DREAMING OF YOU GO PL

by Barbara Freethy

  But when his mouth covered hers, there was nothing simple about it.

  There was heat and desire and a deep-gutted yearning for more. Their lips clung together as he pulled her up against his chest, as the kiss between them belied all the lies they'd told themselves about their barely there friendship.

  She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him back for another kiss, until they finally had to take a breath.

  Barrett's green eyes were glittering with fire, his breath ragged and hot, and her heart beat even faster. She wanted this man. But…

  "Kate?" he murmured, a questioning note in his voice.

  She tried to draw a breath, but her chest was tight, a dozen thoughts racing around her head, her body at war with her brain.

  "We…shouldn't," she managed to get out.

  He stared back at her, his gaze unreadable.

  "Like we said before, we have to work together," she added, feeling a bit desperate to make the point.

  "I can find other office space."

  "Really?"

  "If that needs to happen, it can happen."

  "But it's your building."

  "There are other buildings."

  She licked her lips. "That was at the top of my reasons why we shouldn't get involved, but it wasn't the only reason."

  He gave her a serious look. "I know."

  "So, for now, we should just say good night." Deciding that letting go of him would be a good step toward making that happen, she stepped back and took off his coat. She felt instantly chilled.

  He put it on and then moved toward the door, pausing. "This isn't over, Kate."

  "Maybe it should be."

  "You said for now, not forever."

  "I probably misspoke."

  He smiled. "Too late to take it back. I'll see you…soon."

  As he slipped out of her apartment, she touched her fingers to her still-tingling lips, feeling mixed emotions about what she'd just called off.

  It wasn't just the location of their offices that had stopped her; it was her growing feelings for Barrett. She wasn't just attracted to him physically: she was falling in love with him, and she didn't know where that could go.

  It certainly couldn't go all the way, not with Barrett's bluntly stated feelings about marriage. And while it was way too early to even think about that kind of future, she wasn't sure she should start something that could never go where she would want it to go. Better to be safe than sorry. She didn't need to get her heart broken.

  But as she walked into her bedroom, she was a little afraid that she'd already gotten too involved, and there might be some heartbreak headed her way.

  * * *

  Four days later, Barrett knew he was way too involved with Kate, and it wasn't because he'd seen her every day; it was because he hadn't—because every time he walked in and out of his office, his gaze went up the stairs, hoping for a glimpse of her.

  When he heard her voice in the stairwell, he found himself straining to hear what she was saying, sometimes when he was in the middle of a meeting.

  What the hell was wrong with him?

  He hadn't been this obsessed with a woman in a long time. And this was not a woman he should be obsessed with, no matter how much he was attracted to her.

  Kate would want everything from a man—she'd want love, attention—she'd want his soul.

  And he couldn't imagine being able to give her anything close to that.

  She knew it, too. It was why they kept coming to the brink of something more and then pulling back.

  A knock came at his office door, and his heart jumped, but it wasn't Kate who stepped into his office. It was Candice Hunt.

  He jumped up in surprise. "Candice, how are you?"

  "Not great," she said, her eyes strained. "I'm sorry to barge in on you, Barrett. There was no one out front."

  "Jackie is at lunch."

  "I really need to talk to someone. Do you have a minute?"

  "Of course. Sit down," he said, waving her into one of the two chairs in front of his desk. "What's going on?"

  "It's the wedding."

  He almost said he wasn't surprised but managed to bite back that cynical comment. "Are you and Anthony having second thoughts?"

  "No. This has nothing to do with Anthony; it's my mother. We just had a meeting with Kate. I thought we were going to hire her, but right in the middle of our conversation, my mother suddenly announces that your mother suggested she talk to one more person before making the decision. Kate was really taken aback. I'd told her it was a done deal, because she came up with the perfect event, and I thought my mom would love it because we'd have the ceremony and the reception at the Conservatory of Flowers, and you know she loves gardens. I don't know what happened."

