Читать книгу One Night with a Tempting Playboy: From Playboy to Papa! / The Legendary Playboy Surgeon / Unwrapping the Playboy - Marie Ferrarella - Страница 14

Rafe made a good argument, Nicole thought after she’d returned to her room. She pulled the covers over her in her bed while the gentle rocking of the ocean lulled her. It would be best for Joel if she and Rafe could get along and even better if they lived together. But that was a fairy-tale possibility.

If only she could be sure that he was who he seemed to be. Strong, good-looking, gentle, responsible. He appeared to be every woman’s dream come true. Even hers if she’d had the time to dream during the last four years.

But how could she possibly trust him? Especially after that report from the P.I. She would always feel like she needed to be on guard with him.

She wondered if he had truly been in love with her sister, or just infatuated. If he was who he seemed, how could Tabitha, even with her shallow nature, leave that kind of man behind? It didn’t make sense to her. Although Tabitha had always talked about marrying a man both wealthy and famous, perhaps even royalty, Nicole had assumed it wasn’t a serious plan.

After Tabitha had delivered Joel, she’d begun a strict exercise regimen to lose the baby weight, telling Nicole she had to get in shape for her prince. She’d partied frantically in New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta, refusing to slow down even when the doctor had insisted.

Nicole took a deep breath and sent up a silent wish of peace for her sister. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on the rhythmic rocking motion and allowed herself to drift to sleep.

Minutes later, he was in bed beside her. His wide shoulders blocked the bulk of the morning sun just beginning to rise. His rock-hard chest was inches from her. His dark, gold skin stretched over his well-developed muscles.

His physical strength fascinated her at the same time it frightened her. How could a man with such strength possess such gentleness?

His eyelids fluttered open and his dark gaze immediately latched on to her. “You’re supposed to be sleeping,” he said, sliding his hand under the covers to her bare hip. “I thought I took care of any nervous energy you had last night.”

He lifted his index finger to her lips.

“I guess you haven’t been kissed enough,” he said and pulled her flush against his body.

Heat rushed through her and she couldn’t stop a smile at the easy, sexy way he handled her. “I didn’t say that. I was just looking at you.”

“Why look when you can touch?” he asked and lifted one of her hands to his chest at the same time he lowered his mouth to hers.

His mouth sent fireworks through her. He seemed to devour her as if he couldn’t get enough of her. He skimmed his mouth down over her shoulder, sending ripples of sensation in his wake.

He touched the sides of her breasts, teasing her until she couldn’t remain still, pushing her nipples against his palm.

He swore under his breath, but it was a sound of pleasure. “I love the way you move.”

Sliding one of his hands between her legs, he found her wet and swollen. “Ready already?”

A twinge of self-consciousness rushed through her. Did he really not know that he kept her in a state of readiness for him all the time? “Is that bad?” she asked, her voice sounding breathless to her own ears.

“If it’s bad, then we’re both bad,” he said, and guided her hand over his erection.

She slid her hand over him, moving in long strokes.

He let out a hiss of breath, his eyes fixed on her. “I need you again.”

It amazed her how powerful he could make her feel even when she was in such a vulnerable position. Suddenly, touching and needing weren’t nearly enough. “I need you, too.”

He rolled on to his back, pulling her on top of him, sending her equilibrium spinning. “You set the pace. If I do, it will all be over in sixty seconds.”

She laughed despite her own mind-blowing arousal. Pushing herself up and propping her hands on either side of his head, she stared into his eyes as he wrapped his hands around her hips and guided her just over him.

“Take it slow,” he told her. “You do wicked things to my self-control.”

Sliding down him inch by delicious inch, she felt his groan vibrate inside her. She’d never imagined she could feel this free with a man, this desirable, this passionate, this…in love…

Nicole awakened so slowly she almost felt as if she were still dreaming. She heard the sound of laughter. Joel, she realized with a smile. She would know that sound anywhere. A second later, she heard a deeper, masculine chuckle. She blinked, immediately identifying Rafe’s voice.

Disoriented, she sat up in bed, trying to make sense of the hot visual she’d had. Had Rafe been in her bed? Her body felt odd, swollen with arousal. She ran her hands over her night clothes and embarrassment washed over her.

What was the matter with her? How could she be having erotic dreams about a man she didn’t trust? Or was it possible that her feelings for him were more complex than she’d realized? She shook her head, unable to believe it.

