Outside The Lines (Love Beyond Reason Book 2) (12 page)

“Thanks. I appreciate it. Don’t hesitate to call.”

When he hung up, he leaned back in the chair and blew out a breath. There were too many variables, too many ways to lose her. He rubbed at the tightness in his neck and stood to pace, walk off this godawful feeling sitting in the bottom of his stomach.

He didn’t want this, the ache of losing again. Not now, not ever.

***

David found the Florida sunshine was just what he needed to clear his head, get his life back in order, and keep all the worry from home at arms’ length. Work called to him, finally giving him a way to keep Maria off his brain.
Liar
.

“Look, March.” Donald leaned over the bar and reached for the basket of pretzels. “Valiant wants a bidding war. How can I say no?”

Of course, more money. Business was business, and he couldn’t deny the natural.

But David had inspectors and appraisers in several times already. Like hell if he was going to pay more than the establishment was worth.

Valiant was up to something, and he hated to see the place used as a bargaining chip in some game.

He sipped his scotch, wondering if a walk on the beach wouldn’t be a better way of spending his first evening on the coast. “I’m going to dig a little, see if I can figure out what’s up Valiant’s sleeve.” Swallowing the last of his drink, David stood. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Donald nodded and stood as well. “It’s good to see you, David. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

David went as far as the patio and sat at one of the glass-topped tables. The plastic chair dug into his back. When he owned the place, the chairs would be the first thing to go. He squirmed, found the worn comfortable spot and pulled his phone from his back pocket.

He searched the internet for anything on Valiant. A company out of Portland, Maine. Maine, just a short skip, hop, and jump from his own territory? Coincidence?

Maybe. David frowned. The feeling in his gut hadn’t gone away.

Something was up.

This was to have been easy, a steal.

“Well, look who it is.”

David’s gaze found red, three-inch heels and rose to slim ankles, up long, tan legs to a black mini-skirt that didn’t quite cover enough. He appreciated the smooth, tan skin of the slim bare waist, then did his best to hurry past the bikini-clad…boobs. Holy boobs.

Tammy
. Shit, had she gotten a boob job? No, that wasn’t possible. Her brows lifted in question, and he quickly stood. “What are you doing here?”

Her gaze ate him up, from head to toe. “You look good.”

“Um, okay,” he answered. They’d just seen each other a week ago. She’d also rejected him. And they’d never, never in years of knowing each other, ever crossed the line into friends with benefits.

But everything about her in this moment screamed sex.

“You, uh, look good too,” he answered, bumbling a bit when her grin widened and she took his arm.

“Let’s walk.”

For the life of him, he wanted to decline her suggestion. Why?

“Relax. I don’t bite.” But when she said that, her gaze fell to his mouth.

David’s gut clenched on an all too familiar feeling. His frown turned to a scowl and before they hit the beach at the edge of the patio, David pulled free of her hold. “What are you doing, Tammy?”

“Just visiting with an old friend.”

“Really.” A breeze picked up and ruffled his hair, blowing it into his eyes.

Before he could run his own fingers through it, Tammy had stepped in and brushed it back. “Do you ever wonder if you’ve made a mistake?”

“No. I don’t.” His answer came without thought, yet he did. Hadn’t he been questioning since the day Maria showed up on his doorstep?

Her fingers smoothed down the lapel of his suit. “Come on. A walk, then you can get changed and we’ll take a dip, maybe get a late dinner.”

When his gut messed with him, he asked questions. Funny, how his gut hadn’t sent him any warning signals when Maria showed up. “Who told you I was coming to Tampa?”

For an instant, guilt flashed across her face and then was gone. “No one. I just heard a rumor about the deal going down. And…” She took his hand then. “I—”

“Spit it,” he demanded, perhaps a little too harshly. But she was messing with his senses. There’d been a time he would have slept with her. She was a beautiful woman, tall and beautiful, reasonable and practical—a lot like himself. They could have made a powerful team. She, with her connection in real estate— “Shit. It’s you, isn’t it?”

