A Pregnancy, a Party & a Proposal
Teresa Carpenter
Her big secret in the Big Apple!Event co-ordinator Lauren Randall always has a plan. And falling pregnant after a fling with infamous Ray Donovan is not part of it! Creative and commanding, Ray might be an award-winning movie director, but he’s definitely not up for Dad-of-the-Year.Posing as Ray’s date gives Lauren a chance to reveal her secret. There’s just one glitch: his ailing grandmother announces their engagement. With everyone assuming she’s his fiancée, it’s hard to keep a distance – and even harder to pretend she’s not falling for her baby’s father…!
Ray’s arm at her waist didn’t let her go far. Long fingers traced the keyhole in her bodice. “Did I tell you how lovely you look tonight?”
“You did.” And the desire in his eyes had repeated the message over and over throughout the night.
Lauren had wanted to make him notice her—and she had succeeded, all right. To the point where it had almost backfired on her. The searing weight of his gaze had followed her all night, and her body had responded with heightened awareness until she could barely concentrate. There she had stood, rubbing elbows with the rich and powerful, and she’d struggled to put together coherent sentences. Fortunately the fact that a friend of the mayor’s wife had heard of By Arrangement had caught her attention and grounded her in the conversation so she didn’t actually embarrass herself.
The desire was back in his eyes now, burning brighter than ever, making her nerves tingle and her body heat. She much preferred seeing passion over pain in his sea-blue eyes. And, oh, he smelled good.
She missed being held by him. So, with luxury surrounding her, New York lit up at her feet, and a hard man pulling her close, she surrendered her control.
Rising on her toes, she kissed the hard line of his jaw. “Are you just going to look? Or do you plan to do something about it?”
A Pregnancy, a Party & a Proposal
Teresa Carpenter
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
TERESA CARPENTER believes that with love and family anything is possible. She writes in a Southern California coastal city surrounded by her large family. Teresa loves writing about babies and grandmas. Her books have rated Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, and have been nominated Best Romance of the Year on some review sites. If she’s not at a family event, she’s reading, or writing her next grand romance.
For Gabrielle, the younger twin, pragmatic, dedicated, witty, and a very hard worker.
You’re going to make a great pharmacist.
I love you, babe.
Contents
Cover (#uf434c945-2f49-5917-ab1f-141ff12f63a8)
Introduction (#u501a9670-7981-5ec2-97ac-43ec389e85a4)
Title Page (#ufc40ae44-bc63-5bcb-8613-087be6c82ee5)
About the Author (#uffbec2c2-8166-5307-bb13-68c06b18b324)
Dedication (#ude780330-586a-550d-9690-08072d0eff34)
CHAPTER ONE (#ulink_e8387d48-6789-5175-a31e-e4a3338401e6)
CHAPTER TWO (#ulink_e2a3d166-1385-5b1a-b0fb-217487aa5bf4)
CHAPTER THREE (#ulink_9329a680-8e8d-5285-a03d-0e7f639db75b)
CHAPTER FOUR (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER FIVE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER THIRTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)
EPILOGUE (#litres_trial_promo)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ONE (#ulink_af1b6882-ee50-54c4-a22b-98bc78cf0722)
“‘TWO LINES MEANS PREGNANT.’” Lauren Randall read the early detection instructions. “‘One line, not pregnant.’”
Simple enough. Perched on the side of the bed in a long blue robe, heart beating a mile a millisecond, she scrunched her eyes closed—a cowardly act entirely unlike her—and then opened them to look at the stick.
Two lines.
She blinked. Looked again. Still two lines.
“Oh, boy.” She blew out a pent-up breath. Her mind spun with the news. She was going to be a mother. Strolling to the bedroom’s picture window, she stared unseeing at the Pacific Ocean.
Her hand went to her waist. She was expecting a baby.
Ray Donovan’s baby. Mind-boggling. This type of thing didn’t happen to her. She was too organized, too controlled. She didn’t have unprotected sex. She hadn’t had unprotected sex. But a broken condom might have changed her life...forever.
She glanced at the stick in her hand. Yep, still two lines.
“Oh, my.” A baby.
A tiny part of her was thrilled at the knowledge. She was having a baby! Would he or she have Lauren’s blond hair and light brown eyes? Or Ray’s sandy, slightly darker locks and blue eyes?
Just thinking about it sent the more rational side of her reeling. A child was not in her current five-year plan. Certainly not a child with a domineering man incapable of standing still for two whole minutes.
The sound of pounding drew her gaze down. Below her the lush garden of the Santa Barbara estate was being transformed into a wedding paradise. The day had dawned sunny and bright and, according to the meteorologists, might reach seventy degrees. Given it was Valentine’s Day, they were lucky. February weather could be unpredictable in Southern California.
The event promised to be spectacular. On the edge of the property a white-columned gazebo stood against a backdrop of green hedges and long-standing trees, beyond which the vast Pacific Ocean flowed on forever, symbolic of the unending devotion about to be declared.
Short columns on which sat rose ball topiaries created the aisle. White chairs with silver sashes provided seating for the guests. A huge white tent graced the middle of the lawn and wood flooring had been put down. The tentpoles had been encased in columns to match the gazebo and thousands of white lights were being draped across the ceiling to give the impression of dancing under the stars.
More rose topiaries acted as centerpieces on the round tables at the dining end. Curved couches ringed the dance floor at the other end. The overall vision was elegant, yet understated, and her By Arrangement team had pulled it off beautifully.
Co-owners of By Arrangement, Lauren and Tori had both taken on new assistants at the start of the year. They were working the event, but the rest of the jobs had vendors in place, thus freeing their staff to attend as guests.
Shortly Lauren would be walking down the aisle toward Ray. Not as bride to his groom, but as maid of honor to his best man. Today was not her big day, but her twin’s. Tori would marry the man she loved in a romantic ocean-view ceremony in a little over two hours.
If that gave Lauren a pinch of envy it was only because her sister was so happy. Difficult not to want that for herself.
But it was only a pinch. After a bad scare in college, she’d put her career in front of romance. So far she had few regrets. Lauren liked where she was in life. Of course she’d need to recalibrate now she was going to have a child to consider.
So, a wedding for her sister and a baby for her. The timing of the discovery was extraordinary. Was this some kind of karmic message? Or perhaps a spiritual nudge?
Now, there was a cosmic joke—because “marriage” and “Ray” were two words that didn’t belong in the same sentence, or even paragraph. Heck, they wouldn’t be in the same novel.
And if she hadn’t been playing ostrich—again, totally unlike her—she would have known she was pregnant a week ago. She’d certainly suspected, with the nausea and the tenderness in her breasts. But she’d been busy and in denial—a slick combination for avoiding the inevitable.
There’d been too much to do, what with last-minute details for the wedding and family coming into town for the rehearsal. Seeing Ray again was what had prompted her to pick up the early pregnancy testing kit. She couldn’t contemplate walking down the aisle to him without knowing the truth. Not that knowing the truth helped now that it was a yes.
Well, no time to brood about it now.
Tossing the stick in the trash, she moved to the closet to take down her dress. It was past time to join Tori and their mother in Tori’s room to get ready.
A knock sounded at the door. Carrying the dress, she opened the door to her mother.
Like Lauren, her mom already had her hair and make-up done. Garrett, Tori’s fiancé and owner of Obsidian Studios, had arranged for three professional hairstylists and make-up artists to come to the house to prepare the wedding party for the event. Her mom looked lovely, with her hair swept up in a sleek French twist and the expert application of cosmetics. But then she looked just as pretty with no make-up and her hair in a ponytail.
To Lauren, she was just Mom.
“Oh, Mom.” She launched herself into Liz Randall’s arms, letting the scent of lavender comfort her.
The news of her baby nearly tripped off Lauren’s tongue. She pressed her lips together to prevent the words from spilling. This was Tori’s special day. Lauren would never do anything to disrupt her twin’s wedding day.
“Hey.” Her mother’s arms closed around her, careful not to crush the dress she held. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” she lied. She wouldn’t be okay until this day was over and the certainty of running into Ray no longer existed. And, truthfully, the hug did make her feel better. She forced her mind to switch gears. “Our girl is getting married.”
“I know.” Liz gave her another squeeze before stepping back. “She won’t be right next door anymore, but we have to remember we’re not losing her—we’re gaining a new son and brother.” She tweaked the ends of Lauren’s hair and studied her closely. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’re a little pale.”
