A Little Surprise for the Boss (Mills & Boon Desire) (11 page)

She took his breath away.

The sleeveless gown was simple perfection. The silk fabric was draped to follow the curves of her glorious body, allowing an ample glimpse of cleavage at the bodice, then clinging downward to a point above her knees, where it flared into a softly flowing skirt. Mermaid style, Diane would have called it, if Buck remembered right.

Terri wore no jewelry except a pair of shoulder-skimming golden earrings—probably not even real gold, but they were enough. Her sun-burnished skin, glowing against the deep teal silk, was all the dazzle she needed.

Her hair—he might have chosen to see it loose and flowing, but he had to admit her young stylists had done an impressive job. French braids swept her long chestnut locks back from the sides of her face to join at the nape of her neck in a single loose braid woven with strands of thin gold ribbon.

“What do you think?” She looked at him, so adorably self-conscious that Buck wanted to sweep her into his arms and show her the effect she was really having on him.

He found his voice. “You look amazing. My compliments to your hairdressers.”

“They did all right, didn’t they? And they had so much fun.” She glanced at her wrist before she realized she wasn’t wearing a watch. “Let’s get busy. The doors will be opening soon.”

Even looking like a goddess, she was all business. Buck trailed her through the back rooms, where she spoke with the serving, security and electrical crews, then touched base with Bob and went over his checklist.

“Wow, you look great!” the young man said.

She gave him a self-effacing smile. “Thanks, but it’s just work, Bob. Everything you’ve done looks good, but in case you need me, I’ll be right out front.”

“Don’t worry, he’ll manage fine, Terri.” Buck pulled her back down the hall toward the ballroom. “Now stop fussing and breathe. Yes, you’ve got a job to do, but this is your last gala. I want you to have a good time tonight.”

“Is that an order, boss?”

“Absolutely.” He linked his arm through hers and led her into the empty ballroom. Everything here was in readiness. The oak floor was polished to a golden gleam. The three immense crystal chandeliers blazed with light. The tables that ringed the dance floor were set with candles, crystal and silver, the buffet tables and the long antique bar at the far end fully stocked and ready.

The quartet of jazz musicians, who traveled with the legendary singer Terri had been lucky enough to book, were just warming up. Little riffs floated off the keys of the grand piano. Soft blues notes rose from the saxophone, trumpet and bass. The players in this jazz ensemble were among the best in the world. It had cost a small fortune to bring them here, fresh from a major gig in Las Vegas. But nothing was too good for the gala.

Buck could sense the tension that radiated from Terri’s body as she mentally micromanaged everything.
Let it go
,
he wanted to tell her.
With you on my arm, I’ll be the envy of every man in the ballroom. Just relax and let me show you off.

Struck by a sudden inspiration, he turned her toward him. “Stay right here,” he said. “Don’t move an inch till I get back.” He strode across the floor to where the band was ending its warm-up. Stepping in close, he introduced himself and asked for a special favor.

The four musicians grinned and nodded. “Anything for the lady,” the piano player said.

The music started as Buck walked back to where Terri waited. The intro began on the tinkling piano, then the bass started throbbing a sensual underbeat. The trumpet and saxophone took up the mellow strains of “At Last,” and Buck faced Terri and held out his hand. “Dance with me,” he said.

Her lips parted, but she didn’t speak as he drew her into his arms. She was a little stiff and self-conscious at first, but as he pulled her close enough to be guided by his body, she softened against him, slipping into the beat of the music.

Her satiny cheek rested against his. He breathed her in, filling his senses with her sexy-clean, womanly aroma. Her curves skimmed his body, the contact hardening his arousal. There was no way she couldn’t be feeling it. But she didn’t pull away. He’d made love to this woman, Buck reminded himself. He’d been inside her—and damn it all, he ached to be there again. But that was the least of what he was feeling now. How could he let her go after tonight? How could he watch her walk away, knowing that even if he saw her again, she would no longer be part of his life?

She tilted her head to smile up at him. “I feel like Cinderella at the ball,” she whispered.

Buck’s arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer. It would be heaven to hold her like this forever, he thought. But he was no prince. And like in the fairy tale, the enchantment would be fated to end when the ball was over.

* * *

Terri closed her eyes, savoring these last few moments in Buck’s arms. Soon the song would end. Soon the doors to the ballroom would open and the streams of glittering guests would begin flowing in. In the hours ahead it would be her job to make sure everyone was welcomed, and to talk up the children’s clinics, homeless shelters and other charities the gala supported. Tomorrow she would pack for the drive to Park City and organize the house for a possible move. But now, for this brief flicker of time, she was in his arms, and he was hers. Until the music ended and the ballroom doors opened to let in the guests, nothing else mattered.

