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Dan hesitated. Gwen had been wealthy her entire life and in her mind a nanny was a servant and as such would never be considered an appropriate guardian for her only grandchild.
“Emma belongs with family,” Gwen continued when Dan didn’t respond. It wasn’t so much what she said as how she said it that reminded him of Tess. Spunky Tess, who used to lift her chin and show him her stubborn face when they disagreed.
Some of his irritation dissolved in the remembrance. Gwen and Phil had loved their daughter and they loved Emma. Unfortunately they could be harsh and unyielding in their views and he had no doubt, given time and opportunity, they’d end up crushing Emma’s gentle spirit.
Even now, he had to monitor their interactions with his daughter. They compared Emma to Tess at every opportunity and Emma always came up lacking.
“My mind is made up,” Dan said. “I’m not going to change it.”
“Well, if anything happens, this friend of yours will have a fight on his hands.” His mother-in-law’s voice turned frosty. “We will not let our granddaughter be taken from us. And I happen to know that family is always given extra weight in custody issues.”
Dan’s knuckles turned white at her obvious disregard for his wishes.
C’mon, Dan. I know she can be difficult, but be nice to them. Please. For me.
The memory of Tess’s familiar plea stopped his sharp retort. Instead Dan forced a conciliatory tone.
“Gwen, it’s been great talking to you but I need to go.” He ignored her murmur of protest. “Be sure and tell Phil hello.”
Dan clicked off before she could get another word out. Though he had a thousand and one things to do, he didn’t move a muscle. He sat staring at the phone, cursing his mother-in-law’s high-handedness and wondering what in the world he was going to do now.
Dan sat at the kitchen table and tried to read the paper, but his gaze kept straying to Amy. She’d returned from her afternoon with Steven in a lighthearted mood. Her skin was rosy from the sun and her green eyes sparkled like emeralds. She looked, he thought, uncommonly pretty today.
When she leaned over to put the casserole in the oven, he found himself staring at her smooth thighs and the rounded curves of her breasts.
Dan inhaled a deep, steady breath. This had to stop. He really hated that his gaze lingered on those long, supple legs. And he didn’t like noticing the way her shirt clung to every curve or just how nice those curves were.
This was all Jake’s fault, he thought irritably. If he hadn’t mentioned Amy dating, Dan wouldn’t have looked at her in that way at all. For three years she’d been his daughter’s nanny. Now, all of a sudden, he’d realized she was a woman, too.
Oblivious to the turmoil her shapeliness was causing, Amy closed the lower oven door and turned. “Have I told you how much I love this double oven?”
Her cotton top accentuated her full, generous breasts, and for a fleeting moment Dan found himself wondering what she’d look like naked. His mouth went dry and it took everything he had to return her smile and concentrate on the question. “Only about a million times.”
She laughed. “I think you’re exaggerating just a bit.”
The sound of her laughter made him smile. Maybe he was exaggerating, but Dan had no doubt the reason she’d been so content in his household had a lot to do with the kitchen. Last year he’d had the entire area redone and Amy had supervised the construction. Since she used it the most, it had only made sense she should have input into the final product.
She’d been so thrilled with the results that when the last contractor had walked out the door, in a moment of pure joy she’d thrown her arms around Dan’s neck and given him a hug. He hadn’t given it a second thought. Afterward she’d been embarrassed, but he’d understood. She’d just been given her dream kitchen on a silver platter.
But it wasn’t really her kitchen, was it?
Maybe that was why Amy continued to date Steven. Amy was practical. The Lasagna Man might not make her heart beat faster—not yet anyway—but he could give her companionship and a permanent home of her own.
But so could I…
The thought surprised him. He shoved it aside but it immediately boomeranged back. This time he considered the idea. He and Amy shared many common interests and most importantly, they both loved Emma. In a way, he and Amy hooking up made its own kind of sense.
Dan glanced at his watch and headed to the back porch. When Amy got home, he’d be waiting.
Amy shifted her gaze out the window of Steven Mitchell’s lakeshore condo. The lights of Chicago blinked back at her. All evening she’d found herself mesmerized by the view.
Her lips curved up in a smile. It had been a wonderful evening, thanks to her very gracious host. She turned back to tell him that but before the words could leave her lips, Steven reached across his dining room table and took her hand.
She wasn’t surprised he’d gotten caught up in the mood. Though that’s not how it had been intended, the evening had taken a decidedly romantic turn. Crystal glittered in the candlelight and classical music in the background added to the ambience.
