Chapter Six
With a waving Jamie in her arms, Lauren watched Tony and his black sports car vanish from the garage. He sped away like a criminal fleeing the scene of a crime. What had made him run? He’d said a client needed something. She believed another reason had sent him fleeing. She pressed a button to close the door and returned to the living room.
“Uncle’s gone.”
“Cool, Cool,” Jamie chanted.
Lauren laughed. “You’re my mocking bird.”
“Bir, bir.”
Her chuckle halted when she realized Tony had left without settling anything about Jamie’s care. There were papers to be filed. The will had to be probated. Sure he was an attorney but she had as much right to determine solutions as he did.
Maybe he ran from what had happened between them. Why? She hadn’t asked for a commitment. She didn’t want one. Not to mention he could never make one. Or was that wouldn’t?
The storm of passion had been like a tornado whirling them mindlessly into a dance. Passion, lust, but nothing of love. What debris had been left behind? What had occurred between Tony and her had no basis in the reasons for a relationship like trust, respect and caring. Those were the things she had learned from her dead parents and from Carrie and Jim.
She found Jamie’s jacket, donned hers and set out for a walk. As she alternated between walking and running her thoughts focused on the past two days. From belligerence to bed. He had agreed to joint custody. Would she have Jamie on weekends so he could pursue his social life? Her time with her nephew would be curtailed by her school schedule. She didn’t like the idea but there was a plus. The condo wouldn’t be sold. Not having to pay rent would give her money for sitters.
As she returned to the condo and lifted Jamie from the stroller the phone rang. She dashed inside. Was it too soon for Tony to call? She grasped the receiver. “Grace, settle down.”
“The shop will be mine. Tomorrow I sign the lease. Savory and Sweet Bites will open soon. Still willing to give me a hand.”
“Of course.”
“All I need now is a place to stay until there’s enough time and money to find an apartment. The Paterns will let me park in their drive but there’s no room for a boarder.”
“Stay with me.”
“Your apartment is too small.”
Lauren sucked in a breath. There’d been no time to talk to her friend about the deaths and the change in her living space. “I’m at Carrie’s and Jim’s place. They were killed in a car accident.”
“Lauren, that’s horrible. What about the baby? How are you handling things?”
“The funeral was on Friday so I’m getting myself together. Jamie’s fine. You could stay here and help me with utilities and I’ll help at the shop.”
“Are you sure? What about Jim’s brother? Isn’t he some kind of high-priced lawyer? What if he takes over and pushes you out?”
Lauren drew a deep breath. “He’s agreed to joint custody and for me to live here for now. He left a short time ago.”
“What if he returns?”
“We’ll figure a plan.” She laughed. “He might enjoy a threesome.”
Grace gasped. “My friend, you’ve evil. I’ll pass.”
“So will I but he likes women.”
“And sex?”
“That, too.”
“Give me directions. I’ll come. I can unpack a few things and we’ll talk. Then I’ll decide how long I’ll stay.”
“Good enough.” Lauren spouted the directions. She hung up and removed Jamie’s jacket and her own. She tucked him in her arms and dashed upstairs to change the linens on the bed in the master bedroom. She didn’t want anyone to witness the bargaining arena.
She popped Jamie on the floor, closed the door and stripped the bed. One of the pillow cases held the scent of Tony’s aftershave. Pungent, spicy, heady. A pulsing began low in her belly.
Done that. Won’t again.
After making the bed she tossed the linens down the stairs. She carried Jamie to the laundry room where she began another load. She carried a basket of dry clothes to the living room to fold while waiting for Grace.
The doorbell announced a guest. Lauren ran to open the door. “So good to see you.” She turned back and grabbed Jamie before he headed out the door.
Grace chuckled. “Hi, handsome.”
“I’ll open the garage door and you can pull the van inside. Will make unloading easier.”
“I figured you would insist.” Grace tapped Jamie’s twin. “He has your eyes.”
