This bathroom was grander than she had seen in people's homes, certainly more so than hers. Besides the basic toilet and vanity, there was a gold-trimmed bear-claw tub in one corner of the marble-tiled floor and a shower stall ensconced in glass on the other side. She groaned as she imagined how luxurious and relaxing it would be to slip into that tub.
"You have my dream bathroom,” she admitted. “On your boat. The tub is amazing."
"It's my favorite piece, too."
He looked from the tub to her several times and she felt her face grow flush, thinking about what it would be like to be in the tub with him. Naked, wet, soapy. Blinking several times, she turned away.
"Why don't we go outside,” Lucy suggested, willing the heat to leave her cheeks. “It's already beautiful out, and I fully intend to get a tan today."
Back on deck, Cole told her he was going to start the engines.
"Don't you have a captain and a crew?” she asked.
"Nope. That's why I didn't go any bigger."
Of course, he could have afforded to.
"I didn't want to give up control to someone while I just lounge around. I love handling her myself."
"Her? And does she have a name?"
"She does.” Cole's left dimple deepened. “Fortune's Lady."
"You being fortune. I guess it's true about a boat being man's one true love."
His eyes got dark for a second, and then he looked away. “All I know is this love has never let me down."
What did that mean? She wanted to probe further, but when he returned his gaze to her, whatever had been lurking was gone.
"Come on,” he said, holding out his hand to her. “I'll teach you how to drive the lady."
* * * *
Once they cleared the no-wake area near the marina, Cole let Lucy sit in the captain's seat and steer. He sat beside her in the co-captain's seat, enjoying her childlike giddiness.
"I can't believe I'm driving the boat,” she exclaimed with glee.
But as much as he enjoyed her company, he couldn't let himself get off track. For a few minutes, he'd actually forgotten that his intent was to convince her to have his baby, not fall in love with her. Then she had inadvertently reminded him of Pam by bringing up true love. Lying, cheating Pam, who he'd thought would love him forever. He didn't need or want true love in his life. He wanted a child. And this woman was going to give that to him. He just had to convince her.
Not today though. Today was meant to get her mind off how they had met, to let him in her life. Once he was there, he firmly believed he could convince her to do this for him.
They cruised around the lake for an hour, and then Cole asked Lucy if she'd like to go swimming. “There's a cove where we can anchor. It's pretty shallow, so you'll be able to stand up in the water."
"Okay.” Her face was still aglow. The few times he had spent with her, he had never seen her this happy. It struck him again how beautiful she was.
"My turn to steer.” he said and traded seats with her. “Why don't you go below and change into your swimsuit?” And give me time to get my hormones in check. Already he felt uncomfortably tight in his shorts.
She was oblivious to his pain. “Sure. I'll be right back."
Ten minutes later, he realized telling Lucy to put on her swimsuit probably wasn't the best way to get his libido under control. The red bikini covered just enough to send his imagination on an erotic ride. His brain tortured him with flashes of slowly lowering the straps to reveal Lucy's perfect breasts, and whisking away those naughty little bottoms—
Cole slammed his eyes shut. Out of sight, out of mind, he chanted silently. When he was able to conjure up completely sexless thoughts—his latest building project, the salmon he had for dinner last night, playing high stakes poker with his country club friends—he lifted his lids. For safety's sake, he kept his eyes on the water ahead of him.
"Are you okay?” Lucy asked. “You got kind of quiet."
"Fine,” he said tersely.
By the time he pulled into the cove and dropped the anchor, most of his blood returned to his head. As beautiful of a day as it was, the cove was filled with boats of all sizes, so he pulled away from the crowd for a bit of privacy.
"I'm going to change and get some towels,” he told her. He went down to his bedroom, where Lucy's clothes were draped over his dresser. Her scent, like warm vanilla, still lingered in the air. With a groan, he changed as quickly as possibly, desperate to get the intoxicating smell out of his nostrils as soon as possible.
