A Lover's Dream (11 page)

County sucked her teeth. “On that note, I'll say good-bye.”

“I'll call if anything changes.”

“Which it won't.”

“County…”

While Michaela debated with her best friend, Quest watched from across the dining room. His sleek brows drew close and his head bowed again when his heart refused to cease its frantic beating. Lord, he felt like a kid overjoyed because the girl he liked had just walked into the cafeteria. Sure, she was a luscious beauty, but he'd been a fan of her work long before he ever met her. Putting such a face (and body) to such a sharp mind held him in a captive state and he wanted to remain there forever. She affected every last
male hormone he possessed. He felt almost desperate to lose his fingers in those gorgeous curls of hers and take her body until only exhaustion forced him to stop.

Last night he'd almost scared himself by the intensity of how much he wanted her. If he hadn't left they would've gone too far, too fast. It was the reason he'd suggested they meet in a crowded restaurant. The more people, the better. Michaela Sellars was too luscious and sweet and alluring and intelligent, and even still there was so much more that intrigued him.

“Hi, Quest,” Mick greeted when the host escorted her to the table. Her voice was surprisingly airy since she could barely look into his probing gray stare when he stood.

“I got it, Graham,” Quest told the host, already holding Mick's chair.

She cleared her throat and reached for her own menu. “Have you ordered?” she asked.

Quest reclaimed his seat and grimaced. “No, no, I haven't. There's something I wanted to ask you.”

Curious about his tone, Mick leaned back and watched him. He was clearly on edge about something judging from the repetitive manner in which he tugged on the cuffs of his camel-colored suit coat and the white shirt beneath. “What's wrong?” she inquired softly.

“Ramsey's unveiling a new project next week. I'd like you to go with me.”

Mick blinked, certain there was more to it. She decided against asking “that's it?” seeing how unnerved he appeared. “I'd like that,” she told him in a careful tone.

He grimaced again and the deep left dimple flashed. “It's in California. Malibu,” he clarified, sounding as though he were waiting for her to decline.

Nodding, Mick realized why he was on edge. “I'd
still
love to.”

“It's an overnight trip.”

“That's fine, Quest.”

“I mean, of course, you'd have your own room,” he began to explain. “I don't expect you to, um…you'd have your own room.”

“All right, Quest,” she assured him, enthralled by his uncharacteristic unease. “Malibu, you say? County'll be out in L.A. that week.”

“Great! Tell her to come out! The more the merrier.”
And a better chance of me behaving myself.

“So what kind of project is it?” Mick asked, hoping the conversation would keep her from smiling over-much.

Quest cleared his throat. “It's a teen center.”

“In Malibu? Wow, yes, I'd love to see that.”

“Well, hold on before you toss out any accolades,” Quest warned with a raised hand. “Quay and I haven't been down there as much as we'd like, so we hope the construction crew followed our instructions. It's already complete, but I want your honest opinion on it.”

Mick's light eyes narrowed playfully. “Why?” she asked, leaning closer to the table. “Will you have it torn down if I don't like it?”

“I might,” he replied without hesitation, without humor.

Mick had no doubt that he'd do just that. Thankfully, the waiter arrived then, and their attention was directed toward lunch.

Malibu, California

“If you're still trying to impress me, trust me, you've done that and then some,” Mick proclaimed a week later when they stood in the entryway to the grand, state-of-the-art Malibu Beach facility.

Quest grinned over Mick's hushed admission. He kept one arm neatly in place at her waist, while his free hand grasped her bare arm in an overtly possessive manner. “I'm impressed myself,” he told her, also scanning the outstanding establishment.

Each year, Ramsey Group sought to outdo themselves with the cause for the upcoming year. Each member of the company believed the people they were helping deserved nothing but the best.

“Do you think the kids will be pleased?” he asked Mick.

“Oh, I think they'll be well past pleased,” she assured him, propping one hand on her hip. “Is this something you guys do often?”

Quest spoke while escorting them through the sea of guests that filtered through every hall, room, and staircase of the teen center. “Each year we take on a
project for charity or, as we prefer to call them, causes. Last year, we constructed a complex for battered women and their children. There's even a school constructed on the grounds with a full faculty available to teach and train the mothers who want to obtain degrees or job certification.”

“That's incredible,” Michaela marveled, folding her arms across the bodice of her strapless black A-line dress. “It's so rare for a high-profile company to take interest in such issues.” Her eyes misted with a faraway look. “I wish there was a place like this when I was a kid in search of a home,” she said, taking in the spacious rooms complete with oversized furniture, bean bags, and plasma TVs.

Quest's gray stare bordered on black as he listened, not caring for the lost tone in her voice. He wanted to know more, but didn't want to intrude on unwelcome territory. Thankfully, the moment was saved.

“Michaela Sellars!”

Mick whirled around and expressed a gleeful shriek when she saw Contessa Warren swishing toward her. The distance closed quickly between the two friends and soon they were hugging.

“Girl, thanks so much for inviting me out here. This place is incredible!”

