Hot Item

CHAPTER FIVE

SOPHIE ADJUSTED her seat belt and glanced at Riley’s taut expression. His jaw had been locked tight ever since they’d left Darla’s house and started the short drive to the patio home as instructed by Spencer’s nutty sister.

“I don’t believe a word Darla said.” Sophie broke the silence first, figuring if it were up to Riley, he’d remain mute.

Riley nodded in agreement. “I don’t, either.”

Sophie wondered what Darla really knew about Spencer’s disappearance and how hard it would be to find out. The other woman liked to ramble but Sophie had seen hints that she wasn’t as flighty as she appeared.

In the meantime, she and Riley would have to spend time in sunny Florida living under one roof and they needed to set some ground rules. “You never should have told Darla we were lovers.” Sophie had counted the minutes until they were alone so she could call him on that whopper.

“Does the idea bother you that much?” He placed his arm behind her head and glanced over, searing her with his sexy gaze. “Or is it the fact that I turn you on that’s driving you crazy?”

Stars spun in front of her eyes and she blinked, trying to focus on anything but his accurate words. “Why didn’t you tell Darla who you were?” she asked, changing the subject to one he wouldn’t like as much.

“I’d think that was obvious. Darla didn’t strike me as the silent type. I need to ask Spencer to keep the news of my parentage quiet.”

He’d never before told her why he needed to speak with Spencer and he clammed up again about why he wanted his relationship to Spencer to remain under wraps. As he gripped his hands tighter around the wheel, she decided now wasn’t the time to ask. Later, when they were settled, she’d question him more. At the moment, she was more worried about the feelings this trip had to be stirring up inside him.

The fact that she cared about his emotions at a time when hers were being tested told her too much about her growing feelings for this man, and that they weren’t just sexual. It would be so much easier if they were.

He drove along a circular road, their path marked by frequent speed bumps. “You were hoping that Darla would recognize you, weren’t you?” Sophie asked.

“Hell, no.” But a muscle twitched in his jaw, proof that she’d come too close to the truth.

Spencer’s sister had been so enthusiastic about Sophie and how Spencer felt about her, yet she’d been painfully oblivious to who Riley really was.

Sophie inched closer, bumping her knee on the center divider. “Come on. Riley’s just not all that common a name and I bet that you were wondering if she’d know who you were.”

He let out a frustrated groan. “Do me a favor? Find someone else’s life to dissect.”

Though his lips tipped upward in a sexy grin, softening his words, he’d hit a nerve anyway. Her uncle always complained about how she tried to run his life and her sisters joked about how they were glad that their marriages gave them a break from her constant prodding.

She wasn’t a silent middle child. Instead, her compulsive nature was a sore spot and she’d hate to think her personality would drive Riley away. Not that she wanted him…well, she wanted him, she just didn’t want to want him. But she certainly had no desire to turn him off. Not when he turned her on so much.

She groaned. Her thoughts were a jumble and Sophie realized the time had come to think through what she wanted to do about this uncontrollable attraction to Riley Nash, especially now that they’d be under one roof. As soon as she had some alone time, she’d weigh the pros and cons of her alternatives-the way Sophie always made a decision. Though not spontaneous, the method worked.

A sunny yellow-colored house caught her eye. “I think this is the place,” Sophie said.

Riley turned into the short cobblestoned driveway and parked the car. “Darla said Rose’s daughter would meet us here.”

“That’d be your cousin Amy.” The words slipped out before she could censor them.

“Anyone ever say you can be a real pain?” Riley asked.

Well, hell. She obviously wasn’t going to change, so if he didn’t like it, he could lump it, as her uncle would say. “On occasion.”

Sophie had many faults, but she prided herself on knowing both her strengths and weaknesses. Though she’d promised herself to work on her more compulsive tendencies-like trying to control others’ lives along with her own-some habits were hard to break. And her married sisters assured her that the right man would love her for who she was. All of her, faults included. That man couldn’t possibly be Riley Nash.

Not in the long term, but you’re only in Florida for a few days. A little voice in her head teased her with possibilities, but he stopped the car at the curb before she could ponder further.

