“Well?”
“They have a canceled appointment in half an hour.”
“Good,” James said. “I’ll come with you.”
“No!” Alice remembered last time, the whispers, the gossip. Her embarrassment. “I’m capable of going by myself.”
“Fine.” His eyes narrowed, and leashed masculine power simmered in his face, giving her no illusions as to his mood. He was pissed and that knowledge fired her temper.
“It’s not my fault. I’ve done everything you asked and taken those stupid pills religiously.”
“Stupid pills?”
“A figure of speech,” Alice snapped. “I will be out for an hour.” She picked up her purse and strode for the door, eager to escape his brooding gaze.
“Alice?”
“What?”
“You’ll tell me what the doctor says?” Anger tinged his voice and the set of his face emphasized his mood.
“Yes, I’ll tell you.” Alice flashed her own version of irritation with a searing gaze. “Not that it will make the slightest difference to our situation. I’m staying here and you’re leaving. It’s quite simple really.”
He stared after her, for once failing to enjoy the saucy twitch of her butt. Shit. He dragged his hand through his hair while his mind chased in circles. If Alice were pregnant, he couldn’t leave. He couldn’t walk away and leave her with a child. Their child. Torn, he returned to his office. He slumped into his chair and put his feet up on his desk.
Trapped.
Damn, he felt cornered like a snared rat. Logically he realized this wasn’t Alice’s fault. Deep in his gut, he knew she was honorable and would never attempt to trap him. But he couldn’t help his panic. The idea of having to stay in Sloan, having to conform and seeing the smug expressions on his mother’s and sister’s faces when they saw him with the child.
“Bloody hell,” he muttered.
“James, I’ve brought in a cake for morning tea. It’s in the boardroom,” Harriet said. “Where’s Alice? She’s not in her office.”
“She’s gone to the doctor.” He cursed silently the minute he realized what he’d said.
“Why?” Harriet cocked her head, reminding him of an inquisitive bird. “Is she pregnant?”
James glowered at Harriet.
“Goodness gracious!” Harriet’s eyes glittered with genuine amusement. “Didn’t you use contraception? You know Fancy Free sells condoms, right?”
“Go away,” he growled.
“I’m going,” Harriet said gleefully. She hotfooted it from the office, ready to spread the juicy gossip. James didn’t care. He was more worried about Alice. Yeah, he was ready to remain in Sloan and do the right thing, but what if Alice remained firm and didn’t want anything to do with him?
He attempted to work but couldn’t concentrate. Instead, he found himself staring at the blank wall of his office, willing Alice to return.
Finally, two hours later she appeared at his office door. Her face looked pale and tear tracks marked her cheeks. James leaped from his chair and strode around his desk. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her into a comforting hug. She was pregnant.
“It’s all right. You don’t need to worry.”
“But—”
“I’m not pregnant. The doctor said it’s likely stress that’s messed up my body.”
Instead of elation, a pang of totally unexpected disappointment hit him. Alice wasn’t pregnant. He wasn’t sure what to say or how to act. “Why don’t you head home for the rest of the day?”
“I…” Alice trailed off before nodding. “Okay.”
James grabbed his keys. “Come on. I’ll drive you.”
* * * * *
The next day Alice returned to work after tiptoeing around James at the house. They hadn’t talked. Instead, they’d watched a detective show on television and retired for the evening. They’d shared a bed but hadn’t made love. Suddenly, everything had changed with a mile-wide chasm between them. Alice couldn’t believe how devastated she’d been after the doctor had confirmed the negative test.
Alice checked through the mail she’d collected from the post office on the way to work. She regretted upsetting James. She loved him, but knew how much he needed to leave. Making him stay would be like keeping a wild animal caged. His desire to travel and explore was every bit as important as her urge to nest and make a home. Neither way was wrong.
“Hi.” James stepped into her office. “Do you have anything important happening in the next half an hour?”
