Kitabı oku: «The By Request Collection», sayfa 6
Seven
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Carson threw his cards down onto the green felt and leaned back in his seat. “You’re moping like a woman.”
Graham wasn’t in the mood for company, let alone playing poker and chatting with his brothers. But when Carson had stopped by earlier, he’d apparently picked up on Graham’s doldrums right away and called for reinforcements, texting Brooks to come, as well. Now here they all were.
Graham proudly laid down his royal flush and raked in the chips. Maybe he wasn’t in the mood, but he’d been on a winning streak. After sorting the chips by color and putting them away, Graham got to his feet and took his empty tumbler back to the built-in bar.
“I’m done here.” Graham refilled his glass with his favorite bourbon. “I’ll go put on The Maltese Falcon.”
They had an ongoing tradition that stretched back to a time when they lived with their mother and Gerty. Gerty introduced them to the Hollywood classics and insisted they watch them together. To this day, they continued to honor her tradition.
Graham missed her. She was a strong woman, a woman who refused to let life knock her down, and she’d do anything to help others. His mother had been just as strong. A lump formed in his throat as he slid his fingers over the remote to start the movie. Each day seemed to be better than the last, but he knew he’d always feel the void from the loss of Gerty and his mother.
Graham had so many questions now that his mother was gone. She’d been single, pregnant and scared when she’d come to Chicago. Had she even told Graham and Brooks’s father that they existed? Had he knowingly turned his back on her or did he have no clue he’d fathered twin boys?
These were questions Graham may never have an answer to. Cynthia took her secrets to her grave. The truth would be something he and Brooks would have to uncover all on their own. At least they had ruled out Sutton as their father, which was a blessing in itself. But the bastard knew the truth and was dodging them. His time was limited, which meant that Graham had to take drastic action if he wanted answers.
The idea of using Eve to obtain the information had his stomach in knots, but she was carrying his child and if Graham had to let that news slip to Sutton in order to get information...well...
Graham heard his brothers behind him as they came into the home theater. But his mind wasn’t on the movie or even the idea of his father out in the world somewhere. His mind was on Eve. The parallel between her and his mother’s experiences wasn’t lost on him, but there was a huge difference. Graham planned on being part of this child’s life. Eve wouldn’t be alone, she wouldn’t have to worry about facing this without support.
“He’s still got that look,” Brooks muttered. “He won every damn hand and still looks like he’s ready to punch the wall.”
“Your face would do,” Graham replied without glancing over. “I like my walls intact.”
“If you’re going to fight, at least pause the movie,” Carson interjected. “I know we just watched this one a few weeks ago, but it’s still my favorite.”
Graham shook the ice cubes around in his glass. “I’m not going to hit anything, but if you two keep discussing my mood, I’m likely to change my mind.”
Graham turned the volume up until the surround-sound speakers hidden around the room were blaring. He’d had enough of the chitchat and getting in touch with his feelings.
There was no mention of Sutton tonight, which was a relief. Brooks had his PI on the hunt for their father, and apparently there was still no news. Maybe they could just have a regular night like they used to. Something bland and boring. Graham never thought he’d wish for such a thing, but lately his life seemed to be heading in about twelve different directions.
His cell vibrated in his pocket. Setting his glass on the table next to his theater recliner, Graham slid the phone out and held it down to his side so his brothers couldn’t see. The screen lit up with Eve’s name. He wasn’t going to reach out to her just yet. He wanted to leave her wondering when he’d be back, when he’d make a move. There was an ache in him that drove him insane and he wanted her to be just as achy, just as needy.
He quickly read her message.
Dr. McNamera November 17 9:00
That was all. Nothing more, nothing personal. The dynamics of their relationship had changed. Because he was apparently a masochist, he scrolled through their previous messages. Flirting, hookup times, codes for what they would do to each other once they were alone. He shifted in his seat as he recalled doing exactly those things.
It was late, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t at her office. She worked even on weekends, not that he could fault her because he knew that drive to stay on top of the career you’d worked so hard for. But he wanted to see her, needed to see her.
For the first time in...ever, Graham willed this movie to end. He loved spending time with his brothers, valued their special bond, but right now he had other plans.
Plans that involved Eve, a dark room and no interruptions from the outside world. He didn’t want her to get swept away into the fear of being pregnant. He wanted her relaxed and he knew exactly how to make that happen.
Intending to make it through the next couple hours, Graham opted not to refill his bourbon. Two glasses were enough because he wanted his head on straight.
“You all up for more poker?” Brooks asked as the credits rolled.