“Shhh. Don’t wake your mother,” Rafe said just outside her door.

“She likes me to wake her up,” Joel said. “She likes it when I jump on the bed. It makes her laugh. You can come, too.”

Still horrified by her dreams, Nicole gasped, scrambling out of bed and rushing to open the door. “I hear someone laughing,” she managed, focusing on Joel, who was still dressed in his dinosaur jammies.

“It was me and him,” he said, pointing at Rafe.

Dressed in shorts and a black T-shirt that stretched tight over his shoulders, Rafe stepped forward and leaned against the doorjamb in the hallway, stealing her attention and her breath.

“Somebody’s a pistol in the morning,” he said, giving her a swift, but thorough onceover before he met her gaze.

“He wakes up happy,” she said, feeling self-conscious. “Don’t you, Joel?”

He rushed into her arms and she hugged his sweet little body and gave him a good tickle. His belly laugh made her smile.

“If we could bottle that sound,” Rafe said.

She nodded in agreement and hugged him again.

“Mom, we’re gonna have pancakes. With strawberries and chocolate chips.”

“Not in the same pancakes,” Rafe corrected and rubbed his hand over Joel’s head. “Tell her what else we’re going to do.”

“Fish,” Joel said. “We’re gonna catch fish.”

His enthusiasm was contagious. “What are you going to do with them after you catch them?”

Joel looked at her then up at Rafe. “What do we do after we catch them?”

“We throw them back so someone else can take a turn catching them?”

Joel’s face crinkled in confusion. “Can’t I keep just one?”

“We’ll see,” Rafe said.

“That means no,” Joel said in a glum tone.

“Maybe I could get an aquarium,” Rafe ventured, lifting his thumb to his lip.

“An aquarium is a big commitment. Maybe we could just pick up one of those betta fish,” Nicole said.

“That’s okay. I’m in it for the long haul,” Rafe said, and picked up Joel.

Nicole was struck by the resemblance between the two. With the exception of Joel’s blue eyes, he could have been a miniature replica. It wasn’t the first time she’d noticed their similarities, but every time seemed to underline their bond more and more. She took a quick breath and focused on his comment. “I’m speaking of someone else’s interest. It wanes quickly.”

“Ah,” Rafe said. “Point taken. Betta fish on the way home. Are you joining us?”

“After I get dressed.”

“No need,” he said, his gaze skimming over her again. “We’re casual.”

“I’ll be out soon,” she said and closed her door. Her heart was racing. She frowned at herself, still disturbed by her hot dream. “Get a grip,” she whispered.

Joel didn’t stop bouncing with excitement for most of the day. His son even reached for his hand several times. The gesture tugged at his heart and he was relieved at the small sign of Joel’s trust. Joel would adjust. His son would grow to trust him more each day, to rely on him, maybe even to love him. It would happen faster if he had Nicole’s support and Rafe sensed he was getting to her.

She laughed and he felt her gaze on him several times throughout the day. He sensed both curiosity and skepticism. The latter made him impatient.

That night, after they returned to the house, Joel hit the sack early and Rafe took advantage of the time by inviting Nicole to join him for dinner on the patio.

“Have you ever gotten into a physical altercation as an adult?” Nicole asked him after dinner.

It was approximately the twentieth question she’d asked him regarding physical fights.

“Yes, I have. I was a bouncer for a couple of clubs in Miami. A few times I had to resort to brute strength, but not since. Why do you ask?” He met her gaze directly.

She bit her lip. “I just wanted to know what your approach to life was. If you thought physical intimidation was necessary.”

“In rare circumstances. If someone came at you or Joel, I would defend you,” he said. “I wouldn’t be a man if I didn’t.”

“What do you mean—not a man?” she asked.

“I mean I wouldn’t stand for anyone attacking you.” He shrugged. “I would protect my son. My son’s mother.”

She stared at him for a long moment. “And what about your son? Would you physically punish him? Would you—” She broke off as if she could barely complete her sentence. “Would you punish a woman?”

Rafe scowled in distaste. “A real man never uses his strength against a child or a woman.”

She bit her lip again. “You really believe that,” she said in an unsteady voice.

“Of course I do. Only cowards prey on those who are weaker.” He wondered where her questions originated. “Where is all of this coming from?”

She glanced away. “It was a philosophical question,” she said.

“It sounded like more,” he said.

