“Hey, beautiful.” Christopher Black beamed. He was one of the most handsome African-American men that Amanda had ever met. His look was so sophisticated, downright suave that she often wondered if he spent hours in front of a mirror. He was also a very eligible bachelor.
The young ambitious architect owned his own firm, which was a rarity for someone only thirty-two. Women chased Christopher wherever he went, and his name frequently appeared in the Mile High City’s society columns.
“Hi, Christopher. Come in. I’m sorry but I’m running late.” Having decided to go out and try to forget she even knew Zachary McFadden, Amanda forced a smile as she said, “Just give me a few minutes to change. It has been one of those days.”
“No problem. I’m early,” Christopher said, shrugging out of his overcoat.
Quickly hanging it in the hall closet, she paused long enough to say, “Make yourself a drink. I won’t be long,” before heading down the hallway toward her bedroom.
“Our reservations are for eight-thirty. I’m sure they’ll hold our table,” he said confidently, watching the sway of her hips as she moved. “Can I help?”
“Very funny. I think I can manage on my own,” she tossed from over her shoulder.
Closing the bedroom door firmly behind her, she was not about to let Zachary spoil her evening. Nor was she going to sit home brooding over his unwelcome intrusion into her world. She would deal with him later.
She changed into a mandarin-collared, cream silk jacquard dress with long sleeves that clung in all the right places, black silk cording forming the decorative frog accents along one shoulder. After stepping into black snakeskin pumps, she selected a small ebony snakeskin purse. With a cream cashmere shawl with black trim over her arm, she moved to the small vanity table tucked into the corner of the bedroom.
She chose square enameled earrings rather than the black highly faceted, oval onyx earrings surrounded with princess-cut diamonds her husband had sent her last Christmas. Pinning her hair up into a smooth coil at her crown, she let loose curls frame her face.
It was while she was touching up her makeup that she noticed the envelope propped against the mirror. Her name was written in bold masculine script. Her hands were far from steady as she unfolded the single sheet inside.
Sugar, sorry that I missed you. I’m having dinner with Brad. Have a nice evening. See you later. It was signed Zach.
A sharp sound of exasperation slipped out. There wasn’t one word of explanation as to why his things were in her closet. Anyone reading it would assume it was an ordinary note from a husband to his wife, explaining his absence for a few hours.
Only there was nothing remotely ordinary about her marriage to Zachary. And if he thought for a single minute that he could waltz into her home any time he chose, he was dead wrong. Just wait until she saw him. She had a few things to say to him.
“Amanda? It’s quarter past eight,” her guest called from outside her door.
“Be right out, Chris.” She smiled as she applied a vibrant red lipstick, knowing how much he hated the shortened version of his name. It probably took him longer to get ready for an evening out than it normally took her. Good grief, she was being nasty.
Christopher was not the problem. She had been unconsciously comparing him to another man with a quick easy smile that made the small lines near his ebony eyes crinkle and whose voice was deep and gravelly.
It was Zachary’s quick wit, his relaxed manner that was so disarming. Clothes did not define him. He was the same whether he wore a pair of old jeans and a cotton shirt or a beautifully tailored tuxedo made especially for him to a charity ball. He possessed the rare ability of being comfortable with himself.
“Why, Zach? Why are you doing this?” she mumbled aloud.
“Darling, did you say something?”
Startled, she realized she had forgotten all about Christopher.
“I’m ready.” She forced a smile as she opened her door. She had to work to hide her discomfort that Christopher was waiting on the other side of her bedroom door.
“It was well worth the wait,” he crooned, leaning over to place a kiss on her cheek, but she moved so swiftly past him that his lips barely grazed her skin.
“Let’s get going. My portfolio is on the hall table,” she said as she opened the closet and took out her black velvet evening coat.
She flushed when she looked inside for his coat. She had been so upset when he arrived that she had hardly given him more than a token glance.
Holding a soft black leather man’s overcoat, she asked, “Is this yours?”
“No,” Christopher said sharply, causing her to really look at him.
No, that couldn’t be his since he wore a brown three-piece suit. She quickly replaced the leather to hold out a dark brown fine wool overcoat.
“How about this one?” she asked, hoping to appear unconcerned that he now knew there were several men’s coats in her closet.
“Thanks,” he said tightly, accepting the garment without voicing the obvious. He held her coat for her, then draped her shawl around her shoulders before following her out, her heavy leather case in his hand.
