Words of Seduction (8 page)

“T
his is where you disappeared to,” Mandy said, suddenly appearing in the doorway and blocking Suzanne’s escape. “What ya’ll looking at?”

“The pond,” Suzanne said, reluctantly returning to the bed.

Mandy rolled her eyes. “That boy and his slimy creatures.”

“This is going to be my room.” Luke took Suzanne’s hand. “Can you show me the pond, Miss Suzanne?”

She opened her mouth to reply, but Rick interrupted her.

“You can go with Mandy,” he said. “I have to talk to Miss Suzanne first.”

Luke began to scrunch up his face, ready to argue. “But I don’t want to see the pond without Miss Suzanne.”

Rick’s voice remained firm. “Luke.”

“We’ll be right there,” Suzanne quickly said, not wanting the boy to get into trouble, “and if you’re good I’ll show you the tadpoles.”

He looked doubtful, as though he was used to disappointments. “You promise?”

“I do.”

He folded his arms. “But I still—”

“One more word and I won’t come down at all.”

Luke sighed, acknowledging defeat. “All right,” he said, leaving the room.

“Good job, Suzanne,” Mandy said. “When he gets into his stubborn moods he’s a nightmare. I doubt he’ll sleep tonight after he sees this pond of yours.” She followed him.

Suzanne smiled. “He may not want to leave.”

“That’s what I hope,” Rick said.

Her smile dimmed. “Well, congratulations. He’s wonderful.”

“He’s shy,” Rick said, as though embarrassed to admit it.

“But he warms up quickly.”

“Only to some.” Rick shoved his hands in his pockets. “He’s not usually this way. He likes you.”

Suzanne dismissed his words with a wave of her hand. “He likes the fact that I have a pond.”

“No, he likes
you
. I can tell the difference.” He glanced out the window. “With most strangers he’s mute and won’t look up.”

“Poor thing. He stood in the foyer as though he expected to get into trouble.”

Rick sent her a sharp look. “I don’t hit him.”

Suzanne stared at Rick, surprised by his vehemence. “I didn’t think you did.”

He folded his arms and Suzanne could see where Luke had learned his defiant stance. “Why not? You know my past.”

“Yes.”

He studied her for a moment then let his arms fall to his sides. “And you never once thought—”

“That you’d hit a child or a woman? Never.”

He looked at her unsure. “Even though I’m a Gordon?”

It was a loaded question that Suzanne refused to answer. She stood and gazed out the window, expertly changing the subject. “No one would think Luke was a Gordon with that shy personality. But I’m sure he’ll grow out of it. He’s smart and funny and definitely has your charm.”

A proud grin touched Rick’s mouth. “You liked him?”

She turned to him suddenly aware of how close he was to her, but she didn’t move away. “Who wouldn’t? If I had a son…” She bit her lip. “You and Mandy must be proud.”

Rick looked out the window at Luke running to the pond. “I certainly am, but I don’t know how Mandy feels. She’s not his mother.”

Suzanne didn’t look at him. “She’s not?”

“No.”

“Where is his mother?”

He toyed with the cord for the blinds. “Don’t know. Don’t care.”

“Doesn’t he?”

“He doesn’t remember her. She left when he was a year old. Look. The truth is I got careless and things
happened. It was supposed to be a brief fling, but then she told me she was pregnant and I wasn’t going to have my kid grow up without a father so I decided to marry her. After Luke was born I knew our marriage was a mistake so I paid her to disappear from our lives and she did.”

Suzanne finally looked at him, shocked. “You paid her to disappear?”

“She would have eventually, it just would have taken longer.”

“I can’t believe she’d abandon her child.”

Rick stared down at her with amusement. “If you knew her you’d believe it. I met her at a high society gathering. She pressed a pair of black lace panties into my hand and I took her up on her offer. I was flattered that a woman like her would take interest in me. I was reckless back then.” He rested his shoulder against the wall. “But that’s no surprise to you. You never expected much of men. Especially me. No one did.”

