Finding Harmony (11 page)

“Yes!” she cried. His grip on her waist got tighter and he
shuddered beneath her.

He held on to her as his mind slowly came back from
wherever it went while they lost themselves. Her gorgeous eyes were cloudy as
she gazed at him. Did he look like that, too? Loose and relaxed and more
pleased than he could say?

“Man,” he whispered. He held her close and she took his
support and cuddled into him. “Harmony, that was—” His pants beeped. Frowning,
he grabbed his BlackBerry out of his pocket and read the little screen. “Perfect
timing, Bill,” he muttered. He put the cell on the counter. “Let him get my
voicemail.”

He kissed her and sank into her heat again.

“About damn time, Chapman.”

Rick sat on the couch and closed his eyes. “I called you as
soon as I got my voicemail, Dad.”

It wasn’t a total lie. He hadn’t checked his phone until he
and Harmony had finally worn each other out.

“I called the developers and they’re satisfied,” his father
went on. “The contract should be fulfilled by the close to the deadline.”

That was all true. Then why didn’t Rick feel more gratified
by that turn of events? “Looks like.”

“I’ll need you back in Boston after the first of the year,”
Bill said. “And Rick? I have a proposition for you.”

His ears pricked up and he opened his eyes and straightened.
His father hardly ever called him by his first name. “Go on.”

He could almost see his father grinning. That should have
put him on his guard but he was still pleasantly buzzed by his time with
Harmony.

“If this project is complete by the deadline,” Bill said, “I’ll
give it to you.”

He must have heard him wrong.

“What?” he asked. “You’ll give me what?”

“The top position,” Bill said. “Under me, of course. I know
you want it. You’ve been working hard. So if this deal goes through, you can
have it.”

The couch rocked beneath him. “Thanks.”

“Well.” Bill cleared his throat. “We’ll talk sometime next
week. Keep me posted.”

He sat there as the line went dead. The top position. Executive
Officer in Charge of Foreign and Domestic Investments. Man. He dropped the cell
on the couch and rubbed his face. This was what he’d wanted for so long,
tangible evidence that Bill believed he was worth something. He’d have it all: 
money, prestige and maybe his father’s respect at last.

“Son-of-a-bitch,” he whispered.

He had to focus if he wanted to prove himself. Opening up
his laptop, he searched online for the companies he’d need to see the project
finished. He’d handle staffing the place himself but he’d have to be careful
picking the subcontractors and food suppliers. The place had to reflect Cypress
Corners and its residents and visitors. But the bottom line had to give Chapman
investors the maximum return.

He couldn’t afford to get sidetracked, to let his focus
shift away from his sole purpose. He had to get the project finished and the
investors satisfied. He couldn’t get distracted. Nothing could get in his way.

His fingers froze on the keys. Harmony. Damn. He didn’t
have time for more than a diversion, right? That’s what he’d told himself when
he’d first stepped onto Cypress Corners property. She was more than a
distraction. But she’d closed up after their first time together. All because
some jerk probably hurt her. But now? After what they’d shared in the lab? She’d
been soft and tender in his arms after. He’d never had a woman trust him like
that, to show weakness after the pleasure.

“I won’t have to stop seeing her,” he told himself. “She
isn’t asking for moonlight and roses. Maybe just the occasional dinner. Definitely
more incredible sex. This could work.”

For now. Until he got back to Boston. He stood and crossed
to the fridge to grab a soda.

Suddenly he had a bad taste in his mouth.

***

Harmony showered the next morning, letting the spray nearly
run cold as she used up the reserve tank of hot water. Last night she’d been
too tired, and too satisfied, to even think about doing more than falling into
bed. Alone. She hadn’t invited Rick over and he hadn’t pressed her. But for the
first time she hadn’t enjoyed her solitude. As soon as she was dressed, she’d
head over to the village. A stop at the Welcome Center to check on the rec café’s
progress would be interesting. A visit to the Institute was probably expected. Oh,
she’d have to face Becky. She knew the girl had sent Rick to the lab to find
her, and Becky could probably guess what happened after Rick innocently
massaged Harmony’s shoulders. Her skin flushed hot under the cool spray.

“No biggie,” she said, trying to convince herself. “I’m a
single woman. I can see whoever I want. No strings attached.”

She rinsed the shampoo out of her hair. Yeah, right. She
only hoped Dr. Robbins didn’t find out about her and Rick in that chair. Oh, or
on the counter. She flushed again.

