Seducing The Heiress
Martha Kennerson
Marry in haste, seduce at leisureFriends who flirt—that’s corporate attorney Farrah Blake and high-tech security expert Robert Gold. Farrah, second of the wealthy Blake triplets, has no intention of acting on her attraction to the notorious bachelor. Until a business trip to Sin City turns into a wild and wanton weekend that leaves her with an unforgettable souvenir: a wedding ring!Robert has made his share of romantic mistakes, but marrying the gorgeous, no-nonsense Farrah isn’t one of them. Though he reluctantly agrees to her divorce request, he’s hoping to change her mind. Trouble is, he’ll have to deceive her in order to do it. And though all’s fair in love and Vegas, gambling with the truth could cost Robert a love he’s willing to stake his heart on…
Marry in haste, seduce at leisure
Friends who flirt—that’s corporate attorney Farrah Blake and high-tech security expert Robert Gold. Farrah, second of the wealthy Blake triplets, has no intention of acting on her attraction to the notorious bachelor. Until a business trip to Sin City turns into a wild and wanton weekend that leaves her with an unforgettable souvenir: a wedding ring!
Robert has made his share of romantic mistakes, but marrying the gorgeous, no-nonsense Farrah isn’t one of them. Though he reluctantly agrees to her divorce request, he’s hoping to change her mind. Trouble is, he’ll have to deceive her in order to do it. And though all’s fair in love and Vegas, gambling with the truth could cost Robert a love he’s willing to stake his heart on...
“Don’t even think about it,” Farrah said, clearly reading his intentions as she slowly backed away from him.
“Too late,” Robert replied, backing her up against the elevator’s wall. He placed his hands on both sides of her face, lowered his head and greedily took her mouth, as though everything in the kiss mattered to him, as though she mattered to him.
Farrah grabbed his shoulders and returned his kiss with just as much vigor. Robert managed to fight through the sexual haze and remember that this particular elevator wasn’t private. Robert slowly released her mouth and stepped away from her. He was breathing hard and his sex was begging for release.
They stared at each other for several moments. Farrah raised her hand and placed her fingers across her swollen lips, which were quickly followed by her tongue.
“Damn it!” Robert started to step back to Farrah only to be stopped by the halt of the elevator. The doors opened and two men dressed in expensive-looking suits entered.
Robert stepped back and crossed his hands low in front of him, doing his best to hide the evidence of his desire.
Dear Reader (#ulink_df57a77b-f564-50a6-af98-8d24401d7d63),
When I sat down and penned the first book in the Blake Sisters’ series, I knew the story I wanted to tell. When the time came to write the second book in the series, the story took on a life of its own. The characters you’ll meet are fun, sexy and determined to win...no matter what.
As a diehard fan of Mills & Boon romance books, I enjoy reading and writing stories that combine intrigue and a little deception in pursuit of romance. In Seducing the Heiress, Farrah and Robert fight an unknown enemy who is out to destroy their company, while trying to deny their intense passion for each other. The length that one of them takes to get what they want makes this game of cat and mouse a thrilling ride.
I thoroughly enjoy interacting with readers, so please let me know how you enjoyed Farrah and Robert’s story. You can contact me on Facebook or Twitter. I look forward to bringing you Felicia Blake, the youngest sister’s story, very soon.
Until next time,
Martha
Seducing the Heiress
Martha Kennerson
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
MARTHA KENNERSON’s love of reading and writing is a significant part of who she is, and she uses both to create the kinds of stories that touch your heart. Martha lives with her family in League City, Texas, and believes her current blessings are only matched by the struggle it took to achieve such happiness. To find out more about Martha and her journey, check out her website at marthakennerson.com (http://www.marthakennerson.com).
This book is dedicated to the Macro Literary All-Stars (M-LAS), my writing support group. You’re all amazing at what you do and I’m happy we’re taking this journey together.
Acknowledgments (#ulink_22283c74-9559-5f3e-ba07-116eb7604a44)
I’d like to thank my King for putting romance in my heart on a daily basis. Love you, baby.
Contents
Cover (#ufb57131c-1eb3-5724-af50-d34707e7f825)
Back Cover Text (#u0addfe47-addc-5f23-a32b-2b35c43b6056)
Introduction (#u241939e7-2212-557b-ad1b-6e742d1365c8)
Dear Reader (#ulink_e3b99043-a1e3-521a-891d-03050aab544e)
Title Page (#ub7de4ca0-3b38-5db2-a82f-45e60dc66311)
About the Author (#u3b7bdb3e-b31d-5695-afb1-b0fd9eb797a5)
Dedication (#u0660744f-f10e-5e54-bd32-ba085346f013)
Acknowledgments (#ulink_4bec5775-8d73-51e4-a7a3-76ddc2aa4f2a)
Prologue (#ulink_b35f356b-856d-5ad6-ab6c-a56fdc152aed)
Chapter 1 (#ulink_062a83a9-422a-5f91-a11a-1f889c1aeded)
Chapter 2 (#ulink_3bfbb663-0754-59cd-9bdb-cab4c0860442)
Chapter 3 (#ulink_35f11a09-dd1b-5ba5-87fc-f2fe737ca787)
Chapter 4 (#ulink_32b70a8d-7e06-512e-882c-8bd890cfd469)
Chapter 5 (#ulink_0794e108-9565-5ccf-8a08-95b252c8d7e0)
Chapter 6 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 7 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 8 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 9 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 16 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 17 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 18 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 19 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 20 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 21 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 22 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 23 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 24 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 25 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 26 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 27 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 28 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 29 (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
Prologue (#ulink_89bc869a-240e-5ee9-aa53-f2d940214325)
Farrah sat with her back against the tall white-pillowed headboard, holding the sheet to her chest with her right hand as she stared down at the diamond wedding band on her left hand.
“Unbelievable. I can’t believe we did it... We actually did it.”
“Which part?” Robert asked as he leaned over and kissed Farrah on an exposed shoulder, moving his way up her neck as he reached for the sheet. “Everything we did in the shower, or what you did to me on that mini-sofa thing by the window—that was my favorite, actually.”
Farrah swatted Robert’s hand away. “It’s a settee, and that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the fact that we’re married.”
“Oh, that,” he said nonchalantly as his hand made its way under the cover, down her stomach and in between her thighs where he started stroking her core.
“Umm...yes...there...yes. Oh, no, you don’t,” she said, pushing his hand away and jumping out of the bed, wrapping the sheet around her body.
“Come back to bed, baby.”
“No!” Farrah stared down at Robert’s naked, erect body lying across the bed. “And I’d appreciate it if you put some clothes on so we can talk.”
Robert sighed but complied. He reached for one of the plush white robes offered by the upscale hotel and wrapped it around his tall, muscular frame. “Better?”
“Much. We have to figure out how this even happened.”
“We lost a bet and had to perform a dare.”
“No, you lost the bet. Who asks for a hit while holding seventeen?” she questioned, tightening the sheet around her when she noticed his gaze lingered on one particular part of her anatomy.
“I was feeling lucky.” Robert stood with his hands in the pockets, smiling down at Farrah. “I just knew that next card was a four. Anyway, Berkeley’s your friend. Daring us to get married was her idea. Why would she do that?”
Farrah used her free hand to cover her face and shook her head. She sighed and dropped her hand. “When we were in law school, we made a bet about which one of us would marry first. You have to understand, we were both so ambitious...determined not to let anything or anyone stand in our way or prevent us from reaching our goals. Then we both fell in love, but ultimately got our hearts broken by those guys. So we made that bet—while we were both still nursing those broken hearts, mind you—as sort of a reminder. We were determined never to fall in love again and to focus only on our careers. When we finally started dating again, I guess we both figured that the other would give in first. It looks like she figured out a way to finally win the bet with this dare.”
