A Bargain with the Boss (14 page)

“Maybe. Probably. I think I pretty much already have. You want a new title?”

“You're not listening.”

He kissed her again. “You're very distracting.”

She pressed against him, her body molding to his. “We have to get this straight.”

“Keep the boardroom out of the bedroom.” He wrapped his arms around her, sighing in complete contentment. Up against him, wrapped around him, that was where she belonged. That was where he wanted her to stay.

“Right.” She sounded surprised.

“Then, shut up, Amber. We're a long way from the boardroom.”

He kissed her and passion roared to life within him.

She kissed him back, coming up on her toes, her arms winding around his neck. He tipped his head to deepen the kiss, pressing the small of her back, arching her body, inserting his thigh between her bare legs.

She groaned his name. Then she went for his belt, his button, his fly, her small hand all but searing him with need.

“Amber, don't.” He could feel his control slip away.

“I can't wait,” she rasped. “I've waited, and I'm done waiting.”

She didn't have to wait.

He reached beneath her dress and stripped off her panties. Then he dropped into a chair, sitting her straight and square in his lap. She loosened his slacks and eased herself down. She was hot and tight, and each inch was a straight shot to paradise.

He bracketed her hips and pushed himself home.

She braced her hands on his shoulders. Her head tipped back. “Oh, yes,” she whispered.

“You're amazing,” he told her. “Fantastic. Spectacular.”

Her nails dug in and her thighs tightened around him. He lost track of time as their pace increased. His world contracted and then disappeared. There was nothing but Amber. He didn't end and she didn't begin. They were fused to one and he needed to hold on to that forever.

She cried out his name and the sound pierced straight through him. Her body contracted and pulsed, and he followed her over the edge in a cascade of heat and sensation. He dropped back on the chair, cradled her face with his hands, pulled her down for a kiss, tasting her, breathing her, feeling life pulse through her, willing the euphoria to last forever.

Then he cradled her close, thinking how perfectly she fit against him.

“Stay,” he murmured in her ear. “I want you in my bed. I want you in my arms. The night in Arizona was sheer torture after you left me.”

Her chest rose and fell against his, the sound of her deep breaths echoing through the silent room.

“Okay,” she finally said.

He drew back. “Okay?”

She nodded.

“Okay,” he said, his body relaxing with relief. “Okay.”

* * *

Amber's ringtone woke her from a sound sleep. She was instantly aware of Tuck's naked body wrapped around her, the faint sandalwood scent of his sheets and the sound of a fan whirring above the big bed. The phone rang again.

She pushed up on her elbow and groped for the bedside table. Tuck groaned and moved beside her. A moment later, the room was flooded with light. Her phone rang a third time as she blinked to adjust her eyes.

“Did you find it?” he asked.

“Yes. It's here.” She fumbled with her cell as she answered, clumsy with sleep. “Hello?”

“Amber Bowen?” The woman's voice was crisp.

“Yes. It's me.”

“This is Brandy Perkins calling. I'm a nurse at Memorial Hospital.”

Amber sat straight up. “Hi, Yes.” She had met Brandy a number of times. “Is something wrong?”

“Can you come into Maternity right away?”

“Yes, of course.” Amber swung her legs to the side of the bed. “Is Jade all right?”

Tuck sat up beside her.

“Her blood pressure has taken an unexpected spike.”

Tuck's hand cradled her bare shoulder, his voice deep and soft. “Something wrong?”

“The baby has gone into distress, and we're performing an emergency C-section.”

“I'm on my way.” Amber rose from the bed as she ended the call.

Tuck's voice was sharper, more alert. “What's wrong?”

“I need to get to the hospital. It's Jade.” Amber tracked down her panties, stepping into them and locating her bra.

He rocked to his feet. “I'll drive you.”

“No. That's okay. I've got my car.”

“You're upset. You shouldn't drive yourself.” He was dressing as he spoke.

“I don't know how long I'll be.”

“So what?”

“So I want to take my car.”

