Nicole tried to keep up with her galloping heart. “How would that solve anything?”
Rafe shrugged. “Even with all your father’s money and influence, he wouldn’t stand a chance against you and me together,” he said, a tinge of bitterness sharpening his voice.
She met his gaze. “But how can I be sure?” she asked. “How can I be sure that you will be good to Joel?”
“How have you seen me act so far? What’s the evidence? If being devoted to my son were a crime, would I be convicted?” he asked.
His fervent response stabbed at her heart. He was right. Rafe may not have stepped into fatherhood shoes perfectly, but he’d done it with passion and gentleness. She couldn’t deny that truth. “Okay,” she said and knew she was about to take a huge leap. “How do we do this? When?”
“As soon as possible,” he said. “I’ll make the arrangements.”
On Monday morning, Rafe took Nicole to the county courthouse to obtain the marriage license. In exchange for the presentation of their photo IDs and eighty-six dollars and fifty cents, they were given a sixteen-page booklet, which pretty much provided a bounty of reasons why a man or woman would run screaming from the institution of marriage.
Rafe barely resisted the urge to snag the document from Nicole.
“This could be a huge mistake,” she said, flipping through the pages.
‘It’s full of worst-case scenarios,” he said, reaching over to cup her knee in reassurance. “You and I are intelligent adults. We share the same goal.”
“Division of assets,” she said. “Spousal abuse. I think I’m going to be sick.”
“I will never abuse you or Joel.” He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “I can’t promise what I’ll do if your father even hints of threatening you or Joel, but I’ll keep you safe. I swear it.”
She took a deep breath. “Part of me believes you, but your size is intimidating.”
“Would you rather I be weak? Don’t tell me you find an out-of-shape guy more attractive?”
He caught her shooting him a sideways glance and a reluctant smile. “I didn’t say that. I just-” She broke off. “Your strength is both comforting and intimidating.”
“And a turn-on,” he said.
She sucked in a quick breath. “I didn’t say that.”
“But it is.”
“That could sound cocky,” she told him.
“But it doesn’t,” he said.
“Because it’s true.” She paused. “We haven’t discussed how this marriage is going to work. Do you expect monogamy?”
“Yes,” he said before she finished.
He felt her gaze on his face. “Better be careful not to promise to do something you can’t,” she said.
Surprised at her comment, he pulled into a parking lot. “What are you saying? That I expect more from you than I’m willing to give of myself.”
She chewed on her lip, but continued to meet his gaze. “I grew up with a man who was wealthy and powerful. He felt that the reciprocal rules of monogamy didn’t apply to him. I also know that many women consider wealth and power an aphrodisiac. There’s a lot of temptation out there.”
He nodded, unable to keep his cynicism in check. “Are we talking about your father or about me?”
Her eyes flashed with a half dozen emotions. “There was a time when you wanted Tabitha. I’m not-and never will be her.”
Rafe lowered his head and took her mouth in a brief, but firm kiss. “Good.”
Over the next twenty-four hours, Nicole doubted herself and Rafe every other moment. Had she lost her mind?
When she calmed down enough to think it through, however, she believed in her heart that Rafe only wanted to do what was best for Joel. She could tell that he loved his son and was devoted to him.
Rafe’s relationship with her, however, was a different story. He might want her, but he wasn’t crazy for her. The reality hurt. It shouldn’t, but it did. She wanted him to love her like no other. Why? Because, despite her best efforts, she had fallen for him.
Heaven help her if he never gave his heart to her. She would spend an eternity wanting more than he could give. She could only hope that somewhere along the way, he would also fall for her.
The next day, she dressed for her so-called marriage. On a whim, she’d gone shopping while Joel had been in preschool. She’d found a cream-silk-colored, empire-waist tank dress that flirted with the tops of her knees. She’d purchased a cream, lace purse and wore the pearls her mother had given her when she’d turned eighteen.
When Nicole looked in the mirror, she almost didn’t recognize herself. She looked like a confident, modern bride. Only she knew how full of doubt she truly was.
Gathering her composure, she walked down the stairs and met Rafe at the bottom landing. He wore a black suit and red tie. His white shirt contrasted with his tanned skin, dark hair and eyes.
He extended his hand. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she said, then smiled. “So do you.”
He lifted his hand, skimming it through her hair. “You really are beautiful.”
“Are you sure you don’t wish I were blonde?” she asked, thinking of Tabitha.
