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She didn’t want to return after several days with him, not only losing rights to her son, but in love with Jared—twice in her life.
And Jared might be the sexiest, most charming man she’d ever known.
She would have to keep up her guard. So far, she had failed miserably in all dealings with him.
By a quarter past eleven, she was airborne, flying over Jared’s ranch and headed south. To avoid conversation with him, she gazed out the window, looking at his ranch spread below. She turned back to find him watching her. Dressed in chinos, a charcoal knit shirt and loafers, he looked commanding, as if satisfied with all facets of his world. And why wouldn’t he, she thought. He’d won the first part of their fight.
“This is a hopeful start, Megan,” he said, leaning close to touch a wispy lock of hair that had come free from her tie.
“You’re an incredible optimist,” she said.
“If we work something out, then there’s no problem.”
“I know you already have something in mind,” she said stiffly.
He shrugged. “Not necessarily. Let’s let it go for today and get back on better footing with each other,” he suggested.
“If we can,” she said, looking out the window while fighting the urge to scream that she hadn’t planned on a better relationship with him, but she knew she had to now. Getting concessions from him on the custody front could be impossible otherwise.
“Of course, we can,” he said, taking her hand. “I’ve got three days with a beautiful woman, who I intend to get to know.”
“You know me well enough,” she said, gazing into his dark eyes that hid his intentions and thoughts.
“No, I don’t. I knew an eighteen-year-old. You’ve changed. You’re far more poised, more self-assured and much more unattainable.”
“I suppose that comes with growing up, although, when I met you, you had all the confidence imaginable.”
He gave her a crooked smile. “Does that mean arrogance? That’s what it sounds like.”
She had to smile in return. “Definitely. But I’d like to stay on your good side as much as possible on this trip, so I’m trying to be polite.”
“Don’t be polite with me. But staying on my good side—that’s fine. What are your plans for the future, Megan? Do you intend to always keep your gallery in Santa Fe, even if you divide your days between there and the ranch?”
“Yes. Santa Fe is home and perfect for us,” she said, aware her hand was still in his, as he ran his thumb back and forth over her wrist. His touches added fuel to the lust she battled.
“I love Santa Fe,” she continued, “and I never want to move from there. I always hoped Ethan would grow up and stay nearby, but that isn’t realistic, I know. Now that he’ll have time with you, heaven knows what he’ll do when he’s grown.”
“That’s far away,” Jared said. “Do you like to swim?”
“Actually, I love to. I guess because there was little chance to when I was growing up, and then there aren’t many opportunities in Santa Fe. I don’t have a suit, though. There’s no need to keep one at the ranch.”
“We’ll stop and I’ll get you one.”
“I’ll buy my suit,” she said, laughing.
He smiled. “That’s better,” he said, touching the corner of her mouth and running his finger lightly along her lower lip, building a warmth in her. “I promise to get a real laugh out of you before the night is over.”
“Stick to why we’re here, Jared,” she said quietly. “This is an interlude to work out a plan for our future concerning Ethan. It’s not to get reacquainted all over again. Not at all.”
“What’s wrong with renewing a friendship?” he asked.
“It was more than a friendship, and I don’t want a broken heart twice,” she said, hoping she never hurt again as badly as she had the year he left.
“I promise, I don’t intend to hurt you,” he said.
“Then keep these few days relatively impersonal. I’m working at this, Jared. Don’t make it complicated and more difficult,” she instructed briskly.
“I wouldn’t think of it,” he said, once again leaning back in his chair. “So, tell me about a typical day in your life. What do you and Ethan do?”
“Through the school year, Ethan is in a private school and I spend most of the day in my studio. I have someone who runs the gallery for me, except on Wednesdays and Fridays, when I run it myself. I have three salespeople who work in the gallery for me at different hours, not all at the same time, but there are always two of us present. It’s easier that way.”
“I haven’t been to Santa Fe in years. Not since you moved there. What’s the name of your gallery?” he asked, locking his fingers behind his head and stretching out his long legs. Looking totally relaxed, he reminded her of a leopard or tiger, some large cat lazing and half asleep, yet able to pounce in a flash. Except Jared would never physically pounce. His methods were emotional and mental. “Wait, let me guess,” he said. “Sorenson Gallery.”