It was not until they were in the car on the way to the restaurant that he asked, “Whose clothes are those, Amanda? I did not realize there was someone new in your life. What happened to that estranged husband of yours?”
She whipped her head around to glance at him. Having to put up with even one possessive male this day was more than enough for her. She was not about to take on another, especially when he had no rights where she was concerned.
“I don’t believe it’s any of your business as to who I choose to sleep with,” she snapped.
Her response set the tone for the evening. Although pleasant, she was all business, refusing to so much as joke with him. She showed him the sketches she had done for the two houses he was currently renovating, and jotted down the changes he wanted in a small notebook. She politely thanked him for two new clients.
“There is no need for you to thank me. Your work speaks for itself. The clients insisted that only you could complete what you start.” Frowning, Christopher asked, “Are you sure I can’t tempt you with dessert? There is no need for us to rush.”
Amanda quietly said, “Thanks, but no.” The thought of what was waiting for her at home was reason enough for her to leave.
“Darling, I know I owe you an apology. I had no right to make that remark in the car, regardless of my interest in you. You’re a beautiful woman. And I was jealous. I don’t like you seeing other men.”
“I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m married.” She sighed tiredly. Evidently the lack of sleep and stress of the day’s events were catching up with her. “I’ve had a very full day. Please, take me home.”
“Coffee?” he prompted.
“None for me.”
She was more irritated than angry. There was only one man who had the ability to make her boil with fury. She was not looking forward to the fight ahead of her. And there was no doubt in her mind that she would have an argument on her hands when it came to getting her point across to her arrogant husband.
Neither of them said much during the long drive back to her place. Christopher broke the silence when he pulled into a parking space close to the entrance of her building. “Darling, won’t you accept my apologies? Can’t we continue our friendship?”
Amanda, absorbed in wondering if Zachary had returned to the condo while she was away, glanced at Christopher. “What did you say?”
Christopher repeated his request, ending with, “We work well together.”
She did not bother waiting for him to open her door. She got out of the car and started toward the entrance.
They were in the elevator when he asked, “Why are you so angry? I simply asked you a question.”
“We’re business associates, nothing more. Christopher, if you prefer to take your business elsewhere, I understand. But I have never led you to believe there could be more between us. It would be best if we met from now on at my office. That way there won’t be any cause for misunderstanding.”
“Don’t punish me. Please, don’t let what happened earlier come between us. Can I come in for a quick drink so we can talk this over?”
They had reached her door by this time. Searching in her purse for her key, she was not looking at him. “Evidently you didn’t hear what I said?” Quite frankly, she was too tired to consider even a moment more of his company.
He reached out to caress her cheek. “I heard everything. You have just had a very bad day. I certainly understand that. It has been …”
Before she could locate her key the door opened. Amanda was not the only one who looked surprised. Christopher took a hasty step back from the taller, broader man who filled the doorway.
“Hey, pretty girl. Forget your key?” Zachary smiled, showing even white teeth.
Before she could answer, Zachary leaned forward to brush her mouth with his own. When he lifted his head, she inhaled quickly, struggling to catch her breath. She missed the hard assessing look the two men exchanged.
“Good evening. I’m Zachary McFadden, Amanda’s husband.” He offered his hand.
Christopher, having recovered his composure, shook hands. “Christopher Black. Look, I think I should be going.”
“Nonsense. Come in, have a nightcap before you go.” His invitation surprised them all. “Did you have a pleasant evening, sugar?” He took her coat as well as Christopher’s.
After retrieving her portfolio from Christopher and placing it on the armchair in the foyer, she managed to smile as if nothing unusual were happening.
“Yes, how was yours?”
Zachary had changed into navy wool trousers and a pale blue cashmere crew-neck sweater that seemed to enhance his dark good looks. She tried to ignore her awareness of him as he clasped a hand around her waist and urged her into the living room.
“Have a seat, Chris,” Zachary said. Giving Amanda an easy smile, he then said, “How much fun can I have without you?” He placed a kiss on her nape before she could walk away.
She could not suppress a shiver as she sank gratefully onto the sectional sofa.
“What will you have, Chris?” Zachary asked.
“Scotch, if you have it. Neat.” Christopher took a seat across from Amanda in one of the armchairs.
“Sugar?” Zachary asked. “White wine?” His eyes danced with mischief.
