Safe in the Tycoon's Arms (Harlequin Romance) (12 page)

All too soon the ride was over. Lucas gave her a hand down. It was then that she realized they hadn’t stopped in the same spot where they’d started.

“It’s time for lunch and I know the perfect thing to have on our outing.”

He treated her to a hot dog with the works. They settled on a park bench and quietly ate while the world went by without any notice of them. When they’d finished, Lucas took her by the hand and they started walking. He smiled, appearing very relaxed. She hadn’t seen him in this good of a mood since...well, ever.

After they’d walked a little ways, she couldn’t contain her curiosity. “Where are we going now?”

“You’ll see in just a moment.”

Soon carousel music lilted through the air, giving the day a surreal feeling as though all was right in the world.

“Come on.” He pulled her closer to the colorfully painted merry-go-round.

“Why?”

“You’ll see.”

How could she resist when he looked like an excited child himself? Laughter bubbled up in her throat, and she let him lead her by the hand. But when he paid for her to ride the merry-go-round, she hesitated.

“I can’t ride that.”

“Why not?”

“It’s for kids.”

“Are you trying to tell me that you aren’t a kid at heart? Besides, you wanted examples of things you can do with Molly on a budget. This is one of them.”

“True.” She really did like the idea. She’d been to a carnival as a little kid with her father and she’d loved riding the carousel, especially the horses that went up and down. “But that doesn’t mean that I have to ride one.”

“Give me your phone.”

“What? Why don’t you use your own?”

“It will be simpler this way.”

“What will?” The man certainly wasn’t explaining himself very well today.

“I’m going to take some photos for you to show Molly.”

“I don’t know.” What would Molly think? Her mother off playing without her. Guilt riddled her. “What if it upsets her?”

“You have a good point.” Then he snapped his fingers. “I’ve got it. Just don’t show her the pictures with you in them. And make sure you promise to bring her here as soon as she’s healthy enough.”

Kate wasn’t so sure. But so far nothing else was helping to cheer up her little girl. Even the surprise of her father showing up had worn off. Kate was getting desperate to give her daughter hope. Maybe Lucas was right. Maybe this outing would give her the ability to paint a picture in her daughter’s mind of the fun things they could do...together.

She wouldn’t be an absentee parent like her father...or her mother. Even though they had shared the same house, her mother had been so wrapped up in her own world that she’d never had time for Kate.

She glanced over at Lucas. What would he be like as a father? Probably terrific, if today was any indication. Not that she would be sticking around to find out.

While riding the merry-go-round, she noticed a small crowd forming nearby. Cameras were flashing. It took her a couple of passes to realize they were talking to the city’s mayor and his young family, who were most likely campaigning.

A niggling thought started to churn in her mind. Something Connie had said about a little more press coverage and they’d have a sold-out venue. With all of those reporters, it surely wouldn’t be that hard to get coverage, but it would have to be something really good.

When she got off the ride, Lucas was waiting for her with a bouquet of balloons fastened to his hand. One of the reporters sent an inquisitive look in Lucas’s direction. So his Bachelor of the Year status was still giving him quite a bit of notoriety, or was Lucas Carrington normally that notable of a figure in the Big Apple? Which left her wondering if she should play upon his fame—after all, it was for a good cause.

He smiled, looking proud of himself. “Admit it. You had fun.”

“Yes, I did. You’ve made this an amazing day. Thank you.”

He handed over the bouquet of rainbow-colored balloons. “Does this mean I’m forgiven for being a jerk the other day?”

He had really hurt her, but the more she got to know him, the more she realized he truly was a good guy.

“It depends...” When his gaze dipped to her lips, her thoughts scattered.

“Maybe this will help convince you.”

Lucas’s hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. She willingly obliged. Her breath locked in her chest as she waited. Hoping. Longing.

It that moment, the world slipped away. It was just the two of them on this enchanted day. His head lowered. Her chin tilted upward.

