The next evening Laura and Trixie were sitting down to dinner when the phone rang. Grumbling, Laura reached for it. She hated having her dinner interrupted.
"Hello," she said flatly.
"Laura Stevenson?" an unfamiliar, female voice asked.
"Yes."
"This is Nancy Lopez, my daughter Rachel goes to school with Trixie?"
"Uh-huh," Laura eyed Trixie who was innocently searching for hidden onions. What had she done now?
"Well I saw the cake you made yesterday but I didn't have a chance to talk to you. Rachel will be eight next week and well, I was wondering what you would charge for a birthday cake."
Laura almost choked on her iced tea.
"Um, well, I don't really know. I haven't had a private practice for a while."
"Well, it doesn't need to be anything fancy. She really loves the Powerpuff Girls, so I was thinking of theming the party with that. Would that be difficult?"
"Probably not," Laura said slowly. Trixie occasionally watched the show..it was anime, she knew that much. . .she was thinking of the details already.
"Well, let me give you my number and you call me back if you want to do it. Rachel said it was the best cake she ever had and she was dying for one for her party."
"Um, ok," Laura felt like an idiot for her lack of words. Scribbling down the phone number she promised to call Mrs Lopez back within a day.
"Who was that?" Trixie asked, having determined there were no rogue onions in her soup.
"Rachel Lopez's mother. She wants me to make a cake for Rachel's birthday next week."
"Rachel is a snob," Trixie gulped down her tea.
"Really?"
"She never talks to anyone. She just sits at her desk and reads. When Mrs J calls on her she knows the answers but no one ever sees her read a school book. At recess she just disappears."
"Sounds more like she's shy than a snob," Laura replied.
"She gave me an iniation to her party," Trixie rummaged through her pockets and came up with the crumpled invite.
"Invitation," Laura corrected her as she read over it. "Well, her mother sounded nice. Do you want to go?"
Trixie shrugged. "Not if she's going to read."
"What do you do at recess Trix?" Laura asked. Trixie took another big gulp of her tea, dripping some down onto her blouse..
"Play with Luke and Shalena."
"Have you ever asked Rachel if she wanted to play with you?"
"No. Why would I?"
"Because it's the polite thing to do. She's probably very lonely."
"She should talk to people more," Trixie said indifferently. Laura's glare made her sigh.
"Ok I'll, ask her to play with us tomorrow."
* * *
Thursday afternoon, when Trixie got home from school, Laura was hunting through her closets, searching for something to wear on her date with Adam. She had new carpet on the way, a soft, thick, sapphire blue for her room. The paint was chosen, she just hadn't gotten to her room yet. Opposite the door was another door, leading to the backyard. A big, walk in closet off to the right, and a large window on the left. Laura's queen-sized bed was on the wall with the door, and she had purchased dark blinds for the windows. Sunlight was another favorite thing early in the morning. The dark oak dresser and vanity table with its big mirror were opposite the bed on the wall with the door. She had hung the full length mirror next to the closet. Framed posters of her favorite movie stars leaned against a wall, waiting to be placed on the walls.
Trixie sat on the bed watching in amusement.
"Ask Adrin. He'd know what his brother likes," she offered.
"Trixie you can't ask one brother what to wear on a date with the other brother. That's just. . .wrong."
"Yoohooo!!"
"In the back Mother!" Laura called.
She caught Sophie's iris-scented perfume before her mother appeared in the doorway.
"Hi Grammy!" Laura flung herself at Sophie.
"Hello dear. Laura what on earth are you doing?" Sophie sat on the large bed with Sophie.
"My date is tomorrow and I have no idea what to wear!" Laura eyed her mother's as usual well put together self, elegant hair and matching heels.
"Something sexy but not whoreish," Sophie said promptly. Laura rolled her eyes.
"Mother, I have eleven different chef jackets and pants sets. I have jeans, sweatshirts, sweaters and shorts. A couple dresses that probably don't even fit any more. None of that qualifies."
