Romance Me (Boxed Set) (16 page)

“I hadn’t even realized it snowed.” Lisa chuckled. “I guess it was a busy day.”

“Yes, and a lucrative one. You ladies aren’t so crazy after all.” Eric tapped the end of her nose with his finger. As he led her down the walkway, she admired the quaint little town, a romantic backdrop reminiscent of a Hollywood movie set. A gust of wind blew between two buildings, sending a chill through her. Eric wrapped his arm around her shoulder and snuggled her against him. “Cold?”

Her body instantly heated. “Just chilled from the wind. I’m fine now.”

“Good.” He kept her close to his side while they made their way to the other end of the block.

“This place looks like a dream. New York is beautiful at Christmas time, but this town must be beyond amazing during the holidays.”

He squeezed her shoulder. “Small towns definitely have charm. And you’re right. At Christmas, there is no other place on earth like Sweetwater.” He paused for a moment then said, “Did Mom tell you why I left New York?”

“No.” She looked up, watching the white lights glint off his eyes.

He smiled. Their feet stopped moving and they stood beneath a tree, its arched branches twinkling overhead. He rubbed her arms from shoulder to elbow. “Yeah, I discovered it wasn’t for me. I prefer it here, near Mom and the quiet of the country.”

“I like the quiet here, too,” she mumbled. Her eyes dropped to his lips before she averted her gaze and stepped back. “What did you do while you were there?”

“I was a partner in a law firm.” His voice trailed off for a moment then he shook his head and shot a sideways glance her way. “Do you miss New York? Are you planning on returning?”

“I don’t know.” Images of her former life flickered through her mind, sending a mist of gloom into her soul. “I guess it depends on how it goes here.”

“Then we’ll have to make sure things go well. The shop, I mean.” He shuffled forward, closing the distance between them, and tucked a stray hair under her hat.

Could she really stay? Memories of her life in New York flooded her mind. Did she want to go back to that? To the long days at a museum, looking at art that didn’t inspire her, long nights waiting for Mark to return home after his business meetings. And worst of all, the look of horror in his eyes when she told him she was pregnant.

She turned on her heels but he caught her wrist, causing her to flinch.

“Sorry.” He released her arm and stepped around to face her. “You never have to fear me.” He placed his knuckle under her chin and nudged her face higher. “The thought of anyone marring such a beautiful face is a crime. One I’d definitely want to prosecute.”

Her pulse quickened, his musky aroma teasing her to return his touch, but the thought of his inevitable rejection when he learned of the baby drove her to retreat. “Yes, well. It’s over now and I’m tough.” The chill in the air stung her ears, so she tugged her cap down. “What about you? Think you’ll ever go back?”

Eric slipped his fingers into hers and tugged her toward a side street. “No. New York was just a place to hide. It’s a long story, but let’s just say I failed someone,” he rasped. “Mom’s been trying to make me let go of things for a while, but it’s been tough. I think that’s part of the reason she started the business with you. For weeks she spoke about your emails and phone calls. I knew she was up to something before you even arrived.”

“I’m sorry. I had no idea.” Lisa lowered her head to hide the flame on her face, and the fact that she was lying. Judy had been more than obvious.

“Don’t be. At least Mom has good taste.” His hand squeezed hers twice before they reached the car. “She says I need to take a chance. Live life to the fullest and all that.”

Her heart quickened at his words. “Sounds like good advice.”

He swung her around and cupped the back of her neck. She leaned back, sandwiched between the car and a strong, intelligent, sweet, caring, and giving man. His lips brushed hers and heat radiated down the back of her neck all the way to her toes. “I’ve wanted to do this since I first saw you in the shop, but wouldn’t admit it to myself,” he mumbled against her lips. “Apparently Mother knows best. But don’t tell her I said that.” His minty breath warmed her mouth. Stroking her cheek with his thumb, he tipped her head back and pressed his lips to hers. A jolt of electricity shot through her arms and legs, lighting a dark place in her soul. Her body awakened, as if it had been sleeping for centuries.

