Take Me Down. Sylvia Lett
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Название: Take Me Down
Автор: Sylvia Lett
Издательство: Ingram
Жанр: Короткие любовные романы
isbn: 9780758241047
isbn:
Oh, he’s wanted all right, Mom. I wanted him a few minutes ago. I still do, but my common sense has returned. I know he’s not for me. “You’re overreacting as usual, Mother. I can handle Jack. He’s an employee, nothing more.” Even as she voiced the words, Stephanie wasn’t sure she could live up to them. Jack Kaufman was like no one she had ever met. God, please let me be able to handle Jack.
Stephanie was lying in bed when her phone vibrated on the nightstand. Frowning, she reached over and picked it up. She laughed as she read Jack’s text message.
Your bubble bath is getting cold. I owe you a massage. You can collect any time you like.
Stephanie typed in her response. I could use a massage, but I can’t imagine you in a bubble bath.
She smiled at his response. Stranger things have happened, boss lady. How’s Mildred? Has she calmed down any?
She typed her final message for the night. Not really. I told her who you really were, but I’m not sure if it made matters better or worse. Good night, Jack.
Sweet dreams, Stef. Stephanie read Jack’s message and placed her phone back on the nightstand.
Stephanie’s sleep was anything but peaceful and restful. Imagines of Jack were invading her thoughts. As much as she would like to, she could not forget their kiss.
In the weeks that followed, she couldn’t keep him out of her thoughts or her office.
She could barely keep up with his energy and zest for life. He didn’t do anything halfway as he whipped both his staff and Stephanie into shape.
Stephanie breathed a sigh of relief when he flew out of town on business. He was at the hotel in Phoenix heading up security for an annual gala. He tried to get Stephanie to go with him, but she declined. He assured her it was for business only, but she wasn’t convinced.
She had an entire week to get her emotions and her life back in check. Stephanie was not about to let Jack creep into her personal life any more than he had done already. She would draw the line between their business and personal lives. She owed it to her daughter and to herself not to get involved with someone with Jack’s checkered past. There was no room in her life for a man like him.
Stephanie felt ridiculous even thinking about Jack this way. They only shared a few kisses the night of the Waterfords’ party. He hadn’t so much as made a pass at her since then. Still, she couldn’t get him off her mind. She was thinking of reasons why they shouldn’t be together when she had no reason to think he wanted to be with her in the first place.
I’m losing my mind. That’s the only explanation. She glanced down at the calendar on her desk. Jack was due back today and she was torn between wanting to be there and not wanting to see him. She missed him and didn’t trust herself to be around him right now. So she took the rest of the day off to clear her mind.
Stanley had invited Stephanie to a Halloween party, but she didn’t want to go. She hated parties and she hated Halloween even more. Needing a distraction, she relented.
She waited until the last possible moment to find an outfit. The only outfits she found in her size were witches’ costumes and Indian dresses. She chose the latter.
Stephanie stared at her reflection in the mirror. Parting her hair down the middle, she braided it and tied a piece of black leather on each end.
Didn’t every little girl want to be a princess?
“Mommy, you look pretty,” said Christina, running into the room. She jumped up on Stephanie’s bed while hugging her favorite stuffed teddy bear. “Can I come too?”
“No, you can’t come, sweetie,” said Stephanie, walking over to the bed. Smiling, she tickled her. “It’s past your bedtime. What are you still doing up? I know I tucked you in and read you a story at least half an hour ago.”
“But I wanted to see your costume.” Christina picked up one of her mother’s braids. “You look like a real Indian princess.”
“It’s bedtime.” Stephanie picked her up and carried her back to her bedroom. “Nana is downstairs if you need anything.” She laid her daughter on the bed and covered her. “Tomorrow we are going to the park for a long-overdue picnic. I love you, pumpkin.”
“I love you too, Mommy. Have fun. Are you going with Mr. Stanley? I don’t like him. He doesn’t like me either. I can tell.”
“Of course he likes you. What’s not to like? You are a wonderful little girl.” Stephanie leaned over and kissed her forehead. “No more talking. Go to sleep.”
“Good night, Mommy. Maybe you will meet a real prince tonight.” The sleepy little girl yawned.
“Maybe I will.” Stephanie smiled, turning off the light. She went downstairs to wait for Stanley.
“Nice costume,” said Mildred from the sofa. She glanced up at Stephanie, and then back at the television.
“A compliment from my mother. Will miracles never cease?” Stephanie sat down next to her on the sofa.
“I can’t wait to see Stanley’s costume. It will probably be something dull like he is.” She smiled, picking up the wineglass from the coffee table. “He could be a wet blanket. That would be quite fitting.”
“Mom, can’t you ever say anything nice about anyone I date?”
“You haven’t had a real date in four years. You remember what a date is, right? Dinner, dancing, and stimulating company.”
The doorbell chimed. “Good night, Mom.”
“Don’t have too much fun,” Mildred laughed. “Since you’re with pocket lint himself, I’m sure you won’t.”
Stephanie was more than a little surprised to see Stanley dressed as Captain Hook. He looked ridiculous in the costume. Her mother probably would have laughed him out the front door. He couldn’t pull off the pirate look. It wasn’t him.
Chapter 3
Stephanie’s eyes locked with Jack’s from across the room. She blinked several times to make sure she wasn’t imagining him. She knew he was due back in town today, but here, at a private party, was the last place she expected to see him. She had left work early to avoid seeing him and here he was.
How appropriate that he should come to the party dressed as a pirate. It was definitely in character for him. Their eyes held as he made his way over to her. Stephanie turned and fled out the patio door.
Jack followed, as she knew he would. She waited until he closed the door behind him, before she pounced on him. “What are you doing here? When did you get back?”
“I got back today midday. I dropped by your office, but you were already gone. I’ll be going back in a couple of weeks to follow up with the manager. I put some new procedures in place and I want to make sure they are followed. To answer your СКАЧАТЬ