  His gut tightened. "Apparently, my mother happened. And I don't think this is about your wedding at all; it's about Kate."

  Candice looked confused. "Why would it be about Kate? Does she even know Kate?"

  "I brought Kate to my mother's birthday party last Sunday. My mom was not happy about it. She has some crazy idea that now that Vanessa is no longer engaged, we should give it another shot."

  "That is crazy. You and Vanessa were horrible together."

  "I don't disagree." He paused. "Look, Candice, I don't want to tell you what to do—"

  "I wish you would," she interrupted. "I would normally talk to my big brother, but David is deployed, and I certainly don't want to bother him with my trivial problems. I'd love to get your opinion."

  "It's your wedding. If you want to hire Kate, hire Kate."

  "But my mother is paying."

  "That doesn't change the fact that it's your day, not hers. And I know your mother cares what you think."

  "Not as much as she cares about what her friends think."

  "You need to talk to her. You need to tell her how you feel."

  "She doesn't listen."

  "Make her listen. You have to fight for what you want, Candice. Otherwise, you'll regret it. But you already know that."

  "I needed to hear someone else say it. Thanks," she said, wiping her watery eyes with the tissue.

  "No problem."

  "So, if you took Kate to your mother's party, how come I didn't see you there?"

  "We left as soon as Vanessa arrived."

  "Got it. I was wondering why she was there. Now I know. Well, I'll let you get back to work. Thanks for listening." Candice got to her feet and walked with him to the door. Pausing, she added, "Are you and Kate dating?"

  "Uh, I wouldn't call it that."

  "What would you call it?" she asked with interest.

  "Honestly, I have no idea."

  "I like her," Candice said. "She's a genuinely nice person. She cares about people. She's creative. She has a sense of humor. She's easy to talk to."

  "She is all that," he agreed. "I like her, too."

  "Are you going to do something about it?"

  "Not sure yet. Now get out of here and go talk to your mother."

  She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Barrett. You're a good substitute big brother."

  "I'm happy to help."

  As they moved into the outer office, the woman they'd just been talking about came through the door. Kate stopped in surprise when she saw them.

  "Candice," she said. "I thought you'd left the building with your mother."

  "I stopped in to see Barrett on my way out. Kate, I want to hire you for the wedding."

  "I don't think your mother feels the same way."

  "I'm going to change her mind. I just wanted you to know. Don't write me off yet."

  Relief ran through Kate's eyes. "I won't do that. I'd love to work on your wedding. But I just want you to make a decision that's right for you."

  "Which is why I'm going to sit my mother down and have a long talk with her. I'll be in touch."

  As Candice left, Kate sent him a searching look. "What just happened? Twenty minutes ago, I thought the Hunt wedding was done."

>   "I heard my mother stuck her nose into things."

  "Yes, apparently," Kate said.

  "Is that why you came down here—to see if I could get my mother out of your life?"

  "No. I wasn't going to mention it," she said.

  "Why not? It's my fault that Olivia is hesitating. I introduced you to my mother and put you in her line of fire."

  "That's all you did—introduce me to your mother. Whatever she did is on her."

  He was once again amazed by Kate's generosity. "I'll talk to her."

  "Please don't speak to her on my behalf. It sounds like Candice wants to challenge her mother, so we'll just see what happens. You know, I'm beginning to think my mother, with her complete lack of interest in my life, is actually not so bad. Anyway, I came down here because I haven't seen you all week, and I wanted to know if you were still interested in going to the shower with me tomorrow night."

  "I am—if the invitation is still good. After Sunday night—well, it seems like things have gotten a little complicated between us."

  She stared back at him for a long moment, and for once he couldn't really tell what she was thinking. Usually, she was an open book. In fact, she often had trouble keeping her emotions off her face, but not today.

  "That's true," she said slowly. "But I'd like you to come with me. I'd like you to meet my friends. Unless you think it's a bad idea, that maybe we should stop having so many dates that aren't really dates?"