The ride to the village seemed shorter today. She saw Rick
outside the Welcome Center, talking with Tammy. Watching his body language
compared to Tammy’s, it was obvious Rick wasn’t encouraging her. She thought
he’d slept with her. Now she knew he hadn’t. That made her feel better than it
should.

“Rick!” she called as she stopped her scooter.

He turned and waved a hand. Tammy nodded and went into the Welcome Center as Rick talked to himself. As Harmony got closer she saw he wore an earpiece
and fiddled with the BlackBerry clipped to his waist.

“Yeah, I know it’s short notice,” he said. “Listen, those
soda machines were promised. Before the delay.” He held up one finger and
Harmony nodded. “I need them installed by the fifteenth of December. The floor
should be finished by then.”

He disconnected and smiled at her. “Sorry. I’ve got to line
everything up just right.”

His eyes sparkled and energy poured off him.

“You love it,” she said. “Admit it.”

He grinned. “I do. After spinning my wheels for weeks I can
finally do something.”

Okay. She wouldn’t take that in the worst possible way. “You’ll
get it done, I’m sure.”

He opened his mouth when the cell beeped. Holding up his
hand again, he turned away. “Next Thursday? Damn. Well it’ll have to work,
won’t it? Get me the samples.”

“Crackers,” he muttered. He faced her again. “The flooring
guys.”

She nodded, ignoring his “cracker” remark. At least he
hadn’t called the guy a “red neck.” Again the country girl felt out of place
with the city boy. Just what had he thought of her “cracker” parents?

“Well,” she said. “I was just going to check in with Dr.
Robbins.”

“Not in the lab, I hope.” He winked. “He’d see that blush
and know you were busy in there last night.”

She wasn’t used to the teasing. It was lighthearted and
sexy at the same time.    She took her cue from him and shrugged. “I didn’t get
a lot of work done.”

Rick grinned. “Hey, how about dinner tonight?”

“Okay,” she said. “The Boathouse?”

“No way. I need to check out a place near Orlando. One of
the vendors I’m considering supplies their desserts.”

More of a work thing, then. Oh, well. A free meal and good
company? It worked for her. “Sure.”

He kissed her, a quick press of his lips to hers that made
her wish for more. But before she could lean closer his darn phone rang again. He
tilted his head and checked the screen.

“I have to take this.” He turned away. “Chapman here.”

As he started talking about countertops and paint, she
turned and crossed the street toward the Institute.

“Harmony, wait!”

She looked over her shoulder. “Yes?”

“I’ll pick you up at seven.”

Nodding, she continued. His voice was different on the
phone, crisp and very Boston. Polished. Nothing like the soft words and throaty
groans from yesterday.

“He has a job to do, Harmony,” she told herself. “And so do
you.”

She entered the Institute, intent on losing herself in
reports and data until the day passed and she could meet Rick for dinner. But
which Rick would she see tonight? Warm, funny, sexy Rick? Or cold, driven Corporate
Guy?

It turned out both guys showed up. Rick was dressed in a
sport jacket and tie yet looking as comfortable as when he wore shorts and a
golf shirt. Boy, he looked yummy.

“We’re eating at Lac des Fontaine,” he said. “Lake of the Fountain.”

French. She was sure it wouldn’t be Creole. “Sounds nice.”

“And expensive. But hey, Cypress people can afford to
indulge, right?”

Most of them. “I guess.”

They drove into the city, beautiful by city standards, but
she still didn’t care for it. The restaurant was situated on the shore of Lake Eola, facing the huge fountain set in the middle. The sky was pink through
the wall of windows as the hostess led them to their table. The cool air was
scented with burning candles and snatches of expensive perfume as they moved through
the linen-dressed tables. Piano music tinkled in a far corner and she ran a
hand over her dress.

She’d thought she’d dressed suitably, but when she saw the
jackets and ties and expensive dresses she felt out of place in her batik-died
shift. It
was
silk. It did look nice on her. Or so Rick had said as his
eyes ran over her body.

“Here by the windows is fine,” he said to the hostess.

The woman nodded and left them as Rick held out Harmony’s
chair. He lifted her hair away from the chair back and brushed her neck with
his fingers.

“Get ready to enjoy some wonderful food,” he said. “This
place is better than   The Clubhouse in Cypress Corners.”

