BareBottomGirl (21 page)

“So, what do you think?” Greer pirouetted in front of Chas
early in the afternoon before the unveiling at the Children’s Museum gala. “I
won’t embarrass you two, will I?”

“Greer, you’ll be the most beautiful woman there.”

She gave him a look that said yeah, sure, and plunked down
next to him where he was still sprawled on the bed. He’d worked an overnight
shift at the hospital the night before and had just awakened. Finding himself
all alone with Greer was certainly no hardship.

Liam was already long gone to the museum, getting everything
just the way he wanted it. He’d waited until the last possible moment to ship
the statue, hoping early the morning of the unveiling would lessen traffic
downtown. After all, transporting a nearly full-sized horse sculpted from stone
was no easy task.

“You know, I met with your dad,” Chas said.

“How’s that going?”

“Really well. He’s given me hope we can beat this thing
without having to pay her a dime. It appears this isn’t the first time
something like this has happened involving Samantha Marlowe.”

“Ooh…that does sound promising.”

Chas traced a finger down her cheek. “Why don’t you hang the
dress so it doesn’t get wrinkled?”

Greer raised her dark brows. “Why would it get wrinkled?”

“Because I’m planning on making love to you.”

“Just the two of us, like you two sometimes sneak off to the
stables?”

Chas laughed. “Saw us, huh.”

Greer stood, turned her back to him and slowly lowered the
zipper. Chas watched as it revealed the sweet line of her back to the lacy
thong she had on underneath it. He marveled at how much she’d changed. Never would
she have willingly revealed the injuries to her back when she first arrived.

She let the dress fall, stepped out and back, bending over
so her ass was near his face, and scooped up the dress. After she’d returned it
to the closet, she moved back to the bed, her breasts bare and nipples erect,
and just a scrap of lace covering her pussy.

“Damn, you’re sweet.” Chas sat, holding out his arms and
spreading his thighs so she could step between them. Wrapping her in his embrace,
he tilted his head to nuzzle her neck. “I woke up with a hard-on that got even
harder when I saw you in that dress. I can’t wait to watch the men drooling
over you tonight.”

“Oh, Chas,” Greer whispered. “I’m so nervous. Going out to
the club dancing was easy because it was almost like we were private, but this
is so public.” She leaned back a bit, her gray eyes serious. “I know Liam plans
on announcing our engagement tonight. I wish…”

He put his fingers over her lips. “We know. Your parents
know, and Wyatt will know. That’s all that matters.”

Greer leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. “I love
you.”

His chest tightened, just as it had when he’d first opened
the door to see her standing there, her eyes wide and wary. Just as it did
every time he watched her walk into a room. “Come here. Show me,” he murmured.

Chas pulled her onto his lap, so her legs wrapped around his
hips and began kissing her, his tongue diving into her mouth, his hands cupping
her butt. The way she curled into him, the almost purring noises she made, left
his hands trembling and his skin flushed with the heat of his need. She pushed
against his chest and he fell back on the bed.

Greer’s lips and teeth teased his nipples, making his heart
pound, and when she licked her way to the waistband of his boxers, Chas groaned.
He could already imagine her lips on him.

“Oh sweetie, suck me. Please.”

She slid his boxers off inch by inch, stopping to stroke and
lick. When she’d bared his nuts, she rolled them in her hand then moved her
fingers to press the sensitive area between his sac and his ass.

“Easy,” he said on a groan. “I want to come in you, not on
you.”

She paused in what she was doing long enough he picked his
head up to look at her. Greer’s eyes were shining, until he felt he could drown
in their depths and be content. “I want you to come in me. Do you and Liam
really want a baby?”

He stroked her hair and her cheek. Lifting her chin so she
looked right at him, he said, “We do. I do, but only if it’s what you want as
well.”

She caressed his stomach, his chest. “Silly. It would be a
little late now if I didn’t. So let’s do this.”

His hand stilled in the petting of her hair. “Is it the
right time?”

“Yes.”

