Mitch wore the same cologne as he had the night he’d made love to her. A light five-o’clock shadow framed his sexy lips.
Her body began to hum, recognizing the man who’d brought her to bliss and beyond. She struggled to control her racing heart and disentangled herself from his embrace before she did something stupid like kiss him. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I didn’t mind.”
He stepped away, giving her much-needed space.
“I’ve always appreciated the way you respect me,” she said, trying to slow her breathing.
He nodded. “I do. Very much. You realize, though, we’re going to have to work closely together.”
“Yes.”
“As long as you’re okay with that.”
“I can handle it,” she said, although really, she wasn’t sure that she could. It would be hard to keep a professional distance.
“Good, because this time, you won’t be my boss.”
HIS SISTER WOULD AGAIN call him an idiot, but for the first time, Kristi was available, and she needed him. He’d be there for her. Maybe he could even win her heart.
Heck, Larry had practically given his blessing. Okay, maybe that was a stretch. But the door was open a crack, and Mitch intended to take full advantage. He leaned closer, and Kristi’s lips parted. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her, but he had to take things slow or he’d scare her off for sure.
Somehow he spoke. “I need to go before I kiss you.”
A RUSH OF DISAPPOINTMENT took Kristi by surprise.
She’d wanted him to kiss her.
He stepped forward. “Are you okay?”
“I think I need to sit down.”
He reached for her arm and guided her to a sofa. “Wait here.”
He returned with a box of crackers and a glass of clear, bubbly soda. “These should help.”
“What’ll help is getting my dad off my case.” He frowned. “I know. I know. I’m fixated.”
Mitch sat at the other end of the sofa and watched while she dug out a cracker. She bit it in half and washed it down with soda. “I promise to focus on only good things.”
“I’m happy to hear that.” His smile warmed her insides, and Kristi knew she was in trouble. One night had affected her more than she’d ever imagined.
“So, this won’t put a cramp in your style, will it?”
“What do you mean?”
“Um, you know. Babysitting me for my dad. It won’t hurt your social life.”
He chuckled. “I’ll manage.”
“So how are things working out with that girl? The one you really liked.”
Mitch bobbed his head and the corners of his lips inched upward. “She knows who I am now. I’m making some progress.”
“Oh, that’s great.” Kristi forced herself to sound thrilled. Mitch’s heart was taken. All they’d shared was lust.
“I think so, too.” He grinned.
Kristi covered her disappointment with a big gulp of soda and another cracker.
In the living room, the grandfather clock that had been a housewarming present from her parents began to chime. “If you’re better, I’ll take off. How about we meet up after work and I’ll let you know how lunch with your dad went?” “Sure.”
“I’ll call you.” Mitch rose, and seeing her shift, shook his head. “You stay there. I can show myself out.”
“I’m fine.” Kristi got to her feet and followed him. She stood there awkwardly as Mitch put on his coat and opened the door. After an exchange of “good night,” he left.
She shut the front door behind him and watched from the window as he climbed into his car. The overhead light illuminated him briefly, and then she heard the engine roar before the low beams cut a swath through the night. Mitch’s taillights soon faded into the developing fog.
She wrapped her arms around herself and sat on the living-room couch. Her father wanted her to resign. Her hormones were out of control. Mitch’s dream girl was starting to notice him—she should be happy about that, but she wasn’t.
Only one thing was for sure.
Sparks were nothing but trouble.
Chapter Eight
“So that’s the story.” Kristi summed up the situation for Alison over lunch. She tried to ignore the fact that at this moment Mitch was dining with her father.
Alison whistled low. She’d been listening intently for the last ten minutes as Kristi related the events of the previous evening. “Wow. I never seriously thought your dad would go this far.”
“What, you thought he’d stop?” Kristi tapped her fingers on the table in a rapid staccato. They’d escaped the office to eat at their favorite bistro. “Luckily Mitch told me about all this.”