Her dress on, she headed for the bedroom door. Her shoes were still down in the library. She was pretty sure she remembered the way back.

Tuck followed. “What happened?”

“It's her blood pressure. The baby's in distress and they have to do an emergency Caesarean. I knew there was a chance, but things were looking so good. I didn't expect...”

She knew Jade's condition could be life threatening, for both Jade and the baby. But she hadn't wanted to face that possibility. She'd been too optimistic, too cavalier about the potential danger.

She should have paid more attention to how Jade was feeling. Maybe if she'd spent more time at the hospital instead of throwing a party and sleeping with Tuck. What if she'd left her phone in her purse downstairs and didn't hear it ring? What if the battery had died overnight?

“Jade's already at the hospital?” Tuck asked as they took the stairs.

“She's been there for two weeks.”

“Why didn't you say something?”

“Say what?”

Amber's personal life was another thing she was keeping separate. Tuck had barely even met Jade.

“Tell me something that big was going on in your life.”

“Why?” She entered the library.

Luckily, the lights were still on, and she quickly located her shoes.

“Oh, I don't know,” said Tuck. “Because we see each other every day.”

“Only because we work together.”

She marched toward the living room. Her car keys were in her purse. She was maybe thirty minutes from the hospital, twenty-five if traffic was light, which it ought to be at 3:00 a.m.

“Right,” said Tuck, a strange tone in his voice. “We work together. That's all.”

She paused to take in his expression. “I have to go to my sister right now.”

“I'll drive you.”

“No, you won't. Good night, Tuck.”

“It's morning.”

She didn't even know how to respond to that. She left through the front door, taking the long driveway past the brick entry pillars and onto the street.

Traffic was blessedly light and she was able to find a good parking spot at the hospital. She rushed through the lobby, going directly to Jade's room. She knew her sister wouldn't be there, but she hoped the nurses could give her some information.

Brandy was at the nurse's station.

“How is she?” Amber asked, realizing she was winded.

“Still in surgery,” said Brandy.

Amber didn't like the look on the woman's face. All the way here, she'd been telling herself it was going to be fine. Jade was going to be fine. The baby was going to be fine.

Amber swallowed. “How bad?”

Brandy came around the end of the counter. “She had a seizure.”

Amber felt her knees go weak.

Brandy took her arm. “Let's sit down.”

“Is she...” Amber couldn't bring herself to ask the question. “What about the baby?”

“They're doing everything they can.” Brandy led her toward a sitting area in a small alcove.

“I don't like the sound of that.” It was not at all reassuring.

Brandy sat next to her on a narrow vinyl sofa. “The baby is very close to term.”

“So she has a fighting chance.”

“Very much so,” said Brandy.

“And all I can do is wait.”

“I know it's hard.”

Amber nodded. She was sitting here wondering if her sister and her niece were going to live or die.

“Can I get you something?” asked Brandy. “There's coffee in the corner or water?”

“I'm fine.”

“Would you like to freshen up?”

Amber glanced down at her dress and realized how she must look. She hadn't removed her makeup before tumbling into bed with Tuck. It was probably smeared under her eyes. Her hair had to be a fright.

“That bad?” she asked the nurse.

Brandy gave her a smile. “You'll be able to see Jade once she wakes up, not to mention hold the baby. You don't want to scare them.”

“Yes,” said Amber. “Let's think positively.”

A woman in scrubs came through a set of double doors.

Brandy took Amber's hand and Amber's heart sank through the floor.

They rose together.

“Dr. Foster, this is Jade's sister, Amber,” said Brandy.

“Jade is weak,” the doctor said without preamble. “We had to restart her heart.”

Amber's legs nearly gave way.

“She's in recovery,” said Dr. Foster. “Her vital signs have stabilized and her blood pressure is under control.”

“She'll be all right?” Amber felt the need to confirm.

“We expect her to make a full recovery.”

“And the baby?”

The doctor smiled. “The baby is healthy. A girl.”

“I have a niece?”

