Lucky Break

CHAPTER NINE

LAUREN FOLLOWED Jason into the hardware store. Burt scowled, his eyes boring a hole through her skull.

She frowned and tapped Jason on the shoulder. “Why does he hate me so much? Other than the obvious reasons, I mean.” Lauren knew her family had a poor reputation in town but this man’s feelings bordered on fury.

Jason paused. “Burt’s last name is Miller. To hear my father tell it, his dad used to own the local pharmacy. A big chain tried to buy them out. They refused to sell. Next thing you know, the landlord invokes a clause in the lease that increased their rent and forced them out of business.” He lifted her hand in his. “The big chain went in one month later.”

Lauren glanced up at the old, cracked ceiling. “My grandmother was the landlord?” It was the most logical guess.

The most damaging. Thinking about the destruction her grandmother had wreaked around town made Lauren’s heart hurt.

Jason nodded. “Let’s go pick up the traps.” He headed for the back of the store.

“Jason, man, she’s a Perkins,” Burt called out.

“She’s also hot and you’re jealous you can’t get someone who looks half as good,” Jason called over his shoulder, pulling her along with him as he walked.

Ten minutes later, Burt remained embarrassed and silent as he rang up their purchases.

Lauren appreciated Jason’s defending her, but even if she didn’t deserve Burt’s anger, her grandmother did. She paused at the register and met the man’s gaze. “I’m sorry for what my grandmother did to your family.”

He stared at her strangely, as if he couldn’t understand her words. More likely he couldn’t comprehend an apology coming from the mouth of a Perkins.

They walked out onto the street. It was sunny, but the wind blew cool air around her. She shivered and Jason pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her.

“Are you sure you want-”

“People to think we’re a couple?” he asked, reading her mind. “Yes. Because as long as you’re here, that’s what we are.”

She couldn’t deny him. Especially since she wanted the same thing.

“So tell me about your career,” he said, passing his car as they walked down the sidewalk.

“Wait. Aren’t we going back to the house?”

“In a little while. It’s nice out. Let’s keep walking.”

She shrugged. Why not? The cool air felt good. So did the company. “I always loved fashion magazines.”

“I remember. While I read ski magazines, you read Vogue.”

“Do you miss it?” she asked him. She meant snowboarding.

“Sure I miss it, but the travel part? Not so much. I’m just…” He shook his head. “We already know what happened with me. I’d rather finish talking about you.”

She knew he was avoiding discussing himself but she appreciated his interest in her.

“So you loved fashion magazines,” he prompted.

She grinned. “I didn’t realize you’d paid attention.”

“You’d be surprised,” he murmured.

“So once I moved to Manhattan-”

“And into that rat-infested apartment.”

She inclined her head. “And into that rat infested apartment, I took classes at FIT, which I paid for with student loans and by working at a dress company. I sketched my own designs at night.”

“Not much sleep for the determined, hmm?”

“You ought to know.”

He grinned. “True. Now go on.” He swung her hand back and forth in his, clearly enjoying her story.

“I graduated and took a low-end job. I also hounded all the best designers, hoping to get my work into one of their hands. No luck. One day I brought my portfolio to work on at the dress company during lunch. I ate at my desk, got carried away and forgot to put away my designs. One of Galliano’s assistants came by, saw my work and slipped me his card.”

“And the rest is history?”

“And a red Porsche,” she said, laughing until her cell phone rang, destroying the easy moment. “Hello?”

“Ms. Perkins? This is Franklin Pennington, Esquire.”

Lauren’s stomach dropped. Her sister’s lawyer. “Hello, Mr. Pennington.”

“I received notice that your sister’s doctors want to have her transferred to a hospital where they can do brain scans and testing.”

“They told me that was a possibility. But that’s their problem, not yours, right?”

He cleared his throat. “It depends. If they put her through these tests and find something detrimental to our case, that’s bad. I’d like to do more research on her condition. Find similar cases and see.”

“Okay…” Lauren said, waiting for the punch line.

“But the reserve funds from your sister’s retainer are running low.”

The gut churning turned to nausea. “Mr. Pennington, this case is depleting my resources.”

“I understand. It doesn’t help that the court system runs slowly, while the time invested in research and interviewing potential expert witnesses adds up. But time is money.”

Jason shot her a curious glance.

She held up one finger, telling him to wait.

“Fine. I’ll see what I can do to get a check in the mail.”

“Thank you. I assure you, everything I suggest is in your sister’s best interest.”

