Kitabı oku: «Tempted by a Carrington»

Chapter 1

As the mid-August sun peeked through the slightly opened slats of the white shutters in Lanier Watson’s loft bedroom, she turned over on her back. Looking up at the ceiling, she closed her eyes.

Today wasn’t just another ordinary day. It was the day Lanier was to meet with her parents, Barbara and Joseph, whom she hadn’t seen in years. At the age of twelve, she had been placed into protective custody when her parents had gotten into a vicious physical struggle fueled by substance abuse. Lanier had entered the foster care system on that frightening night and had remained there until the age of eighteen. An academic scholarship got her into college, where she graduated at the top of her class. She’d then gotten a job as a social worker and continued her academic studies until she received a master’s degree and became a medical social worker.

Lanier opened her eyes. The ability to relax and let go of her troubles felt good. With all the pain she had endured in her youth and adulthood, she hadn’t found a lot to be happy about. How great she felt now indicated how committed she was to achieving a full mental recovery. It had taken her a long time to come to terms with her troubled life, but she’d done it.

A warm smile curved on Lanier’s full lips. Thinking of Dallas Carrington, the tall, sexy man she loved with every ounce of her strength, always brought a smile to her face. He was one of a set of gorgeous triplets, a member of the prestigious Carrington family. Dallas, the second-born triplet, played baseball, a shortstop for the National Baseball League’s Texas Hurricanes. Austin, first-born triplet, was starting quarterback for the NFL’s Texas Wranglers, and Houston played power forward for the NBA’s Texas Cyclones. These superstar athletes loved playing professional sports before the hometown crowds in their native Houston.

Lanier had met Dallas over three years ago on a Valentine’s Day cruise. He was instantly attracted to her, but she had quickly pegged him as a man with roving eyes. As he hotly pursued her, unwilling to accept no for an answer, Lanier had eventually given in to his indelible charms. Because of her parents’ volatile marriage, she had shied away from long-term commitments. Fear of abandonment was at the crux of her complex problems regarding love and romance. Dallas had been more than patient with her, but she feared his patience would run out long before she had conquered all of her insecurities.

Dallas would be at Lanier’s side for the luncheon date with her estranged parents. His presence would shore her up. Even if he hadn’t been able to attend, she’d made up her mind to go through with it. Putting the reunion off for another day wasn’t in anyone’s best interest.

Slipping out of bed, Lanier put on her robe and made her way out into the hallway. The bounce in her step made her smile. Before heading to the winding staircase, she glanced back at the clock radio. Right on schedule, she thought. Getting her routine started at the same time every day was once very challenging. Lanier now looked forward to the comfort of the routine.

Without knocking on the adjacent bedroom door, Lanier opened it slowly and peeked inside. Not so long ago, three sleeping figures would’ve been lying in the empty beds.

Sisters Lauren and Stephanie Liggins were only ten months apart in age. They had occupied two of the three twin beds, which was a step up from their old bunks. Tina Rodgers would’ve been curled up in a ball in the third bed. The girls had just turned eighteen and would leave for college in the fall. They were now at summer camp. Their departure was hard for Lanier, but there was currently a long waiting list for foster placement at Haven House.

Although the owners of Haven House preferred teenagers, they’d accept most school-age females. No males had resided at Haven House thus far. Former foster children themselves, Lanier and her best friend, Ashleigh Ayers-Carrington, thought they could best serve teenage females.

It didn’t matter that the young women had to move on. The two female social workers would always be there for the girls. They loved the young women as if they were their own sisters. After Ashleigh had married and become pregnant, Lanier’s duties had doubled. It had taken her a long time to hire help when Ashleigh started working part-time. It had taken even longer for Lanier to fully trust the new employees.

“Rise and shine,” Lanier would’ve sung out cheerfully, followed by an enthusiastic, “You all know the drill.” The teenagers would pop out of bed and drowsily greet Lanier. Once they had begun their morning rituals, Lanier would go back upstairs and shower and dress for the day. There was always plenty to do around Haven House. With two other employees to help out, the daily grind had finally become a lot easier for everyone to bear.

Dressed in a chic white linen pantsuit and gold silk top and white pumps, Lanier looked fabulous. Her mahogany skin glowed. Not one for too much makeup, she had only dusted her face with loose powder to combat any shine. She loved lipstick and glosses. The rich Bordeaux shade she wore was a perfect match for her skin tone.