No sooner had they stepped onto the curb than a pretty brunette pulled up in a golf cart. She jumped out to greet them, a wide smile on her face.

“You must be Sophie.” Without warning, Amy pulled Sophie into a hug, just as Darla had.

Sophie stiffened. Though she considered herself a warm person with her family, she wasn’t overly affectionate with people she didn’t know well. She kept her reserve and her distance until she learned whether or not she could trust them. Spencer’s sister and niece held no such qualms about strangers and they breached Sophie’s personal space without thought.

She stepped back and immediately felt the press of Riley’s hand into her back. He understood, she realized, and she relaxed into his touch. Obviously she hadn’t pushed him too far. The thought pleased her much more than it should.

The fact was, she was way beyond attracted to him. The man could have her with the snap of his fingers and it was time she dealt with the fact. Besides, she had enough chaos in her life without adding fighting with herself over Riley. Obviously there was something mutual going on between them.

So what if he flirted with every woman on the planet? Sophie didn’t want a lifelong commitment with a brash athlete who liked to do things his own way and ignore the rules. That didn’t mean she couldn’t sleep with him though.

Just to get him out of her system, she assured herself. Besides, ever since his earlier comment about them being lovers, she couldn’t shake the notion from her mind. She couldn’t turn off her body’s response to his voice or his touch.

Sophie trembled. She’d never had such persistent thoughts like these about any man. But then Riley Nash wasn’t just any man. He never had been.

“And you’re Riley.” Amy walked up to Riley and perused his face.

Riley stared back, attempting not to squirm and trying not to think of this woman as his cousin, but Sophie had put the words out there and he found himself studying her for resemblances. He immediately detected similarities in their eye color, or maybe he just thought he should.

How did Sophie expect him to walk away with his pride and his emotions intact if she insisted on labeling these people in a way that indicated they ought to mean something to him? They didn’t. Not any more than he meant anything to them.

Amy shaded her eyes from the sun with one hand. “You’ve got your father’s eyes.”

Riley stiffened. Apparently he should never underestimate these Florida relatives. “You know who I am?”

Amy nodded. “Of course. My mother keeps a scrapbook of all your accomplishments. She knows Uncle Spencer will want to have it one day.”

Riley snorted in disbelief. But he couldn’t dispel the pleasurable warmth her words caused. Someone on this side of the family kept tabs on him. It just wasn’t Spencer.

“I take it Aunt Darla pretended not to know you?” Amy asked.

“I don’t know if she was pretending or not. She just didn’t acknowledge me as anyone other than a visiting guest.” He squared his shoulders, trying not to let this woman’s prying eyes get to him. He sure as hell didn’t want her pity.

Without warning, Amy reached out and touched his arm. “Aunt Darla and Uncle Spencer are thick as thieves, as my mother likes to say. I would guess she thought she was doing what Spencer would want her to do. Although personally I think it stinks that he’s never publicly recognized you all these years.”

Riley flushed hot. His entire life he’d lived with the notion that he was an embarrassment to his real father. To have it verbalized was mortifying. To have Sophie hear it bothered him even more.

“I’m sure it’s small consolation, but my uncle Spencer is proud of you. He talks about your accomplishments all the time,” Amy said.

“I doubt it. Did you know he was gay?” He forced himself to ask.

Amy shook her head. “But now that I do, if I had to venture a guess, I’d bet he thought he was protecting you by keeping his distance, as ignorant and misguided as that might be.”

“I’d rather save this conversation for Spencer.”

Amy clasped her hands in front of her. “Aunt Darla told me you came down here hoping you’d find him.”

Sophie nodded. “Have you heard from him lately?”

“Not since the story hit the papers, poor Uncle Spencer.”

“This can’t be easy for him,” Sophie said. “Do you know whether your mother or aunt have heard from him?”

Riley wouldn’t be surprised if they caught Darla in a lie to protect her brother, but Amy shook her head.

“Not that I know of. But today is my aunt Darla’s birthday and we’re having a big bash out by the pool tonight. If Uncle Spencer’s going to show up at all, it would be for his sister’s party. I really hope you’ll join us. It’s always fun for the residents and trust me when I say it’s a sight to see.”

