That evening Laura was pouring over the paint samples for her room. The living room had been done first, once she realized she would have regular company.
"I like that one." Trixie pointed to a pale blue that almost bordered on green.
"It's pretty but look at the border I have. See how it's almost too much green?" Laura pointed out. Trixie nodded. Laura had found a blue rose pattern border that matched the one in Trixie's room, even with the gold striping.
"Then that one. There's pieces of it in the paper." Trixie moved to the third sample.
"You're right kiddo." Laura tousled the dark curls. "Good eye."
The bathroom had been finished earlier in the week, thick dark green carpet, a dark green, soft shower curtain, the walls a pale peach. The towels were all dark green and pale peach, and Laura had even set out a show dish of peach and green little soaps for amusement. The bright pink toothbrush in the holder was of course Trixie's. Trixie had picked out a blue one for Laura the last time they bought them.
"Laura, d'you like Adrin?" Trixie asked suddenly.
"Yes, I do. He's a very nice man."
"Why did you go out with Adam then?" she asked. Laura thought carefully, taking a sip of her hot chocolate.
"I like Adam a lot too. Adam is very sweet."
"I like Adrin better."
"Adrian is very playful isn't he?" Laura said absently, her thoughts alternating between the brothers. Both had such intense eyes. . .intense but different. . .Laura wondered how much of their father each man had in them.
"He's like Daddy." Trixie picked up a red crayon and began coloring.
"How so?" she asked. The psychologist had said Trixie would talk about George when she was ready. Maybe Adrian would bring that out.
"He kinda looks like him but he acts like him. Like I'm special."
"You are special Trix." Laura sat next to her niece.
"Daddy promised me he would always take care of me, and if anything ever happened to him, that you would. He didn't want me with Aunt Silly."
Aunt Silly? Oh Priscilla. . .
"Why not?" she asked. Probably because Priscilla was a vain, selfish bitch who didn't know how to love.
"He never said. Just said go to Aunt Laura. She'll take care of you. I don't think he liked Silly much."
No one did, but Laura wouldn't say that out loud.
"And Adrian reminds you of him?"
"Yep. Especially when he tosses me up and zooms me around the room."
Laura filed that bit of information away in her head.
"Adrian must be pretty strong to lift such a big girl."
"He is. He's got lots of muscles."
Laura's lips twitched at naughty thought. She really needed to call Dessa. She needed a woman friend to talk to.
As Trixie colored, Laura's thoughts wandered. Adam had said he'd be back by Monday. She was looking forward to seeing him again. It had been a long time since she had been in a relationship, and she was hesitant to get involved, but at the same time, something told her she would not be disappointed.
* * *
Sunday, both girls slept late and Laura helped Trixie with her spelling homework. Spelling had never been a problem with Trixie, she read so much she had a huge vocabulary for the seven year old. The area was Trixie suffered was math, and Laura wasn't much help to her. Artistic gifts ran in the family, math did not. In fact, Priscilla was the only one Laura knew of that was any good at numbers. She was also the only logical one and the lone non-artist.
"These are boring words." Trixie announced as they finished.
"I know honey. Let's start on that math."
Trixie made a face. Laura dreaded the day Trixie got into high math in high school. She'd have to hire a tutor. Laura was barely able to a balance her checkbook and before George's money she had creditors all over her in Dallas and a warrant out at one point for bounced checks. Even with a good salary from the Hyatt Regency as a certified chef, money ran through her hands like water. Especially after she loaned *him* money.
"Ok, what do we have today. Ooo, little bit of everything," Laura eyed that page. This was simple math that she could manage.
Trixie picked up her pencil and studied the problem in front of her. Laura's thoughts wandered back to Adam. What kind of place did he and Adrian have? She knew it was one of the mansions a few streets over but how was it decorated? How did two single important business men live?
The doorbell ringing interrupted her thoughts.
Upon answering it she was stunned to see a young man holding a large bouquet of ivory roses. The most stunning roses she had ever seen, she he immediately recognized the Ecuadorian variety by the size. Each one was the a dark ivory the tips a lighter shade. Wrapped in ivory tissue paper she saw the card sticking out.