He rolled her onto her back and hooked his index fingers in
the lace of her thong, tugging her panties to reveal the closely shaven tuft of
dark hair and her glistening sex. “Have I told you of all the pretty things
about you, Greer, your puffy, pink pussy turns me on the most?”

“Show me,” she whispered in a tone so husky he thought he
was going to come right then. “Show me, Chas.”

He tucked a pillow beneath her slender hips, tilting her for
his entry. With her legs hooked over his arms, he pushed deep inside her,
groaning with pleasure at the tight gloving of his cock. As he rocked his hips,
he slipped his fingers between them, rubbing her clit. Greer arched into him,
her pussy walls pulsing around him.

Sweet, merciful heaven. He would never last long like this,
but she apparently didn’t want him to. Her cries urged him on, turned him
mindless with the need to drive into her, to come.

His fingers pressed against her and she cried out. Yes. Chas
pumped his hips over and over again. When he finally released, he was amazed at
how long he came. He wanted to give her a baby, wanted to see her ripen with
his child. He stilled, staring into her face. Fingers trembling, he cupped her
cheeks and kissed her on the forehead, the nose and finally on her lips.

He started to pull out, but she protested. “Stay inside me,
Chas, just a little longer.”

“I’m not too heavy?”

“Never.”

He was careful to keep his weight on his legs as he leaned
over her, kissing her breasts and her throat then nuzzling behind her ear. Her
fingers tangled in his hair, stroking him. He could stay that way… The ring of
the phone interrupted them.

“Stay there, Greer,” Chas told her. “I’ll get it.”

“Chas.” There was a boatload of relief in Liam’s voice. “I’m
so glad I caught you.”

Relief there might have been, but there was tension too. “What’s
up, man?”

He heard the sigh through the phone and could picture Liam
scraping his fingers back through his hair. “It’s Julie. That bitch. She just
called, said she’s got to change plans and I have to take Wyatt.”

“You know she’s doing this on purpose to fuck with your
head.”

“I know it, but Chas I just feel like if I don’t she’ll find
some way to jerk around my being able to see him at all.”

“Do we need to pick him up?”

“No, she’s on her way over right now.”

Chas glanced over at where Greer was sprawled naked on the
bed. “We’ll take care of it.”

“I know. Shit…” Another long pause. “I really wanted you
both with me tonight. It was supposed to be special.”

Chas clenched his teeth. “It will be.”

He’d make damn sure of it. There was no way in hell they
would get a sitter for Wyatt after his mother did this to him. The solution was
easy enough as far as he was concerned. He’d stay home and Greer would go to
support Liam.

Convincing her might be the problem.

“What’s up?” Greer asked as soon as Chas ended the call. She
could see from his expression it wasn’t anything good.

“It’s Julie. She’s on her way over with Wyatt.” Chas shook
his head. “Anything to screw with Liam’s head.”

She thought about the dress she’d bought, but put it away. “I’ll
stay with him.”

“No. Liam needs you by his side tonight.”

“It’s too late to get a sitter.”

Chas pulled her to her feet. “I’ll stay. Liam needs you
there, Greer.”

Her heart ached for Wyatt and Liam. Was his ex-wife truly so
vindictive she would dump her son, knowing Liam could not be there? What damage
was she doing to Wyatt? And what she had already done to Liam was beyond
thinking about. He lived in fear one false move would cost him any rights he
had to his child. Even now she threatened to take Wyatt and move out of town.
And to do this tonight, of all nights, when Liam’s concentration needed to be
on the unveiling of his new sculpture was beyond everything.

Greer leaned her forehead against Chas’ bare chest. “I’ll
get cleaned up. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to be there when she
arrives, especially in light of our engagement.”

“Liam is on his way. He had planned to just stay there, but
he’s wrapping things up so he can at least see Wyatt today, then he’ll take you
back with him.” Chas kissed her, then scrounged around for a pair of jeans. “Don’t
worry. Wyatt and I will be fine.”

After zipping, he donned a T-shirt and headed downstairs.
She stared at the vacant doorway and shook her head. She was so torn between
staying with Wyatt and being there for Liam, but tonight was Liam’s night.
Greer ducked into the bathroom and hopped in the shower.

