Too Much Temptation (26 page)

Ben closed his eyes, then slowly reopened them. “Oh God, this is just great.” Incredulity rang in his every word. “You
encouraged
him?”

“Yes. I offered to accept him and Grace both back if they married.”

For the first time, Ben began to wonder if Agatha truly did mean well and was merely shortsighted in her methods. She’d learned to bulldoze her way through life and didn’t know any other way. He laughed and propped one hip on her enormous, ostentatious desk. It was sturdy, he’d give her that.

“So, in other words, you tried to bribe him?”

“I didn’t see it that way.”

“ ’Course you did, Aggie.” He pointed at her and winked. “You’re not that dull-edged yet. You knew exactly what you were doing. In fact, I’ll bet you thought such a ploy might push him back at Kara, didn’t you?”

She flushed in astonishment, which was all the answer Ben needed.

“Aggie, Aggie,” he said in mock reproach. “You really don’t know Noah at all, do you?”

She bristled, then shocked the hell out of Ben when she snapped, “Oh, stuff it, will you?”

Stuff it?

“Yes, I tried to get him back with Kara,” Agatha admitted. “I thought she’d be his perfect match, though I am forced to rethink that.”

“Doubts, Agatha?”

“Yes. Doubts and remorse. My plans backfired. Grace overheard Noah refusing my suggestion, and my God, I’ve never seen a girl look so devastated.” Her gaze narrowed on Ben, piercing and direct. “I feel wretched enough about it without your smart-ass mouth.”

Ben blinked several times, then burst out laughing. Agatha shoved him, nearly knocking him over the desk. Ben righted himself with an effort. “Damn, Aggie, you’ve got a regular gutter mouth on you.”

“Like you’d even notice, with the foul way you speak?”

Ben grinned. “I must have inherited it from you.”

Agatha looked ready to combust, but slowly her scowl lifted into a smile. She even chuckled. “Oh, shut up, you…miscreant.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Agatha gasped, then grabbed her chest, alarming Ben until he realized she was pretending shock at his courtesy. She blinked her eyes at him and said, “You were actually polite!”

“Har har.”

In the next instant, Agatha turned businesslike. “I’ve thought about Grace a lot since that awful incident, Ben. I hurt her and I hate myself for it. It didn’t take me that long to realize Grace might just be everything Noah wants. She’s strong like him, capable like him, good and honest like him. They’d make a fine pair.” Her hands twisted together. “But I messed that up.”

“Yeah, well, shed the hair shirt, Aggie, because unlike you, I do pay attention, and I can tell you, Noah is still hooked.”

“On Grace?”

“Oh, yeah.” Ben pretended to cast a fishing line. “Hooked, reeled in, and gutted.”

“But…what about Kara?”

Considering what he’d just learned, Ben decided Noah could maybe use a little help after all. And Agatha made a hell of an ally when she chose the right side.

Ben would help her choose wisely.

He nodded toward her desk chair, which rivaled the desk in pretentiousness; it was large enough to hold two grown men. “Park your old bones in a chair, Aggie. You’re already looking a tad pale, but I’ve got something important to tell you, and it may be a bit of a shock.”

G
race waited for her pounding heart to slow, for the sweat to dry on her heated skin. Tears threatened, but they were tears of happiness, of satisfaction—and melancholy.

Noah dropped onto his back beside her. “Good God, you get better every time, Grace.”

A smile was about as much as Grace could manage at the moment. She felt sensitive everywhere, her skin still tingling, her nipples throbbing.

Noah laid one hot, heavy hand over her belly. There was a new stillness about him, a strange mood that had taken hold of him almost from the moment they’d arrived in Florida two days past. He’d been alert, thoughtful, edgy. He’d been relentless in his sexual demands, pushing her hard, making her scream.

And he’d asked her to marry him.

Grace drew in a shuddering breath and squeezed her eyes shut, affected once again just by the memory. The urge to say yes had been so strong she’d nearly choked on it. But Noah’s grandmother had manipulated him enough. Grace wouldn’t let his sense of responsibility toward her force him to allow yet another manipulation. She couldn’t bear that.

Just as she couldn’t bear to lose him.

She felt pulled in half, wanting to say yes, bound by her honor and her love to say no. Their time in Florida had been wonderful—and yet tinged with a new strain that hadn’t existed before his proposal. This was their last day at the beach. Grace didn’t want it to end.

Overwhelmed by those thoughts, she turned into Noah’s side and hugged him.

His arms automatically came around her, as secure and comforting as ever. “Hey.”

Grace pressed her nose to his damp chest hair and inhaled his wonderfully masculine scent, now intensified by their vigorous lovemaking.

Normally after sex, Noah took inordinate pleasure in tending to her, bathing her and making her comfortable. Out on the rented boat, floating on swelling waves, he’d tidied her in the bright sunshine. All the while he’d complimented her body and kissed her everywhere.