“That’s a long time to hang on to a bet,” Robert teased.
“We’re lawyers. We don’t forget anything, and we certainly never just let stuff go,” she explained.
“You didn’t have to go through with it, you know.”
“Neither did you,” she whispered, staring up into his eyes. He wet his lips, causing Farrah’s nipples to harden against the sheet and creating a sensual pulsation at her core. They’d made love all night and all morning...and yet she still wanted more. “Besides, we were drunk. I didn’t think they’d really marry us.”
“This is Vegas. The home of quickie weddings. You signed the marriage license, I signed it, and that’s all they needed.” Robert pulled Farrah into his arms. “Why don’t you let me take my beautiful wife out to lunch?”
Farrah’s eyes widened slightly. “You know we can’t stay married, right?” she asked, holding his gaze. “We have to get this taken care of before we return home Monday.”
Robert’s expression flowed from astonishment to revelation and finally determination. “Well, if all I’ve got is two days...” Robert dropped his robe and pulled the sheet from Farrah’s body. “We’ll order room service. I’m going to enjoy every bit of you while I can...and often.”
Chapter 1 (#ulink_8e363c14-f2b1-562d-a521-c81628677729)
Farrah Blake completed her third conference call of the morning and was putting her phone away as she exited the elevator onto the twenty-first floor when she ran into the back of a tall, large male frame with a firm backside.
The second born of the highly accomplished Blake triplets, she held the position of corporate attorney and partner in her family’s multibillion dollar international firm, which specialized in both corporate and personal security. “Excuse me,” Farrah cried, stumbling back a couple of feet.
“No problem,” a familiar baritone voice replied.
“Robert...” she said breathlessly. Farrah looked up to find the most beautiful set of blue eyes staring down at her just as he gifted her with a sexy smile. Farrah’s body instantly responded to the sound, and her heart skipped several beats. Her nipples hardened and she throbbed at her core, a familiar occurrence that happened only with one man in particular.
Robert Gold, head of field security for Blake & Montgomery, could be summed up in three words: handsome, wealthy and extremely sexy. The fair-skinned, six-foot, athletically built computer genius had a well-earned reputation for being a playboy with a severe phobia of commitment and no desire to change his status, and now he was her husband because she’d lost a card game and had to perform a bet.
Farrah stood with her arms folded across her chest. “What are you doing here?”
“You know why I’m here,” he said, giving her a megawatt smile that made most women melt on the spot. Farrah was definitely included in that number. She’d been fighting her growing desire for Robert since an out-of-town assignment had changed everything between them. Folks might claim that what happened in Vegas stayed in Vegas, but the memories were enough to have her waking up, breathing hard, wrapped in moist sheets.
“We talked about this already. You know that I’m more than capable of handling this on my own,” Farrah declared as they made their way down the hall toward the most exclusive obstetrician and gynecologist’s office in Houston.
She smiled and nodded as they passed two very expectant mothers who were having trouble keeping their balance, much like a couple of toddlers who were first learning to walk. “Wow,” Farrah heard one of the women say; obviously she was admiring the view of Robert’s backside, too. Farrah always thought pregnant women were beautiful, but seeing their struggle to stay upright, she was very grateful for her flat tummy and the ability to wear lime-green Betsey Johnson stilettos that set off her black-and-white formfitting Chanel dress perfectly. Determined to get her career back on track and her “lapse in judgment” in Vegas behind her, she had every intention of keeping it that way.
Robert’s forehead creased, something that only happened when he was either deep in thought or really confused. “Is it me or are there far too many Halloween decorations up? Halloween’s still three weeks away.”
“Don’t try to change the subject,” Farrah scolded, stopping in the middle of the hallway, placing her right hand on her hip. “And no, there aren’t. Look, we agreed that spending time alone together while we’re still technically married wasn’t a good idea, so we’d do our best to stay away from each other unless it’s something business-related.”
“No, you made that suggestion, and I’ve been ignoring it ever since,” he said, falling in step beside her as they made it closer to the glass doors.
Farrah reached out and stopped his progress. “Look, I don’t need you here with me. I’ll let you know what happens.” She glared up at him, trying to ignore her traitorous body and the feelings evoked by a simple touch. Farrah quickly dropped her hand.
“I’m not leaving. End of discussion,” Robert stated, returning her angry look measure for measure.
Robert’s handsome face and take-charge attitude were wreaking havoc on Farrah’s senses. At the moment, she felt as though she would part her lips to speak, and all manner of nonsense would come tumbling out. What was it about this particular man that made her light-headed and giddy? She had to get away from him. Fast. Her sister needed her. “Like hell,” she shot back, breaking eye contact. “Why are you being so unreasonable about this?”
Robert pushed out a deep breath. “Look, Meeks is my best friend and he may be neurotic as hell, but he’s running late and he asked me to fill in until he arrives.”
“I can take care of my sister very well, thank you very much,” Farrah said, trying to keep her temper and her body’s responses under control.
“You sure we’re in the right place?” Robert asked as they entered an opulent office setting filled with waiting mothers in various stages of developing motherhood.
The office of Dr. Erica Gunn, obstetrician and gynecologist to the rich and famous, was located in one of the most prestigious high-rise buildings in downtown Houston. Slate floors were covered in oriental rugs; soft leather seating was surrounded by wall-to-wall cathedral windows with breathtaking views of the city. The reception desk was fashioned from mahogany wood with intricate designs on its front. Farrah knew the desk was something her sister Francine, whose hobby was woodworking, must absolutely love. She smiled as she spied two of her company’s agents diligently guarding the doors and eyeing their environment, while ignoring the admiring eyes of the female patients and staff. Somehow pregnant women had become dangerous? Sometimes her brother-in-law was too protective of Francine.
“Yep, right place.” Robert gave a short nod to the two members from their team standing on high alert. “I should have expected Meeks to have backup.”
Farrah made her way over to the receptionist’s desk.
“Pardon me. I’m looking for my sister Francine Blake... I mean Montgomery, Francine Montgomery,” Farrah corrected, inwardly chiding herself to get it right. The couple had been married for nearly a year, but Francine had been the fiercely overprotective eldest triplet that relished being the leader of their little pack for so long, it was still hard to concede that she now belonged to someone else.
“Still not quite used to your sister’s new name, I see. At least my last name wasn’t the only one you couldn’t get used to,” Robert said in a tone so harsh it sent a shiver of unease down Farrah’s spine.
“Seriously? What are you doing?” Farrah asked, scanning the seated patrons to make sure no one had overheard his comments.
“What am I...?” Robert pushed out another deep breath as though he was in need of a woosah moment to keep his emotions under control. “I’m not the one freaking out about the possibility of someone finding out we’re married.”
“We won’t be married much longer. Besides, our mistake is no one’s business,” she whispered. “Evidently, we had both taken leave of our senses.”
Robert held her gaze for several moments before his piercing blue eyes swept over her body, making her breasts heavy and all her blood rush south to the one place it didn’t need to settle. “No, our mistake is no one’s business,” he conceded, and the deflated sound of his voice caused a dull pain in Farrah’s chest.
“Sorry about that. How can I...” the receptionist said after she disconnected the call and looked up at Farrah. Her voice trailed off as her eyes grew wide, taking in the woman standing in front of the desk.
