Читать книгу A Perfect Distraction - Anna Sugden - Страница 10
ОглавлениеCHAPTER TWO
“ANOTHER WEEK of bed rest!”
As her sister slumped against her pillows, Maggie bit her lip to hold back a smile.
“But you’re home, Auntie Tracy, and we’ll look after you.” Emily danced around the room with the boundless energy of a seven-year-old. “We’re much nicer than Nurse Attila.”
“That’s true.” Tracy crossed her arms. “I expect the best service in this establishment. You’ll have to wait on me hand and foot.”
“Will you give me big tips?” Emily widened her eyes innocently. “You said that’s how you get the best service.”
Maggie swallowed a laugh.
Her sister groaned. “I thought a niece did those things for her favorite aunt out of the goodness of her heart.”
“Does that mean for free?”
“I don’t know where you get that precocious streak from,” Tracy grumbled.
“Don’t you?” Maggie arched an eyebrow.
The doorbell rang with a familiar double peal.
“That’s Amy. Can I go and play with her?” Emily skipped from foot to foot.
“What happened to looking after me?” Tracy whined theatrically.
“Mummy can do that. Besides, Amy’s mum is making brownies. With pecans and everything.” Emily turned to Maggie. “Please.”
“You may, but...” Her voice trailed off as her daughter thundered downstairs. “Make sure you’re back at noon,” she called out.
“Thanks, Mummy. You’re the best.” The front door opened, then slammed shut.
“Tossed over for brownies,” Tracy groused.
“Not just any brownies. They have pecans and everything.” Maggie tucked the quilt more closely around her sister. “Enjoy the peace and quiet while you can.”
Despite her banter with Emily, Tracy was pale, with dark circles under her eyes and a sheen of perspiration on her forehead. The journey from the hospital hadn’t been easy, with every bump taking its toll. “I’ll have plenty of time to rest, thanks to that doctor.”
“At least he agreed you could come home.”
“Only if I promised not to work for a week. I bet that’s Nurse Attila’s proviso.”
“She wants you to heal properly,” Maggie said.
“She doesn’t want me landing back in her ward anytime soon.”
“And you, such a model patient.” Maggie gathered some magazines and placed them nearby. “Time for more painkillers. Are you hungry? I could make you a snack.”
“I’m fine.” Tracy waved her hand impatiently. “Grab a chair and tell me what happened at the party.”
Maggie hesitated. She’d spent most of last night tossing and turning, her body strangely hot and prickly. Though she’d wanted to blame the heat, she knew full well what, or rather who, had caused her inability to relax and sleep.
Jake Badoletti.
The unwanted attraction that had flared during the meeting had remained with her long into the night. She’d berated herself for being susceptible to his roguish smile and easy charm. After everything she’d been through, she should have been immune to the tall, dark and dangerous sports star. His touch shouldn’t have made awareness tingle through her. His deep, rich voice shouldn’t have made her pulse skip as if each word was a seductive caress.
Why? She hadn’t reacted to a man in ages. She didn’t want to react to a man like Jake ever again.
Though he hadn’t acted like she’d expected—no superstar superiority complex, no outrageous demands or sleazy flirting—Maggie had learned the hard way not to be fooled by a handsome facade. To know a devil-may-care smile could hide darkness. She ran her finger over her cheek, the small scar a visible reminder of her last mistake.
Perhaps she was being unfair to Jake, tarring him with the same brush as Lee. But for Emily’s safety and Maggie’s peace of mind, she couldn’t afford to relax her guard.
Besides, she wouldn’t see him again. Tracy would handle all further communication with him. Maggie ignored the twinge in her chest at that thought.
“Was anyone interesting at the party?” Tracy asked.
Safe ground. “I’m sure there were loads of famous people, but I didn’t recognize many. I saw that sexy guy from CSI who’s doing a guest stint with CSI: New York.” She sat in the armchair by the bed. “Apparently, that bloke we liked from Sex and the City dropped by, but I didn’t see him.”
“Bloody typical. I miss all the fun.”
“Weren’t you the one who sat near Tim Robbins at Madison Square Garden? I’ve lost track of all the stars you’ve seen at Yankee Stadium.”
