Christina flirting with other men had rattled Steven’s anger. He longed to have her in his own arms—to smell the sweet scent of her hair, to caress his hands over her silky skin.
He wanted her too much and this was his downfall. His desire affected his focus. He clenched his fists tight, hoping to regain control. She claimed to detest the sight of him, but Steven knew better. Their connection was too strong. He just needed a sign, something to give him hope that their flame still existed.
Chapter Twelve
Exhaustion won over. Christina couldn’t dance another step. A part of her had enjoyed the evening and the company she had been with, though she couldn’t remember the names of all her dance partners. Tanya told her to have fun, and that’s exactly what she did. But if the evening had been so entertaining, then why did a small niche of guilt gnaw at her insides?
She deserved an award for her performance tonight, yet she wasn’t proud of her actions. Christina flirted with Trevor and with Claude, who had arrived just in the nick of time to stop her from joining Steven in the middle of the ballroom.
Most of the guests had now departed, with the last few saying their good-byes to Tanya and Brian. Theresa still fussed around the room, making sure the caterers had cleanup underway.
“Where did Steven disappear to?” She glanced around the room. Butterflies danced in the pit of her stomach.
“He grumbled something about a headache,” Brian answered.
Carson snatched his wife’s arm. “And you’ll not go looking for him. It’s been a long night. We’re headed to our room. Steven is a big boy and can take care of himself.”
“Tanya and I are calling it a night, too,” Brian announced. “Separately, Mother,” he added as everyone chuckled upon seeing Theresa’s stare of disapproval.
“How about you, Christina?” Tanya covered her mouth, stifling a yawn.
“I want to grab a book from the library, if that’s okay?”
Carson nodded before cupping Theresa’s elbow in his hand and guiding her upstairs. Brian and Tanya left to steal a couple of minutes alone in the garden.
Christina shut off the lights in the ballroom and walked through the quiet hallway to the library. She was tired, but not quite ready to sleep. Reading would help her unwind and relax.
She wandered into the dark library and sought out the switch on a small table lamp. Upon finding the switch, a soft glow lit up one side of the room. Christina sat on one of the recliners and slipped off her shoes from her aching feet.
Lifting a foot to the opposite knee, she massaged the ache until a shifting noise from the other side of the room made her jump. She squinted to see the silhouette of a body leaning against the window ledge. She knew that profile. Her pulse raced. “Goodness, you scared me half to death. What are you doing in the dark?”
“I came here to get a little peace and quiet.” His words were low and sharp. “Shut off the light, Christina, and leave me alone.”
Her instincts told her to do exactly what he asked. His voice held a warning. She should leave, but instead walked across the room. Christina turned on another light. He had discarded his jacket and his shirt lay loosely from his trousers. His hair had been ruffled by one of the hands, which now held an almost empty glass. A crystal decanter of amber liquid sat on the window ledge. She surmised by Steven’s relaxed posture, this drink was not his first.
“You only drink scotch when you’re upset,” she whispered.
Steven’s silence made her extremely nervous. A warning to run, to get away from this man, screamed through her thoughts.
“The lady remembers my college drinking tales. I’m impressed.” His lips formed a smile. “I think I told you about that story the first night we met, didn’t I?” He put the glass to his lips, drank until he drained the contents, and reached for the bottle.
As she stared at his kissable lips, she ignored the intense temptation running through her. Christina reached out to take the bottle from his grip. “You don’t need another drink.”
“Believe me I do, liquor is the only thing easing the pain.” He mumbled something too vague for her to comprehend and then added more clearly, “I want you to leave.”
Ignoring his request, she stepped closer. “Brian said you had a headache. Has it worsened?” Her fingertips touched his temple.
“Don’t concern yourself with me.” He swatted her hand with a flick of his wrist. “Where’s your boyfriend? Or should I say boyfriends?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Typical female, how she quickly forgets. I wonder what Ciccone would say if he saw you tonight.”
Steven’s statement stunned Christina. “What does Vince have to do with your foul mood?”
“You sure have it all worked out, don’t you.” His lips curled into a sneer. “Ciccone in the city, and a new man here. Play your cards right and they should never find out about each other.”
“You’re not making any sense.” With the vibe in the room turned uncertain, once again, she contemplated leaving. Just as she was about to comply, she felt him snatch her arm to prevent her likely retreat.
“I believe you danced with every man in that room except me. I want a turn.”
“Steven, let go of my arm. I’m not dancing with you. You’ve had too much to drink.”
He didn’t release his firm grip. “There’s no music, but we can make our own.” He placed his glass on the ledge and pulled her roughly into his arms.
Though her pulse raced, she forced a rigid stance when his body pressed against hers.
“You can do better than that. Or are you worn out by the French man?”
Damn! Why didn’t she listen to her instincts and leave when she had the chance? “Claude is not—”
“Not what? Your lover?” His hands tightened around her waist. “Men and women do not dance the way you were tonight unless they are intimate.”
“And you would know,” she shot back, and then thought it wise not to entice him. “Steven, you’re drunk and not thinking rationally.” She hoped her voice sounded controlled. Placing her hands against his chest, she pushed.
