The Way You Love Me

by Unknown

  “I guess this means it’s fixed?” he said, using all of his control to make his voice and pose casual as he sat up, holding her loosely in his arms.

  She flushed and smiled at him. “Thank you.”

  He’d walk through hell for her smile. “Thank me by keeping a backup file on your computer here and at the office.”

  “I’ll take care of it tomorrow,” she told him.

  “Tonight.” Setting her too-alluring body away, he pushed to his feet. “I have an extra flash drive in my room. I’ll show you how to back up all your documents.”

  Crossing her legs, she stared up at him. “I bet your company hated to lose you. Nothing throws you.”

  His gaze went to her lips, the hard tips of her unbound breasts pushing against the soft cotton pajama top. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” He started from the room, but not before he saw Paige grin.

  The next morning Paige practically floated into the kitchen. She’d felt energized, invincible, and it was all due to the man watching her with unblinking eyes. His sizzling gaze swept over her like silent caressing fingers, heating her body. One day, she promised, she’d return the favor, only her hands would actually be on that glorious body of his.

  Last night he had taken her mouth with consummate skill and gentleness. She’d felt his hunger for her, but also his control. His kisses might pleasure her, his hands make her restless with desire, but he’d never take more than she was willing to give. He was chivalrous, tempting, confident, and he wanted her.

  Her champion, her Black Knight.

  She’d dressed for just this moment in a metallic tank over an open-weave linen double-layer skirt with a raw-edge handkerchief hemline. A brown three-inch leather belt with a gold buckle hung loosely over her waist. On her feet were her new chocolate wedge sandals with thin leather straps around her ankles.

  Since she couldn’t touch him, her gaze swept greedily over him. Her heart actually skipped a beat. In a black polo shirt and jeans, Shane looked dangerous and delicious. She shivered slightly, taking the chair he held for her, glad her mother had yet to turn. “Good morning, Shane, Mother.”

  “Morning,” he said, taking the seat next to her as usual.

  “Good morning, Paige,” her mother said as she bent to take a dish out of the oven. “Shane said the practice went well.”

  “It did, but I’m no Wonder Woman,” she confessed, making a face.

  “Just as long as you can defend yourself… if necessary,” Shane said. “If not, run.”

  She tilted her head to one side, knowing the move flirtatious, enjoying him watching her. “You wouldn’t.”

  “I’ve had lots more practice and experience.” His face hardened. “I mean it, Paige.”

  “I promise,” she said, not wanting him to worry. “Mother, that smells good.”

  Joann set the egg-and-ham quiche on a metal trivet on the table. “I hope it tastes good.” She took the seat that Shane rose and held for her. “I haven’t cooked this dish in a long time.” Bowing her head, she blessed the food.

  “I can’t imagine you making a bad meal.” Shane accepted the quiche Joann passed to him.

  Paige’s mother smiled with pleasure. “Thank you. Paige is a good cook as well.”

  “Oh?” Shane said, his interest obvious.

  Paige picked up her fork. “Mother taught me, although I haven’t done any cooking in a while. It seemed easier to eat out or order in.”

  “And you don’t have to clean up,” he said, a teasing light dancing in his dark eyes.

  “That’s why the dishwasher in my condo had a pot scrubber,” she said, smiling back at him. It took a moment for her to realize her mother was staring at them. Paige said the first thing that popped into her mind to get the conversation going again. “Shane fixed my computer last night.”

  “What happened?” her mother asked, concerned.

  “I accidentally knocked it off the bed,” she admitted. “I was frantic because it had all the information for the Masquerade Ball, but Shane saved the day, and then backed up all of my files.”

  “You’re lucky he was here,” her mother said casually.

  “And today Paige is going to back up the files in her office so that if it happens again, she won’t worry.” Shane picked up his cranberry juice.

  Paige drank her juice, watching him over the rim of her glass for the sheer pleasure it gave her. “I was kind of hoping that you’d come in and oversee me as I do it.”

