Brides Of Privilege (v1.3)

by Kasey Michaels

  Elizabeth giggled. Lately, she noted, many of his plans seemed to include her. An indescribable feeling of happiness welled inside as she thought about helping him put his kitchen together. It had been so long since she’d felt included. Needed. Wanted. It was heady stuff, this feeling of belonging.

  From the dining room, he led her to his office. “This is the office where I never work.”

  “Why?”

  “Too quiet here. I can’t think with all this silence. I do my paperwork in my office at the clinic.” Next, Jason led Elizabeth down the hall toward the back of his apartment. “This is the guest bath and bedroom that no guests ever use.”

  Mouth quirked, Elizabeth eyeballed him.

  “I know, I know, no bed. But I still don’t see me entertaining overnight guests in here.”

  “Ah.”

  Jason took her by the shoulders and propelled her to his bedroom. A king-size bed was lost in the middle of the huge room. No pictures adorned the walls, no memorabilia, no plants. She sighed. It could be such a beautiful room. At night, the roar of the ocean had to be incredibly soothing.

  He moved to the window, then turned to face her. “Actually, this is the only room I do use in this place.”

  “So this is the entertainment center.” Elizabeth felt her face suddenly burst into flame and couldn’t believe that she’d just blurted out what she’d been thinking. It had sounded like she was fishing for information. Or worse, like she was jealous. Or even worse yet, flirting. Trying to be snappy. Witty. Sexy.

  She must look like a first-class idiot, a woman in her condition, making that kind of a comment to a man like him. She wished a wave would sweep into the house and drag her out to sea.

  A slow smile stole across his face. “No, but I need one of those, too.”

  “Uh, oh, well...” Attempting to appear a sophisticated woman of the world, Elizabeth tossed him a bright smile then promptly backed into the wall as she groped for the door. “Check,” she chirped then disappeared into the hall.

  * * *

  Since they still had some work to do in the nursery, Jason and Elizabeth spent that Saturday and the next at her place painting baby furniture various shades of cream and yellow. And now a couple of weeks after they’d begun, the room was a complete delight, all duckies and bunnies and toys for the tiny hands of one small boy. Once everything was dry and in place, it would be a showplace for sure.

  They were dog tired and drowsy after a barbecue dinner of steak and salad out on her back patio.

  Elizabeth followed her nose into the living room to find Jason already sprawled on her couch. Smiling, she moved to the entertainment center. “Thanks for making popcorn. It smells heavenly.”

  He tossed a piece into the air and caught it in his mouth. “You’re welcome. And it is. Popcorn is one of my specialties. That and blueberry pancakes.”

  “You’ll have to make those for me one day.”

  “I’ve been dying for you to ask,” he teased. ‘‘How about if I make them for you first thing tomorrow morning? We could work up a sweat, swinging from the chandelier tonight.”

  “You’re a regular laugh riot.” Blushing, she changed the subject. “What on earth did you rent? This isn’t exactly your usual Saturday night video.” Elizabeth squinted at the title and then turned to eyeball Jason. “The Wonder of Childbirth?”

  Jason grinned. “You’re going to love it. Everyone who has ever seen it does. It shows all these people having babies and crying and stuff. We’re gonna need this box of tissues. It’s a real tearjerker. I don’t think you can—no, I know you can’t—watch it without getting all choked up.”

  “Let me guess. They’re probably crying because it hurts like hell, and they just realized the pain has only just begun. Have you heard how much a college education goes for these days?” Elizabeth grumbled as she pushed the tape into the VCR and touched the play button.

  “So, he’ll get a job. Or a scholarship. Don’t worry. That’s a lifetime away.” He patted the cushion beside him. “Come here, Mama. Take a load off. You worked hard today.”

  “It does look really cute, doesn’t it?” she asked, referring to the nursery. Elizabeth hesitated by the TV, stalling.

  “Way cool, thanks to my expertise with wallpaper paste.”

  “Yeah, right. You’d have glued yourself to the wall if I hadn’t been there to hose you off occasionally.”

