Romance Me (Boxed Set) (19 page)

The fact he took time off to deliver it, let alone knew that was how she liked it, boggled her mind. “Thanks.”

Lisa finished the transaction and handed the woman her receipt but the woman’s eyes were glued on Eric. “Thank you very much,” she said, trying to draw the woman’s attention. “And please do come visit us again.”

The woman took the receipt and slowly turned to leave, her eyes never leaving Eric. “Oh honey, you can count on it.”

Lisa chuckled softly as she watched the woman fumble her way to the exit.

“Listen,” Eric said as the next customer in line stepped up to the register, “I was hoping you could steal away for an early lunch. I’m afraid I have to fly out this afternoon. A big client from overseas only trusts me to handle his affairs. Says his ex-wife has too many connections. I have to head to the islands to file some paperwork and then jet to Paris for a few days.” He eyed the line of customers weaving through the store. “But doesn’t look like you can get away right now, so our talk will have to wait. Sorry.”

“That’s okay, I understand.” Part of her was relieved, but the other part wanted to be done with it. The anticipation from wondering how he would take the news was eating at her and she was afraid if she waited any longer, the harder it would be to face his rejection.

“Can I call you tonight?” he asked.

“Sure, though I don’t really want to talk about it over the phone.”

The woman at the counter began tapping her French manicured nails next to the register.

“I’ll let you go,” Eric said, with an apologetic smile, “but I agree. We’ll talk when I get back. I need to tell you something, too.” He pressed his lips to her forehead, sending heat through her body. How could a simple touch cause so much reaction? Pregnancy. It had to be her crazy hormones again. A man had never set her body on fire before. She’d read about such things in books or seen it in the movies but it had always made her laugh.

“Until later.” He backed away to say goodbye to Judy. “Yes, Mom. You do know best.” His loud mumble carried through the crowd before he disappeared out the door.

Does he really think I’m his match?

“Any day now,” the woman on the other side of the counter huffed.

“Sorry, ma’am.” Lisa rang up her items, ran her credit card, and printed her receipt.

The woman snatched the receipt out of Lisa’s hand. “I just love these small town people,” she muttered. “They’re so…southern.”

Lisa forced a smile. “Thank you so much, ma’am,” she said with a drawl.

Chapter Fifteen

Eric tossed his suitcase on the third lumpy hotel mattress of the week and fetched the laptop from his briefcase. Then he tugged the heavy curtains open with a swish and eyed the amazing view through the glass door that opened to a small balcony.

The Eifel Tower, lit up like a Christmas tree. A view that would be etched in his mind forever. A view meant to be shared. A view meant for lovers.

What time is it in Tennessee?
he wondered. He’d been on airplanes, bouncing between the Bahamas and Paris, tailing a needy client for days. No, it was into weeks now. Why was he putting himself through all this? He knew why. This one case would pay his bills for a year and provide enough left over for pro bono cases, like Ms. Burton. His mind was still battling with his heart over that one. Taking on a case against the largest business owner in Tennessee seemed like a bad idea.

Of course, his mother didn’t see it that way. She accused him of avoiding Lisa, knowing how scared he was to share his past with her.

He turned the handle, opening the old door to a cacophony of honking horns and lively nightlife. Had Lisa ever been to Paris?

Perhaps it wasn’t too late. He sat at the desk and opened his laptop. With a few clicks, he was logged on and listening to the ring tone of Skype. He held his breath, wiping his moist palms on his thighs. What was it about this woman? She turned him inside out. He’d been trapped on that long flight with nothing to do but think about her while everyone else slept.

The ring stopped and the video clicked on, showing Lisa’s beautiful, happy face. That was why. The Eifel tower at night didn’t compare to her intoxicating smile.

“Hi, you,” Lisa said.

“Hi, you back,” he chuckled.

Lisa quirked her head to the side, her chestnut hair falling over her cheek. “Isn’t it the middle of the night there?