"Ms Laura Stevenson?" the boy asked.
"That's me." she stared at the flowers.
"These are for you."
"Thank you," Laura took them awkwardly stunned. "Wait - let me tip you."
"No need ma'am. All taken care of." he tipped his cap to her and turned around and walked back to his delivery van.
"OO! Those are pretty! Are they from Adrin?" Trixie asked.
"I don't know." He had brought her peach roses a couple times since the first batch, "just because" he said with that adorable, seductive smile. But these were a different variety of rose and color.
Pulling out the card, Laura's eyes scanned it. The handwriting slanted right but printed neatly was, *This was as close as I could find to match your pajamas. Looking forward to seeing you. Adam*
"Oh, they're from Adam." Trixie said.
"I thought you liked Adam."
"I do. But I think Adrin likes you too."
"I think you better get back to that math missy. I'll put these in water."
Laura inhaled them as she walked to the kitchen. What a lovely scent. . .and gesture. Adam definitely was interested, she thought happily, searching for a vase.
* * *
"Complete background on one Laura Mae Stevenson, sir."
"Thank you." Adam took the file. Setting it on the seat next to him, he stared at the label. Impersonal. Invasion of privacy? Laura probably would not appreciate him looking into her background. It wasn't that he didn't trust her; it was that she was occupying his thoughts an amazing amount of the time, he wanted to know everything about her. All night he had dreamed of her. On the plane he couldn't concentrate on the business deal in front of him. Her gray eyes, that sensuous pink mouth. Thousand watt smile.
Opening his briefcase he slid the file in. He'd read it later. He wanted to know Laura by her own admission, not by prying.
* * *
"So you have a second date with her?" Adrian asked. Adam nodded as he tossed his bag on his bed.
"Yes, tomorrow night."
"She described you as warm." Adrian said. Adam raised one eyebrow.
"And you're surprised?"
"Adam, hostile takeovers are like a second nature to you. I've seen you make grown men weep as you took their companies away. 'Warm' is not a word used often in reference to you."
Adam unpacked his bag thoughtfully, setting his shoes on the king sized waterbed.
"There's something about her Adrian. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I just felt. . .something. I've never experienced anything like it."
"Not even with Sarah?"
Adam scowled. "Don't mention her. And no, not even with her. When I was with Laura the other night, I felt. . .alive."
"She's a beautiful woman." Adrian said quietly. Adam turned to his brother.
"Are you still interested in her?"
"I won't deny I'm attracted to her. I adore Trixie too."
"The kid is sweet. Do you want to pursue her?"
"Trixie's a little young for me." Adrian quipped. Adam smiled indulgently.
"Adrian, if you are interested in Laura-"
"She's all yours Adam. But if it doesn't work out, I'm moving in."
"Fair enough." the brothers shook hands.
* * *
"Hi, sorry I'm late." Dessa slid into the booth across from Laura.
"Don't worry. I wasn't exactly on time myself." Laura smiled at her. She had called Dessa earlier in the week to set up a lunch appointment, needing conversation with someone other than a seven year old, and Dessa was close to her in age.
As they talked, Laura learned Dessa's parents had died in a drunk driving accident, having been hit by a large SUV. They had been on their way home from a movie, where Dessa was babysitting Luke. After identifying her parents bodies, Dessa had entered in a court battle for custody of Luke, as her parents will stated. The state had tried to claim Dessa wasn't able to support the two of them, so her elderly grandfather arranged for them to live him. Dessa had been awarded temporary custody of Luke. Dessa had a business degree but since moving back to Denver, hadn't had much time to search for a job; between taking care of Luke and her grandfather.
"Sounds like you got the goods." Dessa smiled. "Rich, handsome, clearly adores you."
"Yeah, Adam is great. So is Adrian too, really. They're a wonderful pair of brothers. Never met anyone like them. They don't look or act a whole lot alike but it's hard to imagine one without the other."
"Peas in a pod. Well, I'd love to meet either one if he's single." Dessa giggled. Laura's eyes lit up.