  “Will around eleven be all right?” he asked, his gaze on her mouth, which was painted a soft berry color.

  Remembering his insistent mouth on hers last night, her body went from simmer to aroused. She quickly finished the juice, hoping it would cool her down. No such luck. “Yes. Well, I have to go.” Striving for normal, she rose. “Thanks for breakfast, Mother. See you later, Shane.”

  He stood. “I’ll see you to the car.”

  “That would be nice.” She had to get a grip.

  “Excuse me, Mrs. Albright.” Shane took Paige by the arm and walked her outside to the garage. He opened her car door for her. “Drive carefully.”

  “I will. See you at eleven.” On tiptoe she kissed him on the cheek, then slipped into the car and pulled away with a smile on her face. Not too much of a grip, though.

  Shane shook his head. A fearless Paige might be a handful. She’d looked so sexy in the sassy skirt that made him want to slip it and the tank top off to find the fragrant skin he knew waited beneath.

  Returning to the kitchen, he speculated on how long it would take to make the thought a reality . . . until he saw Paige’s mother watching him.

  He was caught, lusting after her daughter. Heat climbed up his neck. He’d never experienced embarrassment before but, with Paige, he was experiencing a lot of firsts.

  “Paige seemed happier than I’ve seen her in a long time,” her mother said, watching him closely over the cup of coffee she raised to her lips.

  Sharp woman. Shane took his seat and picked up his own coffee cup. “I think I should move out.”

  Unlike the first time he’d suggested moving, she simply continued to stare at him. “Oh.”

  Shane, who had never met the parent of a woman he took out, let alone wanted as desperately as he wanted Paige, barely kept from ducking his head. “Yes.”

  She set her cup exactly in the center of the saucer without looking. The simple act took practice. Her ancestors had been people who made their own way, helped others while doing it, unlike his, who took with both hands when no one was looking. “Do you mind telling me why?”

  Now came the tricky part. “There’s no reason for me to stay here. Russell is out of town, and when he returns, he’ll find that the relationship between him and Paige has changed.”

  “Thanks to you.”

  Shane, who had dealt with the deadliest, most unscrupulous people on earth, fought to maintain eye contact with Paige’s mother. He was quickly learning that mothers could be fierce opponents. He should have remembered that from Sierra’s mother, Ruth.

  “Have you told Paige yet?”

  “No,” he said.

  “Why?” she asked, staring intently across the table at him.

  She was like a pit bull. Once she got something in her mind, she didn’t let go. No one had to tell him she’d take a chunk out of his backside if she thought he’d hurt Paige. She’d used him to get rid of Russell because she hadn’t wanted to cause a deeper rift between herself and her daughter. With Shane, that wasn’t a factor. “It seemed right to let you know first.”

  Joann snorted delicately and straightened. “What reason for moving are you going to give her?”

  “You were gracious enough to allow me to stay, but I don’t want to wear out my welcome.” He was ready for that one.

  “And the real reason.”

  This time he wasn’t as ready. Caring about a woman could cause a man a lot of trouble, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He met Paige’s mother’s stare head-
on. “I care about her and feel it’s best I move out.”

  “I see.” She picked up her cup, then put it down. “If Trent and Daniel didn’t trust you, you wouldn’t be here. You’ve shown me you’re a man of his word, a man to be reckoned with. No offense, but you’re not an easy man. Paige has planned her wedding to her Black Knight since she was nine years old. Make-believe and fairy tales were how she coped in a world that was too often unforgiving and harsh. It was how she survived.”

  Shane didn’t like the way the conversation was going. He wasn’t talking marriage, and he realized that was exactly what she meant. Playing around with Paige was out. It had to be forever or nothing. “I understand.”

  “I’m grateful for what you’ve done. I even insinuated that you two might be interested in each other,” she said.

  “To make Russell and his mother angry,” Shane said, feeling his gut tighten.

