The momentary respite didn’t give her time to pull herself together because he returned almost instantly with a glass of something alcoholic.
He took a swallow before setting it on top of an end table next to the leather couch, then faced her with his hands in his pockets.
“Since the night you phoned in on the show to announce the open house, I’ve been talking with my crew, doing a little preliminary research. I’ve a proposition for you.”
Lacey hadn’t known what to expect, but certainly she couldn’t have guessed it had anything to do with his filmmaking business. “I don’t understand.”
He stood there with his legs slightly apart, rubbing the back of his neck. “Lorraine’s project has caught my imagination. After discussing it with the guys, we’ve decided we want to do a series of documentaries on the simian aide program from beginning to end.
“We have contacts with major distributors, apart from the NATO foundation, who can push the film on the public in a big way, making a noticeable difference.”
At this point Lacey was on her feet. “Are you serious?” she cried, overwhelmed by what he was suggesting.
“Completely. It’s for a worthy cause. Just how worthy even I didn’t realize until tonight. The tasks required to enhance Ray’s life would be tedious and in some ways impossible for a human to stand for any length of time. But George has the capacity to endure the process over and over again. It was very enlightening.”
“Lorraine won’t believe it. Where will you get the funding?”
His eyes traveled over her, bringing the color to her cheeks. “We have our sources, so that’s not a concern. But there is one thing which will require your cooperation, or we won’t do it at all.” A certain nuance in his voice sent a shiver down her spine.
“You know I’d help any way I can.”
A dangerous smile broke the corner of his mouth. “I’m glad you said that because we’re going to film the second segment in Florida where the monkeys are held to acclimatize to humans. We need an actress to bring their story to life.
“It must be someone who not only looks great in front of the camera, but is a natural in expressing herself. Since you meet those criterion and have a vested interest in the program, both practically and emotionally, you’ve been chosen.”
“What?” Lacey was aghast.
“That’s right. We don’t have time to find someone else, and even if we did, we’d never come up with a person who cares the way you do.
“Naturally we’re going to want to film some portions of you interacting with George. He’s as crazy about you as he is Lorraine, so that won’t present any problems.”
“But I can’t leave my work and go to Florida!”
“Don’t you think it’s long past time you left Salt Lake for a hard-earned vacation, albeit a working one?” he challenged.
“Max—this isn’t a joking matter.”
“I heartily agree.”
She shook her head. “Even if I could manage to break away, I’ve never done any acting before. I wouldn’t have the faintest idea what to do or say.”
“Just be your natural self, the way you were on the program last week. And whatever it is you don’t know, the guys can teach you. As far as the script, that’s my department. I’ll work with Lorraine to get the technical part right.” He was moving too fast for her, yet she was thrilled at the idea of going away with him.
“I—I don’t have the money to take a long trip anywhere. I’m still paying off the loan on my car.”
“Naturally you’ll receive a salary and expenses.” There was a pause. “However, if you’re too wrapped up in your personal life here to see the bigger picture, we’ll drop the whole idea.” He reached for his drink and swallowed it to the last drop.
Max had a talent for upsetting her, but this time he’d gone too far. “Why are you always making me out to be the villain of the piece? I work hard, just like you. I have commitments, just like you. Why do you repeatedly insinuate that the way I conduct my life is distasteful to you?”
His brows furrowed. “Distasteful isn’t the right word. Let’s just say that your lifestyle requires the constant attention of the male of the species. Tonight I couldn’t even mention going someplace for dinner without you bringing another man into the conversation. Naturally I can understand why you’d hesitate to give that up.
“Even a week in Florida would probably be too much for you to handle, spent with a man who sees right through you, let alone a crew of married men who won’t be taken in by your obvious charms.”
“How dare you say such things to me? How dare you presume to judge me.” She turned, red-faced, and headed for the back door, but she only made it as far as the kitchen.
“I dare because it’s true,” he muttered, grabbing hold of her shoulders and pulling her back against him with a strength she could hardly countenance. “Why do you bother to deny it? Men are coming and going from your condo all hours of the day and night.
“I suppose it’s addicting, and I should have more sympathy for your problem. It occurred to me that a week in Florida would give you a drying out period which could be a salutary experience.”
She broke free of his arms and whirled around, livid. “You’re crazy, you know that?”
“Then prove me wrong and come to Florida. Show me you can exist without the other men in your life and I just might be convinced.”
Her first instinct was to walk out on him and never look back. Of course that was exactly what he wanted her to do. Then he could blame her for putting her own selfish needs ahead of Lorraine’s, and add that to her growing list of sins.
What perverse streak in his nature had convinced him she couldn’t get enough of men? Had someone made up lies about her, lies he believed? Did he mistrust women in general?
Evidently he wanted a woman who was as pure as the driven snow and didn’t recognize her when she was right in front of his eyes.
Whatever demons drove him, she’d had enough! That, or fight him at his own game.
Could she? Did she dare?
Much as she wanted to deny it, she cared what Max thought of her. In truth, she’d fallen hopelessly in love with him. She couldn’t risk losing him without trying one last time to get to the bottom of his suspicions.
