by Leanne Banks
After they all sat down, he turned to Lilli. “Everything okay?”
She gave a circular nod, but mustered a smile.
“You want to explain that remark about Alex?” he asked.
She felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment. “I was just commenting that it’s not fair for him—or you—to use your—” she searched for an appropriate word “—appeal to put a woman off balance.”
His lips twitched. “Are you admitting I put you off balance?”
She reached for her glass of water. “I’m not saying anything else. I offered my explanation.”
“Sounds like you’re pleading the fifth.”
“How is Kiki?” she asked, changing the focus off herself.
Irritation crossed his face. “How is it that a woman can appear perfectly sane and rational at the beginning of a relationship then turn totally insane and irrational at the end?”
“It’s all the man’s fault,” she said. “Men turn women into raging lunatics. They hint, they promise, they mislead.”
“I am always up-front in my relationships with women. I make it clear that I’m not interested in marriage and—”
“Why not?” she asked. “Why aren’t you interested in marriage?”
“It needs to be the right woman at the right time. I’ve never found the right woman.”
“Why not Kiki?” she asked, keeping her voice low.
“This isn’t the best place for a private discussion, but I’ve never been serious about Kiki. She’s a beautiful, intelligent woman, but not right for me in the long run. I told her that from the beginning.”
Ouch, Lilli thought. That couldn’t have gone over well. “Is there anything you did that might have led her to believe that you’d changed your mind and that you and her were getting close to a commitment?”
He narrowed his eyes. “Why are you asking these questions?”
She shrugged. “Just curious. She seems a little…”
“A little what?”
“I don’t know. Maybe possessive.”
“I made it clear tonight that we’re through. Now, don’t you want to eat some of this dessert? It’s chocolate cake.”
Lilli’s stomach twisted. “I’d love to, but I’m full.”
He studied her for a long moment. “Something’s not right,” he began.
“Ladies and gentleman,” Ann Wingate, the mistress of ceremonies announced, saving Lilli from replying to Max. “It’s now time for the Silent Auction. Please make your way to the display tables and loosen your purse strings. And remember, it’s all for a good cause.”
“You’re sure you don’t want your cake,” Max said.
She shook her head. “Thanks, no. I’m curious what they’ve put up for auction.”
He nodded and stood, pulling her chair back for her to rise. “Pick a couple things you like and make a bid on my behalf.”
“Oh, I couldn’t do that.”
“Why not? It’s for charity.”
“Yes, but—” She broke off. “It wouldn’t feel right.”
He gave a heavy sigh. “Then pick out something I can donate to a good cause.”
She liked that idea much better. “That could be fun.”
With the exception of several interruptions, Max actually enjoyed himself during the next hour. Lilli’s careful assessment of the items amused him. He noticed she spent an inordinate amount of time studying an expensive baby stroller before she dismissed it and moved along.
“Which should I buy to give away?” he asked, curious what her answer would be.
“The spa and makeover packages for the women’s shelter downtown. The deluxe computer system for the homeless shelter.”
“That’s all?”
“I think they’ll provide good bang for the buck.”
“You didn’t see anything you like? Jewelry? A luxury cruise?”
She shook her head and he continued. “Baby stroller.”
She gave a start then shook her head again. “That thing costs almost as much as a car. Crazy expensive.”
Max couldn’t help wondering how long her attitude would last if she were exposed to luxury all the time. In his experience, women tended to easily grow accustomed to the finer things. She amused him at the same time that she attracted him. Her laughter affected him like a strong jolt of java and her determination not to brown-nose him startled him. He was surrounded by yes people and she didn’t hesitate to tell him no. Even though she was pregnant, or perhaps partly because of it, she drew his attention the way no other woman had.
How could she possibly be so innocent and sexy at the same time? He couldn’t believe his half brother’s damn good luck in finding her. She couldn’t be perfect, though, he reminded himself. No one was, and he’d never met a woman who didn’t have the capacity for deceit and manipulation. Still, he wanted her. And he wasn’t inclined to resist her.
Seven
“You absolutely shouldn’t have gotten that baby stroller,” Lilli said in a huffy voice. “It was insanely expensive.”
“Butter bean will like it,” Max said.
She threw him a sideways glance as he opened the door to the house for her. “He would have been just as happy with a less costly model.”
“You don’t know that,” Max argued. “The cutting-edge aerodynamic design, which features an unparalleled smooth ride,” he quoted from the manufacturer, “may make a huge difference.”
“In that case, he’d better be flexible because my compact car gives a high five to every bump in the road.”
He chuckled.
She turned to face him. “But seriously, I cannot accept the jewelry.”
“It’s just sterling silver.”
“David Yurman’s top-of-the-line.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand why you bought it for me. I told you I didn’t want anything.”
“I’m sure that was part of it,” he said.
“You mean you gave me this just to be disagreeable?” she asked, her eyes rounding in surprise.
“It contributed, plus as the hostess kept saying, it’s all for charity.”