“I never said that.”

“Some things don’t need to be said.”

“Well you’re wrong, but I’m not going to try to convince you.”

He shrugged. “I can’t say I’m proud of what happened. I was stupid.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning, what was supposed to be a one-night stand dragged on for nearly two years because I wasn’t paying attention. But I don’t regret getting Luke out of it.”

“Good.”

He searched her gaze and soon the very air around them seemed electrified. She lowered her eyes. “So
now you have Mandy who is more of the motherly type.”

He nodded. “Yes, I pay her to be.”

She looked up at him again and frowned. “Pay her? What is it with you and money?”

“She’s Luke’s nanny.” He smiled at her expression. “Who did you think she was?”

“You know who I thought she was.” Suzanne paused. “But she’s not very good.”

“What do you mean?”

“If she’s his nanny, she shouldn’t have forgotten him in the foyer.”

“She didn’t forget him. She just doesn’t want to hover over him. He tends to freeze in new situations, but eventually recovers.”

Suzanne didn’t agree, but shrugged. “Doesn’t matter anyway. I’m sure you’ll be happy here.”

Rick’s gaze grew serious. “Actually it does matter. I brought Luke here for a reason. I wanted you to meet him.”

“Why? You needed something else to brag about?”

“I think we can help each other.”

Suzanne shook her head. “The answer is no.”

“You don’t even know what I’m going to say.”

“No, but I already think it’s a bad idea. It has to be. It’s yours, after all.”

“At least let me finish.”

She shrugged and folded her arms. “Fine. Go ahead.”

“I’ve got money and I can clear all your debts and you’ll be free to write. In exchange I ask for only one favor.”

She looked at him, wary. “Can I say no now?”

“Suzanne,” he said with warning.

“What’s the favor?”

“Marry me.”

Her arms fell to her side. She’d imagined him saying many things, but not that. “What?”

“I’m asking you to marry me.”

“Are you crazy?”

He held up his hand. “Hear me out. I don’t care how people treat me in this town, but I do care how they treat Luke. With you as his stepmother he’ll meet the right people and grow up the way he should. I want to give Luke all the benefits I didn’t have.”

“But there are plenty of other women—”

“They are not who I want. I want someone who knows the ins and outs of this town, how this house should be run. I want someone who has your reputation and history.”

“Della would marry you in a second.” She snapped her fingers.

“I want someone with half a brain.” He shook his head. “You’re perfect. You have the right name.”

She laughed. “That name may not mean as much anymore. Especially because of the book.”

“It’s still better than mine. You know this can work. You’ve got the style and class that I don’t have and in this town that matters more than money. People respect you.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “And I’d take care of you.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“I need your help.”

She headed for the door. “No, you don’t.”

“Don’t think of me, think of Luke. Help me take care of him.”

She halted in the doorway. He was offering her a
chance she’d stopped allowing herself to dream about. To be a mother. But at what price? “I promised I’d never marry again.”

“This would be different.”

Suzanne slowly turned to him. “How?” she said bitterly. “I didn’t marry Wallace for love, either.”

He closed the distance between them. “I’ll never cheat on you. I’ll never shame you.” He touched her face. “And it may be a loveless marriage, but it won’t be a passionless one.” He lowered his voice. “Trust me. Don’t think. Just say yes.”

“Rick! Suzanne!” Mandy called from the bottom of the stairs. “Aren’t you coming?”

“What’s your answer?” Rick’s dark eyes pierced hers with a magnetic intensity that held her captive.

“I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Mandy’s waiting.”

“Let her wait.”

She turned to the door and shouted, “We’ll be there.” Then she looked at Rick and said, “Please give me time,” before running down the stairs, desperate to break his invisible hold.

Suzanne had to hide her shock when she saw the condition of the pond. She hadn’t looked at it since her return. It was overgrown with weeds and the top of the water was covered with a thin film of plankton or some other form of water life. Initially she couldn’t see anything living, then Luke screamed out with excitement.

