You do? he asked in surprise, his rich tone dropping an octave.
She nodded succinctly, inhaled a deep breath to bolster her fortitude, and blurted, Let me be the woman you need.
His dark brows rose a good half inch on his forehead and his entire body grew tense. Excuse me?
Her face flushed warmly at her slip. She hadnt meant to sound as though she was propositioning him. For the charity auction, she rushed to clarify.
He shifted on his feet, the suggestion seemingly making him very uncomfortable. I dont think so. His voice was low and thick.
Why not? Shed been taught by her father never to question or dispute a voice of authority, and while a part of her was shocked at her own out-spoken behavior, she couldnt deny that the freedom to be assertive felt liberating.
Bracing his hands on his lean hips, he frowned at the subtle challenge in her tone. Because I didnt hire you to work on cases.
What if I want to work on this case? she argued, shocking herself yet again. She pulled back her shoulders to maintain an air of confidence. I know the business, and Im familiar with the case. Besides, how hard can it be to pose as your date and read love letters? You need a woman for the job, and the last I checked, I definitely fulfill that requirement.
His gaze fell to her chest, and she realized that, with her shoulders back, the material of her dress was pulled tight across her breasts. To make matters worse, his heated stare caused her nipples to pucker in reaction.
He lifted his gaze back to her face. A muscle in his cheek ticked, and a harsh sigh unraveled out of him as he pushed his fists deep into his trouser pockets. MelodieI dont think your father would appreciate me putting you in a potentially dangerous situation.
She inwardly cringed at his placating tone, feeling anything but calm and mollified. She knew her father echoed Coles sentiments, believing she belonged in a safe environment, free from any outside negative influences. He had, after all, suggested that she go to work for Cole as a secretary because Sommers Investigative Specialists was a respected firm run by a man her father knew and trusted. It was bad enough that shed grown up with a father whod spent too many years trying to shelter and protect her from any adverse situations; she didnt want or need that same attitude from Cole, or anyone else for that matter.
With that in mind, she asserted herself once again. As a grown adult, I can take care of myself and make my own decisions. And if it makes you feel any better, my father would never have to know about me and the case.
He shook his head, causing a lock of sable hair to swipe across his forehead. I cant take that chancewith you.
Because she was Richard Turners daughter, she knew with a sinking feeling in the pit of her belly. As if she didnt have enough problems getting his attention, he was using her father as a barrier between them. And Cole was principled enough to stand by that decision for the next fifty years. The man was steadfast and true, and, while she admired that quality about him when it came to his job, at the moment, his tenacity frustrated the heck out of her.
She started around her desk toward him, refusing to give up or back down from what she wanted for a change. Cole
He held up a hand, halting any further debate. Im sorry, but I wont change my mind. Your talents are better suited in this office, not out in the field. End of discussion.
She knew he hadnt meant his words to be condescending, but his backhanded compliment about her talents stung her feminine pride, especially since she knew that Cole depended on her for more than her secretarial skills. She thrust her chin out as he turned and walked back to his office. The two of them were far from finished, this issue between them far from over.
If Cole didnt have faith in her ability to be the woman he needed, shed just have to figure out a way to prove him wrong.
2
MELODIE ABSENTLY PUSHED her lunch around on her plate with her fork, her mind too preoccupied with replaying yesterdays conversation with Cole for her to concentrate on eating the food the waitress had just delivered. While she was ready to break out of the plain-Jane, good-girl existence shed lived all her life, she had no idea how to go about transforming herself into the kind of woman whod catch Coles eye.
Dont tell me you arent hungry, Joelle, Coles younger sister, said in disbelief. Youre the only woman I know that has a healthy appetite like mineId hate to lose that rare bond we share.
Melodie smiled at her friend and coworker from across the restaurant table. Your appetite has doubled since youve become pregnant, Jo. I cant keep up with you and your regular bouts of hunger.
Jo rubbed her belly, which was still disgustingly small considering she was nearly five months pregnant. She wore leggings and long shirts, and hadnt even graduated to maternity clothes yet. I have to say that being pregnant is a wonderful excuse to eat, but Dean has become such a worrier about me taking care of myself and making sure Im eating all the right things for the baby. Its hard for me to splurge like I really want to.
