* * *
As Raine assembled her last basket for the morning, her doorbell rang. She glanced over at Abby, who was pleased as punch in her Pack ’N’ Play pen, and left her to head downstairs to see who her unexpected visitor was.
She frowned when she peered out the window alongside the door and saw a man in a blue work uniform standing on her front step. Cautiously easing open the door only a couple inches, she kept her hand on the knob. “Yes?” she asked.
The man held out a clipboard with what appeared to be an order form. “Good morning, ma’am. I’m here to install your new furnace. I was informed the old one has not been removed, so I’ll need to do that first.”
Raine stared down at the order, then back up at the man. “Excuse me? New furnace?”
Then it hit her. Max. Damn it. Most women got flowers and got all weepy. She got a new furnace and tears pricked her eyes. She was so not normal.
“Um...no. No, the old one hasn’t been removed.” She allowed the furnace man to enter. “It’s right back here.”
As much as she wanted to protest, she knew this worker didn’t want to get caught in the middle of a feud, and she also knew when to just let someone help. And that was a totally new concept for her, since Raine didn’t get reinforcements from anyone. Yet, stubbornness aside, how could she deny that Max had been there for her more in the past several days than her parents had been most of her adult life?
When Raine showed the man where the furnace was, he went back out to his truck and another man came in as well to assist. Raine wasn’t too comfortable being alone in her house with two strange men, but that was life. She was a single woman, and this was just how it worked.
Once she realized they didn’t need her standing around staring at them, she went back upstairs, grabbed her cell from her work area and then picked up Abby.
She quickly dialed Elise’s house and wasn’t surprised when Max answered.
“You seriously paid for a furnace?” she asked, not beating around the bush.
“I seriously did,” he said with a chuckle. “Did you try to kick out the workers yet?”
Raine smiled and shifted Abby’s weight. “I thought about it, but then realized I would only be hurting myself and Abby if I didn’t accept your very generous and much appreciated gift.”
“Wow. The old Raine would’ve fought me tooth and nail over this.”
Her smile spread across her face as she started to head back downstairs. “Yeah, well, I’m not the same Raine, and I’m not an idiot. I need a furnace and you want to gift it to me. I’ll take it.”
Max laughed again. “I’m very impressed with the new Raine. Would the new Raine happen to have any plans for Valentine’s Day?”
Was he flirting with her? She hadn’t flirted since...way too far back to remember.
“Sorry. The new Raine has a baby and no sitter.”
“I’d like to have both of you for my date,” he stated. “I’m kind of greedy.”
“What about your mother? Will a nurse be watching her that night?”
Abby’s little arms were waving about and nearly knocked the cell from between Raine’s shoulder and ear. Raine eased her head the other direction to ward off slobbery fingers.
“Well, Mom claims my father is coming to town to spend the day with her.”
Raine stepped into the living room, settled Abby into her swing and turned it on. “You don’t sound convinced.”
“I believe he wants to come, but work always gets in the way.”
Raine watched Abby as she swung back and forth. The men in the other room were making quite the racket, and Raine couldn’t believe she was contemplating a date with Max. Seriously? And if they went on a date, where would that lead? Back to bed?
Marshall had already seen Max at her house, so that secret was no longer well kept. Perhaps if that became an issue with the adoption, this “date” would go a long way in proving Max wasn’t just a fling. Even though she couldn’t necessarily define what they were at the moment, they’d definitely gone beyond just sex.
But was she ready to take that next step and go on a real date?
“I’m not sure,” she said.
“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, but I know we have a good time together. What do you say?”
“Can I think about it?”
Max chuckled. “You can, but you have a day to do it.”
“If I did agree, what would we do?” she asked.
“I have plans in place if you say yes. That’s all you need to know.”
Shivers coursed through Raine. How could she refuse a man when he’d already given her and their time together so much thought and consideration?
He was right in the sense that they did enjoy each other’s company, and she didn’t have anything else to do.
Oh, who was she kidding? She wanted this date like she wanted her next breath.
“If you’re sure you can handle me and Abby, then I guess we’re available.”
“Perfect,” he said. “I’ll be at your house tomorrow at five. Does that work?”
Giddiness swept through Raine, and she spun in a little circle. Max couldn’t see her, and, even if he could, she didn’t care.
“Where will we go?” she asked.
“All you need to worry about is being yourself. Don’t get all fussed up. I just want to see the natural Raine I spent three days with in the snowstorm.”
Raine wrinkled her nose. “You’re serious? Because natural Raine isn’t worthy of public places.”
“You’ll be fine,” he assured her with a laugh. “Promise.”
By the time she hung up, Raine was intrigued as to what he had planned. Max being back in town had already turned into something she’d never expected. How could she not fall for him again? Especially when she ached for him with all her heart and soul.
Although she knew she should probably keep her distance, deep down she knew there was no way she could stay detached from him. Her emotions were too profound, their bond too strong. And since they’d been intimate and had begun to confront their past issues, that bond had only grown.