“But I’ve never been to a bash like Jake’s.”
“It wasn’t anything special.”
“I’m not as blasé as you about hobnobbing with celebrities.”
“Jaded, rather than blasé,” Maggie said softly.
“Well, you were one of them, not long ago.”
“Hardly. My only real claim to fame was being a WAG.”
“Being one of the footballers’ wives and girlfriends makes you a celebrity, too.”
“Only because every moment of your life is covered endlessly in the press. What you wear, what you eat, how you look—it’s all discussed and analysed. The paparazzi follow you everywhere, watching and waiting. The appeal of having my picture on the cover of all the magazines and being recognized in the supermarket wore off a long time ago.”
Much to Lee’s displeasure. When she’d first married him, she’d loved the publicity and lifestyle that went with being part of a celebrity couple. It hadn’t taken long for the glamour to fade. For her to tire of having every moment of her life controlled by her ex to optimize media opportunities. “Lee still chases the headlines and the column inches. He’s desperate to be another David Beckham.”
“He’s not a good enough footballer. He’s never played for one of the top Premier League teams or been picked for England.”
Painful memories of what had happened every time Lee hadn’t been selected flickered through Maggie’s mind. Her now-healed arm twinged.
Her reaction must have shown, because Tracy changed the subject, her tone brisk. “How did the meeting with Jake go?”
“Fine.” Maggie pushed the past aside. “He was pleased with the move, but he wants somewhere else.”
“Really? I was sure he’d love that apartment.”
“Apparently, Manhattan is too distracting.” Maggie added air quotes. She found it hard to believe an athlete with his reputation wanted a sedate life in the suburbs. “He wants to concentrate on hockey.”
“Moving to a new team is quite an upheaval, and it’ll be a tough start to the season because he hasn’t played in six months. It’s hard keeping up with that life when you’re healthy, let alone when you’ve been injured so badly.”
“True.” She’d struggled to cope after Emily’s birth and had wanted desperately to withdraw from the social whirl, but Lee had insisted she continue. It had taken a doctor’s intervention to get some respite. “Still, it seems a little sudden.”
“He’s probably one of those people who makes up his mind to do something and wants it done now, now, now.”
“That, I can believe.”
“What’s he after?”
“A house with at least three bedrooms and a large garden.” Maggie explained briefly what she and Jake had discussed. “Honestly, I don’t think he’s thought through what he really wants. So I’d recommend somewhere with the flexibility to adapt to his needs, like adding a home gym.”
“Sounds good.” Tracy winced as she straightened. “I should get on this right away.”
“You’re not up to it.” Maggie shook her head. “No business for a week, remember?”
“That was before I knew Bad Boy wanted to buy a house.”
“He can wait until you’re better.”
“Even if he’s willing to delay, the Ice Cats won’t be happy. This project is a big step up from the ad hoc assignments I’ve done for them and the clock’s ticking. Until Jake signs to say the job’s finished to his satisfaction, Making Your Move won’t get that retainer.” Tracy’s words tumbled over each other as her voice rose in pitch. “I can’t risk them changing their minds. Becoming their sole contractor for player moves for the next five years would make my business financially secure. Everything has to be perfect.”
“I know this project is important, but so is your health. If you rush back to work, your recovery will take even longer.”
“I have no choice. There are plenty of firms willing to take my place. Unless...” Tracy’s expression became pensive. “I know we agreed you’d only do that one meeting, but would you be willing to help me out again?”
Maggie knew what was coming and hated that she couldn’t refuse. Her sister wouldn’t rest with this situation nagging her. “What do you need me to do?”
“Manage Jake. Mimi, my favorite real-estate agent, will help you find suitable properties. Also, check his rental papers to see the penalties for early termination and...”
Panic fluttered in her chest at Tracy’s list of instructions. It was too much. She couldn’t be responsible for all that. “I can’t. I have no experience.” Lee’s sneering voice echoed in her head. You’re useless. “I’ll make a mistake and blow it for you.”
“Rubbish!” Her sister smacked the bed. “I hate what that bastard did to you. Bad enough that he controlled every aspect of your life like a modern-day Svengali. His belittling jibes did as much damage as his fists.” Her sister softened her tone. “You’re a smart, capable woman. You can do this and much more.”
