Nash put his arm around Stephanie and drew her close. She leaned her head against his shoulder and sighed. The soft puff of air teased his neck and made him think of other ways they could be touching. The blood heating in his body told him to get her upstairs right that second, but he resisted the desire growing inside him. They had the whole night to make love. Right now he was enjoying being next to her.
The night was clear and cool. Overhead, stars glittered in the sky. He could hear the faint sound of a stereo next door. The boys were in bed, but probably not asleep yet, which was another reason to wait before heading inside.
“What are you thinking?" Stephanie asked from her seat next to him on the top step of the porch. "That you're so incredibly hot for my body that you're tempted to rip off my clothes right here? And if that's not what you're thinking, you need to lie." Nash smiled. "I was also thinking about your kids, that it would be better to wait until the little guys are asleep, then head inside."
“Good point. As long as you were thinking about it." He turned his head and brushed his lips against her forehead. "I'm having trouble thinking about anything else."
“An excellent quality in a man." She wrapped her arms around his waist. "Dinner was fun. Thanks for joining us."
“I had a good time, too. The twins look so much alike, yet their personalities are different enough that I don't have any trouble telling them apart."
“I know. I don't understand how they can be so physically identical and so unalike on the inside. I've always wondered if some personality gene didn't split exactly in half or something." He grinned. "That would be your technical, biochemical explanation?"
“Do you have a better one?"
“No. Yours is perfect." She laughed. "I'm a fairly intellectual person, which explains why I beat your fanny when we were playing Go Fish."
“You are a card shark." She winced. "Bad pun, but I forgive you. The whole evening was fun. Sometimes I get so caught up with the boys' homework schedules and their activities that I forget to take time for us to just hang out and enjoy each other's company. Life becomes a treadmill and the routine becomes all-important.
Occasionally I need a reminder that it's okay to have a good time. Thanks for doing that tonight."
“My pleasure." He dropped his hand to her hip and rubbed the curve there. "You said something earlier that I can't stop thinking about."
“What?" She raised her head and looked at him.
“You wanted to know why men refused to stop acting like little boys. The implication being we don't grow up. I know you were teasing when you said it, but I wonder if that's what you really believe." She pulled back slightly, shifting so she faced him. One of her hands rested on his knee, the other toyed with the sleeve hem of his shirt. In the porch light, he could see her large eyes and the way the corners of her mouth twisted slightly.
“You're the first man I've ever spent any time with who seems to be a grown-up," she said. "My father was completely irresponsible and I've told you about the horror of being married to Marty. I've been burned twice and that makes me less than trusting."
“Is that the real reason you haven't been dating?”
“Yikes! Talk about going for the throat.”
“Is it?"
“Maybe. Probably. I don't know."
“Come on." He put his hand over hers and squeezed. "You do know." Her gaze narrowed. "You have that masters in psychology, don't you? Now you want to try out some of your theories on me."
“You're avoiding the question."
“And doing a fine job if it, too. Okay." She nodded. "I'll be serious. Yes, avoiding boys disguised as men is one of the reasons I haven't been very excited about dating. I have three kids and no time to raise a fourth. You seem decent and normal, but this is a part-time fling, not something serious. With my past, I think I have the right to be wary." He understood her point, but didn't like the idea of her spending the rest of her life alone. He was about to say so when he realized he didn't especially like the idea of her with someone else, either.
That made him slam on the mental brakes. No way was he thinking about anything serious with Stephanie. She was strictly temporary.
“At some point you have to be willing to take a chance," he said.
“Why? What are the odds that I'll end up with someone exactly like Marty? I seem to be destined to head in that direction. He was the first guy I really fell for. I don't want to risk it again."
“So take it slow this time. Really get to know the guy.”
“The way I got to know you? Despite my claim of being responsible, I seem to be a bit impulsive in the relationship department." She laughed. "Trust me. This is much better. I'm having a great time with you and right now that's enough. I have no interest in getting married again." They had that in common, he thought. Even though she was saying all the right things, he couldn't help worrying about her. "What about money?" Her eyes widened. "Gee, Nash, the sex was really great, but I never planned to pay you for it.”
“That's not what I meant." She shimmied close. "But now that we're on thesubject, I think I'm good enough that you should pay me." He laughed and hauled her onto his lap. "Do you?"
“Uh-huh." She straddled him, her heat pressing against his suddenly hard arousal. She rocked back and forth, teasing them both.