She lifted her shoulders. “If you are going to be a partner in Joel’s care, then I need to know what to expect. People have different philosophies about physical punishment.”

He studied her for a long moment. “So you’re afraid I’ll beat him?”

Her heart skipped and her stomach knotted. She swallowed over the knot of emotion in the back of her throat. “I need to make sure I understand what you believe.”

“We’ve talked about this before. I was spanked as a child, but I don’t think it hurt me. I think there are better ways of disciplining children. My primary goal is protecting my child.”

He spoke as if he were a modern-day warrior. Nicole tried to compute his words, but struggled to separate them from her father’s actions.

“There’s something you’re not telling me,” he said, his eyes narrowed.

She looked away. “Your appearance in Joel’s life has been so sudden.”

“That wasn’t by my choice,” he said.

“I know. But you’re not the only one who feels protective of Joel.” She pushed her hair behind one ear and appeared as if she were debating something. “I’m not sure of what your values are, what you’ve been taught.”

Rafe felt a familiar twist in his gut. “What you mean is that I wasn’t raised in civilized society and in the cocoon of extreme wealth. You’re starting to sound like your sister. I’m a little too rough around the edges. I’m not quite good enough for prime time. Right?”

Nicole’s lips parted in a soft gasp. “No. I didn’t mean that at—”

He lifted his hand. “Save it. I’ve heard it before more than once. My family was poor, but my father loved us. My mother just wasn’t strong enough to keep it all together after my dad and Leo died. So, yes, I was shuffled off to a foster family, who wanted me partly because I brought in extra income. Didn’t catch up with my brothers until the last few years. Sometimes it feels like my first nine years were just a dream.” He paused a half beat and shook his head. “I pretended I belonged, but I never did. I don’t even have pictures of my family,” he muttered, then looked at her. “Your parents probably commissioned oil paintings of you and Tabitha every year of your life.”

“There were a lot of photos,” she admitted.

“None of this matters. What matters is Joel is my son and I’m going to take care of him. Good night,” he said and knew he had to get out. The walls of his house felt as if they were closing in around him. Or maybe it was his own bones and ribs squeezing his guts into a knot.

He grabbed the keys to his car and stopped suddenly. He couldn’t just pick up and go anymore. He had to think of Joel. He turned to Nicole. “I need to go for a drive,” he said. “I’ll make sure the housekeeper keeps an ear out for Joel. I’ll have my cell. Call me if you need me.”

She nodded. “I think I gave you the wrong impression,” she began.

“Not likely,” he said, hearing the edge of cynicism in his own voice. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

Sliding into his vintage Corvette, Rafe put the top down and headed for the pier. The wind blew over his face, assuaging just a tinge of his restlessness. Nicole’s lack of trust in him drove him to a level of frustration he hadn’t experienced in years, if ever.

He knew she wanted him, but she kept pulling back. She got under his skin even more than Tabitha had. He shook his head at the thought. No, he’d allowed himself to fall ass over teakettle for Tabitha. Rafe had more self-control these days. Lust was just another word for love.

It shouldn’t bother him that she shared the same attitude about his lack of so-called class that Tabitha had, but it did.

A bitter taste filled his mouth. He could have dismissed any other woman, but this was Joel’s mother. Whether he liked it or not, he would have to bring her around to his way of thinking.

Nicole had never felt so conflicted in her life. Although she knew she was completely justified in making sure that Rafe would be a good parent to Joel, she hated the idea of causing Rafe pain. Given his history with her sister, her feelings were pure insanity.

Why did she care about hurting him? Was it because Rafe was Joel’s father? Nicole suspected it was more than that. Something about Rafe made her feel longings she’d dismissed. She should forget those same longings now.

Five days later, a social-services specialist called the house to schedule a visit. Nicole reluctantly called Rafe.

“What does she want?” he asked.

“She wants to observe Joel and you to see how he is adjusting,” Nicole said, pacing as she talked to him. The two of them had barely exchanged a word since he’d taken off that night after her confrontation.

“What did you tell her?” he demanded.

“I told her that you and Joel had a wonderful time on your yacht,” she said. “But you haven’t given me any new material since then.”

“You told her that?” he said, fury in his voice.

Nicole shook her head in exasperation. “Just the first part. But it would have been the truth. You don’t seem to grasp the concept that fathering is an everyday commitment, not just an every-now-and-then exercise.”

