Chapter Nine

Gina spent Monday waiting for the ax to fall. Will had not smiled at her once since the party. Not this morning when she’d greeted him upon her arrival, nor just now as he stood in the family room doorway, a five o’clock shadow darkening his jaw. She caught her breath at his hands-on-hips stance and fierce gaze, like that of a warrior from days of old, fresh from battle. A powerful attraction raced through her.

“Iced tea?” she asked coolly.

“No thanks.”

His distant manner confirmed he held her responsible for Leonardo’s disgraceful behavior. Which she was. Saddened, she watched him approach Harry and Ian, who sat cross-legged in front of the TV. Spotting their dad, both boys squealed and shot off the carpet to grab his legs. Smiling, Will backed into a recliner and sat. The boys scrambled onto his lap, talking excitedly.

Gina sighed. She would always remember special moments like this. Will had become the caring father his sons so badly needed, and she was proud to have helped him with that.

She went into the kitchen to gather her purse and her daily drawings from the boys, destined for her refrigerator door. When she returned to the family room, they’d gone back to their cartoons. Will met her in the hallway, his eyes like blue ice. She stiffened even before he spoke. “Let’s talk in the den.”

Braced for the dreaded confrontation, she entered his lair. All day she’d thought about what to say. A sincere apology seemed like a good start. She hoped to avoid a detailed discussion of Leonardo, because she refused to tell another lie.

Will motioned toward the chair facing his desk. He sat opposite her, wearing his stern headmaster look. She spoke first. “I’m sorry for what happened at the birthday party. I know it was totally ruined for you and the boys. And Bree, too. But I can assure you, it will never happen again. Leonardo will never come anywhere near you or the boys.”

“No, he won’t,” he agreed. “The man has a serious drinking problem.”

She nodded. “I know.” Leonardo had called yesterday to apologize and swear off alcohol. She’d wished him luck.

Will leaned back in his squeaky chair. “Gina, you need to wake up. You’re involved with a troubled man, who’s sure to crash at some point. It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when.”

She hoped she could reassure him without going into specifics about her date-from-hell. “Leonardo is out of my life now,” she said in all truthfulness. Her house was painted, and Leonardo paid in full. “I’ll never see him again.”

“That’s good. But what about the next Leonardo? Are you a sucker for guys with problems?”

“No.” She shook her head. “Leonardo is not my usual type.”

“I hope that’s true.” But he didn’t look convinced.

Pricked by her conscience, she thought of Harry owning up to his hidden library book. And Will admitting he’d stolen a candy bar long ago. It was time for her to do the right thing, too. “I have a confession to make.”

His mouth tightened, and she tensed, but she couldn’t stop now. “Leonardo was never my boyfriend. He’s the man I paid to paint my house.” She paused. “And to pose as my boyfriend.”

“Why would you do that?”

Because you got over me so fast and easily, it hurt my pride. Okay, she couldn’t be quite that truthful. “It started when I talked to the boys about you dating. They said they wanted me to be your new girlfriend.”

Will’s brows lifted as she continued. “Naturally, I had to squelch that idea, so I told them I already had a boyfriend.”

“You should have told me the truth.”

She nodded. “Yes, I should have.”

He straightened, frowning. “You were playing me that day you told me about Leonardo. Bragging him up just to push my buttons.”

She shifted uneasily. Busted. “Sorry about that. I thought my well-intentioned little ruse would come to nothing, but unfortunately it caused a terrible problem.”

Will leaned back in his chair. “I’m relieved to hear you were never really involved with Leonardo. But from now on, you need to be straight with me. No more ‘well-intentioned little ruses.’ Okay?”

“Okay.” She found it hard to face him. He didn’t know about her other ruse, the ill-intentioned one. Confessing she’d posed as a nanny to find evidence he was a thief would only bring anger and hurt. It was for his own good to hold that back. Wasn’t it?

She stood, intending to end their talk on a positive note. “You’ll be happy to know I have a real first date with someone I met recently.”

“Really.” He stood, too.

“Yes. Someone respectable. In fact, he’s someone you know.”

“Who’s the lucky guy?” Will’s tone had gone gruff.

She smiled for the first time. “His name is Roderick.”

…

Will sat beside Gina on his back porch, watching Ian and Harry ply their bubble wands. The breeze swept the bubbles high into the air amidst the boys’ squeals and laughter.

“Look, guys.” Gina pointed skyward. “That one’s floating to the top of the tree.”

Will was the only one of the group not smiling, having spent the last few days worrying about his nanny. Inhaling her perfume, he glanced her way. Shorts and a striped tank top revealed her tanned and supple body. Her warm smile and laughing eyes brimmed with energy and fun. She was beautiful and unique, and desire hit him hard. She was way too good for the likes of Roderick.

He swiped his hand across his jaw. Giving advice to a woman about her love life was risky, but he had a duty as a concerned friend to set her straight. And he had to be careful. Coming on too strong could drive her into the arms of the beast. “You’re seeing Roderick,” he said.