  “Yes.” Unflinching from the unflattering truth, she leaned across the table. “You’re nothing like him. If I had to choose, you’d win hands-down. But I also know you have a life with Blade. Paige’s life is here.”

  He stood, pushed his chair in, his temper simmering beneath the surface. “So I’m good enough to help, but not good enough to touch her?”

  She came to her feet, her eyes angry. “That’s a stupid, judgmental thing to say. I wouldn’t care if you scrubbed floors for a living if you really loved her. I won’t let her love you and then lose you. She’ll love deeply. She doesn’t know any other way.” Tears sparkled in her eyes. “That won’t happen to my baby. I won’t let it.”

  His anger left as swiftly as it had come. He circled the table, taking her into his arms. Trent’s father had been the love of Joann’s life. They’d had one night and never seen each other again. The man was dead, and Joann had only a memory.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Neither of you can control how you feel about the other. I know that better than anyone.” She lifted her face. “But there is a point of no return. If you don’t plan to stick around, don’t do that to Paige or yourself.”

  Awkwardly, he brushed the tears from her face. This was definitely not going the way he’d planned. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “There’s nothing to say.” She moved out of his arms. “I know you won’t hurt Paige intentionally.”

  “Maybe I should go,” he said slowly, ignoring the churning of his gut at the thought. “I could send someone to monitor the situation.”

  “But it wouldn’t be you.” She smiled sadly. “You’re the one who makes Paige’s face light up. You’re her Black Knight.”

  “Mrs. Albright—”

  She held up her hand, stopping him. “Paige deserves happiness. I don’t want my fears getting in the way. And there will be no moving out.”

  “Mrs. Albright—”

  Again she stopped him. “If you moved out, do you really think that would help the situation or escalate it?”

  He felt his face heat. Damn.

  She picked up her coffee cup and his. “Shane, besides white roses, Paige likes Swiss chocolates and lemon sugar cookies.”

  “Why are you telling me?” Shane asked.

  She smiled patiently. “You’re a smart man. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

  He was afraid he had. Paige’s mother had gone from warning him off to trying to help him court Paige. He didn’t court women. “I—”

  “I’m sure you have other things to do than watch me clean up the kitchen.” Joann stacked the breakfast plates and took them to the sink.

  Shane knew when he was outmaneuvered. Shaking his head, he departed for the garage. He cared about Paige, wanted her, but he wasn’t this Black Knight her mother had talked about. His eyes shut. Now he understood those trusting, enamored looks of Paige’s.

  Damn. What a mess!

  Worse, he didn’t know how to fix things or who could help him figure out what to do. Emotions were involved. When that happened, there were too many variables to come to a logical conclusion.

  Blade, in love with Sierra, would tell him to go for it. Rio would fix him with one of his enigmatic stares and say nothing. Shane didn’t even want to think of asking Sierra, who wouldn’t be shy about telling him exactly the same thing Blade had, only she’d try to stick her nose in things to make sure they happened.

  Looked like he had to handle this on his own. And he hadn’t the foggiest idea of how.

  As he climbed inside the rental it occurred to Shane that, for the second time in his adult life, he didn’t know what to do. Both times it was because of the same woman.

  Chapter 13

  “You look fabulous in that outfit,” Jackie commented as Paige entered Jackie’s office shortly after arriving at work that morning.

  “Thanks.” Paige took her usual seat in front of Jackie’s desk. She’d been getting compliments all morning. Even Doris had looked at her with envy. Paige couldn’t keep the grin off her face, then or now. It just showed what the right man could do for a woman’s spirits.

  “Not what you typically wear,” Jackie commented, studying her closely. “I don’t need to guess why.”

  “Probably not,” Paige said with unabashed honesty. “I came in to thank you again for the carpet. It looked great in the apartment. I can pick up the tile this evening if it’s convenient.”

  “It is.” Jackie folded her hands on her desk. Her round diamond engagement ring flashed on her left hand. “I hope you don’t mind my saying this, but I’m glad you and Russell are a thing of the past. I could never reconcile the two of you together.”

