“Did you ask him to visit Jamie?”
“Why would I do that? Jamie’s his nephew. He can visit any time he wants to. He offered to help pay for the sitters.”
“That’s a plus.” Grace leaned her elbows on the counter. “Tell me true. Do you like him?”
Lauren shrugged. “I don’t know him and I don’t like the way he assumes his ideas are right.”
Grace’s smile teased. “You do have a thing for him?”
Lauren shook her head. “Would be a dumb move.” She lowered her head. “What’s happening at the store tomorrow?”
“The sign man’s coming in the afternoon. Savory and Sweet Bites to be painted on the window. In the morning the ovens are being cleaned and checked. If you and Jamie watch the painter I can finish buying supplies and check the ads. Not long until opening day.”
“Saturday. Wish I could be there.”
“You can pop by after class and count the receipts.”
“Hundreds of dollars. Orders galore.”
“From your lips.”
Lauren finished the last bite of her second slice. She rose and grabbed the plates and put the half pie in the fridge. After play time with Jamie she carried him to the nursery.
Once he was asleep, she hit the books. Toward the end of the study session visions of Tony broke her concentration. She closed the books, showered and went to bed. As she settled beneath the covers his face flashed.
Stay out of my dreams.
On Tuesday Lauren arrived home from class. She kissed Jamie’s cheek. “Ready for lunch.”
“I’ll feed him,” Ray said. “Grace asked me if I could stay this afternoon. My class isn’t until seven.”
“Thanks.” She put a slice in the microwave.
Ray warmed the baby’s food. “Do you think Mr. Carlin will visit this weekend?”
“Doubtful. He has a busy work and social life in the city. Any reason?”
Ray shrugged. “Wanted to talk to him about law school.” He popped a spoon of food in Jamie’s mouth. “I figured he would visit.” He grinned. “Kind of think he likes you. When I arrived to relieve him on Saturday he was glad you weren’t too angry. He’s cool.”
“Cool. Cool,” Jamie waved his hands.
“Not while you’re eating,” Ray said.
Lauren laughed. She removed the slice and headed to the door. “See you around five. I’ll bring Chinese for dinner. Anything special for you?”
“I eat everything.”
“Bye, Jamie. Be good for Ray.”
“Bye, bye,” Jamie yelled.
“See you around five.”
Lauren drove to the shop and found a parking spot. After feeding a meter she dashed inside. Grace headed for the door.
“Wait a minute,” Lauren called.
“See you at five.” Lauren blocked the door. “I’m ordering Chinese and picking it up when I leave.”
“General Tso’s for me.”
“Do you ever order anything else?”
“Wanton soup and egg rolls. See you.”
Grace had been gone just a short time when the painter arrived. For a few minutes Lauren watched him start to paint the outline on the window. He followed the sketch she had seen. She went to the back room and ordered the shelves in the storage room.
At five fifteen Lauren pulled her car into the garage and carried in the bags of Chinese food. Ray had set the table for three and fed Jamie. Moments later Grace arrived. Conversation centered on the progress of the shop. Grace spoke of the cupcakes she planned to make for the first day. Ray spoke of his coming test and Lauren quizzed him.
That evening while bathing Jamie, he splashed happily. “Cool. Cool.” In an instant his happy chatter turned to tears. “Dada. Cool. Up.”
Lauren lifted him into her arms. What had triggered the tears? Was Jamie thinking of the night Tony watched him bathe? Did he miss his uncle or had the resemblance to Jim triggered the tears? What could she do? Tony hadn’t left a number for her to call. On Sunday he’d bolted and the other night their call had ended before she’d asked for a way to reach him.
Should she wait for him to call? What about a search for his number among Jim’s papers? She could try a search on the internet but she had no idea of where in the city he lived. There was his law office. That number had to be listed. Tomorrow she would try there.