“What if Mitch finds out the baby is his?”
“He won’t. He can’t. Besides, his dream girl is starting to realize he’s alive. It’s not fair to keep him from true love.”
“A noble cause if it exists.” Alison stabbed some salad.
“It does, I’m sure of it.” At least she prayed there was such a thing.
“I hope you’re right for both of our sakes.”
Kristi nodded. “Me, too.”
“Are you okay? You’re looking paler than usual,” Alison said.
“I haven’t been sleeping very well. I’m stressed.” Kristi took her napkin and wiped her lips.
“Think of your insomnia as preparation for the night feedings ahead. Has Dr. Krasnoff checked your blood levels yet?”
Kristi shook her head. “That’s at my next appointment. Why?”
“Carrying Kelsey made me anemic. I had to take iron supplements the entire pregnancy. Low iron could be what’s making you feel run-down and blue.”
Kristi nodded. As a strong and confident woman, she rarely found herself totally overwhelmed. She’d learned to handle anything, from business crises to personal rejections. She bounced back. She remained in control. Having a baby had changed everything.
“So you’re seeing Mitch tonight?”
“Yes. We’re meeting after work. He’s cooking me dinner at his place.”
Alison frowned. “That sounds personal.”
“Where else are we going to talk? Just because I’m on the negotiating team come Monday doesn’t mean we can be seen hanging out. We don’t work together like we used to. His place sounds safe and, believe me, I’m not up for doing any cooking.”
“Just be careful,” Alison warned.
“When am I not?” Kristi replied, and then realizing the implications, she began to laugh. “Don’t answer that.”
Alison covered her mouth, but failed to suppress the giggles. “Trying not to.”
With a shake of her head at the irony, Kristi ate her lunch.
“HI. ANY TROUBLE finding it?” Mitch asked as he opened the door to his St. Louis Hills bungalow. His gaze roved over Kristi, assessing her mood.
She smiled and it lit up her entire face. He relaxed. “Your directions were great. I like your place. It’s cute.”
It wasn’t big, but Mitch didn’t need much space.
“Something smells good.”
“Baked ravioli. Let me take your coat.”
“Okay.” She shrugged out of her coat and deposited the garment in Mitch’s outstretched hand. Although today had been in the low sixties, a cold front was passing through and there was even a chance for snow flurries. “Wow, you cooked?”
Mitch grinned. “I did. Surprised?”
“A little,” Kristi admitted, chuckling.
He moved through an archway and placed her coat on the back of a dining-room chair. “So you’re hungry?” Mitch teased as her stomach gave a loud growl.
“I’m always hungry. Now that my appetite’s come back, I’m a bottomless pit.”
She followed him through a doorway into the small kitchen at the back of the house. Mitch opened the oven, removed the pan and set it on the counter.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Kristi asked.
“T
oss the salad?” he suggested as he took a foil-wrapped garlic bread loaf out of the oven. “It’s on the top shelf.”
“I can do that.” She opened the refrigerator and found an Italian salad. “Did you make this, too?”
“That’s from Dierberg’s deli.” Mitch named a locally owned grocery store chain as he handed Kristi some tongs. She tossed the iceberg and romaine lettuce, sliced red onions, artichoke hearts, croutons and pimentos. The homemade dressing was in a former jelly jar, and she dumped the Italian vinaigrette on the salad, added the Parmesan cheese and tossed again.
“How did you know Italian food was my favorite?” she asked once they were seated at the table.
“I was your PA. It was my job to notice things.”
“I wish my current PA was as good. She’s wedding obsessed.”
Kristi closed her eyes as she savored a morsel of ravioli and Mitch’s heart raced. “Wow. This is good stuff. Better than at some of the restaurants where I’ve eaten.”
“Thanks.”
“Where did you learn to cook?”
“My mom. With eight kids, she was always cooking.”
“I can’t imagine that many people. It’s always been Mom, my dad and me. Is your family close?”