Alice shook her head, mystified by the twinkle in his eyes but glad. She wanted to enjoy their remaining time together. “No, nothing more important than sorting the mail.”
“Good. Let me introduce you to the delights of an office quickie.” His eyes glowed a darker blue and they danced with mischief. “Take off your panties.”
“Here?” Intrigue laced the shock in her squeaky voice.
“I dare you.”
“Oh well. In that case.” Maybe everything would be all right, after all.
Alice took a step backward and lifted her short black skirt until it rested halfway up her thighs.
“Nice legs, sweetheart,” he said in a husky voice. Alice noticed his gaze remained riveted to her thighs. He’d persuaded her to add to her wardrobe during the last couple of months. The proprietress of the local fashion store had helped her chose classic items that suited her body type and went with the rest of her wardrobe. While she mightn’t be the height of fashion, she had her own style now and had managed it without spending heaps of money. Coming to Sloan was one of the best things she’d ever done. She might not have a bank account full of money and the security of owning her own home, but she had made friends and learned about herself. She peeked at James through lowered lashes. Best of all, she’d learned about her sexuality.
“Thank you, James.” Alice wouldn’t think about his departure. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t cry and cling even though she ached inside. Alice let her hands skim beneath the hem of her skirt and peeled her silky black panties down her legs. One hand shot out to hold on to him for balance while she shimmied from her panties.
“Very nice.” James bent to pick up her underwear and with a wicked grin, tucked them into the rear pocket of his jeans.
“Are…are you giving those back?”
“Nope.” He crowded her against the wall then unfastened the top three buttons of her pale blue shirt and slipped a hand into her bra. His mouth lowered, and he kissed her deeply, at the same time as he dragged her bra downward. Alice’s pulse pounded at the naughtiness of making love in the workplace. Their kiss seared her. Fiery hot. Perfect.
His hands wandered everywhere. Under her skirt. Tweaking her nipples. Smoothing across her belly. Parting her folds. He delved between her legs, sliding one leg between hers. Fire whipped through her, sending nerve endings wild, pleasure swamping her. He stroked his tongue into her mouth while his fingers explored.
The hard bulge of his cock bumped her hip. She unfastened his jeans and tugged on the zipper until a wide V of flesh showed. He probed her cleft again, brushing his fingers across her moist flesh. Oh god. This was unexpected. So pleasurable. Who’d have guessed? She scooped his cock from his briefs, his hot, hard erection springing into her hands. Warm strength pulsed beneath her touch.
“Lift your leg and curl it around my hip,” he ordered.
Alice found herself obeying and the next instant he pushed into her tight channel. She sucked in a breath, releasing it on a moan when he pressed deeply, impaling her until she felt impossibly full, until she felt him pulsing inside her. His hands cupped her naked bottom. James took her weight and started to thrust with steady strokes. A rich tapestry of scents surrounded them. Aftershave, perfume, sex. Alice’s hips jerked when the long, thick shaft massaged her inner muscles. She grew slicker, the wet sounds of arousal filling the air.
Forced against the wall, she couldn’t move, all she could do was feel. The pleasure. The s
mooth strokes. A rough growl vibrated deep in his chest.
“Touch yourself,” he ordered. “I want to see you come.”
A few months ago she would have baulked. Not today. She savored the leashed power in his strokes, her pulse racing as the sensations grew. Slipping her finger between their bodies, she rubbed her clit in a steady circular motion. Her head fell back against the wall. The bliss grew, swelling until they coalesced in a violent spasm of pleasure. Alice groaned. She bucked in his hold. James gripped her butt more firmly and stroked into her in short, choppy plunges before stilling. His eyes were closed, an expression of almost pain contorting his handsome face. He took her mouth in a passionate kiss that made her channel clench his cock in another series of flutters.
“Oh James. My heart is thumping so hard I think I might expire.”
He opened his eyes and brushed a gentler kiss across her lips. “It’s not you. Someone’s at the door.”
