The Cumberland Plateau

by Mary K. Baxley

  Not expecting an interrogation, David tensed under Mr. Russell’s questioning stare. “Well,” David said, giving the man before him a challenging look. “If you must know, I will tell you. It’s no secret. I was in Ottawa when Ms. Lawton contacted me concerning the needed adjustment. Since I am on my way to Atlanta, I thought I would attend to this matter in person.”

  Daniel eyed David closely. “Perhaps it is as you say. However, I’m the man you bowled over when you bolted from her office, clearly upset four months previous.” Daniel arched an eyebrow as David coughed while embarrassment colored his features.

  “I am sorry. I didn’t realize it was you I had run into. As you say, I was upset, but I should not have displayed it as I did.”

  The older man looked upon David fondly with a twinkle in his eye. “Let me give you a piece of advice, Darcy. Celia is tough as nails, and some people have referred to her as cold-hearted, but it is not true. She’s had a difficult time, and I’m afraid it has made her a bit hard. Nevertheless, she is a warm, generous, and caring woman if someone will take the time to figure her out.”

  “What do you mean, Mr. Russell? Why are you telling me this?” David wrinkled his brow.

  Daniel smiled. “I have my reasons, Darcy,” he stated flatly. “But I will tell you this much. I can tell she frustrates you, as I witnessed your last exchange. I have spoken with her concerning the matter, and now I’m speaking with you. I hate for people to think poorly of her. There is a reason for everything, Mr. Darcy, so before you judge her, perhaps maybe you should try to understand her.”

  “I apologize, sir, if my conduct appeared a bit unprofessional. As we’ve already discussed, I was frustrated that day.”

  “Perhaps I’ve overstated then. If that is the case,” he shrugged, “I apologize. Cecilia’s father was a very close friend of mine. Consequently, as her surrogate father, I feel a responsibility where she is concerned. Cecilia’s mother died when she was young. James did the best he could as a single father. However, good intentions don’t always go as one would wish.”

  David tilted his head. “I’ve heard of Mr. Lawton. I believe everyone knows of his business reputation, but is there more?”

  “All I will say is that Celia grew up in a difficult situation. Keep that in mind when you deal with her. She’s a tough businesswoman. If you want more information,” he said, “I’m sure you will find out whatever you want to know. That’s all I have to say on the matter. Now, I’ll let you keep your appointment. I know how Celia feels about being late for anything.”

  David smiled as the older man led him to the lobby. As he watched the man depart, a frown furrowed his brow …I wonder what he means? Before he could contemplate any further, the receptionist approached him.

  “Mr. Darcy, Ms. Lawton is ready to see you now.”

  David turned at the sound of his name. “Thank you, Ashley.”

  One corner of his lips curled upward as he walked into Cecilia’s office, wondering how she would receive him, especially after his conversation with her godfather. He knew his excuse for being here was flimsy at best, but he would adlib if he had to.

  Cecilia rose to greet him. “David, I’m surprised to see you. You know this could have been taken care of via fax or PDF?”

  “So I’ve been told.” His satisfied gaze fell on her.

  She smiled and gave a casual shrug. “Well, since you are here, if you’ll just read over these revisions and sign where I’ve marked, we’ll be good to go.” Handing him the papers, she sank back into her seat.

  Intrigued, he took the offered document and dropped into the seat by her desk. Reading over it, he placed his signature on the line indicated, initialed a few places and looked up, returning her smile. Her composure was all business, as if their last exchange had never occurred. Shuffling the papers, he inquired, “Now, Lawton, where are we going?”

  Glancing up, she met his self-assured penetrating gaze. “Going? I beg your pardon.”

  “Yes, going. You didn’t think I came all this way just to sign this, did you? I’m asking you to dinner, so where do you want to go?” He smiled, confident in himself. It never crossed his mind she would refuse him.