  He saw the worried gleam in her eyes and couldn't deny that he had his own doubts about moving forward. They were walking a fine line. Knowing what they each knew about the other's views on love and marriage, there was a good chance someone was going to get hurt. He didn't want that to be Kate. He didn't want her to feel the sting of another rejection.

  On the other hand, he wasn't sure he'd be able to reject her, and what did that mean for him? Was he going to end up going down a road that had caused him so much pain once before?

  "Should I take your silence for a yes?" she asked. "That you think it is a bad idea?"

  "No. I think we should go to the shower together. I'd like to meet your friends."

  "Especially Alex," she said lightly.

  "And all the rest. What time should I pick you up? Or do you want to go from here?"

  "Actually, I'll pick you up. I have to do a walk-through on a wedding venue down on the Peninsula at four and my car is going to be filled with party supplies, so it will be easier if I just come by your place around six fifteen, if that works."

  "Perfect. I'll text you my address." He smiled. "It's a date."

  She smiled back at him. "I keep asking myself what we're doing, Barrett."

  "Let me know when you come up with an answer."

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kate pulled up to Barrett's house in her SUV with her trunk filled with wine, beer, food platters, and party games. Hanging out of her back seat window was a bunch of balloons. Getting out of her car, she jogged up the steps to Barrett's townhouse, which was located in the Marina, only a couple of blocks from the bay.

  He opened the door with a smile, having exchanged the suit he usually wore to the office for a pair of dark jeans and a black leather jacket over a long-sleeve, dark-green sweater that matched his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat. He really was one of the most attractive men she'd ever known.

  "Hi," he said.

  "Are you ready?"

  "Unless you want to come in?"

  She wouldn't have minded seeing Barrett's home, but she was running a little late. "I think we should get going. I want to make sure I have enough time to set up."

  "No problem." He pulled the door shut behind him and followed her to the car, his grin widening at the balloons.

  "I know," she said, reading his expression. "It's like I'm driving a clown car, but I wanted to do balloons because they're festive and they fit the theme."

  "There's a theme?" he asked, as he got into her passenger seat.

  "It's a throwback shower, recreating the free, fun days of our youth. It's not going to be a traditional shower. There will be plenty of alcohol, for one. And games, but not traditional shower games. These will be fun."

  "Games, huh? I think I'm going to need the alcohol. I'm beginning to wonder what I've gotten myself into," he said dryly.

  "Don't worry. You're going to have a blast. The arcade alone will be worth it. I think you'll enjoy the night."

  "I already am," he said, giving her a warm look that made her want to pull the car over and kiss him.

  Clearing her throat, she turned her attention on the road, thinking it was good that Alex and Andrea's house was not too far away. "How was your day?" she asked, hoping some boring tale of law would slow her pulse down.

  "It was good. I lost a client."

  "How is that good?"

  "They reconciled. Since they have two children under the age of five, I was happy to lose the business."

  She gave him a quick look. "You don't sound like a cynical divorce lawyer when you talk like that."

  "Once in a while, people prove me wrong. How did your meetings go? Did you hear from Candice?"

  "I did, and I didn't just get a call, I got a signed contract. She said she sat down with her mother and hashed things out. Olivia is going to take more of a back seat."

  "That just means she'll be a back-seat driver," he said with a laugh.

  "Probably. But I have the job, and that's exciting."

  "Well, good."

  "I think I owe you another thank-you. Candice told me that Olivia had changed her mind about following up with your mother's suggestion. Did you call your mom?"

  "I did. I told her to stop trying to blow up Candice's wedding and your business because I don't want to get back together with Vanessa."

  She glanced back at him. "That sounds very definitive."

  "It was definitive. We had a long chat, and I think she finally heard me. She said she was sorry about her behavior at her party and to extend her apologies to you."

  "That was nice."

  "She can be reasonable on rare occasions. Anyway, I'm glad you got the job. And I think Candice has the perfect person to plan her wedding."

