Windy City Romance: Boxed Set: Prequel - Book III Read online

  After climbing the stairs, she followed Alex into a room with an oval work table and chairs. Mounds of papers littered the table, along with a jumble of electronic tablets. More empty bookcases lined one wall. On the other hung a large plasma screen. The floor-to-ceiling window overlooked the lake, a picture postcard framed by towering cedars.

  “So, every room in this house has a spectacular view?” She slid her portfolio onto the only clear space on the table.

  “Just about. I do most of my work from here during the warmer months. Keeps me sane.”

  Vanessa glanced around at the piles of papers, magazines and mail. “Looks like you’ve got a lot going on.”

  Chuckling, he pushed one hand through his hair. “Organization has never been one of my strong suits. But trust me, I know what's in these piles. Memory like an elephant.”

  Their eyes locked. Her body dropped into the chair with an embarrassing plop. Opening her portfolio, she pulled out some papers. “Here's the strategic plan I mentioned…” she began.

  “Alex! Alex, where are you?”

  A woman darted through the doorway, sparkling dark eyes topping a sunny smile. The sand-colored business suit with a swing jacket looked tailored just for her.

  “Oops, sorry. I didn't know you were busy.”

  One part of Vanessa relaxed. Alex was involved with someone. Everything suddenly became simpler.

  “Vanessa, this is my sister Kate,” Alex said. “She crashes here sometimes.”

  The wave of relief that had washed over Vanessa was followed by an edge of disappointment.

  “What’s a brother for? Least he can do is let me hang out in his beach house, right?” Extending her hand, Kate grinned, as if inviting Vanessa to share the joke. “I’m heading back to the city. Alex, can I have a minute? Nice to meet you, Vanessa.”

  They stepped out into the hall, but the two didn't go that far. Vanessa could hear Kate say, “Now, this one might be a keeper.”

  Alex’s response was barely audible, a sexy rumble punctuated by a laugh. When he returned, she was scanning her business plan and handed him a copy. “Sorry for the interruption.” He looked rattled and sat down. For a few seconds, he read while Vanessa enjoyed the view and practiced some deep breathing.

  “So you go to community fairs, that type of thing. I suppose you take out a booth?” He glanced at her from lowered brows.

  Were they both remembering the booth at the trade show? After coming to her aid in the breakout session, he’d followed her back to her booth. Although she’d seen him eyeing a few other women earlier, Alex seemed to focus on only her that afternoon.

  But she had to stay in the present. “Right, we take out a booth and work the crowd.”

  “And your distribution has mainly been local?”

  “Some local stores and chains but that’s about it.”

  Setting the plan down, he looked at her. “Pretty impressive, considering that you've done it alone.”

  “Oh, I wasn’t alone. My family helped me. The recipe was my great grandmother’s, and Grandpa’s always there with Jillian.” Babbling, she dug around in her purse for a pen before noticing hers right in front of her. Okay, she was losing it.

  “So you’re close to your family.”

  “Sure, isn’t everyone?”

  Alex’s mouth shifted to one side. “Not really. But Kate and I have always gotten along. You mention community affairs in your plan.” With a sigh, Alex began shuffling papers as if he were trying to find his place.

  “Right, Chamber of Commerce, that kind of event…” Her voice drifted off. Although she’d made efforts to forge ties in the community, the fact was, she’d just returned. Chicago was a lot bigger than Oak Park. She needed contacts in other areas of the city.

  He began pushing the piles around on his desk. When his phone went off, he glanced at it before turning it off. Papers and envelopes slid to the floor. Maybe Jack had been right. In a lot of ways, Alex acted like an absent-minded professor. Frowning, he pulled out an envelope marked with a coffee ring. “Want to go to a gala in July? Children’s Hospital is raising funds for a new oncology unit.”

  Her hand flew to her throat. Damn, she kept forgetting to take the pearls to a jeweler. “You mean…is this an invitation?”

  “Look, a gala should be in your business plan.” He passed her the envelope.

  “Of course.” Glancing down, she felt foolish. Maybe she didn’t know the difference between a guy hitting on her and a mentor suggesting a business strategy. “Sure. This sounds like a good opportunity.” Handing the invitation back, she picked up her plan.

