Читать книгу Take Me Down - Sylvia Lett - Страница 9

Jack looked down at his copy of Stephanie’s planner. Circled for tonight was a formal dinner at the Waterford Mansion. For several days, he had been trying to run into Stephanie outside of their work setting. He knew he wanted to see her again without all the talk about security keeping things strictly professional. He had no doubt that he could actually get into the party. The rest he would play by ear. But first, he had to find something appropriate to wear.

He fingered the tie around his neck, then removed it. He hated ties. He unbuttoned the white shirt he was wearing and tossed it on the bed. Instead he decided on a white turtleneck. Slipping on the black suit coat, he grabbed his keys off the dresser and left the room.

Jack smiled to himself, thinking about how easy it was to gain entrance into the party. His opportunity came when an older woman tripped. He was there to catch her and escort her inside. Once inside the house, he excused himself by saying his date was expecting him.

His eyes scanned the room until they lit on Stephanie. She wore a sleeveless black dress that reached her knees. Though she was dressed conservatively, Stephanie’s figure shone through. Her tight, muscular calves peeked beneath the dress, and she wore black high heels to match. She was as understated as her mother was flamboyant.

Mildred Mason was clad in a low-cut, backless minidress. She was an attractive woman, but the dress was more suited to someone her daughter’s age.

From afar, Jack watched Stephanie’s every move. Unlike her mother, she didn’t seem to be enjoying herself very much. She mingled with a few people, but mostly she stayed to herself. She checked her watch several times, before slipping out the patio door. Jack followed her but kept his distance.

Stephanie sat in the gazebo. She was beautiful and elegant in the soft moonlight, her hair loosely pinned with wisps of it brushing her cheeks.

She kicked off her heels and took out her cell phone to place a call. Jack eased closer to hear the conversation.

“Hi, sweetie,” Stephanie said, smiling into the cell phone. She leaned back on the bench and closed her eyes.

“Hi, Mommy.”

Stephanie could almost see the smile on her daughter’s beautiful little face. “How’s my favorite little girl?”

Jack felt a tightening in his chest. She was talking to Christina. He closed his eyes and counted to ten to steady his racing heart. He shook himself out of his trance.

“I love you, sweetie. Be a good girl for Aunt Ashley and I will see you in the morning.” As she closed the phone, Jack stepped into the gazebo. Stephanie gave a startled gasp.

“I’m sorry,” he stuttered. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.” Jack’s voice sounded choked even to his own ears. He was suddenly nervous.

“What are you doing here?” Her tone was more accusatory than she’d intended for it to be. But he really had taken her by surprise.

“I mean, I didn’t know you knew the Waterfords,” she said, trying to correct herself.

Jack saw how shocked Stephanie was to see him. For the first time that night, he wasn’t sure if crashing the party was the best way to endear himself to her.

“Oh yes. The Waterfords. A friend of a friend mentioned he’d be here tonight and said I should drop by if I didn’t have other plans. I didn’t have other plans,” he said, shrugging. “So here I am.”

He paused to see if she was buying any of this.

“It’s really nice to run into you here,” he added. “May I?” he asked, indicating the seat next to her.

Stephanie had not moved an inch since she turned to see Jack standing there. Her hand was still in midair holding her cell phone. But she nodded and made room for him.

“I’m sorry,” she began, dropping her cell phone back into her evening bag. “You just caught me off guard, that’s all. I was saying good night to my daughter.”

“I didn’t know you were a mom.” Jack smiled. “How old is your daughter?”

“Christina’s four. Take a look.” She handed him a picture from her wallet.

Jack’s hand trembled slightly as it brushed against Stephanie’s when he took the photo. He stared at the beautiful smiling little girl. Her long dark hair hung down her back in a mass of curls. Her bangs were cut just above her eyes. Twinkling gray eyes lit up her face and her dimpled cheeks were rosy. Her skin was a rich honey just like Stephanie’s.

“She’s beautiful,” said Jack, staring at the picture. He looked at Christina as if he were seeing Alexia again, and was overcome with emotion as he gazed lovingly at the photo. A million questions came to his mind, but he knew now was not the time to ask them. He had to play it cool. Play it safe. “Does she take after her father?” Jack asked, fishing for information. His eyes were glued to the photograph.

“Her mother actually,” Stephanie said, coming to her feet. “I’ve never had the misfortune to meet her father. Good thing too, because I would be torn between killing him and thanking him for the gift he’s given me.”

