Surrender to Temptation (24 page)

Chase hopped onto the porch and started for the door. “The bonus had better be worth it.”

Lex laughed and punched a number on his smart phone. He brought the phone to his ear. “Jake, stop the renovations and give the boys the rest of the week off. Yeah, with full pay. I’ll have new plans for you before Monday.” He angled his head and listened. “We are turning it into a showroom for FMC. Good. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

Chase grinned. “You haven’t even bought it and you are already making changes.”

“I like to hit the ground running.” Lex dialed a second number. “Wycliffe, I have the perfect building for the showroom. The Haven. I want to see the designs by Sunday evening. Yeah, I’m flying back in the morning. Good.”

Chase chuckled. His brother was unstoppable when he wanted something. “Done?”

“For now,” Lex mumbled.

“If I wanted a ranch in the San Diego area, would you make a phone call and make it happen?” Chase asked.

Lex cocked his eyebrows. “I know of a few farmlands for sale in the area. Was that a rhetorical question or are you serious?”

Chase shook his head. His brother’s reach never failed to amaze him. “Nah, I’m perfectly happy here. You know where the basement is, so make yourself at home. We should go to Aunt Siobhán’s tomorrow. Tonight, you are our guest.” Chase left Lex heading downstairs and went toward the foyer. Sounds from the den drew his attention. Nikki was done with the website and shouldn’t be in there anymore.

“Don’t ever call me or come near me again, Ace,” a voice snapped from inside the den.

Keira? Chase frowned.

“I don’t care,” she snapped. “I am done covering for you. I will not be an accomplice to your madness. No, I don’t want your money. I promised you I wouldn’t and I won’t. Just stay out of my life.”

Chase backed away from the door and went in search of Nikki. She opened her bedroom door with a sexy smile, her hazel eyes twinkling. That smile still had the power to make him catch his breath.

“Hey, gorgeous. Lex is wait—”

She grabbed his shirt, pulled him to her, and proceeded to kiss him like she hadn’t seen him in days, or woken up in his arms this morning and made love to him like she couldn’t get enough of him. She broke the contact and gave him a slow smile.

“I’ve wanted to do that,” she whispered, “since we came back from the canyon. If your brother wasn’t waiting…” She kissed him again.

He lifted her up, bringing her chest close to his face. She sunk her hands in his hair as he buried his face in the valley between her breasts. She’d changed her shirt after the ride and was wearing one of her feminine, lacy tops. Her warmth and scent, flowery and exotic, was intoxicating. She always smelled nice.

“The things you do to me, Nikki Savoy,” he said.

“The things I want to do to you, Chase Fitzgerald,” she teased.

He loved the way she said that. It often preceded hot, mind-numbing sex. “Do you know how crazy I am about you?”

She pretended to think about it. “No. Show me.”

“Hey,” Keira called out. “Who does a girl have to kill to get a drink around here?”

Chase grimaced.

Nikki opened her mouth as though to speak, but closed it.

“She’ll be gone soon,” Chase promised, lowering Nikki to the ground and grabbing her hand. “Come on. We have to play host and hostess.”

Keira ignored their linked hands and Nikki. “There you are, Chase. I asked your maid for a drink and she offered me lemon juice. Lemon juice.” She wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“I’ll check on Mrs. B,” Nikki said. “I’ll catch up with you two downstairs.” She wiggled her hand free and pinched his ass before walking away.

Chase grinned, loving the gentle sway of her hips and the way the jeans hugged her ass.

“Chase!” Keira hissed to draw his attention.

He turned and frowned at her. How had he ever thought she was beautiful? Her voice alone irritated the crap out of him. “This way, Keira.”

He led the way to the basement, where ESPN announcers were having a heated discussion about football stats. Halfway down the stairs, Keira gripped his arm. “Wait, Chase.”

He glanced up. He was a few steps below her, putting them on the same eye-level. She looked teary. “Are you okay?”

“I was a fool to let you go.” Her voice shook.

“Keira—”

“No, listen.” She gripped his shoulder. “I need to say this. You were the best thing that ever happened to me. I panicked when I came to the hospital and thought you’d never see again. I should have stood by your side and moved to the ranch to help take care of you. Do you think you could ever forgive me?”

