“I’m beginning to see why you aren’t very good at getting into trouble.”
“I don’t think you were drunk every time you got sent to the principal’s office.”
“Not
every
time, no.” He turned to find her grinning up at him.
“I don’t like to be drunk because I don’t like to miss things,” she said. “Especially not wonderful things. I want to be where I am and remember what I’ve done.”
“You think getting into trouble with me would be wonderful?”
“Not a doubt in my mind.”
They had slowed down so much they were barely walking. They’d reached the steps of the house, cars continued to zoom past, the night had finally come to stay. She stood in a pool of lamplight, and he couldn’t hold off any longer.
He had to kiss her.
* * *
S
HANNON
KEPT
HER
GRIP
ON
the stupid ball under her arm, even though she wanted to pull Nate closer. She’d wanted to kiss him again, but it had seemed like a bad idea. She’d been right. They were standing in front of her house, for goodness’ sakes. He was a master at getting in trouble.
Unencumbered by basketballs or good sense, Nate found the perfect angle, and his lips warmed quickly in the night air. Actual breathing was thrown out in favor of not stopping at all, just learning new ways to make the parts that mattered light up with sensation and need.
A honk blew it straight to hell. She jerked back, he tried to push her behind him in some kind of cavemanish gesture of protection, and the kids honked again, shouting lewd things out the window of their car.
“Well, that sucked,” Nate said.
Shannon shoved the ball at him until he took it. “I’ll see you at the dinner table.” She didn’t even glance at him as she ran up the stairs. It probably would have been more polite to hold the door for him, but she let it slam in back of her instead, then made a beeline for the stairs to the second floor, to her room, where she locked herself in.
She leaned her head against the door, struggling to catch her breath. Nate was going to be here for another month. The situation was already untenable. What was she supposed to do now?
Obviously, the kiss in her office had been an error in judgment. So what had they done within five minutes of seeing each other again? Kissed. Awesome.
But that wasn’t the real issue anyway.
He was here for a short while. He would be gone soon for a very long time. The way she liked him wasn’t appropriate for a short-term fling. That was the core of the problem, and it wasn’t negotiable. Feelings weren’t.
Why she had to care this much about this man, she had no idea. There was no vote, no thoughts with pros and cons and doubts. Boom, she’d been punched in the heart and the head. If there had been a choice, she’d have nipped this business in the bud. But he’d kissed her, and she’d kissed him back. Twice. It was unrealistic to think things would get easier.
She pushed off from the door and took off her coat. She was still wearing her work clothes—black wool trousers, black blazer and a deep blueberry silk blouse. It was one of her favorite outfits, which she saved for special meetings or events. She’d had none of those things today.
All week she’d been dressing to impress him, on the off chance that she would see him, or more accurately, that he’d see her. Idiotic female behavior. As was the extra care she’d taken with her makeup, the time she’d spent last night over her pedicure, the gloss she’d put on her hair.
There had to be something she could do. Leaving wasn’t an option. She hadn’t heard the final word from Carnation yet, but she had a feeling she was going to have to start smaller if she wanted to compete in the label game. But she had gotten one new client. A small chain of automotive parts suppliers wanted Fitzgerald & Sons to do their catalogs. It was a good account, and their financial stability was rock-solid. It wasn’t a game changer, though.
So that meant that Nate needed to be the one to leave. She couldn’t ask him to go back to Bali. But she could help him find a town house, then make sure he moved there for the duration of his stay.
How? She had no idea. She really didn’t have time to go house hunting, let alone decorate a two-bedroom place for sublet. But this was an emergency, and she’d have to make time.
First thing? A call chain. She had five women she could always count on to phone at least five other women each when there was something that had to be done yesterday. She could get a few of them to take over the Easter basket duties. God, her mom could gather up a crowd in no time for that. So Shannon wouldn’t supervise every last bit of candy placement. No one ever noticed the details anyway. More importantly, she’d put out the word for condos, town houses, duplexes, brownstones, whatever.
What was the use of doing favors for half the people from Little Italy to Midtown if she couldn’t tap them for real-estate tips?
She’d include Nate’s Realtor, get her excited. But before that she had to find out if Nate had made a decision on the condo they’d already seen. She doubted it. He would have said something.
Shannon changed into jeans and a sweater, then went downstairs for dinner. After that, the plan would go into motion, and she’d feel a hundred times better knowing she was taking action instead of simply sitting back, letting her hormones run her life.
She might not have a choice about who she fell for, but she was completely in charge of what she did once the die was cast.
“Has anybody done anything about it?” Nate asked.
