Chapter 9

"Daddy, I wish you were coming with us," Madison said, plucking at the sheets she had covered herself.

"I already explained why that's not possible." Royce was exhausted, not just physically but emotionally as well. He had spent most of the day in meetings and the rest of it trying to correct some mistakes made by the contractors on the renovation of the apartments the company had acquired a few months ago.

On top of that, he had found himself thinking of her and wanting to call her. But knowing her expectations, he felt it prudent to tamp down the urge.

"You have to work." A tiny pout settled on her lips. "I went to see Indie today."

Keeping his expression carefully casual even though his heart was hammering at the mention of her name, he stared at his daughter.

"Did you?"

She nodded. "I had to tell her goodbye. She looked sad."

"Because you are leaving?" He queried.

She shook her head. "She was pleased to see me at first, but then she looked sad when she showed me the stuff that came in yesterday." Her blue-gray eyes met his. "I think she is sad because she wants a baby."

His fingers curled into his suddenly sweating palms. "She told you that?"

Madison nodded again. "She said she hopes to have a baby soon." Her frown deepened. "Doesn't she need a Daddy to have a baby?"

The question threw him for a few seconds; initially, he had no idea what to say.

"She does."

"Daddy, do you want a baby?"

His daughter was undoubtedly full of surprises tonight, he thought wryly.

"Not particularly. Why?"

She shrugged, hugging her pink elephant even tighter. "My best friend Alison has a baby brother and a big sister. And she said it's fun."

"I see."

Like the typical child her age, she switched to something else.

"Are you going to read me a story?"

"Only if I get to pick the book," he told her lightly, telling himself he was happy she was not pursuing the topic.

"Okay." She nodded agreeably, settling back to enjoy the story.

*****

He stared at the contract moodily, realizing that he had already gone over the same page three times, and the words were blurring and merging. None of what he was reading made sense; this was his third glass of scotch.

He could hold his liquor, but his already exhausted body was beginning to feel punchy and lethargic. He could not concentrate, and trying to convince himself that he had made the right decision not to go to her place was wearing thin. He wanted to see her. His body was craving hers.

Leaning back in the chair, he closed his eyes wearily. He could go over to her place for a couple of hours, make love to her, and be on his way. Glancing at the clock on his desk, he decided it was not late—just a quarter of nine.

She was probably asleep. He had kept them both up for most of the night, so he should leave her to get some rest. He was not some randy teenager who just had his first taste of sex. He was thirty-five years old and had had his fair share of it. Indeed, he could control the urge.

But that was the problem. He had never felt such an intense urge before. He was drunk from the alcohol and lack of sleep, and still, his body yearned for hers. It was disturbing.

Reaching for the phone, he told himself he was just checking on her. Then he realized that he did not have her mobile number. He never thought of asking for it, and she never thought of giving it to him.

Well, that settles things, then. It was a sign that he should stay put. Pushing to his feet, he gave up the pretense of perusing the contract. He could not concentrate anyway. He poured another drink when he put the glass down and capped the bottle. Getting drunk was not the answer either.

Then what was? The question tormented him, and he already knew the answer: He had to see her tonight. Hissing a breath, he got a light jacket and headed out.

*****

She wasn't sleeping. She had left the store a little before closing time and waited to see if he would turn up. She went straight upstairs to shower and make some tea. She had barely eaten since today, nibbling on a ham and cheese sandwich and drinking water.

She felt the hours dragging along for the first time since opening the store. She had taken over from Miriam on the floor, but her humor had been forced, and her smile strained.

Miriam had noticed her lack of enthusiasm and had asked if she was coming down with something.

Yes, she had thought dismally. It's called unrequited love; I would not wish it on my worst enemy.

But she had told her friend that it was probably allergies.

Now, she was curled up on her living room sofa with a cup of tea she had barely taken two sips of. She missed him and yearned to feel him beside her, even if he was silent. Michael had called to invite her to dinner, but she had told him that she would just go home and go straight to bed.

"Another time, then."

She had just put her cup in the kitchen sink and was going upstairs when the doorbell peeled. She stopped in the middle of the small hallway and felt her heart pounding inside her chest. It was not her brother; he had a key, and she was confident it could not be Michael.

Forcing herself to take leisurely steps, she went to the door. Peering into the one-sided glass, she had to breathe and close her eyes to try and steady herself.

Pulling the door open, she stood drinking in the tall man leaning against the jamb. His black T-shirt was stretched tautly across his chest, and his blue-black hair was tousled from the wind.

"Are you going to invite me in?" There was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Yes, of course." Stepping back, she wrapped the old robe tighter around her body and took her time securing the lock.

"I can only stay for a few hours."

"Why are you here?" She asked, turning to look at him.

"I asked myself the same question."

"And?"

She stepped back against the door as he bridged the distance between them.

"Why do you think?" He untied the sash of her robe and pushed it off her shoulders. She was not wearing a nightgown but an old t-shirt that was so thin and washed out that it quickly showed her nipples.