“That feels nice," she said. "And big. Is all that for little of me?" Her voice was a soft purr. "Think you can handle it?"
“There's nothing I want to do more than handle all of you. Let's go inside and get naked." Her words set him on fire. While he wanted to take her at her word, he couldn't help holding back long enough to kiss her. Her mouth parted instantly and he plunged inside her. She stroked against him, then clamped her lips around his tongue and sucked until he thought he might lose it right there. So much for having control.
He shifted her off his lap and scrambled to his feet. When he'd pulled her into a standing position, he wrapped his arms around her and lifted until her feet were dangling. She wrapped her legs around his hips and hung on. He started toward the front door.
“I want to tell you that I can walk," she murmured between kisses, "but this is so much more exciting."
“For me, too." He cupped her rear, holding her firmly against his erection. "Besides, doesn't every woman want to be swept away?"
“Honey, you're doing that in spades." Under any other circumstances, Stephanie would have assumed that breaking into song while dusting the main parlor was reason to think about seeing a mental health professional. It was the middle of the afternoon and she wasn't even listening to the radio. But she decided to cut herself some slack. After all, she hadn't slept the previous night. Instead of wasting seven or eight hours with her eyes closed, she'd spent them in Nash's arms where she discovered that women did indeed hit their sexual peak in their thirties. While she was more than a little tired, she figured she could catch up on her rest when Nash was gone. Far better to take advantage of his proximity, interest and skill while he was in town.
She stretched up to dust the top of a lamp and the muscles in her back pulled slightly. She smiled as she remembered the shower they'd taken that morning. How she'd gripped the shower door frame to keep from falling as he'd knelt between her legs. The hot water had poured over both of them as he'd used his tongue to make her scream and shudder and go all weak at the knees…literally.
Still humming a somewhat embarrassing medley of tunes from cartoons, she finished in the parlor and walked toward the kitchen. She had to figure out what they were having for dinner. Then maybe they'd all head over to the video store and rent a couple of movies. School was out tomorrow and none of the boys had any homework. They could The sound of voices interrupted her thoughts. She paused to figure out where they were coming from. She recognized Nash's low rumble and the twins, but where on earth could they be? She tilted her head. The utility room? Following the sound, she walked through to therear of the house. Sure enough, Nash crouched in front of Adam and Jason in the laundry. Between them sat an overflowing laundry basket.
Stephanie knew exactly what was going on. She'd told the twins to take the laundry upstairs and fold it. For the most part they were willing to do their chores, but laundry was the one thing all three of the boys hated more than just about anything.
No one noticed her standing in the doorway. As she watched, Nash touched each boy on the shoulder.
“You have a responsibility to your family," he said. "Your mom works hard to provide for you. In return, you go to school and help out when asked. Do you understand?" Both boys nodded.
Nash smiled. "Good. If you work together as a team, the job will go that much quicker. Agreed?" Two more nods, followed by Jason saying, "But Adam's gotta fold the laundry. I did it last time." Adam turned on his twin. "You did not. I did it. It's your turn. You're always trying to get me to do your chores and I'm not gonna do this one."
“So this is an ongoing dispute," Nash said calmly. "How do you keep track of whose turn it is?" Jason drew his eyebrows together. "It's his turn.”
“Is not."
“So there's nothing in writing," Nash said.
Both boys shook their head. Their mouths were set in straight, stubborn lines and they had their arms folded over their chests.
“Why don't we talk about negotiating a system that would be fair to both of you," Nash said reasonably.
Stephanie held in a laugh. It all sounded really good, but these were eight-year-olds. If Nash didn't come to his senses, he was going to be talking for the next three days and would probably end up folding the laundry himself out of self defense.
She stepped into the room and pointed at the laundry basket.
“Take that upstairs," she said firmly. "Now. You each fold half the clothes in that basket. If there is an uneven number of clothes, leave the last one on your bed. If you don't start upstairs right this instant, there will be no dessert for either of you." Jason opened his mouth to protest. She stopped him with a shake of her head.
“Not one word," she said. "One word means you're in bed ten minutes early. Two words means twenty minutes early. If you understand and agree, then nod slowly." Both boys looked at her, then at each other. They sighed heavily and nodded.