“I’m fine.” Lauren hooked her arm through her mother’s as they walked down the hall to the master suite. “I’ll still miss her.”
“She’s your partner. You’ll see her nearly every day.”
“It won’t be the same.”
No, and their lives were going to change even more drastically than her mom knew.
“Different, yes, but in a good way.” Liz was a glass half-full gal. “Especially when we start getting little ones to play with. You two will be twenty-nine in a couple of months. I’ve waited a long time to be a grandmother.”
Yeah, well, her wait was nearly up.
“Oh!” Liz exclaimed. “Maybe she’ll have twins.”
Lauren’s stomach did a little flip. She swallowed hard. Okay, she wasn’t ready to think about having twins.
Down the way a door opened and Ray Donovan stepped into the hall. He wore jeans and a muscle-clinging green T-shirt. His shaggy dark blond hair had been trimmed considerably since she’d seen him last night. It was brushed back at the sides and a little wild on top. He looked entirely too yummy for her peace of mind.
He hesitated at the head of the stairs, his blue gaze traveling between her and her mother. He lifted his camera, aimed it in their direction.
“Ray, stop that. We’re not dressed yet. Where are you going?” Her mother pointed to the car keys in his hand. “You should be getting ready.”
He pocketed the keys. “I have an errand. I’ll be back in plenty of time.” With a last glance at Lauren, which she avoided, he headed downstairs.
For a wild moment she wondered how he would deal with twins. But her mind refused to wrap around the concept so she pulled her focus back to Tori.
“Mom, I think we should let her get through the wedding before we have her barefoot and pregnant.”
“Sweetheart...” Liz patted Lauren’s hand “...who are you kidding? Tori will be barefoot before the end of the night.”
The statement was so true they were giggling when the door in front of them opened and Tori stood there in sexy curls, a silky white robe, and bare feet. “Where have you two been?”
Lauren met her mother’s golden gaze, so like her own, and they both burst out laughing.
* * *
Ray Donovan shifted his wide shoulders in the custom-made tuxedo. Weddings gave him hives. Been there, almost did that, never plan to do it again. A fact not even his good buddy Garrett knew. It had happened so long ago Ray liked to pretend it had never happened at all.
Pacing the study, or “the groom’s room”, as Lauren’s new assistant had corrected him, Ray twitched at his tie. He was slowly suffocating.
Thinking of Lauren didn’t help at all. Contrary woman. The honey-eyed blond was the hottest armful he’d ever held, but way too stubborn for his taste when they weren’t locked in a clinch. Their fling, for want of a better word, was over.
Until two days ago he hadn’t seen her since Christmas, when she’d called time on their trysts.
How stunning to realize he’d actually missed her. But any hope of expending his nervous energy by reigniting the chemistry between them while they were hooked up for the wedding festivities had fizzled out when she had refused to meet his gaze at the rehearsal. Or any time since.
Okay. Message received.
All for the best. In spite of his hopeful initial reaction, he’d been truly unnerved as he’d watched her walk down the aisle toward him. The sight had been a punch to the gut. He hadn’t stopped twitching since. Confirmation that he’d been smart to keep it casual, to let her end things between them.
He paused in front of a gilded mirror. He smoothed his short sandy hair back into place and straightened his tie. Pull it together, he silently chided himself. You’re sounding more like a wuss than a director known for going into the trenches with his stuntmen and actors.
“Relax,” Garrett said from his place behind the desk. “Anyone would think it was you getting married instead of me.”
“I don’t know how you can be so calm.”
Ray dropped into the chair in front of the desk, picked up his camera and shot the groom. To occupy his hands, as well as his mind, he’d decided to give the bride and groom the gift of an insider’s perspective on their wedding: pictures and videos no photographer would have access to.
“The waiting is excruciating. How much longer before this gig gets going?”
Garrett’s gaze shifted to the mantel clock. “Soon. And it’s easy to be calm when you’re sure of what you’re doing.”
“Marriage is a trap for the unwary. Standing up there in front of everyone is a lonely place to be.”
Okay, he knew that was warped even as the words slipped out. His memories had no place here.
“I won’t be alone.” Garrett laughed off the outrageous comment. “I’ll be joined by the woman I love. Until then you’ll be by my side.”
Garrett opened the bottom drawer in the solid oak desk and pulled out a bottle of aged whiskey and a single crystal glass. After pouring a good dollop into the glass, he pushed it across the oak surface to Ray.
“Maybe this will help settle your nerves.”
“No, thanks.” Ray turned down the shot. Normally he’d accept and relish the burn. Today he’d remain stone-cold sober. The way he felt, adding alcohol was not a good idea.
“I don’t understand you, dude.” Garrett shook his head. “You’re the one who told me I’d be safe with Tori.”
“It’s easy to see she makes you happy.” Ray ran a hand over his jaw. Just because marriage wasn’t for him didn’t mean others couldn’t benefit from the bond. “And of course you have that whole Spidey sense of approval going for you.”
Apparently the twins were natural matchmakers and got a special “feeling” when they saw two people who belonged together. Lauren had gotten the feeling about Garrett and Tori, but hadn’t said anything until after they were engaged.
Garrett arched a dark eyebrow. “Mock if you want. I’m reaping the rewards.”
“Sorry. The truth is you deserve the best. Don’t mind me—weddings make me twitchy.”
“So you said when I asked you to be my best man. Thanks for doing this for me.”
“You’re the closest thing I have to a brother. Of course I’m here for you.”
“What’s your deal anyway?”
Ray shook his head. “Ancient history. Too depressing for the occasion.”
Too depressing, period. He didn’t talk or think about those times.
A knock sounded at the door and Lauren’s assistant stuck her head in. “It’s time, gentlemen.”
“We’ll be right there,” Garrett assured her, and surged to his feet. He looked at Ray as he rose too. “Are you ready for this?”
Ray waved Garrett forward, then clapped him on the back when he passed. “Let’s get you hitched.”
Outside, Ray stood at his friend’s side in the shade of the gazebo as music filled the air and the bridal party started toward them. Nick Randall escorted his mother to the front row. As soon as they were seated, Lauren began her journey down the rose-strewn runner.
Ray couldn’t take his eyes off her. She wore a strapless, figure-hugging silver gown, showing her curves to sweet advantage. The fading sun gleamed in golden curls swept to one side, leaving one creamy shoulder bare. She grew more stunning the closer she got.
He completely missed the bride walking down the aisle as his gaze lingered on the maid of honor. Watching her, he remembered their first heated encounter in the laundry room of his home on Thanksgiving. Desire stirred.
Not wanting to embarrass himself, or his friend, he turned his attention—and his camera—to the ceremony. The officiate spoke, and then Garrett and Tori exchanged the poignant vows they’d written themselves. Weddings might make Ray itch, but as a film director he recognized powerful dialogue when he heard it.
He received the signal to hand over the rings. Garrett kissed his bride. The officiate introduced the couple as Mr. and Mrs. Black. And finally the time came for Ray to touch Lauren as they moved to follow the couple up the aisle in a reverse procession.
As before, she refused to look at him as he linked her arm around his.
“You look beautiful.” He laid his hand over hers and squeezed. Forget her decree. He wasn’t ready to let her go yet. Changing her mind was exactly the distraction he needed.
She bunched her fingers into a fist, but didn’t look at him.
“You girls outdid yourselves with the decorations.”
She rolled her amber eyes. “You could care less about the decorations.”
“Not true. As a director, I admire a well-organized scene.”
“I’m sure Tori will be glad you approve. It’s her vision.”
They reached the end of the aisle. Lauren immediately pulled free of him.
“Don’t wander off. We’ll be doing photos in a moment.”
“Yes,” he tossed out with droll humor. “I got a copy of the itinerary.”
That drew her gaze as she narrowed her eyes at him. “Behave.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “Where’s the fun in that?” He leaned close, inhaled her sweet scent—honeysuckle and soap—and whispered, “Meet me in the laundry room in twenty minutes.”
A blush added color to her rose-dusted cheeks. But, oh, such warm eyes weren’t meant to give off chills. Her hands went to her shapely hips, but before she could speak she was drawn into a hug as friends and family descended on the wedding party.
“You’re a piece of work,” she managed in an aside between greetings. “What about your date?”
“I’m stag tonight.” He shook hands and nodded as people stopped in front of him. In a short break between one guest and the next he sent her a sultry look over his shoulder. “There’s been no one since you.”
