Chapter Five

Standing as if her feet were cemented to the ceramic tile, Kristen stared back in horror. Much as she hated to admit it, she wanted Morgan to kiss her, to feel the strength of his hands against her skin, the warmth of his lips over her own.

She sighed as his mouth, tentative and warm, grazed the curve of her lips. Kristen responded to his male scent, to the heat of his body. At his tenderness, desire whispered through her veins and she arched closer, wanting more than a mere caress.

She clasped his shoulders and met his deepening kiss with equal hunger. Craving the heat of his skin beneath her fingers, she slid her hands over the cool cotton of his shirt to stroke the tendons along the side and back of his neck, then inched upward to play with the short locks of his hair.

A groan rumbled in his throat. The muscles in his shoulders flexed as his hand slid around her waist to the small of her back. He pressed his hips and his arousal against her belly.

Shock tore her lips from his. Pushing at his chest, she staggered back and stared up at him with widened eyes. Morgan might have let her go, but he still wanted her. She saw it in the flush that dusted his high cheekbones and the amber flecks glowing from his eyes.

Her heart thumped against her ribs and shame burned into her face. What in the world was she doing? She had no business kissing this man. Had she gone completely insane?

“That wasn’t such a good idea,” she stuttered between ragged breaths.

He edged forward, a distinct flush across his strong cheekbones. “Probably not.”

“Well, it’s not going to happen again,” she retorted, backing further along the kitchen tile. She disliked the uncertainty in her voice. And she especially disliked how sexy and self-confident he looked.

“You say that now.”

Needing space to think coherently, she inched backward until her shoulder brushed up against the edge of the doorframe, but again he shortened the gap between them.

“Will you stop that? The last thing I should be doing is kissing you. I’m in a serious relationship with Jeff.”

The heat in his eyes died. “How can I forget?” He shook his head. “You’re making a big mistake dating Jeff.”

“I don’t want to hear it.” Her chin rose. “You have no idea what type of relationship we have.”

“Does he make your blood race?” He stepped toward her, his large, unyielding and very masculine body molding itself to her curves. Lowering his head, he trailed his lips over her heated flesh, until his mouth, warm and oh so exciting, centered on the pulse point along her neck.

“Does he make you forget everything but the moment?” he whispered near her ear, his voice deep and dangerous.

Trapped between him and the doorframe, she inhaled sharply, her breath a hiss of shock and desire. Her chest expanded and her heart rate fluttered wildly as she fought the urge to give into the sensations he was inciting.

“You can’t say you aren’t equally aroused.”

Unable to lie, she tightened her jaw and twisted away, only to flinch when his fingers skated against a breast in her rush to move away.

“I’ve got to go,” she muttered and hurried from the room, not daring to look back for fear of what she might see in his eyes, equally terrified she might change her mind if he urged her to stay.

Backing the car out of his driveway, she caught his silhouette against the window. It was too far and too dark to see his expression, but she wondered what he was thinking and feeling. Regret? Frustration? Shaking her head, she told herself it didn’t matter. Morgan had his life and she had hers. She wouldn’t allow herself to get in another situation like tonight.

Silence and the soft, yellow glow of a living room light welcomed her home. Walking into the kitchen, she rubbed the back of her neck and glanced at the clock on the wall above the kitchen table. After ten. Geeze. The day—more like the last hour or two with Morgan—had drained the life from her.

After she fixed herself a glass of iced water, she turned off the light below the microwave, and only then noticed the red, blinking button from the telephone answering machine on the counter.

Taking a sip, she hit the button. Jeff’s voice, asking she call back, broke the kitchen’s quiet. Goose flesh raced down her arms. She tried to convince herself that it was caused by the cold liquid against the back of her throat rather than any guilt.

She glanced out the window above the sink to the apartment complex’s courtyard and pool. A breeze rippled the watery surface into silver strands and played with the fronds on the queen palms around the fence perimeter. The evening looked so tranquil and so at odds with the turmoil coursing through her.

