Make Believe Engagement

by Day Leclaire

  Instead, she succumbed to the inevitable, a breathless moan signaling her surrender.

  JT knew he had a serious problem on his hands the moment that tiny moan slipped from her mouth to his.

  That one slight, distinctively feminine sound almost broke him. It was pure reflex that made him draw her closer, he tried to tell himself. He was only imagining how well she fit in his arms, how well the softness of her silkclad body accommodated the hard angles of his.

  But he knew better. That revealing murmur aroused something elemental in him, something primitive. Something savage.

  And with that arousal came the knowledge that it would take every ounce of his willpower not to drag her off to a dark private hideaway and find ways of forcing that husky moan from her again and again and again. He wanted her. He wanted her in the most basic way possible. And if he didn’t end this encounter soon, he’d have her, too.

  In a minute, he decided. In another minute or two, he’d draw a halt to his seduction of the delectable Ms. Daniels. In the meantime, he’d enjoy every second of what she offered. He caught at her lower lip, nibbling the tender flesh. She lifted her mouth for more. He pulled her close. She wriggled closer still. And then he heard that tiny sound again, a strangled gasp of longing that caught in her throat before escaping in a shuddering sigh.

  His control snapped.

  This meant trouble, he realized an instant too late. Serious trouble. He had to stop now, before it became a physical impossibility. She chose that moment to shift her position, the brush of silk against his skin doing unspeakable things to his equilibrium. Tantalizing images leapt to his mind, images of the delicate satin and lace undergarments he’d discover when he stripped away her blouse and skirt. Images of her in his bed, a cloud of blond curls spilling across his pillow and soft creamy white skin flushed with the rosy glow of desire.

  He gritted his teeth, aware he seesawed on the brink of no return. And then he fell over the edge, his decision as swift as it was brutal. He’d have her and to hell with the consequences. She wanted him—that much was painfully obvious. What could be so wrong with obliging the lady? He swept his hand down the curve of her buttocks and bent, about to lift her into his arms.

  At the same moment she slid her hands along the wall of his chest and pushed, stepping free of his embrace. Her lashes fluttered against her flushed cheeks, and he caught a brief glimpse of her eyes. They were black, he noted, black as ink and glowing with the aftermath of passion. He could read every emotion, every thought in that dark liquid gaze. And then her expression closed over, all emotion erased as though it had never been.

  “Not bad,” she stated with amazing calm. “I might actually get my money’s worth hiring you—so long as you don’t get too carried away.”

  His eyes narrowed as he absorbed the insult. Had he only imagined her reaction to that kiss? If it wasn’t for the pulse fluttering at the base of her throat, he might just believe he had. “The only one getting carried away was you, Princess.”

  “Is that what you thought?” she questioned in amusement. “You flatter yourself. I’m here to do a job— a job I intend to accomplish no matter what it takes.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “Does that include seducing the hired help?”

  “Like I said,” she replied with a careless shrug, “I’ll do whatever it takes to complete my assignment.”

  He fought to conceal his anger behind a wolfish grin. “If seducing me is part of the job, who am I to complain? Shall we finish our…business inside? Or shall we strip down right here, and I’ll show you how it’s done on a hammock?”

  A hectic flush streaked across her cheekbones, emphasizing the translucent quality of her skin, and he smiled in appreciation. Lord, she was gorgeous, all flash and fury in a package that could stop a man dead in his tracks. With her blouse gaping open, revealing the soft fullness of her breasts, and her hair a tumble of unruly curls, she had every appearance of a woman who’d been thoroughly kissed. And she had been, too. If her name hadn’t been Daniels she’d have been more than just kissed.

  But her name was Daniels—a fact she’d live to regret.

  “I can see I’m wasting my time talking to you,” she snapped. “And just to clear up any lingering doubts you may have, our business is finished. I’ll get what I need on my own. Now hand me my jacket. No! On second thought, keep it as a souvenir.” Snatching up her briefcase, she started toward the steps. “I’m out of here.”