"That's a great idea! I'll introduce you to Adrian and we can double date. I bet he'd like Luke, he loves kids. And Trixie adores him."
"God knows Luke could use a male figure around. Grandfather just doesn't quite do much for himself these days."
"I'll talk to Adrian tonight." Laura grinned at her new friend. Dessa was young, pretty and smart...surely he'd jump at the offer.
Dessa had been studying her friend closely. While she seemed almost embarrassed but pleased when she spoke of Adam, there was a sparkle that came into those gray eyes when she mentioned Adrian.
"You sure? Sound like they both like you. You might end up having to choose." she teased lightly. Laura shook her head.
"Nah. Adrian is just a friend. I think it's Trixie he really likes. But you know, Friday night we're all having pizza. Why don't you and Luke join us? Informal setting to meet Adrian."
"Oh no, I don't want to intrude." Dessa shook her dark head, her multiple pairs of silver earrings jangling slightly.
* * *
Dessa watched Adrian for about two minutes and knew she didn't have a prayer of a chance to win his affection. Gorgeous, friendly, and smitten with Laura, just as Adam was. It was all in the expressions.
Trixie had insisted on playing her Harry Potter games. Adrian had read the series just to make her happy, and Laura of course knew them by heart. Dessa and Luke were familiar with them as well, leaving Adam as the only non-informed player. He was on Laura's team, against Trixie and Luke, and Dessa and Adrian were the third team. Adam made a mental note to either read the books or have someone fill him in on them.
* * *
Sophie arrived to watch Trixie as Laura dressed for her second date with Adam, dinner and a movie. Ignoring her mother, she choose her gray dress slacks and a pale blue sweater that was thick and warm and her favorite.
"Have fun." Sophie winked. She was thoroughly prepared to spend the night if Laura didn't come home until late. And Sophie hoped Laura wouldn't. A little late night romance would do her daughter some good. The way Adam looked at her daughter would set any woman on fire.
* * *
Adam followed Laura inside, shutting the door tightly behind them.
"I can't believe I forgot how cold it gets here!" Laura laughed softly. The lights were off except for one small lamp in the front room. Trixie and Sophie were evidently asleep.
"Shall I take you to the Bahamas next week?" Adam asked. Laura giggled, her cheeks flushed from the cold.
"No, thank you. I'll survive." she smiled up at him as he drew closer and kissed her gently. The room spun as she closed her eyes, shyly letting him hold her close.
"Thank you." she managed, when he finally pulled away.
"For?" his finger traced her lips.
"Tonight."
"You're very welcome. I want to get to know you Laura. You're the most fascinating woman I've met in a long time."
"You're very nice." she said lamely, not sure how to answer. Adam's eyes flicked away for a second then he smiled.
"Don't be afraid of me Laura."
"I'm not." she whispered, wanting to kiss him. As if he heard her, Adam held her tighter and kissed her again. Laura wrapped her arms around his neck this time, relaxing.
"I'm going before this goes too fast because you're are enchantingly beautiful tonight." he murmured. Laura couldn't answer, just nodded. A final kiss on her forehead and he left. Laura leaned against the door, trying to get her knees back. Only her shyness kept her from dragging him to her room. That and her mother was probably asleep in there.
While rinsing her make up off, Laura noticed the flush to her cheeks. From Adam or the cold? Changing into her pjs she crawled into bed next to her mother and fell asleep.
* * *
Adam entered the big house to find it quiet. The servants were apparently asleep, Adrian's cars were in the garage so he was here somewhere.
Laura Stevenson had been on his mind all night, from the second he left. He had fought the urge to take her to bed; he doubted she would have resisted. But he knew she was easing into this relationship; she had told him as much and he didn't want to scare her. But those big gray eyes of hers haunted him, he kept feeling those soft lips against his. The entire soft body pressed against his.
Hanging up his clothes neatly, Adam checked his voice mail for late night calls. Marla, an old business associate of his had left a message. They had had an off and on affair for several years now, often ending up at the same auction houses bidding for antiques. She was calling to see where his next trip would be. She must be between boyfriends, he figured. Marla was a tall, thin blonde, stunning in her own right, and a master seductress. But he had Laura now.