“Yes.” She smiled. “We’re going to the Seattle Center next Saturday.”

“How much do you know about him?”

“Not a lot. We only met one time, but we’ve talked on the phone.”

“In college he was a major party animal.”

She shrugged. “People change.”

“Not that much. When it comes to women, this guy is strictly a taker.”

“You’re judging him by his past. But he’s different now. Did you know he has a degree in marine biology?”

He snorted. “That figures. He’s partied on every beach from here to Tacoma.”

“He’s a scientist.”

“He’s a creep. He’ll take what he wants, then dump you for someone new.” Her frown warned him to back off.

“You’re overreacting. Roderick’s been thoughtful and considerate with me.” A playful gleam lit her eyes. “Just so you know, he’s had a vasectomy.”

He gasped in disbelief. “He told you that? Already?”

“It came up.”

A groan tried to force its way up his throat. Was she really that naive? “You just met the guy. That should give you a clue.”

“Don’t do this, Will.”

He frowned. “Do what?”

“Treat me like your kid sister.”

Looking into her eyes, the world faded away. No boys, no bubbles, just Gina and him. Her mouth looked very soft, very kissable. He leaned toward her, then straightened, remembering their agreement.

“We agreed there could be no personal involvement between us,” she reminded him.

“That means I can’t warn you of trouble ahead?”

“It means you let me live my life as I please.”

She was blowing him off, but he tried one last time. “I’ve known Roderick for years. He’s a player, and he’ll break your heart if you let him.”

She sighed. “Thanks for your concern, but I’m a big girl now.”

He fell silent, discouraged. She just didn’t get it. But there was nothing more he could say.

…

Roderick came by Gina’s house at nine o’clock Saturday morning. “Smart girl, to dress warm.” The autumn day was sunny, and she wore jeans and a fleece-lined jacket.

Their first stop was the Pacific Science Center. They spent hours observing the insect village and saltwater tide pool and other exhibits then set off arm in arm down steep streets leading to the waterfront. The breeze grew brisk as they walked along the piers, checking out shops. “Oh, look, shrunken heads,” Roderick called cheerily.

They stopped at Ivar’s for a bowl of clam chowder. “Mmm.” Gina savored her first spoonful. Their dockside table overlooked Elliott Bay, where a green-and-white ferry headed toward Bainbridge Island. Seagulls landed near them, scrabbling greedily for scraps.

She studied the man across from her. “I’ve been warned about you.”

He set down his spoon and winked. “Fortunately, it didn’t scare you off.”

“I’m the curious type.”

“Good for you. And just so you know, I’ve sworn off the ladies while I go back to school for my master’s degree.”

“In marine biology.”

“Yes. I’m studying red tides.”

She was familiar with the shellfish poisoning caused by toxin-producing plankton. This was no playboy. Will had it wrong. “Does Will know about this?”

Roderick shook his head. “Will doesn’t think very much of me.”

Unable to dispute that, she kept silent.

“I can’t blame him,” he said. “I was useless in college. Partied most the time.”

“And Will didn’t?”

“No way.” One side of his mouth lifted. “Mr. Quarterback trained and studied hard so he could play football in the rain. He was no fun at all.”

It pleased her to hear Will wasn’t a big party guy.

That evening, they dined at the Space Needle, gazing down at the glittering lights of the city. A golden moon reflected off the waters of Lake Union and the ships with colored lights strung across their bows. Gina sipped her wine contentedly. Roderick was a delightful companion. They’d talked all day about movies and books, experiences and dreams. No romance, just friends getting acquainted.

He clinked his wineglass against hers. “Here’s to a memorable day.”

“For sure.” She sipped then raised her glass to his again. “Here’s to platonic friendship.”

He frowned. “Let’s not be hasty.”

He took her home soon after, and at her invitation, came in for a nightcap. “I love your house.”

She followed his gaze to the leafy bamboo plants brushing the ceiling, the large aquarium in the corner filled with colorful fish, the zebra-striped couch. “Thanks. I’ve always wanted to live in the jungle.”

She poured them wine then went to the kitchen for crackers and cheese. When she returned to the living room, he’d dimmed the lights. He patted the couch next to him. “Come sit here.”

A red caution light flashed in her head. As she set the plate on the coffee table, he said, “I’m chilled from today. How about you?”

“I’m fine,” she said, sitting two feet away.

“Scoot closer, and I’ll warm you up.”

She shook her head. “I wouldn’t want to interfere with your master’s degree.”

He grinned. “I’m good at multitasking.” He put his hand on her shoulder and rubbed gently.

She eased back. “Tell me about your thesis.”

His hand stilled. “Are you serious?”

“Of course. I spent the past year documenting the harmful effects of acid rain on an old-growth Canadian forest. How about you?”

His brows hitched. “Ah, Gina, I can see you’re the woman for me.”

Despite her interest in red tides, he caught her yawning moments later and stood. “It’s been a great day, but it’s time for me to go.”

She followed him to the door, where he gave her a quick hug. “Platonic might not work for us.”

She smiled. “Let’s give it a try.”