“Dinner was fabulous.” In the dim light, Steven’s eyes looked more black than gray. “You really outdid yourself.”
Amy resisted the urge to gently remove her hand from his grasp. It wasn’t that she minded holding hands with Steven, she just didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. After all, she’d meant it when she’d told Dan that she and Steven were merely cooking buddies. Though it was beginning to look like Steven might want more…
“Simply fabulous.” Steven breathed the words, his gaze riveted to her.
Amy forced herself to chew and swallow. She wasn’t sure why Steven was laying it on so thick but she couldn’t help but be flattered. Still she forced a nonchalant air as if having a handsome man flirt with her was an everyday occurrence.
“Beef tenderloin can be so boring.” Amy lifted the wineglass to her mouth with her free hand. “The secret is the parsley sauce with cornichons and capers.”
“You have just the right touch.” Steven’s thumb caressed her palm and Amy almost inhaled her Merlot.
What was happening? The stars definitely had to be in some kind of funky alignment. First, she’d found herself practically salivating over Dan and now Steven—who’d always respected the boundaries she’d set—seemed determined to push into new territory tonight.
Amy had the feeling she was partially to blame. Two weeks ago, when Steven had taken her to a fancy French restaurant, she’d happened to mention how tired she was of cooking the same boring meals that were Dan and Emma’s favorites. She longed to cut loose and try some fun, fancy recipes for a change.
Steven had immediately jumped on the idea. He’d suggested that every week they take turns making each other a meal of their own choosing. Last week Steven had treated her to a fabulous evening of Indian cuisine.
Tonight had been her turn to shine. But when she’d agreed to the plan, she hadn’t considered where she would prepare a meal when it was her turn. After all, she could hardly use Dan’s kitchen to entertain Steven.
When she’d said as much to Steven, he’d merely smiled and offered her the use of his place. Unfortunately the only night this week that worked for him was Sunday, a day usually reserved for Dan and Emma. But Steven was going out of town on business for two weeks and he’d insisted he couldn’t wait that long to see what treat she had in store for him.
“Amy.” Steven’s husky, deep voice broke through her reverie. “Have I told you how beautiful you look this evening?”
Amy lifted her eyes to find his gaze focused on the cleavage displayed by the silky black cocktail dress. Her face heated beneath his admiring gaze and she shifted uncomfortably in her chair. Dressing up for the evening had been Steven’s idea. She’d been a bit hesitant, but had decided to go along with the suggestion.
It certainly had helped set the elegant, romantic mood. Of course, the fact that Steven’s condo overlooked the lakefront didn’t hurt, either. The first time he’d brought her up here, she’d been stunned. In class, dressed in blue jeans, he’d seemed like just another food devotee. Sure, she’d known he was an attorney, she just hadn’t realized he was so wealthy. Or so…attractive.
The tuxedo he wore emphasized his lean, muscular build. Like Dan, his hair was dark and cut short, but instead of being blue, Steven’s eyes were a piercing gray. She could see why he was so successful in the courtroom. Those eyes missed little.
“I’m flattered,” she said.
“You don’t believe my compliment.” His brows pulled together in puzzlement. “Why is that?”
This time Amy gave in to the urge and slipped her hand from his, nervously brushing back a stray strand of hair from her face.
She wondered if he’d be as impressed if he knew that the black cocktail dress she wore had been purchased at a consignment boutique. But even she had to admit the cut flattered her full, firm breasts while minimizing her curvy hips. She’d pulled her hair back in a loose, French knot and taken extra care with her makeup. At the last minute she’d impulsively added the pair of diamond earrings Dan and Emma had given her last Christmas.
“Amy.”
She blinked, realizing his question hadn’t been simply rhetorical.
“Beautiful?” Amy forced a laugh. “C’mon, Steven. Even you have to admit extra pounds and freckles place me squarely in the nice-looking but definitely-not-beautiful range.”
She made the observation without the slightest hint of guile. She wasn’t fishing for compliments. She was, quite simply, stating the facts.
Still, she half expected Steven to argue. Instead he laughed, the tiny lines around his eyes crinkling. “No wonder I like you so much.”
There it was again, a shift into the personal realm. And the smoldering look in his eyes told her if she didn’t shut it down now, things could get uncomfortable.