  Paige thought briefly of what her father wanted, then mentally pushed the thought away. “It’s definitely over. I sent him an e-mail this morning. I had hoped we could remain friends, but I’m not so sure.”

  “Since I know you don’t like confrontations, I can imagine this isn’t easy.” Jackie leaned back in her chair. Sunlight glinted on her red hair and made her freckles more evident. “At least you didn’t have to wait until you were my age to meet someone. Sometimes I was afraid it wouldn’t happen.”

  “To tell you the truth, so was I,” Paige confided.

  “Looks like we both got lucky. Why don’t you come around seven for dinner and bring Shane? You can see the new floors and what I’ve done to the house.”

  “I’d love to, but I’m not sure if Shane has any plans. He’s coming to help me back up my computer file, and I’ll ask him then.”

  Jackie lifted one eyebrow. “I’ve been trying to get you to do that for months.”

  “Last night made a believer out of me.” Paige explained about dropping the computer, but kept the torrid kiss to herself. Some things were meant to be private.

  “You certainly picked a winner this time.” Jackie smiled across the desk at her.

  Paige’s brain latched on to this time. Now that Russell was out of her life, she was discovering what her friends thought of him. Shane was accepted. Russell had tried to rush her to the bedroom and then the altar. Shane wasn’t rushing her anyplace. In fact, at times, she wished he’d speed things up a bit. “We’ve only been on one date.”

  And had one mind-altering kiss.

  “If you didn’t believe there was a possibility of others, you wouldn’t have that twinkle in your eyes,” Jackie told her with a brisk nod of her head. “I just hope he’s not as slow as Aaron. He’s still a little touchy about my executive position, the house, and my salary.”

  Paige slumped in her chair, her happy disposition wiped out in an instant.

  “What?” Jackie asked, her voice raised in alarm.

  “Shane is between jobs,” Paige lamented. The agency had adopted the more positive term instead of unemployed.

  “Surely he has prospects.” Jackie folded her hands on her neat desk. “He’s marvelous with computers and has the body of a Greek god. Even Veronica at the luncheon tried to latch on to him.”

  “She changed her mind when she learned Dr. Thompson had more money.” Paige tucked
her lower lip between her teeth. “He’s just looking at the job market here. What if he decides to relocate someplace else?”

  “Then, you, Paige, will just have to show him what he’ll miss if he does,” Jackie told her.

  Paige said nothing. Her first test of overcoming her fear after Shane’s instructions last evening, and she’d fallen flat on her face. The image she needed to create to help her was the very man who might break her heart.

  Something had changed. Shane recognized it the moment he walked into Paige’s office for their appointment. She smiled at him, but it was a far cry from the playful teasing of that morning. More telling perhaps was that, after he’d downloaded the first file, she had left him alone to back up the rest of the files, saying she had to run an errand. She was too well bred and polite to leave a person trying to help her. Yet that was exactly what she had done.

  He was pretty good at figuring people and situations out . . . except when it came to Paige. Finished with the last file, he left her office to find her.

  “Good morning, Shane,” Jackie greeted, coming out of her office.

  “Good morning, Jackie.”

  She stopped in front of the assistant’s desk. “Paige said you were coming in to back up her files. Long overdue, I might add.”

  “I just finished her files and was going to look for her,” he told her. “She’s not with you, I see.”

  A frown flickered across the other woman’s face. “She left?”

  “She said she had an errand to run,” Shane explained, but to him it was thin. Paige had agreed to the appointment time. She wouldn’t run out on him . . . unless she had a very good reason.

  “I’m sure she’ll be back soon.” Jackie’s smile returned. “In the meantime I’ll show you around.”

  “Thank you, but perhaps another time. I have to leave.”

  “A job interview?” Jackie asked, then rushed on when he didn’t immediately respond. “I mean, you’re so knowledgeable around computers. And like Aaron said, the city is booming. You’ll have more offers than you know what to do with.”