Chapter Eight
Friday afternoon found Lexi staring across her desk at Matt Brodie. They’d been together for about an hour and had managed to sort out most of the details pertaining to the Riley donation.
Over a week had passed since she’d seen Adam, and maybe forty-five seconds since she’d thought about him. The man occupied every inch of her head. Confusion about him etched its way through her heart. One minute she despised him and everything he stood for, the next she hungered for a glimpse of him. More than once she’d thought about the expression on his face when she’d turned from the door in his office to look at him.
She didn’t need the details to know Adam had experienced a trauma. Something that had devastated him.
Her instinctive reaction had been to soothe the hurt, but Riley had made it clear he wanted nothing to do with her. Offering comfort would probably have compounded the animosity of their already stormy relationship.
Dealing with Matt was a breeze compared to her interactions with Riley. Matt seemed like a decent man. He was good-looking in a wholesome kind of a way with brown hair, brown eyes covered by slim, wire-framed glasses, and a quick smile that put her instantly at ease. Perhaps her comfort with him was compounded by the fact that he lacked the brute sexuality his partner exuded.
His no-nonsense manner made their business interactions a pleasure. In less than an hour, they’d decided that the donation would be made on a monthly basis for a year. Thereafter they would assess the viability of the project and renegotiate funding. If the project was successful, Riley Corporation would continue to provide the necessary capital.
Lexi had given him a tour of the ward and the adjoining rooms that would be used for the project and introduced him to the staff members who would be participating in the program. They’d discussed a suitable salary for the soon-to-be appointed manager and identified a feasible commencement date. Now they sat ironing out the last few fine points of their contract.
Lexi glanced at the notes she’d jotted down before Matt arrived. “The last matter on the agenda—keeping you informed of proceedings. Adam has requested that we send monthly rep—” Her words trailed off at the astonished look in Matt’s eyes. “Is something wrong?”
“What did you say?”
“I was talking about sending monthly reports.”
“No, before that. Who did you say requested them?”
“Mr. Riley. Why?”
“You called him Adam.”
“Yes?”
“You called AJ Riley Adam.”
Lexi lifted her eyebrows in question.
Matt took off his glasses and grinned. “I didn’t think anyone in Sydney knew his first name.”
It was out of character for Riley to introduce himself as Adam? “Would it make you more comfortable if I called him AJ? Or Mr. Riley?”
“Not at all,” Matt assured her, a strange gleam to his eyes. “I’m sorry, I’ve gone off track.” He put his glasses back on. “What were you saying about monthly reports?”
“Just that…Adam has requested we keep you up-to-date with them. I’d also like to invite you over from time to time to see the progress we’re making. If the children are up to it, possibly even have you meet some of them.”
“I’d like that. Once you’re officially up and running and the rooms are ready, we’ll be sending a photographer around to document the project. There’ll be a lot of public interest in this.”
“Perhaps a week before the official opening, we can hold a press conference? That’ll cover any media needs for both Riley Corporation and the hospital, and it’ll give the project much-needed publicity. The more parents out there who are aware of it, the better. Once the program begins, I won’t allow press or photographers into the offices. I won’t subject our kids to that.”
Matt nodded. “I wouldn’t expect you to.” He looked down at his own notes. “Any other issues to discuss?”
“None,” Lexi said. “How about you?”
“Nothing right now. If you think of anything, contact me at any time.”
“Thank you, and same here.” Lexi checked her watch. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to have to call an end to this meeting. I have a pressing matter that needs my attention.”
“Hospital work. I understand.”
“Good guess, but nope.” Lexi smiled. “My brother’s getting married on Sunday. I’m going to spend some quality sibling time with him.”
…
Lexi repressed an envious sigh.
Her brother had a permanent grin plastered on his face. He’d had it since Amy had agreed to marry him. He’d also spent an inordinate amount of time hugging Lexi because she was his sister. Sarah had left the room minutes earlier to escape being crushed in yet another brotherly embrace.
“Can you believe it?” he asked with one of his stupid smiles. “In less than an hour, I’ll be a married man.”
It was pretty hard to believe. Daniel had always been a die-hard bachelor, a nonbeliever in the whole commitment story, and yet, today was his wedding day. Who’d ever have thought it? Daniel Tanner—a groom. No question, he was a changed man. There was a sense of completion about him that hadn’t been there before his best friend accepted his proposal.
Lexi envied him. She wanted what he had—a lifelong commitment with the person he loved. Daniel’s life was full. Hers was not. No matter how busy or exciting her days were, her nights always stretched out long and empty, with no one to come home to at the end of the day. No one to talk to, to snuggle up to, to make love to. No one. Just her.