The response was one that was all too familiar to Farrah, as one-third of a set of triplets. Olive-skinned beauties with high cheekbones and expressive eyes inherited from their Italian mother and the luxuriously long jet-black hair, straight noses and heart-shaped faces bestowed on them from their African-American and Hispanic father, the three women were only set apart by distinctive eye colors.
“Oh, my goodness,” she said in an anxious whisper. “You look just like Mrs. Montgomery. Except for the baby bump, of course.”
“Thank goodness for that,” Farrah murmured, instinctively placing her hand on the place where a child would grow one day...in the very distant future. Right now she had a career to salvage and a “never should have been a husband” to extract from her life.
Robert cut his eyes to her, which she did her best to ignore, while her treacherous body continued to betray her with all manner of foolishness. “I’m here for my sister’s ultrasound. She’s expecting me.”
“We’re here for the ultrasound...Karen,” Robert corrected, smiling down at the young woman and reading her name tag.
Karen’s smile grew wide and she flipped her brown wavy hair off her shoulder in a move Farrah clearly recognized. If she smiles any wider, I’ll be able to count every tooth in her head. Farrah frowned at the other woman who had suddenly found a pointed interest in the male part of the equation.
“Yes, Mrs. Montgomery is expecting both of you,” she said to Robert in a voice that had clearly taken on a more seductive tone. “She told us her sister and a family friend would be joining her and her husband whenever he arrives. That’s when she also felt the need to explain about the armed security that actually searched the entire place before parking themselves here in the waiting area.”
Farrah tried to hold in a frustrated sigh, but her efforts didn’t escape Robert’s notice.
“Oh, no worries,” the receptionist said. “The majority of our clientele requires the same kind of security. It’s nothing new to us. I assume you’re that family friend and not the husband...right?” she inquired, directing her question to Robert.
Robert gifted Karen with a wide smile of his own and that legendary charm automatically kicked into high gear. “Yes... I’m definitely not her husband,” he answered before giving Farrah a hard look. “Nor, for that matter, am I considered anyone else’s.”
Farrah experienced such an intense and unexpected jab of jealousy and possessiveness watching the exchange, she found herself inching closer to Robert. Before she knew it, common sense took a road trip to never-never land as she parted her lips and said, “No, he’s not my sister’s husband. He’s mine.”
Chapter 2 (#ulink_b68ac631-8e30-5ebe-84b5-07ac7c0eb848)
“So much for not sharing our business,” Robert murmured to Farrah, returning the smirk she’d given their shocked, starry-eyed receptionist.
Farrah ignored his comments, finding a more pointed interest in the concerned look of one of their staff members that was within earshot of their conversation. Karen’s right hand flew to her heart. “Oh, your sister hadn’t mentioned anything about a brother-in-law.”
“I’m sure she didn’t,” Robert said sarcastically, adding, “She can’t share what she doesn’t know.”
Farrah hadn’t thought through her rash decision to share that bit of information with the receptionist. She offered Robert a defiant stare before turning back to the young woman. “We’re very private people,” Farrah explained, all signs of that smirk gone. “I’m sure you understand and will respect our privacy.”
“Of course...please excuse me just one moment and I’ll take you both back,” Karen replied as she turned to address a man that had been hovering nearby but was now approaching her, holding several files with a confused look on his face.
Robert turned and leaned against the desk. “So now you want to share the fact that we’re married.”
“Will you please lower your voice?” Farrah scolded, scanning the faces of the mothers-to-be who were sharing glances that she was certain had everything to do with them.
“You can’t have it both ways, you know,” he said, narrowing his gaze on her flushed face. “Just because you’re jealous—”
“I’m not jealous,” she snapped through a forced smile. “And I’m certainly not the one who was sneaking around trying to find out what’s going on between me and Trey Steel, who wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for you.”
Tremaine Steel, often called Trey by his family and friends, was a wealthy senior partner in his family’s exceptionally successful law firm, and had become involved in defending Blake & Montgomery in a patent lawsuit. He had a reputation for being a talented attorney who loved the ladies. From what Robert had learned about the man, his looks, deep pockets and wicked charm could make a woman drop to her knees. The report on Robert’s desk spoke to the fact that plenty of them had done just that, and a lot more, on more than one occasion.
Blake & Montgomery had been entangled in a lawsuit over the ownership of a security patent for a single-system digital device that would incorporate all of one’s personal and business security needs for the past five years.
Ted Jefferson Jr., the son of a deceased former business partner of the firm’s founders, Frank Blake and Milton Montgomery, was claiming that it was his father’s original drawings and specs on which Robert had based his ideas for a revolutionary new security system that would allow users to secure their home, business and digital information using fingerprint and palm-recognition technology.
Farrah had played a vital role in developing their defense from the moment she joined the company, and within the last two years had become the lead attorney on the case. Although the lower courts had offered a judgment in their favor, Blake & Montgomery was being forced to defend itself in both the media and through the court’s appeals process.
Robert had requested and gained the board’s support to bring in an outside attorney to take over the case through the next phase of its defense, especially since it was his own program designs that were at the center of the dispute. Strangely enough, a furious Farrah had decided not to fight the board on the matter. Instead she insisted on being a part of the attorney selection process. That should have been his tip-off that she was up to something. Farrah’s selection of Tremaine Steel was an exceptional choice happily accepted by all concerned—almost all.
Tremaine Steel had successfully argued cases before both the State and Federal Supreme Courts, which made him the perfect person to handle the Blake & Montgomery patent appeal. But as far as Robert was concerned, he had better steer clear of Farrah, or Robert might find himself in need of an attorney of his own for a far different reason.
“I wasn’t sneaking around doing anything,” Robert protested. “I may have inquired a few times as to what was going on with the case.” He ran his right hand through his hair. “Look, we’ve talked about this already. You know that I think you’re an amazing attorney. It’s just, with all the different types of claims being leveled...”
Farrah twisted her neck around and her eyebrows flew up.
“Wait,” Robert raised his hands in surrender, trying to hold off the scolding he knew was coming. “Not that you don’t know what you’re doing.”
“Whatever,” she said, giving him a dismissive wave. “You got what you wanted. Just stay out of my business from now on. We certainly don’t need a repeat of Vegas.”
* * *
Vegas. Ah, Vegas. How could he forget?
Farrah was winding through the casino floor of the MGM Grand Hotel, trying to block all the noise—bells, cheers of joy and tears of disappointment—preparing to enter the unseasonably warm April weather, when she saw Robert Gold heading her way. “What are you doing here?”
“Meeks sent me to help you.”
“To settle a contract dispute? How exactly do you plan to help me do that?”
He shrugged. “In any way you need.”
“Go home, Robert,” Farrah shot back as she moved around him and continued toward the exit.
Robert followed her outside, pulling his aviator sunglasses down from his head and over his eyes. “Look, I’m here to stay, so you might as well put me to work.”
Farrah reached into her bag and pulled out a document and a certified check. “It’s already done,” she said, handing him the document and placing a pair of Chanel sunglasses over those sexy siren eyes.
Robert put his right arm over Farrah’s shoulders and smiled. “Well, in that case, it’s the weekend, so let’s play.” For two people who had been dancing around the edges of friendship and passion since she’d joined the family business, play, which included a lot of tequila, was the operative word. Marriage happened to be the unexpected endgame.
“For the millionth time, I didn’t crash your Vegas trip,” Robert insisted. “Meeks sent me to help.”
“Help I didn’t need,” she shot back, rubbing her temple. “Look, it’s just...”