"Well maybe we should go shopping."
Laura sighed. She hated shopping. And with her mother it was an all day affair.
"Don't have time," she muttered, disappearing int the closet again. Ok she had her gray slacks..they were rather dressy...evaluate the sweaters...mid September, it was chilly. . .
"Gray slacks and green sweater?" she poked her head out the door.
"Slacks dear? On a first date?" Sophie was disapproving. Her lovely hands were smoothing down Trixie's hair.
"Mother I don't own any dresses. Work with me here."
"I vote for shopping."
"This is a gorgeous sweater. It's emerald green, look at the silver threads worked in-"
"Of course it's lovely dear but it's not. . .well. . ."
"Sexy?" Laura finished. Sophie grinned. Laura sighed.
"Fine. We'll go shopping."
* * *
Three and a half hours later the trio strolled out of Dillard's, a bagged dress over Laura's arm. Her mother had examined the cocktail dresses thoroughly, finally deciding on an indigo blue dress that fell almost to the knees. It had a soft, swishy skirt, a modest but not prudish v neckline that went up around the neck, but left her arms, shoulders and most of her back bare.
"Easy to slip out of," Sophie remarked saucily. Laura rolled her eyes but had to admit the dress was rather comfortable.
"Shows off that lovely waist you hide under those chef jackets," Sophie pointed out.
"It's kinda revealing isn't? I mean, most of my top half is kind of bare."
"You're a girl Laura. Try to show it sometimes," Sophie sighed. Priscilla had been much easier to dress as a child.
"Now do you have shoes? "
"I don't know. I think I have some black flats somewhere."
"Well, let's pick up a new pair. You've probably outgrown them," Laura didn't point out she had stopped growing at nineteen.
Sophie selected a pair of flats in a blue that almost matched the dress.
"Hose?"
"Uh. . ."
Sophie made a tsk-tsk noise and dragged the girls to the hosiery department. Trixie was having fun trying on shoes that were too big.
"These are soft." she announced, after running her hands over the hose samples
"Now, do you have a nice coat or just that old blue jacket you've been wearing for years?" Sophie asked. Laura sighed.
"I have the black suede and leather jacket you bought me for Christmas last year." Laura answered Sophie nodded approvingly.
"Excellent. Now what are you going to with your hair? "
"I'll figure it out tomorrow Mother. I can't take much more," Laura sighed.
"I can take a hint," Sophie chuckled.
* * *
Friday dawned bright and sunny and cold. After dropping Trixie off at school, Laura returned home to finish wall papering Trixie 's room. The youngster had been sleeping with her for the last couple days to avoid the fumes.
Since her brother had left her a large amount of money, she had invested some of it in the house. Buying it was a serious thought. Trixie's room now had kelly green carpet. Three of the walls would be wallpapered in a pink and ivory rose print, accented with green leaves and thin gold stripes. The fourth wall was ivory and plain. While Trixie shared her aunt's love for roses and had picked out the paper, she also had a passion for the color pink. Her twin bed had pink rose sheets and a matching comforter, lots of pink pillows and a pink canopy. It wasn't a particular shade of pink, any shade of pink. Trixie loved them all from bubblegum pink to deep magenta. Her framed posters were all of Harry Potter, her favorite book series. Laura indulged her obsession and Trixie's shelf was filled with Harry Potter paraphernalia.
Her bookcases were filled books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, CS Lewis, KA Applegate, the book episodes from Charmed and various other fantasy books. Laura did everything she could to encourage Trixie's imagination, though it seemed to know no bounds.
Humming to herself as hung the paper, hoping it was straight, the phone's shrill rang brought her back to reality. Reaching for Trixie's pink phone and stepped over the tray of water carefully.
"Hello?"
"Call me paranoid but I wanted to make sure you hadn't changed your mind about tonight," Adam's distinct accented voice came through the line. Laura laughed.
"Of course not." His voice made her tingle. He was a very attractive man, she thought, recalling those intense hazel eyes.