  “Well, I tell you what,” she said in a clipped tone. “Since you did come all this way, I’ll take you to dinner. We’ll go to a bar called O’Malley’s up by the beach on Folly Island. It’s one of my favorite haunts.” Tapping her lower lip with her pencil eraser, she continued. “Wear something casual. It’s a private club with dinner and dancing. Come prepared to dance. Pick me up at my penthouse at six o’clock sharp, and don’t be late. I—”

  “Yes, I know. You hate it when people are late.” His lips twisted in a wry grin. “I’ll see you at six.” Taking back the contract, her fingers brushed his while her eyes focused on him with an unsettling stare. He shuddered. …Darcy, you’re playing with fire. This woman is enticing …alluring…even tormenting …different from others you’ve known. Don’t let your guard down…

  ~*~

  Arriving at her penthouse promptly at six o’clock, David was cool and self-assured as the maid let him in. However, that changed as soon as Cecilia stepped into the room. His jaw dropped. She was dressed in a simple sapphire-blue spaghetti strap dress that fitted her like a glove. It was so short he was sure her knickers would show if she bent over just right. Drawing in an unsteady breath, he eyed her from head to toe: waist-length blonde hair, long, slender legs, and shapely breasts. Lovely!

  “David, you look nice tonight,” she said with a smile. “Stone Dockers and a blue polo…hmm…our outfits coordinate…it’s as if we planned it.” She laughed, flashing him a smile that made his heart skip. “Now, I think you will enjoy this place. They play music from the 70s up to the present. I especially love Nickleback and Jet, but I also like the 70s and 80s sound, Boston being among my favorites. How about you? What do you like?”

  “The same as you. I like The Cure from the 80s, and Foreigner. Oh, and ah…you look very good yourself,” he said, his voice slightly hoarse.

  “Thank you, but we’d better get going. You know how I am about being late. We have reservations for a table at seven. I’m driving, since I know where we’re going,” she said, satisfaction gleaming in her bright velvet eyes.

  As he followed her to her car, his lips gently curled. She looked damned good, and he intended to enjoy every minute of her company. Once inside, they sat in relative silence while she drove. And in spite of his best efforts, he kept staring at her legs. He was right, the dress was short, coming nearly all the way up, almost exposing the mystery. Another smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. This was going to be a night he would file away for a long time to come as he imagined what they might share. If reality was half as good as his musings, it was going to be one hot, passionate, lust-filled night. He grinned as he cut his eyes across at the woman sitting beside him.

  When they arrived at the private club, they were greeted at the door and escorted to their table. Cecilia ordered lobster with hazelnut rice pilaf and asparagus in a rich cream sauce for the both of them. They enjoyed their meal while making small talk. As he listened to her voice, he watched her closely. …She has a pretty face to go along with that stunning body! In this lighting, her eyes are almost a bluish amethyst. Beautiful and alluring, like a siren—be careful Darcy.

  “David?”

  “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  “You’re distracted.” She laughed.

  “Only a little.” His lips curved slightly. “Now, what were you saying?”

  “I asked you how you liked the rice and asparagus.” She shook her head in a mirthful chuckle.

  “It was very good. How did you know I liked asparagus?”

  “You mentioned it once.” She tossed her hair. “I pay attention, Darcy. Do you?” An eyebrow shot up.

  “I’m quite observant, and right now, I’m paying very close attention to you.” He flashed a sexy smile.

  “That you are.” Cecilia returned hi
s smile, picking up the gauntlet he had clearly thrown down. Choosing her strategy closely, she ordered one large chocolate mousse for two.

  “The chocolate mousse is to die for, Darcy. Here, let me give you a taste.” She picked up her spoon, scooped out a generous bite, and fed it to him, purposefully smudging a little on the corner of his mouth. “Oh, how careless of me! Let me get that.” She reached over and kissed him, licking the chocolate from his mouth. Tension crackled and snapped between them like an electrical surge as a small groan rumbled deep in his chest.

  All distractions faded into the background as David picked up his spoon and fed her one luscious bite followed by another. She followed suit, feeding him as he fed her. As they continued, Cecilia slipped off her shoes and began to play under the table with his foot, watching him closely. He only smiled. Encouraged, she began tracing a path up his leg. A smile crossed her face when she noticed his breath catching in his throat.