For a few hours with Adam, before she’d discovered his identity, she’d experienced a brief sense of the wholeness that Daniel now displayed. It wasn’t enough. It was gone before she’d even sniffed at it, and she wanted it back. Not with Riley, obviously. With someone who could treat her like an equal and silence the loneliness in her. Someone who could fill up that emptiness.
“I bet she out-dazzles the sun,” Daniel gushed.
Lexi stuck her finger in her mouth and made gagging noises. “God, you’re pathetic.”
For about the millionth time that day, Daniel picked her up and twirled her around. “Did I ever thank you? I couldn’t have convinced her to marry me without your help.”
More like, did he ever stop thanking her?
“Oh please”—Lexi brushed him off—“I’ve seen the way Amy looks at you now. You could have sent her a text message telling her you love her, and she’d have fallen for you.”
He grinned again. “Yeah, still. A bit of gentle nudging was a lot more effective. Who knows, Lex, maybe one day I can return the favor.”
Lexi’s smile faded. “Yeah, who knows? Maybe one day you can.” If Daniel could find a woman he wanted to make a lifelong commitment to, surely there was someone out there for her.
Her mind flashed to Adam’s sculpted chest.
Someone who didn’t make her feel like a call girl every time he saw her.
...
Lexi stood with her mother and sister as the newlyweds posed for photographs.
“I can’t believe Daniel didn’t insist on taking the pictures himself,” Lexi whispered in wonder.
“I can’t believe he can take his eyes off Amy long enough to look at a camera, never mind take a picture.” Sarah chuckled.
“It wasn’t so long ago that you were the one who couldn’t drag your eyes off Steven,” Molly, their mother, said with affection, and they all turned to watch Sarah’s husband in his desperate attempt to catch their four-year-old son, Benjamin, before he knocked another glass off the pristine tables in the reception hall.
The guests trickled in, and Daniel and Amy smiled for the last few shots before turning to greet everyone. The band played softly in the background, and waiters walked around with platters of canapés and other tasty morsels to tide the crowd over until dinner.
Lexi accepted the congratulations and kisses of ten thousand well-wishers before finally taking her seat at her table along with Sarah and her family. After Daniel and Amy danced the first dance, other family members and guests rose to join them on the floor.
Lexi grabbed her nephew’s hand. “Come on, Benny. It’s time to dance.”
“I don’t know how,” he told her, in all his four-year-old innocence.
“It’s easy; I’ll show you. Stand on my feet and I’ll lead you around.”
Ben stared at her feet with mistrust. “Those shoes look very high,” he lisped.
She laughed. Her heels were higher than usual, but they looked good, and that was what mattered. “Don’t worry, hold tight, and I promise you won’t fall.”
In minutes, she was laughing with her nephew as they tried a series of dance steps, looking for a suitable one for a woman of nearly six feet and a boy who barely reached her hips. Finally, she surrendered to the inevitable and picked Ben up, hugging him tight while she swayed them from side to side.
As Daniel and Amy joined them, Ben tugged at her arm. “Lex, why is that man staring at you?”
“What man, sweetheart?” Three pairs of eyes turned to look in the direction Ben pointed.
Her stomach lurched as she found the man. His gaze froze her movements, and her heart pounded in her chest.
He looked yummy enough to eat, dressed in a tux and crisp white shirt that showed off his tanned skin and contrasted sharply with his black hair. Lexi swore to herself. Dammit, what was he doing here, and what happened to the air whenever he was around?
“It’s AJ,” Daniel said.
“You know him?” Lexi asked, astounded.
“Yep. He came to the exhibition, bought a few of the photos. We’ve become good mates. Run together about three times a week.”
“He’s hot,” Amy observed, “in a cold kind of a way.” She placed a placating hand on Daniel’s arm. “Don’t panic, Tanner. He doesn’t hold a candle to you.”
“He’d better not,” Daniel huffed, and Lexi moved discreetly out of their way as her brother dipped his head toward Amy’s.
“Who ith he?” Ben asked, unaware of the acute discomfort the man stirred in her.
“Just a man.” A man who threw her world off center, and who made her feel as glorious as the rising sun and smaller than the tiniest flea. Someone who seemed to turn up every time she’d come to terms with not seeing him again.
“Well, why’s he staring at you?” Ben lisped.
Why was he staring? He’d made it clear he wanted nothing more to do with her by dismissing her from his life and sending Matt to deal with her instead.
“I’m not sure,” she told Ben. “Maybe he’s wondering who the cute guy is in my arms.”
“No,” Ben disagreed. “He’s looking at you. Do you know him?”
“Yes, sweetie, I met him through work.”
“Then why don’t you say hello?”
Because that’s probably the last thing he wants—and I can’t breathe properly when he’s around.
“I’ll do it if you’re too scared.” Ben lifted his arm and waved. “Hello, man,” he yelled across the room, and Lexi snorted, though in amusement or horror she wasn’t certain.
