Simply Sexy

She turned and headed inside her office building. Rina knew most employees’ schedules as well as she knew her own. Colin tended to arrive early in time to get Marty’s freshly made coffee before it’d had a chance to gel and petrify. She strode through the office, a room comprising desks, computers and an occasional portable divider for the more senior editors. And she immediately noticed that Colin was already in his chair, but he didn’t have a mug in front of him. Yet.

Instead, he sat flipping through mail and muttering to himself. Even aggravated, the man was so darn sexy. It wasn’t just the black leather jacket that hung on his chair, though it added to his rugged appeal. And it wasn’t his windblown hair or the intelligence lurking in his blue eyes. His allure came from somewhere deeper, somewhere inside him. Intensity defined Colin Lyons and every move he made.

She paused a moment, gathering her courage, and when she bit down on her lip, she tasted lipstick, a reminder of today’s changes. Like Dave, she expected Colin to notice and react. Her heart rate picked up rhythm at the prospect. Taking the coffee she’d purchased, she strode to his desk, coming up beside him.

He leaned back and glanced toward the corner, oblivious to her presence. “How is it I barely recognize this place?” he asked himself.

His dark tone didn’t bode well for her plan to dazzle him. Taken with the depth of his feelings, she felt an unexpected tug at her heart. She glanced around, wanting to view things from his perspective and see just what was upsetting him. Mistletoe still hung from the ceiling and a gorgeous tree stood in the corner adorned with gold and silver tinsel and exquisite decorations.

Yet despite the holiday cheer, he’d sounded distressed.

“That sounded depressing. Do you have something against Christmas?” she asked.

“Against the holiday? No. Against the tree? Hell, yes.” He didn’t turn to face her.

As someone who’d grown up with handmade ornaments, then progressed to the expensive, exclusive store-bought kind when she married, Rina recognized Corinne’s tree as the latter version. That obviously bothered Colin, though Rina couldn’t imagine why.

Despite all the reasons not to get emotionally involved, she wanted to know what he was feeling and why he was feeling it. “What do you have against some poor defenseless tree?”

“That corner is usually reserved for Joe’s hand-cut pine.” Colin’s voice held a hint of gruffness combined with tender emotion.

And this poor tree had obviously replaced Joe’s. “I’m sure Corinne meant well. Maybe she thought some tree was better than no tree,” Rina offered, trying to soothe the sting he suffered.

“Corinne didn’t mean anything except satisfying her own personal need to spend.”

It was the first time she’d heard him attack Corinne, and the shock rattled her. Though she didn’t know the other woman well, Rina had always been a decent judge of character, and Corinne seemed to genuinely care about people in general, her employees and especially her sick husband.

He shook his head. “Never mind. I didn’t mean that the way it came out.”

“Maybe not, but something’s bothering you. Whatever it is, you need to get it out.”

“And you want to hear?” He sounded surprised.

Was it so shocking that she wanted to help him? They were strangers, but the holidays often brought unexpected people together, and the mistletoe had begun their journey.

She nodded, then realizing he couldn’t see her, she answered with a soft “Yes. I’d very much like to hear.”

He leaned back in his seat. Silence reigned. Maybe he was considering whether he wanted to share.

“We had a yearly tradition, Joe and I,” he said at last.

Rina released the breath she hadn’t been aware of holding.

“It started the year Joe and his first wife, Nell, took me in after my parents died in a car accident. I was twelve at the time.”

Having grown up with both parents and having lived a decent family life, her heart squeezed tight at the admission that he’d lost his parents young. Family was important to Rina and she found herself glad that Colin had had Joe and Nell to compensate for his loss. “I didn’t know.”

“No reason you should. Joe and Nell ended up adopting me. And since it’s part of Joe’s earlier life, it’s probably not something Corinne likes to discuss.”

Rina doubted that, but Colin obviously had issues with his adoptive father’s young wife. It was the story of many families, so she chose to listen rather than defend Corinne now. “I’m glad you had people to turn to,” she said lightly.

“Me, too.” His harsh profile eased, along with something inside Rina. Something warm, compelling and far more dangerous than pure sexual desire. Which didn’t bode well for an emotionless fling. “Want to tell me about this tradition you two shared?” she asked despite her better judgment.

Standing, he walked to the big window overlooking a neighborhood park. She left the now-cold coffee on the desk corner and followed. In silence, she glanced out over his shoulder. Snow covered the ground and trees in true holiday tradition. There’d be a white Christmas this year, Rina thought.

“Joe’s as close to a father as I’ve got.” Colin’s voice intruded on her thoughts. “And every year since he took me in, we’d go stalking through the woods in search of the perfect tree.”