Her lips twitched. “You don’t believe any of it. You don’t believe the manufacturer’s brag about the stroller and you think it’s stupid to hold an auction to get donations.”
“It’s a lot easier to just guilt people into giving money through the mail,” he said.
“But for some people, it’s more fun to give it away at an auction.”
He nodded. “Depends on the people.”
She bit her lip and her expression changed. “Maybe.” She paused. “I still don’t understand why you got me the jewelry.”
“The blue topaz reminded me of your eyes,” he said.
He saw a hint of something deeper than desire flash through her eyes before she took a quick breath and looked away. “Oh.”
His gut twisted with a surprising instinct to pull her against him and kiss her. Take her. He swore under his breath.
She cleared her throat. “Well, you shouldn’t have, but it was very nice of you.”
“I surprised you,” he said. “You thought I was a selfish miser like Scrooge.”
“I never thought you were like Scrooge.” She paused and seemed to decide that she shouldn’t elaborate.
He would love to know what she was really thinking.
“Thank you again. I should go up to bed,” she said and paused. “I was wondering,” she began and abruptly stopped.
“Wondering what?”
“It’s really none of my business.”
“I won’t know if that’s true until you ask the question.”
“I was wondering,” she ventured. “Do you have any godchildren?”
He narrowed his eyes. “Why do you ask? Did someone mention that to you tonight?”
“At the auction?” she said. “Of course not.”
He tugged at his tie. “The truth is I have five godchildren.”
Her eyes rounded. “Omigoodness. So many.”
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He waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “I’m not expected to do any real parenting. I’m actually a co-godparent. The parents just want my financial management in case anything should happen to them. Along with the gifts and tuition,” he added.
“Gifts and tuition?” she echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.
“They’re counting on me to provide a significant college fund.”
“For five children?” she said. “Isn’t that a bit much?”
“I’ve got it,” he said. “But I’ve started dodging the opportunity to add any more godchildren.”
“I can’t blame you for that. My goodness, no wonder you’re so cynical.”
“No need for flattery,” he said, chuckling at her assessment.
Her gaze softened. “But it is very generous of you to accept the responsibility.”
“Financial responsibility,” he corrected.
She gave a slow nod. “Whatever would you do if, for some unforeseen reason, you became the guardian of five children?”
“Boarding school,” he said.
Her face fell. “Oh. That’s why I’ll never sign your agreement for butter bean.”
“You don’t really have anyone in mind to be the guardian for your child, do you?” he asked.
She looked away. “I really am working on it.”
He touched her arm. “Lilli, tell me the truth.”
She bit her lip. “The closest I have is my good friend Dee. She’s loving and affectionate and adores children. But she’s also a free spirit and loves to travel.” She sighed and lifted her lips in a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Maybe I should place a want ad.”
“Never,” he said.
“That’s what I have to say about boarding school,” she replied. The silence hung between them, thick with pent-up desire and emotion. It was so strong he could taste it.
“I should go to bed. Thank you again for an amazing evening. Good night,” she said and turned to go upstairs.
He felt the same twitchy sensation he’d felt the first time he’d met her. It was the same feeling of intuition he had just before he made a successful business move. He’d never felt it about a woman, he thought, shaking his head. Loosening his tie, he picked up the weekend edition of one of his newspapers and sat down for a few minutes.
Restless, he decided to pour a glass of red wine. Taking it outside on the patio, he inhaled the scent of the flowers his gardener kept in meticulous condition year-round and listened to the soothing sound of the waterfall in the pool.
Max wondered what would have happened between him and Lilli if they’d met under different circumstances. If she’d never been involved with his brother and gotten pregnant. For just a moment, he indulged himself. He would have seduced her immediately. He would have talked her into quitting her job so she could travel with him at a moment’s notice.
The image of her pale naked body available to him at all times made him hard. She was a passionate woman and he would want to learn all of her secrets. He would find out what made her moan, what made her sweat and what would make her come alive in his arms.
He would want to mark her as his with jewelry, but not marriage. Although he’d never invited a woman to live in his home, Lilli may very well have been the first.
Of course, he would have asked her to sign a financial agreement that would protect both her and him for the time when their relationship ended. Every good thing came to an end, Max knew that. He suspected she would have refused to sign the agreement, he thought with a twinge of humor, and he would have had the affair with her anyway.
He swallowed a drink of wine and ruthlessly cut off his little mental fantasy. With the impending birth of his brother’s child, there was far more at stake than Max’s libido. Even though he was encouraged by how seriously Lilli was taking her maternal duties, he knew that attitude could change for a variety of reasons.
His own brother’s guardian had started out well, but when Tony had hit his teens, the guardian had seemed to give up. She’d allowed Tony way too much freedom and Max was convinced the lack of parental influence had sent Tony down the road into trouble and eventually to his death.
Max refused to allow that to happen to another De Luca. If Lilli continued to refuse to sign an agreement with him, there were other ways. More drastic, more costly, but perhaps ultimately necessary.