“She's in the nursery. You can see her if you want.”

Amber gave a rapid nod, her eyes tearing up. Worry rose up from her shoulders and she felt instantly light.

Eleven

A
s soon as Amber had left the mansion, Tuck realized he'd been a total jerk. Her sister was having emergency surgery. What did it matter if he and Amber's relationship was up in the air? They could talk about it tomorrow, or the day after that, or the day after that.

She'd made love with him. Then she'd spent the night with him. He'd reveled in holding her naked in his arms, joking and laughing with her. He'd looked forward to breakfast together, mentally filing away another image of her in his family home.

Instead, he'd showered and changed, stopped to pick her up some coffee and a bagel and made his way to the hospital. She had to be exhausted, and distressed, and he was determined to make up for his behavior. She needed his support right now. She didn't need him arguing with her.

It took some time to locate the maternity wing. But once there, he was told visiting hours didn't start until seven and he had to wait in the lobby. He gave in and drank both cups of lukewarm coffee, finally getting on the elevator with the blueberry bagels for Amber.

As he approached the room, he could hear her voice. It was melodic and soothing.

“She's incredible,” she was saying.

“Isn't she?” Jade responded, her voice sounding slightly weak.

Tuck paused to brace his hand on the wall, relief rushing through him. He hadn't realized he'd been that worried.

“Thank you,” said Jade. “For being here. For helping us.”

“Don't be silly,” Amber responded. “Of course I'm here, and of course I'm helping.”

“You always do.”

“She has your eyes,” said Amber.

“I thought of a name.”

“You did?”

“After you. I'm going to name her Amber.”

For some reason, Tuck's chest went tight.

“I don't know,” said Amber.

“We owe you so much.”

“I'm her aunt. It's my job, and she doesn't owe me a thing. Look at that face, those blue eyes, that tiny nose.”

There was a silent pause.

“I think,” Amber continued, “that she's her very own little person. She deserves her very own name.”

“You think?” asked Jade.

“I'm sure. Thank you. Really, it's a wonderful thought.”

There was a pause and Tuck took a step forward.

“What about Crystal?” asked Jade.

“Another rock?” There was a trace of laughter in Amber's voice.

“You're solid as a rock,” said Jade.

“So are you,” said Amber.

“And she will be, too.”

“Crystal. I love it. It's perfect.”

Tuck knew he should either walk away or announce himself, but something kept him still and silent.

“Do you think the three of us can become a family?” asked Jade, a catch in her voice. “The way we never were.”

“Yes,” Amber said softly. “You, me and Crystal. We can do that.”

“No creepy boyfriends.”

Tuck found he didn't like the sound of that. He wasn't creepy. Then again, he wasn't a boyfriend.

“No unreliable men,” Amber stated firmly.

Did she think of him as unreliable? She probably did. She probably thought Dixon was more reliable, which wasn't fair, given the current circumstances.

He gave himself a mental head slap. If he didn't want to keep hearing things he didn't like, he needed to stop eavesdropping.

“She's never going to be frightened,” said Jade, as Tuck moved for the door. “Or hungry, or lonely.”

“We'll keep her safe.”

“I'll get a job,” said Jade.

“Not today, you won't.”

He knocked softly on the open door. “Hello.”

Amber looked up. She was sitting in a chair at the bedside covered in a pale green hospital gown, a pink bundle in her arms. He couldn't see the baby's face, but she had a head of dark hair—a brunette like her aunt.

Jade was propped up in the bed, looking exhausted, her face pale, her hair flattened against her head.

“Tuck.” Amber was obviously surprised to see him.

“I wanted to make sure everything was okay.” He glanced at the paper bag in his hands, realizing he should have brought flowers or maybe a teddy bear.

“Hi, Tuck,” said Jade. She seemed less surprised and gave him a tired smile.

“Congratulations, Jade.” He moved to get a better view of the baby. “She's beautiful.”

“Isn't she?” asked Jade.

“Are you okay?” he asked, giving in to an urge to squeeze her hand.

