Only You

by Francis Ray

  “I don’t know anything of the kind.” His hands grasped her small waist. “But if it will make you feel better, I’ll send Martin and Jenkins back to Tucson.”

  “Who would take care of you? Cook?”

  “I’m not helpless,” he told her.

  “In a kitchen you are,” she said. “I’ve seen you in action. You’re as pitiful as Pierce, and that’s saying a lot.”

  He cocked a brow. “And you’re right there with us.”

  She lifted her chin. “At least I know how to load a dishwasher and how much detergent to put into it.”

  He shrugged. “So we’ll get to know the restaurants that have takeout around Dallas better.” He pulled her closer. “I can do without them, but not you. And I don’t plan to.”

  Blade’s admission melted her resistance. She’d bet her new black-label Ralph Lauren skirt and blouse that he didn’t need many people and, if he did, he wouldn’t admit it. “They can stay. Get dressed and get out of here. I have a full day, and I want to start it off with a good breakfast.”

  “Thank you for trusting me and them.” He kissed her deeply, his tongue sweeping the moist interior of her mouth with incredible slowness. His hand cupped her breasts, then caressed.

  She moaned deep in her throat, unconsciously pressing closer to increase the contact. Drawing on all of her willpower, she stepped away. “Work now. Pleasure later.”

  His thumb grazed her lower lip, moist from his kiss. “If your strong work ethic hadn’t brought you to me, I might take exception to it.” He picked up his slacks and stepped into them. “I’ll tell Martin to start breakfast.”

  Sierra nodded and went into the bathroom. Blade changed all the standards she’d lived by. She never thought before he came into her life that she would have an affair with a man she wasn’t sure loved her. She could worry about her decision or enjoy the man and do all she could to make him love her.

  Somehow Blade would grow to love her as passionately and as completely as she loved him. She refused to think that this time might be one of those times she didn’t get what she wanted.

  Blade hadn’t been just spouting words when he’d told Sierra he would send Jenkins and Martin to Tucson if she felt embarrassed around them. Now, seated at the dining table on the terrace with Martin hovering over her as usual and Jenkins asking if the maid had taken care of Sierra’s plant while she was gone, Blade was pleased to see that he had been right about them.

  Just as he had been right about Sierra becoming his. But he wasn’t under any delusion that he could coast from here. Sierra would keep him on his toes and most likely in a semi state of arousal if his current condition was any indication.

  She delicately licked the whipped cream from the tines of her fork and he thought of that same little tongue on his body. He twisted in his chair, trying to get a comfortable position in his increasingly tight slacks.

  Sierra enjoyed life, food, people. She bubbled with enthusiasm and he was glad.

  She sighed and finished off her orange juice. “That was delicious. Now I have to run if I want to see Jess and be on time for my nine o’clock appointment.”

  Blade rose with her. She wore the Escada suit she’d purchased in Mexico. Her hair was in an intricate knot, leaving her delicate neck exposed. He’d enjoy taking it down later, enjoy the arousing feel of the silken strands on his body. “You look as incredible in the suit as I thought you would.”

  She flashed him a smile. “Thank you.” Catching his arm, she started for the front door.

  “And you smell tempting.” He leaned over and brushed a kiss against her cheek. “Who is the lucky client?”

  “Mrs. Street’s daughter, Eloise, and her fiance. Her mother would love for Eloise to live here with her and her father.” Sierra stopped at the door. “Good luck on the conference calls.”

  “I make my own luck,” he reminded her, brushing his fingers against her cheek.

  “Perhaps you do, but I need all the help I can get.” She brushed her lips against his. “I’ll see you this evening.”

  “Will dinner on the terrace around seven be all right?” he asked as she stepped into the hall.

  “Yes. I’ll see you then.” She turned and walked down the hall. Blade wished she were walking toward him and they were going back to bed. He frowned as she stepped on the elevator. He couldn’t imagine what had gotten into him. He didn’t waste his time wishing.