Shannon hadn’t rounded the corner to the dining room yet, so she had no idea what Nate was talking about or to whom. That didn’t seem to matter to her libido. His voice alone was enough to stir things that had no business being stirred as she was about to sit down for the family meal.
“What’s there to do?”
It was Danny’s voice, and Shannon hadn’t realized he was coming by. That probably meant he expected to go prowling with Nate. So why was she disappointed? Problem solved. She wouldn’t have to make an excuse about not doing something with him.
“It’s private property, and they don’t have the money to fix the court. They don’t want to sell, either.”
“Then the community should pay for it.”
“Pay for what?” Shannon joined Nate, Danny and her father, who were all seated at the table.
“The basketball court.” Nate frowned. “You saw what a mess it is. No wonder there were no kids playing. Somebody’s got to be interested in fixing it up.”
“What about your company?” she asked, looking at Nate as she tried to act as if everything was completely normal. “Brenner & Gill must do playgrounds and things when they build apartment complexes.”
Nate stared at her for longer than would be acceptable in mixed company, but it wasn’t her aura of glamour keeping him riveted. His eyes weren’t even focused. He was thinking. When he snapped out of it, he shook his head. “It’s not my company. Not mine alone, and there’s no way Albert’s going to want to donate our services, much less spring for materials and labor when he’s on his way out. He never would have gone for it even when the company was rolling in contracts.”
“He doesn’t believe in contributing to the community?”
“No, nothing like that. He donates, but he’s careful about where and how much, and what the company gets in return.”
“That’s a shame,” she said. “I know how much that court meant to you two growing up.”
Shannon’s mom poked her head out from the kitchen. “If you think I’m waiting on you like this is the bloody Ritz, you’ve got another think coming.”
Nate grinned, and Shannon returned it as Brady walked in to join them. “Head right to the kitchen, Brady,” Nate said. “Your ma’s on a tear.”
Everyone pitched in to bring the big meal to the table, and Mr. Fitz did the carving of the corned beef. The beers came out, but Shannon passed, having water instead. The boys got to talking about fantasy leagues, and the food was delicious as always. Shannon watched as she ate, listened to how Nate spoke differently to Danny than he did to Brady. He was respectful, always, to her parents, but he had learned where he could tease and what he should ignore, and that compliments to Ma were always a good idea.
He was part of this family, there was no getting around it. He had listened to fights, gotten into fights, interrupted fights. He’d wept, he’d laughed and he’d bled at this very table.
But he wasn’t her brother. He wasn’t even the kid she’d grown up with. What he
was
made all her scattered wants and needs and likes and dislikes fall into place. He was the man she’d been looking for.
Who was only passing through.
9
N
ATE
COULDN
’
T
BELIEVE
HOW
many prime two-bedroom homes his Realtor had lined up for him. Or that Shannon had been free to come along for the viewings. That took some of the sting out of being hijacked by Danny last night. But she was here now and it was a good thing Aiko was completely professional and easygoing, because Shannon was not just on her game, but on fire.
Her eye for detail impressed him, but not as much as her practical sensibilities. She hadn’t been swayed by inconsequential trappings, not at any of the five properties they’d been to this morning, and she was also quick to find the bottom line.
He couldn’t help but imagine what she’d be like in a crisis. She was such a natural leader, she’d calm people instantly and she’d make practical decisions that would save lives. That was an incredible gift, one he hadn’t really understood she possessed until today.
She’d be an asset anywhere. Now he got how that monstrous old printing plant was still in business, despite the antiquated equipment. Shannon wouldn’t have it any other way. They’d have to move into digital printing soon. Or get a whole lot of new clients.
It wasn’t a kind thought, not considering his loyalty to the family at large, but she was wasted at the plant. On the other hand, what did he know? He’d never had a family that valued loyalty or togetherness. Since he’d been in the States, he’d spoken to his sister twice and met her for a quick lunch. He liked his sister, he did, but they weren’t connected the way Shannon and her brothers were.
She tugged on his sleeve. “You coming?”
“Yeah,” he said. “Where are we going?”
“Are we boring you with finding your new home?”
He grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “You’re distracting,” he said. “It’s hard to look at storage space and dishwashers when you’re so much more captivating.”
She rewarded him with a blush, but she pulled her hand away. That was a shame because he hadn’t lied. Touching Shannon in any capacity was his new obsession, and he wasn’t a man known for getting carried away.
All his rules seemed to crumble in her wake. He’d been determined not to kiss her, yet he fully intended to do it again at the next opportunity. He knew that taking her to bed was an enormously stupid thing to do, and if he hadn’t believed she’d regret it, he’d have gone after that, too.