“Look! Look! I see a tadpole!” His enthusiasm only grew after that. They spent another hour at the pond where he pointed out all the living creatures he could
find. There were the three large bullfrogs sitting on a giant stone in the middle of the pond, a harmless garden snake that slithered over his shoes, a pod of tadpoles, several large goldfish, which had somehow survived the neglect, and dragonflies jumping on the water lilies, which her mother had planted, to make the unsightly pond, as she referred to it, more “presentable.”

“It’s time to go,” Rick said.

Luke turned to his father, upset. “Already?”

“Yes.”

Suzanne tickled him under his chin before he could argue. “Don’t worry, the pond is all yours now.” She stood and walked toward the house. “Come on.”

He ran up to her and grabbed her hand. “I still don’t want to leave yet.”

“You’ll be back soon.”

“Can I spend the night with you?”

Rick stared at his son, stunned, but Suzanne laughed. “You are your father’s child and may be not as shy as we think. I’m sorry, perhaps another time.”

“That means no,” he said disappointedly, then followed Mandy to the car.

“How about an answer to my question,” Rick said as Suzanne climbed the porch steps.

She looked at him as she gripped the railing. “I told you I need time.”

He took two steps until they were at eye level. “I gave you over an hour. What’s your reply? What do I get to tell Luke?”

Suzanne frowned. “You play dirty.”

He let his finger trail a sensuous path down her arm. “At one time you liked how I played.”

“That time is gone.”

His finger trailed up. “So you’re turning me down?”

She folded her arms, her skin tingling. “No.”

He stilled. “You’re saying yes?”

“On one condition.”

“I plan to sleep with you.”

Her cheeks burned. “That wasn’t the condition.”

“I just wanted to make sure we understand each other.” He took another step toward her. “What’s the condition?”

“That you won’t shame me. If I hear even a whisper that you’re seeing another woman it’s over between us.”

“I told you—”

“I know what you told me, but I want you to promise.”

He wrapped an arm around her waist. “So you do believe in men’s promises.”

“Just say it.”

He slid another arm around her. “Okay. I promise that you’ll be the only woman in my life.” He placed a kiss on her cheek. “And I promise that you’ll have no reason to doubt me.” He kissed her other cheek. “And one day I promise to make you believe every word I’ve said.” He bent to kiss her lips, but she pulled away.

“Mandy and Luke could see us.”

“So what? I’m not going to be your little secret again. If you plan to marry me, accept me as I am.”

“I do.”

“Then kiss me now.”

She planned to kiss him quickly, but the moment her lips touched his he didn’t allow her to escape and deepened the kiss with a mastery that made her head spin. When he finally withdrew she was breathless.

“I’ll call you tomorrow,” he said, and leaped over the railing, landing smoothly on the ground. He turned to her and his face broke into a smile. “You won’t regret this.”

“Are you sure this is what you want?”

He responded with a wink that said it all, turned and dashed to his car.

Suzanne waved as they drove off, knowing that she wasn’t saying goodbye but “see you soon.” In an instant she’d changed her life. She’d closed the door to leaving this town, to protecting her heart against Rick. She knew from the first moment she saw him that she loved Luke and the thought of being his mother was a thrill. That didn’t scare her. Loving a child was easy. What did scare her was that she was in danger of falling in love with his father, too.

F
rieda inhaled her fourth cigarette while staring blankly out the window, waiting for Rick’s visit. She glanced at her watch with impatience then took a swig of whiskey. Good company was few and far between nowadays and she’d never admit to it, but she looked forward to her son’s visits. Sometimes he brought his son—or what he tried to pass off as one, she thought with a sniff as she twirled the liquid in her glass. The boy was too soft and quiet for her taste. Not like the brash, loud man her husband had been. Not that she missed the bastard, just the company.

When the phone rang she stubbed out her cigarette on the arm of her recliner’s plastic cover and answered.

“Is it settled?” a familiar voice asked.