“I’m still catching up from my time in Atlanta,” he said in a clipped voice, then swore. “When is she coming?”

“I wanted to ask you first so you could be prepared,” she said.

Silence hung between them. “Thank you,” he said. “How about Saturday?”

“I don’t think they like to work weekends,” she said.

“Okay,” he said and paused. “Tuesday,” he said. “Tuesday afternoon. We’ll spend some time in the pool. Joel likes that. We’ll go out on the yacht again on Friday.”

Nicole packed for Joel and herself and met Rafe again at the dock. Something raw and unspoken passed between them. Rafe extended his hand to Joel and her son hesitantly took it.

Rafe shot her a look of inquiry.

“A day is a week to a three-year-old,” she said.

“Good point.”

Rafe worked at charming his son and by evening, Joel allowed him to read his bedtime stories. Nicole paced the deck, full of conflicting emotions. She wished the wind whipping through her would bring clarity with it.

“What have you told him about me?” Rafe asked from behind her.

She closed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “That you’re busy working. You have a very important job and a lot of people depend on you.”

“It doesn’t wash, does it?” he said more than asked, moving beside her.

“It will for a little bit, then not so much,” she said and met his gaze. “Fatherhood is a huge time commitment. I’m not sure you’re ready for it.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Is that what you told the social-services specialist?”

“Absolutely not,” she said.

“Why not, if it’s what you believe?”

She looked away and shrugged. “You’re new at this, so you’re bound to screw up.”

Silence followed. “Excuse me?”

She met his gaze. “Think about it. How much training have you had to be a father?”

“None, but—”

“Exactly, and like most people, you probably think it should come naturally. But it doesn’t. It takes work.”

The wind whipped through his hair. “If I were in your position, I might be tempted to sabotage me.”

“It has occurred to me,” she said without blinking.

His eyes widened. “Then why haven’t you?”

She sighed. “Several reasons. It ultimately wouldn’t be best for Joel. And you seem to be sabotaging yourself. You don’t need my help.”

His mouth lifted in a half grimace. “This is where you are nothing like your sister.”

“Is that a compliment or insult?” she asked. “I’m not always sure.”

“Compliment,” he said. “Your honesty is one of your most seductive qualities.”

Nicole held her breath, unable to summon a pithy retort. Damn it if she hadn’t missed him, too. It made no sense.

“We need to work together on this,” he said, taking her hand and lifting it to his lips.

Her heart jumped. “Working together implies two people, not just one.”

He lifted a dark eyebrow. “Are you saying I’m a slacker?”

She bit her lip to keep from smiling at his charm. “I haven’t been MIA for five days.”

“You noticed,” he said. “And you counted the days.”

“For Joel’s sake,” she said.

He gave a slow nod. “Point taken.”

The next day Rafe and Joel fished. Rafe even cajoled Nicole into trying her hand at it. He couldn’t help laughing at her squeal of victory when she caught a fish.

As they headed to the dock, he spotted Maddie waiting. “Damn,” he muttered. “Haven’t been gone twenty-four hours.”

“What’s wrong?” Nicole asked, coming from behind him.

“Maddie,” he said. “That usually means there’s something that needs my attention. Immediately,” he added, surprised at his disappointment. He’d been planning a quiet evening with Joel and Nicole.

“She doesn’t really look dressed for work,” Nicole said.

Rafe noticed his assistant’s black dress and shrugged. “Maybe she has a party.”

Maddie waved as the pilot parked the boat. A member of the staff lowered the gang plank steps and she immediately boarded the yacht. “Welcome back. I thought I should wait until you returned to tell you that the Crawford deal is in jeopardy. He’s in Fort Lauderdale this weekend for that charity event you helped sponsor, so you’ll be able to take a quick trip up there and smooth the waters. I can drive you if you like.”

He shook his head, mentally planning how to shorten the trip. “Nah, that’s okay. I’ll either drive myself or get Dan to take me. Is that the event for veterans?”

“Yes, it is,” she said, appearing disappointed. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you? It’s no problem.”

“No,” he said. “Veterans,” he repeated and glanced at Nicole. “Any chance you want to go?”

Nicole blinked in surprise. “What kind of event is it?”

“It’s an event put on by a yacht club in Fort Lauderdale to raise money for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. You know who’s speaking?” he asked Maddie.

She paused, then sighed. “Gerard something,” she said.