CHAPTER TWELVE

L
UCAS
SHRUGGED
OFF
the glances he kept getting from some of the paparazzi. He wouldn’t let them ruin this day. Normally he would have quietly slipped away with Kate. But he’d agreed to play up this relationship in public, so there was no need to deny he was enjoying Kate’s company. And there was no need to resist what he’d been dying to do all afternoon...

His lips sought hers. The more he tasted her, the more he desired her. When she kissed him back, he forgot their circumstances, their differences and even where they were. The fact she desired him was a powerful aphrodisiac. Her kisses were even more arousing in person than they were in his dreams. A moan swelled in his throat.

Kate startled him when she pressed her hands to his chest and pushed. She broke free of his hold and stared up at him with rosy cheeks and a questioning stare.

“Lucas, people are staring.”

So much for staying calm, cool and collected around her. He should probably apologize...again, but this time he wasn’t sorry. He’d enjoyed holding her close and he didn’t notice her complaining.

“That guy over there,” she pointed to a young man who met Lucas’s gaze straight on, “I think he took our picture.”

Lucas glanced back but the man had disappeared into the crowd. “Good.”

“Good?”

“Yes. Remember you and I are playing the happy couple for the press. So turn that frown upside down.”

She smiled, but he could tell it was forced. Was she unhappy about the kiss? Impossible. She’d been an active participant. Maybe it was the fact they’d end up making headlines again. She hadn’t been too thrilled with it the first time around. It was best not to say anything.

“How about some ice cream before we head back?” He could really deal with something icy cold about now.

A little bit later, they headed back to the house and Lucas couldn’t believe what a wonderful day they’d shared. Thanks to Kate, he’d let loose and laughed. He’d truly enjoyed himself.

Kate’s hand was wrapped with the ribbons of six helium balloons. A rainbow of colors. All for Molly. In Kate’s other hand, she was holding a strawberry ice cream cone. He couldn’t turn away as her tongue darted out and slowly made a trail up the creamy surface. There was no point in continuing to deny the chemistry running between them. And he knew by the way she’d eagerly returned his kiss that she felt it too.

He couldn’t wait for later tonight. A little dinner after she got home from the hospital. Some conversation. And then, well, he’d let nature take its course.

“What are you grinning about?” Kate shot him a curious stare.

“I’m just basking in the glow of your happiness.”

“Seriously? You really do know how to lay it on thick, don’t you?”

“Sometimes it works.”

“So what you’re saying is that you make a habit of seducing women with horse-drawn carriages and rides on the carousel.”

He truly enjoyed this playful side of Kate. “Afraid I’ve been busted. But in my defense, you did enjoy yourself.”

She gave a nonchalant shrug, but he noticed the smile she was fighting to hold back. He liked making her happy. He liked it a lot.

She glanced up at him. “Truthfully I haven’t had this much fun since I was a kid.”

“Did your parents take you to an amusement park?” He was genuinely interested in learning more about her.

“No. But my dad used to take me to the fire department’s summer carnival.”

“Sounds like a nice memory. Do you keep in touch with your father?”

She frowned and shook her head. “That’s all in my past. I learned long ago to keep looking forward. Nothing good comes from glancing back.”

“Memories are important.” His thoughts drifted back to the time he’d spent with his little girl. “I don’t know what I’d do without them. What was your childhood like?”

Kate picked up her pace. What was it about her past that could change her mood so rapidly? Didn’t they say that keeping things bottled up only caused them to fester and the only way to heal was to let it all out?

“Talk to me, Kate.”

“You aren’t going to drop this, are you?”

“Not until you tell me a little about your past...your father.”

She stopped suddenly and glared at Lucas. “My father turned his back on a ten-year-old girl who worshipped the ground he walked on, and he didn’t so much as say goodbye.”

“Surely he didn’t just walk away without a reason?”

Kate huffed and started walking again. “Floyd loved surprises. And his biggest surprise of all was disappearing from my life.”

“But before he left, you two were close, what with the memory of the carnival and I’m guessing there must be others.”