“What?” Alice shrieked. They separated, and she planted both feet on the ground. Her gaze fastened on the door behind James with something akin to horror. In slow motion it opened.
Katarina stepped inside. She paused, her eyes growing round. Then she giggled and slapped her hand to her mouth.
“What’s…? Oh!” Harriet said from behind her. “We’re interrupting. We’ll come back later.”
They backed out with an agility that belied their years. Alice heard their giggles as they hurried away, probably to tell the men they’d caught James and Alice in the act.
Alice straightened her skirt and did up her shirt with clumsy fingers. “I can’t believe that just happened.” She shot a glance at James. His bottom lip quirked, the movement echoed in his eyes. Alice snorted and found herself laughing too.
“We’d better go and see what they want.” James straightened his shirt.
“I’m not sure I’m ready to look them in the face,” Alice said, her tone wry. “I’ll stop by the ladies’ room first. Can I have my underwear please?”
“Not now.” He strode to the door and paused to waggle his brows at her.
“What? James, you can’t!”
He returned to her side and finger-combed her disheveled hair. “You look beautiful. Do this for me.” He placed his fingers beneath her chin and tilted her head. Their gazes met and her pulse jumped. Unable to look away, she drowned in his sexy blue gaze. “Please,” he murmured.
The smoky quality of his voice tugged at her emotions. She had to clear her throat to reply. “But why?”
James winked. “That’s why I like you so much. You’re always asking questions, gathering information.” He traced her lips with a forefinger. “Because it will turn me on.”
“But…but…”
James winked. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.” Before she could raise a decent argument to reclaim her panties, the man disappeared. A jaunty whistle followed in his wake.
“James,” Alice shouted. “Come back here.” She hurried to the door, hoping to catch him but found him talking to Rodney.
Damn and blast. James shot her a Cheshire cat grin along with a friendly wave and patted his backside. Rat! Alice stuck her nose in the air and hurried to the ladies’ room.
After she’d cleaned up, she traipsed to the boardroom. Laughter and the low rumble of male voices greeted her. Joking at her expense, no doubt. Embarrassment collected in her cheeks and seeped down her neck. Her entire body glowed with heat and the swish of skirt fabric around her bare limbs brought intense awareness. What happened if she tripped and sprawled flat on her face? What happened if everyone noticed she wasn’t wearing knickers? Drawing a deep breath, Alice sailed into the boardroom with her head held high. She would murder James while he slept. Her eyes narrowed when she spotted his smirking face. Or at least slap him around a little to show her displeasure. Alice paused. Okay, so she wouldn’t really do that—not for real. In her imagination now, that was another matter.
“Alice is here,” Joseph said.
Alice forced a smile in place and waited with trepidation.
“I hear Rodney is going on his big overseas experience,” Ben said. “An OE will be good for him.”
Harriet and Katarina giggled. One glimpse of their faces told her their laughter was at her expense.
“You shouldn’t enter my office without knocking,” she said.
“If you’re that worried,” Harriet said in an arch tone, “you should have locked your door.”
“Leave Alice alone,” James ordered, earning brownie points. “What did you want to speak to us about?”
“My niece has had a wonderful idea,” Katarina said. “She suggested we branch out and do parties that feature our products.”
Rodney cleared his throat. When he had their attention, he fiddled with his glasses. “I have a friend who designs sex toys. Maybe you could hire him.”
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Harriet said. “Let’s vote.”
“Before we vote.” Alice cut in before the oldies signed and sealed the idea. “I think it’s an excellent suggestion but first we’re going to do more research. Rodney, please ask your friend to ring me and we’ll talk. I’ll take care of the monetary angle and the costings. I want the rest of you to check out the existing businesses and see how they do things.”
“You want us to spy?” Ben demanded.
Alice hid a smile. “Yes, but keep it legal. You have a week. We’ll check in every morning so we’re all in the loop. And remember not to discuss the details with anyone except each other.”
With a burst of chatter the oldies hurried off, eager to start their research. Alice exhaled slowly.