“We’re very tight-knit.”
“I always wanted siblings. Was it fun growing up with so many brothers and sisters?”
“It was fun, but chaotic. And I had to be a role model. That was assumed. I couldn’t let anyone down.”
“That’s a lot of pressure to put on a kid.”
“Yeah, but it’s just part of being in a family, and the love and support I received more than made up for any extra responsibilities.”
She ran her hand over her stomach. “I hope my baby won’t be an only child.”
It was too soon to see much change in Kristi’s figure. “Whatever happens, I know she’ll be happy and well loved.”
Kristi smiled. “Alison swears it’s a boy. She says her sisters know these things, even though it’s too soon to tell. The doctor said I could find out at the ultrsound I’ll have in late April. But I’m not sure I want to know.”
“You want to be surprised?” Maria had been determined to learn the sex, and then had decorated the nursery accordingly.
“Part of me does. After all, I was surprised I was pregnant. It’ll be rather fitting.”
“So the pregnancy was an accident?” His voice hitched at the end of the sentence and Kristi’s eyes widened guiltily.
“A baby is always a blessing,” she sidestepped.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
She set her fork down. “It’s been a great meal so far. Let’s not ruin it by talking about this. I’m having a nice evening, and that’s been rare lately.”
Mitch sensed there was something she was hiding, but decided not to press. “I agree. So what do you think about the Blues’ playoff chances?” He knew she liked professional hockey. His topic choice was a good one, and they had a rousing discussion.
“You know, you should put in for some corporate tickets,” Kristi said. “They’re great seats. Right on center ice. Does your dream girl like hockey?” “Yes.”
“Then you should get tickets and ask her to the game. Or take your dad. I bet he would like to go.”
“My dad probably would.” Mitch rose. “I hope you left some room. There’s dessert.”
She leaned back and put her hands over her stomach. “You’re kidding me. Really?”
“Nope. You’ll like this.”
“It’s been so good already.” He brought out two forks, two plates, a small foil pie pan, a knife and a can of whipped cream. “I also have vanilla ice cream if you want.”
“This is fine.” She noticed the brand. “Ooh. Tippin’s.”
“Yeah, this is my secret indulgence. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m a sucker for apple pie.”
The pie served four, and Mitch cut them each a slice. He shook the whipped cream, turned the can upside down and sprayed a big blob that foamed over the top and down the sides of one piece of pie.
Mitch paused. “I usually have the ice cream. That’s not as pretty as it looks on the commercial.”
Kristi stood. “Give me that. Let me show you how to do this.”
“Oh, so you’re the expert?” Mitch passed her the can and leaned over her shoulder so he could watch.
“You bet I am. I grew up with this stuff.” She pressed the nozzle, making a perfect spiral on the other slice.
“Okay, you win. It was my first attempt.”
She swiveled to face him, canister in hand. “You’ve never used whipped cream?”
“Not from a can. My mother won’t let the fake stuff in the house. She claims it’s unhealthy, and makes her own. You should have seen the drama Lauri caused when she brought home a tub of Cool Whip.”
“Canned whipped cream is great. Here. I’ll show you. Open wide,” Kristi said.
“What?” Mitch began, and as he spoke, Kristi moved the nozzle close to his face and pressed. The cream shot forth, hitting the inside and the outside of his closing mouth. He jumped back slightly, trying to swallow and using his fingers to stop the cream running down his chin. “Hey!”
“You were supposed to keep your mouth open.” Kristi tilted the white tip, and shot cream into her own mouth. “See?”
Mitch wiped the cream off his face and pressed a residual dollop onto Kristi’s nose. “You are a men ace.”
“It’s not intentional.”
“Still.” He used his thumb to wipe some whipped cream from her nose. “That tickled.”
“Did it? Eat your pie.” With a thump he sat in his chair. Anything to keep from kissing Kristi, as he’d wanted to when he’d wiped the cream from her nose.