“What?” she asked, eyes wide.

“You’re Valiant!”

She swallowed, almost turning away, but he grabbed her elbow.

“What are you doing?” The burn of annoyance had caught flame in his heart. “This is a multi-million dollar deal you’re messing with—mine!”

Her chin rose. “I’ve done plenty of million dollar deals, thank you very much.”

“I don’t understand.”

Tammy stepped close, so close he could see her pupils closing against the light of the setting sun. They could never be friends. Not now. And this softer side of him that wanted to expose itself regretted that.

She clasped his shoulders in her hands and leaned in, taking his lips delicately. Her tongue traced the outline of his mouth, and dipped gently into the wet and brushed against the roof of his mouth. He jerked back with a frown. Nothing.

When he’d been at his lowest, he’d considered having her for the rest of his life, but now he didn’t want her at all. Had he ever really wanted her or had it always been the idea of her, of a relationship that wouldn’t cause any upheaval? “I’m a married man.”

Her eyes filled with hurt. “Yes. You are…and that’s why you’ve come up against Valiant. You said we could be great together, and you were right. We both have a head for business. In ten years we could have doubled our earnings put together.”

David shook his head, denied her words. What did she mean? “But you said no!”

“I wasn’t ready then. I had that deal in Canada I was finalizing. Besides,” she sniffed. “No woman wants a proposal that way…like a damn business deal, David.” She sighed, moved into his space again, and those damn hands were on him, tracing lines down his chest and abdomen. “Even someone like me wants the fanfare.”

Her hand reached for him, brushed against his crotch.

“Damn it!” David had her wrist. Her laugh sent a chill through him. Uncomfortable, he glanced around. A few people lounged on the patio, more were in the pool.

He held tightly to her wrist and started walking back to the lobby. He didn’t stop there, but went to the elevator, up two floors, and down the hall to his room. With one free hand, he retrieved his key and opened the door, shoving Tammy inside. “What in the hell are you doing, Tammy?”

Maria hadn’t cared about fanfare. He’d offered her nothing but business. Why had he done that? He had a lot of regrets, this trip was proving that with great success. Even Tammy had said no when offered a deal. A deal she was interested in!

“Sleep with me.”

“What?”

Like a damned wild cat, she prowled the room and came closer, tossing her phone and small purse to the table in front of the couch.

He side-stepped her pursuit and escaped into the kitchenette.

“Sleep with me, and I’ll let the deal go.” Her eyes were heavy with that look of lust and sex and need. Closer and closer she came, and he realized his mistake. He was cornered.

“No one would blame you for getting rid of
her
.”

His backward retreat came to an abrupt halt when his rear met the kitchen counter. She smelled of expensive perfume, with a hint of suntan lotion. Tammy leaned in this time, flattening herself to his front. Her thighs fit between his legs and her hips rested against his fly.

And all he could think was that she was too skinny, too tall. Her breasts seemed too big—
was that even possible
? And in an odd moment of unreality, his gaze fell to her chest, and he actually found himself looking for evidence of scarring. Maybe that boob job
was
a possibility.

Her lips found the pulse at his neck, but he put his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her away. “I’m not getting rid of Maria.”

Tammy pouted. “You hardly know her. She was a fling months ago. You’ve had dozens of flings over the years. You’ve probably got at least that many illegitimate children in your wake. Now you’re going to go noble? I don’t think so.”

David frowned at her image of him. That wasn’t right… but he swallowed hard on the truth. Is that how people saw him?

“With me, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Me.” She grinned, knowing her own appeal. “And you can have whomever else you want on the side.”

Holy shit and damn it all to hell
. “An open marriage,” he spoke calmly as if his entire world hadn’t just exploded all over him. She saw something in him that had never existed, and the sick feeling in his stomach was his own fault for letting her believe he didn’t care.