  Jason laughed and wiggled a rakish brow. “Sit down, already.”

  “I’m comin’.”

  Elizabeth fiddled some more with the contrast and the volume knobs. Sitting next to Jason on the couch, sharing a bowl of popcorn was a dangerous thing, given her hormone-driven emotional state. Already she felt like crying and the darned video hadn’t even started yet. He was so incredibly sweet, helping her this way. Being her friend when she was in such need.

  Several times that afternoon she’d been tempted to come clean with him about the Mansfield-Colton thing. To clear the air and fill him in on the details that apparently his family had neglected to impart during his formative years. But the harmony had been so beautiful, she’d been reluctant to fool with perfection.

  They’d laughed, they’d teased, they’d played, they’d done all the things that Elizabeth had never done with Mike. Her eyes strayed to a tiny framed photograph of herself and her ex-husband that still sat in a nook in the entertainment center. It was a picture taken during happier times, but none so happy as she’d had today. Sadly, she realized that if it hadn’t been for this one photo she left out in the open, she would have a hard time remembering what Mike looked like.

  He’d walked out on her only seven months ago.

  But he’d left her two and a half years ago. She’d simply been too stubborn to admit it.

  Again, Jason patted the cushion at his side. “Come on. It’s starting. I have some tissues all picked out just for you.” He plucked several from the box on the end table and waved them at her.

  Unable to keep the smile from her face, she joined him on the couch and allowed him to pull her up against his side and poke a handful of popcorn into her mouth.

  For the next hour, Elizabeth sat mesmerized, watching as the miracle of childbirth—from conception to labor—played out on the TV screen. As the program reached its climax and followed three separate women into the labor room, Elizabeth grasped Jason’s fingers and let the tears flow.

  It was so beautiful and natural, this having a baby. Much less scary than she’d originally thought. A lump the size of Vermont lodged in her throat, and for the first time since discovering she was pregnant, Elizabeth realized that she’d be leaving the hospital with a new member of her family in her arms. She would be somebody’s mom.

  Her nose ran, her lips trembled, her chest heaved, and in her peripheral vision, she could see Jason’s Adam’s apple bobbing. Occasionally, he’d rub his eyes. He was such an incredible man. So sweet. Tenderhearted. Caring.

  And, as each grain of sand sifted through the hourglass, Elizabeth was becoming aware that she yearned for far more than a simple friendship with Jason Colton and she had since the moment she laid eyes on him. If she were to be completely honest, deep in her heart she’d already cast him in the role of her baby’s father and her own future husband.

  Elizabeth froze as an awful thought assailed her.

  What if he viewed her as a good buddy? Or worse, a sister? Someone with whom to while away the hours until Ms. Right came along?

  This man was tall, dark, handsome and rich. He could have his pick of women. Rich, beautiful, successful and skinny women. Why would he be spending so much time with her?

  She blew her nose and dabbed at her eyes.

  Couldn’t be because he found her attractive. She directed a bleary eye toward her swollen midsection. After all, they’d known each other for a months now, and—much to her dismay—he’d been as respectful of her person as a monk. And could she possibly blame him? What with her swollen ankles and ugly outfits and indigestion, there wa
s nothing sexy about her anymore, she lamented in silence.

  Granted, they had a lot of laughs whenever they were together, and seemed to see eye to eye on just about everything. But what was in it for him? He had nothing to gain by spending bis off hours with her.

  Unless...

  Nurse Sherry’s words echoed in Elizabeth’s mind. How his ex-fiancee’s unwillingness to bear him a baby once they were married had been a deal breaker for Jason. Could the fact that he’d struck up a friendship with Elizabeth have more to do with his interest in her willingness to have a baby than in her as an individual?

  The video finally dissolved to snow as it clicked into the rewind mode.

  “Jason?”

  “Hmm?”

  Her heart started to pound and her palms grew clammy. No. Clamping a mental hand over her mouth, she knew she couldn’t ask him about his desire to have a child of his own. Surely, it would bring back painful memories for him and they were having such a lovely evening. She simply couldn’t bring herself to spoil this intimate moment.

