Mistletoe Maneuvers (12 page)

Lessa nodded.

Susan smiled. “You see? I knew you were special. He must really care for you if he told you about Karen.” She sighed and said, “We were all so worried about him after Karen's accident. He just withdrew from everything. Fortunately, he found that job. It was just what he needed. Or at least we thought so at the time. With him traveling to all those exotic locales, we felt certain he'd come home one day with a bride. But he hasn't dated anyone seriously since.”

“Really? His reputation is as such a Don Juan.”

“Oh, yeah. And he is, don't get me wrong. But I don't think all these casual relationships are what he re
ally wants. He's like a nomad, wandering the earth. He's never around for family birthdays or holidays. He just gives a hundred percent to his job.” She squinted her eyes. “Lessa Lawrence… Wait a minute. Aren't you the one who fired him?”

Uh-oh. “Yes. I was…well, not happy with what happened to my father.”

“Rick felt bad about your dad. I remember him talking about it. But I don't think he had much to do with it, if that makes you feel any better. He told us that they were going to fire him whether or not he took over.”

“I'm not sure of the details,” Lessa said. She didn't want to get into this with his sister, that was certain.

“I bet you can find out. A lot of the board members are still there, right?”

They were and Lessa had done her best to check Rick's story. The board members she had spoken to had all told her the same thing. If Rick hadn't been there, they wouldn't have fired her father. “I would like to believe that he didn't have much to do with it,” Lessa said. “But the truth of the matter is that he didn't stop it either.”

“Did he have the power to stop it?” his sister asked. “From what I remember, they had already made their decision by the time they told him.” She took Lessa's hand. “In any case, please don't hold it against him. I know he didn't want to hurt your father, or you, for that matter. He was numb back then, still reeling from Karen's death. Maybe he shouldn't have taken the job, but we all make mistakes, don't we? I've made my share.” She leaned forward and said conspiratorially, “I was married before. It didn't work out, though. Have you ever been married?”

“Me?” Lessa laughed. “No.”

“What's so funny?”

Why was she laughing? Because she had not even had a serious boyfriend. She couldn't very well go from not dating to getting married. “The concept of me having a serious boyfriend is funny, I guess.”

“You and Rick sound like you're perfect for each other.”

“I'm not like Rick,” she said quickly. “I have the opposite situation. I rarely date.”

“But you're dating Rick.”

“Am I? I don't think so.”

“You're dating. You're here, aren't you? I would bet you that he cares about you more than he's admitted. He never brings anyone to meet us.”

“But we have to go to Florida—”

“Mumbo jumbo. He's had other meetings and inconvenient family obligations. He still never brought anyone.”

There was a banging on the door. “Susan?”

“That's my husband,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “Isn't he cute? Have you met him?”

“Yes. He seems very nice.”

“Susan?” they heard again. “What in the world are you doing?”

She smiled and grabbed Lessa's hand. “Come on. Let me introduce you to the rest of the family.”

 

Rick sat at the table, nervously looking around for Lessa. He had a feeling she was in trouble, and his fears were confirmed when he saw her arm in arm with his sister. He watched as Susan took Lessa's hand and pro
ceeded to lead her smack into a group of cousins, introducing them one by one.

Rick's younger brother saw the interaction and laughed. “We're all intrigued by your mystery woman. Why didn't you tell us you were bringing someone?”

“Because I didn't realize it until this morning. And besides, she's not a date. She's a coworker.”

“Sure,” he said sarcastically. “This is me, Russell, your brother. I don't need the party line. Now, how long have you been seeing her?”

“She's the chairman of the board.”

“Kind of young to be chairman of the board.”

“My sentiments exactly.”

“She's beautiful. And smart. And rich.” Russell glanced at Rick again. “And she's not yours?”

“I already answered that question.”

“So…you don't mind if I ask her to dance?”

“No,” Rick said, his jaw tightening.

Susan came over, pulling Lessa by the hand. “Lessa and I were just getting acquainted.”

“I think it's my turn,” Russell said. He smiled at Lessa and said, “Would you like to dance?”

