Mistletoe Maneuvers (4 page)

“We would be happy to,” Rick said, glancing at Lessa. The look in his eyes was clear.
Don't blow this.

“It's settled,” Sabrina said. “We have a couple of hours to play before we return to business. I'll have my secretary show you to your room. Why don't you change into your suits and meet me at the boat docks? I know how Rick loves to water-ski.”

Water-ski? “Unfortunately,” Lessa said quickly, “we didn't bring suits.”

“I'll have some sent to your room.”

Her heart jumped into her throat. Room? As in one room, not two? “It's not necessary,” she said quickly. “We'll just pick some up at the gift shop.”

“The gift shop is closed temporarily. Renovations,” Sabrina said with a shrug.

“Well then, thank you,” Lessa managed to say.

Rick took her arm and they followed the secretary, Christa, outside and down a palm-shrouded walkway. Beyond the walkway was a white sandy beach framed by the Caribbean. Christa stopped at a bungalow just feet away from the crystal-blue water. Their quarters were isolated from the rest, a special little love nest next to the sea.

Christa slid a card through a lock and opened the door. “Enjoy,” she said cheerfully, handing Rick the card.

It was an opulent and meticulously appointed suite, with French doors that were open to the sea. A bottle of champagne sat chilled in an ice bucket, while two plush robes lay across a bed.

Lessa shut the doors and turned to face him. Her eyes were cold, her face set in a frown. “I thought you didn't like games.”

“If you have a problem, Lessa, I suggest you tell me about it. I don't like dissent in the office.”

“You know Sabrina Vickers?”

“I knew her,” he said.

“Why didn't you tell me she was your girlfriend?” she asked. The accusations once again filled her head. Was he working with Sabrina? Was this all a joke? Had he arranged this just to get his job back? Was this just a ploy to get her stock?

“She was never a girlfriend.”

“If she wasn't your girlfriend, then why did she insinuate that you cheated on her?”

“I don't see how that's any of your business.”

“It most certainly is my business. Your girlfriend is threatening to take over my company and—”

“Your company?”

This conversation was going nowhere fast. He should at least be able to admit that he had made a mistake. “You should've told me this before.”

“Would it have made any difference? I would think if anything, it would've made you more eager to retain my services. After all, I have firsthand knowledge of how to handle her.”

The look in his eyes was of a confident victor. She had been deceived and he was enjoying every moment.

“Look,” he said, his tone softening, “my relationship with Sabrina was casual. It lasted for a couple of days in Acapulco and then we got together a couple of times when she was in New York for business. Like I said, I haven't seen or spoken with her in years. But I do know that she is one of the toughest and smartest women I have ever met.”

Lessa felt a tingle of…what? Jealousy? Why would she care if he thought that bubble-headed blonde with the beautiful lingerie and sexy laugh was intelligent? “You and I both know that I would not have asked you back if she wasn't threatening a takeover,” Lessa said. “Do you expect me to believe that this is some sort of coincidence?”

“You're welcome to believe whatever you want. I would suggest, however, that you at least listen to the truth.”

“And the truth is…”

“Exactly as I told her. If she hadn't attempted a takeover, someone else would've. This company is weaker than it's ever been. When a twenty-six-year-old with only two years of experience uses her father's connections to take over a company, the sharks start circling.”

“I'm more capable than you give me credit.”

“Maybe,” he said. “Yet here I am.”

“The question is why am
I?
Why didn't you just go see her yourself, considering your past relationship?”

“Whatever Sabrina and I shared has nothing to do with this. I know her well enough to realize that she cares little about our past relationship. She's only inter
ested in making money. You're with me because we need to convince her that we're a united front. The heir to the Lawrence fortune and the man who has given you his fortune are friends. If she suspects our relationship is not sincere, she will never accept a deal. She will simply wait and strike again.”