The event started promptly at eight o’clock and ran smoothly from beginning to end. For Terri, the hours passed in a blur of greeting guests that included the governor and state officials, business and community leaders, TV and movie personalities, and a host of other wealthy donors As the party continued, she’d left Buck’s side over and over again to work the floor, making sure everyone felt at home and had what they needed—a drink, a pen, directions to the restroom or a good seat for the entertainment. She’d seen enough galas to know what had to be done.

By the time the crowd was thinning out, Terri’s smile felt pasted on. Her feet had gone numb, and she was so tired she could barely stand. As the last guests trickled out the door, she made her way to Buck’s side. He gave her a smile, looking as fresh and energetic as when he’d walked in.

“Sit down,” he said. “You look ready to drop.”

“I am.” She sank onto a handy chair. “Will we need to stay for the cleanup?”

“No, Bob can make sure everything’s shipshape. He’s done a good job tonight. Remind me to give him a raise on Monday.” His expression froze as his eyes met Terri’s. She could guess what he was thinking. She wouldn’t be around to remind him of
anything
on Monday. She would be gone.

“Come on, we don’t need to stay.” He extended his hand to help her up. A word from him summoned an attendant with her poncho. He laid it gently over her shoulders as they walked out a side entrance. The black Jaguar waited in the shadows, where he must have told the valet to leave it.

“You were wonderful tonight,” he said as he opened the door for her. “Thank you.”

“I was just doing my job.” She settled into the cushiony leather seat as he walked around the car and climbed in on the driver’s side. Terri steeled herself for the drive home and what could be their final goodbye. Whatever happened, she told herself, she would not cry until he was gone.

“Your job? Was that all it was?” He touched her shoulder. “Look at me, Terri.”

Despite her resolve, the tears were already welling—tears that refused to hide as she turned to face him. His cupped hand lifted her chin as he leaned in to kiss her, gently at first, then, in a release of passion that was like the bursting of a dam, he crushed her close, his mouth possessing her, stirring deep urges that were too strong to resist.

“Come home with me, Terri.” His voice was a rough whisper. His lips skimmed hers as he spoke. “Come just for tonight. Let me make love to you.”

Terri struggled to speak, then realized there was nothing to say. She wanted what he wanted, and he would know it without a word.

CHAPTER TEN

R
ain drummed on the roof of the Jaguar, trickling in silver streams down the side windows as the sleek black car wound its way up the canyon. Terri sat in trembling silence, stealing glances at Buck’s chiseled profile. Her pulse skittered as she remembered his words.

Come just for tonight. Let me make love to you.

At least he wasn’t playing games. He’d stated his intentions and made it clear that there wouldn’t be another time after this. Delicious sex with no strings attached. Wasn’t that what they both wanted? After so many years together, wasn’t it as good a way as any to say goodbye?

He pulled through the gate and up the driveway. A touch on the remote opened the garage. He pulled inside and closed the door behind them. From there, they entered through a door into the back hallway off the kitchen. Terri knew Buck’s house well. But she’d never been here in the middle of the night, on her way to the man’s bed.

She’d expected him to lead her to the stairs, but they were still in the hallway when he stopped, stripped off her poncho and pulled her to him. His kiss was pure seduction, slow, languorous and deliciously intimate. With exquisite restraint, his tongue glided along the rim of her lower lip, then, as she opened to him, slipped into her mouth to play with the tip of hers. His touch ignited a warm shimmer that flowed downward through Terri’s body, heating like molten lava as it pooled in the deepest part of her. Her hands framed his head, fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him down to deepen the kiss. Her body curled against his, hips pressing into an erection that was already big and hard.

He laughed mischievously, his lips moving down her throat to delve into the moist hollow between her breasts. “Take it easy, lady,” he whispered. “We’ve got all night, and I plan to see that you enjoy every minute.”

* * *

Not until Terri was in his arms did Buck realize how much he’d wanted her there. Something about the way her curves molded to his, her strength, her sweet, willing warmth, made him feel as if he’d come home. Holding her was as natural as breathing—coupled with a rush that was like the first few seconds of free fall in an early-morning skydive. Lord, but she felt good.

He’d made love to her once before, and it had been wonderful. But it had been nowhere near enough.

“We’re in the wrong place,” he murmured against the fragrant curve of her neck. “Come on, I’ve got a better idea.”

With a rough laugh he kissed her again, then caught her in his arms, swept her through the dark living room and half carried her up the stairs. They reached the landing and stood breathless for a moment, looking out the high window at the night sky. The storm was moving east, the clouds thinning to show patches of starry sky. “It’s beautiful,” Terry whispered.

“So are you.” He nibbled the tip of her ear. “I’ve been wanting you all night—no way I could’ve just taken you home and let you go. But now…” His gaze swept the expanse of the sky. “We’ve got all night if we want.”

