Handle With Care (12 page)

T
he moment she unlocked her door and they stepped inside, Kevin tugged her into his arms. She went willingly enough, sliding her hands up the length of his muscular biceps. She knew he used the gym every chance he got, and had the body to prove it.

He walked her backward, his lips never leaving hers. When her legs met the sofa, he moved in closer. His hands were running up and down her back, getting lower with every stroke. His hips were pressed against hers, and she could feel his erection.

She broke off the kiss and tried to push him away gently, wanting nothing more than to take it slowly. “What’s the rush? We have all night.”

He gave her a wolfish smile. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this. For you.”

She frowned. “What do you mean? We’ve been friends for years.”

“Even when I was married.” He ran the back of his hand down her cheek, then leaned in and whispered in her ear, “You turned me on.”

“Kevin.” She pushed him away. “Don’t say that.” She shook her head, feeling anything but turned on. “You had a good marriage, at least for a while. Didn’t you?”

“It was okay for the first few years, but we drifted apart. Busy careers and all that.”

“I was married when we first met. You liked Jeremy.”

“True, but I liked you better.” He moved closer, then seemed to think better of it and gave her a little breathing room. “Most guys think about other women sexually, even if they don’t act on it. It’s natural. You should know that.”

“I know no such thing.” Her desire had slipped away, and she turned toward the door. “This conversation is creepy, and I think you should leave.”

“Not tonight, sweetheart.” He moved quickly, getting between her and the door. “I let you get away with that once, but you’re not going to keep this game up. I know you want me. Don’t play hard to get. It’s not becoming.”

“I’m not playing.”

He grabbed her hands and tugged on them. “Come here. I can make you feel good. You know I can.”

She was about to tell him what she thought of that idea, but the phone rang, saving her the trouble. She turned to get it, but Kevin again stepped in front of her.

“Leave it,” he said. “I don’t want you distracted.”

“I need to get it. It could be Josh. Oh, dammit.” She just remembered that she had turned off the ringer to her cell phone in the restaurant and had forgotten to turn it back on. He might have called her cell and now was calling the house. “Josh has probably been calling me.”

The phone kept ringing, and she attempted to get to it. Kevin again blocked her.

“He’s fine,” he said smoothly. “What trouble can he get into at my place?”

“I don’t know, but I need to answer my phone.” She glared at him. “Get out of my way.”

He picked up the phone, hit end, then tossed the handset onto the counter. “Later.”

“How dare you!” Bristling with indignation, she pushed her way around him, reaching for the phone.

His strong arms stopped her. “Don’t be mad,” he said. “You can talk to Josh later.” He kissed her neck. She tried to squirm away, but his arms only tightened their hold.

“Let me go.” She pushed at his arms, but he didn’t release her.

“Don’t be a tease. You want it, I know you do.”

She stared straight into his eyes. “Kevin, I’m warning you. If you don’t take your hands off me, you’ll regret it.”

He laughed and tugged at her blouse, the buttons popping free. His gaze fell to her breasts, and she sorely regretted the pretty black lace bra she’d bought for the occasion.

“Nice.” He took hold of her breasts, squeezing them together.

“You bastard.” She smacked him as hard as she could. He didn’t let her go, didn’t move away, so she smacked him again. Then she spun and grabbed the phone.

“Back off,” she told him, ready to dial 911. “Get out of here before I do you some real damage.”

He seemed unconcerned. “I’ve played your games long enough, Lauren, and now you’re going to play mine.”

Before she could react, he grabbed her wrist so hard, the phone dropped out of her hand. Tears filled her eyes.

“Get out!” she screamed.

Kevin lunged for her, but she was too fast for him. Her right knee came up and made solid contact with his groin.

He backed away, holding his hands over his private parts, cursing her and grimacing in pain. “You bitch. You’re going to pay for that.”

“Go to hell!” she shouted, and ran for her purse and the door. She had to get to safety and call Josh back.

She flung the door wide, and Shane stood there. “Shane. How did you get here?”

“Josh called me when he couldn’t reach you. What happened? I heard you scream.” His gaze dropped to her exposed breasts, and then he glanced past her and saw Kevin, moaning and holding his crotch.

He crossed the room in a few quick strides and grabbed Kevin’s hair with his bionic hand, looking ready to tear the man’s head off. “What did you do to her, you bastard?”

Kevin panted, “She kneed me in the balls. I only wanted to kiss her.”