“You’ve never met her father? How is that possible? I can’t imagine you looking through an album at a sperm bank.”

Stephanie laughed at the very idea. She couldn’t picture herself going to a sperm bank either. “There’s nothing intriguing about my situation, I assure you. It’s a short story. Christina’s father was killed on some secret mission before she was born. Christina’s mother and I met and became friends shortly after she moved here. We were best friends and she asked me to be her child’s godmother. When she died in childbirth, I got custody of Christina. I adopted her right after I brought her home from the hospital.”

“You said her father is deceased. You know for sure he is dead?”

Stephanie’s surprised eyes met his.

“People disappear all the time,” Jack continued. “Some may not even know they are lost or that people are searching for them.”

“Alexia wouldn’t lie to me about something like that.”

Jack didn’t think he’d heard Stephanie right. As she went on, she didn’t notice Jack’s stony expression.

“Besides, he walked out on her when she was pregnant. Even if he were alive, I doubt he would want the responsibility of raising a child. I would never give her up. Christina is my daughter and I will fight anyone tooth and nail to keep her.”

Watching and listening to Stephanie, Jack didn’t doubt her love for Christina. But he was still processing everything in his own head. Could what he think happened really have happened? Jack needed to change the subject fast.

“Well, it’s wonderful that Christina has someone as special as you in your life.”

“Thanks.”

Jack let out a big sigh. “Are you enjoying the party? I wouldn’t have pictured this as your scene. Actually, you look a little uncomfortable.”

“Is it that obvious?” She turned to face him and they both laughed. Her eyes twinkled with merriment. “I guess it is.”

“A bit. Why are you here if you don’t want to be?”

“Do you have a mother? One who is hell-bent on marrying you off to the highest bidder, no less? She’s driving me nuts. My mother accepted the invitation on my behalf.”

“You shouldn’t let her run your life. You don’t strike me as a pushover. Does she do this kind of thing often?”

“Afraid so. With my mother, I choose my battles wisely. She’s made it her goal in life to find me a wealthy husband whether I want one or not. She’s convinced I need a husband and Christina needs a father.”

“And you’re not convinced?” Okay, I guess I’m just going to have to step up my timetable thanks to meddling Mildred.

“Let’s just say I’m in no rush to walk down the aisle of holy matrimony.” She shifted in the seat. “I’ve seen my share of bad marriages and I’ve only seen a few good ones. It would be my luck I would pick someone who couldn’t live up to my expectations and we’d end up in divorce court in a couple of years. That’s not what I want for Christina. She’s happy and content and so am I. I want stability for her.”

“That’s something we all want, Stephanie.” She saw the sincerity in his eyes. “You obviously don’t think your expectations are too high?”

“If you think honesty, love, mutual respect, and trust are too much to ask for in a mate, then yes, I guess they are a bit high. I’ve yet to find those qualities in any man.”

“It could be that you aren’t looking in the right places.” Their eyes met and held. Stephanie looked away first.

“And maybe those things don’t exist in any man,” she replied, folding her hands in her lap.

“Or woman,” he shot back just as quickly. “I’ve encountered as many dishonest women as I have men. We all make mistakes. Some are a lot worse than others, but, Stephanie, we are all human.”

“How are you liking this party?” she asked, changing the subject. This topic of conversation obviously was a sore spot for both of them. “I wouldn’t have thought this was your scene, either. Jack Kaufman at a formal black-tie party?”

I’m here because you’re here. “Normally it’s not, but I’m adaptable. I can blend in anywhere.”

“I guess you would have to be in your line of work.” The comment had slipped out of her mouth before she could stop it. “It’s not every day I meet or hire an ex-mercenary.”

He smiled and she blushed. “I knew we’d get around to that. Are you having second thoughts about hiring me?”

“No, no, no, no,” Stephanie said, shaking her head emphatically. “You will be good for the hotel chain. You already have us all on our toes and you’ve only been here two weeks. You’re doing a good job. But how are you feeling about it? Hotel security isn’t as exciting as what you’re used to. Do you miss that kind of life, the danger, and the excitement?”

“Sometimes I do miss it,” Jack confessed. “There’s a certain rush to being chased through the jungle and shot at.”

Stephanie laughed.

“But seriously, I have responsibilities now. You have to grow up some time. My daughter needs me. As much as I hate to admit it, I need her too. She’s the only good and decent thing in my life.”