“Just what? Finish your thought,” he demanded.
Farrah moved to the corner of the room and Robert enjoyed the wonderful view as he followed on her heels. She turned and faced him. “You shouldn’t be flirting in front of me. At least not until after our divorce is final. You should have more respect for me and our marriage, no matter how short-lived it may be. Is that too much to ask?”
“Respect for a marriage you claimed was a mistake,” he replied. “One you can’t get out of fast enough—is that the marriage we’re talking about? The one you want me to respect?” Robert said through his teeth with his fist clenched at his side as he fought for control. Why couldn’t she see what they had—could still have—was special? Why did it have to end up like a cliché?
They stared at each other in silence. Robert had never wanted a woman as much as he wanted Farrah. Not even the betrayal by his college sweetheart that had made him swear off serious relationships could compare to what he felt for Farrah. He adored everything about her. From the way she challenged and pushed him to her fierce and protective love for her family. Standing this close, he could smell the scent of her favorite vanilla shampoo and it, along with the sexy dress that draped her body like a second skin, sent his body on high alert.
Farrah lowered her head and shook it slowly. “We had a little too much to drink in Vegas.” She lifted her head to meet his gaze. “We got married on a dare. At some cheesy little spot called the Tunnel of Love Chapel,” she said in a voice barely above a whisper. “Who does that?”
Robert clamped down on his factual answer that it happened more times than people liked to give credit.
“You bet it was a mistake,” she continued. “Hell, we both agreed it was a mistake.”
Robert sighed and nodded. He had agreed that marrying the way they had—at a drive-through window—was a mistake, but he was convinced that the marriage itself wasn’t one at all. An awareness he’d come to after realizing his friendly feelings for Farrah had developed into something deeper and irrevocable. The thought that she could be showing some serious interest in Tremaine Steel made his need to convince Farrah that they belonged together much more urgent.
“That reminds me. Have you heard from Fletcher?” she asked. “He has filed the papers, right?”
Fletcher Scott was the private detective turned lawyer they often used when they didn’t want their agency directly involved in certain cases, mostly for “personal” activities. A secret marriage and quickie divorce didn’t get any more personal. Farrah was very thankful that Fletcher could keep a secret, even from her sisters.
“Yes, the papers have definitely been filed,” Robert assured, while thinking, Sort of...
“Good!” she said on a relieved sigh. “We’ve put this off long enough.”
Robert and Farrah walked back to the reception desk as soon as they heard Meeks’s voice. “I’m Meeks Montgomery and I’m—”
“Yes, your wife’s been asking for you,” Karen said, smiling as she flipped her hair again.
Both Robert and Meeks wore the Blake & Montgomery standard uniform of a black T-shirt with their company’s red logo that was hard to miss. Robert was accustomed to female attention when wearing it, especially since the uniform showed off his broad shoulders and flat chest and abs. Also, the combat boots and a utility belt holding a nine-millimeter handgun that screamed dangerous were hard to miss. And even his ninety-year-old neighbor had a liking for the black cargo pants that showcased a rear end she tried sneaking a squeeze of on occasion. Robert didn’t have the heart to tell the old woman that he was onto her game. The devilish smile that plastered her wrinkled face was too endearing.
Evidently, the geriatric club wasn’t the only group that wasn’t immune. Karen’s breathing had increased and she’d flipped her hair—yet again. The corner of Robert’s mouth curved up. He’d always enjoyed the attention he received from women, especially if said attention seemed to bother the only woman he ever really wanted. Meeks, on the other hand, didn’t seem to take notice of anyone other than his wife. So Robert was in good company.
“If you’d all come this way,” she said.
“Ladies first,” Robert chimed, stepping aside so Farrah could move past.
“Such a gentleman,” Farrah shot back.
“You should know that nothing could be further from the truth,” he answered with a knowing wink.
Farrah huffed, but didn’t come back with her normal biting retort. They followed Karen through a set of double doors and down a well-lit hall with white marble floors and white walls into another small waiting area. The room had walls painted light gray, with pictures and posters that centered on pregnancy, and was filled with low-back gray leather chairs.
“You two will need to wait here, and someone will come for you when they’re ready to start the ultrasound,” she said to both Farrah and Robert.
They both acknowledged her request with a small nod.
“Follow me, Mr. Montgomery. I’ll take you to your wife.”
“I’ll see you two in a bit,” Meeks said before giving them both a lengthy once-over and asking, “Are you two okay?”
“Yes, why do you ask?” Farrah said, her red lips pulled into a scowl.
“If I didn’t know any better,” Meeks said, tilting his head, “I swear you two were acting like a married couple in the middle of a fight.”
“You don’t say,” Robert teased, garnering an angry glare from Farrah.
Meeks shook his head and continued down the hall. Both Robert and Farrah took a seat next to each other. “I guess now we wait,” Robert said.
“I guess so,” Farrah agreed as she sat and crossed her legs. Her dress rose a few inches, offering Robert a view of Farrah’s thighs—a move that he could have done without. Now he was imagining what delightful things Farrah had on under that shape-defining dress. He knew first hand that she spared no expense when it came to buying and wearing beautiful, soft and sensual underwear. Robert’s sex grew hard as steel.
Robert quickly flicked his wrist and checked his watch, then pulled out his phone and sorted through a few emails.
“We passed an area with a coffee and vending machine on our way in here. You want something?” Farrah asked, getting to her feet.
He couldn’t actually say that what he wanted was the woman herself.
“I can get it,” Robert said, putting away his phone.
“I need to stretch my legs,” Farrah insisted.
“If you insist, sure, coffee would be fine. You know how I like it...strong and hot,” he teased, staring up at her, his face expressionless. The sexual tension between them was choking him.
Before Farrah could make a move toward the door, a male nurse stepped to them. “They’re ready for you,” he said.
Robert rose from his chair, slowly, discreetly making an attempt to adjust himself. He took a deep breath and released it slowly. “You ready?” Robert finally asked, offering his hand.
Farrah nodded slowly as her eyes darted away from the reason he had clearly needed a moment. He was too turned on to be embarrassed. Hell, the woman was practically his wife. More like actually his wife—and he intended to keep it that way.
“Let’s go,” Robert said as they followed behind the nurse.
* * *
After Francine’s appointment, Farrah thanked the male nurse that guided them to a different set of elevators. “Sorry about the inconvenience, but the contractors have started roping off the front area of the office,” he explained.
“It’s fine,” Farrah reassured.
Farrah smiled as she stood next to Robert waiting for the doors to open. “That was—”
“Intense is what that was,” Robert supplied as he reached and pushed the down button.
“Yes, it was,” Farrah agreed, pulling out a compact and flipping it open to check her reflection.
Robert’s voice was a sultry whisper as he said, “You look beautiful...as always.”
“Thank you,” Farrah said, smiling up at him. “At least my eyes aren’t swollen from all that crying. I didn’t know that I would feel that way.”
“They looked very calm, too,” Robert said and this time his tone had shifted to shock. “I’m not sure how I’d be able to handle such a surprise.”
“It wasn’t that much of a surprise,” Farrah explained. “We’ve always known that it was a possibility that one or all of us could have multiple babies at once. Francine just happens to be the first to prove that theory correct.”
“Twins...wow,” Robert said as a sudden vibration of his phone snatched his attention.
Farrah locked in on Robert’s profile and commanding presence. An image of two tiny babies, both with crystal-blue eyes, one with jet-black curly hair and the other sandy brown with blond highlights, flashed into Farrah’s mind.