"Is six o'clock all right then? "
"Sure," she smiled, her heart rate increasing slightly.
"Excellent. I'll pick you up then."
Laura hung up smiling. Tonight would be a good night, she could feel it.
* * *
"Mother, you said you'd watch Trixie!"
"I don't think I should expose her to this Laura." Sophie's thick, congested voice was hard to hear.
"I'll just call Adam, and cancel," Laura sighed. Of all the lousy times for her mother to get sick!
"I'm sorry Laura."
"It's all right. I think he'll understand."
Laura hung up and sighed. The dress was laid out on her bed, she had chosen a thin gold chain and gold hoop earrings for all eight of her piercing, five on one ear, three on the other.
It occurred to her she didn't know how to reach Adam. She had Adrian's private number to his cell phone.
"Adrian Wingfield." His deep voice resonated into her ear, causing her to shiver.
"Adrian, it 's Laura." she said shyly.
"Laura hi! Hang on a just a second ok?"
"Sure."
When he came back she good hear him smiling.
"How 's my favorite tenant?"
"Well, I have a small problem."
"Name it and it'll be fixed within the hour."
"I need to reach Adam."
"Won't I do?" he asked, amused. Laura laughed, picturing the man's broad shoulders. Yeah, he could do. . .
"Well, I need to cancel our date tonight."
"Did you change your mind?" Adrian asked.
"No, Mother is sick and can't watch Trixie. I don't dare leave her alone."
"Hey I'll watch her." he offered immediately.
Laura bit her lip, twisting the phone cord around her finger.
"I couldn't ask you to do that. Surely you have plans."
"You didn't ask, I volunteered. And no, the only plans I had were to order a pizza and watch a movie."
"Are you sure? I mean, she's a handfull. . ."
"I can take her."
He sounded positively delighted, she thought.
"Ok, well, Adam is picking me up at six. "
"I 'll be a there a little ahead. Adam hates waiting," Adrian laughed.
"Adrian, you're a lifesaver. I owe you."
"Not at all."
Adrian stared at the phone in his hand, thinking about her. Why had he let Adam ask her out first?
* * *
"She usually goes to bed around nine, but Fridays I let her stay up as long as she wants."
"Trix and I'll have fun, won't we?" he winked at the tyke. She grinned and nodded, her usual pink hair ribbons bouncing in the dark curls.
"Trixie, no trouble tonight. Understand?" Laura asked. Trixie nodded solemnly.
The doorbell rang and Adrian turned to open it. Adam looked somewhat startled to see his brother there.
"Adrin 's gonna stay with me tonight," Trixie beamed.
"I'll tell you a secret," Adam motioned her over. Kneeling down he whispered in her ear and the child giggled.
"Ok."
"That better not be what I think it is," Adrian eyed his brother suspiciously who tried an innocent smile and failed.
Laura watched amused. When she had first opened the door for Adrian he just stared at her. She wore a simple headband to hold her hair back, the red waves flowing over her shoulders. A little bit of makeup, lipstick, nothing elaborate. The hose were somewhat uncomfortable but the shoes fit nicely.
"You look beautiful," Adrian finally managed.
"Thanks," she had answered awkwardly.
Adam eyed her, obviously pleased.
"You look ravishing."
"Thanks." She could feel the blush creeping up her face.
"Come see my room. Laura finished it!" Trixie grabbed Adrian by the hand and was pulling him away.
"Have fun kids!" Adrian waved cheerfully as he followed Trixie. Adam turned to Laura to help her with her coat.
"Ready?"
"Sure," she smiled nervously, her heart fluttering. "What did you tell Trixie?"
"Adrian is extremely ticklish," he smiled wickedly as he held the door for her.
* * *
Adam was apparently well known at the restaurant and they were escorted to a small table, set slightly away from the rest of the diners. A waiter appeared almost immediately to take a drink order.
