Seducing the Attorney (At First Sight Book 5) (9 page)

Idiot.

A startled laugh emerged. How had they gone from enemies to their present desire for each other?
Why now?
She had no time for building a relationship even if he wanted something long-term. She had her doubts about this being other than a fling for him.

On Sunday she would drive Jamie to the city. She had given in to the desire to see Tony again. He wanted to visit his nephew. He could have spent tomorrow with the child. He didn’t need her presence. What was he thinking? She set her phone in the charging block. This was a no-brainer. Tony had sex on his mind. Unfortunately, so did she.

She had his number. She could call and cancel the trip. If she did that now and he answered she wouldn’t be able to say she couldn’t visit. Tomorrow she would leave a message. But…she remembered how often Jamie called for Cool and knew she had to take her nephew to the city.

She dashed upstairs and recalled the paper she’d left on the counter. She shrugged, entered the nursery and crawled into bed. A smile curved her lips. He’d been right. The phone sex had been better than going solo.

Sex.
That was the only tie between them. As long as she remembered she was safe and couldn’t be hurt. She sprawled on her stomach and drifted. A sudden thought jolted her awake.

Lust brought trouble.
Especially with the chances they’d taken. No problem this time. She didn’t have to worry about the events of last weekend. If she decided to travel to the city on her way home from class tomorrow a stop at the drugstore was essential.

The next morning at six thirty the day began. While she fed Jamie breakfast Grace bounded downstairs. Lauren turned. “Ready for the big day?”

Grace nodded. “If I can control the rapidly multiplying butterflies in my gut I will be. The cupcakes are ready for the final touches.”

“What kind?”

“Chocolate Surprise, Ginger Peachy, Vanilla Heaven and a few more of the ordinary ones.”

“Such as.”

“Red velvet, spice, chocolate. Without the flavor enhancements.”

“Can you do without my help on Monday?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

Lauren fed Jamie another bite. “I’m taking Jamie to the city to see his uncle.”

“Cool. Cool.” Jamie hit the spoon and sent cereal flying.

Lauren and Grace laughed. Grace grabbed paper towels and cleaned the mess. “Looks like he’s eager to go.” She winked. “What about you?”

“I’m torn. He’s a sexy man and good in bed but I can’t afford to become further involved.”

“Why not? If I found a man who rattled my bones. I’d grab so tightly he couldn’t shake me loose.”

Lauren sighed. “It’s the holding that scares me.”

“I hear you. Go. Enjoy the two days. Don’t think beyond the moment. Lust can be fun. So I’ve heard.”

“That’s what he said.” Lauren scooped the last of the cereal from the bowl, popped bread in the toaster and grabbed the peanut butter. Once she finished she washed Jamie’s face, ate her toast and waited for Ray. The moment he arrived she kissed her nephew and headed to class.

After her day at school ended she dashed to the drugstore and purchased a box of condoms.
No more chances.
She stopped at the bakery. The sight of near empty cases pleased her. “Good day?”

“The best.” Grace grabbed a box. “Take these home. Saved them for you and Ray.”

“When will you be home?”

“Late. Don’t wait dinner. I need to start organizing. I want to change the specialties and add a fourth.”

“Don’t work too late.”

Grace waved. “And if you’re in bed have a good time in the city. I plan to sleep in and spend the afternoon baking. See you Tuesday if not before.”

On Sunday the moment class ended Lauren drove home. Jamie was dressed for the trip. She loaded their overnight cases and the cooler with bottles and food for Jamie along with the umbrella stroller. She tucked her purchase in her overnight case. When she fastened Jamie in his car seat his face screwed and tears flowed. Would he cry during the entire road trip? Did he remember the accident? Why today? He’d never had that reaction before.

“Hey, love. No tears. We’re off to see Uncle.”

He sniffed. “Cool.”

“That’s right. Cool.” She wiped his face and slid into the driver’s seat. By the time they left the complex his tears stopped. She glanced at the phone and the directions on the passenger’s seat. Though she’d memorized them she wanted to be sure she and Jamie wouldn’t become lost.

As she paid the toll on the George Washington Bridge she glanced at her nephew and saw he slept. She left the West Side Highway on the proper cross street. Traffic moved quickly and she found a place to pull over near the apartment building. She dialed Tony’s number. “We’re here.”

“You made good time. Be right down.”

Before long he appeared beside the car. Lauren unlocked the door. He slid onto the passenger seat and handed her a card. “Just slide this into the machine and you’re set.”

Lauren followed his directions and parked in the spot he indicated. With Jamie in the stroller and Tony carrying the bags they rode in the elevator where he slid a card into a slot.

“Cool, up,” Jamie said.

“Hey tiger, no up yet.”

The ride though swift made Lauren uncomfortable. The aroma of Tony’s aftershave filled the space. He stood close enough for their arms to touch. She watched the floors flash past.
Lord, he lived in the penthouse.

After exiting the elevator Tony opened the door into a small foyer. Lauren parked the stroller, lifted Jamie and followed Tony. She gasped when she saw the view from the huge living room window.

Tony set the bags down. “Welcome to the love nest.”

“What?” Lauren backed away.
Why had she come? She could kick herself.

He winked. “That’s what Jim and I named the place. This was our father’s home away from home and where he entertained people we never met. When he died I moved in. It’s close to the office.”

Had he told her of the apartment’s nickname to remind her of why he’d issued the invitation? If so she wanted to leave. Their only connection was shared custody and lust. She wanted the custody to mean the most.

He took Jamie from her. “Come and see Jamie’s crib. I bought a changing table, too.”

Lauren exhaled the breath trapped in her lungs. They walked to the guest room where she unpacked Jamie’s bag. She lifted hers.