With the cordless phone in one hand, she sank onto the oak chair by the kitchen table. Exhaling loudly, she stared at the receiver. When Jeff had called, she’d probably been kissing Morgan. She grimaced. All right. She was feeling guilty, yet she knew she wouldn’t confess to Jeff. What had happened in Morgan’s house was too private, too disturbing. She’d never been so undone by a kiss…not by Jeff, not by any other man.

Straightening her spine with resolve, she pushed the evening from her mind and punched in Jeff’s number. He picked up on the fourth ring.

“Hi, Jeff.”

“Oh…hi, Kristen.” He sounded distracted.

“Am I calling at a bad time?”

“Of course not.” She could almost see his smile. “It’s never a bad time where you’re concerned.”

She eased back against the ruffled cushion. Background noise, possibly a voice, filtered through the line. “It sounds like you have company.”

“No—no—Just the TV. Catching a late nights how before calling it a night.” His voice grew husky. “Missed you. Sorry I haven’t gotten a chance to get together. Work’s been grueling.”

She hated the sudden suspicion that surged through her. But those photos wouldn’t go away. When she least expected it, images of Jeff and that blonde flashed in her mind. “Are you still having problems?”

“I’m afraid so.” A pause, then Jeff asked, “So where were you earlier tonight? I hope you weren’t seeing someone else?” he teased. “I won’t stand for it if you are.”

She moistened dry lips. Talk about a wild question hitting its mark. “Actually, I was baby-sitting.”

“Trying to practice on someone else’s kid, before we have one of our own, eh? It amazes me how much you love kids.”

Kristen stiffened. He almost sounded derogatory. Which was crazy, because she knew how much he adored kids. Hadn’t he admitted it himself? More doubts. Damn Morgan. If it weren’t for him, she wouldn’t be questioning Jeff’s every word.

She cleared her throat. “Yes, well, I guess it comes from having fantastic parents.”

“So who did you babysit?”

“Katie.”

“Katie?”

She shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “Morgan Masters’ daughter.”

“What the hell were you doing baby-sitting her?” Jeff barked, not giving her time to answer. “Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right over.”

She stared at the phone. He’d actually hung up on her. Just like that. Slipping the receiver into its holder, she eyed it with mounting anger. She was growing tired of Jeff’s behavior these last couple of weeks.

Fifteen minutes later, a car door slammed from out front. Jeff must have gone well over the speed limit to get here so fast. Grim faced, she opened the door. He strode in, eyes glittering, chestnut hair disheveled.

Snapping the door shut, she cut him off before he had a chance to speak. “What is wrong with you? I really don’t appreciate being talked to in that way over the phone.”

“Sorry.” The apology looked as if it had been wrenched from his mouth.

“Well, what’s got you so upset?”

“You babysitting Morgan’s kid. I want to know why. It better not be because you’ve switched sides.”

“Come off it, Jeff,” she said in disgust. “I barely know the man. Plus, I’m not on anyone’s side.” But she’d just been kissing Morgan minutes ago. And she’d liked it.

“Then why?” he growled. “I don’t get it.” He rubbed his brow with the heel of his hand. Dropping his arm back to his side, he shook his head. Then suddenly, his eyes widened in surprise. “Now I get it. By the two of you becoming friends, you can find out things about him you normally wouldn’t.”

“I—”

Jeff smothered her explanation by squeezing the breath out of her, then kissing her soundly on the mouth. He pulled away and beamed down at her, amazement brightening his face. “You’re devious. Who would have thought it?”

Anger still seethed inside her. She wouldn’t be soothed by a mere kiss and a smile. He must have sensed her resentment, for he took her stiff hands in his and rubbed them. “I’m sorry for acting like an ass. When it comes to Morgan, I get upset. He was such a bastard the last time I saw him.”

His grin didn’t ease her distrust, but she kept silent, far too tired to get into a confrontation or full blown argument.

“What’s she like?” he asked. “I hope nothing like Morgan.”

“She’s a real sweet kid.”

Something odd flashed in his eyes. “Is she? It’s a wonder with Morgan raising her.” Then a shadow clouded his expression. “You know, this is as good a time as any. I need to tell you something I’ve been avoiding. I’ve been afraid of your reaction.”