“That’s all he got from Carrie. The rest is pure Carlin.”
Lauren popped Jamie in the highchair and went to help Grace. A few minutes of persuasion and she agreed to stay. They carried in a twin bed and dresser, plus several boxes and two suitcases. The supplies for the bakery were left in the van.
Lauren led her best friend into the master bedroom to unpack while she fed Jamie. Lauren heated what remained of last night’s dinner, cooked fresh pasta and made a salad. She nuked the remainder of the garlic bread and put two cannolis on the table.
“Smells wonderful,” Grace said. “You been taking cooking lessons?”
Lauren laughed. “I’m all for sauce in a jar. Tony cooked.”
“The man’s a keeper.”
“Not in a zillion years. He doesn’t intend to complicate his life with relationships that last. Neither do I. Not until I finish school and have a job.”
“Pity. Can you help me Tuesday and Wednesday at the shop? Tomorrow I’ll be signing papers and calling workmen.”
“Tuesday afternoon is good. I’ve class in the morning. All day Wednesday is good but I’ll need to bring Jamie with me. Can’t spend too much on sitters.”
“Is he allowing you full custody?” Grace frowned. “That will make life hard for you.”
“We’re sharing custody. Once he hires a nanny he’ll let me know which days will be mine.”
“Won’t switching be hard on the baby?”
“He’s young enough to adapt. We’ll need to set some ground rules like bedtime and discipline. There’ll need to be a routine.”
“Guess he will adapt better than you did but you were a teen.”
“Who didn’t like the Paterns idea of rules. No time to take a breath.”
Grace leaned forward. “Suited me. Now tell me about Tony.”
Lauren laughed. “He looks like Jim but he’s taller, leaner and his features are sharper. His eyes are a deep blue. And he’s opinionated.”
Grace sighed. “Sounds yummy. Did you fall for him?”
Lauren’s laughter sputtered. “We started out like two rams battering heads. Finally we compromised on plans for Jamie.”
“And?”
“Had hot sex last night. Then, I went to class. When I came home he departed like he had a rocket up his rear.”
“Maybe he spooked because he’s falling for you.”
Lauren twirled pasta on her fork. “Doubtful. The man’s only interested in the moment. I was his flavor for the weekend.”
“I’m not so sure.”
“Right.” Lauren looked away. She wouldn’t mind an occasional night or two in his arms but she had no desire for an extended arrangement.
* * * *
On Monday Tony dashed from his apartment and jogged the four blocks to the office. He needed to check Friday’s happenings, confer with the partners and parcel work to the associated and paralegals. All before one o’clock. This afternoon’s meeting with the recruiter at the nanny agency was a must. He prayed there was an available woman for Jamie. He had a duty to assume his part of the guardianship.
At quarter after twelve he finished the last memo. A knock rattled the door. “Come in,” he called.
Jules, the investigator for the Good Magazine Group, a friend and an occasional investigator for the firm, stepped in. “Lunch?”
“If we can hit the food cart on the corner.”
Jules shuddered. “Not my style. How was the wed
ding? Couldn’t get a flight back in time to attend.”
“Never made it.” Tony rose. “My brother and sister-in-law were killed in a car accident Wednesday morning.”
“Sorry to hear that. Didn’t they recently move here from California?”
Tony reached for the door. “They did and I didn’t see them as often as I should have.” He clamped his guilt away. “Tell you what. Since you won’t eat my lunch of choice, drop by the apartment round six. I’ll cook and we can catch up. I’ll need a break. Have to interview nannies for my infant nephew.” He strode to the elevator.
Jules walked at his side. “So you’re the boy’s guardian. Who has him now?”
“His aunt, Carrie’s sister. We share the burden.”
Jules tapped his arm. “Good luck. See you at six. What should I bring?”
“A good white.”
“You’ve got it.” Jules dashed across the street.
Tony stopped at the food cart. “Dog, mustard, kraut.” As he strode toward the agency’s office, he ate his lunch.