  Sierra must be rubbing off on him. He didn’t know if that was good or bad.

  Sierra met Jess at their usual location. After discussing their orchids, she told him about the plant growing on the log she’d found. He told her about staghorn plants that grew on wood. Some of the species flowered, then bore fruit. If he ever found one he’d get it for her, Jess said. Aware that she had to be gracious in giving as in receiving, she thanked him, then said good-bye and started back to Navarone Place.

  A black 7 Series BMW pulled up to the curb. A tall, handsome man rounded the car and opened the door. A leggy brunette emerged. For a moment they stood facing each other, their body language saying they wished they were alone. Eloise’s fiancé slipped his arm around her waist, and they started to the front door.

  “Good morning,” Sierra greeted them, extending her hand as she neared. “Welcome back to Navarone Place.”

  “Good morning,” the couple greeted, shaking Sierra’s hand.

  “I know you’re probably on a tight schedule, so I’ll take you directly up,” she said, turning for the front door. “I’ll show you around, answer any questions, and you can call me later if you think of anything else.”

  “Mama said you didn’t hard sell,” Eloise said.

  “With a luxurious estate like Navarone Place, you don’t have to.” She nodded her thanks as the security guard held open the door for them. “Navarone Resorts and Spas offers only the best. I had the opportunity to visit Navarone Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen this weekend. It will offer the ultimate getaway with five-star carefree living at its best on the beach, lagoon, or inland.” She punched the elevator button.

  “Resort properties are hot now,” said Hal Fisher as he looked at Eloise. “We both love diving. Perhaps, when you finish, you could tell us more about Navarone Riviera Maya.”

  Sierra smiled. “I’d love to.”

  Blade had just finished the first conference call when there was a knock on his door. Since he’d left explicit instructions not to be disturbed, he figured it was either Shane or Rio. Both had a shameless tendency to forget when it was convenient for them.

  “Come in.”

  Sierra opened the door. “Do you have a minute?”

  Her usual smile was gone. Her brow furrowed. Apprehension dogged his steps as he rounded his desk. “What is it? Are you all right?”

  “It has something to do with you,” she told him slowly. “I’m not sure if you’re going to get angry or laugh.”

  His hands gently clasped her shoulders. He couldn’t imagine what had put the frown on her face. “I won’t get angry.”

  “I won’t hold you to that, since you don’t know what I’ve done,” she said, drawing her lower lip between her teeth.

  His searching gaze ran over her again to reassure himself. “If it’s about the car, as long as you’re fine it doesn’t mat—”

  “Eloise’s fiance, Hal Fisher, put a deposit on Navarone Riviera Maya lagoon property,” she blurted, cutting him off.

  He opened his mouth to ask her how, then realized the inanity of that question. The answer was standing before him. The repentant pose remained, but he noticed a gleam in her eyes. “I guess you’re proud of yourself.”

  She shrugged a slim shoulder. A modest Sierra was an oxymoron.

  “What about Navarone Place?” Blade asked.

  “Apparently he had already made up his mind,” she said.

  “He’s not buying,” Blade surmised.

  Her head came up. “What gave you that idea? He slipped me a note. He’s coming back tomorrow evening t
o sign the contract for a two-bedroom estate. It’s his wedding gift to Eloise.”

  “You sold one of my multi-million-dollar properties without lifting a finger, and might have sold another property that you aren’t affiliated with in …” He glanced at his watch. “Less than ninety minutes.”

  “That about sums it up,” she said.

  He threw back his head and laughed, then grabbed Sierra, picking her up. “You are undoubtedly the eighth wonder of the real estate world.”

  Her hands on his shoulders, she grinned back at him, then tried to look contrite again for all of two seconds before the grin returned. “It was wonderful. I didn’t want to overstep.”

  He cocked a brow. “Really?”

  “But I figured you’d get over it.”

  He chuckled, still holding her aloft. “You are amazing.”

