Game of Love

by Jeannie James

  Micki laughed out loud. “Well so much for our heroic rescue mission. It doesn’t look as if the cat appreciated our efforts.”

  “I’d call it a success,” he protested. “We waded to the island and the cat is rescued.”

  “You sound like a used car salesman. The cat may be safe, but it’s no thanks to us. He’s probably upset that we disturbed his hunting ground.”

  “Still.” He reached out and placed an arm lightly around her shoulder. “It’s not such a bad place to be, is it? On a deserted island, just the two of us?” His voice was seductive, his breath warm against her temples.

  “Well.” She forced her voice to remain steady and practical. “It was a good game, while it lasted.”

  “Oh, has it stopped?” He looked at her inquiringly, his deep blue eyes staring into her own. She could feel a mesmerizing pull of attraction.

  “Of course it’s stopped.” Her voice didn’t sound as decisive as she would have liked and she pulled herself away from his arm. “We came here to rescue a cat, remember? Not to have a romance. I don’t even know your name, for goodness sakes.”

  “That’s easily fixed. My name is Adam. Adam Laurence, to be exact.” He gave her a suggestive glance. “But you can call me darling.”

  “No thank you, Mr. Laurence. My mama didn’t raise no fools.”

  “I can see that. Though she does seem to have raised a perfectly charming, perfectly balanced, perfectly tipsy young daredevil.”

  This man was engagingly attractive and obviously far more experienced than she. Her best bet was to turn and run. “I’m not tipsy anymore, thank you,” she said briskly. “The walk in the pond seems to have sobered me right up. I think I’d best be going.”

  “Not yet,” he urged persuasively. “Come sit over here. I know a nice bench, perfectly placed to see the Seattle skyline reflected in the water.”

  “You move fast.” Her protest was automatic. The moon shone bright and glimpses of the stars winked through the tree limbs. His offer was incredibly tempting and she was a bit lonely of late. “Jan thinks of everything,” she finally sighed, following him around the island shoreline.

  “She most certainly does.” He sat on the bench, waiting until she had followed suit. “The two of you are friends? How come we’ve never met before?”

  “Jan is my friend. But she’s also my boss. I’ve been working for her for a couple of months now.”

  “You work with computers then?”

  “I install computer networks,” she elaborated. “Hardware and software, I do it all.”

  “A network installer.” He nodded his head wisely. “I see.”

  “No you don’t.” She laughed. “But that’s all right. No one does. I’ll spare you the excruciating details.”

  “I really am interested,” he assured her. “I just don’t understand. I’d like it if you’d show me what you do someday.”

  “All right. Someday,” she agreed lightly. Someday far in the future. Except I won’t be here. And that’s good. I can handle him, if we just keep everything far in the future. “How about you? What’s your line of work?”

  “Equally obscure, I’m afraid. I specialize in corporate reorganizations, with an occasional foray into acquisitions and mergers.” She struggled to make sense of his words and he paused and grinned. “I’ll show you, someday.”

  “I’m not sure I want to know. Sounds like boring meetings with suits and ties and pie charts.”

  “Something like that.” He nodded. “But I can assure you it’s anything but boring.”

  “If you say so.”

  The moonlit night, the lapping water and the skyscrapers in the distance all conspired to form a warm, agreeable silence. She relaxed and he casually placed his arm over her shoulders again.

  This is silly. I ought to move away. She leaned companionably against him. “Jan has a great house.”

  “She does at that,” he agreed. “She personally oversaw every last detail of the design and construction.”

  “I can imagine,” Micki said dryly. “Jan certainly manages to stay in control at work. To say she has a forceful personality would be putting it mildly. How did you meet her?”

  “We’re old business acquaintances. I first met her when her company restructured several years ago. They called us in to discuss their plans.”

  “Restructuring,” she mused. “That can be an ugly word.”