He deliberately shoved a chunk into his mouth and then pointed. “Try some.”
“Sure.” But Kristi seemed subdued. She smeared the perfect spiral into an unshapely blob on the top of her pie. She then stabbed the point with her fork and shoved the portion into her mouth.
She was angry and he wasn’t exactly sure why.
“So what did my dad say today?” she asked.
Ah, so maybe that was it. “He was thrilled that I accepted his offer.”
“Figures.” She stabbed the pie again.
He gestured to her plate with his fork. “You don’t have to kill it.”
“I’m frustrated.”
“I can see that. Why?”
“I don’t want to talk about it. Tell me the status of the negotiations. That way I’m up to speed on Monday.”
Mitch knew when not to press, and he spent the next half hour filling her in. “So what have you left for Brett?”
“Nothing he can damage. I’ll go by my office every morning and afternoon to check on things, and technically in my absence Mark’s in charge. Brett’s too green. But he’s smart and will catch on quickly. The longer these negotiations drag on, the harder it will be for me to get my department back. And you know that’s what my dad wants.”
“He only wants you to be happy. Deep down, that is his motivation.”
Kristi’s cell phone began to ring. “Speak of the devil himself.”
Mitch stood to give her privacy. “Go ahead. Answer. I’ll clean the table.”
ALTHOUGH HE WAS the last person she wanted to talk to, Kristi answered the call. “Hi, Dad.”
“Hey, Kristi.” Her father sounded smug, she decided. She forced herself to remain calm. “Where are you?”
“Actually, I’m at Mitch’s. He cooked me dinner—baked ravioli.”
“Really?”
Don’t sound so gleeful, Kristi thought. “Yes. He suggested dinner so that I could be brought up to speed regarding the contract negotiations.”
“He’s a smart one. What a great idea. I had lunch with him today.”
“He mentioned it.”
“He did?” Her father was fishing, and she gave him what he wanted.
“Yes. He said you were pickin
g his brain since his father’s in a union.”
“That’s right. I wanted to hear from someone who’s lived it. Up until now we’ve just been relying on our consultants.”
Mitch came through to get more plates. Kristi rolled her eyes and he smiled sympathetically.
“So is there a reason you called?” she asked.
“Actually, yes. Your mother and I have been invited to dinner at the club tomorrow with Hannah and Reginald Ivey. Their son is in town. We thought you could round out the dinner party and make it even numbers.”
“Dad.”
“Kristi, he’s divorced and has kids. He already knows you’re pregnant.”
“Dad, I know you and Mom mean well, but really, enough. No more matchmaking.”
“You aren’t going to find anyone without help.”
That got her. She bristled. “Actually, I already have.”
Anything to make the incessant matchmaking end.
That got her dad’s attention and she knew she’d shocked him. “Who? Do I know him?”
“I can’t tell you who he is.” Uh-oh, she should have thought this through. What had possessed her to go down this path?
“Why not?” her father grew agitated. “Does this guy really even exist?”
“Yes. But you know how you get. You’ll crush him like a bug or something if I tell you his name.” Come on, Kristi, think of something.
“So he works for me?”
“Maybe….”
Her father punctuated each word. “I want to know who he is.”
Mitch had walked back into the room. The table was cleared and he folded his arms over his chest. His brow was creased, his eyes quizzical.
“It’s Mitch!” Too late, she slapped a hand over her mouth.
“What!” She held the phone away from her ear. Oh, crap.
She had to salvage the situation as best she could. She ignored Mitch’s stricken expression. She’d make it up to him somehow. “Dad, he cooked me dinner. He’s really an attractive guy. And I’m not his boss anymore. Why shouldn’t I go out with him?”
“You won’t date Mitch. He’s an employee.”
“So? You like him. Why does his job matter?”
“You’re about to be spending tons of time with him.”
Baby in the Boardroom Page 7