“You had your chance to flee and you chose not to go. Why is that?” Steven pulled her closer. One hand held her arms behind her back while the other pulled the pins out of her hair.
She breathed in, catching his woodsy scent. “Steven, don’t do this, please,” she whispered.
“Have you had your fill of flirting tonight? The little kiss on the cheek you received from your French man didn’t seem appropriate. A beautiful woman deserves more than a peck on the cheek. I’m sure Ciccone knows how to satisfy you, or maybe he doesn’t. Is that why Trevor appeals to you?”
“Trevor?” Had Steven gone totally mad? She inhaled a quick breath. “I just met him tonight.”
Before she could further protest, she felt her mouth being covered by his. She tasted the scotch on his lips as they ran hungrily over hers. Christina wiggled to move, but his arm rested across her back, holding her tightly in place.
Steven pulled back briefly to stare into her eyes. He searched deep into her soul.
His heated expression melted her defenses.
“I’ve missed you. You’ve never left my thoughts.”
She watched, mesmerised by his eyes while his strong hand cupped her cheek. Again, his mouth then lowered over hers, sensual and stimulating. Light feathered kisses teased her lips apart. When she felt his tongue on hers, she couldn’t deny the fire burning inside and was tempted to play.
I’m in trouble now! Her heart flutter with recognition as the dormant flame flickered. Caution rattled her nerves, but she couldn’t resist him, and wasn’t sure she wanted to. At the sensation of his hands roaming the curve of her hips, she realized her arms were free. Damn feet, why aren’t you running?
Breath escaped her as she was drawn closer. Her dreams were alive. Steven was the only man who made her feel like she was floating on cloud nine. He was the reason she couldn’t move on t
o another relationship.
“I want you so badly right now,” he muttered as he trailed his lips along her neck.
Christina surrendered, mind and body. She caressed her fingers over his chest, before circling his neck and slipping them into his hair. His lips returned to hers, and this time, she kissed him back with a passion that not only scared her, but excited her. Seductive kisses traveled down her neck and across her shoulder.
Her mind drifted in the clouds. All that mattered was the here and now. “I want you, too.”
The hands and lips roaming her bare skin had stopped their exploration. He released her and took a step backward. She wanted more, but the connection that had just been, was now cold.
“Shame on you, you’ve been pretending to hate me, while all along you’ve wanted me as much as I want you.” His smile was smug. “Now that you’ve admitted the truth and the pretence is gone, let’s continue the fun in my bedroom.”
His words confused and hurt her. What was the reason behind his cruelty? “This…” She waved her hand back and forth between them. “Its purpose was only to prove a point? To make me admit my attraction?”
He nodded. “But now that our relationship has been rekindled, we can move forward…to my bed.”
Her injured pride retaliated. She lifted a hand and connected it hard against his cheek.
“What the hell is going on in here?”
She stepped back, increasing the space between herself and Steven. Christina slipped the strap of her dress back on her shoulder. Thank goodness Steven’s father couldn’t see the utter embarrassment she knew shadowed her cheeks. She inhaled a deep breath and then turned to face Carson.
Steven’s recovery was astounding, even with the red burn staining his cheek. “Dad, I thought everyone had gone to bed for the night?”
“Your mother wanted a warm glass of milk to help her sleep.” Carson held up the glass in his hand. “On my way back to bed I noticed the light on. I thought Christina may have fallen asleep reading.” He frowned, his expression held curiosity. “Would you mind explaining what I just witnessed?”
“I had too much to drink and Christina tried to sober me up.” Steven rubbed his reddened cheek. “She chose a harsh way to go about it.” He winked.
“You’re a pompous jerk. You’re lucky your father walked in when he did, because I would have kicked you so hard, you’d be icing your testicles.” She was beyond furious. Steven had been toying with her all along. He wanted her to respond and to admit she wanted him. By succumbing to both, she’d failed miserably by letting him get to her. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Christina had to get out of this room before she lost what little dignity she had left. The word goodnight was on the tip of her tongue, but didn’t get spoken. To talk meant she would have to ease her clenched teeth, and if she were to do that, the stalled tears would peter down her cheeks. She avoided both men’s stares and fled the room.
****
Steven had never seen his father look at him with such disgust. “I can explain,” he told his father. He shuddered from his father’s bitter cold stare.
“Yes, you will. I not only want to hear why Christina slapped you, but why you have a volatile relationship.” His father placed the now-cooled glass of milk on an end table.
There’d be no lawyer fast-talk to get Steven out of this one. His father would see right through the lies. He had to come clean and explain his relationship with Christina…from the beginning. His only hope was that his father would see beyond the mistake he made five years ago and support Steven’s decision to make things right.
****
Irritated by a sleepless night, Christina dragged her weary body out of bed. The hour was early, but she was unsure of the exact time. Reaching for her watch on the dresser, she spotted the hands at just after five. Time to pack her luggage bag and make a quick exit. Her thoughts were torn, knowing she’d spoil Tanya’s plans, but if Christina didn’t return home now, her sister may learn the truth about her relationship with Brian’s brother. Steven would say she was running, and frankly, she didn’t care.
