Tempted by a Carrington

Dallas pulled Lanier closer to him. “That won’t happen. They know what love is because of you and Ashleigh. You won’t lose a single one. Going off to college will be good for everyone.”

Lanier managed a half smile. “I hope you’re right.” She paused for a moment. “There’s something else I’ve also thought a lot about.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “I’ve never lived alone. In every foster home I’ve lived in, there has always been at least five or six other kids.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. Once my brothers and I went off to college, we only came home for holidays and school breaks, no matter how much we missed our parents. After college, we bought our own homes.”

“How did Ms. Angelica cope with all of you leaving home at once?”

“Oh, she missed us a lot, but Dad constantly reminded her that we were no longer little boys. They’d raised us to become men. Setting children free is a normal part of life. Just remember that the girls might not have gotten an opportunity to go to college if they’d been placed elsewhere. Not all foster homes are like the one you and Ashleigh have created.”

“I know that, and it’ll eventually be okay. Once the girls are off to college, I think I should get my own place. Working and living here with the kids is all I’ve known since I resigned my social work position. I want to experience life on my own. I’m thinking of asking two of our assistants to move in here before any new kids arrive. I’ll still work here ten to twelve hours a day, but I want to be able to escape sometimes.”

Dallas sat up straight. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you? I didn’t know you wanted to live anywhere but here.”

“I didn’t either, not until recently. But I want to reinvent myself, so I need to make substantial changes in my life. I’ve never lived alone. Before I moved in with Ashleigh, I had college roommates. After graduation, I shared an apartment with two other women. Ashleigh lives at home and works here…and she’s satisfied with how well it works out. I’m excited about looking for a place of my own.”

Dallas liked the plan, but he couldn’t help wondering what this might mean for their relationship. He wasn’t sure if she was ready for a major move, but the one thing he didn’t want to do was put shackles on her dreams. She was a grown woman who obviously needed to be free.

“Would you consider living with me?” He knew he had said the wrong thing as soon as the words had left his mouth. He realized she needed to do this on her own and should’ve offered his support.

Massaging Dallas’s cheek with the back of her hand, Lanier’s heart raced. “I know why you asked that question. But please believe in me. I know what I want to do, and I know exactly why I feel that way.”

Closing his hand over Lanier’s, Dallas halted her nervous tapping. “I’m sure you do. And I do regret it—it wasn’t a supportive remark. You’re a big girl now and you can take care of yourself. If you can’t, I’m positive you’ll ask for help. Speaking of help, do you want me to help you find a place? I know the condo Houston bought a while back is empty and he doesn’t stay there nearly as much as he’d thought. Maybe he’d lease it.”

“Thanks, but I don’t want to lease from your brother. I’d like to live close to Haven House, not in downtown Houston. I’d love for you to house-shop with me.”

Dallas looked pleased. “Just tell me when you want to get started.”

“This weekend? When can you manage to get away for a few hours?”

“This is the playoffs, and game dates are set as teams advance. I’ll look into it. Hopefully, we can get you your own place before the finals.”

Ashleigh popped into the room just as Dallas and Lanier sealed their deal with a kiss. She normally called Lanier first, but her cell phone battery had died.

Lanier sprang up and took baby Austin from Ashleigh’s arms. “Hey, little A.C. Heard you’ve been hanging with the ladies today! I know grandma had a ball with you.” She kissed the center of his forehead. “Where’d you guys go?” Lanier asked Ashleigh.

“Baybrook Mall. I just dropped by here to collect figures for payroll. I plan to print checks at home again. Is that okay?”

“However you do it is fine with me. Dallas and I just finished making plans for him to help me look for a place.”

“Austin and I can also help out if you want. I can’t believe preseason is almost here. Austin has enjoyed the baby so much that I think he may have a hard time getting his mind back on football.”

“I know he will,” Dallas chimed in. “He’s having the time of his life with A.C. All he talks about is his wife and son. I get a real kick out of hearing him gushing over you two.”

Dallas came over and stood next to Lanier. As he reached out for the cooing baby, she carefully handed him over to his big, strapping uncle.

