All or Nothing at All(30)

How she had loved this man with every part of her being. She shook with the need to make contact but knew the rules must be set to chart the course. Temptation didn't matter. If they gave in to their physical cravings to stroll down memory lane, it could destroy them both.

She reached deep for strength and followed the conversation through. "You need to know nothing has changed, Tristan. This is business. I'm not interested in dredging up the past or scratching any itches."

"Neither am I. I'm talking about something more. Something brand-new." His eyes glittered with shards of gold. "I've been thinking about that damn kiss, and I know you have, too."

Her breath came out in uneven bursts. The memory of those carved lips over hers was stamped in her brain. The rush of his warm breath, the thrust of his hot tongue claiming her as his, the glorious strength of his arms holding her tight as he devoured her on his own terms. Damn him. He couldn't rip away her life twice. Once was enough, and playing this dangerous game threatened to steal her very sanity.

She avoided the question and concentrated on her frustrated fury. "We both have an opportunity to work on something important, and I refuse to let a fit of lust ruin my chance. I have a daughter to think of, and a life I built on my own. So, no, Tristan, I have no desire to revisit the past or move forward with you. There's too much at stake for me to blow it up for a quick roll in the hay."

"It would never be quick. And I'd never let it affect the work."

The confident, masculine response weakened her knees. He'd always been a controlled, demanding lover who liked to be in charge-and didn't believe in the quickie. She was so glad she was sitting. "I need you to back off and respect my wishes. I can't-I can't do this with you again." She lifted her chin and met his stare head-on. "Ever."

The flash of regret was gone so quickly she'd probably imagined it. He nodded quickly, then stood. "We'd better head back."

They walked back to the car in the same silence they'd begun with.


Because of rush hour, construction, and an accident that blocked up a lane on 287, they reached Harrington hours past their ETA. Most of the drive had been spent discussing the project and making a preliminary list of things to accomplish. After their walk back from the park, Tristan had steered the conversation toward business to keep the peace. He'd forgotten how nice it was to talk shop with a woman. Sydney had always been sharp, but watching her take charge and exhibit ambition simply turned him on. 

He kept wondering what she'd be like once he dragged her back into bed.

Dangerous thoughts, especially since she had made her intentions well-known. At least her intentions not to sleep with him.

"We're so late," she said. Her foot shook nervously over her crossed leg. "What time is it?"

"Almost eight. Got big plans for the evening?"

"Yep. I have to pick up my dress from the cleaner's and head back to the city for the Met Gala. Then I made a cocktail date afterward on top of the Marriott Marquis."

"I sense sarcasm."

She rolled her eyes. "You sense right. Such is the plight of the single mom. I have to get up early tomorrow and get my oil changed in the car, grocery shop, pick up extra tights at Target, do laundry, and get to a dance recital at night."

"For Becca?"

"No, it's my debut at the Paramount Theater."

"I sense much anger within you."

A strangled laugh escaped her lips. "Sorry, I'm stressed. I get bitchy sometimes."

"Wow, and I thought I was busy. Now I feel like a slug. I can't even seem to get to my workout with Raven's trainer without bitching, and I only have to take care of myself."

"And you said yes?" she practically screeched. "Xavier is legendary. What if you damage yourself?"

Disgust laced his voice. "Dalton manages. I think I'm just as equipped."

"Dalton's younger."

"You're right. You are bitchy when you're stressed."

He enjoyed the sound of her laugh, open and infectious. She didn't laugh as much around him anymore. She was too buttoned up and afraid to show any emotion.

"Dalton's never babysat this long for Becca before."

"I'm sure they're both fine. There's never been a female Dalton couldn't handle."

He pulled into the winding pathway of the Pierce family mansion and cut the engine. The glow of headlights flashed on the two giant figures perched in perfect stillness, flanking the massive door.

Sydney sucked in a breath. "Oh, no, what should we do?"

He considered the problem, but even now, he watched their twin bodies shake with suppressed emotion. They rose to full height, which was intimidating as hell, since they reached all the way to his shoulders. Their muscles were brutal and built to withstand any type of attack.