Vegas. Marriage. Divorce. Life without Robert...uncharted territory. Farrah knew Robert wasn’t a long-term, forever type of guy—his history proved that—so why was she imagining what their future kids could look like? Suddenly, for no reason she could explain, her heart ached.
Chapter 3 (#ulink_05741c19-15e5-5988-ac19-f6c062fa3851)
“Everything’s set for our trip,” Robert said, hitting the send button on his cell phone after replying to his assistant’s text message. He reached and hit the elevator call button.
“Good, I have a couple of things to wrap up before we leave for New York,” Farrah explained.
“You don’t have to go with me, you know. I’m sure we’ll just be chasing another dead end. Alexia covered her tracks well.” Robert turned to face Farrah and jammed his hands in his pockets to keep from reaching out and smoothing her hair away from her beautiful face.
Alexia Gray, a former employee of Blake & Montgomery, had been hired as a senior-level attorney for their corporate legal team. Through a complaint, Robert discovered that Alexia had made several attempts to blackmail their clients with the same information that they’d been hired to protect. She was arrested and currently sat in the county jail awaiting trial on multiple charges. However, before she was caught, Alexia had been hired to alter key design schematics that made it appear that Robert’s ideas and designs weren’t his own—an alteration that appeared to substantiate the charges against the firm, allowing an appeal to move forward, a fact that had only recently been discovered.
Alexia refused to provide them with the necessary proof to clear their names, get the bogus lawsuit against Blake & Montgomery dismissed and permit them to move forward with production, forcing Robert and Farrah to track down the person who’d hired her to sabotage their filing and ultimately their company.
“We agreed to work this case together no matter what or where it leads us.” Farrah adjusted her purse on her shoulder. “This elevator sure is slow. Besides, you’d look out of place attending a Broadway show alone, no matter how good you may look in a tux,” she said, giving him that smile that could melt snow.
“I still don’t get why we have to sit through a Broadway play just to find out information about Alexia’s clients,” Robert complained.
“A little culture won’t kill you,” Farrah teased, chuckling at his scowl. “Not everyone’s into extreme testosterone-fueled activities—base-jumping, free-hand mountain climbing—”
“High-stakes gambling,” Robert offered, snickering.
Farrah glared at him through narrowed eyes. “We have to find out who she’s working with, and from all the information I’ve been able to gather, the common denominator seems to be this play. She thought it was the perfect cover.”
“Who uses a play as a cover for corporate sabotage?”
“According to more than one of my informants, not to mention all the playbills we found in Alexia’s apartment, she seems to do exactly that,” she said.
“I find it ironic that she chose Chicago for this particular activity, don’t you?” he asked.
“Not...really,” she said, frowning.
“All the women in the play are criminals,” he said, laughing. “You don’t find that ironic?”
“Not at all. She’s a criminal. She can relate,” Farrah said, shrugging. “And since the firm is in the business of putting criminals behind bars, as well as protecting people, it’s not ironic to us, either.”
The back office elevator doors finally opened and they were met by a wall of mahogany wood with raised panels, a wood tray ceiling with a small crystal chandelier and dark travertine tile floors. Although this elevator didn’t have a red velvet sofa and carpeted floors, it was a sight that was very familiar to them. As soon as they stepped inside, it was as if they were transported back in time to a place where they were wrapped in a familiar blanket of desire. They looked at each other and smiled; clearly they were both remembering the last time they’d been in a similar tight situation together. When they’d finally stopped fighting their desire for each other.
“This is one of the owners’ private elevators. It opens into his personal suite. Why do you have a key?” Farrah asked, giving Robert a mischievous smile.
“Because I happen to be one of those owners,” Robert replied, leaning against the elevator wall, while admiring the sexy strapless red mini dress and sky-high heels she wore. He reached over and pushed the stop button on the vintage elevator panel.
Farrah opened her mouth to protest but quickly closed it. Within seconds, the phone that was concealed behind a wooden panel rang. Robert kept his eyes on Farrah while picking up the receiver. “Stand down, everything’s fine,” he said before disconnecting. “Got to love Vegas security.”
Robert closed the short distance between them, trapping Farrah between the wall of the elevator and his wide chest. Farrah raised her chin and the movement caused her breasts to rise—showing off her cleavage as she gifted him with that slow sexy smile he loved. He leaned forward and rested the palms of his hands against the wall to brace himself. Farrah rose up on the tips of her toes, circled her arms around Robert’s neck and kissed him. Her taste ignited something inside of him and Robert returned the kiss with far more passion than he’d intended.
Lost in the moment, Robert took his right hand and reached under Farrah’s dress. He ripped off the thin piece of lace and string she called panties, placed it in his jacket pocket and started stroking her core with the tips of two fingers. He stared into her eyes and watched as she fell to pieces in his hand. Robert moved in closer, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, then lowered a few inches to devour Farrah’s lips before he brought those same fingers to his mouth and kissed off her essence. “Delicious,” he said as he watched her dilated pupils widen.
“I’ll be the judge of that,” Farrah said in a voice barely above a whisper before capturing his lips into another passionate kiss. “Hmm....”
Robert picked Farrah up and carried her the two feet to the velvet sofa placed against the back wall of the elevator. He sat with Farrah straddled across his lap. “Wife,” he whispered in her ear.
“Husband,” she replied.
The elevator stopped, releasing them from the past, and they both stood in silence as the doors opened to no one. The doors closed again and Robert turned to face Farrah. The dress she wore may have been different and the environment not exactly the same, but Robert’s desire for Farrah was stronger than ever.
“Don’t even think about it,” Farrah said, clearly reading his intentions as she slowly backed away from him.
“Too late,” Robert replied, backing her up against the elevator’s wall. He placed his hands on both sides of her face, lowered his head and greedily took her mouth, as though everything in the kiss mattered to him, as though she mattered to him.
Farrah grabbed his shoulders and returned his kiss with just as much vigor. Robert managed to fight through the sexual haze and remember that this particular elevator wasn’t private. Robert slowly released her mouth and stepped away from her. He was breathing hard and his sex was begging for release.
They stared at each other for several moments. Farrah raised her hand and placed her fingers across her swollen lips, which were quickly followed by her tongue.
“Damn it!” Robert started to step back to Farrah only to be stopped by the halt of the elevator. The doors opened and two Hispanic men dressed in expensive-looking suits entered.
Robert stepped back and crossed his hands low and in front of him, doing his best to hide the evidence of his desire.
“Second floor, please,” one of the men said to Robert. who was standing next to the control panel.
“No problem,” Robert replied, pressing the button with his elbow, causing one of the men to take a swift look at Farrah, then back to Robert’s strategically placed hands.
“Looks like we should have taken the next one,” the shorter of the two men teased, causing Farrah to blush.
The doors opened to the second floor and both men took their exit without any further comment.
“Farrah—”
“No!” she said, using her hand to halt his words. “Please don’t.”
The elevator doors opened to the ground floor. Farrah smoothed out her dress, raised her chin and walked out of the elevator.
“See you later,” Farrah called back over her shoulder.
“Sooner than you think,” Robert murmured as he watched her take her leave. Robert pulled out his phone and placed a call that he’d hoped he wouldn’t have to make so soon. “Fletcher... Robert Gold. Farrah’s getting anxious, so it’s time to move forward with Plan B.”
“You sure about this, man? Why not just tell her the truth?” Fletcher asked.
“She’s not ready for the truth just yet, but hopefully soon she will be.”