“Absolutely sure,” he said and lifted her hand to his mouth. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
Nicole slid into the limo and for the first time in her life wanted a double martini before noon. Was this the right thing to do? Ultimately for Joel, she believed it was. But for her?
Rafe had offered her a generous prenuptial agreement with the understanding that they would make every possible effort to remain together. The agreement also included the provision that she would retain dual custody of Joel if they should separate. Deep inside, she knew that such a situation would kill Rafe. He was determined to create a safe and happy environment for Joel.
Again, she wondered what was her future? What if Rafe never felt anything more for her than a convenient sort of passion? Her stomach knotted at the thought.
Before she knew it, the chauffeur parked the limo and she and Rafe entered the court building. In front of a magistrate, she promised and he promised. In the sterile surroundings, he lowered his mouth to hers in a kiss that stood for an oath of a lifetime.
Nicole stared into his dark eyes, praying she hadn’t made a mistake. He took her hand and didn’t let go, even as he led her outside. “Where do you want to eat?”
She swallowed over the lump in her throat. “I haven’t even thought about it.”
He met her gaze. “Think about it now. What fast food do you want to eat to celebrate our marriage?”
Her heart skipped a beat and she took a deep breath. “Some sort of terrible cheeseburger with extra mustard and pickles. Greasy French fries. Something chocolate.”
He nodded. “I’ve got just what you want.”
He had no idea, she thought, how much she wanted him.
A half hour later, they ate greasy cheeseburgers, fries, ice cream and champagne in the back of the limo.
“This has got to be one of the worst possible gastronomic combinations,” she said, taking a drink of champagne and following with a spoonful of ice cream.
He clinked his glass against hers. “Tastes good going down,” he said and swallowed a glass of bubbly in two gulps.
Nicole’s head was spinning. “But will we pay in the morning?”
“Maybe,” he said. “I say if we’re going to get a hangover, then let’s make it worth the pain.”
He lowered his mouth to hers and her head spun even more. His kiss heated her from the inside out.
“You’re so cool then you’re hot,” he muttered against her mouth. “I spend too much time wanting to make you as hot as I feel.”
He slipped one of his hands over her breast, the other beneath the hem of her silk dress. She gasped at the heat that rolled through her like lava from a volcano.
“Rafe,” she whispered.
“You’re my wife,” he said, rubbing his mouth against her cheek then lower against her throat. “We’re married. We may as well make the most of it.”
He was now her husband, her man. The knowledge unleashed something primitive inside her. Arching against him, she didn’t fight when he slid her dress up over her hips and pushed her panties down her legs. The world seemed to spin around her. She thrust her fingers through his hair, steeping herself in his strength and passion.
His kisses sent her into another galaxy where only he existed. His erection thrust inside her intimately, taking her. Shocking herself with need, she craved being taken. The rhythm took her up and over to heights she’d never experienced.
“Rafe,” she whispered, clinging to him.
“Nicole,” he muttered, flying into his own climax. “You’re mine. All mine.”
A half hour later, they pulled into the drive of his house. Rafe’s eyes were lowered to a sexy half-mast.
“We will have a honeymoon,” he said. “Just later.” He took her mouth in a sensual kiss. “Damn, I’d like it to be now.”
“We don’t want to leave Joel yet,” she said.
“I agree,” he said, sliding his hands through her hair and taking her mouth again. “Just keep reminding me.”
She could almost believe that he wanted her, not just because she was Joel’s mother. “There’s so much I don’t know about you.”
“You’ll learn,” he said. “And so will I.” He sighed. “The mother’s helper took Joel to preschool, right?”
She nodded.
“I hate it, but I need to do a little business,” Rafe said. “We can meet again after dinner.”
“Okay,” she said. “In the den?”
“No,” he said, his gaze dark with sexy possessiveness. “You’re my wife. You’ll sleep in my suite now.”
That afternoon she rode with the chauffeur to pick up Joel after preschool. Rafe, Nicole and Joel shared a barbecue prepared by the chef for dinner. Steak for Rafe and Nicole, hamburger for Joel. Tired from his active day, Joel took an early bedtime.
Rafe took advantage and led Nicole to his big bed. “I’ve wanted you since I met you,” he whispered, removing her clothes from her body.
He made her feel sexy and sensual, forbidden and powerful. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make you and Joel happy,” he said, sliding his mouth down over her throat and breasts and lower down her abdomen.
Nicole’s breath caught in her throat. She’d never felt so sensual and sexy in her life, but she couldn’t help wondering if she was a means to an end. She tried to push the doubt aside.