She heard their voices out in the bedroom when she turned
off the water. Wrapping a towel around herself, she opened the door.

“I’ve never seen him this whiny,” Liam said, worry knitting
his brow. “Maybe he’s coming down with whatever Julie’s maid has.”

“Don’t worry,” Chas calmed him and grinned lopsidedly. “I am
a doctor, after all. I’ll keep an eye on him. Besides, do you really believe the
maid had any problem at all? I think the whole thing’s just a mind game, Liam.”

“Well, he’s playing with his blocks right now, and seems
happier now he’s here.” Liam finally saw her. He sighed and smiled. “I’m so
sorry, baby.”

Greer tucked her arm into his. “No need. I suppose you want
to shower. I’m going to throw some clothes on and go say hi to Wyatt before I
get dressed for the gala.”

Liam smiled. “He would really enjoy that.”

She touched his arm, passing both men so she could grab a
pair of boxers and a T-shirt from the chest of drawers in the room next door.
From there it was a short walk into Wyatt’s room. She stood in the doorway
unobserved for a moment. Liam was right. Wyatt didn’t seem like his normal
self. His lower lip was poked out and his forehead knotted. That changed when
he spotted her.

“Greer!” He jumped up and raced on chubby legs over to her,
holding his arms to be picked up. She hefted him, smiling when his legs gripped
her hip and his arms clung around her neck. “I missed you!”

She snuggled her nose into his neck, inhaling the faint
whiff of baby still remaining. “Oh, Wyatt. I’m glad to see you too. I see you
have your bear with you.”

He nodded. “He’s a superhero. Can we watch a movie tonight?”

She smiled gently. “Chas can help you pick one out after
supper.”

“And you?”

“Remember the horse Daddy let you sit on in his studio?”

He nodded.

“Well, Daddy and I have to go to a party tonight for it.”

His lip started to protrude. “I wanna go.”

Greer made a face. “It’s a grown-up party.”

The lip stuck out even farther. Meltdown was imminent. “I
never getta go anywhere. Mommy makes me stay home. Now I hafta stay home here.”

Greer stroked his curls. “I know it doesn’t seem fair, but
most of the time we’re going to be gone, you’ll be in bed anyway, and we’ll
have all day tomorrow together.” She hugged him closer. “I’m so glad you get to
stay with us. I didn’t think I could wait until next weekend, and now I don’t
have to.”

He blinked, laying his head against her shoulder. “You gotta
go now?”

“No. Daddy’s in the shower, so I bet I have time to read you
a story before I have to get dressed. How would that be?”

“Okay. I pick.” He wiggled down and went over to the stack
of books on his toy shelf. When he came back, Greer smiled at the story about
bears and sat in the rocking chair. Wyatt cuddled in her lap while she read.

She loved the feel of him. When he snuggled against her, she
dropped her head for a quick kiss and kept going. Gradually, she felt him get
heavier and smiled. Maybe all he’d needed was a nap. Amazing how kids always
seemed to morph into lead when they fell asleep.

“I’ll take him.” She looked up to see Liam already in his
tux.

“Maybe he was just tired, honey,” she said as Liam lifted
his son and cuddled him for a heartbeat before laying him in his toddler bed.

He tucked the teddy bear in next to him and covered him with
a light blanket. “Maybe.”

But he frowned as he said it.

“Go change, Greer. We need to go.”

They took Chas’ BMW downtown, stopping in front of the
museum with just a little time to spare. Liam tossed the keys to the valet and
helped Greer from the car.

“If I haven’t already told you, baby,” he murmured in her
ear. “You look great.”

She smiled and laughed at him just as a flash went off.
Greer swiveled to see a newspaper photographer grinning at her. She had
forgotten this would be a media zoo as well as a must-attend event for a lot of
the area’s well-to-do. If she had harbored any ideas about keeping her life private,
they disappeared as quickly as that flash popping.

“Let’s go.” Liam cupped her elbow and led her in at his
side.