Two days later, Lilli left work a little early because Max had invited her to join him for dinner at The Trillion Resort’s rooftop restaurant. His assistant had made the arrangements with her, and she had no idea why he’d invited her. Since the auction, Max had worked such late hours she hadn’t seen him at all.
She fussed over what to wear and finally chose a pair of maternity slacks and a silk top with varying colors of sea-blue that featured an Empire waist and fell nearly to her knees.
She wore the sterling jewelry Max had purchased for her at the auction and had gone a little more daring with her makeup by giving her eyes a smoky look.
Although she cursed herself for it, she wanted to look nice for Max. She rolled her eyes at the way she minimized her feelings. The truth was she wanted to make his head spin. It was only fair since the man could turn her upside down with just a glance.
Max’s chauffeur drove her in one of the luxury sedans. As he pulled in front of the palatial resort, a valet rushed to her door to open it. “Good evening. Mr. De Luca’s guest?”
She nodded in surprise as she accepted his assistance out of the car. “Yes, how did you—”
The young man smiled. “We know all of Mr. De Luca’s vehicles.”
“Oh,” she said, nodding. “Thank you.” She turned back to Max’s chauffeur, Ricardo. “Thank you for the ride.”
Ricardo smiled at her and waved. “My pleasure, Miss McCall. Enjoy your evening.”
Lilli made her way to the glass elevators that whisked her up to the top level of the resort. Walking into the restaurant, she looked for Max. A man beside her said, “May I help…”
Her gaze collided with Max’s across the room and she didn’t hear anything else. He rose from the table where he sat, his gaze fixed on her.
The intensity with which he watched her made her feel as if she couldn’t breathe. Her heart felt as if it were tripping over itself. Why did this man affect her on so many levels?
She walked to his table and he extended his hand, taking hers. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she whispered and took a shallow breath. “This is lovely.”
“I thought you might enjoy a night out,” he said and glanced down at the necklace she wore. He touched the pendant and his warm fingers brushed her bare skin. “I like the way my gift looks on you.”
The hint of sensual possessiveness in his tone gave her a surprising, forbidden thrill. She was a liberated woman. For Pete’s sake, what was wrong with her?
“Have a seat,” he said before she could reply. “I already ordered orange juice and seltzer for you.”
“Thank you.” She sat down and felt the hum of anticipation and electricity wind a little tighter between them.
The waiter appeared at their table, offered suggestions and they placed their orders. Max was all charming conversation, pointing out different sights from the restaurant’s breathtaking view as the sun slid lower on the horizon.
Tonight interruptions were kept to a minimum. Although Lilli felt plenty of gazes on her and Max, no one approached the table. The waitstaff were perfect, appearing to refill drinks, clear plates and provide nearly invisible but courteous service.
“I told the maître’d I wanted as few interruptions as possible tonight,” Max said as if he’d read her mind.
She nodded. “I couldn’t help comparing this experience to the auction.”
“The auction was a free-for-all. Now you understand why I don’t attend many,” he said and lifted his hand. “Although I must say I enjoyed it much more because you were there.”
“It was fun and I made a new
friend,” she said.
“Who?”
“Mallory James. She invited me to lunch on Saturday.”
He nodded his head in approval. “Good. You’ll be occupied.”
Strange response, she thought. “Occupied for what?”
“I’m going out of town for three weeks.”
Her heart sank. Crazy. She would have to think about that later. “Oh, wow. That’s a long trip.”
“Yes. I knew it was coming. We have several grand reopenings in different locations scheduled over the next few weeks and my presence is required at all of them.”
“The bane of being the boss,” she said, forcing a smile because, heaven help her, she would miss him.
“These arrangements were made before I knew you existed. I’ll be out of the country,” he said, clearly displeased. “I’m not comfortable leaving you at this stage.”
His confession made her feel as if the sun came out from behind a cloud. “I’ve got six weeks until my due date. Everything’s been perfect so far. There’s no reason to think I’ll have any problems.”
“Still,” he said. “It’s best to be prepared for everything. Give me your cell phone.”
She blinked. “Why?”
“So I can program in my contact numbers,” he said.
“Oh, I can’t imagine that I would need to call you while you’re out of the country,” she said.
He waved his fingers impatiently and she gave him her phone. “Of course, you’ll be talking to me. I’ll be checking in with you on a regular basis. For any immediate emergencies, you’re to call my assistant, Grace. I’ve told her to be on twenty-four hour call.”
“That’s ridiculous. I wouldn’t call your assistant. I’ve never even met her.”
“If you’re not comfortable, I can arrange a meeting.”
Overwhelmed, Lilli shook her head. “No. That’s not necessary.” She lowered her voice. “None of this is necessary. I’ll be fine.”
He met her gaze. “It’s my job to make sure you stay that way.”
“Why?” she demanded. “It’s not as if you’re my hus—” She broke off, horrified that the words had just popped out of her mouth.