She laughed. “You don’t give up, do you?”
“Not with you, because you want to go with me. How’s seven tonight?” He leaned closer. “We’ll make it a short, early evening and do whatever you’d like to do. If I promise again no discussion about Michael and my dad, how’s that? Now a yes,” he said.
“Yes, against wisdom and caution.”
“We have unfinished business.”
“You promised—” she started to say.
“I’m not referring to Michael or Dad,” he said.
Their waiter approached and Nick released her hand, watching her while green salads were placed in front of them.
Through lunch, Nick flirted and charmed and she forgot the problems for moments at a time until she would realize how much she responded to Nick. Each hour spent with him made her want to be with him even more. In spite of knowing that, she craved the excitement he brought into her life. Women could not resist him and in too many ways, she was no different from the others. She had capitulated easily to his dinner offer. She couldn’t believe their time together meant anything to him except a means to get Michael. For her it was one more unforgettable evening instead of a few quiet hours playing with Michael and then spending the remaining time going over books for work. Just once more and then a firm, unyielding refusal. Could she really stick to that plan when Nick turned on the charm?
“I would like to talk about Michael now, though.” Nick reached across the table to grip her hand again and her heart skipped a beat. His hand was warm, enveloping hers, causing havoc with her nerves.
“There really isn’t anything to get to. My feelings haven’t changed.”
“Listen to me,” Nick urged quietly. “You’ve been logical, not too emotional over this issue. Just come meet my dad and let him see and hold his grandson.” Dark brown eyes bored into her while his thumb ran back and forth over her wrist, creating distracting flutters.
“How simple you make it sound,” she said, her voice breathless, almost a whisper.
“It’s harmless, Grace. My father is very ill. His heart is in bad shape and he’s getting more frail. At least let him meet Michael and hold his grandson. Is that too much to ask?”
She withdrew her hand from Nick’s. “You make it sound so easy, yet I always remember Alicia and her wishes.”
“Alicia dealt with Bart. That’s a whole different issue. Don’t punish my father for stupid, cruel things my brother did.”
“Your father could have stepped in.”
“At the time my father knew nothing about Bart’s rejection. Christmas is approaching—the season of giving. It’s going to be damn bleak for my father. Bring the baby over and meet my dad and let him satisfy himself just seeing Michael. I’m not asking to take Michael or change his name or anything else right now. Just let Dad see him and hold him. Give him this, Grace.”
She looked away, torn by Nick’s plea and aware that she couldn’t be that selfish over Michael, yet fearing the Raffords’ power and Nick’s ulterior motives. She thought about Michael and how much he resembled Nick. Once Eli Rafford saw the baby, he would never want to let him go because of that resemblance. To Eli, Michael would be Nick all over again. She was certain the remarkable resemblance would make a difference in Eli’s attitude.
“Once your father sees Michael, he will never want to let him go.”
“Grace, my father’s days may be limited. He isn’t well. He can’t take Michael from you. This is only a meeting. I promise,” Nick added quietly.
She looked into unfathomable brown eyes that told her nothing. This man had a reputation for being ruthless in business. Was she being naive, gullible and taken in by a charmer who had plotted every move to take Michael from her?
“We can make it short,” Nick added.
“All right, Nick,” she said, staring at him intently. There was no change in his expression, reminding her that he could hide his emotions completely.
“Thank you for agreeing. You’ll see how much it means to him.”
“You better keep your word.”
“I’ve promised. Don’t be so fearful. It’ll be all right. My father can’t take your baby and if you’re worried that I’ll try to talk you into marriage, I have no intention of bringing either a wife or a baby into my life. My freedom is important and, at this point, I don’t care to become a daddy. I’ll make the arrangements. When will you be free?”
She pulled her phone and checked her calendar. “I’m booked solid since it’s getting so close to Christmas. I can turn the parties over to Jada either Thursday afternoon or Friday afternoon.”
“I’ll make arrangements with Dad for Thursday afternoon,” Nick said.
“I should get back to the office. You’ve gotten everything you want, so we can go now,” she said with a sharp note in her voice.
“Not everything.”