Tracy forced Maggie to meet her gaze. “Look what you’ve achieved in the past few months. When I fell ill, you moved over here, found a summer activity camp for Emily and sorted out a school for the fall. To say nothing of what you’ve done for me at work.”
“But I might make a mess of things and cost you the business.”
“You won’t. Besides, I’ll be right here overseeing everything.” Tracy’s smile was wry. “Even if you won’t let me use my laptop, I can listen and advise.”
This was supposed to be Maggie’s fresh start. She’d vowed Emily would never see her as weak and pathetic again. Just because things weren’t going smoothly didn’t mean she should give up. She owed it to herself to see what she was capable of.
With her sister nearby, what could go wrong? “It’s only for the week?”
Tracy nodded eagerly. “Most of the work can be done by phone or email. You probably won’t have to see Jake more than once.”
See Jake again? Maggie’s pulse gave a funny little lurch. It had been one thing to dismiss her reaction to him when she’d thought she wouldn’t see him again. Quite another to test her resolve not to be affected by another meeting with him.
Her sister continued, “Then you can return to taking care of the admin, like we agreed. I prom—” She made a wry face. “No promises?”
A smile slipped out. “Okay. I’ll do my best.”
“Thanks.” Tracy settled against the pillows. “So, is Bad Boy as sexy in person?”
“He’s nice,” Maggie hedged, cursing the heat that filled her cheeks. “Polite, charming.”
“You fancied him, I can tell.”
Arguing would only fuel her sister’s curiosity. “He’s better looking than his photos,” she conceded. “Why don’t I get you a cup of tea?”
“Thanks.” Tracy must be tired to accept the distraction so easily. “Bring up Jake’s file, too, and let’s see what needs to be done.”
Maggie had made it to the door when her sister giggled. “You should have the next meeting here, so I can see how hot Jake really is.”
Maggie didn’t dignify that comment with a response.
As she went downstairs, she wished for a fraction of Tracy’s self-confidence. Her sister’s bitter divorce from her cheating husband hadn’t slowed her down. It had made her stronger.
It was time Maggie followed her example. She’d vowed the night she left Lee to do everything she could to provide her daughter with a happy, safe and secure life. Tracy was giving her the perfect opportunity to make that happen. Maggie needed to dip into the well of strength that had helped her survive her marriage and get on with it.
Maggie made the tea, then went into the office. As she grabbed Jake’s file, a picture slid onto the desk. Those killer ice-blue eyes stared up at her. She jammed the photo back into the folder, then put a hand over her pounding heart as if she could slow its runaway pace. The last thing she wanted or needed in her life right now was a man. Least of all, Jake Badoletti.
“He’s just a client,” she told herself. “Nothing more.”
She ignored the inner voice that cackled with disbelief as she went back upstairs.
* * *
NOTHING APPEALED TO him.
Jake studied the property sheets spread across his parents’ kitchen table and sighed. He’d been excited when Maggie had emailed them ahead of their meeting. An hour later, and with Maggie due to arrive any minute, he had to admit he wasn’t jazzed about a single one.
“You don’t like these houses?” His mom gave him a glass of lemonade.
“Definitely not these tasteless monsters.” He gathered some rejected properties into a pile. “These are too modern, lack soul.” He added another group to the stack. “And these...”
“Are you sure you’re ready for this change?” she asked softly, concern in her blue eyes. “You’ve been through so much and this is such a big decision.”
“It’s because of what I went through that I want to change my life, Ma. I have to.”
She didn’t look convinced.
His cell rang, and he glanced at the caller ID but didn’t answer. The popular starlet’s persistence was beginning to tick him off.
“That hasn’t changed.” His mom smiled. “The girls still call.”
“But I don’t call them back. I told you, I’m focusing on hockey. Period.”
“You’re sure?”
“Definitely.”
“You’re a good boy, Jake. No matter what they call you.”
He was glad no one was around to see him choke at his mother’s faith in him. It proved he wasn’t beyond hope. And reinforced why he couldn’t waste this second chance.
He refocused on the property sheets. “These town houses have small yards.”
