One-Click Buy: November Harlequin Presents (104 page)

‘A heart attack would be more likely!' Lily squealed. ‘You scared the life out of me.'

‘Why the hell didn't you ask me to do it?' Hunter demanded. ‘One slip and you could have broken your neck. Of all the bloody, irresponsible things to do!' He stopped shouting then, raked his hand through his hair, his eyes livid in his pale face as Lily blinked back at him. ‘Next time ask for help.'

‘Next time,' Lily retorted, smoothing down her skirt and taking a deep breath ‘don't interfere.'

‘I
COULD
stay like this forever.'

Hunter's words caught her by surprise. The argument that Lily felt had blown in from nowhere had disappeared as quickly as it had arrived and they were lying on the picnic blanket, staring up at the blue, blue sky, filled with that dreamy feeling of sleepiness that came from having eaten way too much. And even though it was exactly how Lily was feeling, she'd never expected him to feel the same, had thought that at any moment he'd leap up and start packing up, that the novelty of peace would soon wear off for him. But Hunter wasn't in a rush to go anywhere and, rolling onto her side, propping herself up on her elbow, Lily gazed down at him, saw that unscrupulous face for once relaxed, his eyes closed, his mouth slightly open, and she wanted to reach out and touch him, wanted to press her lips to his.

So she did.

Delivered gently a soft slow kiss, and he let her, didn't move a muscle as she took from him what she wanted, no contact other than their lips, pure unhurried pleasure, like an extra helping of dessert, just because it's there, just because you want it…just because you could.

‘Kiss me until I take you again,' Hunter growled as Lily pulled back and smiled at him. She wasn't even shocked by him now—he was so incorrigible, so blatant and unapologetic with his want that he made it more acceptable somehow. He rolled onto his side but only faced her for a second, his eyes moving to her breasts, parting her gaping top and burning her with his gaze. She watched his hand move down to his jeans, saw the bulge of his erection, knew it was for her, a parcel waiting to be opened. A quiver of expectation rippled through her at the goodies that lay ahead, but her smile turned into one of confusion as Hunter pulled an army knife out of the picnic basket, fiddling with all the little instruments and very slowly, very surely selected one, his eyes flashing with pure desire as inched his way over to her.

‘What are you doing?' Her voice was thick with lust, not scared, just mounting excitement as he drew the tiny blade towards her.

‘Peeling my fruit,' Hunter answered, his warm fingers delving into her cleavage and pulling out the centre of her bra, the blade cutting through the flimsy fabric. He took the weight of her breast as it fell ripe into his hand, taking her nipple in his mouth, kissing it as she had kissed him, unhurriedly, decadently—just because he could. ‘Lie down!' His words were a throaty order, and Lily shivered with expectation as she complied. Hunter slowly unzipped her skirt till it was completely open, taking off her shoes till she was wearing only her top and panties, parting her knees. Under any other circumstances she'd have been embarrassed by such exposure, nervous even, yet she didn't feel that way with him in the slightest.

She trusted him.

The admission jolted her.

He was seemingly the most untrustworthy of men and yet somehow she knew better, somehow she knew that in his hands she was safe, that in his own way he actually did care about her.

‘I like my new toy.' He was staring down at her, soft dark hair flopping over his forehead, his eyes squinting in concentration, fiddling with that damn army knife again. Lily gave a little gasp as he opened up a tiny pair of scissors, could feel a bubble of moisture welling between her legs, nervous, excited all at the same time.

‘This is my favourite set of underwear.'

‘I'll buy you some more,' Hunter answered, catching her tentative eyes with his supremely sure ones. ‘You're beautiful, Lily.'

She felt it.

Not just in herself but in them. The time spent with him was completely unregrettable, the instincts that had led her to bed with him last night had been so right. And Lily was glad, so glad she'd captured the amazing energy that had engulfed her and gone with it, because today was surely the best of her life and one she'd remember for ever. He was the teacher, showing her herself, the woman inside, and she wanted to learn, wanted to explore with him her body and all its capabilities.

‘Do you ever think of going back to your studies?'

He was trimming the silk ribbons that held together her panties with the tiny scissors, and she could only laugh that he could carry on a normal conversation while doing something so incredibly intimate. But it made it easier somehow to answer him, easier to stare up at the sky, feeling the warm sun on her face and his tender hands on her body. She gave in to the moment and revealed a little more of herself.

‘Sometimes.' Lily closed her eyes as she thought about it, but Hunter didn't wait for her answer.

‘Do you regret giving up?'

‘I had no choice,' Lily countered.

‘I asked if you regretted it?'

There was the longest silence, Lily's heart thumping in her chest as she admitted what she never had before—even to herself.

‘Every single day.'

‘Would you do it again?' Hunter pushed. ‘I mean, if you could rewind the clock.'