“But there are no guarantees,” she said at the same time as the lawyer. He always followed up his assurances with qualifications.

Covering his overpaid ass, Lauren thought.

Frustrated, she disconnected the call and tossed the phone into her purse.

“What is it?” Jason asked, placing his hands on her shoulders and turning her to face him.

She swallowed hard. “Nothing you need to worry about.”

Despite his earlier reassurance that he wanted to know everything related to her sister, she’d seen the flicker of disgust in his eyes. In her heart she didn’t blame him. In her soul, it hurt. She was used to dealing with problems on her own and she didn’t want to get into the habit of relying on him.

“Please don’t tell me you expect me to accept that answer.” He brushed away a tear she hadn’t realized had slipped down her cheek.

Lauren drew a deep breath. He’d just be relentless. “Fine. My sister’s lawyer is concerned about the tests the doctor wants to run. He needs to do more research and then he’ll probably have to file more motions on her case. I know I joked about it earlier but I really didn’t expect him to want more money. And that’s on top of the plumbing problems in the house.”

“I already told you I’m sure I can get J.R. to cut his numbers down some.”

She knew “some” wouldn’t be enough, but she appreciated his efforts.

“I know and I’m grateful. But what about the other problems? Which reminds me, I forgot to tell you that the back door doesn’t lock properly and there are deep ceiling cracks I didn’t notice earlier.”

He ran a hand over her hair. “I will do everything I can myself, which should bring things within budget.”

So much for not relying on him. She ran her tongue over her dry lips and forced a smile. “Thank you.”

He inclined his head. “No problem. Now about your sister-”

“Exactly. She’s my sister.” Lauren snapped at him before he could say anything. “Wouldn’t you do everything you could for someone in your family no matter what awful things they’d done?”

“Whoa.” Jason took a step back. “I don’t know what you think I was going to say-”

“You were going to ask if I was sure she’s worth it,” Lauren said, anticipating the worst.

He braced his hands on her shoulders. “I was going to ask if you’re sure the lawyer is billing you legitimately.” His voice was quieter, his tone more rational than hers.

“Oh.” Embarrassed for jumping to conclusions, she turned away. “I’m sorry. I guess I just don’t expect any sympathy from anyone.”

“Since when have I been just anyone? Besides, we covered this subject this morning. Now come on. Tell me.”

She wished she didn’t have to have this conversation, but he’d never give up until she did. “The lawyer is expensive, but so was every attorney I interviewed. He also has experience in this kind of case. And the monthly statements have seemed legitimate. I was just hoping he could make the retainer last longer.”

Her savings were dwindling so quickly and the repairs in the house adding up so fast, she was overwhelmed and would have to take drastic measures soon.

Her thoughts went to her beloved convertible in the driveway and her stomach tensed.

“I’m no expert on legal issues, and don’t take this the wrong way, but given the circumstances, are you sure he isn’t just spinning his wheels at your expense, promising you things he can’t deliver?”

She shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. But I have to do everything I can for Beth. Just in case he can accomplish miracles. What if she’s really mentally ill and wasn’t in her right mind when she did those things? Doesn’t she deserve good help and a second chance?” Before he could answer, she did. “If that’s the case, then the lawyer needs more money.”

“Which you’ll pay for how?” he asked gently.

She looked away. “I’ll figure something out. All I know is she needs better care than she’s currently getting.” She drew a deep breath, then exhaled, trying to calm her nerves.

A few more weeks until her dresses were shown in Paris. If they were the success everyone anticipated, if stores ordered the numbers everyone hoped, she’d be Galliano’s golden girl. She’d be able to afford a new red convertible and her sister’s hospital bills.

If not, so be it. She’d pull herself together and move on. Figure something out. What other choice did she have?

“Lauren?” Jason asked.

“Hmm? I still have some savings left.”

His dark gaze bored into hers. “I can lend you money to tide you over. And once you hit it big with your dresses, you can pay me back.”

She blinked in surprise. “What did you say?”

“I can lend you-”

“No, after that?” Her breath caught in her throat as she waited for his reply.

“I said when you hit it big, you can pay me back.”

“You said when, not if.” Despite all the bad news surrounding her, she smiled. “Thank you for believing in me.”

He brushed her hair off her shoulders. “My pleasure. So you’ll take the money?”

She shook her head. “Thank you but no. I can’t.” Even if Jason and his family didn’t despise her sister and grandmother, she still couldn’t accept a loan.

“But-”

“But your faith in me means everything.” No one in her life had ever believed in her unconditionally.