“What are you, the cruise director?” Riley asked. He couldn’t picture this young, vibrant woman spending her days with wackos like his aunt Darla.

Amy laughed. “A pretty good comparison. I schedule the activities and entertainment, I break up the occasional squabbles among the residents and I get free room and board. It’s not a bad life.”

“Are there any other young people here?” Sophie asked, giving voice to his thoughts.

“Enough. We aren’t a retirement place with specific rules about age. We’re a happy mix. I’m a social worker, but I hate being confined to an office all day, so this kind of job is perfect for me. So can I count on seeing you tonight?”

“We’d be happy to come.” Sophie answered for them both before Riley could even think it over.

“That’s great! You’ll get to meet my mother and hopefully Uncle Spencer will show up or at least call by then. And now we know where to find you if he does,” Amy said, a satisfied smile on her face. “Oh, FYI, it’s a luau theme and bathing suits are required. If you didn’t bring the right clothes, there’s a mall not fifteen minutes from here where you can pick up something to wear.”

“Yippee,” Riley drolly.

Sophie shot him a glare. “We’ll be fine,” she assured her.

Amy laughed. “Okay then, let me show you the house.”

His newfound cousin walked off with Sophie, chatting as she led them inside. The two women had developed an easy rapport, which was surprising to Riley since he’d thought Sophie would break in two, she’d been so stiff when Amy had pulled her into a tight hug.

From the day he’d met Sophie, Riley had realized her uptight persona was every bit as much a part of her as his carefree one was to him. Over his years as Yank’s client, Riley had learned a good amount about each of his agent’s nieces. Sophie was the one who’d dealt with the loss of her parents by erecting a self-protective shield that she wore like armor and that few people could pierce.

He’d seen firsthand what happened to her when someone disrupted that sense of well-being she clung to for security. This trip to Florida was an attempt to set her world right once more. How ironic that it seemed destined to turn his upside down.

As they stepped inside, Amy dove right into the grand tour. The one-story house had an easy flow and, from the front door, he could see straight out to the backyard and small pool. She walked them around, from the kitchen with a breakfast nook for two, to the small den with a big-screen television, to the large master bedroom which had screen doors leading directly to the pool and hot tub beyond.

Riley could definitely spend some time here getting to know Sophie while waiting for his father to surface, he decided, unable to suppress the thought that had been the only thing keeping him sane. Being alone with Sophie gave him a sense of belonging he lacked down here among his very distant relatives. Not to mention the fact that sex with a willing Sophie, a Sophie who let down her guard, held tremendous appeal. After all, they were both consenting adults and understood the concept of no promises made, none to keep.

Sophie paused in the living room and turned to Amy. “Between your job and this party tonight you’ve got your hands full here. You don’t need to worry about entertaining guests. Riley and I can easily stay in a hotel.”

Riley wondered if her objection had anything to do with the master bedroom and king-size bed. Personally, the idea of staying here had begun to grow on him.

“Don’t be silly.” Amy waved away her objection. “What good would an empty unit do? Of course you’ll stay here.”

“Why isn’t this place rented?” Riley asked.

“A married couple lived here until last month. They decided to move north to Jupiter where things are less crowded than in Fort Lauderdale.”

“Why haven’t you rerented it?” Riley asked. The home had been kept up, the furnishings clean and modern. He was sure it would garner a profit.

“We will. But for now, it’s yours. So enjoy.”

“As long as you’re sure.”

Amy nodded. “I am.”

“Then we’re happy to take you up on your offer,” Sophie said.

As she turned to Riley, her eyes darkened with the smoldering heat he’d seen in the airplane earlier.

“I’m certain we’ll enjoy it.” Sophie’s words were for Amy, but Riley understood the underlying meaning was meant for him alone and the temperature in the small house suddenly soared, sweat rising beneath his shirt.

Amy smiled in approval, then let herself out, leaving them alone. Before either of them could address anything personal, Riley wanted the necessities out of the way.

“Guess we need to go shopping for luau attire?” Riley asked.

“It’s not like I brought a bathing suit. Did you?”