He shook his head and absentmindedly ran his fingers through his hair, as if frustrated. “Look, Lessa, as I told you last night, the only one for you to blame for this mess is yourself. Sabrina never would've attempted this if I were in charge. You should've spent more time doing your homework. If you did, you would've realized that any corporate upheaval makes a company ripe for this sort of thing.”

There was a knock on the door. Rick opened it and accepted the package, handing the man a tip in exchange. Rick looked inside the bag, and, with a wicked smile, pulled out the tiniest swimsuit Lessa had ever seen.

She whipped it away from him. “She didn't by chance include a cover-up in there, did she?”

He opened the bag again. It was clear he was enjoying this. “Not unless you want to wear this,” he said, pulling out his bathing-suit trunks.

She went in the bathroom and slammed the door. She was fuming as she looked at the bright yellow string bikini. It was the type of suit guaranteed to get attention, one that left little to the imagination. She slipped it on, afraid to look at herself in the mirror. She knew without looking that her underwear covered more turf than the suit. She had always been extremely modest, preferring swimsuits that covered her essentials and then some. She wrapped a towel around her waist and, after
a moment's hesitation, opened the door. She hurried past Rick without looking at him. “Let's go,” she said, heading outside.

“Wait.” He grabbed her arm. “Sabrina might think you don't care,” he said, tormenting her with his teasing tone.

She hesitated and he let go of her. He had changed into his bathing suit as well. She was not surprised to see that he had the physique of a natural athlete, finely sculpted and strong.

He gave her body a raking gaze. She pretended not to notice his obvious examination and approval, but she could feel her cheeks grow warm. “Take my hand,” he instructed. His hands were large, swallowing hers. He could crush her, but instead he held her as gently as he could. “Take your time,” he instructed. “Slowly. Don't forget, I'm your lover, not your enemy.”

“It's easy to forget,” she said.

His eyes gazed over her once again, slowly drinking her in. She could smell Rick, feel his presence.

“Let's get on with this,” she said. She found herself thinking once again of Sabrina. She had done a lot more than just admire Rick's muscles. While Lessa had been worshipping him from afar, Sabrina had been experiencing his skills as a lover. She had no doubt Rick was as skilled at lovemaking as he was everything else.

“I'm curious about one thing,” Rick said. “When did you see me with Sabrina?”

“At your apartment,” she replied, not intending the words to sound as bitter as they did. “About ten years ago. My dad sent me over to deliver some papers.”

“That was a long time ago,” he said. “I'm surprised you even remember.”

Of course she remembered, she felt like saying. She had been madly, wildly in love with him. But before she could say anything, his hand settled on top of her rear end. She could feel herself grow short of breath as he pulled her to a stop. “Sabrina is behind you,” he said. “She's watching us.”

He brushed the back of his hand across her face. “I'm going to kiss you, Lessa,” he said quietly. “It's going to be a tender, passionate kiss. I want you to take your hands and wrap them around my neck. Can you do that?”

Oh God, oh God…

“Just relax,” he said softly. “I'm not going to hurt you.”

As he leaned forward, she closed her eyes and puckered up. His lips pressed against hers as his hand slipped around her small waist, pulling her in to him. As her bare flesh pressed against his, she was overwhelmed by his physical strength and power.

Slowly, he stopped. He smiled softly, his eyes caressing her. And for a moment, she forgot it was not real. He loved her and she loved him and that was all that mattered.

But instead of sweet nothings, he said, “You didn't put your arms around my neck.” With a nod toward Sabrina, he added, “Next time follow instructions.”

“A
s I told you, Mr. Parker,” Lessa said, still shaky from the kiss. “I'm not an actress.”

“Well, you better try. Because this is the only way to get back your father's business. So no more tantrums.” He swung her back into him.

“Every time you touch me, it makes me dislike you even more.”

“Well, if all goes according to plan,” he said, pulling her so close she could feel his breath on her cheek, “by the end of the evening you'll hate me.” He released her but still held on to her hand. “Shall we?”

