“I knew that.”
“I’ve had a baby.”
“Yeah. I met her. Cute kid,” he said.
“The thing is, you’re a man—”
“Actually, I knew that, too.” There was a smile in his tone.
“Now you’re laughing at me. Forget it.” This was so humiliating. She started to walk past him, but he gently took her arm to stop her.
“I think your cute daughter has a very cute mom. I’m not laughing, Maggie. I’m listening.”
She blew out a breath. “Here’s the deal. I have stretch marks. My tummy isn’t flat. These are childbearing hips.”
“If you’re trying to turn me on, it’s working.” His voice was low, uneven, rough.
“You don’t get it, so let me spell this out. I’m saying you shouldn’t have high expectations, because I’m not like the perfect women you date. You should prepare yourself for a big disappointment.”
“Maggie...” He reached out a finger and touched her collarbone then lightly dragged the touch over her chest to her breast. He stopped at her waist and undid the button on her jeans. “There’s no way you’re talking me out of this.”
“I’m only being honest—”
He kissed her, then whispered against her mouth, “Stop talking. More important, stop thinking. You are a beautiful woman. So hot. I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you.”
“Wow.” Her heart pounded. “You can keep talking.”
“Actions speak louder.” His tone was full of the need to possess and a whole lot of pent-up passion.
Then he kissed her again and she kissed him back. Flames licked through her, setting her on fire with the need to touch his skin. She tugged his cotton shirt from the waistband of his jeans and started undoing the buttons, but her hands were shaking. He brushed them aside and impatiently yanked the thing over his head.
She settled her hands on his chest, one over his hammering heart. The light dusting of hair tickled her palms and made her savor his masculinity. Her breath caught and yearning welled up inside her. It had been so damn long since a man had held her, told her she was beautiful and wanted her.
Sloan pulled off her T-shirt, then unhooked her bra and slid it off. After that, he lowered the zipper on her jeans. In moments she was naked, and held her breath. Instinctively she crossed her arms over her breasts, but he shook his head and gently pulled them away.
“Beautiful,” he breathed.
She put her back to the lit hall in order to see his expression. It was everything she could have hoped for and more. “You have to say that.”
“No. I don’t have to say anything.” He shook his head. “I’ll tell you a secret. Remember that presentation I did at the chamber of commerce meeting about green building? You were sitting in the third row and seriously messing with my concentration.”
“How?” She ran a finger over his chest and grazed a nipple, then smiled when he groaned.
“I kept picturing you like this. And you are even more beautiful than I imagined.”
Maggie knew he had a lot of experience to fuel his imagination and if he was lying she didn’t care. The compliment did a lot to shore up her female confidence and her shattered soul. “And you, sir, have too many clothes on.”
That was all it took for him to set a record for getting out of them. Maggie looked at him the way he’d looked at her. “Better than I imagined, too.”
“You thought about me in the altogether? Ms. Potter, I’m shocked.”
“Oh, please...”
“Please what?”
She saw the need in his eyes and knew it was a match for her own. “Please take me to bed.”
And he did just that, then pulled her against him. They were on their sides facing each other and he ran his palm over the dip at her waist and down her thigh. It felt like magic and moonlight. But he didn’t stop there. His fingers brushed her inner thigh and strayed between her legs. She couldn’t stop the moan of delight, and unconsciously opened to his exploration. He touched the sensitive bundle of nerves at the heart of her femininity and she nearly shot off the bed from the electric pleasure of it.
“Sloan—” She could hardly talk, her breathing was so uneven. “I want you. Sloan—”
“I know, sweetheart.” He was already reaching for the condom and tore open the package. In seconds he had it on, then covered her body with his own.
Slowly he entered her and let her get used to the feel of him. Impatient, Maggie instinctively tilted her hips up, signaling what she wanted. He obliged, pushing into her, moving in and out, taking her higher and higher until sensation blasted through her and shock waves claimed her body.
He held her, stroked her hair until she stilled. Then he moved inside her again. Several moments later he groaned and went still, burying his face where her neck and shoulder met. It was her turn to hold him and she did, loving the way he felt in her arms. They stayed that way for a long time.
Finally he said, “I don’t want to move, ever, but I’m afraid I’m crushing you.”
“I don’t mind.” She liked holding him.
But he rolled away and smiled down at her. “In case you were wondering, I am in no way disappointed.” He cupped her cheek in his hand and kissed her. “That was perfect.”
Maggie appreciated the words. What she didn’t appreciate was the way reality had a way of creeping in and obliterating the glow. Sex had been fantastic and he was even more wonderful than she’d thought. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed this intimacy.
But none of that changed her situation. She was still a single mom with a daughter to raise.
* * *
After Sloan came back to bed, he pulled her into his arms and they dozed for a little while. Then Maggie rolled away and said she had to check on Danielle. He waited for her to return to him, but she didn’t and he knew something was up. Most likely she was thinking too much again. It was time to put a stop to that.