She wound her hands around his neck and pulled him close for a thank-you kiss.

“Just what do you think you’re doing?” a male voice shouted.

Startled, Lauren jumped back.

His uncle Edward glared at them.

Clara stood by his side, shaking her head.

And walking toward them with a determined stride was Jason’s father, Thomas.

Jason groaned.

Lauren winced and waited for all hell to break loose on Main Street.

“Well, well, well, I’m so happy to see my family out and about on this beautiful day!” Thomas was dressed to the nines, as he liked to say, his white collared shirt pressed and the top button open. By the determined gleam in his eye, he was clearly a man on a mission.

“Did you see those two going at it like rabbits?” Edward asked, gesturing wildly at Jason and Lauren.

“Eddie, calm down.” Clara placed her hand on his shoulder. “I have the prescription Dr. Shelby just gave you. Let’s go on over to the drugstore and fill it. The sooner you take your medicine, the better you’ll feel.” She waved the prescription papers she held in her other hand.

Jason grasped Lauren’s hand to reassure her, hoping he wasn’t going to lose her again over his family’s insanity. Or their family’s shared history.

“Is the medicine going to stop those two from making the mistake of their lives?” Edward asked, wide-eyed.

Jason glanced at Lauren.

She studied Edward with compassion, but she wasn’t upset, nor was she pulling away. Apparently the promise she’d made to him earlier meant something. He refused to examine his relief too closely.

Thomas walked up to his brother. “Edward, if you’re going to keep a woman as beautiful and smart as Clara, you need to pull it together. Get your new medication filled.” His tone was soft and encouraging.

Jason narrowed his gaze, wondering if his father had taken his words to heart the other night. Uncle Edward could not handle anyone pushing him into a relationship or playing the jealousy card. Not now.

“There’s nothin’ to keep. We’re not a couple!” Edward shouted at his brother. “Couples mean curses and I’ve already been down that road.”

“Really?” Thomas asked, an unholy gleam in his eye.

Uh-oh, Jason thought.

“If you’re not a couple, then I’m going to do something I’ve wanted to do since laying eyes on this lovely woman.” Thomas stepped up to Clara and took her free hand in his. “Have dinner with me, beautiful lady?” he asked in his most polished tone.

“I will not!” Clara yanked her hand away immediately.

But Uncle Edward pulled away from her grasp, as well. “I knew it. Old dogs don’t learn new tricks. Here you are poaching on my woman again!” he said to his brother.

He physically distanced himself from Clara.

She shot Thomas a deadly stare. “Come on.” Grasping Edward’s hand, Clara attempted to lead him away before things could degenerate further.

“I’ll be in touch,” Thomas called out to Clara’s retreating back, her long dark hair blowing in the wind.

Edward fought her the entire way to the drugstore on the corner.

Jason inserted himself into his father’s space. “What the hell was that all about? I thought I told you your brother isn’t up to that kind of pushing.”

Thomas blinked, his expression pained. “I want my brother back.” He stared in the direction the other couple had disappeared.

“Then stay away from Clara!”

Thomas shook his head. “Did you notice how Edward accused me of poaching his woman? After denying they were a couple? I’m on the right track,” he insisted.

Jason glanced at Lauren, who clearly was keeping out of a Corwin family argument. “Dad, please.”

“I’m a grown man, son. Stay out of it.” Thomas straightened his collar.

The determination in his expression, along with the warning in his voice, told Jason the Corwin family was in for a rocky ride.

DESPITE THE DOCTOR’S recommendation otherwise, Lauren needed to see her sister. When she’d told Jason she was taking the afternoon off to drive to the Bricksville prison, he said he’d understood, but his tone and his movements had been cold and brittle. Clearly her sister’s criminal actions colored the way Jason viewed her. Something Lauren truly did understand, especially since her relatives had been directly or indirectly responsible for so much of his family’s pain.

She knew now that with so much history between them, there was no way they could ever have more than this short time together. She’d treasure it forever, but this was all there could be. Blood was thicker than water, and he’d support his family while she’d do the same for hers. And in her heart, Lauren believed Beth needed to know someone cared about her despite everything.

So she made the trip to the prison and sat by her sister’s bedside. When Lauren arrived, Beth was awake, staring straight ahead.

Lauren brushed her hair off her face, held her hand and talked to her.

