Claiming His Baby

Her eyes darted to the clock on the table. “I can’t believe it’s almost one o’clock.”

“After the events of this evening, your fatigue is perfectly understandable,” he murmured. His gaze returned to the white-gold of her hair. Earlier he hadn’t been able to get a good enough look at her from his seat in the symphony hall.

With some disgust he realized that part of the reason he’d been prowling around the Dorney house for something to read stemmed from the fact that her image had been haunting him since she’d made her appearance onstage.

He didn’t particularly care if his intimate perusal embarrassed her. The combination of those sapphire orbs against the creamy richness of such smooth skin drew his attention until he couldn’t look anywhere else. He had the overwhelming urge to put his lips to the hollow of her throat where a pulse throbbed.

She was at a distinct disadvantage because her high heels lay next to the piano and her toes were curling in distress from his scrutiny. This reaction pleased him no end.

During the concert she’d been in total possession of herself. He liked the idea that he’d caught her off balance. The corners of his mouth lifted as he reached down and handed them to her.

“Your shoes, Ms. Sanders. Put them on if it will make you feel less vulnerable. But if you want my opinion, I prefer you just the way you are.”

The bloom on her cheeks turned to flame. “Thank you, Dr. Cardenas.” She took the heels from him. With a dignity he admired, she slipped her well-shaped feet into them.

“You’re welcome.

His smile widened as she stood up. He could sense she wanted to arrange her hair and make sure her dress was in place. All those little things women do to feel at their best.

But she did neither. She wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction. That tiny spark of defiance intrigued him.

“Since we both appear to know each other without having been formally introduced, let’s dispense with last names, shall we, Heather?” he suggested in a silky voice.

Her chin lifted. “Since you haven’t been to Salt Lake for a decade, and probably won’t return for another, I can’t see that it’s of consequence either way.”

The conversation had taken an odd twist. He was no longer amused. “Why do I have the feeling there was something personal in your remark?”

She had the grace to blush, and finally deigned to look at him. “I’m sorry. That was very rude of me.” He watched her take a little breath. “It’s just that you must have made Evan so happy by finally coming to visit, it will seem cruel when you have to go away again. The stretches between their vacations with you have been hard on him.”

Her honesty was sobering. “I regret that it took me so long. My seeming indifference to the Dorneys in the past has obviously condemned me. But I assure you that were it not for a very sick patient, nothing could drag me away now.”

Once again he found himself studying the contrast of dark brows and lashes against her extreme fairness.

She shook her head. “It’s none of my business. The important thing is, you did come. Evan will be a new man.”

His dark brows furrowed. “I don’t think I understand.”

“I’m not certain I do.” A sad smile came and went. “But for reasons best known to Evan, he has always wanted you to live in Salt Lake, maybe go into practice with him.” She bit her lip, drawing Raul’s attention to the enticing mouth he desired to taste for himself.

“Apparently he wanted to be a kind of surrogate father to you.” She rushed on. “It really devastated him when you chose to go back to South America.”

Raul was incredulous at her frank speaking. Rubbing the back of his neck, he gazed at her through veiled eyes.

“Thank you, Heather. You’ve given me new insight into his feelings. Be assured mine run every bit as deeply. But I couldn’t turn my back on the aunt and uncle who took care of me after my parents died in an earthquake.”

She moaned. “How devastating for you.”

“It was. I won’t lie about that. But the experience highlighted my country’s need for more doctors. There weren’t enough to take care of all the injured. That’s when I determined to become a doctor and make a contribution. Those are the reasons I couldn’t accept Evan’s offer, however much I might have wanted to at the time.”

Her eyes searched his with an intensity that held him spellbound. “You’re not at all what I expected,” she blurted as if she couldn’t help herself.

CHAPTER TWO

RAUL’S head reared back. “You’re totally unexpected.”

Her intrusion into his carefully planned life had come as a tremendous shock. “You deserved to win the Bacchauer. I would have given you my vote on the strength of the Rachmaninoff alone.”

“Thank you,” she responded with a warm smile.