  “So are you,” she said, her voice a bit breathless, her eyes on his lips. Her fingertips followed.

  “If I give you the kiss we both want, you’re not leaving this room for a long, long time,” he said, his voice husky and full of promise.

  Her hands on his shoulders clenched. “Having a strong work ethic does have its disadvantages. If you’ll put me down, I’ll get back to work.”

  He let her slowly slide down the hard length of his body, his gaze watching her. “Seven sharp.”

  Nodding, she went to the door and opened it. “I might even be early.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  As days went by, Blade and Sierra quickly fell into a routine. They’d have dinner together at his penthouse, then watch a movie or just enjoy being with each other before going to her place to spend the night.

  She’d wear one of those incredibly sexy nightgowns for all of two minutes; then it would end up on the floor. They’d make love, go to sleep, and then in the morning make love again before he’d go to his place to shower and dress and wait for her to have breakfast with him. On weekends, they’d go horseback riding or visit with Dominique and Trent.

  Blade was content to stay in but realized the time was coming when they’d have to go out. It came ten days after they returned.

  “Mrs. Street and her daughter called today. They want us to attend Eloise’s wedding Saturday afternoon.” Sierra was curled up against him on the sofa at her place as they watched the movie Ray. “She apologized for the lateness of the invitation, but hoped we’d understand.”

  “What did you tell them?” he asked mildly, his hand stroking her back.

  “I thanked them, and said I’d ask you,” she answered.

  “You want to go?” He already knew the answer.

  “They both have properties here,” she said unnecessarily. Her fingers played with the buttons of his shirt. “Eloise and her future husband might purchase another Navarone property as well. More important, I like them and her parents. I’m honored that they asked. I think it would be rude on my part not to attend. But since you’ve never met them, I understand why you’re hesitant.”

  “You could go without me.”

  “Yes, I could.”

  “Are you going?” His hand paused.

  “Yes.”

  Blade heard the disappointment in her voice. It wasn’t often he offered explanations, but he was finding with Sierra it was occurring more and more. “Because I don’t attend many functions, the ones that I do often turn into a media frenzy. I don’t think the bride or her parents would appreciate that.”

  Sierra pushed up and stared down at him. “A lot of important people will attend, but I understand if you’re reluctant. You didn’t attend Faith and Brandon’s wedding, either. How about the reception? It will be at the Streets’ home in the garden.”

  “I’ll think about it,” he said.

  She lay back down, but not before he’d seen the regret in her face. He half-expected her to be cool that night when they made love. Instead she’d burned in his arms like a living flame, holding nothing back, matching him thrust for thrust, caress for caress. Afterwards she murmured his name, then went to sleep in his arms, her head pillowed on his chest as she had done since the first night they’d become lovers.

  His arms tightened around her soft body. Nothing had changed between them. He planned to keep it that way.

  The next morning she didn’t bring up the wedding invitation again. Nor did she mention it the rest of the week.

  Saturday morning they had breakfast as usual, then she left for an appointment. At ten minutes after eleven the phone rang in his office.

  Blade hit the speaker. “Yes.”

  “Sierra just left her place,” Shane said.

  “And?” Blade studied the architect’s proposals and designs for what might be his next project in the South Pacific. He’d have to make a decision soon. He knew he was hesitating because initial projects always called for a lot of twelve-to-fourteen-hour days. Time he’d spend away from Sierra.

  “She changed into one of those fancy suits that cost more than some people make in a month,” Shane answered. “She told Rio she wouldn’t need him anymore today.”

  “She said you knew she was going out, but I wanted to check,” Rio explained.

  Blade muttered an expletive. “Did she ask for the car?”

  “No,” Shane answered. “I guess someone is picking her up.”

  “Have her held at the lobby. I’m on my way,” Blade ordered, reaching to disconnect.

  “Might I suggest we ask her to wait?” Shane suggested dryly.

