Unwrapped (18 page)

“Good thing there's no carpeting.” Then she kicked off her panties, and he was lost.

He stepped between her legs and drove into her moist heat. He threw his head back as a tremor of pure pleasure rocked his body. It had been a long time since he'd felt the inside of a woman without a condom. It felt good—so damned good. Like stepping into a steamy hot shower after a cold winter run. The warmth enveloped him and seeped in through his pores. Then the internal muscles of her body tightened, and the pleasure increased to epic proportions.

“Patrick, please move,” she ordered in a breathy voice.

Unfortunately, he was afraid to, afraid that if he did, it would all be over too quickly. Of course, even if he didn't move, it might be over too quickly. The feel of her warm, tight body was as close to heaven as a man could get.

With his eyes squeezed closed, he pulled out, then slowly pushed back in as he went through every baseball statistic he knew. It didn't help. His cock was locked and loaded, and no batting average was going to keep his bat from hitting it out of the park. Especially when she wrapped her legs around his hips and pushed up against him. That was all the prompting he needed. His hips picked up speed, thrusting deep and deeper still. He tried to hold off, he even opened his eyes hoping it would distract him from the tight, amazing fit of her body. Unfortunately, the sight that greeted him only made him hotter.

Jacqueline leaned back on his desk with her back arched as she met him thrust for thrust. The straps of her pink bra hung down around her arms, the cups pushed underneath the soft swelling flesh and distended nipples. Above those perfect breasts, she watched him with a sultry desire that sent him right over the edge.

The climax rocked his body and his world. It burst upon him like a thousand welding sparks. Singeing his nerve endings. Frying his brain. When he came back to earth, he realized two things:

Jacqueline hadn't reached orgasm.

And she didn't look happy about it.

“Sorry,” he said. It didn't seem like enough, but it was all he could get out. After the satisfying meal and the more-than-satisfying sex, he felt drained. Not to mention the sleepless night and ten-mile run. But that didn't mean he wouldn't make amends. Just not standing in the dining room with his legs quivering with exhaustion.

“Maybe we should finish this in the bedroom.” He untangled her legs from around his waist.

She lifted her eyebrows. “I thought you were finished.”

For the first time that he could remember, Patrick actually blushed. He cleared his throat. “Not yet.”

Suddenly Jacqueline looked a lot less angry. She pushed up the straps of her bra and climbed off the desk. He thought about carrying her up the stairs, but he didn't trust his legs. So instead he picked up the flannel shirt and handed it to her.

She looked at it in confusion. “Am I going to need this?”

Feeling like a complete fool, he jerked it back. “No. I just thought…never mind.” Obviously, if he was going to have sex every night with his eager young wife, he needed to get a good night's sleep and cut back on his running. His brain had turned to mush, and it was more than a little emasculating. For a moment he wondered if he should run to the store for some Red Bull. But then she flashed him a sexy smile over her shoulder as she moved up the stairs, and he figured he had enough endurance to last him.

He followed her to the bedroom, shoving the animals out with his foot before closing the door. As she headed to the bathroom, he slipped off his T-shirt and sweats and got into bed. The sheets were clean and smelled like detergent and chocolate brownie. It was a nice, soothing scent that suddenly made him realize that being married wasn't so bad.

Patrick inhaled deeply and closed his eyes.

Not bad at all.

Y
ou want me to hire a dad for your niece?”

Wheezie ignored Barkley's shocked look and pulled on her knit gloves. “No. I want you to hire an actor to play Gabby's dad. There's a big difference.”

Barkley shook his head. “Not in my book. You're still tricking a sweet kid.”

Annoyed, Wheezie turned on him. “Well, just what do you expect me to do when she talked her parents into letting her skip the ski trip and stay and help me with the Christmas party—all so she could meet her real dad? A dad who has no desire to meet her.”

“I don't know why you just didn't tell her that her father couldn't make it.”

“That might work for now, but what about later?” Wheezie tugged on the other glove. “There's little doubt that Gabby will try again—or want me to. No”—she shook her head—“this way works better for everyone concerned. Rory won't have to find out and be hurt. And Gabby will think that her biological dad is a good guy who just can't see her again because he's going to Africa to do missionary work.” Barkley snorted, and she shot him an annoyed look. “What's wrong with that excuse? You did missionary work in Africa.”

“True. But few people believe it.”

She arched a brow. “More than likely because it's hard to believe an ex-criminal turned street boxer would have the time, or inclination, to do charity work.”

“Maybe my troubled past is why I did missionary work.”

“And why you've never settled down with one woman or one job. Makes me wonder why you've stayed so long with me.”

He flashed her a smile, and she was again reminded that, despite the broken nose, Calvin Barkley was a handsome man. He looked a little like Cary Grant if he'd been a big brute of a pugilist. She smiled at the thought of Barkley replacing Cary in the movie
To Catch a Thief
. With his background, Barkley would make an excellent cat burglar.

“Because, like a barnacle, Wheezie,” he said, “you've grown on me.” He nodded at the stack of books on the seat between them. “Besides, it gives me time to read.”