At one, he stopped at the desk. “Tony Carlin to see Mrs. Bunch. I have an appointment.”
The receptionist pressed a button. “Your one o’clock is here.”
Moments later a tall thin woman appeared. “Mr. Carlin, follow me. We can finish your application. There are several women for you to interview.” She led him to a conference room and placed a series of forms in front of him. Once Tony read and signed the forms, she handed him a blank piece of paper. “I’d need a sketch of your apartment. Where are the rooms for the nanny and the infant?”
“I see no reason she can’t share the guest room with the baby.” He quickly made a sketch of his living area,
"That will not do. Show me the rest of the layout.”
Tony divided the picture into rooms. “There you are."
She tapped the study. “The nursery will go here. The guest room will work for the nanny since it has its own bathroom.”
"Just a minute. That’s my office. I often bring work home.”
“Mr. Carlin, you want a live-in nanny. She deserves her privacy. You must arrange for evening coverage unless you’re willing to take charge and for her days off. Our nannies aren’t the child’s mother.” She pointed to his bedroom. “I’m sure there’s room here for a desk.”
Her attitude made him clench his teeth. “Before we go any further, there are some changes. The nanny will be needed for four days. This is a joint custody situation.”
“I see. The fee will be the same since our nannies expect to work forty hours, not counting their sleep time every week. I have several candidates available for the next three weeks. You can interview them and tell them about the changes. Perhaps one will be willing to wait until your apartment is ready.” She handed him a folder.
Tony groaned. “About the room. That will take several weeks.”
“You can inform the chosen candidate and hope she doesn’t accept another situation. Read these and I’ll send them in one at a time.”
“Thank you.” The moment she left Tony opened the folder and scanned the contents.
Nearly two hours later Tony wanted to smash a wall. The first candidate, a twenty something refused a four day week and insisted on weekends off. The second, an older woman, wanted every Wednesday and Sunday off. She insisted on having the guest room seven days a week. The third was a possible but evenings were out and she didn’t drive.
When he finished his head pounded. He dropped the folder with the receptionist. “Tell Mrs. Bunch I will need to interview other candidates at my office not here.”
He left. Instead of returning to the office he hailed a cab. He couldn’t concentrate on cases and clients today. Maybe Jules could come up with a plan. He stopped at the local market and made several purchases. At the apartment he tossed his overcoat, tie and jacket on the sofa and poured a brandy. He stared at the phone. He had promised to give Lauren a report on the search. He dialed the condo’s number. A strange woman answered. “Carlin residence.”
Disappointment washed over him. “Is Lauren at school? I didn’t think she had a class today.”
“Who is this?”
“Tony Carlin. Who are you?”
“Grace Reeves, Lauren’s friend. She’s upstairs. I’ll call her.”
Tony sipped the brandy and tapped his foot on the carpet. When Lauren spoke he put the snifter down. “How is Jamie?” What he really wanted to know was if she had missed him. What a fool he’d been to run. For a time her voice flowed over him. His cock throbbed. He groaned.
“Is something wrong?’ she asked.
He pulled out of a developing fantasy. “Not really. Finding a nanny sucks. I have to rearrange my apartment and mortgage my soul.”
“That bad.”
“I’m exaggerating a bit. Interviewed three women today who didn’t suit. Do you mind being sole guardian for a bit longer?”
“No problem. I’ll let my group of sitters know.”
“I’ll help with the money since I’ve fallen down on my part of the bargain.”
“Thank you. Call when you have news.”
Was she blowing him off? Didn’t she want to talk to him? He shook his head. Why would she? Jamie was their only bond, except for a night of incredible sex.
“Has Jamie done anything new?”
“He’s pulling himself up. I think he’ll be walking soon.” She laughed.
In the background he heard the baby shout. “Tee, Tee."
“Just a minute. Jamie, say hello to your uncle.”
“Cool. Cool.”
Tony chuckled. “Hi.” What did one say to an infant?