She looked around at the cut crystal glasses and the forks lined
up to her left. Suddenly she longed for the plank tables and fresh breezes of
The Boathouse.

He ordered the wine and it was surprisingly delicious. Cool
and crisp, like a fresh apple. After ordering in flawless French, he winked at
her.

“Prep school,” he said. “At least it didn’t go to waste.”

“Doesn’t Chapman have investors around the world?”

He nodded and sipped his wine. “Yes. But I work on the
domestic division.”

There was something in his tone that told her he either
didn’t like that or that was about the change. Where would he go after this? She
didn’t want to think of him in Boston, let alone France. She put on a smile and
held up her glass, glad to see her hand was steadier than her heart was beating.

“To Chapman,” she said. “And to getting the job done.”

He blinked at her then clinked his glass to hers. “To
Harmony. For helping us get on with the job.”

She took the praise for what it was worth. If she hadn’t
found the plant growing all over the place he wouldn’t have been able to
satisfy Chapman’s investors. Money was the bottom line for Rick’s company.

“Well, we both have our jobs to do,” she said.

Rick nodded as he realigned the forks to his left. “Well,
I’ll be glad when this job is finished. Then I can get on to the next one.”

She just stared at him. He’d leave, then. She’d known it
all along. He didn’t like it here. He’d made that clear from the beginning. As
clear as the water in her lake. The lake. Swimming with him in the cool water. Making
love with him on her dock.

Why had she slept with him? Because he was gorgeous and
sexy and a wonderful lover, that’s why. He made her feel things she’d only
imagined before. Was Hettie right? Would the physical lead to the emotional?

An even bigger question hung over her, clinging like
Spanish moss and just as unshakable.

Why had she set her heart up for this hurt again?

Rick nodded from across the table as he watched Harmony’s
gaze fall to her glass. He did have a job to do, but at least it wasn’t coming
between them anymore. Her plant was safe and her job secure. His position at
Chapman was as well. At the end of the year it would all be settled. He’d be
finished here and he could go back to Boston. Wasn’t that what he wanted?

Their appetizer came, escargot in butter and wine sauce, and
they ate. The delicacy slipped down his throat and he smiled.

“Snails,” he said. “I guess that’s as strange as eating
alligator.”

She returned his smile and ate. Delicately, like she did
everything. She was as much a contradiction as Cypress Corners itself, pretty
and tough and smart and sensitive. Man, did she look good in that little green
dress. She wore strappy little sandals on her feet, showing off those lean legs.
Her hair was loose and a little wild, like he liked it. As she sipped her wine
he watched her lips. That mouth. God, it was as sweet and hot as the rest of
her.

“So what’s next for the Institute?” he asked.

She dabbed her lips with her napkin and shrugged. “More of
the same, I guess.   For me, anyway. More research, more investigations. My
work didn’t end with finding the scrub buckwheat.”

Her words struck him. His work did. He knew it. She knew it.

“The developers seem pleased with the Institute’s work,” he
said.

Her eyes lit up again. She leaned forward and placed her
hands on the table. “Dr. Robbins has a unique position here. It’s important to
work with the developers. A property this size doesn’t usually give more than
passing notice to conservation. I’m just grateful I can do my part.”

There was a conviction in her voice that he didn’t feel
with Chapman, and a loyalty to her boss he knew he’d never feel for Bill. He was
always careful to never examine his own motives as he climbed the corporate
ladder. Going for and capturing the next step in his quest for the ultimate job
at Chapman, with no one above him but Bill. But the rewards were tangible, not
like hers. The prizes were money and prestige, and that was all good. Recognition
and respect. It was just what his mother had wanted for him. Just what he
wanted for himself.

“You’ve proven yourself invaluable, Harmony. What’s next?”

She looked puzzled. “Next? I don’t understand.”

“Next up for your career,” he said. “What’s the next
position you’re shooting for? A promotion? More money?”

She sat back, giving a shake of her head. “I’m happy with
things the way they are, Rick. I’m making a difference and helping the
Institute protect interests other than money. It’s what I’ve always wanted.”

Ouch. His ambitions were clear to her, then. Well, he
didn’t hide his ambition. It was a part of him, inherited from Bill and
reinforced by his mother.