Dios. Her charm fell over him like an invisible cloak, enveloping him so completely, he was helpless to throw it off.

“It’s a difficult piece of music. Mother was my first teacher. She told me if I could learn to play it the way it should be played, then I would be ready to contemplate a career on the concert stage.”

He nodded his dark head. “She was right. An amateur shouldn’t touch it. In truth, it’s one of my favorite compositions. Would it offend you to learn that when you first sat down to play, I didn’t expect to hear genius?”

“Hardly that. But I’m glad you enjoyed the concert, and I think it tells me you’re an authentic music lover. Do you play?”

“Let’s just say I learned the fundamentals a long time ago. I prefer to sit back and listen to the experts. Your performance tonight was flawless. I could listen to you indefinitely.”

I could do many things to you indefinitely…

“You’re very kind.” A mischievous expression made her remarkable eyes sparkle. “I, too, have a confession. When you said you were in the audience tonight, I imagined your appearance was more in the line of duty to make Evan and Phyllis happy.”

Raul’s lips twitched. “It’s gratifying to realize you don’t know every thing about me yet. Someone once told me I had no heart. Perhaps it’s true. But whatever beats there responded completely to the music I heard tonight. Music has been known to tame the wild beast.”

“I wouldn’t go so far as to call you a wild beast.”

One black brow quirked. “If I told you some of the thoughts that have passed through my mind since your performance, you’d be forced to take those words back.”

A puzzled look crossed over her expressive face. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s my way of saying that I’m attracted to you. To be frank, attracted is a very mild word. If I were being totally honest, I would tell you that I’d like to take you away to some isolated haven where I could make love to you for weeks on end.”

For once the telltale blush didn’t appear. Quite the opposite in fact. Slowly she turned away from him without saying anything. Anticipating her instinct to flee from a predator, he moved directly behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, preventing her from leaving the room altogether.

He could feel her tremble. “I’ve shocked you, Heather. I’m sorry.”

There was a long silence. “No, you’re not,” she whispered at last.

At her candor, he sucked in his breath. “You’re right. I’m not.”

Suppressing the urge to slide his arms around her waist and draw the voluptuous warmth of her body against his, he removed his hands and stepped away.

“Whether you believe me or not, I’ve never said that to another woman. Not on a first meeting or otherwise.” He raked a hand through his hair. “This seems to be a night for honesty on both our parts.”

His comment brought her blond head around. The stunned look on her lovely face let him know she was equally aware of the powerful chemistry between them.

“How long are you going to be in Salt Lake?”

“For two more days. When are you returning to New York?”

She smoothed a silky strand of hair away from her heated cheek. “Noon tomorrow.”

He shifted his weight. “The timing couldn’t be worse.”

Their gazes locked. To her credit, she didn’t try to pretend that she’d misunderstood. “You’re flying back to Argentina?”

“Yes.”

“To the bush.”

“That’s where I live and head a small hospital.”

“Were you born there?”

“No. Buenos Aires.”

Her chest rose and fell sharply. “What is it really like?”

Raul took his time answering. “It’s a godforsaken wilderness of disease, heat and humidity.”

“But you love it,” she murmured.

He nodded. “The same way you love the piano.”

There was a perceptible hardening of her delicate jaw. “The two aren’t comparable.”

Folding his arms he said, “I think they are. Music is your life. The bush is mine.”

Raul wasn’t destined to hear her response because Evan walked in on them.

“It looks as if you two are already acquainted.” He glanced first at Raul, then Heather. “Your dad just pulled up in the driveway. Phyllis sent me to tell you she has a postmidnight snack waiting in the dining room.”

“I’m glad he’s back. I’ll go help her put everything on.” She left the room in a hurry. Raul followed Evan out of the study, but his eyes remained on her retreating figure.

In the hallway Evan introduced Raul to Heather’s father. One glance at John Sanders and Raul realized he’d bequeathed his good looks and coloring to his daughter. It was Heather’s mother who had endowed her with such an amazing musical talent.

The three men moved through the house to the kitchen. Phyllis had prepared a veritable feast of salads, cold cuts and French bread. Evan told everyone to be seated. Soon they were helping themselves to the delicious food.