She felt him lower his mouth to take her femininity and her mind scrambled. “Rafe.”
“Let me have you,” he urged. “In every way.”
His mouth took her to a level she’d never been, sending her into spasms of pleasure. Rising upward, he plunged inside her again and she felt herself tighten around him. His gasp of pleasure took her over the top again.
“More,” he muttered, climaxing inside her. “Can’t get enough of you.”
She embraced him intimately and slid her fingers through his hair. She understood. She couldn’t get close enough. Sliding her legs around his waist, she embraced him. She wanted more of him. She wanted everything. But would he give himself to her the same way she gave herself to him?
Rafe had never felt better in his life. He awakened the next morning with Nicole naked in his arms. His first instinct was to roll over and slide inside her, but he restrained himself.
Best to give his new bride a chance to adjust, although she’d done a damn good job of taking him to Neverland last night.
He luxuriated in the sensation of her naked skin against his. Her breasts meshed with his chest, her thighs twined through his. Her cheek nuzzled against his throat.
He could take her again at this second. The only thing that kept him was that she was his bride. Since Tabitha, he’d never believed he would get married, but Nicole had changed his mind.
She thought he only wanted her because of Joel, but that was wrong. He wanted her in every sense of the word. He wanted her because she made him feel things he’d never thought he could feel. She reminded him of things about himself he’d forgotten. She made him feel cherished and needed. She made him feel as if he wanted to step up and meet her needs, Joel’s needs.
“Good morning,” she said. Her eyes fluttered open and she dipped her head, sighing against his bare skin. The sensation was soft and sensual.
“Good morning,” he murmured. He trailed his fingers down the sides of her breasts, groaning as she rubbed against him.
She lifted her hands to his shoulders, tracing the contours of his muscles all the way down his arms to his hands. Then she stroked his chest and lower with a feminine curiosity that made him hard.
“I thought I would give you a break,” he said, groaning again as her hand barely skimmed his erection.
“Why would you do that?” she asked.
Unable to resist the sexual challenge in her gaze, he rolled on to his back and pulled her on top of him.
Her eyes widened in surprise, but two heartbeats later, she rose and slowly lowered herself on to him, encasing him in her moist femininity.
He’d known there was a fire underneath her cool composure, but he hadn’t suspected the siren who would take his breath away as she began to ride him. Her breasts rubbed against his chest and she lowered her mouth to his. He suckled her tongue into his mouth and quickly felt himself pushed to the edge, but he held back until her body clenched and shuddered in release.
“Can’t get enough of you, Nicole,” he said, and finally allowed himself to climax.
The following morning, Nicole awakened, dimly recalling Rafe’s kiss before he left her. It almost seemed like a dream, but her lips were swollen and her body ached in secret, sensitive places.
“Mommy, wake up,” Joel said, bouncing up and down on Rafe’s bed.
“Look at you,” she said, smiling at his enthusiasm. “What is happening at preschool today?”
“Turtles,” he said, looking at her as if she should have remembered. “We get to pet turtles. Can I bring one home?”
“Not today,” she said, ruffling his curly hair. “But I want you to give me a report on turtles.”
“Are we gonna get one?” Joel asked, bouncing up and down.
She tapped his little nose with her finger. “We’ll see. We need to do some research. Now scoot so I can take a quick shower.”
An hour later, she took Joel to school, then returned home. Just as she was entering the house, she overheard the chauffeur, Dan, talking to Carol.
“I’ll have to cancel the repair for the limo. Mr. Medici called and he needs me to bring an envelope from his home office.”
“I can do it,” she offered. Rafe had extended an open invitation for her to visit him when he was working on the yacht. She knew he would be busy, but she would be satisfied just to see him for a few moments. The last couple of days had felt like a dream. Even though she wore the diamond band he’d placed on her finger, their marriage still felt surreal.
“That’s very nice of you Miss-” The chauffeur broke off and smiled. “Mrs. Medici, but not necessary.”
Hearing the man refer to her as Mrs. Medici took her off guard. “It’s okay,” she said. “It’s really no trouble. I didn’t have anything else planned.”
“If you’re sure,” he said. “Mr. Medici said the envelope was on his home-office desk marked NA.”
“I’ll take care of it,” she said and grabbed the manila envelope. Stopping in her bedroom-her old bedroom, she mentally corrected herself-she ran a brush through her hair and put on some lip gloss. She gave a quick glance in the mirror and surprised herself with her image. Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks were flushed with excitement and her lips curved in a smile.