  “Not always. Sometimes it can turn a company around. If Jan’s company hadn’t restructured, they might not be in business today.” His voice turned husky. “And then how would I have ever met you?”

  He turned to her, lowering his head and suddenly it was the most natural thing in the world, to be held by this stranger on this island, kissing him intently, while a party played on in the house behind them.

  His mouth was soft and warm, very gentle, but the kisses were deep and sensuous. She could taste the round sweetness of his tongue and she couldn’t resist pushing after it with her own. She melted toward him and his breath quickened in response. Reaching his other arm around her, he tightened his hold, pressing her hard against his chest. Her heart picked up speed, racing in time with his. He paused, breaking away from her lips and she leaned back, resting in his arms with a contented sigh.

  “This is really comfortable.” She touched his cheek. “You’re really comfortable.”

  “Umm.” He didn’t sound pleased at the comment.

  “You don’t like that?” she asked in surprise.

  “I prefer dangerous and sexy,” he growled and she laughed.

  “This is a really nice way to spend an evening, isn’t it?” she murmured dreamily, as her fingers idly traced a figure eight against his leg. “Kissing a stranger I’ll never see again.”

  There was a curious glitter in his eyes as his arms tightened. “Never see again? What makes you say that?”

  “Well.” Her voice was still dreamy. “If I thought I’d see you again, I’d never have kissed you.”

  He drew back, looking to see if she were joking. “You only kissed me because I’m a stranger? What kind of answer is that?” A frown crossed his face. “Don’t tell me I’ve gone and fallen for a married woman.”

  “Not married,” she answered lightly. “I just don’t date much these days.”

  “Oh. That’s probably just as well. But there’s nothing to stop us from seeing each other is there?”

  She smiled noncommittally and rose. It was definitely past time to go. “I think we’d better get back.”

  “All right.” He still looked wary. “Do you want to go back to the party? Or do you want to leave? I know a quiet, cozy place where we can catch some live blues with an incredible slide guitar.”

  “I’m sure you do. And I’m sure you have a great music collection at your apartment.” She shook her head as they waded back across the water. Small waves rippled around her legs as the moon shone a path directly through the water and up the shore. The entire effect was a little surreal, as if the island had been enchanted and she was leaving its magical spell behind. “But I have to go home, now. I’m working tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow’s Saturday,” he objected. “Jan isn’t a slave driver, is she?”

  “Not really.” She had reached the shore and let her dress down, swirling it a little around her to help the edges dry. “I’m doing some upgrades to the computer network and I have to work when no one else is using the system.”

  “Ouch!” He kissed the end of her nose in sympathy.

  “It’s not bad, working on a weekend. It’s quiet and peaceful.” She stepped back and formally held out her hand. “It was nice meeting you, Adam Laurence. Thank you for a wonderful time on that magical island.”

  Taking her hand, he kissed it lightly. “The pleasure was mine.” Getting a firm grasp, he pulled her closer. She watched his mouth as he moved it slowly closer to hers, parting her lips in anticipation. He kissed her deeply, his lips warm and pliant. But when he lifted his mouth to smile his ple
asure, she pulled away.

  “Goodbye Adam,” she said firmly. Moving away, she turned toward the balcony to collect her shoes and walk down to the driveway.

  He started abruptly. “Wait! Don’t run away! I don’t even know your name. Or your phone number.”

  She grinned over her shoulder, barely breaking her stride. “I’m part of the Network Analyst Protection Program. If I told you, I’d have to kill you.”

  “Ha!” He had caught up to her and reached to take her arm. “Don’t run away.”

  “Adam.” She stopped walking and looked at him, shaking her head. “I’m not looking for a relationship.”

  “Who said anything about a relationship?” The words were teasing but his voice was firm. “All I want is your phone number.”

  “I don’t think I ought to,” she said doubtfully. “I don’t really need a boyfriend.”

  “Madam,” he changed his charming tone to one of stern reproval. “You are a flirt. After the way you kissed me on that island, I should be dragging you to the altar to fill out a marriage certificate.”

