Nine Months

She stepped out from behind her desk and smiled. More than anything, she wanted to run into his arms. She’d been kidding herself if she thought she could see him again and not feel the same magic that had caused her to act so out of character four months ago. She was as drawn to him as metal to a magnet.

When Jared paused briefly at her side, Paige’s smile widened. “Welcome back to Grand Springs,” she said, amazed that she’d been able to keep the nervous quiver out of her voice, when it was wreaking havoc in her stomach.

“Thank you, Ms. Summers. It’s good to see you again.”

His gaze never quite settled on her face. Paige realized that he was looking somewhere over her left shoulder, at the wall behind her. Without another word or gesture of any kind, L. J. Montgomery proceeded to his office. When Kay followed the two men into Jared’s office and closed the door behind them, Paige slumped down in her chair. Clenching her teeth tightly in an effort not to cry, not to overreact to Jared’s cool, businesslike greeting, she closed her eyes and counted to ten. Counting had always been her mother’s solution to problems. When they’d been children, Mama had given Bryant, Austen and her to the count of three to obey her command or else face the consequences. And whenever any of them lost their temper, Mama would caution them to always count to ten before throwing a tantrum.

Paige most certainly wasn’t going to throw a tantrum. She wasn’t the type. Never had been. But she was upset and hurt. Jared had treated her as if she were nothing more than an employee.

Well, silly, what did you expect? That he’d treat you like a lover—a lover he’d been unable to forget, as you’ve been unable to forget him? He told you that he thought it best if you both pretended your night of passion hadn’t happened. Obviously he’s been able to do just that. Forget it.

But how could he have forgotten, when, for her, the experience had been so unforgettable?

How on earth was she going to continue working for him, day after day, growing bigger and bigger with his child, and act as if he meant nothing more to her than an employer? Dear God, Paige prayed, how would she ever explain her pregnancy? She didn’t want to lie to him. But he might give her no other choice.

* * *

“Ms. Thompson, please ask Ms. Summers to gather up all the facts and figures on the Rocky Springs Ranch development and bring them in to me in about ten minutes,” Jared said.

“Yes, sir.” Her brilliant smile dazzled the two men watching her. “And may I say, we’re very pleased that you’ll be in Grand Springs for a while.”

“Thank you, Ms. Thompson, or may I call you Kay?” Jared thought the lovely divorcée was not only a shrewd businesswoman but a charming addition to the Montgomery Real Estate and Land Development staff. He didn’t doubt for a minute that, with Kay’s years of experience and real estate savvy, he’d be putting her in charge of one of his many branch offices someday soon.

“Yes, please call me Kay.”

“Good, but only if you’ll call me L.J., as all my associates do.”

“All right, L.J.”

The moment Kay exited the office, Greg slapped Jared on the back and chuckled. “Are you considering breaking your cardinal rule about not dating your employees?”

Jared snapped his head around. “What?”

“Kay Thompson is a striking woman, isn’t she?”

“Yes, she is.” Rounding his desk, Jared twisted the lever on the miniblinds covering the huge window and exposed the view from the top of the Wellman Building. “I’m surprised you haven’t made a move on her.”

“I have, but she declined the offer,” Greg said. “She told me that she went through an unpleasant divorce not long ago and she’s not quite ready for the dating scene again. But she might change her mind if the big boss asked.”

“I don’t intend to ask. I’m not going to break my rule for anyone, not even the charming Ms. Thompson.” Jared could have added that if he broke the rule for anyone, it would be for Paige Summers, not Kay Thompson. But no one knew about the evening he’d spent with Paige, trapped in the elevator. No one except Paige and him. And that’s the way he wanted it. That little incident had created enough problems in his life without other people knowing and spreading gossip around the office.

“I don’t know how you do it.” Greg shook his head. “You’re surrounded by attractive women in every branch office and yet you’re able to resist temptation. I’m afraid I don’t have your willpower.”