  He let her go. Detaining her would only make matters worse. Besides, she wouldn’t go far. Not once she calmed down enough to realize how much she stood to lose. A Daniels wouldn’t let an opportunity like this slip away, no matter what her personal feelings.

  He waited until she’d reached the steps before asking, “What about Bride’s Bay Resort?” She froze and he added with gentle emphasis, “Boss isn’t going to be happy if you leave without the information you came for.”

  She swung around to face him. “That’s none of your concern. Nor will I let you turn this into anything but a business proposition.”

  “This is a business proposition,” he emphasized. “That’s all it is. Unless you’re reading more into my comments than are there…”

  She glared at him, her eyes flashing like polished jet. “Comments? Forget the comments. What am I supposed to think when you…you practically strip me? And that kiss had nothing to do with business, at least no business I’ve ever been party to.”

  “You were a willing participant in that kiss, Princess.”

  “I told you not to call me that!”

  He was taking a risk pushing her so hard, but he had to keep her off-balance, had to keep her from thinking too clearly. Though considering how shrewd she was, it wouldn’t be easy. He tried a friendly smile. “I can’t keep calling you Ms. Daniels. People won’t believe we’re engaged if I do. Let’s make it Taylor.”

  “Let’s make it goodbye. If you think I’d even consider carrying through with a phony engagement after what you pulled…”

  “You’d better,” he warned. “I can give you most of the facts you need from my own personal knowledge. And I believe I can get any additional information without too much difficulty. But if you want to verify my facts, you won’t be able to do it on your own. You need my help. Are you going to let a simple kiss stand in your way? Not very professional, Taylor.”

  In that instant he understood why she hid behind reflective sunglasses. He could see every thought, every emotion, mirrored within her eyes. Anxiety, distress, determination—all vied for the upper hand. Even when she finally regained her poise, he could still detect her thoughts, her vulnerability. His mouth tightened. Why in hell had Boss assigned her this job? Didn’t he know how rotten she’d be at this sort of subterfuge? Unless…

  Unless it was an act.

  After all, she was a Daniels.

  And deceit came as naturally to them as breathing.

  As though to confirm his suspicion, the air of vulnerability vanished as though it had never been. The light of battle leapt into her eyes with a ferocity that surprised him. And her mouth, still red and swollen from his kisses, firmed into a straight rigid line. It impressed the hell out of him. Unfortunately he didn’t want to be impressed by her.

  “Very well, Mr. Richmond. I’ll try one last time to come to terms with you. We have an offer on the table. Five hundred for full disclosure of all facts pertaining to Bride’s Bay Resort and another five hundred once those facts are verified.”

  “Make it a thousand and you foot the bill while we stay at the resort, and you have yourself a deal.”

  “You’re certain the hotel staff will be responsive?” she demanded. “They’ll answer all the questions I’d put to them?”

  He hated to admit it, but… “If you approach then as my fiancee, yes,” he confirmed reluctantly. At least they would until he told them not to.

  “I only have your word for that,” she said.

  “True. I guess you’ll just have to trust me.
”

  “Trust you.” She frowned, put out by his response.

  “Trust doesn’t come easy to you, does it?” he guessed.

  “No.”

  It was a bald response, said without hesitation or affectation. But it spoke volumes. “Smart woman.” She shouldn’t trust anyone, he thought, and she especially shouldn’t trust him. He felt compelled to warn, “Knowing me won’t make it any easier for you.”

  She fastened those magnificent eyes on him, eyes that seemed to see into the depths of his soul. Candid eyes that had no business belonging to a Daniels. “And why is that, Mr. Richmond?”

  And then he knew—knew the only way to keep her off-balance, knew precisely how to cloud that razor-sharp mind. “Because I intend to take full advantage of my position as your fiance.”

  “Which means?”