The Children’s Museum was filled to capacity. Liam
recognized a lot of faces, some fellow artists and connoisseurs, but also
members of families his parents had known for ages—one of the hazards of having
a blue-blooded background. He caught more than one glance sliding from him to
Greer, first with surprise and then with appreciation.

She really was gorgeous tonight, and he was sure he hadn’t
reassured her of that nearly enough, but he hoped she saw the appreciation in
the other male gazes directed her way. The silvery dress she’d chosen was
conservatively cut, covering her back, shoulders and arms, but in front it
plunged deeply enough to make every male believe, if she would just bend over,
those tantalizing breasts of hers would tumble free into hands more than
willing to catch them. After hugging every curve, the dress ended high on her
thighs, leaving slender legs bare.

“Lee!” The museum curator greeted him in a relieved tone. “We
were beginning to worry.”

“I’m afraid there was a small emergency at home I had to
attend to. Allow me to introduce Greer Davidson—my fiancée.”

The curator’s eyes widened and his interest intensified. “I
didn’t realize you were engaged.”

Liam glanced at Greer, who watched him with a steadiness in
her gray eyes he had to admire. “It’s very recent. In fact, only her parents
and our really close friends know.”

He could almost see the man rubbing his hands together as he
asked, “May we announce that as we do the unveiling?”

Liam smiled. “That would be up to Greer. Do you have any
objection, baby?”

Something across the room had attracted her attention for a
moment, but then she looked at both of them and smiled broadly. “Not at all,
Liam. In fact, this seems like the perfect occasion to make our engagement
public.”

While Liam had spoken to the white-haired curator, Greer had
glanced around, wondering if she would know anyone in the crush of people
nibbling hors d’oeuvres and sipping champagne. And sure enough, she did. Greer
spotted Julie Carle on the other side of the room at the same time Liam
deferred to her about announcing their engagement.

With a nod to the curator, she placed her fingers on Liam’s
sleeve. “Shall we get something to drink and mingle?”

As they walked away she whispered, “Should I call you Lee in
this crowd?”

“That would be best. That’s how most of these people will
think of me.” His gaze was puzzled. “So what’s up with the ready agreement to
announcing our engagement? I thought you were a little hesitant about this
whole affair tonight.”

She accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. “She’s
here.”

“She…” He seemed puzzled for a moment, then his dark brows
snapped into a scowl that could only be called murderous. “Julie?”

Greer hated the bitter incredulity in his voice, hated his
ex-wife was still doing her best to make his life hell—his and Wyatt’s.

“I saw her on the other side of the room.”

“Let’s go that way.”

She rested her hand just a little more firmly on his arm,
holding him back. “Think. This is what she wants. She has you in a public venue
after deliberately doing something in private to anger you. She is no doubt
counting on your temper getting the better of you. Then you come off as
unstable and unreasonable—an unfit personality to parent a little boy of three.”

He stopped in his tracks. She watched his throat work above
his perfect bow tie. He raked a hand through his hair, just the faintest of
tremors giving away his agitation.

“Damn her,” he muttered. “I wish I knew what game she’s
playing. She doesn’t really want him. And my God, Greer, she already holds all
the cards, or so it seems to me.”

She smiled at him. “No. She doesn’t.” She moved her hand so
the light from above caught the sparkle of the gems on her finger. “We have one
very big card to play when we go over for the unveiling. I’m going to slip this
little thing in my clutch until it’s time to take the podium with you.”

Liam’s expression cleared, even to the point of turning just
a little bit wicked. “I have an even better idea. Give me the ring. We’ll give
this some real flair and see if we can’t truly piss her off. Then we’ll see who
ends up looking like the unfit parent.”

Greer handed it over and watched him tuck it in his pocket.
She raised a brow. “Why, Mr. Carle, are you going to propose to me all over
again? And in such a public place?”

He grinned. “Damn right. I love you, Greer. We all do—me,
Chas, but most of all Wyatt.” He leaned his head in closer. “I hope Chas or I
have gotten you pregnant. You’ll be a fantastic mother—hell, you already are in
every way that counts.”