“I'd love to,” Lessa said, accepting his arm.

As his brother led her to the dance floor and the two began moving to the music, Rick couldn't help but notice the way Lessa was smiling at Russell, as if she were actually enjoying herself. And his brother… Well, hell, he looked like he couldn't be happier. And why wouldn't he be? Rick remembered the way it felt to hold Lessa in his arms, to have her delicate arms wrapped around his neck. The way her breasts had felt against his chest.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his sister looking at him suspiciously. “Nice wedding,” he said.

“I hope you like it,” she replied. “It's my last one.”

“I don't know,” he teased. “Seems a shame to stop. You're just getting the hang of it. This was so much better than the first one.”

“Very funny. But it's your turn next.”

He laughed. “I don't think so.”

They were quiet for a moment as he continued to watch his brother dance with Lessa. What the hell were they whispering in each other's ears?

“She's a beautiful woman,” Susan said.

“What? Oh, yes. Attractive.”

“She certainly caught Russell's eye.”

“So it appears.”

The music changed tempo, slowing down considerably. But instead of leaving the dance floor, Russell pulled Lessa close and rested his cheek against hers.

“Just a coworker, huh?” Susan said, motioning toward Rick's fists.

What was he doing? He relaxed his fists. He had no reason to be jealous. Lessa Lawrence was not his and never would be. “More than just a coworker. She's chairman of Lawrence Enterprises.”

“Hmm,” Susan said, smiling.

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“It sounds like you've got a Hepburn-Tracy thing going on. An office love affair.”

“You're wrong.”

“I know you. And I can see the way you're looking at her. You can't stop thinking about her, right? And I assume you've…held hands, so to speak.”

“Look,” he said. “I can guarantee this relationship is not going to go anyplace. She's arranged to give me half her stock in the company once this takeover threat is aborted. What she doesn't know is that I'll then own more than her.”

“So you're going to fire her?” Susan asked. There was no mistaking the horror in her voice.

He paused. That was what he was going to do, right? “Yes.”

“Rick,” she said, shaking her head, “it's Christmas.”

“Look, if there was any other way… But there's not.” He had gone over it every which way. The truth of the matter was that he had no choice.

“But you care about her. I can see it in your eyes. Why can't you work together?”

“It's complicated.” He didn't want to discuss it anymore.

“This is so typical of you. Dating someone that you think is safe. You only like relationships that come with automatic brakes. Did it ever occur to you to get rid of the brakes? Maybe you could have the ride of your life.”

“I think you better lay off the champagne,” Rick said.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head, frustrated. After a pause, she asked, “Are you going to Mom and Dad's for Christmas?” Every year his sister attempted to get him to come home.

“I don't think so,” Rick said, sitting at the table. “You know how I feel about Christmas.”

“It would mean so much to everyone if you were there. I thought that perhaps this year things might be different.”

“Nothing's changed,” he said, his eyes drifting back
to Lessa. With relief. he noticed that they had stopped dancing and were making their way back to the table. “You know what I say—”

“Christmas is for families and kids. Yes, I know what you say. But you're part of our family. And we would love it if you came.”

“Hey, Susan,” Russell said as Lessa sat down next to Rick, “Lessa doesn't have any plans for Christmas. I told her that she and her aunt should come to our house.”

She was going to his parents' house?

“It might be better if I didn't,” Lessa said, meeting Rick's eye. “After all, Rick and I work together….”

“He's never there on Christmas anyway. And the more the merrier. Besides,” Russell said gleefully, “if the tennis club is open you promised to hit some balls to me.” He looked at Rick and shook his head with disbelief. “You didn't tell me she beat Korupova. I saw that match on ESPN2.”

“Good for you,” Rick said stiffly to his brother. He turned toward Lessa and said, “I know my mother would love to have you.”

“Russell, come with me,” Susan said. “I need to show you something.”

“What?” Russell asked. “What's so important?”

“Now, Russell.”

“My brother's a great kid, isn't he?” Rick asked after Russell and Susan had left.

“Kid? He's a year older than me.”

“He seemed to really like you.” Rick hesitated and then asked, “So are you going?”