  He stepped closer so she could read the determination in his gaze. “I’m going to seduce you, Ms. Daniels. Before you leave Bride’s Bay Resort, we’re going to finish what we started here.” Her only reaction was to adjust her grip on her briefcase. She was a cool one, he conceded. Except when he held her in his arms and took her mouth with his. Then she burst into flames, burning with a heat that seared him like a brand. “Ready to give up?” he challenged. “Ready to throw in the towel?”

  Defiance glittered in her eyes. “I don’t give up, Mr. Richmond. Nor am I easily seduced. You’d do well to remember that.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “Really? That’s not the impression I received.”

  Her mouth tightened. “You’re very experienced,” she conceded. “A talented lover, I don’t doubt. I’m sure you’re well paid for your—” she shrugged with careless disregard “—shall we say, services? But in this case, we keep it strictly business. Is that clear?”

  “Quite.” He struggled to contain his fury at her insolence. Losing his temper wouldn’t help, nor would taking her down a peg or two. That would only drive her away. No, he’d bide his time. He’d be in a position to retaliate soon enough. Until then, he’d keep a cool head. “And my fee?”

  “Fifteen hundred, split in two installments. If you come to the island with me, Daniels will only pay room and board. All other expenses you cover. Take it or leave it, because it’s my final offer.”

  He inclined his head, irony lacing his words. “You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Daniels. I guess I’ll just have to take it. For now.” He held out a hand. “Do we have a deal?”

  She hesitated only a moment before slipping her fingers into his. “I believe we do.”

  “Fine. In the meantime, may I suggest we use first names? People might find it strange if I refer to my fiancee as Ms. Daniels.”

  She nodded in agreement. “That reminds me. It’s Davis. The reservation is under the name Taylor Davis. I didn’t want to run the risk of being recognized.”

  “A wise precaution.”

  “I thought so.”

  She glanced down at their hands as though surprised to find them still joined, and he felt the betraying quiver of her fingers just before she tugged them free. He suppressed a smile. It would seem she wasn’t as unaffected as she’d like to pretend. Interesting.

  “Shall we get to work?” she suggested.

  “Now?” he asked, stalling for time.

  “If you don’t mind.”

  He hesitated. He didn’t dare give her any of the information she’d requested. Not yet. Not until he’d had an opportunity to plan his strategy. For the present he’d have to keep everything moving so fast she wouldn’t have a chance to think, to realize that all wasn’t as it seemed. It was time to send the exquisite Ms. Daniels on her way while he set his own scheme in motion.

  “I’d like to do some preliminary research, confirm my facts so I don’t give you any erroneous information,” he told her. “Once I do, we’ll talk further.”

  “But there isn’t time. We leave Monday. I need to prepare, to study the information you give me.”

  “You’ll have all of tomorrow to prepare.”

  “But that’s only one day.”

  “A whole twenty-four hours. Plenty of opportunity unless—” he lifted an eyebrow “—you can’t absorb information that quickly. Do you have a learning deficiency I should know about?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous!”

  “Then tomorrow will be soon enough.”

  Annoyance radiated from her, but she didn’t argue further. He bent down and picked up her silk scarf and sunglasses, draping the one about her neck and perching the other on the end of her nose. Then he snagged her jacket from the hammock and tossed it to her. “Until tomorrow, Ms. Daniels.”

  “Taylor,” she corrected automatically, starting down the steps.

  “Right. I’ll call when I have something for you, Taylor.” He couldn’t resist one final dig. “Oh, one more thing…”

  She glanced over her shoulder. “Yes?”

  “You might want to button up your blouse. Running around this neighborhood looking like that is just asking for trouble.”

  She didn’t miss a step, but continued down the stairs, her voice drifting back to him on a sultry gust of wind. “And you, Mr. Richmond, may go straight to hell.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  JT WATCHED TAYLOR pick her way through the overgrown grass. Despite what he’d told her, he liked the heels. They suited her. They also gave an impudent swing to her backside, as well as emphasizing her legs—sleek shapely legs at that. Altogether an interesting package, he decided.

