Something More Page 4

  Matthew’s body had warmed as her eyes traveled over him. His body heat alone could have dried their clothes at that moment. Even with her saturated blond hair and her incensed blue eyes, she’d beguiled him. Tonight he would see her without the rain’s enhancement.

  He anticipated a cloud of soft and wavy sunshine falling over generously angled curves. His fingers tightened at the itch to tangle them in her hair. One gentle tug would have her mouth opening for his kiss.

  Whoa.

  He mentally shook off his thoughts.

  Matthew stood, collected the scattered files, and tossed them in his briefcase. Snapping the locks, he grabbed the handle and headed toward the double doors knowing his set of rooms waited just down the hall. At the time the leases were signed, he had an executive suite designed and built within a month. Cost him a pretty penny, but since he paid for the remodeling, the owner of the building was only too happy to oblige. With that goal achieved, Matthew successfully avoided photographers and unwelcome females constantly striving for his notice.

  As he opened the door, he saw a man flirting with an executive assistant while sitting on the corner of her desk. Both heads jerked in his direction.

  “Ahh, here he is.” The man smiled and spoke in a smooth voice.

  “Sharon,” Matthew interrupted. “Be careful. You’re conversing with my competitor.”

  “Previous competitor.” The blond man stood to his full height and stuck out his hand.

  “Previous competitor.” Matthew agreed. He moved forward and grabbed his friend in a hearty handshake. “Hello, William. Good to see you.”

  “You too. I heard you were in town.” William’s deep southern drawl affirmation of where he grew up.

  It seemed everyone knew Matthew’s whereabouts, even when he tried to keep a low profile. “And how did you hear that?”

  “Mason. His wife and mine are friends. We see a lot of each other.”

  That made sense. Especially when Mason handled the legalities of Matthew’s current conglomerate venture. He knew the man would never divulge confidential information regarding the merger. And Matthew’s being in town really wasn’t secret.

  William leaned over slightly and pretended to whisper. “No matter what he tells you, we do have a friendship.” Then he winked.

  “If your wife saw you flirting with my assistant, you might be convincing her you still have a marriage.”

  “Harmless flirtation.” William settled his gaze on the woman. “My wife has a definite hold on me. A long leash.” After extending his arm in demonstration, he turned to Matthew with a confident smile. “But, she doesn’t need one.”

  “Come inside.” Matthew entered the conference room and gestured to a chair. “Have a seat.”

  William unbuttoned his suit jacket as he lowered his frame into the lush leather. “I know you’re here for a reason. Gobbling up another company?”

  “Perhaps,” Matthew replied.

  “Have those sisters of yours gotten you married yet?”

  Matthew braced his hip on the desk balancing his weight on the opposite leg. “They haven’t given up trying. But then, I can be as stubborn as they are persistent.”

  “That was a long time ago. Don’t let the greed of one woman make you take it out on all others.”

  Matthew wanted to ignore the pain-filled memories. The exploits of one selfish woman who changed his entire life. Who set him on a path of hard labor and determination. A goal to succeed in business. And give up his dream of happy-ever-after.

  He shrugged. “I don’t take it out on anyone.”

  “I meant, don’t let her turn you sour on all women. They’re not all alike.”

  “You mean all women are not after me for my money?” Maybe the suit, or his tall good looks attracted them at first. But the minute they smelled his bank account, women enfolded him like syrup running over a pancake.

  William studied him. “You’ve become bitter, then?”

  Matthew stood and rubbed the back of his neck. “Like you said. It was long ago. I’ve moved on. But it’s damn difficult to find what you have with Beth. Women are greedy creatures.”

  Matthew walked over to look through the wall of glass. His gaze went to the tiny ant-like people below, hurrying on their way to an important appointment or whatever event they might stumble upon.

  “You have friends,” William said. “Beth would shoot me if I let you sit in your room alone and without dinner. I know you’re not keen on being interrupted, but she thinks you work too hard.”

