All That I Need (Grayson Friends) (9 page)

“You go to sleep on me?”

Her head lifted. Even in the darkened club she could feel the intensity of his hungry eyes on her, beckoning her just as much as the heat of his body, the strength of his arms. “Not a chance.”

The music stopped, and another song began to play. The tempo was slow enough for Lance, but he continued to stare down at her. “You ready to go or you want another drink?”

Fallon shivered. She’d debated all evening whether she should ask Lance inside her apartment when he took her home. Each time he kissed her it was harder and harder to pull back, and with each kiss she wanted more.

“Fallon?” Her name was a husky whisper on his lips.

“Let’s go.”

*   *   *

Opening her apartment door, she stepped inside almost hoping he’d take the decision from her. Although he hadn’t moved, she could tell he was as tense as she was. “Do you want to come in?”

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. She hadn’t moved away, and with his incredible sexy body so close, she didn’t want to.

“Would you like something to drink?” Her voice sounded thready.

“I think we both know what I want.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Let’s see how close we can go to the edge without going over.”

“Let’s.”

His mouth took hers, the heat building slowly. He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her slim body to his as his mouth devoured hers. His hand swept over her hips, pressing her against his hard arousal. She moaned into his mouth, her arms tightening around his neck. Finally, he lifted his head, his breathing as labored as hers.

“Tomorrow is your last day here.” He brushed his hand tenderly over her cheek. “You want to go someplace?”

“I promised Kayla I’d take her to the carnival tomorrow afternoon. She let it slip that Naomi is planning a going-away dinner.”

“So how about breakfast at the Yates house and afterward you can see how things are shaping up for the auction?” he asked.

“I’d like that.”

“Nine all right?”

“Perfect.”

He wasn’t ready to say good-bye. Business always came first. He needed to call a couple of buyers, go over all the plans to ensure everything was on target. “Do you mind if I join you and Kayla?”

“I don’t mind at all. In fact, I’d like that a lot.”

*   *   *

Lance had never been around small children and wasn’t sure how he’d get along with Kayla or she with him. Ten minutes after meeting the energetic Kayla, he’d ceased worrying. She’d promptly said he was going to be her cousin and gave him a hug.

“Let’s go have fun,” Fallon said.

He’d planned for her and Kayla to enjoy themselves, but it was a shocker to him that he did as well. They ate their way through the high-caloric foods with gusto and grins. One unexpected delight was the kiss tasting of cotton candy Fallon gave him after he tried and failed to win her a stuffed animal.

“I couldn’t lug it on the plane with me anyway,” she said to console him. “And Kayla already has Teddy.”

“I wanted to win one for you,” he said, still not appeased. He should have been able to knock the bowling pins down. Although he hadn’t pitched in Little League since after he’d lost his father, Lance had been a pretty decent pitcher.

“I have something better for both of us.” That was when she’d kissed him.

There was applause and “Go, man,” from those standing around them and giggles from Kayla, who’d wrapped her arms around both of their legs. “Dr. Richard and Mama do that a lot.”

Releasing Fallon, Lance had picked the child up. “That’s because they’re in love and happy.”

The words were barely out of his mouth before he realized his blunder. Fallon made him happy, but they weren’t in love. He didn’t want to love any woman.

“What do you say, Kayla, we ride the train next?” Fallon asked.

Lance thought her voice sounded the same, and when he placed Kayla on her feet and looked at Fallon she met his gaze with her usual smile. That smile should have reassured him and let him off the hook, yet somehow it didn’t. Continuing down the midway, he wondered why and didn’t have an answer.

Chapter 6

Fallon was getting in over her head, but like a ball rolling down a mountain, she couldn’t stop her growing feelings for Lance. She’d tried, but her heart wasn’t listening. She’d seen the shocked way he’d reacted after telling Kayla that Richard and Naomi were in love and happy. Lance hadn’t wanted Fallon to draw the wrong conclusion about their kiss. They were two free consenting adults enjoying each other for the little time they had.

Only she wanted more.