  While they fed each other one decadent spoonful at a time, her toes tickled his shin, but he didn’t flinch. Her foot traveled up his leg in a slow sensual exploration, and yet, he still didn’t flinch. He continued to feed her. But when her toes began to play with the erection she had inspired, he flinched.

  “Lawton, what do you think you’re doing?”

  “I’m playing,” she said in a sly, seductive voice, running her foot over his length in a tantalizingly slow stroke.

  “I see.” …Two can play at this game, Lawton.

  Slipping his hand under the table, he took her foot into the palm of his hand and began to gently stroke the inside of her arch as he continued to feed her in sinful delight, one bite followed by the next. Like him, she didn’t flinch. He slid his hand up her leg, cupping her calf, sliding back and forth, gently caressing, and brushing his fingers ever-so-slightly in the bend of her knee. Finally, she flinched and quickly drew away.

  Biting down on her lower lip, she said, “They’re playing our song, Darcy. Let’s dance.”

  “I wasn’t aware we had a song,” he said, clearly amused.

  “Well, you are now.” She grabbed his hand, dragging him to the dance floor. The song, Waiting for a Girl Like You, played as she pulled him into a slow dance, curling her arms around his neck while his went instinctively around her waist, encircling her in a natural embrace.

  …Umm…she feels so good… He caressed her back and ran his fingers through her long blonde hair as she snuggled closer. The scent of her perfume and the feel of her in his arms were intoxicating. As he pressed against her body, she reached up and caught his lips in a long, slow, lingering kiss. He deepened the kiss and pressed into her all the more. His desire increased as her fingers sank into the thick curls at the base of his neck while she wiggled even closer, playing ever so gently, relaxing him all the more. He lost all conscious thought of anything else in the room, except her.

  Breaking the kiss, he tucked her head under his chin, gently caressing her back and bottom. They slow danced with not a thing on his mind except her and this moment in time as they swayed to the music. While he held her close, she lifted her head once again, taking his lips with hers. David was pleasantly surprised and very pleased in her willingness. He broke the kiss and proceeded to trace light, sensual kisses down the length of her neck while she continued to play in his hair. He released a sigh, enjoying her touch …I’m as hot-blooded as any man, and you know how to turn up the heat. Just as I imagined, you know how to please a man. This is our night, Lawton…yours and mine. It will be a night to remember…

  While lingering in his thoughts, the music changed to Party Like a Rock Star. Cecilia immediately fell into step. Stunned by her boldness, David followed her lead. A smile slowly crossed his features. Cecilia was an excellent dancer, and David could barely keep up. The suggestive movements of the dance stimulated him even more as they moved against one another, their bodies rubbing and grinding together.

  When that song ended, Midnight Special followed where they laughed and danced swing as if they were the only two on the dance floor. David was impressed at how much they complemented each other, laughing, smiling, and having a good time. He was surprised at how much he enjoyed Cecilia’s company. He hadn’t had this much fun in a long time.

  They finished the night as they had started, in a slow dance as the song Wonderful Tonight played while they danced. Once again, he held her close and enjoyed her warmth while kissing her deeply, thinking Tonight, Lawton, tonight’s our night…

  ~*~

  The entire drive back to her penthouse, David played out the scenario in his mind of how they were going to end the night. First, they would have a glass of wine and relax, possibly sitting on the sofa where he would slowly caress her body and snog before moving to her bed. He intended to undress her slowly, tasting every inch of her body with his eyes. Then he would pleasure her over and over again until she writhed beneath his touch and begged for more. They would make love all night long until both were exhausted. He would fall asleep with her in his arms.

  No woman had ever been able to resist his charm, and Cecilia Lawton would not be the first. He smirked as he glanced over at her. He liked her, and because he liked her, he’d take extra special care to please her. Unfortunately though, because of their business relationship, this would be their only night. He sighed. Well, he would make this good. He would take his pleasure, satisfying his lust, and leave her. Too bad. He was sure she’d probably make a good long-term lover, but he couldn’t afford the emotional attachment such an affair would entail. Once again, he cast a wry glance in Cecilia’s direction, caressing her with his eyes, desire for the night welling up inside of him. He smiled and turned away, looking out the window.