Watching Dallas intently, Lanier saw how sweet and tender he was toward his nephew. He rained kisses onto the baby’s shock of copper curls and A.C. cooed even more. His hair was just like Ashleigh’s, but the deep dimple in his chin was a Carrington trait.

Lanier couldn’t help wondering what a baby from Dallas would look like. She hadn’t always wanted to become a mother, but after mothering teenagers, she had thought about it.

Since alcoholism was hereditary, Lanier wondered if the awful addiction would plague her own children. She had always been able to control her personal intake of alcohol; an occasional glass of wine or a frozen margarita was all she drank.

Seeing how engrossed Dallas and Lanier were with her son, Ashleigh cleared her throat to grab their attention. “It’s time for me to get on home. There are at least a couple loads of laundry waiting for me, and Austin requested a beef rib roast for dinner.”

Lanier sucked her teeth. “I don’t understand why you don’t use Ms. Stella more. Austin pays her no matter what.”

“I love taking care of my family, so I just save Ms. Stella for special occasions. Austin really appreciates whatever I do around the house, but he’s always telling me to use our housekeeper more.”

If they were to ever marry, Dallas wondered if Lanier would rather have a housekeeper than take care of things herself. Either way was fine with him. His father, Beaumont, had more than enough money to pay for help, but Angelica had done everything. She had used caterers only on special occasions.

Beaumont had always helped out with kitchen duties and laundry, and Dallas could remember him and his brothers laughing at the variety of aprons their dad so proudly wore. He wasn’t afraid of tackling any domestic chore and loved working alongside his beautiful wife.

Ashleigh reached for her child. Baby Austin grinned broadly, stretching his arms out for her. “I’ll see you two soon. Carrington family dinner is next week, and I’m counting on you both to be there.”

Dallas and Lanier nodded, laughing at Ashleigh’s attempt at sternness. Walking over to his sister-in-law, he laid his hand loosely about her waist. “I’ll come outside and help you get A.C. settled in.” Dallas turned to Lanier. “I’ll be right back, sweetheart.”

After opening the rear door to the Mercedes SUV, Dallas tucked Austin into his car seat and secured the safety belt. As the baby cooed and blew spit bubbles, he had to laugh. He hadn’t given much thought to having children before his nephew had come along, but now he thought about it too often.

Lanier was the only woman Dallas had ever imagined as the mother of his babies. Not wanting to pressure her, he’d never asked her if she wanted children. But, before any of that, he’d first have to find a way to get her down the aisle.

Crossing his arms, Dallas leaned against the door of the SUV. “What do you really think of Lanier getting her own place?”

Looking thoughtful, Ashleigh pressed together her full lips. “I support her one hundred percent. She lived in foster homes with other children and always had a roommate as an adult. Experiencing life on her own terms may be just what she needs. What’s your take on it?”

Dallas raised an eyebrow. “Mixed emotions, I’m afraid. I want to support her, but I also wonder if she’s ready to live alone. She’s certainly changing. In fact, she promises to introduce me to the new her.”

Ashleigh laughed. “That sounds just like my girl. She does have a creative side. I suggest you go along with her plans. What’ll you do if her mission fails?”

Dallas shrugged, thinking of the angry Lanier who seemed hell-bent on self-destruction. Having faith in no one but Ashleigh had made it hard for him to earn her trust. Her unhappiness loomed over her like a terminal illness. She didn’t have faith in him in the beginning, but his actions and unyielding support proved him worthy of her trust.

“Love her as much as I do now. More than anything, I want her to love herself, unconditionally. I don’t want her to make any changes for me. It’s all about her.”

“It is about her. But if she falls again, be ready to catch her. She’s confessed to changing her negative way of thinking about life before. She was sure she could rid herself of the rage she felt inside. We both know how badly those episodes turned out when she couldn’t stay the course. Lanier may truly be ready to embrace a more positive attitude this time around. I’ve seen quite a few changes in her already.”

Dallas stroked his chin. “Like what?” Dallas had seen major changes in Lanier, but he wanted to hear about the differences in her that Ashleigh had observed.

“You’ll have to see for yourself, if you haven’t already. You will recognize them on your own. It’ll mean more to you and her.” Standing on tiptoes, Ashleigh kissed Dallas’s cheek. “See you soon, shortstop,” she said. “Are you aware that Houston is hosting our family dinner?”

