The Courtship of Dani Page 6

  Her heart still beat a little faster and that strange, tight achiness still gripped her insides whenever she was near Jason, but Dani told herself it meant nothing. It was just a physical attraction. Eventually it would pass.

  When he flew to the east coast on business, three weeks after the project started, Dani ignored the empty feeling in her chest and concentrated even harder on her work.

  "Burning the midnight oil again?" Arthur asked on Friday evening when he poked his head into her office to say goodnight. Since Jason's departure on Monday she had worked late every night, and Arthur had finally given up trying to talk her out of it.

  Dani looked up and smiled. "Yes. I have a little more I want to get done before the weekend."

  Arthur's gaze went to the window behind her desk. It was dark outside, and everyone else had left hours ago. "You want me to stay and wait for you? I hate to leave you here alone."

  "No, no. You go ahead; I'll be fine. I'll only be a little longer. Besides, I'll be perfectly safe with a guard at the gate."

  "Well, okay. If you say so," Arthur agreed reluctantly. "But I'll stop on my way out and tell Homer that you're still here. Good night, Dani. See you Monday." He lifted his hand in a farewell gesture, then he was gone.

  Dani heard his footsteps recede down the hall, followed by the subdued rattle of the elevator doors, but by the time Arthur drove out the front gate she was once more immersed in the report that Bob Loman had turned in to her that afternoon.

  She was still poring over it a half-hour later when a harsh male voice shattered her concentration and made her jump with fright.

  "Well, well, well. If it isn't the beautiful and brilliant Ms. Edwards, still hard at it. What are you doing, Dani, trying to impress my old man with your devotion to duty?" Lewis drawled hatefully from the doorway. "It won't do you any good, you know. As much as he admires that king-size brain of yours, he's not about to turn the firm over to anyone outside the family." He flashed her a taunting smile that showed his perfect white teeth. "If you want the company, you have to take me with it."

  Dani's heart had slowed to near its normal rate, and as she looked at Lewis, slouched indolently against the doorjamb, her mouth unconsciously took on a derisive curl. "What are you doing here, Lewis? How did you get in?"

  "I told the guard that I work for Update," he said with a smirk.

  But the goading look quickly faded to a sullen glower, his hazel eyes glinting with resentment beneath lowered brows. "My old man is mad as hell at, me right now and it's all your fault," he spat at her in a voice that was laced with bitterness, and for the first time Dani noticed that his speech was slurred. "Where the hell do you get off turning me down, Miss High and Mighty Edwards? You're nothing but a little nobody. The daughter of a plumber, for God's sake! You ought to be flattered that I'd even consider marrying you. Let me tell you, there are plenty of women who would jump at the chance."

  Dani's eyes went over him in slow appraisal. He was leaning heavily against the doorjamb, one hand in his pocket, the other propped on his hip, thrusting back his suit coat. His tie was askew and his shirt was wrinkled and bloused out over his belt. There was a hectic flush to his skin and his face looked flaccid and droopy, the handsome features blurred and numbed by alcohol. Dani's mouth firmed and she sighed wearily. Lewis Manders was hard for her to take at anytime. Drunk, he was next to impossible.

  Placing her palms flat on the desk, Dani stood slowly. "This is pointless, Lewis. Why don't you go home and sleep it off?"

  "Oh, no. I'm not going anywhere just yet." He lurched away from the door and started for her, weaving slightly. "Not until I show you just what you're turning down."

  "Don't be ridiculous. This is.. .Lewis! Will you stop it!" she cried when he rounded the desk and grabbed her upper arms, snatching her up against him. "Stop... oh, good grief! Lewis!"

  His hands were hurting her and he reeked of whiskey. Dani turned her head from side to side, trying to evade his seeking mouth, but Lewis ignored her struggles. Finally Dani had had enough, and she kicked him. Hard.

  Lewis yelped in pain. As he bent over, Dani stepped back and quickly put the chair between them. "Now, Lewis, this has gone far enough," she began warn-ingly, but the rest of the rebuke stuck in her throat when he straightened and she saw the look in his eyes.

  "Lady, you got a lesson coming to you," he snarled, and Dani took another step backward.