She frowned at the seriousness in his face. Still holding her hands, he urged her over to the sofa. “You may want to sit down. What I have to say is important.”

“Go on,” Kristen pressed, dread tightening her chest as she sank down on the edge of a cushion. “It can’t be that bad.”

“Maybe not, knowing how much you love kids. Any other woman might be appalled.” His eyes darkened in concern. “I’ve done things that I’m not proud of. I make mistakes like everyone else. Six months ago I found out I have a kid. A daughter.”

Kristen didn’t know what she expected, something dark, and deep. A skeleton of magnificent proportions hidden away in the closet, but not a child.

She stared back. “A daughter? My God. I—I don’t know what to say.” She tried to pull her chilled hands from his grasp, but he wouldn’t let go. “What of the mother? This woman. Were you serious? Have you talked to her? You aren’t thinking of getting back together, are you?”

“No! Nothing like that. She died several years ago. And it wasn’t serious. Really, it was over before it even began. She went off and married someone else. I never suspected…All these years?”

“But what of the husband? The girl’s stepfather?”

His hold tightened on her hands, making her wince and wrench her fingers from his grasp. “From what I understand, he left the picture years ago. The girl’s—my daughter’s—been living with distant relatives. I’ve thought of gently introducing myself into her life.”

“But does she know about you?”

“No. Not yet.”

“What’s her name?”

“Caroline.”

“It’s a pretty name,” Kristen said, stalling for time. She couldn’t be more stunned if he’d told her that he was the King of England.

“Isn’t it?” He smiled. “You’re taking the news so well. I’m glad you’re so understanding.”

Well? No. She wasn’t taking the news well. And understanding? No. She didn’t understand. She needed time to take it all in. A daughter. Such an important factor in a person’s life, but for some reason Jeff thought he needed to keep it secret. She swallowed down her outrage, her hurt, needing a sharp and focused mind.

If he had one secret, did it mean that he had others? Like the truth about the photographs Morgan had shown her? It could all mean Morgan had been telling her the truth all along.

She didn’t know whom to believe. She didn’t want to act the fool. Yet, she couldn’t trust Morgan. She had no idea what was motivation him.

“I don’t know, Jeff. This is hard to take in. You should have told me long before.”

When he leaned forward and kissed her briefly, Kristen tried not to flinch. “It’s getting late. You better leave,” she said. She wanted to be alone, to cool down and think things through before making any major decisions.

He must have sensed her mood, because he looked down at his watch and didn’t argue. “You’re right. I guess I better get going.” He followed her to the front entrance. “We’ll do dinner later in the week.” He squeezed her arm and gave her another fleeting kiss before closing the door behind him.

She went into the living room and curled up in a chair. The BMW’s headlights arced across the window, blinding her for a moment, then the sound of the car’s motor faded in the distance. But with Jeff’s departure, Kristen didn’t feel any solace.

Glancing over at the photo on the end table, she picked it up and ran a finger along the mirrored frame. Her father smiled back. His glasses sat a little crooked on his nose as usual. A healthy flush of happiness shone from his face as he held a little red haired girl in his arms. He’d always made her feel like Daddy’s little girl and that everything in life was attainable. She laughed bitterly, placing the picture back on the table. It didn’t look like that was going to happen.

She glanced down at her left hand and rubbed at the ring finger. So far she hadn’t slipped on the engagement ring, and she wasn’t planning on without concrete answers. She had some serious reservations about marrying Jeff, and most of them had nothing to do with Morgan. It came down to secrets. Something she couldn’t and wouldn’t abide. For a little while, though, she’d give Jeff the benefit of the doubt. But only for a little while.

The sad part of the entire situation was that she was even beginning to wonder why Jeff had convinced her to hold off on sex until marriage. Could the answer be as simple as wanting to make the wedding night special so they would remember it for the rest of their lives…or something else? She shook her head, thinking that she might be reading too much into his behavior.

Knowing what she knew now, though, she was relieved they’d never slept together. Sex complicated things, and the way matters were turning out, her life was growing more convoluted by the day.

***

The next morning, Morgan strode into Kristen’s office. “I’ve got these insurance forms for you.”