  “I’m sorry.” She was embarrassed. “I expect it was just the wine at work.”

  “You said you were perfectly sober.”

  “A gentleman would never have reminded me of that statement.”

  “Aha. You’re on to me already. I’m not a gentleman.”

  Another grin spread over her features. “Ruthless, are you?”

  “Absolutely. But then, all’s fair in the game of love.”

  “The game of love.” Micki considered the phrase. “I like that. I like games.”

  “So do I,” he whispered. “Play it with me. We can have a great time.”

  This man was much too charming, much too sure of himself.

  “I don’t have a pen,” she announced suddenly. “I can’t give you my name.”

  “Of all the lame excuses.” He shook his head. “Just tell it to me. I have a great memory.” He added with a wicked smile, “I dare you.”

  Against her better judgment she heard herself saying, “My name’s Micki.”

  “That’s better. Micki. An unusual name. Is it short for anything?”

  “No,” she lied naturally. “Just Micki.”

  “It fits you.” He smiled approvingly, then paused for effect. “Your last name’s not Finn, is it?”

  “Micki Finn? Hmmm. Not very original.” Her voice took on a mocking tone. “Hey Micki, may I call you Ms. Mouse. Where’s your ears?” She lowered her voice to normal. “I’ve heard them all, thanks.”

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be trite.” He chuckled. “When can I see you again? Let’s arrange our next date right now, shall we?”

  “No. I’ll call you.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t call me, I’ll call you? When you don’t even have my phone number?”

  “That’s the gist of it,” she nodded.

  “You are a tease, aren’t you? But not to worry. We’ll see each other again. I can promise you that. You’ll find it’s not easy to run away from me.”

  Micki couldn’t help feeling a slight shiver of apprehension as she walked away. To stay in control she had to keep moving. It simply wasn’t possible for her to form lasting relationships. She knew that as well as she knew her own real name.

  Adam watched Micki leave, thoroughly enjoying her profile, with her dress caressing her lithe legs. She’s certainly intriguing. And beautiful. And adventurous. Unattached, that’s definitely a plus. But she holds me at arm’s length. That’s even more intriguing. I’m glad I came to the party tonight. This is a woman I definitely have to get to know.

  Adam started whistling as he set about putting his socks and shoes back on.

  Chapter Two

  “Blast and triple blast.” In the nearly empty office, Jan’s voice of frustration was loud and jarring.

  Micki poked her head out from under a desk, her expression as sour as Jan’s mood. What should have been a simple network upgrade was going nowhere fast. Jan had the computer manufacturer on the telephone, while Micki was trying her best to trace the problem through the hardware and network lines. “Did you find out what’s wrong? Is it something we can fix?”

  “Oh yes. I most certainly did find out what’s wrong.” Jan emerged from the cubicle and stood with her hands on her hips. In spite of her irritation, Micki couldn’t help but smile. Micki had dressed down for the weekend in shorts and a sleeveless blouse. But not Jan. Aggressively fashion conscious as always, she wore a tailored red suit and dyed to match heels.

  “Oh boy, did I ever find what’s wrong.” Jan spat the words out in anger. “The manufacturer found an ‘incompatibility’.” Her voice rose on the word and she took a deep breath. “Between our server hardware and the latest software version.” Again her voice rose. “They’re working on it, but they don’t expect a solution for another couple of weeks.”

  “They waited until now to tell us?” Micki asked with disbelief.

  “Apparently they didn’t think it was important.” Jan heaved a sigh and sank into the nearest chair, spinning it around from side to side. “We can’t do the upgrade today, Micki. We’ll need to back out everything we’ve done and restore the old system.”

  “That’s a lot of work for nothing.” Micki shook her head in dismay. “People were really counting on the enhancements. The vice president of marketing was already planning to use some of the new features for his next presentation.”