Chase looked over Kiera’s shoulder at Nikki, who stood in the basement doorway. Chase stared helplessly at her, silently asking for her help. She blew him a kiss, grinned, and leaned against the doorway. But when Keira stroked his hair, Nikki stopped smiling.

“Tell me what to do to make things better between us, Chase. I want us to start over. Your eyes have healed, and the cuts to your face are barely visible. And look,” she showed him her arms. “They used skin from my thighs to take care of my burns. The surgeon said the scars will fade with time.”

If he wasn’t waiting for a phone call from Ken, he would have started questioning her the moment he’d arrived back at the ranch with Nikki. “Let’s talk later, Keira. I promise.”

“You said the same thing earlier in the barn,” Keira whined.

“I know. Come on. I’ll get you a drink,” he said firmly.

CHAPTER 17

Nikki wished she hadn’t joined them downstairs. Keira was chugging drinks like a lush and rehashing her life with Chase. Every sentence started with, “Do you remember…”

She’d had enough. Nikki stood. “Excuse me.”

“Where are you going?” Chase asked.

“I think I’ll go get some fresh air. Why don’t you catch up with your old friend in there and I’ll see you guys later?” she answered calmly, but inside she was seething. She wasn’t even sure who she was pissed at. Keira or Chase for not telling her to shut up.

Chase followed her upstairs. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

Nikki held herself stiffly. “Of course. I promised to help the guys this afternoon. I’ll see you at dinner.” She could feel his eyes on her as she walked away.

Nikki spent the next thirty minutes measuring evening feed for the horses. Occasionally, she stopped to kick at something and imagined it was Keira’s head. The woman wanted Chase back. Worse, Chase had invited her to his ranch. What were his intentions? She felt insecure.

She was watching Philly in the paddock when she heard sounds behind her and turned. Lex sauntered towards her. The man had a walk that commanded attention and an aura of power that was hard to miss. She could see him in a crowded room and people moving aside to let him pass.

“How is she doing?” he asked.

“She’s close.” The mare was pacing, switching her tail, and kicking at her abdomen. “Chase said the foal has dropped, just like in humans, and her vulva is relaxed and elongated.”

Lex chuckled.

Nikki glanced at him. “What?”

“I forgot you are a nurse and are comfortable with all this.” He sounded embarrassed. Then she noticed his cheeks. They seemed a little pink.

“Birthing makes you blush?”

He shook his head, planted a foot on the lower rail of the gate, and leaned against the top. “I don’t blush.”

Yet he was. How cute and normal. With the way Chase talked about his brother she’d begun to think the man was super human. “That’s okay. Most men are uncomfortable with it.”

“So when are you planning to tell Chase the truth?”

Nikki frowned, studying his calm expression. “What?”

“He needs to know who you really are, Nikki,” Lex said.

She swallowed. “Who…?”

“That you are Deanna Marshal’s sister.”

Nikki could only stare, her heart pounding. “You know?”

He chuckled. “Of course. I knew before our first teleconference. My uncle sent me your resume, and I don’t go to a meeting unprepared. My people are nothing if not thorough.”

Nikki swallowed. “So why didn’t you say something? Does your uncle know?”

“No, Uncle Mo didn’t need to know. Chase needed closure, and I thought you might give it to him. I wasn’t sure what your motive was, but from what I read about you, I knew you were not a threat to him.”

Nikki chuckled and shook her head. “Wow. You are really something.”

He winked. “If you’d waited, you’d know that with certainty.”

She rolled her eyes. “Arrogance definitely runs in your family.”

He laughed. “Just stating a fact.”

“Sorry, big guy,” she patted his arm, “but you didn’t stand a chance.” She realized how familiar her gesture was and dropped her hand, but he caught it and brought it to his lips.

“I know. My brother is a lucky man.”

“What are you doing drooling all over my woman, Lex?” Chase asked.

Lex and Nikki looked up and grinned. Despite his words, Chase didn’t look angry or jealous. He wore a smug grin.

“Tell him the truth soon, okay?” Lex whispered.

“I’m just waiting for a phone call and I will,” Nikki said and tugged her hand from his before Chase reached them. “Where’s Keira?”