Adam ordered a glass of wine but Laura shyly just ordered tea. These days she didn't hold her liquor very well and becoming inebriated was not in her plans for tonight.
Laura tried to study Adam without staring. He wore an eternal slight smile on his face, a cross between amused and delighted with something. His penetrating eyes never left her and she could feel herself turning red under his scrutiny.
After ordering an appetizer of Artichokes and Oysters in Champagne Vinaigrette, there was that awkward pause of first dates.
"Why do you smile so much?" she finally asked. His smile grew and she could see his eyes twinkling at her.
"I always smile in the company of a beautiful lady."
Laura sipped her tea, trying not to laugh.
"Actually, I've found that a constant state of amusement at the world makes the days go by much better."
Laura grinned at him. "I have Trixie. She's plenty of amusement."
"I bet. Tell me more about her."
Laura sipped her tea. Both men seemed more interested in her niece than her.
"Well, she's always been precocious. My brother had told me that. George didn't really believe in much discipline, so she did what she wanted, kind of ran loose. Her mother died in childbirth and he pretty much let her run wild. Most of what I know about her, I've only learned since she's been with me."
Adam let himself be wrapped in her soft, seductive voice as she talked. That rich voice told him what it would be like to make love to her.
"So what about you?" she asked. "You and Adrian don't really look much alike."
"Yes, well, there's a reason for that." That smile was back. "He's my half brother. We have different mothers."
Laura nodded, not sure whether she should pursue that line of conversation.
"My father divorced my mother when I was a baby, after she took off. Adrian's mother raised me mostly, and I call her Mom."
"Are they all still alive?"
"My mother? I don't know. She never bothered to contact me after she left. When we were younger, Adrian and I used to speculate the old man had her whacked," he sipped his wine. "He died six years ago. Liver cancer from too much alcohol. Mom - Adrian's mother that is - lives in Los Angeles. She calls regularly and we go visit her several times a year."
"That's good. I don't know my father. He left when I was really small."
"I was curious, since I've only met your mother."
"Yeah he took off after I was born. Mother and my grandparents raised me. Seems no one sticks around long in my family."
He wasn't sure how to interpret the expression on her face.
The waiter appeared for their order, bring their appetizer. Adam ordered the Adobo Beef Tenderloin with Tomatillo Relish; Laura the Braised Chicken with potatoes and Arugula.
Laura noted with appreciation the silent manner in which the waiter moved, keeping both glasses full, whisking away a plate as soon as it was empty.
"Your accent is very faint but I'm sure it's British," she said. He nodded.
"Yorkshire, England. Father did a brief stint in the military and ended up in England. He said he met my mother in bar one night and fell madly in love. They got married, she got pregnant, had me and vanished." Adam sipped his wine. "A year later he met Adrian's mother and fell in love with her too. He married her when she got pregnant and they lived rather happily as far as I can remember. The old man started drinking too much after he retired and turned the business over to me. They divorced about ten years ago. Mom couldn't take his rages."
"I'm sorry," Laura said quietly, touching his hand. He held her hand as he smiled at her.
"I accepted it years ago. She raised me as well as Adrian and never made me feel like an outsider just because I wasn't really her son. She's Mother to me still."
"That's really sweet."
"As for the accent, we spent the first half of our lives in England. Father finished with the military but stayed over there. We came back when I was about seventeen to Denver, which is where Father was from. Mother moved to LA for the better weather." his green eyes were so focused, she thought, so clear.
"When did you take over the business?" she asked, sipping her tea.
"I think I was twenty-three. It was right after the divorce. Losing Mother sent Father into a downward spiral and he couldn't run it. Adrian was in college at Oxford and I was as always good with numbers. So he named me CEO and I talked Adrian into partnering with me when he finished school."
"What did Adrian major in?" she asked, curious. Adam's lips twitched into a smile.
"He'd kill me if I told you."
"Ok now I'm really curious," she smiled. He smiled back, the icy wall around his heart starting to thaw.
"Shakespearean acting."