“Yes, the house is ours. He signed the papers.”

“So it’s a done deal,” Wallace said.

“That’s right.”

“And you plan to hold up your end of the bargain?”

“Don’t I always? Why do you want her back?”

“That’s my business. I just want to make sure the way is clear for me.”

“Yes. Without the house I’m sure she’ll fall right back into your arms.” Frieda paused when she heard a car. “Rick’s back. Gotta go.”

“He still doesn’t know anything?”

“No.”

“Good.” Wallace disconnected.

Frieda hung up the phone and quickly put the whiskey away. Rick hated seeing her drink. She smoothed down her dress, picked up a magazine and sat back in the recliner, so that when Rick entered the room she looked the picture of domestic tranquility. “You’re late,” she said. “I’ve been waiting.”

He kissed her on the cheek. “Hello, Momma.”

“Do you know what time it is?”

“I told you we went to visit Suzanne.”

“Where’s Luke?”

“At the hotel.”

“Why didn’t you bring him by?”

“You’ll see him next time.”

She tossed the magazine on the ground. “So you let Suzanne meet that little girl you’re raising?”

Rick wiped crumbs from off the couch cushion and sat. “Luke is just shy.”

“As shy as a virgin in a biker bar. He needs some balls.”

Rick picked up the magazine and set it on the side table. “He’s only five.”

“Nearly six. You were further along at that age.”

“He’s not me.”

“You’re sure he’s yours?”

“He’s mine and we’re not having this conversation again.”

Frieda shrugged and grabbed a chip from the bag on the cluttered coffee table.

Rick frowned at the mess. “I thought I arranged a housekeeper to come every week.”

“I can keep my own house. Besides, they steal.”

Rick didn’t reply. Of all people, his mother would know about the habits of some housekeepers. She’d been one for ten years. Unfortunately, his older brother had gotten his sticky fingers from her and had landed in prison twice.

“When is she moving out?” Frieda asked.

“She’s not.”

Her heart began to race. “What do you mean? The house deal didn’t go through or something?”

“It went through. The house is mine.”

She looked at him with confusion. “I don’t understand. Is she going to rent a room?”

“She’s going to be my wife.”

Frieda snatched another cigarette from her carton and lit it. “You always did have a nasty sense of humor.”

“I’m not kidding.”

She stared at him, stunned. “You’re serious.”

“Yes, I’m going to marry her.”

“How do you know she’ll marry you? Just because you got money doesn’t mean she’ll lower her standards.”

“She already has.”

Frieda gripped her cigarette, unaware of the ashes falling to the floor. “She said yes?”

Rick nodded.

Frieda took a long drag of her cigarette, her hand shaking as she thought of the phone call she’d just received. “She must be more desperate than I thought.” She exhaled, trying to think of what she would say to Wallace. “Did she convince you of this?”

“No, it was my idea.”

“Why the hell do you want to marry her? Remember how she treated you?”

Rick ignored the second question. “She’ll be good for Luke.”

“I know you need help with that—” she stopped when she saw Rick’s face and knew this was no time for teasing “—with Luke, but you don’t need a Rand. She’s got you in her claws again and you’re too stupid to see it.”

“I’m doing exactly what I planned to do.”

“You didn’t tell me.”

He tugged on the strap of his watch. “No, but you’ll get used to the idea.”

“You’re making a mistake. Think this through. There are other people who—” She halted and concentrated on her cigarette, letting the smoke burn her lungs and the nicotine ease her worry.

“What other people?” Rick demanded.

She waved her hand in a dismissive manner. “Nothing.”

“This is my business and no one else’s.”

“Why don’t you marry that ninny you hired?”

“She’s a nanny and she’s family.”

“A distant cousin, thank God, and I meant what I said
the first time. She’s as empty-headed as they come but I guess you’re satisfied with the way she looks after the boy.”

“She’s temporary.”

“Then make her permanent,” Frieda demanded.

“Calm down. Do you want to have another stroke?”