“Did I tell you Chez Gladines at Navy Pier has contracted with me to provide French pastries on a trial basis?” Amy couldn’t keep the note of pride from her voice. “Apparently their chef had been a real prima donna and an expensive one to boot. When she up and quit on them, they decided to give me a chance.”
While the restaurant manager hadn’t given Amy a long-term commitment, at least she had a foot in the door.
“Congratulations.” A smile split Steven’s face. “I wish I’d known earlier, I’d have taken you out to celebrate.”
Amy had waited to mention the news for that specific reason. She didn’t want to give him the chance to act like a boyfriend. He was doing enough of that already. Last time they’d eaten out, he’d refused to let her pay her share. If he were her boyfriend, she’d be all about letting him treat her. But they were simply good friends and that’s how she wanted to keep it.
She let her gaze linger on his handsome face. Steven was a great guy with all the qualities she was looking for in a man. Why couldn’t she like him as more than a friend? Why couldn’t she love him? What was holding her back?
Amy smiled and held out her glass for more wine.
After filling her glass, Steven leaned back in his chair and shot her a speculative gaze. “What did King Dan have to say?”
Amy rolled her eyes. Steven had never met Dan but he’d taken in a few of her comments and decided he didn’t like the guy. Like when she’d mentioned once in passing how much Dan liked to be waited on, she’d never expected Steven to take the funny, little incident and make a big deal out of it.
“Was he happy for you?” Steven pressed.
Amy shrugged and took a sip of wine. “I haven’t mentioned it to him yet.”
“Why not?” Steven lifted a sardonic brow. “Too busy making his coffee?”
“Making the coffee pays the bills.” Amy kept her tone deliberately light and offhand, refusing to get sucked into rehashing something that had already been discussed. Still, it seemed no matter how many times she tried to tell Steven taking care of Dan and Emma was her job, he always tried to push her to think of herself, too.
“I know why you haven’t told him. You’re afr—”
“The opportunity hasn’t come up.” Amy spoke slowly and distinctly so there would be no misunderstanding. “But when I do tell him—and I do plan to tell him—I know he’ll be happy for me.”
“Don’t kid yourself.” Genuine concern filled Steven’s gaze. “If he had it his way, you’d never leave. Never go on to bigger and better things. You deserve your own dreams, too, Amy.”
The unexpected vehemence in Steven’s tone took her by surprise. But she just smiled because she knew he really meant well. He was wrong about Dan, though…and about her.
Chapter Five
Amy shut off the car’s ignition and leaned back against the seat, too tired to get out. The clock on the dashboard read eleven forty-five and exhaustion oozed from every pore. Her normal bedtime was ten-thirty and when she’d started to yawn while discussing the merits of using liqueurs, she’d known it was time to head home.
As she’d started toward the door, Steven had pulled her to him. Then he’d asked if she’d consider spending the night. The crazy thing was, for a second she’d been tempted. It had been so long…
But in the end she’d said no, frightened by the serious look in his eyes and her own ambivalent feelings. Besides, there was only one man she wanted in that way and he was waiting for her at home.
The garage door slid smoothly downward and, heaving a resigned sigh, Amy stepped out of the car and headed for the side door. Unlike Steven’s condo with its underground parking, Dan’s house had been built in the early 1900s when detached carriage houses were de rigueur.
But Amy didn’t mind the short walk to the house. The temperature had dropped slightly and the autumn coolness was a welcome break from the warmth of the car. She could feel herself begin to wake up.
How she loved the lush yard with its large trees and beautiful arbors and the way the fragrant smell of flowers mixed with the scent of freshly-cut grass. During the day squirrels chattered a mile a minute and birds chirped happily. But now all was quiet. She stopped just short of the house and inhaled, taking in the beauty around her.
Amy vowed that when she bought a house it would have a nice yard. She remembered all too well the tiny apartment she’d shared with her aunt after her mother had dropped her off and never came back. She’d had to play outside on the concrete…
Shoving the memory aside, she decided it was too nice a night to ruin with thoughts of the past. She should go straight to bed but the idea of sitting for a few minutes in one of the large Adirondack chairs on the back screened-in porch pulled at her.
It would be so peaceful, so—
“How was your evening?”
The familiar deep voice stopped her cold. Dan sat in one of the chairs on the porch. She could count on one hand the number of times he’d stayed up past ten-thirty on a work night. Concern rippled up her spine. She moved forward quickly, her heart picking up speed with each step. “Where’s Emma? Is everything okay?”
