Magic Moment

by Adams, Angela

  “Excuse me?” Chase took offense to the command and clipped manner. And his father was the one with a lot of explaining to do.

  “I can’t believe what you pulled,” Dick fumed. “You were supposed to be having dinner with me, damn it. You have no idea what you’ve gotten us into, the trouble your interference caused. You turn that friggin’ boat around and get back here. With that woman!”

  This was crazy. What Chase had interfered with, thank God, had saved Laura’s life. He swore under his breath.

  Lucky for his father, Chase couldn’t bring himself to have Laura visit her new FBI friends. If so, the old man might be sitting in a jail cell instead of them having this conversation. Despite an interest in whatever Laura had to say, Chase wasn’t convinced the FBI had her welfare at heart.

  It was up to Chase to protect her, from Special Agent Saunders and from Dick Donovan.

  “Chase, do you hear me?” Dick was practically foaming at the mouth. “You’re not a little boy anymore, and she’s not some pathetic stray dog you picked up off the street.”

  Chase lips tightened. No, Laura wasn’t pathetic and she wasn’t one of the homeless, defenseless strays Chase had encouraged to follow him home so that he could care for it — only to have his father cart the poor animal off to the animal shelter where most likely it ended up dead.

  Protecting the vulnerable was a trait Chase figured he acquired having grown up watching his father’s mean-spirited tactics toward others.

  Dick fought for control. “Chase! Do you hear me?”

  Chase’s gut tightened. He was on a cell phone, and conversation was a challenge. Laura stared at him as he spoke, her eyes wide and questioning. Chase didn’t want to alarm her.

  Expelling a deep breath, he stopped himself short of telling his father exactly where to get off. The man seriously expected Chase to return with Laura, fork her over, wipe his hands, and walk away without looking back. She was a woman.

  The woman Chase loved.

  As usual, the idea popped into his head and Chase ran with it. His voice was strong into the phone. “That woman, as you call her, is my wife, and the mother of your grandchild. When you speak of her, kindly show some respect.”

  Chapter Nine

  Finished with his call, Chase placed the phone on the table. He stared at Laura, not saying a word, not blinking an eye. She held her breath, afraid to speak and at a loss for words anyway. She had slept with another woman’s husband? When had Chase gotten married? And why hadn’t she heard? Surely, Chase’s marriage, and the woman who snagged him, would certainly be hot gossip items for Rachel.

  “How fast can you get pregnant?” he asked bluntly.

  Her green eyes widened. “What?”

  “Any chance you already are?”

  “Are what?”

  “Pregnant.”

  “No.”

  “In the office, didn’t I hear you on the phone with,” he paused. “What was his name? Jeff? Joe?”

  “Jack,” she corrected. “We broke up a few months ago.”

  “Really?” His interest piqued.

  “Yes. And I haven’t been with anyone … until last night.”

  His eyes lit up and he cocked his head sideways. “You’re kidding?”

  Laura equated a man in her bed with an exclusive, serious relationship. That was her rule until last night. “I can count the number of men I’ve been with on one hand, and have fingers left over.” She didn’t know whether to feel proud or slighted.

  He was amazed. “Wow.” He quickly regained his purpose. “Well, we have to get you pregnant.”

  The man had lost his mind.

  She laughed, convinced he was teasing her again. “Chase, be serious.”

  “Didn’t you hear the conversation with my father?” He stepped toward the bed. “I told him you and I are married. You’re pregnant. We’re on our honeymoon.”

  Laura’s jaw dropped. She was the wife? His child’s mother?

  Chase smiled, obviously pleased with his quickly conceived idea. “What do you think?”

  The honeymoon part she had tuned out, probably when she had tried figuring out the dynamics of his marriage. “What do I think?” she repeated. “I think you’ve been snorting the salty sea air. Whatever possessed you to tell your father we’re married? And I’m pregnant?”