Tossing aside his tux jacket, he tugged her down beside him on the top step, where they could sit in full view of the night sky above towering canyon walls. Under different conditions, this would be a good time to talk. But he knew better than to tell her what he was feeling. The words he needed to say would spoil this moment completely. The less said the better.

Pulling her close, he kissed her, going deep with his tongue. By now his blood was pounding and his erection was threatening to burst through a seam, but he willed himself not to hurry, not even when she responded with a moan and wiggled her hips closer.

His hand reached down and slid up her leg, half expecting to find pantyhose. But Terri’s sleek, tanned legs were bare. The surprise kicked his pulse into overdrive. He kissed her again, sliding his hand up to the crotch of her panties. Her breath caught as he fingered the fabric, stroking her through the thin silk.

She arched upward to meet his hand. “Touch me,” she whispered. “I want you to.”

“I can do more than that,” he muttered. Easing her back onto the landing he knelt two steps below her, slid her panties off her legs, hiked up the narrow part of her skirt and lowered his head.

“Oh—” She gasped in wonder as his tongue found the spot. “Nobody ever…did that to me…before…” She moaned as he savored the sweet-salty taste of her, feeling the tiny nub swell beneath his touch. Her fingers tangled in his hair as she swam in the new sensation. “That feels so…so…” The words trailed off as he brought her to a shuddering climax.

“Come here, you.” She seized his shoulders, drawing him up for a lingering kiss. Seeing her like this, so warm and playful and eager, tugged at his heart. He would trade anything for the chance to pamper her, make her happy and give her everything her heart desired. Reason told him that chance was already gone. But at least they had tonight. He would make the most of it.

By now, all thought of taking it slow had evaporated. He wanted her—wanted her now, cloaking his sex in her hot, tight body, meeting his thrusts with her own. Standing, he pulled her to her feet. His hands ranged hungrily over her silk-clad curves, molding her breasts, pressing her hips in hard against him. She was equally eager as she tugged his shirt open. Her urgency sent buttons clattering to the floor and bouncing down the stairs.

Searching, his fingers found the zipper tab that opened her gown down the back. He gave it a firm tug. The zipper parted about eight inches, then stuck. He pulled again, then yanked. The zipper wouldn’t budge.

She gazed up at him, mischief in her eyes and a smile teasing her luscious mouth. “Rip it,” she said.

They left a trail of clothes and shoes all the way down the hall to the bedroom.

* * *

Buck opened his eyes. It was early yet, with sunrise casting a rosy glow through the shutters. Lying here with Terri in his arms, he felt physical contentment to the marrow of his bones. He’d had other women, more than he cared to remember, but never one who matched his desire the way Terri did. Last night had been more than sex. It had been as if their souls were making love.

He wanted to do it again, every night for as long as he lived. He wanted to build the kind of life she was leaving him to find—to give her children who’d be brothers and sisters for Quinn, to share adventures as a family, to love and support and cherish each other for all time.

But as the dawn faded from rose to gray, he knew the odds of that dream coming true were all but hopeless. He was in love with Terri, and he sensed that she loved him, too. But the secret of his past would always stand between them. Even if he never told her, the silent lie would be there, lurking like a hidden poison—and if she were to find out what he’d kept from her, she would never forgive him.

Propping his head on one arm, he gazed down at her. She was so lovely in the soft light, her rich chestnut hair framing her face in silky tendrils, her lashes like velvet fringe against her warmly freckled cheeks. The lips that had returned his kisses with so much passion were moist and ripely swollen. He ached to lean over, capture those lips and begin again where they’d left off. But she looked so peaceful in sleep, and waking her would mean getting up out of bed, pulling on some clothes, driving her home and saying goodbye, maybe forever.

He loved her. He wanted her for keeps. There had to be a way. Why couldn’t he find it?

And then, suddenly, he knew.

He had to tell her the truth.

What were the odds that she’d hate him for it? Pretty damned high. And the fact that he’d kept it from her all these years would only make things worse. She’d probably leave and never speak to him again. But if he wanted a life with her, he would have to take the chance and weather the consequences.

Terri was already aware that her brother had died from a sniper’s bullet while on patrol. But telling her
why
would be one of the hardest things he’d ever done—and the biggest gamble he’d ever taken.

He would tell her this morning—but not here, in this bed, where they’d made love.

Warm and sleepy, she stirred beside him. Her eyelids fluttered open. “Hi,” she murmured, smiling.

“Hi,” he said. “You’re a goddess when you’re sleeping, did you know that?”

“Silly, how would I know?” She gave a little shake of her head as he leaned closer. “No kissing till I clean my teeth. I promise you won’t like the taste of me.”

He sat up. “I loved the taste of you last night. But if we start kissing, I’ll never let you out of my bed, and we need to get the day started. What would you say to some breakfast?”

“Sounds good. But I don’t have anything to wear.”

