Merry & Seduced Page 6

  Amme shared a glance with Camryn, and they both laughed.

  “I’ll teach you how to make sandwiches,” Camryn said. “A skill everyone should learn.”

  “I can make sandwiches,” Autumn said.

  “Perfect,” Amme said. “You can show me how. What do we need first?”

  “Chocolate,” Kaya said, searching through all her packages. “Ah!” She seized a wrapped bar from amongst the shopping bags. “Do I eat the wrapping?”

  Camryn studied the ceiling, puffed out a breath. “Damn, I’m so tempted. No, can’t do it,” she muttered. “No, you rip it open. I can show—”

  “I’ll do it,” Kaya said, taking an abrupt step back. She peeled the wrapper back of a large chocolate bar and took a big bite.

  “See all those small squares,” Camryn said.

  “Yeth,” Kaya said through a mouthful of dark chocolate. She swallowed and moaned her pleasure.

  “The squares are there to help break off pieces,” Camryn said. “So that it’s easy to share.”

  “Oh.” Kaya pulled back the wrapper and broke off individual squares. “One for you. One for you.” She dispensed single squares until everyone had one.

  Jannike popped hers into her mouth. “Thank you so much for sharing.”

  Camryn grinned and accepted her allocation.

  “That’s not going to fill us up.” Amme ate her single square before Kaya demanded it back. “We definitely need sandwiches. What do we do first, Autumn?”

  The sandwich-making lesson took no time, and soon they moved out to the pool, all dressed in their new swimwear.

  “Camryn, how does this flutter board work?” Amme asked.

  “I’ll show you now.” Camryn pulled off her T-shirt to reveal her bright red bikini.

  Amme led Autumn to the pool.

  “This is a pretty suit,” Autumn said. “I like blue.”

  “I know,” Amme said, her voice grave while her heart-pump did an extra little squeeze. “You told us blue is your favorite color.”

  “I can float,” Autumn said again.

  “Really? You’d better show me, so I can learn.” Amme listened to Camryn’s explanation about holding her breath and kicking, and watched both Camryn and Autumn float in the shallow end of the pool.

  At the other end of the pool Gweneth, Jannike and Kaya splashed and tossed around a ball.

  Ry appeared around the corner of the house, and Amme caught the flare of passion in his features when he saw Camryn. She sighed. That was exactly what she wanted to find one day. Unlikely, it was true, but a cyborg could hope. Living and traveling with the Indy meant her life was quite different from her original purpose. Maybe one day she’d find a man who wanted to keep her—a man like Marcus.

  Ry appeared around the corner of the house, and Amme caught the flare of passion in his features when he saw Camryn. She sighed. That was exactly what she wanted to find one day. Unlikely, it was true, but a cyborg could hope. Living and traveling with the Indy meant her life was quite different from her original purpose. Maybe one day she’d find a man who wanted to keep her—a man like Marcus.

  As if she’d summoned him, the man walked around the corner of the house with Nanu. He was listening to something Nanu said. He must have felt her gaze because he glanced over toward the pool and came to an abrupt halt. Mogens plowed into him from behind, sending Marcus lurching forward two steps.

  Amme glanced down at her scantily clad body and a smirk crept into position. Job done.

  “We went to the Christmas tree farm and bought two trees,” Nanu said. “We have them on a trailer. And we got some mistletoe stuff, but it’s not real ’cause the real stuff is rare.”

  “We’ll unload them in a bit,” Marcus said, his gaze still on Amme. She was golden skin and curves, her body in perfect proportion. He lifted his hand in acknowledgment then his attention went to his daughter. She wore a blue polka-dotted swimsuit and her hair was wet so she’d been swimming already.

  “I could do with a swim,” Nanu said.

  “We should unload the trees first,” Ry said.

  “Aye, Captain,” Nanu said. “I’ll get the girls. It was their idea, so they should help with the hard work.”

  “Captain? Were you in the forces?”

  “No,” Ry said, and when he didn’t add anything, Marcus frowned.

  There was something odd about this group, something that fired his instincts. He didn’t get a bad feeling, but there was something not quite normal and he couldn’t fathom what.

  Nanu trotted over to the pool and spoke to the women. They levered themselves out of the pool and pulled T-shirts over their bikinis.

  Marcus glanced back at Amme. She was chatting with Autumn and helping her remove her water wings. Something inside him tightened at the ease with which Amme dealt with his daughter.