‘Don't.' Screwing her eyes closed, Lily tried to block out his words.

‘Why don't you go back now?' Hunter's questions were relentless, his instincts spot on.

‘I've thought about going back part-time—but I need to work.'

‘Not if you marry me!'

His statement forced her eyes open. ‘Hunter.' Lily swallowed as her eyes locked with his. ‘It couldn't work out.'

‘It's only for a year,' Hunter pointed out. ‘A year that could change a lot of things for both of us.'

It could. Lily blinked at a future that was financially secure, of saving her mother from the indignity of losing her home—of chasing dreams she had let go for all the wrong reasons. But her wonder turned into a frown of confusion as she stared back at Hunter.

‘I just don't get why you need to do this,' Lily attempted, aching for insight into this most complex man. ‘I understand Emma's problems, but why does it have to be you fixing them?'

‘Because I can,' Hunter said simply, then gave a very wicked smile.

‘There has to be more.' Lily tried to continue the conversation, to understand, but the subject was closed. She felt a stirring inside as she looked at him looking at her body with pure lust. ‘Pass me your glass.'

‘I thought you didn't drink.'

‘Sometimes I make exceptions.'

She knew what he was going to do, bracing herself, drenched in arousal, her breath coming in tiny gasps just at the thought of him, watching as he poured the pale liquid, feeling its icy coolness, replaced in a second by his warm tongue, stroking her, making her giddy. Confusion flickered in as he stopped for a moment and it was like they were reading each other's minds, the question answered before it had even been asked.

‘There could be so many perfect days, Lily.' Another skilful stroke of his tongue beguiled her as she begged her mind for logic.

‘You don't have to sell your home…' Another decadent kiss, his hair tickling her thighs as she quivered in his mouth, tears streaming down her face as emotion ripped through her, her neck arching as he teased her with possibility. She didn't want him to stop, her body begging for him as again he looked up. ‘You
can
finish your studies, even work occasionally, have a few one-on-ones
with
your patients in that study.'

Her head tightened as she fought to keep him out, as he crept in and exposed her hidden hopes, unveiled dreams she hadn't even dared envisage. ‘You can be everything you want to be, have everything you've ever wanted—if only you say yes.'

He was unzipping his jeans, his potent erection beguiling her.

‘I won't last,' he warned, and it didn't matter a scrap because neither would she, yet still he made her wait. Her eyes were wide with arousal as he stroked himself against her, teasing her with the delicious prospects on offer.

‘Marry me, Lily.'

He wasn't asking her, he was telling her. A flash of silver told her he was close had her breath bursting in her hot lungs. She wanted him inside her, wanted him beside her—wanted every last thing he could provide.

‘Yes.'

She wept the word as he stabbed inside her, her orgasm hitting before he'd even entered, a frantic urgent coupling that had them both dizzy, the sweet, sweet sensation of him spilling inside her as once again Hunter got his wicked way.

T
HE
cool feeling of the gold as he pushed the ring on her finger confused her.

Her signature on a piece of paper was such a paltry summing up of what was taking place and she wanted to call an urgent halt, to tell the magistrate that he didn't love her, but as she took the pen Lily knew it didn't matter a scrap.

Legally they were husband and wife.

He kissed her over and over, kissed her for the sake of her family, who were enthralled by the romance of it all, for the press that were duly gathered and for the duties in life that were ever present, confusion building with each sip of champagne, each offer of congratulations. Hunter was so absolutely convincing, so elegant and charming that at times Lily almost felt as if it were real, almost relaxed and enjoyed herself, but it only compounded her misery when reality hit.

Arranging a hasty wedding was absolutely no problem when you had an open chequebook and Hunter Myles was the groom. The formalities had been followed by the most tasteful of receptions at an exclusive five-star hotel and the whole day had run so smoothly it was as if the wedding had been months in the making. Every detail had been taken care of, from the stunning white-gold diamond solitaire on her finger right down to Emma playing the violin for them as the bride and groom took to the floor, the strains of music so emotive, so beautiful that as Hunter held her close, as she leant her exhausted head against his chest and closed her eyes, inhaled his scent as he gracefully led, it was so easy to lose herself to the fantasy that everyone believed, that love had raced in and swept them to this moment.

‘You look amazing.' Hunter pulled her closer, lowered his head so that his mouth was by her ear, his breath caressing her as he spoke. ‘You
feel
amazing.' She didn't answer, just let his words sweep over her, wished that Emma would play on for ever, that somehow this dance would never end. ‘Today's been perfect, I'm so proud…'

‘Don't.' Her eyes snapped open, stiffening in his arms. Losing the rhythm of the music, she tripped slightly, but Hunter steadied her, held her tighter as she struggled to keep up, the fantasy, the moment doused because he'd taken it too far, spoken to her with the tenderness of a real groom on his wedding day. ‘Don't pretend that it's real.'