After he’d gone, she took their wineglasses into the kitchen, wondering if he’d ask her out again. And if she’d say yes. Roderick was fun and she liked him, but he clearly wasn’t used to being told no.

She turned on the dishwasher and wiped off the counter. If only she and Will could date. Roderick was charming, but Will was the one she wanted to be with. Regret flared inside her for what could not be.

Undressing for bed, she checked her cell phone, which she’d turned off at dinner. Will had called three times tonight but left no message. Alarm gripped her heart like a tight fist. Were the boys okay? Will had never called her this late, or at home. Something was up.

She was calling his cell when she heard a loud knock at the front door. Hastily re-buttoning her blouse, she hurried to the foyer, switching on lamps as a second knock came. Palms pressed to the door, she peered through the peep hole and gasped. It was Will.

…

Unclenching his fists, Will tried to let go of the anger he’d felt at seeing Rod’s red Jaguar in Gina’s driveway. Lover Boy was gone now, and if Will were smart, he’d go home, too. But concern for Gina had prompted him to knock on her door.

She opened it, her eyes fearful. “What’s wrong? Are the boys okay?”

“They’re fine.”

“Who’s with them?”

“A sitter. They were asleep when I left half an hour ago.”

Her hand went to her chest. “Good. You had me scared.” She frowned. “So why are you here?”

Because I’m trying to keep you from getting hurt. He rubbed his hands together. “Invite me in, and I’ll tell you. It’s cold out here.”

She opened the door wider, and he strode past her toward the gas insert with glowing red coals. He turned his back to the warmth and faced her. “You’re not answering your cell phone, so I came by to make sure you were okay.”

“That’s sweet of you, but why wouldn’t I be okay?”

Why indeed? Her hair was mussed, and her blouse was buttoned up wrong. Had the creep been pawing her? “You keep dangerous company.”

She crossed her arms. “Roderick and I had a wonderful time today, and we’ll probably go out again. Subject closed.” The stiffness left her stance, and she smiled. “Want some coffee?”

His jaw clenched. She was blowing him off again. “No, thanks. I’ve got to get home.”

But he made no move toward the door. Gina looked so lovely in the soft lamplight, she stole his breath away. Staring into the fathomless green of her eyes, he felt an urge to sink his fingers into her tousled blond hair and pull her soft body firmly against his.

Not gonna happen. He took a step back. Gina had insisted there be no intimacy between them, and he’d accepted the fact she would never be his. But he could still protect her from guys on the make, whether she liked it or not.

She broke the silence. “Let me guess why you’re here. You thought Roderick would seduce me, despite all your great advice.”

“I knew he’d try.”

“And I’m so gullible and naive, I need your protection.”

She spoke calmly, but he sensed he stood on thin ice. “He’s a slick operator.”

“Your concern is touching, but I’m insulted you have so little faith in me.”

“I have total faith in you. It’s Roderick I don’t trust.”

Her index finger tapped her elbow, her tell gesture for annoyance. “What would you have done if my bedroom light came on—burst in with an ax?”

He tensed. “You’re taking this wrong.”

“I suppose you could always call 911.”

Breathing in slowly, he held onto his temper. Barely. “You need to pull your head out of the sand. Roderick changes lovers as often as he changes his shirt.”

“Maybe I don’t have a problem with that.”

“You should.”

“It’s my life. I can date whoever I please, and sleep with any man I want.”

His chest tightened. “Is that what you did?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Aw, hell. I should have busted in with an ax.” He wrenched off his jacket and threw it on the couch, his insides churning at the thought of her and Roderick going at it between the sheets.

She put her hand on his arm. “No personal involvement means no lurking outside my house, and no unwanted advice about the company I keep.”

“But I care—”

“Don’t care.” She stepped closer. “I don’t lecture you about the hazards of sleeping with Bree.”

He scowled. “I’m not sleeping with Bree.”

She laughed. “Oh, please.”

“I’m serious.”

“You expect me to believe that?”

“Hell, yes.” He had never lied to Gina. Where did she get off, doubting his word?

She shrugged and stepped back. “What happens between you and Bree is your business, not mine. And what happens between Roderick and me is my business, not yours. That’s the way it has to be.”

He jammed his fingers through his hair. “We’re getting nowhere.”

“You’re right.” She switched off a lamp. “Go home to your boys. Worry about them, not me.”

He shrugged into his jacket and headed toward the door. Confronting Gina had been a mistake. She had her back up now, like a scalded cat. Maybe he’d blundered across a line, but Roderick was setting her up for the kill. On the porch, he turned back for a last desperate attempt at reason. “He’ll break your heart.”

She sighed. “There’s something you need to understand. Roderick can’t hurt me, because I don’t love him.”

He sputtered in protest. “Well of course you don’t love him yet, but if you give him time—”

“Good night, Will.” She stepped back and closed the door in his face. He stared at it, dazed, his stomach knotted with frustration. Gina was falling for another man, leaving him with a new and disturbing awareness. He might become the one with the broken heart.