“If you say so, but I’d better not lose my license over this. She’s a damn good attorney with a sharp legal mind and an impeccable reputation,” Fletcher said, his concern evident—as well it should be. Farrah was also known for her prominent list of contacts, long memory and ability to hold a grudge—something that made Robert’s plan all that more dangerous.
“I know, but don’t worry about it. If things go south, I’ll take all the blame. Just bring all the necessary paperwork to my office in the morning.” Robert pulled his car keys from his pocket and started his car so the air conditioning would kick in by the time he got in.
“If you’re sure, I’ll see you first thing in the morning?” Fletcher asked, obviously needing one final reassurance.
“I’m sure. Losing Farrah isn’t an option...no matter what I have to do,” Robert said, disconnecting the call.
* * *
“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long,” Trey said, offering Farrah a wide smile that showed off a set of deep dimples as he reached for her hand.
Farrah stood. “Not at all. I just arrived.” His large hand engulfed hers and she smiled and sighed at his touch, but the confident and satisfied look on Trey’s face told her he’d obviously gotten the wrong idea. Yes, she found him attractive; what red-blooded woman wouldn’t? The tall, muscularly built litigator with smooth, milk-chocolate skin and sexy dark eyes would complete most women’s must-have list, but his touch only confirmed what she already knew. No one’s touch could affect her like Robert’s—a fact she wasn’t ready to deal with—which also had her quickly extracting her hand from Trey’s. At some point, Farrah had to put her feelings for Robert in their proper perspective, but it wouldn’t happen on the heels of her falling into the arms of another man.
“Please follow me.” Trey led Farrah through the lobby of Steel & Associates, which left no doubt that she was dealing with a successful and very expensive firm. If the eighty-first floor location in one of Houston’s most expensive buildings wasn’t enough of a hint, the expensive furnishings and artwork most certainly would be.
“Are you okay? You look a little flushed.”
“I’m fine.” Farrah felt slightly embarrassed, as she was still reeling from the effects of Robert’s kiss and the fact that she’d acted like a shameless hussy and gone all in for that kiss like a wanton woman.
“Have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?” Trey asked.
“No, thanks.” Farrah took a place at the conference table near the door and slid open a set of documents he had prepared. “So, what have you and your team determined?”
Trey took the chair next to Farrah. “That not only are you beautiful but you’re an exceptional attorney.”
The compliment made her smile, but his sensual tone was off-putting.
“I don’t see why they brought me in on this in the first place.”
“It certainly wasn’t my idea,” she murmured, her eyes still on the document before her.
“Hmm. Mr. Control?”
“Mr. Control?” she questioned, looking up from the page.
“Robert Gold,” he said. Farrah returned her eyes to her document. “It sounds like he might have some doubt in your ability where there shouldn’t be. So far, we haven’t seen anything that makes me think you missed anything with your initial filing, and that your response is on point, with one exception.”
Farrah lifted her gaze again from the document that had captured her attention and locked it on him. “And that would be what, exactly?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.
“That’s what I admire most about you, Farrah. Your confidence.” His dark brown eyes narrowed in on her. “You can’t even imagine that you might have missed something or could be going in the wrong direction, can you?”
“I worked every possible line of defense in my mind before I even committed it to paper. If you have something to say, Trey, spit it out,” she demanded.
“In a nutshell, your response to the lawsuit is that Robert Gold’s plans are based solely on his own work product and not anything that has been provided, past or present, by the complainant,” Trey explained.
“Correct.”
“Yet, you offer no proof.” He leaned forward, resting his forearms against the edge of the table. “We need something to substantiate that...something that counters what they’ve presented or could potentially present.”
Inwardly, she chuckled. “I realize that, and we’re working on it,” she replied, understanding that she had been so busy holding her cards close to the chest that she hadn’t considered that Trey needed another piece of vital information. “We’re in the process of trying to find whoever’s behind all this as well as the forger that created the forged drawings that they used in their complaint document.”
Trey sat upright quickly, surprise evident in his expression. “Are you now? And what happens if you don’t?”
She closed her eyes a moment, and flashed through every possible scenario and summed it up with, “To be perfectly honest? We’re screwed... I’m screwed.”
Trey’s full lips lifted in a small smile. “No, you’re not. I have my team checking on a few more angles for us to explore. Have dinner with me so we can talk through all the options and opportunities before us.”
The only “angle” Trey Steel wanted to work was the horizontal tango. “Really, Trey? You throw in a cheesy pickup line when you ask me to a working dinner? Where’d you learn that? Caveman Practices 101?”
“A brother’s got to try.”
“Not really,” Farrah said, laughing. “You can try, just not with me.”
“But a sister also has to eat,” he hedged.
“Thanks, but I have other plans already. Why don’t you just email your ideas and I’ll take a look at what you have in mind?”
“Rain check?” he asked with one raised eyebrow.
“Let’s just focus on the response.” Farrah got up and headed to the door.
“I never give up, you know,” Trey declared, and she recognized it for the challenge he meant it to be.
“Of course I know,” she shot back. “That’s why we became attorneys in the first place.”
His laughter followed her from the conference room.
Chapter 4 (#ulink_85e79b2e-00ff-5ac9-8ecb-4328d3575799)
Farrah drove into the underground garage of the Blake & Montgomery office building and parked in her assigned space. She turned off the ignition and laid her head back against the headrest of her new white Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe. Farrah believed in working hard so she could play equally hard, which meant having some really cool toys—fast cars, a beautiful boat and vacation homes all over the world. Her most recent purchase was a prime piece of real estate in Paris, France, with views the length of the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
Farrah pushed up her sun visor and caught a glimpse of her image in its mirror. The sight of her lips summoned the memory of the kiss she’d shared with Robert. “What the hell’s wrong with you? This is exactly why you have to either learn to control yourself or stay the hell away from him,” she said to her reflection.
She noted that Robert’s car was missing from its space. They drove the same kind of Porsche, but his was a startling black. He, too, had a thing for enjoying life and a few expensive toys. Something that should make them gravitate toward one another, but his capacity to make her feel inadequate about her work was the very thing that drove her away. She couldn’t understand why he didn’t just trust her ability to handle their court case to its end.
Farrah exited the car, entered their building and made her way to the floor where the administrative offices of Blake & Montgomery were located. In addition to their company, their building housed her and her sister’s personal residences as well as several additional apartments. Farrah walked past the midlevel cubicles as she headed to her office after being stopped only once.
Farrah’s office was designed exactly like her sister’s, only her furnishings were less traditional and more contemporary. A large oval-shaped curly-redwood desk with a turquoise inlay was the focal point of the room. There was also a six-seat, round curly-redwood conference table with red leather high-back chairs, and bookshelves that held a mixture of books and antique art pieces. In a corner stood a small, fully stocked bar and an antique hidden safe.
She had just powered up her computer when her office door flew open and only partly closed, allowing Paul White, the Blake sisters’ part-time stylist, to make a dramatic entrance.
“Where have you been? I’ve been dying here. How did Francine’s ultrasound go?” Paul asked, excitement written all over his clean-shaven face as he placed an electronic tablet and coffee cup on Farrah’s desk. He used his hand to brush his curly black hair from his face.
Paul also happened to hold the title of Francine and Farrah’s assistant, best friend and unofficial brother. They’d been friends throughout grade school and when Paul’s family abandoned him after he came out his sophomore year of college, the Blake family had welcomed him with open arms, making his college years less lonely—his words exactly.
“You need a haircut,” Farrah said.
“I know. What happened?”