“What are your plans after you return to New York?” Raul watched Heather over the rim of his coffee cup, waiting for the answer to the question that had been burning him alive.

“She’s scheduled to go on tour,” John spoke up unexpectedly.

Phyllis eyed Raul. “It’s a shame she can’t stay home for a while and play on the new concert grand she was given as her prize for winning the Bacchauer.”

“That sounds like the perfect gift for you, Heather.”

She put down her fork. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to enjoy it for a long time.”

Her father frowned. “Why ever not? I plan to ship it to New York.”

“I’m leaving it at home.”

“Nonsense.

“Daddy—I already told you I’m giving you that piano in honor of all you and mother did for me. The Knabe in New York serves me perfectly well when I’m there. Have you forgotten I’ll be staying with Franz at his summer home to get ready for the tour?”

“Who’s Franz?” Raul wanted to know, experiencing an irrational dislike of any man who would be on such an intimate basis with her.

“My teacher.”

“Where does he live?”

“In Vienna. I’ll be flying there next week.”

The need to do something physical with his negative energy had Raul reaching for another piece of bread.

“Franz has arranged for her concert tour,” John revealed with visible pride. “So far he’s lined up London, Brussels, Paris, Rom—”

“R-Rome’s not confirmed yet,” Heather stammered before pushing herself away from the table. “Excuse me for a minute please.” As she disappeared into the kitchen, Raul saw John flash Phyllis a bewildered look.

“What was that all about?”

“She was so tired after the performance, she literally collapsed on the couch. But I admit she’s not reacting in her normal way.

“I noticed that, too.” Evan wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin. “I guess we’ll never understand the kind of pressure she’s been under.” Suddenly his gaze found Raul’s. “She reminds me of someone with a mild case of shock.”

No doubt Evan had felt the tension in the study when he’d walked in on the two of them a little while ago. With that inquiring mind of his, it was only natural he would speculate over what had gone on between Heather and his newly arrived houseguest in his absence.

Raul could have enlightened everyone about her mental state. He’d been deeply disturbed by their encounter and suffered the same reaction, but could do nothing about it. She was leaving for the East Coast in less than ten hours. By next week she would be in Austria. Dios.

“Phyllis? I can’t thank you enough for watching out for Heather, let alone preparing this wonderful meal. But now it’s late for everyone, and I need to take my daughter home if she’s going to get any more sleep and still make it to the airport on time.”

If Raul were a wise man, he would avoid temptation by saying good-night to Dr. Sanders, then plead fatigue and disappear upstairs. But he’d never felt less like sleeping.

In all honesty, he’d never felt so out of control in his life. It was a feeling totally foreign to him.

Gathering some of the dishes, he headed for the kitchen where he found Heather at the sink swallowing a couple of painkillers with a glass of water.

When he put the plates on the counter, their eyes met in a long, unsmiling regard.

“Your father’s ready to take you home.”

“Daddy’s dead on his feet and should have been in bed ages ago. After your long flight, I’m sure you’re exhausted, too. For the Dorneys’ sake, I’m glad you came,” she said in a shaky voice.

Her remark brought him up short. “But not for your sake.”

She looked away. “I—I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

“Then what did you mean?” he demanded.

“Nothing,” she whispered. “I guess this is goodbye. Good luck to you, Dr. Cardenas. I hope you find all is well when you return home.”

If she’d had a lifetime to prepare what to say to him, she couldn’t have come up with anything as calculated to destroy the last vestiges of his peace of mind, because Raul had the gut feeling he would never find contentment at home again. Not now that he knew a certain woman with hot blue eyes and gossamer hair existed somewhere else on the planet…

“I don’t need to wish you luck. You’re very gifted, Heather. If you play every concert the way you played tonight, you’ll be a world sensation.”

“Thank you,” she answered woodenly.

As if on cue, her father opened the door connecting the dining room and the kitchen. Gut instinct told Raul that Dr. Sanders didn’t like him.

“Ready, honey?”

“I’m coming.”