“You didn’t shop for one?” she asked. “Because where I grew up, we chose the cheapest tree off the neighborhood supermarket parking lot.”

His deep chuckle warmed her. “No, we played mountain man. We’d go to the far end of Joe’s property, which included forest, and we’d pick and cut our own tree.” He shoved his hands into his back pockets, staring, she assumed, at the pines behind the building. “We never missed a year, either.”

“Until this one,” she guessed.

She heard his unspoken words and felt the empty space in his heart as if it were her own. At heart, he was still the little boy who’d lost his parents and only had Joe to turn to.

Unable to stop herself, she lifted her hand, letting her palm rest on his shoulder in a gesture of comfort. Heat sizzled on contact, traveling faster than an electric current through her veins, creating a heaviness in her breasts and a slow simmer low in her belly. She should have been prepared.

Instead, she struggled for an even breath. “Corinne says Joe’s prognosis is good,” she said, fighting even harder to concentrate on simple conversation.

He touched her hand briefly, acknowledging her compassion. “Joe’s prognosis is good. But it’s hard having him out of commission. A lot of things are tough these days.”

His voice was as rough as his skin, both conjuring images of hot nights as his hands skimmed her bare flesh and he muttered raw, sexy words in her ear. She trembled at the carnal, erotic thoughts. Not unexpected for a woman who’d decided she wanted a sexual encounter with the man standing before her. But strange thoughts for a woman who’d liked sex yet had never before wanted it this badly.

And she needed him to know she understood his emotions, too. “It’s not the same thing, but I know what it’s like to miss someone you care about. My brother lives back in New York.”

“How many siblings do you have?”

“Just Jake, and believe me, having a cop for an older brother makes up for any other watchful eyes. You try making out on the doorstep after a date while your older brother plays unwanted bodyguard.”

Colin laughed and she was grateful to hear the sexy sound. “Something tells me you’ve been a handful for him.”

His teasing words, along with the rebirth of his light, flirting tone, reminded her she was on a mission. A professional mission to test Colin’s awareness of any changes, and a personal one to tempt him into being the man with whom she’d begin her affair.

In favor of getting to know Colin and easing his obvious pain, she’d almost forgotten her agenda, and as a result, she’d grown closer to him. Emotionally closer, something that hadn’t been part of the plan.

But now that he seemed back to his teasing self, she intended to control her feelings better, too. “I’ve given Jake a run for his money a time or two,” she said, keeping things light.

“I just bet you have.” He turned her way at last.

She let out a flirtatious laugh before pursing her heavily glossed lips. Like a magnet, his gaze zeroed in on its target and the temperature in the room soared upward. Mission accomplished, she thought. He’d noticed her, though she wasn’t certain exactly what had drawn his attention.

Continuing simple conversation wasn’t easy with the awareness simmering between them but she managed. “There was the time I took a vacation,” she mused, pretending to concentrate solely on her story. “Then I left him to apartment-sit and neglected to mention I’d invited someone else to join him.”

Remembering how Jake and Brianne had gotten together sent shivers of happiness through her. They were proof that two different people could join on an equal footing. Jake allowed Brianne the freedom to be herself, while Brianne put up with her brother’s macho demeanor without giving up any of her independence in the process.

“Good thing he’s a cop. At least he’s trained to keep a step or two ahead of you.” Lightness shimmered in his expression, in complete opposition to his earlier black mood.

If she’d brought him out of his funk, she was glad.

“Jake’s got an edge over us poor civilians who you manage to take off guard,” he continued.

“I’m easy enough to read.”

His gaze roamed over her, settling again on her face. “Oh no, you’re not. Something’s different.” He studied her, deliberately taking his time and playing her game, a grin on his face. “Same glasses, same type of large, comfortable sweater.” He shook his head and Rina held her breath.

She wanted details. What did he notice? What did he like best about the subtle changes? Dammit. She shouldn’t care so much. At the very least she should view him as another means to document results for her column. But unlike the guy at the coffee shop, she did care what Colin thought.

And her body tingled with anticipation and hope that he’d like what he saw. “Come on. You’re a reporter. I’m sure observing is your specialty. So what do you see?”

He raised an eyebrow, then lifted his finger to her cheek, his touch gentle as he glided over her skin. He turned his hand toward her to reveal the combination of foundation and blush that had transferred onto his skin. “What I see is that you look pretty, Rina. Then again, you always do.”

The compliment, one that encompassed yesterday’s Rina, too, sent nervous flutters to her stomach and a ridiculously pleased rush to her heart.