  “Business, Vanessa,” he reminded her, and she blushed.

  “Absolutely. I’m sure I can work that into my schedule.”

  “Plenty of work ahead of us,” he said, flipping to the next page. “Long range, we should think of some plant improvements, Updates and expansion.”

  “Right.” The thought of dealing with him on an extended basis made her crazy. But they really did need the kind of help he was describing.

  “For now, we’ll tape an advertorial,” he continued. “Nail down a robust media schedule. Jack can help with that.”

  “He called earlier today.” Jack had phoned when she was on the Skyway. Seeing his name pop up, she hated to ignore the call.

  “And?” Alex became very still.

  “We have an appointment for some infomercial training.” Ticked her off to admit that she needed Jack’s help, but she did. She sucked at public speaking.

  “With Jack?”

  “Of course. He’s the expert, right?”

  Jaw tightening, Alex flipped to the next page of her plan. “That he is. Well, good. He can help with branding.”

  “I dealt with a lot of branding in my work in California.” After all, she did have some experience.

  “Before you moved back?”

  “Right. I grew up in Oak Park. Coming back to the area made sense when family issues came up. How about you?” Time to turn the tables. This was beginning to feel like the Inquisition.

  “East Coast,” he said after a short sigh. “But I like Chicago better. A business deal brought me here, and I stayed.” Vanessa was finding her comfort zone again when he asked, “What family issues?”

  “Pardon me?” She blinked.

  “You said family issues came up.”

  She wouldn’t be surprised if the thudding of her heart was rippling her blue silk blouse. “Just some health issues.”

  Jillian didn’t want anyone to know she was sick. She was afraid she’d lose clients. Although Vanessa didn’t agree, she saw her sister’s point. Turning her eyes to the spectacular view, she sat back. Right about now jumping in seemed like a good idea.

  ~.~

  Vanessa was holding out on him about her family, but he'd let it go for now. After all, her personal life wasn’t any of his business.

  Back to the project. “Jack is the infomercial king. He should be a big help with the taping.” He’d give Jack a call later.

  “Taping. Right.” Her face paled to bleached sand.

  “You have a problem with that, Vanessa?”

  “No.” She was mangling the paper in her hands.

  Then it came back to him. She was the girl who couldn't handle her PowerPoint presentation in front of a group. Eye of the Tiger hadn’t been any better. She definitely had trouble getting out of the gate. Right now, she was turning inside out, the promotion plan shaking in her hand.

  “Don’t worry. His staff is excellent.” But the way Jack had looked at Vanessa, he’d probably handle this personally.

  “What do you think the training will consist of?” Her nose wrinkled. Kind of cute.

  He shrugged. “Hell if I know. Anyway, you’ll be great on TV. You’re so…” Beautiful? Mouthwatering sexy? “…competent.”

  She smoothed one hand over her papers. “I’m grateful for his help.”

  “When is it again?” He’d clear his calendar.

  “Next
Tuesday, I think he said.” Her eyes were vigilant, like a deer wondering if she should cross the road.

  Man, Vanessa was strung way too tight. She’d been so confident in Vegas once they were alone, almost bordering on reckless. Pushing back from the table, he swiveled toward the window.

  Sometimes the lake house got lonely, not that he’d admit it. Kate didn't visit all that often, and he hated to bring dates here. Once they saw the house, they got way too serious way too fast. “How about a dip?”

  Nibbling on her lower lip, she gazed down at the lake with longing.

  “You're here, after all,” he coaxed her, eyes on that moist, full lip. “Might as well take advantage of it.”

  Still, she hesitated. Why did she keep herself on such a short leash?

  “Just a dip in the water, Vanessa. That’s all we’re talking about. Did you bring your suit?”

  A spot of color flared high on each cheek bone. “It’s in the car. I’ll just be a second.”

  “Use the guest room. Down the hall on the left. Kate keeps a lot of stuff there.”

  As they walked down and out to the patio, they chatted about the area. He almost wanted to laugh. They were both avoiding the past. She dashed out to her car, graceful as an NFL cheerleader, even in heels.