“The house is coming along great.” Lauren fudged the truth. “I hired a reasonably priced contractor who’s patching the holes in the walls and repainting.” She forced an enthusiasm and sense of normalcy she didn’t feel into her voice as she told her sister things she hoped would soothe her. She deliberately omitted the fact that her contractor and her lover was Jason Corwin.

And she didn’t mention that Beth’s lawyer needed more money or that Lauren was running short on funds. She only told Beth positive things.

“The contractor is also negotiating good prices with the subs, like the electrician and the plumber,” she said cheerfully. “The water heater broke but I managed to have it replaced. And my contractor is checking the estimates the plumber gave him before letting him do any more work on the pipes. But we’re getting there.”

Beth’s eyelids fluttered up and down.

Lauren sighed. “What is it, Beth? Do you want to talk to me?” She squeezed her sister’s hand.

“Don’t upset yourself,” the nurse said from the corner of the room.

Lauren had almost forgotten they weren’t alone.

“I have to try and reach her,” Lauren said. “Someone has to try!” But even as she spoke, she knew the blinking was just a reflexive response, as the nurse constantly reminded her.

“I do have some good news for both of you,” the nurse said as she strode to the barred window and looked outside.

“What is it?” Lauren asked.

“The work on the new wing is almost complete. Pretty soon your sister will have the quiet she needs. They’re phasing out the construction crews, and as soon as the inspection’s finished, no more workers, no more noise.”

A low gurgle sounded from the bed.

Lauren glanced over but her sister remained staring into space. Lauren turned back to the nurse. “That is good news,” she said. “I’m in the middle of a construction project myself.”

“So I hear,” she said, smiling.

Lauren thought of her monologues to her sister and nodded.

“How is it going?” the nurse asked.

Lauren walked over to the other woman. “Basically the place needs a ton of work. The electrical is sound but the plumbing is a mess, and there are some structural repairs to make. But I’m determined to get this thing finished and sold on time.”

“Good for you. I wish you luck.”

“I need it,” Lauren said. She glanced at her sister. “We need it.”

“You’re a special person, visiting like this. Not many of the people here have someone who cares.”

“Thanks.” Lauren hoped her sister knew and appreciated that fact, as well.

JASON HAD NO LUCK catching mice. The traps had been set for over a week but not one mouse had been caught. Lauren didn’t want them killed so he hadn’t called an exterminator. Besides he wanted to save her money, and all the exterminators would do was set the same humane traps he had. But the little creatures hadn’t disappeared. Far from it. And they were smarter than the average trap or cat. Avoidance was their middle name and even Jason was impressed with the little suckers.

They raced through the walls, despite the fact that he had covered all the holes. He’d heard them-there was definitely more than one-and both he and Lauren had caught glimpses. She was so on edge, she thought she saw them everywhere-when she drank her morning coffee, even when she showered. And she claimed she could feel them on her skin. They were creeping her out and Jason couldn’t do a damn thing about it.

As for the house, things were progressing. He’d assigned Connor to the garage, cleaning and painting the walls. Ross and Nate he’d settled outside, one cleaning leaders and gutters, the other stripping and staining the wood, returning the old Victorian to a clean, New England blue.

He’d hired an electrician to come in and take stock of the wiring in the house, making sure it was ready for inspection and up to code on the day of the closing. Rocco De Martino, a friendly competitor of his father and uncle, assured him all was well.

That left Jason and Lauren working on the main house by day. Thanks to her fear of the rodents, she stayed in whatever room he was in. If he was patching and spackling the walls in the living room, she carted furniture outside and boxed up things for Goodwill.

Nights were even better. He’d lugged Fred over to his uncle’s house so Hank could take care of the dog for as long as Jason was away.

They’d crawl into bed exhausted-but not too tired for sex. He couldn’t get enough of her and the feeling was apparently mutual. Afterward, she’d roll over to fall asleep, claiming her space. He didn’t know if it was deliberate or force of habit.

The first night, he’d taken her physical withdrawal like a punch in the gut. Ironic for a man who’d spent the last who knows how many years screwing snow bunnies and showing them the door. He’d given Lauren her space, but it had taken him hours to fall asleep. He needn’t have worried. Her fear of the mice led her right back into his arms.

Most mornings he woke up with her curled into him, splayed on top of him, or clutching a certain body part in her hand. At which point she more than made up for rolling over to her own side of the bed the night before.

True to his word, Jason had gotten J.R. to take a huge chunk off the plumbing estimate by promising the man he’d do the same when he finished his basement after the first of the year. He wished he could have saved her even more, but she hadn’t mentioned being short of cash lately, so he assumed it must have helped. And she was definitely grateful.