‘But it is, Lily' His deep voice was back in her ear, lulling her back to the rhythm again. ‘You
are
beautiful and I
am
proud to be here with you, so stop fighting it.' His lips were grazing her cheek as her eyes fluttered closed until softly his mouth found hers—kissing her back to safety, quelling her protests, her fears before releasing her from the haven of his arms. And Hunter was right. It was easier to stop fighting it, to be beautiful and proud for as long as it could last, so for the rest of dance she gave in, allowed herself the luxury of the moment that was theirs.

As the music finished the dancers stopped to applaud and Lily stared in awe at his sister, full of admiration for her talent because, quite simply, she'd never heard anything so beautiful—or seen someone shine so much as they played—the violin was almost an extension of Emma, the emotion coursing through her and out through the instrument. ‘She plays beautifully,' Lily commented, but Hunter wasn't listening, a frown on his darkening face as he peered across the room.

‘Who's that lech talking to her?' Hunter's voice had a very proprietorial ring to it but Lily laughed as she followed his gaze and saw who Emma was talking to.

‘That's my cousin, Jim, and he's certainly not a lech—he's delightful.'

‘He's all over her.' Hunter's voice was clipped. ‘What the hell's he doing?'

‘Talking to her,' Lily said calmly. ‘It looks as if he's bought her a drink and now he's talking to her.'

‘Mauling her more like.'

‘They're flirting.' Lily dragged him round to face her. ‘That's what single people do!'

‘But she's—'

‘She's twenty-five,' Lily cut in, feeling his protectiveness for his sister and understanding it, ‘and she's very beautiful and very talented.'

Her words seemed to reach him, the tension leaving his face. Perhaps realising he was overreacting, he gave Lily a smile as her mother walked over, congratulating them both for the hundredth time and commenting on Emma's spectacular performance.

‘She wanted to play for us.' Hunter smiled. ‘I so glad you're enjoying yourself, Mrs Harper—I mean, Catherine.'

‘How could I not?' Catherine beamed. ‘Though if anyone had told me a couple of weeks ago I'd be at Lily's wedding today, I'd have said they were mad. I can't believe the speed of it all.'

‘Neither can we!' Hunter suitably answered. ‘But we figured why wait when you know something's right?'

‘And it
is
right.' Catherine nodded earnestly. ‘I have to admit when Lily told me what was happening I had my doubts, but seeing the two of you together has completely put my mind at ease—I can just tell you adore each other.' From the squeeze of his hand on her waist, no doubt Hunter thought her mother's mind had been soothed by her new son-in-law's rather impressive prerequisites, but Lily knew better and she would tell Hunter so later. ‘I
know
you're going to be happy together—I just know it, darling.' Her hand reached for her daughter's face, holding it for a moment. Lily knew what was coming next and closed her eyes to keep the tears in. ‘Your father would be so proud of you today.'

Hunters grip on her thankfully tightened, no doubt feeling the depth of emotion that coursed through her as her mother spoke on. ‘Lily and her father are incredibly close,' Catherine explained to Hunter, slipping from past to present tense. Lily felt Hunter's beat of tension sear through her body, realised he'd heard the mistake, too, but thankfully his smile didn't change. ‘He was a wonderful man. If you and Lily can experience just a fraction of the love we share, you'll be doing well.'

‘You must miss him terribly,' the new perfect son-in-law murmured, but Catherine shook her head.

‘Why would I miss him when I know that he's still with me?'

‘Are you OK?' For once he wasn't superior or mocking, for once his question was straightforward and genuine, which made it all the harder to answer. A quick retort would be so much easier than opening up the most painful part of her.

‘I'm fine,' Lily said, then bit hard on her lip and turned her head so he couldn't see her face. But Hunter was having none of it. Taking her by the hand, he led her outside onto the balcony and she went without resistance. Only when she was outside did she realise how much tension was stringing her together, how much she'd actually needed some space to be able to drop the charade for just a couple of moments.

‘It's just been a long day.' Lily dragged in the cool night air, tried to make light of her threatening tears. ‘Hormones, perhaps.'

‘Well, according to my girl user manual…' he drew out a tiny smile from her as he refused to be fobbed off ‘…the P in PMT is definitely pre-and not post-menstrual tension!'

Trust him to remember—the moment of panic when they'd realised they hadn't used contraception had been countered almost immediately by Lily's period and she'd gone straight on the Pill, which to Hunter's delight had, in two weeks, added a cup size to her breasts.

‘And don't blame the Pill!' Hunter said, reading her mind.