As Lanier entered the empty kitchen, a lump formed in her throat, making it difficult for her to swallow. It was getting harder for her to hide her emotions as of late. All she could think about was the girls who would soon leave for college. There was an endless list of others who needed foster placement, but these young girls had been the first to reside at Haven House. That alone made them very special to Lanier and Ashleigh.

Lanier licked her lips in anticipation of Dallas’s sweet kiss. Tall, with a toffee-brown complexion and too sexy to be legal, he made her pulse quicken just by stepping into her line of vision. His ebony eyes encompassed her in a way that calmed her fears. Ever since she’d first met the hottest shortstop for the National Baseball League’s Texas Hurricanes, he’d had a drugging effect on her senses. Although Dallas had had roving eyes on the Valentine’s Day cruise where she’d first met him, she still had ended up falling hard.

Their relationship had developed quickly, and they had lots of fun getting to know one another. After a few months of exclusive dating, Dallas began to make sexual moves on Lanier. The all-of-a-sudden fast pace in which he’d come at her had Lanier repeatedly slowing down his intimate advances. When heated moments escalated to heights she was uncomfortable with, she had to put on the brakes to remain in control.

Although Dallas had grown sexually frustrated, none of her attempts to keep him at arm’s length had chased him away. He eventually made Lanier see that he was an exceptionally good guy and that she should hold on to him. Nothing about her past or her family’s issues had put him off. He had remained beyond supportive.

Lowering her lashes, Lanier moved into Dallas’s warm embrace. Tilting her head back, she gave him easy access to her lips, which were hungry for the sweet taste of his. His mouth pressed down over hers, making her body melt like hot candle wax. As his tongue coiled around hers, her insides fluttered.

Holding Lanier slightly away from him, Dallas looked down into her eyes. “No matter what happens today, don’t forget I’ll be there for you. No one will ever hurt you again.”

Lanier’s heart skipped a beat. “How can I ever forget it? And I’ll be just fine, Dallas. I’m fully prepared to handle this meeting.”

The surprised look in Dallas’s eyes was easy enough for her to read—he hadn’t expected her to be so confident.

If only he knew…and he would definitely come to know if she had her way.

If Lanier Watson had her way, Dallas was in for a super treat. As he got acquainted with the new and improved her, she hoped the bad memories of how she once was would fade from his memory bank. Before the first time they’d made love, she’d lost count of the times she had put him off or had attempted to break up with him. Always spoiling for a fight, her angry attitude and sullen ways would’ve had the average guy dropping her like a hot potato.

Lanier’s memory of her countless horrendously bad moods hurt her the most because they’d injured Dallas emotionally. Still, he’d stayed by her side, blaming her past for her presiding issues. Their rockiest times had actually made her a better person. Dallas had been her catalyst for change. Her love for him had her wanting their relationship to work, but she had to make some more adjustments in her flippant attitude and negative mind-set.

Getting help from a therapist hadn’t gone well, but Lanier had gained enough courage to try to move past old devastations. Dallas didn’t know the Lanier she wanted to be, and she couldn’t wait to introduce him to the brand-new lady in his life. She had all sorts of grandiose ideas to show off her new self to him. Nothing was as important as proving to him that she was ready to receive his love, all of it. No more ducking, dodging and running. Lanier had been enchantingly tempted by a Carrington triplet—and now she was ready to be captured.

The elder Watsons hadn’t yet arrived at the Golden Dragon, one of Dallas’s favorite Chinese restaurants. The bold reds, bright gold and ebony and alabaster hues were perfect tones for an authentic Asian space.

Glancing at her watch, Lanier had mixed emotions about her parents’ tardiness. Instead of making a big deal out of it, like the old her would’ve done, she tried to be grateful for the extra time to make sure she had herself pulled together. The hostess had already seated them at a spacious yet private table.

“Do you want a drink while we wait?” Dallas asked.

Lanier smiled. “A cup of hot tea would be nice.”

Leaning toward Lanier, Dallas kissed her cheek. “You got it.” He summoned the waiter.

Before the server could return with the order, a hostess ushered Barbara and Joseph to where Lanier and Dallas awaited their arrival.

Dallas glanced at Lanier, his expression quickly turning to one of concern. She had gotten to her feet before he’d been able to take her hand and squeeze it for reassurance. She had harbored so much bitterness for her parents that he wondered if she were truly ready to see them.

