Just for Appearances

by Jenna Rutland

  Of all the words he had anticipated, those had never entered his mind. “Are you working that day?” he asked. She must—why else would she need him?

  “No. I…I’m having a Fourth of July party—it’s an annual thing I do—and, um, are you free?”

  He took a long sip of his wine. She wanted him to take care of the kids during her party. Well, at least she hadn’t fired him. What the hell. Watch the kids and watch her at the party. Yeah, okay, he could do that.

  “No problem. I’m free. Name the time, and I’ll be here.”

  Chapter Eleven

  The day of the party promised to be hot, muggy, and exhausting. She worked around the house all morning in preparation for the gang that would arrive in less than an hour. John hadn’t been too enthusiastic when she’d invited him. Would he be a little more into it once he got there? She silently cursed herself. What an idiot. Why would he want to be here? The look on his face when she mentioned the get-together had haunted her over the past few days. If she could have found a way to uninvite him, she would have. He obviously would come out of obligation, not because he wanted to be with her.

  He came in the kitchen door as she finished the deviled eggs. Each of his hands held a green fishnet bag bulging with assorted toys.

  “What in the world?” she asked.

  “I wanted your approval before I set these up. I dug around and found some things that would occupy the kids.” He held up one bag, which contained miniature golf clubs, a kids’ plastic horseshoe game, and enough bubbles to fill the pool.

  “I’d say they’ll be busy for hours. Plus they can always swim and play ball.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I figured,” he said. “Okay, so I’ll get out there and start to organize things. I’ll try to keep them out of your hair as much as possible.”

  Keep them out of her hair? It sounded like he planned to entertain them all day. Then it hit her. John thought he’d been invited to watch the kids. Not as her date. Not as her cohost. To be the nanny.

  “You think I only invited you to entertain the kids?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Yeah. I figured you wanted to help me to show off skills that the center staff will have. And you get some adult time without kids running wild in the process.” He studied her face for a moment, then laid the sports equipment down and walked slowly toward her. “Why did you invite me?”

  She turned her back to him. How could she explain why she wanted him here? To introduce him to her friends as if he were the man in her life? To get their reaction or approval? Or did she want to spend time together in a regular situation like any other couple?

  The sound of his footsteps slowed, then stopped. She could feel his heat. Leaning into her, he placed his hands on either side of her and let them rest on the counter. “Rach? Do you want me to help you out with this party? You know I can grill a pretty mean burger.”

  His teasing tone made her turn toward him. The grin that came to life on his face was contagious, and she couldn’t stop her own from forming. “If you’d like to help out with the grill, that’d be great, but I don’t expect you to stand there all day. The guys kind of do their thing for a while until somebody else steps in. That way nobody’s stuck.”

  “Okay, I can handle that.” He took a few steps back, then stroked his face, allowing a wave of clean-shaven man to permeate the air between them. “Did your invitation have anything to do with the other night?”

  She tried to ignore the heated blush that crept up her face. She wanted to look away from him, but intent on holding her gaze, his hand found her chin. Kisses. He referred to the kisses they shared. Without her permission, her mind filled with the sensation of the weight of his body on her, the feel of the softness of his lips.

  “I wanted to be with you.” The realization that she had blurted that out caused her to close her eyes, since turning her head wasn’t an option.

  “You invited me to the party because you wanted to be with me?”

  Her eyes snapped open. She had to backpedal here so he didn’t get the wrong—or right—idea. “Just for appearances. You’ve been practically living here, and everybody’s curious. I decided to invite people I know with kids, figuring everybody would show up to check you out.” He tilted his chin down and frowned. Was he hoping for a different explanation?

  “I was afraid I’d screwed up big-time. Was even wondering if you’d fire me. Again.”

  “Fire you? Why?”

  “Because I lost control. I thought you might be mad at me.”

  “No, it wasn’t you. It was my fault.”