“But you don’t need makeup to enhance what’s already beautiful.” Male appreciation flickered in his gaze as he leaned forward, those delicious lips a kiss away. “But I have to know. Was the change for me?” he asked.

“You wish,” she teased. “I’m experimenting for my column. Just call yourself one man with brilliant powers of observation, that’s all.” She hoped she sounded nonchalant, though she felt anything but. She had thought of him when applying the light shades of color and fixing her hair. Rina swallowed hard. “I already know the guy in the coffee shop downstairs reacted. I just wanted to see if the rest of your species gets as high a grade.”

He raised one eyebrow. “You’re going to make me compete for your attention?”

“Any reason why I shouldn’t?” she asked, deliberately playful. The ability to flirt had returned, Rina thought. And she was enjoying it very much.

“Because I’m not a man who shares easily.” His deep gaze told her he was serious.

And now her insides were quaking. He didn’t care whether or not she altered her appearance with makeup. He was attracted to her anyway, and considering he’d always stared hard and seemed interested, she knew he wasn’t lying. But he was screwing up her results for her column and wreaking havoc with her body and her brain.

“Come with me to Emma’s Christmas bash Saturday night,” he said, changing the subject.

His words surprised her. “As colleagues or something more?” She wanted the rules spelled out, no misunderstandings allowed.

“Call it what you want,” he said in a determined voice. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”

She wanted to go with him, but something about the way he’d ordered her around didn’t sit well with her. “If I show up with you, I can’t mingle with other men, and the opportunity to research is lost.” She treated him to a pout for effect.

“That’s the point.” Biting back a grin, he folded his arms over his chest. “I want you to myself. Besides, you said yourself you’re alone for the holidays.”

Actually, she’d only said her brother lived in New York. He was coming to visit next weekend for Christmas Eve, but that didn’t seem relevant right now.

“With Joe in the hospital I’m solo, too. Are you going to make me spend the holidays alone?” Colin’s eyes twinkled as he obviously played his trump card.

He knew it, so did she. How could she turn down a man she’d seen in real pain over his father’s stroke and the changes Corinne had brought to the office?

“Come on, Rina,” he said, resorting to shameless pleading. “Emma’s grandson was my college roommate. I know from personal experience the Montgomery-family bash is enough to brighten anyone’s holiday. It’s an event you have to see for yourself. But not alone,” he quickly added, before she could jump in with that very suggestion.

She eyed him warily.

“If I promise to leave you alone long enough to work your wiles on the unsuspecting men there, will you let me pick you up at eight?” he asked, giving her a choice.

She expelled a breath of air. Until that moment, she hadn’t realized she’d really been about to say no. Because his pushing, no matter how flirtatious, made her feel cornered when she wanted to make her own decisions. His insistence, she acknowledged now, had reminded her of Robert, of the times he’d wanted to go to a legal benefit of some sort and she’d preferred to stay home. Back then, there had never been a compromise. Her husband’s way had always prevailed.

The realization surprised her and she rubbed her hands over her arms, shocked that Colin had provided a parallel to her marriage. An unflattering one at that. But Colin had offered her a real choice now. He honestly cared about her feelings.

Which allowed her to say yes. Pleased and suddenly excited, she met his patient stare, letting her smile grow before she spoke. “Okay. Eight’s fine.”

His eyes widened. Apparently she’d surprised him. “I’m glad,” he said.

“You’d better be prompt.” The night would give her even more opportunity to implement changes and ply her charms on the upper crust of Ashford society. As well as on Colin, she thought with yearning and anticipation.

He grinned. “I wouldn’t miss one second of our time together.”

Neither would she, and she wondered what other surprises the holidays had in store. “I need to get back to work.”

He inclined his head toward her desk. “I’m not stopping you.”

Yes, he was. Just by being in the room. She started for her work area, ignoring the curious stares, and the feel of Colin’s gaze branding her back. For the first time, she realized they’d created a world apart in the crowded office. Talking as if no one else in the room existed. She trembled at the discovery. If he had the power to entrance her so thoroughly in public, she wondered what he’d do if he got her alone. She had this weekend to tease herself with all the exciting possibilities.

And she had Emma’s party at which to find out. Because if she had her way, she and Colin I-don’t-stick-around Lyons were about to embark on a brief but oh so very satisfying affair.

CHAPTER THREE

SO RINA CLAIMED the makeup was part of her experiment for her column? Like hell, Colin thought. He’d prefer to think it had something to do with him.