“Wait—” Before she had a chance to protest further, he parted the seam of her lips, dipping his tongue into her mouth. She melted into him. Strong, yet gently, he caressed her back, setting her skin ablaze with need and want. Her hands clung to him and she surrendered. Hugging tight against him, her tongue, and hands, explored him with enthusiasm. They were pressed against the car, with no care of what town gossip watched. In their own little world, anything seemed possible.

Both his hands cradled her face and he moaned before breaking the kiss. “Wow.”

Breathless, she just nodded, not knowing what to say. The world slowed into a wintery blur around them, as if they’d been lost in a tunnel of passion.

“I’m looking forward to a lot more of that.” He kissed her forehead and opened the door. Once she caught her breath, her head spun with the knowledge that she had to stop this. She had to confess the truth.

He slid into the car and hit the start button, revving the cold engine to life. “I’m glad you came to Sweetwater. It’s been awhile since I’ve met anyone that caught my interest, and well, you certainly do that.”

Tell him the truth before this goes too far.
This was wrong. She needed to be honest with him, that she was only in town to find a couple to take her baby. He’d hate her for it, she knew. What mother gave up her child?

Opening her mouth, she turned to him, but he captured her hand and kissed each of her knuckles, melting her resolve to goo. The attention was intoxicating. If things were different, she could fall hard for this man, a man with a family, friends, and loved ones in a small town where everyone knew their neighbors. But things weren’t different. She was carrying another man’s baby and it wasn’t fair to him. He’d certainly leave the minute she told him. What man would ever want a woman pregnant with another man’s baby? Geesh, it sounded like a bad episode of Jerry Springer.
Okay, they’re all bad
, she mused.

“What are you thinking about?” Eric asked, leaning closer. “If you’re worried about this,” he gestured between them, “because you work with Mom, don’t be. Even if we find that we don’t want to pursue anything, it’s okay. Besides, Mom practically shoved us together. She won’t have a problem with it. You see, she had my head spinning about this amazing, tough, cultured, sexy woman, but she didn’t get it right, not completely. We’re the same, both wounded and tentative, but I think we should give it a try.” He glanced her way and she knew he could read every emotion on her face. He saw the wounds, but probably thought it was because she had been slapped around by some guy.

If she was going to make a clear break, this was her chance, stop it before it went any further. For now, she could use the shop as an excuse. Then, when she was ready she’d share the truth with Judy first, then Eric.

His thumb rotated over her hand, rubbing in small circles. Oh, dear God. His touch alone jumbled her mind. Mark detested any public displays of affections and refused to hold her hand, ever. The sensory overload was clouding her judgment.

Before Lisa had a chance to say a word, the car rolled to a stop in front of Judy’s house. He shut off the car and turned sideways. Slipping his hand behind her head, he captured her lips once more. His soft, strong lips, lingering warm tongue, and the inexplicable draw she felt filled her heart with joy. A feeling she hadn’t experienced in years, if ever.

His embrace tightened, sealing any space between them, but then he released her and got out of the car. He appeared at her door and opened it for her.

Resting her hand on her fluttering stomach, she realized it wasn’t about her anymore. She wasn’t her selfish mother. She’d be the kind of woman to sacrifice all for her child. Hadn’t she come so far already? Perhaps she would keep the baby and never return to New York. This place would be great for starting a family and she wouldn’t ruin it because of hormones and loneliness.

The door opened and she stepped out. With all the will she could muster, she stood on shaking legs, but didn’t take his arm. “You’re right. I do work with your mother.” She couldn’t meet his eyes. “So, we should stop this before it goes too far. You’re attractive and amazing, but I can’t jeopardize my relationship with my partner by dating her son. That’s just a bad combination.”

His eyes morphed from a twinkling happiness to a dull far-off stare. Rejecting him tore through her heart. The battered pieces begged her to stay with him regardless of the consequences, but this was the right thing to do.