Today was master bedroom day. While he spackled and painted, she emptied drawers and closets, moving items to various piles to keep or give away.

He looked across the room and caught sight of her bending over the bottom drawer of the large chest in the corner. Her shirt rode up, revealing her slender back and fair skin, while her tight jeans dipped low, exposing the edge of what appeared to be black lace panties.

He sucked in a shallow breath and his entire body went into heated overdrive. He’d been aroused all day, watching her breasts rise and fall beneath the tank top she’d changed into after she’d started perspiring. His attempt to keep his mind on work had been downhill for him after that.

A glance at his watch told him it was almost five o’clock. Even a slave driver wouldn’t object to him taking a break. He quietly climbed down the ladder and approached her from behind, slipping his hand down the inside of her jeans.

She squealed and jumped up, turning so he immediately caught and pulled her into his arms.

“You’re so bad,” she said, teasing him, her eyes dancing with delight.

“I couldn’t resist another second. Do you know how many times I nearly fell off that damn ladder watching you?”

Lauren wrapped her arms around his neck. “Next time just tell me before you sneak up on me. My body is on constant rodent alert,” she chided, but her eyes were already dilating with need.

He slid his hand back into her jeans, letting his first finger dip between the fine crack and settle there.

A soft moan escaped her lips. “We still have work to do.” The words didn’t come out like much of a complaint.

“We’ve made remarkable progress this past week.” They also made an incredible team, tackling one room at a time.

They’d completed the work faster than he’d anticipated. Probably because he’d known she was waiting for him at the end of each day, soft, willing and ready for him. He wondered if she realized how in sync they were with each other.

“You do have a point.” She thrust her fingers through the back of his hair, making him glad he’d been too lazy to go for a haircut.

“I suppose you could convince me to take a break,” she said, arching her back so her pelvis rocked directly into his erection.

“Babe, the things you do to me defy description.” He nuzzled his lips into the side of her neck, breathing in the scent of her skin and taking in the slight tremors of arousal that shook her as his tongue slid down her neck.

“You don’t need words. You’re showing me just fine. It’s just that-”

“What?”

“I’m all sweaty,” she said, glancing down self-consciously.

“Doesn’t bother me.” He slid the straps of her tank top off one shoulder and planted slow kisses over her skin.

Just then, her stomach growled, reminding him they hadn’t eaten since an early lunch hours before. And though he could live on another kind of food, she obviously needed the real thing.

“I guess I’m hungry.” Her cheeks flushed pink.

“Then what do you say we go out for dinner?” he asked. The plan he’d been hoping to put in place this weekend suddenly made sense for tonight.

“The pizza place in town?” she asked hopefully. “Because nothing against The Diner’s food, but I can’t eat from there one more night.”

“Amen.” His arms encircled her waist. “I was thinking more along the lines of somewhere nice. Away from here. Boston maybe?”

The idea had come to him earlier while he’d watched her take out her clothes to dress. He’d realized he’d only seen her wearing old jeans, tanks and T-shirts to clean the house, while inside the closet he could see at least a couple of dresses, shoes with heels and other female accessories.

The urge to see her dressed up for him took hold along with the desire to take her somewhere she wouldn’t easily forget.

“Really?” Her eyes lit up at the idea. “Like I can shower, change and we can go to a real restaurant?” The excitement in her voice, the flush in her cheeks told him he’d been on target.

“Exactly like that. A real date,” he said, wanting his meaning clear. “I ask, you say yes, I pay.”

“Pay.” She pursed her lips and grew silent as she weighed her options.

His paying was the obvious sticking point. She was independent but not stupid, which was why she’d allowed him to do as much free work on the house as her pride would allow, but she’d drawn the line at accepting a loan.

On dinner, he wasn’t budging. His ego wouldn’t allow it. “Well?”

She blew out a long-suffering breath. “As long as when I’m rich and famous, I can repay all this kindness.”

He nodded. “You got yourself a deal,” he said, placated by the fact that she’d confirmed his hunch about why she was hesitant.

It wasn’t just dinner. It was dinner added to everything else. That much he understood.

They still stood close, their bodies aligned, his dick pulsing against his jeans. If they didn’t break this up soon, they’d never make it to dinner.

“How did you know I needed the break?” she asked, head tilted, ponytail brushing her shoulders.

He kissed her lips. “Because I needed one just as badly. What made you say yes?” he asked, curious.

She treated him to a sheepish grin. “I want a decent meal and to get out of this house too badly. Not to mention I’d love a chance to wear my good clothing.”