“She’s fine.” Dan rose and held the porch door open. “Went to bed for me without any problem.”
Amy exhaled the breath she’d been holding. “So nothing is wrong?”
“Why would you think something is wrong?”
“You’re up,” Amy said. “You’re always in bed by now.”
“You’re dressed up.” His gaze traveled the length of her body. Amy could hear the surprise in his tone and though she wasn’t a bit cold, she shivered.
He’d known she was going out with Steven. But he’d been upstairs when she’d left and he’d obviously assumed this had been a jeans and T-shirt evening.
“I made dinner for Steven at his place.”
“He made you cook?” Dan’s brows pulled together and she could hear the censure in his tone. “When you were dressed like that?”
Amy heaved an exasperated sigh and dropped into a chair. What was it with these men?
“He didn’t make me do anything.” Amy kicked off her heels. “We’re taking turns cooking each other dinner. Steven likes to dress up. Do things nice. He thinks it adds to the ambience.”
Even in the dim light, Amy could see the surprise in Dan’s eyes. He opened his mouth, then shut it.
She paused, waiting for him to disagree. After all, that seemed to be the pattern between the two men.
“I agree,” Dan said.
“You do?” Amy’s voice rose despite her best efforts to control it.
“Of course,” Dan said, his tone conversational and pleasant.
Amy let her shoulders drop and the last of the tension exited her body. Finally, here on this quiet porch, she was back on familiar footing and could relax.
Tonight had not been the evening she’d anticipated. Instead of being the kind, supportive friend, Steven had tried to play the boyfriend card. She’d hated to shut him down but she didn’t see that she had much choice. Not when her feelings for Dan were growing stronger. She slanted a sideways glance.
Dan had leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers behind his head in a relaxed pose. “Does Steven live close?”
“Not far.” Though it might not be very Emily Post, Amy brought her foot up and massaged her instep. The stiletto heels might look great but they were a killer. “He lives in one of the condos by the Pier.”
The words had barely left her lips when Dan scooted his chair to face hers. “Give me those.”
Amy widened her eyes. “Pardon?”
“Your feet,” he said. “Those kind of shoes take their toll. I used to give Tess a foot rub all the time. Put them here.”
Amy hesitated. While he wasn’t suggesting they get naked and jump into bed, what he was suggesting somehow seemed just as intimate. Before she had a chance to respond, he reached down and rested both her feet on top of his muscular thighs.
“Ah—” He began to gently massage her foot from the toes to the ankle and any words of protest died on a sigh.
“You are incredible,” she breathed.
The dimple in his left cheek flashed. “Well, thank you, ma’am. I aim to please.”
He shifted his focus to the sole of her foot, his fingers moving in circular motions from the base of her toes to the heel, the pressure of the circles steady and even.
Amy closed her eyes and let the waves of pleasure wash over her.
“I don’t believe you’ve ever told me what Steven does for a living.”
The question seemed to come from a great distance. Amy’s eyelids fluttered as he turned his attention to her toes.
“He’s an attorney.” Utterly relaxed, Amy leaned her head back against the chair. “I guess he’s handled some high-profile cases but I’ve never heard of them.”
Steven had told her more than once about his practice but she must not have been paying very close attention because right now, with Dan’s thumbs pressing into the arch of her foot, she couldn’t remember any details.
“What’s his last name?” Dan asked in a low, soft voice.
“Mitchell.” Amy moaned. “Oh, Dan, if I’d have known I was coming home to this, I’d have never stayed out so late.”
“That’s okay,” Dan said in a hypnotic tone. “Next time just remember…there’s no place like home.”
A loud buzzing sounded in Amy’s ear and she brushed at the irritation, her hand connecting with something hard and plastic.
It took only a second for her to realize she wasn’t on a far-off beach making love to Dan in the sand. She was in her bedroom with her new clock radio buzzing angrily up at her from the floor. Reaching down, she hiked it up by its cord, bringing the time into focus.
She gasped. It should have gone off an hour ago. The bus would be coming for Emma in twenty minutes and Dan, well, right now he was on his own.
Amy jumped out of bed, but stopped almost instantly, swaying slightly as her hand rose to her pounding head. She had only two or three glasses of wine with Steven, but after Dan had finished her foot massage, he’d brought out a bottle of Kendall Jackson and she’d had a couple more glasses.
Unlike her mother, Amy took responsibility for her own actions. She’d pay the price today. She’d never make Emma and Dan suffer.
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