“Gerard Thomas,” Nicole said, smiling. “I’ve worked with him before. He’s a terrific speaker.”

“Then join me,” he said, meeting her gaze.

Nicole glanced in Maddie’s direction then back at him. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

“What about Joel?” Maddie asked. “I mean, do you think he’ll be uncomfortable being left at home without Nicole?”

“I think that one’s headed for an early bedtime, and this occasion is one of the reasons we have a mother’s helper.” He brushed his hands together. “Decision made. Nicole’s coming with me.”

“I think Maddie was disappointed that you chose not to take her tonight,” Nicole said as Dan, Rafe’s chauffeur, drove Rafe’s limo toward Fort Lauderdale. She and Rafe had quickly changed clothes at Rafe’s house before they left.

“Why?” he asked, unbuttoning his jacket. “It meant she had a night off. Besides, this gives me yet another opportunity to show off the advantages of southern Florida.”

Nicole wondered again about Rafe’s relationship with his assistant, but didn’t want to pry. “If you’re trying to sell me on it,” she began.

“Yeah?” he prompted.

“Today was very nice,” she said.

“Very nice,” he gently mocked. “The temperature in Atlanta was thirty-nine with drizzle.”

“Okay, you’ve got Atlanta beat in the weather department—except during hurricane season.”

“If a hurricane hits, we can visit my brother in Atlanta or my other brother in Las Vegas. Or Aspen. I have a place there. If you really want to get out of Dodge, we can go to Italy. Damien worked out some kind of arrangement for a chateau where my ancestors lived.”

“That sounds interesting,” she said, remembering the life of luxury she’d led when she’d lived with her father. “How long ago did your family live there?”

“About two hundred and fifty years before my grandfather made a bad business arrangement and was swindled out of the family home.”

“That’s terrible.”

“Yes, it was, but it forced my father to come to America, which meant I was born here. I’m glad for that. Your ancestry goes back pretty far, too, doesn’t it? Bet you’re a member of a few exclusive ladies’ societies,” he said.

Nicole had never focused much on her so-called pedigree. There were too many more important things. “I guess, but my membership has probably lapsed. Oh, darn,” she said in a mocking voice.

He smiled at her. “I would have sworn you never missed a meeting.”

“Then you would have been wrong. Not that there’s anything wrong with the organization. They do some wonderful things, grant scholarships, perform charitable work…”

“How many meetings did you attend?”

“A few during breaks from college. My mother and father made it compulsory.”

“When did you stop going?”

“The second after I moved out on my own for good.”

“You did that in one year,” he remembered.

“You’re quoting the résumé you got from your P.I.,” she said, feeling a twinge of guilt that she hadn’t told Rafe about the report she’d received about him.

“Yeah,” he said. “You pretty much flipped the bird at your parents as soon as you got out. How did you manage to buy your house so quickly?”

“I’m surprised you didn’t get that information, too,” she said. “My grandfather on my mother’s side left me a small trust. I quickly learned the joys of economizing.”

“You and I have more in common than you think. I learned the so-called joys of economizing early. You learned them later. I bet that wasn’t easy.”

“I actually had to read a few books on the subject,” she confessed. “Need versus want. I learned to budget.” She laughed. “Tabitha considered the word budget profane.”

“I can see that. I went shopping with her in South Beach a few times.”

“You went shopping with my sister?” Nicole said in surprise. It was hard for her to imagine Rafe indulging her sister to such a degree.

“Jewelry shopping,” he said. “She wanted diamonds, but never in the form of a ring.”

“Oh,” Nicole said, and actually felt embarrassed for her sister’s greedy behavior. “Sorry.”

“You live and learn. At one time, I would have said it was part of her charm.”

“And now?”

“Tabitha was a taker.”

Nicole couldn’t defend her sister, because what Rafe said was partly true.

“Very different from you,” he said, studying her. “I wonder what would have happened if I’d met you first.”

“It wouldn’t have made any difference,” Nicole said, sitting back, after she realized she’d been leaning toward him, her hand inches from his knee. “We’ve already discussed this. Tabitha was like a flower to bees when it came to attracting men.”

“The challenge with Tabitha was to keep her entertained,” he said. “With you, the challenge is getting in the door. I can see through the window,” he said, sliding his hand over her brow. “There’s a lot inside.”

“Not worth the trouble,” she said lightly, despite the fact that she felt herself tremble.