“It wasn’t a stroke,” she grumbled. “It was a TIA, a ministroke.”

“I don’t care what it was. I don’t want to go through that again.” He shook his head. “I didn’t expect you to be happy, but you’re taking this a little too hard. What’s going on?”

“Don’t do this, Rickie.”

“Why not?”

“I told you why not.”

“Not every reason.”

She picked up her ashtray and tapped her cigarette against it. “Suzanne’s a traitor. That book—”

“I don’t care about the book.”

She pointed her cigarette at him. “You should care. What if she starts writing about—”

“It doesn’t matter. In a few days you’re going to have a new daughter-in-law so start getting used to it. It’s done, Momma.”

“She might not show up.”

“I’ll make sure she does.” He stood. “I’d better go.” He bent to kiss her on the forehead but she turned away.

“Just go,” she said and kept her face turned until she heard the front door close. The moment he was gone, Frieda began to pace. This wasn’t what she’d planned. This would ruin everything. How could Rick marry Suzanne? A
Rand?
She hated the Rands and everything
they represented. They were liars and destroyers. Her life would have been different if it hadn’t been for them. She could have made something of herself if their influence and power in the town hadn’t been so fierce. Gerald Rand had sent her son to prison, instead of giving him leniency. Malcolm was a good boy deep down, but the Rands didn’t care and putting him away had taken from them the extra income they needed and had forced Rick to work two jobs.

And that harlot of a daughter had used him. She remembered her coming by wanting to speak to him, but she wasn’t going to let Suzanne anywhere near her son if she could help it. And she did. Frieda was glad when Suzanne married and Rick moved away. But then she wrote that book and Suzanne made her hate the Rands all over again. How dare she profit off of their pain, and now she’d captured Rick’s heart again. Suzanne was supposed to be free for Wallace. She had to think. She pulled out her whiskey bottle and poured herself a drink. She finished it in one long swallow and picked up the phone. When the line connected she said, “There may be a problem.”

Wallace hung up the phone after talking to Frieda, then burst into laughter. The old woman had to be mistaken. Suzanne would never marry Gordon. And he’d done his best to make sure. She’d accepted his gifts and seemed intrigued when he’d talked about Gordon’s intentions regarding 468 Trellis Court. He would have had her already, if her friends hadn’t stopped by. And he would have her no matter what. He didn’t just want her back. He needed her back.

It wasn’t until after their divorce that he learned how
much the success of his practice depended on her. How much he’d listened to her quiet advice. How much he’d depended on her clever mind and keen observation to handle a client or a case. He never paid her a salary, because she was his wife, and he didn’t feel he had to since he provided for her.

Gerald Rand had taught his daughter well, and he’d handed him a cash cow that he’d let slip through his fingers. He should have followed Rand’s advice and been more discreet, but he’d been arrogant and as the years passed Suzanne made sure his bed became colder than an icebox. He’d thought of divorcing her during that difficult time, but his old man hadn’t wanted him to. He liked Suzanne and liked his association with Gerald Rand even more.

Wallace knew this and lived his life to make his old man proud so he kept the marriage up. More times than not Wallace had felt like a pale imitation to his brilliant father until he’d developed his ability to listen and uncover people’s weak spots. Soon that trait served him well and impressed his father and improved his business, but it hadn’t saved his marriage.

Wallace let his good humor subside and rubbed his chin, pensive. He should have worked harder at keeping Suzanne. He hadn’t expected paying alimony to be such a pain. At first it hadn’t bothered him. Then she wrote a book and became a celebrity. He’d helped her get there, with his information about certain people in town, but she kept all the glory for herself. But now, he had even more information—the type that affected Suzanne personally and Frieda had given it to him when she’d appeared in his office over a month ago asking for a favor.

“You know Suzanne is coming back to town?” she said, sitting in her chair as though ready to spring out of it.

Wallace stared at the older woman with boredom. His father had told him that in the past she’d been a good lay, but he couldn’t imagine that now. However, he’d been taught to respect his elders so he continued to listen. “Everybody knows that. She has to take care of her father’s estate.”

