Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée (6 page)

“Hopefully, this afternoon will be only what Nick said, simply letting the grandfather see his grandson. That doesn't give Eli any rights, no matter how much he wants them.”

“Just remember Alicia, what she went through and how she tried to cut them out of Michael's life. The man's son was selfish and dreadful.”

“I know. It's pointless to tell you to not worry. I'll call you as soon as I get home.”

As she glanced at her watch the doorbell rang. “Come meet Nick,” she said, picking up Michael.

It was time.

 

Nick stood immobilized, one of the few times in his life he was consumed by shock. He forgot people, surroundings, his purpose in coming. His total attention was on the baby in Grace's arms—a baby who was a mirror of his own baby pictures.

Stunned, he stared into big, dark brown eyes with black lashes, a thick head of baby hair as jet-black as his own, the same shaped ears.

“Oh, my God,” he whispered. “He could be mine.”

Grace spoke, but her words didn't register with him.

“Bart never saw his son, did he?” Nick asked finally.

“No, he didn't, but that was his choice,” Grace replied. “Nick, come inside and meet my aunt.”

Nick inhaled deeply, stepping inside, unable to take his gaze from the baby, realizing instantly his father was in for a shock. It occurred to him that his father would never give up the battle now to get Michael legally into the Rafford family with the Rafford name.

“Aunt Clara, this is Nick Rafford. Nick, my aunt, Clara Wayland.”

Nick turned his attention to the woman standing beside Grace. Her green eyes were glacial and her mouth was closed tightly as she nodded, making it obvious that she didn't approve of him or want Grace taking Michael to meet his dad.

“I've heard about you and your care for Michael,” Nick said, smiling at her, certain the smile would not be returned.

“Michael is Grace's precious child now. He loves his mother very much.”

Nick could feel the waves of dislike and anger from the woman. “I appreciate her sharing Michael today and letting my dad meet his grandson. That is going to mean the world to him.”

“Michael can't possibly be that important since your family shunned him totally at birth and when his life was hanging by a thread.”

“Something my dad is sorry about now,” Nick said quietly, knowing she was immersed in anger with the Raffords. “Mrs.
Wayland, my father has no intention of taking Michael from Grace. Today, he wants to meet his grandson. Just see him.”

“It isn't today that worries me,” Clara snapped, and Grace placed her hand on her aunt's arm.

“It's all right. I'll go with Nick now. I'll call you when we get back. Thanks for your help today.”

She buckled Michael into his carrier and Nick picked it up as Grace gathered Michael's bag. She brushed a kiss on her aunt's cheek. “Don't worry,” she whispered.

“I'm glad to have met you,” Nick said politely and left, waiting outside for Grace to join him.

“Sorry, but she's worried and upset.”

“If I could be boiled in oil, she would have seen to it. Or a few other dreadful ways to get rid of me. Sorry to worry her so much. She could have joined us.”

“Heaven forbid. She wouldn't want that and neither would you or your dad. Or any of us. She'll calm down if your intentions are really what you say.”

“They are. Now I know why you looked so shocked when you first met me. I thought it was the hot chemistry between us, but, sadly that wasn't it at all. You were stunned by my resemblance to Michael,” he said.

“Yes, I was surprised when I first saw you.”

“Michael himself nails the Rafford paternity—except Michael looks as if he's my child instead of Bart's. There's no earthly reason to ask for a DNA test if we could. This baby is a Rafford through and through as far as appearance goes. He couldn't look more like my baby pictures. And I have a picture where I'm dressed in a sailor suit like the one you have on him today. That's going to jolt Dad.”

“I didn't think of that. Should we go back and change?”

“No. I'm not going another round with your aunt.”

Grace chuckled. “You? Scared of Aunt Clara?”

“I've faced opponents in board rooms who didn't look that hostile. I'm thankful she wasn't armed.”

“Aunt Clara wouldn't hurt a fly. I'm shocked. You're intimidated by Aunt Clara.”

“Don't rub it in. I'm amazed she hasn't spent every second trying to convince you not to go with me today—or the last time, for that matter.” Nick glanced in the rearview mirror at Michael in the backseat. “I don't know anything about babies, but I'm guessing this is a very happy baby.”

“He's a darling. He is a happy baby.”

“I would be, too, if you were taking care of me,” Nick said, and she smiled.

“Sorry, you don't qualify,” she answered lightly.

“I think I'll let the nurse and my dad know about the family resemblance before we spring Michael on my dad. This is going to be a shock.”

“And make him want Michael all the more.”

Nick glanced at her. “Don't start worrying. Dad will be pleased I'm sure and I don't know if he can want to know Michael any more than he does right now. You can't imagine how pleased and grateful he is that you've agreed to this. You'll see,” Nick said, keeping to himself what would occur. His father would take one look at Michael and get an account set up, get presents for Christmas and want all sorts of things that involved the baby. “Just remember my dad is elderly and doesn't work anymore, which used to take a lot of his time and attention. He has no women in his life and I'm not around that much. Michael will be his main focus. That doesn't mean he wants to take the baby from you. I promise you that. Dad never was into children or babies.”

