AKA Lexi Frost (Lexi Frost Series) (24 page)

Paul sighed and paused. When he spoke again his voice was softer
. Teri recognized tones of regret now. “Blaine, I understand you’re not me, you are your own man. Showing some sort of interest in something or motivation to accomplish anything at all is the least of my expectations of any of you kids. It’s bothered me for years that you’re content to just float along and wait for me to die, assuming you’ll get an inheritance to carry you through life. I’m starting to realize the allowance I give you may not be the best thing for you. I’ll have to think on that.”

“
You’d cut us off? Just like that?”

“
As I said, I’ll have to think on it. Letting it go on as long as I have has left you three ill-prepared to make your own way so cutting you off isn’t really an option. Perhaps asking for something more productive than hostility in return is in order though.”

Blaine
looked at Paul in disbelief, then turned his attention back to Teri. She kept her face carefully neutral and watched as Paul stood and picked up the leather bound album on his desk.

“
Ransacking my office doesn’t help your case.” He walked around the desk and returned the album to its place in the bottom drawer. “And this isn’t something I’ve discussed with Teri so don’t bother blaming her.”

Paul returned to sit beside Teri on the sofa. Once
he was beside her again, Teri could see the tension in his posture. She slipped a hand into his and squeezed gently. He surprised her by shifting his attention from Blaine to her, bringing a hand up to softly caress her face.

“
Remember how upset Kenny was when I asked about backup plans?”

“
Yes, he’s pretty focused.”

“
I didn’t see it initially, but yes he is. He’s focused to the point that he might actually make it.”

“
I’m not sure whether I like that idea or not,” Teri admitted. Paul caressed her face again.

“
Don’t worry about them, honey. That focus in Kenny reminds me of myself when I was his age. What I miss seeing in my kids.”

“
Paul, not every kid is like Kenny. Cassie, Tiffany, and Bryan are pretty normal, thankfully. But Jess is only focused on girls, and Dev is dedicated to his skateboard and making mischief on his computer. Sometimes it’s not so great.”

Paul smiled.
“They’re all much younger. Jess floats from one dead end job to the next. At nineteen it’s one thing, at twenty-five it’s another. You can’t tell me you wouldn’t kick him in the pants before then.”

Teri snuggled close and laid
her head on Paul’s shoulder. “You’re right. Are we talking about my kids or yours?”

“
Both. Yours are probably easier to deal with. The boys have a pretty lofty goal, but at least they’re trying. The girls are smart and college bound, so they’re no problem.”

Paul smiled and looked back to his son.
Blaine looked back warily.

“
It’s a little late for the three of you to get into a college for this fall so I’ll continue your allowance until next term. At that point I expect you to be enrolled as full time students. I’ll pay reasonable expenses. You’ll get a basic allowance as befits a college student, extra is based on your performance, just like when you were kids.”

Blaine
sat behind Paul’s desk, silent and fuming. Paul turned to Tim.

“
Would you like me to write a memo for Olivia and Chad?” Tim asked.

“
Please, and remind me to talk to Kyle.”

Teri was watching Tim but
, at the mention of Paul’s attorney, Blaine moved behind the desk. She turned her attention back to him and had to fight the impulse to flinch at the look on his face. Blaine’s lips were thin and white with tension, emphasizing the rising color in his cheeks. He was holding onto the edge of the desk with a fierce grip and his eyes were focused on his father with a hatred Teri had never before witnessed. She subtly squeezed Paul’s hand again and he turned to follow her gaze.

“
Don’t worry, Blaine, I’m not cutting you out of my will. Kyle handles other things for me too. Sending you back to school isn’t revenge. I’m hoping to give you a purpose in life. Waiting around for me to die doesn’t count. Now, I know you never like to take advice from me, but I suggest you listen this time: don’t rock the boat. Stay away from Teri and her family, period. Until you’re ready to strike out on your own, don’t push me. Are we clear?”

Blaine
nodded almost imperceptibly.

“
Good. Perhaps I should have taken a firmer hand with you before. Now go home, I’ve had enough of this today.”

Blaine
hesitated only briefly. He stood suddenly, sending the desk chair crashing against the glass wall behind it. Without a glance at his father, Blaine Lovett walked stiffly past them and out of the room.

Teri immediately slid up onto Paul
’s lap. She put her arms around his neck and tenderly started kissing his face. She heard Tim close the door behind him as he left. Paul sought her mouth and pulled Teri into a passionate kiss. One hand slid down the front of her shirt and kneaded the breast that it inevitably found.