“Of course. We’re two extremely vital people. I wouldn’t dream of chaining you down. Hell,” she whispered against one ear as her hand played and caressed the skin of his other. Then she began at the top of his shirt, undoing first one then two buttons. “We could have some real fun, invite Maria to join us.”

Her teeth nipped at his earlobe, and like the shock of cold water on his conscience, he shook off the haze of her touch, of her…suggestions. “No.”

He ripped himself from her snake-like grip on him and propelled her to the door, opened it, and shoved her out. “I think it’s time for you to go back to Maine.”

Deal or no deal, he was done in Florida. With his stomach twisting a knot against his heart, he found his way to the bedroom and started filling his bag. His panicked movements made his efforts sloppy. He wanted a new room. He wanted…

He didn’t know what he wanted, he just knew he had to get out of there.

12

“Leave it alone, Michael,” Maria ground out, wishing David was still there. “I didn’t bother with a two-week notice. I gave a letter of resignation. Period. Done. I don’t ever have to go back.”

“But you liked it…”

“It doesn’t matter!” She whirled on him then. “Don’t you get it? I’m leaving, and I’m not coming back, except to visit.”

Pain filled her brother’s eyes, and she looked away as guilt settled on her conscience.

“Just like that, huh?”

“It’s the right thing to do, Michael, and you know it.”

But he was shaking his head. “I don’t.”

She shrugged, still tired after being sick for three days. She wasn’t better by a long shot, but she had to go. The inactivity was driving her insane. She’d managed to keep the fever down with Tylenol long enough to fool everyone into thinking she was fine. And last night, for the first time since Saturday, she’d slept through without waking.

“Stop giving her a hard time, Michael. She wants to get back to Vermont, to David.”

“It’s okay, Lena. I made my choice,” she spoke, pleading Michael with her eyes. “Please understand. I belong with him now.”

He opened his mouth to speak.

“I know. I know. If I need anything, anything at all, I should call you, right?”

He gave her a sheepish look. “Yes.”

“I’ll be okay. I promise.” She squeezed his hand. “Remember, I’m stronger than I look. This is my first time getting a chance to really be me, the me who exists outside of family. And I’m good, Mike, and strong. I can do this.”

Maria looked from Lena to Michael, and Juan in the corner. “I love him. Don’t ask me how it happened. I suppose I knew last November when he left. But seeing him again made it real. I love him.”

Lena hugged her. “I hope love is enough.”

***

After a few hours on a plane, thinking about it, Maria hoped so too.

The good-bye with her parents sent a bittersweet ache through her heart. She’d never left home for good before, not even to go to nursing school. Today, she was finally out on her own. Free, like she’d never been before.

The regret was still there, hidden under that ache, but mostly excitement vibrated through her. She was returning to her new home. To her husband where they would make a life together, as untraditional as it was. And there was no denying she would like a repeat of their love-making four nights ago. Until then, they’d barely brushed the surface of her memories from last fall. The way she’d wanted him then. A force so strong, like she’d never experienced before.

She was dying to touch him again. It was a secret she kept close to heart, because it was there that she wondered if it was just lust or truly love. She bit her lip, clenching her hands in her lap as the plane cruised along.

She was a nurse, so it shouldn’t seem so silly, but he’d cared for her, sat with her, and put cool damp washcloths on her forehead. Who did that?

Her mom when she was five, maybe.

At the funny twinge in her back, Maria shifted, took a deep breath, and reclined her seat. She fiddled with the ring on her finger. It really was the prettiest thing she’d ever seen. Where had it come from? She’d meant to ask, but hadn’t gotten around to it.

David called her last night, too. Said he had one short meeting this morning then he’d be flying north. Home by ten o’clock. A look at her watch showed an agonizing seven hours before she got to see him. Seven!

But she grinned, nerves—the good kind—making her feel giddy as the plane smoothly descended to earth. She wondered who would meet her. David had arranged something.