  Arriving back at the Lawton Hotel, Cecilia tossed her keys to the valet as they exited the car and entered the lobby arm in arm, laughing and smiling, thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. When they approached the lift, she punched the button and turned, throwing her arms around his neck, pulling him into a deep kiss as they waited. The door opened, and they entered.

  “Darcy, did you enjoy the evening?” she asked, sinking her fingers into his hair, drawing him into another embrace as the door closed.

  The sly look in her eyes invited him…or did it warn him. Her intent left him unsure, but he was certain of his abilities. She wanted him, and he knew it. He bent down to kiss her, tightening his embrace. “Hmm…very much,” he whispered against her neck.

  She pressed into him, rubbing against his full erection, caressing it, driving him even further towards the edge. Fully aroused, he cupped her bottom, pressing her into the back of the lift, kissing her deeply. Rubbing and grinding, David was drunk with desire, certain there would be a payoff. She was hot, willing, and eager—his for the taking. Lust completely inflamed him.

  The lift door opened and they exited, arms around each other, as he escorted her to her door, confident that he would be spending the night. Once at her door, she gave him a slow, lingering kiss, once again pressing her body into his. When she finally broke the kiss, she looked him straight in the eye.

  “I’m sorry, Darcy.” Her eyes swept downward and then snapped back, catching his gaze. “I’m just not in the mood this evening.” She released a deep sigh. “All that dancing has made me rather tired.”

  He tensed. His jaw went slack. She had to be toying with him again. “What?! Not in the mood… but, Lawton…”

  She cut him off, eyes blazing, “You think you can show up here unannounced whenever you damn well please and trifle with me, playing with my feelings just like that.” She snapped her fingers. “Well, you’ve got another think coming. I’m nobody’s fool, especially not yours. And I am damn sure not your whore.”

  She arched her eyebrow and gave him a devastatingly sexy smile, “It’s you and your hand tonight, Darcy.” She laughed. “Payback is hell…and all’s fair in love and war. Business is business.” She reached up and pecked his very shocked lips, and then opened the door and walked through, slamming it shut
in his face before he could gather his wits to respond.

  Stunned, he stood there, blinking at the closed door. Then he shook his head and laughed out loud. “Damn you, Lawton. If you think this is goodbye, you had better think again,” he said with a sly smile. “This is war, Lawton, and I will indeed have you!”

  Damn it! I will! With that, he spun sharply on his heel and left. Whatever her game was, he loved it, and he would play. He would take the challenge, and seeing her bid, he would raise the stakes. Their day was coming. It was only a matter of time.

  Chapter Twelve

  …I can’t love her…she can never love me…

  The Present

  David’s lips curled into a smile. It had indeed been a night to remember—one he would never forget. He was still lost in his thoughts when he heard his name called. “Mr. Darcy, Ms. Lawton is ready to see you now.”

  Snapping out of his daydream, he responded, “Thank you, Ashley.”

  He gathered his things and entered the Dragon Lady’s office.

  ~*~

  Sitting in his office, Mr. Russell was acutely aware David Darcy was meeting with his goddaughter. He felt sure they shared a mutual attraction, but as he contemplated the situation, he wondered what, if anything, he should do about it. Daniel tapped his pencil on a notepad and let out an exasperated sigh as he shook his head. His concern for Cecilia bothered him excessively.

  James Lawton, Cecilia’s father, had been Daniel’s best friend since their days at the University of South Carolina, and even before then when they had been boys in grammar school. He’d also been the best man at James’s wedding, and unfortunately, he’d had the displeasure of watching Cecilia grow up in that sorry excuse of a marriage he had tried to prevent his friend from entering. The misfortune continued as he watched James attempt to raise his daughter like a son after her mother’s death. As Daniel sat there, tapping on his note pad, his mind drifted back thirty years…