"You're kidding," Laura started laughing. Adam shook his head.
"Nope. He was always a Romantic, I think there was a girl involved somewhere but he never said for sure."
Laura just shook her head, picturing Adrian on stage as Puck.
"How is it you're not married?" she asked. "I thought all the corporate moguls married and had two perfect children."
A shadow flicked over his handsome features.
"I was married once. It didn't work out."
"Do you mind if I ask what happened?"
"She was having an affair with one of my attorneys."
"I'm sorry," she said softly.
"I found out a couple months after the wedding. I annulled the marriage, fired him, and he is currently disbarred for unethical actions."
Laura made a mental note not to cross Adam.
"No children?"
"No, thankfully. We had planned to wait a few years before starting a family. I was so involved with the company's day to day operations I wouldn't have been around enough to help care for a baby."
"Its good that you realized that early on. Getting Trixie made some serious alterations on my lifestyle."
"Do you want more children?" he asked. Laura shrugged.
"I don't know. I think I'm too young. And Trixie takes up most of my attention. Without a father figure around I have my hands full with her. I was never very fond of kids."
"Me neither. Though some day I would like to have my own family. Before I get too old." he smiled and Laura grinned back.
The night wore on Laura didn't want it end. Adam was so attentive, so kind. . .and sexy. She really hoped this was the first of many dates.
* * *
The piercing green eyes studied Laura closely as they stood on her porch.
"Would you like to come in?" she asked shyly.
"I fear that would be too forward of me. Besides, Trixie should be in bed and I don't want to disturb her."
Laura thought that was an odd response. Maybe he just wasn't interested after all. Dinner had gone well, she thought, reading his face. For an split second he is facade cracked and she realized the gorgeous entrepreneur was suddenly vulnerable. He wouldn't kiss her then, she thought sadly.
"Laura, I have to go to Geneva tomorrow but when I get back I would like to see you again." The smooth exterior was back. Adam was in control again.
"I'd like that. I had a great time," she smiled up at him, willing her to kiss her. She just couldn't make the first move.
"Myself as well," he touched her cheek lightly with a leather gloved hand.
Laura's heart began to pulse as he tilted her chin up. She closed her eyes as his lips touched hers gently, sending her stomach into back flips. Slowly he pulled her to him, one hand on her chin, the other arm around her. When they pulled apart, Laura's gray eyes were wide with a mixture of feelings.
"Too fast?" he asked. She shook her head.
"Not at all," she managed to get out. He smiled faintly.
"Good. I'll call you as soon as I get back?"
"Ok," she smiled at him again, suddenly she as she found her keys in her coat pocket. Adam waited until she was inside before he strolled back to his Lexus.
Laura shut the door behind her and turned to an odd scene before her.
Trixie's toys were scattered around the room as usual but Adrian was stretched out on the couch, sound asleep. Curled up next to him, the afghan thrown over them both, tucked in Adrian's protective embrace was Trixie, sleeping peacefully. The tv was still on but the volume low.
For a moment Laura was struck by the resemblance between the pair. Trixie could have been his with the curly dark hair. She certainly had taken to him. While she didn't think Adrian resembled her brother, Adrian's coloring was very similar.
Laura smiled to herself. It was a cozy picture and she briefly wondered what it would be like to lie in those strong arms, next to that muscled torso.
Withholding her laughter, Laura couldn't believe she was thinking about Adrian when Adam's kiss had left her weak in the knees.
Removing her coat, Laura tossed it on the recliner. Knowing Trixie could sleep through a war, Laura gently lifted her niece. Adrian's eyes opened instantly.
"Hi., he gave her a sleepy, incredibly sexy smile.
"Good morning," she smiled, shifting Trixie's weight for easier carrying.
Adrian had been dreaming about Laura, and there she was, his redheaded angel, standing before him, cheeks flushed-from the cold he hoped- smiling down at him.
"I didn't realize I had dozed off."
"It's ok, she did too," Laura answered.