“What? I’m supposed to feel sorry for you?” She snorted, then had to paste on a smile when her grandmother gave her an odd look. “Spare me, please. You’re a world-class director. You could have a woman on your arm with the snap of your fingers.”
“I pine for you,” he said, and lifted Grandma Randall’s hand to his mouth to kiss her fingers. “So nice to meet you. It’s easy to see where Tori gets her beauty.”
The older woman twittered prettily and moved on.
“Flirt,” Lauren admonished him.
He grinned. “She loved it.”
“Only proves my point. You won’t be alone for long.”
“Come on—I barely know anyone.” There were a few film industry people here, but the biggest portion of guests was made up of Tori’s family and friends. “You’re maid of honor to my best man. We’re scripted to be together.”
“Hmm. You’ve spent half the time behind that camera. I don’t know why you need company at all.”
Implying he was lacking at his duties? Why did he allow her to get to him? Yes, she was lovely, but he’d dated some of the most gorgeous women in the world. She was a bit of a brat, and she constantly challenged his authority. But one whiff of her scent and he could think of only one thing: getting her alone.
The thinning crowd shifted, bumping Lauren into Ray. He grabbed her to keep her from toppling. His fingers framed her hips as he drew her close.
He lowered his head and kissed the vulnerable curve of her neck. “The laundry room door has a lock. We won’t be gone long.”
She melted against him. The corner of his mouth kicked up in satisfaction as he mentally tracked the fastest route to the utility room. They both had bedrooms inside, but the laundry room held sentimental value. Best of all, no one was likely to look for them there.
In the next instant she’d elbowed him in the gut and twisted from his grasp. “Hands off.”
He immediately held his hands up in a sign of surrender. He looked at her more closely. “Are you okay? You’re a little pale.”
She looked away. “I’m fine. I just choose not to let my hormones rule me today. It’s my sister’s wedding. I’m not going to steal away with you.”
Lauren’s assistant appeared, ushering the wedding party back to the gazebo.
“No one will miss us after the photos are done.”
“Just stop.” She planted a hand in the middle of his chest and lifted a pleading gaze to him.
He stepped back. “Pardon me.”
He’d never forced himself on a woman and he wouldn’t start now. If she didn’t care to act on the desire her standoffishness couldn’t completely disguise, he respected her decision. He’d only pursued her because she helped distract him from the wedding heebie-jeebies.
Shoulders back, he gestured her forward.
For the next twenty minutes he stood where instructed, smiled when told, and snapped his own shots when he wasn’t needed. Finally the photographer released the wedding party. He trekked to the reception with Lauren’s brother Nick.
They exchanged pleasantries. “How’s work?” Ray asked.
“Busy. I know I shouldn’t be happy about that.” Nick ran the trauma unit at a Palm Springs hospital. “But I prefer action to twiddling my thumbs. How about you? Is there a new film I should be looking forward to?”
“I wrapped up Gates of Peril in December. It’ll be out over the summer. I’m still in the planning stages of the next one.”
“I’m going to hold you to that invite to a premier you issued at Thanksgiving. Not only will I enjoy the movie, it’ll be serious chick points.”
Nick introduced Ray to more family and he got some nice group footage. Lauren had a large, fun family. Grandma Randall did like to flirt. She snagged his arm and showed him off. It made him think of his own family. He owed his grandmother a call. She had raised him from the age of ten, when his parents had died in an auto accident. Her birthday was this week.
Having delayed as long as possible, he wandered over to the head table. Along the way a curvy redhead caught his eye. She showed her interest with a come-hither gaze. He kept on walking. He already had all the woman he could handle tonight.
At the head table he slid into his seat next to Lauren. Tori’s parents sat on the other side of the happy couple. Unwilling to sit in uncomfortable silence for the duration of dinner, he turned on the charm.
He kept the conversation light and impersonal, which put Lauren at ease. Stories from the set were always entertaining, and he finally drew a laugh from his companion. It gave him almost as much satisfaction as when she had melted against him earlier.
She’d been overly tense all day. Probably from having to hand control over to her assistant. The woman was nothing if not bossy. The deejay announced the first dance: a waltz to When You Say Nothing At All. Tori and Garrett took the floor, and after a few minutes Ray led Lauren out to join them and pulled her into his arms.
“Close your eyes,” he bade her. “It’ll be over in a minute.”
She glanced at him through her lashes. “You’re being very nice.”
“Hey, I can take a hint when it slaps me in the chest.”
“I’m sorry.” She laid her head on his shoulder. “I’ve been such a brat.”
He tightened his arm around her waist. “No more than usual.”
She laughed. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
“Is it working?” He laid his cheek against the silk of her hair. “Should I brave another invitation to move indoors?”
She pulled her head back, eyed him speculatively. “To the laundry room? There are more comfortable rooms available inside, if you’re truly interested in tempting me.”
“Hey, I have fond memories of you in a laundry room.” He kissed a path to her ear. “Remember?”
She sighed. “I remember. It wasn’t one of my finest moments.”
“Oh, I disagree.” He twirled her and brought her back against him. “You were more than fine—you were extremely hot.”
“My parents were playing poker in another room!”
“You wild child, you.”
She grinned. “It was rather naughty.”
“Excellent.” Blood surged hot through his veins. “Let’s go.”
With her hand in his, he started off the dance floor.
“Stop.” She dug her heels in. “Fun as this is...” she waved between them “...there’s no future to it. I can’t keep dodging into closets with you.”
“Why not?”
“I’m a responsible adult. I have to think of...my reputation. Eventually someone is going to notice if we keep disappearing together.”
He scowled, positive that wasn’t what she’d been going to say. “Dynamite, this is Hollywood—being seen with me can only up your reputation.”
“Humble, much?” She shook her head. “Seriously, whatever was between us is over.”
He stood watching her walk away, appeased only slightly by the look of regret he’d seen in the depths of her eyes.
* * *
This night was never going to end. Lauren gathered empties and carried them to the tray near the bar. And turned to be confronted by the bride.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Nothing.” Lauren fought the urge to hide her hands behind her back. She waved them instead. “See? Nothing.”
“Uh-huh.” Tori grabbed one of her hands and drew it close as she wrapped her arm around Lauren’s. “Because it’s my day, I’ll pretend I didn’t see you clearing the tables.”
“Forgive me. Blame it on habit.”
“Only because I had to stop myself from doing the same thing twice.”
“Oh, that would never do.”
“That’s what Garrett said.”
As they neared the dance floor Lauren demanded, “Where are you taking me?”
“Here.” Tori drew her right into the middle of the dancers swaying to a soft ballad. “I’ve danced with all my favorite people today except one. You.”
Lauren’s stomach jolted at the idea of swirling to music even as her heart overflowed with joy. She stepped into her sister’s arms and hugged her close. If she moved slowly enough she’d be fine.
“Be happy,” she whispered. “More than anything, I hope for your happiness.”
“I am. Happier than I’ve ever been,” Tori assured her. “Garrett gets me.”
“And you get him. It’s why you click.”
“I want this for you.” Tori’s eyes glittered with happiness, with a need to share her bliss with the world. Her gaze flitted to the head table, where Garrett and his best man lounged back with a couple of beers. “Maybe you and Ray?”
“Oh, no.” Lauren automatically shook her head. “Sorry to disappoint, but that’s ancient history.”
“Why?” Tori challenged. “Because he causes you to act spontaneously? To have a little fun? I think he’s been good for you.”
“Good for me?” She laughed. Oh, he did wonderful things to her. But good for her? Not by a long shot. “Think about it. He’s a master manipulator.”
“He’s a director,” Tori reminded her. “It’s what he does, not who he is. He’s not Brad, Lauren. He’d never hurt you.”
Easy for Tori to say. Lauren would rather not risk it. Something told her Ray’s power to hurt would put Brad to shame.
“Ladies, you make such a pretty picture we had to come join you.” Garrett smoothly stepped between them and brought their linked hands to his mouth, where he kissed the back of Lauren’s fingers before twirling her around and passing her over to Ray.
Her world spun as he moved off with Tori.
“Hey.” Ray’s strong arms held her steady. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. No.” She leaned her forehead on his chest, prayed for her stomach to settle. No such luck. “I’m going to be sick.”
Lifting her skirts, she took off at a run. And, oh, goodness, she wasn’t going to make it. But then a hard arm curved around her back and swept her along. She reached the bathroom off the kitchen with no time to spare.