“You mean she hasn’t called you yet?” Farrah said, frowning as she leaned back in the Herman Miller chair.
“Yeah, she called while I was on the phone taking care of everything for your New York trip, so she had to leave me a message.” Paul slipped his tall, lean frame into the chair across from Farrah’s desk—his favorite spot. “All she said was that she had ‘big news’ and that she’d call me later because she was taking the rest of the day off to celebrate with Meeks. So...” Paul’s hazel eyes had widened and he was rotating his index finger. “Spill. What are they celebrating?”
Paul leaned in, eyebrows rising in comedic fashion.
“The ultrasound revealed that...” She paused for dramatic effect.
“Woman, don’t make me kill you up in this fancy office of yours!”
“They’re having twins—a boy and girl.”
Paul flew out of his chair and started dancing around the room. “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
At that moment, Robert’s face flashed through her mind again, and she felt a pain in her chest that she didn’t dare give a name. Would she have been happy if she’d gotten news that she was carrying Robert’s child? Would they share doctor’s appointments, quarrel over baby names before compromising over the best ways to prepare to bring their child into the world? No, that can’t be. What’s wrong with you? Why was he always in her thoughts these days?
“Thank goodness,” Paul said with a relived sigh. “I figured it had to be something. I just knew she shouldn’t be that big already.”
“Really, Paul... Really?”
“What?”
Farrah shook her head, welcoming their banter to distract her from thoughts of her soon-to-be ex-that-no-one-knew.
Paul gave a dismissive wave and sat back down. “Francine’s body changing that much because she’s having twins is one thing. Gaining weight for no reason other than she decided to let herself go is something else.” Paul picked up his cup and took several sips.
“You act like she’s as big as a house or something.” Farrah turned her attention back to her computer, but couldn’t help grinning at the mental image of her sister’s rounded belly and the smile and happiness that seemed to accompany Francine everywhere she went these days.
Paul took a swig of his coffee. “Girl, Francine’s four months and she looks like she’s six or seven.”
“She’s five months and she’s the perfect weight for an expectant mother of twins,” she corrected, choosing not to look directly into Paul’s face.
Paul tilted his head slightly. “What’s wrong? Why do you seem a little...off?” he asked, frowning as he returned the cup to its former place.
Farrah’s hand automatically flew to her mouth as though her lips could tell the story all by themselves. Damn, you act like somebody’s parent. You notice everything, even the slightest change.
“Did you and Robert have a quickie before coming in today?” he asked, grinning and wiggling his eyebrows in a manner that sent a shiver of unease up her spine.
Farrah got up and went to close her door completely. “Keep your voice down. And no, we didn’t just have a quickie.”
Farrah returned to her desk and looked fiercely back at Paul, who was eyeing her suspiciously.
“What?” she asked holding out her hands and hunching her shoulders.
“You tell me,” he said in a serious tone she wasn’t used to hearing from him. Paul had once been very serious...too serious. He’d spent years fighting and hiding who he really was and he’d nearly lost himself in the process. Paul’s relationship with the Blake sisters and their family, as well as finding love and marrying his partner John in a lavish ceremony hosted by his new sisters, had kept Paul’s love for life alive and his heart light.
Farrah looked down at her bare left hand and slowly shook her head.
They both sat in silence for several minutes before Paul reminded Farrah of something that she already knew. “Everyone needs a go-to person to confide in, and I know that’s your sisters, but for some reason you’ve chosen to share this secret with me—”
Farrah looked up. “You know you’re like a brother to us,” she affirmed emphatically.
“Then talk to your brother. What’s wrong, Big Sis?” he asked, leaning forward, taking both her hands into his.
Farrah closed her eyes, took a deep breath and released it slowly. She slowly opened her eyes and said, “Robert kissed me after we left the doctor’s office.”
“So?” Paul said, with a bewildered expression.
“So!” Farrah said, pulling her hands free. “Have you not been listening to me all those times we’ve discussed this? Paul, the man’s kisses are earth-shattering. If we hadn’t been interrupted, I would have let him take me right there in the elevator...again.”
Paul grinned. “Earth-shattering!” A small laugh escaped before he clamped a hand over his mouth.
Farrah glared at him. Paul often enjoyed her rare moments of insanity. “It’s not funny. I mean, it’s like I’m under some type of spell whenever he trains those beautiful blue eyes on me.” Just the thought had certain parts of her body coming to attention. And right now, she couldn’t afford to have anyone getting that attention...she had work to do.
“Why are you fighting this thing between you two so hard? You want him and he’s obviously crazy about you.”
“Yeah, right now...maybe. We both know how quickly his interest in women can change, how his eyes begin to wander...not to mention everything else—his lips, hands, his...”
Paul’s eyes widened to the size of golf balls.
“Sorry, TMI. Besides, we’re too much alike and we want different things.”
“Do you? Like what? Because the way I see it, you want the exact same things. I mean, you both love what you do, you love to travel, and you spend money on crazy expensive toys—”
“Like what?” Farrah demanded, sitting up straight in her chair.
“Like that old-ass gun you spent fifteen thousand dollars on last month,” he said with a raised eyebrow.
“It was an antique that’s already increased in value,” she defended. “So it’s an investment.”
“Yeah, like the antique double ceiling fan that Robert bought for his office a couple of weeks ago. How much did he spend on that thing?”
“Ten thousand dollars, but it was a great deal. And it has also increased in value,” she explained.
“See what I mean. Something else you have in common, spending money on old...” She raised an eyebrow and he quickly amended, “I mean, antique stuff you really don’t need.”
Farrah stood and looked out her window at the view of downtown Houston. “Robert and I wouldn’t be together long-term and I won’t risk...”
“You won’t risk what...your heart?” In the silence that ensued, Paul left the chair and came to stand next to Farrah at the window and snaked his right arm around her waist.
Farrah laid her head on his shoulder. “Girlfriend, you have to be willing to risk everything if you want everything in return,” he said in a voice barely above a whisper.
Farrah rifled through a set of scenarios of how that would work, how she’d manage physical compatibility without mutual trust. Regardless of how she might feel about Robert, it just wasn’t enough. “No...not with Robert. He was crazy in love once and got his heart handed to him.”
Paul gasped and Farrah raised her head and met his gaze. “Meeks told Francine all about it, and I’m her sister so of course she eventually told me. After that, he swore off love completely and proudly clipped on his playboy badge.”
“What crazy fool let him get away? He’s gorgeous and rich. She had to be blind, deaf, intoxicated and stupid,” he proclaimed. “And not exactly in that order.”
Farrah giggled, lifting the image from her mind. “I don’t know about all that, but after he found out she was only after his money and was sleeping with someone he thought was a friend at the same time, he ended it and vowed to have no more serious relationships. All he wanted to do was party. And unlike Meeks, he doesn’t even care about having an heir. He’s leaving all of his money to charity,” she said in a wistful tone.
“But—”
“How can you expect me to risk my heart with a man who’ll never risk his?” Farrah said, extracting herself from his hold and returning to her chair.
Paul leaned against Farrah’s desk and watched as she turned to her computer and began reading over some legal documents.
“Ignore me if you want, but that won’t change a thing. That’s just one more thing you two have in common, you know—having experienced a broken heart in college. Need I remind you of Jimmy Long and declaring, I’ll never fall in love again?” he said in a dramatic interpretation of a Southern belle—with a hand over his heart for effect. “After you found out he was only dating you because you fit his family’s idea of the perfect mate, someone beautiful from a good family that was on the same social and financial level as them, when all the while he was still seeing his real girlfriend from the other side of the tracks.”