“I need to get home,” Carson replied, coming to his feet. “I don’t have to spend my nights looking at you two anymore.”
Carson had found love. Good for him. Graham wasn’t jealous, he just didn’t believe in such things. Still, whatever Carson and Georgia had together was genuine. The way they looked at each other, the way they were always looking out for the other was a testament to their deep bond.
“Can’t say I blame you,” Brooks countered. “You’re a lucky man.”
Brooks wanted that home life. He wanted the wife, the kids, all of that. Graham wanted to nail this case he was working on and get Eve to come around to seeing they didn’t need to cool it in the sheets simply because they’d created a child. “I actually need to run an errand,” Graham chimed in.
Both brothers turned to look his way. Brooks smirked. “Really? What’s her name?”
Graham busied himself putting the remote away and taking his glass back to the bar, which was just off the theater room. His brothers followed him. No way were they going to leave him alone.
Empty glass in hand, he whirled around. “It’s just work. Relax. I’m in the middle of a big case. That’s all I can say.”
They both stared at him, clearly not believing the lie. With a shrug, he turned to the bar and started stacking the glasses and returning the bottles to the shelves on the wall.
“I’m out,” Carson said on a sigh. “I’d rather be home with Georgia than try to figure out what Graham is being so cryptic about.”
Fine by him. One down. One to go.
From the corner of his eye, Graham saw Brooks eyeing him, arms crossed over his chest. The sound of Carson headed down the hall, the sound of his footsteps growing softer before eventually disappearing. Now that Carson was gone, Graham waited for the accusations from his twin.
“Whatever you’re smirking about, get it off your chest,” Graham finally said, turning to face Brooks.
With a shrug, he replied, “Nothing in particular. Just curious as to why you’re rushing off. I’m sure you could do anything work related from here. I know you have your laptop at the ready at all times. And I’m sure you know whatever case you’re working on like the back of your hand without having to look at any files.”
Graham hadn’t gotten to the top at such a young age by depending on anyone else. Every case, every file, every opponent in the courtroom was filed away in his mind. He knew every detail backward and forward. He studied his rivals and found their weaknesses so he could annihilate them when they came face-to-face. So Brooks was right, but no way was Graham going to admit such a thing.
“You don’t have to know every detail of my personal life,” Graham fired back. Okay, maybe that was harsh, but right now, he wanted to get to Eve. “Are we done here?”
Brooks blew out a sigh. “For now. I’ll let you have your little secret, but all secrets come out eventually. Just ask Sutton.”
The jab hit too close to home. Yes, Sutton’s secret baby, aka Carson, had taken nearly three decades to come to the surface. Graham highly doubted Eve’s secret would last three months. Soon both families would know that the Winchesters and the Newports were going to be bound together for life.
That thought had Graham reevaluating everything. Eve had every right not to put his name on the birth certificate. She had every right to fight him for custody. She’d lose, but that wasn’t the point. The point was, he refused to let his child come into this world in the midst of a feud.
So now Graham had to show her who he really was. Eve had to see him as a compassionate, loving man who would do anything for his child. She had to see that working together was the best thing for all of them. Because he refused to allow any other man to come in and take away this little family. Love didn’t have to be a factor. Graham held the power here, and he would get Eve to marry him, ensuring their child carried the Newport name. A marriage based on sexual chemistry was more than enough for him to rethink saying his “I dos.”
And that was why Graham was even more eager to get to her house. Soon Eve would see just how perfect they were together.
Eight
Seven o’clock. Most nights she’d still be at the office, but it was Saturday so Eve had opted to come home. She really needed to cut out the weekends for a while. She was exhausted, and her doctor had told her to listen to her body. Well, she was listening and her body was telling her she needed to get rid of these heels and kill the suit. Yoga pants and a tee sounded pretty good right now. Oh, and a ponytail.
She rarely was off her game. Even at home she was always professional because she often did video meetings and had to look the part. Sure, the other day she had on yoga pants and bunny slippers beneath her desk, but she’d put on makeup, earrings and a suit jacket. Boom. She so owned this corporate world.
She’d nearly cried with relief after she washed her face and pulled her hair back. Now that she was comfortable, she had a little boost of energy...and an extremely empty stomach. She’d had an early lunch to work around meetings, but she seriously needed to keep some snacks in her office at work. Her assistant would’ve gladly gone and gotten her anything, but Eve had her assistant doing so much lately with the acquisition of the Australian company, Eve hated to even ask for a pack of crackers.
Maybe she’d lie in bed, gorge on food and watch a movie on Netflix. A date with herself? Sounded heavenly and completely relaxing. Just what the doctor ordered.