“You have a daughter?” The surprise was evident in her voice and on her face. “You don’t strike me as the family-man type.”

“Don’t sound so shocked. Aren’t mercenaries allowed to reproduce?” Jack asked with raised brows. Stephanie returned his smile. “I was even married once, briefly. It seems like a lifetime ago.” He stopped talking when he saw her mother leading a man in their direction. “Here comes trouble in a short black dress. Don’t look now, but your mother is headed this way.”

Stephanie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Please tell me she’s alone. My mother has horrible taste in men. She thinks if they are rich and breathing, they are marriage material.”

“No can do. He looks old enough to be your father. Maybe she should keep this one for herself. You only have a few seconds to make a clean getaway.”

“Pretend we’re together,” Stephanie said, panicking and peering over his shoulder. “Too late to run now.”

“What exactly do you want me to do? I’m no knight in shining armor.” He was enjoying himself at her expense.

She glared at him. “Truer words were never spoken. You’re the master of deception,” she said, looking over his shoulder again. “Improvise.” Before the words left her mouth, Jack lifted her onto his lap. Her startled brown eyes stared up into his laughing eyes. “What do you think you are doing?”

“I’m improvising,” he said in a husky voice. Her breath got caught in her throat as his hand cupped her face and he gently pulled her head toward his. She had no time to react as his lips touched hers. At the first touch of his mouth on hers, liquid fire spread through her body. Stephanie was torn between pushing him away and pulling him closer. When her lips parted beneath his, there was no turning back. He deepened the kiss and his mouth became hot and demanding. It took control of her mind as well as her body. As she moaned softly, her arms went around his neck and she surrendered to the feelings he was arousing in her. Her tongue met his in an erotic dance before he captured it.

All was forgotten except for the feel of his mouth on hers as she eagerly returned his kiss. They both forgot the reason for the kiss as they were carried away by mutual desire.

Her heartbeat accelerated and her toes curled as she swayed into him. She had never been kissed so thoroughly or enjoyed it as much. Jack was the forbidden fruit and Stephanie couldn’t resist temptation.

They slowly pulled away from each other. Stephanie peered down at Jack and wrapped her arms tighter around his neck. This time, she initiated the kiss. Her lips grazed his again and again.

Jack buried his hands in her thick hair as he plundered her mouth. Stephanie clung to him and returned his kiss. Her passion surprised him, but his reaction to her surprised him even more.

“Stephanie Andrea Mason!” Mildred gasped, approaching the couple hurriedly. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Jack turned to face Mildred and held more tightly on to Stephanie. Stephanie’s eyes fluttered open and she could feel desire swelling within her.

Stephanie was flushed and trembling as she rose from Jack’s lap and came to her feet. Jack stood up also, slipping his arm around Stephanie’s waist. She shivered beneath his touch.

“Hi, Mother,” she said breathlessly stated as she struggled to regain her composure.

Mildred surveyed Jack with disdain. She snubbed him and turned her attention back to her daughter. “Who is this person? Stephanie, it’s in poor taste to get caught making out with the hired help.”

Jack’s hearty rich laughter filled the air. He looked Mildred over and summed her up pretty quickly. She was like a miniature pit bull chomping at the bit. It was easy to see how she could intimidate and browbeat her daughter, but he was a different story.

“So, let me see if I’ve got this straight, Mother. It’s okay to make out with the hired help, as long as I don’t get caught? Great advice, Mom. I’ll try to remember that.”

“You are twisting my words.”

“Doesn’t sound like it to me,” Jack threw in for good measure, all the while grinning at a furious Mildred. “I am the hired help.”

“I’m not talking to you. I was speaking to my daughter. Why don’t you go get us a drink or something?”

Stephanie was embarrassed by her mother’s treatment of Jack. “Mom, stop it. Jack doesn’t work here. He’s an invited guest.”

“I doubt that. Someone of his caliber would never be on the Waterfords’ guest list. He probably crashed the party to prey on single, wealthy women.”

“Then he certainly picked the right party, didn’t he?” Stephanie snapped.

“I’m still standing here, ladies. Would you two like to be alone to discuss ‘me’? Mildred, could you point out one of those wealthy ladies to me and I’ll excuse myself?”

Stephanie elbowed Jack. “Behave. There’s nothing to discuss. My mother is a drama queen. Let’s go back inside, Jack. You promised me a dance.”

“Honey, I am only looking out for what’s best for you.”

