The Seduction Game Read online

  A tall, sexy brunette wearing a glittery pink top and black mini skirt brushed by him, tossing him a smile over her shoulder. He returned her smile, but his restless thoughts were still on Kate.

  Then he saw her. Katrina, wearing a skimpy black dress and a disappointed frown on her face as she watched him.

  * * * *

  Kate took a deep breath as she made her way nervously towards him. Her gold strappy sandals were barely able to carry her shaking legs. She prayed she didn’t land on her face.

  As she neared him, her jittery nerves worsened. She couldn’t forget the smile he’d given that brunette with the pink top. She wondered if he regretted meeting her here tonight.

  God, she was confused! He wasn’t meeting Kate, he was meeting Katrina.

  She took another deep breath and realized she wasn’t cut out for playing the bad girl. At the gym, she had nearly collapsed after she left Adam, because she’d been holding her breath the whole time she was with him. And now, she felt too self-conscious and naked in her skimpy black dress. She cringed inwardly, knowing what she had to do.

  She was going to tell Adam the truth.

  The only reason she’d donned her Katrina disguise was so she could gently and slowly explain her research, allowing him time to adjust to what she knew would shock him. She prayed her reasoning was right.

  Their gazes met and she felt an attack of anxiety. This was going to be harder than she thought. She wished he would forgive her and realize she’d done this with good intentions. Her self-help books benefited so many women, and he couldn’t fault her for wanting to help people.

  No. She wasn’t going to change her mind. She had to do this. All afternoon she’d been plagued with so much guilt and regret, she’d had to cancel her volunteer work at the hospital. The children would have noticed she wasn’t herself and she didn’t want to disappoint them with a sour visit.

  “I’m glad you came,” she said as she reached him. He ran his dark gaze over her, his eyes narrowing.

  “I’m glad I did.” The music slowed to a throbbing beat and couples melded together on the dance floor. Adam took her hand. “Let’s dance.”

  Kate stiffened as she let him lead her toward the dance floor. Without taking his eyes off her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her towards him. Kate couldn’t hold his gaze, and stared at his black shirt front as she slid her hands up his arms. Their bodies moved to the heady, slow beat of the song, and she closed her eyes. He leaned in closer and their bodies met. Kate gasped under the loud music as his hard muscles pressed against her soft curves. She opened her eyes and looked up into his dark expression.

  “You even smell like her,” he murmured.

  Kate frowned. “I’m sorry? What did you say?”

  He didn’t respond. He stared at her as their bodies moved in perfect harmony to the sultry sound of Barry White. He slid a hand up her back and touched her hair. Kate tried to pull back, but he kept his other arm firmly around her, his handsome face darkening as a series of expressions cast shadows along his features. Confusion. Doubt. Disbelief.

  “What the hell!” he said, looking like he’d been punched in the gut. Kate was frightened.

  Before she could explain, his mouth claimed hers in a hard kiss. Stunned, she couldn’t move. Before she could react, he grabbed her by her shoulders and shoved her away from him.

  He gave her a long, contemptuous look before he strode away, leaving her standing alone on the dance floor.

  * * * *

  Adam walked out of the club. He knew who Katrina was. The kiss. Katrina looked like her, smelled like her, even tasted like her.

  Kate Moore.

  * * * *

  Kate struggled to understand what just happened. How could he have discovered who she was in such a short time? Her hand shook as she brought it to her mouth. She choked back a sob. But she was going to tell him! She was going to tell him after their dance!

  Panic seized her. She had to explain. She ignored the curious looks from the other couples as she ran from the floor. She couldn’t let him disappear from her life thinking the worst of her.

  What he must think of her! That she was crazy? Delusional? Weird? She nearly collided against a man as she ran out of the club and dashed into the parking lot. She saw Adam striding to his car, his shoulders tense, his hands clenched at his sides.

  “Adam! Wait!” She tried to catch her breath when she caught up to him. He ran a heated look over the rapid rise and fall of her breasts and her courage fled at the derisive look he gave her. “Please. You have to hear me out.”

