Читать книгу Tempted by a Carrington - Linda Hudson-Smith - Страница 9

Chapter 2

Deciding at the last minute to take a detour, Dallas exited I-45 South onto Clear Lake City Boulevard. A few minutes down the road, he pulled up to the gates of the City on the Lake townhomes, which Lanier had mentioned. After telling the guard he was there to view model homes, the gate was opened. He hoped Lanier wouldn’t think he was prying into her private affairs by finding out information on the complex.

Opening the door, Dallas stepped into the air-conditioned office.

Smiling all over the place, the lady behind the front desk rushed to her feet. “Hello!” She extended her hand to Dallas. “I’m Casey Rayburn. Are you interested in our complex?”

“I’m not looking to move, but I have a friend who is. I’d like to see the models.”

Casey suddenly turned pale. “Oh, my goodness, you’re one of the Carrington triplets. I’m not sure which one, but I follow you in sports. I won’t try to guess which brother you are.”

Smiling broadly, she hunched her shoulders. “Can you just tell me? I’m dying to know.”

Smiling back at her, Dallas removed his hand from her tight grip. “I’m Dallas, member of the Texas Hurricanes. Thanks for supporting us. We appreciate it.”

“I can’t think of anyone in Texas who doesn’t support you. Ladies go crazy when any one of you guys is on television. I didn’t know much about sports until you all started playing.” She suddenly looked embarrassed. “Sorry for kind of losing it. I’m sure you didn’t come in here to see me act a fool. How many bedrooms is your friend interested in?”

Dallas stroked his chin. “Don’t know for sure. I’ll take a guess that she’d want two or maybe three. I’ll just look at all four models. Are they open?”

“Yes.” Grabbing a folder off the counter, she handed it to him. “Inside are copies of the floor plans for each town house, including square footage and pricing sheets. The end units cost more. Every unit has an attached two-car garage. Let me know if you have any questions.”

“Thanks.” Dallas exited out of French doors that led to the models.

The first town house Dallas entered had three bedrooms and three full baths. The flooring throughout the house was laid with both hardwood and ceramic tile. The roomy end unit had over 2,500 square feet of living space, including a fabulous sunroom with a great lake view. The master suite was located downstairs. Racing upstairs, he immediately liked the warm feel of the entire unit, and he was sure Lanier would give it a thumbs-up.

Imagining Lanier in these lavish surroundings was easy for Dallas. Three years of being together had given him insight into her likes and dislikes. She loved soft and silky things next to her body, and she loved European furnishings. Visions of her moving around in the town house made him smile. He still had more models to view, but his heart had embraced this one.

Moving toward the next townhome, Dallas opened the front door and walked in. The warmth he’d felt in the first residence was noticeably absent. The place was beautifully furnished and well-appointed, but something was missing. This townhome had two bedrooms and two full baths. Moving upstairs, he hurried through each room. It had been much easier for him to savor the splendor in the first home. Simply put, this house was by no means a perfect fit for Lanier. It was nice enough, but nowhere near up to her standard.

The next two models weren’t as well-appointed as the first town house, Dallas noted. If Lanier could fit the first one into her budget, he was willing to bet she’d go for it. All she’d have to do was put her stamp of approval on it and pen her signature. He’d also read that one of the subdivisions inside the complex had town houses for purchase. Purchasing may be a much better option for Lanier than leasing, but he wasn’t certain of her interest.

Dallas pulled his Mercedes into the driveway at Haven House. He’d fallen asleep after a hot shower and was glad he’d made it back on time for dinner.

Lanier reached Dallas before he made it out of the car. The bright smile on her face had his heart thumping wildly. “Hey, there, beautiful,” he said, taking her into his arms. Lanier had never come outside to meet him like this. Dallas took it to mean she was in a good mood and was happy to see him.

Dallas had already eaten two double-decker burgers and a large salad before he decided to mind his manners. Lanier had been closely watching him from the first bite he’d taken. Her spurts of giggles weren’t lost on him. She was still as fascinated as most people were by the amount of food he consumed.

“Who are the Hurricanes playing day after tomorrow?” Lanier asked.

“Toronto Mustangs. They’re a good team, but we’re better. Hopefully, we’ll get the win.” He smiled. “Did you get your ticket from Ashleigh?”

“Got it yesterday,” Lanier replied. She stood. “Okay, Dallas, its dish-duty time.”

Dallas jumped up from his seat. “Let’s get it done. Then we can cuddle on the couch and watch a movie or two.”