Mick fixed her best friend with a knowing smile. “Only the
place
is incredible?”

County rolled her eyes. “Honey, please. It goes without saying that the men are delectable.”

“Hmph, yes, they are,” Mick agreed and turned. “Contessa, I'd like you to meet Quest Ramsey. Quest, this is my publisher, Contessa Warren,” she introduced, eager to witness her friend's reaction.

“Ms. Warren,” Quest greeted as he took County's hand in his. “It's a pleasure. I hope you'll accept my apologies for not meeting you when you visited Seattle. My brother and I were very sorry we wasted your time.”

“No, no, it—it was no trouble, really,” County practically gushed, feeling gooseflesh riddle her skin beneath the sleek midnight-blue spaghetti-strapped evening gown she wore.

“Q! Man, I see you're hoggin' all the ladies again!”

Mick smiled broadly and took just as much joy in introducing County to Quaysar Ramsey. She had never seen the woman so off-kilter. The fact that the tall, molasses-dipped twins were both gorgeous and charming to a fault held County in an even greater state of awe. Mick tried to conceal her laughter, though the knowing smile remained as she watched County interact with the magnificent twosome. When Quay took County to the bar, Mick let her giggles run free.

“Will you let me in on the secret?” Quest asked, tugging on the cuff of the black sport coat he wore with a plum shirt and matching trousers.

“Oh, it's just a treat to see my girl so speechless,” Mick said and hugged herself. “Thank you so much for such a great night.”

Quest sent her a heart-melting wink. “There's more to come. I promise you.”

Before Mick could find out what
more
there was, Quest was being summoned across the room to make a few statements about the teen runaway's facility.

“Damn it,” he muttered before turning to Mick. “I'm sorry,” he told her, hating to leave.

Mick was already squeezing his hand. “Go take care of your business. I'll be right here when you get back.”

Something flickered in the haunting depths of Quest's eyes. Then, surprising Mick, he leaned down and pressed his forehead next to hers. “I like the sound of that,” he said, and then softly nudged her chin with his fist before he walked away.

Mick's lashes fluttered while she fought the urge to drag him back to her.
Down, Mick,
she ordered herself.
A waiter passed just then and she eagerly took a champagne glass from his tray.

 

Mick nursed the champagne for the better part of twelve minutes. She hardly sipped the bubbly liquid, painfully aware of the results that would follow. She saw County heading towards her and smiled as the woman joined her on the secluded sofa. Mick watched as her best friend flopped back into the cushions and begin to fan herself.

“Didn't I tell you?” County said, a look of sheer delight illuminating her face. “Didn't I tell you they were beautiful? Didn't I, Mick?”

“Yes, yes, you did,” Mick confirmed, raising her champagne glass in a mock toast.

“Mmm-mmm…” County grunted, shivering a bit as she did so. “And it's every one of 'em who's gorgeous, and the twins… Mick, girl…”

Mick burst into laughter when County appeared unable to form more compliments.

“I can see why it's taking you so long to get back to Chicago. I'll bet you've bought a whole new wardrobe in anticipation of remaining indefinitely,” County probed, slanting Mick a sly gaze when she turned her head against the sofa cushions.

Mick shook her head and refused to admit she'd done such a thing. “I bought a
few
new pieces, not a whole new wardrobe,” she said, rolling the glass between her palms. “Besides, you know me well enough to know I'm not naïve enough to stay halfway across the country just because a man looks good.”

“Actually his looks are the last reason I think you'd stay,” County shared, watching her toes wiggling along the opening of her strappy black high heels. “Anyone can see that he adores you, he's obviously very attentive.
In short,” she added, sighing, “all the things you noticed about him after your first meeting, I noticed too.”

“So you don't think I'm naïve?” Mick queried, her amber gaze filled with doubt.

“Quest seems like a really great guy, Mick. I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear you say he's the one.”

Mick blinked. She had no denial or snapping comeback to County's unexpected prediction.

“Sorry to interrupt you ladies,” Quest called out to them as he returned. “Contessa, would you mind if I steal Michaela away for a little bit?”

“No problem,” County said, waving her hand as though giving her permission. She watched the couple disappear into the crowd. “Congratulations, Mick,” she whispered.

Mick smiled and inhaled the fresh sea air from the beachfront. “The kids are gonna love it out here. A chance to breathe clean air instead of smog? There's nothing like it,” she testified.

Quest stopped walking, his hand squeezing on her upper arm. Mick became silent and looked in the direction he stared.

A volleyball net waited in the distance. It was set in the sand as though it were nothing out of the ordinary for it to be there.

“Quest,” Mick breathed, delighted by the sight. She held her sandals in one hand, the other gripping the hem of her dress as she made her way to the net.

“I've been thinking about having one put out here since you told me how much you enjoyed the game,” Quest said, when she stared back at him. “I figured the kids would enjoy it as much as you. But I wanted you to be the first one to use it.”