“Sore. But I'm going to be fine.”

“I'm very glad to hear that.”

His attention went back to Amber and the baby. She looked good with a baby in her arms, natural, radiant.

“How did you know I was here?” asked Jade.

Amber's eyes widened.

Tuck paused to see how she'd answer.

She didn't.

“Were you with him last night?” asked Jade.

She was very quick on the uptake for someone who'd just had surgery.

“It was a corporate party,” said Tuck.

“We spent the night together,” said Amber.

Her answer thrilled him. Yes, they'd spent the night together. And he didn't care who knew it.

“Sorry to interrupt,” said Jade, glancing between them.

Tuck grinned with amazement. “You had to have one of the best excuses ever.”

Jade chuckled and then groaned with obvious pain.

“I'm sorry,” he quickly told her.

“Don't apologize for being funny.”

“I didn't mean for it to hurt.”

Crystal let out a little cry.

“It does,” said Jade. “I hate to whine, but it hurts a lot.”

“Do you need me to get the nurse?” he asked.

Crystal wiggled in Amber's arms, emitting a few more subdued cries.

“Maybe you should,” said Jade, holding out her arms to take Crystal. “I want to try to feed her again. You should go home,” she said to Amber.

“No way.”

“Get some rest. Take a shower.”

“I don't need to rest.”

“Yes, you do.”

Amber hesitated.

“I can drop you,” said Tuck.

“I have my car.” She stood to hand the baby to Jade. “Okay, but I'm coming back.”

“I would hope so.”

Tuck started for the corridor to find a nurse.

Amber's voice followed him. “Goodbye, sweetheart.”

He knew she was talking to the baby, but he loved the word anyway.

He located a nurse and then met Amber in the hallway.

“You look exhausted.”

“I am
so
relieved.” She pulled off the gown, revealing last night's dress. “Her heart actually stopped.”

Tuck automatically reached for Amber, pulling her to him. “How can I help?”

“I'm fine. I was terrified, but I'm fine now.”

“Let me take you home.”

“There's no need.”

“It'll make me feel better. I need to do something useful.”

“You're very useful. You signed up four new accounts last night.”

“I mean useful to you.”

“You're keeping the company afloat, keeping me in a job, helping me pay my bills.”

Tuck drew back, a bolt of comprehension lighting up his brain. “Twenty-eight thousand, two hundred and sixty-three dollars.”

“Huh?”

“Jade was already in the hospital when you came back. That was the amount on her bill. You asked for a signing bonus. You agreed to help me. You did it all because of her.”

He could tell by Amber's expression that he'd hit the nail on the head. Then he wondered what else she'd done because of her sister.

He backed off. “Is that why you're helping me with the company?”

“In part, yes. I need a job right now, Tuck. More than I've ever needed a job in my life.”

He loosened his hold on her and drew back. “And the rest?”

Her expression narrowed. “The rest is the rest.” She didn't elaborate and he didn't jump in. “I hope you're not asking if I slept with you to protect my job and support my sister.”

He was. No, he wasn't. He wasn't, but he couldn't help but worry that her behavior with him was laced with complexities.

“Don't worry about it,” she said.

“Don't worry about
what
?”

“I'm going home to change.” She glanced down at her dress. “I look ridiculous. I'll see you at the office tomorrow.”

She tossed the hospital gown in a nearby bin and turned for the elevators.

He wanted to call her back. He needed to understand where she was coming from, what she was feeling for him, what last night had meant to her. But he couldn't let himself be selfish again. She'd had a rough night. Jade needed her. And Tuck was simply going to have to wait to find out where he stood among everything else in Amber's life.

* * *

They might have spent the night together...well, half the night together. But everything Amber knew about Tuck remained true. No matter how tempting it was to let him drive her home and comfort her, she couldn't let herself pretend they were in a relationship. He was her boss, not her boyfriend. At best, they were having a fling. At worst, she was a two-night stand.

She had Jade and she had her new niece, Crystal. They were her family, her personal life, her emotional support. It wasn't Tuck.

