A Calculated Seduction(29)
“Did your mother die of cancer?”
A flash of sadness darkened her eyes. He wanted to take her in his arms and tell her it would be okay. He wanted to kiss away the painful memories.
“Yes. It was horrible. She lasted for months after they said she would die. Daddy always said the woman was more stubborn than any mule he met.”
“Well, it seems her daughter took after her.”
A smiled curved her lips. “Are you calling me stubborn?” A hint of flirtation colored her voice and it sent his hormones into overdrive. He shifted in his chair, trying to relieve the pressure in his balls. He’d never heard her use that tone with anyone before.
“ Yes, I think I was.”
She laughed. “Well you and my daddy would have agreed with that one.”
That one little laugh had his heart bumping against his chest at hyperspeed. He decided he needed distance away from this confusing woman.
“I think you deserve a break, Dulcy. Go on home. I’ll field any problems that might come up.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yeah. And thanks.”
“For what?”
“Dinner and the conversation.”
“Anytime, Mr. MacMillan.”
Once she was gone, he wondered exactly if she knew he planned on calling her bluff on the offer.
* * * *
Friday night, Dulcy smiled at her nephew, Richy, as he waited in front of the microwave for the popcorn. He’d brought his latest favorite DVD and he was excited to share it with her.
“It’ll ding when it’s ready.”
“I know,” he said with the confidence of an eight-year-old. She shook her head, amused with him. If her sister had ever done anything right, it was giving birth to her son and fighting for custody. Golden-haired and green eyed, he was the spitting image of his mother. Although small for his age, his laid-back personality made him a popular boy.
She retrieved a couple of glasses, filling them with iced tea. The microwave dinged and Richy opened the door and grabbed the bag.
“Be careful. The bag’s hot,” she warned. He scoffed as he opened the bag carefully and dumped its contents into a bowl. She knew she treated him like he was a baby, but she really couldn’t believe how grown up he was. Pretty soon, he’d want nothing to do with his goofy single aunt.
She followed him into the living room and they curled up on the couch under an afghan she’d knitted with her grandmother.
“So Mom says you have a hot date Saturday night.” The disdain in his voice almost made her laugh, but the serious expression on his face stopped her.
“No. I’m going with my boss to the Gala welcoming Gerry to the company.”
“Mom thinks you have a hot date with Mr. Bill?”
She chuckled at the horrified expression on his face. “No, sweetie, I’m accompanying my new boss, Bill’s nephew.”
The previews flashed on the screen but Richy really didn’t seem interested in them. He munched on his popcorn and took a few sips of tea.
“So, I guess he’s kinda young?” She nodded, wondering at the concern she saw in his eyes. “It’s just that...well except for your friend Pete, you never go out with guys. Now you’re going out with this guy, and...I don’t like it.”
Realization hit her over the head. Every time her sister had a new man, she dropped Richy anywhere she could. His father, a workaholic, would pass him around relatives. She knew she’d been his only constant.
“Richy, first of all, I’m not dating him. And, secondly, you never have to worry about where you stand with me. I will always be there for you.” She never looked away from his eyes. The worry vanished with her promise, a smile lightening his features.
“Now, let’s get to watching this movie.”
* * * *
“Nothing else?” Ethan asked Todd late Friday night. Still angry with himself and Dulcy, he’d stayed late at the office, trying to find something to nail lover boy on. He usually didn’t take such a strong dislike to someone, but there was something about him. Probably the fact Ethan had spent the last five hours trying to figure out whether or not Pete Anderson had slept with Dulcy.
“No. Of course, if he left his daddy’s company because of embezzling, it could be in an offshore account.”
“Hmm.” He wandered around his office while Todd droned on about the procedure to find those bank accounts. Something had been wrong with Dulcy. She’d been mad at his accusations but...maybe she’d been trying to get him out of her hair.