At a few minutes after nine the next morning she dialed the office number and asked for Tony Carlin. A frost-voiced woman didn’t give her a chance to identify herself. That afternoon, Lauren encountered the same woman and the same message. “Mr. Carlin is in conference and can’t be disturbed.”
“Can I leave a message?”
But the woman had hung up.
Lauren slumped on the couch. If he cared about his nephew he would call. Or come. Don’t go there. The night she and Tony had shared had been a reaction to the funeral and a seeking of comfort. Nothing more.
* * * *
By Friday evening Tony’s frustration with the first agency had peaked. That morning he’d called two other agencies to extend the nanny search. What was wrong with people? He was willing to hire two and pay a full week’s wages to each for four days of work. Did every nanny want weekends and evenings off? If he gave into the demands of the women and their agencies, the “love nest” he’d inherited from his father would become a social desert.
Besides the search he’d been busy at the office. Client meetings, discussions with the partners took more of his time. He worked until nine or ten every evening and had no energy for hitting one of the clubs. His life seemed to be headed up a mountain higher than Everest. When he started the descent could he stop?
You need a change.
That damned voice again. “Get lost.”
“What?” A half dozen questions from the others at the conference table startled him. He really was losing his ability to concentrate.
Tony groaned. “Blame it on the nanny search,”
One of the partners rose. “You need to get a life. We’ve hashed everything to death. Anything pending can be done next week. My wife will be glad to see me before ten PM once this week.”
“Good idea. See you all on Monday.” Tony gathered the papers, shoved them in his briefcase and led the charge to the door. He stopped in his office and left notes for his secretary to handle the next day and stacked folders on his desk.
An hour later he slouched on the leather sofa in his living room and stared at the dark sky. He held a vodka and tonic and took a deep drink. What was wrong with him these days? He’d wanted his life to change but all work and no play wasn’t working. He drained his glass and mixed another.
A memory flooded his thoughts. He and Jim had been ten and twelve. They had vowed to always have each other’s backs. The guilt he’d bottled spilled over. He had failed his brother and failed himself by walking the road their father had chosen.
The muscles of his chest felt like iron bands. A choking noise emerged. And tears, hot bitter tears spilled down his face. He sucked in deep breaths. He set the drink on the table. He needed a diversion. He needed people. He needed—he couldn’t decide.
He pushed to his feet. In the kitchen he splashed cold water on his face. Maybe he would hit one of his favorite clubs and find female company. But first he’d better eat something. He was half-way to being drunk.
He pulled eggs, pepper jack cheese, scallions, tomatoes and peppers from the fridge. After chopping the vegetables he mixed four eggs with cream and poured them into his large omelet pan. As he sat at the center workspace a memory of Lauren sliding food onto a plate arose. His body responded and he knew his desire for her remained strong.
Why hadn’t she called? His fork clattered on the plate. On Sunday he’d dashed away from the condo like a daddy with a shot gun had drawn a bead on him. He hadn’t left a number. She could have called the office, but his secretary had a standing order to refuse all calls from women.
He finished the omelet and carried the rest of his
drink to the living room. He stood at the window and studied the skyline. Shadowy buildings blurred by spots of light stood against the sky. Go out or stay in? Call one of the numbers in his social book? Call Lauren? Ask about Jamie? Or—the thought that occurred made him laugh.
With this thought in mine he went to the bedroom, showered and pulled on a robe. He sat on the bed and put the ear pieces in place. Now he could talk and do other things. Nearly ten. Was she asleep? Saturday she had class. He surrendered to the temptation. By the fifth ring an ember of anger sparked. Where was she?
“Hello.” The husky voice was hers.
“Lauren, it’s Tony. Did I wake you?”
“Yes.”
“Can you talk?”
“Let me go downstairs so I don’t wake Jamie.”
“Housemate?”
“Sleeping. Tomorrow she opens her shop.”
He listened to the sound of her walking downstairs.
“I’m here. Did you find a nanny?”
“No.”
“Sorry to hear that.” The disappointment in her voice struck a blow. Why?