  He rubbed his thumb across her cheek. “Know what, sweetheart? I think it’s both of us. I think when we’re together we kind of combust. Like putting a match to a firecracker.” She chuckled. “Okay, I know that’s corny. I tried to think of something original to fit in with the holiday.” Placing a kiss on her forehead, he whispered, “Did I tell you yet how amazing you look?”

  She glanced down at her denim sundress before giving him a questionable look. “Do you know how old this is?”

  “I think it’s the combination of the outfit and the woman. But mostly the woman,” he said, his full grin appearing.

  She licked her lips. His eyes darkened as he studied her mouth. He was going to kiss her, and she didn’t want to stop him. His lips inched forward, and her hands drifted to his forearms. The back door flew open, and in seconds, her kitchen was transformed into a mass of talking, laughing people. Rachel broke away from John and shot Dani a warning glance. Guess the party had started.

  …

  Throughout the day, John took his turn at the grill, settled any flare-ups the kids had, and helped Rachel make sure everyone had plenty to drink and eat. Most of the people were nice, and she was lucky to have a good group of friends. Several of the ladies approached him, but his constant praising of Rachel must have been a turnoff, because none of them stuck around long. Which was fine with him.

  “Hello, handsome.”

  He twisted his body around toward the direction of the sultry voice. A tall, curvy redhead greeted him as she hooked her arm through his. “I’m Dixie Sutton. You must be Rachel’s new friend.” The smile she shoved his way was probably meant to be sexy, but the inflection in her voice with the word “friend” instantly irritated him.

  Pulling his arm away, he held out his hand. “John MacDonald. I’m working for Rachel this summer.”

  Dixie took his hand in hers and placed it on her cheek. “It’s nice to meet you. Does Rachel keep you busy, or do you have time to—?” She let the question taper off suggestively. She seemed sweet, if a bit obvious.

  Removing his hand from her face, he looked over her shoulder and caught Rachel watching them. She raised an eyebrow and gave him a flirty smile as their eyes made contact.

  “Excuse me, Dixie. Nice meeting you.” He nodded before skating away.

  Rachel was snickering by the time he closed the short distance between them. “Sorry, I forgot to warn you that she’s always on the prowl. What’s the matter, not your type?”

  Moving directly in front of her, he looked down into her questioning face. “Not even close.”

  “What is your type?”

  He peered at her with a steady, fixed look. He tucked a wayward strand of blond hair behind her ear and whispered, “Love blondes. Especially those with a smile like an angel’s. And huge brown eyes so full of emotion, I feel like I can touch their owner’s soul. Makes me want to watch yours fill with desire.” Exactly what was happening right in front of him.

  “Oh.”

  “If you want to know exactly my type,” he said softly, “take a look in the mirror.” He kissed her temple, then headed toward the grill.

  After a while, as he finished a stint at making hamburgers, Matt offered him a beer.

  “I’ve known Rachel a long time. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen her this relaxed and happy. Makes me wonder if you have anything to do with it.”

  Following Mat
t’s gaze, John watched Rachel talking with a group of men and women. God, she was gorgeous. Seemed like a waste for her not to have a man in her life. Too bad he couldn’t be that man. He didn’t know what he’d been thinking, telling her she was his type. It didn’t really matter. She’d pushed him away because he wasn’t good enough before. At the end of the summer, she’d do it again.

  “Does she ever date any of these guys?”

  “Nah. Most of them accept the fact that they’ll only ever be good friends and backed off a long time ago. But then there’s always Tom.” Matt motioned toward the man on Rachel’s right. “He never gives up. Can’t tell you how many times she’s put him in his place, but nothing seems to keep him from trying again.”

  John gripped his bottle a bit tighter, never leaving his eyes off Tom.

  Nudging John’s arm with his beer bottle, Matt nodded his head in Rachel’s direction. “Watch this,” he chuckled. “It’s classic. Tom’s not really paying attention to what anyone’s saying, just thinking about making a move. He’ll creep an arm around her shoulders, and without missing a beat, she’ll step away from him and brush his arm off. Happens every time. You’d think the douchebag would finally get the message.”