Lanier loved lazy nights in with him. Her eyes filled with pride every time she thought about how he’d hotly pursued her on the cruise ship. It had taken her a while to respond to his flirtations because she had tagged him a playboy on sight, but she was wrong. She winked at him. “You’re the best.”

The couple vacated the clean kitchen and went into the family room, where they curled up together on the sofa. Outside of hugs and light kisses, there’d never been any heavy intimacy between them inside Haven House. Lanier was a positive role model for the girls, and she wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that.

After pulling Lanier’s legs across his lap, Dallas handed her a large brown envelope. “I checked out those town houses we talked about earlier. The information is inside.”

Lanier smiled. Before she would have balked at Dallas taking matters into his own hands, but the new Lanier was downright grateful. She was over being suspicious of the intent of others.

Up until Lanier had met Ashleigh, she had trusted no one. Her best friend and confidante had shown her time and time again how trustworthy she was. Their loyal friendship and respect for each other had allowed them to become and remain successful business partners.

Putting her arms around Dallas, Lanier clasped her hands together at his nape. “Have I told you lately how amazing you are?”

“You can tell me again. It’s music to my ears.” Giving in to his desire to kiss her breath away, he pressed his lips against hers, sweetly devouring them.

Lanier took a minute to glance over the information in the packet. “I’d still like you to look at the town houses with me. Is that okay?”

“Sure. I can take you on Sunday. I don’t have to report to the field house until late afternoon.”

“Hope I get an idea of what I want when I go take a look.”

“If I get here Sunday morning, at 9:45 or so, is that good for you?”

“It’s fine.” Looking into his eyes, she ran the back of her hand down the side of his face. “I want desperately to give back what you give me. This time around I’m going to make us work. I promise. I love you, Dallas.”

Wrapping her up in his arms, he seared her lips with another hot, moist kiss. “I can’t get enough of you. I love you, too. And I always root for us.”

Lanier smiled broadly. “As long as we’re honest and up front with each other, we can make it work.”

Dallas knew he could live up to whatever expectations Lanier had of him. The only question in his mind was if he she was ready to be open to the relationship. Her skittish behaviors of the past still concerned him. At one time, fear was all she’d known. He’d love it if she could accept him at face value and love him for the genuine, honest man he was.

Dallas got up from the sofa then reached a hand back to Lanier. As she arose and stood with him, he kissed her tenderly on the mouth. He’d been dying to ask how many kids she wanted to have one day, but the fear of scaring her had kept him mute on the subject. Lanier had never mentioned wanting kids, but he knew she’d make a good mother just by the way she interacted with the girls. Besides that, he didn’t know if she’d ever agree to marry him, or anyone else.

Dallas only planned to propose once more. If Lanier turned him down again, he had silently promised himself to end the romance. After nearly two years of exclusive dating, he had popped the question during a family vacation cruise to celebrate Angelica’s birthday. Lanier had been deeply moved by the sentiment, but she was clearly not ready to make a lifetime commitment to him. Her tearful reply had confirmed the bad news. Yet he was sure she loved him—and he loved her enough to wait.

Dallas turned his full attention on Lanier, who had bent over to insert a CD. Her perfectly rounded rear excited him. Everything about her was electrifying. Most of all, he loved her tenacity. Just when it looked as if she might give up on something, she’d dig her heels in hard. Her life hadn’t been the least bit easy, but she’d done far more than just survive.

If their love affair could endure Lanier’s insecurities, which were largely based on her issues of abandonment and her parents’ alcohol and drug use, their problems would be solved. The worry of being abandoned again kept her on edge. One minute she was fearful of being left behind and scared of becoming an alcoholic. Because of her anxieties, she was unwilling to commit. Scared stiff of being rejected and tossed aside, especially by the man she loved so deeply, she kept a protective shield around her fragile heart. Dallas knew they could live happily ever after, but Lanier had to believe it, too. He was still willing to bet high stakes on them.

Lanier came over to Dallas and extended her hand to him. “Want to get in a little bumping and grinding on the dance floor?” Her eyelashes batted flirtatiously.

Not about to turn down such an enthralling offer, Dallas grinned. “How far and how low can we go?”

“Tsk, tsk,” Lanier scolded. “You know the answer. We’ve never done anything over the top here. The girls may be gone, but their presence isn’t.”

Dallas swept her into his arms. Pulling her as close to his body as he could, he hungrily engaged his mouth with hers. Bumping and grinding their hips together was sensuous. He wondered who’d be the first one to put on the brakes. His willpower was definitely in doubt.