Clad in his silk pajama bottoms, Adam slipped into the warmed waterbed. Lying on his back as usual, he walked himself through the meditations until he fell asleep, dreaming of a tall, statuesque red head with deep, ashen eyes.
* * *
Laura's pleasant dream of Adam making love to her was interrupted by the screaming phone.
"What?" she snarled into it.
"Laura?"
"Yeah?" It sounded kind of like. . .
"It's Priscilla."
Her sister.
"Mother took Trixie to school. She'll be home shortly."
"I wanted to talk to you."
"Why?" Laura sat up, her pleasant dreams shattered for the day.
"I would like to work out an arrangement."
"Arrangement of what?" Laura glanced at the clock. 7:34. Too damn early to deal with Priscilla.
"For custody of Trixie of course."
Laura paused. "George's will was very specific Priscilla."
"She is my niece also and I've known her since she was a baby."
"George wanted me to have custody of Trixie, Priscilla." Laura's temper as flaring. How dare her sister try to break his will!
"Well, my lawyer has advised me that since you've kept her from me, her aunt, I have a good chance of getting joint custody. Edmund and I are eager for a child."
"Then try getting pregnant." Laura snapped. "Trixie was put in my care and in my care she will stay. There will be no arrangement Priscilla."
"You know, Mother was hoping we could work this out."
"Don't drag Mother into this."
"You're a single woman with no steady job Laura Mae. Edmund and I are well settled. We can give Trixie the best of everything, the way we had it. Before you threw it away." Priscilla said pointedly.
"I can give Trixie everything she needs." Laura snapped.
"Except a loving family. Laura, please be reasonable."
"No, you be reasonable. You can have Trixie over my dead body." Laura hissed, slamming the phone down. How dare she! The bitch wanted a fight, she would get one. Trixie was an integral part of her existence and Priscilla be damned before she got her hands on their niece.
An hour later, after a shower and breakfast, Laura was still fuming. It was just like Priscilla to try and drag Sophie into it. Priscilla the successful daughter. Priscilla the executive CEO of a fashion company. Priscilla and Edmund, the worlds most perfect boring man.
A lawyer. She needed a good one. George's had retired last year. Maybe he would know a good one. Or. . .
"Adam?"
"Good morning Laura." he was pleasantly surprised to see her on his caller id. She heard Adrian say something in the background.
"Adrian says something must be wrong if you're awake this early." he chucked.
"Well, there is."
"Tell me." the laughter was gone from his voice. Laura gave him the short version of the events.
"I'll get my lawyers on it right away. Don't worry that lovely head of yours. Randy has never lost a case."
"Thank you so much Adam. I don't want this turning into an ugly court battle. Trixie has been through enough."
"I understand completely. I doubt Randy will let it get that far. While I have you on the phone, how about lunch?"
"Lunch would be great." Laura smiled.
* * *
"Randy seems confident it won't be a difficult case." Adam told her as there appetizer arrived. He had just hung up from his cell phone.
"That was fast."
"Amazing things happen when you own a team of top notch lawyers." Adam smiled. Laura blushed under the intensity of his gaze.
"It's really great of you to help me out like this."
"Not a problem. Trixie adores you and I think you love her dearly. I won't let that balance be upset."
"Priscilla made me so mad this morning. She called when she knew I would be sleeping."
"Randy will make contact with her by this afternoon. From now on, she'll have to contact you through him."
"I don't want Trixie to know anything about this." Laura said softly. "I'll talk with Mother later and find out what she knows."
"Why has she waited over a year?"
"I don't know." Laura ran her hand through her thick hair. Adam realized she was distressed.
"I tell you what, let's not talk about your sister."
"Sounds good to me." she flashed that thousand watt grin and Adam knew he was falling hard for her.
"Tell me instead about you. We've talked about Trixie, and my family, I want to know more about you." he took her hand and she felt herself warming.
"Well, I mean, there's not much to tell. You know I'm a chef. That was my life for a long time."
"What were you like when you were younger?" he asked. There came the blush.