His mom added them to the no pile.
“That leaves these four. I don’t really like any of them, but Maggie won’t be impressed if I reject everything sight unseen.”
“Who’s Maggie?” His mom’s innocent expression didn’t fool him.
He kept his voice casual. “She works for that relocation agency. She’ll take me around the places I’m interested in.”
“I see.” She sighed heavily. “I’d hoped your new life would include settling down, getting married and giving me grandchildren.”
“One thing at a time, Ma.” He shook his head at her. “Remember, no distractions.”
“Since when is a nice girl a distraction?”
An image of Maggie in that mud-brown suit flitted through his mind, followed swiftly by teasing little snapshots: the momentarily hitched skirt, the undone buttons, her smooth, creamy skin. The way she nibbled her full bottom lip when she was thinking. He could swear a hint of her fragrance wafted past him.
His blood heated.
Maggie fit his mom’s idea of a nice girl. Given how many erotic dreams he’d had about Maggie since their meeting and how many times she’d popped into his thoughts, the mousy brunette was also one hell of a distraction.
“Nothing but hockey, Ma, until I win the Cup.”
“Many players have wives and families and still win the Cup.” She squeezed his hand. “You need balance in your life.”
The doorbell rang, saving him from having to reply.
He leaped to his feet. “I’ll go.”
Maggie stood on the front porch. Today’s gray suit was as drab as the brown thing. The demure neckline had a lace collar that would have suited a nun’s habit. The itty-bitty heels of her gray sandals looked uncomfortable to walk in. No sign of toenail polish. Not that he was obsessed or anything.
He tamped down his jumping pulse. “How’s it going?”
“Fine, thank you.” She smiled uncertainly. “I hope I’m not too early. I’m still finding my way around and get lost, even with GPS, so I leave extra time.”
“Not a problem.”
“Come in.” His mom bustled past him. “It’s too warm to be standing on the porch. I’m Tina Badoletti.” She took Maggie’s arm and ushered her down the hall toward the kitchen, chatting a mile a minute about the weather, her garden and the flowers she’d just picked.
Jake followed behind, shaking his head fondly.
As Maggie walked into the kitchen, she turned to give him a slightly shell-shocked smile. His eyes were drawn downward, over her curves to those shapely calves and ankles and back up to...
Buttons. Lace-covered buttons that looked like sugar-dusted candy. In a line, along the side seam of her pencil skirt.
His fingers itched to discover if they were real or just for show. His heart thudded against his ribs at the thought of undoing them, one at a time. His groin tightened at the image of what would be revealed beneath.
Jake slammed to a halt outside the kitchen. This wasn’t supposed to happen. This wasn’t going to happen. He had to focus.
Right after he figured out how to spend the afternoon with Maggie without getting distracted by those damn buttons.
He resisted the urge to knock his head against the wall and entered the kitchen.
Maggie sat at the table with a glass of lemonade. His mom had commandeered the seat next to her and was in the midst of a merciless barrage of questions.
He should intervene. Grown men, even some of the toughest hockey players, had quaked at Tina Badoletti’s inquisition. Maggie, the nervous mouse, stood no chance.
Yet as Jake hovered in the doorway, ready to leap to the rescue, he realized she was handling his mom’s nosiness just fine. “Of course I have pictures of Emily.” Maggie laughed as she pulled out a purse-size photo album.
The tension tightening his shoulders slipped away at the cozy sight of the two of them with their heads together, flipping through family pictures. Funny, he couldn’t imagine any of the women in his past being so comfortable with his mom.
Who did that say more about, them or him? He cleared his throat, trying to ease the knot lodged there.
Maggie stiffened. Her wide-eyed gaze shot to him. She closed the album and stuffed it in her purse, then pulled out her notepad. Disappointment tugged his chest at her jerky actions. The nervous mouse was back.
How could he get her to relax again? To replace her stricken expression with the bright smile she’d worn a moment ago.
He said the first thing that popped into his head. “Ma, if you get out my baby pictures, I’ll tell Dad about your bingo winnings in the flour canister.”
His mom rose, waggling her finger at him. “As if I’d show her your scrawny, naked, six-month-old butt.” She turned to Maggie. “He was the skinniest baby.”