Yes, Jimmy Long had put up such a really good façade that even her family had fallen for it.
“Whatever happened to him?” Paul asked.
“He married her and I hear they have three kids. His family finally came around, I guess.”
“Well, good for them—now back to you.”
Farrah turned and gave him a defiant look. “I was twenty at the time. What the hell did I know about love? Anyway, I didn’t say I’d never fall in love again. I said I’d never fall foolishly in love again. Big difference.”
“Is there really any other kind?” Paul asked, frowning down at her.
Farrah ignored his question as she continued, “In fact, I plan to love and get married one day to—”
“To someone weak that you can control and loves you more than you love them,” Paul said.
Farrah flinched, but then had to laugh. There was a little truth hidden in those words.
“You’d be bored silly. Safe from heartbreak and no real passion. Not like the out-of-control passion that you feel for Robert. That same passion Francine and Meeks have for each other. Hell, what I feel for John.”
Out-of-control is right; if you all only knew just how out of control I’d been. Thoughts of their first night together came to mind.
Robert having her in the private elevator, taking her fast and hard in the living room of their suite before finally gently making love to her until dawn in one of the biggest beds she’d ever seen. The feeling of contentment that engulfed her as she lay in his arms and wanted nothing more than to stay there forever.
Farrah released a wistful sigh and turned back to the documents that required more of her attention than her lack of a love life did at the moment. “Is everything set for New York?”
Paul scowled and picked up his cup. “I can take a hint. Of course everything’s all set. Do you think you’ll find what you need when you get there?”
“I hope so. We’re running out of leads and we’ve got to find evidence that Ted Jefferson Jr.—or whoever hired Alexia—planted those bogus documents in the first place.”
Ted had presented the court with twenty-year-old drawings nearly identical to the ones Robert had developed and filed their patent on. An investigation revealed a set of those same drawings had been buried in the Blake & Montgomery archived records—which presumably had been planted there by their former employee, Alexia. Everyone with system access passed the polygraphs with flying colors.
“How did she even manage to plant the documents in the first place?” Paul asked, frowning.
“That’s just it. We haven’t been able to figure that out.” Farrah slammed her fist against the desk. “We have records of everything in the archived database and while there was a listing for a new system authored by Ted Jefferson during the year in question, the records directed us back to the bogus files we found.”
“Wait, those documents are what...at least twenty years old?” he asked, his frown deepening.
“Yeah, and Dad was leading the company then. He knew everything that Ted worked on, and he approved his budget. He’s certain that with the technology they were dealing with back then, there’s no way Ted could have created anything that Robert could have used to help develop the type of complicated technological designs that he has now.”
“So there’s no evidence that the system was tampered with?”
“Not that we’ve been able to find yet.” Farrah sat back in her chair.
“What kind of proof will you need exactly?” Paul asked with a deep scowl.
“Mainly, we need to show that Robert’s designs were his own and weren’t based off anything that anyone else started a million years ago.”
“Too bad Senior’s no longer in the land of the living. I bet your dad could get the truth out of him. He owes him.”
Ignoring Paul, Farrah continued her rant. “And I don’t give a damn what Ted Jefferson Jr. thinks. Both he and that traitorous little witch can kiss my—”
Paul sucked in a quick breath. “Calm down, girlfriend.”
“It makes me furious that we have to keep defending ourselves over such crap, like we’d stoop to something so low—not to mention hang on to the incriminating evidence. We all know what a brilliant mind Robert has, especially when it comes to computer systems. He doesn’t need some old fart’s road map to come up with his amazingly innovative design ideas. How dare they try and tarnish his reputation!”
Paul’s smiled widened. “Man, you’ve got it bad...his reputation.”
“I said our reputation.” Farrah checked her desktop clock and picked up a set of files that sat in the center of her desk. “I don’t have time for this. I have to get over to the law library and check on the Plan B options that Trey and his team sent over.”
“Plan B?” Paul asked, his slim lips pulling into a frown.
“In case we can’t find a way to prove our innocence.”
“Hell, we don’t need a Plan B. We’re going to find whoever is trying to screw us and put a stop to this madness,” Paul stated.
“I agree, but we have to be prepared. We all have a lot of time and money riding on the outcome of this case. Including you, mister. Last time I checked, you had a great deal of stock in the company, too.”
“Yeah, well, remember, I already have the best thing that money could never buy—the ability and the guts to marry the love of my life.” Paul snapped two fingers on his right hand before walking out the door.
Unable to fight back the overwhelming feeling of loss in that moment, Farrah simply whispered, “Something I’ll never have...not with Robert, anyway.”
Farrah blinked back the sting of tears in her eyes.
Chapter 5 (#ulink_40285885-39c6-5f77-80b4-57950bfc2226)
Robert had finally pulled into the garage of his office building after having made several stops to visit clients on his way back. He’d parked his black Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe in his spot, only a few short spaces away from the empty location where its white twin usually held ground, when his cell phone rang. Robert smiled, recognizing the number of the only woman he’d ever really trusted—his foster mother, Penny Hilton—but it faded quickly. He pushed the button to activate his car’s Bluetooth.
“Momma Penny, everything all right?” he asked, nervous for her response.
“Of course. You worry about me too much,” she said with a small laugh.
Penny Hilton, or Momma Penny as Robert called her, had become Robert’s foster mother after his parents died in a boating accident when he was ten years old. The African-American widow had happily taken young Robert in when no other relative had come forward. Momma Penny had been his nanny since the day he was born and later the family’s housekeeper when he’d started school. She was his only family and he her only child. They adored each other. Robert’s parents’ unique approach to child rearing, followed by their sudden deaths, made it difficult for him to connect and trust people. Momma Penny helped him to find some semblance of security.
“Only because you’ve recently been released from the hospital. Pneumonia is nothing to play with at your age, so take your medicine and follow the doctor’s instructions.”
“At my age,” she huffed.
“You know what I’m saying. How’s the new nurse working out?” he asked, hoping she’d let that reference to her growing years slide past.
“He’s just fine, although having a male nurse still seems strange to me, you know.”
“Yes, I know.” Robert grinned, checked his watch and settled into his seat. This conversation was going to take a few minutes and he didn’t want to risk losing the connection by leaving the car and going into the building. “But he comes highly recommended.”
“So did the last one. What happened to that lovely nurse the agency sent over, anyway? Sonya something. She was very pretty and I liked her. I know she really liked you, too,” she said with a smile in her voice that he couldn’t miss.
“And that was the problem—she liked me too much,” he murmured, more to himself than to his mother. Robert thought back to the night he’d returned home from a late business appointment only to find lovely Nurse Sonya waiting for him at his townhouse. A major problem since she was supposed to be stationed at his mother’s place over forty miles away.
“What are you doing here and how the hell did you get in?” Robert demanded as he stood in the doorway of his bedroom.
“I got the address and key from Momma Penny. I waited for your housekeeper to leave and I let myself in,” Sonya explained, batting her eyes and playing with her hair. “Momma Penny’s fine. Sound asleep, in fact, so I thought I’d come take care of you. Tuck you in, so to speak.”
Sonya had stolen Momma Penny’s copy of the key to his house and evidently had snooped around to find the security code to his system and let herself in. She was waiting in his bed wearing a short and very sexy nurse costume. Had that happened a few years earlier, Robert would have loved playing games with the pretty nurse—even if she had been duplicitous in her attempt to gain his attention—but these days he had no interest in such behavior. He’d fired her on the spot.
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