“Mrs. Mason, I’m Jack Kaufman.” She refused to shake his outstretched hand, which spurred him into action. “Your daughter has requested my services for the evening. They are expensive, but well worth the money.” Stephanie couldn’t resist a smile as Jack’s twinkling eyes met hers. He winked at her. “If I can ever do ‘anything’ for you, let me know. I give family discounts.”

Mildred gasped and grabbed her heart in outrage. “Stephanie, are you insane? You pick up a complete stranger at a party, a gigolo no less! Have you no shame? Have you lost your mind? This is ludicrous!”

“Jack is not a stranger, Mother.” Stephanie was trying to hide her amusement as she enjoyed her mother’s discomfort. “I hired him on Monday. He really is the best at what he does.”

“Thank you.” Jack smiled, caressing her arm. He leaned over and kissed her. “I aim to please.”

“So far I haven’t been disappointed. I can’t wait to see what you teach me next. I’m a quick learner.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet, sweetheart.” His eyes held a promise she tried desperately to ignore. “It was nice chatting with you, Mom, but the clock is ticking so to speak.” His arms closed around Stephanie and his head lowered to hers again. His mouth feasted on hers and she responded wholeheartedly. “Meet me back at the hotel for that bubble bath and full body massage we discussed earlier.” He gave her another quick kiss and then he was gone.

Stephanie stared at his retreating back. Her hand touched her still throbbing mouth. In that moment she knew she was in big trouble. She had been thoroughly kissed by a mercenary and had enjoyed every delicious moment.

Oh God. What have I done? I can’t believe I let this happen. I can’t make the same mistake again. I have to keep him at arm’s length. He is so not the one for me. This was just for show. It was for my mother’s benefit, nothing more.

When Stephanie turned to look at her mother, she almost felt sorry for her. Mildred was sitting on the bench with her head in her hands.

“Mom, are you okay?” She couldn’t stand the tortured look on her mother’s face. Stephanie lowered her eyes in defeat.

“Am I supposed to be okay about this? You are acting careless and irresponsible, like me. What about poor Stanley? You won’t sleep with him, but you pick up this gigolo and install him in your hotel for your pleasure. That’s something I would do. That’s not something you would do. You are too levelheaded. Honey, I know you run a multimillion-dollar hotel chain and you’re an independent woman, but this is more than I can take. What’s going on with you?”

It was confession time. She sat down next to her on the bench. “Mom, Jack is not a gigolo. We were playing around to get you riled up. He saw you coming with bachelor number three of the evening and I told him to pretend we were together. That’s why he kissed me. It wasn’t real.”

“Oh, that’s a relief,” said her mother, exhaling a deep breath. “But be careful. That kiss I witnessed didn’t look pretend. I saw the way you responded. Stephanie, stay away from that man. He’s not for you. There’s something about him that seems almost suspicious. I don’t trust him for a minute.”

You don’t know the half of it, Mom, and my guess is right now is not a good time to tell you. You’d probably pass out. “Mom, you don’t trust any man.”

“And neither should you. They are all liars and cheaters. They always leave in the end. The sex may be great for a while, but—”

“Please stop,” said Stephanie, cutting her off before she started ranting and raving about her absentee ex-husband. “Jack is not a gigolo.” Her mother looked at her skeptically. “Jack Kaufman is the new security consultant I hired a few weeks ago. That’s why he’s staying at the hotel. He’s not my love slave. You can relax.”

“He looks more like a criminal than he does hotel security. Where on earth did you find him? He’s so imposing and intimidating.”

You have no idea how close to the truth you are! “I posted an ad and he applied for the job. It takes a thief to catch a thief.”

“Stephanie, I think you are making a huge mistake. That man spells trouble for all of us. He seems dangerous. There’s something about him. I can’t put my finger on it, but I have a bad feeling about him. Did you do a criminal background check on him? I bet he’s a criminal. A man like that has to be wanted for something.”

Oh, he’s wanted all right, Mom. I wanted him a few minutes ago. I still do, but my common sense has returned. I know he’s not for me. “You’re overreacting as usual, Mother. I can handle Jack. He’s an employee, nothing more.” Even as she voiced the words, Stephanie wasn’t sure she could live up to them. Jack Kaufman was like no one she had ever met. God, please let me be able to handle Jack.

Stephanie was lying in bed when her phone vibrated on the nightstand. Frowning, she reached over and picked it up. She laughed as she read Jack’s text message.

Your bubble bath is getting cold. I owe you a massage. You can collect any time you like.