Maggie bit her lip as if suppressing a giggle.
Jake slid into the chair his mom had vacated, giving Maggie a “what can you do” shrug. “You’ll wonder why I wanted to move home when I get so much abuse.”
“Pfft,” his mom said. “Enough people treat you like a movie star. If I didn’t keep you grounded, your head wouldn’t fit through the door. Isn’t that right, Maggie?”
The giggle escaped, becoming a laugh.
He liked that her laugh was full-bodied, not the squeaky titter so many women had. He also liked how it lit up her face, her eyes.
Clearly torn between siding with his mom and not offending her client, Maggie stuttered an answer, watching him carefully.
“Yeah, you girls stick together.” He winked at her
She looked startled for a moment, then smiled tentatively.
His mom slid a plate with a slice of pound cake before Maggie, overriding her objection with a pat on her shoulder. “You’ll need the energy to help my son choose a house. He’s been as miserable as a wet cat about the ones you sent.”
Heat rose up his neck. “Ma, you’re killing me. Don’t you have something to do?”
“I have to get dinner on.” She pulled vegetables out of the refrigerator. “You know your father is starving by seven.” She pointed an onion at the pile of papers. “Those are all my son’s rejects.”
“You didn’t like anything?” Maggie frowned as she sifted through the discarded sheets and cross-checked them with her list.
“These four are possibilities.” He handed her the details.
“I thought this might have met your needs.” She tapped one of the discarded sheets. “It has substantial square footage, a private gym, a master suite with a whirlpool tub and a large yard with trees.”
The overblown McMansion had appealed to his ego, but only briefly. “Is that the one with a freaking full-size ballroom?”
Her grin caught him off guard. “I thought that would be the clincher. Don’t all you hockey players want to be on Battle of the Blades?”
“Hell...heck no!” he spluttered. “I don’t want to be in any reality show, let alone one that makes me dance or figure skate or whatever you call it.” He smiled ruefully at the teasing twinkle in her eyes. There was that sense of humor again. “You got me.”
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.” There was a touch of uncertainty in her eyes, like she’d expected him to be mad. “Back home, lots of sports stars clamor to be on reality shows. I think they’re nuts wanting that invasion of privacy. Everyone knowing every intimate detail of their lives.”
That had the bitter ring of experience. He wondered what her story was. “Yeah. That can get old pretty quick.”
Their gazes met. The click of understanding between them seemed almost physical. What was it about this woman?
A loud “Coo-ee” made them both blink, breaking the connection.
Aunt Karina, his mom’s best friend, came in, her gray curls bouncing. “You’re home and you haven’t been to see me, Jakey?” She shook her finger at him, then hugged him close. “You’re too busy with your hockey rabbits to visit an old woman?”
He stifled a grin. Despite being in America for many years, she still muddled her English. “Puck bunnies, Aunt Karina.”
“Bunny, rabbit, it’s the same, no?” She shrugged.
“Sure. But you’re my number-one girl.”
She sniffed at his flattery, but her smile was indulgent. “It’s good to have you back. Your mother missed you. Me, not so much.”
“Mom said you have a new boyfriend.”
“At my age, I have gentlemen friends. There’s no funny stuff...they’re too old.” She sighed. “And I’m too old for a toy boy...boy toy.”
“You’re not too old,” he reassured her.
“Correct answer.” Her eyes lit up as she spotted Maggie. “You let me chatter on when you have a girlfriend visiting?”
“I’m not—”
“She’s not—” He and Maggie spoke simultaneously, then stopped.
“We’re not dating. Maggie’s helping me find a house.”
“Uh-huh.” His mom turned back to her chopping.
“Uh-huh.” Aunt Karina sat at the table.
It was as if they could see inside his head. Could see the effect Maggie had on him.
Damn it. If he wanted to convince anyone he wasn’t interested in Maggie, he’d have to convince himself. Right. Like that would happen.
He had more of a chance of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s scoring records.
* * *
MAGGIE FOUGHT ENVY as she watched the fond banter between Jake and the two women. She could imagine such teasing interplay at family gatherings in the bright, airy kitchen.