‘I can blame whatever I want,' Lily answered tartly. ‘And if you'd read the next chapter of your girly user manual, it would have told you that thanks to the Pill, I'm feeling bloated and nauseous.'

‘I must have skipped that part.' He pulled her back towards him. ‘Come on, Lily, what's really wrong?' He wasn't going to give in, so Lily gave him some of what he was demanding, told him a just a little of how she was feeling.

‘I just feel like a fraud in there—pretending to be happy.'

‘But, why wouldn't you be happy?' Hunter asked, bemused. ‘I'm happy.'

‘How?' She stared back at him. ‘How can you be happy when you're fooling everyone?'

‘Because we're not.' He shook his head. ‘And unlike a lot of couples on their wedding day, we're not fooling ourselves either. We both like and respect each other. We're both going to do everything we can to make this the best marriage—even if it is finite. Just because it has a use-by date, it doesn't mean it can't be good and productive.'

‘I guess.' Lily nodded, wishing she could be comforted, but each word cut like a knife because each word spelt out the inevitable end.

‘I don't think that's all that's upsetting you, though,' Hunter said, and her stomach tightened. ‘Is it what your mother said about your father?'

‘Leave it.' She shook her head, her resolve not to cry weakening.

He noticed, his warm thumb absorbing a mascara-laced tear before it even fell. ‘I know how you feel, Lily.'

‘No, Hunter.' She shook her head. ‘You don't.'

‘I lost my parents last year,' Hunter pointed out, perhaps to elicit sympathy, perhaps to show that he really did understand, but Lily knew that there was no way he could, no way he could know the pain her mother's words had evoked, the utter wretchedness of being privy to a secret you wished you'd never found out. ‘You'll never understand how I feel.'

‘Try me,' Hunter offered, but again she shook her head. His wife she may be, but her emotions, her secrets were hers. She still owned herself and no piece of paper, no amount of money could ever change that.

‘I'm going to go and freshen up.' She pushed him away, pushed him away because if she spent another second in his arms, she'd tell him her pain, let him in on the secret she's sworn she'd never reveal. And she was truly scared at how much she wanted to. ‘I'll meet you back in there.'

It was a relief to be alone, to close a heavy door on the revelry of the wedding and mute the sounds to more manageable proportions, to stare at her reflection in the mirror and somehow attempt to find herself, to gather up the strewn emotions and arrange them in a semblance of order. Only it wasn't going to happen tonight! Somehow she managed a smile as a very good-looking woman came in and joined her at the mirror, catching Lily's eyes as she leant forward in the mirror and checked her expertly made-up face.

‘Enjoying yourself?' Her voice was as expensive as her outfit and Lily tried to place her, but realised they hadn't been introduced because she certainly wasn't someone you'd forget in hurry—black, glossy hair rippled down olive shoulders, her tall, elegant frame exquisitely draped in a silver sheath of a dress. And even though it was her own wedding, the bride felt rather drab in comparison, especially when the stunning creature proceeded to rearrange her ample cleavage.

‘Immensely.' Lily gave what she hoped was a suitable response. ‘I don't think we were introduced.'

‘We weren't!' Gold eyes caught Lily's and held them. ‘I was too busy working. I'm the one who organised this wedding. I'm the one you have to thank for your
immensely
enjoyable day!'

Stunning she might be, but she had that raw, dangerous glint in her eyes of a woman suffering the wounds of a recent break-up, and at that moment Lily realised who she was dealing with—the woman Hunter had declared was well and truly over him!

Thanks a lot, Hunter,
Lily inwardly groaned as she mustered all her people skills to deal with this rather uncomfortable situation. ‘You must be Abigail,' Lily attempted, trying to defuse this rather volatile situation. ‘Hunter speaks very highly of you and I can see why. You've done an amazing job. Thank you.'

‘Oh, it's far more than a
job
.' Abigail's face was dangerously close, so close Lily could smell the excess champagne on her breath, could
feel
the hatred and anger coursing from her livid body. ‘I assume you're expecting me to offer my congratulations?'

‘After these last few weeks I've learned never to assume anything,' Lily answered, declining the rather provocative question and instead attempting to end things. But Abigail had clearly waited for this moment, had no doubt spent the last weeks planning not just the wedding but the confrontation, too, and Lily realised with an inward sigh unless she was willing to push past her and make a rapid exit from the ladies' room, she didn't have much option other than to let Abigail have her angry say.

‘Hunter's incapable of remaining faithful for five minutes. Trust me, I know.'

‘Thanks for the warning,' Lily responded tightly, glancing at the door and wishing someone—
anyone
—would come in.

‘Don't turn your back for a second,
Mrs Myles,
because if it isn't me then I can guarantee there will be someone else willing and waiting.'

‘Feel free,' Lily answered, ‘but know you're in for one helluva wait—I happen to trust my husband.'