“When a woman screams, it means she’s protesting, you fucking creep. Now get lost before I really lose my temper.”

Kevin straightened up, shooting both Lauren and Shane a scathing look. “This isn’t over. I’ll be seeing you soon,” he added to Lauren.

She ignored him and spoke to Shane. “Josh is spending the night with his son. We have to go get him.”

“Of course. My car’s outside. But first …” He glanced again at her breasts, and she quickly covered up.

“I’ll need to change. You’ll wait, won’t you?”

Kevin’s face had flushed an unattractive purple. “You know something. You two might deserve each other.” He gave Lauren a contemptuous look. “You need a guy you can control, and what better than a one-handed freak?”

Shane took one step toward Kevin. Lauren stepped between the men, facing Shane. “He’s not worth it. Let him go.”

“If you insist, but personally, I think we should call the cops.”

Kevin sneered. “Go ahead. I know most of them anyway. Good pals with the judges too.”

Lauren ignored him, her eyes on Shane. “I’ll change my top, then we’ll go rescue my son.”

Kevin stormed out. Shane stood guard while Lauren went into her bedroom to change and to wipe the smeared lipstick off her face.

“You okay?” he asked quietly when she returned.

“I’m okay.” She walked over to him and put her arms around him, resting her forehead against his chest. “Thank you for coming to the rescue.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Looks like you handled things pretty well on your own.” He lifted her chin. “I’m so sorry. I encouraged you to go out with that asshole.”

“Yeah, you did. But I sure didn’t see that coming. He seemed like a nice enough guy. Boy, was I wrong.”

“I wanted to kill him. I still do.”

She put a hand over his mouth. “Don’t say that. Don’t even think it.”

He kissed her hand and looked into her eyes. “You’ve had a helluva night, and I’m just glad I got here in time.”

“Me too.” She moved away from him, struck with a feeling of loss. She longed for his warmth and comfort, but she needed to take care of her son.

She linked her arm in his. “Come on. Let’s go get Josh.”

S
hane was silent for most of the ride. He couldn’t get rid of the image of Lauren—wild-eyed and frightened—as she’d opened that door. If Kevin had touched her, violated her in any way, Shane wasn’t sure what he would have done. But it wouldn’t have been pretty.

If Josh hadn’t called him, or if he hadn’t gotten there in time, who knows what would have happened to her.

“What are you thinking?” she asked. “You look furious. Did I do something wrong?”

“Of course not.” He darted a quick glance at her. “Lauren, I was walking to your door and I heard you scream. I was about to bust that door down when it flew open and you rushed out. When I saw what he’d done, torn your blouse, I nearly went nuts.” His hand shook. “I wanted to smash his face in. If you hadn’t stopped me, I probably would have punched him one.”

“I can’t imagine you ever getting violent, and I don’t want to either.” She gave a little shiver, then folded her arms. “Let’s not talk about tonight. Can we just drop it for now?”

“What if Josh hadn’t called me?” he asked quietly.

“But he did.” She tried to smile, but the effort was too great, even for a trouper like her. “We’ll have to thank him later.”

He could see she was struggling to hold it all together. She kept rubbing at a spot between her brows, trying to ease the tension away. But still, he couldn’t let it go.

“He said he called your cell phone.”

“I turned the ringer off in the restaurant, and then I forgot to turn it back on. I feel so bad. Poor Josh.”

“He called the house a few times, too, then called me. He’s one smart kid.” He wanted to break something. Like Kevin’s big nose.

“Yes, he is.” This time, she did smile. “He deserves a double fudge sundae.”

“How can you be making jokes? I’m still livid.” He put out his good hand. “See? I’m shaking.”

She laughed and squeezed his arm. “Kevin’s a conceited ass, but I seriously don’t think he’d have jeopardized his reputation and career by raping me.”

“You’d think he was smarter than that, but I’m not convinced. He certainly was heading that direction. Forcing himself on you.”

“I could handle him.” She bit her lip and looked away. “I think. He did have me scared.”

“Bastard,” he muttered.

“I’m glad you didn’t have to bust my door down.”

He smiled. “Yeah. Me too.”

“But I love the idea of you rescuing me.” She put her head on his shoulder for a brief moment, then straightened up, regaining her damned control.

“That’s what I do. Rescue people.”

“I love that about you.”

