Taming Lucinda by Normandie Alleman

Chapter 2

Lucinda

"All right, I changed the filter above the stove and fixed that squeaky hinge on your bathroom door," Cole said, grabbing a cold water out of the fridge while giving me an appreciative look up and down. I didn't typically wear pants that were this tight around the house, but I'd been enjoying watching Cole drool over me during working hours.

I enjoyed him expressing all that pent-up energy afterward even more.

The man had an insane amount of stamina. Not that I was complaining. Within a couple of weeks of our impromptu pool party, Cole had made my toes curl in every room of my palatial home. More than once.

I hadn't been this sexually active since... Well, since before the twins were born. Before I'd lost both of my lovers in a terrible, tragic accident. I'd always had a healthy sexual appetite, but Cole took it to another level. I was insatiable, and he had more than enough to offer. It was a wonder neither of us had injured ourselves with all the activity.

Not that I had any intentions of slowing down. He was an incredible lover.

"There's a light in the foyer that's flickering," I said, my hip cocked against the counter where he'd licked me until my legs were jelly just last night.

He shook his head. "You ever think of getting a house manager?"

"Why? I have you."

He laughed, but he was still shaking his head. "Well, if you want me doing all this other stuff, you're going to need another gardener."

"That's fine," I answered with a shrug. "I like having you in the house anyway."

"Mmm," he answered, closing the distance between us with two long strides. The air between us grew hot and dense, every breath taking a great effort. "I'll do all the interior work you want, but I'm not letting someone else mess up my design. I have big plans for Fall."

"You do?"

He shrugged, scratching the back of his head, suddenly sheepish. "I know we don't get real seasons here, but I thought you'd like a change in the color palette. More reds and oranges, darker greenery—"

I kissed him mid-sentence. What did it matter if it was during working hours? He wasn't going to get into trouble—I was his boss.

And I couldn't resist. That look he got in his eyes when he talked about plants was so endearing. There was no doubt that he truly loved the work he did. He poured every bit of himself into doing the best he could, and he was proud of what he did. It had been so long since I'd been with a man with that kind of passion. Not since Ziggy.

And Ray, I guess...

Thinking of those two again did a pretty good job of killing the mood. Thinking of those two made me think of my kids. Specifically, Leo.

Ever since he'd learned the truth about his paternity, he'd shut me out of his life. There were many times in the past when my relationship with my children had been strained and tested, but I never thought one of them would wind up hating me so much.

But there was no denying that was what it was. Leo hated me. I'd tried to reach out, to explain to him, but he wouldn't listen. He didn't want to forgive me, so he wouldn't risk hearing anything that might nudge him in that direction.

I tried to swallow back the emotion that was suddenly rising up, trying to cover up how my mind had wandered even while Cole's hand was sliding over my ass, drawing me nearer.

The doorbell broke us apart before Cole could see how distracted I was.

Esther got the door, and by the time Dynassy and Bridger came into the kitchen, Cole and I were far enough apart that no one would suspect a thing. Unless they saw the hint of my lipstick still on his bottom lip.

"Dynassy! Bridger! This is a surprise," I said, going in for a big hug. Dynassy was possibly the only child of mine who didn't hate me at the moment, and it was nice to see her, even if she had interrupted what promised to be a very nice afternoon delight.

"We have big news, and I thought it would be best to share it in person," Dynassy said, flushed and breathless like she'd raced in. She reached back for Bridger's hand, and they both wore the same cautious smile. Cole was invisible. To them, he was just my gardener coming in for a drink. There was no reason to involve him in the conversation. It was up to me to fix that and bring him into the fold.

Instead, I focused on my daughter. "What news?"

Cole grabbed his water off the counter and cut me a look before he left, not speaking up to excuse himself. Guilt twisted in the bottom of my stomach, but I didn't stop him. I hated feeling like I'd relegated him back to being 'the help,' but I didn't have time to dwell on that with Dynassy standing in front of me, looking ready to burst with excitement.

Dynassy and Bridger exchanged a look, both grinning.

"We're pregnant!" Dynassy squealed, dancing on the spot.

I chuckled. "With the surrogate? I know, sweetheart."

"No," she laughed. "I am pregnant. Four months along now."

"The doctor was right," Bridger chimed in. "As soon as we had everything lined up with the surrogate and relaxed and stopped trying so hard..."

"BAM!" Dynassy said, sliding her hand over her stomach protectively.

I could see it then. Dynassy was a world-class supermodel and had always been gorgeous, but now she had that maternal glow about her.

"Wow! So you're going to have two babies?"

"Crazy, right?" she laughed. "So, obviously we're going to have our hands full and won't be able to run the business anymore. Bridger's found a buyer in the UK, but there are still a lot of details to iron out, so he's going to fly out there to help all that go smoothly."

"And we're trying to get some last-minute renovations done now that we have an extra on the way," Bridger added.

"Do you think it would be okay if I stayed here until the baby comes?" Dynassy asked, still with one hand on her belly, even though she was as slim as ever.

"Yes, of course!" I answered without thinking. The moment I did think, it was about Cole and what having a houseguest would do to our little affair.

There certainly wouldn't be any more sex on the kitchen counter, that was for sure. That was just going to have to be the sacrifice I made in order to get closer to my daughter. My kids hadn't been my biggest fans these last few years, but I could get it right with one of them, at least. I hadn't completely screwed things up with Dynassy.

And there was nothing more exciting than a new baby. I was going to have another grandchild!

Did Cole know he was sleeping with a grandmother? Would he care?

How long would it be before he lost interest and wanted someone his own age? Someone he could start a family with, grow old with...

"I'll have Esther get your old room ready," I said, giving Dynassy another tight hug. Out of the corner of my vision I could see one of the windows overlooking the garden. Cole was trimming hedges, forehead gleaming with sweat.

Was I a fool for thinking we could be anything other than a fling?

He wiped the back of his hand across his forehead, and our eyes locked. My heart jumped to my throat, and my body instantly reacted to that smoldering gaze.

It couldn't be over. Not yet. I'd just have to figure something out.