  “I don’t know what sick game you’re playing Katrina, Kate, whatever the hell your name is, but you can count me out.”

  Barbara had called it a seduction game and Kate flinched at the memory.

  “Why?” he ground out with barely controlled anger. “Dammit, you knew I was going to be at the gym. You knew because I told you last night.” He paused and ran a shaky hand through his hair. He swallowed hard. “Answer me, dammit! Why?”

  She withered under his grim look. “Adam, I was going to tell you the truth tonight. I never meant—”

  “Who the hell are you?”

  Kate drew in a shaky breath. “My name really is Kate Moore, but I’m a psychologist, not a school teacher.” She paused for a reaction from him, but he gave her none, only a cold, stony look that chilled her blood. “I’ve…I’ve written four self-help books. I’m currently writing my fifth book. It’s called, Nice Girls. Bad Girls. An In-depth Look At What Men Really Want.” He remained silent and she rushed on to explain the four phases of her research. “This book will help countless women, especially teenagers who rush headlong into sex without any thought of unwanted pregnancies or disease.” She drew in a shaky breath. “This book is about being yourself. About finding Mr. Right without having to compromise your morals or beliefs.” She thought she caught a flicker of interest on his handsome face, even admiration, but it disappeared too quickly for her to be certain.

  “Does Dana know any of this?” he asked coldly.

  “No.” Kate felt compelled to stand up for the younger woman who’d only wanted her brother to meet someone nice.

  “What does all this have to do with me?”

  Kate braced herself. “Phase Four.”

  A shutter fell over his face. “Are you trying to tell me I was an experiment?”

  “Yes,” she whispered. “I’m…I’m sorry.”

  “Not as sorry as I am.” He turned abruptly to his car.

  “Wait.” Kate grabbed his arm and he looked down at it distastefully. “I’m sorry, Adam. I never meant to hurt you.”

  He gave her a quelling look before he got into his car.

  Chapter 7

  Back in his office the next morning, Adam handed Edward Ryerson the file he’d been working on all of last week.

  “It’s all there, Ed. I promised you I’d deliver the changes and I did.”

  Relieved by the satisfied look on the older man’s face, Adam leaned back in his chair and waited while Edward went through the folder that contained the changes to be made to the customized software for his seaside resorts. Everything was there, from customer billing to inventory taking, but something about the older man concerned Adam. He looked tired and worn out, sluggish, nothing like the dynamic businessman Adam had grown to admire.

  “Ed, are you all right?”

  The older man looked up. “Huh? Oh, I’m fine, son. Nothing to worry about.”

  Adam wasn’t convinced. “We could do this another time.”

  That brought a smile on the older man’s mouth. “You’ve been harping on me to sign on the dotted line the past two weeks, and now that I’m ready to, you want to reschedule?” He laughed. “You’re a fine boy, Adam. More concerned for my wellbeing than lining your pocket with more dough. That’s what I’ve always liked about you. That’s what makes you a great businessman.” He winked conspiratorially. “You’re a humanitarian.”

  Adam re
turned the older man’s smile. “Don’t let it get out, otherwise everyone will think I’m a pushover.”

  Edward’s face fell a little, and the light in his eyes dimmed as he placed the folder on the edge of the desk and leaned back in his seat. “I used to be like you. I had energy, drive, but I’m afraid things have been getting to me lately.” He sighed wearily. “It’s my granddaughter, Ellie.”

  “Is she doing any better?”

  “Oh yes, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying about her, son. I don’t know if an old man like me is enough for a teenager. Poor child. Losing her parents and now getting pregnant. Worse, she’s stuck living with an old man who doesn’t know the first thing about teenagers. It’s a whole other generation.”

  The older man was wrong, Adam thought. He was warm, kind, generous. Adam had thought more than a few times the past four months he would have liked to have had someone like Edward around when he was struggling to make his own ends meet.

  “I think you’re more than enough, Ed. Ellie will grow up benefiting from your wisdom.”