“Am I that unimaginative?” she asked, smiling at him. He smiled in return. “I toyed with some less ordinary names, but when I opened it, it was all new and exciting, and I was trying to get established and make a name for myself, so it became Sorenson Gallery. That was about the same year you opened your first restaurant in Dallas—Dalton’s, I believe.”
“I used my name for the same reason you did,” he said quietly. “You kept up, did you?”
She shrugged. “My aunt and uncle knew people who knew your family, so word got around. In some ways we’re in a small world.”
“One that got far more interesting when you came back into my life,” he added.
“Jared, is it possible for you to avoid flirting?”
“Not with you,” he replied with an enticing smile. He leaned forward. “You look elegant, but there’s one flaw.”
“Oh, what’s that?” she asked, trying not to care, yet aware how close he was again.
“You would look much better,” he said and reached up to remove the clip holding her hair, “without this.” Her thick curtain of black hair tumbled on her shoulders and back. “There, that’s perfect,” he said.
She smiled and shook her head to get her hair away from her face. “You may like it better, but it’s not as convenient.”
“I definitely like it better. Sacrifice convenience to please me. I’ll appreciate it.”
“How’s the weather where we’re headed?”
“It’s beautiful. Perfect, too.”
“Enough of that!” she retorted, his compliment pleasing her.
She settled back and listened, chatting with him, laughing at some of his stories. The day passed surprisingly fast, and she realized she was enjoying his company, even though each minute with him brought back memories of being together. Too often, she dreaded when they got to the point of this trip.
“We must be getting close.” The deep blue of the Gulf caught her eye. “Are you in town?”
“No. I have a villa on the coast. We’ll have total privacy.”
“I don’t think we’ll require total privacy, but it’ll be nice.”
It was a long trip, but eventually they landed and deplaned, and Jared escorted her to a limo where his chauffeur and bodyguard stood waiting.
Within minutes, Jared and Megan were driven into town to a small, exclusive shop to look for a swimsuit. While Jared stood near the front window and talked on his cell phone, she was shown a variety of suits. Selecting a half dozen, she tried them on without showing them to Jared. She made her selection and dressed again, emerging from the dressing room.
“I didn’t get to see you model the suits,” Jared said with a twinkle in his eyes.
“You’ll see me soon enough when you swim with me.”
“I’m counting the minutes,” he said, and she smiled.
“Always flirting, Jared. If we aren’t fighting,” she amended.
“I hope to be done with the latter,” he said, and there was a solemn note in his voice that made her feel he was sincere in wanting to work something out in cooperation. She remembered he was a master at convincing people to do what he wanted, and wondered if his words were shallow or really held meaning.
For a moment she gazed into his brown eyes and had a pang of longing for what could have been between them. Shaking off the wishful thinking, she started to open her purse.
Stopping her, Jared took the suit from her hand. “I’ll get this,” he said in a tone that ended her argument.
As she watched, Jared purchased two more identical ones.
She laughed. “Jared, I’m not in a swim contest. I only need one suit.”
“You never know. Always be prepared. Why not?”
“Because it’s a waste of your money,” she said, wondering about his extravagant lifestyle, and how much Ethan’s life was about to change. And perhaps her own.
“Then let me worry about it,” he said, smiling at her. She stopped protesting.
They drove out of town and thick trees and bushes crowded the narrow highway until they turned into iron gates and Jared waved at a man who returned the greeting.
“How often are you here?” Megan asked.
“A few weeks out of the year. He’s a gatekeeper, and I let him know we were coming. The staff is here now.”
Curious about Jared’s life, she wondered if he was showing her this home to prove that he could do more for Ethan than she could. Yet it didn’t feel like a jab. His pride in his home shone through. They drove through more thick vegetation and then through another set of gates that swung open at the limo’s approach. A high plaster wall glowed pale yellow, with patterns of shade from tall trees close by. Past the gates, the surroundings transformed into a garden paradise. Palms, other tropical trees and plants dotted the emerald grass.
Beautifully landscaped lawns led to a sprawling white villa with the brilliant blue water of the ocean as a backdrop. Blue trumpet-shaped blossoms of tall jacaranda trees were bright in the sunlight.
“Jared, it’s fantastic!” she said, awed. She was certain now that he wanted to impress her with how much more he could do for Ethan than she.
“I enjoy it. I hope you do, too. How about a swim first thing?”