Laying her head on Dallas’s chest, Lanier closed her eyes, inhaling his manly scent. With her arms wound loosely around Dallas’s neck, the couple’s body rhythms matched perfectly the sexy, provocative music. If she were anywhere other than Haven House, she’d be tempted to strip and dance provocatively for his pleasure. It wasn’t something she’d done before, but he made her feel uninhibited. The thought of stripping for him had her hot. Lanier could barely wait to make it happen.

As a much faster paced song came on, Lanier and Dallas let the music take them over. As she ground her hips into his, he pulled her back against him. His manhood rose as he matched her wild, sexy moves. For the next several minutes, they stay locked together, bumping and grinding to the music.

They headed back to the sofa and sat down to catch their breath. She picked up the remote control. “Where are the movies?”

Dallas snapped his fingers. “Out in the car. I’ll get them.”

“Let’s look at the cable guide first. We can surf the movie channels and maybe there’ll be something on. I don’t want you out of my sight.” She blew him a kiss.

Dallas didn’t care if the screen was blank. Lanier was always doing or saying something that turned him on, without even realizing it. When she’d bent over the CD player earlier, it had taken all his strength to keep from taking her down to the carpet and making wild, passionate love to her. Dallas would never disrespect the sacredness of Haven House, but he had no control over the X-rated thoughts that ran through his mind.

Stopping on a cable channel, Lanier watched what was happening on the screen for several seconds before she realized it was an erotic flick. She stole a glance at Dallas, but he appeared unaffected by what was on television. Instead of turning the channel, she set down the remote. Without uttering a word, she got comfortable, laying her head on Dallas’s lap.

Inwardly, she laughed, knowing he was wondering what had gotten into her. If he had turned on an erotic movie, he’d expect her to throw a fit. The old Lanier might’ve been offended, but she was trying to lighten up.

His eyes darting between Lanier and the television screen, Dallas couldn’t help wondering if she was really comfortable with the heavy eroticism. He didn’t normally watch these types of shows, but her enjoying it made him feel sexy.

It didn’t take Dallas long to get worked up. He reached for Lanier and kissed her passionately. His hand snaked up under her top and fondled each of her breasts, and his breathing was labored. Just as he was about to unsnap her bra straps, she jumped up, making him feel bad for attempting to heat up her body.

Lanier’s eyes appeared apologetic. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this here.”

He stood. “It’s okay. I was out of line, and I’m sorry.” He took a deep breath. “I’m leaving now. I want to make love to you…and I can’t.”

Lanier felt awful, but she couldn’t bring herself to engage in lovemaking at Haven House.

This was her fault, she knew. It started with the offer of bumping and grinding while dancing. She had been sexually affected by what was on the television screen, so she should’ve expected Dallas to feel something, too. The erotic movie had made her just as hot as he was.

He touched his lips lightly to her forehead. “Good night. See you tomorrow.”

Lanier hated to see their evening end like so many of their past dates. He was sexually frustrated, and she was to blame. She had to change her position about Haven House. It was the girls’ home, but it was also hers. The girls weren’t here, and Dallas had been so close. Now she felt sad and lonely. It had been hard to see him go, and she should’ve asked him to stay.

In white jeans and a sexy orange sleeveless top, Lanier stepped outside the house to wait for Dallas. She sat on the porch swing and laid her purse beside her. As she looked around at the beautiful flowers and shrubs, she smiled, remembering when Haven House looked like it should’ve been condemned. Instead it had been sold to her and Ashleigh way below market value. A lot of hard work and money had gone into restoring the home to a beautiful property.

Dallas’s silver Mercedes-Benz came into view. By the time she reached the vehicle, he was out of the car, making his way around to the passenger side.

He gently kissed her forehead. “Sweetheart, you look gorgeous.”

Dallas brought Lanier into his arms and kissed her passionately. His manhood readily responded to the mere feel of her, but now was not the time for his virility to react so wildly to her sexiness. Last night’s disappointing episode was enough for him. Holding Lanier slightly away from him, his ebony eyes connected with hers. “Is everything okay?”

Lanier nodded. “It couldn’t be better. I can’t wait to tour the town houses.”

Ten minutes later Dallas drove his car through security gates and parked. Leaning across the seat, he kissed Lanier. “Sit tight. I’ll open your door.”

Extending his hand to Lanier, Dallas helped her exit. Physical contact with her sent another jolt of electricity right through him. All he could do was wish they were off somewhere alone so he could make love to her endlessly.