“Fallon, what have you done?” she asked herself that night at her apartment as she gazed into the bathroom mirror. She didn’t have an answer. Flipping the lights off, she went into the living room to get her key and camera. Naomi had just called and said to come over for a “quiet” dinner. Fallon hadn’t told her that she knew about the surprise going-away party. Lance would probably be there; thus she was wearing the stretch magenta-colored dress she’d purchased on the Los Angeles trip.

Leaving her apartment, she went next door and knocked. Kayla opened the door. Standing behind her was Naomi. When they moved, Fallon saw Lance. Her heart lurched; her body yearned. His eyes narrowed and she knew he felt the same way. But all they had was tonight.

With an effort, she made her gaze move and saw Ruth Grayson; Catherine and her husband, Luke; Richard and his parents; and Sierra with Blade and Rio. Fallon’s gaze widened in surprised delight.

“Happy going-away party!” Kayla yelled, blowing the paper horn in her hand.

Fallon hadn’t expected so many people. Laughing at her stunned expression, Naomi pulled her inside and closed the door. The furniture had been pushed to one side and replaced with card tables and chairs. Sitting on each table was an arrangement of white gardenias on top of a miniature world globe.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” Naomi said, dabbing her eyes with a crumpled tissue.

“Me, too.” Fallon brushed a knuckle beneath her eyes.

“Here.” Lance handed Fallon his handkerchief.

“Thank you.” Fallon dabbed both eyes. “I said I wouldn’t cry.”

Richard curved his arm around Naomi’s slim waist. “Brandon volunteered to do the food since Naomi tears up every time she thinks of you leaving.”

“He said to tell you don’t forget you have a standing invitation to the Red Cactus and you never have to wait for a table,” Luke told her.

“I won’t.” Fallon faced Sierra. “I have another family member to thank as well. Three magazines—one of them
Luxe Lifestyles
—have asked me to do an in-depth article on great escapes for the rich and famous after seeing the pictures of Naomi’s shopping trip for her wedding dress.”

“Like I said, we have to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves.” Sierra’s gaze moved to Lance. “I think you know how to do that.”

Once, but Fallon wasn’t so sure anymore. Caring for Lance could lead to heartaches, but as she met his stare and felt frissons of heat race through her she knew it could also bring an immense amount of pleasure.

*   *   *

The party was lively and fun. Recounting the fun trip to Los Angeles helped keep Fallon’s mind off leaving early the next morning. However, when everyone left except Richard and Lance and it was time to say good-bye, neither she nor Naomi could hold back the tears.

“You’ll see each other in five weeks at the wedding,” Richard reminded them.

“But then she’ll leave, and I won’t see her again.” Naomi sniffed.

“Yes, you will,” Fallon corrected, taking her friend’s hands. “I’m not going to lose touch with you. Austin isn’t that far and I might decide to do a follow-up story on Santa Fe.”

“And I get to help again.” Kayla jumped with happiness.

Brushing away tears, Fallon leaned down until her and Kayla’s faces were inches apart. “I can’t do a story without my research assistant. Now, give me a big hug.”

Fallon held the small child close, felt the tears coming again, and straightened. “Good night, and thanks for the wonderful party.”

“Thank you for being my friend when I needed one the most.” Naomi hugged her again, then stepped back. “Safe travel.”

Brushing away another tear, Fallon went out the door Lance was holding open, and then they went to her apartment. “Thanks for coming.”

“I have something for you. I’ll be right back.”

Not giving her time to answer, he went to his car and quickly returned with a box beautifully wrapped with glossy yellow paper and white organza ribbon. “I hope you like it.”

She hadn’t expected anything. Her hands trembled. “You didn’t have to.”

“Yes, I did. Open it.” He shifted nervously as he stared down at the square box in her hands.

Entering her apartment, Fallon took a seat on the sofa. Her hands trembled as she untied the bow.

“Why don’t you just tear into it?”

She was going to savor every second with him. “Mama said a lady should take as much time unwrapping a present as it did to wrap it to show appreciation for the thought that went into the gift.” Fallon pulled back the bright yellow paper and lifted the white box top. A soft gasp slipped past her lips.

She looked at Lance, then back at the red crystal heart paperweight. “It’s part of the Yates crystal glass collection. It’s the one I admired.”

He reached over and lifted the paperweight. “I want you to have it.”