  Behind him, the door to the house slammed. “So, what do you think, Shad?” JT asked, turning around to face his uncle.

  Shadroe Teach, a tall striking man who looked a full decade younger than his sixty-six years, fingered his lush snowy mustache. “Well, from what I could tell,” he commented, lounging against the porch railing, “I’d say you have her right where she wants you.”

  JT’s brows drew together. “What the hell does that mean?”

  “It means you’re playing with dynamite, as you darn well know. That kiss you planted on her could have been the perfect match to her fuse. What were you thinking, Jace?”

  “I was thinking she had the most delicious set of lips I’d seen in a long time,” JT retorted calmly. “And I was thinking that the best way to keep her mind off business was to give her something else to worry about. It worked, didn’t it?”

  “You could’ve lost her. Another woman would’ve slapped your face and walked away.”

  A cold smile touched JT’s mouth. “This woman didn’t, which is all that matters.”

  Shad snorted. “That was pure luck. Despite your Don Juan act, we still haven’t a clue what Daniels Investment is up to. And knowing Boss Daniels, it could be anything. The Jermains aren’t going to be happy about this. No sir, they aren’t.”

  JT glanced in the direction Taylor had gone, his eyes narrowed in thought. “Tell Elizabeth I’ll deal with it. Come hell or high water, I’ll get to the truth. And if getting to the truth includes romancing the starchy Ms. Daniels out of her prim little business suits, so much the better. It’ll distract her while I do some digging of my own.”

  Shad grinned, his eyes glittering with amusement. “Then you don’t believe all that nonsense about her researching Bride’s Bay Resort. You think it’s more than that, don’t you?”

  “Sorry, Shad,” JT said, folding his arms across his chest. “But I promised the lady I wouldn’t discuss Daniels’ plans with anyone.” He waited a beat, then returned his uncle’s grin. “Guess it was a good thing you happened to drop by today.”

  “Good thing it was so warm that the windows had to be left open.”

  JT chuckled. “Good thing your hearing hasn’t gotten as old as the rest of you.”

  TAYLOR GRIPPED the phone in one hand and her list in the other and punched in the number Linda had given her. On the first ring, a film of perspiration dampened her palm, and she tightened her hold on the receiver. It was just a phone call, she thought in annoyance. Nothing to get excited about
. No big deal. After all, that kiss had meant nothing. Right? By the fourth ring, she’d snapped the point of her pencil and was forced to pick up the spare she’d left on her coffee table.

  He answered on the fifth ring. “JT Richmond.”

  He’d just crawled out of bed. She couldn’t think of any other possibility to explain the husky roughness of his voice. An image of JT in the hammock leapt to mind. She could see him so clearly. A wide, muscled chest covered with dark, velvety hair. Ripped shorts clinging to lean hips. Long tanned limbs splayed in earthy abandon. And jewel blue eyes blinking sleepily up at her.

  “Is anyone there?”

  She cleared her throat. “Mr. Richmond?”

  “That you, Princess?”

  She gritted her teeth at the nickname. “Yes. It’s Taylor. Have I called at a bad time?”

  He yawned, confirming her suspicion that she’d just awakened him. “It’s sort of kinky, having my fiancee call me Mr. Richmond.”

  “You know as well as I do that we’re not engaged,” she said curtly. “It’s perfectly appropriate to be more formal when we’re discussing business.”

  “Is that what we’re doing?”

  “Not yet,” she retorted. “Would you care to start now?”

  “If we have to,” he said with a sigh. “What’s up?”

  She glanced at her list. “I wanted to arrange a convenient time to get together.”

  “Great. Then meet me here on Monday.”

  “But…we leave for the island Monday.”

  “So?”

  She struggled to conceal her exasperation. “JT, I’d like to get together today. There’s a lot of information to cover.”

  “Sorry about that, but we’ll have to talk on the way to the island. I haven’t gathered all the facts you requested yet. These things take time, you know.”