When someone knocked at the back door, Eve nearly cried. Only one person came and went via the French doors overlooking the outdoor living area. The door was conveniently located by the garage Graham used.
She peered down at her attire and shrugged. He’d seen her in her suits, in a ball gown and in her birthday suit, but he’d never seen her in sloppy, I-want-to-be-left-alone mode.
Circling the kitchen island and bypassing the breakfast nook, she reached the French doors. Only the soft glow from the motion lights illuminated Graham’s broad frame, slashing a streak of light across one side of his face. His eyes pierced her straight through the glass. There was an intensity to this man that her body couldn’t deny. She hated how, even now, especially now, she didn’t want to deny him anything. But if she didn’t watch out, she would end up hurt. Right now, she had to focus on her baby.
Flicking the lock, she opened one of the doors. Because she knew he wasn’t just here for a quick visit, she stepped aside and let him in.
The second Graham was inside, she clicked the lock back into place. When she turned, his eyes raked her, as they always did. She shivered, but was too tired to even appreciate her instant arousal. There had to be some sort of stop button where this physical relationship was concerned. Shouldn’t they focus on how to make this parenting thing work? The time for selfish desires and needs had come to an end.
“If you’re here for—”
He held up a hand. “I’m not.”
When he took a step forward, closing the gap between them, Eve waited for his familiar touch. But he simply held her gaze and offered a gentle smile. “I’m here for strictly innocent reasons.”
Eve laughed, waiting for him to deliver the rest of the punch line. When he only quirked a brow, she sobered. “Innocent? Honey, you don’t have an innocent bone in your body.”
Honey? Had she seriously just used that term? Exhaustion had obviously stolen her common sense.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but really. Why are you here?”
Graham took her elbow and guided her through the house. Her house. As if he owned the place. And she was allowing this to happen. Then he led her up the stairs, toward her bedroom, and pulled back the pristine white duvet on her king-size four-poster bed. Eve darted her eyes between the inviting bed and the confusing man.
“Okay, what’s going on?”
Graham took her hand and ushered her into bed. “I had no plans until I got here. But now that I see you’re practically swaying on your feet, we’re going to relax.”
“We?” Eve slid into bed because the temptation was far too great for her to fight.
“That’s right.” Graham picked up the remote, hit a few buttons. The flat screen slid up from the entertainment island that separated the bed from the sitting area. “I’m going to watch a classic with you.”
Okay. So if she had all of this straight in her head, Graham had just appeared at her back door not looking for sex, but to watch a movie and...snuggle?
Eve continued to stare as Graham as climbed into bed beside her and began studying her remote. After several minutes of muttering under his breath—something about his law degree being useless—he finally figured it out. Instantly the room filled with music as the movie popped up, and Eve had to brace herself. He was legitimately here to watch a movie. They were in her bed...completely clothed.
“You’re still staring and you’re going to miss this opening,” Graham said without looking her way.
Her gaze went to the large screen and she instantly recognized An Affair to Remember. It was one of her favorite movies. But how did he know? They’d certainly never discussed such personal things.
“Why are you doing this?”
Graham sighed, paused the movie and glanced her way. Those striking blue eyes pierced her heart. But she couldn’t have her heart involved, not with him, not now. Her emotions were simply all over the place. She couldn’t act on any temporary feelings.
“I love old movies. I want to do absolutely nothing right now but watch one with you. We both work too hard, and now we’re having a baby. Maybe it’s time we get to know each other.”
Without another word, he took the movie off pause, turned the volume up and reached for her hand. The detail-oriented nerd in her wanted to know what was going on. Was this a date? Albeit a warped version of one. Was this some ploy to get her to fall for him? If so, he was doing a damn good job. Did he truly want to get to know her?
Eve attempted to concentrate on the movie, but between exhaustion and the way Graham’s thumb drew lazy patterns over the back of her hand, she was having a difficult time.
What was Graham up to? The man was ruthless in a courtroom, if his reputation around Chicago was any indicator. He could’ve easily had her undressed and beneath him had he tried, because denying him was nearly impossible. Yet he seemed all too happy to lie here, hold her hand and do absolutely nothing.
Graham Newport was playing some sort of game and if she didn’t figure out the rules soon, she was going to find herself on the losing side. And that was not an option because she’d end up hurt. Eve had been dealt enough by the hand of grief to last a lifetime and she wasn’t looking for more.
