by Sara Orwig
“Hi,” he said, the gleam in his brown eyes causing a gush of warmth. “Busy day?” he asked.
“Very. Hopefully the afternoon will be quieter. Thanks again for a Friday night that was relaxing and memorable. It was great to get away a few hours.”
He flashed another smile. “For a moment there I hoped the reason was personal, not merely to get out for a few hours. We proved we don’t have to battle constantly. I want to find some common ground.”
“Common ground where Michael’s future is concerned is entirely different. You can’t undo the damage your brother did. Your family had every chance. We’ve been over that,” she said, resentment curling sourly.
He drove to a popular place, where they hurried in the brisk, cool wind from his car into a restaurant that had grown quiet when the noon crowd had thinned. Near a fireplace that contained the last glowing embers from a fire, Nick sat across from her. Today he was in a brown sweater over a white shirt, looking casual, handsome and exciting.
After ordering, he smiled at her. “You look great. Very efficient, very businesslike, so desirable.”
“Thank you, but the latter is not on our agenda.”
“For now, forget the argument between us. You know what I did Sunday and yesterday?”
“How could I possibly have any idea?” she asked, amused by his question.
“I spent far too much time thinking about you and Saturday night. And wanting another night out.”
“Nick, we can’t pursue a relationship,” she said, clinging to caution while another part of her wanted to smile and agree. “Of course, I know you’re trying to get me to cooperate one way or another.”
“I’ll admit I’m trying to win you over, but not exactly for the purpose you’re thinking now. There are some personal, ulterior motives here that do not involve my father,” Nick said, his voice deepening and the expression in his eyes conveying unmistakable desire.
Her breath was erratic. “Stop flirting, Nick. We have no future—with family or without family.”
“That doesn’t have to be. I know you enjoyed Saturday night. I want to go out again. And once more, it has nothing to do with the future or my nephew or my father. Grace, you kept me at arm’s length on Saturday night. I intend to change that.”
Spellbinding words, yet was it a ploy to get his way? If he seduced her, she would succumb to everything he wanted. Now was the time to resist him, to ignore her tingling, breathless reaction, turn a blind eye to his handsome looks, hold fast to rejection even though everything in her screamed to accept, flirt with him and go with the moment.
“You’re a dirty fighter, Nick. You know there’s a chemistry and you’ve emphasized the attraction.”
“What man wouldn’t?” he asked in a low voice. “You’re beautiful, Grace. I’m a warm-blooded man and I like being with you.”
His words heightened her reaction, melting animosity and caution. “Wisdom tells me to avoid a wide-eyed, heart-thumping acceptance of your offers,” she whispered.
“Maybe wisdom, but nothing else.”
“You know I react physically to you. We react to each other, although I suspect you have this response from a lot of women. But with me, you have a strong ulterior motive.”
With his gaze locked on her he raised her hand, brushing a kiss on her palm while his thumb was on the vein in her wrist. He watched her intently. “See there,” he said in a husky voice. “Your pulse is rushing. Far faster than normal. As is mine. If we were alone now, you’d be in my arms.”
“Nick, stop this,” she said, hearing words spoken in a tone that sounded more like an invitation than a denial.
“I want to take you out tonight, including eating together,” he said. “Say yes, Grace. Your assistant has already told me she can cover the party for you because it’s a small one with a client you’ve had before.”
“You just go barreling ahead to get what you want,” she said.
“You weren’t discontented Saturday night. You’ve gone with me twice now and you’re in no worse situation for spending time with me, so what’s the harm in accepting? Especially when it shows that you want to accept.”
She laughed. “You don’t give up, do you?”
“Not with you, because you want to go with me. How’s seven tonight?” He leaned closer. “We’ll make it a short, early evening and do whatever you’d like to do. If I promise again no discussion about Michael and my dad, how’s that? Now a yes,” he said.
“Yes, against wisdom and caution.”
“We have unfinished business.”
“You promised—” she started to say.
