“Madeline, I’d love some water. It’s getting hotter by the minute.”
“Then perhaps you should be in the water?” Her husband’s rich, husky voice came from behind. She couldn’t see the handsome source, yet instantaneously her neck tensed and goose bumps appeared on her arms and legs. It amazed Claire how something as benign as a voice could continue to incite such a visceral response.
Madeline saw Claire’s reaction and laughed, which in turn, made Claire giggle. Claire loved Madeline’s laugh, so deep and rich, just like her voice. “Madame el, I will bring you some water, and Monsieur?”
“Madeline, I’d like some coffee, please.” Tony bowed toward the woman.
Laughing at his gesture, Madeline replied, “Why, of course. I’ll bring it out soon.” With that, she disappeared, leaving the lady and gentleman of the house alone.
Tony reached for Claire’s shoulders and gently massaged. Closing her eyes, she sighed momentarily lost in his touch. His lips unexpectedly met her exposed neck, causing goose bumps to erupt up and down her arms and legs. His baritone voice brought her back to reality. “My dear, your shoulders are tense. You saw it, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
He nuzzled her neck. “I had hoped to make it home before you did.”
“Because”—she paused—“you wanted to stop me from seeing it?”
Still massaging her shoulders, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “No, I wanted to be here, while you read it.”
Her shoulders relaxed. “I just wish John and Emily would back off—it’s hurting Rawlings Industries.”
“We’ll be alright.”
She inhaled. “I know. I understand their ignorance is best, but I can still wish for Iowa.”
He came around in front of her, sat on the lounge chair near her tanned, shapely legs and caressed the silky skin of her thighs. “We’ll get there again—I promise. First, we have a little one who needs to join us.”
Claire reached for his hand. “It’s getting closer every day.” She placed his hand on her hard midsection.
“Why is it so hard?”
“I think it’s one of those contractions, not the real ones—Braxton hicks. Remember Dr. Gilbert told us about them? They’re happening with more regularity.”
“Do they hurt?”
Claire loved the concern in his voice. “No. They just feel strange.”
“How will you know when they’re real?”
She shrugged. “From everything I’ve read—I’ll know when they are real.”
His lips engaged hers. It wasn’t the fervent passion they were known to share. Instead, Claire felt reassured that Tony would be by her side as they welcomed their child into the world. He removed his shirt, revealing his tanned abs, swim trunks, and a mixture of dark and white chest hair. Finally, he found his voice. “Are you up for a swim?”
She smiled. “I just ate. Aren’t I supposed to wait for a half an hour?”
“I promise to keep you from drowning.”
His devilish grin captivated her once again, rendering her defenseless to his desires. With a smirk, she replied, “I think I should’ve learned a long time ago not to trust you.”
He raised his eyebrows and cocked his head to the side. His tone held a hint of amusement as he leaned toward her. “I should’ve learned—I’m helpless to your beautiful emerald eyes.” Her fingers threaded through the curls on his chest as her gaze lingered on his chocolate eyes.
In the pool, Claire held tightly to Tony’s shoulders relishing the coolness of the water. Her thoughts went back to the article and her sister and brother-in-law. “I’m so sorry about John and Emily—I hate what they’re doing to Rawlings Industries.”
“I’ve been watching it too. It seems to me that Tim is doing an excellent job of building confidence in Rawlings Industries from within. He needs that inside support to get the support outside the company. I’ve always had a good feeling about him.”
“I remember you telling me that, a million years ago, when we went to the Simmons’ barbeque.”
Tony laughed. “That was a million years ago, wasn’t it?”
Laying her head against his shoulder, she nodded. “It sure seems like it. Is there any new information from Phil or Agent Jackson?”
“Well,” he hesitated, causing Claire to look up. Although she couldn’t see his eyes behind his sunglasses, from his secretive smile she knew he was up to something.
“What?”
“Phil said he’s been released from his current job. He doesn’t believe Sophia’s in any danger. Catherine has worked very hard to introduce and include herself into Sophia’s life.”
“Then I’d say she’s in danger.” Claire added quickly, “but not enough for you to go protect her. I need you here.”
“Yes, you do. You may be pleased to learn who else will be here; let’s say for your Christmas present.”