Seduce Me aka Erotic Invitation

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

JACK STRODE into the crowded gym. Seven-thirty in the morning was prime workout time when the sun beckoned for the rest of the day. Looking around, he spotted his mark standing by the treadmill, white towel wrapped around his beefy neck.

Jack steeled himself for the argument to come. He’d been too damn lax on this trip. Too distracted by the thrill of the game he and Mallory had played.

He walked over to the corner of the room. “Paul. I’d like a word with you.” Jack refrained from showing his anger or frustration yet. There was still a remote chance his gut instinct regarding Lederman’s motives were wrong. But he doubted it.

Lederman turned-reluctantly-away from the treadmill and met Jack’s stare. “I was going to give you a call this afternoon.”

Sure he was. Since his return, he’d been making himself scarce. And because of Jack’s affair with Mallory, he’d been too preoccupied to care. But if her chilly attitude this morning was any indication, the honeymoon was over, and maybe it was for the best.

“What’s up?” Paul asked.

“Why don’t you tell me. I’ve spent four days here and not a word from you. Meanwhile my sources tell me you’ve been holding out on me.” Jack glanced around to make sure no one was in hearing distance. “Prescription drug abuse?” Jack watched Lederman’s reaction closely.

“How the hell did you come up with that?” Paul narrowed his gaze, then shrugged. “No matter now. It’s ripe for use.” He narrowed his gaze. “You willing to use it?”

“If you hire me, and if that’s what you want and if it makes strategic sense, then yes.” As he spoke, the look of disappointment in Mallory’s face flashed before his eyes and his stomach knotted in self-disgust.

His father’s pleading face came next. Jack didn’t have to question how he would react if his parents’ divorce got messy and his greedy mother decided to use his father’s weaknesses and shortcomings against him. Nor did he question the names he’d be calling the lawyer who was willing to represent his mother and play those dirty games. Games Jack had been playing for years with other people’s divorces and unspared feelings.

Lederman let out a loud laugh. “I’ve done some digging of my own. You’ve got yourself a damn good record, obviously a damn good team of investigators and you’ve got balls. I like that in a man.” Without warning, Paul held out his hand. “Consider yourself hired.”

Jack forced himself to shake Lederman’s hand. “You won’t be sorry. Waldorf, Haynes will give you the best representation out there. But there’s one thing we need to settle first.”

“What’s that?”

Jack stepped into Lederman’s personal space. “I might be willing to play hardball, but I don’t appreciate having it played against me by my own client. My reputation precedes me,” Jack said, not caring how arrogant he sounded. “Either you trust my ability or you don’t. Next time you play games I’m out of here.”

“Deal.” Lederman pumped his hand with enthusiasm before excusing himself and turning back to the treadmill that awaited him.

Jack walked back through the gym. He’d just accomplished a huge coup. He’d secured his firm’s largest client and kept the eccentric man happy at the same time. And though Lederman was slime, Jack hadn’t agreed to dirty his hands or compromise his professional work ethic.

He hadn’t agreed to go any further on this client’s behalf than he’d done many times before. But instead of feeling ecstatic, instead of the usual rush of adrenaline he’d experienced in the past, Jack’s stomach twisted into tight knots. Because despite the positive outcome of the business side of this trip, he had the uneasy feeling this case would reverberate through his life in unexpected ways-jeopardizing the future he’d never thought he wanted.

The one he’d never have.

Though he wasn’t looking forward to the confrontation, Jack owed Mallory an update regarding his conversation with Lederman. And with their return to the office imminent, they needed a frank discussion about what had gone on between them as well.

Not to mention that Jack needed one last time alone with Mallory before reality set in.

MALLORY ZIPPED her suitcase closed. She had to get out of here and back to her life before she lost her sense of self. Falling in love with Jack, she’d discovered one Mallory and lost another. The one that was goal-oriented and on the fast track to partnership. The one who never thought she wanted a husband or family. The one content to hide her femininity.

The one who considered Jack an unattainable dream.

She could never put the new Mallory behind her any more than she could completely return to the ice princess who’d been Waldorf, Haynes’s top associate. The feminine, erotic woman was a part of her now. So, too, was the woman who considered Alicia Lederman’s feelings more important than making partner.