“What does it matter?” When a large black dog on a much too long leash approached them, Kate dodged in front of Lucas, giving the dog a wide berth. Once they passed the overly friendly four-legged canine, she slowed her pace. “I don’t know why we’re talking about him. I told you, it’s ancient history.”

Lucas didn’t understand why all of a sudden this had become so important to him, but he couldn’t let the subject drop. “Are you saying he was a bad parent?”

She stopped and pressed her hands to her hips. With her shoulders squared, she tilted her chin. “Actually it’s the opposite—Floyd was a good father. We had a lot of fun together. He made up for my mother’s lack of interest.”

“I wish my father had been more like yours. He spent all of his time at the office and left me at home with the nanny, unless my aunt took pity on me, dressed me up and took me out.”

“I guess we both came up short in the parenting department.”

Lucas looked up, spotting a silver car going much too fast. Kate was too busy talking to him to notice. When she went to step off the curb, he grabbed her arm, pulling her back. She lost her balance and fell against him.

Her body seemed to fit naturally against his. He wanted to keep her safe next to him. But more than that he wondered who she leaned on—who watched out for her. He didn’t like thinking of her all alone in the world.

Kate glared at him and moved away. “What did you do that for?”

“You almost stepped in front of that car.”

“Oh. I didn’t see it.”

It was probably his fault. He was pushing her too hard to open up, but he couldn’t stop the flow of questions. He needed to know a little more. “So what happened to your father? Why did he just up and leave?”

She sighed. “He and my mother fought a lot, but it was always behind closed doors so I don’t know what they argued about that last night. My mother would never talk about it. When I woke up, he was gone. He never came back. And my mother refused to answer my questions. Finally, I quit asking.”

As her words sunk in, Lucas’s gut knotted. He realized why this conversation was important. He wondered what his little girl would one day say about him. But Carrie wouldn’t even have the benefit of good memories. Then again, she wouldn’t have the horrid thoughts of being a pawn between her parents—nor the overwhelming guilt from spying on one parent for the other. When his daughter was old enough to understand, she’d realize he’d made a very difficult decision in order to spare her. It was this knowledge that got him through the long, lonely evenings and the depressing holidays. He was doing what was best for Carrie.

He reached for Kate’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’m sure there has to be a logical answer to what happened—”

“That makes one of us. There’s no excuse for just abandoning your child.”

The raw edge in her voice cut him deeply. His fingers released her hand. He struggled to keep walking. Was this animosity the way his daughter would feel about him?

Before he could catch his breath, Kate continued. “The only excuse is that he never loved me. He tossed me aside like yesterday’s garbage. Men like him are as low as pond scum. No. Lower.”

The ice cream churned in his stomach. All Lucas could muster was a nod.

Not love her? Lucas couldn’t imagine anyone being able to resist Kate’s smile or her teasing ways. But the firm set of her jaw and the lines between her gathered brows said she fully believed what she was saying. He wanted to put his arms around her and assure her that she was loved, but he couldn’t.

He was the last person she’d want holding her. After all, in her book he was lower than pond scum. What was lower than that?

“I don’t want to talk anymore about my father. I’d rather think about the beautiful day we had. Maybe it doesn’t have to end yet.”

Lucas consulted his watch. “Actually, it’s almost time for you to head over to see Molly.”

It was for the best. He’d already scrapped his plans for this evening—or any evening for that matter. Kate would hate him when she found out that he was an absentee father. And he couldn’t blame her. He wasn’t pleased about the situation either. He just wanted what was best for his daughter—and now it was going to cost him the respect and friendship of someone who’d given him the gumption to get on with life.

Then again, what if Kate never found out about Carrie? What if he left out that part of his past? But could he do that? Could he deny his own daughter?

Absolutely not. He was not a liar. And he was proud to be Carrie’s father. He’d just have to find the right time to tell Kate. Somehow there had to be a way to make her understand. But how?

* * *

The next morning, Kate awoke with a definite crick in her neck. She rolled her shoulders, trying to ease the discomfort. Maybe working into the wee hours of the night hadn’t been her brightest idea. She’d meant only to sit down on the floor to take a break and the next thing she knew it was morning.

