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“The cat?” He smiled seductively, his voice calm and content.
Relief surged. His jokes proved he was no longer angry. “No, the child."
He nodded as the humor, but not the contentment, departed his eyes. “Laura, I need you to know – what just happened, what we shared, has nothing to do with my investigation. It was just… just…”
“What we had to do,” she finished. His lack of understanding was understandable, for this force that lurked between them. Whatever it was, it was strong, and wouldn’t be denied.Just like him.“The same is true for me," she shared softly. “I didn’t do this for any story and certainly not to use against you. In truth, I can’t comprehend what is happening between us.”
“One thing is inescapably clear.” He painted swirls on her skin with the pad of his finger, eliciting tiny shivers. “It was breathtaking.Youare breathtaking.”
Pleasure tugged the sides of her lips. She hadn't been the only one awed by the lovemaking. She tried to move away, but as she was about to slip off the bed, Aidan placed a firm hand on her arm, gently but firmly stopping her. “We’re going to have to figure this out.” His expression was serious, his gaze searching. His strength had been intense before, but now… it threatened to overwhelm.
She softly disentangled her arm, and he let her go. She had no misconceptions her escape was only temporary. A whisper followed her as she walked from the room. “I will uncover all of your secrets.”
No doubt.
Quickly, Laura showered. The strawberry soap was silk against her skin, the warm droplets soothing sore muscles and skin still flushed from lovemaking. By the time she finished and donned a flowery, orange sundress, only fifteen minutes remained before Jeanie’s expected arrival. She entered the living room where herloverwaited. “You’re dressed.” Somehow the clothing didn’t diminish his power. She had now seen the muscles that lurked underneath,touchedthem. Covered or not, his power was unparalleled.
He cocked his head to the side, lightened his expression with a smile. “Of course,” he rumbled. “I wasn’t going to stay naked.”
“Of course not.”But, really, darn.“Obviously you aren’t going to stay naked.”Although it would be quite fashionable, tantalizing and just plain enjoyable.“Getting dressed makes sense.”But did it really?
Heat brought a flush to her face. Thank goodness he would soon be leaving. Though she unwittingly yearned for him to stay, she needed separation to refocus on her mission. And obviously, to regain her wits. Before she asked him to get naked again.
Focus!“Jeanie will be here any minute.” She ignored the slight awkwardness at casual conversation after so tremendous an experience. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the morning meeting.”
He forked his hands through his thick hair. “Of course, but what are we doing tonight?”
“Tonight?” Her heart stuttered. Though he hadn’t discovered the truth at first sight of his daughter, it didn’t mean they were safe. The resemblance was uncanny, with similar features even a stranger would notice. Only his belief it was not within the realm of possibility kept him from suspecting the truth. Once he deduced it, an hour’s research would provide confirmation.
Perhaps a different tactic would work. “I’m spending time with my daughter tonight. I haven’t been with her as much as usual, and I promised to take her to the arcade.”
“Sounds great.” Intelligence glowed in sparkling eyes. “I haven’t been to an arcade in years.”
Was this some sort of test? Was he daring her to refuse him? He would then probe more, and by the time they finished, Jeanie was sure to be home. If she argued with him, it would raise suspicions of why she would still shield her daughter when he clearly meant no harm. On the other hand, if she allowed him to come…
He could figure out the truth.
Of course, her own life-altering decision loomed – whether to reveal the secret herself. More and more, she was sure she would, yet she needed a little more confirmation. What better way to see if he would be a good father than to have him actually spend time with Jeanie? Of course, the risk was there, but if they got along well, it would only be a matter of time before he knew everything. It led to a single decision. Jeanie would have her first night with both mother and father.
“All right,” she agreed. "You can come."
Surprise lit sapphire eyes. “All right then.” He nodded and smiled, and with good timing. A knock sounded from the door.
With Aidan close behind, Laura strode to the door, nerves making her fingers tingly. Even that couldn’t stop her amusement when a tiny voice drifted through the wood. “Open up, Mommy. It’s me, Jeanie!”
She opened the door and grinned. So did Aidan, widely, as the little girl happily skipped in. Waving good-bye to the teacher’s assistant, Laura picked up her daughter and gave her a butterfly kiss on the cheek. “Hello sweetie.”
“Hullo, Mommy!” Jeanie wiggled around to look at Aidan. “Hi.”
“Well, hello there, young lady.” His eyes sparkled as he held out his hand and playfully shook hers. “A pleasure, ma’am.”
Jeanie giggled at the gesture. “Not like that,” she chided. With a boldness only a child possessed, she moved his hand so only his pinky finger stuck out. She hooked it with her own. “Like that,” she instructed in a teacher-like tone.
“Ahhh.” Aidan nodded in utmost seriousness. “Thank you for showing me the right way. I'll be sure to use my pinky from now on.”
Laura grinned at the image of Aidan going to one of his international business moguls and presenting him with a pinky shake instead of a handshake. So far, so good.
“I remember you,” Jeanie talked rapidly. “You played hide-and-seek with me.”