  Suddenly she was more frightened than she had ever been in her life.

  ❧

  Someone is still here, Jason thought tiredly as he parked his Jaguar in the reserved slot and glanced up at the lighted window on the third floor. Then his face brightened as he realized a second later that the light was coming from the office next to his.

  Dani. The name whispered through his mind like the soft, sweet sighing of the wind, and immediately some of the tension left him. How many times these past five days had he thought of her? A hundred? Two hundred? A thousand? Probably. Maybe more. The truth was, she had never really been out of his thoughts.

  She fascinated him. He'd never met anyone like Dani. She was heart-stoppingly beautiful, one of the smartest people he had ever known, and sexy as all hell. He wanted her. Sweet heaven, how he wanted her. Yet, there was more to it than that, and he knew it. Which, he admitted with a wry twist of his lips, was why he'd changed his tactics so abruptly.

  Sighing deeply, Jason closed his eyes for a moment, remembering the way she had looked that first day in her office when he had touched her cheek.. .like a wide-eyed, trapped doe... so soft and vulnerable. And strangely innocent. She brought out every protective instinct he had. And some he hadn't known he even possessed, he admitted with a self-derisive snort.

  His original plan for a quick seduction followed by a leisurely affair had been replaced with a more cautious approach. He wanted to give her time to get to know him. To feel comfortable with him. The last thing he wanted was to scare her away. Or to hurt her, a small voice deep inside whispered.

  Tiredly Jason climbed from the car and slammed the door. With his eyes still fixed on the lighted window, he raked a hand through his thick shock of golden hair and slung his suit coat over his shoulder, holding it by one crooked finger as he started for the front entrance.

  Inside, Jason punched the button for the elevator, but when the doors failed to open immediately he started up the carpeted stairs, impatiently taking them two at a time. Just as he rounded the landing between the second and third floors he heard Dani's voice. Her words were indistinguishable, but something in her tone make the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Jason cleared the final flight of stairs in three giant leaps and sprinted down the hall, his heart pounding.

  He came to a skidding halt in the open doorway of Dani's office just as she broke free of Lewis Manders's hold and scuttled back behind the desk chair. Jason stood there, his chest heaving, a burning rage welling up inside him as he took in the scene. Through the red mist of fury he heard Dani's warning, and Lewis's menacing reply, and when the man took a step toward her Jason's hard voice cracked out like a whip, halting him in his tracks.

  "Touch her again, Manders, and you'll regret it for the rest of your days. I guarantee it."

  Both Dani and Lewis jumped, their heads snapping around toward the sound.

  "Jason!" Dani breathed his name with heartfelt relief, then slowly closed her eyes, her shoulders drooping as her fingers gripped the back of the chair even tighter for support.

  Jason crossed the room in three long strides and slipped an arm around her waist. When she slumped against him he pulled her close, wrapping her tightly in his embrace. Over the top of Dani's head his dark eyes impaled Lewis.

  "Get out, Manders, while you still can."

  "This is none of your concern, St. Clair. This is between Dani and me. We—"

  "I said out."

  The curt command penetrated Lewis's alcohol clouded brain, and anger and uncertainty chased across his face. Then as his gaze slid over Dan
i, huddled in Jason's arms, a sneering grin curved his mouth. "Oh, I see. It's like that, is it?" he drawled nastily. "Little Dani has found herself a bigger catch."

  "Manders—"

  "All right, all right. I'm going." Spurred into action by the warning tone, Lewis started to move.

  "And Lewis." Jason stopped him just as he reached the door. His gravelly voice was low and menacing... and deadly serious. "I'm warning you. If you ever touch Dani again, I'll take great pleasure in breaking every small, vital bone in your body."

  Chapter 5

  She trembled within his embrace and Jason's arms tightened around her. "He's gone now, Dani," he said softly against the top of her head.

  Dani made no response—merely clung to him, her face buried against his chest. After a moment, staring blindly out the window at the lights dotting the factory yard, Jason began to rock her gently back and forth.

  The welter of emotions that swirled within Jason made his chest so tight it hurt. Rage and fear were all mixed up with a fierce need to protect and comfort, to cherish and love. Damn Lewis! How dare he put his hands on her. I should have smashed his handsome face in for what he tried to do, he thought in a fresh burst of fury, unconsciously tightening his hold even more.