“Dr. Cardenas—” Her father nodded to him as he put an arm around Heather’s shoulders. “It was very nice making your acquaintance.”

“The pleasure was all mine, Dr. Sanders.”

“Enjoy this time with Evan and Phyllis.”

But don’t get any ideas about seeing my daughter again?

Raul could read the other man’s mind.

“I already am. Goodbye.”

His eyes swept over Heather’s unforgettable face one more time before she was whisked from the kitchen and his life.

When they’d gone, an emptiness stole through him. In the past few hours he’d felt more emotion than he had since he was nine years old. But the pain of losing his parents was completely different than the kind of pain he was suffering now.

This was agony in a dimension he couldn’t begin to describe. In truth, the intensity of the loss he was feeling staggered him.

Dios.

After thirty-seven years it was finally happening.

“Heather? Wait up!”

No. Not Todd.

She didn’t want to talk to anyone right now. If she pretended she hadn’t heard him, she might just get away with losing him once she’d entered the practice hall.

“Hey—” The blond pianist from Michigan caught up to her inside the doors. “I’ve been waiting to congratulate you on winning the Bacchauer. Everyone’s talking about it. You’re famous!”

“I don’t think so, Todd, but it’s very nice of you to say so.” She continued walking down the hall to the cubicle where she practiced. He kept up with her.

“Later on tonight I’d like to take you out for a spaghetti dinner to celebrate. Do you have plans?”

She pulled the keys out of her purse and unlocked the door, then looked over at him. “I’m afraid I do. It’s already three o’clock, and I need to put in at least six hours of work, but I appreciate the thought.”

He rocked back on his heels with his hands in his pockets. “Tomorrow night then?” His hopeful expression increased her guilt.

Heather had only been with Todd in group situations. She’d never had a romantic interest in him or any other man. It had taken the trip to Salt Lake for her to finally understand why.

Something earthshaking had happened to her there. Something she couldn’t talk about to anyone.

“I can’t, Todd. I’m sorry. Day after tomorrow I leave for Vienna and need to get in as much practice as possible before I go. Thank you anyway, though.” She went inside and shut the door, locking it to make sure no one else bothered her.

This was the only place she could be alone. She shared a room at the residence hall with another female student, but there was no peace in the dorm, especially since the news had gotten around about her winning the competition.

Everyone had been wonderful to her, and their praise meant a great deal. Yet the continual talk about her promising future on the concert circuit was choking her.

Free to give in to her emotions where no one was witness, she sank down on the piano bench and buried her face in her hands. Today was Monday. He was in the air now, winging his way back to South America. She could hardly bear it.

Ever since he’d walked into the Dorneys’ study, she’d been haunted by his image, the sensation of his hands on her shoulders. She’d never be able to forget what he’d said to her, not when she’d felt the same way about him.

I’m attracted to you. To be frank attracted is a mild word. To be totally honest, I’d like to take you away to some isolated haven where I could make love to you for weeks on end.

“I’ve got to get you out of my mind, Raul,” she whispered in agony to the empty room. “I’ve got to. Otherwise, I don’t know how I’ll be able to go on living.”

Wiping the moisture from her eyes with the backs of her hands, she plunged into her scales, ferociously attacking them in an effort to drive one Dr. Cardenas from her consciousness.

The cubicles of Juilliard’s practice hall seemed to be full of students. As Raul entered the building, music surrounded him at every step. He looked on the placards outside each door, but some of them didn’t have names. So far he hadn’t found the one he was searching for.

If he didn’t make contact with Heather, no one would be the wiser. It was probably just as well. She represented forbidden fruit. Any kind of relationship with her would be vetoed by her father. Raul had already been warned off by Dr. Sanders’ behavior in Evan’s kitchen.

As for Heather, he couldn’t imagine what kind of reception he’d get if they met again, not after certain things he’d said to her in private. Those words had poured from his psyche without his volition, shocking him as much as they’d immobilized her.

When he didn’t see her name anywhere, he decided he’d made a mistake in coming here. Living on campus at Lincoln Center in the heart of New York, she could be in a dozen different places. At this point it would be wisest to head back to the airport where he would wait to board his flight to Buenos Aires.