The plane landed and came to a halt. She got up, and a gentleman behind her helped lift her bag out of the overhead compartment. “Thank you, sir.”

And she was off towards baggage claim, a definite lightness to her step.

But she came to swift and sudden stop where the terminal ended and the lobby began. Mr. March stood in front of her, checking his watch and tapping his toe.

“Oh.” There was no help for it, though. He
was
her father-in-law.

He saw her then and came toward her, without even a hint of kindness in his eyes, and took her bag from her. “Do you have any luggage checked?”

“No, sir.” She shook her head, her insides quaking. “I was able to mail a few things before I left. They’ll come next week.”

“Well, come along then.” The man turned and walked.

So she followed and felt a little ridiculous. It was too obvious that Mr. March had decided not to like her, period.

They drove in silence—long, drawn-out, awkward silence.

But, once again, Maria found herself charmed by the east coast winter, the thick layer of snow that covered everything, and today the sun was out. Everything glittered, shining in the brightness. When they pulled into the March estate driveway, and she saw Mrs. Kraus standing at the front window, some of her doubts faded.

This was her home now.

And if she was lucky, Mr. March would stay as absent as he’d been so far.

Mr. March pulled into the garage, which didn’t bode well for her luck. She got out and retrieved her bag from the back seat. “Thanks for the ride, Mr. March.”

He hesitated, studying her, and then nodded. “You can call me Greg.”

“Okay.” Not that he’d warmed up exactly, but it was something. “Thank you, Greg.”

“You’re welcome.” He opened the door for her. “Why don’t you get settled in? Mrs. Kraus will make you something to eat. And then, if you don’t mind, I’d like to see you in my office.”

She froze, swallowed against the lump in her throat and the nerves that flared to life in her stomach. But this wasn’t middle school and he was no principal, she reminded herself.

“We should talk.”

“Okay,” she answered, pretty sure it wasn’t going to be okay.

Mrs. Kraus greeted her warmly when she entered the kitchen. The woman took Maria’s shoulders in her hands and eyed her closely. “I was a mite worried. You’ve lost weight.”

“Not much,” Maria argued.

“Now that you’re home, we’ll get you back on track.” Then she pulled her into an embrace so unexpectedly Maria had to chuckle. “Probably that rotten California air.”

Maria did laugh then. “Well, California might have its flaws, but I don’t think the air is one of them.”

Mrs. Kraus sniffed and lifted a brow. “Sit down. I’ll get you something to eat.”

“I’m starving.”

“Mmmhm. Just as I thought.”

Maria grinned, glad to be back. “Let me help.”

And they worked together putting food on the table. Maria promised to make a batch of cookies later, for David’s return.

“He always did like chocolate chip cookies. His dad would call him the Cookie Monster.”

“That’s enough, Edith.”

Maria jumped at the loud arrival of Mr. March.

“Maria? If you have a minute?” He was stern, unbending.

And Mrs. Kraus scowled at him from her spot by the stove. “Be nice.”

His eyes, unlike David’s, were ice blue and cold.

She thought he would take her to the office she’d seen last week, but he bypassed it and took her down another hallway and through a set of doors. His office sat at the back of the house. Its row of tall windows looked out onto the backyard and the line of trees that made a half circle. Like David’s office, a large desk sat facing the door and book shelves lined one wall. But unlike the other office, Mr. March’s had a sitting area and a small bar.

“Can I get you a drink? Maybe a little brandy?”

“Uh,” she faltered.
Was he an idiot?!
“No, thank you.”

“Oh, right. A baby.” His gaze went to her waist, where she still didn’t show very much. Then he poured himself a scotch—like father, like son.

Lifting her chin, she gathered every bit of courage she could muster. “Yes, a baby. Your grandchild.”

“I’d like to offer you a deal, Ms. Rodriguez.”