  "She really liked your suggestion on the Conservatory of Flowers. I have you to thank for that."

  "Looks like you're back in my debt," he said lightly.

  "Should I ask what the payoff will be this time?"

  "I'll have to think on that."

  She pulled into the driveway of Andrea's house, which was a three-story mansion in Pacific Heights. "We're here. Let's check in with Andrea and then start unloading."

  * * *

  Andrea Donovan was an attractive blonde, who gave Kate a tight hug when they greeted. Then she turned to him with a curious smile.

  "Barrett Fox, Andrea Donovan," Kate introduced.

  "It's nice to meet you," Andrea said. "I didn't know Kate was bringing a date. You are her date, right?"

  "I believe so," he said with a grin. "I think I'm also the muscle, judging by the amount of items packed in Kate's car."

  "Good. We can use some muscle. Alex had a meeting run long, so he won't be here for another twenty minutes."

  "No problem. Barrett and I can handle it. I don't want you to do a thing," Kate said. "Where's Conor?"

  "He's taking a late nap."

  "I can't wait to see him." Kate turned to him. "Conor is Andrea's baby boy. He's adorable."

  "And he'll be with our nanny most of the evening," Andrea said. "Tonight is couples' night. Liz is leaving Josh with her sister. And Jessica got a babysitter for Brandon."

  "Well, you know we love the kids," Kate said.

  "Yes, so do I," Andrea said with a laugh. "But it's also nice to have a break."

  They spent the next fifteen minutes unloading the car. Eventually, everything was spread across the massive counters in Andrea's gourmet kitchen. He was a little surprised there was no help around, since Andrea had mentioned a nanny, but apparently that was the extent of he
r staff.

  "So tell me your story, Barrett," Andrea said, as she grabbed a carrot off the veggie tray and munched on it.

  "I'm a lawyer," he said.

  "Well, that's not much of a story."

  "Andrea is a television news reporter. You might have seen her on KJTV," Kate put in.

  "That's why you look familiar," he said.

  "Which means questions are in my nature. How did you and Kate meet?"

  "We met in the office building we are currently sharing."

  "Oh, wait, you're the guy who got shot by Cupid's arrow?" Andrea asked. "The cynical, arrogant divorce attorney, who is making Kate's life a living hell?"

  He glanced at Kate.

  She gave him a guilty look. "I might have shared the story of how we met with Maggie and Jessica, who both have big mouths, by the way. And I didn't know you as well then." She turned to Andrea. "He's not making life a living hell. He's actually been really good to me. He took care of my grandfather after my grandmother was in an accident. He spent the night with him, so he wouldn't be alone."

  "That is very nice," Andrea said, giving him a speculative look. "Sounds like Kate undersold you in the beginning."

  "We didn't get off to a good start, but that's changed."

  "I assume so, since you're here, and Kate knows you're going to get a grilling from just about everyone. I hope you're ready."

  "I think I can handle it."

  The next thirty minutes passed in a flash as Barrett took orders from Kate on what needed to go where. She was very impressive in work mode, and by the time they were finished, the house had been transformed into a party palace.

  Alex arrived about three minutes before Liz and her husband Michael, who was on crutches. Michael complained that he'd made it through ten years of football without breaking a bone and now a damn bike ride had done him in. Liz told him to be happy he wasn't dead.

  As the rest of the group entered the house, Barrett could barely keep them straight. Matt Kingsley, the Cougars' star, stood out, of course. His wife Julie had a sweet, gentle manner that was in opposition to Liz's more direct, outspoken nature. Although, the two women seemed to be close friends and had apparently grown up together.

  Isabella was an exotically pretty woman, and her husband, Nick, clearly adored her. They shared the story Kate had told him about meeting during a tango lesson, which he thought might be one of the best first meets he'd ever heard of. Although, Jessica's story about getting stuck in her doghouse was right up there, too. Her fiancé Reid was a friendly guy, who said he wasn't too worried about all the wedding mania, because all he had to do was show up.