“
I’m so sorry, honey,” Paul whispered, dropping his hand to her waist and pausing in his kisses.

“
Don’t be. I’m fine. And maybe some good will come of it in the long term.”

“
I didn’t want you to be caught in this.”

“
I know.” Teri firmly pressed her mouth over Paul’s and shifted on his lap to straddle him. “You’re tense.”

“
God, I need you right now.” Paul’s lips pressed against hers as he laid her back onto the sofa, one arm supporting his weight to keep from crushing her. In the new position, Teri wrapped one leg around Paul and let the other hang off the side. He resumed kissing her as he struggled with the fly buttons on her jeans, then tried desperately to slide them down to allow him access. Swearing softly, he disentangled himself from her leg, stood, hooked his fingers in the belt loops, and gave a firm tug.

“
Damn it, why won’t these come off?” Paul stared at the offending jeans with a frown.

Teri laughed and reached down to unbutton the last two buttons on her fly
, then wiggled them down past her hips. Paul slipped off her shoes and socks. Teri eyed the telltale bulge in the front of his pants as he pulled her jeans off. There wouldn’t be much foreplay from the look of things. The speed at which her panties followed her pants to the floor confirmed that suspicion. Considering her options, she decided to go with it. She pulled her shirt off over her head and let it fall to the floor, then made quick work of her bra.

Paul was on her again in an instant
, unzipping his slacks and pushing them down just enough to expose his erection. He knelt between her legs and kissed her mouth first, then moved on to her breasts. He didn’t spend much time on either. Paul’s sense of urgency was too compelling. He sat back on his heels and pulled Teri’s ankles up to his shoulders. Hands on her waist, he held her hips and thrust into her.

Teri moaned
, putting her hands over Paul’s in encouragement. Paul pulled back and pushed in harder and deeper, then again. Teri arched her back as he continued pushing into her. Paul was doing all the work, but Teri had a light sheen of sweat on her breast. The way he was pounding into her, she was sure he would soon climax.

Rolling off the sofa
, Paul dropped to the floor, on his back with Teri straddling him, still holding her tightly to him. Teri was familiar with this role reversal and started to grind against Paul, feeling him deep inside her. He sat up, taking a nipple into his mouth and sucking hard. Teri faltered slightly at the change, but Paul’s hands on her hips kept her going. The sensation in Teri was building, and she started to tighten toward the anticipated moment of ecstasy. Paul had other ideas.

Flipping Teri onto her back again
, Paul let her legs wrap around him and he drove into her harder than before, pulling almost all the way out before pounding into her again. Teri felt Paul’s rage and frustration behind his forceful thrusts, but she didn’t care. Her body raced toward the inevitable release of the energy building inside her.

Paul shifted and lifted her hips slightly. Teri couldn
’t fight it any longer. When he pushed into her she came with an intensity that frightened her. She started to cry out and Paul put his mouth over hers, kissing her deeply as he pushed into her one last time before she felt him spasm in release as well.

All of her muscles were tight and Paul
’s now-spent erection still felt enormous inside her. The kiss that stifled her scream progressed into shorter kisses, until finally Paul let his mouth wander back to her neck, and Teri tried to force her muscles to relax. It took a while for the energy to dissipate, although they should be exhausted, Teri mused.

“
Your shirt’s sweaty,” Teri said. It was true; Paul’s shirt was drenched with his sweat and hers. He laughed.

“
I have a shower in the bathroom and a full change of clothes. Thankfully yours are clean since you can’t say the same.” Paul kissed her again briefly. “I hope I wasn’t too hard on you. I didn’t mean to lose control. I’m sorry.”

“
Mmmm,” Teri smiled. “Apology not needed. I’m a very satisfied customer. Although hungry now that I think of it.”

Paul laughed again and rolled off her. He stood and pulled up his pants.

“Bathroom then.” He waved Teri on as he stooped and collected her clothes. She gave him an inviting smile and ran her hands down the side of her naked form suggestively.

“
I thought you were hungry.” Paul quickly closed the gap between them pulled her into his arms.

“
I am. I’m just curious if I could tempt you into another round.”

“
Testing my stamina?” Paul pulled her hand around to the front of his pants and the hardness growing there.

“
My, what a prize stallion I have,” Teri laughed, wiggling out of his arms she sprinted the last few feet to the bathroom with Paul on her heels.