He got up and quickly dressed before going in search of her. He found her on the couch in front of the fire where she’d told him about the guilt she’d carried since her husband died.
He sat down beside her and knew there was nothing on under her navy blue terry-cloth robe. Pushing aside the fact that he wanted her again, just as much as he had earlier, he asked, “Is Danielle okay?”
“Sleeping like a baby.” There was a tender smile curving up those full lips. “This probably isn’t the best time to tell you, although we used protection, but my little girl is here because of an oops.”
“Oh?”
“I was busy, tired, stressed what with getting the business up and running. I forgot that I had to see the doctor to renew my birth control prescription and didn’t have time to go. Before you ask, Danny knew and we were careful.” She shrugged. “But one night we got carried away. I have to say—best mistake ever.”
“If only we could say that about all mistakes,” he said.
“She’s what got me through the worst time in my life, right after Danny died. I had to take care of myself, not for me but for the baby Danny wanted so much. She’s the only part of him that I have left. Then she was born and I fell in love with her. I had to get out of bed whether I wanted to or not.”
“I can see how that would be the case.” Sloan sensed that she wasn’t saying this because he’d asked about her little girl. Maggie had a point and he wanted to know what it was. “What are you trying to tell me?”
“I didn’t plan to sleep with you, Sloan. But it happened. And it was wonderful.”
If he had to guess, he’d say she didn’t want to admit that. Points to her for honesty. It was refreshing. “I hear a but coming.”
“No.” Her lips curved up, but there was the same sadness in her eyes that had been there when they first met, when she’d loo
ked at a picture of her husband. “I just want to clarify. And make sure you don’t have an expectation of anything permanent. I mean, you’ve told me you don’t, but that was before we...”
“Slept together,” he finished.
“Yes. I wouldn’t want you to think I’m leading you on.”
“Hey, that’s my line.” And Sloan was annoyed that she’d stolen it from him.
“So you understand where I’m coming from.”
“Yes.” But that didn’t mean he liked it.
“Good. I’m glad we cleared that up.”
It was clear to Sloan that even confessing her secret hadn’t eased the guilt she felt. She was holding her emotions close, and he wasn’t happy about the distance she’d put between them. That declaration of not wanting to lead him on was particularly annoying because it was the way he’d acted ever since his divorce. How disconcerting to realize that taking Maggie to bed was more than just for fun. It meant something.
He wasn’t at all sure how he felt about that. But she was waiting for a response. “I appreciate the warning. It’s always good to have things spelled out. What do you say we take things one day at a time?”
“Sounds sensible to me.”
For the first time in his life, sensible was about as appealing as banging his head against the wall.
Chapter Thirteen
“It’s really above and beyond the call of duty for you to do this,” Sloan said.
This being to have his family over for dinner tonight, Maggie thought. He was trying to help her in the kitchen and Danielle was clinging to her leg. Josie was staying in Copper Hill near Hank Fletcher and his family after his heart-bypass surgery a week ago. And in a little while there would be five extra people around her dining room table.
“Not a duty. It’s the Blackwater Lake Effect.” She shrugged. “We’re neighborly.”
“Still, you didn’t have to and I really appreciate it.”
The Holdens were due in about thirty minutes, and as the time ticked by, Maggie wondered if she was a glutton for punishment. Just plain crazy. Or both. Feeding her paying guests was her responsibility, and that didn’t technically extend to their relatives.
But she knew they’d been in town for several days, having come early to visit with their son before their nephew’s engagement party. Technically they were Burke and Sydney’s responsibility. They were staying at the newly renovated Blackwater Lake Lodge, and Sloan had had dinner with them a couple of nights ago at Fireside, the five-star on-site restaurant.
At breakfast the next morning he’d casually mentioned his folks would like to see where he was staying. Maggie was afraid sleeping with Sloan had fueled her curiosity about his family. It didn’t matter that she’d agreed with him about not getting serious; she was still curious about his parents and sisters. Whatever the reason, she’d suggested he invite them to dinner and now she was a little intimidated and a lot nervous because they’d accepted. This reaction proved that their positive opinion mattered to her no matter how much she tried to convince herself it didn’t.
She’d made most of the simple meal ahead of time, planning to serve roast, mashed potatoes, rolls and broccoli salad, a yummy recipe with onion, raisins and fabulous dressing. Most people were either firmly in the pro or con column on broccoli, but not even one hater had ever complained about her dish. The meat was done and wrapped in aluminum foil to stay warm. Gravy was made and the potatoes needed a final warming up in the microwave. There was only one more thing to do.
Maggie picked up her child. “I have to make biscuits, sweetie, and I can’t do that with you glued to my thigh.”
The little girl smiled and clapped her hands. “Cookie?”
“How do you always know when to push your advantage?” She sighed, but couldn’t help smiling and kissing that precious face.
“What can I do to help?” Sloan asked.
“If you can mix up dough, roll it out and cut circles out of it to put on a baking sheet and into the oven, that would be pretty awesome.”
“Sorry,” he said. “That’s above my pay grade.”