“That sounds wonderful.” She conceded. “A swim after the long flight is exactly what I need.” In the flash of pleasure she released her hold on their problems momentarily.
“Swim it is,” he said. “Unpack later, or I can have Lupita do it for you.”
“I’ll unpack myself, thank you,” she replied in amusement. “I really can’t wait.”
“I can’t wait, either,” he said in a husky voice that registered with her, and she glanced at him.
“You don’t swim often?” she said, as if deliberately missing his meaning.
“I want to see you in your suit.”
“Oh, stop!” She turned back to look at the house and its porch, with pots of lavender orchids. Yellow and scarlet bougainvillea ran up the walls and onto the roof. “Jared, this is magical.” Feeling a pang when she thought about Jared bringing Ethan to see it.
“I’m glad you think so.”
As soon as they parked, a uniformed man emerged from the house. Jared introduced her to Adan, who took their bags. Inside, she met Lupita, who smiled broadly and listened to brief instructions from Jared.
As Megan walked through the front door, her breath caught. The entry was wide and open with columns. Extended beyond the entrance was a large living area she could see through open, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and bamboo furniture.
Beyond the room, through the open doors, was a veranda that extended to a sparkling, aqua pool with a fountain and waterfall. The deck over continued to a glistening white beach and on to the ocean.
“Jared, this is incredible.”
“I told you, I think so, too,” he said, walking up to her. “Get your suit and I’ll meet you outside.”
She looked up to meet his gaze, and the air between them crackled from the attraction. Her nerves were raw, her desire hot. Drawing a deep breath, she stepped away. “Where’s my room?”
He escorted her along a hallway and his fingers rested lightly on her arm.
He led her into another room that opened onto the veranda and had a view of the ocean. He paused. “How’s this?”
She looked at the rattan furniture, with its yellow-and-white-chintz cushions, and at a ceiling fan turning lazily overhead. “This is beautiful, Jared. It looks like a house staged for a movie.”
“Nope, it’s ready for living. I’ll meet you at the pool.” He traced his knuckles along her cheek. “This is good, Meg. We don’t have to be at odds with each other. I know we can find common ground and be friends.”
“That’s what you want,” she reminded him, her pulse racing from his touch. With a twist of longing, she wished she could drop her guard, trust him again and be friends.
He flashed her a smile and left, stepping outside through the open doors.
She looked at a king-size bed with a white spread, and then she explored a spacious bathroom with a sunken tub, potted palms and a wall of mirrors. She returned to the bedroom to open her sacks of purchases she’d made in town.
After she changed, she studied herself in the mirror with a critical eye. She’d known she would swim with Jared and she didn’t want anything skimpy. Without encouragement of any kind from her, he came on strong. He’d spent the day flirting, yet no matter how casual his touches, each contact sizzled.
She had bought a navy one-piece that covered her as much as possible and still looked nice, because she wouldn’t be wearing it with Jared after this week. Also, she’d bought a navy cover-up and flip-flops. When she was dressed, she went out through the open doors, stepping onto the veranda and heading toward the pool.
Watching Jared swim to one end of the pool, she kicked off her flip-flops and shed her cover-up. He paused to shake water off his face and rake his hair back with his fingers. As always when damp, his hair curled and short locks sprang back, curling on his forehead. As soon as he saw her, he swam across the pool, causing a big splash of water when he lifted himself out on the side of the pool.
Water glistened on his shoulders and chest and body. The thick mat of black curls on his chest was covered with drops of water. At the sight of his lean, muscled body, even more fit than when she’d known him in his twenties, her temperature climbed. His swimsuit was a narrow strip of black that covered little. Too well she remembered exactly how he had looked aroused and nude. She realized how she was looking at him and glanced up to see his gaze roaming slowly over her. And she knew she’d made another colossal miscalculation by traveling here with him.
Six (#ulink_31d5418a-4bf9-52cf-99e0-fd3444715231)
As he walked to her, her heart pounded.
“Jared,” she whispered. There was some dim protest echoing in her thoughts, but she paid no heed.
He walked up to take her into his arms and draw her to him. The scanty clothing they wore was nothing. She was pressed against his muscled body, his warm, wet chest, his strong thighs. Every inch she touched was hard and firm. When his gaze lowered to her mouth, her lips parted.
“Jared,” she repeated softly.