Lucy was seated on the deck when he came out, rubbing sun block on her long, muscular legs. He resisted the urge to ask if she needed a hand. “Ready?” She nodded enthusiastically, and he helped her down the ladder to the swim platform.
"Can you swim?” He realized that he hadn't even bothered to ask before now. “I have life jackets aboard if you'd feel more comfortable."
"I can swim.” She jumped straight into the water without testing the temperature. “Besides,” she said after she landed with a splash, “the water only goes up to my chest."
He tested the water with his toes and hid a wince. The cold spring hadn't given the lakes much of a chance to heat up. He guessed the temperature was in the low seventies.
"Oh, come on, chicken,” Lucy insulted him with a smile. “Get in.” When he didn't immediately respond, she reached up and grabbed his leg.
His arms flailed out in a desperate, meager attempt at balance, but it was too late. He fell forward in a belly flop, and sank to the bottom.
When he returned to the surface, coughing and sputtering, Lucy was laughing. “You think that's funny?"
"I'm sorry,” she said, not sounding the least bit of contrite. “I bet you've never had anything happen to you before that you didn't plan."
She was still biting back laughter, and he felt a twitch of amusement tickle his funny bone. She was right. His life was planned to the point where he knew what he would be eating weeks in advance, thanks to Mrs. Simms’ monthly menus. Getting pulled into a cold lake had definitely not been on the agenda.
"Not everything is planned,” he said as he inched closer. “I wasn't planning to do this.” Lucy's eyes widened as if she realized what he was going to do, but she only had time to let out a giggly shriek before he pounced and yanked her under the water.
This time, they both came up sputtering and laughing. She immediately launched on his back, wrestling him under water. He got out of her hold easily and pulled her down with him.
Under the water, he opened his eyes to find her staring back at him. Air suddenly seemed secondary to staying below the water line with her. He didn't know if it was the excitement of her challenging him, the exhilaration of activity or simply Lucy herself. He only knew he had to kiss her.
Cole reached and drew her to him. Weightless, she glided into his arms. Then he lowered his mouth to hers.
The moment their lips connected, the temperature of the lake rose fifty degrees. Cole felt as though he was swimming in a hot tub.
Lucy's arms snaked around his neck, and without the resistance, they floated above the surface. Their lips remained locked and Cole brought his arms around her waist. Her barely clad breasts pressed into his bare chest.
His tongue darted out to trace the line of her lips. With a sigh, her mouth opened, and he immediately entered heaven. She met him softly, sweetly, her tongue caressing his. Her hands clutched at his damp hair, and she rubbed her body against his.
He felt himself growing hard and cursed the sheer number of boats within eye range. He couldn't take her here. They had to go back in the cabin.
He pulled away, ready to grab her hand and tug her back onto the boat. But when he reached for her, she stepped away, two of her fingers grazing over her swollen lips.
Sanity came crashing around him. What the hell was he doing? This couldn't happen. Not between them.
Because he wasn't interested in a relationship. Not with her or any woman. He'd been too badly burn
ed to risk his heart again.
If he knew she wasn't looking for anything serious, it would be different. He could be with her, get the feel of her out of his system, and then he could get back to his plan undistracted. But he had to be sure, because he didn't want her to think they had a future together.
He decided to test out the waters. “That was—"
"A mistake,” she cut him off.
Okay. That answered his question. But he was annoyed at how quickly she dismissed their connection. “If that was a mistake, it was a pretty damn good one."
She walked over to the boat and pulled herself out of the water. After wrapping a beach towel around her shoulders, she sat on the swim platform, facing him. “Fine. It was ... nice. But even nice things can be a mistake. We're from different worlds. There will never be anything between us."
He pulled himself up beside her and felt her stiffen as his arm brushed against hers. “What about hot, sweaty, mind-blowing sex? Can that be between us?"
Her face turned redder than a fresh-cut rose. “I'm not into casual flings. So if that's what this afternoon was about, sorry, it's not going to happen. You may as well take me home."