He took his eyes off the road to look at her. She looked so damn pretty, he couldn’t turn away. Her cheeks were flushed, and she wore a special smile just for him.

The car swerved, and he almost ran off the road.

“Eyes front, mister,” she teased.

“Are you always this bossy?” he said with a hint of a smile.

“And then some. If you stick around long enough, you might see for yourself.”

There was an open invitation in her gorgeous blue eyes. “Is that an offer?”

“It is if you want it to be.”

“I want it to be.” He lifted her delicate, but very capable hand, to his lips. “I don’t want you dating anyone else.”

“I don’t either. Not after this fiasco tonight.”

He looked straight ahead. “And I don’t think you should get married just so Josh has a dad.”

“Trust me, I won’t. I had a good marriage once, and even that took work. But I do get lonely at times, and it would be nice to have someone to share my life with. Besides Josh, I mean.”

“I know. You’re a smart, beautiful, sexy woman. You should have love in your life.”

“I do. I have Josh.” She darted him a look. “And you.”

“I wish I could be more than a friend.” He wanted her so bad it was killing him, but she deserved somebody so much better. “I really do.”

“Why can’t you be?” She bumped shoulders with him. “I have an idea. Why don’t you date me?”

“I’ve told you, Lauren. You need someone grounded, someone whole, someone worthy. I’m none of those things.”

“You are, too. And I like talking to you better than anyone else I know.”

He glanced at her. “I feel the same.”

“So what are we going to do about it?” She kept her eyes on him, waiting for a reply. Her face was calm now. She trusted him to do the right thing.

But what was the right thing? He knew what he wanted, but it wouldn’t be fair to her or to Josh. They deserved better than a messed up guy like him.

Finally, he shrugged. “Damned if I know, but one thing’s for sure. I don’t want you dating guys like Kevin. You need someone who’ll treat you and Josh with respect and kindness, the way you both deserve.”

“I only know one guy like that.” Her blue eyes never wavered from his face. They were full of trust, and hope, and warmth. He felt like a complete fraud.

“You’ve got a one-track mind,” he finally snapped.

“Don’t you want to go out with me?” she said in a soft, hurt voice.

“Of course I do. More than anything.” He had no right to take this woman, to want her, to love her, but he sure didn’t want anyone else with her either. He’d opened this can of worms, and it was too late to screw the cap back on. Damn his mouth. Why hadn’t he left well enough alone?

“What are you thinking?” she asked.

He darted a quick look at her. “Are you sure about this? Because we both know it’s not a good idea.”

She nodded. “Yes, I’m sure. Although I know how terribly busy you are, and it won’t be easy to fit me in.”

“I think I can manage.” Now that he’d agreed, he didn’t want to wait. He wanted her too much. “How about tomorrow? We could take Josh to the beach, then maybe you could find a sitter and we could go out for dinner.”

“I’m sure Julie can help out. She’s my nanny, and she’s always willing to work extra hours when she can.”

“I have to warn you, though. I haven’t been on a real date in a couple of years. Don’t expect too much.”

“Then it’s time you did. And as far as my expectations go, you’ve already surpassed them.”

“Thanks.” He flashed a smile to hide his fears. Dating her might be a huge mistake. She might expect him to perform sexually, and he didn’t know if he was up to the job.

A few minutes later, they pulled up in front of Kevin’s apartment building. Josh was standing on the front steps, backpack in hand, the babysitter keeping him company.

Lauren ran to his side. “You okay, sweetie?”

He nodded and threw himself into her arms. “Where were you? I tried to call. You didn’t pick up your phone.”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. My ringer was off and I didn’t realize it. I’ll never let that happen again.”

The babysitter quickly apologized. “Sorry, Dr. Reynolds. I don’t know what happened. The boys started scrapping right after dinner. They couldn’t agree on a movie, then Brad called Josh some not very nice names, and I don’t know who threw the first punch. I gave both boys a time-out, but Josh wanted to go home. He got very upset when he couldn’t reach you.” She put a hand on Josh’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry. He’s a good boy.”

“Thank you. I know he is.” Lauren bent down and took her son’s face into her hands. “You did the right thing by calling Shane. We’re both very glad you did.”

“You got that right.” Shane ruffled the boy’s hair. “How’re you doing, champ? You want to go get an ice cream somewhere?”

“Can we, Mom?” His eyes lit up. “I know it’s past my bedtime, but I’m not tired.”