“Which means that you should have plenty of time to locate an actor who will keep Gabby's heart from breaking.”

After only a brief second, he conceded. Just like she'd known he would. The man might look like a brute, but he had a heart the size of his Volkswagen.

“Fine. But I still think you should tell Gabby the truth. Disappointment is just part of childhood. The sooner she learns that, the easier it will be for her.”

It wasn't the first time Barkley had made reference to his troubled childhood. But given that the man was as tight-lipped as a jar of pickles, he wasn't going to fill her in.

“I shouldn't be very long,” she said. “Mary Katherine just wants to go over the plans for the Christmas party with me so I don't forget anything. Obviously she thinks dementia has already set in.”

Barkley laughed. “That's doubtful. Especially when you just whupped my butt at pinochle.”

“That doesn't take much,” she teased. “So are you bringing someone to the Christmas party this year?”

“No.”

“Are you sure you're not gay? Because seven years without a date is extremely suspicious.” It was a game they liked to play as much as pinochle. Wheezie had worked in a bar long enough to figure out a man's preferences. And Barkley liked women. Even if he'd yet to bring one to meet her.

With only a slight lift of an eyebrow, he got out and came around the front of the car to open her door. It hadn't snowed in days and the sun was out, but the temperature was still frigid. She hunched her shoulders against the wind and continued to tease him.

“What about Jacqueline's friend Gerald? And don't tell me that you're not interested. I saw you eyeballing his scarf.”

He laughed. “Maybe you can get me one for Christmas—a scarf, not Gerald.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his big arm. “I'd ask you if you wanted me to get your walker from the back, but I already know your answer.”

“Didn't I threaten to fire you the last time you brought that up?”

He guided her up the path, then paused, allowing her time to climb the step. “You did, but since Big Al is the one who hired me, I'm not too worried.” He shook his head. “One of these days, Wheezie, you're going to fall and break a bone. And then you're not going to have a choice in the matter.”

“Well, that day's not here yet,” she said just as the door opened.

“There you two are.” Mary Katherine stepped back. “Come on in out of the cold.”

“Actually”—Barkley glanced at Wheezie—“I've got a few errands I need to run. But I'll be back in about an hour.”

Mary ushered Wheezie into the house and helped her off with her coat. “I'm glad you were able to come over, Louise. Not only did I want to give you a list of things Barkley needs to pick up for the Christmas Eve party, but I wanted to give you some news.”

Wheezie figured she knew what the news was, but she kept her mouth shut and followed Mary into the family room. A fire was going, but the large room sure looked empty without the big Christmas tree that always resided in the corner during the holidays. Rather than sit on the soft couch that was hard to get up from, Wheezie took a seat in the wingback chair and waited for Mary to share her news.

“Patrick called me this morning,” Mary said as she sat down on the couch. She smoothed out a crease in her pants before she took a deep breath and slowly released it. “It seems that he and Jacqueline have gotten married.” When Wheezie didn't say anything, she continued. “Judge Murdock performed the ceremony yesterday, and the reason Patrick didn't tell us is because he didn't want us making a big deal.” She shook her head. “As if marriage isn't a big deal.”

“So I'm assuming you're upset by the news,” Wheezie said.

Mary sighed again. “No—yes. Part of me is proud that my son did the responsible thing, but the other part of me is worried that he's made a huge mistake. When I asked if he loved her, he said no. How will their marriage work if they don't love each other?”

Wheezie smiled. “The same way yours did.”

Mary looked shocked. “What? Albert and I were madly in love with each other.”

Wheezie shook her head. “Not before you were married. I was there and witnessed your entire two-month courtship. And it had more to do with hormones than it did with love. You two were so physically attracted to each other that the entire room heated up when you were in it. But being the good Catholic girl you are, you couldn't have sex with Albert without a wedding ring. I would say that the madly-in-love part didn't come until you'd been married for a few months and got to know one another. Neill and I were the same way. We were two young, hormonal kids who didn't have a clue what love was. It took us being married for a few years—living through hard times and good times—before we figured out the difference. Lust is an immediate reaction brought on by physical attraction. Love is a strong emotion developed over time.”

Mary thought for a moment. “So you're saying that Patrick and Jacqueline have a chance?”

“A good chance,” Wheezie said without any doubt whatsoever. “Not only do they almost catch fire whenever they look at each other, Jacqueline is the first woman whose name Patrick actually remembers. I take that as a good sign.”

Mary's shoulders relaxed, and she smiled. “You do have a point. Maybe he will find happiness with Jacqueline. So what do you think we should get them for their wedding gift? I wanted to cancel the cruise and throw them a reception party, but Patrick flat-out refused.” A frown settled over her face. “It would've been such a good excuse.”

Before Wheezie could ask what she meant, Albert strode into the room looking none too happy.

“So I guess you've told Wheezie the news. So what do you think of Patrick tying the knot without one word to his family, Wheezie?”

“I think he's smart. Those two have enough to deal with without throwing our entire clan into the mix.” She pointed a finger at him. “And I hope you're not going to make a big fuss over this, Albie, or I'll have to take you over my knee like I did the time you threw rocks at the neighbor's cat and broke their front window.”