He shook his head, then thought of Sophie in a string bikini. She’d be one hot item and when the night was over, there’d be no keeping his hands off her. From the dreamy look in her eyes, she was thinking the exact same thing.

SOPHIE HAD HIT the mall like a professional shopper. First she’d dispatched Riley to the men’s department in Bloomingdale’s so she didn’t have the pressure of his intense stare following her everywhere she went. She’d been too much aware of him already. Then she’d chosen swimwear based on the styles and brands she knew would fit. Unfortunately, that had left her with one-piece suits, which worked fine in New York but around Riley seemed bland. At the last second, she’d pulled a daring, skimpy bikini off the rack before paying for her purchases.

Now, she laid her choices on the bed, her heart pounding hard inside her chest. Which one to wear? she wondered, wishing she had her sisters around to call for advice.

“You’re on your own, Sophie girl,” she muttered aloud. How ironic that she could deal with organizing an event for hundreds more easily than she could handle this.

Drawing a deep breath, she glanced at the array of bathing suits laid out before her. “Eenie meeney miney mo,” she said, and reached for the one her gut told her would appeal most to Riley.

RILEY SAT in the pink-and-white living room waiting for Sophie to finish getting ready. He’d given her the master bedroom so she could dress in private and he’d taken one of the other rooms, consoling himself with the idea that, come tonight, no way would he be going to one of those smaller rooms.

Unfortunately, he might be all swagger and no substance. Sophie hadn’t given him a glimmer of hope to count on, he realized, thinking back to earlier in the day. Riley normally hated shopping with women. He disliked waiting for them to sort through racks of clothing and then try on more things than anyone could possibly buy or wear in this lifetime. He loathed sitting on a couch outside a dressing room while the same woman paraded herself in front of him in an obvious attempt to entice him with her body and coax him out of his cash. Yet after Amy had left, he’d actually looked forward to taking Sophie to the mall.

When she’d insisted he go shopping for himself and meet up with her later, he’d been disappointed. And when he’d returned to find she’d already chosen a few items and paid for them without modeling them for him first, he’d felt absurdly cheated.

Of course, he preferred to stew about missing out on seeing Sophie in various bathing suits than to deal with the things Amy had said.

Spencer was proud of him? What gave the man the right to be proud of anything having to do with Riley Nash? He ground his teeth.

“I’m ready,” Sophie announced, her voice a welcome break from his thoughts.

He turned around and his breath caught in his chest. If pushed, he’d have guessed she would pick a one-piece bathing suit that left everything to his overactive imagination.

He’d have been dead wrong.

“You look amazing,” he said, once he’d caught his breath.

“Thank you.” She stepped forward on endlessly long legs no longer covered by classy-looking skirts or slacks.

He suddenly envisioned her locking those limbs around his back, pulling him deeper and deeper inside her. The skimpy bikini bottoms and small top were nothing more than a joke meant to test a man’s restraint.

And he was definitely being tested. He broke into a sweat and the fun come-on lines that normally spilled out so easily failed him now. He was afraid to dig too deeply into why she had such an intense effect on him, afraid he might find he was starting to care too much. He didn’t want to put himself in a position of being rejected.

He’d promised himself he’d never give another person that kind of power over him again-the kind his biological father had. Sophie tugged at his heart-strings-a definite reason to limit his dealings with her to a short-term affair, before their different personalities drove her away.

“Are you ready?” she asked, wrapping a skirt around her waist.

He gestured to his Polo swim trunks and T-shirt. “This is as good as it gets.”

Sophie looked him over and had to admit he looked darned good to her. “I think you can hold your own with the older set.” She hoped her jokes covered her nervousness and insecurity, because the suit and sarong covered very little.

He strode up beside her, his body heat overpowering, his scent arousing. “The question is, can I hold my own with you?” he asked, his breath warm and minty against her cheek.

Sophie drew on every last bit of courage she possessed. “I’d like to see you try.”

His eyes darkened as he took in the challenge she’d tossed his way. “Baby, I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

She swallowed hard, but looked up with steely resolve. “I do.” Because once Sophie made up her mind about something-or someone-she stuck with her decisions and she never looked back.