Melodie laughed when Jo rolled her eyes in exasperation, but there was no mistaking the love and affection between the couple when they were together. The two had met under unconventional circumstances when Jo had taken Dean into custody in a case of mistaken identity. During the course of establishing his innocence, theyd fallen in love, though it had taken time and compromise to make their relationship work. Now, the two shared a tangible devotion and passion Melodie envied.
An exaggerated sigh escaped Jo. He insists on making me breakfast every morning and dinner every night, with something included from all the five food groups and a huge glass of milk to top it all off. So the only time I get to satisfy my real cravings is when I dont go out to lunch with him.
Melodie twirled fettuccini noodles around her fork and stabbed a piece of tender chicken. If the way he takes care of you is any indication, Dean will make a great daddy.
Blue eyes, identical in color to Coles, softened with agreement. Yeah, I know he will.
They both worked on eating their lunches, and after a few minutes of silence Jo looked back up at her and tipped her head inquisitively. You seem distracted today, at the office and here at lunch. Is everything okay?
Melodie took a bite of her fettuccini and debated whether or not to pull Jo into her dilemma with Cole. She desperately needed someone to talk toa qualified, knowledgeable female whod understand and empathize with her inexperience with the opposite sex. Melodies mother had died before shed ever really known her, and her father had never re-married, so shed grown up without a steady feminine influence in her life. She had girlfriends from school she still kept in touch with, but no one she felt comfortable enough with to discuss her lack-luster seduction skills.
As for Jo, well, she had a deeper insight to the man Melodie had her sights set on, so any advice she volunteered on her brothers psyche might help Mel better understand what kind of obstacles she was up against. Ultimately, she trusted Jo as a friend and confidante.
Melodie swiped her napkin across her mouth, pushed her half-eaten lunch aside and took Jo up on her offer to express what was bothering her. Can we talk, girl to girl? she asked, then rephrased her question. Or rather, woman to woman?
A grin quirked Jos mouth and interest glimmered in her eyes. Sure. Whats on your mind? She finished off her burger and washed it down with the last of her soda.
Melodie paused a heartbeat, then said, I was hoping you could give me some advice on attracting a mans attention.
Jos light, good-natured laughter rang between them. What in the world makes you think Im qualified to dole out advice on men?
Propping her elbows on the table, Melodie laced her fingers together and rested her chin on top. You snagged Dean, didnt you?
There were extenuating circumstances, Jo replied, brushing a wisp of blond hair off her cheek. I certainly wasnt on a manhunt when I met him.
Melodie felt a blush sweep across her skin at the insinuation that she was interested in trawling for men. As in plural. Theres only one man I want, she clarified.
Leaning back in her padded chair, Jo regarded her thoughtfully as the waitress cleared their plates. The other woman mentioned dessert, momentarily distracting Jo with more important matters as she ordered herself a slice of chocolate cake. Melodie passed on the offer of sweets, opting instead for a refill on her iced tea.
Once the server was gone, Jo returned to her subtle analysis of Melodie from across the table. If I had to hazard a guess, Id say its Cole youre after.
Melodie opened her mouth, then closed it again, unable to deny the truth. Yes, it is, she said, relieved to finally admit her feelings to someone. Am I that obvious?
The waitress delivered Jos cake and she dove right in to the dessert. Lets just say that you have a way of wearing your emotions on your sleeve.
Does Cole know? she asked tentatively.
Jo shrugged. I have no idea, though I have to say that Cole tends to shut out the things he doesnt know how to deal with. You could be one of those things, she added with a smile.
A frown settled on Melodies brows. That doesnt sound very encouraging to me.
Knowing my brother all too well, hes probably avoiding the attraction, and if you want his attention youre going to have to force him to acknowledge it. Jo took another bite of the rich, creamy-looking chocolate cake, and took a long moment to savor the taste. So what brought all this on, anyway?
Melodie explained about the Russell case, along with Cole needing a woman to accompany him to the charity auction. I made the suggestion that I go with him to the affair so I can read those erotic love letters for him. I know the case, and Ive worked for him for two years doing extended background checks and researching case information. The next logical step would be for me to help him on this case, but hes adamant that my talents are better suited in the office and not out in the field.
