by Lea Nolan
A mixture of giddy anticipation and dread danced in her stomach. She’d had plenty of great times with Carter, but too many encounters had resulted in an altercation or at least a tense exchange. Now he had home field advantage and she was definitely the underdog. What if they ended up in another argument?
But maybe she was being too hard on him. He had been a perfect gentleman the night before and seemed genuinely impressed with her idea. Granted, after seeing Rocky’s remarkable achievements, Carter was in an especially good mood. Happiness suited him, easing the tension lines in his brow and loosening his jaw, making him even more handsome than usual. He’d rescinded his request for an amniocentesis, but would he ever learn to trust her? Maybe if they got along again, he’d have a chance to see how independent she was, and he’d finally believe she didn’t need or want the Andersons’ money. Then, perhaps, those worry lines would go away for good.
She couldn’t deny her eagerness to help him design the shoe. It was a dream come true, actually, to be a part of creating something that improved the lives of soldiers who’d given so much for their country. For too long she’d watched patients suffer as they worked to regain their balance and achieve a normal gait. Now, she had a chance to help make that transition and recovery easier and safer.
“We need to make a quick stop in my office before we head down to the design lab,” Carter said as he guided her down a long hallway that led to a sprawling corner office. The floor-to-ceiling windows provided a spectacular view of downtown Rockville. “I’ve got to check in with my China partners.” He clicked on the computer. “The time difference is a killer and I’m waiting on an e-mail.” He tapped the desk as he waited for the screen to light up.
“Sure, no problem.” Gwen gazed out the windows. She’d never seen Rockville from this vantage point. From the ground it looked like an ordinary mini-city, with moderately tall buildings and lots of traffic. But from this high office tower, she could see past the hustle-bustle of Rockville Pike and the local White Flint Mall, to the rolling green foliage that lined the Potomac. It seemed strange that such beautiful wilderness would be so close to suburbia.
Carter quickly scanned his e-mails. “One of our Chinese subcontractors has caused a lot of trouble lately by forcing employees to work longer hours and reducing their pay. The situation is potentially volatile and could give Work It Gear a black eye to the American public. I need to see how our contractors have handled the problem.”
“Take your time.” Gwen smiled, impressed by his concern for his employees’ welfare over the almighty-Anderson dollar. Perhaps there was more to him then she’d thought. Pulling herself away from the view, she took in Carter’s office. Like the outer area, it was fitted with steel and charcoal gray. Even the walls were a dull slate color. His desk and conference tables were fashioned from cold, dark granite slabs. Slick black leather chairs and a sofa with red throw pillows completed the industrial look. It screamed of corporate dominance and indifference. If it weren’t for the giant windows, the place would be as inviting as the inside of a gym locker.
The console table behind his desk caught her attention. On it were several old Work It Gear ads that contained family photos. They weren’t the stiff and formal portraits she would have expected. Instead they were loose and casual, warm and familial. In one, Carter was young and perched on Rocky’s lap, grasping a football and gazing up at his father in adoration. Then there was a series of Carter with Ben, taken throughout their lives. Although they didn’t look a thing like each other, they were obviously close. From the way Ben looked up at his older brother, it was clear he idolized Carter. And Carter obviously cherished his younger sibling.
She wondered what it would have been like to have been around them both, to see how Carter might have reacted if he weren’t so suspicious of her every move. Would he have been the jerk she’d come to know? Or would he have resembled the man in these photos? The older brother who clearly loved and cared for his little brother? She’d never know now. Ben was gone. And if these pictures depicted the true depth of their relationship, a part of Carter had also died.
Typing quickly, he finished an e-mail and hit the send button. Grabbing a few papers from his desk, he stood up. “Shall we?” His smile was bright and he looked genuinely fired up to get to work.
“Absolutely. I have to admit I can’t wait to see the design studio. I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“You’re going to love it. I promise.”
