MrTemptation (22 page)

Preston rested his arm around her shoulders. “Frank will
take you in the morning.”

“You know, you can be very persuasive.”

“That’s what I’ve been told.”

A niggling doubt surfaced. Was she another of his conquests?

“What do you say? I promise it’ll be a night you’ll never
forget.”

“Put that way, how can I say no?”

He kissed the lobe of her ear. It was a fleeting kiss but
she was convinced he meant what he’d said.

Chapter Twelve

When Cadence came out of the bathroom, Preston was leaning
against the door, looking sexier than her poor heart could handle. He’d changed
his shirt and left the top button open. He’d run a comb through his damp hair.

“Rather informal for you, isn’t it?” She pointed to the
missing tie.

“A tie slows me down when I’m trying to get undressed.”

“We can’t have that,” she replied.

He dangled a pretty scarf in front of her.

“Why Preston, we haven’t had dinner yet and already you want
to play bedroom games?” she teased because it was so much fun to see him
getting turned on.

“Not a bad idea,” he replied without missing a beat. “Turn around.”

She did as he asked, her pussy already tingling in
anticipation. Preston came up behind her, his entire length molding to her
back. Her breaths quickened as his fingers danced over her shoulders, her
collarbones and her chest. He cupped her breasts, weighing each one before
lightly brushing over her nipples.

She sighed and leaned back against him, her neck falling to
the side. He kissed the column of her throat as he massaged her breasts and
nipples. Then he trailed both hands lower, over her belly and then to her
aching pussy. One hand thrust between her thighs and rubbed over her clit and
the other trailed back up to her breasts.

She sucked in a breath, her mouth falling open. She rolled
her head toward his, desperately seeking his mouth.

Preston answered her silent plea, connecting his lips to
hers in a lazy kiss. His tongue pushed into her mouth and then darted back out.
He nibbled at her lips as his fingers scrunched up her skirt and trailed a line
over her bare thighs, until he reached her pussy.

With his thumb rubbing over her swollen, sensitive clit, his
fingers thrust inside. His lazy kiss on her mouth at once turned more carnal.
He sucked her tongue, scraped his teeth over her lips. With his kiss deepening,
his fingers worked more furiously at her pussy. Thrusting deeper, his thumb
circling her clit faster. Juices from her sex secreted over his fingers and
dribbled down her thighs. How was it that he could make her so hot, so wet?

Without warning, her pussy spasmed as an orgasm claimed her.
Her legs almost buckled and she moaned into Preston’s mouth.

“I like it when you come,” he whispered as he trailed a kiss
from her cheek to her ear. “That was just a taste.”

“It was delicious.”

He chuckled then covered her eyes with the silky fabric,
gently tying the scarf behind her head.

“Is this really necessary?”

“Yes.”

“Another surprise?” she said, shaking off any worries
because his surprises were always good ones.

“Yes.”

“At least give me a clue?” she asked, laughter in her voice.
“What are we about to do?”

“No clues. Relax. Just let me guide you.”

She reached out blindly. He grabbed her hand.

She gripped tightly. He tugged and placed her hand on his
crotch.

“I thought you said no clues?”

He laughed. “I did. That wasn’t a clue, I just couldn’t
resist.”

She squeezed. He jumped.

“Okay, no more jokes.” He jerked her hand away and began to
walk very slowly, leading her, telling her about the obstacles in the way. It
was all very mysterious and exciting but so was he.

“Where are you taking me?” she asked.

“Someplace special.”

“I am getting so spoiled by you, Preston. You know you’ll
have to keep spoiling me when I am not a rich woman.”

“Ah, but high maintenance?”

“I could be, easily,” she replied.

They came to a stop and she waited. Preston let go of her
hands and she feared he’d left the room. Where had he gone?

“Are you here?” she asked.

“I am.”

“Can I take this thing off? Can I open my eyes now?” she
asked, hoping to figure out where he was with his response.

“Not yet,” he said, leaning in close, his lips tortuously
brushing her ear.