Greer smiled as they made a circuit around the room, careful
to stay away from Julie. Liam was charming and urbane, yet another side to him
for her to enjoy, but the real source of the smile she wore was the knowledge
their lovemaking over the past several days could very well result in a
pregnancy—and wouldn’t that just be the most fantastic news.

It seemed hardly any time at all since she had contemplated
how dismal her life had become, since she’d sat in her parents’ car out in
front of Liam’s house unable to fight off a panic attack. Now she had two men
who loved her, two men who cared nothing about the scars she bore. Two men who’d
given her the confidence she showed tonight.

“We’ll want you on the podium in about fifteen minutes,” the
curator told Liam as he caught up with them near the chocolate fountain. Greer
blushed. She had just finished telling Liam exactly what she’d like to dip in
chocolate and hoped the older man hadn’t overheard. If he had, he gave no
indication.

“I’m going to go to the restroom, Lee, and touch up my
makeup.”

He smiled absently, still listening to an older couple who,
if the woman’s diamond-encrusted ears and neck were any indication, likely
underwrote a big chunk of the museum’s budget. Greer smiled at the couple and
slipped away. As she entered the hallway leading to the restrooms, the
immediate diminishment of the noise was a balm to her eardrums. She pulled open
the door to the restroom, noting the festive touches they’d added to what was
no doubt a utilitarian area normally—a vase of flowers, some decorative
disposable hand towels.

Greer stepped to the mirror and opened her clutch,
extracting a dark-rose lipstick and reapplying it. After stuffing it back in
her bag, she rubbed a finger beneath both eyes to make sure none of her mascara
had bled, turning just as the door opened to admit Julie Carle. Her height
alone was just a bit intimidating, but she was also blocking Greer’s exit.

Lifting her chin, she stared Julie right in the eye. “So
nice to see you didn’t allow a little thing like your son to get in the way of
you socializing.”

“Are you speaking to me? Isn’t caring for Wyatt your
job
?”
She looked down her nose at Greer as though she were watching nothing more than
a bug she’d like to squash under the ridiculously pointed evening pumps she
wore.

“Actually Chas is doing that tonight, so I can be here with
Liam.”

“Playing beard for the boys?”

Greer laughed. “Oh I can assure you, both of them are very
interested in women.”

Julie’s eyes narrowed. “So what does that have to do with
you? Do they enjoy planning their next trip using the roadmap of scars on your
back?”

Not by one bat of an eyelash did Greer reveal her reaction
to what Julie had just said.

“Even plastic surgery can’t erase something that hideous,
can it?”

Greer laughed. “You are really reaching, you know? What
makes me curious, though, is why you’re so intent on hurting a man you no
longer want and a son you make it obvious is little more than an inconvenience.”

Greer didn’t wait any longer. Julie made a move as if she
might come after her, so Greer simply ducked around her and slipped out the
door. She shivered as she got back out into the hall and cast a glance over her
shoulder, deep in thought.

“Everything okay?” Liam interrupted her musings. “I was just
coming to get you.”

“Everything’s great. Is it time?”

“Just about. We should head that way.” She stopped him just
as they reached the edge of the crowd.

“Liam, did you say anything to Julie about my accident and
the scars I have?”

“Fuck no. I would never tell her anything personal about
you. Why?”

“She came in the bathroom while I was in there, and we
started throwing verbal punches.” Greer shook her head. “Out of the blue, she
mentioned my scars and my plastic surgery.”

Liam shrugged. “Maybe Wyatt said something.”

“Maybe.” But she wasn’t satisfied with that solution. Wyatt
couldn’t have known about the plastic surgery, nor was he even old enough to
explain the idea. To him, what she had was a boo-boo.

“Lee, if you would come this way, we can begin.”

“I’d like Greer to join me,” Liam said, his hand at the
small of her back.

“Of course.” The curator raised his brows slightly. “Will
there be more than an announcement about the sculpture?”

Liam chuckled. “Why, yes, there will be.”