Tim brought deli sandwiches later. He sat at the desk, leaving Paul and Teri to cuddle on the sofa and eat.

“
How was shopping this morning?” Paul asked midway through his sandwich.

“
Tim had everything pretty much planned and I let him have his way, so we made record time. I’m not really a shopper.”

“
I know, but it had to be done. Think the girls will be happy?”

“
Tim has a good eye, they’ll be thrilled. I may make him give the boxes to them himself. Don’t you think he deserves the credit?” Teri looked at Tim and smiled. Tim narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

“
That could be amusing.” Paul looked at Tim with a smile. “You’ve got to come over and say hello sometime.” He turned back to Teri. “How about the boys?”

“
They should be good. Thank you.”

“
Actually I was thinking of bringing Devin out here for fittings. It seems he likes to dress nice for school,” Tim said.

“
We have a uniform policy. He doesn’t have a choice,” Teri answered, taking a last bite of her sandwich and setting the rest on a plate.

“
He seems more fastidious about his appearance than I expected in a young man his age, especially as he doesn’t seem interested in attracting young ladies. I think he might like to have his uniforms tailored to fit him better this year.”

“
He’s fifteen, Tim, he’s still growing.”

Tim shrugged.

“That’s an interesting observation,” Paul mused. “I noticed his hair and clothes were neater than the other three, but didn’t carry it that far. You might be onto something, Tim.” He turned to Teri. “We’ll send back what you have and, if you don’t mind, I’d like to bring them all out for another round.”

“
Paul,” Teri started doubtfully.

“
Listen, I know Dev and Bryan are still growing. Dev has a long way to go too. But I have the money and it may help us to connect a little. Besides, I owe Kenny. I didn’t take his dream seriously. Let him start thinking of an image for his band, not just their sound. Plus some uniforms for Dev, Bryan and the girls.”

“
Do you
really
want to take six teenagers shopping in New York?”

“
Hell no. I was going to send them with you and Tim,” Paul laughed.

Flynn leafed through the file the private investigator gave him. Pictures of Paul and Teri together made his stomach tighten with involuntary loathing. Paul was
married.
What the hell did he think he was doing leading her on like this? Despite his own failed marriages, Flynn did believe in the concept, he just had difficulty when it got hard.

No
, that wasn’t it. Flynn lay back on the sofa, watching light reflected from a small tabletop fountain on the coffee table play along the ceiling. He always found light reflected from water to be soothing. The burble of the fountain he could do without and he picked up the remote for the stereo system and turned it on to cover the noise.

It wasn
’t that he couldn’t handle it when things got rough, Flynn focused his thoughts. He was willing to apologize, make gestures, seek counseling . . .
That
was the problem. He sought Drew out for counsel and it pissed off his wives. Drew cleared Flynn’s head when he had a problem, and helped him focus and find the solution. Flynn did the same for Drew when he needed it. Their wives should be able to understand that because they reaped the benefits.

Maybe it wasn
’t the physical relationship with Drew, or it didn’t have to be. Maybe it was that they heard about the relationship from Drew’s wife, Dee, when they should have heard it from him. No matter what the problems were that sent him to Drew, it was always after they learned of the intimate side of their friendship that his wives got testy. And that’s when the problems really started, Flynn sighed. That was the beginning of the end.

So
, tell Teri up front. Or trust Drew to keep his wife in check, Flynn waffled. Surely Dee had to realize by now that she was ruining Flynn’s marriages and wasn’t achieving anything in the process. Drew said Dee didn’t want to hurt Flynn, she just wanted it to end. Drew told her up front it wasn’t going to, and Flynn agreed. They didn’t get together much now anyway now that their kids were grown.

Kids – that was the answer. Flynn and Drew went through stages of hell when their kids were teenagers
, but they survived. Teri’s kids were teenagers now, and a little support was always welcome in those trying years.
And
she said her son was part of a band. Teri even talked about them at length, making it almost sound like she felt as much parental concern for her kids’ best friends as for her own kids.

Flynn did a quick inventory of what he knew of Teri
’s teenage horde. She had two, the band was three more, and it nagged at Flynn’s mind that her daughter, what was her name? Cathy? Cassie, that was it. Cassie had a best friend stealing shirts from Teri’s closet too. He knew how close girls could be at that age, he could handle them. But it was her
son
who was the key. Teri was a supportive mother with a teenage son in a band. Flynn knew music even better than teenagers. Surely she’d accept the offer of a little help for them.