  Yet, she wished she knew exactly what was going on in his heart.

  Blinking rapidly, she lowered her eyes. “I...thank you so much for being here for my baby.” Intentionally, she left out any reference to herself.

  The static from the TV seemed to fade away as he gently tipped up her chin and forced his penetrating gaze into hers with an intensity that had her heart suddenly thrumming.

  Okay. This was not the look of a monk. A buddy. A pal. There was no brotherly interest in these eyes. Except for her shallow breathing, Elizabeth went completely still. Could it be that he viewed her as desirable?

  Her pulse rocketed and she had to wonder about her blood pressure. Good thing he was a doctor.

  Slowly, he slid up his hands to cup her face. “The baby is as good an excuse as any to be here with you.” His voice was hoarse with emotion and there was great tenderness in his expression that assuaged her misgivings. His slight emphasis on the word you spoke volumes.

  Before she could exhale her relief, he angled her mouth beneath his and kissed her with such slow, sweet, sensual longing it left no doubt in her mind as to his reasons for being there. This kiss was the real thing. It was the kind of kiss that altered physics and changed them from two empty, seeking individuals to one complete being. The kind of kiss that Elizabeth had never shared with Mike.

  Never had Elizabeth experienced a kiss so exquisite. So incredibly soft and sexy and gentle, yet hot and needy at the same time. It was a dichotomy she’d never understand and didn’t care to. All she knew at the moment was that she never wanted this kiss to end.

  Together, their mouths moved of one accord, exploring, seeking, teasing. Elizabeth raised her arms and circled his neck. The baby’s position prohibited her from pulling him too close and that frustrated her. Little legs pummeled her insides. She could feel Jason smile against her lips.

  “He’s trying to push me away.”

  Elizabeth nodded and laughed into his mouth. “I know. I can feel him.”

  “He’s jealous. And I can’t really blame him, as I want you all to myself right now.”

  “You do?”

  “Oh, yeah.”

  Once again, Jason claimed her mouth with his own. He’d moved his hands so that one cradled the small of her back and one rested lightly at the side of her belly. And as he took possession of her soul with his kiss, Elizabeth knew that his interest in the baby was far different from his interest in her.

  After he’d kissed her quite thoroughly, he abruptly released her and fell back against the couch.

  “I’ve got to go.” His voice was raw.

  “Oh. Okay. I understand.” He didn’t want to fall for a ready-made family. Either that, or kissing a hugely pregnant woman was not all it was cracked up to be. Then again...

  “No.” He pulled her back into his arms and gave her another crushing kiss before he tore his mouth from hers.

  Elizabeth sat dazed, bereft, at the absence of his mouth on hers.

  “No, no no.” Foreheads together, his words came out against her lips in a rush of heat. ‘‘You don’t understand. I have to go. Because if I don’t, I’ll stay.”

  Chapter 6

  “What are you wearing?” Elizabeth teased, cradling the phone between her shoulder and cheek.

  “Isn’t that my line?”

  She looked down at the extra large T-shirt with the duck that cried I’m Quacking Up and the sweat socks with the hole in one toe and shrugged. “Sure. Okay. I’m wearing a teensy-weensy little teddy, fishnet stockings and spiky heels. Your turn.”

  Jason’s laughter rumbled pleasantly into her ear. “I’m coming over.”

  “No way.” She sighed. “It was hard enough saying goodbye tonight.” She couldn’t believe she’d just admitted that, but it was too late now. Besides, he knew it already.

  They’d stood at the front door for at least a half hour after he’d prescribed beauty rest for her, holding each other and whispering their thank-yous and good-nights and other terms of endearment until, with a kiss that left her wanting more and wondering exactly what had just happened, Jason staggered to his Jaguar and drove back to his place.

  Elizabeth didn’t think he’d taken time to leave her driveway before he dialed her number and continued the sexy conversation where they’d left off.

  And now, two hours later, they were still talking. Elizabeth was curled in her bed beneath the comforter, leaning her ear against the phone, allowing the soothing quality of his voice to lure her toward dreamland.