“It’s part of the collection,” she repeated. “It’s Baccarat. You’re selling it as a group.”

His hands didn’t waver. “It will mean more to you.”

Tears sparkled in her eyes as she took the paperweight in her hands. “Thank you, Lance.”

His thumb brushed the tears from her eyes. “None of that.”

She blinked her eyes rapidly and felt more tears forming. “Sorry. I’m usually not so mushy.”

“That’s all right. I’ve had some rough moments myself,” he told her.

“I’m coming back for the wedding,” she said.

“Five weeks is a long time,” he said.

“I know,” she whispered.

“You’re beautiful and tempting. A dangerous combination.” He came to his feet and went to the door.

“You’re leaving?” She couldn’t keep the disappointment out of her voice.

“It’s best.” His knuckles grazed her cheek. “If I stay, I’ll kiss you, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to let you go until the morning, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to even then. So close the door, sunshine, and be happy.”

Fighting tears, Fallon closed the door.

*   *   *

In the past, Fallon always looked forward to going home, catching up on things with her mother and sister, just relaxing. Usually she couldn’t wait. Now, in the taxi heading for her mother’s house, Fallon fought tears and misery. She missed Lance so much she ached.

The cab pulled up in front of the single-story brick home she and her sister, Megan, had been able to buy their mother when the real estate market had gone south a few years back. In the past year the housing market in Austin had rebounded strongly, and the house now was worth a lot more than the original price.

After paying the driver, Fallon picked up her suitcase and carry-on. She’d already shipped everything else home. Her steps slow, she went up the short walk overflowing with wood ferns, African daisies, and moss roses, one of her mother’s favorite summer flowers. Thoughts of roses had Fallon stopping in her tracks. Tears crested on her lashes.

“Fallon.”

When she saw her mother the tears flowed faster. “Mama.”

Fallon’s mother was out the front door and down the steps in seconds. “Honey, what’s the matter?”

The luggage fell from her hands. Fallon wrapped her arms around her mother and just held on. “Mama.”

“Honey, you’re scaring me. Please tell me what’s the matter.”

Trying to stop the tears, Fallon lifted her head. “I care deeply for a man and he’s too afraid to give us a chance.”

“Well, he’s a fool, and I’d say you were better off without him, but obviously you aren’t ready to hear that.” Her mother picked up the weekender. “Come inside and we can talk.”

Fallon picked up the rest of her things and followed. They could talk, but it would solve nothing. Lance’s past was the issue, and until he could put it behind him he and Fallon didn’t have a future.

*   *   *

Lance had a restless night and was up when Fallon’s plane took off early Sunday morning. He’d actually walked outside and looked up at the clear blue sky. He could admit to himself in the stillness of the morning that she had come to mean more to him than he felt comfortable with.

He couldn’t clearly define how she fit in his life or even if she should. He only knew that he had enjoyed being with her and that her departure left him feeling on edge and restless. One thing he wouldn’t admit to was feeling lonely. He didn’t need a woman to make his life complete. Returning inside, he’d gone to his office to work.

Now, hours later, he found himself in the guest bedroom staring at the glass collection. He would have bet any amount of money that he wasn’t the sentimental type, yet he’d paid three thousand dollars over the appraised price for the collection. He wasn’t even sure why. In all things, he thought, he was practical. He had no use for the crystal.

Leaving the room, he went back to his office. The auction was in less than a week. Making sure it was a success should be his sole focus, yet somehow Fallon kept slipping into his consciousness.

Perhaps it was because it was so easy to recall her vibrant presence here and in every room of the house. She’d wanted the auction to succeed and helped him to ensure that it did—asking nothing in return, even at times ignoring his brusqueness. He knew he wasn’t the easiest person to get along with.

Yet she had stuck. For a little while at least, he had been enough. But would she have remained or would she, like those before her, one day leave because he couldn’t give them what they needed due to his inadequacies?

He picked up the landline phone and dialed a number he hadn’t called in over a year. If not for his aunt, he would have gladly waited another year.

“Hello.”

At the sound of his mother’s voice, Lance was hurtled back to the young boy who had wanted his mother’s love and support after the death of his father, but she had chosen a stranger instead.