Stephanie typed in her response. I could use a massage, but I can’t imagine you in a bubble bath.

She smiled at his response. Stranger things have happened, boss lady. How’s Mildred? Has she calmed down any?

She typed her final message for the night. Not really. I told her who you really were, but I’m not sure if it made matters better or worse. Good night, Jack.

Sweet dreams, Stef. Stephanie read Jack’s message and placed her phone back on the nightstand.

Stephanie’s sleep was anything but peaceful and restful. Imagines of Jack were invading her thoughts. As much as she would like to, she could not forget their kiss.

In the weeks that followed, she couldn’t keep him out of her thoughts or her office.

She could barely keep up with his energy and zest for life. He didn’t do anything halfway as he whipped both his staff and Stephanie into shape.

Stephanie breathed a sigh of relief when he flew out of town on business. He was at the hotel in Phoenix heading up security for an annual gala. He tried to get Stephanie to go with him, but she declined. He assured her it was for business only, but she wasn’t convinced.

She had an entire week to get her emotions and her life back in check. Stephanie was not about to let Jack creep into her personal life any more than he had done already. She would draw the line between their business and personal lives. She owed it to her daughter and to herself not to get involved with someone with Jack’s checkered past. There was no room in her life for a man like him.

Stephanie felt ridiculous even thinking about Jack this way. They only shared a few kisses the night of the Waterfords’ party. He hadn’t so much as made a pass at her since then. Still, she couldn’t get him off her mind. She was thinking of reasons why they shouldn’t be together when she had no reason to think he wanted to be with her in the first place.

I’m losing my mind. That’s the only explanation. She glanced down at the calendar on her desk. Jack was due back today and she was torn between wanting to be there and not wanting to see him. She missed him and didn’t trust herself to be around him right now. So she took the rest of the day off to clear her mind.

Stanley had invited Stephanie to a Halloween party, but she didn’t want to go. She hated parties and she hated Halloween even more. Needing a distraction, she relented.

She waited until the last possible moment to find an outfit. The only outfits she found in her size were witches’ costumes and Indian dresses. She chose the latter.

Stephanie stared at her reflection in the mirror. Parting her hair down the middle, she braided it and tied a piece of black leather on each end.

Didn’t every little girl want to be a princess?

“Mommy, you look pretty,” said Christina, running into the room. She jumped up on Stephanie’s bed while hugging her favorite stuffed teddy bear. “Can I come too?”

“No, you can’t come, sweetie,” said Stephanie, walking over to the bed. Smiling, she tickled her. “It’s past your bedtime. What are you still doing up? I know I tucked you in and read you a story at least half an hour ago.”

“But I wanted to see your costume.” Christina picked up one of her mother’s braids. “You look like a real Indian princess.”

“It’s bedtime.” Stephanie picked her up and carried her back to her bedroom. “Nana is downstairs if you need anything.” She laid her daughter on the bed and covered her. “Tomorrow we are going to the park for a long-overdue picnic. I love you, pumpkin.”

“I love you too, Mommy. Have fun. Are you going with Mr. Stanley? I don’t like him. He doesn’t like me either. I can tell.”

“Of course he likes you. What’s not to like? You are a wonderful little girl.” Stephanie leaned over and kissed her forehead. “No more talking. Go to sleep.”

“Good night, Mommy. Maybe you will meet a real prince tonight.” The sleepy little girl yawned.

“Maybe I will.” Stephanie smiled, turning off the light. She went downstairs to wait for Stanley.

“Nice costume,” said Mildred from the sofa. She glanced up at Stephanie, and then back at the television.

“A compliment from my mother. Will miracles never cease?” Stephanie sat down next to her on the sofa.

“I can’t wait to see Stanley’s costume. It will probably be something dull like he is.” She smiled, picking up the wineglass from the coffee table. “He could be a wet blanket. That would be quite fitting.”

“Mom, can’t you ever say anything nice about anyone I date?”

“You haven’t had a real date in four years. You remember what a date is, right? Dinner, dancing, and stimulating company.”

The doorbell chimed. “Good night, Mom.”

“Don’t have too much fun,” Mildred laughed. “Since you’re with pocket lint himself, I’m sure you won’t.”

Stephanie was more than a little surprised to see Stanley dressed as Captain Hook. He looked ridiculous in the costume. Her mother probably would have laughed him out the front door. He couldn’t pull off the pirate look. It wasn’t him.