“Yeah, I think so.” He rubbed his eyes. “I just got in and thought I’d check in on everything back home. The shop going well?”

“Yep. Everything’s great. You’re missed, though.” She smiled. “I mean, your mom wants you to hurry home.”

“Just my mother? Not you?”

How needy did that sound?
he chided himself silently.

“Especially me,” she replied softly.

He relaxed. Those two words providing so much hope that, when he returned, she wanted to see more of him. “Wait, I have to show you something.” He stood up, carrying his laptop to the open doorway. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Wow! That’s the view outside your room?” Lisa’s voice rose an octave.

“Yep. Have you ever been to Paris?” He turned the laptop screen back around and plopped down on the bed, resting his feet on top of the suitcase.

“No, but I’ve always dreamed of going. I’d actually planned a trip there for last summer, but, well…things changed.” She looked away, as if someone had entered the room, but then she resettled and met his gaze again.

He wanted to see her smile again. “Hey, why don’t you take it this summer? I’ll probably have to come back to see this client again. I’ll bring you with me. That is, if my mom can spare you.” He winked.

“I…I don’t know if I can.” She stumbled over her words.

Too fast. Great
. “Well, there’s plenty of time between now and then. Maybe we’ll be able to work something out.”

She forced a smile.

Okay, time to change the subject.
“So, what’s the big news in town? I’m sure Cathy Mitchell has kept you apprised of all the happenings.”

“Of course, she has. I think there’s more to her than just gossip, though. Sometimes people act a certain way because they’re in pain. They don’t want to share what’s going on in their own lives, so they turn the focus toward others. Sort of a defense mechanism, I guess.”

“Lisa Mortan, you are one wise woman.” He watched her mouth curl into a shy smile, her pearly white teeth shining in the dim light. Yet, there was a sorrow still clouding her eyes. It faded each time they chatted, but slipped back in during the silent moments. The thought of some guy hurting this amazing, smart, giving woman made his blood boil.

“What is it?” she asked.

He blinked. “Oh, nothing. Sorry, just thinking, that’s all.” There was a knock at his hotel door. “Hey, hang on a sec. I’ll be right back.” He pushed from the bed, realizing he hadn’t even removed his shoes when he came in. Heck, he hadn’t done anything but run to the computer to call Lisa. He didn’t remember ever being that needy before. Geesh, he needed to tone it down a little or he’d scare her away.

Opening the door, Adam Parez burst in. “Finally, I’ve been pacing the floor. My wife’s now threatening to take my corporation away.”

Eric held up his hand. “Hold on a second, please.” He took a long breath and went back to the bed. “Hey, you.”

“Hey, you back,” Lisa chuckled. “I heard. You’ve got to run.”

“Yeah, sorry. Can I call you tomorrow?”

“Sure, but make sure you get some rest. I don’t want you returning here exhausted and sick.”

“Didn’t know you cared,” he whispered, setting the laptop on the desk.

Adam cleared his throat.

“Guess you’ll have to call me tomorrow night to find out how much,” Lisa teased then blew a kiss before the screen went blank.

He closed the laptop and directed his attention to Adam. “Mr. Parez, you do realize it’s the middle of the night. If you weren’t an old friend, I’d have thrown you out.”

“If I wasn’t an old friend, I wouldn’t warn you.”

“Warn me of what?” Eric turned on the lights and sat at his desk chair.

“That you’ve got it bad.” He motioned to the laptop. “Who’s got you all twisted up like a lunatic? I’ve never seen you so…mushy before.”

“Oh, please. I don’t do mushy. I’m a lawyer,” Eric protested.

“You might be a lawyer, and a darn good one, too,” Adam said, “but you have a big heart. I’m not sure how you’ve survived this long in this business.”

“If you doubt my lawyer abilities, what are you doing here?”

Adam rolled his eyes. “I don’t doubt your abilities, man. You’re the only shark I’ll trust. I’m just saying, whoever that girl is, sign a pre-nup because you’re too in love to see straight.”