In the office Monday morning, she steeled herself to see him. She dropped her purse into her desk drawer and plunked down on her chair. She told herself they'd worked the party together like a practiced team, picking up on each other's cues, making clients laugh and agree and, most important, closing the deal.

That had to be enough. It was
going
to be enough. She scrunched her eyes shut and gritted her teeth. She wasn't going to allow herself to want more.

“Good morning, Amber.” Dixon's voice nearly startled her out of her chair.

“Dixon?” she squeaked, her eyes popping open.

He looked tanned and toned and totally relaxed.

“I'm back,” he said simply.

“Where? How?”

Dixon wasn't the hugging type, so she didn't jump up to embrace him.

His smile faded. “I heard about my dad. I flew straight to Boston yesterday and then I came here.”

“Welcome back.” She was happy to see him.

She told herself it was an enormous relief to have him here. Things could get back to normal now. She could stop juggling so many problems and Tuck—

She swallowed. Tuck could get back to normal, too.

“He in there?” Dixon cocked his head to Tuck's closed office door.

“I think so.”

“Great.” Dixon's intelligent gaze took in the clutter on her desk. “Looks as if you're busy.”

“It's been busy,” she agreed.

“But you'll move back to my office?”

“Of course I will. Right away.”

“Good.”

“How was your trip?”

“Enlightening.”

“You feel better? You look better.”

“I feel better than ever. I can't wait to get back to it.”

“Great. That's great.”

Tucker Transportation would be in experienced hands once again.

Just then, Tuck's office door opened. He appeared in the doorway and instantly spotted Dixon.

From behind her desk, Amber could feel Tuck's shock. His expression seemed to register disappointment. But then it quickly went to neutral.

“Dixon.” Tuck's tone was neutral, too.

“Tuck,” Dixon answered evenly.

“You're back.”

“You're about the twenty-fifth person to say that.”

Tuck glanced at Amber.

“I said it, too,” she said into what felt like an awkward silence.

“You know about Dad?” Tuck asked.

Neither man moved toward the other, and she was struck by the wariness of their attitudes. Dixon had to be wondering if Tuck was angry. She couldn't tell what Tuck was thinking.

“I saw him yesterday,” said Dixon.

“But you didn't call? Didn't think to give me a heads-up?”

It was Dixon's turn to glance at Amber and then at Tuck. “Should we step inside your office?”

Tuck crossed his arms over his chest. “I don't know why. You seem to like to keep Amber more informed than you keep your own brother.”

Dixon seemed taken aback.

“She didn't give you away,” said Tuck, finally taking a step forward.

Amber found herself glancing anxiously down the hall, worried that other staff might overhear their argument.

“I fired her,” said Tuck. “And she still wouldn't tell me your secrets.”

Now Dixon looked confused.

“Where you were,” Tuck elaborated. “Where'd you go?”

“
Why
would you fire Amber?”

“Insubordination.”

“No way.”

“To me, not you.”

Amber couldn't stand it any longer. “Tuck, please.”

Tuck gave a cold smile. “The loyalty's returned just like that.” He snapped his fingers. “I guess it never really went away.”

“Amber's as loyal as they come,” said Dixon.

She moved from behind her desk. “I'm going to let you two talk.” She nodded at Dixon. “Maybe an office or the boardroom?”

“Good suggestion.”

“She's full of them,” said Tuck.

“Has he been treating you like a jerk?” Dixon's question was for Amber, but he stared at Tuck as he asked it.

Amber met Tuck's gaze. “Not at all.”

Tuck stared back. “Except when I fired her.”

Dixon seemed to pick up on the tension between them. “How'd you get her back?”

“Money,” said Tuck.

“A signing bonus,” said Amber.

Dixon grinned at that. “Well, there's no doubt she's worth it. If she'd been permanently gone, you'd be answering to me.”

Tuck's jaw tightened. “As opposed to you explaining
to me
where the hell you've been for two months?”