  As if Tom had received a prompt, the scene played out as predicted. The snake put his arm around Rachel’s shoulders and moved closer to her side. Without a break in conversation, Rachel wriggled to the left, then plucked his arm off her shoulders, never once acknowledging him.

  John laughed. “Good call.”

  “Be interesting to see what she’d do if you tried the same move.”

  “Guess I’d know where I stood.”

  “Guess so.” Matt took a slug of his beer. “Probably let Tom know to back off if she didn’t shrink away.”

  “Never been one to pass up a challenge.” John set his beer bottle down on the picnic table. Maybe he was a bit too cocky in assuming Rachel wouldn’t pull away from him, but he wanted to set Tom in his place.

  With a few long strides, he made his way to the group. As if sensing his presence, Rachel gave a half turn to greet him. His heart faltered when she smiled up at him. Wouldn’t be hard to get used to this kind of welcome. Placing his arm over her shoulders, he pulled her against him. No resistance.

  “John, I think you’ve met everyone here.” She motioned to the small group.

  “Think so.” After a quick acknowledgment to each of them, he gave Tom a smug look. “Anybody mind if I steal this pretty lady for a minute?” Without waiting for a reply, he smiled down at Rachel and took her hand, leading her away from the guests. “Care for a walk?” he asked, nodding his head toward the back of the yard.

  In silence, they strolled toward the edge of the trees, passing Matt, who gave John a discreet thumbs-up as they crossed the lawn. John led Rachel into the dense trees along a well-worn path.

  After walking a short way along the trail, he stopped. She placed her hands behind her back then leaned against a narrow oak.

  Leaning toward the tree, he rested his forearm just above her head. “Why don’t you date any of these guys, Rach? Some of them seem pretty decent.”

  She turned her head toward the backyard. “I don’t think most men want to date a divorced woman with children. Especially three young boys. They want someone young who can give them their own children, not raise some other man’s kids.”

  “Have you ever thought of having more children?”

  She swung her startled expression up to meet his gaze and shook her head. “I don’t plan on marrying again so, no, I try not to think about having more children.”

  “Kids are great just because they’re kids, but to have a child with someone you’re in love with must be an incredible experience.” On impulse, he let his gaze travel down her body, stopping at her abdomen. He ran the back of his hand across her belly, and he felt, more than heard, her sharp intake of breath. “God, I bet you were beautiful pregnant.”

  “Yeah. Especially with the twins.” She puffed out her cheeks for a second. “Beached whale.” They shared a laugh. “Guess we should head back to the group.”

  But he made no attempt to move away. Not yet. “You know, something’s been bugging me all day.” His voice had quieted to a ragged whisper.

  “What’s that?”

  His fingers traced the neckline of her dress. “I…” He cleared his throat before continuing. “I know you like to wear satin and lacy things under your clothes.” She tried to turn her head from him, but his trailing finger turned her head back to face him. “You know I’ve seen them in the wash, honey. Hell, I’ve even seen them on you,” he rasped out.

  She shrugged. “I’m always a mom or friend and now an employee.” She closed her eyes. “But sometimes I just want to feel like a woman and wear sexy things.”

  He could change that. If she would give him a chance, one small chance, he could make her feel like the beautiful woman she was. A wayward finger traveled down, found its way to her throat, and he could feel her erratic pulse. He caressed the delicate skin exposed by the V-neck of her dress, encouraged by her soft moan.

  Studying the trail his finger made, he said, “I’ve been trying all day to guess what color you have on underneath this dress. I’m betting on red, with the holiday. Fire-engine red.” He croaked out the words like he had used his last breath.

  She cast a glance back at the party. “Maybe you should find out.”

  He snapped up his head. Surely he hadn’t heard correctly. Her voice was barely above a whisper, so soft he wondered if the breeze had spoken. But she gave him the sexiest, sassiest look he’d ever seen.