“Sparkling water with lime, please,” she said, eyeing him suspiciously. He was up to something, that much she was certain, and enjoying himself in the process.
“I understand from what my brothers have told me, Chris, that you’ve made quite a name for yourself.” Zachary handed the other man his drink before he gave Amanda hers and seated himself beside her. “You’ve designed some impressive houses around the city. And the houses you have renovated, I understand, are something to be proud of.”
“Thank you.” Christopher flashed a relaxed smile.
“I only speak the truth. Have you considered branching out?” Zachary paused before he quizzed, “Designing condominiums, office complexes and shopping malls?”
Amanda noted the amusement quirking Zachary’s mouth.
“Why do you ask?” Christopher asked with apparent surprise.
Zachary said, “My brothers and I are looking for a new architect to design the resort complex we are interested in building in Florida. The architect we originally hired was taken ill and can’t take on the project.”
“I don’t understand. I thought you were a rancher?”
“You didn’t tell him who I am, sugar?” Zachary quirked a black brow.
Amanda said tightly, “I did not think it was important. My relationship with Christopher has nothing to do with you, Zach.”
“Your relationship with any man has everything to do with me, Mandy,” Zachary told her quietly. He smiled at Christopher when he said, “I’m a rancher, but my brothers and I jointly own McFadden Realty.”
Annoyed that Christopher’s surprise seemed to give Zachary an enormous amount of satisfaction, Amanda had to bite her lip to remain silent.
“I take it you’ve heard of us?”
“Naturally. Who in this part of the country hasn’t? I didn’t connect the company to Amanda.” Christopher looked as if his favorite lollipop had been snatched out of his reach. He rushed to say, “I can assure you, nothing personal is going on between myself and Amanda. Our relationship is entirely a business one.”
She looked from the contents of her glass in time to see a look of concern on Christopher’s face and a smirk on her husband’s. She did not know which one she wanted to smack more. It was pointless to try and warn Christopher that Zachary was making a fool of him. Zachary was merely dangling a carrot under Christopher’s nose.
“I’m well aware of that, Chris. If I thought you had a personal interest in my wife, you would be out on your ear. You see, where my wife is concerned, I can be a jealous man.”
Amanda did not utter a sound. She was too angry to trust what might come out of her mouth. She glared at her husband, thoroughly infuriated with his manipulations.
“You’ve made yourself clear. And I know how you feel. If Amanda was my wife, I’d feel the same way,” Christopher said, making no effort to even so much as look at his hostess.
She was losing what little respect she had for Christopher. Not twenty minutes ago he had declared his very personal interest in her. Apparently, his career was his number-one consideration.
“Good,” Zachary said with a grin. “Now about that complex in Florida. Why don’t you call my secretary tomorrow to set up an appointment with my brothers and me? Who knows? It may prove mutually satisfactory.” He handled the other man with finesse, so much so that Christopher did not seem to recognize what was right in front of his face.
“Yes, I will do that.” Christopher beamed.
“You don’t mind traveling?” Zachary asked.
“Not in the least.”
“Wonderful. Our sites are all over the world, although we tend to develop more property in the southwestern portion of the country.”
“That’s not a problem. I think I should be going.” Christopher rose to his feet. He offered his hand. “Thank you, Mr. McFadden.” The prospect of working for such a prosperous and well-established firm would be a huge boost to a small firm.
Zachary stood, shaking hands.
“Good night, Christopher. Thanks for a delightful evening. We must do it again, soon.” Amanda’s smile was enticing, deliberately taunting both men.
To her amazement, Christopher’s gaze swiftly moved from her to Zachary. He nervously shifted from one foot to the other as he waited for the other man’s response.
Zachary said casually, “I’ll see Chris out, sugar. Be right back.”
Zachary did not try to hide his amusement when he closed the door behind the other man. In fact, he knew it had mushroomed into a roguish grin by the time he returned to the living room.
“Christopher is certainly no fool. He dove for that offer like a hog after a bushel of corn. Is he any good?”
“Does it matter?”
“I won’t hire him if he doesn’t know his business.”
“He’s good.”
Zachary watched her closely. Her entire body had seemed to bristle with anger. She sat with arms folded over her heaving breast, her legs crossed at the knee while one foot swung agitatedly back and forth.
He was prepared for an argument but none was forthcoming. Evidently, she had more important matters on her mind than her business associate’s ambitions.