So different from the stilted atmosphere in her parents’ house, which had lacked any kind of emotional warmth. Where her father dominated, disapproval reigned and opinions from anyone else were not tolerated.
This was the home she and Tracy had yearned for. From the postcards adorning the fridge to the cute curtains framing the large window and the smell of baking that lingered in the air, it felt cozy and welcoming.
No wonder Jake had found the Trump Place apartment lacking.
“I can see why the houses I sent through don’t appeal.” She picked up the four remaining property sheets. “I suspect these won’t be right, either.”
Surprise lit Jake’s blue eyes. “What’s wrong with them?”
Maggie had a momentary pang of unease. He might not like her disagreeing with him. But it was her job to make his move go smoothly. Tracy would expect nothing less. As uncomfortable as it made her, she shouldn’t hold back her thoughts.
She fought her nerves, then indicated the first sheet. “This has great square footage, but the rooms look dark and poky. You could knock down walls to make it more open, but it would be a lot of work and upheaval.”
“I agree, for sure. I don’t need the disruption.”
Maggie blinked. He’d listened to her opinion.
She set the property sheet aside, then slid the next one to him. “This one has an unfinished basement. More upheaval. Plus, the house is on a steep slope, with the garage at the bottom. There may be problems with water runoff.”
Aunt Karina tsked. “You don’t want to worry about flooding.”
Jake nodded. “I had reservations about the basement, but hadn’t thought about the slope. Good catch.”
Heat tinted her cheeks at his praise.
“I’m sure your thoughts about the other two houses will be on the money. Why bother even having a look at them?”
His faith in her judgment gave her confidence a boost. “You might feel differently once you’ve seen the houses. Also, other things may occur to you as we go round them, which will help guide Mimi and me in finding other properties for you.”
“Yeah. It just seems like a waste of time.”
Maggie’s breath caught in her chest. Had she misjudged his easygoing nature?
“I don’t see why it’s so hard to choose.” Jake’s mum chopped herbs with impressive speed. “You travel so much, you won’t be around to worry about dark rooms or whatever.”
“You and Dad were just as picky before you bought this place, Ma. We saw dozens of houses and you rejected every one.”
Tina smiled fondly at her son. “I know you wanted the best for us, but we didn’t want to waste the earnings from your first big contract.”
Jake bought this place for his parents? Lee wouldn’t have been so generous.
“You could have had a house twice this size and I’d have still had money left over.” His ears were tinged with pink.
“After that cramped, rented apartment, a house of our own was a dream come true. But we wanted somewhere that felt like home. This house welcomed us.”
He rose and hugged his mother. “That’s what I want, too, Ma.”
Maggie swallowed the lump in her throat. “It’s a wonderful home. Jake will have a problem finding anything that’s as nice as this.”
His half smile sent a glow through her body.
“It’s true—this is the perfect house,” Aunt Karina added. “That’s why when my boys offered to buy me my own place, I turned them down. I live in the garden house.”
“She means the carriage house at the back of the property—in the garden.” Jake smiled indulgently. “And Aunt Karina isn’t really my aunt, she’s Mom’s best friend.”
“But I’m the aunt of your heart, no?”
“Of course.”
“Tina and I raised our boys together.” Aunt Karina pulled a photo from her apron and passed it across the table. “These four handsome boys are mine.”
The two oldest looked familiar. “I met these two at Jake’s party.”
Jake nodded. “Tru and Ike.”
Aunt Karina frowned. “When will you invite me and your mama to your parties?”
“That was the last one. No more parties. I’m focusing on hockey.”
The two older women exchanged a worried look. “You’ll become a dull boy, Jakey. All work and no fun.”
Jake’s shoulders tensed. Clearly, this was not a discussion he wanted to have.
Empathy she didn’t expect tugged at Maggie. Time for a distraction.
“Is that the time?” She shoved the four property sheets in her bag. “We should get a move on if we’re to take a look at these today.”
“Good idea.” With a grateful look, Jake grabbed the lifeline she’d tossed him.
The two women saw them off at the front door, reminding them to take care in the heat.