…
He hadn’t taken his eyes off her for a second, not from the minute she’d preceded the bride down the aisle. He’d hidden in the crowds and watched, content to keep his distance yet drink his fill. Touching her may be off limits, but he couldn’t stop himself from staring.
She looked stunning. Her dress was the same color as a predawn sky, with a simple line that clung in all the right places. The long slit up the side allowed for an enticing view of shapely thigh—thigh that had been wrapped around his waist, and his neck, more than once. A low neckline showed off slim shoulders and a teasing glimpse of firm, round breasts. Breasts he wanted to bury his face in. Breasts he had buried his face in.
He headed over to her, watching as the boy wriggled out of her arms and skipped off to play with another child. He sighed in relief. One less stress to deal with. Dealing with Lexi on her own was hard enough.
She frowned as the child raced away then stood a little straighter and flicked her hair over her shoulders as if bracing for his arrival.
“Lexi.” He kept his voice neutral.
“Adam.” She eyed him nervously.
Who could blame her? Last time she’d seen him he’d said some pretty outrageous stuff. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“They make a handsome couple.”
A smile touched her mouth as she looked at the bride and groom. “Yes, they do.” She turned back to him. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“That would explain your stunned expression.”
“I never knew you and Daniel were friends.”
“There seem to be a few things you never knew about me.”
A hint of color touched her cheeks. “Yeah, well that’s the thing about meeting someone for the first time. You generally don’t know very much about them.”
“Does it make you uncomfortable? Knowing you’ve slept with a friend of your brother?” Shit, why’d he have to talk about sex every time he saw her?
Her eyes blazed. “Not as uncomfortable as it does knowing the friend thinks I slept with him under false pretenses.”
“Did you?” The way she got all worked up and hot under the collar like that, well, it got him all worked up and hot under the collar.
Her hand fisted at her side, and for a minute he thought she might punch him.
“I’ve answered that question.” She stepped closer, speaking into his ear, her voice soft enough so only he could hear and aggressive enough to get those hot bits under his collar really burning. “Several times. Now, listen up and listen good. This is my brother’s wedding. I will not engage in some two-bit discussion with you about what kind of a hooker you think I am. I won’t do it now, and I won’t do it tomorrow or the next day. If you have anything else you need to say to me, I’m sure Matt will be happy to pass on the message. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I see someone I would like to spend time with.”
As she twisted around to leave, he grabbed her wrist and spun her back to face him.
“What the hell are you doing?” she demanded in a ferocious whisper. Her smile was tight, and her gaze darted around as she checked to see if anyone had noticed their altercation.
“I’m clearing something up.” He kept his voice low.
“I told you, speak to Matt.” She tried to pull away.
He gave her arm another tug, and she teetered on her heels for half a second before losing her balance and stumbling into him. He wrapped his arm around her waist, steadying her and pulling her close at the same time.
“This isn’t really something you’d want Matt to hear.” Damn, she felt good in his arms.
“Adam, let me g—”
“I don’t think you slept with me under false pretenses. I never did.” His mouth was by her ear, and his voice was soft.
Goose bumps erupted over her bare shoulder. “Then why did you accuse me of doing just that?”
Guilt battered his chest. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve my wrath or bitterness. You never have.”
Though he apologized, he didn’t attempt to explain his accusations. No amount of reasoning could justify his behavior, and his reserves of courage were all tapped out. How could he tell her she scared the crap out of him and the only way he knew to keep his distance was to punish her emotionally? He couldn’t talk about his need to protect his heart or why it hurt too damn much to ever love again.
“No,” she agreed, “I didn’t deserve it.” Lexi didn’t lower her guard, but she did appear slightly less resistant to him.
Suddenly, he didn’t want to let her go. “Dance with me?”
She tensed again.
“We’re on the dance floor and people are beginning to stare. It’s just a dance.”
She nodded uncertainly, and her arms fluttered midair for a minute before she wound them round his shoulders.
Shivers ran down his spine.
They swayed in silence, the music slow and romantic. Her soft curves and firm breasts fit snug against his more solid form. Hard as Adam tried not to, he found himself relaxing into the beat, relaxing against her body. And if he wasn’t mistaken, she seemed to relax as well.
“Why didn’t you tell me you knew Daniel?”
“The opportunity never arose.”
“Maybe not, but you could have mentioned you’d be here tonight.”
He probably should have said something. “When would you have liked me to tell you? After you threw the coffee at me or while you were lambasting me about the donation?”
Instantly, she stiffened and attempted to pull away. “I knew this was a bad idea.”
He tightened his hold, loath to let her go. “Wait. I’m sorry. That was supposed to be a joke.” He shook his head. “I guess we’re not at a point where we can laugh at ourselves.”
She studied his face. “No, we’re not.”