“See you tomorrow,” Rodney said. “And thanks. I’ve made up my mind. I want to come back to work for you. I’ll take six months.” With a nod at James, Rodney left, leaving them alone.
Time for a little payback. Alice stalked toward him. The man grinned and stood his ground. Two could play at that game. Alice narrowed her eyes and poked him in the chest with her finger. “Give me back my underwear, you…you…panty thief!”
He chuckled. “Make me.”
“I could withhold privileges.”
The humor faded from James. “I’m leaving soon. Anything but that. I could buy you more lingerie.”
Alice sobered. She’d miss James so much. She didn’t think she’d want to look at another man, not for a long, long time. At least she had Fancy Free and her friends to keep her busy. James was right. She didn’t want to fight or even disagree.
Alice linked their arms and tugged him from the boardroom. “Deal.” She cocked her head to the side. “I’d like a fire engine-red G-string.”
Chapter Seventeen
Departure day
“Do you want to come to the airport with me?”
Alice swallowed. Unshed tears glistened in her beautiful brandy-colored eyes while her mouth pursed tight. She was trying not to cry and it made his chest ache. Recently, they’d cruised along and avoided discussions of the future. Even after the condom testing ended they’d continued to sleep and live together. They’d talked about Fancy Free and local stuff. James had never liked a woman as much as he did Alice. He’d never had so much trouble leaving Sloan before. In the past, he couldn’t wait to shake the dust of Sloan from his shoes. But today…today was different.
His throat felt so damn tight it hurt to swallow.
“I have a meeting with Rodney’s friend about his toys. I’ll say goodbye here.” She gave him a bright smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Do you have everything? Your passport? Money? Tickets?”
“Alice?” He had everything except Alice. James wondered if he was making a huge mistake.
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Can I have one last hug?”
She threw herself at him, knocking him back a step before he regained his balance. The lump in his throat grew larger and he couldn’t have spoken if he’d tried. Instead, his arms wrapped around her and he held her tight. James breathed in her scent of flowers
and knew he’d never forget her.
A horn tooted outside.
“That’s the cab,” James said.
“Send us a postcard or two.” She pulled away from him and forced another one of those false smiles that twisted his insides into knots. At least she hadn’t started crying. Yet.
James couldn’t resist leaning in for one last kiss. It was short, sweet and not nearly enough. The cab driver tooted again and regretfully he picked up his backpack and grabbed his smaller daypack before smiling at Alice and walking away.
It was the hardest thing he’d ever done.
Chapter Eighteen
Three weeks later
The phone rang five minutes before the start of the board meeting. Alice grabbed it and answered almost absently, her attention on the array of sex toys that littered her desk.
“Alice Beasley.”
“Alice, it’s Max in production. Our bloody machine is stuffed. Excuse the language.”
Stuffed? As in working to produce lots of condoms to keep up with the orders? Judging from the tone, Alice thought not. A series of small problems seemed to have hit them recently, problems that cost money to fix. “Have you called the repairman?”
“He’s here now.”
Uh-oh. That didn’t sound good. “I’ll be down in a few minutes.”
After a quick phone call to Harriet, she speed-walked to production. The huge warehouse sounded unusually silent. Several employees loitered outside, taking the opportunity to have a cigarette. Alice strode inside to see the rest of the workers standing around the silent machine.
“What’s the problem?” She studied the repairman, who had his hands and head stuck inside the bowels of the condom-manufacturing machine. He backed up and grinned at her. His face bore grease splotches where he’d rubbed his cheek.
“What isn’t? I told Alicia she needed to upgrade soon.”
When Alice cast a questioning glance at Max, he nodded. Great. “Can you patch up the machine until I arrange a replacement?” More money spent. Alice had given up the idea of retrieving her money and had poured more into the company to fix the latest round of glitches. The good thing was that with the packaging and dispatch problems sorted out, they were at full capacity and looking to hire more workers for the sales department.
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