“Then go shower and change.” He gave her a quick hug and stepped back. “I’ll go home, shower and pick you up around seven.”

She visibly bit the inside of her cheek. “The mice?”

“Play loud music in the bathroom. They’ll leave you alone. I don’t have a decent change of clothes here.” He’d only brought some jeans and grungy shirts. “Besides, if I stay, I’ll shower with you, and if I do that we’re never leaving.” He brushed her hair off her shoulder. “You’ll be fine. Just concentrate on knocking my socks off and don’t let your mind wander to them.” He deliberately didn’t use the word rat, mouse or rodent.

“I guess I can do that.”

“Good. I’ll call Amber for restaurant suggestions.” As a concierge at one of the swankiest Boston hotels, she could work miracles in the reservation department. Or so he’d heard.

“Dress up for me,” he said, and headed home for a cold shower in order to make it through dinner before being able to come back here and satisfy his ever-growing desire for this woman.

A woman, he reminded himself, who had every intention of leaving him when this house was sold.

GABRIELLE LAY NAKED in bed, waiting for Derek to return home from work so he could join her. Her pregnancy had merely upped her horniness quotient, something Derek appreciated-when he wasn’t worrying about hurting the baby.

The telephone rang and she hoped it wasn’t Derek telling her he had to work late. “Hello?”

“Guess what?” Gabrielle recognized Amber’s excited voice.

“What?”

“Jason called to ask me to recommend a restaurant downtown. A place where he could take Lauren tonight. They’ll be out of the house!”

A sinking feeling settled in Gabrielle’s stomach. “I am not rushing over there tonight. I have plans!” She pulled on the sheet, which had begun to slip over her bare breasts.

Just then, she heard the lock turning. “Derek’s home,” she whispered to Amber.

“Well, find an excuse to run out and cause some benign damage at the house.”

“Why? Jason’s already sleeping there and he’s obviously taking her out for a special evening.” She needed her husband in her bed more than Jason and Lauren needed their meddling.

Amber snorted. “You never know what could happen. Uncle Edward could snap, Lauren could get cold feet. We just need Jason to think something’s going on at the house and he can’t leave Lauren alone.”

Gabrielle frowned. “I-”

“Are you waiting for me?” Derek called out.

“Of course I am!” Gabrielle shut her eyes. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Did you ever buy the Super Glue?” Amber asked.

“Yes. It’s in my trunk. I still think gluing the windows down is a stupid idea.”

“Then think of a better one, but do something!”

“But-”

“But nothing. I did the mice and it worked. Jason’s been staying over. But trust me, you owe me for handling that one. It’s your turn.”

“Are you naked?” Derek called out, his footsteps growing closer.

“Gotta go. Bye.” Gabrielle replaced the receiver at the same time Derek opened the bedroom door.

He must have been stripping all the way from the front door, because he was naked by the time he stepped into the doorway.

Gabrielle’s eyes gleamed as she looked at her husband. They might have been high school sweethearts and he’d been her first lover, but time had only made her love him more.

She raked her gaze over his aroused body. God, he was gorgeous. She slowly, seductively slid the sheets over her now fuller breasts and rounded stomach.

Derek’s eyes darkened at the sight. He stepped forward to join her and she thought she was the luckiest woman in the world.

And when his body draped hers, she could no longer think at all.

LIFE WAS all about risks, and Beth had taken a huge one stealing the nurse’s cell phone when the nutty patient at the far end of the hall had an honest-to-goodness heart attack. Nurse Stupid, as Beth liked to think of her, had been on the phone when the alarms went off and everyone ran down the hall.

Beth couldn’t believe her luck. She’d snuck out to find the nurse had dropped the phone on her desk. She already knew the construction work had been winding down and that would leave her without easy access to her lover, so she had to get her instructions to him any way she could.

She left him a message, telling him exactly what her sister had said about the electrical system being perfect. A perfect target that no one would ever follow up on, Beth thought. The perfect thing to sabotage. She instructed him to make sure he caused enough damage that there was no way her sister could close the deal on time. She had to make sure the house remained in her family’s possession until she discovered the diamonds. In her message, she warned that if she didn’t hear from him soon, she’d break out and come after him herself.

Yes, the call had been a risk, but she had him so wrapped around her finger with the lure of love, sex and money, he’d never turn her in.

She wiped the phone clean of prints and erased all trace of any outgoing calls before replacing it on the desk and climbing back into bed.