“He is now,” she said, and her tone sounded sharp.

They rode quietly until passing through the gates to his father's estate.

“Do you have a home besides your condo?” she asked.

“Yes. I have a condo in Houston. I have a home in Colorado and a ranch in West Texas. I lead a relatively unpretentious life.”

“It sounds as if you do,” she remarked drily. “Yachts, businesses, women, houses, condos. So simple.”

“Modest compared to what I could do if I wanted to.”

They wound up the driveway that gave a full view of the front of the mansion and he heard Grace's intake of breath. “This is a castle. Who lives here besides your father?”

“His staff, which now includes his nurses. There are currently two who live here and they take different shifts. I detect worry in your voice.”

“How can I fight this?” she said.

“Perhaps you won't have to,” he declared, but the words carried a hollow ring. His dad would fight with his whole being to get this child declared a Rafford.

He hoped that when Grace saw the house and met his father, she would come to her senses and realize what Eli could do for Michael. And now, Nick thought his father would do more. The two wills plagued Nick constantly. More than ever, he felt he had to get Grace to cooperate as quickly as possible before his father got really attached to Michael.

At the moment, Nick wanted to gnash his teeth in frustration. Grace had to capitulate. He reminded himself that she had so far.

He pulled to a stop in front, wanting to take Grace through the most impressive entrance. The more awed she was, the more cooperative she might become. He pulled out his cell phone. “Just a minute, Grace. Let me talk to the nurse and maybe Dad.”

He made the call, giving her time to take in her surroundings, the vast wings of the house, the massive statuary and fountains in front, the immaculate flower beds with an array of colorful winter plants.

When he finished, he put away the phone. “Well, let's go introduce Michael to his grandfather. Michael will never know the storm swirling around him.”

“I hope not. And I hope I survive it.”

“You will,” Nick said, wondering if she could be rethinking her stand on keeping Michael out of the Rafford family.

Nick stepped out to open her door and pick up Michael. He took Grace's arm. “My dad's no ogre in spite of the wild tales about his business deals.”

“I think you're talking about yourself there.”

He chuckled as they crossed to the massive door. He heard the chimes and then the door swung open.

A
s the door swung open and a butler faced them, intimidation enveloped Grace. She was certain that was the intention of Nick and his father. She couldn't imagine anyone ever reaching a point where they took this magnificence and wealth for granted. She reminded herself that Nick had been born into it.

“Good evening, Mr. Rafford. Your father is waiting.” The butler glanced down at the baby in the carrier, and Grace heard his swift intake of breath, but his expression didn't change.

They stepped into a mammoth marble hallway where Nick set the baby carrier on a side table. The hall ceiling soared three floors, and an enormous crystal chandelier hung above her head. Ahead, two staircases wound up to the next level.

“I'll get Michael from his carrier now and take his jacket off,” she said, busying herself. Her fingers were cold and stiff and she dreaded the meeting with Eli Rafford. She wished
now she had never succumbed to Nick's charm or agreed to anything involving him, although she suspected it wouldn't have stopped Nick or his father and it might have made matters worse.

She picked up Michael, holding him close, wanting to keep him in her arms and never hand him over to Nick or his dad.

“Ready?” Nick asked, and she nodded, raising her chin and hoping she looked far more calm and self-assured than she felt.

Along the hall they passed open doors on rooms with magnificent furnishings. How could one frail man live in this mansion? She suspected the staff was huge.

He stopped in front of a closed door. “Dad's in here. Grace, I'm going to tell him we're here. I think Michael will really surprise my father and I don't want to give his heart too big a jolt.”

“Of course,” she said, and waited. Nick reappeared and motioned to her, taking her arm and walking her into the room.

“Grace, I want you to meet my father, Eli Rafford. And this is his nurse Megan Sayer. Dad, Megan, meet Grace Wayland and Michael.”

The tall brown-eyed man standing beside a wing chair smiled at her. “Thank you for coming and bringing Michael, Miss Wayland,” he said in a strong voice. He didn't look as infirm as she had envisioned from Nick's description. “I appreciate it very much.”

The petite nurse standing nearby gave her a friendly smile. “He's been looking forward to this for quite a while.”

As she greeted both of them, Grace crossed the room on a thick Oriental rug. “Here's Michael, Mr. Rafford,” she said.

He looked at the baby and she saw his eyes narrow. “He is you,” Eli said, glancing at Nick and then back to the baby. Eli
sat in the chair. “That's an uncanny resemblance. He looks like your son, Nick. May I hold him, Miss Wayland?”