Albert scowled and sat down next to Mary. “That cat deserved to have rocks thrown at him. He scratched me every time I tried to pet him.”

“Maybe he wasn't in the mood to be petted,” Mary said.

Albert gave her a loving look. “Unlike my sweet wife who loves her husband's pets.” He pulled her close and gave her a resounding kiss on the cheek. “So what are we doing today, ladies? Do you want me to take you to lunch? Shopping? Hair salon—?”

“No!” The word came out of Mary's mouth loudly and adamantly. When both Albert and Wheezie looked at her in surprise, she blushed brightly. “I mean Wheezie and I were just going to talk about the Christmas party. So why don't you hop online and order yourself a new pair of swim trunks for the cruise?” Her eyes turned hopeful. “Unless you no longer want to go on the cruise.”

“Of course I want to go.” He gave her an overly bright smile. “Anything to please my dear wife. But I do need some swim trunks. And since I worry about them getting here before we leave, I better head to the office—I mean the mall.” He gave Mary another kiss and then kissed Wheezie on the cheek before heading for the door. “I promise not to be long, my love.”

“Take your time, sweetheart,” Mary called back with a simpleton's smile on her face. Once the door slammed, the smile faded, and she burst out in tears. “God forgive me,” she sobbed. “But I can't take it for a second more—not one second more.”

Since Mary was the backbone of the McPherson family and rarely cried, Wheezie got up and walked into the kitchen, where she pulled the bottle of rum that Mary kept for rum cake out of the cupboard and poured some in a glass before taking it, and a box of tissues, back into the family room.

“Take a stiff drink,” she said as she handed the glass and box to Mary. “Then tell me what's going on.”

Mary took a big gulp of rum before shivering. “It's Albert, Louise. He's driving me crazy. Every time I turn around, he's right here in front of me.”

Wheezie had to bite back her smile. “But isn't that why you kicked him out of the house last Christmas, Mary Katherine? Because he wasn't spending enough time with you?”

With tears welling in her eyes, Mary nodded. “Albert has given me exactly what I wanted. Except now I realized that it wasn't what I wanted at all.” She sniffed. “Which makes me the most selfish, spoiled wife ever.”

Wheezie patted her back. “Or just a normal one. Every woman goes through the same thing when her husband retires—especially if she's an independent woman who is used to doing things for herself. You went from no company to having a man around all the time. That's enough to make any woman crazy.”

Mary studied the rum in the glass. “I just thought it would be different. I wanted us to have more time together, but not every second of every day. He goes with me to the grocery store, to the hair stylist, to the women's shelter. The other day he even went with me to get a pedicure. And I've got to tell you, Louise, there was just something about seeing my husband getting his toenails buffed that didn't set well with me. I never thought I would say this”—she took a deep breath and released it—“but I want my arrogant, selfish, alpha-man husband back!”

Wheeze tried to keep the smile from her face, but it was difficult. “Meaning you want him to go back to work at M&M?”

“Yes. And the sooner the better.”

“But what about the cruise?”

“How was I supposed to say no when I've been begging to go on a cruise for years?” Mary shook her head. “But not at Christmas. I want to be with my family at Christmas. I want to decorate my house, bake cookies with the grandkids, and shop for toys instead of ridiculous swimming suits.”

“So tell him.” Wheezie said.

Mary downed the rest of the rum in one gulp. “How can I back out now without hurting his feelings—or worse, him wanting a divorce? And I wouldn't blame him a bit.” She shook her head. “No, Albert was nice enough to arrange a cruise for my Christmas gift, and I'm going to enjoy it come hell or high water.” She got to her feet and walked into the kitchen, where she pulled a tablet and pencil from a drawer. “Now let's go over what you'll need to get for the Christmas Eve party.”

Thirty minutes later Wheezie was ready for a shot of rum. Not only was Mary stubborn, she was more than a little anal.

“That should do it.” Mary tore off the five sheets of paper and held them out to Wheezie. “And if I think of anything else, I'll be sure to call.”

“You do that, Mary Katherine.” Wheezie took the lists and got up from the couch.

Mary followed Wheezie to the front door and pulled her coat from the hall closet. “We probably should meet again before I leave. Not only to go over the last-minute details for the Christmas party, but also to plan Patrick and Jacqueline's wedding reception. I understand that Patrick doesn't want to ruin our cruise, but he can't complain if I throw them a party after we get back. Because they're newlyweds, I thought I'd wait a while before I called and planned it with Jacqueline.”

“I think that's a good idea. Best to let the newlyweds get to know each other without family interference.” Not that Wheezie hadn't done her share of interfering. But now it was up to the two of them to sink or swim. Since Patrick had always been a good swimmer, she had high hopes.

Barkley was waiting in the car when Wheezie stepped out the door. As soon as he saw her, he hopped out and helped her into the front seat. Wheezie waited until they pulled away from the curb before she spoke.

“So did you find someone to pose as Gabby's father?”