“Mom, Dad,” Lanier said sweetly, swallowing the foreign words that had once tasted like battery acid. But now she didn’t feel the least bit bitter calling Barbara and Joseph “Mom and Dad.” “It’s nice to see you. Please have a seat.”

Lanier immediately introduced her parents to Dallas without revealing his profession. As far as she could remember, her father had never taken an interest in sports.

Joseph’s face was blank as he shook Dallas’s hand. Barbara looked nervous. The older woman was the same height as her daughter, and the father was several inches taller. Lanier had inherited her mother’s creamy mahogany complexion, but Dallas thought she looked more like her father. She had his eyes, nose and satiny hair texture.

Dallas relaxed in his seat. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Watson. You have a lovely daughter.”

“Thank you,” the couple said simultaneously, both appearing fidgety.

Barbara made direct eye contact with Lanier. “I’m glad you finally agreed to see us. Have you received my letters?”

Lanier nodded. “I read every one. I’m glad you guys found your way back to each other. Life hasn’t been easy for any of us, and I laid the blame at your feet. Building a meaningful relationship won’t happen overnight, but this is a great start. Thanks for accepting my invitation to lunch. We have a lot to catch up on.”

Lanier’s last statement was another bombshell for Dallas since he’d assumed her parents had requested the luncheon. She had certainly done a complete about-face. As relieved as it made him feel, he still couldn’t help being concerned for her. She had attempted to pull it all together a couple of times before, only to fall apart again.

Once the orders had been taken, Barbara turned and looked squarely at Lanier.

“I know you don’t want us to visit the past, Lanier,” Barbara said, “but I think we’ll have to at some point. How can we possibly move forward without discussing it?”

Dallas tensed. Reaching for Lanier’s hand, he squeezed it reassuringly.

Lanier shook her head. “We can’t go back there. If we did, we can’t change a thing. I like living in the present,” she said adamantly.

Dallas was in awe of how strongly Lanier had voiced her desire to leave the past behind. It was a big change for a thirty-year-old woman who had constantly wallowed in the excruciating pain of the past, reliving all of life’s horrors from before and after Child Protective Services had removed her from her home.

The food arrived.

“Please bow your heads,” Joseph requested softly.

Lanier angled an eyebrow. She listened intently as Joseph began to pray. She heard strong conviction in his voice, and it was mind-blowing. In a recent letter to Lanier, Barbara had said she and Joseph had gotten baptized at a church they’d joined. She had found the news hard to believe, but hearing her dad praying so sincerely nearly had her convinced.

The meal was eaten and surprisingly easy conversations took place between bites. Lanier purposely steered clear of her life in foster homes, but she was proud to talk about her experience with the girls residing at Haven House. Much to Lanier’s surprise, she was comfortable talking to her parents.

Less than an hour later everyone had finished their meals.

Taking the napkin from her lap, Lanier placed it on the table. “Are you still living in Clear Lake? If I recall correctly, it was in the return address.”

Barbara gave a hint of a smile. “We recently moved to Dickinson.”

Lanier felt a small surge of anxiety overtaking her. Dickinson was a few miles from Haven House. Trying to regroup and calm herself, she covertly drew in deep breaths.

“Dickinson is a nice place,” Dallas said, hoping to give Lanier time to recover. “Most areas in southeast Houston are great places to live.”

“We like it there,” Joseph remarked. “It’s not far from where we used to live.”

Yeah, from where the state was forced to remove me from the home I once loved, Lanier thought, only to send me to places that were worse.

Joseph had begun drinking early on in the marriage, but it was a few years before Barbara had joined him. Hating the negative thoughts invading her mind, Lanier quickly shut them down, reminding herself she’d moved on and had made a brand-new home for herself.

Lanier made a pretense of looking at her watch. It didn’t matter how much time had or hadn’t elapsed, she was ready to go. “I hope everyone enjoyed their meal. I know I did. Maybe we can do this another time, but I need to get back to Haven House.” She stood quickly.

Taking Lanier’s keys from her hand, Dallas opened the front door to Haven House. Slinging his arm around her shoulder, he led her into the residence and headed to the family room. They both felt lethargic and were ready to relax, but he would get his cues from Lanier.

