by Leanne Banks
As they headed to the dock, he spotted Maddie waiting. “Damn,” he muttered. “Haven’t been gone twenty-four hours.”
“What’s wrong?” Nicole asked, coming from behind him.
“Maddie,” he said. “That usually means there’s something that needs my attention. Immediately,” he added, surprised at his disappointment. He’d been planning a quiet evening with Joel and Nicole.
“She doesn’t really look dressed for work,” Nicole said.
Rafe noticed his assistant’s black dress and shrugged. “Maybe she has a party.”
Maddie waved as the pilot parked the boat. A member of the staff lowered the gang plank steps and she immediately boarded the yacht. “Welcome back. I thought I should wait until you returned to tell you that the Crawford deal is in jeopardy. He’s in Fort Lauderdale this weekend for that charity event you helped sponsor, so you’ll be able to take a quick trip up there and smooth the waters. I can drive you if you like.”
He shook his head, mentally planning how to shorten the trip. “Nah, that’s okay. I’ll either drive myself or get Dan to take me. Is that the event for veterans?”
“Yes, it is,” she said, appearing disappointed. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you? It’s no problem.”
“No,” he said. “Veterans,” he repeated and glanced at Nicole. “Any chance you want to go?”
Nicole blinked in surprise. “What kind of event is it?”
“It’s an event put on by a yacht club in Fort Lauderdale to raise money for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. You know who’s speaking?” he asked Maddie.
She paused, then sighed. “Gerard something,” she said.
“Gerard Thomas,” Nicole said, smiling. “I’ve worked with him before. He’s a terrific speaker.”
“Then join me,” he said, meeting her gaze.
Nicole glanced in Maddie’s direction then back at him. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah.”
“What about Joel?” Maddie asked. “I mean, do you think he’ll be uncomfortable being left at home without Nicole?”
“I think that one’s headed for an early bedtime, and this occasion is one of the reasons we have a mother’s helper.” He brushed his hands together. “Decision made. Nicole’s coming with me.”
“I think Maddie was disappointed that you chose not to take her tonight,” Nicole said as Dan, Rafe’s chauffeur, drove Rafe’s limo toward Fort Lauderdale. She and Rafe had quickly changed clothes at Rafe’s house before they left.
“Why?” he asked, unbuttoning his jacket. “It meant she had a night off. Besides, this gives me yet another opportunity to show off the advantages of southern Florida.”
Nicole wondered again about Rafe’s relationship with his assistant, but didn’t want to pry. “If you’re trying to sell me on it,” she began.
“Yeah?” he prompted.
“Today was very nice,” she said.
“Very nice,” he gently mocked. “The temperature in Atlanta was thirty-nine with drizzle.”
“Okay, you’ve got Atlanta beat in the weather department-except during hurricane season.”
“If a hurricane hits, we can visit my brother in Atlanta or my other brother in Las Vegas. Or Aspen. I have a place there. If you really want to get out of Dodge, we can go to Italy. Damien worked out some kind of arrangement for a chateau where my ancestors lived.”
“That sounds interesting,” she said, remembering the life of luxury she’d led when she’d lived with her father. “How long ago did your family live there?”
“About two hundred and fifty years before my grandfather made a bad business arrangement and was swindled out of the family home.”
“That’s terrible.”
“Yes, it was, but it forced my father to come to America, which meant I was born here. I’m glad for that. Your ancestry goes back pretty far, too, doesn’t it? Bet you’re a member of a few exclusive ladies’ societies,” he said.
Nicole had never focused much on her so-called pedigree. There were too many more important things. “I guess, but my membership has probably lapsed. Oh, darn,” she said in a mocking voice.
He smiled at her. “I would have sworn you never missed a meeting.”
“Then you would have been wrong. Not that there’s anything wrong with the organization. They do some wonderful things, grant scholarships, perform charitable work…”
“How many meetings did you attend?”
“A few during breaks from college. My mother and father made it compulsory.”
“When did you stop going?”
“The second after I moved out on my own for good.”
“You did that in one year,” he remembered.
“You’re quoting the résumé you got from your P.I.,” she said, feeling a twinge of guilt that she hadn’t told Rafe about the report she’d received about him.
“Yeah,” he said. “You pretty much flipped the bird at your parents as soon as you got out. How did you manage to buy your house so quickly?”
“I’m surprised you didn’t get that information, too,” she said. “My grandfather on my mother’s side left me a small trust. I quickly learned the joys of economizing.”
“You and I have more in common than you think. I learned the so-called joys of economizing early. You learned them later. I bet that wasn’t easy.”
“I actually had to read a few books on the subject,” she confessed. “Need versus want. I learned to budget.” She laughed. “Tabitha considered the word budget profane.”
“I can see that. I went shopping with her in South Beach a few times.”
“You went shopping with my sister?” Nicole said in surprise. It was hard for her to imagine Rafe indulging her sister to such a degree.
“Jewelry shopping,” he said. “She wanted diamonds, but never in the form of a ring.”
“Oh,” Nicole said, and actually felt embarrassed for her sister’s greedy behavior. “Sorry.”
“You live and learn. At one time, I would have said it was part of her charm.”