  Business, he reminded himself, eyes on her trim figure. This is just business.

  But his body had never been to business school.

  Chapter 4

  Alex stretched out on a chaise next to the pool. At the beach house, he always wore his bathing suit under his shorts to save time. At least today, his back wasn't bothering him. Rocking his head back onto the cushion, he soaked up the sun. Why live in a crowded city when he could have all this just a short drive away?

  Vanessa’s footsteps on the flagstones made him turn.

  “Hey, hi.” That was all he could manage.

  She shifted her beach bag from one shoulder to the other. The movement caused mind-numbing adjustments to her bikini top. “Ready?”

  “Let me just grab some towels.” Jaw clenched, Alex ducked into the cabana next to the pool.

  He'd forgotten so much. The flat stomach a man could span with one hand. The mole on her right hip, now peeking out from the bottom of her blue bikini. Good God, it all came back like a punch to the gut.

  Towels in hand, he made a point of not staring, but you can only look at a bunch of flowers just so long. “Stairway right this way.”

  The trace of a smile flitted across Vanessa’s face as she tried to yank up the bottom of her bikini.

  Sure, like that was going to work.

  Business partners, that’s all they were, but the sudden rush of heat through his body screamed a different message. He led the way down to the beach.

  A light breeze skimmed the water as they crossed onto the warm sand and spread out their towels. Was the blood zinging through his body from the hot sand? Or was it from Vanessa Randall in that damn blue bikini? How could a woman he’d been with only once four years ago make him so crazy?

  Maybe it was the “once” thing.

  “Gosh, this is so gorgeous.”

  “Yeah, pretty spectacular.” When Vanessa glanced over, he jerked his gaze to the lake.

  Good thing he had excellent peripheral vision. When she swept a clip from her dark hair, it fell just past her shoulders. He swallowed hard. Dark strands blew across her face, and she fingered them back. For a second, he felt like a man trapped in a sand storm, not knowing which way to turn. Time for a dip. “Ready?”

  She nodded, and they dashed for the shoreline, the damp sand a welcome relief. A carload of ice would have helped too. With the excited smile of a little girl, Vanessa jumped back when the first wave nicked her toes. Shoulders squeezed together, she stepped in with determination. He waded in behind her, liking the view.

  Finally, she looked glad to be here.

  “Race you to the sandbar!” Hitting the water with a shallow dive, Alex worked his arms in a slow crawl. He had to get his body under control. When he could see the sandy bottom again, he stood up. Vanessa was right behind him, doing a girly side stroke, long hair floating around her.

  “You look like a mermaid,” he called out.

  Her lips tilted into a pleased smile as she found her feet and stood up. The wet hair fanned over her shoulders. She flipped it back, and he welcomed the drops that hit him. “Gosh, this is so refreshing.”

  Her eyes were bluer than Lake Michigan. When she caught him staring, he swung his gaze to the horizon. Man, was he glad the water came up past his waist. “When I come in from Chicago, I head straight down to the beach.”

  “I’ll bet.” Was that regret in her voice?

  He faced her. “Look, you can come anytime. And bring your kid.”

  The smile froze on her face, and he wanted to kick himself. Hadn’t his mother taught him to use “kid” only when referring to a goat? “I mean, your little boy. Just give me a call first.”

  The frown stayed put, like it had been written with a Sharpie. No do-overs with Vanessa. Was it his comment about the kid or the call first? Could he help it if children had never been his thing? No cousins, no nieces or nephews. He didn’t even like to sit near children in restaurants. They were noisy and made a mess.

  Vanessa had gotten way too quiet, nibbling on that lower lip again.

  Slicing one hand through the water, he created a splash that made her squeal. “You sound just like Kate. You girls are all alike,” he teased as she sputtered.

  “Oh, are we?” Using both hands, she fought back. For a few minutes, they went at it—splashing, shouting and having a great time.

  “When you let loose, you really let it rip,” he finally gasped when they called a truce. Water dripped from his hair, and he tossed back his head.