He’d built his life around not being beholden to anyone. He was fond of his family, but he’d never made an adult decision about his life that took their wishes into consideration. Many people didn’t understand that, especially not someone like Shannon, but that’s who he was. Who he would continue to be.
“Well, come on,” Shannon said, standing by a door that led…somewhere. He dutifully followed her, noticing how her slacks hugged her body, want for her riding low and hot in his body.
Ah, the master bedroom. Which was really big and nice. He was instantly drawn to the motorized blackout drapes.
“Just a toy,” Shannon said. “You can write them in but don’t let that influence you.”
“A good toy, though,” he said. “The bed’s probably got a mattress that doesn’t try to swallow me every night.”
“I told you to switch rooms.”
He almost said exactly where he’d prefer to sleep.
“The management company here charges a slightly higher fee than most,” Aiko said, “but they have a sterling reputation. They screen everyone who works for them. Drug test, checkup on past employers. They’re worth it.”
“I like the layout,” Shannon said, opening the closet door. It was huge for New York. You could actually walk inside the thing, although you couldn’t walk far.
“If the bathrooms are as well-done as the kitchen, this place is a real contender.” She walked into the bath, and he could tell by her sigh that it had passed the test.
He joined her at the door and nodded when he saw where she was staring. “Whirlpool bath.”
“Look at the shower,” she said. Then she walked into the glass-enclosed stall and turned on the water.
“What are you doing?”
“Checking the pressure. We’re twelve floors up.”
“You’ll get soaked.”
Undaunted, she rolled up the sleeve of her white blouse and stuck her hand under the stream. “Oh, yeah. I like this one.”
“Aiko, are they getting action?”
“It only went on the market this morning. I was told we’d be the first to see it. I’m still not sure how she found out about it.”
“She?”
Aiko nodded at Shannon.
Nate was puzzled. “You found it?”
“I told you at the wedding I’d ask around.”
“Huh,” he said. “That doesn’t happen very often. I thought it was like ‘Have a nice day’ or ‘Welcome to Walmart.’”
Shannon laughed, drying her hand with one of the guest towels. The town house had been staged for sale, which was smart. It was easier for him to get a feel for the place with furniture in situ. In fact… “Can we see about buying it as is? I like the way it’s decorated.”
“I can ask,” Aiko said.
“Also,” Shannon said, stepping closer to the pedestal sink, “can you see if they’re amenable to a fast escrow?”
Aiko looked at the sheet she’d picked up from the seller earlier that morning. “Nate’s prequalified, so I don’t think they’ll object. But it all depends on what kind of offer you want to make.”
“Why don’t we adjourn for lunch,” Nate suggested. “We can discuss offers over food.”
Both women nodded, and he escorted them out of the building. He would make sure to sit across from Aiko at lunch so he could focus on the business at hand. He wanted it over with so he could make plans with Shannon about the night ahead.
* * *
S
HANNON
SLIPPED
OFF
HER
shoes and curled her toes into her bedroom rug. Today had gone more smoothly than she’d ever expected, which worried the hell out of her. The Easter baskets had been finished, all hundred of them, by her mother’s book group. Shannon had thought it was hysterical when she’d heard the books they discussed were cookbooks, but then she’d been invited to a meeting and the lunch had been outrageously good. Her mom hadn’t let her forget it.
Nate’s offer had been submitted on that fantastic Bleeker Court co-op apartment. Her phone tree had come through in spades, and she owed Bree Kingston for that tip. Or maybe it was Bree’s boyfriend, Charlie, who’d gotten the inside scoop.
Shannon opened her purse and took out Nate’s trading card. She’d gotten it back from Ariel, who had been very disappointed. The pain hadn’t run too deep, though, seeing as how she’d talked nonstop about her lawyer friend David during lunch. They hadn’t gone out yet, but they had been meeting up after work for drinks. Other lawyers were there as well so it wasn’t too suspicious. Shannon gave it two weeks at the most before they broke down and did the deed. They were only human, and Ariel was clearly over the moon about this guy.
Shannon knew what that felt like. But at least David and Ariel lived in the same country.
It didn’t seem very fair that she’d finally found her perfect trading card man and she couldn’t have him. A cosmic joke on her, she supposed. She’d put her heart and soul into the trading cards, not to mention her skills, and while she was happy for everyone who had met their match, she felt cheated.
After Nate went back to Indonesia, she’d start dating again. Maybe now that she knew what she wanted she’d be able to find someone like Nate. Probably not as funny, though. Or as sweet.
She put the card away, then changed into her favorite pair of worn jeans and a cozy sweater she’d had for ages. Her folks were out for the evening at a play. Her father had grumbled, but every once in a while he just had to suck it up and take his wife someplace nice to eat before a Broadway show.