  Jason lowered his head and rubbed his jaw against the silky hair at Dani's temple as his big hand stroked soothingly over her back. She felt so soft in his arms, so delicately made, so warm. So right.

  At last Dani stirred and Jason grew still. When she made no effort to pull away, he forced his hand between them and tipped her head up. She met his inquiring gaze hesitantly, traces of fear and something else he couldn't quite define lingering in her eyes. "Okay now?" he asked in a gravelly whisper.

  Dani bit her lower lip and nodded then looked down quickly. "I.. .I'm sorry. I'm fine, really. He didn't hurt me."

  The quiet stretched out like a tightly strung wire. Jason studied Dani's face, marveling at the delicate translucent quality of her eyelids, the long silkiness of the lashes fanned out on her cheeks. She looked so fragile, so lovely. And dear God, it felt wonderful to hold her in his arms.

  Slowly Dani opened her eyes again, and their gazes met and locked. Jason's thumb stroked back and forth along her jaw, then ever so slightly feathered over her lips, and he felt the air rush by as she sucked in her breath. Her pupils widened until her irises were only a thin circle of blue.

  Something vibrated in the air between them. Something exciting. Mesmerizing. Irresistible. They stared at one another in the quivering silence, hearts thudding with painful, sweet awareness, constricted lungs laboring for each wisp of breath. Then slowly, inexorably, Jason's head lowered and Dani's tilted up. Lids drifted shut. Lips parted and met.

  It was exquisitely beautiful, soft and warm, a tender melding that sent a flood tide of emotion shuddering through them. Jason held her tenderly, the muscles in his arms quivering under the fierce restraint. Slowly, ever so slowly, their lips locked together, savoring the moment, drawing it out. But soon it was simply not enough. The smoldering passion kindled, caught, then burst into flame.

  With a groan Jason deepened the kiss, taking it into shattering intimacy with stunning swiftness. There was no holding back. His arms tightened around her like steel bands. One large hand roamed her back and hips, stroking, kneading her flesh through the fragile batiste blouse. The other hand tunneled into her hair and cupped the back of her head, pulling her against his mouth, the callused skin snagging the silky strands as they slid through his fingers.

  Dani responded with a low moan of her own and clamped her arms around his waist, pressing closer. She melted against him, her soft curves flowing against his taut frame. The kiss grew reckless. Dani clung to him in feverish desperation, her hands clutching at his back while her tongue matched his, stroke for stroke, touch for touch.

  Jason slid his hand up her rib cage, halting just beneath her arm, the heel of his palm against the side of her breast. Slowly, pressing slightly inward, he moved his hand in tiny circles, massaging the soft, yielding flesh with a sensuous rhythm. Dani's shiver of ecstasy produced an answering one in Jason.

  Unable to stand the torment any longer, Jason abandoned the sensual caress and clutched her to him tightly, making a rough, hungry sound deep in his throat. Tracing with his thumb the shallow trench that marked her spine, Jason's hand drifted slowly downward, coming to rest finally at its base. His fingers flexed on the enticingly rounded flesh. Once. Twice. Then he pressed her against his gently undulating hips.

  Desire shot through both of them, hot and insistent, making their hearts pound, their pulses throb.

  They were gasping for breath when Jason tore his mouth from hers and pressed his face into the side of her neck. The sweet scent of her perfume filled his nostrils, and he inhaled deeply as his lips nibbled her tender flesh.

  I can take her now, he thought, as he felt the heat and the need in her. In a few minutes I could have her naked in my arms on that sofa, willing and wanting.

  But even as the words formed in his mind, even as his gaze lit on the cream leather couch, he knew that he wouldn't. That he couldn't. Dammit, St. Clair! What the hell's the matter with you? You caught her at a vulnerable moment, you insensitive clod. She's just had the hell scared out of her, and she's reacting in a perfectly normal way—by seeking comfort. Sure, you can take her, but if you do you won't be any better than that piece of scum, Lewis.