Jo chuckled in amusement. Oh, thats a good one.
She cringed as she remembered his unflattering comment, but wasnt about to let it deter her from her purpose. Also, he claims he doesnt want to put me in a potentially dangerous situation, yet hes willing to use another woman as a decoy. If all thats not bad enough, hes using his close relationship with my father as an excuse to make sure he keeps me safe and out of harms way, as if its his duty to shelter and protect me. Between the two of them, Ive had enough of being watched over.
Wow, can I ever relate to that, Jo murmured in understanding. Cole has always been the same way with me. Hes only eased off since I married Dean. Being protective of the people in his life has been ingrained in my brother since the day my parents divorced, and that trait only intensified after our father died and he had to raise me and Noah. Cole takes his responsibilities very seriously.
The very last thing I want is to be an obligation to Cole, Melodie said, swirling her straw through her iced tea.
Jo ate another sliver of her chocolate cake, her eyes lighting up with an idea. If you really want to be the woman on his arm at this charity auction, then why dont you give him what he wants?
Uncertain what Jo was getting at, she asked, Which is?
A woman who fits his vision. Jo licked off remnants of frosting from her fork as she thought for a moment. What, exactly, did Cole tell Noah he wanted again?
A sexy, sophisticated, intelligent woman. The prerequisite was burned in her memory.
A disarming grin curved Jos mouth. Then thats exactly what you give him.
Take a look at the woman sitting in front of you, Jo, she said, her tone dry. Im not exactly sophisticated, sex kitten material.
No, but you most definitely have the potential to be, Jo countered confidently. If this is what you really want, youre going to have to be willing to play the part to the hilt. Youll need to learn to walk the walk and talk the talk, and shed a few inhibitions along the way. Think you can handle that?
A spark of excitement flared within her. This was exactly what she neededa friendly shove to break out of the straitlaced, conservative lifestyle shed led for too long. Im certainly willing to try.
Oh, this is going to be fun. Jos eyes glowed with mischief. Tomorrows Saturday. What do you say you and I plan a girls day out and do the works, from head to toe? Haircuts, manicure, pedicure and a few new outfits?
Melodies spirits lifted as she envisioned the new and improved her. Just so long as Dean doesnt mind me monopolizing your day.
Are you kidding? Jo brushed off her concern with a wave of her hand. Hell reap the benefits.
She exhaled a deep breath. Then consider it a date.
Jo leaned across the table, her expression filled with glee. Come Monday morning, youll knock Coles socks off.
Among other things, Melodie hoped. She grinned at Jo and said, Let the transformation begin.
BY SUNDAY EVENING Melodie decided that being sexy and sophisticated entailed a whole lot of hard work. Talented beauticians had managed to transform her into a woman she hardly recognized as her former selffrom the cut, color and style of her hair, to her subtly made-up face, all the way to the pale pink polish on the nails of her fingers and toes. Salesladies with an eye for flattering outfits had given her a whole new look. Coupled with Jos approval and coaxing, her wardrobe now consisted of the kind of form-fitting and stylish clothes shed always admired on other women but had never bought for herself.
Outwardly, she had to admit she looked like a whole new woman, the kind of worldly, wise and attractive date Cole needed on his arm in two weeks. Now she had to work on the inner her, and all the personality traits that came with being bold, confident and assertive.
Luckily shed been blessed with a good amount of intelligence, she thought wryly as she crawled into bed, or else shed be in big, big trouble, because she doubted there was a trained professional she could hire to implant a quick dose of brilliance. And to her credit, she already knew the P.I. business, and the details of the Russell case. So, she figured she was as ready as shed ever be.
Fluffing her pillows against the headboard of her bed, she propped herself up, made herself comfortable and grabbed the book shed left on her night-stand the previous evening. The book was chock-full of sexy, provocative advice on being aggressive and uninhibited. The Good Girls Guide to Being Bad covered everything from walking the walk and talking the talk, as Jo had put it, to how to tease, flirt and seduce a man with a glance or a touch. The book was all about breaking good-girl rules and embracing sensual, bad-girl pleasures. Later chapters included advice on enjoying every aspect of hot, erotic sex with the man of her choice, and how to make him a slave to her every desire.