“How about we call a truce? Start over fresh?” Adam had no idea what he was doing. All he knew was dancing with Lexi felt right. And regardless of those dodgy stitches holding his emotions in check, and all the shit messing with his head, he wanted to keep dancing with her.
She gnawed on her lower lip, and he thought he might bust a nut watching her.
“I…think I’d like that.”
“I think I’d like that, too.”
They began to dance again, awkwardly at first, until the music soothed them and Lexi relaxed into him once again. And then they moved seamlessly, as though they’d been dancing together for years.
“You look beautiful.” He was thrown by the sound of his own voice. It was soft as a lover’s whisper.
“Uh, thank you. You look pretty good yourself.” She pulled a sheepish face. “I’m sorry I threw the coffee at you.” Then she gave him an impish grin, a smile that made her dimples stand out and his heart stand still. “It was too cold to have much effect anyway.”
He chuckled, and she stared at him in delight. “You can laugh.”
“I’ve been known to once in a while. But don’t let that become general knowledge or everyone will expect it.” He enjoyed the laughter. It wasn’t something he did very often.
“You have a wonderful smile.”
“That’s twice you’ve complimented me tonight.”
She grinned. “Don’t get used to it, Riley. You have to work hard to earn my compliments.”
“Adam,” he corrected automatically. “And I’m learning that most things about you require hard work.” He changed the subject before she could retort. “Cute kid. Who is he?” At least the question came out sounding casual. Asking was torture.
“Ben? My nephew, Sarah’s son. He is a cutie. With the tact of an ox, as you might have noticed. We never know what he’s going to come out with next.”
She swayed seductively, her body warm and inviting and a little too right in his arms. “I saw you talking to Sarah earlier. You seem close.”
“We are.” Lexi nodded toward Daniel. “All three of us are. What about you? Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
He shrugged. “Not really.”
“Not really?” She laughed. “What’s that supposed to mean? Either you have siblings or you don’t.”
“Technically, I don’t. But for a long time I’ve considered Matt a brother.” More information than he needed to give her, perhaps, but something about Lexi made him want to talk.
“He’s not just a colleague?”
“I’ve known him for years. We were at school together. He founded Riley Corporation with me.”
“Sounds like a good friend.”
“The best. I couldn’t have gotten through…” Adam caught himself.
Jesus, too close.
Images of Timmy flashed before his eyes. It took a couple of seconds to compose his thoughts. “Let’s say we’ve had each other’s backs over the years. He helped me through a rough patch a while back.”
Ah, crap. The look on her face told him she’d picked up too much. Her mouth creased in concern, and confused sympathy shadowed her eyes—much the same way it had in his office. He hadn’t meant for her to catch him off-guard then. She’d been leaving; she wasn’t supposed to turn around.
To her credit, she didn’t push the issue. “Matt seemed surprised when I called you Adam.”
“Oh, shit.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “I’m never going to hear the end of that one.” Until a week ago, Matt was the only person in Sydney who knew him as Adam. Since he’d arrived here ten years ago, he’d felt more comfortable with the nickname AJ. It kept people at bay—if they didn’t know his first name, they couldn’t get too personal.
“Am I missing something?” Lexi asked. “Is your name a secret?”
“Not at all,” Adam said. “I usually go by AJ, that’s all. No. No more questions. Let’s enjoy the music.” He pulled her closer.
She wore heels, and the added height made dancing cheek to cheek all too easy. Moving like this, with her in his arms, well, it was nice. Too nice.
He’d surprised himself tonight, showing her a side of himself he rarely let anyone see. He’d made it a firm policy never to allow anyone close again.
Lexi was pushing hard on his resolve. Sleeping with her, though irresistible, had been a mistake. Sex as a physical release was one thing. Sex as an expression of emotion was another altogether. With Lexi, the boundaries between the two blurred. The more time he spent with her, the more he liked her. The more he liked her, the more he desired her. The more he desired her, the more of a threat she became.
As much as he wanted to, there was no way he could sleep with her again and limit the act to sex. He’d feel something, and that would be the biggest threat of all.
Safer to keep her at arm’s length.
Unfortunately, he found it impossible to keep his distance. Each time he tried, she found some way of breaking down his barriers and getting in anyway.
Like now. She looked at him and smiled and then snuggled in and let the music carry them away.
Though his head resisted, his body embraced her. She fit perfectly into his arms. Her breasts were pressed against his chest, and her hand played at the nape of his neck. He breathed in her scent. Fresh garden flowers mingled with warm wood and a suggestion of something very feminine. She smelled sweet and sexy and carnal and captivating, and not for the first time that night, his body stirred. Shifting slightly, he nestled his erection against her stomach, and she pulled her head back and stared into his eyes.
“Adam?” she whispered.
He held her tighter and murmured, “Shh.”
For once, instead of arguing with him, she shut up and they danced.