Ray held her hair while she emptied her stomach. She was mortified—and grateful. She wanted him to go but was also glad he was there.
“I’m so sorry.” She flushed and slowly lifted her head. Wait—why was she apologizing? It was his kid causing this inconvenience! A fact he was sure to catch on to with this display.
“No need to be. We’ve all had a tad too much bubbly at one point or another.” He pressed a damp cloth into her hands.
She lifted it to her face, reveled in the coolness. When she lowered the cloth he held a dripping bottle of water out to her. She gratefully accepted it.
“Oh, man, I could kiss you right now.”
He smiled and tucked a loose tendril behind her ear. “Sorry, Dynamite. All trips to the laundry room have been cancelled for the night.”
CHAPTER TWO (#ulink_41799bbb-a007-561f-aa65-debb5933553e)
A TRILL OF BEEPS sounded from Ray’s phone. And another, and another. He ignored them as he navigated the hill to his Malibu home. He’d skipped out on the post-wedding breakfast. With Garrett gone, Ray’s duties were done. No need for him to linger. Nope, he was happy to put all things wedding-related behind him.
Another beep. Sounded like media alerts. He guarded his privacy, so he liked to stay on top of his media exposure. Such as it was. Better, in his opinion, to be on top of an issue than blindsided by it. With that in mind he had an assistant producer set to tell him whenever his name appeared in the news. Being best man at a major Hollywood wedding—an outdoor wedding, at that—would probably have the darn thing beeping all day long.
Once he reached his place, he dumped his garment bag at the bottom of the stairs, set his camera case on the foyer table, and wandered into the living room. He aimed the remote at his sixty-inch TV and powered it up. He’d barely tuned in to a basketball game before his phone beeped again.
He picked it up and started flipping through the alerts. Just as he’d thought, most were about the wedding. Pictures were already plastered across the internet. Distant and grainy, most gave a sense of the event but the people were unrecognizable unless you knew who they were—which would suit millions of viewers just fine.
A few obviously came from within the event. Garrett would have a fit about that.
Ah, crud. Just his luck—one of the up close and personal shots was of him bent over Lauren, kissing her neck. The look on her face spoke of wistful desire. So she hadn’t been as indifferent as she’d pretended.
Too bad the knowledge wasn’t worth the hassle it would bring. The photo had already gone viral. And, yep, right on cue his phone rang. The ringtone, an Irish ditty, announced that his grandmother waited at the other end.
“Hello, Mamó. How are you on this bright winter morning?”
“What do you know of winter? I saw on the news it’s seventy degrees in Los Angeles. We’ve snow up to our knees. That’s winter.”
“I hope you aren’t shoveling the drive again? I hired someone to keep the drive and walk clear.”
“Wasted money.” Annoyance flashed down the line. “We don’t need it more than half the time.”
“That’s not the point.” His brows drew together. It wasn’t like Mamó to be grouchy. Thrifty, yes, but generally good-natured. He sought to distract her. “What do you have planned for your birthday?”
“Oh, they’re making a fuss and I don’t want it.”
“They” being his aunt Ellie and his cousin Kyla.
“Nothing special about being another year older when I have nothing to show for it.”
Knowing she meant great-grandkids, he dropped his head onto the back of the sofa. Lately she’d been more and more verbal about her desire for him to settle down and start a family.
“Are they taking you out to dinner?”
“No. They have a party planned at the community center. I keep telling them it’s a waste of space and time.”
“Everyone loves you, Mamó. I’m sure the place will be packed with your friends.”
“It is difficult these days. My friends like to crow about their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I have nothing to share.”
“Mamó...”
“I know you don’t want to hear this. But it is my life.”
He frowned over the despair in her voice. He’d never heard her so depressed.
“I’m sorry—”
“Stop.” A loud sigh blew in his ear. “Listen to me rant. Forgive an old woman her bitter babbling. I miss you, my boy. It would cheer me greatly if you could come to my party.”
“A visit?” he mused. He might be able to manage that. A trip would help him to put Lauren out of his mind again.
Goodness knew there were a few harrowing memories waiting there for him. Perhaps it was time to put them behind him.
“Yes.” Mamó showed a spark of life. “And you can bring your girlfriend with you.”
Uh-oh. “Girlfriend?”
“Yes. I saw all the pictures of the two of you on the internet. You look so handsome.” Her voice contained a world of excitement. “The two of you look just like a bride and groom yourselves.”
In her stunning silver dress Lauren had looked like a bride. He remembered the stutter of his heart when she had started down the aisle toward him. In the midst of a harrowing day, she’d been the ideal distraction.
Now that played against him, giving Mamó unrealistic hopes.
“She’s a lovely girl. I’m so excited to know you’re seeing someone. Say you’ll bring her.”
This was going downhill fast. Mamó was setting herself up for disappointment if she believed a future existed for him and Lauren. “Listen—”
“You can’t fool me. It’s clear in the pictures you care for her. Please, Ray?” Mamó beseeched. “You have to come and bring her with you. It’s my dearest wish. And this may be my last birthday.”
She was always saying things like that, but one of these days it would be true.
* * *
Comfortable in yoga pants and a cap-sleeved tee, Lauren sat on her beige sofa, feet kicked up on her ottoman coffee table, tea at her elbow, trying to focus on the mystery book she’d been saving for her vacation. Her mom, dad and brother had left for Palm Springs after breakfast, leaving Lauren free to head home and officially start her vacation.
With Tori taking two weeks off for her honeymoon, Lauren had decided to have a much needed break as well. She saw it as a great opportunity to let their new assistants take the lead on the two events scheduled for the coming week. The women had done a great job at the wedding and were ready for more responsibility.
Only a week off for Lauren, though. Hollywood’s premier awards ceremony aired on Sunday, and By Arrangement was hosting Obsidian Studios’ after-party.
The event represented a major goal for the company. Yes, Tori was now married to the owner, but Lauren took pride in the fact that By Arrangement had earned the contract before they’d got engaged. Their work for Obsidian at the Hollywood Hills Film Festival had become legendary.
For the past two months they’d been getting more work than they could handle. She’d gotten three new calls just this morning.
Much as she loved her family, Lauren had been glad to see them go. Being around her mom and not telling her about the baby had just felt wrong. But Lauren wasn’t ready to confess her condition yet. Not just because she wanted Tori to be there when she revealed the news, but because Lauren needed to get used to the idea herself.
Which also explained why she wasn’t ready to talk to Ray.
In a perfect world she wouldn’t have to talk to Ray at all. She could dismiss him as a sperm donor and go about her life raising her child as she pleased. Unfortunately she possessed too much integrity for that option. Plus her work and his crossed paths too often for a pregnancy to go unnoticed.
A knock at the door drew her brows together in a frown. She couldn’t think of a single person who might be calling. Setting her teacup on the ottoman, she made her way to the door. Where she caught sight of herself in the mirror over the hall table.
She skidded to a halt on the hardwood floor. She didn’t have a lick of make-up on. After a bout of morning sickness she’d scrubbed her face clean and changed into comfy clothes. She’d barely run a brush through her hair before throwing the mass into a ponytail. She looked like a slightly hungover sixteen-year-old.
With any luck it would be a Girl Scout selling cookies. Lauren could buy a box of chocolate mints and send the child away without too much embarrassment.
A glance through the peephole proved she wasn’t that lucky. Ray stood on the other side of the door. Geez, how did he even know where she lived?
Maybe if she didn’t answer he’d go away. As soon as that thought registered she reached for the doorknob. It smacked of cowardice—something she refused to allow.
“Hey,” Ray greeted her.
Of course he looked sensational, in black chinos and an olive lightweight knit shirt under a black leather jacket.
“Can I talk to you? It’s important.”
She’d bet her “important” beat his “important.” But she wasn’t ready to go there yet, so she really had nothing to say to him.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She blocked the door. “We pretty much said everything yesterday.”
“Not this. I have a job for you.”
Uh, no. “You’ll need to call the office. I’m on vacation.”
“I know.” He kissed her on the temple as he pushed past her. “That makes it perfect.”
Gritting her teeth, she followed him down the short hall to the open-plan living-room-kitchen combo. She had no doubt his “never take no for an answer” attitude had contributed greatly to his success as an award-winning director. On a personal front, she found it highly annoying.
“I don’t think it’s wise for us to work together at this time.” She lingered in the opening between the hall and living area, watching as he made himself comfortable on her overstuffed couch.