"Well, Mother used to call me her wild child and throw up her hands when she couldn't get me to be like Silly."
"Silly?" he queried. She laughed. He liked the sound.
"Priscilla. That's what I called her when I couldn't pronounce her name. It became a family name for her. She hates it."
"Wild child then? Dye your hair?"
"Oh yes. I streaked it with pink once. Green later on, finally dyed it all black. Mother just about had a coronary. Went through the all black phase like most teenagers. Did the whole smoking and drinking by sixteen routine. Usual rebellious kid stuff."
"If my father had caught us drinking at that age we would have been belted till we bled. So we had the butler sneak it up to our rooms." he smiled charmingly and Laura grinned back.
"Mother had this boyfriend who always stuff around. I uh, smoked my first joint with him one night." she snickered.
"Really." Adam looked amused. Laura didn't care to continue that story, it wasn't pleasant. She sipped her tea, taking a bite of the Tuscan Cheese Spread they had ordered.
"Yeah. I hung out with the older crowd at school. We were all rich, privileged kids. I just found the intelligent ones who were bored. Priscilla of course was friends only with the snots."
"She went on to design school after high school. I dropped out of college my freshman year and became a chef. Then she married Edmund, who is the most boring man on this planet, I promise you."
"She has no children?"
"Nope. She lost a baby a few years back, when Trixie was a baby. It drove her mad that baby brother George had a kid first. I think they've been trying ever since but no go."
Adam made a mental note of that.
"What was George like?" his bright eyes were locked on her, drinking in every detail, including the one small freckle on the side of her nose and the smoothness of her eyebrows.
"George was they typical, quiet artist. He pretty much kept to himself, didn't get between me and Silly too much. A couple time he came to my defense but he went to art school in New Mexico. Married Rose and had Trixie. Priscilla never approved of her because she wasn't wealthy. For years she tried to set him up with her girlfriends but George wouldn't have it."
Adam took a bite of the bread, listening. Any details about Priscilla could come in handy, of course Randy was running a thorough background check for any skeletons. Besides that, he loved to her soft voice talking.
Laura sipped her tea again, noting how the gray sweater he wore made his eyes appear very green. His dark hair was cropped close, and that wonderfully chiseled face of his seemed so . . . alive.
"I met Rose briefly, at the wedding. It was a real small ceremony in Santa Fe. Priscilla showed up in this elaborate formal gown an basically offended Rose and George by criticizing everything. George had made plenty of money with his paintings and he owned a studio for a while. But Priscilla thought they should have had a big wedding here in Denver."
"So does she have any friends?" he took a sip of his cappuccino.
"Not that I'm aware of." Laura laughed as their lunch arrived.
"When was the last time you saw George?"
"The wedding." she sighed. "My life got so busy in Dallas I never had a chance to go visit them. I sent a gift when Trixie arrived, and flowers for Rose's funeral, talked to him on the phone occasionally but he kind of retreated into his own world. Trixie was everything to him." she said quietly, staring at her caesar salad. "He never forgave Priscilla for upsetting Rose so badly. Rose had no family and Priscilla just crushed her. Which was why he named me guardian. I think it was partly to hurt her back."
Adam could see the pain in her eyes. While he had been the over achieving brother to make his father proud, Adrian was a natural winner. Everything came so easily to him. Adam fought and struggled to make his father see him. For years Adam believed his father couldn't stand to look at him because he resembled his mother so much.
"I always felt Mother never loved me as much as the other two. I pulled some stunts when I younger, typical teenager stuff but still. . .I wasn't as much a credit to her as the others." she said offhandedly.
"In all honesty Laura, I think you've done more than your siblings. It sounds like your sister is desperate for your mother's approval. You on the other hand, have pulled your life out of the gutter. That takes a lot of determination not to just sit there and let life squash you." he was holding her hand, those burning eyes focused on her.
"I guess so. I never really thought about it. All I heard as a child was 'be like Priscilla'." Laura smiled sweetly at him. Adam grinned.
"Well I for one, am thrilled you did not turn out like her."
Laura squeezed his hand, her eyes shining.