He shook his head and rubbed his thumb over her lip. “You’re a terrible liar, Nicole. I like that about you.”

After Rafe and Nicole arrived at the charity function, Rafe introduced Nicole to his business acquaintances and she excused herself to say hello to the speaker. He couldn’t help but notice her enthusiasm as she talked with the man, and fought an odd jab of irritation.

Rafe turned back to his client and was displeased to learn that he’d been having talks with Nicole’s father. He wondered if Nicole had somehow picked up on one of his conversations and leaked some information to her father. Would she help her father steal one of his deals? The possibility made his blood boil.

As Nicole walked toward him, he decided to conduct a test. “Nicole, I’d like you to meet Derek Crawford. Derek owns a yacht-leasing company and we’ve been working together for the last month.”

Derek, a middle-aged man with a huge ego, appeared to stand a little straighter at the sight of Nicole.

“Derek, this is Nicole Livingstone,” Rafe said and watched both Nicole and Crawford. Crawford’s smile dipped slightly.

“Livingstone,” he repeated and cleared his throat. “What a coincidence. You wouldn’t be related to Conrad Livingstone Yachts, would you?”

Nicole nodded. “He’s my father,” she said and accepted the man’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Rafe tells me you’re an astute businessman, so I can see why you enjoy working with him.”

“And what would you say of your father?” Crawford asked with a cagey smile.

“My father kept his business separate from family, so I don’t have any real experience. He’s obviously been successful, though,” she said in a neutral tone. “Do you live in Fort Lauderdale most of the year?”

“Since I own several yachts, I live anywhere I want. How did you meet Medici if not through your father?”

Nicole hesitated. “Through my late sister, actually. Oh,” she said glancing toward the crowd of people moving toward the seats. “It looks like they’re getting ready to start the keynote. Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Crawford.”

“All mine,” he said then looked at Rafe and lifted his eyebrows. “I’ll be in touch. Can’t beat the combination of a Livingstone and a Medici.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats in preparation for our guest speaker,” a man at the front of the room announced.

“That’s our cue,” he said and led Nicole to their table at the front.

She stiffened at his touch. “Is that the reason you wanted me to come tonight? Because you’re competing on this deal with my father?”

“What are you talking about?” he asked in a low voice.

“Is the reason you wanted me to join you tonight so you could parade Conrad Livingstone’s daughter in front of the competition? Your chance to use me to get ahead?”

He narrowed his eyes. “On the contrary. The first I heard about your father trying to steal my deal was through Crawford tonight. I wondered if you had overheard me and warned your father so he could make a deal.”

Her jaw dropped in gratifying shock and Rafe had his answer. Nicole hadn’t tried to sabotage his business deal.

Anger glinted through her blue eyes. “You don’t know me at all,” she said and turned her attention to the speaker.

Throughout the speech, he could feel her seething in her seat. While he was tempted to escort her out of the room so they could settle this once and for all, Rafe bided his time. They had the entire drive back to South Beach.

The second the speech ended, Nicole sprang from her chair. Rafe joined her, circling her wrist lightly with his fingers.

She turned her head to glance meaningfully at his hand. “I want to say hello to the speaker.”

“Introduce me,” he challenged.

She exhaled in frustration and tugged her hand away from his, going to the front of the room. “Great job, Gerard, as usual.”

The rough-hewn man with shaven head cracked a grin. He stepped toward Nicole, and Rafe noticed a slight limp. “Always glad to get praise from Atlanta’s prettiest peach. I only got to talk to you for a minute before my speech. I didn’t get to ask you what you’re doing down here.”

Gerard glanced past her shoulder, meeting Rafe’s gaze. “Are you with—”

“Nicole is with me,” Rafe said, extending his hand. “Rafe Medici.”

Nicole tossed him a sideways glance. “This is Gerard Thomas. I would say he’s ex-marine, but—”

“Once a marine, always a marine,” Rafe finished for her.

Gerard nodded, his gaze observant as he appeared to assess the relationship between Nicole and Rafe. “Is this a permanent move?”

“Not—” Nicole began.

“I’m working on it,” Rafe said.

“It’s complicated. Rafe is Joel’s biological father.”

“Oh. I didn’t know he was in the picture.”

“I am now,” Rafe said.

“It’s a transition period. Rafe lives in South Beach.”

Gerard nodded. “I’d hate to see the veterans in Atlanta lose you.”

“Nothing is settled,” she said.