"You did not call-" Her body heated up considerably when he dragged the shirt over her head. She was naked. Sweet Christ! Royce felt his body tightened instantly.

"I did not have your number. We should remedy that." He rasped. His hands came up to cup her breasts, thumbs rubbing the nipples until they were proudly erect.

"I- Oh!" She whispered as he moved in and bent to take a nipple into his mouth.

"Royce." His name was an aching whisper coming from her.

Lifting his head reluctantly, he stared at her. "We should go upstairs."

With his heart thudding inside his chest, he shifted off her, his hands knotted at the back of his head as he stared up at the ceiling. He could feel her edging closer to him but did not turn his head to look at her.

His original intention of laboring over her voluptuous curves had been shot to hell the minute they got into bed. He had started at her lips and settled on her breasts, and it had accelerated from there. He had driven himself into her with the usual force that shoved her head into the padded headboard.

"Madison came to see me today."

Her soft voice interrupted his musings, and he turned to look at her. That was a mistake. Her lips were swollen and moist from his invasion, and she had not bothered to cover herself up. He told himself from the beginning that he would leave here as soon as he spent himself, but he was still here. And he was far from satisfied.

"She mentioned it."

Propping her face on her hand, she trailed a finger through the hairs on his chest. "She is looking forward to it."

"So she said." He was going to have to stop her wandering soon.

"You should go with her."

His eyebrows lifted arrogantly. "Is that your professional opinion?"

"She mentioned that she asked you to go with them, and you told her you had to work. I am just saying that she is growing up so quickly that she will be a teenager before you know it. Spending time with her is essential."

He gave her an insolent look. "You sound like a parent; you are not one, right?"

He saw the slight flinch and once again felt the hitch inside his heart at the fact that his words had hurt her.

Her eyes flashed. "I am entitled to my opinion."

"You are also entitled to keep them to yourself when not needed."

She drew back with an intake of breath. When she started to pull the sheets over her, his hands snaked out to stop her.

"Let go."

"Want me to apologize?"

"That would be a miracle." She said sarcastically. "You behave like you don't want to be here."

"Believe me, I don't."

She pulled her hand, but he would not budge. "Then why are you here?"

"Because I am unable to stay away from you," he told her tightly, fingers digging into her flesh. "Do you know what I did before I came here?"

"I don't-"

"I was drinking. I was on the verge of drinking myself into a stupor because I was unable to get your body out of my mind. I was determined to stay home and not rush over here like a lovesick puppy, but my body overruled my mind. I want you, and wanting you is stripping away my commonsense."

Flinging her hand away, he climbed on top of her and slid into her smoothly. His hands framed her face, his face taut with passion. "I don't know what the hell to do about you."

"Make love to me." She whispered, her hands going around his neck.

And when he did, she had to hide her face in his neck as sensation after sensation had her spinning out of control.

*****

He fell asleep with her wrapped around him and woke up the following day with empty arms. He was alone in bed and had not meant to spend the night. It had just happened. Sitting up, he swung his legs off the bed and hurriedly dressed.

He was descending the stairs when the scent of coffee hit him, leading him into the bright yellow and white kitchen. She was dressed in a white blouse over black pants, which made her look like a professional.

"Hi." Her smile came instantly as she handed him a cup of steaming coffee. "What time is Madison leaving?"

Glancing at his watch, he slid onto the stool.

"The plane leaves at noon."

"Which gives you enough time to say goodbye." She stood across from him and seemed to be struggling with a decision. He watched as she walked around to him. Taking the cup from him, she wedged herself between his thighs and wrapped her hands around his neck.

"What are you doing?"

"Giving you a proper greeting." Her mouth settled on his sweetly, and he could taste the coffee on her lips. With a tortured groan, he wrapped his hands around her waist and deepened the kiss. His hands settled around her waist as he kissed her hungrily.

Ending the kiss as it was spiraling out of control, he had to take deep breaths to get his rampaging emotions under control. Nudging her backward, he rose. Picking up the cup, he drained it and put the cup down.

"I have to go," he told her a little curtly.

He had reached the arch doorway when she called out to him.

"My phone number." She handed him a card with the store's name and her number at the bottom.

"When you call me, I will save your number."

Looking at the card for a few seconds, he nodded and turned to leave.

Waiting until the door had closed behind him, Indie sat behind the counter and took up his empty cup. Touching her lips to where he had put his mouth, she took a deep, shuddering breath.

*****

"Hey. You okay?"

"I am fine."

"You don't look fine. You look as if you were a hundred miles away," Joshua said curiously. He had brought her lunch when she told him she was too swamped to consider leaving the store. "And that sandwich costs a small fortune, so you are not wasting it."

She rolled her eyes at him. "Typical accountant."

"Damn right." He grinned at her, his eyes appraising. "What's with you?"

"Nothing," she insisted. She had half expected to hear from Royce, but she was determined not to fall apart if he did not call. The man was contrary enough to just show up instead of calling.

"Michael likes you." He told her casually.

