Tina Beckett - Flirting With The Boss

“Here, these are for you. Welcome to Destiny.”

He watched her blush as she took the bouquet. “Thank you.”

“It’s rough having to pick up and move everything. I had to do it about six months ago, but it was worth it. Destiny is a wonderful place to raise kids. Cassie loves it here.”

“I’m glad.” Gina hesitated. “Lori said she told you about my … situation.”

He watched her hesitation, maybe more embarrassment. “I assure you, Gina, no one else will know about your past. It’s no one’s business. Your sister only wants you safe. I agreed to help her take some precautions.”

“I appreciate it, really. I’m sure Eric wouldn’t think to look for us here. He knows nothing about Lori’s father.” She sighed. “But I wouldn’t put anything past him. So I thank you for the extra security.”

Jace was about to speak when Lori came down the steps. She was wearing a black turtleneck sweater and gray slacks. He was caught up in her grace as she descended the winding stairs. She smiled at him, and his insides went all haywire.

Lori felt Jace’s gaze on her and it made her nervous, also a little warm. She’d missed seeing him. The last time had only been a little over twenty-four hours ago when he’d helped her with the bed, and they almost fell into it. A warm shiver moved up her spine. How did he feel about it?

She walked across the tiled floor, seeing her sister holding flowers. That was so nice of him. “Hi, Jace.”

“Lori.”

She went to him. “Sorry, I wasn’t here when you arrived. I just saw Cassie upstairs.”

“Has she reorganized Zack’s bedroom yet?”

Lori couldn’t help but laugh. “I think he’s safe for the moment.”

Gina spoke up. “Excuse me. I’ll go put these in water, then go up and have the kids wash up for dinner.” She turned and walked to the kitchen.

Jace looked at Lori. “I don’t want to barge in on your family dinner.”

“You’re not at all. You’re always welcome here,” she told him, knowing that was probably admitting too much. “Maggie loves to have company. She hasn’t been able to cook this much in a long time.”

“Anytime she wants company tell her I’ll be here.” He held up the bottle. “I brought wine.”

Lori smiled. “Why don’t we open it?”

“Lead the way,” he said and they started toward the dining room. Lori watched as he stared at the dark burgundy wallpaper, dark-stained wainscoting and long, long table with the upholstered chairs, also dark.

“It’s pretty bad. This room is like a mausoleum. It’s going to be my first redecorating project. In fact, I’ll put Gina in charge. I hope you don’t mind eating in the kitchen.”

“I prefer the kitchen.” He glanced down at his jeans and sweater pulled over a collared shirt. He followed Lori to the sideboard. In actuality, he preferred her over it all, but he tried to stay focused on the conversation. “As you can see, I’m not dressed for anything fancy.”

Lori thought he was dressed perfectly. The man would look good in … nothing. Oh, no. Don’t think about that . She busied herself by opening a drawer and searching for a corkscrew. Once she found it, she handed it to him, then crossed to the glass-front hutch and took out two crystal wineglasses.

“Gina won’t drink, so we’ll have to toast my sister and nephew’s arrival on our own.”

“I think I can handle that.” He managed to uncork the bottle and when she brought over the glasses, he filled them with the rosy liquid.

He held out the stemmed glass to her. She brushed his hand and tried to remain calm. It was only a drink, she told herself.

Jace picked up his. “To yours, Gina’s and Zack’s new home,” he said.

Lori took a slow sip, allowing herself to enjoy the sweet taste. She took another, and soon the alcohol went to her head, making her feel a little more relaxed. Then her eyes connected with Jace, and suddenly her heart was racing once again.

“This tastes nice,” she said, unable to get her mouth to work. “I mean, I’m not much of a drinker, but I like this.”

His deep sapphire gaze never left hers as he set his glass down on the sideboard. “Let me see.” Then he leaned forward and touched his mouth to hers.

She froze, unable to do anything but feel as his firm mouth caressed her lips, coaxing her to open for him with a stroke of his tongue.

She whimpered as her hand rested against his chest, feeling his pounding heart. She only ached for more.

He pulled back a little. “You’re right. Sweet.” He took her glass from her and set it down beside his. “But I need another taste to be sure.”

He bent down and took her mouth again. She went willingly as her arms circled his neck, and she wanted to close out the rest of the world. Just the two of them. She refused to think about how stupid it was to let this happen with Jace. When his tongue stroked against hers, and he drew her against his body, she lost all common sense.

Then it quickly returned when the sound of footsteps overhead alerted them to the fact that the kids were coming.

He broke off, and pressed his head against hers. “Damn, Lorelei Hutchinson, if you don’t make me forget my own name.”

She could only manage a nod. Then he leaned forward again. “Not that you don’t look beautiful thoroughly kissed, but you might have to answer too many questions.”

She smoothed her hair. “Tell everyone I’ll be in shortly.” She took off, knowing she was a fool when it came to this man. It had to stop before someone got hurt.

Jace had trouble concentrating on his pot roast dinner. Why couldn’t he keep his hands off Lori? She wasn’t even his type. Not that he had a type. He’d sworn off women for the time being. So why had he been trying to play tonsil hockey with her just thirty minutes ago?

“Daddy?”

He turned to his daughter. “What, Cassie?”

“Can Zack go riding with me tomorrow?”

Jace glanced at Gina and saw her concerned look. “Maybe it’s a little cold right now, sweetheart. Let Zack and his mother get settled in first. Besides, you both have school all day.”

Those pretty blue eyes blinked up at him. “I know, Daddy,” she said. “I’m gonna help Zack get used to the class.”

Jace fought a smile and stole a glance at Lori, then at the poor boy who’d become his daughter’s newest project. “I’m sure Zack appreciates all your help, sweetheart, but remember, Miss Lori is a teacher. She can help, too.”

The child looked deflated. “Oh.”

“I can sure use your help,” Lori said. “And we’re all going to be working on the Christmas play together. I’m sure Zack would like to do that.”

“I guess,” he said. “Are there other boys in the play?”

Cassie nodded. “Everyone is in the play. Cody Peters and Owen Hansen and Willie Burns.” She smiled. “And now, you.”

Jace wasn’t sure he liked how his daughter was smiling at Zack. Oh, no, not her first crush .

Maggie came in with dessert and after everyone enjoyed the chocolate cake, the kids were excused and went up to Zack’s bedroom.

“Seems like they’ve become fast friends,” Gina said. “I thank you, Jace. Your daughter is helping my son a lot.” She glanced at her sister. “I hated that Zack had to go through all the pain of the last few years.”

“You need to put that in the past. This is a new start.”

Lori reached over and covered her sister’s hand. “It’s a new beginning, Gina. We’re going to keep you safe.”

“Lori’s right,” Jace told her. “The security guard is on duty as we speak. Wyatt McCray will be touring the grounds during the night. He’s moved into the room behind the garage. His cover will be he’s working with Charlie. No one is going to hurt you or your son again.”