* * *
Graham knew she’d fallen asleep within the first ten minutes of the movie. Her hand had gone lax beneath his and she even began to snore quietly. He found himself watching her and smiling. Okay, this little plan of his had backfired in a major way.
He’d come here for one reason—to start his plan of seduction. Getting her to trust him, to maybe even develop stronger feelings for him, was a must for making sure they came to a mutual understanding where their child was concerned. And when he asked her to be his wife, he was determined that she’d say yes.
Graham refused to get into a tug-of-war with her over the baby. He refused to allow his child to be a pawn in any family feud, let alone between him and Eve.
But the second she’d opened the door and let him in, he’d seen just how tired she was. She was struggling to keep her eyes open. Was she not sleeping well at night? Was she not feeling well because of morning sickness? Was she working too hard?
Knowing Eve, she’d put 110 percent into her day as usual and then dragged herself home to rest in private. He knew she was trying to figure out what he was doing here, why he’d shown up and hadn’t stripped her and made love to her right away. Every part of him wanted nothing more than to peel her out of her T-shirt and leggings. She’d looked damn good dressed down.
And that was a problem. Seeing Eve in an evening gown was heart-stopping. The way a killer suit hugged her hips nearly had him begging. But when she was just herself, makeup-free and wearing casual clothes, she was the most dangerous. He wanted to think this side of Eve was only for him, that she didn’t expose this part of herself to anyone.
He shouldn’t want to get more deeply involved with her, but he was a selfish bastard. He wanted all of her. She was the mother of his child and she was his. He didn’t give up on anything he wanted, and he’d never wanted anything more than to be a father.
This realization hit him hard. Never before had he thought about having a child, yet now he could think of little else. He may not have had a father figure growing up, but he knew the love of a parent. He knew how to put his own needs aside to care for a child and make sure they had a secure life.
The movie had ended, and the room got dark. Graham turned off the TV, sliding the screen back into the island. Silence filled the room, save for Eve’s soft snores. Pale light from the hall lamp gave enough of a glow for him to see. Graham reached across the bed and smoothed the silken strands of hair from her face. Instantly Eve startled awake. Her heavy-lidded eyes locked onto his.
“Sorry,” he murmured. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
Eve blinked and sat straight up against her mound of pillows. “I never make it through a movie on a good day, let alone when I’m already tired.”
“Are you not sleeping well?” Concern had him scooting a bit closer. There was too much space between them, literally and figuratively.
“I’m sleeping fine. That’s the problem. I want to sleep all the time. The doctor said that was normal in the first trimester.”
A wave of relief washed over him. He knew absolutely nothing about pregnancies, so hearing any morsel of doctor’s advice was comforting. He needed to start reading anything and everything he could get his hands on about this. He wanted to be able to connect with her, to comfort her, and somehow show her that he was there and she wouldn’t be doing this alone.
“Maybe you should cut back a bit each day at work until this trimester passes.” Her bored glare was all the answer he needed. Not that he thought she’d readily agree, but still. “You’ve only got a few more weeks. Then, when you’re feeling better, you can add those hours back on.”
“Can I?” she asked, her tone mocking. “I’m so glad to have your permission.”
Raking a hand through his hair, Graham came to his feet and rounded the bed. “That’s not what I meant and you know it. I’m worried about you.”
“About the baby,” she corrected.
“Fine. I’m worried for both of you.” And he was. Only a total jerk would ignore the mother’s needs. “I want what’s best for both of you.”
Eve stared up at him. A red crease mark from her pillow marred the right side of her cheek, but her eyes were actually refreshed. Her ponytail had slid to one side of her head, random strands had escaped and hung down one side. Yeah, he knew nobody got this view of her, and part of him puffed up with conceit that he was the one here with her.
“I can’t do this with you.”
Confused, Graham lost focus on her sexy, disheveled look. “Excuse me?”
She waved a hand in the air. “This...whatever this is. Your attempt to get to know me or vie for some affection. I don’t know what you’re doing, but I’m not playing games now, Graham. We’re having a baby—that doesn’t mean we have to be a couple.”
Why did those words feel like a slice to his...what? Heart? His heart wasn’t supposed to be involved. But he sure as hell didn’t like that she was so quick to put him on the back burner. That wouldn’t work with his plan, not one bit. But he wasn’t about to give up. He’d barely gotten started.
“Maybe I want to make sure we stay on the same track,” he retorted. “Perhaps I want to stay friends with the mother of my baby so we can make this child’s life as amazing as possible without turmoil.”
“Are we friends?” she asked. “Seriously. We have amazing sex and we’re both workaholics. That’s about all we have in common. Can a friendship be built on that?”