  “Hey, I know how to have fun.” Her tone was defensive. Then she pulled into herself like a sea turtle. Her wet hair clung to her skull, amazingly sexy. Water beaded her body. That bikini clung like a second skin, not that he needed to be reminded about the details.

  God, she was gorgeous.

  Her eyes narrowed as he drew closer. “Vanessa, can we leave the past behind us, start fresh?”

  She pulled at her lower lip, lashes fanning over her cheeks in water-tipped peaks. “You’re right,” she finally said. “Let’s put Vegas behind us.”

  Drifting from the sandbar with a Mona Lisa smile, she headed back to the shore with measured strokes. Alex took off after her, slicing into the water with a crawl.

  Back on the beach, it took him a full ten minutes to talk her into staying for dinner. Rush hour traffic, the heat—he threw everything at her until she agreed. “Kate is sure to have some extra cutoffs or a dress in that closet,” he said. “She won’t mind.” Still, she seemed reluctant. Damn, she was so uptight.

  But that one night in Vegas, oh, that Vanessa Randall had been anything but proper. Hard to believe this was the same woman.

  Not easy, getting past Vegas.

  Maybe impossible.

  ~.~

  What would it hurt? Vanessa hated the Chicago rush hour traffic. In San Francisco, her job in IT sales had demanded way too much time on the highway. The broad lanes were intimidating. The drivers, impatient. Alex’s invitation was too tempting. When had she felt this relaxed? The beach, the water, and the setting sun were all so peaceful.

  Okay, the beach was also seductive. Mentally, she stomped on that word. Just no time for it. She was done. Heartache came with that word. Hadn’t Ethan taught her that much?

  A quick call to Jillian assured Vanessa that everything was fine back home. “Have some fun,” her sister encouraged her. “You never get out, and Grandpa's here. Besides, Alex is our backer. You need to build that business relationship.”

  “Right.” Did she hear a smile in Jillian’s voice?

  Alex directed her to the guest room. Going through Kate’s closet distracted her. Finally she found a soft chambray sundress with a full skirt that might make her look like Old M
other Hubbard, except for the tiny straps. At least the dress was more generous than Kate’s fitted sheaths. She hadn’t missed Alex’s interest in her bikini. Kind of a compliment, especially since she'd had Bo.

  When she returned to the kitchen, Alex was wielding a knife at the work counter. Sporting a blue polo shirt and plaid shorts with wet hair slicked back, he looked the part of the successful entrepreneur at home, dabbling in the kitchen. Red and green peppers were laid out in thick slices. A head of lettuce and bundle of asparagus sat next to the sink.

  Alex did a double take. “Don't think I've ever seen that dress before.”

  “Your sister probably wouldn't like to hear that.” She smoothed one hand over the full skirt. “Can I help?”

  “Maybe snap off the ends of the asparagus and rinse the lettuce,” he muttered, eyes on the spaghetti straps and scoop neckline. Reaching up, he opened a cupboard and pulled out plates.

  Since she was driving, Alex fixed her a tonic and lime and opened a bottle of red wine for himself. Then he brought out some flatbread crackers and brie while she worked on the veggies and asparagus. They worked as a team with disturbing ease. Eventually, they moved outside, and he fired up the grill.

  The breeze had died. Evening was settling in, and speedboats cut the lake’s still surface on their way into harbor. In the distance came the long, mournful whistle of a train. The Amtrak line ran along Red Arrow Highway, connecting Chicago to Detroit.

  While Alex grilled steaks, the sun slid toward the water. Below, some children tossed out chunks of bread for the birds. Gulls circled and swooped, squabbling over the free meal. So simple and such fun.

  Bo would love it. She fought the twinge of guilt.

  Sipping her drink and nibbling on crackers, she studied Alex working over the grill. If he used the word “kid” one more time, she'd scream. Still, his invitation was too tempting, and she considered bringing Bo some time. Alex wasn’t crossing any boundaries. Maybe her fears had been foolish.

  “Food’s ready,” Alex finally said, forking a steak onto each plate. Along with the grilled asparagus and peppers, he’d added some red-skinned potatoes to the metal grill basket. She’d sliced tomatoes and cucumbers into the salads. Everything smelled so fresh and tasted wonderful.