Take Me Down. Sylvia Lett

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СКАЧАТЬ at the very idea. She couldn’t picture herself going to a sperm bank either. “There’s nothing intriguing about my situation, I assure you. It’s a short story. Christina’s father was killed on some secret mission before she was born. Christina’s mother and I met and became friends shortly after she moved here. We were best friends and she asked me to be her child’s godmother. When she died in childbirth, I got custody of Christina. I adopted her right after I brought her home from the hospital.”

      “You said her father is deceased. You know for sure he is dead?”

      Stephanie’s surprised eyes met his.

      “People disappear all the time,” Jack continued. “Some may not even know they are lost or that people are searching for them.”

      “Alexia wouldn’t lie to me about something like that.”

      Jack didn’t think he’d heard Stephanie right. As she went on, she didn’t notice Jack’s stony expression.

      “Besides, he walked out on her when she was pregnant. Even if he were alive, I doubt he would want the responsibility of raising a child. I would never give her up. Christina is my daughter and I will fight anyone tooth and nail to keep her.”

      Watching and listening to Stephanie, Jack didn’t doubt her love for Christina. But he was still processing everything in his own head. Could what he think happened really have happened? Jack needed to change the subject fast.

      “Well, it’s wonderful that Christina has someone as special as you in your life.”

      “Thanks.”

      Jack let out a big sigh. “Are you enjoying the party? I wouldn’t have pictured this as your scene. Actually, you look a little uncomfortable.”

      “Is it that obvious?” She turned to face him and they both laughed. Her eyes twinkled with merriment. “I guess it is.”

      “A bit. Why are you here if you don’t want to be?”

      “Do you have a mother? One who is hell-bent on marrying you off to the highest bidder, no less? She’s driving me nuts. My mother accepted the invitation on my behalf.”

      “You shouldn’t let her run your life. You don’t strike me as a pushover. Does she do this kind of thing often?”

      “Afraid so. With my mother, I choose my battles wisely. She’s made it her goal in life to find me a wealthy husband whether I want one or not. She’s convinced I need a husband and Christina needs a father.”

      “And you’re not convinced?” Okay, I guess I’m just going to have to step up my timetable thanks to meddling Mildred.

      “Let’s just say I’m in no rush to walk down the aisle of holy matrimony.” She shifted in the seat. “I’ve seen my share of bad marriages and I’ve only seen a few good ones. It would be my luck I would pick someone who couldn’t live up to my expectations and we’d end up in divorce court in a couple of years. That’s not what I want for Christina. She’s happy and content and so am I. I want stability for her.”

      “That’s something we all want, Stephanie.” She saw the sincerity in his eyes. “You obviously don’t think your expectations are too high?”

      “If you think honesty, love, mutual respect, and trust are too much to ask for in a mate, then yes, I guess they are a bit high. I’ve yet to find those qualities in any man.”

      “It could be that you aren’t looking in the right places.” Their eyes met and held. Stephanie looked away first.

      “And maybe those things don’t exist in any man,” she replied, folding her hands in her lap.

      “Or woman,” he shot back just as quickly. “I’ve encountered as many dishonest women as I have men. We all make mistakes. Some are a lot worse than others, but, Stephanie, we are all human.”

      “How are you liking this party?” she asked, changing the subject. This topic of conversation obviously was a sore spot for both of them. “I wouldn’t have thought this was your scene, either. Jack Kaufman at a formal black-tie party?”

      I’m here because you’re here. “Normally it’s not, but I’m adaptable. I can blend in anywhere.”

      “I guess you would have to be in your line of work.” The comment had slipped out of her mouth before she could stop it. “It’s not every day I meet or hire an ex-mercenary.”

      He smiled and she blushed. “I knew we’d get around to that. Are you having second thoughts about hiring me?”

      “No, no, no, no,” Stephanie said, shaking her head emphatically. “You will be good for the hotel chain. You already have us all on our toes and you’ve only been here two weeks. You’re doing a good job. But how are you feeling about it? Hotel security isn’t as exciting as what you’re used to. Do you miss that kind of life, the danger, and the excitement?”

      “Sometimes I do miss it,” Jack confessed. “There’s a certain rush to being chased through the jungle and shot at.”

      Stephanie laughed.

      “But seriously, I have responsibilities now. You have to grow up some time. My daughter needs me. As much as I hate to admit it, I need her too. She’s the only good and decent thing in my life.”

      “You have a daughter?” The surprise was evident in her voice and on her face. “You don’t strike me as the family-man type.”

      “Don’t sound so shocked. Aren’t mercenaries allowed to reproduce?” Jack asked with raised brows. Stephanie returned his smile. “I was even married once, briefly. It seems like a lifetime ago.” He stopped talking when he saw her mother leading a man in their direction. “Here comes trouble in a short black dress. Don’t look now, but your mother is headed this way.”

      Stephanie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Please tell me she’s alone. My mother has horrible taste in men. She thinks if they are rich and breathing, they are marriage material.”

      “No can do. He looks old enough to be your father. Maybe she should keep this one for herself. You only have a few seconds to make a clean getaway.”

      “Pretend we’re together,” Stephanie said, panicking and peering over his shoulder. “Too late to run now.”

      “What exactly do you want me to do? I’m no knight in shining armor.” He was enjoying himself at her expense.

      She glared at him. “Truer words were never spoken. You’re the master of deception,” she said, looking over his shoulder again. “Improvise.” Before the words left her mouth, Jack lifted her onto his lap. Her startled brown eyes stared up into his laughing eyes. “What do you think you are doing?”

      “I’m improvising,” he said in a husky voice. Her breath got caught in her throat as his hand cupped her face and he gently pulled her head toward his. She had no time to react as his lips touched hers. At the first touch of his mouth on hers, liquid fire spread through her body. Stephanie was torn between pushing him away and pulling him closer. When her lips parted beneath his, there was no turning back. He deepened the kiss and his mouth became hot and demanding. It took control of her mind as well as her body. As she moaned СКАЧАТЬ