“Going where?”

“Christmas at my parents. He asked you, didn't he?”

“It didn't seem like you wanted me to accept his invitation.”

“As they said, I won't be there. I don't care what you do. Outside of the office, that is.”

She became quiet. Right away he regretted what he'd said. How could he tell her that he did care? That he didn't want her going near his brother or any other man? That she belonged to him.

She raised her hands. “What do you want from me? To not talk to anyone? That's why you're upset, isn't it?”

“Don't be ridiculous,” he said gruffly.

At that moment, a team of waiters began serving, and the table soon filled with fellow guests. As he attempted to enjoy his meal, Rick found himself looking at Lessa. Seemingly relaxed and happy, she regaled the table with stories of her tennis exploits. Several times, she glanced at him and smiled, causing warmth to spread through him.

He poured her champagne and picked up his glass as they toasted the happy couple. He found himself wondering if he would ever walk down this road. It wasn't that he had completely written off the idea of marriage. It was just something distant, out there, that he felt he would address when it hit him.

Lessa, however, was the type of woman who would not stay single for long. Some man, some lucky man, would find her, and when he did, he would never let her go.

What the hell was happening to him? They had shared one night. One damn night. Yet the vision of her was seared into his mind. He couldn't forget the way she had felt in his arms, the smell of her, the feel. He had only one option. He would go to Florida with her as agreed. And then he would stay the hell away.

L
ocated on the Gulf of Mexico, Mara del Ray had been built in the 1970s and had immediately become a leading resort, frequented by the rich and famous. But in the 1990s its allure had faded. Although still open for business, the present owner had done little in terms of upkeep and renovation. It was almost dark when Lessa and Rick arrived, but even in the dim light, it was obvious that the buildings were in need of paint and repairs. Some still had visible hurricane damage. But, as Lessa discovered, the property, although overgrown, was still lovely. A white sandy beach ringed with palm trees offered a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico.

“You have to use your imagination,” she said after the owner had given them a tour.

Rick could see immediately why Lessa was inter
ested. Although the buildings would need to be completely refurbished, the setting was one of the most romantic he had seen. But an Antigua, it was not.

He turned toward the owner. “Could we have a moment alone, please?” After the man stepped back, Rick said, “I don't think this property is going to work.”

“Why not?”

“Because it's going to take a lot of money to get this place up to our standards. And where are we going to get the start-up capital?”

“From Antigua.”

“I don't want to risk a known quantity on this.”

“Perhaps we should take it back to the board and let them decide.”

“You should know by now that the people on the board are no friends of yours.”

“All right,” she said, in an obvious attempt to be fair, “why don't you tell me what your concerns are so I can address them.”

“I already did.”

“This has nothing to do with Antigua, does it? This has to do with who's in charge.”

“I'm all for picking up cheap properties and turning them around. Unfortunately, this property is neither cheap nor is it capable of being turned around.”

“We're interested,” Lessa said, signaling the owner back over. “Very interested. But my partner and I have to discuss it further.”

“We have two other bids,” the owner said. “Not much time for discussion.”

“It's hard to see in the dark,” Rick said. “For all we know, this place could be falling down around us.”

“Stay here tonight as my guests,” the owner said. “In the morning you will see that it is every bit as beautiful as it is at night.”

“There's an idea,” Lessa said cheerfully.

It was an idea, but not a good one. “I can't,” Rick said. “I have to get back.”

“Please, Rick,” she said. “Like you said, how can you make a decision when you can't see what you're buying?”

As he looked into her deep green eyes, he could feel his resolve fade. His phone rang and he flipped it open. It was Betty, calling with good news. Sabrina was ready to sell. He snapped shut his phone and said, “We heard from Sabrina. She wants us to meet with her tomorrow morning.”

Lessa's face lit up. “We did it,” she exclaimed, spontaneously throwing her arms around him. He held her stiffly, trying hard not to enjoy the feel of her body pressed up against him.

As if suddenly realizing what she was doing, she stepped back. “I'm sorry. I guess I got a little carried away.”