“No one else will do for this particular job,” he said, with such conviction it sparked her curiosity.
But she refused to be drawn in. She needed these next few days to herself, to re-evaluate and plan. To consider his part in her future.
“I’m sure that’s an exaggeration.”
“It’s not, actually.” He picked up her teacup and sniffed; he took a sip and nodded. “My grandmother’s birthday is this week.” He went to the kitchen and began opening cupboards until he found a mug. “I talked to her this morning. I’ve never heard her sound so down. All her friends are great-grandmothers and she’s pouting because she doesn’t have a baby to dandle on her knee.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Lauren took the mug from him and set it on the counter. “What does that have to do with me?”
“She asked me to come to her party. I’m hoping if I go it will cheer her up.”
“Good luck with that.” She did wish him luck, knowing how stubborn her grandmother could be when stuck on that topic. “I still don’t see how By Arrangement can be of assistance. We have no connections in New York. If we’d had more warning we could have put something together for you, but at this late date—”
“I don’t need your expertise as an event coordinator,” he broke in. “I need a date.”
She blinked at him; let her mind catch up with his words. “You want me to go to New York with you?”
“Yes. We leave tomorrow morning. I’ve already arranged the flight.”
Of course he had. She pointed toward the door. “Get out.”
“Lauren, I’m serious. I need your help.”
“You’re insane if you think I’m going to New York with you.”
“I don’t expect you to drop everything for nothing.” He treated her to his charming smile. “I want to hire you.”
The attempt at manipulation and the reminder that his request was a job offer only made the whole thing worse. Fortunately it had the benefit of reminding her he was a client and as such deserved a respectful response.
Drawing on her professional persona, she breathed deep, seeking calm. “As I already mentioned, I’m on vacation.”
“Name your price.” He would not be deterred. “I need you. Mamó saw that tabloid picture of us a couple of months ago, and now all the internet pictures of us at the wedding, and is excited about the idea of me having a girlfriend. All she wants for her birthday is for me to bring you with me.”
“I’m not comfortable with the idea of deceiving your grandmother. If that’s what you’re looking for I’m sure there are any number of actresses who would be pleased to help you.”
“It’s not like that.” He scowled. “It has to be you because you’re the one in the pictures and because we do have a relationship.”
“Did.” She corrected him. “We had a fling.” Calling their frantic rendezvous a relationship seemed a stretch. “It’s over.”
He stepped closer, played with the ends of her ponytail. “It doesn’t have to be. We could have fun on this trip.”
Gazing into his cheerful blue eyes, she experienced the irrational desire to lunge for what he offered. She didn’t think when she was in his arms—she just felt. An option that held huge appeal when her mind still whirled from the fact she was expecting his baby.
“No.” She spun out of his reach, crossed her arms in front of her—protecting herself, protecting their child. “We couldn’t. I told you, there’s no future for us. I like to be in the driver’s seat and so do you.”
“I don’t mind riding shotgun to a beautiful woman on occasion.”
“Liar.”
He laughed. “Okay, you got me. But we manage okay. What’s wrong with having a little fun?”
“It’s not me.” Which was true—even if there wasn’t a child to consider. “And I’m too busy. Don’t forget the awards are this weekend. We’re handling the Obsidian party.”
“But you’re on vacation. And we’ll be back by Saturday.”
“I prefer to be available in case the new assistants need help. And, believe me, I have things to keep me occupied.” Like planning a new future. Making an actual doctor’s appointment. Strategizing how she was going to handle him.
Ray stepped back, propped his hands on his hips. He appeared truly perplexed by her refusal. “Lauren, it’s my grandmother.”
Okay, he knew what button to push. She didn’t wish his grandmother ill. She actually admired his attempt to help the older woman. But she couldn’t let her sympathy lead her down a dangerous path.
“I’m sorry. She’s going to have to make do with you.”
“Right.” His blue eyes turned cold. He turned away. “Sorry to have bothered you.”
She closed her eyes rather than watch him walk away. A moment later she heard the front door close behind him.
* * *
Lauren’s conscience niggled her all morning and into the afternoon. For all his forceful charm and pre-planning ways, Ray had genuinely been concerned for his grandmother.
And, though they were no longer and never really had been seeing each other, the tabloid and internet pictures gave the appearance they had. Ray’s penchant for privacy—well known in Hollywood and no doubt by his family—only added credibility to his grandmother’s assumption.
But every time she considered changing her mind her heart raced and she remembered how insane his proposal was. If she agreed to go with him she’d be the unbalanced one. The man rode roughshod over everyone. Case in point: he had bought her airline ticket without even getting her agreement first.
So arrogant, so controlling... She shuddered. So not a good combination.
Except her life was now irrevocably linked to his. The trip to New York would present the perfect opportunity to see Ray in the midst of his family. What better way to learn what family meant to him? His concern for his grandmother was already an eye-opener. How could she refuse to help him and then expect to have a harmonious relationship going forward?
Simple—she couldn’t.
A child grew within her. Ray’s child. Mamó’s great-grandchild. Which meant Lauren had no choice but to go to New York.
She consoled herself with the knowledge that the trip would provide the perfect opportunity to tell him the news of their pending parenthood.
She hated making spur-of-the-moment decisions. She liked to plan, set goals, make lists. Order prevented chaos, allowed her to be prepared, in control. She hadn’t reached that point when it came to the baby. Or Ray.
If she was going to go to New York with him she wanted to lay down some ground rules.
Mind made up, she changed and drove to Ray’s hillside home in Malibu. It took close to an hour. She pulled in to his flagstone driveway and parked. He lived alone except for the middle-aged couple who took care of the house and gardens. Fred and Ethel lived in a small villa on the grounds.
Lauren smirked as always at the couple’s names. They were poignant reminders of home. You didn’t grow up in Palm Springs, rich with old Hollywood history, without being familiar with I Love Lucy.
She rang the doorbell, listened to it echo through the house. Given the size of the place, she gave it a few minutes before ringing again. Ray’s home took up four acres and consisted of five buildings: the four-thousand-square-foot main house, a multi-level garage with a heliport on top, a guest house, a pool house, and the caretakers’ villa. The grounds were terraced and included a tennis/basketball court, a pool, and two spas.
He also had top-of-the-line security with high-end electronic capabilities. Ray loved his gadgets. She didn’t look into the camera above the door, but she knew it was there.
She frowned and glanced at her watch. Maybe he was out. But if that were the case why had she been let in the front gate? Lauren had allowed plenty of time for someone to respond to the bell, which meant he was here and making her wait or he was refusing to acknowledge her.
Now who was the coward?
“What do you want?” His disembodied voice came from no discernible source.
“To talk to you,” she replied, keeping her gaze fixed on the ground. If he wanted to see her face he needed to open the door.
“I believe it was made clear there was nothing further to discuss between the two of us.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. This was why they weren’t compatible—the constant play for power. “I’m not having a conversation through a door.”
“What?” he mocked her. “Am I lacking graciousness as a host?”
“Fine.” She turned on her peep-toed heels. “Forget it.”
All the better for her. No awkward acting required in New York, and she’d made the attempt, so he couldn’t hold her earlier rejection against her.
The door opened at her back and a strong male hand wrapped around her upper arm. “Please come in.” He led her inside to the large, open living room. “I wouldn’t want you to come all this way and not state your business.”
She walked past him and took a seat on an oval suede sofa in rich beige. Shoot, an already difficult discussion had just got harder. Because he looked yummy. He wore the same pants and shirt he’d had on earlier, but he was sexily disheveled, with his sandy hair mussed up, the start of a five o’clock shadow, and bare feet.
When she didn’t answer he dropped into a chair across from her, knees spread, arms braced on muscular thighs.
She swallowed hard.
“No door, Dynamite.” He gave her his full attention. “What do you want? If you’ll remember, I have some packing to do.”
Seeking composure, she straightened her shoulders and crossed her hands over her purse in her lap. “I’ve reconsidered my earlier decision. I’m willing to help you with your grandmother.”
He considered her for a moment, his blue eyes assessing. “What’s it going to cost me?”
Annoyed at the mention of payment, she seared him with a glare.
“By Arrangement is an event-oriented business. We do not get involved in family dynamics. I would be doing this as a favor for a friend.”
Okay, that was stretching it. She’d be doing it to get to know her child’s father better.
“So now we’re friends?” He lifted one brown eyebrow.