He led her to the elevator and took it down three floors. As soon as the doors opened, she understood exactly what Carter was talking about. The space was wide open, with bright white walls covered with fine art and wide-planked natural flooring. The huge open space was filled with big wooden conference tables covered with design computers and surrounded by stools. This was the polar opposite of his cold office, a collaborative space where designers were invited to sit together and discuss their ideas.
He walked to a stereo system in the corner and flicked it on. Soft classical music filled the room. He grinned. “Mozart. Scientifically proven to enhance creative thought.”
“Wow, this is kind of…” She stood in the middle of the space, gawking, and searched for the right word.
“Awesome?”
“Surprising.”
“Why?” He made his way to a conference table and switched on a computer.
“I guess I didn’t imagine you loving a space like this. I mean, it’s so…open and bright.” Not wanting to sit too close to this equally hot, but completely different and approachable Carter, she skipped the stool next to his and took a seat on the opposite side of the table in front of another computer. He was too appealing. She needed space. “Your office seems a lot closer to what I figured you’d like.”
He shrugged. “That’s because you don’t know me very well. Yet.” He looked like he wanted to say more but quickly changed the subject. “Can I tell you a secret?”
She nodded.
“I hate my office. Aside from conducting meetings, I spend most of my time in here. It’s the only place I can think.”
Gwen laughed. “Whew, I’m glad to hear that. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s nice and all, but it’s kind of stark.”
Along with the papers he’d brought from upstairs, he unrolled the schematics they’d worked on the night before. “It’s cold and heartless. Like business.”
Her brow crinkled. “Then why did you design it that way? You are the president, right? You can change things if you want to.”
He shrugged. “It’s not worth the trouble. Our marketing team pushed hard for uniform branding. They got their way in everything except the design lab. No matter what they suggested, it was always going to look like this.”
Carter clicked the mouse several times. Gwen assumed he was opening several programs but she couldn’t tell because the screen was swiveled away from her.
“So how does this design stuff work?” she asked. “How do you go from idea to computer and then paper?”
He looked over the screen at her. “Huh, I forgot you’ve never used this software. Until you’re used to it, it’s probably easier if you sit next to me, so we can go over the changes together.”
She stood. It was a reasonable suggestion, since she didn’t know the difference between a mega and a byte. She worked with flesh and blood people, not motherboards. But still, she hadn’t anticipated needing to sit that close. Though she couldn’t deny how much she wanted to be near him, to breathe his spicy aftershave and feel the warmth of his skin emanating through his clothes. She swallowed hard at the thought of what might lay under that perfectly pressed shirt. Focus, Gwen, we’re here to redesign a shoe, not indulge in crazy fantasies. The only way to do that was to work together, professionally.
After gathering her purse and jacket, she made her way around the large wooden square to the opposite side and settled on the stool to Carter’s right. Being this close to him was nice. The scent of clean soap filled the space aro
und him. His cashmere sweater looked soft and warm and pettable. Even in casual attire, he certainly knew how to put himself together.
“So, here’s the existing design.” He glided the mouse across the design pad embedded into the table. A 3-D version of the shoe spun around on the screen. Then, he demonstrated how changing various aspects of the design affected the body.
She couldn’t help but be impressed. “Huh, that’s pretty amazing. How did you know what would happen?”
He laughed. “Aside from my MBA, I have a Masters in kinesiology with a concentration in biomechanics.” Huh, an advanced degree in the science of human movement. Gwen hadn’t seen that coming, but had to admit she was impressed. All this time she’d figured he was just a hard-hearted businessman. “Plus, I’ve been doing this a while.” He winked.
Brilliant or not, he was also full of himself. Though he wasn’t so clever to have recognized the shoe’s stabilizing potential on his own. Score one for her.
“Okay, smart guy, then what do you want to do about that heel?” She leaned in toward the screen to point out the glaring defect. “It’s way too wide at the back.”
“Hmm, you’re right.” He handed her the electric pen. “Why don’t you have a go?” He barely suppressed a grin.
Her heart skipped a little as she took it in her hand. She didn’t know what she was doing. What if she messed up? Nervous laughter worked its way up her throat. “Um, okay.”