  His lower lip fell open, and he cocked his head to the side. “You don’t want a baby? You’re a caring person, Laura. You should have a baby,” he emphasized with a nod. “You’ll make a great mother.”

  “Thank you. Sure, I’d like to have a baby someday. But it’s not my intention to have one in the near future.”

  “I’m not talking near future. It takes nine months. Near future is more like a week or two,” he reminded her.

  “Chase, stop clowning,” she chided. “This is serious.”

  He turned somber. “I am serious. That old man insisted I bring you back to Philly.”

  “We won’t go.”

  His brilliant blue eyes widened. “Look, I don’t have a clue to what’s going on back there, or who the players are,” he said. “Whatever the reason for finding you on this boat hasn’t gotten changed, it is merely postponed.”

  Her stomach gave a nauseating leap. Someone, for some unknown reason, still wanted her dead. She had been so excited, so caught up in spending this time with Chase she had forgotten why they were sailing the Atlantic.

  “What do you accomplish by saying we’re married?”

  He folded his arms across his chest. “In Dick Donovan’s mind, that I’ve kept you from the police means I’m willing to play his game. He believes I’m getting off on aggravating him, and while I’m at it, keeping you around for a few quick tumbles. He’s demanding I bring you back and go tumble with somebody else.” His tone turned lethal and emphatic. “I’m not doing that, Laura. I’m not handing you over to anyone who wants to hurt you.”

  For that she was grateful. However, he wasn’t solving one problem, but creating another. “Chase, we can’t keep on running.”

  As if he didn’t hear her, he continued. “My father believes the only means of support I have is the business, and is gambling on me not bringing it down.”

  “Married? And a baby? A baby, Chase?” Her words weren’t an inquiry, but to force him to see the absurdity.

  “Buys us time. There’s no way my father will hurt you if he believes you’re carrying his grandchild,” he explained. “The old man has been bugging me for the last five years to get married and give him a grandson. He wants a little Richard Chase, the fourth, desperately.”

  “A what?”

  “Richard Chase Donovan. Expand the line,” he said. “My grandfather was Richard, my father Dick. My mother called me Chase because she didn’t want me called Dickie. I’m sure it was the only time in her married life she got what she wanted.”

  Laura shook off an anxious shiver. “Chase, I’ve hesitated bringing this up … ”

  Suspecting her suggestion, he was explicit. “No. We’re not going to any authorities. Especially the FBI.”

  “For heaven’s sake, I’m the one these people want dead!” She knew how a deer felt during hunting season. “Why no FBI? It’s their job to protect me and investigate wrong-doings.” Bringing in law enforcement was the most logical solution.

  Anger darkened his eyes. “I don’t trust them. There was no reason for the big, dramatic diner scene. They used you to toy with their real target. Those Saunders types get a kick out of using and frightening unsuspecting souls like you.”

  “What’s happening now isn’t frightening me?”

  “Laura, you know something,” he said emphatically. “Something you don’t even realize you’re aware of.” He took a step toward the bed. “Something that unnerves the hell out of Dick Donovan an
d Oliver Daniels. Until we know what that is, I want to stay clear of any badges. I don’t want the FBI using you as bait for their fishing expedition.”

  “If your father believes I’m already pregnant, I would have to be at least a month,” she pointed out. “If it takes another month … Chase, this won’t work. He’ll do the math. I believe your heart’s in the right place, but we can’t do this.” Why couldn’t she make him see this notion was lunacy?

  He chuckled, his expression turning mischievous. “It’s not my heart that needs to be in the right place.”

  The blush spread over her entire body. “Chase, I — this — you are — ”

  He reverted back into playful mode, his blue eyes gleaming and his lips twitching upwards. “The thought of having my baby leaves you speechless.”

  “Chase.” She laughed, finding his jocular moods hard to resist.

  He eased on the bed and crawled toward her. “The thought of having my baby leaves you repulsed?”