  Blade muttered another expletive. Sierra reacted adversely to being told what to do. “Rio, you’re on.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  Blade disconnected the phone, his mind on Sierra as he dismissed Rio’s sarcastic tone. He should have known she’d go. So what’s the big deal? he asked himself as he stepped into the elevator. She’d go and then come back to him. She wasn’t the cheating type.

  The big deal was that she’d asked him for only two things: to smile and to go to a wedding. So simple yet so complicated.

  Blade asked you to wait until he gets here,” Rio said, his wide-shouldered body directly in front of Sierra as she stepped off the elevator.

  So Shane had seen her on the security monitor and called Blade. “I think not.” She stepped around him.

  Rio fell into step beside her. “We’re going to run into a problem if you try to leave before he gets here.”

  It was a statement of fact. “Ask my four brothers, each one of whom can probably match you, how I react to a threat.”

  Rio’s long arm shot out in front of her to grasp the brass door handle. “We both know I’d have to tangle with Blade if I touched one little hair on your head.”

  Her delicate hand settled beside his large calloused one. “I fight my own battles.”

  His gaze went from her head to her toes. “That outfit might put you at a disadvantage.”

  Sierra wore the snug-fitting pink and brown Escada knit suit with a straight skirt she’d purchased in Mexico. She’d been able to find shoes and the cutest little hat to match. “Why don’t we find out?” She pressed down on the handle to push open the door.

  “Sierra!”

  She turned to see Blade quickly coming toward her, then looked at Rio. “Good-bye, Rio,” she said, and pushed open the door.

  NINETEEN

  Blade caught up with Sierra a few feet from the gleaming black sports car parked at the curb. He waved to Dominique in the driver’s seat. She smiled and waved back. Rio gave Blade a look that said he was on his own and retreated inside the building.

  “Please wait,” Blade called as Sierra was about to step off the sidewalk.

  Sierra paused, faced him, then glanced at her watch. “Blade, it’s very rude to arrive late at a wedding.”

  Shane was right. She was stunning, and this time she didn’t bother to hide her annoyance with him. “Maybe we can go out next week,” he offered.

  “Maybe.” She went to the passenger side of the Porsche and opened the door. “If you change your mi
nd, I’m sure Shane can find Mrs. Street’s address. Your name is on the guest list. There’ll be dancing at the reception. I’ll save the first one for you.” Opening the door, she got inside. Dominique pulled off, leaving Blade standing on the sidewalk, staring after them.

  The bride glowed in a Vera Wang gown. The groom couldn’t take his eyes off her. Imported flowers filled the sanctuary of the two-story church. The mothers of the bride and of the groom both cried as their only children were united in holy matrimony.

  After the touching and beautiful ceremony, those invited to the reception went to the bride’s parents’ two-acre palatial estate. The Streets had waited to put the Tudor mansion on the market because they’d wanted to have the reception in the first and only home their only daughter ever had known. Sierra appreciated the sentiment and fondly recalled her mother’s happiness and pride at the weddings of her brothers.

  “This brings back memories,” Dominique said as she meandered over the immaculate grounds with Sierra. Their destination was the reception in the large white tent on the lush lawn. “I think I’ll jump Trent the moment he comes home from work tonight.”

  “Good for you.” Sierra might do her own jumping. She’d known it was a long shot for Blade to attend, but somehow she had the suspicion there was more to his being reclusive than just wanting to stay out of the public eye. He needed a nudge and she was just the person to give it to him.

  “Thanks for inviting me.” Dominique sipped her sparkling cider.

  “Thank you for coming. Mrs. Street said I could invite guests,” Sierra said as they strolled past the terrace where a harp waited. “Since we haven’t been seated yet and the musician isn’t playing, Blade might make it for the first dance.”

  “You really care about him, don’t you?” Dominique paused by the stone steps below the terrace.

  “More than I ever imagined I would,” Sierra confessed.

  Dominique’s lips curved. “Your mother and mine finally missed one.”