Another minute passed. She heard the scraping of chairs. A
match being struck. What on earth was he doing?

“Okay.” He started to untie the scarf. “I want you to keep
your eyes closed.”

He removed the scarf and she shut her eyes tight as
commanded.

“Your enchanted evening, my lady,” he whispered in her ear.

She opened her eyes and gasped. She stood in a solarium with
a view of the stars. It was breathtaking.

“Preston, this is incredible.” Her expression must have
shown how awestruck she was. Words were inadequate.

She had heard about such places but had never seen a home
like this one. Of course her family had lived in a beautiful house, Gracie
Mansion, which was a treasure, but the mayor’s official residence had nothing
on Preston’s.

“I thought you would like it,” Preston said with pride.

A small round table for two and two cane chairs had been
placed in the middle of the room. In the center of the table were two tall,
white candles set in George Jensen style silver candlesticks. White damask
napkins were folded ornately at the top of each plate.

“Have a seat.” Preston pulled out the chair for her.

“Thank you.” She took the seat he offered. The cushion was a
plush, wine-red velvet, so comfortable, just like the rest of his house. Beauty
and elegance for sure but he hadn’t excluded comfort.

As soon as he had taken his seat, she saw him motion to
someone in the doorway. It was not Edwin but another man.

“Gerald, the wine please,” Preston said as if to the manor
born.

“How many staff do you have?” she asked, surprised to see
Gerald’s stoic face.

“Just the two,” Preston answered.

Gerald was much taller and slimmer than Edwin. He reminded
her of Ichabod Crane. He poured each of them a glass of white wine.

“To fate?” Preston’s left eyebrow raised in a tantalizing
way.

“To reality,” Cadence answered, her lips curved into an
uncomfortable smile.

As she sipped her wine, his gaze never left hers.

“There’s something wrong,” he said.

“I was thinking about what comes next. What I mean is, the
next few days will be hectic.”

“I’ll help.”

“I dread going to New Haven without you.”

“My offer to help you empty your condo still stands,” he
said.

“I can’t let you. I’ll take care of moving myself. Although
I’m not sure what to do with my things while I look for somewhere else to
live.”

“How about coming back to the city?”

He was talking about a long-term relationship. She wanted so
badly to believe him.

As he poured himself another glass of wine, Cadence
entertained the idea of living in New York again. She’d hidden in New Haven the
last three years, she wouldn’t deny it, because she’d tired of always looking
over her shoulder, of being viewed in a fish bowl. Now that some time had
passed and memories faded, maybe she could return with the anonymity she craved.

“I’ll think about it,” she said at last.

He nodded.

“I need you to do me a favor,” Cadence said as she put her
glass down, noting she’d be tipsy before long if she didn’t ease up on the
booze.

Preston covered her hand. “Sure.”

“I need my father’s phone number, his address, a way I can
contact him.”

He let her go and picked up his glass. “What makes you think
I have it?”

“Your mother called him when my mother died. The number must
be in the folder she had with her this morning.”

He emptied his glass and put it back on the table. “I
can’t.”

“You mean you won’t.”

He looked up at her. His smile had faded. “Calling Bryce
McClain is a bad idea.”

“Because I’ll lose the money?” Her temper flared.

“Because you’ll be hurt.”

She dismissed the excuse. Hadn’t she been hurt already?

“I really need to go and find my father,” she said.

“Don’t make any decisions until you’ve carefully considered
the consequences.”

“’I can’t live without knowing who he is, what he looks
like, wondering if I look like him.”

“Are you willing to risk your inheritance to meet a man who
might reject you?”

It was a stab in the heart. He was being intentionally
cruel. “I am.”

“Cadence, I know it has only been a few days but I want you
in my life. I’ve been waiting for you all my life. I can’t let you go.”

“I appreciate all you’ve done.” She sounded cold. She didn’t
like being this way but for her own preservation, she couldn’t let him talk her
out of finding her father.

“I was hoping for something more than appreciation,” he
said, a crooked smile on his face.