Hand in hand, Dallas and Lanier walked through the neighborhood, her eyes drinking in the lush landscaping. She already liked the feel of this place. The atmosphere was peaceful. Living alone still scared her, but she couldn’t move forward in her life without having the experience.

Opening the office door, Dallas allowed Lanier to precede him.

“Let’s start with the last model and work our way back to the first,” he suggested.

“Good idea. Model home sites tend to save the best for last.”

They entered the model and looked around. Dallas checked for signs of approval or disapproval on Lanier’s face. She was expressionless, making it impossible for him to read her.

“It doesn’t feel warm to me. It’s nice but lacks something I can’t put my finger on. Trying to imagine it without furnishings is hard. I wish models were empty so visitors could see it frill-free,” she remarked.

The couple went upstairs, but Lanier still looked unimpressed.

Dallas pursed his lips. “Ready to move on to the next one?”

“May as well. This one is not for me.”

Dallas took Lanier’s hand and led her back downstairs. As they reached the exit, he pulled her to him suddenly and united their lips in a tender kiss. As his sex responded to the feel of her body close to his, his mouth increased the pressure on hers.

Dallas ended the kiss, but Lanier took up where he’d left off. Her hunger for him had her crazy with desire as she rubbed against his thickened organ pressing against her thigh. Even though she was in public, she had no problem envisioning them making love.

Raw passion in her eyes made Dallas gulp hard. “In a naughty-girl mood, huh?”

“You can say that. If I wasn’t worried about someone walking in on us, I’d tempt you to take me right here.”

Feeling the intense heat of her body, Dallas felt as if he were sweating from within. It was selfish of him, but he’d been fantasizing about her moving away from Haven House. Their lovemaking was restricted because of her position as foster mother. Even when she spent a night at his home, she couldn’t relax completely because she had to remain in control of herself.

Letting go and completely freeing inhibitions was difficult for someone filled with fear. He loved spending time with her at Haven House, but so many rules had to be closely followed. No matter how much he wanted her to himself, he’d never ask her to move.

Another couple entered the model, and Lanier and Dallas regrouped then quickly exited. The man looked as if he recognized Dallas but said nothing.

Lanier giggled. “Did you see how hard that guy was staring at you?”

Dallas shrugged. “He was probably trying to place me.”

Dallas’s fame was merely a part of what he did for a living and nothing to do with who he was as a man. Some sports figures got caught up in the fame game, but not him. Dallas was grounded and he loved his fans and enjoyed meeting them. Superstar attitude was not in him.

Dallas grinned. “Houston’s the ham in the family, and he loves his megastar power. He has settled down a lot down since meeting Kelly. She brought him down to earth in a hurry.”

“She certainly tamed that big old Texas boy.”

“Yeah, and my parents are totally gone on Kelly. I wonder when they’ll walk down the aisle.”

Lanier looped her arm through Dallas’s. “They’re smart not to rush into anything, even if they are perfect for each other.”

Dallas outlined Lanier’s heart with his finger. “Are we?”

Lanier shut her eyes. “Not as perfect as I want. It’s on me, though. I have lots of imperfections. I want to give you my all, and I’m working hard to get it right.”

Dallas frowned. “The last thing I want is for you to do hard labor in this relationship.” If it didn’t come to her naturally, he feared they’d never work as a couple. Thinking she might not love him enough to marry him was upsetting. Yet, deep down inside, he felt loved by her.

As the couple moved through the next town house, Dallas was quiet. His carefree mood had changed to more reserved. Lanier made him think hard and worry too much about what was happening inside her head, yet she was also the only one who could make changes in herself.

Dallas had no desire to change Lanier, but he wanted her to be totally confident about her feelings for him. Forcing a time frame on her wouldn’t help, either. But he didn’t plan to wait forever for her to make up her mind about loving him enough to marry. Perhaps she just couldn’t love that hard. But there was no in-between for him; it was all or nothing.

As soon as they’d entered the last town house, Lanier perked up. “Oh, my goodness, look at this place. It’s beautiful, the kind of home I’ve dreamed of! I know I haven’t seen it all, but I love what I see.”

Moving into the spacious kitchen, Lanier’s hands lovingly swept the granite counters. That all appliances were stainless steel had her tickled pink.

“Look here, Dallas. An entire stainless package is standard instead of an upgrade.”

Dallas grinned and grabbed her hand, steering her toward the wrought-iron staircase.

