Oh, who was she kidding? She wanted it, wanted him. If he kissed her again, she wouldn’t stop him this time.
His eyes were hard glints of steel as he hovered only an inch away from her. “Make no mistake, Alicia. I’m not a nice guy. I knew exactly what I wanted on that bed. I still want you.”
She inhaled a deep breath, her desire for him warring with what she knew was best for both of them. She slid out from under his arm.
“I’ll see you in the morning, Garrett.”
He didn’t move, just nodded as she closed the door on him. She laid her forehead against the closed door.
Yeah, she had to be the logical one. What a crock of shit that was.
For the first time ever, she really hated her job.
NINE
ALICIA SHOOK OFF THE CLOSE CALL WITH GARRETT and concentrated on the next step in his recovery, which would take place in—thank God—Florida. Since it was the dead of winter, Alicia had had to dig into the back of her closet for all her summer clothes. Normally, she’d be giddy about heading to Florida in late February, but this was work, not vacation.
She would be staying in his guesthouse, in close proximity to him every single day. Working together, sleeping nearby. After what had happened the other day, the living arrangements were going to make the situation between them even more difficult. She’d have to shore up her internal defenses and make sure Garrett understood that his recovery had to be his primary focus.
He’d gone down a couple of days earlier to get the house in order, giving her a break and promising her he’d head to the team facility and do daily therapy with Max. Which gave her a little breathing room, thankfully, and some time to shop and pack and see her family before she left. She’d had dinner two nights ago with her parents and said good-bye to them. Today she was going to see Liz, Tara, and Jenna for lunch before she hopped on the plane.
Tara insisted on hosting them at her place, though how she managed to organize it all with the new baby was beyond Alicia.
But Tara had a nice spread laid out with mini-sandwiches and three different kinds of salads.
“I don’t know how you do this,” Alicia said as she hugged Tara, then Liz and Jenna.
“Jenna and Liz helped.”
“And don’t you tell anyone I helped with the food prep or I’ll cut your throat,” Liz said with a mock glare.
Alicia laughed. “Your secret is safe with me.”
They sat down and ate. Little Sam was asleep in the bassinet in the living room.
“How’s he doing?” Alicia asked, dying to go over there, tickle his toes, and wake him up so she could hold him. But she knew better. Sleeping babies needed to be left alone, lest their tired mothers come after you with something sharp.
Tara sighed. “He’s perfect. I’m so lucky. He sleeps well and eats well and is ridiculously healthy. I couldn’t ask for more.”
“Lucky her,” Liz said. “She’s had a Stepford baby. He hardly even cries.”
“You’re not here when he cries. Believe me, he has a very healthy set of lungs, and he uses them often.”
“And then you hand him to Mick, right?” Jenna asked. “Tell me you do that.”
“Of course I do.” Tara gave them all a wicked grin. “What kind of woman would I be if I didn’t let the big, strong, macho guy handle a screaming baby?”
“And does he fall apart?” Jenna asked.
“He’s a total marshmallow.”
“Ha. I knew it.” Jenna gave them all a smug look. “Men are such babies when it comes to, well, babies.”
“And how’s your man?” Alicia asked.
“Delicious,” Jenna said, popping a grape into her mouth.
“She’s getting a lot of sex. You can tell by the content look on her face,” Liz said.
“Please don’t talk about sex. I haven’t had any for a while, and I’m about to die.”
Liz patted Tara’s hand. “The downside of pushing an eight pound baby out of your vagina.”
Tara glared at Liz. “Your day will come.”
Liz shuddered. “I don’t even want to think about it.”
“Are you pregnant?” Alicia asked.
“Not yet. I told you, we’re practicing. And enjoying the hell out of that right now, so don’t rush me.”
“Whatever,” Tara said. “But as soon as you get pregnant, I have to be the first to know.”
Liz rolled her eyes. “You’ll be the first to know. As soon as Gavin’s sperm does its magical explosion into my egg, I’ll be sure to call you, day or night.”
“Guys. I’m eating.” Jenna grimaced.
“Wuss. So, tell us about Florida, Alicia,” Tara said, taking a drink of tea. “I’m so excited you get to leave our dreary winter weather.”
“I’m utterly jealous,” Jenna said.
“I’m excited,” Alicia said. “Nervous, of course, since this is for work. There’s a lot riding on me getting Garrett in shape.”
“He looks in pretty good shape to me,” Jenna said. “At least from video and pictures I’ve seen. Is he hot?”
“Totally,” Liz said. “Victoria Baldwin is his agent, and she’s a good friend of mine, so I’ve had the opportunity to meet him. Believe me, he’s hot.”