Chapter 7

He spent the rest of the day proving they had something. In doing so, he also proved to himself that he was falling in love with her. It was not something he had planned, but it happened, and now he was going to prove to this exquisite beauty that this was no longer a business relationship.

She was so passionate and giving and suited him more than any other woman he had ever been with.

And she was fast asleep in his arms. He had gone downstairs to warm up another batch of soup and found some bread to go with it, and they shared the meal in bed. He had worn her out and felt only slightly guilty about it.

While downstairs, he had called his office and canceled his appointments. It was a first for him, but he had been reluctant to leave her. Now that he had established his feelings, the urge to spend every moment with her was fundamental.

He had also called his mother to tell her he would not be home for the night. She had not asked questions because he sometimes spent the night out.

Shifting his head down, he stared at the woman curled into his arms, a smile touching his lips. It was strange how protective he felt where she was concerned. Her hair was a tangled mess streaming over his shoulder, and her lips parted slightly.

She had tried to argue against the suggestion he had made, and he could see why she was such a good lawyer, he thought wryly. She itemized her points and made very persuasive arguments about why this was a bad idea. But he had smoothly overridden them.

She was such a tiny thing, and she was carrying his baby inside her womb. He had every intention of them becoming a family.

For the first time since his uncle and Gracie had betrayed him, he felt whole, the icicle surrounding his heart, the barriers he had erected almost gone.

The betrayal had hit him like a ton of bricks, and he had cursed himself for the fool who had not noticed what had been happening right under his nose. The doubts had surfaced, his self-esteem taking a vicious beating as he wondered if he had reached too high. A rueful smile touched his lips as he stared at the woman in his arms.

Ryleigh Bogle had class written all over her petite frame. She was from a perfect family and a very intelligent woman. But from what he noticed about her, the little time he had known her, he realized that she was not stuck up. It struck him then that they barely knew each other, yet he felt she had been in his life for years.

Bending his head, he brushed a tender kiss on her forehead and settled back, his hands tightening around her possessively as he prepared for sleep.

*****

He was gone when she woke up the following day, which was a relief, or that was what she was telling herself. The minute she opened her eyes, the memories of last night came flooding back, sending heat tumbling throughout her body. Rolling over, she sat up against the pillows and stared at the blank television screen on the wall.

After Glen, she had sworn to keep men at bay. Her heart had been shattered, and after that disaster, she would have been a fool to venture into anything again. She had decided to give herself a couple of years at the most. And she also convinced herself that she had a fantastic knack for picking the wrong person.

She was a magnet when it came to picking weak men, ones who invariably turned out to be selfish and shallow. Her first relationship had been in law school; Mark had been so sweet, appeared so sincere, and was a hopeless geek who had charmed her with his innocent look and glasses forever sliding down his nose.

But he had attached to her because he wanted a study buddy, and her reputation for getting straight As appealed to him. He had wanted to pick her brain and had ended up using and discarding her as soon as he got what he wanted. The second relationship had been when she had just started at the DA's office.

Fresh out of law school and intent on making a difference, she had concentrated fiercely on learning everything there was to know about the workings of the law, and then David had come along with his smooth talks and his love of the law, something that had appealed to her greatly.

The relationship did not last long, however, she recalled bitterly. He had shown his true colors when she discovered he was with two other women.

When she confronted him about it, he stared at her in surprise and asked if she was so na?ve to believe that any man would be satisfied with sticking with one woman. He laughed and said that she was young and idealistic and that would soon vanish. "Welcome to the real world, darling."

She had stayed away from men for several years after that, and then Glen Ritchie came along and convinced her that he was different. He was different, all right, she thought grimly. Drawing up her knees, she plopped her chin on her folded arms and gazed into space.

Last night was unexpected. A shiver touched her body as she recalled the feeling of him on top of her. The lovemaking had shattered her, and she could not stop thinking about it. About him. Flynn Zimmermann was sexy and masculine, entirely so.

She could still feel the muscles bunching in his broad shoulders and arms. She had allowed him to spend the night, and that was something she could not let happen again.

His proposal was ludicrous, of course. She would never agree to anything like that. It was preposterous, unthinkable, and yet the thought of making love with him again was getting her hot, her heart picking up the pace. And for the first time since the betrayal, she had not thought of Glen. Shaking her head, she got back on track.

It would not work. She was not interested in any sort of relationship, and she was going to tell him that. Besides, a man like him would have his pick of women.

Firming her lips, she slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Her nipples and between her thighs felt wonderfully sore, but it did not matter; she was not going to see him again.

*****

Flynn was thinking the exact opposite. He had pondered the wisdom of leaving without waking her but decided that she needed to sleep. In his enthusiasm and his yearning for her, he had gone overboard, belatedly remembering that she was pregnant and she had not been feeling her best.

He had not intended to touch her, but the minute he did, he was not able to control what happened next.