“I’m not referring to Michael or Dad,” he said.
Their waiter approached and Nick released her hand, watching her while green salads were placed in front of them.
Through lunch, Nick flirted and charmed and she forgot the problems for moments at a time until she would realize how much she responded to Nick. Each hour spent with him made her want to be with him even more. In spite of knowing that, she craved the excitement he brought into her life. Women could not resist him and in too many ways, she was no different from the others. She had capitulated easily to his dinner offer. She couldn’t believe their time together meant anything to him except a means to get Michael. For her it was one more unforgettable evening instead of a few quiet hours playing with Michael and then spending the remaining time going over books for work. Just once more and then a firm, unyielding refusal. Could she really stick to that plan when Nick turned on the charm?
“I would like to talk about Michael now, though.” Nick reached across the table to grip her hand again and her heart skipped a beat. His hand was warm, enveloping hers, causing havoc with her nerves.
“There really isn’t anything to get to. My feelings haven’t changed.”
“Listen to me,” Nick urged quietly. “You’ve been logical, not too emotional over this issue. Just come meet my dad and let him see and hold his grandson.” Dark brown eyes bored into her while his thumb ran back and forth over her wrist, creating distracting flutters.
“How simple you make it sound,” she said, her voice breathless, almost a whisper.
“It’s harmless, Grace. My father is very ill. His heart is in bad shape and he’s getting more frail. At least let him meet Michael and hold his grandson. Is that too much to ask?”
She withdrew her hand from Nick’s. “You make it sound so easy, yet I always remember Alicia and her wishes.”
“Alicia dealt with Bart. That’s a whole different issue. Don’t punish my father for stupid, cruel things my brother did.”
“Your father could have stepped in.”
“At the time my father knew nothing about Bart’s rejection. Christmas is approaching—the season of giving. It’s going to be damn bleak for my father. Bring the baby over and meet my dad and let him satisfy himself just seeing Michael. I’m not asking to take Michael or change his name or anything else right now. Just let Dad see him and hold him. Give him this, Grace.”
She looked away, torn by Nick’s plea and aware that she couldn’t be that selfish over Michael, yet fearing the Raffords’ power and Nick’s ulterior motives. She thought about Michael and how much he resembled Nick. Once Eli Rafford saw the baby, he would never want to let him go because of that resemblance. To Eli, Michael would be Nick all over again. She was certain the remarkable resemblance would make a difference in Eli’s attitude.
“Once your father sees Michael, he will never want to let him go.”
“Grace, my father’s days may be limited. He isn’t well. He can’t take Michael from you. This is only a meeting. I promise,” Nick added quietly.
She looked into unfathomable brown eyes that told her nothing. This man had a reputation for being ruthless in business. Was she being naive, gullible and taken in by a charmer who had plotted every move to take Michael from her?
“We can make it short,” Nick added.
“All right, Nick,” she said, staring at
him intently. There was no change in his expression, reminding her that he could hide his emotions completely.
“Thank you for agreeing. You’ll see how much it means to him.”
“You better keep your word.”
“I’ve promised. Don’t be so fearful. It’ll be all right. My father can’t take your baby and if you’re worried that I’ll try to talk you into marriage, I have no intention of bringing either a wife or a baby into my life. My freedom is important and, at this point, I don’t care to become a daddy. I’ll make the arrangements. When will you be free?”
She pulled her phone and checked her calendar. “I’m booked solid since it’s getting so close to Christmas. I can turn the parties over to Jada either Thursday afternoon or Friday afternoon.”
“I’ll make arrangements with Dad for Thursday afternoon,” Nick said.
“I should get back to the office. You’ve gotten everything you want, so we can go now,” she said with a sharp note in her voice.
“Not everything.”
As they left, she was conscious of his height, his body so close to hers and his hand on her arm. He had gotten everything he wanted, yet he had sounded reasonable in his requests. Time would tell. She prayed she had no regrets.