It was no secret he’d been attracted to her from day one, but he hadn’t known anything about her. In one brief talk he’d learned plenty. She’d shocked him by being so down-to-earth and understanding, so interested in his life and his past. He’d turned, intending to thank her. Instead, he’d been surprised by her new look. Rina didn’t need makeup to turn him on. But he couldn’t deny that her newly made-up face, glowing skin and full, pink, made-to-be-kissed lips had entranced him anyway. And he wanted to taste that glossy pout again now.

Ever since he’d let down his guard for that kiss, he’d been in a constant state of arousal. And from the minute he’d seen her today, long strands of hair hanging down her back, he’d wanted her even more. Unbelievable but true. He swallowed a groan, feeling as though he’d been sucker punched, because it didn’t end there. When she’d let down her guard enough to listen to his problems, lust had turned to something a little more. She’d crept under his skin.

She was the first woman who’d affected him on a gut level. Even now, back at their desks, his horizontally next to hers, they sat in aware silence. Every so often, she’d glance his way, her eyes opened wider than usual. And even through the eyeglass lenses, their golden sparkle twinkled at him, extending an invitation, one he wondered whether she was even aware of issuing.

Though he should have invited her to Emma’s party as a means to feel her out on the subject of Corinne, his initial reasoning had been far different. He’d be damned if he’d let her spend the holidays alone in a new town, no family, few friends. Not after she’d been there for him at the awful moment he’d been forced to acknowledge Corinne’s expensively decorated tree.

When was the last time he’d trusted a woman with his feelings? Certainly his ex-wife, Julie, had taught him the pain inherent in sharing and the benefit of accounting to no one. After his parents died, travel had always beckoned to him. It didn’t take a shrink to figure out that he was running from the pain, but there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about his overwhelming desire to go.

As he matured, he’d realized that he could do some good by combining travel with his journalistic talent and bring world news back home. When Julie had cheated on him, leaving him emotionally, as well as physically, just as his parents had, it was time to move on. Colin had quit his day job and left the country.

He’d never gotten close to another woman since, yet here he was, sharing his pain with Rina, a woman he barely knew. Ironically, he felt as if she understood him better than Julie ever had. But he had a paper to save and he couldn’t forget his mission again. Couldn’t let his goal drop in favor of enjoying Rina’s warm, giving personality or sexy new look. If the time seemed right to question her about Corinne, he’d damn well better do it, since he had a phone message on his answering machine from the CEO of Fortune’s Inc., asking about progress. In reality, the clock was ticking down.

And psychologically, the situation settled on Colin’s shoulders in a different way. Both Ron Gold, the lender, and Bert Hartmann, head of Fortune’s, were old friends of Joe’s and had helped him fund the paper back in its early days. Hartmann currently brought in a huge chunk of change for the paper every year, and the Times couldn’t afford to lose the company’s support. Nor did Colin want to disappoint Joe and have him come back to a sunken ship and lost respect in the eyes of his colleagues. Colin was determined. If nothing else, the Times would be on the road to recovery by the time Joe left the hospital.

“’Tis the season to be jolly, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la, la-la.” A distinctive, high-pitched voice traveled into the room, and Colin cringed as Corinne, decked out in a sable coat that he knew hadn’t come cheap, sauntered through the place.

She swirled through, dispensing tinsel in her wake, and he picked a gold strand off his black sweater. “I’ve come to invite you all to a Christmas party,” she said.

Her voice grated on his nerves. So did her words. “Emma’s family is having a party Saturday night.” His objective was to bail out the paper. He didn’t need her spending any more cash they didn’t have. “We’re all invited, so why don’t you save money and celebrate there?”

“Oh, don’t be a spoilsport, Colin,” Rina said. “It’s nice of Corinne to want to show her employees holiday spirit and a good time.”

Which cemented for him whose side Rina was on. Of course, he doubted Corinne had informed her of the paper’s precarious financial position. He couldn’t fault Rina for having holiday spirit and let her comment slide. But after their talk today, Colin understood Rina a little better, too. She hadn’t grown up wealthy. That put him in a better position to appeal to her regarding Corinne’s excessive spending—once he felt more sure she’d trust where his interests lay.

“Rina’s right.” Corinne smiled and readjusted the collar of her coat. “I’m glad to see someone here appreciates me.”

“Don’t kid yourself, Corinne. I appreciate you and everything you stand for,” Colin muttered.

Rina coughed and he glanced over. Her eyebrows were raised but she said nothing.

Intelligent and circumspect, she’d obviously picked up the undercurrents and decided to let things play out without interrupting.

“Everyone, listen.” Corinne clapped her hands and all heads lifted from computer screens, keyboards and layouts in order to glance up. “We’re having a party Friday night at the Seaside Restaurant. Guests welcome.” With another toss of tinsel, she started for the door.

“Corinne, wait,” Colin called.

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