The afternoon sun reflected off the blue Caribbean, beating through the palm trees that flanked the path. They made their way to the white sandy beach toward a waving Sabrina. Lessa was surprised to see that Sabrina was wearing a suit even skimpier than hers.

“This way,” Sabrina called out cheerfully.

Lessa glanced sideways at Rick. If Sabrina was wearing the bikini to impress him, it didn't appear to work. He was looking intently at Lessa. “Showtime,” he told her softly.

“Well,” Sabrina said, the smile fading from her face as she saw Lessa, “I see you got the suit. Who knew you had a figure underneath those big, bulky clothes of yours?”

“Lessa's in great shape,” Rick said, smiling at her proudly. Lessa couldn't help but wince at the discussion of her physical attributes. She tightened the towel around her waist.

“She's a competitive tennis player,” Rick said. “She even played at Wimbledon.”

“The Wimbledon Juniors,” Lessa corrected him, embarrassed by the exaggeration.

“How impressive,” Sabrina said, obviously unimpressed. “But does she water-ski?”

Why did Sabrina insist on talking to Rick as if Lessa weren't there? “No, she doesn't,” Lessa said, referring to herself in the third person.

“Oh, that's too bad,” Sabrina said, with mock sincerity. “Perhaps you'd like to stay here and settle into a beach chair. We won't be long, will we, Rick?” Once again, she flashed her pearly whites.

“I'm always up for trying something new,” Lessa said as enthusiastically as she could.

Rick jumped on the boat and held out his hand. She made herself take his hand and climbed onboard.

The boat took off and Sabrina fell against Rick. “Whoa,” she said. Rick steadied her as Sabrina smiled
at him gratefully. And that was when it hit Lessa. Sabrina was not only an ex-girlfriend, she was vying to be the current one as well. But did she really like him? Or was she, as Rick maintained, just trying to determine his response? After all, what better way to see if his relationship with Lessa was real?

As if thinking the same thing, Rick moved behind Lessa and slipped his arm around her shoulders. She glanced up at him and he smiled back.

“Does the rest of your office know what you're up to?” Sabrina asked, staring at them intently.

“No,” Lessa said.

“Yes,” Rick said, at exactly the same time.

He squeezed her shoulders again and said, “They didn't for a long time, but due to the most recent issue—”

“When I fired him,” Lessa added cheerfully.

“It's become obvious that something is going on.”

“I see.” Sabrina said, picking up a bottle of sun-screen. She squirted some in her hand and stretched out one of her long legs, swinging it up and over the side of the boat. In a scene worthy of an X-rated film, she began slowly to smooth the lotion over her leg. It was obvious that Sabrina was doing some performing of her own. When she was done, she looked at Rick and said, “Lotion?”

He turned to Lessa and asked, “Would you mind putting some on my back?”

His back? “No,” Lessa said, taking the lotion. She squirted some on her hands and forced herself to touch his bare skin. His skin was smooth and his back was outlined with well-formed muscles. She dug in deep, running her fingers against the muscles that seemed to grow
hard with her touch. It was sensual and intimate, not the type of activity one would normally perform with a business associate. But she could not allow herself to feel embarrassed. Sabrina was watching.

“Thanks,” he said huskily, as Sabrina signaled the boat's driver to stop. “You've got quite a touch,” he added, giving her a mischievous grin.

Sabrina handed Rick a life jacket and said, “Why don't you go first.” She helped it on him, making a point of rubbing in some lotion that was on his shoulder. “You missed a spot,” she said, smiling evilly at Lessa.

Lessa couldn't help but resent the blatantly flirtatious act. If Rick really were her boyfriend, she would be fuming right now.

“Thanks,” he said, then plunged into the water.

“Don't forget your ski,” Lessa said, tossing it in. He moved out of the way just in time to avoid being clobbered. “So sorry, darling,” she said.

Rick slipped on the ski and gave them the thumbs-up sign. He easily got up on the first try, all of his muscles taut.