Tony shook his head. “You won’t be sleeping in here. Come and see what else I bought. There’s a highchair and a play table. Has wheels so he can practice walking.”

He held the baby in one arm and circled Lauren’s waist with the other. He turned her to face him. The blue of his eyes darkened with desire. Her qualms melted. He bent his head. “I’m glad you’re here.” His lips met hers.

Lauren surrendered to the sizzling sensations. She reveled in the heat infusing her body. Jamie squealed. Tony released her mouth and caressed her hip.

She met his gaze. “Later.”

He grinned. “I’m a patient man. Once tiger is settled I’ll greet you properly.”

Her breasts tightened. Her core tingled. Regret rose. After tomorrow this couldn’t happen again. Being with Tony threatened her plans for the future.

Jamie squirmed and fussed. “Eat.”

Lauren tapped his nose. “Let Auntie see what she can do about that.” She reached for the insulated bag.

“Kitchen’s this way.” Tony led them down the hall.

In the kitchen she heated Jamie’s dinner. Tony removed food from the fridge. As she sat to feed Jamie she watched as Tony cut celery, carrots, and onions in chunks and put them in a Dutch oven. He added a braised piece of meat and put the container in the oven.

Jamie ate every bite. When he finished she fastened him into the fancy play table. He explored the different rings, buttons and textures.

Lauren rose. “What can I do to help?”

“Tear greens for a salad. I’ll set out some appetizers.” While she washed he removed a tray from the refrigerator. Cheese and pates. He added crackers. She finished her chore and pushed Jamie and the play table to the living room where Tony handed her a glass of wine. Together they ate appetizers and watched the baby’s eager exploration. When he yawned Lauren carried him and a bottle to the guest room, bathed and fed him. When he slept she flipped on the baby monitor and returned to the living room.

Tony had placed their plates on the coffee table in front of the large window. Several cushions sat on the plush pewter gray carpet. While they ate he stroked her thigh and a time or two kissed her fingers. She watched desire in his eyes unfold like a rose from bud to full bloom. She put her fork on the plate. “This is delicious.” She touched his face.

He rose and pulled her to her feet. Their mouths met. His tongue caressed her lips and slid over her teeth to caress.

Lauren slipped her hands beneath his shirt. She stroked the firm muscles of his back. He growled. She stared into his eyes. “Shall we adjourn to another venue?”

He laughed. “Law talk. Sounds good.”

In the bedroom Lauren pulled the giant box of condoms from her overnight case. “We took a chance the last time. We were lucky but no more risks.”

He kissed her hand. “You are so right.”

She wondered why the flare of regret, anger and some other emotion in his eyes. Tony’s rapid undressing surprised her. In moments he had stripped and stood ready. Her breath caught. She opened one of the packets and slid the condom over his erection.

“Woman strip. Then touch yourself the way you did during the phone call.”

Lauren reached for the edge of her sweater. She turned her back to him and pulled the garment over her head. She opened her slacks and pushed them down and bent to remove her shoes.

A hissed breath told her he appreciated the deep green bra and bikini. She removed them and tossed the silk cloth to him.

He sniffed the panties. “On the bed.”

As she passed him she ran her hands over his chest. The hairs tickled her palms. She settled against the pillows and massaged her breasts with one hand until her nipples firmed. Her other hand slid across her belly.

Tony slowly approached the bed. He smiled in appreciation. His reaction brought a burning heat and a pulsing need.

“Ready?” he asked.

“For you.”

He sat on the bed and covered her face with kisses. One of his hands replaced hers on her clit. His mouth moved over her chin and over her throat. When he closed over one of her breasts an eagerness for more caused her to move.

“I need you.” His erection brushed her labia. “Now, now.”

With one thrust Tony seated himself. She wrapped her legs around his hips and used her heels to urge him to move faster and harder. The burn began. She moved with him rising to the peak. A fiery sensation engulfed her. “Tony. Tony.” His name flew on a breath.

He roared her name and thrust once more. He covered her body with his. “You are the best.” He rolled and pulled her atop him.

Lauren gazed into his eyes. She stroked his face and held back a sigh of regret. Tomorrow she and Jamie were leaving, she planned to tell Tony their affair was over. Sadness crept into her thoughts. No matter how much she would miss him her decision wouldn’t change. Not if she wanted to achieve her goals.

* * *

By Monday evening the box of condoms held fewer than when Lauren arrived. While she packed Tony played with Jamie. The baby’s laughter brought warm pleasure.

Lauren carried the cases into the hall. Tony caught her hands. “Stay tonight. Leave in the morning.”

She shook her head. “My class is at nine. There’s always a quiz and I need to study.”

He put Jamie on the carpet and drew her into his arms. “Move in with me. I’ll hire a nanny for the days you have classes.”

She met his gaze. What he saw in her eyes caused him to marshal arguments.

Lauren drew a deep breath. “I can’t. Being here with you would be fine but I would lose my edge. Until I finish school that can’t happen.”

He shuttered his eyes to hide what he knew was there. Would he keep her from her studies? He was asking her for more time to see his hungry need for her end. As long as they lived together he would cover her expenses. Wouldn’t that be an asset for her? Especially if the affair lasted until she graduated.

Whoa.
That day was months in the future. He released her. What had triggered thoughts of a lengthy affair? Still, he wanted Lauren in his arms for as long as his need remained hot. He turned away. Was that fair to her?

His hands hung at his sides. “You’re right. The time for us to go our separate ways is now. Once I solve the nanny problem I’ll let you know.” Why did the nagging voice in his head disagree?

“Will you stop visiting Jamie? He does need you.”

“I’ll come on Saturday and be gone before you come home from class” He wouldn’t impose unwanted company on her but he didn’t understand her reason for never seeing him. He picked up Jamie. “Get him ready while I take the luggage down.”