Nick kept the conversation light, but worries were already besieging her when they drove back to her office. He got out quickly and came around to open her door. “Thanks for lunch, I think,” she added, emerging from the car.
“How’s two o’clock Thursday afternoon?”
“That will be fine. Michael may fall asleep, but that’s all right.”
“I’ll pick both of you up at your place. Thanks for this. You’ll see, after you have this first visit with my dad, you won’t be sorry about your decision.”
“We’ll see, Nick. Thanks for lunch.” She turned to walk briskly away, her back tingling because she guessed Nick stood and watched her. She dreaded meeting Eli Rafford, suspecting her trepidation would only grow. Inside her office, she turned to watch Nick drive away. She hoped she was doing the right thing.
Thursday seemed eons away and then it was upon her. She left work early to get Michael ready only to find Clara had already bathed him and laid out clothes.
“He’s been fed and I think he’ll fall asleep soon,” Clara said.
“If you’ll watch him a few more minutes, I’m going to change clothes,” Grace said, hugging Michael and giving him a kiss before handing him to Clara.
“Sure. Take your time. I’ll get Michael dressed in his sailor suit.”
Grace changed to tan slacks and a matching silk shirt, then brushed her hair and clipped it at the back of her neck. She returned to Michel’s room to find him seated on a blanket, playing with his toys and cooing.
“He looks adorable,” Grace said, her worries returning.
“I know this meeting was probably inevitable, but I just pray your legal rights are binding. Once this man sees his grandson, he’ll want him more than ever.”
“Nick insists that his dad simply wants to see Michael and hold him. Clara, I hope I’m not making the mistake of my life.”
Clara frowned and looked at Michael, who was playing with a rattle and happily babbling unintelligible words. “Me, too, Grace. I know Nick Rafford has pressured you into this meeting. A visit sounds harmless, but once Eli Rafford sees his grandchild, I hope the resemblance to Nick doesn’t reinforce his goal to give Michael the Rafford name. Or more. Eli Rafford may be frail, but he has the money for nannies and all kinds of help. He could try to take Michael and pay people to care for him round-the-clock.” Nannies and staff would raise Michael instead of relatives. Clara shuddered while Grace’s chill deepened.
“That’s what I fear,” Grace said. “They have the money to do as they please. I made an appointment to talk to my attorney in the morning.”
“Thank heavens,” Clara declared. “You can’t fight the Rafford money, Grace. I’m afraid Nick Rafford is showering his attention on you for a reason.”
“Hopefully, this afternoon will be only what Nick said, simply letting the grandfather see his grandson. That doesn’t give Eli any rights, no matter how much he wants them.”
“Just remember Alicia, what she went through and how she tried to cut them out of Michael’s life. The man’s son was selfish and dreadful.”
“I know. It’s pointless to tell you to not worry. I’ll call you as soon as I get home.”
As she glanced at her watch the doorbell rang. “Come meet Nick,” she said, picking up Michael.
It was time.
Nick stood immobilized, one of the few times in his life he was consumed by shock. He forgot people, surroundings, his purpose in coming. His total attention was on the baby in Grace’s arms—a baby who was a mirror of his own baby pictures.
Stunned, he stared into big, dark brown eyes with black lashes, a thick head of baby hair as jet-black as his own, the same shaped ears.
“Oh, my God,” he whispered. “He could be mine.”
Grace spoke, but her words didn’t register with him.
“Bart never saw his son, did he?” Nick asked finally.
“No, he didn’t, but that was his choice,” Grace replied. “Nick, come inside and meet my aunt.”
Nick inhaled deeply, stepping inside, unable to take his gaze from the baby, realizing instantly his father was in for a shock. It occurred to him that his father would never give up the battle now to get Michael legally into the Rafford family with the Rafford name.
“Aunt Clara, this is Nick Rafford. Nick, my aunt, Clara Wayland.”