Sabrina clapped her hands before focusing her attention back on Lessa. As Lessa watched Rick ski in and out of the wake, Sabrina said, “Rick and I met on a ski boat. It was very romantic. I took a bad tumble and had to be carried off the boat. Naturally Rick volunteered. All the other men, including my date, were sitting on the boat sipping their drinks. Well, that was that.”

Lessa nodded. What was she supposed to do? She had the feeling that Sabrina was testing her, but what could she say? “Rick is a very gallant man.”

“I take it you two met at work,” Sabrina stated.

“I met Rick when he came to work for my father.” Lessa could still see Rick standing before her, with his hair slicked back and his deep blue eyes, resplendent in an expensive suit. She remembered the feeling that had surged through her, a primitive need and desire so great she felt as if she might wilt away if he didn't love her in return. “I fell in love with Rick the first moment I saw him. Of course, he didn't know that,” she said. And suddenly, she wasn't acting anymore. It was a true story, and recalling it now, after all these years, she could still feel the dull ache of longing for her old crush. “I was only fifteen and I don't think he even knew I existed. But I was so infatuated with him. I used to think of excuses to go to work with my dad just to see Rick. There was a drinking fountain right outside his office. I spent hours at that fountain.”

“Love at first sight,” Sabrina said sarcastically. “How sweet. So there's a significant age difference.”

“Not really. About eleven years. Rick was pretty young when he started. It's one of those age differences that grows smaller and smaller through the years.”

They glanced back but Rick was no longer there. Oops. Lessa was so into recalling her past love that she had forgotten to keep an eye on him.

“Turn it around,” Sabrina said to the driver, pointing to a dot on the horizon.

They went back to Rick and he climbed back onto the boat. “You looked great out there,” Sabrina said.

He nodded toward the towel, as if hinting at Lessa to get it. She jumped up and snatched it away just as Sabrina got up. “Thanks, babe,” he said casually.

Babe.
He called her
babe.
She had never liked that term of endearment. Macho slang for
baby,
it radiated sex.

He eyed them both and said, “What have you girls been talking about?”

“It was so sweet. Alessandra was telling me how she loved you at first sight. How she used to spend hours at the drinking fountain outside your office, just hoping for a smile from you.” And with that, Sabrina touched his cheek. “It seems as if you were just too irresistible.” Sabrina took a life preserver and fastened it on.

“Is that true?” he asked Lessa, looking at her quizzically.

“It was a long time ago,” she said. “I was a kid.”

Neither said anything else as Sabrina jumped into the water and put on her ski. As the boat took off, Rick wrapped his arm around Lessa, holding her tightly against him. They were flesh to flesh. She felt the movement of his breathing, the dampness of his skin. This was a little too close for comfort. She scooted away as she pretended to get a better look at Sabrina. She looked like a true professional gliding across the water with one ski. And then she began to show off, turning around backward and forward, smiling and waving at Rick. “She's good, isn't she?” Lessa remarked.

But Rick wasn't looking at Sabrina. He was looking at Lessa. There was something lazily seductive in his eyes, as though he were thoroughly enjoying the moment.

“I think Sabrina is still interested in you,” Lessa said.

“No. We were together a long time ago. Besides, Sabrina's not the type to fall in love.”

She raised an eyebrow. Women's intuition said differently.

When Sabrina was done, Rick leaned over the boat and helped her out of the water.

“Would you like to go again, Rick?” she asked as she stood in front of him, stretching every which way to pat herself dry.

Oh no, Lessa told herself, this was not how this was going to work, with her sitting on the sidelines watching Sabrina and Rick show off. “I'd like to give it a try,” she announced.

“Good for you,” Sabrina said in a patronizing tone. “She's got some spirit, Rick.” She nodded toward the water. “Jump in and I'll throw you another ski.”

“What's wrong with the one you both used?”