“She’s changing. We’re going for a ride,” Chase said, wrapping his arm around Nikki’s waist. “Do you want to join us?”

Nikki grimaced. She didn’t want to relive his life with Keira. “I can’t. I promised to help Mrs. B. She’s not fully recovered, you know.”

Chase kissed her. “Promise me not to cook anything, sweetheart. I don’t want you poisoning my brother.”

“Hey,” Nikki protested and jabbed him with her elbow. The two of them laughed while Lex watched them with a perplexed expression.

“Long story, bro,” Chase said. “The shorter version is she pretended not to know how to cook and Mrs. B pretended to be sick, so I could take over in the kitchen. And the nice guy that I am, I did.”

Nikki’s jaw dropped. “You knew?”

“Of course, I did. No one keeps a secret from me around here.” Chase kissed her again. “Lex, coming?”

Lex was watching them with an indulgent smile. “Sure. I’ll change, too.”

Nikki watched from the porch as they left for their ride and wondered who had told Chase about their ruse. Then she went upstairs to call home. She was relieved when her parents didn’t pick up the phone. She left them a message. The next call was to Amelia.

“I think I found a cowboy for you,” Nikki teased.

“Yeah, right. Describe him.”

By the time Nikki finished describing Dean, Amelia was laughing.

“What?” Nikki asked.

“No man could be that hot, loaded, and still be single. Thanks for the laugh. Tell me again why you are coming back on Sunday instead of tomorrow?”

Images of Chase raced through her head. “Philly is about to foal, and I want to see her baby before I leave. From a nurse’s point of view, it’s going to be interesting seeing a horse deliver.”

“Ew. What have you done with my best friend? You know the one who couldn’t stand horses? I can understand overcoming an aversion to the beastly animals, but this love connection...? Baby horses? Delivery? You nurse humans, not horses, Nikki.”

Nikki laughed. “You’d be amazed at what motivates me.”

“Aha! I knew it. You met someone.”

Nikki sighed. She had put off telling Amelia about Chase. Even now, she couldn’t say much except, “Maybe.”

“Oh, I hate you for keeping things from me. When did you meet, or is he the rancher you just described?”

“No, they are cousins. And just so you know, there are three of them, two brothers and a cousin.”

“So my cowboy is real?”

“Yep. Tall, dark, and Irish.”

“Oh, I’m drooling. I love black Irish. Can I buy my ticket and join you? I’m due for a vacation.”

Nikki chuckled. “Sure, but I have to be home on Monday for Dee’s big day.”

“Dang! Can he fit in your suitcase?”

Nikki was still chuckling when she hung up the phone. She went downstairs to help Mrs. B with dinner and counted the hours Chase, Lex, and Keira were gone.

***

Nikki didn’t think things could get worse with Keira. Chase and Keira were coming back from the stables when she suddenly fell against Chase and screamed, clutching her ankle.

Nikki who had seen the whole incident from the balcony of her bedroom felt like applauding until the significance of the twisted ankle became clear. Keira didn’t want to leave. Nikki’s smile turned into a grimace as she watched Chase lift Keira like she weighed nothing and carry her indoors.

Chase and his brother disappeared in the barn for the rest of the afternoon, leaving Nikki and Mrs. B at Keira’s mercy. Keira whined and demanded every comfort she could possibly get.

Mrs. B became her personal servant. Keira asked for a drink and then complained about the way Mrs. B served it. One minute she wanted a certain wine, thirty minutes later it was another, or water with crushed ice. She wanted a snack and not just any snack. As a food critic, she knew a lot about food and insisted on coming inside the kitchen where Nikki was helping make dinner. Keira texted Chase to come and carry her downstairs so she could rest. And he actually left the barn and did it. Nikki wanted to hit his head with a cooking pan.

Seriously, it boggled the mind he didn’t realize she was faking a twisted ankle. The ice pack he’d given her had fallen on the floor and stayed there throughout her I’m-mistress-of-the-house-serve-me moment.

During dinner, Keira monopolized Chase’s attention again. It was obvious Chase was getting irritated. He answered her questions in monosyllables.