Nick turned his attention to the woman standing beside Grace. Her green eyes were glacial and her mouth was closed tightly as she nodded, making it obvious that she didn’t approve of him or want Grace taking Michael to meet his dad.
“I’ve heard about you and your care for Michael,” Nick said, smiling at her, certain the smile would not be returned.
“Michael is Grace’s precious child now. He loves his mother very much.”
Nick could feel the waves of dislike and anger from the woman. “I appreciate her sharing Michael today and letting my dad meet his grandson. That is going to mean the world to him.”
“Michael can’t possibly be that important since your family shunned him totally at birth and when his life was hanging by a thread.”
“Something my dad is sorry about now,” Nick said quietly, knowing she was immersed in anger with the Raffords. “Mrs. Wayland, my father has no intention of taking Michael from Grace. Today, he wants to meet his grandson. Just see him.”
“It isn’t today that worries me,” Clara snapped, and Grace placed her hand on her aunt’s arm.
“It’s all right. I’ll go with Nick now. I’ll call you when we get back. Thanks for your help today.”
She buckled Michael into his carrier and Nick picked it up as Grace gathered Michael’s bag. She brushed a kiss on her aunt’s cheek. “Don’t worry,” she whispered.
“I’m glad to have met you,” Nick said politely and left, waiting outside for Grace to join him.
“Sorry, but she’s worried and upset.”
“If I could be boiled in oil, she would have seen to it. Or a few other dreadful ways to get rid of me. Sorry to worry her so much. She could have joined us.”
“Heaven forbid. She wouldn’t want that and neither would you or your dad. Or any of us. She’ll calm down if your intentions are really what you say.”
“They are. Now I know why you looked so shocked when you first met me. I thought it was the hot chemistry between us, but, sadly that wasn’t it at all. You were stunned by my resemblance to Michael,” he said.
“Yes, I was surprised when I first saw you.”
“Michael himself nails the Rafford paternity—except Michael looks as if he’s my child instead of Bart’s. There’s no earthly reason to ask for a DNA test if we could. This baby is a Rafford through and through as far as appearance goes. He couldn’t look more like my baby pictures. And I h
ave a picture where I’m dressed in a sailor suit like the one you have on him today. That’s going to jolt Dad.”
“I didn’t think of that. Should we go back and change?”
“No. I’m not going another round with your aunt.”
Grace chuckled. “You? Scared of Aunt Clara?”
“I’ve faced opponents in board rooms who didn’t look that hostile. I’m thankful she wasn’t armed.”
“Aunt Clara wouldn’t hurt a fly. I’m shocked. You’re intimidated by Aunt Clara.”
“Don’t rub it in. I’m amazed she hasn’t spent every second trying to convince you not to go with me today—or the last time, for that matter.” Nick glanced in the rearview mirror at Michael in the backseat. “I don’t know anything about babies, but I’m guessing this is a very happy baby.”
“He’s a darling. He is a happy baby.”
“I would be, too, if you were taking care of me,” Nick said, and she smiled.
“Sorry, you don’t qualify,” she answered lightly.
“I think I’ll let the nurse and my dad know about the family resemblance before we spring Michael on my dad. This is going to be a shock.”
“And make him want Michael all the more.”
Nick glanced at her. “Don’t start worrying. Dad will be pleased I’m sure and I don’t know if he can want to know Michael any more than he does right now. You can’t imagine how pleased and grateful he is that you’ve agreed to this. You’ll see,” Nick said, keeping to himself what would occur. His father would take one look at Michael and get an account set up, get presents for Christmas and want all sorts of things that involved the baby. “Just remember my dad is elderly and doesn’t work anymore, which used to take a lot of his time and attention. He has no women in his life and I’m not around that much. Michael will be his main focus. That doesn’t mean he wants to take the baby from you. I promise you that. Dad never was into children or babies.”
“He is now,” she said, and her tone sounded sharp.
They rode quietly until passing through the gates to his father’s estate.
“Do you have a home besides your condo?” she asked.