She’d changed. There would have to be more changes when she got home. Spending more time with Jack Latham would never allow her to get over the one and probably only love of her life. The one who distrusted women, relationships and love. The one who’d come to her on a dare and continued on only because each challenge became harder to resist.

The one who didn’t believe in dreams or happily ever after.

The ringing of the telephone startled her out of her deep thoughts. She picked up the receiver. “Hello?”

“Ms. Sinclair?” A deep male voice she didn’t recognize answered her.

“Yes. Who is this please?”

“The hotel concierge. I’ve been asked to inform you to meet your business partner in room 520 at eight o’clock this evening.”

Jack’s room across the hall. Her heart began a rapid, thudding beat. A keen sense of longing took hold, the emotions strong and overwhelming. “Thank you,” she murmured into the phone.

A lump that might as well have been Mallory’s heart lodged in her throat. Not an invitation but a business meeting. And certainly not a returned declaration of love.

Mallory Sinclair, Esq. would never deny a partner’s request. But Mallory Sinclair, woman, had no choice. She was smart enough to know when to give in. She lifted her suitcase onto the floor.

There was no way she could handle one last meeting with Jack. Not with her heart in shreds and her career at a crossroad.

She didn’t fault Jack for his attitude this morning. Using the private investigator’s report was the right move-for someone who wanted to represent Paul Lederman. She didn’t need to forgive Jack for doing his job. It was the same strategic move she would have made the day she’d arrived at the resort. But no longer.

Along with finding herself came a clarity and acceptance of life she hadn’t had before. The same way she knew she’d never change her parents’ lack of feeling for their only child, she now knew she couldn’t change Jack’s negative views on love and relationships. Lord knows she’d tried.

Too bad she’d been the only one to undergo self-revelation on this trip or she wouldn’t have to leave the resort alone. She and Jack could go-together.

She wiped at the tear dripping down her cheek. She’d begun this game with an invitation aimed at teaching him a lesson. He’d returned the favor and they’d engaged in a sensual, exciting competition, each trying to top the other-neither realizing one of them would end up with a broken heart. Until it was too late.

So no, she wouldn’t show up, not even for a business meeting. She’d find a way to get the message to him so she didn’t stand him up. And then she’d head home.

Alone.

JACK PACED the floor of his room. At nine o’clock he realized Mallory wasn’t going to show. At ten o’clock, one stiff drink later and well into seventh-inning stretch of the Yankees game, there was a knock at the door.

Professionally he should have been furious she was so late, but at this point his heart was thinking for him and his emotions were keyed. He was angry and hurt as hell. Be it a business summons or a personal request, the very least she could have done was send him a polite “no thank you.”

His head was pounding and his throat raw. He felt like crap and realized Mallory was just a part of it. All he needed on top of things was the damn flu. He rose from the couch and walked to the door. On the other side was Alicia Lederman-the last person Jack expected to see.

“Can I help you?”

“I’ve got a message for you.” The older woman held out a white envelope with the resort logo on the upper lefthand corner. “I promised to bring this over earlier. Much earlier. But we had an emergency in the lobby. A man had a heart attack and I had to call the hotel doctor and 9-1-1…” She shook her head. “Anyway, here it is with my sincere apologies.”

“No need to apologize.” Considering what Jack had in store for her, he ought to be saying “I’m sorry.”

The thought jarred him, taking him by surprise. When had he ever felt the need to apologize for doing his job? He glanced at Alicia. Though she looked as elegant as ever, the weariness in her face tugged at Jack’s heart. He wondered if he was truly seeing her for the first time or viewing her through Mallory’s eyes. Either way he didn’t like what he saw and wondered if Mallory was right-if there was a way of settling this divorce without causing needless pain and heartache.

He met Alicia’s gaze, impressed with her dignity and courage. “You could have sent a bellboy with this.” He waved the note in the air. “Why bring it yourself?”

“Because if Mallory cares, then you must be a good man in here.” She tapped the area near her heart.

He wouldn’t touch that assumption. “You’ve spoken with her then.”

Alicia nodded. “Before she left. She’s on her way home. I’m sure that note explains it all.”

He stepped back. “Come in, please.”

