Something More (4 page)

Chapter 6

Carrie counted to ten. “So you’re going to stay. You’ve taken Andrea and moved in with him.”

“She’s my daughter,” Ellie sputtered.

“She’s
my
niece.”

“That’s right, Carrie. Your
niece
!” With elbows bent, Ellie placed her hands on her hips and glared.

Carrie dug her heels into the carpet on her living-room floor while she fought to control her anxiety. When she opened her front door and saw her sister standing there on the front porch she’d been ecstatic. How she’d missed her. A shadow of disappointment surfaced when she realized her niece had not accompanied Ellie.

Good thing she didn’t. Andrea did not need to witness the fight that was unmistakably brewing. Why wouldn’t her sister listen? “Have you forgotten how she got here?”

“You won’t let me.”

“Dammit, Ellie.” Carrie slumped her shoulders and turned away from the accusing look on her sister’s face. She didn’t want to argue with her. Couldn’t Ellie see that she only wanted to protect them? “You can’t trust men, you know that.”

“Another thing you won’t let me forget.”

Carrie jerked back at her accusation. “He could dump you just like . . .”

“It happened to me! Not you,” Ellie shouted. “You need a life of your own.”

Carrie waved an arm toward the furnishings in her home of which she’d paid a tidy sum. How many women could say they had a six-figure salary and owned their own home, mortgage free? Angling her chin, she took a step forward. “I have a life. A very good life, as you well know. Who paid for Andrea’s braces? Who pays for her school?”

Ellie exhaled sharply before she answered. “That’s all you think about. Money.”

“You don’t have any trouble accepting my money.” Ellie took so long to answer, Carrie immediately regretted her outburst.

“Yes. That’s right.
Your
money,” Ellie spat as she turned around and stomped to the front door. “I’ve had enough of your attitude and your ideas shoved down my throat.”

“Wait, Ellie.” Carrie rushed after her. “You can’t leave.”

“Watch me.” Ellie shouted the words over her shoulder.

Dread clogged Carrie’s throat. “Dammit, Ellie. Stop!”

Ellie halted with her hand on the doorknob. Her shoulders rose and fell with the heavy breathing of her anger.

Carrie stared at Ellie’s back. The fear of her sister leaving and never seeing her again threatened to choke her. “Please, wait. Let’s talk about this.”

With her forehead braced against the door, Ellie’s shoulders drooped as if the weight of the world rested on them. Moments lingered and the silence thickened. “Carrie, if I’d only known how my getting pregnant would affect you . . .”

“Stop. You couldn’t help what happened any more than I could. We were teenagers.”

Ellie slowly turned around. As she lifted the hair from her face, Carrie saw the sheen of pain in her eyes. “Mom and Dad threw me out. I survived. You’re the one they did the most damage to. Not me. I was blessed with Andrea.”

The only good thing that came out of the gruesome situation. A young girl, pregnant and condemned. Not only deserted by the baby’s father, but also attacked by the very parents she had trusted. A horrible night of shame and injected humiliation. While Carrie hid behind the doorframe, tears burning her cheeks. Unaware of anything but the cruelty her parents subjected on her sister.

Andrea.

“She’s a wonderful girl. You’ve done great with her.”

“I appreciate everything you’ve done. But, you’ve got to lighten up.” Ellie waved one hand. “Your distrust of men is like a disease. I was the one who got dumped. I was the one who suffered.”

“I was too young to do anything then,” Carrie said softly.

“It wasn’t up to you. You’ve been trying to take care of us ever since you started making money. We are not your responsibility.”

Maybe they weren’t her responsibility, but they were her family. The scene with her parents had instilled a protectiveness within her that she could not disregard. Nor did she plan to. “I want to help. I don’t want Andrea to suffer.”

“I know. You’ve been great to her.” Ellie lifted an eyebrow and cocked her head at an angle. “A little too much spoiling. I won’t be able to continue with the material things you’ve given her, but . . .”

“Another reason you should stay.” When Ellie’s body stiffened, she knew she’d said the wrong thing, again. Dammit. Why couldn’t she keep her mouth shut?

“Will you quit trying to control me? I’m the older sister.”

“I can’t help worrying.” She knew she acted like a commanding shrew, but she couldn’t help herself. She took several breaths and tried a new approach. “You could leave Andrea here for a while. Then she won’t be jerked from another home when you move back.”

Ellie remained quiet for so long, Carrie almost wilted under her sister’s glare. “I love him. He’s good to Andrea. You’ve got to give him a break.”

Why should I? He’s taking you away. And I won’t be there. To pick up the pieces. To make sure Andrea will be all right.

“I don’t want to see you get hurt again.”

“That was a long time ago. I survived.”

Pouting was unbecoming and she hadn’t done that as far back as she could remember. “It could happen again.”

