Illegal Motion: A Loveswept Classic Romance by Donna Kauffman Page B

way you covered every square inch, I thought you were going to make me an offer on the place.”
    The smile on her face was more relaxed than he’d seen it, and, for the present, worry free. He vowed to keep it that way as long as he could and subdued his concern for her safety, for now. Recalling her question, he smiled and responded honestly. “Actually I thought it would be a great place for my kids.”
    Willa blanched. Oh my Lord! Never in allthe moments she had dreamed, fantasized, and in general just lusted over him had she given any thought to whether he was married … or maybe he was divorced. No, she thought morosely, with her track record he’d probably been married since high school and had four kids. She reminded herself that she trusted him, that while he needed her to help him, surely he wouldn’t do that to her. Still, her voice, when she spoke, was a bit squeaky. “ Your kids?”
    The myriad of expressions that flitted across her face in those few seconds were touching in the depth of vulnerability they revealed, but they were also comically priceless. Nick fought it, but lost the battle and laughed out loud. He laughed so hard that he lost his balance, prompting Willa instinctively to leap out of her chair and brace a steadying hand on his hip. His laughter died the instant she touched him and the resulting flame of desire shot through his body. Only the honest concern on her face kept the light twinkling in his blue eyes.
    “What is so funny about my wanting to know if you have children?” she demanded, increasing the pressure on her hand until they were almost nose to nose.
    “Just don’t ever play poker, Princess.”
    “Huh? Poker? And what’s with all this princess stuff.” She knew she was overreacting, but alifetime spent being the source of jokes, along with her damned reaction to being this close to him, loving the purely male scent of him even as he laughed at her, made her angry.
    “I’m sorry I laughed, but I wasn’t being cruel, honest.” When she would have moved away, he placed his palm on her cheek, caressing her clenched jaw until her mutinous expression softened. He turned serious, his smile gentle. “When I first found out about you and Eric, I was, understandably, a little upset. I had you all figured out as this devious, manipulative gold digger. Sky told me I was wrong, but being a hardheaded jock, I had to find out for myself. Then, last night, when you fainted and I brought you home … I don’t know, Willa, I guess you made me feel needed.” He reached up to tuck a wayward curl behind her ear. “Until that moment I didn’t realize how much I needed that. You were my damsel in distress. The princess in need of a knight.” Embarrassed now, he focused his gaze on her mouth. “I don’t know, maybe it’s silly, but in a lot of ways”—he looked back up at her—“the image fits you.”
    As before, Willa wore her emotions in her eyes, and when they became a bit glassy, Nick bit down hard on his inner cheek, forcing a light tone into a conversation that was heading backinto dangerous waters. “As for the kids, they’re not mine exact—”
    “You meant your camp kids, didn’t you?” Willa didn’t need for him to answer. “I’m such a jerk.”
    Nick guided her hand, the one still gripping her iced tea, to his lips and took a sip. “No, you’re not. You’re just gun-shy.” He held her gaze, his smile fading. “At least you asked me instead of just assuming you were right. Your trust means a lot to me, Willa.” He broke their gaze and swung his leg gently to the floor and helped Willa from her awkward position until they were both standing up. “I should get you in to work and retrieve your wheels.” Forcing his hands to release her, he shifted away from her.
    “Right. Let me get my purse.” Reluctantly, but with something that felt shamefully like relief, Willa accepted his suggestion. As it was, he’d tugged at so many of her heartstrings she