He felt lighthearted, as light and fluffy as a feather, as if the weight he had been carrying had been magically lifted from his shoulders. He felt like whistling and only just managed to resist the impulse, especially since his mother was met by him as soon as he cleared the front door.

"Mother." He thought about sidling past her and bounding up the stairs, but she put herself firmly in front of him. He could have gone around her; the hallways were undoubtedly wide enough, but he knew from experience that she would just follow him up to his room. And he was running late for an appointment.

"Is there something I can help you with?" He removed his jacket and handed it to the maid, who silently approached them.

"Darling-" Linking her hand through his arm, she forced him to fall into step with him. "I don't mean to sound like a concerned mother-"

"I am thirty-five." he pointed out swiftly. She was dressed for going out, and the powder blue wool skirt suit was a perfect foil for her creamy complexion and neat black hair. She had stayed into an elegant chignon at the nape of her neck.

"You are still my child." She rebuked him softly as they ascended the curving staircase together. "You look happy."

"I am in a good mood."

"I see." She looked at him curiously as they made their way past the sweeping hallway leading to the suite of rooms until they came to the double doors leading to his suite.

"I have an appointment-" It was a subtle hint - his way of telling her he did not have time for a conversation.

"Will you be home for supper?"

"I will let you know."

"I am pleased you are getting back out there."

Turning around, he sent her an amused look. "Getting back out there?"

She shrugged her slender shoulders, a faint blush of embarrassment on her cheeks. "Whatever you young people call it," she waved a hand. I am going to call Ryleigh later today."

"Why?" he asked sharply, enough to have her staring at him curiously. "Is something wrong?"

"No, of course not. But I want to check on her in the same way. Darling, she is carrying my grandchild." She clapped her hands in delight, amber eyes glowing. "Do you know what that means to me?"

His own eyes gleamed as he stared at her. "I have some idea. Now, I need to jump into the shower and be off."

Bridging the distance between them, she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "I hope to see you later for dinner."

Flynn waited until she had left and closed the doors before stripping out of his clothes and heading into the bathroom. He was soaped up and running the sponge over his body when he allowed the images, the memories, to come tumbling back. Inhaling sharply, he recalled the texture of her flawless skin, the feel of her wrapped around him.

Dunking his head beneath the multiple sprays, he closed his eyes and smiled. His mother had no idea the enormous favor she had done him.

*****

Maurice Daley was efficient and professional. And he was also extremely cautious and did not trust anyone. Trust was a scarce commodity in his line of business, and he did not hand it out willy-nilly. Not even his mother was afforded that privilege, and he loved her to death.

She was the woman who had given birth to him and raised him by herself in the slum of the projects downtown. He owed her a lot and paid her back by setting her up in a lavish, all-inclusive apartment building, complete with a maid.

She had protested that she did not need all that, but he had insisted, and now she was enjoying the amenities, including the pool, the gym, and the lovely park. She had even bought a foolish-looking dog she calls a Shih Tzu. Give him a Rottweiler or a mongrel anytime, and he would be happy.

He was proud of his accomplishments. People, law enforcement agencies, haters, and even so-called supporters have been trying to wrestle his kingdom away from him. Still, he has managed to stand firm and send several gruesome messages.

He was not going to stand for dissent in his camp. And he despised disloyalty of any kind. If someone was not loyal, what good was he to anyone? He mused.

But someone was troubling him. She was just a speck, but he knew specks would turn into large puddles if not attended to, and he was never one to underestimate the enemy. And she was proving herself to be one, much to his acute disappointment.

She could have been so much more. She was a beautiful woman with a neat and compact body; not much going on in the tit area, but he could look past that.

Her face and the fact that she was brilliant at her job would compensate – more than that. He had tried to woo her initially, but she had rebuffed his attempts, behaving like she was better than him.

They had the same skin color, and although his education had been mostly on the streets, he had taught himself a lot. He was conversant on several topics and was now someone to be reckoned with. He had done that; some might not agree with his tactics and methods, but that did not bother him.

He was living the American dream. He had fought and clawed his way from the projects and was someone to fear. He was certainly not going to allow some skinny-ass bitch of a prosecutor to take that away from him.

He had done his research, yet another thing he was very good at. He liked to know his enemies, everything there was to know about them. He knew her age and that she had graduated top of her class at some fancy law school.

He also knew she had lousy luck in the relationship department. Most recently, there was a terrible scandal involving a senator who turned out to be a fairy.

He smirked at that, so much for the fancy education and the seeming respectability that cloaked the man. He was nothing but a butt-screwer who had been trying to pretend otherwise. And she had fallen for it. Maybe she was not so bright after all.

But she was after him; that much was obvious. The verdict handed down by the judge had not satisfied her because she was still digging around in his life, trying to find something to take him back to trial. He was not going to allow that to happen. It was time to send the little lady a strong message.