The sculpture had been placed in an alcove that featured
information and hands-on activities involving Kentucky’s rich equine tradition,
but Liam’s sculpture was obviously meant to be the centerpiece. The dais and
podium had been placed to one side. Liam offered his hand up the short steps to
the platform, but didn’t release her once they reached the top.

Greer scanned the crowd, and sure enough, Julie was there
along one side, her eyes shooting daggers at both of them. Good. Greer just
hoped what Liam had planned would get a little back at the bitch.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the curator began. “It gives me
great pleasure to be able to unveil the newest addition to our outstanding
museum this evening. As you know, the Children’s Museum has at the core of its
mission teaching the children of our city and our state about Kentucky’s rich
traditions. Horses, of course, are at the heart of that.”

He scanned the crowd, then continued, “When we decided to
commission a hands-on type sculpture for this exhibit, we opened it to all
interested artists. I’m proud to say, our final choice was a local man with
roots planted deep in our area’s past, but more than that, he is a sculptor of
international renown. Please join me in welcoming Lee Carle.”

Liam released her hand at last to shake the curator’s and
step forward to the podium. He looked confident and successful, and Greer felt
immense pride in being able to share this moment with him.

“Thank you for that wonderful introduction. Before we unveil
the sculpture, there is one thing I would like to do first.” He held out his
hand to Greer and drew her forward. “I’d like to introduce you to Miss Greer
Davidson.” He cleared his throat, a flush staining his cheeks. “The woman I
love.”

There was a murmur throughout the crowd. Liam dug the ring
from his pocket and knelt in front of her. Now sighs wafted up into the air. He
slipped the ring on her finger—again.

“Thank you, Greer, for making my life so complete, so
amazingly happy. I know you’ve answered this already, but I want everyone to
share in it. Will you marry me?”

Cameras flashed, and the whole room waited in silence for
her response. She stroked her hand along his face, cupping his clenched jaw. He
was tenser than he appeared, and when she looked into his eyes, she saw unshed
tears there. Greer blinked rapidly and smiled. “Yes, and yes again. I will
always say yes.”

The room erupted with applause. Liam rolled to his feet and
hugged her, whispering in her ear, “I love you, but I have to tell you, if
Julie had a gun in her hand right now, I think both of us would be dead.”

Greer drew his face to hers and kissed him. No peck on the
lips. This was a kiss and she wanted everyone to know it. Liam drew away,
smiled at her and released her before stepping back to the podium.

“Sorry. I just needed to get that little item out of the
way.” Laughter rippled through the crowd. The glance he gave her was filled
with love. He turned back to the crowd. “When I presented my idea for a
sculpture to the museum board, I wanted to make it clear from the beginning
this was never intended to be a look-but-don’t-touch piece of art. I designed
it for its intended audience—kids.
Equus
—as I’ve titled the piece—is
meant to represent all of the roles horses play in our lives, not only objects
of beauty and speed, but also as workmates and friends of man.

“In addition to carving a sculpture depicting an animal so
important to our history, I wanted a stone that represented our state. The work
is sculpted from dolomite found right here around Louisville.”

He smiled at everyone and took a deep breath. “If you will
go ahead and unveil it, I hope you will all enjoy this new addition to the
museum.”

The applause became even more deafening once everyone got a
look at Liam’s work. Greer tucked her arm in his and smiled at him.

* * * * *

Chas let Wyatt sleep for a while, pretty certain the toddler’s
problems were related more to being jerked around constantly by a mother who
always seemed intent on palming him off on someone else. After working in his
study for an hour detailing everything he could think of about his dealings
with Sam Marlowe, Chas sprinted upstairs to check on Wyatt. He was just
beginning to stir.

“Hey, buddy,” Chas greeted him. “You getting hungry yet?”

Wyatt nodded, rubbing his little fists over his eyes. “Teddy.”

“Right here.” Chas handed him the bear before scooping him
up in his arms. “You need to pee?”

Again a nod.

“Okay, little man. Open your eyes wide enough you can see
what you’re doing.”

Wyatt dragged the bear behind him as he went. When he came
back in the room a couple minutes later, he looked more alert. “Where’s Greer?”