Sitting up
, Flynn dug his phone out of his pocket and called the detective. He needed more information on Dev’s band.

Tim felt unprepared to meet Teri and six teenagers at the airport. He had two limos, one for the boys and one for everyone else. The separate limo for the boys was Paul’s suggestion. Paul was still mulling over his talk with Kenny, who managed to avoid him completely last weekend when he was in Seattle. Tim was doubtful about the wisdom of encouraging the boys to focus so much on their band, and reflected on the short conversation he had with Paul that morning.

“
Kenny’s determined, Tim. Asking about a backup plan insulted him, so it won’t hurt to be a little supportive.”

“
You know what the odds are. Have you even heard them?” Tim asked.

“
Yes, but I’m no judge of music. I’m pretty far outside their demographic.”

“
Just to be clear, we’re supporting the want-to-be-a-rock-star fantasy.”

“
For now.” Paul nodded.

“
And when they don’t make it?”

“
I honestly don’t think Kenny will ever stop trying. I know Teri wants to see Dev go to college, and I agree with that. The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive, but I think it’ll decide things. I may revisit how far I’ll go along with this little adventure later, although for now, we’re being supportive.”

“
Clarification:
you’re
being supportive, I’m doing what I’m told. I don’t want Kenny seeing me as an ally, he can bond with you,” Tim said firmly. Paul laughed.

“
You haven’t ruined any teenagers yet that I’m aware of. What do you have to worry about? Your record’s clean.”

“
I figure I helped you enough with yours that I’m as culpable. This little plan might appease Kenny, anyone else I need to worry about?” Tim asked.

“
Dev maybe. He might get the idea I’m trying to buy him off.”

“
Fine, I’ll keep an eye on that. Also, I’m taking Lia with me, just so you know.”

“
Not comfortable being outnumbered three-to-one?”

“
Actually I’m fine with that, it’s six-to-one I refuse to deal with. I’m not taking Teri. I rearranged your meetings to either be out of the way before lunch or postponed them until next week. Lia and I will handle the kids, you and Teri will take the afternoon off.”

“
Is Teri in on this?”

“
No, nor is it optional. Think of it as teaching the kids about opportunity cost. The price of a shopping spree is leaving Teri in your hands for the afternoon. There’s no time like the present to start introducing basic business principles.”

Tim pushed his apprehension over modifying Paul
’s plan as the plane arrived. He made mental notes as he met Teri’s kids for the first time and got them out to the waiting limos. Paul had enough room in his apartment; he still had the same five-bedroom apartment he found when he first brought his kids to New York, but Paul and Teri were supposed to be taking it slow to let the kids adjust. Teri thought staying with him would be too much for the kids this time. It’s what prompted Tim to give them the afternoon off, and now he had to find a way to pitch it to Teri.

Tim wasn
’t sure what to expect when dealing with Teri’s maternal side. He felt he had a pretty firm grip on how she thought and acted as a woman; throwing the kids into the picture was going to change her and he wasn’t sure how.

“
You’re thinking about how to broach a subject,” Teri accused quietly enough not to get the girls’ attention.

Tim glanced briefly at the girls. Cassie and Tiffany sat across from him watching the city pass with wide eyes as they made their way from JFK to the hotel
, but didn’t seem interested in Teri or Tim.

“
I’m taking Lia shopping with us,” he said carefully.

“
Your secretary?”

“
Yes, she’s going to help me with the kids and you’re going to stay behind with Paul. I cleared his afternoon schedule.”

“
I’m not sure -”

“
Not negotiable,” Tim cut her off. “Everything is scheduled in terms of fittings for the kids. I know what needs to be done and Lia is personable and efficient. You’ll have very little time alone this weekend. Make the most of it.”

Teri nodded in understanding and agreement. Tim relaxed. He wasn
’t aware the potential argument from Teri had him so tense. He considered that for the remainder of the ride to the hotel.

Tim already checked them in
, allowing them to go straight to the rooms. The limos waited while the bellhops took up the bags and the girls freshened up. The plan was to meet Paul for an early lunch, but when Tim called to confirm, Paul was running late.

“
Don’t worry about it, Tim. Drop me off at the office and go. We’ll meet up for dinner,” Teri smiled when Tim started to explain. So it was settled. They left the hotel for the office, Tim escorted Teri up to Paul’s office and brought Lia back down in her place. Off they went, first for school uniform fittings, then to meet with an up-and-coming designer Tim knew.