"Here, I'll take her," he got up quickly and took the girl. Laura noted how his black and white sweater hugged his chest.
Carrying Trixie to her room, he deposited her gently on the bed and watched as Laura removed her shoes and tucked the blanket around her. Turning on a balloon night light, she slipped out the door, leaving it open a crack and bumping against Adrian in the hall. His strong hands were against the small of her back to steady her.
"It's easier to just let her sleep in her clothes than try to change her," she whispered, acutely aware of how close they were to each other.
"Understandable. She's like a rock." There came that incredible smile and suddenly Laura pressed against him kissing him eagerly, her hands running through his silky long hair. He held her tight, ravaging her exposed flesh with his lips.
Laura blinked suddenly and was grateful for the dimness of the hall so he couldn't see how furiously she was blushing. How could she have fantasized about him like that? She had just left his brother! He hadn't touched her except to help her keep his balance, though his hands were lingering on her waist.
If Adam's kiss had weakened her legs, what would Adrian's do? She wondered.
Shyly she pulled away from his hold. As they returned to the living room, Laura could feel those dark eyes on her.
"Did you have fun?" she asked.
"Oh yeah. Loads. She's a great kid. We played the Harry Potter game thing she has and we had a tea party."
"You went to one of her tea parties?" Laura asked, amused by the thought of the big man drinking punch from the dainty pink cups, surrounded by stuffed animals.
"Did you know Miss Gabby has sailed around the world four times?" he responded, his deep eyes twinkling as they returned to the living room.
Laura giggled, all too familiar with Trixie's tales of adventures for her dolls.
"Did you enjoy my brother's attention?" he asked cautiously. Laura nodded as she sat on the couch, elegantly tucking her legs under her. Adrian tried not to stare at the long, supple legs tucked so daintily under her. The auburn hair was gleaming in the soft yellow light of the room and Adrian was fighting the urge to pull her against him and kiss her silly.
"Yes, I did. Adam is a real gentleman. Much. . .warmer than I thought."
"Really?" Adrian was genuinely surprised. His brother had a reputation with women of being a perfect gentleman and able to seduce the Holy Virgin herself, but not warm.
"Yeah, for a corporate mogul he was just so. . .warm. It was really nice."
"Well I'm glad you had fun," Adrian forced a cheery tone. "I should go. I need to be up early."
"On Saturday?" Laura asked.
"Yeah well, with Adam leaving again there's some paperwork I need to take care of," he was slipping his long coat on.
Laura sensed his mood change. She had been hoping he would stay a while for coffee, she missed adult companionship. Conversations with Trixie were rather limited. Dessa might be up she thought. They had gone to lunch a couple times while Luke and Trixie were in school.
"Ok," she hid her disappointment. She walked with him to the door.
"Adrian, are you sure you're all right?" she asked, leaning against the door. The smile he gave her was forced, and she saw the sadness behind it.
"Peachy keen," he winked at her and was gone into the night.
Laura stood against the closed door for a moment, thinking. Clearly something was beginning with Adam. . .so where did that leave Adrian?
* * *
The next morning Laura woken by the fragrance of cooking bacon. Fearing the worst with Trixie she threw back the covers and leapt up, racing to the kitchen.
"Mother," she slumped against the wall, heart pounding.
"Trixie was up so we decided to make breakfast," Sophie beamed.
"Where is Trixie?"
"Watching cartoons. She set the table."
Laura pushed her red hair back with a sigh. "I thought she was in here cooking. And you're entirely too cheerful this early."
"Well, I had to hear all about your date last night."
"He's very nice," Laura sipped her orange juice. "Very gentlemanly. I had a good time."
"Good time? That doesn't sound too exciting."
"What do you want me to say? He brought me home, threw me against the wall and ravaged me?"
"Did he?" Sophie raised one eyebrow.
"No, not that it's any of your business," Laura blushed slightly at the thought of either Wingfield brother naked.