For years she’d been drawn to a man she thought was a flirt and a playboy, a jock and a rebel. In the past couple of hours, she’d learned that he’d been ignored by his biological father and survived the pain. That he had a daughter and a heart.

She’d already been so far gone by the time she’d walked off the plane, that at this point, she knew more than enough about him to allow herself to indulge in an affair. She knew more than enough to know she was in big, big trouble. But despite her normal caution, she was past caring.

She held on to that thought and to Riley’s big, warm hand as they walked toward the pool area. She was well aware of what would happen when they returned to the house later, but for now they shared more than just mutual desire.

They shared the need to find his father.

AS SOPHIE AND RILEY passed through the gate leading to the pool, torches lit their way and music floated through the balmy air. Limbo music. The sound brought Sophie back to her youth and the birthday parties Uncle Yank and Lola had thrown for her as a child.

“I’m not surprised Darla and company have planned some games,” Sophie said, laughing.

“You’re enjoying this.”

“You sound surprised.” She turned his way.

He cocked an eyebrow. “I shouldn’t be? I’d have bet you’d be-”

“Too uptight to let loose and have fun?” she asked, knowing exactly what he thought of her. She had to admit she hadn’t given him much reason to think otherwise.

“Your free spirit is something I definitely want to see firsthand.” He winked and kept walking.

A free spirit, she was not. She glanced down at her string bikini and acknowledged that tonight she was not the same woman from their flight down. She couldn’t afford to be if she wanted this time with Riley. But the fact that Riley made her want to shed some of her inhibitions was yet another reason to fear whatever was happening between them.

She glanced over the crowded pool, admiring the way the older crowd was enjoying life. “Let’s just say that when I’m eligible for a senior-citizen discount, I hope that I’m as happy with life as Darla seems to be,” she said as she rushed to keep pace with Riley.

“Fair enough,” he said.

As they reached the pool, the party was in full swing. Chubby Checker’s “Limbo Rock” blasted on loudspeakers while the guests mingled. Older men with bald heads or graying hair danced around the pool deck, grabbing any willing partner while the braver ones ducked beneath the limbo stick.

But what really made the party guests stand out was their attire or lack of it. The women displayed their assets in bikinis reminiscent of the movie Calendar Girls and their male counterparts wore Speedos in varying colors.

Riley shuddered. “I may never have a good night’s sleep again.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “I know what you mean.” She’d much prefer Riley in his swim trunks to the tight Speedos. Who was she kidding? She’d prefer Riley out of his bathing suit, a wish that might come true later tonight. Her mouth grew dry with anticipation.

“Well, at least nobody here is one of your relatives,” he muttered.

Sophie paused, realizing that what for her was an amusing way to pass time until she found Spencer, was a life-changing event for Riley. She didn’t know anything about how he’d grown up or what the parents who had raised him were like, but he obviously wasn’t comfortable with the idea that this wild geriatric set comprised his family and their friends.

Unfortunately for her, she wanted to understand and help him deal with whatever emotions were eating away at him. “Riley-” She reached out and touched his arm. Warmth tingled straight to her toes. “These people are no reflection on you.”

He turned and stared at the place where her hand had made contact with his skin. “You don’t need to worry about me. I’m fine,” he bit out.

She heard the rebuke, swallowed hard and removed her hand.

Instead of walking away in search of his father as she’d expected, he immediately grabbed her hand and laced his fingers inside hers. His thumb caressed the center of her palm and the massaging sensation was oddly erotic, definitely a way to tease and send her pulse rate soaring.

She heard his silent apology for snapping at her and she understood how deeply Spencer’s abandonment had hurt him. She wished she could ease his pain as much as she wished her heart wasn’t already engaged with this man.

“Do you see Spencer?” He surveyed the crowded pool area.

“To find Spencer I’d have to mix with the crowd, and frankly I’d rather not look at anyone that closely,” she said, deliberately changing the subject.

He chuckled, relaxing a bit. Her hand still in his, he pulled her toward the center of activity, the makeshift bar on the side of the pool.

“I’m so glad you two made it.” Darla greeted them with a frozen drink in her hand. She bent to take a sip but, instead of the straw, her lips hit the umbrella and she giggled like a young girl. She was dressed like one, too. “Piña colada anyone?” Darla asked.

