Debra Webb - In His Touch Box Set (Here To Stay, Up Close, Tempting Trace, Basic Instincts) (63 page)

He frowned, worry tugging at him. She hadn’t said the words, but he knew she felt strongly about him. He could see it in her eyes, feel it in her touch. She might not be ready to admit she loved him, but he could tell she cared.

Jake closed the door and went in search of the woman who’d turned his life inside out in a matter of days. He found her in the great room admiring the collage of photographs on the piano that had once belonged to Suzy’s great-aunt Martha. Every time Suzy played a tune on the ancient keys, she insisted her Aunt Martha had been the finest teacher in the whole state of Georgia. Jake was relatively sure that little Danielle would be learning to play as soon as she was tall enough to reach the keys from the shiny bench.

“Is this you and Dan when you were kids?” Merri fingered the oak frame as if contemplating the frozen moment of time and its captured characters.

The awe in her voice made Jake want to take her into his arms and hold her close. “I was ten, he had just turned fifteen. We grew up on the same block in Savannah. He’s always been like a big brother to me.”

She looked up at him. “What brought the two of you to Atlanta?”

Jake settled onto the piano bench and patted the empty space beside him. “After college, we decided to start our business here because the city was booming. Dan had already made some good contacts.”

“And this one?” Merri pointed to another shot of the twosome holding up their catches after an obviously successful fishing trip.

“Our dads got together and planned a special guys-only weekend.” Jake smiled, but there was a perceptible sadness beneath it. “We had a great time. But... Dan’s dad died right after we returned to the city.” He blinked back the tears that still rose at the memory. “His family had a rough go of it after that, but he and I stuck together.”

“He’s lucky to have a friend like you,” Merri said softly.

Jake touched the happy faces in the photograph. “I’m the lucky one,” he corrected gently.

Merri kissed his cheek as if she knew instinctively that he needed just that. He turned to her, searched those blue eyes for a moment or two and then lowered his head until their lips touched.

“In more ways than one,” he murmured before kissing her sweet lips. The yearning that tightened his chest would never be satisfied with this one kiss. If only he could touch her the way she touched him... deeply, completely.

“We should go,” she whispered against his mouth just before she drew away. “Dan and Suzy are waiting.”

Jake had to caress her one last time before giving up the moment. His fingers brushed one silky smooth cheek. “So’s that goddaughter of mine.”

He took her hand in his and held on tightly as they locked Dan’s front door and made their way back to the Jeep. Only when he’d helped her into the Jeep did he relinquish his hold. When he slid behind the wheel he remembered the other thing he had to do.

“Reach into the glove box and get that envelope for me, would you?”

Merri retrieved the envelope and offered it to him. Jake placed it on the dash so he wouldn’t forget his gift to his goddaughter.

“Partnership papers,” he explained when she didn’t ask but looked curious. “Dan always turns me down on taking his half.”

“Suzy mentioned that.”

“Well, now he won’t have a choice.” Jake grinned, pleased with himself. “It’s a gift for his new daughter. I want her daddy to be my partner. I don’t think he’ll turn me down this time, do you?”

Merri nodded her agreement. “I think you’ve got him now.”

Now if he could only have her. Jake stole another glance at her delicate profile. But he had a feeling that making Merri his wouldn’t be so simple. The realization that they’d been a little less cautious as the night wore on suddenly hit him. They’d made love at least twice without protection.

What if—

“If you don’t mind, I’d like you to drop me off at my place.” She gave Jake an apologetic smile. “I’m exhausted, and I don’t think showing up like this” she gestured to her slightly wrinkled dress “would be appropriate on Sunday morning. Last night was an emergency, but this morning I look a little worse for the wear.”

“Baby, if you looked any better, I couldn’t stand it.” He grinned when her cheeks pinked up. God, she was beautiful when she blushed.

“Tell Suzy I’ll see her tomorrow.”

“Will do.” Jake took the next right and headed in the direction of Merri’s apartment.

Ten minutes later he parked in front of her building. “I’ll walk you to your door.”

“That’s not necessary,” she protested without real enthusiasm.

He tapped her cute nose. “Oh, but it is.” The smile she beamed back at him was breathtaking.