  She never wanted him believing that. “No, not at all.” Laura sat cross-legged. Chase knelt over her. She couldn’t help but grin as he leaned in to kiss her. “Although the thought of having your brain examined leaves me intrigued,” she added.

  His hands on her shoulders, he pushed her backwards. “You want to have my baby.” He placed a hand on each of her legs and straightened each limb. “Getting pregnant is one of those daunting tasks that if at first you don’t succeed, you try, try again.” He stretched his long, firm body over her slender one.

  “Chase,” she whispered doubtfully, but her arms went around his waist.

  His arms encircled her head and he entangled an index finger in her hair. “Please don’t bruise my ego and tell me you find the task a dreary one.” He grinned impishly.

  The actual task had nothing to do with the misgivings nagging Laura. “Chase … ”

  His lips brushed hers. “I kept my part of the bargain. I called my father, and if I remember correctly, you promised we could fool around.”

  Her eyes widened. “Chase, we need to discuss your crazy notion.”

  His thorough kiss cut off any more of her words.

  How quickly the man ignored what he preferred not to deal with — as in reasons why this wife with child idea was an insane one — and how quickly she went along with him.

  “We’ll get married later,” he whispered against her ear. “Let’s start on the baby now.”

  He didn’t give her a chance to answer. His hand glided up her nightshirt, not stopping until he cupped a breast. His other hand cradled her head as his mouth came down on hers. His kiss was soft, then turned more insistent, his tongue creating a seductive rhythm.

  When he came up for air, his gaze passed over her face. She smiled at him. He simply had that effect on her. His grin matched hers, and his lips brushed her temple. She moaned a soft, contented sigh.

  “Chase.” Her predicament wasn’t his to carry. Their conversation wasn’t finished. “We have to talk.”

  “Shh.” He gave her a quick kiss. “This is your ship’s captain issuing an order. No talking.”

  He kissed her again, and she responded with ready eagerness. His body moved against her. As their kiss deepened, she felt his passion. Chase wanted her this instant, and it had nothing to do with making a baby. He was hard and ready, and wasn’t about to be gentle and patient. She grabbed a fistful of black fleece and tugged down his sweat pants. Her desire synchronized with his, burning, aching to be a part of him.

  His kisses deepened, a demanding need that she matched wholeheartedly. He pulled the nightshirt over her head, almost ripping the fabric.

  “Laura,” he panted.

  She felt his need pressed against her. He had to take her this instant.

  “I’m not glass. I won’t break.” She clung to him.

  Her urgency reflected his. Laura pulled Chase to her, pressing her breasts against his chest. Her lips met his, their kiss intensifying their desire. Instinctively, her mouth opened to his probing tongue. She was ready for him, too. Spreading her thighs, she opened herself wide.

  Without a word, without pause, he was inside her, plunging deep. Sighing, Laura arched against him, welcoming the vigorous, driving force. He panted, moaning her name against her ear. More than lust compelled him. Chase thrust as if branding her, momentum pushing him feverously toward the edge. They were locked together, neither wanting to let go.

  She sensed his powerful urgency, matching his hearty speed stroke for stroke, trembling with the threat of her own release. Their excitement climbed and peaked, reaching higher and higher for their plateau. A hot, feverish sensation surged throughout her entire body.

  Chase, nearing the brink, plunged wildly while alternating between kissing Laura and murmuring her name. As her body jerked with ecstatic tremors, he lunged and tensed one final time before shaking with his own burning relief.

  • • •

  Laura lay beneath him, her arms clasped around his waist.

  She liked Chase sprawled on top of her. His arms encircled her head, his own head resting on her shoulder as he dozed. His cheek was warm and sweaty pressed to her bare skin. She rubbed her chin on his soft, wavy hair.

  She had always thought he had a nice body with his clothes on. Her hands roamed over his muscular shoulders. A shameless grin curled her lips as she traveled lightly over his smooth, broad back, hard thighs, and firm buttocks. He was much more appealing with his clothes off.