“Good." She stepped back to give them room to carry out the basket. "Come let me know when you're done." They each grabbed a handle and carried the basket into the hallway. Nash watched them go. "I'm a professional," he said.
“You work with criminals. These are young boys. I'm going to guess that criminals are a lot more rational."
“You think?" She smiled. "I would put money on it. But thanks for helping. I really liked what you said about themhaving responsibilities. I'm not sure it sunk in, but maybe next time." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "You're saying I stink at parenting."
“I'm saying you're a sweetie to try." He tugged on a strand of her hair, then released her. "Give me your car keys."
“They're upstairs on the table by the door to our apartment. Why? Is your rental acting up?"
“No. I want to put gas in your car. Mind if I go get the keys?" She nodded because it was suddenly too difficult to speak. Okay, in the scheme of things, Nash putting gas in her car was no big deal. But the unexpected thoughtfulness made her throat get all tight and her eyes burn. As he walked to the stairs, she found herself wishing just for a second-that he wasn't leaving in a week or so. That his stay in Glenwood might be a little more permanent.
“Crazy dreams," she whispered. "You know better." The phone rang, offering a welcome interruption. She headed for the kitchen and grabbed the receiver. "Serenity House. This is Stephanie."
“Hi, Stephanie. It's Rebecca Lucas. We met at that pizza dinner a couple of nights ago. I don't know if you remember me. There were so many people there." Stephanie pictured a tall, slender woman with long, dark curly hair. "Yes, of course I remember. How are you?"
“Good. The reason I'm calling is Jill just called me. Craig-he's the oldest Haynes' brother-got the evening off. His kids are out of school today.
They're in a different school district. Anyway, we're celebrating with an impromptu barbecue here tonight. I think all of Nash's brothers will be coming and I wanted to invite him." She laughed. "Actually I want to invite you and your boys, as well, if that's all right." Stephanie knew Nash didn't have any plans and she was pretty sure he wouldn't mind the invitation. She hesitated before accepting for all of them. Was that too presumptuous? Then she remembered his request that she help him out with his family.
“I'm sure it is, but let me double-check with him. Hold on just a sec." She put the phone on the counter and moved toward the stairs. She met Nash as he was coming down and explained about Rebecca's phone call.
“You want to go?" he asked.
“Yes, but they're your family. Do you want to go?"
“As long as you're coming, sure."
“Good. I know the boys will enjoy the evening." She took a step back, but couldn't seem to look away from Nash's dark gaze. Just being close to him was enough to get her heart all fluttery and her toes curling. Attraction crackled between them and she swayed slightly.
“Yeah," he said. "Me, too. Now go back to your phone call. Going out will make the evening go faster. When we get home, it will be time for the boys to go to bed." Her stomach clenched. "Then us, too," she whispered.
“My thoughts exactly."* * * Stephanie carried a plastic freezer bag full of chocolate chip cookies up to the back door of the huge house. She hesitated slightly before entering. While she remembered meeting Rebecca Lucas at the pizza dinner, she and the woman weren't friends. Just walking into the house seemed rude, but knocking when there were kids running in and out seemed weird.
Before she could decide what to do, Rebecca pushed open the door and smiled.
“I saw you walking up from your minivan," she said easily. "You lost the kids in the first five feet and Kyle came to claim Nash. Let me help you with those." She took the bag of cookies from Stephanie. "We'll appreciate these."
“You said I didn't need to bring anything, but I wasn't comfortable coming empty-handed. They're still frozen if you want to pop them in the freezer. They'll keep well for another few weeks."
“Not a chance." Rebecca led the way to an oversize blue-and-white kitchen with gleaming stainless-steel appliances. "Between our kids and the Haynes kids and friends popping in, the cookies won't last two days." She set the bag on the counter and turned to Stephanie. "The men are out getting the coals ready and all the salads are in the refrigerator. So there's not much for us to do right now but relax. May I get you something to drink?"
“Sure. Iced tea if you have it."
“Have a seat." Rebecca waved toward several bar stools at the end of the counter. Stephanie took a seat as her hostess poured her a glass of iced tea.
“Jill's upstairs with the little ones. I think she's reading a story. Elizabeth, Holly and Sandy are outside supervising the play area. Kevin, Gage and their fiancées haven't arrived yet." Rebecca laughed. "Oh, dear. I should probably pull out the name tags. This is going to be a muddle." Stephanie shook her head. "I'm pretty sure I have everyone figured out. What I don't know I can fake."