“No,” Lauren said. “He wants to eat the phone.”
“Not very nourishing. I’m surprised he remembers me.”
“Why wouldn’t he?"
What about you? The question hovered on his lips. The doorbell rang. “Sorry. I have to go. A friend is here for dinner. Call you soon.”
“If there’s a problem with Jamie, I’ll let you know. Bye.”
“Ciao.” He disconnected and walked to the door.
Jules held a bottle of Chablis and a platter. “Finger food. I’m early. Called your office. They said you didn’t come back from your meeting. How did it go?”
Tony carried the wine to the kitchen. “Horrible. No luck. From what I understand I’ll need two or maybe three and they won’t want to share a room with Jamie.”
“Figures.” Jules carried the platter to the living room. “Tell me about your nephew and his aunt.”
Tony sank on the couch. “His name is Jamie and he’s ten months old. Hers is Lauren.”
Jules laughed. “Interesting. Is she available?”
“Maybe.”
“Attractive. Receptive.”
Tony opened the tray. “I don’t kiss and tell.”
Jules crossed to the bar and mixed two drinks. “She could solve your problems.”
“Won’t work.” Tony spread brie on a cracker. “Won’t happen. She’s in school working on her Master’s.”
Jules grinned. “I think you’re hooked. Looks like I’ll be the only one of the crowd not to settle down. Matt’s playing tag with some woman he met over the weekend.”
“At the inn?”
“Nah. He ran away from the reception and crashed his bike. Wasn’t hurt but she rescued him. Seems he knew her in high school and lost touch. It’s the curse. Just be glad you don’t have one.”
Tony frowned. He did. One his father had set. He finished his drink and moved to the kitchen to begin dinner.
Jules followed. “I still think you’re next.”
“No way.”
You protest too much. The voice in his head taunted.
“One of these days it will happen.” Jules sat at the counter. “What’s on the menu?”
“Pasta Alfredo, scallops in wine sauce and salad.” He put the ingredients on the counter. “Need you to do a look see for me. Lauren’s taken a housemate. Name’s Grace Reeve
s. Do a check.”
Jules arched a brow. “Why?”
“Lauren had a troubled past. Was a runaway. Don’t want anything from her past making trouble for Jamie.”
“Be a few days before I can. I’m on a quest for Good Cookin’. Cupcakes. Be flying coast to coast to find several bakeries for a feature in the mag.”
Tony tore the greens for a salad. He wasn’t sure why he wanted the check done. He trusted Lauren. That was a first.
Chapter Seven
Lauren clung to the phone and listened to the dial tone. What was wrong with her? A friend had arrived at his apartment for dinner. That shouldn’t bother her but it did. After feeding the woman, he would engage in the mind-rocking sex. Lauren remembered in vivid detail her night with him.
She straightened and replaced the receiver in the cradle. You are an idiot. You have no strings on him. Tony was a man who liked women and who had no intention of settling down with anyone. That was her plan, too. She had no time to waste on building connections.
The doorbell rang. Grace dashed to answer. “Ordered pizza for dinner. My treat.”
“Next time is mine. Or I could cook.”
"Grilled cheese and soup from a can?”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“You ask a trained chef such a question.” Grace waved aromas from the box toward Lauren. “After the day you put in at the shop you deserve this.” She put the box on the counter and crouched to pick up Jamie. “Fellow, come watch us glom. Someday you’ll want your share.”
Lauren laughed. “I’ll give him a cookie.” She went to the cupboard. Grace fastened Jamie in his chair.
“What did the man want?”
“The nanny search isn’t going well."
Grace laughed. “Did he expect to find one instantly.”
Lauren lifted a slice, took a bite, chewed and swallowed. “He did. He’s into fast.” A sigh escaped.
Grace arched an eyebrow. “Out with it. What did he say that upset you?”
“A guest arrived for dinner.”
“Why should that bother you? Aha!”
Lauren frowned. “Stop speculating.”
Surprising Seduction Page 5