  They hadn’t discussed last night, their feelings, the ins and outs of what had occurred, and yet they had made love again. He wanted to get married and have a baby. All to protect her. Chase bit off much more than he could chew, taking on the responsibility of protecting a wife and child.

  Still, Laura had always wanted a baby. Of course, with the right man. Only that man wasn’t coming along. From the very beginning with Jack, she knew he wasn’t “the one.”

  She had never been a career “go-getter.” Never looked for the next rung on the corporate ladder. Her job was just that, a job to pay the bills and keep busy. What she had really always dreamed of, besides her antique shop, was a husband, a family, the PTA. Aspirations she had shared only with her mother because in the twenty-first century, there seemed to be something atypical with wanting those simple things in life.

  A baby, a little person to love and nurture. Her eyes misted and she smiled, hearing a small, soft voice call, “Mommy.” Laura yearned for a baby, someone to be close to, a precious little darling who would be a part of her.

  This one would also be a part of Chase.

  His borderline insanity was contagious.

  She had to marry Chase. They not only had to worry about his father, but also Oliver Daniels or whoever else was a part of this racket. If the ringleader, be he Daniels or whomever, discovered Chase had lied, that Laura wasn’t his pregnant wife, it was unlikely even his father could keep Chase or her safe. Chase had put his life on the line with his tall tale. She had to stand with him.

  Chase … her Chase … her very special Chase. She couldn’t deny her feelings for him, partly because they had surprised her. While Chase was charming and fun to be around, his compassion for others and sensitivity amazed her and drew her straight to him.

  But Chase didn’t want a wife. What he did want was not to have her death on his conscience … or on his boat. And she didn’t want him endangering himself for her. Despite her growing feelings for him, she wasn’t about to saddle him with a lifetime commitment when all he wanted was to protect her.

  Laura’s fingers tap-danced up his back’s perfect cords. “Chase,” she murmured. He didn’t respond, and she called his name again.

  His eyes blinked open, and anticipating her desire for more intimacy, his lips covered hers. Laura was more than willing to oblige, but she had an answer for him first.


  “Chase, I’ll marry you and have your baby. On one condition.”

  His eyes met hers. A wayward golden lock hung on her forehead and he twisted it around his index finger. “What?”

  “You don’t deserve to be saddled with a wife just to protect me. When this is over, we get divorced.”

  He took no time to consider. “I have a condition for you.”

  “Yes?”

  “You will not keep me away from my child.”

  She kissed his cheek. “You always will be my baby’s father. You can see our child any time you want.” She blinked back tears. The simple thought of keeping their child from him was repugnant. “Any time, day or night, with or without notice. I promise.”

  “Good,” he said softly. “We’ve been through too much not to be fair to each other.”

  Chapter Ten

  The following day, shortly before noon, perfect results on their blood tests, the ink still drying on the paperwork, and dressed in jeans, Chase and Laura married at the Beach Bay Courthouse. The mailroom clerk, serving as best man, kept disposal cameras in his desk. He took several pictures of the smiling couple before Chase purchased the camera.

  The day’s events seemed surreal. A quick wedding ceremony, a leisurely lunch, including slices of vanilla cake substituting as wedding cake, followed by a peaceful stroll along the bay, Laura hadn’t had a minute to second-guess their actions. She had never been so content.

  Later, in the darkened cabin, Chase lay across her. The man was wearing them out, and if she didn’t find herself pregnant quickly, they would literally copulate themselves to death. The image shook her body with a giggle. Without disrupting his snooze, Chase eased off her length. Laura snuggled up against his side and he turned toward her, his chin brushing the top of her head. She gazed at her husband’s left hand, resting comfortably on her breast, a gold band on his third finger. That morning in the jewelry store, she had been astonished by his genuine desire for her ring’s mate.