The car was halfway down the street before Jake turned to Maggie. “Thanks for the bailout. They’re still getting used to the idea that I’m changing things up now I’m home.”
“It’s nice they care so much. You’re lucky.” She heard the wistfulness in her voice and cleared her throat to cover it.
For all his reputation, the way he behaved toward the older women said a lot about him. He was fond of them, but he also respected them.
Jake had treated her with respect, too. It had been a long time since anyone other than her sister had treated her like an equal.
For the first time since she’d agreed to help her sister, the knot of tension eased in Maggie’s gut. Maybe she’d misjudged how difficult this job would be. If Jake continued to be this easy to work with, it would be a piece of cake.
A couple of days house-hunting, a week tops, and she would have completed her first contract. Then, who knew what else she could achieve?
* * *
“YOU’VE NEVER SEEN The Godfather?”
Jake’s shocked expression made Maggie smile as she followed the GPS’s instructions to turn right, the following afternoon. “What is it with blokes and that film?”
“The Godfather is an iconic piece of modern culture.”
“You sound like Tom Hanks in You’ve Got Mail.”
“Isn’t that a chick flick?” He frowned.
“You’ve never seen You’ve Got Mail?” She widened her eyes.
Jake hitched an eyebrow.
“He calls The Godfather the I-Ching and quotes it to Meg Ryan as lessons for life.”
The GPS interrupted his reply. “Your destination is ahead, on the right.”
The relaxed atmosphere vanished as she pulled up to the last property on the day’s list.
“I hope this house is better than the other five we’ve seen today.” Jake got out of the car.
Maggie tried to quell the flutter in her stomach at his disappointed tone.
Yesterday’s visits had gone well, even though, as expected, the four properties hadn’t been appropriate. They’d spent the rest of the afternoon driving around the area to fine-tune Jake’s housing likes and dislikes. He’d been open and frank, while listening to her suggestions. Driving between houses, they’d chatted about other things—a real conversation, rather than the self-centered monologue she’d expected.
This morning, after a good-natured argument about who would drive, they’d set off to look at some new properties that she and Mimi had selected. Though the first house hadn’t been bad, the places had gone steadily downhill after that.
With each rejected house, Jake’s enthusiasm had waned and turned to frustration.
Turning off the engine, Maggie fought the urge to run away. What kind of example would that set for Emily? If she wanted her daughter to be proud of her, she’d have to brave it out. Besides, she wouldn’t let Tracy down.
A wall of heat and humidity hit her as she got out of the car. The silk underskirt stuck to her legs, making her wish she’d gone for comfort and cool. Could she get rid of her jacket?
She glanced at her outfit. Even without the matching jacket, the beige linen dress was smart. No fancy frippery, apart from the column of bow-shaped buttons down her back. Lee wouldn’t have allowed her out of the house wearing the simple, knee-length style with its modest neckline, but then he hadn’t wanted her to look understated and professional.
Though she’d have preferred a brighter color and a less severe cut, Maggie was still trying to find a style she felt comfortable with. All she knew for sure was it wouldn’t be anything Lee found suitable. She shrugged off her jacket and laid it across the backseat, then gathered her bag and turned.
Jake stood behind her. His rigid stance said he was glaring at her behind his Ray-Bans. “This one doesn’t feel right, either.”
Resisting the unexpected urge to snap at him, she forced a polite smile. “Shall we take a quick look, anyway? We’ve learned a lot from the other places we’ve seen, and it’s all helping us narrow down what you’re after.”
“Let’s get this done.” He nodded sharply, then strode up the path to where Mimi waited by the front door.
How on earth did the older woman maintain her immaculate appearance? Not a silver hair out of place nor a wrinkle in her mint-green pantsuit. Even her smile looked as fresh as it had first thing this morning.
You can do this, Maggie told herself fiercely as she followed him. Inside the foyer, she stopped. Her stomach dropped to her midheeled Marc Jacobs sandals.
Jake was right. The house was awful.
Though normal on the outside, the Dutch Colonial was a nightmare of rooms painted in eye-popping acid colors. Any original features had long since been stripped out. Someone must have doctored the pictures on the property sheet.