“You have reason to be excited,” Rick said. “Apparently Sabrina is also interested in this property. I have a feeling that when she heard you and I were coming to look at it together, it convinced her we were romantically involved.”

“It's foolish to go all the way back to New York when we have to be in the Bahamas tomorrow morning,” Lessa said. “It makes sense to stay here tonight. In the morning we'll give this property another look and then head over to see Sabrina.”

Telling himself that he had no choice, he acquiesced.
They followed the owner back into the lobby. “I have the perfect room,” the man said, grabbing a key at the front desk. “Facing the ocean. You will get a true feel for the resort.”

“That's rooms,” she said, correcting him. “We need two rooms.”

The man looked at Rick. “But I thought—”

Rick shook his head. “Two rooms.” As far apart as possible, he felt like adding.

They followed the owner down the hall and back outside, to a two-story stucco building located just steps from the beach. The owner slid the key into one lock and then another. “Adjoining rooms,” he said, opening both doors at the same time.

“That's not necessary,” Lessa said.

“Oh,” the owner said, disappointed. “But these are the two best rooms.”

“They'll be fine,” Rick said, walking into his room. “Thank you.”

He shut the door and immediately opened the adjoining door that separated the rooms.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I don't like you staying in here by yourself. We'll keep the door open.”

“Rick,” she said, “we agreed that last night was—”

“Believe me, Lessa, I have no intention of repeating anything. But I feel a certain…responsibility to return you to the company in one piece. Now,” he said, turning the light on in the other room and setting up his computer. “We have some work to do. We need to track down the board and set up a meeting for when we return.” He knew it wouldn't be easy. Most members had
left town for the holidays and were spread out across the country at their various vacation homes.

He heard Lessa go into the bathroom. When the door opened, he glanced up and, as she walked past, he caught a glimpse of skin. A lot of skin. “I'll see you later,” she called out.

He jumped up so fast he almost knocked his computer off the table. “Where are you going?” he asked, heading into her room.

“I'm going to take a quick swim,” she said, wrapping a towel around her waist.

“It's not safe.”

She rolled her eyes. “I'll be back soon,” she said, shutting her door. He ran his fingers through his hair and rolled his neck. What the hell was happening to him? He sounded like a cross between a doting father and a jealous lover. What he didn't sound like was a businessman who was on a trip with a coworker.

But he didn't like the idea of Lessa walking along a deserted beach at night. He didn't care if they were in paradise, sometimes things happened. Some guy might get the wrong idea. And what about the water? Who knew what dangers lurked in there? More than one swimmer had been lost in a riptide. It was ridiculously stupid to go swimming by oneself.

And just like that, he was out the door after her.

It was nearly ten o'clock and the beach was deserted. It was a clear night and the sky was littered with stars. “Lessa!” He scanned the water, looking for her. Damn. Why had he been so pigheaded? It was he who would be responsible if anything happened to her. “Lessa!” he yelled again.

He saw her in the distance, swimming back toward shore. He felt a surge of relief as he picked her towel off the beach.

She stood up in the water, her long body glistening in the moonlight. He stood on the shore, watching her walk toward him. She looked like a beautiful mermaid come to life.

He had every intention of handing her the towel and heading back to the room. Instead, he gently wrapped the towel around her shoulders. She touched his cheek and then he saw the hunger in her eyes. It was all he needed.

Like a lit match to an oil slick, the passion he had been trying to hold at bay burst forth. With a hint of desperation, he pressed his lips against her, hungrily claiming what he desired. He ran his hands down the front of her swimsuit, feeling her nipples harden with his touch.

Suddenly, she broke away and stepped back. “I thought we agreed this was supposed to be a one-night affair.”

“There's a problem with that whole one-night thing.”

“Problem?” she said weakly as he kissed her long and slender neck.

“Well, there's a lot of problems with it,” he said, and with that, he swept her up into his arms.

As he carried her back to the room, she relaxed against him, resting her head on his chest. He kicked open the door and set her down on the bed.