Ellie’s voice softened. “Then, I’ll survive. Again.”

Tears threatened. Carrie willed herself not to cry. Maybe Ellie would
survive,
but her daughter deserved better. “What about Andrea?”

“Carrie, she’s mine. You’ve got to let her go.”

Carrie’s heart stopped. “Let her go?” She voiced her shock.

“For geminey sakes. You act like you’re never going to see her again. We’re a phone call away. You can hop in a car and be there in a few hours.”

Nothing had ever scared her like this. She could solve any problem, tackle any enemy or take any bull by the horns and come out the winner. The thought of her sister leaving not only jolted her, but little signals of panic threatened her stability. “How will I be able to keep an eye on you?”

“For crying out loud. You’re not my mother.” Ellie shoved her hair out of her face. “We’ll keep in touch. You can see us anytime.”

Control was slipping away. Normally she had the upper hand. “How do you know he won’t hurt you or throw you out?”

“I have my sister to put the fear of God into him, right?” Ellie gave her a smile that indicated she was only half teasing.

Carrie scowled. “You make me sound like an ogre.”

“You can be.”

Good Lord. She couldn’t just give up. Could she? Damn. “He cost you your home. Your family.”

Ellie understood she meant the teenage boy. She stepped closer, with a look of sympathy. Her voice was low and soothing. “Mom and Dad are old school. They couldn’t accept their precious daughter had shamed them.”

Carrie stiffened her lower lip. “He should have paid. He should have accepted his responsibility.”

“What you don’t realize, Carrie, is that maybe I am better off without him. I don’t want someone who doesn’t want me. What if we had gotten married? He would have hated me for forcing him into marriage. He didn’t want a baby. I didn’t want Andrea exposed to a man who didn’t want her.”

Carrie couldn’t imagine any man not wanting that precious girl. Her eyes misted as she stared at her sister. “You think this man will take care of you? He’s not offering marriage.”

Her gleam of concern was replaced by trepidation, then courage. “Actually he did.”

“What?” Carrie choked.

Compassion quickly filled her eyes. “I decided to wait. The position he’s been offered is a good move for him. I need to be sure everything fits before we make it permanent. Andrea needs to be happy with the move, too.”

“At least you’re not rushing into marriage.”

Ellie put her arms around Carrie and squeezed. “You shouldn’t have so little faith in me. I’m watching out for my daughter.”

As Carrie returned her embrace, she cried. “Oh, Ellie. I do have faith in you. It’s men I have absolutely none.”

Chapter 7

The door attendant took Carrie’s hand as she stepped from the car. She barely noticed when he gave her a warm smile and raised a finger to the brim of his cap in a salute. She pushed the harrowing conversation with her sister out of her mind and decided she would concentrate on her date of this evening. Her neck cracked as she looked up. The Manchester building held thirty or more floors. Mirror windows reflecting lighted images loomed in the night sky. Only one of its alluring attractions.

An undeniable charge of energy flowed through her body at the thought of seeing Matthew again. She’d been unable to erase his rumbling voice from her conscious, or cool the heat that engulfed her as she remembered his blazing eyes. He certainly affected her as no other man had the nerve to even try.

Carrie walked with a coolness that belied her inner indecision. She didn’t need a relationship. But then, viewpoint had little to do with feelings. Still, she was looking forward to dinner with this particular man. Wealthy tycoon or blue-collar worker, he interested her. How nice it would be to relax and have a man charm her because he liked her or simply wanted her company. Maybe she expected too much. How could she know his true character this soon? Time would undoubtedly show him no different from the others.

As she entered the main floor lobby, shining brass and crystal chandeliers embellished the room. Her eyes automatically searched for him. She stopped and caught her breath. Her screaming hormones kicked into overdrive. He was there, waiting. The sparkling lights on the chandelier could not outshine the inner glow when her gaze made contact with his. Matthew’s impeccable attire made her glad she took the extra time with her appearance.

Her position in business involved many parties and formal affairs. Million dollar men dressed in their million-dollar finery. ‘The best of the best’ so to speak. Not one of those men could compare with what this man did to a suit. Power exuded off his exceedingly handsome frame. Daggers of delight speared her body as his gaze burned a path down and back up again.

Every female eye in the room was trained on the gorgeous man on the far side of the lobby, but his gaze remained on her. As Matthew moved toward her, his expression of admiration became one of smiling pleasure. Until this moment Carrie hadn’t realized how much she’d been hoping for just that response. A thrill of anticipation claimed her as she watched his tall, impressive figure draw closer.

Matthew’s heated smile never wavered as he took her hand. Tingles crept up her arm. Something she’d not undergone even in her teenage years.

Get a grip for God’s sake.

Sparkling blue sapphires held her in their power. “Carrie.”