“They’ve ruined a great old house.” Mimi shook her head sadly as she led them past the sunken fishpond in the living room to the narrow kitchen with lime-green appliances. “No wonder they dropped the price.”
Maggie stopped by the rear stairs. “Let’s call it a day. We can meet again in the morning when we’ll have other properties for you to look at.”
Jake fixed his ice-blue gaze on her. “This isn’t working. We’re getting nowhere.”
Did that mean he was going to fire her? The internal voice sneered again. Useless.
She injected a cheeriness she didn’t feel into her voice. “I know today’s been disappointing, but there are plenty of other available houses. I’m sure we’ll see something suitable tomorrow.”
“We said at the beginning it would take time to find the perfect place,” Mimi added.
Jake ignored the real-estate agent. “We’re chasing our tails. Nothing we’ve seen has come close to being right.”
Maggie tamped down her irritation. He made it sound like they hadn’t tried, when he was the one who was so hard to please. The mocking internal voice grew louder.
“We understand your frustration,” she said soothingly. “But we’ve come a long way in a day and a half. Give us a bit longer.”
“How much longer?” He crossed his arms over his broad chest and glared at her. “Training camp is around the corner. Once that starts, I need to focus on my play, not where I’ll be living.”
“You will,” she promised calmly, even as desperation clawed at her insides.
His arched eyebrow said he doubted it.
She couldn’t lose this contract. He had to give them another chance. “Why don’t we meet tomorrow and go through the properties on the system together? That’ll speed up the process.”
“Great idea. I’ll head to the office and get started.” Mimi shepherded them toward the front of the house.
Jake shrugged, then indicated Maggie should go first.
She walked ahead of him down the hallway, aware of his brooding presence behind her. Far too aware. Her body clearly wasn’t on the same page as her brain. His attitude should have had the same effect as the proverbial bucket of cold water. Why hadn’t it?
Jake’s arm brushed hers as he reached past her to hold open the door.
Maggie’s pulse skipped. She willed her body to toe the line. A few more steps and they would be out of this monstrosity.
There was still the drive to his parents’ place. Enclosed in the confines of the car. Inches away from a pissed-off athlete.
Maggie shivered, then told herself to stop worrying. He’d done nothing to suggest he couldn’t control his temper. Still, when his hand touched the small of her back, she flinched.
Jake dropped his hand, his expression stony.
She waved goodbye to Mimi, then got into the car. He joined her and instantly the interior seemed to shrink as his scent—raw, male and hot—filled her nose. His lean, powerful body crowded her, putting his muscular thigh mere inches from hers.
Neither of them said anything. Forget cutting the tension with a knife, an axe would barely make a dent.
They’d almost reached his parents’ place when nerves got the better of her.
“Look—”
“You know—” They both spoke at once.
They stopped, then glanced at each other. The implacable set of his jaw said he’d reached a decision. One she wouldn’t like.
“Go on.” She licked her suddenly dry lips.
“Ladies first.”
She tried to clear the tightness in her throat, but it sounded like a squeak. “I’m sorry we haven’t found anything suitable yet. I’d be grateful, if you’d give us one more chance.”
“Knock yourself out.”
Maybe it was his patronizing tone that sparked off a long overdue show of defiance. Maybe it was that incessant internal voice that had reached deafening levels. Maybe she was just sick of taking arrogant behavior on the chin for the sake of a quiet life. Regardless, before she could censor her words, she snapped, “Grow up.”
“Excuse me?” The chill in his voice sent a shiver skating down her spine.
Instead of being frozen into submission, she seemed unable to stem the flow of angry words. “You’re as bad as my seven-year-old. ‘I want it and I want it now.’” She mimicked one of Emily’s rare tantrums. “I know sports stars are used to instant gratification, but that’s not how this works. If you genuinely want a place to call home, you’ll have to be patient.”
She didn’t know who was more shocked by her outburst.
His eyes widened a fraction. If his jaw hadn’t been so tight, she was sure it would have dropped. “I see.”
Maggie tried to get her runaway mouth to apologize, to say anything that would rescue the situation. But, having done the damage, it seemed her lips were glued shut. The heat of anger gave way to the pain of misery and defeat.
She’d just cost Tracy the Ice Cats’ contract.