  “I’d hate for something to bug you all day when you could easily have the answer.”

  His hands trembled as he reached for her dress. He focused on the top buttons. His fingers grazed her soft flesh as he pushed the first button through its hole, watched as the neckline opened slightly wider. The second button came undone even easier and revealed the most intoxicating cleavage he ever had the pleasure to encounter. With the sound of her small moan, he impatiently flipped the third button through its hole, and this time the moan came from him.

  “Shit. Leopard print.” Would it be too unmanly to cry out? The visual of her sweet flesh encased in animal print was too much to handle. The red fantasy thing was hot, but this—this was killing him.

  He glanced down to her dress where her panties were hidden. He didn’t have to look to know she wore a matched set. He lifted his head and gazed once again at the beauty he had revealed. His hand had a mind of its own, and it skimmed along her skin to where the fullness of her breasts escaped the lacy edge of her bra.

  “Mom? Mac? Where are you guys? It’s time for fireworks,” Aaron yelled from the backyard.

  She gasped, and John removed his hand from her dress. She fumbled with the buttons. He closed his eyes and lowered his forehead to hers as she finished the last button. He struggled to regain even breathing. He kissed her temple, then shifted his body away from hers. “I need a minute here, Rach. I’ll be right there.”

  Chapter Twelve

  John pulled his truck into the high school parking lot, which was already flooded with cars. As in years past, the fireworks would be launched from a designated spot across the street. Some spectators chose to watch the display sitting on lawn chairs they’d brought, while others spread out blankets on the ground.

  “We should have left earlier,” Andrew complained. “There’s no place to park. How are we gonna see the fireworks?”

  “We forgot our chairs!” Zak crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Now we’ll never see them,” Aaron added.

  Rachel glanced at John and shook her head while she blew out a breath. The boys were excited about the fireworks, but they were getting a little out of control with their complaints. She opened her mouth to reprimand them, but John shot her a wink. “Just relax, boys. I know a great parking place. And Zak, don’t worry; we won’t need any chairs.”

  John turned the t
ruck around and drove next door to where the kids’ club was under construction. Rachel held on to the door while the truck bounced and swayed as he maneuvered it across the dirt. He found the perfect spot, cut the engine, and leaned across the front seat. He gave Rachel a cocky look. “I know somebody who’s involved with this project. He’s a great guy—he won’t mind if we park here.” He wiggled his eyebrows and gave her a killer smile. She laughed as she pushed him away.

  She placed her hand on the door latch as she mumbled, “I need to get out—too much testosterone in here for me.”

  He lowered the tailgate, then proceeded to spread out blankets and sleeping bags on the bed of his truck. Once completed, he lifted Zak onto the back of the truck while the other two boys jumped up. Then he turned to Rachel. She looked down at her dress, then up at the distance to the truck bed. Maybe a dress was a pretty dumb idea, but at the time, she hadn’t known they would watch the fireworks from the back of John’s pickup. But if she hadn’t worn the dress, maybe what had happened in the woods wouldn’t have happened, so it truly was a good thing she had worn it. And as John placed his hands firmly on her waist and lifted her onto the bed of the truck, she gave herself a mental high five. The dress was one of the best ideas she’d had in a long time.

  The boys immediately created a space for the best possible view of the fireworks. Andrew folded up a sleeping bag for them to use as a pillow, and in seconds, all three were lying down in anticipation of the start of the show.

  She stood in limbo between John and the boys, unsure exactly where to sit. As if sensing her indecision, John motioned to her. “Let’s sit over here,” he said, and moved to the rear of the truck. He sat down and leaned against the cab, then patted the spot next to him. “Sorry, but I don’t have any more sleeping bags to cushion our backs.”

  Cushioning her back was the last thing on her mind. How to keep her hands off John seemed like the thing to be concerned about. The zing that bounced between them all day kept escalating. Thankful for the start of the fireworks, she slipped off her sandals and relaxed.