  Matthew twisted and raised his brow letting the other man know he was not fooled. “She thinks?”

  William chuckled. “Okay. So do I. Burrowing within four walls makes a very dull man. So I’ve come to invite you to dinner at our house.”

  Dinner. A very sexy blonde emerged as an apparition. Strong-minded, intense eyes, sun-kissed skin, and a breathtaking smile. Shaking himself from his stupor, he blinked.

  “I hate to disappoint Beth, but I have plans for this evening.”

  “Are you going to make me go back and tell my wife I couldn’t get the beast out of his lair?”

  “You may assure your lovely wife I will be going out.”

  William’s brooding look meant he didn’t believe one word. “Out you say?”

  Matthew smiled. “Yes. Out. I have a companion for dinner.”

  William’s forehead wrinkled across his brow. “What type of companion?”

  What the hell did he think?

  “I prefer the feminine sort,” Matthew growled.

  “Don’t get your binders in a clench. I assumed the technical sort. Like a computer or a TV.”

  “No, William. I have a date. With a sexy blonde.” Matthew was astonished at how much he looked forward to seeing Carrie. Beyond being an eye-catching knockout, she had more than one level to her. And he looked forward to peeling every single one.

  “Praise the Lord and pass the mashed potatoes.” William shot from his chair. “Now that I don’t mind telling my wife.” He struck a friendly punch on Matthew’s arm. “I’ll get out of your way and let you to it.”

  Matthew picked up his briefcase and tried not to let his enthusiasm show. He was damn eager if the stirring in his groin was any indication. “I don’t want to be late.”

  “Of course not.”

  They left the office together, the assistant already gone. William stopped at the elevator doors and Matthew continued down the hall. Using his card, he entered the corporate suite. Jerking on his tie, he pulled the knot loose and placed his leather case on the side table.

  William had reminded him of the relationship he’d barely gotten out of by the skin of his teeth. Afterward, he’d taken to his newfound freedom like a convict finding the prison gates open. He quenched his hormonal thirst losing himself in one female after another. But, in less than a year, he tired of buxom blondes, sexy brunettes, and fiery-hot redheads.

  His bout had not lessened the pain of betrayal.

  Women were still untrustworthy.

  His life was the same.

  Nothing had changed.

  Until now.

  No matter how often Matthew tried to redirect his thoughts, they always came back to Carrie. An instant attraction. As far from a Barbie model as any woman could get.

  From what he derived in the cab, she was a woman of strong character. Confidence cloaked her like a neon sign. He’d never seen a woman so sure of herself. Even at the airport, she walked with determined steps and a purpose of direction. When she made eye contact with a man, she let him know right away that she would not be intimidated.

  Damn, she sparked something in him.

  Underneath that rigid veneer, he sensed a woman of fiery passion. A woman with such power to control her life, would she use that discipline in the bedroom? Would she use that power to restrain her hunger or would she give it free rein? His breathing heavy, he shook away any further thoughts of Carrie in his bed. She would be there soon enough. He tore off his jacke
t and checked his watch. His distracted brain had cost him precious moments.

  He had just enough time for a quick shower. His lower lip curved in a smile as he thought of Carrie joining him. Hell. Now he’d have to take a cold shower. That image alone would haunt him the rest of the evening.

  Chapter 6

  Carrie counted to ten. “So you’re going to stay. You’ve taken Andrea and moved in with him.”

  “She’s my daughter,” Ellie sputtered.

  “She’s my niece.”

  “That’s right, Carrie. Your niece!” With elbows bent, Ellie placed her hands on her hips and glared.

  Carrie dug her heels into the carpet on her living-room floor while she fought to control her anxiety. When she opened her front door and saw her sister standing there on the front porch she’d been ecstatic. How she’d missed her. A shadow of disappointment surfaced when she realized her niece had not accompanied Ellie.