“Rick wants to buy the house from her.”

“So?”

“That’s the only exchange I want between them. I’m wondering if you could make sure of that.”

He sat up, interested. “You think there’s something going on between them?”

“No, but Suzanne is dangerous. She tricked my son once and I won’t see that happen again. I could make this worth your while.”

The prospect of money always caught Wallace’s attention and he needed money to take care of some heavy debts. “I’m listening…”

And he listened for over an hour as Frieda told him all he needed to know to keep Gordon in line. Too bad she didn’t know how much that would cost her.

Claudia and Noreen stared at Suzanne as though she’d just announced she was flying to the moon. They sat in a fashionable restaurant in Raleigh, while the remnants of their meal lay abandoned on the table.

“You’re getting married?” Claudia said just to make sure she’d heard correctly.

Suzanne nodded. “Yes.”

Noreen adjusted her glasses. “To Rick Gordon.”

“Yes,” she repeated.

“The man who bought your house?” Claudia said.

“Yes.”

“The same one who broke your heart?” Noreen added.

“I know it sounds a little strange,” Suzanne admitted.

“It sounds absolutely crazy.”

“Don’t we get a chance to meet him first?” Claudia asked.

“There’s not enough time,” Suzanne said.

“Make time.”

“I don’t want to,” she snapped.

Noreen stared at her, surprised by her forcefulness, but Claudia smiled. “Wow, Suzanne’s getting some fire.”

Suzanne stared at Noreen helplessly. “Don’t be angry.”

“I’m not angry, I’m worried.”

Claudia toyed with her straw, bobbing it up and down in her glass. “I can’t believe you’re marrying the man you wrote about in your book.”

“I only based the character on him,” Suzanne corrected, wishing she hadn’t shared the basis for her inspiration.

“You named him Roland Grant.”

“So what?”

Claudia ignored her. “Noreen, you should be taking notes. This would be a great plot for one of your books.”

Noreen frowned. “It’s irrational. Personally, I think it’s more in your arena. Isn’t there some psychosis for an author who falls in love with her creation?”

“I’m not in love with him,” Suzanne said, waving her arms to dismiss the idea. “And the man in the book is
not
Rick. It’s just a representation.”

“It’s close enough. He’s a heartbreaker.”

“I plan to keep my heart safe. I know what I’m doing.”

Noreen closed her eyes, as though in pain. “You haven’t thought this through.” She looked at her, puzzled. “Do you want another divorce?”

Suzanne rested her arms on the table and said in a low voice. “He has a son.”

“So?”

Claudia began to smile with understanding. “Oh, I see.”

Noreen shook her head. “I don’t.”

“She wants a child.”

Noreen widened her eyes, outraged by Claudia’s reasoning. “There are other ways to have children without a man involved.” She touched Suzanne’s hand. “I could give you a list. The options are amazing.”

Suzanne pulled her hand away with a laugh. “It’s okay, Noreen I haven’t lost my mind. I want to do this.”

“You may want the child, but do you realize you’re
marrying
his father? Marriage is marriage no matter what the reason.”

Suzanne picked up a grilled zucchini stick and dipped it in the cheese sauce. “We tried to get married once before.”

“What?” Noreen said.

Claudia added more sugar to her iced tea. “How?”

Suzanne picked up her napkin and wiped her fingers. “We tried to get pregnant. We were young and it seemed like a good idea at the time. If I got pregnant then Rick would have to marry me and no one could stop us from being together and we’d be free. But that never happened.”

“It still may not have worked out,” Noreen said. “But Suzanne, marriage is different than dating.”

“I know. I’ve done it before.”

Claudia sat back. “It’s not a shotgun wedding, but you’re still getting the man you wanted.”

Noreen wiped her glasses with the hem of her shirt. “I just hope nothing goes wrong.”

“Nothing will go wrong,” Suzanne said, hoping she was right.