The family room was the girls’ favorite hangout, and its emptiness caused Lanier’s heart to ache. She knew it was silly of her, but it didn’t ease the gut-wrenching pain she felt deep down inside. Making her way over to the leather sectional, she dropped down onto a reclining end.

Lanier peered up at Dallas. “Can you stay for a while? I’d like to talk to you.”

Dallas shrugged. “Not a problem.”

He scooted next to her and she took his hand into hers. Lifting it, she kissed each of his fingertips. “Thanks for today and every other day we’ve spent together. How do you think I did at lunch?”

Dallas tilted his head to the side. “How do you think you did?”

Lanier pulled a comical face. “I handled all of it very well. It was strange seeing my parents after all this time, but I wasn’t bitter or uncomfortable.”

“I thought you did great. I was surprised a time or two because of things I had assumed.”

Lanier raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“I assumed they had extended the invitation to lunch. You came across as very confident, but I expected you to be nervous and antsy. When we’ve talked about your parents in your past, you always ended up crying your heart out.”

“It still hurts, but I’ve found constructive ways to try and deal with it. Not thinking about it all the time helps the wounds heal. I’m much happier, Dallas, and I am more confident.”

Lanier talked about all the things she’d done wrong in their relationship and how it had related to the pain of her past. “I couldn’t pull myself out of the fire back then. I took everything out on you, causing so many problems in our relationship. Unwittingly, I tried to run you out of my life. I expected you to also abandon me.”

“I’m glad you know the truth. I stayed because I love you, Lanier. I saw past your pain.”

Fighting off her tears, her gaze dropped down to the floor then back to him. “Do you ever think of getting a new girlfriend?” She grimaced. The words hadn’t come out right.

Dallas looked puzzled. “I’m perfectly happy with the one I have.”

Lanier grinned. “That’s nice to know. Still, I’d like to introduce you to a woman who is reinventing herself. You deserve the best.”

Dallas frowned. “Did someone slip something into your drink at the restaurant? You’re talking crazy. What’s happened to you?”

“You happened to me, Dallas Carrington.” Capturing his lips with hers, Lanier kissed him passionately. She then laid her head upon his chest. “Thanks for letting me know you’re happy with me. I couldn’t be any happier than I am when I’m with you. I’m the new woman I’d like you to meet. I’ve done so much work to try and improve me.”

Lanier hoped she wasn’t coming off as a lunatic.

Making a show of wiping his brow, Dallas smiled. “Now you’re talking my language. You had me worried there for a minute. I just happen to love the woman you are. Any improvements might be too much for this man.”

Lanier pursed her lips. “Hmm, I never thought of it like that.” She grinned. “But I think you’ll be very interested in meeting this person. The new and improved me, transforming by my own design.”

Wrapping her arms around Dallas’s neck, she kissed him deeply.

Dallas wiggled his brows. “A new you, huh? I guess I can agree to meet her, but only if you promise to send her away immediately if I don’t like her.”

“I promise.” Lanier gave Dallas her brightest smile.

He ran his thumb over her lower lip. “Are these the things you wanted to talk about?”

“It’s part of it.” Lanier wrung her hands together. “Lately, I’ve done a lot of thinking about my future. It feels so strange around here without the girls. I miss them.”

“They’ve grown up, Lanier, but they won’t forget you. Those girls are yours and Ashleigh’s for life. You two have created an unbreakable bond with the beautiful young ladies you helped raise.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I know. You know how I tend to second-guess myself. It just seems like I’ll be throwing them out in the street come fall. I’ve been where they once were and also where they’re going. I don’t want them to ever feel abandoned.”

Dallas pulled Lanier closer to him. “That won’t happen. They know what love is because of you and Ashleigh. You won’t lose a single one. Going off to college will be good for everyone.”

Lanier managed a half smile. “I hope you’re right.” She paused for a moment. “There’s something else I’ve also thought a lot about.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “I’ve never lived alone. In every foster home I’ve lived in, there has always been at least five or six other kids.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. Once my brothers and I went off to college, we only came home for holidays and school breaks, no matter how much we missed our parents. After college, we bought our own homes.”

“How did Ms. Angelica cope with all of you leaving home at once?”

“Oh, she missed us a lot, but Dad constantly reminded her that we were no longer little boys. They’d raised us to become men. Setting children free is a normal part of life. Just remember that the girls might not have gotten an opportunity to go to college if they’d been placed elsewhere. Not all foster homes are like the one you and Ashleigh have created.”