“I don’t live far from here, so give me a call if you decide you want to work down here.” He turned to Rafe. “Nice meeting you, Mr. Medici. We all think a lot of Nicole. She’s a special woman. Joel has always been her number-one priority.”

“He still is. Good meeting you,” Rafe said, stepping aside with Nicole as other people pushed forward to speak with Gerard. “Ready to go?” he asked Nicole.

She gave a single mute nod and he sent a programmed text to the chauffeur. As they walked outside, the limo appeared and Dan quickly opened the door.

Rafe followed Nicole inside and set down the privacy panel. His cell rang and it was Maddie asking about the Crawford deal. “I have it under control,” he said.

“Do you need me to come over in the morning for a briefing?” she asked. “I know this is a big deal.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’m staying on this one personally.”

“Okay, I’ve found some more yachts on Grand Cayman you might be interested in. Would you like us to take a quick flight down tomorrow? I can make the arrangements.”

Rafe glanced at Nicole, who had opened a bottle of water and was flipping through a magazine. “No. I have other plans.”

“Okay, but I know how you hate to miss out on a good deal. I think some of these are distress sales.”

“They can wait. I’ll see you Monday morning,” he said and turned off the phone. He allowed his gaze to rest on Nicole. Her sophisticated black dress dipped just low enough to draw his attention to her breasts. The sight of her silky brown hair made him want to feel it all over his naked skin. The possessiveness that tugged at his gut took him by surprise.

“Anything I should know about you and Gerard Thomas?”

She glanced up at him in surprise. “What do you mean? I’ve known him for about two years. He was seriously injured after 9/11 and was honorably discharged. He’s a tireless advocate for veterans, and he’s always been supportive of me and kind to Joel.”

“Joel?” Rafe echoed. “When did he meet Joel?”

“A few times when he was in town. He always brought a toy.”

“I thought you said you hadn’t been involved with any men,” he said.

“I haven’t. Gerard’s a colleague and friend.”

“Who wanted and still wants more,” Rafe said.

Nicole shrugged. “He may have asked me out a few times, but I didn’t—” She broke off. “It wasn’t good timing.”

“Now?”

“Now, it’s worse,” she said, then frowned. “Why are you asking me this?”

“I think I should know if the mother of my child is involved with another man,” he said.

“Well, I’m not,” she said, laughing. “Not that it’s really any of your business. You’ll notice I haven’t been asking you about women in your life.”

“I’ve already told you I haven’t had any serious involvements.”

She gave a laugh. “Would that kind of response from me satisfy you? I haven’t been involved seriously. Just a few sexual flings.”

Rafe felt his gut take another twist. “Is that the truth?”

She groaned and looked upward. “I was kidding. I don’t think it’s fair for you to grill me when you have your own questionable relationships.”

“Such as?” he asked.

She paused for a moment. “What about Maddie?”

“Maddie?” he echoed. “She’s my assistant.”

“Wasn’t that her on the phone?” she asked and glanced at her watch. “Ten o’clock on a Saturday night?” She broke off and an odd expression crossed her face.

“What?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she said, sipping her water. “I’m sure it was just a misunderstanding.”

He gave a rough chuckle. “You’re lying again. Go ahead and tell me what’s going on in that brain of yours.”

She hesitated, then shook her head. “It’s none of my business.”

“Nicole,” he said, unable to keep impatience from his tone.

“Do the two of you have a history?” she asked.

He shrugged. “She’s been working for me for years.”

“I mean a romantic history,” she said in a low voice.

Rafe blinked. “Hell, no. Why would I ruin a great business relationship just for sex?”

Nicole lifted her shoulders uncertainly. “Maybe she doesn’t feel the same way. Have you considered that she may wish things were different?”

He rubbed his chin. “Never crossed my mind. I don’t know why it would cross hers.”

Nicole made a little sound of exasperation. “Maybe because you’re extremely good-looking and wealthy. I think she has a crush on you.”

Rafe considered the possibility for a moment and felt a barrage of misgivings. “God, I hope you’re wrong. That would make things sticky as hell.”

He considered the suggestion that Maddie might want a romantic relationship, then dismissed it. If Maddie had wanted him that way, she would have made her move long before now, and he was thankful she hadn’t because he couldn’t return the interest.

“Maddie is my assistant, nothing more. But my relationship with you is more complicated. You’re the mother of my son. You need to trust me.”