But as he turned to walk back the way he’d come, he spotted a blond male dressed in shirtsleeves and shorts leaning over a drinking fountain. Obviously he was a student here. On impulse, Raul approached him.

“Excuse me, but I’m looking for a pianist named Heather Sanders. She’s a gilt blond with blue eyes. Do you know her?”

The younger man lifted his head. As he stared hard at Raul, the glint of hostility flashed in his eyes. “Who are you?”

The guy was so painfully obvious, Raul had to fight back a few choice retorts. But on another level he was relieved the younger man was watching out for her. A stranger up to no good could be loitering around here, lying in wait for a woman like Heather. Possibly that was the reason she hadn’t put a sign outside her door.

“My name is Dr. Cardenas. I’m an acquaintance of hers from Salt Lake. Do you know if she’s in the building?”

The words “Salt Lake” must have done the trick. After a short pause, “That’s her practice room,” the guy said, inclining his head toward the door opposite them. “But I wouldn’t disturb her right now if I were you.”

Raul’s pulse rate tripled. Heather was here. His eyes closed tightly for a moment.

“She’s getting ready to go on tour,” the man continued to inform Raul as if he were Heather’s personal press secretary and watchdog rolled into one. “The best thing to do would be to leave a message. I’ll see that she gets it.”

I’ll just bet you will. “I appreciate that, but my plane leaves too soon to wait for her to contact me. Thank you for the information.”

Ignoring the younger man’s glower, Raul walked across the hall to the door and listened. She was working on the Brahms Piano Concerto Number One, another favorite of his. Feelings stirred inside him. He knocked.

If Heather had thought she could exorcise Raul Cardenas from her thoughts with a grueling practice schedule, she was very much mistaken. To her consternation, the increased isolation in the cubicle tended to make her concentrate on him to the exclusion of anything or anyone else.

When a knock came at the door, she ignored it. Hopefully the person on the other side would go away and leave her alone. Surely Todd had gotten the message and wouldn’t dare bother her now.

The knocking persisted.

Almost angrily she pounded out the last set of chords and jumped up from the piano bench, pulling her T-shirt down over her shorts. With the light of battle in her eyes, she undid the lock and opened the door.

There was instant stillness as she gazed up into the sun-bronzed face and midnight eyes that had scorched her with their intimate perusal in Evan’s study three nights ago.

Without her high heels, his six-foot-two physique seemed even taller, his black hair curlier in the humidity. He was the most gorgeous male she’d ever beheld.

Heather held on to the door. She was afraid that if she let go, she would sink to the carpeted floor. There were so many questions she wanted to ask, she couldn’t think of one. Fear that he’d sought her out because of some family crisis prevented her from saying anything at all.

Raul was still trying to recover his breath. He’d been living with the image of her in the long black dress she’d worn to play with the symphony. He wasn’t prepared for this side of her in a ponytail and bare legs. She wore no makeup, and looked utterly desirable.

“Your bodyguard out here in the hall seems to think you wouldn’t want to be disturbed. Is that true?” he inquired silkily.

Bodyguard? Her delicate brows frowned. “Oh—y-you must mean Todd,” she said when she could finally manage to talk. Beyond Raul’s broad shoulder she could see him glaring at the two of them from across the hall. “He’s just another student here.”

Raul stared at her through shuttered eyes. “He doesn’t seem to think so.”

Heather was still incredulous that instead of being halfway to South America by now, Raul was standing outside her practice room.

“Has something happened to my father or the Dorneys? Is that why you’re here?” she asked anxiously.

He rested one hand against the doorjamb. “The problem is a little closer to home, Ms. Sanders. I’m afraid something’s happened to me.”

She shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

“What would you say if I told you I changed my flight because I expressly wanted to see you again?”

Warmth started from Heather’s toes and crept up her body to her face until she felt white-hot.

“I—I thought you were on your way to Argentina.”

“I am. I have about twenty minutes before I must leave for the airport.”

No!

Smothering a groan she cried, “Then why did you bother to come at all?”