“Sure, hon. You had a lousy night, and so did I. We all need a little ice cream to make things better.”

“Cool.” Josh slipped his hand into Shane’s bionic one. He seemed to prefer it. “What kind are you gonna have? I like Reese’s peanut butter cup. How about you, Shane?”

“I don’t know. Let’s go to Baskin Robbins and see their flavors.”

“I’ll have Jamoca almond fudge,” Lauren said, slipping her hand into Shane’s. She preferred flesh and blood to plastic. “A double.”

The following day they went to the beach, and Shane offered to give Lauren and Josh bodysurfing lessons. Before hitting the water, Shane turned aside to pull off his prosthetic, attempting to hide behind the board.

Lauren didn’t give a crap about seeing a stump, but she glanced at Josh, wondering how he’d react. It took Josh a second or two, but when he spotted the i-limb on the beach towel, he ran toward it.

“Holy cow!” he shouted with glee. “It comes off. Super cool.” He picked it up and tried to put it on his own hand, looking frustrated when it wouldn’t fit.

Lauren and Shane glanced at each other and then burst into laughter. “Looks like you’re going to have to learn to share,” she told Shane, who picked the bionic hand up and chased Josh down the beach with it.

Later, the three of them waded into the water with the surfboard, and Shane showed them how it was done. He paddled out to catch a wave, then got up on his knees, and rode the wave in. He demonstrated time and again in a tireless effort to teach them. Neither she nor Josh could get the hang of it, but they had fun trying. Lauren especially enjoyed the hands-on lesson, knowing it was all foreplay.

He was getting to her, and she hoped that she could handle whatever the future held. She trusted Shane, and knew that he’d never intentionally hurt her or Josh, but what if he started drinking again? He’d warned her often enough that he wasn’t whole, but she’d never seen that side of him. She only saw the side he cared to show.

Like Kevin. Not that she thought Shane had a dark and dangerous side, but she had to be careful. And yet, every time his eyes met hers, she felt a burst of joy bubbling inside. This worried her most of all.

“You had enough of this for one day?” he asked finally. He flicked the strap of her bikini top. “You’re getting pink. Probably time to go in.”

“No!” Josh cried. “We aren’t tired yet, are we, Mom?”

“Well, honey, truth is, I’m just about done in here. If you boys want to stay longer, okay, but I’m going to head back to the beach and pack things up.”

Shane gave her a wink. “Ten minutes, tops. Josh and I will try to catch another wave or two.”

“Be careful,” she warned. “The wind’s picking up.”

Shane held the board, and after a few attempts Josh managed to get to his knees. Lauren watched from the shore, so proud of Josh. He was trying hard not to fall off, wanting desperately to please Shane. He loved being with him, but she knew he was like that with every man he met. What would happen if their potential romance ruined a perfectly good friendship? Josh is the one who’d wind up getting hurt.

Maybe she was being selfish, wanting him for herself.

When Shane dropped them off, he told her he’d be back at seven and to wear something nice.

“You’re coming back?” Josh asked, his face lighting up.

“I am, buddy. I’m going to take your mom out for dinner.”

“Can I come?” he asked with a hopeful expression.

“Not this time. We’ll be out past your bedtime, and we kept you up late last night.”

“Yeah, I know, but I can always skip school tomorrow.” He made a face. “I don’t want to see that creep, Brad.”

“Now, Josh, you know you can’t skip school,” Lauren said smoothly. “And you can still be friends with Brad, just not best friends. Why don’t you invite someone over for a play date this week? Make some new pals.”

“I don’t know. Some of the kids don’t like me. They make fun of me behind my back.”

Lauren glanced at Shane, sharing a worried look. “Why is that, sweetheart? What could they not like about you?”

“Sometimes the teacher asks me questions when I haven’t been listening, and I hear the kids laughing.”

“That’s unkind of the children and I would be very disappointed if you did that. But, sweetheart, could you maybe listen a little more”—Lauren spoke gently—“so that the next time it happens you’ll know the answer?”

“I try, but sometimes I forget.”

“Okay, hon, but try real hard, won’t you?”

“Uh-huh.”

Shane gave him a hug. “Your mom’s right. I didn’t do real well in school, but I tried hard. What about sports? You could play T-ball. You’re great at it.”

“Yeah.” A shy smile lit up his face. “I hit a home run. Maybe I can do it again.”