in the chair across from the couch. “Can't have children. Yet, his wife was pregnant? I agree it looks bad. The way you make it sound, he said he'd been tricked into marriage once before. I don’t think we know the entire story. Maybe he thinks you’re after something.”

  “Yeah, right. His money? What money? I don't know anything about him. And I have no idea what kind of work he does--if any.”

  “Well, he must do something. A tux doesn't come cheap. Maybe there is more to him than we're seeing.”

  “I appreciate your help, Susan. But the subject of Mr. Massimino is closed.” Dani leaned back on the couch and propped her feet on the coffee table. “He's made it perfectly clear that he wants no part of me . . . or his child.”

  “So what are you going to do?”

  “Swallow my pride and go home for Christmas. Then somehow break the bad news to my parents--that once again, I've let them down. My mother will probably faint when I tell her I'm going to be an unwed mother.” Dani leaned her head back and shut her eyes, picturing the scene vividly in her mind.

  “That's not so uncommon this day and time.”

  Dani's head popped up and she stared at Susan. “It is where my mother is concerned. Besides, I'm just barely making ends meet. I'm probably going to have to ask them for a loan.”

  “What about your aunt's money?”

  “It has stipulations, remember. I have to be married for a year. I get part when I marry and the rest when the first year is up.” Dani rubbed her chin. “I could take an ad out in the pape
r. Husband wanted, no experience, no qualifications--name needed only.”

  Susan laughed. “At least you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”

  “You think so? I don't feel very funny. But somehow, some way, I'll get through this.”

  “Yes, you will, and you’ll be just fine. I'll be here for you.” Susan reached over and took Dani's hands in hers.

  “Thanks, you're the one person I can count on. That and getting about twice the size I am now in the next six months.”

  “Ah, Dani, Dani, Dani. You're going to make a good mother.”

  “I hope you’re right, Susan. Because right now I feel lower than dirt.”

  Adrian had stayed well out of sight when he’d watched Dani sitting at the airport. He’d fought the overwhelming desire to run to her. No matter how pretty the package, Adrian had learned the hard way that beauty was only skin deep. By the time he'd watched the plane leave, he wasn't sure how he felt so he went back to his office and buried himself in work--work always helped.

  It was the one thing he could always count on.

  Somewhere around six o'clock, Marty ventured into his office not waiting for an invitation. He stood in front of the desk. “You've been closed up in here all day. What gives?”

  “I have work to do.”

  “Really?” Marty raised a suspicious eyebrow. “I thought you'd be on cloud nine today after spending the night with one very pretty young lady.”

  “Women are all alike,” he muttered bitterly.

  “Ouch! Marty rubbed his chin like he'd been hit. “I see it didn't go very well last night. Want to talk?”

  “No!” Adrian finally put his pen down and stared at his business partner. “Ah, hell. Sit down.”

  “I really like her, Adrian. Miss Kapur is so wonderfully different from everybody I've ever seen you with. So tell me what happened.”

  Staring at, but not really seeing, a calendar on the wall, Adrian began talking. After he'd finished, he was exhausted and completely drained of all his anger.