Sophie studied her daughter, noting the tousled, long red waves cascading over her shoulders, against the shimmery peach satin pajamas. Bright red socks covered the long, slender feet but Sophie knew her daughter's toenails were polished, more than likely a similar peach to her pajamas.
"That's a shame. Being ravaged by either of those men could prove to be wicked fun," Sophie laughed. Laura rolled her eyes as she sat at her place. Though not a chef, Sophie still made the best pancakes around.
"Trixie, breakfast!" Sophie called as she set a plate in front of Laura, heaped with pancakes and bacon.
"That 's too much Mother. You know I don't eat a lot."
"Hmmph." was Sophie's answer. Laura sighed. She qualified as a "big girl", standing at a full six feet in height, her weigh fluxuating between 185 and 200. Built like the pinup and movies stars of the thirties and forties, she loathed phrases like "big boned". She had battled her weight through most of her childhood, qualifying as "plump" for most of it. Her oldest sister Priscilla had always been tall and bone thin and loved to rub Laura's weight in her face.
As a result, Laura tried to watch she ate, always feeling the urge to lose just another ten pounds. Priscilla's lifelong taunting had sent her on a rough course through prescription and over the counter diet pills, paranoia about her weight, and starvation. Laura had never been able to make herself throw up or she would have tried it too.
Trixie bolted into the kitchen.
"Mornin' Laura," she scrambled into her chair, tucked a napkin into her shirt and dove into her pancakes, smothering them with blackberry jam. A big blop of jelly promptly fell on her shirt.
Laura was swallowing her first bite when the doorbell rang.
"Who the hell is that on Saturday morning?" she grumbled.
"Manners dear," Sophie called as she went to answer it.
"Lack of manners are excusable on Saturday mornings!" Laura called after her. Seconds later, Laura heard two male voices and knew who was at the door. Cursing her luck, she tried to smooth her hair down, knowing it was a futile attempt. She had barely enough time to make sure she had no jam on her face before the brothers Wingfield appeared behind Sophie.
"I have plenty of batter. Please, join us," Sophie said warmly.
"Adrin!" Trixie hopped off her chair. "Come sit with me!"
Adrian winked at Laura as he sat in Trixie's place. She instantly climbed into his lap to finish her breakfast.
Laura smiled weakly at the brothers as Adam sat next to her. Hoping her pajamas were presentable, she was pleased to see them really.
"We were in the neighborhood and thought we'd see if you girls wanted to go to breakfast. I don't have to leave until later this afternoon I discovered." Adam said quietly.
"Well, that's good. As for breakfast, well, join us." Laura said sheepishly, feeling warm under his gaze.
Both brothers were trying not to stare at her in her pajamas, which hinted at the body under them. Each had their own thoughts and they were fairly similar. Neither man could take his eyes from her. Each wanted to wake up next to her, see her lovely face flushed after a night of passion, that wild hair spread across the pillow.
"Mother's pancakes are the best," she smiled at them.
"Ya gotta put lots of berry jam on them," Trixie instructed Adrian.
"So I see," he eyed the jam stains on her shirt and face. Adam watched Trixie for a minute, wishing it was he that she adored. He had never wanted children and his first marriage left him gun shy of relationships. Yet the moment he met Laura and Trixie, he felt the urge for a family. He wasn't comfortable with children, he couldn't play with them the way Adrian did, especially the whole tea party thing. What did a seven year old girl do?
"Ya gotta do it like this." she was swirling the back of the spoon over his pancakes, leaving a thick layer of jam on the top pancake. Laura and Sophie watched in amusement, and Adam wanted those seductive gray eyes of Laura's on him.
Sophie watched both men closely as she joined them the table. It was clear to her both men were smitten with her youngest daughter, Trixie liked them both but clearly preferred Adrian. Children of his and Laura's would be stunning. So would a child by Adam. Sophie still wasn't sure which brother she preferred for Laura. But she knew the relationships with the Wingfield brothers were just beginning.
to be continued