“Yes, I know.” Jared grinned. “That’s why you have a reputation for being the company Lothario. Besides, there are more than enough beautiful ladies who don’t work for me from which to choose.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Greg agreed. “But how any man could resist your assistant is beyond me. Our Ms. Summers is one hot little number, don’t you think?”

Jared pivoted sharply, his green eyes boring into Greg. “What do you mean by that!”

“Whoa! Have I hit a nerve?”

“Explain what you meant by your remark about Ms. Summers.” Had Greg come on to Paige? Had she succumbed to his charm? Had the two of them made love? Jared hated the unaccustomed feeling of jealousy that suddenly raged inside him.

“Isn’t it obvious? I mean, just look at her. She’s young, beautiful and build like a brick—”

“Shut up!” Jared slammed one big fist down on top of his desk. The force of his blow shifted the telephone and several items neatly arranged on the smooth oak surface.

“Well, well.” Greg rubbed his chin, mocking a meditative gesture.

“I’m surprised your shenanigans haven’t gained us a sexual harassment suit before now.” Glowering at Greg, Jared knotted his hands into tight fists. If Greg had touched Paige, he’d kill him!

“What’s got you so riled up, old buddy? You know damn well that I never cross the line. Besides, if you’d just told me that you’d already staked a claim on Paige Summers, I wouldn’t have asked her out.”

“You’re dating Paige…that is, Ms. Summers?”

“No, but not for lack of trying,” Greg admitted. “After the fifth try, I gave up. I had to accept the fact that the lady isn’t interested.”

“Then she has a boyfriend,” Jared said, uncertain whether or not he wanted to believe his statement.

“Well, when I asked if there was someone else, she said that there was.”

“I see.”

“Do you want to tell me what’s going on?” Greg asked.

“There’s nothing going on. I just don’t want you pestering my assistant. From now on, stay away from her and don’t make any more remarks about her…er…physical attributes.”

Jared realized, too late, that his reaction to Greg’s comment about Paige had been a mistake. Greg was no fool. He knew how uncharacteristic it was for Jared to lash out at him over a woman—any woman. In the past, their common code had been live and let live.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so…possessive.” Greg stared at his boss, as if seeing him for the first time. “What I can’t figure out is why. You’ve only seen the woman twice. The first day she came to work here and again a few minutes ago. Come on, old pal of mine, fess up. What’s going on with you and Paige?”

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing.” Greg wasn’t buying it, but Jared could hardly tell him the truth. “After I finish with Ms. Summers, we’ll need to discuss the particulars of the Rocky Springs Ranch deal. Until then, go get some work done and leave me the hell alone.”

Holding up both hands in an “I surrender” pose, Greg whooshed out a breath and backed toward the door. “I’ll tell Ms. Summers you’re ready for her.” Greg grinned, but before Jared could respond, he jerked open the door and exited quickly.

Willing himself into an uncertain calm, Jared stood and waited for Paige to enter his office. A moment later, carrying a stuffed file folder, she appeared in the doorway.

“Are you ready for these now, Mr. Montgomery?” she asked.

He’d been a fool to think that seeing Paige again would break the spell she’d cast over him. In person, she was even lovelier than he remembered. Her dark red hair shimmered with a healthy burgundy glow. Her creamy skin beckoned for his touch. She lifted her eyes and looked directly at him. He’d never forget those huge brown eyes gazing at him with such passionate longing four months ago. But not now. Not today. Her look was cool, distant and wary.

“Yes, please, come in, Ms. Summers.” If he acted purely on instinct, he’d reach out and grab her, pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless. Then he’d take her, here, on his desk.

She laid the folder on his desk instead of handing it to him, obviously not wanting to risk their touching. “I think you’ll find everything you need in there.”

What I need is you, Paige. Naked, lying beneath me and sighing my name as I give you pleasure. You’re what I’ve needed for the past four months. Every day. Every night.

“I’m sure the file is complete,” he said. “Mr. Addison tells me that your work here is exemplary. I hope you’ve found working for Montgomery’s challenging and satisfying.”