*****

She was determined to put it behind her. He had not called her, and she told herself she was happy. She would busy herself with work; there was enough to keep her occupied.

She had a new lead on that elusive Maurice Daley, and she would dig into his life to ensure there was no loophole. She would use her investigator to carry it through. Tom Lancaster had been with the DA's office for years and was incorruptible.

He couldn't be bribed or intimidated. He was big and brawny, with a brusque manner that bordered on a cute rudeness. Most people did not like him because he had an uncanny habit of saying exactly what was on his mind.

It was for those very reasons that Ryleigh respected him. He was also thorough and was not queasy about digging deep, even when it seemed dangerous.

She was not a moron. She knew who she was dealing with. Maurice Daley was a shark dressed in expensive suits. His charming smile hid something lethal, and she had no intention of underestimating the man. She also had no intention of quietly sliding into the background.

Flynn demanded that she drop the case, but he was not her boss, and it was not as if they were in a relationship. They weren't. Last night and this morning- she shied away from thinking about it. It would not be repeated, even if she was still reeling from the act's effect. It didn't matter. She had a job and would do it, no matter what.

*****

"Hey, boss, come and take a look at this."

Putting away the phone he had been about to use to call and check on Ryleigh, Flynn made his way through the construction rubble, stepping over wires and wood shavings towards where his construction crew was tearing through a connecting wall.

"What is it?"

"We think this is where the water is coming from." Jake pointed at the wet patches on the wall. "We are waiting for the water to be turned off to dig in further."

"Any signs of mold?"

"No." Jake shook his head after looking at the men. "None so far. It will be delayed a little bit, but not by much."

"Good." Brushing his hands over the faded denim he had donned to visit the worksite, Flynn stepped closer to the wall and squinted at the water patches that were slowly spreading.

The construction of an entire office complex was a big and massive undertaking. But his company's reputation had always been and will always be one where superior products were used, and nothing was bypassed to try and hurry the job through.

Even if deadlines were not made, it did not matter to Flynn. He had seen where buildings collapsed because of shoddy workmanship and inferior materials and had sworn that would never happen to him.

"We are running behind time," Jake murmured.

"It doesn't matter." Pressing a hand on the cooling wall, he searched for some kind of crack and found none. "Deal with it and call me for any further issues."

"Yes, boss. Get back to work, and Sal, start digging into the wall."

Flynn made his way out of the expansive foyer of what was going to be the main building and into the iciness of the weather.

The snow had been cleared before the building, and he had received word that Ryleigh's house was now safe and salted. Looking around the area, he noticed the curious looks of onlookers as they made their way to and from the area.

They were building downtown, beautifying it according to the mayor's exultant speech, breathing new life into the former dilapidated and derelict buildings that had been the home and haven of drug users and the homeless.

It was supposed to be a joint project, but everyone knew that his construction company was doing most of the work and spending most of the money.

Climbing into his jeep, he secured his door and seat belt before making the call. He had gone through most of the day without calling her because he did not want to feel like he was pressuring her. But he could not go through the day without hearing her voice.

She answered on the second ring, and he had to breathe to steady himself before responding.

"Hi."

"Why are you calling?"

He chuckled at the question, stretching his legs out as he prepared to chat.

"What do you think?"

"I don't have time-"

"How are you?"

"I am fine. Something you would have known for yourself if you had not sneaked out."

"I did not sneak out." He said swiftly. "I did not want to wake you, considering I kept you up most of the night. Have you eaten?"

There was a pause before she responded. "What are you doing?"

"Making certain you are taking care of yourself."

"I have been doing that for as long as I can remember."

"Now you are carrying my baby inside you. That makes a difference."

"If I say no, what are you going to do? Drop by and spoon-feed me?"

"I just might. Well, have you?"

"Yes, mother. I ate a bagel and drank some tea. Is that good enough for you?"

"Not quite. I examined the contents of your fridge and placed an order for some groceries. They will be delivered later today," he told her calmly, waiting for the explosion. He was not disappointed.

"Look, I don't know who the hell you think you are-"

"The man whose baby you are carrying. I intend to do my part. I will see you later."

"About that-"

"Yes?"

"I will be working late, and I won't leave the office until after ten. So, tonight is not a good idea."

"I will see you later, Ryleigh," he told her firmly. "Even if I have to camp at the DA's office."

The pause again, this one longer, and he waited patiently. "Suit your damn self." She told him heatedly. "I have to go." Before he could respond to that, he heard the dial tone in his ear. Putting the phone away, he could not help the smile touching his lips.

She was prickly, like a hedgehog, but he did not mind and would not allow that to stop him. Ryleigh Bogle was a fascinating woman, and he would show her that they belonged together.

She presented a challenge, and he had never been able to resist taking one on in his entire life. Now was no exception, and this would be the most fulfilling.