Her hair was tousled by the wind, her cheeks still flushed from his kisses. She looked beautiful and wild, a woman possessed with an almost ethereal natural beauty. Staring into her eyes, he slowly peeled down her
suit so that he could caress her breasts. Her head tilted backward and she closed her eyes as he touched her. Within seconds he had her completely naked, her form illuminated in the soft light. He took a moment, his breath ragged as he took in the sight of her long legs and voluptuous curves.

She gingerly ran her fingers across the starched linen of his shirt. Looking him in the eye, she took on the role of temptress. She ran her hands down his front, a smile touching her lips as she pressed against the hard mound in his pants. She unzipped them and took him out, caressing him with her fingers.

Lessa knelt over him and guided him inside. She moved above him like a woman possessed, determined to seek her own pleasure. He watched her carefully, controlling his own desire until she inhaled sharply and her body trembled with release. Only then did he let himself share in the pleasure.

As Lessa kissed him tenderly, he wrapped her in his arms.

“What have you done to me?” he whispered. “What have you done?”

 

The next morning, Lessa woke up in a tousled mess of sheets. Unlike before, she felt no urge to sneak away. She was happy right where she was, nestled in Rick's arms.

“Good morning,” he said, running his finger across her bottom lip.

“Morning,” she said, nestling even deeper into the crook of his arm as she listened to the sounds of the hotel coming to life. A breakfast cart being wheeled past
their room, a mother scolding her children. A shower was turned on; an alarm clock was turned off. In fact, she could hear…well, everything.

“These walls certainly aren't soundproof, are they?” she said.

“I'll have to sneak you out of this hotel after last night. I'm surprised no one called security.”

She laughed and then fell silent.

“It's too late for regrets,” he said.

“I don't have any regrets.”

He kissed her on the lips. “I'm glad to hear that.”

She leaned over him, glancing at the clock on the table. It was almost time to go. As if reading her mind, he said, “I guess we should get going.”

“You first,” she said, nodding toward the bathroom. “I just want to lie here for a minute.”

He gave her a kiss and then, reluctantly, broke away. As she watched him walk into the bathroom, she couldn't help but wonder how long it would be before she saw a man naked again.

The pit in her stomach, the emptiness that was filling her heart…it was all about sex, right? No. The sex had been amazing, no doubt about it. But the impending dry spell would not cause this kind of pain. It was Rick she would miss.

She was suddenly overcome with sadness. She couldn't help but wish things were different. Wish that perhaps they had met under different circumstances. If they didn't each carry their own complicated baggage, would they have had a chance? She didn't know. The only thing she was certain of was that he was still there and still naked.

She heard the shower going and followed the sound into the bathroom, opening the shower door. His thick hair was slicked back. He looked like he was ready for a black tie affair, minus the tux and undergarments. He smiled his sexy half grin and held out his hand toward her.

She stepped inside. The water beat down as she ran her fingers up and down his naked and wet torso. She could see his shaft grow heavy as he pressed against her. He took the soap and slid it around her back, up and down her legs. He reached between her and fingered her as the warm water beat against them. Only when she thought she couldn't take it anymore did he lift her up and enter her, holding her against the side of the shower with his bare strength.

Afterward, he wrapped the towel around her shoulders and kissed her. “I'm liking this hotel more and more.”

A knock sounded on Rick's door. “Mr. Parker? Are you ready for your tour?”

They dressed hurriedly and headed back outside. A steamy heat and the threat of a storm welcomed them. As they were led around the property, she couldn't help but notice the change in Rick. Perhaps it was their lovemaking or perhaps just the knowledge that Sabrina was ready to give them their shares, but Rick was joking, even laughing with the owner as he offered Lessa suggestions on ways they could improve the property.

As she walked by Rick's side, she thought about her parents and how they must have felt viewing their first property. It wasn't the same, of course. Rick, unlike her father, had been doing this for years and was at the top of his game. But this was her first property, the first one that she had discovered and wanted to buy, and she felt an excitement in the air. A big what-if.

And although, in the end, Rick did not agree to purchase the property, he at least agreed to consider it. She knew that whatever decision he made, she would have to trust him. For the first time ever, she saw a light at the end of the tunnel. He was her partner but he was also much more. He was her friend.