Jake kept his arm firmly wrapped around her waist as they ascended the two flights of stairs to her apartment door. As they took the last two steps, Jake noticed a tall man wearing a dark suit waiting at Merri’s door. She tensed, and then bolted forward, rushing across the landing toward the man and leaving Jake behind.

Something red and hot cloaked him, making him crazy with an emotion he couldn’t name at first.

The man waiting at the door scrutinized her and frowned. “Mere—”

“Nigel!” She threw her arms around the stranger and hugged him enthusiastically.

Instantly Jake recognized his reaction to the man—blind jealousy. He wanted to punch this Nigel... kick him down the stairs if necessary. And if that didn’t scare him off—

“Jake, this is Nigel, a dear friend of mine from New York.” She smiled nervously at the man. “Nigel, this is Jake... a friend.”

Friend?

Jake felt too many emotions to name at the moment. His gut felt queasy. Who the hell was this guy and why did Merri feel compelled to introduce Jake as a friend?

The man extended his hand. “A pleasure, I’m sure.”

Jake gripped his hand, hard. “Right.”

There was no mistaking the look that passed between them. This man—Nigel, what a name—assumed some sort of claim on Merri. Jake released his hand, though his first impulse had been to break it.

“Where on earth have you been? I’m certain I’ve left a dozen messages. We have to talk,” Nigel insisted, looking pointedly at Merri.

She nodded stiffly. Her smile was forced. Jake didn’t like this. He didn’t like it at all.

“Just give me a minute.” She patted the man on the sleeve of the navy suit that looked as stiff as he did.

Maybe he needed a wrinkle or two, Jake decided. Something to lighten him up a little.

Merri grabbed Jake’s arm and tugged him back toward the stairs. “Thanks for dropping me off.” She paused at the top of the stairs and produced another of those forced smiles. “Give Dan and Suzy my best.”

“Sure.” The wild jealousy that assailed him wouldn’t go away. “I’ll do that.”

An audible sigh slipped past her full lips. “I had a great night, Jake.”

“You’re damned right it was a great night,” he growled. Before she could comprehend his intent, Jake hauled her up against him and kissed her long and hard. When she would have pushed him away, he kissed her harder still. He plundered her sweet mouth until she surrendered to his sensual assault. His body tightened with the desire coiling deep inside him, despite his fury. Not until they were both gasping for breath did he release her.

“A really great night,” he repeated before turning away and bounding down the stairs.

The image of her standing there, still dazed from his kiss, stayed with him all the way across town. The thought of her with that Nigel character made Jake want to roar like a wounded lion.

Was that guy the reason why Merri hadn’t admitted her feelings for him? Considering her nervousness, something was definitely wrong with the picture. Jake gritted his teeth.

He parked in the hospital parking lot and sat, unmoving, for several long minutes. He had to get a grip. Merri didn’t deserve this kind of distrust. There was no reason for him to automatically assume the worst. Jake let out a frustrated sigh. He’d overreacted. Undoubtedly embarrassed her. Hell, for all he knew Nigel could be married. But did that stop anything? He was obsessing. Shaking his head, Jake climbed out of the Jeep and snagged the luggage he’d come to deliver.

He was an idiot. And tomorrow he would apologize properly to Merri. Hell, maybe he’d even propose.

Chapter Nine

“What’s going on, Meredith?” Nigel surveyed her from head to toe once more, an air of disapproval on his usually carefully composed face. “And who was that man who escorted you to the door and then marked his presumed territory for all to see?”

Forcing a calm she didn’t feel, Meredith gestured to a nearby chair. “Have a seat, Nigel.” She sat down opposite the chair she’d indicated. Putting her psychological training to use, she turned the tables on him and asked, “Why are you here?”

He waved his arms in exasperation before settling into the comfortable overstuffed chair. “I was worried about you. I haven’t heard from you in two weeks. Then I thought to call Shelley and ask if she’d seen or heard from you.” He gave her another disapproving look. “Getting anything out her was difficult. She’s very protective of you, you know.”

Meredith was going to kill Shelley. No one was supposed to know where she was. Shelley knew better than to tell Nigel, of all people. Meredith had a sneaking suspicion that her friend’s little slip had something to do with misplaced loyalty. Shelley wanted Meredith to come clean with Jake... to confess her true feelings. She almost groaned. What a mess.