Dallas laughed. “So I’ve heard. He’ll either get Mom and Kelly to cook the food or leave it up to his caterer.”

Ashleigh climbed up into the SUV, leaving the door open. “Don’t be too sure about that. Kelly cooks for Houston, but she also has him help. I won’t be surprised if they manage to get everything taken care of between them. Ever since your brother and Kelly got engaged, he’s become a changed man.”

“As hard as it is to believe, I think you’re right.” Dallas turned down his mouth at the corners. “I guess we’ll wait and see what happens with Houston and Dr. Kelly Charleston. Drive carefully, Ash. Tell Austin I’ll call him later. You guys are coming to my next home game, aren’t you?”

“Of course we are. We already got a babysitter.”

Dallas blew Ashleigh a kiss. “See you soon.” He waited until Ashleigh had backed the vehicle out of the driveway before returning to the house.

Dallas reclaimed his seat on the sofa. While waiting for Lanier to return from the kitchen, he gave more thought to her plan. If he had his way, she’d live in a gated community with security guards. But he had to be careful not to dictate his wants to her.

Carrying a plastic tray laden with two glasses of ice-cold raspberry lemonade and warmed-up takeout food, Lanier slowly walked back into the family room. She set the tray down on the coffee table and handed a glass to Dallas. “I hope you like this new recipe.”

Taking the glass, he smiled. “Thanks. It looks delicious. I know I’ll like it simply because you made it.” He took one long gulp.

Lanier chuckled at how he’d nearly drained the glass in one swallow. He was a big man, and it still amazed her that he could down an entire quart of milk during breakfast or over a late-night snack of cookies.

“Are you familiar with the brand-new town houses on Clear Lake City Boulevard?”

“I’ve seen them a time or two,” Dallas said. “Want to check them out?”

She nodded. “I’ll call first to check out the cost. I don’t want to get there and end up embarrassed if I can’t afford it.”

Dallas began eating, polishing his food off quickly. “It’s time for me to go.” He got to his feet. “I’ve got a few things to take care of. Walk me to the door?”

Lanier stood, playfully bumping his body with hers. “What are you doing later?”

“I haven’t made any plans. Want to hang out with me? I can bring a couple movies.”

Lanier smiled. “I’d like that. Why don’t you just come back for dinner? Hamburgers and French fries are on the menu. Sound good to you?”

“Just being with you sounds good to me. Want me to stop somewhere and pick up burgers, fries and shakes?”

Leaning into Dallas, Lanier kissed him softly on the mouth. “You just show up. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Taking Lanier into his arms, Dallas kissed her thoroughly, loving how soft and pliable her juicy lips were. He loved it when things were going right with the woman he loved.

Chapter 2

Deciding at the last minute to take a detour, Dallas exited I-45 South onto Clear Lake City Boulevard. A few minutes down the road, he pulled up to the gates of the City on the Lake townhomes, which Lanier had mentioned. After telling the guard he was there to view model homes, the gate was opened. He hoped Lanier wouldn’t think he was prying into her private affairs by finding out information on the complex.

Opening the door, Dallas stepped into the air-conditioned office.

Smiling all over the place, the lady behind the front desk rushed to her feet. “Hello!” She extended her hand to Dallas. “I’m Casey Rayburn. Are you interested in our complex?”

“I’m not looking to move, but I have a friend who is. I’d like to see the models.”

Casey suddenly turned pale. “Oh, my goodness, you’re one of the Carrington triplets. I’m not sure which one, but I follow you in sports. I won’t try to guess which brother you are.”

Smiling broadly, she hunched her shoulders. “Can you just tell me? I’m dying to know.”

Smiling back at her, Dallas removed his hand from her tight grip. “I’m Dallas, member of the Texas Hurricanes. Thanks for supporting us. We appreciate it.”

“I can’t think of anyone in Texas who doesn’t support you. Ladies go crazy when any one of you guys is on television. I didn’t know much about sports until you all started playing.” She suddenly looked embarrassed. “Sorry for kind of losing it. I’m sure you didn’t come in here to see me act a fool. How many bedrooms is your friend interested in?”