She looked up from her sandwich. "I like him too."

"He also said you have been avoiding him."

Her tapered brows lifted. "Is this why you graciously offered to buy lunch and bring it here?"

"I haven"t seen you in a few weeks, but I wanted to see how you"re doing. It just so happens that Michael was at the firm this morning to discuss some business and casually mentioned that he invited you out twice, and you turned him down."

"I told him I was tired and wanted to go home and bed. And that was not an excuse. The store has been super busy over the last month, and we closed up after eight."

‘All work and no play."

"It's making me a lot of money," she finished dryly. "And besides, Michael told me he is not looking for a relationship."

"I think he might have changed his mind."

"I don't like him that way. He is sweet and interesting, but I am not interested in romantically."

He eyed her over his fruit juice. "Have you met someone?"

She kept her face neutral. "I already told you I have been very busy with the store," she said.

"Honey, I am worried about you."

"I am fine."

"Are you?"

"Yes," she told him firmly. "And if you are here to give me the third degree, I must warn you that now is not the time. I have an entire family stopping by, who are from Connecticut, and I have to go and relieve Miriam from the cash register. I love you, Josh, but your obsession with my well-being is getting on my nerves."

That's what older brothers are for." He told her, undaunted. "Get used to it."

*****

"The columns are solid, boss." Calvin rapped his knuckles on the panel sharply.

"What about the electrical problems we have been plagued with?" Royce narrowed his eyes as he stared at the fading wallpaper. Moving forward, he peeled the paper away and discovered, to his delight, that he had been right; solid wood was beneath the grungy paper.

"It's being sorted out as we speak. The wood needs sanding, and the flooring is made of natural mahogany. The neighborhood is up and coming, and many businesses are popping up. My wife's favorite is this store called" Everything Black.'

It took him an effort not to react. He already knew they were less than a mile away from her store and was telling himself he should stay away.

"Upstairs?" He asked, ignoring the man's earlier statement.

"The roof needs to be removed, but the beams are solid. Shall we?"

With a nod, Royce followed him toward the stairs, bypassing the elevator, which was not in good working order. Calvin studied the banister closely. "It could be restored."

"I agree."

They spent the next hour going through all the rooms and taking notes on the repairs that needed to be made. Getting into his car after the meeting, he tapped his fingers on the wheel, a frown touching his brow.

His mother had called to say that they had arrived at an apartment that belonged to the company and was near enough to the theme park. He had also spoken to Madison, who was looking forward to starting her adventure.

Pushing the start button, he headed to the store almost voluntarily. Coming to a stop, he sat there for a minute, wondering if he should get out. After spending last night with her, he had just seen her this morning and did not want anyone to start thinking that they were together, and he did not want her to start thinking that they were together.

Hissing impatiently, he backed out and headed back to his office.

*****

"You are going away? For how long?" Indie struggled to keep the dismay out of her voice and was unsure if she managed it.

"A week, possibly two."

"I see." She was surprised and delighted that he had appeared at the store just as she was closing. He had followed her home, and they had come straight to her bedroom.

"Will you miss me?" He asked, his sensuous lips twisted cynically. She hated it when he was like this. He had been pacing the room length since they came upstairs, frowning on his brow.

"I will. Very much."

He eyed her for a minute before resuming the pacing. "I almost believe you."

"I am telling the truth."

"You are very convincing."

"That's because I am telling the truth." She repeated patiently.

"And I am guessing you will make an important declaration of love any minute now." His cynicism deepened.

"And if I do?" She challenged him. She was sitting on the sofa across from her bed, her body tensed.

"I would say that you would be wasting your breath and time. I don't believe in it, and when women say it, there tends to be an ulterior motive behind it."

"Not all women are like that." She pointed out.

"You are the exception to the rule."

"I am." She told him, with a lift of her chin.

"That's beside the point." He dismissed that with a wave of one hand. "I am going to Europe. I have interests there that require my attention." He turned to face her, then shoved his hands into his pockets. "I would like you to accompany me. It will be very discreet. I am traveling by company jet, which is very convenient."

"You want me to come with you? Why?"

"Why do you think?" he asked impatiently. "I will be away for close to two weeks, and I-" Dragging his fingers through his hair, he strode to the window to stare at the setting sun bleakly. "I need you with me."

"At night."

"So?" He asked without turning to face her. "We would be away from prying eyes, so we would be free to be with each other."

"I can't," she said quietly, as if her heart was breaking. She had hoped that he would say that he did not want to be without her, but it was just sex to him. Meanwhile, she was so in love with him that it was difficult for her to breathe.

"Care to say why not?"

"I have a business to run. You cannot expect me to just take off for two weeks just because you want sex."

He turned then, his eyes skimming over her face. "Very good sex."

"Be that as it may, I have a business to run."

His face turned cool, his eyes shuttered. "You are right, of course. I should not have mentioned it."

"Royce-"

"Shall we go to bed?"

She opened her mouth to say something and clamped it shut as he turned toward the bed.