She supposed it would be a cold day in hell before he thought of her as a March. It would probably be a cold day in hell before
she
thought of herself as a March. But a March she was. And the sinking feeling in her gut hit rock bottom. “I don’t think this is a good idea,” she insisted, backing up toward the door. “I’m sure you mean well. Your concern for your son is admirable, but it’s misplaced.”

“Now, see here—”

“No. I’m sorry, but you need to work whatever issues you have out with David. I can’t—” She shook her head vigorously. “No—won’t get between you two on this.”

She found the knob and swung the door open.

But Mr. March’s eyes narrowed. “My dear, you already have. My son is in Florida making a deal that will bring him another two million in revenue a year. And he isn’t alone. Do you really think you’re the first woman to look his way? I don’t know how you managed your
condition
, but believe me. David will never settle for a gold-digging tramp like you.”

Anger cut through the shock as her world tilted.

“Eventually, he’ll see through you…and then he’ll drop you so fast you won’t know what hit you. No one messes with a March.”

“Oh, yeah? Well, no one messes with a Rodriguez either.” She wanted to run but turned slowly, with her chin held high, and walked away. When she rounded the first corner, her feet swiftly took her back the way she’d come and she cut across the den and escaped to her room upstairs.

She took a seat at the small desk in the corner of the guest room, resting her hands flat on the surface. She blew out a breath—one and another. Her hands shook. Then she lifted the lid of her laptop.

But she had no one to talk to…

Her phone chimed then, and she picked it up to find a text from David.

How are you feeling? Everything okay?

I’m all better. Can’t wait to see you. Everything’s fine here.

If only. A growl escaped, and she tossed her phone to the bed. A little white lie so he wouldn’t worry. And why was she worried about him worrying?

Mr. March’s blatant allegation crept into her head. Was David with someone down there? Or was he merely back to avoiding her?
No
. She had to trust him. He’d promised her, and he’d made a deal. Wasn’t he a deal maker by trade? And he kept his word.

A door downstairs slammed closed.

Maria rose and looked out the window. A few seconds later, Mr. March’s car backed down the drive and headed toward town. Sinking back into the chair at the desk, she blew out a sigh of relief.
Thank God
.

What she needed now was a distraction to get her through the hours until he got home. She needed to get back into that kitchen. Churro, sweet, decadent, familiar. “Or, no…” she muttered as she opened the drawer to look for a piece of paper to make a list. Tres Leche. “
O ambos
.”

“No paper anywhere,” she muttered, shuffling through old folders, pencils, and odds and ends. Her hand hit the bottom and a hollow thump resounded from the tap. She lifted the box of pencils and found a shoebox.

Curiosity got the best of her and she took it out. Setting the lid aside, she found a bunch of letters. Stamped in the corner of the pretty yellow envelope was the name Colleen March, MD. His mother. Flipping through the stack, she found some open, some not. All looked crisp, almost new.

The one in her hand was open. The address on it was Middletown, Connecticut.

She pulled the small piece of paper from its confines and smoothed it out on the desk. Maybe she should feel bad about being nosy. But she didn’t. He obviously wasn’t going to share his life with her. She was here, now, with a father-in-law who thought paying her off was an acceptable answer to David’s unplanned pregnancy.

She was just done with worrying about other people’s feelings.

Dear David,

Please reconsider your decision to stay in Connecticut. Perhaps I have no right to ask as I did the same all those years ago, leaving to find a different path. I want you to have the same freedom, to find your own way. On the other hand, second only to you, your grandfather is the most important March in Lynnbrook…to me. He is a kind soul who never judged me for going my way. He has given his whole life for his family, for you.

I fear he needs you more now than he ever has before. Think about it. With this new position as Director of Investments, you won’t be under your father’s thumb. You’ll get to work with Grandpa, instead. Someday, at the helm of this company, you’ll still get to make your own way. Make decisions that will take the business where you want it to go.

Hey, do you remember those trips we used to take cross country every year? I remember them with fondness, and I hope you do to.

All my love,

Mom