Dallas stroked his chin. “Don’t know for sure. I’ll take a guess that she’d want two or maybe three. I’ll just look at all four models. Are they open?”

“Yes.” Grabbing a folder off the counter, she handed it to him. “Inside are copies of the floor plans for each town house, including square footage and pricing sheets. The end units cost more. Every unit has an attached two-car garage. Let me know if you have any questions.”

“Thanks.” Dallas exited out of French doors that led to the models.

The first town house Dallas entered had three bedrooms and three full baths. The flooring throughout the house was laid with both hardwood and ceramic tile. The roomy end unit had over 2,500 square feet of living space, including a fabulous sunroom with a great lake view. The master suite was located downstairs. Racing upstairs, he immediately liked the warm feel of the entire unit, and he was sure Lanier would give it a thumbs-up.

Imagining Lanier in these lavish surroundings was easy for Dallas. Three years of being together had given him insight into her likes and dislikes. She loved soft and silky things next to her body, and she loved European furnishings. Visions of her moving around in the town house made him smile. He still had more models to view, but his heart had embraced this one.

Moving toward the next townhome, Dallas opened the front door and walked in. The warmth he’d felt in the first residence was noticeably absent. The place was beautifully furnished and well-appointed, but something was missing. This townhome had two bedrooms and two full baths. Moving upstairs, he hurried through each room. It had been much easier for him to savor the splendor in the first home. Simply put, this house was by no means a perfect fit for Lanier. It was nice enough, but nowhere near up to her standard.

The next two models weren’t as well-appointed as the first town house, Dallas noted. If Lanier could fit the first one into her budget, he was willing to bet she’d go for it. All she’d have to do was put her stamp of approval on it and pen her signature. He’d also read that one of the subdivisions inside the complex had town houses for purchase. Purchasing may be a much better option for Lanier than leasing, but he wasn’t certain of her interest.

Dallas pulled his Mercedes into the driveway at Haven House. He’d fallen asleep after a hot shower and was glad he’d made it back on time for dinner.

Lanier reached Dallas before he made it out of the car. The bright smile on her face had his heart thumping wildly. “Hey, there, beautiful,” he said, taking her into his arms. Lanier had never come outside to meet him like this. Dallas took it to mean she was in a good mood and was happy to see him.

Dallas had already eaten two double-decker burgers and a large salad before he decided to mind his manners. Lanier had been closely watching him from the first bite he’d taken. Her spurts of giggles weren’t lost on him. She was still as fascinated as most people were by the amount of food he consumed.

“Who are the Hurricanes playing day after tomorrow?” Lanier asked.

“Toronto Mustangs. They’re a good team, but we’re better. Hopefully, we’ll get the win.” He smiled. “Did you get your ticket from Ashleigh?”

“Got it yesterday,” Lanier replied. She stood. “Okay, Dallas, its dish-duty time.”

Dallas jumped up from his seat. “Let’s get it done. Then we can cuddle on the couch and watch a movie or two.”

Lanier loved lazy nights in with him. Her eyes filled with pride every time she thought about how he’d hotly pursued her on the cruise ship. It had taken her a while to respond to his flirtations because she had tagged him a playboy on sight, but she was wrong. She winked at him. “You’re the best.”

The couple vacated the clean kitchen and went into the family room, where they curled up together on the sofa. Outside of hugs and light kisses, there’d never been any heavy intimacy between them inside Haven House. Lanier was a positive role model for the girls, and she wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that.

After pulling Lanier’s legs across his lap, Dallas handed her a large brown envelope. “I checked out those town houses we talked about earlier. The information is inside.”

Lanier smiled. Before she would have balked at Dallas taking matters into his own hands, but the new Lanier was downright grateful. She was over being suspicious of the intent of others.

Up until Lanier had met Ashleigh, she had trusted no one. Her best friend and confidante had shown her time and time again how trustworthy she was. Their loyal friendship and respect for each other had allowed them to become and remain successful business partners.

Putting her arms around Dallas, Lanier clasped her hands together at his nape. “Have I told you lately how amazing you are?”