"This afternoon was about having fun, and I'm having a blast with you. Let's just forget about this and have some lunch. Mrs. Simms packed us a basket."
"Fine.” She stood and started up the ladder to the main deck.
"Hey, Luce.” He put a hand on her bare leg to still her and immediately goose bumps formed beneath his fingers. Hmm, interesting. She wasn't as sure of herself as she had sounded. “If you change your mind..."
She didn't say anything and she didn't turn around. She just stood there for a moment, and then continued climbing the ladder.
Lucy was definitely rethinking the situation, and she hated herself for letting the thoughts even drift through her mind. As offended as she was that he had offered her only a fling, she had to admit it really was the most logical solution to their attraction. She had Bennie and the flower shop to take care of, which didn't leave her much time for dating. And Cole didn't want anything long-term. If she slept with him, maybe she could get him out of her system once and for all. And if that kiss was any indication, it would be amazing.
Fear stopped her. Fear that one time wouldn't be nearly enough. Fear that she would fall in love with him. Fear that he would break her heart.
She kept running those reasons over and over again through her mind, trying to convince herself. She repeated them as they ate lunch, and then took another cruise around the lake. She repeated them as they docked the boat and on the drive back to her house.
And she repeated them as he pulled to a stop in her driveway.
"I had fun today,” Cole said, turning toward her in his seat.
"So did I.” He was sitting close enough for her to catch his scent of sweat, sunshine, and lake air. The intoxicating smell clouded her brain, and covered up the litany she'd tried so hard to remember.
Her mind blank, she leaned over the armrest, cupped his face in her hands and kissed him.
He responded immediately, and the moment went from tender to red-hot in less than a second. His arms wrapped around her, his hands moving under her T-shirt to caress her bare skin.
She returned in kind, running her fingers across his muscled back. His kiss moved from her mouth to her neck, and she leaned her head to one side to give him better access. A throaty moan tore from her lips as he found that sensitive spot just above her collarbone and nibbled.
A nearby car horn startled them and they broke apart. Both breathless, they just stared at one another.
"Do you want to come in?” All reason had fled Lucy's brain, but she didn't care. Her physical needs were outweighing her good sense.
"Yes,” he groaned, shutting off the ignition. “More than you know."
"I know pretty well.” She nodded toward his obvious erection. He grabbed her hand and put it against the hardness. She grew wet, just thinking about how aroused she'd already made him. It was empowering to think she could have that kind of effect on a man like him. “Let's take that inside."
They ran to the front door, and Lucy fumbled with the key. Shaky with anticipation, she couldn't quite get the key in the lock. Turns out, it didn't matter. All of a sudden, the door opened.
"Ben?” she exclaimed when her brother appeared in the doorway.
"Sis!” He scooped her into a bear hug.
"What are you doing here?"
"I caught a ride with my buddy, Stu. I thought I'd surprise you, spend a few days at home."
"With your laundry, I see.” She pointed to the duffle bag in the corner.
He grinned sheepishly. “You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not.” With Ben out of the house, sometimes she missed him so much she actually craved doing his laundry. She was so glad he was home for a visit.
"Um, sis?” Ben cleared his throat, and then gave a short nod. “Who's this?"
Oh, my God, she'd forgotten about Cole! How on Earth was she going to explain this to her brother?
Cole took care of it for her. He stepped inside and closed the door. “I'm Cole Donovan.” Cole stuck out his hand.
Ben shook it. “Ben Chaple. Lucy's brilliant younger brother. I didn't know she was dating anyone."
"We're not dating,” she and Cole said in unison.
"We're friends,” Lucy supplemented. “Sort of."
Ben raised an eyebrow in confusion. “How'd you meet?"
Lucy and Cole shared a glance. “Through work,” she said swiftly. Ben didn't need to know that Cole had offered to buy her firstborn.
"Are you going to Stanford?” Cole asked, pointing to a brochure on the couch next to Ben's backpack.