“It's easier if you get up on two skis,” Rick said.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sabrina smirk, as if mocking her.

“I'll do one,” Lessa said.

“Take another ski,” Rick said firmly.

No thanks. They did one, and so would she. “Don't worry, dear,” she said, jumping into the water. She waded over toward the ski and attempted to put it on. But the boot was set for Sabrina's tiny size-five feet. Her size nines didn't stand a chance.

She struggled with the latch and glanced up. There was no mistaking the evil gleam in Sabrina's eyes. Then Lessa heard a splash as Rick jumped in the water. She couldn't help but feel relief as he swam over to help.

“It's stuck,” she said, handing him the ski. He looked at her and said softly, “What's the deal? Why won't you use two skis?”

Why? Because his girlfriend had only used one. And she was…being silly?

“It seemed more convenient,” she lied.

She tried to ignore Rick's disbelieving look as he called out, “Toss in another ski.”

Sabrina threw it and it landed in the water beside them, barely missing Lessa's head. “Hey,” Rick yelled. “Be careful!”

Rick adjusted the skis to fit her. “Hold on to me,” he said. Lessa reluctantly put her arms around his neck to steady herself as he slid the skis on her feet. “You don't have to do this,” he said.

“I want to do this,” she said adamantly, letting go of him.

“All right,” he said finally. “It's a little choppy so stay in the wake.”

The wake. She got it. She could do this, she told herself. She had won the NCAAs, won the Wimbledon Juniors. She could certainly handle a little waterskiing. How hard could it be?

Rick climbed back on the boat. What had gotten into her? He knew Sabrina had been trying hard to goad her into action, but Lessa was too smart to let Sabrina get to her.

He was impressed with the way Lessa was handling herself. She was doing a good job of playing the concerned lover. He had been surprised at the sensuous way she had applied the lotion, massaging his shoulders and leaning close enough for him to feel her breasts pressing up against him. She had been effective. So effective that his body had sprung to life—a fact that Sabrina, with her eagle eyes and ability to read men, no doubt noticed.

But hell, who could blame him? After all, Lessa was half-naked in that bikini. Every ounce of her firm and
toned body was exposed. It was all he could do to keep from staring at her large, upturned breasts, at her slender, perfect hips.

“She's ready,” Sabrina said, telling the driver to go. The boat jolted to a start and Rick watched with dismay as Lessa flew out of the water and onto her head.

“Cut the engine,” he yelled and jumped in, prepared to retrieve an unconscious woman from the water.

But she poked her head up. “I almost had it,” she yelled out cheerfully.

“That's enough,” he said sternly, swimming toward her. “Let's go in.”

“I'm not about to quit now,” Lessa said, grabbing a ski and slipping it back on.

“Lessa,” he began.

“Go back up on the boat,” she said, reaching for the other ski. “Please. I can do this.”

He glanced back at the boat. Sabrina was leaning over the side, watching them. He could not argue with her here.

He hesitantly handed her the other ski and swam back to the boat. “She's determined,” he said, pulling himself out of the water.

But he was about to learn just how tenacious she was. Time after time, Lessa went back down. Yet she showed no indication of being tired nor wishing to call it a day. She was hell-bent to succeed.

As Lessa took yet another tumble, Sabrina sighed and said, “How long will she keep his up?”

“Until she skis.” He had no doubt that, if necessary, they would be at this all night.

“So, Rick,” Sabrina said, leaning back against the
boat and stretching seductively, “you never did explain why you broke things off.”

This was one conversation he had been hoping to avoid. “I thought we had an understanding,” he said. “I wasn't ready for any commitment.”

“And now you are?”

“I—” He hesitated, glancing in Lessa's direction. Her hair was a tangled mess but she didn't seem to care. She wiped her nose with the back of her arm and once again flashed the thumbs-up sign. He had to admit, there was something endearing in her refusal to give up. “I didn't plan on this happening with Lessa,” he said quietly. “It was just one of those things.”