  Good thing she didn’t. Andrea did not need to witness the fight that was unmistakably brewing. Why wouldn’t her sister listen? “Have you forgotten how she got here?”

  “You won’t let me.”

  “Dammit, Ellie.” Carrie slumped her shoulders and turned away from the accusing look on her sister’s face. She didn’t want to argue with her. Couldn’t Ellie see that she only wanted to protect them? “You can’t trust men, you know that.”

  “Another thing you won’t let me forget.”

  Carrie jerked back at her accusation. “He could dump you just like . . .”

  “It happened to me! Not you,” Ellie shouted. “You need a life of your own.”

  Carrie waved an arm toward the furnishings in her home of which she’d paid a tidy sum. How many women could say they had a six-figure salary and owned their own home, mortgage free? Angling her chin, she took a step forward. “I have a life. A very good life, as you well know. Who paid for Andrea’s braces? Who pays for her school?”

  Ellie exhaled sharply before she answered. “That’s all you think about. Money.”

  “You don’t have any trouble accepting my money.” Ellie took so long to answer, Carrie immediately regretted her outburst.

  “Yes. That’s right. Your money,” Ellie spat as she turned around and stomped to the front door. “I’ve had enough of your attitude and your ideas shoved down my throat.”

  “Wait, Ellie.” Carrie rushed after her. “You can’t leave.”

  “Watch me.” Ellie shouted the words over her shoulder.

  Dread clogged Carrie’s throat. “Dammit, Ellie. Stop!”

  Ellie halted with her hand on the doorknob. Her shoulders rose and fell with the heavy breathing of her anger.

  Carrie stared at Ellie’s back. The fear of her sister leaving and never seeing her again threatened to choke her. “Please, wait. Let’s talk about this.”

  With her forehead braced against the door, Ellie’s shoulders drooped as if the weight of the world rested on them. Moments lingered and the silence thickened. “Carrie, if I’d only known how my getting pregnant would affect you . . .”

  “Stop. You couldn’t help what happened any more than I could. We were teenagers.”

  Ellie slowly turned around. As she lifted the hair from her face, Carrie saw the sheen of pain in her eyes. “Mom and Dad threw me out. I survived. You’re the one they did the most damage to. Not me. I was blessed with Andrea.”

  The only good thing that came out of the gruesome situation. A young girl, pregnant and condemned. Not only deserted by the baby’s father, but also attacked by the very parents she had trusted. A horrible night of shame and injected humiliation. While Carrie hid behind the doorframe, tears burning her cheeks. Unaware of anything but the cruelty her parents subjected on her sister.

  Andrea.

  “She’s a wonderful girl. You’ve done great with her.”

  “I appreciate everything you’ve done. But, you’ve got to lighten up.” Ellie waved one hand. “Your distrust of men is like a disease. I was the one who got dumped. I was the one who suffered.”

  “I was too young to do anything then,” Carrie said softly.

  “It wasn’t up to you. You’ve been trying to take care of us ever since you started making money. We are not your responsibility.”

  Maybe they weren’t her responsibility, but they were her family. The scene with her parents had instilled a protectiveness within her that she could not disregard. Nor did she plan to. “I want to help. I don’t want Andrea to suffer.”

  “I know. You’ve been great to her.” Ellie lifted an eyebrow and cocked her head at an angle. “A little too much spoiling. I won’t be able to continue with the material things you’ve given her, but . . .”

  “Another reason you should stay.” When Ellie’s body stiffened, she knew she’d said the wrong thing, again. Dammit. Why couldn’t she keep her mouth shut?

  “Will you quit trying to control me? I’m the older sister.”

  “I can’t help worrying.” She knew she acted like a commanding shrew, but she couldn’t help herself. She took several breaths and tried a new approach. “You could leave Andrea here for a while. Then she won’t be jerked from another home when you move back.”

  Ellie remained quiet for so long, Carrie almost wilted under her sister’s glare. “I love him. He’s good to Andrea. You’ve got to give him a break.”