“No thanks,” Sophie said.

“Margarita? Daiquiri? Tom Collins?” She offered the drinks, trailing off with a loud hiccup.

“No, thank you. Darla, have you heard from Spencer?” Sophie asked, undeterred.

“Well, if you two aren’t having a drink, that doesn’t mean I can’t have another. Rose is tending bar. Come meet my sister. Oh, Rose!” Darla called in her high-pitched voice.

Sophie shot Riley a glance. Darla was avoiding the subject and Sophie would bet she knew exactly where her brother was.

“Rose, this is Sophie Jordan and Riley.” She didn’t use his last name and Rose didn’t ask for it.

Sophie tried not to wince. Instead she glanced behind the bar where a bleached-platinum-blonde blended drinks, an oversize floppy straw hat on her head.

Sophie leaned closer to Riley. “Were you hoping for normal?” she whispered.

He shook his head. “I’ve accepted that in this family, there is no such thing.”

This family, not my family, Sophie thought. Well, if they were her long-lost relatives, she couldn’t say how she would react. “I take it your mother and stepfather aren’t-”

“Oddballs? No. They’re as conservative as they come. Mom’s a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy and my father’s a personal friend of Rush Limbaugh. Enough said?”

She nodded and tried to absorb the opposite worlds that surrounded him now.

“So good to meet you,” Rose said. “My daughter Amy told me all about you.” She glanced at Riley and winked.

Sophie wished Darla and Rose would outright acknowledge him as Amy had. Rose’s subtle winks and Darla’s pretense had to hurt. Almost like reliving Spencer’s rejection, she thought sadly.

“Good to meet you, too.” Riley leaned one arm on the bar. “Have either of you beautiful ladies heard from your brother?” Riley asked, turning on the charm.

“Ooh, he’s more handsome in person. Than in his pictures, I mean,” Rose said, stammering over her faux pas.

Sophie couldn’t stand it anymore. She hated how they were following some ridiculous mandate of Spencer’s that she couldn’t understand. She resented how they were sacrificing Riley’s feelings for their brother’s agenda.

When she finally got her hands on Spencer, she’d throttle him, but in the meantime she’d settle for taking on his sisters. “I’ve had it,” Sophie said loudly.

Darla turned her way. “Did you say something, dear?”

“Yes.” She perched her hands on her hips. “We’ve both asked you a question and you’re ignoring us. Have you seen Spencer?”

Darla blinked and Sophie realized she wore fake eyelashes. “Seen him? No, no. I can’t say I’ve seen him this evening. Rose?”

The other woman shook her head.

Sophie wanted to grind her teeth in frustration. “I guess we’ll check in again in the morning before we leave.”

“Oh dear! You’ve only just arrived. I’d hate to see you go,” Darla said with meaning.

It was probably the first honest thing she’d said all night. Sophie shook her head, oddly disappointed in these people. “If Spencer shows up, I hope you’ll let us know.”

“They will,” Riley said. “After all, why would they keep that information from us?” Riley asked, then without waiting for a reply, he pulled Sophie away from the two older women to a corner of the pool deck where they could be alone.

“I’m sorry,” she said, not really sure what for.

He treated her to a grim smile. “That means a lot coming from Spencer’s favorite Jordan sister.”

She glanced down at the concrete, unable to meet his gaze. “Actually I’m sorry for that, too.”

He lifted her chin with his hand. “It’s not as if you knew about me. Unlike them.”

“Isn’t that part of the problem? That Spencer denied his only son?” She drew a deep breath. “I don’t understand Spencer. From what I know of him he’s a good, kind man. To deny you goes against everything I believed about him. It goes against everything I believe in.”

And right now she believed in Riley. In what she and Riley could share tonight. She wanted only to stop dancing around their feelings and act on them.

“I vote we go back to the house.” She voted they go to bed, but she couldn’t bring herself to make the proposition out loud.

Instead she leaned up on her toes and touched her lips to his, letting her actions speak for her. She had no doubt Riley was as smart as she gave him credit for being and that soon enough she’d be in his bed.