He teased, “Where is your sense of humor? Your friend and I both got what we wanted. Surely, you aren’t angry because I offered him a job?” When she glared at him without bothering to respond, he walked over and ran a finger soothingly down her cheek to the tip of her oval chin. “The choice was his. He could have refused.”
Disturbed by her continued silence, he assured her, “You won’t lose business because of him, you know. Your work stands on its own merit.”
Even though she was pleased by the compliment, she pulled away from his caressing touch. Her voice was edged with a certain amount of bitterness when she said, “Don’t touch me!”
Clenching his jaw, he had to struggle not to show his emotions. He knew she was upset with him. He had expected no less from her. Nevertheless he was hurt when she flinched away from him.
He said as evenly as he could manage, “Perhaps a little music will raise the temperature in here. If I’m not mistaken I’d say it’s below zero.”
He went to the open armoire that also housed the stereo system and a selection of CDs. Soon the mellow, warming tones of piano and saxophone filled the electrically charged atmosphere.
When he faced her, she looked directly into his eyes. Her chin raised a notch when she said, “Why are you here, Zach? What are your things doing in my closets … in my bedroom?”
There was not a single doubt in his mind that Amanda really did not want to hear his answer. He wondered if she would ever be ready for the unvarnished truth. She had built so many defenses around her heart … so many against him that he doubted his own ability to reach her. Unfortunately that was only part of the problem.
He had been waiting an eternity for her to accept him as not only her husband but also her lover. This past year had not exactly been easy for him. It had taken all his resolve to keep his word and give her the time she requested. He had slept alone for nearly a year, longing for her … needing her. Each morning he awoke feeling more alone and needy than the day before. Yet, he had kept his word.
Her little anniversary surprise had changed all that. Those papers had simultaneously crushed him and freed him from his promise. Amanda was determined to put off seeing him. And he knew she was interested in one thing, fortifying herself against every single tender emotion she had for him. He was not about to let that happen.
“Zach,” she persisted, “I asked why you’re here.”
“You’re here, pretty girl. That should be answer enough.”
“That’s it!” Her dark eyes shot daggers at him.
“Yeah,” he said evenly, folding his arms over his broad chest.
“That’s not good enough.” She glared at him. “Zachary McFadden, did you hear anything I said to you at lunch? I don’t want this marriage.” Amanda practically screamed, “You have no right to be here!”
With tightly clenched teeth and hands balled at his sides, it took him a moment before slowing his breathing, thus easing his heart rate enough that he could start thinking with his head instead of reacting to his emotions.
When he spoke, he chose his words with care. “Who has more right? Christopher Black? That clown could barely keep his hands off you. If I hadn’t opened that door when I did—”
“Christopher has nothing to do with you moving into my home,” she interrupted, jumping to her feet. “Zach, this is about the two of us and you know it.” She began pacing back and forth, then finally came to a stop in front of him.
He could not stop himself from taking note of how utterly beautiful she was in her fury. Her chin was raised, her small nostrils flared daintily, her full breasts strained against the confines of her dress. But this was not about his desire for her. It went deeper than physical need.
She was as essential to him as the air that filled his lungs and the food that nurtured his body. She was vital to his well-being and he was not about to stand idly by and watch her walk out of his life. He had never run away from a challenge in his life. And he was not about to start now.
“You’re right. It’s about the two of us. Did you really think I would quietly go along with your plans? Think again. It ain’t gonna happen. I’ve had enough of waiting for you to honor our marriage vows.”
He ran a hand restlessly over his hair before he said with a scowl, “I was a damn fool ever to agree to it in the first place. You’re not the only one who lost someone important to them this past year. Mandy, I not only lost my baby and my mentor, but I also lost my wife.”
They stared at each other for a time.
When she spoke her voice was just above a whisper. “Zach, what are you trying to do to me?”
“Do, Mandy?” he quizzed. Zachary pulled her into his arms, molding her soft body against his hard length. His face was so close to hers that he could feel her heat through their clothes. He ran a soothing hand up and down her back as he said against her hair, “You haven’t given me or our marriage a chance. I’m not walking away until you can convince me otherwise.”
She sighed heavily, allowing herself a moment more in his arms. Pushing herself away, she said, “Zach, this isn’t some sports game we’re discussing here. This is my life! I won’t stand for it. Do you hear me!”