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“I think she had second thoughts.”
This night wasn’t going to be a success without her by his side. Before taking off through the back door, Duke kn
elt down to Gia and MJ’s level to discuss a different agenda for the night. Serena held her clipboard close and listened intently to the new plan.
He might not have had the career he had without Kristina, but he wouldn’t be the man he was now without Macy. Summer, fall and now winter had passed without him investing too much time in his journalism career, but he could not stand the thought of a few days without Macy, Gia and MJ. His family. He needed her and had to have her.
It took him thirty minutes, but he finally made it to Winter Paradise. Macy’s car was still in the driveway. All the lights downstairs were off, but the one in the bedroom upstairs spilled onto the steps. He pictured her in the bed under the covers, ready to shut tonight out of her mind. He wasn’t about to let that happen. Tonight wouldn’t have taken place if it weren’t for her. She had to be a part of it.
Once he was in the foyer, he heard Macy coming down the steps. He stood still, not wanting to frighten her. “Macy,” he said into the darkness.
It didn’t work. She screamed the minute she saw his figure.
“It’s okay. It’s me, Duke,” he assured her, waving his arms and crossing the room quickly so she could see his face in the light coming from upstairs. Stumbling on something on the floor, Duke met Macy on the steps. He pulled her into his arms and held her against his chest. He bet her heart was pounding from fright. His was from love.
Macy clutched her heart. “Jesus, are you trying to scare me to death?”
“I’m sorry. I just had to see you.”
“How did you get in here?”
“You told me where the hideaway key is, remember?”
She glanced at the door. “And the sexy Santa? I didn’t hear him go off.”
Duke chuckled at her questioning and stroked her shoulders with his fingertips. He couldn’t see exactly how, but he knew her hair was piled on top of her head. “Because Serena taught me how to walk by without making him talk.” He pulled his head back so she could see him grin in the light.
Macy sat down on the step, still trying to catch her breath. He felt bad, he really did, but in the faint light he could see the gown Macy was wearing and felt himself harden with desire. The black material came just above her shapely thighs. Her shoulders were practically bare, and her breasts looked as if they were being served to him on a platter. The heels she wore had to be at least four inches, and her legs were encased in a dark pair of hose. As she sat down, he noticed the top of the hose and realized she was wearing garters. A week had been too long without her.
“Macy, I came over to tell you how sorry I am. I got caught up in some jealousy quicksand and couldn’t get out of it.”
“Jealous of what?” Macy’s voice cracked.
“It doesn’t matter, but what does matter is, I love you.”
“You love me?” she breathed.
“Yes.” He nodded. “And I’m begging you to give me one more chance.” He knelt down on his knees in front of her. The last time they’d been on a set of steps, they made love for the first time. He glanced up into her dark eyes and wondered if she was remembering the same thing. “I can’t take being away from you for a week. I couldn’t take being away from you for a day. Hell, I already told MET I don’t plan on renewing my contract.”
Her mouth opened to protest. “What?”
“I turned down their offer to relocate me to a Florida station. I don’t want to spend another day away from you, Macy Cuomo.”
“Duke, I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t say anything. Just come with me to the party. You can’t stay here.”
She shook her head. “I didn’t get this dress for nothing. What on earth made you think I wasn’t?”
“Serena!” they both agreed.
Macy’s cell phone rang. She reached into a little purse Duke hadn’t noticed her carrying and answered it, then quickly she closed her eyes and chanted, “I wish I’d win the lottery, I wish I’d win the lottery, I wish I’d win the lottery.”
She’d done it before, and he had seen Serena do it, too. He watched her talk about what was going on at the house. While she was on the phone, Duke took the opportunity to caress her legs. Curiosity was getting the better of him. Her calves felt velvety beneath his hands. He couldn’t believe how much he’d missed her. It wasn’t just the days that were a problem; it was just being around her. He needed her. Without her, he was nothing. He loved this woman with all his heart.
After hanging up the phone, Macy stood up and reached for the light switch just beyond Duke’s head. Her breast swept across his mouth. He wondered if she’d done that on purpose. “Look, I appreciate you quitting your job, but there’s more...”
Duke quieted her with a kiss. His fingers pulled her face down to his. The fog he felt that he’d been in was lifted the minutes their lips touched. His thumb caressed her cheeks. She gave him life with each kiss. When he reluctantly pulled away, he heard Macy’s gasp mirror the same way he felt. Relief. They both needed that.