Graham shrugged. “I’ve had friendships built on less.”
Eve seemed to study him for a moment before her eyes darted down to her lap where she toyed with the hem of her oversize tee. “It’s getting late,” she whispered.
If she thought he’d take that as a cue to leave, she didn’t know him. Obviously that was the entire point of his being here. Why did this seem so forced? Why had everything seemed so easy up until very recently?
Because sex was easy. It was all the emotions that made the struggle real.
“Do you want me to go?” he asked, needing to hear her say it, but refusing to beg for anything. He eased a hip onto the bed next to her. “Do you want me to leave you alone and simply wait for texts about our child? Because you have to know that’s not my style. I’m not a man who waits for anything. When I want something, I take it.”
Her mesmerizing eyes slowly came up to his. “And what is it you want? The baby, I know. But we’re a package, Graham. Don’t you see that? I don’t even know how we’re going to make this work. You and I aren’t together, our families hate each other and your brother is so angry and hurt, he’s ready to destroy my father given any opportunity.”
Tears welled up in her eyes and the sight was something Graham wished he never had to see. “Right now, all that matters is this child. Not your father, not my brother and not this fight. I don’t want you worrying about this, Eve. It’s not good for the baby.”
She burst into tears. Full-on, hands-over-her-face sobbing. What had he said? Obviously the wrong thing when he was only trying to help. No wonder men and women never seemed to be on the same page. They weren’t even in the same book.
Clearly words were getting him nowhere and he wasn’t about to leave when she was so upset. Wrapping an arm around her, he pulled her against his chest as she continued to cry. Stroking her back, he attempted some comforting words, but he doubted she could hear them.
Moments passed and Graham had to wonder if there was something else that was upsetting her. Surely this wasn’t just him. But with all the weight of everything coming down on her, she was bound to break. He didn’t want her broken, but if she had to lean on someone, he wanted it to be him. No other man would be coming in here, not when she was carrying his child.
Eve wasn’t weak, she wasn’t vulnerable, yet right now she was having a moment. He wouldn’t embarrass her by asking what he could do. She wouldn’t want anyone coming to her rescue. He may not know much about her, but he recognized pride. Actions always trumped words anyway, so he’d show her how he cared instead of just talking about it.
Finally, Eve eased away, wiping at her damp cheeks with the back of her hands.
“Don’t say you’re sorry,” he interjected when she opened her mouth.
“I’m not.” She offered a soft smile. “You should’ve left me to have my meltdown. I can’t believe you stayed.”
“What kind of jerk do you think I am? I’m not just going to leave.”
Closing her eyes, she blew out a breath. “I don’t know what to think right now or what your angle is, but I don’t think you’re a jerk.”
His angle? Simple. He wanted his child to be raised with the Newport name. He wanted her to willingly give him rights, and if he had to marry her to get them, then he would. Being around Eve was no hardship and his ache for her hadn’t diminished in the slightest.
Before he could comment, her stomach growled. Graham laughed. “Hungry?”
She wrapped her arms around her waist as if to ward off any other sounds. “Actually, I was going to get something when you knocked. Then you guided me up here and the bed was so inviting. I haven’t eaten since early lunch.”
Graham came to his feet. “Stay here. I’ll get something.”
Eve rolled her eyes. “I’m not bedridden. I can make myself something to eat.”
“I’m sure you can, but I’m here.” Graham stepped back when Eve swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Stubborn, aren’t you?”
Even with her red-rimmed eyes and pink-tipped nose, her smile was like a kick to his chest.
“A trait we both possess. Sounds like we’ll have a strong-willed child.”
Graham smiled. The idea of his child being strong, independent and a go-getter was absolutely perfect. A healthy combination of mother and father...he’d never given it much thought, but their child would be a perfect Newport.
Eve got to her feet and attempted to readjust her hair. Finally, she jerked the ponytail holder out and gathered up the fallen strands. In a flash, she had the mass of hair piled back atop her head.
“You don’t have to stay,” she told him. “I’m just going to make a quick sandwich and go to bed.”
“You’re trying so hard to get me out of here.” He tipped her chin up and stepped in closer, so close the heat from her body warmed him. “I’m going to make sure you eat and then I’m going to make sure you’re all settled in. We’ll make small talk—we may even share a laugh. We can talk about the weather or we can talk about the baby. Up to you. But I’m not leaving, Eve. I’m going to be here, so you better get used to it.”
“Is that a threat?” she asked with a soft smile.
He kissed her, hard, fast, then released her. “It’s a promise.”