She shrugged. She’d like to think they could be friends, but the chemistry between them made the ease of friendship a difficult prospect.
“The point is I’m willing to help. And it’s not going to cost you anything more than a few common courtesies.”
His eyes narrowed. “I knew there’d be something.”
“Just a few ground rules so we don’t get tripped up.”
He sat back. “Such as?”
“Well, to start with I think we need to be as truthful as possible.”
“Agreed.”
“It’ll be less complicated. And I prefer to be as honest as we can.”
“No argument. What’s next?”
“I want separate bedrooms.”
He cocked his head. “It’s my grandmother. I’m pretty sure that’s guaranteed.”
She relaxed a little. So far, so good. “No fostering false hope that our relationship will mature to the next level.”
“‘Mature to the next level?’” he repeated. “Who talks that way?”
“Nice.” Her shoulders went back. “You know what I mean.”
“Don’t get her hopes up that we’ll get married.” He frowned over the words. “You really don’t have to worry about that.”
“I’m not expecting a proposal.” A long-suffering sigh lifted her breasts, drawing his attention downward. How predictable. “I want you to promise you won’t let concern for your grandmother sway you into implying something you can’t deliver. She’ll only be hurt in the long run.”
“You can be assured I’m not going to do anything to hurt Mamó.”
Uh-huh. She believed his love and concern were genuine. But she also knew his penchant for control, and that he had a compulsive need to fix things. She easily saw one emotion feeding into the other.
“The last is no unnecessary touching.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “You’ve got to be kidding. The point is that we’re a couple. How do we portray intimacy without touching?”
She understood his confusion. The man was very tactile—he couldn’t not touch...things, materials, people.
“I didn’t say no touching. Of course there will need to be public displays of affection. But you’re a master director, brilliant at evoking emotion. I’m sure you can manage with the minimum of physical contact.”
“So PDAs are okay?” His gaze ran over her as his mind connected the dots. He was to keep his hands to himself in private. “So businesslike. I thought you were doing this as a friendly gesture. Why so strict?”
How to answer that? The baby motivated her to help him, because she needed to maintain a position of power. But that wasn’t the only reason. Before she’d known about the baby she’d fought her desires because they turned her into someone she wasn’t. Reckless, abandoned, acquiescent.
She’d subjugated her will to a man once before. It had changed who she was—a mistake she’d never make again.
She considered telling him about the baby—just putting it out there. But, no. He was already dealing with a distressed grandmother. It wouldn’t be fair to drop the baby news on him, too.
“I’ve put what was between us behind me. Yet there’s no denying the sexual chemistry between us.” She gave him the lesser truth. “I don’t want to jeopardize the progress I’ve made. This is a deal-breaker, Ray.”
“Okay, you win.” He threw his hands up in surrender. “I promise to keep my hands to myself.”
She knew she’d have to remind him of his pledge, but it would do for now.
“When is our flight?”
* * *
The limousine pulled to a stop in front of Lauren’s home and Ray stepped out. He knew she co-owned the bungalow-style duplex along with her sister. The arrangement allowed the twins the proximity they enjoyed, yet gave each of them their privacy. Perfect for sisters who were both friends and partners, or so she’d told him.
Of course that would all change now Tori had married Garrett. Would the twins keep the property and rent out Tori’s side? Or would they sell, leaving Lauren to find a new home?
In a flash he saw her at his place, bringing order to his chaos, watching daily edits with him in the media room, claiming the gaming loft as her home office.
He froze with his hand poised to knock.
His head shook along with a full-body shudder. Must be residual fallout from the wedding. His overactive imagination tweaking on domestic bliss overload.
He knocked. He still puzzled over why Lauren had changed her mind and agreed to accompany him to New York. Nothing really made sense except that family mattered to her.
He’d seen that first-hand last Thanksgiving, when he’d learned that Garrett was spending the day alone, with nothing to occupy him but memories of his father’s passing and the shattering of his own body in a car accident the previous year.
Of course Ray had invited his buddy over for Thanksgiving dinner, and then made an emergency call to Lauren to see if By Arrangement could pull off a miracle.
She’d been about to sit down to dinner with her family, but had named a couple of restaurants he could try. He’d cut her off to invite her family to join him and Garrett. The home-cooked deal had appealed to Ray, and additional people would help to distract Garrett.
And, of course, thinking of Thanksgiving brought back memories of their laundry room tryst.
Luckily the front door opened, keeping him from remembering the details of their heated session on the washing machine.
“Good morning.” Lauren came out, pulling a small suitcase. “Can you grab the garment bag?” She motioned to the blue bag hanging over the hall closet.
He stepped inside and grabbed it. “Just the two bags?”
“You don’t have to be sarcastic.” She glanced at her luggage with a frown. “I know it’s a lot for a week, but you didn’t mention anything except your grandmother’s birthday so I have to be prepared for anything.”
“I wasn’t being sarcastic.” He handed her bag to the driver, who also took the roller bag, then held the back door for her. “If you’re prepared for anything I’m surprised you don’t have twice as many bags.”
She gave a small smile and slid across the seat. Her jacket dragged on the seat behind her and he swept it out of the way as he slid in after her.
“Is this your heaviest jacket?” He fingered the fleece-lined raincoat. “The forecast in Queens is for snow.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” She pulled the fabric free and tossed the coat over her purse on the other side of her.
“Fine for Southern California is not the same as fine for New York. You’ll freeze if that’s all you take.” The car pulled away from the curb. “I’ll have the driver swing by Rodeo Drive.”
He reached for the intercom. Her hand intercepted his, pushing it down.
“Forget it. I’m not buying a coat I’ll only wear for a week.”
She quickly retracted her touch. The woman did like her rules.
“I brought sweaters and a warm scarf. I’ll be fine.”
He snorted. “Let me know when you change your mind.”
She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Why? So you can say, I told you so?”
“So I can take you shopping.” He trained his gaze on the muted TV monitor across the way. “The I told you so will be strictly implied.”
Out of the corner of his eye he caught her grin. He relaxed back into his seat. The trip might not be the total cluster bash he feared.
“Please. Hold your breath,” she advised, all sweetness and light.
He turned to address her sass, only to stop when she pressed a hand to her stomach. A glance at her face revealed she’d lost all the color in her cheeks. Concern tightened his chest.
“Lauren, what is it?”
She sat very still, slowly drawing in a deep breath. “I wasn’t ready for that last turn. It sent my stomach spinning.”
“What can I do?”
“Can you lower the partition?” She swallowed repeatedly. “I think it will help if I can see where we’re going.”
He picked up the remote and did as she’d asked. The additional light showed her color was returning. “If you’re not feeling well we can delay our flight for a day.”
“That won’t be necessary.” She dug in her purse and pulled out a dry protein bar. “I should have eaten something earlier. I’ll be all right once I have a couple of bites.” She looked at him oddly. “You’re awfully cavalier about our departure time.”
“It’s not a commercial flight. I called a friend and he’s agreed to lend me his jet. Barring emergencies, it’s at my disposal for the next week.”
“Must be nice.” She closed her eyes and leaned her head back as she chewed. Her hand lingered over her stomach.
“Rest.” He ran a knuckle down her cheek. “I’ll let you know when we get to the airport.”
Instead of flinching away, she leaned into his touch. After another sweep of her silky skin he left her to rest. He took heart from the exchange. If she could take comfort from him, the connection between them wasn’t entirely extinguished.
Strong enough, he hoped, to convince his family for a week.
And maybe to allow for one more hook-up?
Because Lauren might see them as over, but he wasn’t doing well with the whole cold turkey approach. He watched the soft rise and fall of her breasts and struggled with the desire to pull her into his arms.
No, his feelings about their relationship didn’t match hers at all. Sure, he believed in keeping things short and light, but he usually called the where and when.
And when he looked at her he saw unfinished business.
CHAPTER THREE (#ulink_2c61b60e-4c1b-58a8-a4ae-6b3e10576ee7)
LAUREN ACCEPTED RAY’S suggestion to rest as an opportunity to avoid conversation for the rest of their trip to the airport. She shrugged out of the brown cropped jacket she wore over a cream sweater and jeans, then settled back against the seat and watched the road through the veil of her lashes.
Thank goodness seeing where they were headed had helped to calm her queasy stomach.
One thing was for certain. She needed to get this morning sickness under control or she’d be making explanations before she was ready. Ray was too intelligent not to put the pieces together with them living in each other’s pockets.