Because of Rafe? she wondered. She decided, for once, not to second guess herself. She was happy. Joel was happy and she wanted to help make Rafe happy.
She hopped into the town car and followed the instructions from the GPS to Rafe’s yacht. Valet took care of parking and she walked toward the yacht with the envelope in her hand. The sun shone brightly, matching her mood.
A staff member greeted her, invited her onboard and pointed her in the direction of Rafe’s office. Descending the stairs, she heard voices as she drew closer. The door to the office stood ajar.
She pushed it open and found Rafe in Maddie’s arms.
“We were always meant to be together,” Maddie said, sliding her fingers through his hair and pressing herself against him. “This marriage won’t change a thing. You’ll never be able to trust her like you can trust me.”
Stunned, she dropped the envelope and Rafe immediately looked up at her. “Nicole,” he said. “It’s not-”
“No,” she said, shaking her head and stumbling backward. Her heart felt as if it shattered into a million pieces. The pain was staggering. “I-I-” Her throat closed around a huge knot of emotion, forcing out a squeak of distress.
Terrified that she would burst into tears, she turned and fled. Blindly climbing stairs, she ran toward the light, wondering when she would breathe again. She brushed past the staff, all the while hearing Rafe call after her.
“Nicole, wait! Nicole.”
Hearing him gain on her, she ran faster. She felt like such a fool. There for two nights, she’d believed it was possible that she and Rafe could make their marriage work. Now, she knew better. He was wealthy and successful, so the usual rules didn’t apply to him. He was entitled to whatever and whomever he wanted just like her father.
She felt his hand on her arm and she tried to pull away, but he caught her shoulders in a gentle, but firm grasp and turned her to face him. His gaze bore into hers. “You were right about Maddie. I told her you and I got married and she went berserk. She said it was a mistake and that we belonged together. You saw.”
“But she said our marriage wouldn’t change anything between the two of you,” she said, afraid to believe him.
“She was wrong and I’m going to have to dismiss her. She’s never crossed that line with me until today.”
“You’re going to fire her?” she said, not sure whether she should be relieved or feel pity for the woman.
“I don’t have a choice,” he said. “You and I are just getting started and you and Joel are most important.”
She bit her lip, wondering why she believed him. Was it the rock-solid honesty she saw in his eyes? Or was it wishful thinking?
He rubbed his hands over her upper arms. “I don’t want you going anywhere right now. I’ll take you home,” he said.
“Are you sure?” she asked. “Don’t you already have your Corvette here?”
“I’ll send the chauffeur for it.” He raked one of his hands through his hair. “Just give me five minutes. I need to officially dismiss Maddie and have her escorted off the yacht.”
“Escorted off?” she repeated, wincing at the implications.
He nodded. “I’ll send her a letter of recommendation via email, but she needs to leave immediately. I’ll meet you at the valet in five minutes or less.” He lowered his head and pressed his mouth to hers, his kiss providing a reminder of promises they’d made so recently.
She walked along the dock toward the valet, feeling a stab of sympathy for Maddie. Rafe was irresistible. Heaven knew, she had tried not to fall for him, but his combination of strength and drive, not just for business, but for Joel, had made something inside her shift. Maybe everything inside her had shifted, she thought as she turned and saw Rafe striding toward her. Her heart stuttered.
“Is she okay?” she asked as he stepped beside her and guided her the rest of the way to the valet.
He asked for the car and turned to her, shaking his head and lifting a strand of her hair. “You’re incredibly beautiful on the outside, Nicole, and your heart is just as beautiful.”
She felt a crazy thrill at his words. “What do you mean?”
“I mean you just walked in on a woman trying to steal your husband of two days and you’re concerned about her welfare. That’s pretty damn exceptional to me.”
“I feel sorry for her. I try to imagine working for you all these years and hiding my true feelings. You’re very difficult for women.”
He tilted his head and wrinkled his brow. “Difficult?” he echoed, helping her into the passenger side of the Lincoln. He climbed into the driver’s side and closed his door. “Difficult?”
“Well, yes,” she said as he shifted the car into gear and accelerated. “You’re good-looking, successful, charming and considerate. How is a woman to resist?”
He pulled the car to a stop. “Are you telling me you can’t resist me?”
She opened her mouth then closed it. “You don’t need me to feed your ego.”
“Yes, I do. I’m starving,” he said, flirting outrageously.
She glanced out the window to hide her smile. “I somehow think you’ll survive.”