Lanier stopped on the stairway. Turning to Dallas, she cupped his face between her hands. “This is it! I feel it. I probably should look at a few more complexes, but I bet I’ll end up right back here.”

“This one really is great. Have you thought about buying instead of leasing? I can set you up with my Realtor. Just say the word and it’s done.”

“Maybe I will. I’m sure it’s better to buy a home than pay rent and end up with nothing to show for it.”

Lanier and Dallas rapidly made their way up the few remaining steps. They entered the master suite and the glowing expression on Lanier’s face said it all. “How huge is this! Oh, my God, check out the bathroom with that fabulous tub. I can imagine us in it together.”

Dallas could imagine it, too. The thought of Lanier straddling him in the tub caused a rise in his manhood. He made a mental note to coerce her into the bathroom Jacuzzi at his house.

Lanier’s wild enthusiasm over the largest town house had Casey smiling. “I’ll work up both sets of figures for you. If you finance with us, we pay closing costs and offer ten thousand dollars in upgrades.”

Lanier looked hopeful. So many things rushing around in her brain suddenly made her feel off-kilter. Leasing or buying was a big step. Knowing she had excellent credit had her worry-free. If the price was right, Lanier was sure she could accomplish it.

Smiling, Lanier took Dallas’s hand. His gentle squeeze was reassuring.

Lanier held up her forefinger. “One more question. Are the locations of leased homes and purchased homes mixed together in the same neighborhoods?”

Casey shook her head. “Purchased homes and leased ones are set apart by brick perimeters. Security gates are provided at both entries.”

Gathering up all paperwork related to the complex, Lanier shoved them in a manila folder Casey had given her. After shaking hands with the manager, she and Dallas were ready to go.

The moment they stepped out into the sunlight, Dallas brought her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. “I guess I can tell you now.”

Lanier hunched her shoulders. “Tell me what?”

Dallas laughed. “We fell in love with the same town house.”

“I’m glad you approve. I felt the chemistry in spades. The rooms seemed to reach out and embrace me. The master suite has everything I could want. It wasn’t my bed, but it was sure summoning me to try it out,” she said, laughing. “My imagination got away from me in there.”

Dallas kissed the tip of her nose. “Mine was right there with yours. I’m glad the air conditioner was on.”

Lanier laughed. “I love it when we’re on the same page.”

Taking Lanier’s hand in his, Dallas started walking toward the car. “It happens to us a lot.” He glanced at his watch. “Let me get you back to Haven House so I can go home and lay down for a while. Resting before practice never hurts.”

Envisioning him up to bat, Lanier swung their entwined hands back and forth. “I love to see your muscles ripple when you’re on deck.”

“In that case, I’ll try to give you a real good show.” He flexed his upper arm muscles. “Iron clad,” he joked.

Lanier smiled. She loved his muscles and his strength, but she particularly loved how protected she felt nestled in his powerful arms.

Dallas had a hard time leaving Lanier’s warm embrace. She had come into his arms as soon as they had entered the house. She was kissing him as if she couldn’t get enough of his mouth, and he was returning her moist kisses with unbridled passion. Knowing this would probably end with him taking a cold shower, he still couldn’t pull away. His manhood was stiff as a board, grinding up against her body with tender force.

Lanier loosened the buckle on his belt and then lowered his zipper. She wasn’t in control of herself and she didn’t care. Reaching inside his fly, she found his erection and began moving her closed hand up and down his shaft.

Losing his hands in her hair, he tugged gently. Tilting her head back, his tongue licked up and down her throat. Unbuckling her belt, he removed it and slid the slacks halfway off her hips. As his hands slid into her panties, she gasped wantonly. For only a fleeting moment she thought of where they were. She easily convinced herself that foreplay was not intercourse.

Continuing to pump her hands up and down his sex, she wrapped her hands around him tighter. Bringing him as much pleasure as she could was what was on her mind. She wanted to send him off to his nap with something hot and sweet to think about.

As Dallas’s fingers probed inside of her, it was all she could do to remain standing. She was wet and hot and he was hard as stone and his breathing was jagged. In the next instant, she felt the ripples of a powerful climax wending its way throughout her inner chamber. Dallas muffled both of their moans of fulfillment as he covered her mouth with his.

After kissing her breathless, he went into the downstairs bathroom and Lanier ran to the one upstairs.

Looking into the mirror, Lanier saw how glazed over her eyes looked. The color in her cheeks was heightened and her hair was all over the place from Dallas pushing his hands through it. She smiled, wishing he didn’t have to leave, yet she was happy they’d both been satisfied.