Hardening her resolve, she slowly turned around and looked up at him. “I’ll do better than that, Max,” she assured him in a husky voice. “I’ll give up all men starting right now, provided you give up all the other women in your life, as well. We’ll devote ourselves exclusively to each other.”
The hands rubbing her upper arms ceased their restless movement. “You mean that?” came the deep query.
“Yes,” she answered with her heart in her throat. “Before we leave for Florida, I’d like us to spend all our free time together. I’ll fix our meals while you tutor me on the narration.
“Since I’ve never traveled any long distance, I’m going to want your advice on what to take, how to get ready. We can shop together. That way we’ll never be lonely, and you’ll know I’m keeping to my side of the bargain.”
A nerve pulsated at the corner of his sensuous mouth, drawing her gaze. “The only way to ensure that promise is to live together. Under the circumstances, I’m going to move in with you tonight.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
FOR a minute the room spun. “I—I... You misunderstood my suggestion,” she stammered, floundering in water way over her head.
He pierced her with his gaze. “I don’t think so. You’ve just suggested that we share our lives. That means day and night. My constant presence will put an end to wishful thinking on anyone else’s part.”
Lacey had this suffocating feeling in her chest No matter how much she wanted to help Lorraine, no matter how desperately she wanted Max’s love, she wouldn’t sleep with him. In her mind, intimacy of that kind was reserved for marriage.
“Max—before this conversation goes any further, we have to discuss the sleeping arrangeme
nts.”
An enigmatic smile broke the corner of his mouth. “As I told you before, I’m tempted, but I think we’ll both practice abstinence for a while. It’s good for the soul. Therefore, you’ll sleep in your bed, and I’ll make do on the couch.”
Surprise and relief washed over her in waves. It appeared he was out to reform her completely. What he didn’t know was that she planned to do some reforming of her own, even if it meant going against at least one of her principles and living with a man, living with Max.
“When do you propose to move in?”
“This minute.”
“But—”
“But nothing,” he replied suavely. “It’s called, quitting cold turkey. I’ll just gather a few things I need and we’ll go home. Su casa es mi casa.” He swooped down and kissed her astonished mouth before disappearing from the kitchen.
“I’m out of toothpaste,” he called to her from the hallway, “so I’ll have to use yours until I can get to the store tomorrow. Come to think of it, I’m low on a lot of things.”
While he spoke, Lacey was having an anxiety attack in the middle of his kitchen. She couldn’t believe this was happening, or that she was allowing it to happen. His mind moved leap years ahead of hers. She had an idea she might live to regret it.
But when he reappeared moments later with a small duffel bag and slid a possessive arm around her shoulders, drawing her close for another kiss, she practically melted on the spot and found herself walking toward the door with him.
The phone was ringing off the hook as they entered her condo from the back entrance.
“I’ll get it,” he said, and picked up the receiver on the kitchen wall before she could reach it. His terse hello would have struck terror in the heart of anyone calling.
A scowl confirmed her worst fear. Aside from Lorraine or Valerie, Greg was the only person who phoned her this late at night.
Max muttered something else equally quelling, and hung up the receiver. He turned accusing blue eyes on her. “That was Greg. He said he’d call back in the morning. I thought you told me he had an ex-fiancée.”
“He does. They’re supposed to be getting married at Christmas, but they had a fight. I’m still hoping they make up.”
“How can they do that if he’s still calling you late at night?”
“You don’t understand.” She smoothed a few black curls off her forehead. “Greg grew up across the street from me and Valerie. He’s like a brother. My parents took him in after his mother died and his dad moved to New York. We’re friends, that’s all.
“He drops in on Valerie as much as he does me. But his broken leg has created complications and that’s why I’ve seen more of him than usual.”
Max stared at her for endless moments. “Apparently I’m not the only one who finds the time he spends with you suspect.”
Because Max had hit upon the one area that had briefly caused trouble in Greg’s relationship with Annette, Lacey avoided his scrutiny, suitably chastened.
“At least you haven’t attempted to deny it. Under the circumstances, it’s a good thing I’m going to be around from here on out. If Greg doesn’t learn to lean on his fiancée, their marriage doesn’t stand a prayer.”
“I agree,” she murmured at last, knowing he spoke the truth.
Max made a noise in his throat. “Well, that’s something, anyway. Now I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. After I call Jeff to get the ball rolling, I’m going to bed.”
Thankful he’d be occupied for the next few minutes, Lacey changed into a nightgown and put on her quilted robe. Then she went in search of linens and blankets.
By the time he was off the phone, she’d made up the couch, a ritual she’d done for Greg on many occasions, but somehow this was different. Her fantasies about Max had, in part, become reality.
“Forget what you’re thinking,” he said when he entered the living room and found her plumping his pillow. She let it go like a hot potato, convinced he had radar to detect her every thought.
“Just so you know, I’m up every morning at six to get ready for work.”
“And I sleep until ten,” he followed. “What time do you get home?”
“I never know how long I’ll be, but generally it’s around four.”