But after that earth-moving kiss in the park during the romantic—dare she say it—date, she’d been full of energy...that was until she’d sat down. She yawned and pushed aside the drop cloth she’d ended up using as a makeshift blanket. Getting to her feet, she stretched her sore muscles.

Heavy footsteps sounded in the upstairs hallway. She glanced at the time on her phone. It was far too early for the workers.

“Kate?” Lucas’s voice rang out.

“In here.” She smoothed her hair with her palms.

Lucas appeared in the doorway with his hands full. “I thought we’d have something a little different this morning. I ran out for some of that flavored coffee you’re always going on about and a couple of blueberry muffins.”

“Is this a special occasion?”

He handed over a coffee. “No. I just thought a change in routine might do us good.”

She gratefully took a long, slow swallow, letting the warm, creamy coffee fill her mouth with the most delicious flavor. That first sip of the day was by far the best. “I definitely approve.”

“When you didn’t show up for breakfast, I decided to check on you.”

Since when had he started worrying about her? Surely she’d misunderstood. But the fact he’d noticed her missing and tracked her down was something she just couldn’t ignore.

“I wanted to start work early. I need to get this done on schedule.”

Lucas peered around. With his height and broad chest, he seemed to fill up the room. Awareness awakened Kate’s sluggish body. The fresh scent of his cologne wafted past her nose and wrapped around her. Did the man have to smell so good?

He moved, visually examining the balled-up drop cloth on the floor and then taking in her rumpled appearance. “Starting early? It looks more like you never made it to bed.”

She shrugged, hoping he wouldn’t make a big deal of it. “This coffee sure hits the spot.”

He continued looking around before turning back to her. “You’re working too hard. If you need more help, just tell me.”

“I will.” But right now she had something else on her mind. “You know, I was thinking that the night of the fund-raiser would be the perfect time to announce the sale of this place.”

He stared at her as if she’d sprouted another head. “Why would I do that?”

“I’m obviously missing something. I know when we discussed it earlier the situation still wasn’t clear, but isn’t the point of fixing up the house to put it on the market? I mean it isn’t like you live here. In fact, you hate being here—”

“I do not.” He looked away, studying something on the floor.

“Don’t give me that. Every time I turn around, you’re running out the door. I get it. This place doesn’t hold good memories for you. I have a couple of places like that myself. So why hold on to the house? Let someone else enjoy it.”

He ran a hand through his hair, scattering the short strands. “I don’t know if I’m ready to make a decision of that magnitude. Lately, I seem to be making one mistake after the other.”

“Does that include kissing me?” Kate clamped her lips shut, but it was too late. Her thoughts were out there. Hovering. Waiting.

She should brush aside her careless comment and pretend she was teasing, but she couldn’t. She honestly wanted to know how he felt about her.

With every bit of willpower, she lifted her chin and looked at him. Wondering. Hoping.

His Adam’s apple bobbed. Their gazes met. And the air around them seemed to crackle with awareness.

“Kissing you is all I’ve thought about.” His voice was deep and thick, sending goose bumps of excitement down her spine. “My only regret is that it ended far too soon.”

His intense gaze held hers. She should turn away. She should... She should...

Long suppressed desires swelled inside her and squelched her train of thought. He stepped forward, closing the gap between them. Her stomach fluttered and dipped. The tip of her tongue swished over her now dry lips. He was going to kiss her again, and she wanted him to because for better or worse, she wanted to taste him on her lips.

The breath in her lungs hitched. She’d never anticipated anything this much in her entire life. Her chin tilted upward. And her heart pounded.

Being cautious wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. This once she wanted to throw caution to the wind. She wanted to live in the moment.

She shifted her weight to her tiptoes. And then he was there. His warm breath tickled her cheek before his lips pressed to hers. They moved gently at first, tentatively as though questioning her. But that wasn’t nearly enough for her. She met his kiss with a hunger that startled her. He tasted like rich, dark coffee and she’d never tasted anything so good.