Buck glanced down at her crumpled silk evening gown on the floor. It wouldn’t be comfortable to put back on, even if he hadn’t managed to break the zipper getting her out of it. “I’ve got some spare sweats,” he said. “The bottoms have a drawstring, so they won’t fall down on you—not that I’d mind.”

Naked, he slipped out of bed and moved to his walk-in closet, where he found what he was looking for. Grabbing one set of sweats for himself, he tossed a second set onto the bed for her.

She laughed, watching him without a trace of embarrassment. “Oh, darn, you’re getting dressed? I was just enjoying the view. Did anybody ever tell you how delectable you look from the rear?”

“You’re shameless.” Adoring her, he pulled on the sweatpants. He could tell she was already putting on a brave face, readying herself for the parting they both dreaded.

If nothing else, maybe what he had to tell her would make that parting easier.

“Go ahead and put yourself together,” he said. “I’ll be downstairs cooking you some bacon and eggs.”

“And a big mug of coffee, please. I need it this morning.”

“You’ve got it.” He strolled out of the room and down the stairs, thinking how comfortable it was, being with Terri. He could be happy making breakfast for her every morning of their lives. But that wasn’t something he could count on. He needed to prepare himself for the worst.

Downstairs, he went out back and checked on Murphy, giving the big mutt a morning ear scratch and refilling his water and kibble bowls. Then he came back inside, washed his hands, and started the bacon and coffee. From overhead, he could hear Terri running the guest room shower. He whistled as he worked, trying to take his mind off the urge to race upstairs and join her.

He was just adding grated cheddar to the scrambled eggs when she came downstairs, her face damp and glowing. She’d taken the braids and ribbon out of her hair, letting it hang loose around her shoulders. “All ready,” he said, dishing up the eggs, then pulling out her chair. “Have a seat.”

She sat. He poured coffee for both of them and took his seat across from her. She sipped her coffee, her copper-flecked eyes meeting his across the table. She looked so vulnerable, and now he was about to hurt her. Lord, how was he going to do this?

“I don’t want you to leave,” he said. “You know that, don’t you?”

“You’ve made that clear.” She glanced down at her breakfast, poking at her eggs as if she’d suddenly lost her appetite. “But my life hasn’t changed in ten years. If I don’t do something different, it never will.”

“There’s no reason your life couldn’t change here, if you opened yourself to it.” He was stumbling now, saying everything except what he’d planned to say.

“My mind’s made up,” she said. “If that job offer in Park City looks good, I’m taking it. It’s time, Buck. I can’t stay here any longer.”

“Well then, I’ll just have to respect your decision.” He took a ragged breath, then plunged ahead. “Terri, there’s something I’ve held back all these years because I didn’t know how to tell you. Now that you’re leaving, this may be my last chance to let you know how sorry I am.”

She looked startled. Then her face took on a resolute expression. “I can’t imagine what it would be. But if there’s something you need to say, I’m listening.”

“It’s about Steve and how he died.”

He glimpsed the look of pain that flickered across her face. Some wounds, he knew, never healed.

“You know he was shot,” he said, “and you know he was carried back to camp, where he died. What you don’t know is that what happened was my fault.”

Her lips moved, shaping each word with effort. “What do you mean?”

Buck took a breath, then began the story he’d never told anyone before, not even Diane.

“Steve had gone on patrol the night before. He wasn’t scheduled to go out the next morning. I was. But I woke up at dawn with a splitting migraine—I still get them, as you know.”

“Yes, I know.”

“But never as bad as the one I had that morning. I was so sick I was throwing up. I could barely see to get dressed, but I got my gear and suited up, determined to go anyway. Then somebody told our lieutenant. He looked me over and said I’d be useless out there if I couldn’t see to shoot. He called for a volunteer to take my place.”

“And Steve volunteered.” Her voice was a whisper, drained of emotion. Her eyes were unreadable.

“That’s right, and you know the rest. If I’d been in shape to go out on that patrol, or if I’d insisted on going anyway, even with a migraine, Steve would have survived that day. He’d very likely have come home, been here for you all along when your grandmother got sick, married, had children…” Buck’s voice trailed off. “I could have toughed it out,” he said. “I could have argued with the lieutenant, convinced him I’d be all right. Or better yet, I could have faked it and not told anybody. Maybe I would’ve been shot, or maybe things would’ve gone differently for me. Either way, Steve wouldn’t have been the one to die that day.”

She’d put down her fork. An eternity seemed to pass before she spoke. “You couldn’t have known what would happen. Neither could Steve.”

“But I knew the risks. Every time we went on patrol we were taking our lives in our hands.” Buck struggled to keep the emotion out of his voice. “Later that morning, I was in camp, still wondering whether I’d done the right thing, when I heard the patrol come back. Somebody told me Steve was wounded. I got to him just in time to say goodbye.”

Terri didn’t speak. A single tear trickled down her face.