Alicia followed him inside but remained silent, obviously sensing he needed space. And he did. So Mallory hadn’t stood him up-not in the way he’d thought anyway. But the truth didn’t make him feel any better and his stomach churned with remorse.

Jack didn’t care if he had an audience, he just wanted to know what Mallory had to say. He pulled the scented paper from the envelope and read silently.

While I regret not telling you in person, I’m smart enough not to engage in a battle I can’t win.

This trip taught me a lot about myself and what I want out of life.

I’m going home to begin making some changes. And regretfully I’m going to have to let this last meeting pass.

It was fun while it lasted.

Love,

Mallory

The pain in Jack’s gut grew larger.

“Endings are never easy.” Alicia placed a hand on his arm, then embarrassed, she withdrew quickly.

Jack met her sympathetic gaze. “I guess you would know,” he said, careful to let kindness not sarcasm infuse his voice.

She nodded. “I realize I can’t keep Paul if he doesn’t want to stay. And I know you thought I was ignoring you when you told me to get an attorney, but I wasn’t. I was preparing.”

“And keeping your cards close to your vest. I respect that.”

“I’m not certain what I’ve done deserves it. But what I do know is that the marriage is over. And I refuse to go without a fight.”

“You realize this is when I advise you to get counsel.” She was so easy to talk to, Jack couldn’t help but smile.

“I will. But I was hoping we could deal first.” Reaching into her bag, she held out a manila envelope. “I’m not as naive as my husband thinks. There’s some information on me that I am certain he’ll want to use. Let him know I’ve got ammunition of my own.”

Jack quickly thumbed through the contents of the package-incriminating photos of Paul Lederman and a young woman. Dates noting the ongoing relationship were clear on each photo. Alicia Lederman had proof of her husband’s infidelity. Jack let out a groan.

“She’s an employee,” Alicia said. “A very young, inexperienced employee.” The hurt in her voice was unmistakable. “I swear to you he wasn’t like this when we married. The heart attack and middle age changed him.” She shook her head, disgust etched in her features.

Jack could empathize. Paul Lederman’s actions made him sick. “Are you planning to use these?”

The older woman wiped at her eyes. “I don’t want them made public, no. I’ve got children who are more important than any money I get out of the divorce settlement.”

Jack stood before Alicia Lederman, at a loss for words. Here was a woman with proof in her hands, proof that could net her a huge settlement if she pushed hard enough, but she was willing to put aside the cash for the sake of her children. She was so different than any client or spouse he’d ever encountered.

She was unique. And so was Mallory, who’d seen this woman’s goodness from day one.

“Mr. Latham?”

He cleared his throat. “Sorry. If you’re not willing to use these why are you showing them to me?”

“I said I don’t want them made public, not that I wouldn’t use them if forced.”

Through her pain, Jack heard the determination in her voice and respected her for it.

“Make no mistake. I’d take my licking if Paul insisted on using the information on me, and I don’t want to drag my children through the mud twice. They need to believe they’ve got one parent they can look up to. Even if it’s a charade. So you show him these-they’re copies by the way-and tell him all I want is what’s fair. I’ve helped run this resort and raised his kids. I’m middle-aged with no other source of income or abilities. All I’m asking for is a fair and equitable settlement so he can’t squander it on those young women he prefers.”

She choked back a sob and Jack felt the lump rise in his throat. Not only for Alicia but for his own father who was going through the same ordeal.

“I’m hoping the threat of these photos is enough. But if he backs me into a corner, I’ll come out fighting.”

“I understand.” Jack stood with the envelope in his hand, knowing his firm’s largest client had sealed his own fate.

Jack hesitated, then put a hand on Alicia’s shoulder. “I’ll show him and advise him accordingly. In the meantime, you get yourself a lawyer first thing tomorrow.”

She nodded, gratitude flickering in her eyes. “Mallory was right about you. You just need to realize it on your own. Goodbye, Mr. Latham.”

“Good night.”

Alicia slipped out the door, leaving Jack alone with the incriminating photos and Mallory’s note. He walked over to the large mirror in the master bedroom. He braced his hands on the counter and looked into the reflective glass. He barely recognized the man facing him. He’d never considered himself a coward, yet that’s exactly what he was looking at. A man who, like his father, was afraid to take the step that would forever change his life.