“Too bad.” She tried to set the little girl on her feet but the toddler pulled her legs up and refused to be put down. “What we have here is a standoff.”
“Maybe she’ll come to me. We can play with the toys.” He held out his arms and Danielle eagerly went into them.
“Dolly?” she asked.
“Let’s go find her.” He grinned. “And just like that, tensions are resolved.”
“Thank you,” she said gratefully.
Maggie was mesmerized by the sight of his broad back before he left the room. The memory of being in his arms was never far from her mind, especially at night in her big bed all alone. She knew if he kissed her again it would happen again. But the thought of giving in again gave her pause. Once wasn’t serious; twice was a pattern.
The problem was, he’d awakened the need in her that she’d so carefully folded up and put away when her husband died. Even if Sloan changed his mind about taking a chance on a relationship, she couldn’t risk it. Raising her daughter the way Danny would have wanted was her job and hers alone.
It only took her about ten minutes to whip up the made-from-scratch rolls, and she put the cookie sheet in the oven. She could keep them warm and fresh, but baking them at the last minute with the distraction of total strangers could be a recipe for disaster.
When the timer dinged, she removed them and placed the steaming rolls in a cloth-lined basket on the stove. She was as ready as possible, and as if that was the cue, the doorbell sounded. Perfect so far, she thought.
She went to greet the newcomers and saw Sloan headed for the door, Danielle hot on his heels. When the little girl stopped and grabbed his leg, the trusting gesture tugged at Maggie’s heart. Then he opened the door and chaos erupted when his family walked in.
“Hi, Mom.” He hugged the older woman who had dark hair and eyes. Then he held out his hand to the distinguished-looking, blue-eyed man. “Dad.”
“Son.” His hair was the same color as Sloan’s but shot through with silver.
Three young women who looked to be in their twenties followed the older couple inside and Sloan hugged each one before closing the door. “Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Maggie Potter, my landlady.” He looked at her, then his parents. “Maggie, this is my mother, Antonia, and my father, Campbell.”
She smiled and shook hands with each of them. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“Likewise.” His mother sized her up. “And please call me Annie. Everyone does.”
“Not everyone. We call you Mom,” one of his sisters said.
Sloan held out his hand, indicating the young women. “And these three smart alecks are the curse of my existence. My sisters—Carla, Gina and Isabella.”
Maggie shook their hands and made mental notes to remember who was who. Carla had dark hair and blue eyes. Gina was a green-eyed redhead. Blonde Isabella’s eyes were brown like Sloan’s and her mother’s.
Danielle had backed away from the invasion of Holdens, looking decidedly uncertain about this turn of events. Now she moved forward and grabbed Sloan’s leg again. He picked her up as if the movement was automatic.
“And who’s this little angel?” Annie asked.
“Maggie’s daughter, Danielle.” The look Sloan sent her said he’d clued them in about her being a single mom and why.
“She’s gorgeous.” Annie glanced at Maggie. “Like her mother.”
“She is beautiful,” Maggie answered, making this all about her little girl. “But I’m definitely prejudiced.”
“Can I get everyone something to drink?” Sloan asked his family.
He’d told her not to worry about that part of the evening’s hospitality, that he would handle it. Now she
realized how much of the stress it took off her. On the other hand, it added a different kind. This felt so much like being a couple. They weren’t, but a pleasurable sensation moved and stretched a little painfully inside her, like muscles that hadn’t been used in a long time.
Before filling drink orders, Sloan gave them a tour of the house. Afterward, they all gathered around the kitchen island while he poured a scotch for his father and himself. The women, including Maggie, had wine. Then he handed Danielle a sippy cup with watered-down apple juice. How sweet and thoughtful to make sure she wasn’t left out.
“What should we drink to?” Campbell asked.
“To Maggie,” his wife said. “And giving our son a home away from home.”
Before she could protest that this was part of her business, they were all saying, “To Maggie.”
“You’re very sweet,” she said. “But Sloan is a paying guest and hospitality is my job.”
“It’s not your job to put up with his family,” Annie said. “Thank you for your warmth, kindness and generosity. I think I speak for all of us when I say that.”
“You don’t speak for me, Mom,” Isabella said. “Personally I think Maggie needs to have her head examined for letting my brother stay here. He’s a pain in the neck.” The young woman was clearly teasing.
“Hey,” he protested.
“Izzy, you always were the most headstrong child,” her mother scolded.
“Ignore my sister,” Sloan advised.
“She’s right, though. What if we were horrible to you?” Gina asked.
“There’s no what-if about it,” Sloan shot back. “You are horrible. I warned her but she refused to listen.”
“You did not,” Maggie said. “What he actually told me was that if anyone got out of line he would take care of them the Chicago way. Do you have any idea what that means?” she teased.
“Not specifically.” Campbell’s blue eyes twinkled. “But I understand it’s not pretty. So you girls better behave yourselves.”
“Us?” The three of them spoke together, innocent and outraged at the same time.
The Widow's Bachelor Bargain Page 16