  Edward sighed again. “I don’t know anymore. In a few months there’ll be another one to look after and I…I don’t know if I can handle it.” He rubbed his chin. “Thank God, Ellie’s been seeing a wonderful therapist. I love that woman like she’s my own daughter. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know where we’d both be right now.”

  “It seems you’re lucky to have found her then.”

  At the mention of a therapist, Kate slipped into his mind and he clenched his jaw, ignoring the raw feeling building in his gut. The intercom sounded and he jabbed the button with more force than necessary. “Excuse me, Ed. Yes, Mary?”

  “I have Dana on the line, Mr. Tyler.”

  Adam’s mouth tensed. “Tell her I’m in a meeting.” His sister was another person he had to deal with. This last foray into his personal life had been the last straw.

  “I already did, but she says it’s urgent.”

  Adam glanced at the older man. “Ed, do you mind if I take this call?” The older man gestured a quick “go ahead” as he reached for the folder. “Put her through,” Adam told Mary. The phone rang and he snatched it from the receiver.

  “Well, well,” Dana began. “What does a girl have to do to get thanks around here? You could have called me, you know.”

  “I don’t have time for this. What’s the urgent matter?”

  “How was your date with Kate?”

  Adam stiffened. “Fine.”

  “Good. I was thinking you should invite her to my gallery this weekend. And I want—”

  “You disturbed my meeting for this?”

  “—you to tell her the truth about yourself,” Dana continued as though he hadn’t said a word.

  “It’s too late for that. I won’t be seeing Kate Moore anymore.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Dana replied. “Of course you’ll be seeing her again.”

  “I have to get back to my meeting. Goodbye, Dana.”

  Adam put the phone down and looked at Edward. The older man was watching him with an astonished, yet pleased look on his face.

  “Did I hear you correctly, son? Did you say Kate Moore?”

  Adam clenched his jaw. “That’s right.”

  Edward’s salt and pepper brows rose to the rafters. “The same Kate Moore who’s a psychologist?”

  “Yes.” He didn’t like where this was leading.

  “Well, I’ll be darned! What are the chances of Ellie’s guardian angel being your Kate Moore?”

  “I’d say very high,” Adam remarked dryly. “And she’s not my Kate Moore. We’re not seeing each other anymore.”

  “Nonsense. She’s perfect for you. Feisty, intelligent, warm, and a looker, too.” Edward paused and narrowed his eyes. Adam didn’t trust that look. “Son, I want you to call Kate and tell her the three of us are having dinner tonight.”

  “I don’t think that’s possible, Ed.”

  “I won’t take no for an answer. I’ll meet you two at six-thirty at Gambini’s, plenty of time for you to patch things up.” He gave a sly wink, and glanced at his watch. “I have to go, son. Oh, and bring the contract. I’ll sign it at the restaurant.”

  By the time Adam walked Edward out and returned to his desk his frustration had reached a boiling point. What the hell was he going to do now? Edward expected Kate and the contract tonight. One, Adam was more than willing to present, the other, he wanted nothing more than to forget.

  He cursed the universe’s cosmic plan to kick the hell out of him and punched Kyle’s number.

  “Listen carefully. I don’t have time to explain,” he said as soon as Kyle answered the phone. “I have a job for you, and I’ll pay you double if you deliver before the end of the day. It’s Kate Moore. I need her home and work address, and a phone number.”

  “You got it,” Kyle replied, sounding puzzled.

  “And, Kyle?”

  “Yeah?”

  Adam tightened his grip on the telephone. “Get anything else you can on her, boyfriend, husband, anything.”

  “Give me until three o’ clock,” Kyle replied brusquely, and the line went dead.

  Adam spent the rest of his day in a blur as he stared at his phone in between meetings with his programmers. At ten minutes to three, Adam couldn’t stand it any longer and went to his window overlooking the city. He dug his hands deep into his pockets and stared at the traffic below.

  There was no way out of this. He had no choice but to meet Kate again. Tonight. He knew he could have decided to forget the Ryerson contract, but his staff had worked too hard on this account the past few months and he’d already promised everyone a bonus once the dotted line was signed.

  No, he couldn’t let them down, even if it meant seeing Kate again.