  Why should I? He’s taking you away. And I won’t be there. To pick up the pieces. To make sure Andrea will be all right.

  “I don’t want to see you get hurt again.”

  “That was a long time ago. I survived.”

  Pouting was unbecoming and she hadn’t done that as far back as she could remember. “It could happen again.”

  Ellie’s voice softened. “Then, I’ll survive. Again.”

  Tears threatened. Carrie willed herself not to cry. Maybe Ellie would survive, but her daughter deserved better. “What about Andrea?”

  “Carrie, she’s mine. You’ve got to let her go.”

  Carrie’s heart stopped. “Let her go?” She voiced her shock.

  “For geminey sakes. You act like you’re never going to see her again. We’re a phone call away. You can hop in a car and be there in a few hours.”

  Nothing had ever scared her like this. She could solve any problem, tackle any enemy or take any bull by the horns and come out the winner. The thought of her sister leaving not only jolted her, but little signals of panic threatened her stability. “How will I be able to keep an eye on you?”

  “For crying out loud. You’re not my mother.” Ellie shoved her hair out of her face. “We’ll keep in touch. You can see us anytime.”

  Control was slipping away. Normally she had the upper hand. “How do you know he won’t hurt you or throw you out?”

  “I have my sister to put the fear of God into him, right?” Ellie gave her a smile that indicated she was only half teasing.

  Carrie scowled. “You make me sound like an ogre.”

  “You can be.”

  Good Lord. She couldn’t just give up. Could she? Damn. “He cost you your home. Your family.”

  Ellie understood she meant the teenage boy. She stepped closer, with a look of sympathy. Her voice was low and soothing. “Mom and Dad are old school. They couldn’t accept their precious daughter had shamed them.”

  Carrie stiffened her lower lip. “He should have paid. He should have accepted his responsibility.”

  “What you don’t realize, Carrie, is that maybe I am better off without him. I don’t want someone who doesn’t want me. What if we had gotten married? He would have hated me for forcing him into marriage. He didn’t want a baby. I didn’t want Andrea exposed to a man who didn’t want her.”

  Carrie couldn’t imagine any man not wanting that precious girl. Her eyes misted as she stared at her sister. “You think this man will take care of you? He’s not offering marriage.”

  Her gleam of concern was replaced by trepidation, then courage. “Actually he did.”

  “What?”
Carrie choked.

  Compassion quickly filled her eyes. “I decided to wait. The position he’s been offered is a good move for him. I need to be sure everything fits before we make it permanent. Andrea needs to be happy with the move, too.”

  “At least you’re not rushing into marriage.”

  Ellie put her arms around Carrie and squeezed. “You shouldn’t have so little faith in me. I’m watching out for my daughter.”

  As Carrie returned her embrace, she cried. “Oh, Ellie. I do have faith in you. It’s men I have absolutely none.”

  Chapter 7

  The door attendant took Carrie’s hand as she stepped from the car. She barely noticed when he gave her a warm smile and raised a finger to the brim of his cap in a salute. She pushed the harrowing conversation with her sister out of her mind and decided she would concentrate on her date of this evening. Her neck cracked as she looked up. The Manchester building held thirty or more floors. Mirror windows reflecting lighted images loomed in the night sky. Only one of its alluring attractions.

  An undeniable charge of energy flowed through her body at the thought of seeing Matthew again. She’d been unable to erase his rumbling voice from her conscious, or cool the heat that engulfed her as she remembered his blazing eyes. He certainly affected her as no other man had the nerve to even try.

  Carrie walked with a coolness that belied her inner indecision. She didn’t need a relationship. But then, viewpoint had little to do with feelings. Still, she was looking forward to dinner with this particular man. Wealthy tycoon or blue-collar worker, he interested her. How nice it would be to relax and have a man charm her because he liked her or simply wanted her company. Maybe she expected too much. How could she know his true character this soon? Time would undoubtedly show him no different from the others.