“I trust the two of you had a pleasant afternoon?” Tim asked casually when Paul and Teri arrived at a private club for dinner. Paul had misgivings about bringing the boys to the club. It catered to wealthy businessmen, so teenagers were rarely seen and never en masse, but Tim pointed out it was Paul’s idea to give the boys a taste of what success could bring. Neither worried about the girls.

“
Yes, thank you. And how did you fare?”

Lia was with the kids in a private dining room
, letting Tim wait in the entry for Paul and Teri. Paul started to get a sinking feeling as to
why
Tim stood waiting in ambush.

“
It was interesting, which means your life is about to get interesting as well,” Tim said evenly. Teri held Paul’s hand and her grip tightened as Tim’s statement sunk in.

“
Oh, God. What happened?” Teri whispered, eyes wide. “Was it Jess?”

Tim smiled at her.
“Oddly, no. Although I understand the apprehension better now than before. It’s Dev. He was just being himself and got tangled in a shoot for an Oskar Viktor ad campaign, the designer I was telling you about. They got some pretty good shots of him before he managed to run away from the models.”

“
I’m confused,” Paul put words to the confusion on Teri’s face.

“
Oskar wants Dev to be the face of his teen fashion line,” Tim stated simply. “I wanted to warn you before you faced the boys. It wouldn’t be fair not to. Jess should be jealous, but he’s not because he got the phone numbers of three young models. It seems he’s more interested in the girls than having his picture taken with them. Bryan was still working his calming influence on Dev the last time I checked. Kenny is the one walking on clouds. He’s pretty much convinced Dev he has to take the opportunity.” Tim looked at Teri.

“
Of course he has. It’s exposure for the band. Why is Dev upset? I’ve been taking his picture his whole life.”

“
The camera didn’t bother him, it was the girls,” Tim laughed.

Teri stiffened and Paul realized she
’d probably never seen Tim laugh before.

“
We were wandering around the studio and looking at different ideas Oskar had: drawings, racks of clothes, suits on mannequins, fabric, and whatnot, and came to the ad campaign. Jess walked over to hit on one of the girls and Dev followed him, apparently not paying attention until he had four teen models hanging on him. The look of horror that crossed his face was really something to see. I’m afraid I can’t describe it.”

“
I’ve seen it,” Teri sighed. “I suppose the photographer saw it too? And captured it?”

“
The look, and his increasingly desperate attempts to escape the girls. One of the ad execs was there and came up with a whole new campaign for the boys’ line based on Dev’s reaction. Oskar bought into it on the spot, provided they could get Dev.”

Teri groaned and buried her head in Paul
’s shoulder.

“
Tim, this isn’t what I had in mind when . . . well, this just isn’t what I had in mind.”

“
Which is why I’m out here warning you. I Jackson Palo’s card, he’s in charge of the campaign. He wants to meet with you, Teri, to either work out the details or talk you into it, whichever is necessary. Tonight, tomorrow, whenever. I’ve known Oskar for a couple of years. He’s stubborn, and he’s got his mind made up that he wants Dev.”

“
Which means Jackson Palo is going to be motivated to make this happen.” Paul nodded, taking the card from Tim. “All right, thanks for the heads-up. Give us a minute, will you?”

“
Only a minute? I had the hostess set aside a table in the main dining room so you could discuss it over dinner without Kenny’s pitch.”

“
Actually, we need to talk to Dev,” Teri mumbled from Paul’s shoulder.

“
I’ll send him out.” Tim motioned for the hostess. “Dianne, could you make that a table for three, please? And Mr. Lovett will be seated now.”

“
Of course, Mr. DeLaney.” She smiled to indicate it was absolutely no problem and made an adjustment on the screen in front of her. A waiter appeared behind her and she indicated the revised table assignment.

“
Mr. Lovett, if you’ll follow me please?” the waiter invited. Paul pulled Teri along beside him. They arrived at a round table set for three near a window. It was dusk and the lights and traffic on the street below emphasized the bustle of New York living. Paul sat Teri with her back to the window. The waiter left the menus and Paul estimated Tim would give them a minute or two before bringing Dev.

“
Teri, listen, I have no say in this but –”

“
Yes you do. Not legally maybe, but you’re part of our lives so whatever happens here affects you too.” He held her cheek in his hand, trying to will away the intense emotions showing in her face.