“Make any changes you like. If they don’t work, we’ll dump them.”
Gaining confidence, she took the stylus and began by making what she thought were minuscule tweaks to the electronic shoe. The design wand was extremely responsive, a little too much so. Without planning it, she sliced a giant wedge from the side.
“Ah!” She dropped the pen.
Carter laughed. “Don’t give up. It takes a while to master. Let me show you how it works.” He tapped a few buttons on the keyboard to undo her changes, then scooted his stool closer as she picked up the pen again. Reaching his long arm around her back, he clasped his hand over hers and began to guide the pen around the design pad. “Here’s what I think you meant to do to the heel.” Surprised by his closeness, she soon relaxed under his gentle guidance. His fingers were warm and strong, though tender, around hers. Gliding the pen gracefully, he pared down and re-shaped the back of the shoe. The adjustment was exactly what she’d envisioned.
“And now you’ll need to make some corresponding changes to the lift,” she said, trying to keep her voice even as she nodded toward the other area on the screen.
“You’re right,” he murmured as he slid the pen across the pad.
It seemed funny, but there was something beautiful about the way he worked. More than just a new product, the virtual shoe was more of a sculpture and the pen his chisel.
Glancing up at his face, she saw his dark blue eyes were trained on the screen, deep in concentration. It was as if he was oblivious to her nearness as he continued to amend the design. But she couldn’t ignore his proximity. On the contrary, she was fully aware of his warm, masculine scent, and the sensation of his soft sweater as it swept across her back and down her arm.
It had been so long since she’d been held by a man. Make no mistake, her encounter with Ben had been physical. Unexpected, wild and lustful, it was the type of exuberant fun she’d only read about or seen in the movies. But that’s all it was. A one-night encounter that lacked tenderness, depth, and true passion.
Now, though it wasn’t a real embrace, she was enveloped in Carter’s arms, watching as he created something she could only call art. Could this be the same man who only recently had ignited her anger? If it was, he had unwittingly revealed another side of himself, one she couldn’t deny was attractive. Her stomach fluttered and it wasn’t due to a hunger pang or the baby.
“Wow, you’re pretty amazing.” The words slipped out before she could check them.
“Thanks. It’s the best part of my job.” He turned his head slightly and smiled. “And the only thing that keeps me sane.”
Their eyes locked.
Gwen swallowed hard as heat rushed to her cheeks. He was so handsome it nearly made her weep. This close, his smoldering navy blues were soulful, vulnerable. This was not the Carter she’d sparred with since moving to River View. This was someone else entirely. Someone she suddenly wanted to get to know much, much better.
Her gaze flitted to his lips. Gone was his trademarked arrogant smirk. Upturned slightly at the corner, his smile was open and inviting. His grin looked soft and so very kissable. Her own mouth parted. Every cell in her body implored her to lean forward and taste him.
What was she thinking? This was wrong on so many levels. She was pregnant, and though they’d had some good times, it was likely that a not-so-small part of Carter still didn’t completely trust her. Kissing him now would slam right back his belief that she was a conniving schemer out to nab the Anderson fortune.
But his gaze seemed to implore her to give in to the war raging between her mind and body. She wanted to kiss him. Wanted to wrap her arms around his broad, strong back and melt into his arms. And she wanted him to want her.
His grip tightened around her hand as he dipped his chin. “You know, you’re pretty amazing, yourself.” His eyelids closed as he leaned toward her.
Chapter Fifteen
“Carter?” The question rang across the design lab. If he wasn’t mistaken, the voice sounded awfully male. And suspiciously like his general counsel and best friend.
Devon?
His heart thumping, Carter released Gwen’s hand and sat up straight. Whipping his head around, he found Devon standing just outside the elevator doors at the far end of the room.
What the hell was he doing here? Oh, right, he was probably here to check on the China contractors, too. Damn his conscientiousness.
Gwen cleared her throat as she busied herself with the design pen. From the corner of his eye he noticed her cheeks were the most endearing shade of crimson. What he wouldn’t do to caress them.
