Waiting for Baby. Cathy McDavid
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“Jake.” The stern objection she’d planned to deliver came out sounding like an invitation
One he accepted.
The instant their lips touched, Lilly surrendered to him. This was unquestionably a mistake and something she’d regret later. But for now, Jake’s strong fingers kneading her skin through her shirt, his tongue and lips tantalizing her, were exactly the emotional balm she needed, and she took every ounce of comfort he was willing to give.
The blazing intensity of their kiss lasted several moments longer. Their mouths broke apart but not their embrace. He seemed to sense she needed more time before letting go. Sliding her hands to his shoulders, she waited for her breathing to calm.
At his next words, it stopped completely, and her limp hands fell away to land in her lap.
“Marry me, Lilly.”
Dear Reader,
We often hear about books altering the course of people’s lives. Perhaps it’s even happened to you. It has me, and I can still remember the moment, though twenty-two years have passed since then. I was visiting a friend, and she lent me one of her many Harlequin books. I spent the next afternoon reading when I should have been working, never guessing at the profound effect this one book would have on me.
I’d always been an avid reader from the time I was young, but hadn’t been drawn to romances. Obviously I didn’t know what I was missing. From that day forward, romance books became my staple. I started out devouring…er, I mean, reading Harlequin Superromance novels. Then one day another friend gave me a Harlequin American Romance book she’d particularly enjoyed. It was to be another defining moment.
When I decided to pursue writing, I didn’t pick romances—they picked me. Being published by Harlequin, who produced the books I enjoyed reading more than any others, became my dream—one I realized in 2006.
Harlequin books have changed tremendously since the time my friend lent me that first one, and I’m so excited and honored to be a tiny part of that revolution. Maybe one day a book of mine will land in someone’s hands and alter their life. As a writer, I can’t think of anything more rewarding.
Warmest wishes,
Cathy McDavid
Waiting for Baby
Cathy McDavid
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For the past eleven years Cathy McDavid has been juggling a family, a job and writing, and has been doing pretty well at it except for the cooking and housecleaning part. Mother of boy and girl teenage twins, she manages the near impossible by working every day with her husband of twenty years at their commercial construction company. They survive by not bringing work home and not bringing home to the office. A mutual love of all things Western also helps. Horses and ranch animals have been a part of Cathy’s life since she moved to Arizona as a child and asked her mother for riding lessons. She can hardly remember a time when she couldn’t walk outside and pet a soft, velvety nose (or beak, or snout) whenever the mood struck. You can visit her Web site at www.cathymcdavid.com.
To Clay and Caitlin, my own precious babies,
who aren’t so little anymore. I love you to pieces.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Epilogue
Chapter One
Lilly Russo wasn’t looking forward to meeting with the man who’d so unceremoniously dumped her a mere three weeks ago. She’d do it, however, and just about anything else for the clients of Horizon Adult Day Care Center. They were too deserving, too much in need, too dear to her to lose out on a golden opportunity because of her pride.
“Mr. Tucker will be with you in a few minutes.”
“Thank you.”
If his assistant knew that her boss and Lilly had recently engaged in a brief affair, she gave no indication.
“Would you care for coffee or water while you wait?”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
Lilly attempted a smile and sat on the closest piece of furniture, which happened to be an overstuffed couch, and instantly sank like a stone into its soft cushions. She should have chosen the chair by the window instead. Then she would’ve been able to stand gracefully when the assistant or, worse, Jake Tucker himself came to collect her for their appointment.
While she waited, she studied the comfortable and charmingly appointed lobby. The rustic, western flavor of the mountain guest resort was as apparent here as everywhere else on the ranch. Green checked curtains framed large picture windows. Heavy pine furniture, much of it antique, sat on polished hardwood floors covered by colorful area rugs. Paintings depicting nature scenes and wild animals indigenous to Arizona’s southern rim country hung on the walls.
Lilly had been acquainted with Jake Tucker—manager of Bear Creek Ranch and landlord of the mini mall where the day-care center was located—for almost two years. They’d first met here in his office, when she’d become the day care’s new administrator and her predecessor had introduced her to Jake. Since then she’d visited the ranch only a few times. But at the Labor Day cookout nine weeks ago, Jake had suddenly taken notice of her and asked her on a date.
If Lilly knew then what she did now, she’d have saved herself a heap of heartache and refused his invitation.
The assistant appeared in Lilly’s line of vision. “Mr. Tucker will see you now.”
She pushed out of the couch, wobbling only once, much to her relief. If it hadn’t been so important to make a businesslike impression on Jake, she’d have worn something other than a slim-fitting suit and high-heeled pumps. He wouldn’t guess by looking at her how much his abrupt breakup had hurt. Not if she could help it.
“Follow me, please.” Jake’s assistant led Lilly behind the busy front desk to an open office door. She gestured for Lilly to enter before discreetly moving aside.
The moment of truth had arrived.
Mentally rehearsing her pitch, Lilly stepped into Jake’s office. She came to a halt when the door closed behind her. Lilly’s stomach, already queasy to begin with, knotted into a tight ball.
Jake sat behind a large, ornate desk reading a computer screen, his profile to her. He turned his head to look at her, and she was struck anew by his intelligent hazel eyes and strong, square jaw. Memories of cradling that face between her hands while they made love flooded her.
She promptly lost track of what she’d planned to say.
He stood and extended his hand across the desk. “Good morning, Lilly. How are you?”
His greeting jump-started her befuddled brain. “Hello, Jake.”
She stepped forward and accepted his handshake. His grip was confident and controlled and reminiscent of when their relationship had been strictly professional. But she’d seen him in those rare moments