“Always a good plan." Rebecca leaned against the counter. Her long curly hair tumbled down her shoulders. She wore a calf-length pale blue dress patterned with tiny white and pink flowers. There didn't seem to be any makeup on her flawless skin. She was tall, slender, lovely and looked as if she belonged in the pages of a Jane Austen novel.
“We were all very curious about you," Rebecca admitted. "Kevin swore his brother wasn't seeing anyone." Stephanie hadn't expected that line of questioning. She'd picked up her glass, but now she put it down and folded her hands onto her lap. "We're not exactly seeing each other." They were, she supposed. After a fashion. Seeing each other naked. But that was different. Rebecca was talking about an actual relationship.
“I'm not sure I believe you," Rebecca said. "I saw the way he was looking at you the other night." She held up her hands. "I'm not going to say any more about it. My goal isn't to torment you. When I first heard about Nash I thought he might be someone I could introduce to my friend, D.J. I don't think that's such a good idea now." Stephanie felt as neatly trapped as a goldfish in a glass bowl. So how exactly was she supposed to respond to Rebecca's statement? There was no way she wanted Nash involved with someone else-it would cut into their affair time. There was also a hint of discomfort at the thought of him with another woman, but there was no way she was about to explore that particular emotion.
“Nash and I are friends," she said at last. "He's only in town for a couple of weeks, so your friend is unlikely to find him anything but temporary."
“How long does it take to fall in love?" Rebecca asked. "You might just be friends now, but that could change." Stephanie reached for her glass. "No way. I'm smarter than that." Rebecca raised her eyebrows. "You not a fan of marriage?"
“It's great for a lot of people."
“Just not you."
“Something like that." Rebecca's expression turned dreamy. "I can't imagine not being married to Austin. He and the children are my entire world. I suppose that sounds silly and old-fashioned. I have a job, although I'm only working part-time these days. I have friends. But all of that pales next to what I feel for my husband." Stephanie was surprised by a stab of envy. "That sounds lovely," she said. "My marriage wasn't exactly like that."
“Haynes men make excellent husbands," Rebecca told her. "Austin is an honorary Haynes. Nash is one, too. He's-" But she never got to finish saying what Nash was. Several small children burst into the kitchen, followed by a petite redhead Stephanie recognized.
“Hi, Jill," she said as the other woman approached.
“Stephanie. I heard you and Nash were joining us. That's great." She bent down when a little girl of three or four pulled on her jeans. "Sarah, I told you we're not going to have a snack. We'll be eating in about half an hour. But I will get you something to drink." Two more children of about the same age also clamored for drinks. Rebecca agreed. After opening a cupboard, she pulled out stacks of small plastic glasses and put them on the counter.
“We have juice and milk and chocolate milk," she said.
Everyone wanted something different. Rebecca poured while Jill passed out the half-full glasses.
Stephanie found herself the odd man out and crossed to the large window overlooking the massive backyard. More children were playing on a built-in play set. Older kids sat in groups talking. She could see all the Haynes men talking together around the big barbecue pit, while their wives had pulled plastic chairs under a tree. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
What a great family, she thought. Growing up, she would have given anything to belong to a group like this. Being the only child of parents more interested in art than real life had given her plenty of time on her own to wish for friends and cousins and family.
She returned her attention to the men. Elizabethcame up and stood next to Travis. He smiled at his wife and put his arm around her. Even from across the lawn, Stephanie could see the love in his eyes. Rebecca was right-Haynes men did seem to make good husbands. There didn't seem to be one like Marty in the bunch.
She studied each of them in turn, finally settling her gaze on Nash. He stood a little off to one side. In that instant, he appeared so alone that her heart squeezed tight. She wanted to go to him, hold him close and And what? He was leaving, remember? For the first time, that information didn't make her happy.
She started to turn away from the window when she caught sight of Jason running toward Nash. Her eight-year-old flung out his arms and launched himself. Nash caught him easily. Man and boy laughed together. Stephanie felt her mouth curve up in response.
She pressed her fingers against the glass, as if she could touch them both. Longing filled her. A longing that was foolish and dangerous. Caring wasn't an option, she reminded herself. She and Nash had set down very clear rules and it was way too late to think about breaking them. It was also pointless. Even if she was crazy enough even to consider having a change of heart, Nash wasn't. Something she was going to have to remember.