He was extending this olive branch to her. She had no doubt he wanted to see where this newfound relationship led. She did, too.
But as much as she wanted to savor this time together, she knew they both needed to proceed with caution.
Because neither of them could afford another emotional landslide.
Thirteen
When Max took his first step over the threshold of the Shakespearian Theater, he had to stop and take it all in. The large red-velvet curtains draped from the stage at the far end. The slanted rows of seats and the tiered balconies on either side were completely empty, but in a few short weeks would be overflowing with an eager audience...he hoped.
This play was for charity, and they needed to raise an insane amount of money for the theater’s renovations. Of course he’d donate a large sum as well, perhaps double the amount brought in from the play.
And since he’d just been faxed the script yesterday morning, he’d barely had time to look it over, but he did know he was playing a Roman soldier. Just what he wanted to do—sport a sheet, a metal chest plate and wield a sword. But for the sake of the arts and as a favor to his mother, he’d do it. God knows he’d played worse characters over the course of his career.
As he made his way down the aisle, that thrill shot through him of doing live theater again. There was nothing like that immediate feedback, the cheers, the standing ovations...and the ego boost that inevitably followed. The vanity of acting was just part of the process, and he’d learned long ago to face it head-on, but not let it consume his life. Too many talented actors had fallen, because their ego had gotten in the way of their dreams.
Max made his way to the back of the stage where he’d told the director he’d meet him.
An elderly man was bent over in the corner mumbling something about cords and wiring. Max smiled and cleared his throat to get the man’s att
ention.
“Oh, oh. I didn’t know you were here.” He came to his feet, extending his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you in person, Mr. Ford.”
“Call me Max,” he replied, pumping the other man’s hand.
“I’m Joe. I’m the director here. I can’t tell you how thrilled we were when your mother said you’d take on this part. We had a local man scheduled to play the role, but he had to bow out at the last minute.”
“I’m happy I can help.”
Joe slid his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “How is your mother doing? Hated to hear about her illness.”
“She’s on the mend and doing remarkably well,” he told the older gentleman. “We’re really lucky they caught the tumor in time. The doctor expects a full recovery and no chemo, so she’s happy.”
“That’s fantastic news,” Joe said with a smile. “We all just love her around here. She’s always been such an advocate of the arts and it’s nice to have someone like her in our corner.”
Max nodded toward the wires. “Having some problems over there?”
The director sighed, shaking his head. “I can’t get this mess figured out. We need to have the lighting updated, and I’m trying to get through this one last play before having it replaced.”
“Is it the time or the money that’s the hold up?” Max asked.
“A little of both.” Joe laughed, moving over the squat down again. “I really need to get an electrician in here before we do this production at the end of the month...”
“Call someone and I’ll cover all costs. See how fast they can get it done.”
Joe’s head whipped around. “You’re serious?”
Max nodded, squatting down beside Joe. “Absolutely. I can do some things, but this may be out of my element.”
Joe grinned. “Yeah, I heard rumors there may be collaboration between you and Bronson Dane. Any truth to that?”
Shrugging, Max smiled. “We’ll see.” Coming to his feet, he rested his hands on his hips. “Now, why did you need to meet me today? Don’t tell me you’re spending Valentine’s Day working.”
Joe laughed. “My wife would kill me. I wanted to talk to you in person before any other actors arrived. Now that you’ve seen the script, are you comfortable with it? Do you want any changes?”
“I thought the script was great. I’m really looking forward to doing live theater again.”
“Wonderful. That’s such a relief.”
Max studied the man and noticed he was much more relaxed now. “Did you think I’d come in, throw my weight around and try to take over your production?”
Joe raised his brows. “We’ve had that happen before. Not with you, of course. Last summer we had a certain A-list actor who wanted some things changed before he’d commit.”
Max knew who Joe referred to. Even though L.A. was on the other side of the country, the acting industry really was small, and word traveled fast...especially when other performers were all too eager to slip into some diva’s shoes.
“Well, I assure you,” Max went on, “I’m thrilled to be helping out with the charity and to get back to my roots. Are we starting rehearsals Monday?”
“Yes. Since we’re pushing the envelope with the lead role change, you’ll be coming in at the start of dress rehearsal, so I’m afraid there’s not much time to get acquainted with the cast.”
“I’m flexible.” Max walked around behind the stage, checking out the lighting, looking at the various exits. “This place hasn’t changed since I started here fifteen years ago.”
“Not too much has. I’ve been here for almost ten years, and we’ve replaced the sound system and done some minor updating, but that’s about it.”
Max glanced to the small dressing area in the corner for the quick changes that were sometimes needed between sets when there wasn’t time to change in a dressing room.
As if he were watching it happen, he saw a younger version of Raine and himself sneaking into that room and closing the door. They’d fooled around for hours on end in there. They’d arrive early for rehearsal and while the director and sound manager were busy talking, he and Raine would make out. Pathetic, but they were in the throes of a teenage love that consumed their every waking moment.
“If that’s okay with you...”