Thankfully their meals came and they could talk about
tastes and textures as they ate the succulent seared tuna and filet mignon. He’d
ordered dessert when they’d arrived, since the restaurant’s signature soufflé
took about forty-five minutes to prepare. But the pastries he’d consider for
the rec café came on the heels of their dinners, arrayed on a silver platter
dressed with paper doilies and powdered sugar. They looked almost too delicate
to eat.

He lifted one to Harmony’s mouth, the flaky pastry yielding
as she took a bit. Whipped cream dotted her lip and he wiped it with is thumb. “Good?”

She closed her eyes and made a humming sound of
satisfaction. He couldn’t help thinking about the last time she made that sound.
Her breasts in his hands, his mouth on hers as she purred beneath him.

“It’s delicious,” she said. “But too rich for me.”

“Yeah, I guess it’s too much for the café.” He picked up
his fork and cut the corner off another dessert, this one a square of key lime
pie. He held it to her lips.    “This one might work.”

She licked her lips before taking a bit and he watched her
react to the tart sweet filling. Her eyes widened slightly and she gasped.

“Ooh, this is the best key lime I’ve tasted,” she said. “Mmm.
Very refreshing.”

Yeah. He swallowed. Refreshing. The soufflés arrived and
the server poured white chocolate sauce over the steaming cake. Again he
watched as Harmony ate.He could think of a few things to do with the decadent
sauce, namely pouring it over her and licking it off her skin until she came
apart.

“Harmony.”

She looked up, her lips parted. The smooth skin above the
low neck of her dress turned pink as a blush spread over her. She was thinking
about it too, he could tell. Her pupils dilated and she licked her lips. She
wanted him. He’d had other women look at him with hunger. And maybe a dose of
calculation. But this girl? Every expression was open and honest. Amazing.

He took out his credit card and waved it at the server. The
hell with research for the friggin’ café. He could only think of one thing
right now. Her.

They rode back to Cypress Corners, Harmony sitting quietly beside
him with her hands folded in her lap. She fiddled with the hem of that little
green dress.Showing more of those smooth legs. Mmm. He managed to keep his eyes
on the road until they were safely parked in back of his rented house.

***

“Oh.” She straightened and looked around. “I thought you
were taking me home.”

He turned off the engine and pulled out the key. “I did.”

She looked away but again. She wouldn’t ask him to take her
back to her camp. No, she was… resigned? No, that wasn’t the right word. She
was anxious. Eager.   She knew he’d make love to her again, with no promises. He
would be finished with his job soon and would return to Boston. He’d probably
never look back. But she’d remember their time together for the rest of her
life. Why not add another glorious memory to that particular book? Goodness,
she could certainly use those memories in the lonely years to come. It would be
a long time before she ever let anyone as close to her as Rick was tonight.

Rick got out and opened her door. Anticipation seemed to hum
through him as well as he urged her into the house ahead of him.

They walked into the kitchen and he removed his jacket,
draping it over the back of a chair. “Some wine?” he asked.

She walked into the great room and stood beside the big
leather couch, trailing her fingers over the back. “That would be fine.” She
pulled her hand away and dropped it to her side. “This house is quite lovely. I’ve
never been inside any of the homes on this side of the development.”

He poured their wine and put their glasses on the coffee
table. “It kind of surprised me, too. I didn’t expect it to be so comfortable.”

She watched him, the muscles moving beneath his dress
shirt, and felt the passion coming off of him. She wouldn’t think about his
words at dinner, his conviction that he’d leave soon and “get on to the next
job.” She’d just think about this, a passion and a wanting so sharp her breath
was gone.

He turned and they tumbled onto the leather couch, sinking
into the comfort and heat as he held her above him. She kissed him as his
fingers moved up under her dress. Her panties were gone in an instant and his
hands were there. His mouth was everywhere, on her lips, her cheek, her neck. She
slipped the straps of her dress off her shoulders and closed her eyes. She
wouldn’t think anymore tonight. Let her mind worry about tomorrow. Her heart
would feel tonight.

She opened her eyes and looked at him. Really looked. Yum. She
pulled off his tie. She unbuttoned his shirt and eased it off his shoulders,
all the while kissing him as he ran his hands over her back. His chest rose and
fell as he moaned her name.

He cupped her bottom and she pressed against him. He was
hard beneath her through his slacks and she undid his belt, his pants. Breathing
heavy, he parted her legs and ground up against her.   