When he started unbuttoning his shirt the rest of the way, she couldn’t concentrate and deliberately averted her eyes, but not soon enough to escape his mocking smile.
“I leave for the station at two, which gives us from six-thirty until we both go to bed to be together. I’m off every other Monday and Sunday. With tomorrow being Sunday, we can both sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.”
“That’s fine for you, but I have to get up early enough to prepare my Sunday school lesson. I leave for church at nine-thirty, and don’t get home until noon.”
“Then we’ll both get up in time to have breakfast together, and I’ll go to church with you,” he said smoothly.
She fought hard to keep her composure. His image of her didn’t include attending church. He didn’t believe for a moment she had a class to teach. “Fine.”
“I’ll even cook our first breakfast so you can work uninterrupted.” His heartbreaking smile didn’t fool her.
“Then I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Have a good sleep,” he muttered with a devilish gleam in his eye.
“You, too.”
The minute she got to her room and shut the door, she hurried to the bedside table to phone Greg and explain why he mustn’t drop over whenever he felt like it. But when she picked up the receiver, she couldn’t get a dial tone.
After clicking it without success, Lacey decided the phone was off the hook in the kitchen. Had Max done it deliberately? Would he go that far?
She waited half an hour, until she was sure he’d gone to sleep. Then she tiptoed out of her room and down the hall. She had to pass through the living room to get to the kitchen. Fortunately he sounded dead to the world as she quietly padded across the carpet.
“Flattered as I am that you’d like me in your bed tonight, we have an understanding, and there’s no way I’m going to let you change the rules.”
His voice seemed to come out of nowhere, startling her. “I was going to the kitchen to make me some cocoa.”
“If you’ve never practiced it, self-denial is painful. Actually, I could do with something hot myself.” Like lightning, he was on his bare feet and slipped a robe over his striped pajamas.
Lacey groaned as he followed her into the kitchen and turned on the light. Now she’d be forced to fix cocoa when it was the last thing she wanted. Her eyes darted to the wall phone.
“That’s right.” His gaze followed hers and he flashed her a crooked smile. “I took it off the hook, just to make certain we both get a good night’s sleep.”
Running a shaky hand through her black curls, she said, “I’ve changed my mind about a drink.” The intimacy of their situation was creating havoc with her senses.
“I thought maybe you would,” he taunted. “A couple of aspirins might help you wind down. They’re known to have a tranquilizing effect.”
“Thank you, Doctor Jarvis. Good night.”
His chuckle followed her all the way to the bedroom.
When she heard the sound of a doorbell, she thought she must be dreaming, and nestled more comfortably beneath the covers. But the pealing of the bell persisted, and she finally lifted her head from the pillow.
The clock said seven-thirty. Who’d be at her front door this early, on a Sunday morning no less?
She slid out of bed, threw on her robe, and hurried out of her room to answer it. But Max had obviously heard it, as well, and was already making his way to the front door.
No evidence remained of his night on the couch. He must have put his bedding away. Dressed only in the bottom half of his pajamas, his magnificent physique—bronzed like the rest of him—took Lacey’s breath.
She could understand the look of complete astonis
hment on Greg’s face when Max opened the door to him. She’d hoped to talk to Greg before something like this could happen, but it was too late now.
“It’s Greg, isn’t it? Looks like your walking cast is serving you well. What can we do for you?” Max’s intimidating voice sounded several registers lower this early in the morning.
Greg’s gaze darted to Lacey, who was hovering behind Max. “I didn’t meant to intrude. Call me when you get a chance.”
“We’re up now,” Max drawled, making everything that much worse. “Maybe you’d better come in and have your talk with Lacey because we’re going to be tied up later.”
“It can wait.”
“Whatever it is you have to say to Lacey can be said to both of us.” Max darted her a melting look and put his arm around her, drawing her to his side in an unmistakable gesture of ownership. “We’re living together now.”
The color drained out of Greg’s face. She knew he’d be shocked because Greg was very much aware of Lacey’s moral upbringing and strong religious principles. But she didn’t understand the hurt look in his eyes. Max’s brief glance in her direction spoke volumes.
“Greg, I—I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to tell you. Why don’t you come over for dinner one night next week?”
“No, thanks,” he clipped. His face closed up as his gaze flicked to Max.
“I think Lacey’s idea is an excellent one,” Max said unexpectedly. “I’d like to get to know you better. She says you’re practically family. Why not bring your fiancée and make it a foursome? I haven’t had a chance to preview the film my crew and I made in the Amazon. Perhaps you and—Annette, is it?—would find it interesting.”
“Please come,” Lacey begged, sensing Greg’s hesitation. She hoped to undo some of the damage. “How about tomorrow night?”
“Monday night happens to be my night off. It’s perfect,” Max interjected suavely. “Shall we say seven o’clock? You’ll be home from work by then, won’t you, darling?” He kissed the side of her neck intimately.
For a man who’d only moved in the night before, he’d taken over as if he’d been her husband for a long time. But that was what she wanted, wasn’t it?
No Wife Required! Page 9