“Oh thanks.” She quickly took them, her gaze traveling over his charcoal suit. The dark color accented the platinum streaks in his hair. She’d seen him in a variety of clothes, from suits to slacks to denim. She preferred the faded jeans and T-shirts he wore when he went out to a site. Somehow he seemed more approachable.

She straightened; appalled that she’d been keeping track of his wardrobe. Too many times this morning her thoughts had strayed to Morgan. All because of that blasted kiss. It would be a very, very long time before she volunteered to baby-sit again, if at all.

Realizing her eyes were glued to his fine figure, she blinked and glanced at the papers in her hand, only now realizing what they were. “I thought Faith handled insurance.”

“She does. But I met her in the hall and thought I’d drop them off since I had to see you anyway.”

Suddenly, the phone rang by her elbow. She picked it up. “Oh, hello…”

Her gaze flew to Morgan. Then she turned in her chair and tilted her head, causing her auburn hair to fall forward and further obscure her face, but not before he caught the look in her eyes. Jeff. He rolled his shoulders, attempting to shrug off his growing frustration. He hated the idea of her talking to him, dating him, having Jeff’s hands on her.

At the same time, he knew this preoccupation with Kristen had to stop. If she wanted to ruin her life with an ass like Jeff, then he should mind his own business.

Casually he placed a hand on her desk and leaned forward, straining to decipher her part of the conversation.

“Lunch? I don’t know…”

“You can’t,” Morgan cut in harshly. Damn it! He had no self-control when it came to Kristen.

She whirled around and gaped at him.

“Tell him you’ve got a business lunch.”

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as she murmured, “One sec.” She put her hand over the month piece and hissed, “What are you talking about? No one told me anything about a business lunch.”

“They didn’t?” Morgan thought quickly. He didn’t want Kristen balking at the idea of only the two of them going out to eat. Glancing down at her desk, he saw her monthly calendar with ‘Meeting with Henry’ printed on yesterday’s slot. “Henry. Yes. It’s Henry’s birthday. We’re taking him out for lunch.”

For a long moment she stared back, an indefinable look on her face. Finally she nodded and again swiveled around for privacy, saying in a hushed voice, “Sorry. I already have a lunch date with my co-workers. Bye.” She scowled across the desk at Morgan. “I hope you’re not lying. No one mentioned Henry’s birthday.”

“Why would I lie about something like that?” Yes, why would he? He gnashed his teeth. Because he couldn’t stand the idea of her going anywhere with Jeff.

Her face flushed. “Yes, well.” She bit her lip. “I never even gave him a card.”

“Umm—Don’t worry about it. He doesn’t like advertising the fact. The big four-O can be pretty traumatic for some men.” Henry was going to kill him. Or worse. Henry might take it upon himself to quit—the last thing Morgan wanted. He valued Henry’s input.

She replaced the receiver back in its cradle. Morgan had no clue what she saw in Jeff. The sudden foul taste of jealousy formed in the back of his throat. “When are you going to get rid of him?”

“What?” She stared at him blankly.

“Jeff. You need to get rid of him.”

She looked at her hand, her lips whitening into a grim line. “My relationship with Jeff is my business, and if you must know, I love him.”

“Why?”

“Why?”

“He doesn’t love you.”

Her blue eyes turned frigid. “That’s a terrible thing to say.”

“It’s the truth.”

“How would you know? You don’t know him anymore, do you? Maybe back then he was a little wild, but people tend to settle down when they get older.” It sounded like she was trying to convince herself more than Morgan or maybe it was only wishful thinking on his part.

“Yes, that’s right. And animals tend to change their stripes the older they get.”

A shadow flickered across her face. “I don’t think this is the time or place to be discussing this.”

“You’re right,” Morgan admitted, but he was going to make damn sure they’d find the time and place. And soon.

“So are you ready to go?” he asked, restlessly shifting on his feet. This jealousy was something he never expected. It rattled the hell out of him. He didn’t want to be jealous. It would mean he cared, and he didn’t want to care. Caring hurt too damn much. Hadn’t he learned that with Marla? In a sick kind of way, he could see history repeating itself with Kristen, Jeff and himself. The idea turned his stomach.