“I see.” He stepped back, eyeing her for a moment then ushered her forward. She shuffled up the walkway, but halfway up, he blocked her path. “I don’t buy it. I felt the passion in our kiss.”

The front door swung open and there was Judy, standing in the center of the light shining through the opening.

“This isn’t over,” he muttered. “You’re going to tell me the truth, or I’ll find out what it is on my own. I won’t stand back and let something go wrong again.”

Chapter Eleven

The earthy tones, smells of home-baked goods, and the roaring fire in the living room invited them into Judy’s home.

“If you’ll excuse me for a moment.” Lisa followed the hall to the powder room, her heart still aching at the look on Eric’s face. What had she done?

The day had taken its toll and now the emotions weighted down her exhaustion even more. Taking a hand towel, she moistened it with cool water under the faucet and pressed it to the back of her neck. She leaned against the counter in an attempt to relieve the dull ache in her low back that had started earlier in the day.
Too much standing. Mental note: wear flats to work from now on.

Eric’s raised voice drew Lisa’s attention and she placed the towel on the rack then inched the door open.

“I know you’re trying to help. Heck, you had me convinced she was the girl of any man’s dreams before she’d even arrived. We all know you’re cunning, Mother.”

A gasp that could only be Judy’s accentuated denial echoed down the hall.

Eric laughed bitterly. “Oh, please. You can sell anything to anyone. I’ve seen you work magic to make things happen in this town. You’ve got a way about you. But I’m your son. I see right through it.”

“Was I wrong?” Judy asked.

“About what?” Eric’s voice dropped to a hoarse whisper.

“Isn’t she the woman of your dreams?” Judy’s question lingered for several moments.

Lisa nudged the door open further for a chance to hear his response.

“Yes,” Eric mumbled.

Lisa’s heart betrayed her and soared to the top of the town clock tower. She crept into the hall, part of her hoping he would say more. The floor squeaked and she jumped, pressing her back against the wall.
That was louder than a pig in heat
, she thought, remembering the expression she’d heard a few times since coming to Sweetwater County.

“Then fight for her,” Judy whispered. “We’re in here, dear,” she called out.

Lisa straightened her coat and sauntered to the living room, her smile light, with no hint she’d overheard a word of their conversation.

Would he fight for her? No one had ever fought to keep her around. They’d always left, without a care for what would happen to her.

Eric snatched his coat off the back of a dining chair. “I forgot I’ve got an early client meeting tomorrow. You ladies enjoy your celebration.” He nodded to Lisa and she returned the gesture before he leaned in to kiss Judy’s cheek. “Night, Mom.”

“Goodnight, son. Remember what I said.” She walked him to the door while Lisa’s fingers traced where his lips had been only a few moments ago.

That familiar loneliness nipped at her soul. It wasn’t exactly loneliness, but a mixture of guilt and embarrassment. Stroking her belly, she wondered if she had the strength to face everyone. Judy, Eric, the whole town. She’d left New York, so her friends wouldn’t see how she’d screwed up. And if they had, Mark would’ve figured out quick that she didn’t have the abortion. Would he really come after her like he’d threatened?

“What’cha thinking about? You gonna stoke the fire with your x-ray vision or something?” Judy asked with her normal sarcastic, yet enchanting twang.

“What?” Roused from her thoughts, the dull ache returned to Lisa’s back so she shuffled to the dining chair where Eric’s coat had just been and lowered to the seat.

Judy scooted a chair next to her and sat down, taking Lisa’s hands in her own. “You know, Eric went through a rough time in New York. He went there looking for something and lost himself for a while. He’s a good man, though. Any girl would be lucky to have him.”

“Oh, Judy.” Lisa could feel tears glistening in her eyes. “Believe me, I have no doubt, but it isn’t that simple.” Lisa fought the rising lump in her throat, threatening to crack her voice. “Tell me more about Eric. I’d like to know. You only told me about how handsome he was, and gentle and kind. A strong willed person with ambition, I think is how you phrased it, but family always came first. But if so, why did he leave you and go to New York in the first place? What happened to him?”