“And now?”
“Tabitha was a taker.”
Nicole couldn’t defend her sister, because what Rafe said was partly true.
“Very different from you,” he said, studying her. “I wonder what would have happened if I’d met you first.”
“It wouldn’t have made any difference,” Nicole said, sitting back, after she realized she’d been leaning toward him, her hand inches from his knee. “We’ve already discussed this. Tabitha was like a flower to bees when it came to attracting men.”
“The challenge with Tabitha was to keep her entertained,” he said. “With you, the challenge is getting in the door. I can see through the window,” he said, sliding his hand over her brow. “There’s a lot inside.”
“Not worth the trouble,” she said lightly, despite the fact that she felt herself tremble.
He shook his head and rubbed his thumb over her lip. “You’re a terrible liar, Nicole. I like that about you.”
After Rafe and Nicole arrived at the charity function, Rafe introduced Nicole to his business acquaintances and she excused herself to say hello to the speaker. He couldn’t help but notice her enthusiasm as she talked with the man, and fought an odd jab of irritation.
Rafe turned back to his client and was displeased to learn that he’d been having talks with Nicole’s father. He wondered if Nicole had somehow picked up on one of his conversations and leaked some information to her father. Would she help her father steal one of his deals? The possibility made his blood boil.
As Nicole walked toward him, he decided to conduct a test. “Nicole, I’d like you to meet Derek Crawford. Derek owns a yacht-leasing company and we’ve been working together for the last month.”
Derek, a middle-aged man with a huge ego, appeared to stand a little straighter at the sight of Nicole.
“Derek, this is Nicole Livingstone,” Rafe said and watched both Nicole and Crawford. Crawford�
��s smile dipped slightly.
“Livingstone,” he repeated and cleared his throat. “What a coincidence. You wouldn’t be related to Conrad Livingstone Yachts, would you?”
Nicole nodded. “He’s my father,” she said and accepted the man’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Rafe tells me you’re an astute businessman, so I can see why you enjoy working with him.”
“And what would you say of your father?” Crawford asked with a cagey smile.
“My father kept his business separate from family, so I don’t have any real experience. He’s obviously been successful, though,” she said in a neutral tone. “Do you live in Fort Lauderdale most of the year?”
“Since I own several yachts, I live anywhere I want. How did you meet Medici if not through your father?”
Nicole hesitated. “Through my late sister, actually. Oh,” she said glancing toward the crowd of people moving toward the seats. “It looks like they’re getting ready to start the keynote. Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Crawford.”
“All mine,” he said then looked at Rafe and lifted his eyebrows. “I’ll be in touch. Can’t beat the combination of a Livingstone and a Medici.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats in preparation for our guest speaker,” a man at the front of the room announced.
“That’s our cue,” he said and led Nicole to their table at the front.
She stiffened at his touch. “Is that the reason you wanted me to come tonight? Because you’re competing on this deal with my father?”
“What are you talking about?” he asked in a low voice.
“Is the reason you wanted me to join you tonight so you could parade Conrad Livingstone’s daughter in front of the competition? Your chance to use me to get ahead?”
He narrowed his eyes. “On the contrary. The first I heard about your father trying to steal my deal was through Crawford tonight. I wondered if you had overheard me and warned your father so he could make a deal.”
Her jaw dropped in gratifying shock and Rafe had his answer. Nicole hadn’t tried to sabotage his business deal.
Anger glinted through her blue eyes. “You don’t know me at all,” she said and turned her attention to the speaker.
Throughout the speech, he could feel her seething in her seat. While he was tempted to escort her out of the room so they could settle this once and for all, Rafe bided his time. They had the entire drive back to South Beach.
The second the speech ended, Nicole sprang from her chair. Rafe joined her, circling her wrist lightly with his fingers.
She turned her head to glance meaningfully at his hand. “I want to say hello to the speaker.”
“Introduce me,” he challenged.
She exhaled in frustration and tugged her hand away from his, going to the front of the room. “Great job, Gerard, as usual.”
The rough-hewn man with shaven head cracked a grin. He stepped toward Nicole, and Rafe noticed a slight limp. “Always glad to get praise from Atlanta ’s prettiest peach. I only got to talk to you for a minute before my speech. I didn’t get to ask you what you’re doing down here.”
Gerard glanced past her shoulder, meeting Rafe’s gaze. “Are you with-”
“Nicole is with me,” Rafe said, extending his hand. “Rafe Medici.”
Nicole tossed him a sideways glance. “This is Gerard Thomas. I would say he’s ex-marine, but-”
“Once a marine, always a marine,” Rafe finished for her.
Gerard nodded, his gaze observant as he appeared to assess the relationship between Nicole and Rafe. “Is this a permanent move?”
“Not-” Nicole began.
“I’m working on it,” Rafe said.
“It’s complicated. Rafe is Joel’s biological father.”
“Oh. I didn’t know he was in the picture.”
“I am now,” Rafe said.
“It’s a transition period. Rafe lives in South Beach.”
Gerard nodded. “I’d hate to see the veterans in Atlanta lose you.”
“Nothing is settled,” she said.