  He rested his head on the window.

  “Damn. Damn. Damn,” he muttered, knocking the window three times with his head.

  True to his word, Kyle rang at three o’clock.

  “Sorry, buddy. My internet’s down, so I’m sending you a fax right now,” he said. “And as far as I can tell, this woman’s not a schoolteacher, but I gather you already knew that.”Adam glanced at the fax machine. The documents were coming out at a snail’s pace and he didn’t have time to wait for them. “All I know is she’s a psychologist who’s written four self-help books,” Adam said. He would have added that Edward thought she was an angel who saved his granddaughter’s life, but Adam wasn’t ready to acknowledge any decency in Kate. His feelings were still raw.

  Kyle cleared his throat. “Buddy, she’s more than that. This woman’s big. Real big, and she’s worth millions. Her assets almost equal yours.”

  “What about a boyfriend? Lover?” A part of him didn’t want to know the answer.

  “Nothing. From what I’ve learned, this woman has led the life of a saint. She was seeing some guy, Simon, about five years ago, but that’s it.” Kyle cleared his throat. “Adam, she’s donated close to a million dollars to the children’s ward at the General Hospital the past four years. She volunteers at a church for their bi-annual charity bake-offs, and helped fund an organization that houses low income families. I…I don’t know what you expected me to find, but I think you’re dating Mother Teresa.”

  Adam felt his gut wrench. “Are you sure? There’s nothing else you haven’t told me?”

  “There is, and brace yourself,” Kyle added wryly. “I went to the hospital this afternoon and struck up a conversation with a nurse. Casually, I mentioned Kate’s name and the nurse’s face lit up like a thousand watts. Apparently Kate footed all the medical bills three years ago for one of the children, a little boy called Joey Billings, who had a rare form of leukemia. His parents were strapped for cash and couldn’t pay for the treatment needed to save their son’s life, and Kate came to the rescue. Joey Billings has been in remission ever since. The nurse had tears in her eyes when she told me this. Damn near made me cry, too.”

  This was impossible, he thought. She wasn�
��t perfect, she was conniving and devious. “Anything else?”

  There was a pause on the line. “Buddy, what else could there be? What were you expecting me to find?”

  Adam rubbed his eyes. “I don’t know.”

  “Call me when you’re ready to talk about this,” Kyle said. “And forget the bill. This one’s on me.”

  Adam didn’t know how long he stared at the fax machine after the call ended. Finally, he grabbed the sheets, found her work address, and stormed out of his office.

  “Cancel the rest of my appointments,” he said curtly to Mary on his way out.

  “Mr. Tyler?” Mary sat there, nonplussed, staring after her boss. In all the years she’d worked for him, he’d never cancelled appointments, let alone left the office before six.

  “Do it,” he barked, and left.

  Chapter 8

  Kate smiled at Pete Weathers, her seventeen-year-old patient paralyzed from the waist down.

  “We made a lot of progress today, Pete. I’ll see you next week, same time,” Kate said warmly. “And thank you so much for your help.” She rose, went around him, and pushed his wheelchair carefully into her reception area. She smiled at his parents waiting for him next to her floor-to-ceiling zebra plant by the large bay window filtering in the sunshine.

  Gary Weathers rose from the sofa. “Good afternoon, Dr. Moore. I was hoping we weren’t late. We had to stop at the drug store.”

  Linda Weathers made a face and touched her rounded stomach as she rose. “Morning sickness, all day long.” Her affectionate gaze dropped to her son. “Hi, honey.”

  “Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad.”

  “Even if you were late,” Kate said, “I wouldn’t have minded. Any extra time I have with Pete is a blessing. He just spent twenty minutes helping me re-install a program I downloaded last week. Your son’s quite the computer whiz.”

  Pete shrugged, but there was no mistaking the pleasure on his face. “It was nothing, Dr. Moore.”

  Kate smiled down at him. “For you, but for people like me, who don’t know the first thing about computers, I’d say it was a feat in itself.” She gave his parents a warm look. “And speaking of your son’s help, I won’t charge you for today’s session.”