Brady was staying at his girlfriend Paula’s, as usual, and Danny had a work function so she knew he wouldn’t be popping in unexpectedly. Which left her and Nate alone for the evening. He’d wanted to take her out, to thank her for the day, but she was tired, and she hadn’t had a night to chill in a long while. They were going to order in Chinese food, then watch a movie.
It sounded great, but she wasn’t at all sure if she’d be better off locking herself in her bedroom right now. Being alone with Nate was a huge risk. She wanted to believe she wasn’t going to give in to her baser urges. After all, they were both adults. Responsible adults.
On the other hand, they probably wouldn’t be alone again before Nate had to leave the country, and who knew when or if the sale would go through, so maybe one time wouldn’t be all that terrible?
Oh. Damn.
* * *
N
ATE
WASN
’
T
USED
TO
THE
house being so quiet. So empty. It had been the worst idea ever to stay in.
Now that they’d finished their dinner and were running through the pay-per-view movies, all he could think of was curling Shannon into his arms on the couch and making out like a couple of teenagers. As usual, his cock wasn’t looking at the bigger picture, but for tonight making out would be fantastic. Dangerous beyond words. Still, fantastic.
“I don’t want to see anything depressing,” Shannon said, from all the way at the other end of the couch.
“Definitely not. Hate depressing.”
She had her gaze on the LED TV above the fireplace, and her hand on the remote, clicking and clicking. She had socks on. Multicolored fuzzy socks. Under jeans that had been designed specifically to make her bottom look like the most gorgeous thing he’d ever seen. The sweater, however, was just mean. It was probably warm as all get-out, but it hid way too much. He could picture what was underneath, yes, but that wasn’t a good idea. His imagination was already going crazy without trying to guess the exact pink of her nipples.
He bit back a groan and shifted on his section of the couch, stealthily adjusting his jeans. “Sure you don’t want to take a walk over to Molly’s?”
“It’s karaoke night.” The look she gave him expressed her feelings about amateur vocalists quite succinctly.
“We could sit far away from the speakers.”
“We are sitting far away from the speakers.”
She had a point. His point kept pressing harder against his fly. “All right, how about we go to Café Lalo and get some dessert? I’ve heard they have over a hundred kinds of cakes. Jazz, too. Coffee and chocolate cake, huh? Yeah?”
“Oh, God, after eating all that lo mein? I’d burst.”
There had to be something in Manhattan that would convince Shannon to get up and go out, because he couldn’t take this much longer. Sitting close, but not close enough. The memory of their kiss was the elephant in the room. A very large, very insistent elephant.
“This is supposed to be funny,” she said.
He looked up at the TV. He’d seen the movie, hadn’t liked it. “Saw it.” Was she really that indifferent to their last kiss that she could flip through channels as if any movie on there was more interesting than the fact that the two of them were alone in the house? Frankly, it was kind of pissing him off.
“Okay, then you choose,” she said, as she kept on clicking. Each time she paused, Nate said, “Saw it.”
When she cleared her throat, he looked up from where he’d been staring at the area of her breasts beneath the Evil Sweater of Shattered Dreams. He smiled as benignly as he could.
“So Bali has a ton of multiplexes? Because I thought you said you didn’t have a TV so you couldn’t have cable or satellite, right?”
He nodded. “Tons of multiplexes. Practically on every street corner.”
“For a man who travels the world and has seen countless amazing and wonderful things, you’re a ridiculously bad liar.”
“What do my travels have to do with it?”
She turned off the TV. “You don’t want to be here. With me. You don’t want to be here alone with me.”
He exhaled loudly. “No. I don’t.”
“Okay, then,” she said as she put down the remote. “I’ll just leave you here to spend the evening however you like.”
“Fine,” he said, but then she stood up. “Wait, wait. That’s not why. I
want
to be with you. I do. Come on, you didn’t think I meant I didn’t want to be with you.”
She grinned at him. “No. I understood exactly what you were implying.” She continued to smile as she walked toward him. But the closer she got, the more uncertain she appeared. Still, she kept on coming. “We could sit here and make out until someone comes home,” she said, and then she flicked her gorgeous hair back behind her shoulder.
His breathing was becoming problematic. “Okay. I can do that. I can do the hell out of that.”
She stopped slightly out of his reach. “But that’s it. Just kissing. Because doing more than that would be a huge mistake. A giant, horrifying mistake.”
“Horrifying?”
“No, I didn’t mean it that way. It wouldn’t be horrifying at all. Never. I’m so sorry. It wouldn’t even be a mistake. Certainly not a huge mistake, because you’re great. You’re really…really great.”