“I don’t live far from here, so give me a call if you decide you want to work down here.” He turned to Rafe. “Nice meeting you, Mr. Medici. We all think a lot of Nicole. She’s a special woman. Joel has always been her number-one priority.”
“He still is. Good meeting you,” Rafe said, stepping aside with Nicole as other people pushed forward to speak with Gerard. “Ready to go?” he asked Nicole.
She gave a single mute nod and he sent a programmed text to the chauffeur. As they walked outside, the limo appeared and Dan quickly opened the door.
Rafe followed Nicole inside and set down the privacy panel. His cell rang and it was Maddie asking about the Crawford deal. “I have it under control,” he said.
“Do you need me to come over in the morning for a briefing?” she asked. “I know this is a big deal.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’m staying on this one personally.”
“Okay, I’ve found some more yachts on Grand Cayman you might be interested in. Would you like us to take a quick flight down tomorrow? I can make the arrangements.”
Rafe glanced at Nicole, who had opened a bottle of water and was flipping through a magazine. “No. I have other plans.”
“Okay, but I know how you hate to miss out on a good deal. I think some of these are distress sales.”
“They can wait. I’ll see you Monday morning,” he said and turned off the phone. He allowed his gaze to rest on Nicole. Her sophisticated black dress dipped just low enough to draw his attention to her breasts. The sight of her silky brown hair made him want to feel it all over his naked skin. The possessiveness that tugged at his gut took him by surprise.
“Anything I should know about you and Gerard Thomas?”
She glanced up at him in surprise. “What do you mean? I’ve known him for about two years. He was seriously injured after 9/11 and was honorably discharged. He’s a tireless advocate for veterans, and he’s always been supportive of me and kind to Joel.”
“Joel?” Rafe echoed. “When did he meet Joel?”
“A few times when he was in town. He always brought a toy.”
“I thought you said you hadn’t been involved with any men,” he said.
“I haven’t. Gerard’s a colleague and friend.”
“Who wanted and still wants more,” Rafe said.
Nicole shrugged. “He may have asked me out a few times, but I didn’t-” She broke off. “It wasn’t good timing.”
“Now?”
“Now, it’s worse,” she said, then frowned. “Why are you asking me this?”
“I think I should know if the mother of my child is involved with another man,” he said.
“Well, I’m not,” she said, laughing. “Not that it’s really any of your business. You’ll notice I haven’t been asking you about women in your life.”
“I’ve already told you I haven’t had any serious involvements.”
She gave a laugh. “Would that kind of response from me satisfy you? I haven’t been involved seriously. Just a few sexual flings.”
Rafe felt his gut take another twist. “Is that the truth?”
She groaned and looked upward. “I was kidding. I don’t think it’s fair for you to grill me when you have your own questionable relationships.”
“Such as?” he asked.
She paused for a moment. “What about Maddie?”
“Maddie?” he echoed. “She’s my assistant.”
“Wasn’t that her on the phone?” she asked and glanced at her watch. “Ten o’clock on a Saturday night?” She broke off and an odd expression crossed her face.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing,” she said, sipping her water. “I’m sure it was just a misunderstanding.”
He gave a rough chuckle. “You’re lying again. Go ahead and tell me what’s going on in that brain of yours.”
She hesitated, then shook her head. “It’s none of my business.”
“Nicole,” he said, unable to keep impatience from his tone.
“Do the two of you have a history?” she asked.
He shrugged. “She’s been working for me for years.”
“I mean a romantic history,” she said in a low voice.
Rafe blinked. “Hell, no. Why would I ruin a great business relationship just for sex?”
Nicole lifted her shoulders uncertainly. “Maybe she doesn’t feel the same way. Have you considered that she may wish things were different?”
He rubbed his chin. “Never crossed my mind. I don’t know why it would cross hers.”
Nicole made a little sound of exasperation. “Maybe because you’re extremely good-looking and wealthy. I think she has a crush on you.”
Rafe considered the possibility for a moment and felt a barrage of misgivings. “God, I hope you’re wrong. That would make things sticky as hell.”
He considered the suggestion that Maddie might want a romantic relationship, then dismissed it. If Maddie had wanted him that way, she would have made her move long before now, and he was thankful she hadn’t because he couldn’t return the interest.
“Maddie is my assistant, nothing more. But my relationship with you is more complicated. You’re the mother of my son. You need to trust me.”
Seven
Nicole’s heart hammered against her ribcage at the intensity in his expression. “It’s too soon.” She took a quick breath. “We need more time.”
“Speak for yourself,” he said.
She bit her lip. “I need more time.”
He shrugged and stretched his neck as if he had a kink in it. Her hands itched to touch him. Maybe more. His muscles were seductive. His strength, nearly irresistible.
Clenching her hands to keep from touching him, she wondered why she was so drawn to him. She’d always been afraid of powerful men.
They rode the rest of the way home in silence. As each mile passed, Nicole became increasingly drowsy. She fought sleep, but it finally overtook her. Awakening as the limo pulled to a stop, she found herself slumped against Rafe, her head on his shoulder.
She lifted her head. “Sorry. I guess I was sleepier than I thought I was.”