“Why did you call?”
“To talk. Where are you?” A vision of her long legs flashed in his thoughts. He drew a deep breath to control the sensations storming his body.
“In the living room. What’s this about?”
He cleared his throat. “The nanny search is impossible. Work is hectic. I’ve been at the office until nine or later every evening. How is Jamie?”
“Growing. Looking for Cool.”
Tony chuckled. “How can he miss me? I spent so little time there.”
"You remind him of Jim. Why don’t you come to see him?”
“I will. Tomorrow.”
“I’ll tell Ray to expect you.”
Tony stretched on the bed. “I’ll spend the night and cook for you.” He heard a sigh. What did that mean?
“There’s a problem,” she said.
“What?”
“My housemate. My friend is staying and helping with utilities until her shop is running.”
“Grace, right?”
“Yes. Still, you should spend time with Jamie.”
“I can and will.” He paused. He wanted to see his nephew but he wanted Lauren as part of the package for now. His heart galloped. He wanted her with an urgency that made him think of driving across the bridge, finding a motel and taking her to bed.
“What are you wearing?” He propped himself on the pillows and opened his robe.
“Tony.”
“I’m up for a bit of fun.” He ran his hands over his chest. “I do mean up. You game?”
A nervous laugh answered him. “I don’t know.”
“Try and you will enjoy. Better than going solo. Tell me what you’re wearing.”
“My sleep shirt.”
“The one that gives a peek of your underwear.”
“Yes.”
“Touch your breasts. Feel the way your nipples tighten.” He groaned. “I wish I could kiss and suck them into my mouth. Blow across them.”
“Tony.” She gasped. "Lord, this is strange.”
“Run your hands over your belly and slide your panties down. I’m touching my cock and pretending my hand is yours. Are you hot? Are you wet?”
“Yes.”
“Bring yourself to a climax. Let me hear you moan. I’m working myself as hard as I can,” He couldn’t say another word.
Her moans and cries meshed with his growls and groans. “Yes, oh yes,” she cried.
He reached his release and emptied. “So good. You are good but I want the real thing. How about you?” He waited for her answer.
“Yes, but how?”
“I’ve an idea. Sunday after your class drive here and spend the night. I’ll take Monday off. Will you come?”
“What about Jamie?”
“Bring him.”
“Where will he sleep?”
“I’ll buy a crib, probably one of those portable ones. Please come.” He lowered his voice. “I want you in my bed and to bury myself in your depths.”
“You are naughty.” Her breath caught.
“I will be.”
“Enough teasing. Jamie and I will be there. How will I find your apartment? I don’t have one of those direction finders in my car. Is there a place I can park without mortgaging the car?”
“I’ll arrange a guest pass for the garage here. Call me when you reach the building. I’ll be down to meet you.”
“Expect us between four and five.”
“Here are the directions and my house and cell number.”
“Wait. I need paper and pen.”
He imagined her standing at the counter. “Here goes.” With care he gave detailed directions and repeated the phone numbers twice. “Sleep well. Ciao.”
“You, too. See you Sunday.”
Tony rose and pulled the comforter from the bed. He showered and settled in bed. Thoughts of Lauren rose. Sunday seemed a long time from today.
Chapter Eight
Still clutching the phone, Lauren turned from the counter. She would never answer again without recalling Tony’s husky voice seducing her. Phone sex with a man she barely knew but one who had interested her since their first meeting.
Idiot.
A startled laugh emerged. How had they gone from enemies to the present desire for each other? Why now? She had no time for building relationships even if he wanted something long term. She had her doubts about this being other than a fling for him.
On Sunday she would drive Jamie to the city. She had given in to the temptation to see Tony again. He wanted to visit Jamie. He could have spent tomorrow with his nephew. He didn’t need her presence. What was he thinking? She dropped the phone in the cradle. That was a no-brainer. Tony had sex on his mind. So did she.