“I asked her not to let anyone know I was here,” Meredith explained. “I’ve had about all the publicity I can take in one lifetime.”

Nigel rolled his eyes and shook his distinguished head. “Well, you’re certainly the first author I’ve represented who didn’t like being on the bestseller lists. Most people in your position would be thrilled at their good fortune.”

Meredith inhaled a deep, cleansing breath. She had to stay calm. Falling apart in front of her literary agent would not be a good thing. But the turmoil of emotions twisting inside her was nearly more than she could bear. “I’m very grateful for your help, Nigel. And don’t think I’m not happy about my book’s success. It’s just that I’m still adjusting to being famous, and I do have another book to write.”

“Speaking of which,” Nigel began, suddenly appearing anxious. “Your editor is begging me for at least the first three chapters, and a detailed synopsis. I’m quite certain she wants to do some early press releases. You know, capitalize on the current buzz.”

She had guessed that was the reason for his visit.

“My research is complete,” she said, pushing aside the mixed emotions which threatened her ability to speak. “It’ll take me a couple of days to go over my notes and incorporate my conclusions. I should have something ready in a couple of weeks.”

“Excellent.” Nigel smiled widely for a moment before the expression slipped. “Is that why you’ve been in Atlanta? You thought you couldn’t do research in New York without being recognized?”

Meredith hesitated, but what was the point in denying the truth? “Yes,” she admitted. “I needed a sense of anonymity.”

He studied her, not quite believing what he saw. He gestured vaguely to her attire. “That would explain the... dress and hairstyle.” His brow pleated into a frown. “Where are your glasses?”

Meredith gave him a challenging look. “I wear contacts now. Do you have a problem with that?”

He shook his head adamantly. “Of course not. I’m just surprised, that’s all. You look so different.”

Meredith couldn’t help a beleaguered sigh. Her current predicament was no one’s fault but her own. Nigel certainly wasn’t to blame for her love life. “I’m sorry, Nigel. I don’t know where my manners are. Can I offer you something to drink? Coffee?”

He stood. “No, thanks. I need to get right back.”

“I’m sorry you had to come all this way. I should have kept in touch.” Feeling contrite, Meredith followed him to the door. “I’ll be going back myself in a couple of days.” She moistened her suddenly dry lips. “I just have a few loose ends to tie up down here.”

Before leaving, Nigel turned back to her and asked, “Meredith, was that man part of your research?”

Again, there was no reason to deny the truth. Nor could she deny the reality of what she had done to Jake and herself. “Yes.”

Nigel held her gaze for an awkward moment, then leaned down and placed a chaste kiss in her cheek. “I’ll see you in a few days then.”

Meredith could only nod. If she tried to speak, the tears she was barely holding back would fall. She’d made a terrible mistake. She closed the door behind her agent and sagged against it.

How would she ever make things right again?

~*~

“I’m telling you the guy has a thing for Meredith,” Jake insisted for the third time.

Balancing the bags containing his purchases in one arm, Dan unlocked the front door to his house and pushed it inward. “You don’t know that,” he argued.

Jake followed him inside. “Where are we putting this stuff?” He and Dan had had just about cleared out a half-dozen baby stores and the biggest toy store in town before calling it a day. Dan wanted to make sure everything was perfect when little Danielle and her mother came home.

Dan tossed his keys onto the hall table. “Let’s go up to the nursery and set all this stuff up.”

“Let’s dump it, have a cold one and then set it all up.” Jake trudged up the stairs ahead of him. “I’m beat. Who would’ve thought that shopping for a tiny little baby would be such hard work?”

“Mark my words, pal, when you and Merri have your first child, you’ll do the same thing.”

Jake didn’t even want to think about it. They could be having a baby already. He blinked away the image of the suit named Nigel. “She hasn’t said she feels the same way I do,” Jake reminded his buddy.

Dan dumped his bags on the floor in the pretty pink nursery. “Maybe not, but her feelings are as plain as day.” He slapped Jake on the back as they headed out of the room. “Even Suzy thinks Merri’s in love with you.”

Jake heaved a heavy breath. “Something’s not right, man.” Their footfalls made a rhythm of sorts as they bounded down the stairs. “I still don’t know anything about her, only her address. Hell, I don’t even know when her birthday is.”