Chapter Sixteen

The all too familiar ring of Skype sounded from Lisa’s computer. Leaning over the desk, she minimized the spreadsheet Judy had created, highlighting their already impressive profit margin, and clicked the video icon.

Eric’s handsome face appeared, his blue shirt accentuating his bright eyes, which gleamed next to the dark background of his hotel room. “Hi, there,” he said, his baritone voice drawing her complete attention.

She fluffed her hair and wished she’d dabbed on some lipstick before answering. “Hi, you. How was your day?”

“Terrible, full of arguing and impossible people, and none of them were as beautiful as you are.” He winked.

Even through the internet, he caused her knees to feel weak. She scooped her laptop into her arms and shuffled to the bed. “You’re still in Paris, right?”

“Yes. I’m sorry. I thought I’d be back by now, but this case is taking longer than I’d thought.”

“For the client that came to your room last night?”

Eric nodded. “Yeah. His divorce and child custody case is being settled in the US, but he wanted me to come hold his hand through the negotiation process. He’s not very tech savvy, so video conference calls freak him out. If it wasn’t for the fact the income he generates keeps my Sweetwater practice afloat right now, I’d refuse.”

“Well, I have a feeling you’re there for more than the money. He’s an old friend, isn’t he?”

“How did you know that?” Eric asked.

“Women’s intuition.” Lisa flicked her wrist as if she possessed magical powers.

“Oh, really?” he teased. “Well, what does your intuition say about me getting home soon?” He rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, as though prepping for heavy lifting, and his strong forearms drew her attention for a moment. The man was muscular for a lawyer.

“I don’t know, but I hope you’re taking lots of pictures for me,” she nudged, her desire to see Paris nearly oozing from her pores. It was a place where dreams came true in her fantasy world.

His lips quirked up on the right side, the way it did when he was about to tease her about something. “No, I don’t think I’ll take pictures for you.”

She gasped with exaggeration. “Why?”

“You want to see Paris, you’ll have to agree to come back with me. We don’t even have to wait until summer. I’m sure I’ll have to return again in the near future. The antique shop should be settled in another four to six months. I’m sure Mom will let you out on good behavior.”

Four to six months? By that point, I’ll be about ready to pop.

“So, you better get to work if you want to take that trip with me. Did you finish unpacking everything at your house yet?” He narrowed his eyes, looking past her and shifting his gaze high and low. “I don’t see any boxes.”

She chuckled. “Well, I’m sitting on my bed, complete with a comforter and sheets now. So, no more sleeping on the couch.” She fixed her pillows behind her and propped the laptop on her thighs. Just then a swoosh fluttered in her belly and she thought her entire stomach rolled inside out.

“What’s wrong? You feeling okay?”

She slipped her hand from her abdomen and nodded. “Yes.”
Except, I think the baby I’m carrying by another man just moved for the first time and I want to share it with someone, but I can’t share it with you because you don’t even know I’m pregnant!

“You sure? Mom’s not working you too hard, is she? She can be a real workhorse. Trust me, I know.” His brows furrowed.

“No, it’s not that at all.”

He scrubbed his chin. “Then what is it?”

She sucked in a long breath and steadied herself. It was wrong to tell him over Skype. It was an in-person kind of conversation for sure, but she couldn’t hold it in any longer. The last two weeks, talking every day, seeing him on Skype every night, learning about his family and friends, work and interests…“Eric…I need to tell you something.” Her hands and legs began to tremble.

“No way. Remember our deal? Nothing serious until I get home.” He sighed. “Listen, it can’t be that bad. We both know we have some deep dark secret we need to share, but I’m glad we’ve had this time to learn more about each other. Mom told me we had a lot in common, but I didn’t realize it until we started talking about literature, travel, our favorite movies. That’s the kind of stuff that should start a relationship. I didn’t want to lead with baggage from the past. This way, we’ll know if the challenge ahead is worth the effort.”