“I know that, and it’ll eventually be okay. Once the girls are off to college, I think I should get my own place. Working and living here with the kids is all I’ve known since I resigned my social work position. I want to experience life on my own. I’m thinking of asking two of our assistants to move in here before any new kids arrive. I’ll still work here ten to twelve hours a day, but I want to be able to escape sometimes.”

Dallas sat up straight. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you? I didn’t know you wanted to live anywhere but here.”

“I didn’t either, not until recently. But I want to reinvent myself, so I need to make substantial changes in my life. I’ve never lived alone. Before I moved in with Ashleigh, I had college roommates. After graduation, I shared an apartment with two other women. Ashleigh lives at home and works here…and she’s satisfied with how well it works out. I’m excited about looking for a place of my own.”

Dallas liked the plan, but he couldn’t help wondering what this might mean for their relationship. He wasn’t sure if she was ready for a major move, but the one thing he didn’t want to do was put shackles on her dreams. She was a grown woman who obviously needed to be free.

“Would you consider living with me?” He knew he had said the wrong thing as soon as the words had left his mouth. He realized she needed to do this on her own and should’ve offered his support.

Massaging Dallas’s cheek with the back of her hand, Lanier’s heart raced. “I know why you asked that question. But please believe in me. I know what I want to do, and I know exactly why I feel that way.”

Closing his hand over Lanier’s, Dallas halted her nervous tapping. “I’m sure you do. And I do regret it—it wasn’t a supportive remark. You’re a big girl now and you can take care of yourself. If you can’t, I’m positive you’ll ask for help. Speaking of help, do you want me to help you find a place? I know the condo Houston bought a while back is empty and he doesn’t stay there nearly as much as he’d thought. Maybe he’d lease it.”

“Thanks, but I don’t want to lease from your brother. I’d like to live close to Haven House, not in downtown Houston. I’d love for you to house-shop with me.”

Dallas looked pleased. “Just tell me when you want to get started.”

“This weekend? When can you manage to get away for a few hours?”

“This is the playoffs, and game dates are set as teams advance. I’ll look into it. Hopefully, we can get you your own place before the finals.”

Ashleigh popped into the room just as Dallas and Lanier sealed their deal with a kiss. She normally called Lanier first, but her cell phone battery had died.

Lanier sprang up and took baby Austin from Ashleigh’s arms. “Hey, little A.C. Heard you’ve been hanging with the ladies today! I know grandma had a ball with you.” She kissed the center of his forehead. “Where’d you guys go?” Lanier asked Ashleigh.

“Baybrook Mall. I just dropped by here to collect figures for payroll. I plan to print checks at home again. Is that okay?”

“However you do it is fine with me. Dallas and I just finished making plans for him to help me look for a place.”

“Austin and I can also help out if you want. I can’t believe preseason is almost here. Austin has enjoyed the baby so much that I think he may have a hard time getting his mind back on football.”

“I know he will,” Dallas chimed in. “He’s having the time of his life with A.C. All he talks about is his wife and son. I get a real kick out of hearing him gushing over you two.”

Dallas came over and stood next to Lanier. As he reached out for the cooing baby, she carefully handed him over to his big, strapping uncle.

Watching Dallas intently, Lanier saw how sweet and tender he was toward his nephew. He rained kisses onto the baby’s shock of copper curls and A.C. cooed even more. His hair was just like Ashleigh’s, but the deep dimple in his chin was a Carrington trait.

Lanier couldn’t help wondering what a baby from Dallas would look like. She hadn’t always wanted to become a mother, but after mothering teenagers, she had thought about it.

Since alcoholism was hereditary, Lanier wondered if the awful addiction would plague her own children. She had always been able to control her personal intake of alcohol; an occasional glass of wine or a frozen margarita was all she drank.

Seeing how engrossed Dallas and Lanier were with her son, Ashleigh cleared her throat to grab their attention. “It’s time for me to get on home. There are at least a couple loads of laundry waiting for me, and Austin requested a beef rib roast for dinner.”

Lanier sucked her teeth. “I don’t understand why you don’t use Ms. Stella more. Austin pays her no matter what.”

“I love taking care of my family, so I just save Ms. Stella for special occasions. Austin really appreciates whatever I do around the house, but he’s always telling me to use our housekeeper more.”