“You can tell me again. It’s music to my ears.” Giving in to his desire to kiss her breath away, he pressed his lips against hers, sweetly devouring them.

Lanier took a minute to glance over the information in the packet. “I’d still like you to look at the town houses with me. Is that okay?”

“Sure. I can take you on Sunday. I don’t have to report to the field house until late afternoon.”

“Hope I get an idea of what I want when I go take a look.”

“If I get here Sunday morning, at 9:45 or so, is that good for you?”

“It’s fine.” Looking into his eyes, she ran the back of her hand down the side of his face. “I want desperately to give back what you give me. This time around I’m going to make us work. I promise. I love you, Dallas.”

Wrapping her up in his arms, he seared her lips with another hot, moist kiss. “I can’t get enough of you. I love you, too. And I always root for us.”

Lanier smiled broadly. “As long as we’re honest and up front with each other, we can make it work.”

Dallas knew he could live up to whatever expectations Lanier had of him. The only question in his mind was if he she was ready to be open to the relationship. Her skittish behaviors of the past still concerned him. At one time, fear was all she’d known. He’d love it if she could accept him at face value and love him for the genuine, honest man he was.

Dallas got up from the sofa then reached a hand back to Lanier. As she arose and stood with him, he kissed her tenderly on the mouth. He’d been dying to ask how many kids she wanted to have one day, but the fear of scaring her had kept him mute on the subject. Lanier had never mentioned wanting kids, but he knew she’d make a good mother just by the way she interacted with the girls. Besides that, he didn’t know if she’d ever agree to marry him, or anyone else.

Dallas only planned to propose once more. If Lanier turned him down again, he had silently promised himself to end the romance. After nearly two years of exclusive dating, he had popped the question during a family vacation cruise to celebrate Angelica’s birthday. Lanier had been deeply moved by the sentiment, but she was clearly not ready to make a lifetime commitment to him. Her tearful reply had confirmed the bad news. Yet he was sure she loved him—and he loved her enough to wait.

Dallas turned his full attention on Lanier, who had bent over to insert a CD. Her perfectly rounded rear excited him. Everything about her was electrifying. Most of all, he loved her tenacity. Just when it looked as if she might give up on something, she’d dig her heels in hard. Her life hadn’t been the least bit easy, but she’d done far more than just survive.

If their love affair could endure Lanier’s insecurities, which were largely based on her issues of abandonment and her parents’ alcohol and drug use, their problems would be solved. The worry of being abandoned again kept her on edge. One minute she was fearful of being left behind and scared of becoming an alcoholic. Because of her anxieties, she was unwilling to commit. Scared stiff of being rejected and tossed aside, especially by the man she loved so deeply, she kept a protective shield around her fragile heart. Dallas knew they could live happily ever after, but Lanier had to believe it, too. He was still willing to bet high stakes on them.

Lanier came over to Dallas and extended her hand to him. “Want to get in a little bumping and grinding on the dance floor?” Her eyelashes batted flirtatiously.

Not about to turn down such an enthralling offer, Dallas grinned. “How far and how low can we go?”

“Tsk, tsk,” Lanier scolded. “You know the answer. We’ve never done anything over the top here. The girls may be gone, but their presence isn’t.”

Dallas swept her into his arms. Pulling her as close to his body as he could, he hungrily engaged his mouth with hers. Bumping and grinding their hips together was sensuous. He wondered who’d be the first one to put on the brakes. His willpower was definitely in doubt.

Laying her head on Dallas’s chest, Lanier closed her eyes, inhaling his manly scent. With her arms wound loosely around Dallas’s neck, the couple’s body rhythms matched perfectly the sexy, provocative music. If she were anywhere other than Haven House, she’d be tempted to strip and dance provocatively for his pleasure. It wasn’t something she’d done before, but he made her feel uninhibited. The thought of stripping for him had her hot. Lanier could barely wait to make it happen.

As a much faster paced song came on, Lanier and Dallas let the music take them over. As she ground her hips into his, he pulled her back against him. His manhood rose as he matched her wild, sexy moves. For the next several minutes, they stay locked together, bumping and grinding to the music.

They headed back to the sofa and sat down to catch their breath. She picked up the remote control. “Where are the movies?”