She remained silent as Matthew raised her hand to his lips, never taking his gaze from hers. The heat of his mouth matched the inferno of his stare. A current of warmth shot up her bare arm.
Definitely great chemistry.

His eyes burned. “You look lovely.”

She concentrated on making her voice sound normal.
“Thank you.”

His generous mouth tilted at one corner. “Are you hungry?”

“Starved.”

Mathew chuckled as he placed her hand in the curve of his arm. “I love a woman with an appetite.”

He took her to the Crez’ Chalet. The high dollar restaurant was well known for fine dining while enjoying soft lights and soft music. Tables of draped white linen with bright red centerpieces decorated the room. Flickering candles in glass colored coverings cast a kaleidoscope of colors giving a hint of romance. Floral arrangements hung above alcoves affording a certain amount of privacy for diners. A wonderful place to unwind, let go, or just plain relax.

Carrie scanned the tables as he took her elbow and followed the maître d’. She recognized a few faces from the corporate world. Thanks to her talent and self-assurance, she never felt uncomfortable or ill at ease with anyone—in business or pleasure. Being a career minded individual, she had plenty of experience drawing clienteles into polite conversation and convincing them of her expertise. She’d brought a few of her patrons here to discuss their investments. Plush surroundings and an accommodating atmosphere helped her to land those deals.

From the moment they walked through the door, Matthew had been given the courtesy due a member of the royal family. Carrie knew the place well and had always been impressed with their service. Tonight, however, the staff concentrated on Matthew’s every word and anticipated each request as though he were of significant importance.

After the waiter left, Carrie picked up her flute of champagne. “Did you have to cut your meeting short?”

“Actually, I had a bit of a problem focusing.” Matthew’s message appeared clear by the heat in his eyes.

“Did you?” Carrie inwardly smiled and took a sip of her champagne. His intense gaze made her aware of only him, of how this evening might end. And how much she looked forward to it.

“Oh, yes.” He drew his answer out in a lazy drawl while his eyes followed the movement of the rim of the glass brushing her lips. His gaze traveled down her throat, as if caressing. Her face heated. After what seemed an eternity, his gaze returned to hers.

“You see, this alluring image kept entering my mind. Very distracting. This vision intruded on my conscious and demanded my attention, making it impossible to concentrate on anything else.”

Matthew’s voice vibrated over her skin. He leaned closer. When he spoke, his gaze dropped to her mouth causing a slight jump in the rhythm of her pulse. She studied the movement of his lips, his face mere inches from hers. When her stare lifted to his, she noted tiny dark spikes in the outer rim of his blue irises. His voice hummed, flooding her mind with sensual pleasure, caught in his magnetic pull.

“This alluring image. It interfered with your meeting?”

“With more than my meeting.” His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Although I wouldn’t use the word . . . interfere.”

“I think maybe, you wanted to end your meeting and you’re using this
image
as an excuse.”

“You do, do you?”

His breath on her cheek sensitized nerves she didn’t even know she had. As his mouth moved, she secretly coveted his lips, knowing they’d be delicious in a kiss.

Damn the man was sexy.

She experienced a tad of disappointment when he drew back and reached for his champagne glass. Her eyes followed the movement of the knot in his neck as he swallowed. A slight breath hissed from her mouth as a bolt of desire shot right between her legs.

This could be the beginning of what could turn out to be a very enjoyable evening.

“I must confess. I’ve thought of nothing but you since our cab ride from the airport.” He set his glass down then his eyes lifted to meet hers. “You intrigue me. I want to know more about you.”

“Well. Since confessions are in order, I’ve been thinking of you, too.”
Are your thoughts as lusty as mine?

“Good.” Toying with the glass at his hand, he leaned back in his chair. “Now. Tell me about yourself.”

I want you
.

Her fingers tightened on her glass. Good Lord, Carrie. Get a grip. She’d had more control while being grilled by her hardball partners.

“Okay.” With one finger, she traced the stem of her crystal flute. “I’m an American Express financial advisor with ‘Higgins & Andrews’.”

Matthew let out a low whistle. “Very impressive.”

Carrie’s anger flared. Her defensive instincts flew to the surface, prepared for battle as they had many times with men who questioned her ability. With the smile on her face more forced, she allowed her irritation to show in her voice. “I earned my right to be there. I’ve worked hard to get my executive status. Had to step on a few toes, but I did not sleep my way to the top.”

“Whoa there, filly.” Matthew held up his hands. “I believe you. You’re a very sharp lady. I saw that right away. I would never belittle you or any other woman.”

Realizing she may have overreacted, a tad, Carrie explained. “I’m very good at what I do. Most men see me as a threat.”

“I’m not most men.” He leaned forward. “I plan on taking great pleasure in proving that.”

Calmed by his words, yet excited by his nearness, Carrie wondered exactly what he meant. She lifted her glass and took a sip. “I’d like to hear about you.”