“Yes, of course. Please call me Grace.”

“He does look like you, Nick,” Megan said as she spread a baby blanket over Eli's lap and Grace walked forward to give Michael to his grandfather.

“My grandson,” Eli Rafford said, and there was no mistaking the awe in his voice. “This is my grandson.”

Grace noted that Eli seemed to have a firm grip on Michael, and Megan stood close at hand. Michael played with the buttons on Eli's sweater while he babbled.

“He's happy,” Megan said.

“He's a wonderful baby,” Grace added.

“Have a seat, Grace,” Nick said. “Let's have something to drink. Want pop or a cup of hot tea or coffee?”

“I'll have hot tea,” Grace replied, sitting in a chair near Eli. She handed Michael one of his toys, which he promptly began to chew.

“He's adorable,” Megan said. “The resemblance to you is amazing, Nick. He could pass for your son. I'll see about your drinks,” she said, crossing the room to an intercom.

“I'm trying to get used to the resemblance,” Nick said, sitting across from her.

“I'm so pleased,” Eli said, smiling broadly. “I don't know that much about babies. I'll let you have him back, but what a thrill this is. Would you allow me to have a photographer take a picture of Michael with Nick and me?”

“Of course,” Grace replied, guessing that was probably the beginning of a lot of requests.

“I would treasure it. I can't tell you what pleasure you have given me by allowing me to get to know Michael. Nick, I can't believe this child doesn't belong to you.”

“It gave me a shock to see him, too,” Nick said.

As both men looked at Michael, Grace's worries deepened.
Eli's expression was the same as he might convey to a beloved relative even though he had never seen Michael before today. The wonder in Nick's eyes equally upset her. There would be no turning back now. Michael would be drawn into this family in spite of her efforts to avoid any contact. She had contemplated taking Michael and moving away, but her business was growing with repeat clientele. And from Alicia's dealings with the hostile Raffords, she had never thought they would be a problem. Now worries grew with each encounter.

“As I understand from Nick, you are in the catering business and your aunt takes care of Michael a lot of the time.”

“Yes. I've been fortunate and Aunt Clara adores Michael. She has no grandchildren and she considers Michael a grandchild,” Grace said, hoping to convey how much a part of her life and her aunt's Michael was.

“Nick wanted me to promise to keep this conversation simple and not intrude on your care of Michael, but I would like to offer to set up a small account that you can use for whatever you need for him.”

“Dad, we agreed to avoid this today,” Nick reminded his father.

“That's fine, Nick,” she said quickly. “I appreciate your offer, Mr. Rafford,” she said to avoid an argument. She had no intention of using Rafford money to care for Michael.

“Excellent! And you must call me Eli. I can't physically do much with a baby. I never did as much as I should have with my own sons, but there are other ways to play a part in his life. Also, I had my secretary get Michael some toys.” Eli reached behind his chair to pull out a sack and hand to her. “You can give him what is appropriate now and let him have the others when the time is right.”

“Thank you,” she said politely, taking the sack from him to glance at each toy, finding both elaborate, expensive toys as
well as simple ones. “Your secretary either knows babies or asked an expert because these are all suitable. Since Michael chews on everything, I'll wash them before I give them to him. Thank you. I'm certain he'll have fun.” For a moment she thought of Alicia with a forlorn sense of loss for what her friend would miss, causing her to think again of Bart Rafford and the grief his selfishness had caused.

A staff member brought drinks and a plate of cookies that no one touched while Eli Rafford asked nonintrusive questions about Michael and her business and told her a little about his boys when they were young. Michael stretched out on the blanket with his toys and in a short time was asleep.

“Our conversation doesn't prevent his napping,” Eli observed.

“He can sleep through most anything,” Grace said, aware of Nick's gaze on her as they talked. Megan had left and Grace assumed she had been present to make certain her patient didn't receive too big a shock over Michael.

Grace could see the tall clock standing across the room behind Nick. It was almost two hours later when Michael began to stir. “I think it's time to take Michael home now,” she said, knowing the baby would be hungry and need to be changed.

“Grace, I can't tell you what this meeting has meant to me,” Eli said. “I'm so grateful. I know you have a busy schedule, but I hope you will come again and bring Michael with you.”

“I'll be happy to,” she said, thinking the visit had been easy and in some ways, it seemed right for Michael to be with his grandfather and for Eli Rafford to know his grandson.

“I'm delighted to meet his mother—which you are now and always will be.” He extended his hand and she shook it, feeling a firm grip and looking into dark brown eyes that hid everything as much as Nick's.

Nick buckled Michael into the carrier and gathered the
sack of toys while Eli handed an envelope to Grace. “Inside you'll find the papers for the account I've opened. Everything is there, but if you have questions, feel free to call me. I have too much free time in my life now,” he said. He walked to the door with them and leaned forward to brush a kiss on the top of Michael's head. He turned to Grace. “Thank you,” he said.