“Now?” Her mouth popped open then snapped shut.

Pretending he didn’t see the shock on her face, he glanced at his watch. “Of course,” he replied as if eating lunch at 10:30 was a normal occurrence. When she continued staring at him in complete disbelief, he added, “Henry likes to take his time. By beating the lunch crowd, he doesn’t feel so rushed.” Inwardly he winced at the lame reply and how Henry’d kill him when he found out what Morgan was saying behind his back. “We’ll meet you up front.” If his controller didn’t have any objections, Morgan silently added to himself.

“Oh, Morgan,” Kristen called, a question in her voice.

He paused by the door. “Hmm?”

“What was it that you needed to see me about?”

His face froze. He hadn’t a clue. Just another example of Kristen’s wild effect on him, he thought in mild self-disgust.

“It can wait for another day.” Smiling, he dismissed it with a wave of a hand and left her office, only to immediately walk into Henry’s.

“You don’t have any plans for lunch, do you?”

Henry frowned, his pencil pausing over a green bar schedule. “No. Why?”

Morgan rolled back on his heels. “Kristen and I are taking you out to lunch for your birthday.”

“My birthday?” With an index finger, Henry shoved his glasses up his nose and looked at Morgan in confusion. “But that’s six months from now.”

“I know.” 67yt

Behind his glasses, Henry’s eyes widened. “I don’t understand. Am I missing something here?”

“No, I’m afraid not.” Morgan forced a smile that felt more like a grimace. Now that he’d completely buried himself in a pile of manure, he didn’t see a way to climb out of the stench. “I thought we’d celebrate your fortieth birthday today.”

“But I’m not forty,” Henry sputtered. “You’re adding two years on me.”

He had to laugh at Henry’s perplexed expression. “Yes, I know. I’m not completely off my rocker. At least not yet.” When Henry opened his mouth, Morgan cut him off, already guessing the question on the other man’s lips. “Don’t even ask. Just go along with it, please? As a favor. Or, if this helps any—the company’s picking up the tab.”

Henry grinned and lifted his palms. “Hey, if you put it that way…how can I refuse a free lunch?” He glanced at his watch with raised brows and wryly added, “Or should I be saying breakfast?”

“Lunch.” Morgan walked impatiently to the door. “So let’s go. Kristen’s meeting us at the front door.”

“Kristen,” Henry breathed, realization dawning across his face as he grabbed his jacket from behind the door. “Hell, you have it bad.”

Morgan flinched and walked out of the office. If Henry only knew how bad. Morgan himself was beginning to wonder if he’d finally, completely, irrevocably lost his mind.

Stuffing his arms in the sleeves of his jacket, Henry caught up with him in the hall. “You know, since it is my birthday, I’ve been craving a thick steak. Something big and juicy.”

Morgan grunted, ruefully shaking his head. “You’re going to milk it for all it’s worth, aren’t you?”

Henry’s teeth flashed. “You bet.”

Morgan drove them to Lone Star, a steak house he knew Henry would appreciate. The lunch crowd, of course, hadn’t yet arrived, so they were immediately ushered to a table.

After lunch was served, Morgan watched Henry eat his food with far too much speed. Drumming his fingers against the table, he restrained the urge to grab the fork from Henry’s hand and tell him to slow down, take a drink and enjoy it.

He caught Kristen staring at him. She flushed and looked down at her plate. What was she thinking? That he was a liar? After witnessing Henry devour his meal, could he blame her?

“So Kristen, how do you like working for Eagle Builders?” Henry asked, while still chewing.

Morgan coughed under his breath. “Ah, Henry,” he said with some amusement. “Don’t you think that’s a loaded question? Do you think she’s honestly going to tell you the truth with her boss at the same table? Not to mention the owner of the company?”

Grimacing, Henry swallowed and opened his mouth, but Kristen forestalled him. “Seriously, I’m pleased with how the job’s turning out. The people are great and seem to really enjoy working for the company. There doesn’t seem to be any turn around.”

“Oh, but you’re not in on the company’s dark little secret,” Henry admonished, winking broadly behind his wire framed glasses. “Didn’t you know that once you start at Eagle, you’re not permitted to leave? If you try to make a run for it, you can kiss your life good-bye.”