Ben nodded. “Hopefully, for medical school."
"That's impressive. It's a great school."
"I know. And I'm pretty confident I can get in. Paying for it"—he swung a glance at his sister—"now that's another matter."
Why did Ben have to bring that up! Lucy could feel Cole's gaze on her, but she refused to face him.
"Are you hungry, Bennie?” she asked instead, ignoring the pounding in her chest. “I can fix you a snack."
"That would be great. I'm starving."
"Go wait in the kitchen while I say goodnight to Cole."
"Sure thing. Nice meeting you, Cole."
"You too, Ben."
Lucy watched her brother enter the kitchen and then turned to Cole. She prepared herself for another financial bribe and was surprised when he put his hands on her waist and pulled her close.
"I guess it's not going to happen tonight.” He quirked a small smile of obvious regret.
"Or any other night,” she blurted out. “Things got out of hand. This won't happen again."
If she expected him to argue, she was disappointed. He opened the door and said, “If you change your mind.” Then he kissed the top of her head softly, reverently.
Damn him, he knew exactly how to leave her wanting more.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Four
Lucy had absolutely no idea what she was doing here.
She stood in front of her car and stared at Cole's mansion, a box of flowers in her hands. Her new driver should have been standing here. But for some reason she couldn't explain, she had offered to make this particular delivery herself. She'd told herself she didn't want to overwhelm her new driver with too many deliveries while he was still learning the ropes. It had absolutely nothing to do with the dreams she'd been having since her and Cole's day on the lake.
Nothing.
Okay, fine. So her dreams were so vivid that sometimes she woke up wet and panting, her skin so sensitive that even her thin, worn sheets sent shivers down her spine. And maybe she had taken a few naps the last couple days, hoping to get back to that place where Cole worshipped her body. Where no one existed but the two of them and the only issue between them was how many times they could make each other climax.
But that wasn't reality. This was—standing here in front of Cole's house with an armful of flowers when she had so many other things to do.
Lucy took a deep breath and put one foot unsteadily in front of the other until she got to the back door. She was here. She would make the delivery. But this was absolutely the last time.
She walked into the kitchen amidst a flurry of activity. The household she'd expected to be quiet was alive with commotion. A handful of people in chef's outfits were in the room, various foods and utensils spread out in front of them. Two young woman with cleaning buckets and rags rushed through the door to the main part of the house. Nanny Hilda, Mrs. Simms, and an attractive older woman were at one end of the island conferring over a pad of paper covered with notes.
"Lucy!” Nanny Hilda greeted her with a welcoming smile. “Come here, dear."
Lucy set the flowers down and walked around to the group.
Mrs. Simms flashed a smile. The third woman didn't even look up.
"It looks like you're having a party,” Lucy commented.
Nanny Hilda nodded. “An early Fourth of July celebration for Cole's business associates and friends."
Lucy glanced around at the chefs preparing what could only be called a gourmet feast. It looked far more glamorous than the hot dogs she planned to barbecue for the Fourth.
"Mrs. Simms, the tent and tables are being delivered at noon,” the third woman said, finally looking up from her list and catching sight of Lucy. “Why are you standing here? The cleaning crew already started. You're late."
"Mrs. Donovan!” Nanny Hilda exclaimed. “This is Lucy Chaple, our florist. She owns Lily's Blooms."
Lucy groaned inwardly. This was Cole's mother? Oh, no. Why had she taken this delivery?
Mrs. Donovan glanced at the floral arrangements Lucy had set down. Her petite, perfect nose tilted as if she'd caught a whiff of rotten eggs. “Mrs. Simms, you should have cancelled that order. My personal florist will be providing the flowers tonight."
Lucy felt heat rising to her cheeks and hated that Mrs. Donovan would be able to tell she was getting to her. But in her business, she had dealt with too many rude customers to let this woman get the best of her. If she didn't want the flowers, that was fine by Lucy.
The Baby Interview Page 5