And then there was his grandmother, aunt and cousin. Hopefully they’d be too caught up in Ray’s visit and Mamó’s birthday to pay much attention to her.
At the airport they departed from the commuter terminal. Expedited VIP service streamlined their boarding process and within minutes she climbed the steps to a mid-sized jet. The scent of fine leather hit her as soon as she entered the plane. Fortunately the baby had no objection to the smell.
Lauren made her way down the aisle between half a dozen armchair-style seats in creamy beige. The second half of the cabin contained two face-to-face couches of the same color in a soft ultra-suede fabric. At the end a door stood open on a full-sized restroom.
Just wow. This was totally going to spoil her for flying coach.
Pretending a sophistication she didn’t feel, she turned to Ray. “Where do I sit?”
“Wherever you want.” He indicated two armchairs facing each other. “Why don’t we start here? I asked the attendant to bring you some tea once we’re in the air. She’ll also bring you something to eat. Do you want eggs and bacon? Bagels or muffins? Fruit?”
“I don’t care for anything right now.” She sank into the chair next to the window.
“A few bites of protein bar aren’t much,” he protested. “You need something more.”
“Welcome aboard.” The attendant, an attractive brunette in a gray pantsuit, appeared at her elbow. “My name is Julie. I’ll be serving you today. If you need anything you can call me via the remote, or just push this button.” She showed Lauren on her armrest. “I’ll bring tea when we’ve reached cruising altitude. What more would you like?”
“Nothing for—”
“Thank you, Julie.” Ray cut Lauren off. “Please bring a selection of bagels, fruit, and yogurt.”
Lauren slammed him with a glare at his arrogant disregard for her wishes. She should know if she was hungry.
“May I take your things?” Julie offered. “There’s a closet at the front of the cabin. You’ll have full access during the flight.”
Lauren handed off her purse and coat. She waited until the other woman had disappeared before addressing Ray.
“If you hope to get along on this trip you will refrain from treating me like a child.”
“Then don’t behave like one.”
His gaze roved over her. She felt the weight of it everywhere it touched.
“You’re still pale. Food helped in the car. I can only assume it would be better if you had something more. It would please me if you ate. But the choice is yours.”
She gritted her teeth. To argue further would only make her sound petty.
Luckily the pilot’s voice filled the cabin. “Please fasten your seatbelts. We’ll be departing momentarily.”
Avoiding Ray’s gaze, she glanced out the window as the plane began to move. His reasonableness did nothing to appease her. In fact it only annoyed her, putting her in the position of being unreasonable—an intolerable situation, which was totally his fault.
It would please him if she ate? Seriously?
Right this minute she felt fine. She hoped to stay that way through takeoff. And the thought of food...? Not helping.
As a view of the airport, planes, and air traffic personnel flowed by the porthole window she marveled once again at her current circumstances. The only explanation she could come up with was she must have royally ticked off Lady Karma in another life, because she should not be pregnant.
She’d started on the pill. Ray had worn condoms. Yeah, they’d been frantic for each other, but they’d also been responsible. Okay, there had been that once when the condom broke. Yet—hello?—still on the pill. Sure, her doctor had warned her that it took time for the body to adjust, but it had been a month. Well, almost.
The force of takeoff pushed her back in her seat as the plane began to rise. Her fingers curled into fists on the armrests, her nails digging into the soft leather. She closed her eyes, willed her stomach to behave.
“Are you okay?”
Ray’s voice sounded next to her ear at the same time as a warm hand settled over her clenched fingers.
Her eyes flew open. When had he moved next to her?
More to the point, when had his touch become an instant soother?
It had to be the distraction, her logical mind asserted, but she didn’t care. She turned her hand over, threaded her fingers through his and accepted the warmth and comfort he freely offered.
Tension eased away, taking the rising nausea with it.
“Thank you.” She gave him a feeble smile.
“Nervous flyer?” he sympathized.
“Mmm...” She made a noncommittal sound. Poor guy. Her hormones were all over the place, her emotions likewise. Talk about mixed signals. She didn’t know how she felt—how could he begin to guess?
“Not usually.” She made an effort to participate in the conversation, hoping the resulting distraction would continue to work on her mind and stomach. “I guess I’m nervous about the whole trip. We haven’t truly discussed how we’re going to handle things. I’m not comfortable lying to your grandmother.”
“Me neither,” he said. “So we don’t lie.”
Eying his stoic expression, she felt the muscles in her shoulders begin to tense again. “If you’re suggesting—”
“I’m not.” He squeezed her fingers. “We’re friends. At least I hope you consider me a friend. That’s what we put out there.”
Because his touch felt too good, she pulled her hand free of his. On another level she noticed the plane had leveled out. “But everyone has an expectation there’s more between us.”
“Exactly. We’ll just be ourselves and they’ll see what they want to see.”
She tapped her fingers on the armrest as she considered his approach. “Still seems a little artificial.”
“The power of illusion comes from a collective awareness. People believe what they want to believe. Directors use viewer expectations as a tool to manipulate the audience’s emotions all the time. It doesn’t make what they feel any less real.”
“Do you hear the words you’re using? Manipulate...audience. This is your family we’re talking about, not a theater full of moviegoers.”
She understood the concept he presented, and, yes, she expected it would work as well as he stated. The truth worked for her. Leaving his family with preconceived notions that went well beyond reality was more iffy.
“Look.” His gaze earnest, he picked up her hand, swept his thumb over the pulse at her wrist. “I know the girlfriend front isn’t ideal. Ordinarily I wouldn’t even consider it. But you have no idea how upset my grandmother sounded.” Concern darkened his eyes to a soft azure. “If this plan lifts her spirits, it’s worth a little discomfort on my part.”
“Okay,” she agreed. And again removed her hand from under his. Bottom line: his concern was genuine. And, if she were honest, it wasn’t as if she and Tori hadn’t occasionally manufactured events to gain their mother’s cooperation to get something they wanted.
His family—his call. She’d agreed to come, so she’d do as he wished.
“Teatime.”
Julie had arrived with a cart. She reached past them to pull a table from a wall slot, trapping Lauren next to Ray. The sudden intimacy suffocated her. She wanted to protest. Of course she didn’t.
She was too strong to give in to weakness, too smart to reveal it to the opposition.
Onto the table Julie slid a tray, artfully displaying an array of bagels, both toasted and non-toasted, along with a healthy heaping of cream cheese, butter, and jellies. There were containers of yogurt and a lovely selection of fresh fruit. Next came steaming pots of hot water and a small basket of teas.
A midsized plate and linen-wrapped silverware were placed in front of each of them. “May I serve you?” Julie asked.
“We’ll help ourselves, thank you.” Ray’s charming smile caused the poised woman to blush.
“Please buzz me if you require anything more,” she bade them, and then disappeared to her niche in the front of the plane.
Lauren waited for her stomach to revolt. When it didn’t she reached for the basket of teas, chose a soothing decaffeinated blend and steeped it in one of the pots. When it looked the right color, she poured the brew into a delicate teacup.
Ray slathered cream cheese on a cinnamon bagel and slid melon, pineapple chunks and a few blackberries on his plate.
“Can I fix you anything?” he asked, after she’d taken her first sip.
“Perhaps half a plain bagel, with a light spread of cream cheese.”
He nodded and a moment later placed it on her plate. She cut it into quarters and picked up a corner to nibble on.
“You know, I’m all for sticking to the truth and all...” She set her cup back in its saucer. “But the details are still going to be a bit sketchy. You do realize we’ve never been on an actual date?” She stabbed at a plump berry on his plate and ate it.
His eyes narrowed in thought. He reached for a carton of peach yogurt, opened it and scooped in a few berries. He took a couple of bites before pointing his spoon at her.
“We’ve kept a low profile.”
Her brows lifted. “You’re a little too good at this.”
He grinned and offered her the yogurt carton. “I’m a director. It’s my job to invent and interpret.”
“Convenient.” Not even thinking about it, she accepted the yogurt.
The flavors, peach and blackberry, exploded in her mouth. A few more bites finished it off. She sighed. A glance at her plate revealed he’d gotten his wish. She’d eaten all her bagel plus fruit and his yogurt. And she felt great. More energized than she had in forever.
“Finally you’ve a little color in your cheeks.”
She gave him a cool glance. “Saying I told you so is unbecoming.”
He shook his sandy head. “I’m just glad you’re feeling better.”