But he had to keep his mind on the problem at hand. The last Carter had told his friend and lawyer, Gwen was public enemy number one. Knowing that Devon would disapprove of his idea to seduce her, he’d kept the plan to himself. Later, as his attraction to her grew, he knew it would be difficult to explain to his chief council, so he simply chose not to. But all that secrecy was about to bite him in the ass. If his friend discovered who she was, and had seen them about to kiss, he’d definitely have a few questions. Especially since he was waiting for those damn proxy papers to be signed. The ones Carter had never gotten around to discussing with Gwen.
Carter cleared his throat. “I didn’t expect to see you today.” He directed his voice toward Devon. Suddenly, he felt as guilty as a kid about to pluck the forbidden fruit. In this case, it was literally true. Holding Gwen had been one of the sweetest sensations he’d had in a long time.
Which wasn’t a good thing. Planning to seduce her was one thing, but now he desired her as well. Too much. Those gorgeous green eyes and shiny auburn hair had lured him, but her scent had nearly sent him over the edge. She was pregnant, and should be off limits, but that didn’t matter. He’d wanted to reach out, run his hands over her ripening body and savor her luscious peach-scented skin. He’d been about to do just that when Devon interrupted them.
Devon glanced between Carter and Gwen, a mixture of bemusement and irritation on his face. “Of course you didn’t expect to see me. It’s Saturday and you’re normally sleeping off the aftermath of Friday night. But as I don’t have a life of my own, I’m at work, as usual. I noticed you’d logged into the network and thought I’d pop in to see what brought you in on a weekend. But I see you’ve got your hands full. With a non-employee. In our top secret design lab.” He crossed his arms and stared at Carter.
Oh, hell. He’d been caught breaking his own cardinal rule. For years, Carter had hammered home the point that new designs were Work It Gear’s intellectual prop
erty and financial bedrock. He’d never brought an outsider into the design lab and had promised to fire any employee who did. And now, Devon was busting him for being a hypocrite.
Well, he was the boss, damn it. He could do whatever the hell he pleased.
Gwen hopped off her stool and smiled brightly. “Hi, I’m Gwen Radley. Carter asked me to consult on his new shoe design.” Walking toward Devon, she extended her hand.
“Gwen Radley?” Devon’s brow shot up as he gripped her palm. He had a memory like a steel trap. He hadn’t forgotten the woman who showed up at Ben’s funeral claiming to be pregnant with the Anderson heir. Or Carter’s joke about seducing her to control her child’s corporate shares. Ever so quickly, Devon stole a glance at Gwen’s subtle belly bump. Yup, he remembered.
“Devon’s my general counsel,” Carter said.
“And best friend. Consigliore. Moral compass,” Devon added. “I’d love to know what you two are working on.”
Carter nodded toward the computer. “Gwen has come up with a spectacular idea for a companion shoe to the Tone and Shaper. We’re working out the design kinks.”
“Carter was showing me how to use the software.” Gwen wrinkled her nose. “It turns out it’s much more responsive than you’d think.”
“Really?” Devon nodded. “I wouldn’t know. Since I’m not a designer I’ve never used it.”
“Neither am I.” Gwen chuckled.
“Yet you’re designing a shoe. Fascinating.” Devon’s smile was laced with saccharine.
She tilted her head. “It’s a therapeutic shoe. I’m a physical therapist.”
Carter couldn’t help but love that she went toe-to-toe with Devon. Not too many people could. Which was the primary reason Devon was his right hand man.
“How nice for you.” Devon still looked at her with the same suspicion a security guard would give a cat burglar holding a bulging sack.
“It is,” she answered, evidently unwilling to give him the last word.
Devon turned to Carter. “Well, I guess I’ll leave you to it. I trust you know what you’re doing.” His gaze shifted between them. “I’ve got some contracts to go through upstairs.” Then he nodded in Gwen’s direction. “It was nice to meet you. I’m curious to see how this all ends up. With the shoes, that is.” With that, he turned and walked back to the elevator. The doors opened immediately when he pressed the call button.