“Haven’t you checked out the office in the back of the computer room?” Morgan quickly caught on. He wiggled his brows and leered across the table. “It’s a sick sight. All those poor unfortunate souls who wanted out. Little did they know…All chopped up and hidden in old computer boxes. I’m surprised the police haven’t caught wind of it. Literally, that is.”

She laughed, then wrinkled her nose, causing him to take note of her dusting of freckles. They made her look adorable. And her eyes—big, bold and beautiful. He’d never seen quite a color before, deep, blue, fathomless.

He couldn’t help but respond to her femininity, warmth and humor. He also couldn’t remember the last time he’d actually sat across the table from an attractive woman or gone on a date. It was damn embarrassing.

Morgan shook his head, unable to break eye contact with Kristen. His smile dissolved along with her own. He was afraid if he let her, she could tear him to pieces. Even so, he wondered what it would be like to date her, go out on moonlit nights, hike through mountain trails, sleep in his king-size bed with—

Henry, clearing his throat, shook Morgan out of his trance and forced him away from such dangerous thoughts.

“But in all seriousness,” Henry was saying. “Morgan here’s a pretty good boss, if I say so myself. He knows the importance of family and how scary it is raising kids these days. That’s why I’m still here. Anywhere else, I’d be spending my weekends at the office and missing my kids growing up.”

Morgan flushed at the compliment. Henry was getting a little carried away.

“And he pays his people better than anyone else in the Valley, I’ll have—”

“Okay, Henry. A little brown-nosing’s fine, but I think you’re going overboard right about now—”

“And modest—” Henry slapped Morgan on the back with such force that Morgan nearly choked from the blow. “—to a fault.” He turned to Kristen. “As you can see, he’s also far too humble. Doesn’t realize what he’s accomplished.”

Henry must have caught Morgan’s pained expression, for he smiled sheepishly. “I guess I’ve been thinking of that little boat I’ve been eyeing for almost two years. Maybe if I hint around loud and long enough… After all, Christmas is only three months away.”

“A boat did you say?” Kristen quirked a brow. “I’d go for something more substantial. Company car? How about a Jaguar? Or a trip to the Bahamas? Or if you have to have a boat, why not a fifty-foot yacht?”

Chuckling aloud, Morgan shook his head. “Okay, guys. For that, all you’ll be getting for Christmas is a turkey. Mark my words.”

“A turkey?” Henry asked.

They both laughed at Henry’s disgusted look.

As they left the restaurant, Kristen and Henry ribbed him about company bonuses and perks and relentlessly continued on the drive back to the office. Shaking his head, Morgan laughingly waved them away once they hit the reception area of Eagle Builders. As she walked by Morgan, she said with a throaty laugh, “I thought Henry liked to take his time eating.”

Flushing at being caught in an outright lie, he watched her disappear down the hall to her office, then grinned like a fool. The woman had a sense of humor.

He turned to Henry. “Thanks for saving my neck. But don’t you think you laid it on a little thick? ‘The best company you’ve ever worked for’?”

“It did the trick, now didn’t it? She looked likes he wanted you for lunch, and you didn’t look any better.” Humor glittered in his eyes as Henry raised a protesting hand. “Oh, it was no problem sacrificing my lunch. You don’t have to thank me.”

“Thank you.” Morgan’s smile turned wry.

Henry shook his head and groused good-naturedly, “I haven’t a clue why you had me tag along, and I’m not even going to ask. Neither of you knew I existed. But if you ever use me as an excuse again, change my age. If you have to lie, make me a little younger, will you?”

“Show me a profit next month and maybe I will,” Morgan ribbed.

“I think I can do that,” Henry assured with a wink before slapping Morgan on the back and muttering one last parting shot. “But I can’t help you with women. Boy, I’ve never seen a guy have it so bad.”

Lips twitching with a suppressed smile, he watched Henry’s departing back and said under his breath, “Henry, my old boy, that just cost you. You’ll be definitely getting a turkey for Christmas, and if I have a say in the matter, it won’t be stuffed or plucked.”