“Thanks.” What else could she say without sounding petty? To his credit, he appeared sincere.
To break the moment she pushed the button on her armrest. Julie appeared within moments to clear the table. But all too soon she and Ray were alone again. It was all she could do not to twitch in her seat. How to get him to move away?
Turned out she didn’t have to do anything. Phone in hand, he stood up.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have some calls to make?”
She nodded and he moved across the aisle and up to another row of seats. Able to breathe freely, she refused to acknowledge she missed the heat and comfort of his proximity. Some alone time to think was exactly what she needed. She felt the best she had in days—make that weeks.
Maybe she’d actually be able to concentrate and come up with a course of action for this abrupt change in her carefully crafted life plan. So far she hadn’t quite been able to wrap her mind around the enormity of the fact she carried a child within her. And that kept her from making sense out of the chaos in her head.
Which left her feeling out of control and desperate to get her life back.
Panicked, really.
The last time she’d given up control, she’d lost a part of her soul.
Lauren couldn’t go through that again—especially when she had a child to think of. She required her lists, her goals, her plans. She craved order, needed to be in charge. Only then could she cope.
She stared unseeing out the window.
Some things were obvious. Once Tori returned Lauren would tell her family. She would continue to work. She would tell Ray. It all sounded simple and straightforward. It couldn’t be more complex.
Even telling her family. Sure, they would love and support her. She had no doubt of that. But there’d also be disappointment and concern. And questions. Personal questions, not easy to answer.
Continuing to work would require compromise and sacrifice. Deciding between daycare and a nanny was only one decision to be made requiring careful research. She also needed to consider housing—whether to sell the duplex and move to a bigger place in a family-friendly area. It didn’t need to be done now, but it was already on her mind. A part of the mix keeping her from finding the necessary peace to deal with everything.
Telling Ray. Yeah, she’d been playing ostrich there. She knew she had to give him the news. Yet the where and when were still questions. She had no idea how to approach him, but she did know it wouldn’t be before this deal with his grandmother played out.
It wouldn’t be fair to distract him at this time.
And, truly, everything else hinged on his reaction. Any plans she conceived were contingent on how involved he’d want to be.
Her stomach roiled. The realization threatened the scant control she’d managed to muster.
She drew out her phone and powered it up. She had a couple of her own calls to make.
* * *
About forty minutes before they were scheduled to land Ray roused Lauren. Halfway through the trip she’d stretched out on one of the couches and slid into a solid sleep. She hadn’t moved an eyelash when he’d dropped a blanket over her and stuffed a pillow under her head.
She was slow to awaken. He had no idea if that was natural or not, as they’d never actually slept together. He tended not to sleep with the women in his life. Too messy.
How fragile she looked. He traced the shadows under the fan of her lashes. She said she wasn’t sick, yet she was tired and pale and a couple of times he’d caught an expression on her face that made him think she might be fighting off nausea. Perhaps it was the aftereffects of stress. Handling her sister’s wedding during Hollywood’s biggest party season must have been a challenge, even for a pro like her.
She was such a strong woman—quick and intelligent and in control—he tended to overlook the fact she was quite delicate.
“Lauren.” He ran his hand up her arm, gave her shoulder a gentle shake. “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.”
“Hmm?” She sighed and shifted onto her side. “Ga-way.”
He grinned. “No, I’m not going away.” Leaning over her, he pressed his lips to hers. “But I’ll join you if you’d like.” That ought to wake her up.
“Ray...” Her lips opened under his and an arm snaked around his neck, pulling him close.
The action put him off balance. He went down on one knee to keep from tumbling on top of her. He’d happily follow up on his offer to join her on the couch as soon as he knew her mind was as engaged as her body.
Meantime, he sank into the kiss.
Instantly the chemistry ignited between them. Angling his head, he slid his tongue past her lips to taste the honey of her mouth. Her sleepy response seduced him into a slow, deep exploration. The meandering journey pulled them down a path not yet taken. The softness of the moment was different but every bit as hot as their bolder encounters.
She sighed and shifted fully onto her back. The drag of her fingers through his hair was a dreamy caress, a subtle demand for more, for longer, for slow and sensual. He willingly set the pace, lingering over each touch, each taste, each smell, satiating all his senses. Her breath sighed over his cheek and he took satisfaction in each little moue and gasp.
Never had he burned for a woman like he did for her. And she was right there with him, her responsiveness inspiring him to new depths.
The gradual, sultry building of passion urged him to tenderness, to lengthy kisses and gentle insistence. He worked his hand under her sweater and glided up her silky skin, seeking the bounty of her breast.
She suddenly went very still and her hand came down on his, effectively pushing the stop button on his attempt to move their embrace to the next step.
“Not a good idea,” she mumbled in a sleep-husky voice.
He groaned and tested her resolve, sweeping his thumb across the warm flesh of her stomach. She gasped and tightened her hold, but the knit of her sweater separating her grasp from his was a thin barrier to his persistence.
“Shh, Dynamite,” he whispered against her lips, “you’re dreaming.”
“Liar.” Her lips lifted in a smile under his and then she turned her head aside. “My body is too alive for me to be asleep.” She pulled his hand free of her clothes. “We agreed no touching.”
“You started it, wrapping yourself all around me.” He kissed a path up her jawline to whisper in her ear. “Let me finish it. We can start the no touching when we get to New York.”
She moaned deep in her throat—a sound he took to mean she was tempted, if the look in her golden eyes meant anything.
“Uh-uh.” She planted both hands on his chest and pushed. “I did not start it. You kissed me first. When I had no resistance. Unfair, Ray.”
He let her up, slid onto the couch next to her when she pushed into a sitting position. “Spoilsport.”
An arch glare came his way. “Really?”
The show of ire along with her mussed hair and just-kissed lips was too sexy for words. Made him want to take up where they had left off. Forget about apologizing. Besides, he still maintained she’d started it. His had been a mere peck on the lips; she had taken it to the next level.
Not waiting for a response, she rolled her eyes, then glanced back at him. “Why did you wake me?”
He checked his watch—much safer than contemplating her. “In ten minutes we begin our descent. I thought you’d like to freshen up before we buckle up.”
“Oh. I would, thanks.” She made her escape.
While she did her thing he went through his email and texts. The car service he used in New York advised that a driver was waiting. His meeting with the mayor was confirmed. And Mamó couldn’t wait to see him.
With a sigh he slipped the phone into his pocket. This trip was long overdue. Sure, he saw his family regularly, stopping off in New York or flying them to him two or three times a year. But he rarely went back to the old neighborhood. Certainly not for any length of time. Too many memories he’d rather not deal with.
Lauren came back, looking as calm and fresh as when she’d first boarded the plane. Something he envied, considering he still ached from their recent bout of passion. He earned another glare when he settled in the seat next to hers, and those luscious lips opened ready to protest, but the pilot came on, demanding they buckle up.
The landing went well and soon Ray saw Lauren seated into a sleek black town car. She promptly slid to the far side of the bench seat, leaving at least a foot between them, and pulled out her tablet, effectively shutting him out. Within a few minutes they were swallowed by the late-afternoon traffic headed through the borough of Queens to Queens Village.
His grandmother lived in a two-family, two-story pitched-roof house on a postage-stamp-sized lot. He’d tried to upgrade her to a bigger house on a larger lot in a better area, but she refused to move. She’d lived in her house since she’d moved in as a bride and intended to stay until the day she died. Rather than argue, he’d paid off the mortgage, bought out the neighbors so his aunt could move in, and made sure the house remained sound and safe.
“We’re here,” he said as the pale gray building with its white filigree fence came into view.
Lauren leaned close to look out the window. “Quaint house.”
He explained his attempt to relocate her. “I told you she was stubborn.”
Cars overflowed the driveway and street, forcing the driver to double park. Ray stepped out and turned to help Lauren. Leaving the driver to bring their bags, Ray threaded their fingers together, more for his benefit than hers, and climbed the brick stairs to the front door. It flew open before his knuckles connected with the wood.
“Ray!” Aunt Ellie pushed open the screen and pulled him into a big hug. “It’s so good to see you. Come inside.” She stepped back, dragging him with her, and by extension Lauren. “Everyone—Ray is here.”
Pandemonium broke out. Women of all ages launched themselves at him. He barely recognized most of them but he hugged them anyway, one-armed. Because he was not letting go of Lauren. Behind him he heard her fielding greetings.
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