If Lex hadn’t been at the table, Nikki would have gotten up and left. She barely ate her food, but every time she forked something she imagined it to be a part of Keira’s head. The woman drank half the bottle of wine and kept asking for more. Her words became slurred as the evening progressed.

They were talking about another childhood incident when Nikki put her fork down. She wasn’t in the mood for an evening of singing and dancing, but she much preferred the men on the porch than another second in Chase and Keira’s presence.

“Excuse me. I promised to spend the evening with the guys.”

In a little while, she was absorbed in the music. The ranch hands joined in, clapping and singing. Forgotten were Chase and Keira—not really forgotten, just pushed aside. But at least she was having fun. Nikki was teasing Tucker about his favorite bawdy song and didn’t notice Lex until she turned to ask Winston to play his banjo. Her glance collided with his.

She waved then started singing.

***

Chase could hear the music coming from outside and wished he didn’t have to deal with Keira. He belonged out there, not putting up with this woman’s crap. He’d called and texted Ken several times in the last several hours and not heard back. He wanted this woman off his ranch.

“Why don’t I take you to your room, Keira? You need to rest your ankle. We’ll talk some more tomorrow.”

She angled her head. “There is delightful music coming from outside. Sounds like your men are having fun, so why don’t we join them.” She lifted her arms. “Besides, you haven’t introduced me.”

Chase ground his teeth and lifted her up. He left the house and stepped on the porch just as Nikki pulled Lex to his feet. Mrs. B and the men were cheering and whistling. Winston continued to play his banjo.

Nikki picked up her dress and swished it with the beat. She twisted her waist enticingly, throwing back her head as she and Lex danced. Chase grinned. He didn’t know his brother had it in him. Lex started clapping his hands while going around her as she turned, twisted, and shook her body to the beat. That was his Nikki, he thought with amusement. She knew how to make their evenings special.

“Your programmer is full of surprises, isn’t she?” Keira asked as she leaned on his arm.

Chase studied Nikki and grinned. “She is special.”

Keira stared at Nikki. “Why don’t you ask them to play something more modern?”

Chase looked at the grinning faces on the patio and knew it would be wrong to stop their fun. “We could return to the basement where I have some on my iPod and an amazing CD collection.”

“No, I want to be with everyone.” She leaned forward and nudged Winston with her uninjured foot. “Can you stop that music?” she yelled. “We want to hear something different.”

Winston stopped playing his banjo. Everyone turned to look at Keira. Her eyes were glassy from too much drinking and her words even more slurred. “Hi, everyone. My name is Keira Higgins. I’m the fiancée of your boss.” She touched his arm.

“Keira,” Chase warned.

She smiled at him and put her hand on his chest. “I’m almost done, sweetheart. I just loved hearing your men sing.” She faced the group on the patio. “Could you play something for me, something modern so I can dance with this handsome boss of yours?” She giggled.

“Uh, how will you dance with a twisted ankle?” Nikki asked.

Everyone turned to look at Nikki.

“I’m sure Chase and I can manage,” Keira said.

 
Nikki smiled. “Of course you would. What would you like? We can offer anything from the oldies cowboys love to sing around a camp fire to Lady Antebellum.”

“You’re so funny, Nikki. I was talking to the men.”

“I do the singing around here,” Nikki said. “Unfortunately, I love to do what they like—good old, bawdy western numbers like this one.” She started a tune. Slowly, her voice rose above the instruments. The men nodded their heads in rhythm, but the cheerful and lively atmosphere had been destroyed.
 

A brief silence followed her performance. Then Keira said with feigned enthusiasm, “You are so talented, Nikki. Thank you for the entertainment. Chase, I think I’m ready for bed now.”

Chase carried Keira upstairs to her bedroom and had to pull her arms from around his neck. She was refusing to let him go. “Keira!”

“Stay with me, Chase.”

“I can’t. Nikki is waiting for me.”

“She’s not the right person for you. If you give me a chance, I’ll show you.”

Chase shook his head. “Goodnight, Keira.”

He hurried out of her room and noticed the lights coming from under Nikki’s bedroom door. He knocked and waited. Going by her expression downstairs, he had a lot of apologizing and groveling to do.