The second the speech ended, Nicole sprang from her chair. Rafe joined her, circling her wrist lightly with his fingers.

She turned her head to glance meaningfully at his hand. “I want to say hello to the speaker.”

“Introduce me,” he challenged.

She exhaled in frustration and tugged her hand away from his, going to the front of the room. “Great job, Gerard, as usual.”

The rough-hewn man with shaven head cracked a grin. He stepped toward Nicole, and Rafe noticed a slight limp. “Always glad to get praise from Atlanta ’s prettiest peach. I only got to talk to you for a minute before my speech. I didn’t get to ask you what you’re doing down here.”

Gerard glanced past her shoulder, meeting Rafe’s gaze. “Are you with-”

“Nicole is with me,” Rafe said, extending his hand. “Rafe Medici.”

Nicole tossed him a sideways glance. “This is Gerard Thomas. I would say he’s ex-marine, but-”

“Once a marine, always a marine,” Rafe finished for her.

Gerard nodded, his gaze observant as he appeared to assess the relationship between Nicole and Rafe. “Is this a permanent move?”

“Not-” Nicole began.

“I’m working on it,” Rafe said.

“It’s complicated. Rafe is Joel’s biological father.”

“Oh. I didn’t know he was in the picture.”

“I am now,” Rafe said.

“It’s a transition period. Rafe lives in South Beach.”

Gerard nodded. “I’d hate to see the veterans in Atlanta lose you.”

“Nothing is settled,” she said.

“I don’t live far from here, so give me a call if you decide you want to work down here.” He turned to Rafe. “Nice meeting you, Mr. Medici. We all think a lot of Nicole. She’s a special woman. Joel has always been her number-one priority.”

“He still is. Good meeting you,” Rafe said, stepping aside with Nicole as other people pushed forward to speak with Gerard. “Ready to go?” he asked Nicole.

She gave a single mute nod and he sent a programmed text to the chauffeur. As they walked outside, the limo appeared and Dan quickly opened the door.

Rafe followed Nicole inside and set down the privacy panel. His cell rang and it was Maddie asking about the Crawford deal. “I have it under control,” he said.

“Do you need me to come over in the morning for a briefing?” she asked. “I know this is a big deal.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’m staying on this one personally.”

“Okay, I’ve found some more yachts on Grand Cayman you might be interested in. Would you like us to take a quick flight down tomorrow? I can make the arrangements.”

Rafe glanced at Nicole, who had opened a bottle of water and was flipping through a magazine. “No. I have other plans.”

“Okay, but I know how you hate to miss out on a good deal. I think some of these are distress sales.”

“They can wait. I’ll see you Monday morning,” he said and turned off the phone. He allowed his gaze to rest on Nicole. Her sophisticated black dress dipped just low enough to draw his attention to her breasts. The sight of her silky brown hair made him want to feel it all over his naked skin. The possessiveness that tugged at his gut took him by surprise.

“Anything I should know about you and Gerard Thomas?”

She glanced up at him in surprise. “What do you mean? I’ve known him for about two years. He was seriously injured after 9/11 and was honorably discharged. He’s a tireless advocate for veterans, and he’s always been supportive of me and kind to Joel.”

“Joel?” Rafe echoed. “When did he meet Joel?”

“A few times when he was in town. He always brought a toy.”

“I thought you said you hadn’t been involved with any men,” he said.

“I haven’t. Gerard’s a colleague and friend.”

“Who wanted and still wants more,” Rafe said.

Nicole shrugged. “He may have asked me out a few times, but I didn’t-” She broke off. “It wasn’t good timing.”

“Now?”

“Now, it’s worse,” she said, then frowned. “Why are you asking me this?”

“I think I should know if the mother of my child is involved with another man,” he said.

“Well, I’m not,” she said, laughing. “Not that it’s really any of your business. You’ll notice I haven’t been asking you about women in your life.”

“I’ve already told you I haven’t had any serious involvements.”

She gave a laugh. “Would that kind of response from me satisfy you? I haven’t been involved seriously. Just a few sexual flings.”

Rafe felt his gut take another twist. “Is that the truth?”

She groaned and looked upward. “I was kidding. I don’t think it’s fair for you to grill me when you have your own questionable relationships.”

“Such as?” he asked.

She paused for a moment. “What about Maddie?”

“Maddie?” he echoed. “She’s my assistant.”

“Wasn’t that her on the phone?” she asked and glanced at her watch. “Ten o’clock on a Saturday night?” She broke off and an odd expression crossed her face.

“What?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she said, sipping her water. “I’m sure it was just a misunderstanding.”

He gave a rough chuckle. “You’re lying again. Go ahead and tell me what’s going on in that brain of yours.”

She hesitated, then shook her head. “It’s none of my business.”

“Nicole,” he said, unable to keep impatience from his tone.

“Do the two of you have a history?” she asked.

He shrugged. “She’s been working for me for years.”

“I mean a romantic history,” she said in a low voice.

Rafe blinked. “Hell, no. Why would I ruin a great business relationship just for sex?”

Nicole lifted her shoulders uncertainly. “Maybe she doesn’t feel the same way. Have you considered that she may wish things were different?”

He rubbed his chin. “Never crossed my mind. I don’t know why it would cross hers.”

Nicole made a little sound of exasperation. “Maybe because you’re extremely good-looking and wealthy. I think she has a crush on you.”

Rafe considered the possibility for a moment and felt a barrage of misgivings. “God, I hope you’re wrong. That would make things sticky as hell.”

He considered the suggestion that Maddie might want a romantic relationship, then dismissed it. If Maddie had wanted him that way, she would have made her move long before now, and he was thankful she hadn’t because he couldn’t return the interest.

“Maddie is my assistant, nothing more. But my relationship with you is more complicated. You’re the mother of my son. You need to trust me.”

Seven

Nicole’s heart hammered against her ribcage at the intensity in his expression. “It’s too soon.” She took a quick breath. “We need more time.”

“Speak for yourself,” he said.

She bit her lip. “I need more time.”

He shrugged and stretched his neck as if he had a kink in it. Her hands itched to touch him. Maybe more. His muscles were seductive. His strength, nearly irresistible.

Clenching her hands to keep from touching him, she wondered why she was so drawn to him. She’d always been afraid of powerful men.

They rode the rest of the way home in silence. As each mile passed, Nicole became increasingly drowsy. She fought sleep, but it finally overtook her. Awakening as the limo pulled to a stop, she found herself slumped against Rafe, her head on his shoulder.

She lifted her head. “Sorry. I guess I was sleepier than I thought I was.”

“No problem,” he said, his voice a rumbling sexy tone. “You’re not heavy.”

She met his dark gaze and felt an odd weakness invade her. “Thank you for the time on the yacht. It was-” She inhaled as her throat closed up with some sort of strange anticipation or emotion. “Nice,” she said.

“Yeah,” he said and lowered his head as he splayed his fingers behind the nape of her neck. “Very nice.” He pressed his mouth against hers and kissed her.

She should pull away, but he felt so good, so firm, so strong. Clinging to his shoulders, she held on as he took her mouth on a sensual journey of pleasure.