Mick was practically speechless as she trudged in the sand while moving closer to the net. “You did this because of me?” she whispered, glancing over in time to see him shrug. “Why?” she insisted on knowing.

Quest ran one hand across his soft hair. “I thought it'd make you happy,” he told her as though it were that simple and smiled while he looked down at the sand beneath his loafers. “Unless you were just teasing about being familiar with the game,” he chided, noticing how emotional she was becoming and hoping to lighten the mood.

“You just get on the other side of that net,” Mick ordered, tossing her sandals to the ground and smiling when Quest tugged his bow tie free. “My serve,” she called and grabbed the pristine white ball from the sand.

Quest held his own, but was very much in awe of Mick as he watched her play. She was clearly competitive, having no regard for her gown as she jumped and dived for the ball with fierce passion. When her final serve caught him by surprise, Mick shrieked in victory and fell to the sand.

“You were holding back on your skills, Mr. Ramsey,” she accused, bracing herself on her elbows while looking up at him from the ground.

Quest grinned. “I didn't want you to be intimidated,” he said while dropping next to her in the sand.

“Did I look intimidated?” Mick asked, taking in huge gulps of fresh sea air as she lay on her back.

Quest's deep-set eyes roamed her face. “Not a bit,” he said.

“Did you want me to be intimidated?” Mick asked, her voice falling an octave.

“I don't think it'd work for both of us to be intimidated.”

Mick blinked. “
I
intimidate you?”

“Quite a bit.”

“How?”

Quest leaned down, supporting his upper body on one elbow. “Because I have no idea what to make of you, and that doesn't happen to me. It's
never
happened to me. Maybe that's why I never see the same woman past three or four dates.”

Mick's stare grew wide. “Uh-oh, I think we've been on more than four dates.”

Quest closed his eyes. “Yes,” he confirmed with a nod.

Mick sighed in an overly dramatic fashion. “So I guess you're about to dump me, huh?”

“You're still a mystery to me.”

“So you'll dump me once the mystery's solved?”

“I don't see that happening,” he predicted, leaning down close to her.

Mick's tongue touched her lips tentatively as she prepared herself. “Oh,” was the last word she spoke before he kissed her.

The moment was sweet beneath the stars and crashing ocean waves. If Quest was determined to solve his mystery of her, this would have been the perfect place to begin. But he ended the kiss, waiting for her to move her hand from the back of his neck before he sat up.

“We better get back,” he said, helping her from the ground and moving to brush the sand from her skin, hair, and clothes.

Quest held her close during the walk back. She was glad, since she was quite certain she had no strength left in her legs.

 

Time went by in a blur. So much that Mick didn't even realize the days—weeks that had passed. She saw Quest every day, be it for lunch, dinner, or breakfast. He took her to many of the Ramsey Group sites in development and others that had been completed. There were days filled with sightseeing and everything else under the sun. Mick spoke with Driggers every day and she was both elated and mildly uneasy when he told her how much he was enjoying the fact that she'd found
something else to occupy her time with besides work. Still, Michaela wished the nagging reminders of home and responsibility would leave her be. She knew if they did, she would stay in Seattle forever.

The phone rang then and Mick welcomed the interruption. Still, nothing had quite prepared her for the loud voice on the other end of the line.

“Morning, County,” she groaned, leaning back against the headboard to massage her eyes.

“Mmm-hmm, girl, what the hell is going on? Have you decided to put down roots in Washington State or what?”

“County—”

“I mean, you know I think Quest is a dream, and personally I wouldn't blame you for staying. Just keep me posted, all right?”

“It hasn't been that long, Count.”

“The hell you say. It's going on four weeks. An entire month, Michaela Sellars. Is he
that
good in bed, love?”

Mick's laughter came in a quick, robust burst. “I wouldn't know.”

“Stop lyin'. Wait a minute. Are you serious?”

“Quite.”

“Well, just what
is
going on out there?”

“Everything's just so unreal, County,” Mick admitted, kicking back the covers and swinging her legs from the bed. “I guess that's why it's taking me so long to come back. I can't remember when I've enjoyed myself so much.”

“Yes, Quest Ramsey seems like quite a man,” County acknowledged. “That's why I can't believe he hasn't made a move.”

“Oh, he's made several moves,” Mick corrected, reaching for the room service menu. “Just not
the
move,” she added.

County giggled. “And you're still a-hoping,” she teased.

Mick rolled her eyes. “It's not like that. I just really enjoy being with him. In spite of what you think, it
is
possible to look past all that gorgeousness.”

“Hmph,” County snorted, “my eyes ain't big enough to look past all that.”

“Damn, you are so scandalous!” Mick accused, a rumble of laughter tickling her chest.

“And you've always known that. Now, tell me about this book,” County said, easily switching gears.

“Well, you know the book is dead,” Mick said, momentarily thrown by the question.

“Hmm…could anything make you reconsider?”

A picture of the yearbook flashed to Mick's mind, but she quickly dismissed it. “No.”

“So you're just gonna let the mystery of a lifetime slip through your fingers?”