  “I know, I know. I’ll apologize to him personally. But there’s nothing we can do.” Jan heaved a weary sigh and slumped even further down in her chair. “It’s not our fault. Don’t worry about it.”

  “Maybe not,” Micki said slowly. “But here’s a thought.”

  Jan waved an indifferent hand.

  “You’ve been wanting to change computer manufacturers ever since I’ve known you. You called the system out-of-date and unmaintainable. Right?” Jan nodded and Micki continued. “Maybe you could use today as a justification for studying the alternatives.”

  Jan’s face brightened. “And with this fiasco, I should have the backing of the entire office to fund the study. Especially the vice president of marketing.” She swung her chair around. “Micki. You really are a genius.”

  “Yes. I know.” Micki grinned.

  “Immodest, but a genius.” Jan settled back comfortably at the computer workstation near Micki and began logging on. “Do you mind backing out the changes by yourself? I’ll just document all of this while it’s still fresh.”

  “Of course not.” Micki stood up and began tidying her tools. She glanced at her watch. It was only eleven a.m. It had been a long day already and it seemed much later. She’d had a lot of trouble getting to sleep last night. She kept imagining Adam’s arms around her shoulders, his mouth, soft and warm, pressed against her own. Was Adam thinking about her? Would he even remember the woman from the night before? She stopped working for a moment and closed her eyes to feel his arms envelop her again.

  “Why the smile?” Jan’s sharp glance didn’t miss a thing. With one last, regretful sigh, Micki snapped her eyes open.

  “I was just thinking about the party. It was great, by the way. Thanks for asking me.”

  “It was my pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed it.” She glanced at Micki out of the corner of her eyes. “I saw you two, by the way.”

  “Saw us?” Micki’s heart beat faster and she kept her face bent down so Jan wouldn’t see the bright burst of red on her cheekbones. “What on earth do you mean?”

  “Don’t pretend, now. I saw you on the island having a secret rendezvous with Adam Laurence. You may think you two were hidden in the darkness, but I saw you plain as day. And I could swear you were smooching.”

  “Oh no!” Micki looked up aghast. “Could everyone at the whole party see us?”

  Jan smiled at the thought. “No. Just me. I do happen to own the place. I know where to look, that’s all.” She grew serious. “You be careful of him, Micki. You’re far to
o sensitive to date a man like Adam Laurence.”

  “Too sensitive? Me?” Micki shook her head. “Little do you know. I’ve got a heart as hard as cast-iron metal.”

  “You act like you’re tough.” Jan was uncharacteristically sympathetic. “But I’ve watched you at office parties when other people are chatting. Sometimes you get the saddest look in your eyes, like you’re desperately lonely.”

  Darn Jan and her observations. “I’m not all that lonely. Don’t worry about me.” Micki tried to keep her voice even.

  “I know it’s not my business.” Jan started typing at her computer again. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt, that’s all.”

  “Besides,” Micki protested, “I thought Adam seemed perfectly charming.”

  “Adam is charming, that’s just the problem. Under that devilish grin is a cold and unfeeling soul. He can break a woman’s heart before she even knows what’s happening. Though,” Jan gave Micki a half-smile. “I can see the attraction. He’s an amazingly handsome man.”

  “He’s got a nice smile,” Micki agreed.

  “A nice smile?” Jan echoed with disbelief, then hooted with laughter. “Is that all you noticed? How about that body?”

  “His body’s not bad either,” Micki admitted. “It makes a nice extra.”

  “A nice extra?” Jan cast her eyes heavenward. “Lord give me strength. Alone on an island at night with the sexiest man in the city and she tells me about his smile.”

  “I know what I like, that’s all. And I like a man who knows how to laugh.”

  “Oh sure, Adam Laurence will laugh all right.” Jan shook her head with a heavy breath. “He’ll laugh with you, right up until the time he finds someone new. Then he’ll be long gone. I know, Micki. I’ve seen it happen before.”

  “Why is that?”