Although both he and Mallory had known the rules going into the affair, neither had followed those rules. She’d fallen in love and had the courage to admit the truth. He’d fallen, too, but when faced with her admission he’d hidden behind the excuse of protecting her-instead of facing up to his greatest fear and overcoming it.

The irony was clear. Jack was a man who’d spent his life running from love and commitment until he’d walked right into its trap.

Only loving Mallory didn’t feel like a trap. The rest of his so-called life did.

“YOU WHAT ?”

Mallory dumped the box of her personal things on the floor of the apartment she shared with her cousin. “I quit, Julia. Q-U-I-T. What don’t you understand?”

Actually she’d given two weeks’ notice, but the senior partner wasn’t interested in keeping her on. Not after he’d heard she wasn’t willing to use the information against Alicia Lederman. Jack had been out with the flu since they got back and the Lederman case had fallen into Mallory’s hands. She’d chosen to walk before setting Alicia Lederman up for pain and heartache.

Upon Mallory’s departure from the resort, she’d bid Alicia an emotional goodbye. Because of her professional ethics, which at this point she wanted to choke on, Mallory hadn’t been able to do more than advise the other woman to get an attorney. But she refused to be the one to feed Alicia to her husband, the shark.

“Come sit down.” Julia patted the seat on the couch. “By the time I got home last night you were fast asleep and the first time I see you today, you’ve quit a job you’d dedicated your life to. You were this close to making partner.” She pinched her thumb and forefinger together and her silver bracelets jangled against each other. “So what gives?”

Mallory eyed her cousin warily as she settled in beside her. “You’ve got dark circles under your eyes and you’ve been suspiciously silent and you’re asking me what gives?”

Julia rolled her eyes. “I’m not the one who spent five days at a resort with the firm’s most eligible partner.”

Mallory hugged her shoulders tight. “He’s not eligible.” And as of the end of her first week back, he hadn’t returned to the office, either. So she’d avoided any awkward confrontation and by having her notice declined, she’d probably avoided ever seeing him again. That damned lump in her throat returned.

“Not eligible? You mean he was engaged or married during that one night? What a slime.” Julia made a face accompanied by a snort of disgust.

Despite herself, Mallory chuckled. She had no intention of revealing to Julia it had been much more than one night. “He’s neither engaged nor married but he’s just as unavailable in here.” She tapped her chest, above her heart. “And here.” She gestured towards her head.

And if all their intimate time together hadn’t changed his outlook nothing would.

Julia leaned forward to give Mallory a comforting embrace and she was grateful for her cousin’s silent, solid support.

Julia pulled back. “Did he say for certain he’s not interested or are you guessing? Because even the most determined bachelor can meet his match.” A wicked gleam lit Julia’s gaze.

“Don’t tell me you believe in the right woman changing a stubborn man’s mind.”

“I’m just saying not to give up hope until you’ve heard it from the horse’s mouth.” Julia grinned. “So to speak.”

“I don’t think he has anything more to say to me. Once you tell someone you love them, the ball pretty much falls into their court.”

She sighed. “I can’t argue that though I wish I could. So what are you going to do with yourself now that you’re unemployed?” Julia asked, not so subtly changing the subject.

“I’ve got a nice nest egg and I can afford to open my own practice, even if it doesn’t take off for a while. I’m going to look at leasing some office space-maybe within someone’s office to cut costs. It’s time I did something for me.”

“Not your father?”

Mallory leaned her head back against the couch. “You mean you knew all along that the partnership track wasn’t what I wanted?”

Julia’s familiar blue eyes stared back at her. “You were using it as a way to make your father proud when nothing’s going to get him to focus on anyone but himself. Meanwhile you convinced yourself you were happy. Who was I to argue?”

Mallory sighed. “You’ve got a point. But I’m over it now.” And it had only taken her thirty years.

But she’d learned so much about herself that she could begin a brand-new life. Much as she wished Jack would be part of it, Mallory Sinclair was a fighter who thrived on a challenge. She’d survive.

But life would be so much brighter if Jack had learned the same lessons she had.