  “Did you hear that?” she murmured, sleepily.

  “Yeah.”

  “What was it?”

  “Call waiting.”

  “Aren’t you going to answer it?”

  “No. Ignore it.”

  “But what if it’s an emergency?”

  “They’ll call back.”

  “Jason!” She could tell he was teasing, but still...

  His heavy sigh huffed across the line. The waiting call clicked again. “Okay, okay!”

  Mirth at the frustration in his voice rose into her throat and passed her lips. “May I suggest that you put on your bedside manner?”

  “Funny. I’ll show you a bedside manner. Hang on a sec, okay?

  “Okay.”

  “You’ll be here when I get back?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Promise?”

  “Yes, now go, already!”

  She laughed and could hear him clicking to the other line. While the phone line was silent, Elizabeth took the opportunity to turn over, which was much more labor intensive than it used to be, requiring that she prop her stomach with pillows and arrange her legs and back just so.

  What a wonderful way to spend an evening, she mused languidly. Although she had to admit it would be far better if he were there beside her. But their future together was still in the fantasy stages, and Elizabeth forced herself not to count unhatched chickens. When she was finally resettled, she could hear more clickings on the line, and Jason’s velvety voice filled her ear.

  “Elizabeth?”

  “Hi.”

  “Can I call you right back?”

  “Sure. Is it an emergency?”

  “Well, I guess you could call it that. It’s my grandmother, Sybil. You remember her from the wedding?”

  “Oh, yes. The one who cut in on us when we were dancing.”

  “Yep, well, she’s calling from Europe,” Jason sighed, “and she’s not one to be put off. I’ll call you again just as soon as she hangs up.”

  “Okay,” she murmured, already looking forward to the telephone’s ring.

  * * *

  “Hey, Gran, it’s me again.” Jason leaned back against his headboard and tightened the sash to his robe. This would take awhile. Conversations with Sybil always did.

  “It’s about time! It’s not wise to keep me waiting. I might not be here when you get back,” the elderly woman crabbed, as had been her habit for the last
dozen or so years.

  “What? You? No way. You’re healthy as a horse. Especially now that you quit smoking. You did quit smoking, didn’t you?”

  “None of your damned business, sonny boy. Doctors. Bah.”

  He rolled his eyes and could hear the repeated click of her lighter.

  “So, beautiful, why did you call?”

  There was a long pause as Sybil took a drag off her cigarette. “Stop trying to get on my good side, boy. You’re already in my will.” There was a humor in her voice that softened her crotchety words.

  Jason glanced at the clock, wondering how much longer Elizabeth would be awake. It was getting rather late. “What time is it in Paris, anyway?”

  “It’s morning over here, and I’ve spent the better part of it trying to raise someone who can answer a simple question for me, but every damned Colton in Prosperino is letting their damned machines talk to me. If I wanted to talk to a damned machine, I’d call my refrigerator!”

  “So,” Jason couldn’t resist teasing, “I take it that I was not the first one on your list?”

  “Of course not. Why would I call you? Unless I heard you were getting married. So.” She wheezed for a moment and Jason could hear the telltale rattle of something worrisome in her lungs as she coughed.

  ‘‘When was the last time you saw a doctor?’’ he asked.

  “I’ll go to the damned doctor when you propose marriage.”

  “Marry me,” he teased.

  “Not me, you ninny. A nice girl, from a good family.”

  Jason half expected this line of conversation, and instead of changing the subject as was his usual modes operandi since Angie and he split up, he paused and thought for a moment. “You might have to make that doctor appointment sooner than you think.”

  “Why? Because I’m dying or because you’re getting married?”

  “You’re too mean to die, but I might be getting married. Someday.”

  “You’re getting married?”

  “I didn’t say that. I’m not sure yet. I just met somebody really nice, and I’m taking it kind of slow.”

  “Don’t take it too slow, boy. Neither of us is getting any younger.”

  “Duly noted. So, Gran, I’m dying of curiosity. Why did you call?”