How could she be so stupid to think he had changed? He wasn’t interested in a real relationship, just as he hadn’t been years ago. Then and now was nothing but a game—a ploy and a sham, to get her in bed.
Her desire to stop him had been pathetic. The heat of his touch instantly dissolved her determination to resist him. Last night, she had completely abandoned her vow to never let a man get to her again. Steven succeeded twice.
Avoidance was pointless. She had to face him during Tanya and Brian’s wedding, and the court case. Steven was known to knock down his opponents when they were vulnerable. She’d channel her new-found anger to defeat him. Every ounce of her personal strength and business knowledge would be required, but she could do it. He wouldn’t know what hit him. She just needed time to gather her emotions—to lock them behind the door and throw the key to the bottom of the ocean. Then her heart could never be exposed again.
Unfortunately, her escape wouldn’t come easy. After contacting the airport, she learned the next flight home wasn’t until after lunch. Christina paced her room, thinking of another option. She could contact Stan to request the company plane, but he’d ask why she was returning so early.
Her stomach growled. A craving for a strong cup of coffee had her sneaking to the kitchen. To her relief, the room was unoccupied, other than the cook, who asked if she wanted him to bring her breakfast to the dining room or on the patio. She refused both and opted to sip her coffee right there in the kitchen, leaning against the counter. The warm caffeine entered her system and energy flowed through her thoughts.
Would it be too early to contact him? Her watch now showed just past six, but somehow, Christina didn’t think he’d mind. Then before she changed her mind, she dialed the number Trevor gave her last night. He answered on the second ring. She lied about having to return home early due to a case issue at the office and added the complication of no early flights out. He offered her a flight home in his private plane, which she had hoped he would do.
“If it’s not too much trouble?” She didn’t want to come across too eager.
“No trouble at all. I have business in the city later anyway,” Trevor replied. “I’ll pick you up in a half hour.”
Flight out, check. Now the hard part, breaking the news to her sister. She knocked lightly on Tanya’s bedroom door and waited for a response before entering.
Tanya stretched, arms over her head, and then rubbed her eyes. “What time is it?”
“Six thirty.”
Her sister propped a pillow against the mahogany headboard. “Why are you up so early? I thought you’d be sleeping in after all that dancing last night.”
Christina sat on the edge of the bed, inhaling a deep breath. “I have to go home earlier than planned.”
“You’re joking, right?”
“Sorry, no joke. I have so much to clear off my desk before I return for the wedding.” She hated lying to her sister. “I thought I could forget about work this weekend, but you know me, I won’t enjoy myself until my case files are closed.” She sighed, and then reached out to squeeze her sister’s hand. “Please don’t hate me.”
Tanya shook her head. “You promised the whole weekend.”
“Last night, Trevor mentioned he would be flying to the city this morning.” Another lie that would surely send her to hell. “He asked me to accompany him.” Burning flames scorched Christina’s tongue.
Tanya squealed and sat straight. “Trevor is a sweetheart, and this would be a good time to get to know him better.”
“He’s just flying me home.” One way to sway Tanya’s attention, especially when she was upset, was to discuss the prospect of enhancing Christina’s lack of a love life.
Tanya grabbed her robe from the foot of the bed and slipped it over her arms. “Well, don’t keep him waiting.” She nudged Christina out of her room and downstairs.
While waiting
for Trevor, Christina had to endure her sister’s fussing to keep a lively conversation. Tanya’s smile resurfaced upon his arrived. After exchanging greetings, Trevor placed Christina’s luggage bag in the trunk of his car.
She hugged her sister. “I’ll call you later this evening.”
“You’d better, and I want all the juicy details.” Tanya winked.
Christina rolled her eyes. She had to give her sister credit, persistence was definitely her strongest qualities.
“You’re close with your sister.” Trevor drove his Mustang away from the house.
“We are. I miss her a lot since she moved, but I’m happy she found someone as wonderful as Brian.”
“She is marrying into a good family. Aunt Theresa and Uncle Carson are great.”
“I agree. They are lovely people.” She had asked Tanya to apologize to Theresa and Carson for her departure, and to thank them for welcoming her into their home and family.
She turned her attention to the construction in progress on the property next to Tanya and Brian’s. Christina remembered Brian saying it belonged to his brother, though she didn’t know at the time that he was referring to Steven Mitchell—aka Steven Peterson. “What’s going on over there?”
“The rumor must be true.” He tapped a finger on the steering wheel.
“Rumor?”
“Steven always said he’d start building when he was ready to settle down.”
Anxiety rested in the pit of her stomach. “What do you mean?” She hoped Steven was changing his wild ways and that his move was about wanting to be closer to his family.
“I’d say he’s ready to pop the question.” Trevor turned his head to glance at her for a moment. “I guess his latest lady gave him an ultimatum.”
“You mean Rebecca Sharp?” Saying the woman’s name put a bitter taste on Christina’s tongue.
“If she’s the fiery redhead, then yes.”
“Her hair color is fake, as are probably other parts of her, as well,” she mumbled.
Law Of Attraction Page 10