She had his numbers. She could call and cancel the visit. If she did that now and he answered she wouldn’t be able to say she couldn’t visit. Tomorrow she would leave a message. Then she recalled how often Jamie called for Cool and knew she had to take her nephew to the city.
She dashed upstairs and recalled the paper she’d left on the counter. She shrugged, entered the nursery and crawled into bed. A smile curved her lips. He’d been right. The phone sex had been better than any solo trip.
Sex. That was what was between them. As long as she remembered she was safe and couldn’t be hurt. She sprawled on her stomach and drifted. A sudden thought jolted her awake.
Lust brought trouble. Especially with the chances they had taken. No problem this time. She didn’t have to worry about the events of last weekend. If she decided to travel to the city, on her way home from class tomorrow a stop at the drugstore was essential.
At six thirty her day began. While she fed Jamie breakfast Grace bounded downstairs. Lauren paused. “Ready for the big day?”
Grace nodded. “If I can control the butterflies bowling in my gut. The cupcakes are ready for the final touches.”
“So what kind?”
“Chocolate surprise. Ginger Peachy, Vanilla Heaven plus the ordinary ones.”
“Can you do without my help on Monday?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
Lauren fed Jamie another bite. “I’m taking Jamie to the city to see his uncle.”
“Cool. Cool.” Jamie hit the spoon and sent cereal flying.”
Lauren and Grace laughed. Grace patted Jamie in the head. “Looks like he’s eager to go.” She winked. “What about you?”
“I’m torn. He’s a sexy man and good in bed but I can’t afford to become further involved with whatever we have.”
“Why not? If I found a man to rattle my bones I’d grab and hang so tight he couldn’t shake me loose.”
Lauren sighed. “It’s the holding that scares me.”
“I hear you. Go. Enjoy the weekend. Don’t think beyond the moment. Lust can be fun.”
“That’s what he said.” Lauren scraped the last of the mixture from the bowl, popped bread in
the toaster and grabbed the peanut butter. Once she finished she washed Jamie’s face, ate her toast and waited for Ray. The moment he arrived she kissed her nephew and headed to class.
After class ended she dashed to the drugstore, picked up a box of condoms. No more chances. She stopped at the bakery and the site of the nearly empty display cases pleased her. “Good day.”
“The best.” Grace grabbed a box. “Take these home. Saved them for you and Ray.”
On Sunday the moment class ended Lauren drove home. Jamie was awake and dressed for the trip. She loaded their overnight cases and the cooler with bottles and food for Jamie in the trunk along with the umbrella stroller. She tucked her purchase in her case. When she fastened Jamie in his car seat his face screwed and a tear or two fell. She feared he could cry the entire time on the road. Did he remember the accident? Why today when he hadn’t before?
“Hey, love, no tears. We’re off to see Uncle Tony.”
He sniffed. “Cool.”
“That’s right. Cool.” She wiped his face and took her seat. By the time they left the complex his tears had stopped. She glanced at the phone and directions on the passenger’s seat. Though she’d memorized them she wanted to be sure she and Jamie wouldn’t become lost.
As she paid the toll on the George Washington Bridge she glanced at her nephew and saw he slept. She left the West Side Highway on the proper cross street. Traffic moved quickly and she found a place to pull over near the apartment building. She dialed Tony’s number. “We’re here.”
“You made good time. Be right down.”
Before long he appeared beside the car. Lauren unlocked the door. He slid onto the passenger’s seat and handed her a plastic card. “Just slide it into the machine and you’re set.”
Lauren followed his directions and parked in the spot Tony indicated. With Jamie in the stroller and Tony carrying, the bags they stepped into the elevator. Tony slid a card into a slot.
“Cool, up,” Jamie yelled.
“Hey, tiger. No up yet.”
The ride though swift made Lauren uncomfortable. The aroma of Tony’s aftershave filled the space. He stood close enough for their arms to touch. She watched the floors flash by. Lord, he lived in the penthouse.
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