“Yes,” she gasped as he touched her there. Bracing her
hands on his chest, she arched toward him as he closed his mouth over her
breast. He sucked and licked until she thought she’d die from the pressure
building inside her. This wildness… This was what they had for the short time
he was here.

She lifted herself up and felt him enter her. Nothing came between
them, just skin on skin as he thrust upwards.

“Harmony,” he urged. “God, Harmony.”

She rode him, leaning back to increase the friction. He was
inside her, so deep she couldn’t imagine where he stopped and she began. His
hands were on her breasts, her hips. He picked up the pace, nearly arching off
the couch as they matched tempo. The next second she climaxed, arching wildly
as he exploded inside her. Legs trembling, heart racing, she collapsed against
him.

His arms came around her, his hands soothing on her back as
she regained her balance.

“Sorry,” he said at last, his voice harsh in her ear. “No
condom.”

She lifted her head to regard him. The crooked grin on his
face told her how sorry he wasn’t.

“Should I worry?” she asked.

He brushed her cheek. “No. It’s been a while for me. Before
you, that is.”

She had to take him at his word. He was a careful man, about
business anyway. He took care of his body. She’d seen him after his workouts. So
of course he’d take care of his health.

His brows raised. “Should I be worried?”

“About what?” He couldn’t mean about her many lovers. Oh.
Baby
worried. She quickly did the calculations in her head. “No. I think we’re
safe.”

He closed his eyes and held her close. “Good.”

A pang struck her. Well, why wouldn’t he be relieved? She
didn’t want a child any more than he planned on sticking around long enough to
see it.

Then he was all smiles again, smooth and seductive as he
ran his hands over her back. “Stay the night?”

Oh, this was dangerous. She nibbled her lower lip. Here in
his pretty little house, tucked next to him in what would probably be a huge
bed? What the heck? “Okay.”

He helped her off the couch. “I’ll be more careful next
time.”

Next time? He’d make love to her again before the night was
over. Her heart fluttered for a second and she caught her breath.

She was in trouble for sure.

***

Rick woke up next to her, her hair tickling his nose. The
sheets were tangled around her legs, her fist was wedged in the hollow of his
throat and she was snoring softly. He grinned. She was incredible.

Last night, when she’d set everything in motion downstairs,
he’d been stunned. Aroused to the point of no return. He knew now what it felt
like to be thoroughly fu—  No, that wasn’t the word for it. She’d made love to
him on that couch. He’d never felt that before, that connection. If he thought
he’d sensed it the other times they were together, last night confirmed it. He
was screwed, and he didn’t mean physically.

Rubbing her cheek against his chest, Harmony sighed and
snuggled closer. He waited for the familiar urge to flee, the burning need to
sever any ties before they could form that always struck him the morning after.
To his astonishment it didn’t come. No “you’ve been great” or “about last night…
”  He
wanted
her there in his bed. He wanted to stay there all damn day,
ordering food in when they were hungry and loving each other when they wanted
more.

He stared up at the textured ceiling, trying to find the
answers in the swirls of plaster. Nothing came to him. His mind was blank of
everything but Harmony in his arms and liking it too much.

She lifted her head and yawned. Her eyes were slits beneath
her curls and a smile curved her lips.

“Morning,” he said.

Her cheeks turned pink. Man, she’d ridden him like a wild
thing last night and waking up in his bed made her blush?

“Good morning,” she whispered.

She ran her hand over his chest as she leaned away from him
and he felt it clear to his groin. He put his hand on her back and raised his
head to kiss her. She kissed him back, but it was barely a brush of her lips.

He let her move away from him and watched as she wrapped
her body with the thin blanket draped over the end of the bed, covering nearly every
inch of that perfect body. Pity. She padded across the room and picked up the little
green dress from where he’d thrown it last night. One sandal was in the corner
of the room, the other on the tile floor of the master bath. Had he thrown it
there? It didn’t matter. He’d kissed her feet, the arches, the little toes. She’d
wrapped those legs around him, up over his shoulders as he—

“I, um… ”  She fingered the blanket and bit her lower lip. “I
have to get going.”

So much for lying around all day, finding new ways to drive
each other crazy.   He watched her, looking so vulnerable with the blanket
dragging the floor. Yeah, vulnerable. And a little frightened. Was she thinking
of that jerk in college?

That made him sit up. “Let me get some clothes on.”

She brushed her hair back from her face and nodded. Throwing
back the sheet, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and walked through
the bathroom into the closet.