“Boring stuff, I assure you.”

She set her glass down. “You’re not getting off that easily.”

“I’m in New York on business.”

Carrie spoke with sarcasm. “I never would have guessed.”

“Surely you don’t want to talk about me.” Matthew gave her a warm look. “I’d much rather talk about you.”

Here it was again. A hint of mystery. A man of many secrets. “What kind of business?”

He leaned closer. “I like looking at you.”

The timbre of his voice and his intense stare created a fluttering in her middle, a unique sensation totally alien to her. Carrie tried to read his eyes. Her body flushed hot as though he looked inside her, seeing her intimacies. As if they shared a closeness of beliefs and convictions.

“I know you’re an intelligent woman, Carrie. You’re business savvy. I could ask you about your hobbies,
or
we could skip all the chitchat. If you say nothing at all, I would sit here and look at you and be perfectly content. My fate was sealed when I saw you running for that cab.”

Carrie was about to laugh off his remark when his words penetrated. Her body stilled. Her eyes narrowed. “You saw me running. You saw me heading for that cab?”

He smiled. “Yes. I did.”

Surely the devil had a smile just like that.
“So you intentionally came after me.”

“Oh, yes.”

I should have known.

No chance meeting. He’d followed her. Why?
“And here I thought we just happened to grab the same taxi.”

He smiled like the villain who tied the damsel on the train tracks, but damn if she didn’t suddenly have the urge to be the damsel.
I’ve been hanging around Ginger too long.

“What man in his right mind would see a beautiful goddess run by him and let her get away?”

Good Lord, what a line.

“Some goddess. I was soaked to the skin.”

Smoky eyes flamed as his gaze drifted down to her breasts, reminding her of puckered nipples. Heat slammed her center threatening to pucker them again. She cleared her throat, jerking his eyes to hers.

“Um, yes. Wet clothes reveal much.” He took a sip of his champagne. “But, I saw you before that.”

Curiosity replaced Carrie’s testiness. “Before?”

“Inside the terminal.”

She raised one eyebrow. “Hmmm. You don’t impress me as a stalker.”

“But I do impress you?”

It was impossible not to be swayed by his charm. “I’d say you made . . . quite an impression.” Carrie’s livelihood depended on her accurate assessment of people and she could read men pretty well. Matthew tested her limits.

The food arrived and Carrie studied him between bites. More than easy on the eyes and a voice she could listen to forever. Still, she needed to know more about him. “You haven’t answered my question. What kind of business trip?”

Matthew’s eyes locked with hers. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

“Not a chance. Unless, it’s confidential? You don’t have to tell me if it’s private.”

He folded his napkin and placed it beside his dessert dish. “It’s a business merger. Not exactly top-secret. I’d just rather not talk business. Especially, when I’m with a beautiful woman.”

Carrie would guess he didn’t want to talk about himself either. Too bad. “Okay. What about you, the man?”

“How about we talk about you? Boyfriend? No husband, I hope!”

Carrie chuckled. “Now’s a good time to ask. No. No husband or significant man in my life.”

“Hmmm. And why is that? Your career?”

“My career is my life, up to a point. It’s not the reason I don’t currently have a relationship. What about you?”

“Definitely not married. Although my sisters have plagued my life with constant matchmaking schemes. I’m afraid I had to be rather firm in telling them to ‘butt out’.” Taking her hand, he drew her attention as if he needed her to hear his next words. “I have no significant other, girlfriend, or any female companion. I’m completely unattached.”

Carrie’s chin lifted and her muscles relaxed. Her mind floated as though she’d just been relieved of a heavy burden. She wondered why she should feel such sweet joy to know no other woman held his interest. “You’ve mentioned your sisters before.”

“I have three.” Matthew shook his head. “What I had to endure growing up without a brother.”

The smile on his face told her it hadn’t all been bad. He obviously loved them.

“My father died about seven years ago,” he continued, “leaving me the family business. I know what it’s like for someone to work hard and earn their way to the top.”

Carrie sensed he didn’t like talking about his accomplishments. “Please. Tell me.”

“After my father’s death, I worked right alongside the factory employees. I learned a lot. I wanted to see how the company functioned from top to bottom. I wanted to learn the conditions the employees worked in and how they felt about the company. It helped me to grow and I earned their respect.

“That’s admirable.”

He shrugged, but she saw pride and tenderness and . . . something else he held back from telling her. She’d bet he didn’t normally reveal his inner thoughts or open up often to people. She felt privileged he’d shared this much with her. She wouldn’t press him further.

“Do you have siblings who drive you crazy?” he asked.

The scene earlier with her sister flashed in her mind. She’d been unable to control the situation. Ellie was a grown woman and Carrie didn’t have any choice but to trust her.