On the shore at night, he’d held her hand and waded with her into the surf. Moonlight had carved his harsh features as he’d cupped his hand between her thighs, exciting her even as he’d soothed her flesh.

He made love to her everywhere in the condo, from the shower to the balcony to the bed. Even when Noah was merciless in giving her pleasure, he was tender and careful. Grace felt cherished by him.

This time Grace wanted Noah to feel cherished. “Lie still.”

She lifted one leg over his lap and crawled across him. Her breasts, still flushed and too warm, brushed his chest.

Noah groaned, then said, “I’ll give you a dollar to do that again.”

Grace laughed despite her confusing jumble of emotions. “You’re a sex maniac, Noah Harper.” She patted his hairy thigh. “And no, that’s not a complaint.”

Noah was still grinning when Grace returned with a damp washcloth. In leisurely fascination, she removed the spent condom, then took her time drifting the cool cloth over Noah’s body, his thighs, his hard abdomen. His penis and testicles. She dragged out the chore, enjoying herself. Before she was through, Noah’s legs were shifting on the bed and his hands had curled into fists. He was erect once again.

Their gazes met and caught, Noah’s bright with hunger, Grace’s dark and mellow.

“I want you to ride me, Gracie.”

Stunned, she asked, “Now?” Noah had always had a voracious appetite, but a half hour hadn’t passed since they’d both yelled out their releases.

“Yeah.” He growled and reached for her. “Right now before I die.”

Grace snagged another condom off the nightstand, amazed but more than willing, and Noah’s cell phone rang.

They both stared at the phone across the room on the dresser. Noah cursed and lifted Grace to the side. “I’m sorry, Gracie. The only one who has this number is Ben, and he wouldn’t call unless something was wrong.”

Naked, Noah padded to the phone and flipped it open. “Yeah?”

Grace came to her knees on the bed. Her heartbeat accelerated with dread. When his expression darkened, she said, “Noah?”

He held up a hand while he listened. Sexual excitement was quickly replaced with worry. His head dropped forward and he paced. “You’ve seen her?”

Her who?
Grace wondered.
Kara, Agatha? What had happened?

Noah glanced at Grace with a silent apology. “Yeah, we’ll be out of here in less than an hour. I’ll take the first flight I can get.” He hesitated, then asked, “Ben, will you stay with her?” He nodded. “Good. Thanks.”

Noah canceled the call and opened the dresser at the same time. “Agatha’s in the hospital. She and Ben were arguing when suddenly she went pale and dropped. Ben barely managed to catch her. She’s in ICU now.”

“Ohmigod!” Grace leapt off the bed and scrambled for clothes.

“Take it easy, Grace,” Noah told her as he stepped into his slacks. “According to Ben she’s doing fine now and is kicking up a fuss at all the attention. To quote Ben, ‘She’s pitching a bitch about looking old and frail.’”

“She would.” Grace jerked a shirt over her head, got her arms caught, and felt Noah straightening the garment out for her.

When she got her head free, she said, “Noah?”

“Yeah?” He pulled on his own shirt and then opened their luggage on the mussed bed.

“What was Ben doing with her?”

Noah glanced up. “Damn. I have no idea. I didn’t even think to ask.”

Shaking her head to clear it, Grace began loading clothes. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter right now, and I’m sure Ben can fill you in as soon as we get there.”

“Yeah.” But Noah stood still in the middle of the floor, a frown on his brow.

“Noah,” Grace said gently, seeing the stark concern in his eyes. He loved his grandmother very much, despite their recent differences. “Why don’t you call the airlines while I finish packing? I can have us ready to go in ten minutes flat.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that.”

Within an hour and a half, they were on a plane headed back to Gillespe. Grace held Noah’s hand, but he was silent, his thoughts private. She could see he was hurting, and that made her hurt, too.

They went to the hospital straight from the airport—and walked into a small mob.

Kara stood between two female friends, her cheeks stained with tears. Ben was off to the side, adequately ignoring the slanted admiring looks continually cast his way. Noah squeezed Grace’s hand and walked toward them all.

“How is she?”

Kara looked up, saw Noah, and burst into fresh tears. She threw herself against him, leaving Noah little choice but to catch her. Grace was forced to move to the side, making Noah feel very alone.

Fear clawed at him, and he sought out Ben with his gaze.

“She’s fine, Noah.” Ben gave Kara a disgusted look, then rolled his eyes. “They’re running some tests right now. She evidently had heart failure, and she’s still a little weak, but she’s awake and talking—or rather complaining—and the doctor says with medicine she’ll be all right.”

Noah almost went limp. He set Kara away from him and reached for Grace. Grace came into his arms without hesitation. She held him and said, “Thank God.”

Kara’s friends came to stand beside her. Noah recognized them both but couldn’t remember their names. They glared at Noah and Grace.

Ben rudely stepped in front of them. “We should talk.”

Noah nodded and allowed Grace to move to his side. She clasped his hand in comfort.