  Gritting his teeth against the throbbing ache in his loins, Jason sighed inwardly and grasped Dani's shoulders. Tenderness and regret mingled in his expression as he eased her away and smiled down into her flushed face. Slowly Dani's heavy lids lifted, and the glazed look of passion in her blue eyes took his breath away...and came very near to undermining his good intentions.

  Forcing a chuckle, Jason lifted his hand and stroked her cheek with the back of his knuckles. "I think we'd better get you home before I get carried away," he said in a voice that was even huskier than usual.

  It took a minute for his words to register and when they did Dani blinked as confusion slowly replaced passion. What was wrong? Why had he stopped?

  "Home?" she repeated blankly. "I, uh...that is..." She stepped back and raked her fingers through her hair, pushing it away from her face. "That won't be necessary. I'm okay. Besides, I have my car."

  "I'll have someone bring it to you tomorrow." Jason grasped her elbow and turned her toward the door. "You shouldn't be driving home alone this late at night. Especially not after the fright you've had."

  "No, really. I'm fine."

  "I'm glad to hear it. But humor me anyway."

  Before Dani knew what hit her, he had hustled her down the hall and into the elevator.

  The drive to Dani's apartment was strained. A few times Jason tried to make conversation, but once she had given him the directions Dani lapsed into silence, and after a while he gave up. Huddled in her seat, she stared out the side window in an agony of embarrassment.

  She felt like such a fool. He had merely tried to comfort her. Even that kiss, at first, had just been a friendly gesture, meant to calm her nerves. Then, like a love-starved idiot, she had taken fire in his arms. What normal, red-blooded male wouldn't have responded?

  Remembering that kiss and the sensations it evoked, Dani felt a delicious shiver ripple through her. No man had ever affected her like that before. She hadn't even known it was possible to feel like that. It was beautiful.. .and exciting.. .and terrifying. Dear Lord. Hadn't she known that it would be dangerous to get involved with Jason? He was too vital, too exciting, too... too... rawly male. She simply didn't have the experience to handle a man like Jason.

  When they reached her building Jason insisted on walking Dani to her door. After unlocking it he gave her back her key and studied her intently. "Are you really okay? You look pale."

  "I'm fine," she assured him quickly then looked down, not quite able to meet his searching gaze. She shifted uncomfortably and reached for the doorknob. "Well, good night, Jason. And th
ank you for coming to my rescue and bringing me home," she said in a stilted voice.

  "Any time." He reached out and smoothed a lock of hair back from her cheek, then cupped the side of her face. "I'll have your car delivered first thing in the morning. Now I suggest that you get a good night's rest and forget about what happened. It won't happen again, I promise you." He smiled and leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Good night, Dani."

  When he had gone Dani stepped inside, closed and locked the door behind her and leaned back against it. Her face was solemn, her eyes unconsciously wistful as she stared into space. She felt strange—achy and unsettled—and she had to battle against an inexplicable urge to cry. Part of it, she knew, was a reaction to that distasteful scene with Lewis, plus a lingering embarrassment over having made such a fool of herself. But what really disturbed her was her own wanton response to Jason. Dani had a horrible feeling that she was falling in love with him.

  "Which is about the most irresponsible, stupid thing you've ever done," she muttered to herself as she pushed away from the door and started for the bedroom. After tonight it was doubtful that Jason would be interested in her romantically, but even if he were, it wouldn't take a genius to figure out what he wanted: an affair.

  Dani laughed scornfully and shook her head. For her to get involved like that with Jason would be the height of folly. Where man/woman relationships were concerned, she was a child with a kiddie car and Jason was A. J. Foyt in the Indianapolis 500.

  ❧

  After a night in which Jason St. Clair dominated her dreams, Dani woke with smudges under her eyes, a pounding head and a fierce determination to put the man out of her mind.

  A quick call to the security guard revealed that, as Jason had promised, Dani's car was in its regular slot in the garage; so after straightening her apartment, she wrote out a list and set out on a round of Saturday errands. She stopped by the cleaners to drop off two dresses and pick up three others, then went to the bank and the post office, and made a quick dash through the Galleria to pick up a new suit she had left to be altered. On the way home she stopped by the supermarket to restock the pantry and refrigerator for Mrs. Halloway, her housekeeper.