Snapping out of his reverie, Max turned back to the elderly man. “I’m sorry, what?”
“I said I was going to have you and Patricia come in earlier on Monday. Since you’re the leads, I thought you’d want to go over some key scenes without the rest of the cast here.”
Max nodded. “That should be fine. If my mother is feeling up to it, I may bring her to a few of the rehearsals just to get her out of the house.”
“We’d love to have her.”
Max shook the man’s hand again and walked around the theater, taking in all the familiar surroundings, letting the nostalgia seep through him.
After several minutes of strolling down memory lane, Max knew he needed to get ready for his date with Raine. He was pretty anxious for their time together. Granted being around Abby made him a little uneasy, but he was starting to get more comfortable with her. It was just...she was so tiny he seriously feared he’d hurt her.
The snow was still stark white, except for the black slush that lined the side of the streets, but, for the most part, it remained beautiful and crisp.
As Max maneuvered his way back home, he realized how much he’d missed this weather. He hated to admit it, even to himself, but he’d once loved the winters here. When he’d been a kid, they’d had so many snowstorms. Canceled school, sleigh rides and sneaking off with Raine had been the major highlights from his youth.
He may not know what the hell he was doing with her, but he knew for sure that, when he was with her, he had that same feeling he had always had when they’d been together in the past...perfection. There was simply no other way to describe it.
L.A. would be waiting for him when he returned in two months. But for right now, he wanted Raine. He wanted to spend more time with her, with Abby, and, when it came time to leave again, who knows, maybe she’d come this time.
* * *
Raine didn’t have much in the way of going-out clothes, but she settled for her nice jeans, black knee boots and a pink top that rested just off her shoulders. A bit sexy, but not obvious and trampy.
She nearly snorted. She was so not the poster child for seduction. She’d had to scrounge to find some makeup so she at least looked a little feminine.
And Max had called earlier, upset and frustrated because his father’s plans to come visit had fallen through so they would either have to cancel their plans or spend Valentine’s Day with his mother.
So did this really constitute a date since his mother and her baby would be there? Um...no. Apparently fate had intervened and taken the romance out of the most romantic night of the year. She nearly laughed. This whole spending the evening with his mother bit felt a little like working backward. Shouldn’t they have done this before falling back in bed together?
Raine left her bathroom and picked up Abby from the Pack ’N’ Play pen. Abby looked absolutely adorable with her red leggings, black-and-red shirt with hearts and black furry booties. There was a matching black hat with a red bow on it, but Raine wasn’t so sure Abby would keep it on. Raine would at least try.
She had just descended the last step when the doorbell rang. Nerves settled low in her belly. This was nothing major. Just because it was Valentine’s Day and just because Max had invited her and Abby to spend it at his house didn’t mean anything. They were old friends. Okay, so they were old lovers. No, wait, they were new lovers.
Biting back a groan, Raine headed to the door. She honestly didn’t know what they were right now. They’d slept together, argued, rehashed a very rocky point from their past and now they were having dinner. If she didn’t know better, she’d think they’d slipped right back into their old pattern...except now she had a baby in the mix.
She jerked open the door, and Max stood there with a potted...basil plant?
Raine laughed. “You never were predictable.”
“Why should I be? I always prided myself on standing out in a crowd.”
“Basil, Max?”
He shrugged, stepping into the foyer. “You like to grow your own things so I thought you’d like an herb.”
Unable to resist, she went up on her tiptoes and kissed Max on the cheek. “You’re very sweet.” Raine didn’t want to think about how handsome he looked in his perfectly pressed dress pants and cobalt blue shirt, matching his eyes. Nor did she want to think about the lengths Max had gone to in order to get this plant at this time of year. The fact he didn’t do the traditional roses on Valentine’s Day warmed her heart and touched her in places his niceties had no place touching. He was leaving in less than two months, and she refused to let her heart go with him this time. Spending time with Max was going to happen, she refused to deny herself. But she was older and wiser now, and she had to be realistic.
“Are you two ready to go?” he asked, holding his arm out waiting for her to take it.
“I need to get the car seat from my vehicle first.”
Max shook his head. “I bought one and put it in already. Well, the store manager had to install it because I was afraid to screw it up, but it’s in and ready to go.”
Oh, God. That was it. Her heart tumbled and fell into a puddle at his feet. Damn this man. How could she even consider handing him her heart again when it had been shattered in so many pieces last time? For heaven’s sake, she was still recovering, if she were completely honest with herself.
“Everything okay?” Max asked, searching her eyes.
Raine offered a smile and shifted Abby in her arms. “We’re good. All ready to go.”
He slid a hand over her cheek, brushing her hair aside. “You look stunning, Raine. Too bad we can’t stay in.”
“Perhaps it’s for the best.”
“You don’t believe that.”
She stared up into his crisp blue eyes and held his stare. “I do. As much as I love being together, we both know you’ll be leaving soon. So let’s just enjoy the time we have and worry about everything else later.”
Snowbound with a Billionaire Page 12