Ben drew a deep breath. “Agatha had asked me to visit her. I hadn’t said anything to you because I knew it might piss you off. Or worry you. But it was dumb. She had some half-baked idea of making you jealous over me, so you’d rush back where you belong. We were arguing and I noticed she looked more piqued than usual, but I thought it was just because she was fretting over things. You know, she’s old and all.”

Grace squeezed his hand, and Noah said, “What happened?”

Ben looked over his shoulder at Kara and the other two women, then took Noah’s arm and led him and Grace a short distance away. When they stopped, Ben propped his hands on his hips and stared down at his feet. “I told her the truth. At least part of it.” He looked up and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Noah. It’s just that at first she made me so damn mad, and then I realized she really had no clue. She sincerely wanted to make things right for you, but she didn’t understand that they’d never be right with Kara.”

“You told her about Deltorro?”

“No, not that. But I did tell her how much you care for Grace, and that it was Kara who fucked things up, not you. I think she’d pretty much figured out there was a third party involved, but then she got short of breath and looked real sickly and just…she nearly collapsed.”

Noah squeezed Ben’s shoulder. “When can I get in to see her?”

“I don’t know. The doctors are with her now.”

“This isn’t your fault, Ben.”

He rubbed his forehead. “I goaded her.”

“Knowing Agatha, she probably enjoyed it.” Noah allowed a small smile. “And believe me, she’d have expected no less from you. You two remind me of each other, did I ever tell you that?”

Ben choked. “The hell you say!”

Grace pulled free of Noah. “I’ll go get us all three some coffee. I know I can use it.”

Noah gave Grace an absent smile. She looked tired, strained, but still strong. The only flight he could get on such short notice had two connections. Grace hadn’t relaxed once. He knew she loved Agatha, too. “Thanks, babe.”

But as Grace went to ask if Kara or the others wanted coffee, one of the women confronted her. Noah heard her whisper, “You should be ashamed of yourself, coming here now.”

Grace pulled up short. “Excuse me?”

And the woman said, “Haven’t you done enough damage? You ruined Noah’s engagement and his relationship with Mrs. Harper. It’s probably the stress that’s done this to her.”

Horrified, Kara stepped forward, but she wasn’t fast enough. Noah beat her to it. He pulled Grace into his side and said to Kara, “Get them both out of here. Now.”

Kara fretted. “Noah…”

He caught her arm and pulled her closer. “I put up with a lot from you, Kara, but I won’t tolerate insults to Grace. Get rid of them or I’ll tell them the truth.”

Big tears filled her eyes.

Noah felt no sympathy. “And pull yourself together if you want to see Agatha. I won’t have you upsetting her more with your bawling.”

Kara nodded, but her friends gasped. The same woman who’d verbally attacked Grace now turned her cannon on Noah. “You don’t have a single ounce of shame, do you? I can’t believe you brought
her
here.” And she aimed a malicious sneer at Grace.

Grace just shook her head and rested a hand on Noah’s chest. “It’s okay, Noah. Really.”

Ben muttered, “Stupid bitch,” loud enough for the women to hear.

Noah narrowed his eyes. “I’ve had enough, Kara.”

Kara grabbed both women and hauled them away. There was a brief argument at the sliding doors before her two friends were convinced to leave.

Kara returned to them with a lagging step. “Noah, I—”

“This isn’t the best time or place, Kara. So I’m only going to say it once. I won’t have people badmouthing Grace. Set the record straight or I will.”

“What do you expect me to do?”

“I expect you to tell the truth and to act like an adult. How long do you think Deltorro will put up with this game you’re playing? Do you even care what he thinks or feels, or do you only think about yourself?”

She bit her lips. “My parents…”

“Only have the control you give them. What matters the most? The man you love, or your parents’ acceptance?”

Dejected, mouth trembling, Kara nodded. “All right.”

Grace patted her back, making Noah marvel. “It’ll be all right, Kara, you’ll see. Once your parents understand how much you and Enrique love each other, they’ll be supportive. They only want you to be happy.”

Kara wiped her eyes and drew a shuddering breath. “I hope you’re right.”

Nothing more was said as a doctor approached them. “Mr. Harper?”

“Yes?”

“Your grandmother is asking for you and a Grace Jenkins.”

Grace stepped forward. “How is she?”

“Ornery.” The doctor smiled. “And surprisingly fit for her age. I have her on a diuretic by IV and I’d like to keep her a few days to monitor her. However, she’s not keen on that idea.”

“She’ll stay.” Noah would tie her down if he had to, the blasted stubborn woman.

The doctor smiled again. “I’ll get her started on some medicine that will strengthen her heart. Also, a low salt diet, so don’t let her convince you to sneak food in. She’ll need to be watched—”

Noah, Grace, and Ben all said at once, “She will be.”

They looked at each other.

The doctor nodded in satisfaction. “We’re moving her out of ICU. As soon as that’s done, she’d like to see you.”

Noah glanced at Grace and Ben. Grace said, “We’ll be right here.”