“I'll see you again, Eli,” she said, certain she couldn't possibly avoid it. Nick took her arm and they left.

In the car he glanced at her. “Thank you. That meant a lot to my father.”

“Did you know he had opened an account?”

“No, I didn't, but I wasn't in the least surprised. I know my dad. He's manipulative and hell-bent on getting what he's after. He wants to know Michael. It's important to him and he thinks in terms of what he can do with money. This is his only grandson. He'll shower Michael with gifts.”

“I feel as if I'm sinking in quicksand. The quicksand of the Raffords. I catered your party. I've spent an evening out with you, have gone to lunch with you, have met your father and let him meet Michael. It keeps growing, Nick, when I didn't want any part of your family, frankly.”

“We're not monsters.”

She noticed a muscle worked in his jaw. “No, you're not, but you both are men accustomed to getting what you want.”

“Was it so bad today?” he asked.

“No, of course not, but I don't want your father's money.”

“Don't turn it down. Take it. He doesn't need it and you can do something for Michael with it. Don't hang on to principles and grudges that would keep something good from Michael.”

“I suppose I'm thinking of Alicia, who was closer to me than my sisters.”

“Where are they?”

“Doreen works in Vegas and Tanya in Los Angeles. I haven't seen them for several years.”

“While Bart and I went our separate ways, we were closer than that.”

“Had your brother been half as receptive as your father, so much heartache could have been avoided and Alicia would still be alive. I can't keep from thinking about it.”

“And I can't help what Bart did. Neither can my father. Bart was younger, had a different mother and, frankly, I always thought he was a spoiled brat about a lot of things. In ways we were close but we differed, too. And we looked nothing alike. I can't get used to the baby's resemblance to me. He shocks me every time I look at him. The whole world will think he's mine.”

Nick drove to her apartment, carrying Michael inside. “He's fallen asleep again,” Nick said, surprise in his voice.

“It was the car ride. He won't sleep long because it's past time for him to eat. I didn't want to get out a bottle at your dad's and stay to feed Michael.” She glanced at Nick. “Well, you did it, Nick. Now I've been to your dad's and he's met Michael and he's definitely in Michael's life.”

The minute she looked into Nick's eyes, her knees became jelly. Desire was fire in depths of brown. Her mouth went dry and she felt breathless.

“You want to kiss as much as I do,” he whispered as he stepped forward and slipped his arm around her waist to draw her to him.

She stiffened, because she was crossing another line that she could never undo. And then she was lost to the moment. “Yes,” she whispered, winding an arm around his neck, gazing up at him. “Damn you, Nick, for coming into my life,” she added.

“I'm glad I did.” His mouth came down forcefully, parting her lips as his tongue went possessively into her mouth. Heat
flashed like wildfire. She tightened her arm around his neck and kissed him in return, her tongue stroking his and fanning the flames.

He clasped her close against his hard length while his other hand tangled in her hair and removed her clip. Caution vanished, consumed by passion. She thrust her hips against him, moaning softly with pleasure.

“I've wanted this since I first saw you,” he whispered, and returned for more, kissing her deeply as he leaned over her and she clung to him.

His hand slid down her back. She wanted him more than ever.

The beat of her heart increased while her breathing became hoarse. Sensation blazed into a roaring inferno.

How long they kissed she didn't know. When his hand slipped lower, down over her bottom, she had to call a halt. With effort she pulled away, opening her eyes as if drugged. She desired him with an intensity that she had never known before.

“Nick, we need to stop,” she whispered. Her breathing was as ragged as his. His mouth was red from kisses and her lips throbbed. She longed to step back into his embrace and continue what they'd started, but she had to end it now or she would complicate her life badly.

“I want you,” he said, framing her face with his hands.

His words wrapped around her, a statement that rang with feeling. “You want something from me,” she said. “This is about Michael more than you and me.”

“Not this,” Nick denied in a husky tone. “This has nothing to do with family, baby, or anything except a man wanting a desirable, sexy woman.”

His words were a melting caress, creating havoc with her guarded intentions.

“It doesn't matter whether that's true or not. Any relationship
between us is doomed. Alicia got embroiled with a Rafford and it cost her life. That thought is constantly with me.”

“I've said it before—I intend to prove that I'm not Bart.” Nick's arm slipped around her waist to pull her to him. “I'll never treat you the way he did Alicia. I want you in my arms in my bed and I'm determined to get what I want,” he said.

“Sorry, Nick. That isn't going to happen. Your father will never give up now with Michael, but I'm not getting more deeply involved. Not with you or your family. The Raffords had their chance.”

“I'm not talking about getting what my father wants. Damn it, I want you, Grace.” He swooped down to kiss her again, his arm encircling her instantly and pulling her tightly against him as he kissed her passionately.