She toyed with her new bracelet. He’d found his way to her
heart so effortlessly. She’d like nothing more than to stay with him a little
while longer.

“I’d hoped you’d be more understanding.”

He leaned forward. “Believe me. If there was any way…”

“I’m going to Edinburgh,” she interrupted.

He frowned.

“You could come with me.” She knew how to remove that
frightful scowl. “We could join the mile high club.”

“I can’t. I’ve other clients.”

“So this is what we were going to talk about later. You
wined and dined me so I’d change my mind about meeting my father.”

“Don’t be stupid.”

Cadence realized the evening was done, the fun and games
were over. Sad couldn’t even begin to describe her feelings. How twisted was
that?

“Of course. How silly of me to think you were being charming
because you cared for me.”

“I do care about you.”

She swallowed the last of her wine. He was quick to reach
for the bottle. She shook her head. “No thanks.”

Their relationship was a sham. A lie.

“How much does Night and Night gain in fees if I inherit the
thirty-seven million?”

His eyes darkened. “Is that what you think? I’m after your
money?”

“What else could I think? You have this lavish lifestyle to
maintain.”

“I thought this is what you wanted,” he bellowed.

Cadence wouldn’t be intimidated. She understood clearly he’d
been after her money since the moment she walked into his office with her tale
of woe about her inheritance. The two of them, Auntie Anne and Preston hadn’t
come forward all these years to protect her but to preserve their own wealth.

She patted her mouth and set the lovely damask next to her
plate. Her feet were like lead weights but she planted them and rose from her
chair.

Preston did the same. “Where are you going?”

She lifted her gaze. She expected to see him seething in
anger and was surprised he was calm. He looked as if she was testing his
patience.

“I appreciate the special handling, the extra service.”

He reddened. “What are you suggesting?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean. That would be
insulting.”

He hurried to her side and grabbed her by the shoulders.
“How could you say such a thing?”

“Let me go.” She shrugged away. She’d thought she was in
love with him, that he loved her back. She’d only been another conquest, a meal
ticket for the firm.

“Explain what I did wrong,” he said, with a sharpness to his
voice that hadn’t been there before.

She’d hurt him. She didn’t want to. She really didn’t.

It was over. What they’d shared had only been a casual
affair. Their lovemaking had released a torrent of freedom to express herself
more fully than she’d ever done before.

But the love fest did have to come to some sort of end.

“Goodbye, Preston. Thanks for everything.”

He didn’t protest this time.

She’d expected insults but they didn’t come. Or a guilt
trip. He held his ground, stood tall.

She feared if he did say something, anything at all, her
body would betray her and she’d run to him and bury her face in his embrace.

This time willpower overrode her desire.

Preston stepped aside and Cadence walked away, hips swaying,
in the direction they’d come. Her shoes clicked on the solarium floor. He
didn’t follow, which made her more angry, even furious.

She wouldn’t care about anyone again. She’d find an
apartment in a little Tuscan hill town and bury herself in research.

She found her way to the elegant foyer and grabbed her
handbag. Edwin appeared out of nowhere.

“Can I be of assistance?” he asked.

She shook her head. Not unless he could pick up the pieces
of her heart and put them back together again.

“Just let me out of here,” she said.

He opened the massive door. “Good evening.”

She shouldered her bag, pulled herself together. “Evening,
Edmund.”

Without looking back, she left.

* * * * *

Cadence needed to call Bryce McClain and let him know she
was coming. If Preston wouldn’t help her, she’d find another way to contact her
father.

What would his reaction be when she requested a meeting?
What if he refused to talk to her?

A weird dissatisfaction, a premonition that going to
Scotland was a bad idea, wouldn’t go away. Bryce McClain was her father but
only in name.

He’d never be her father. He hadn’t given her piggyback
rides or even presents. He hadn’t read her a book or tucked her into bed. These
were precious memories that she recalled from her own father. Except he wasn’t
her father, was he? He was some guy who had used her mother for his own gain
and carried on with his assistant, had two children with her.