  “I’m so lucky Amme agreed to help me with Autumn. She’s a natural.”

  Nanu shrugged. “She’s programmed that way.”

  “What?” Marcus asked.

  “Amme likes children,” Ry said quickly. “Nanu, let’s get started manhandling these trees.”

  Marcus spent the rest of the day watching the friends interact. Occasionally, when they thought he wasn’t listening or if he left and returned to the group, he heard them communicating in those weird clicks and grunts. Then there was the enjoyment they took in setting up the trees. A small thing but all of them—even Camryn—took a childlike pleasure in the process. Their excitement was rubbing off on him, making everything feel new and bringing back memories of times when his family actually talked and spent a day together.

  “What do you think?” he asked Amme and Autumn.

  “It needs lights,” Autumn whispered.

  “Camryn says we will shop tomorrow for decorations. We will buy these lights,” Amme said. “And something called mistletoe.”

  “Blue ones,” Autumn said.

  “Her favorite color,” Amme said, winking at Marcus.

  “The same color as your swimsuit,” Marcus said to Autumn, and he winked at Amme in return. “I’m all in favor of mistletoe, but we already have some. We’ll put it up later.”

  “Ah! The same stuff Nanu mentioned earlier?” Amme asked.

  “Yes.”

  Autumn gave him one of those shy smiles, and his own smile widened, emotion twisting his insides and leaving them in knots.

  “Have you written your list for Santa Claus?” he asked.

  Autumn fiddled with her hair, a trace of worry creasing her smooth brow. “No.”

  “Well.” Marcus stood and held out his hand. “We need to get that sorted out and our list posted, so Santa Claus knows to stop here at the farm. Back in a minute. We need paper and a pen.”

  “Who is this Santa Claus dude?” Nanu asked as Marcus led Autumn away to find paper.

  Really? Marcus’s brows rose as he walked inside. Who hadn’t heard of Santa?

  Later that night, after a fun dinner, Camryn declared she wanted to dance.

  “Do you have any country music? I swear I haven’t heard any for months,” she said. “If you don’t have country some good ole New Zealand tunes will work.”

  “That was a big yawn, sweetie. Time for you to go to bed.” Amme stood and went to Autumn.

  “Daddy, come too?” Autumn asked, sneaking a quick glance at him.

  Marcus swallowed and managed a nod. “We need to discuss our plans for tomorrow.”

  “We’re gonna email Santa,” she whispered, her little girl lips curving in her shy smile, the one he was in love with. He followed Amme and Autumn up the stairs and to her bedroom.

  Did she mean volleyball? Marcus wasn’t sure but he didn’t try to correct her or ask questions. Instead he enjoyed spending this time with his girls. The thought made him blink. His girls. When had that happened? This was only the second night and already he felt possessive.

  “If you’re wearing your bikini, I know I’ll enjoy the view at the beach,” Marcus said.

  “Camryn said the beach is perfect for people watching,” Amme said. “We’re going to play ball-volley.”

  Did she mean volleyball? Marcus wasn’t sure but he didn’t try to correct her or ask questions. Instead he enjoyed spending this time with his girls. The thought made him blink. His girls. When had that happened? This was only the second night and already he felt possessive.

  “I have fun here, but I miss Mummy,” Autumn said without warning.

  Marcus glanced at Amme, the beginnings of panic stirring in him. Did she know how to handle this? Of course, the kid missed her mother, and she didn’t know him well. This had to be weird for her.

  “Did your mummy tell you she had to go away?” Amme asked.

  Autumn nodded. “She was sick. She said she was tired, and she was sorry she wouldn’t see me for a long time.” She glanced at him, uncertainty in every line of her body. “How long?”

  Amme sat on the bed and scooped Autumn up into her arms, holding her tight. “A long time, sweetheart. But did you know she can see you? She can see when you’re happy or sad. She can see if you’re behaving and eating your vegetables. She knows your swimming is improving.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes,” Amme said with such certainty that even Marcus decided to believe her. “I know she misses you, but she’ll be spending time with people she knows there.”

  “Will they have cups of tea and biscuits?” Autumn asked.

  “Yes,” Amme said. “They have those scone things that Camryn talked about. Remember the ones she said she was going to teach us to make.”

  Autumn gave a thoughtful nod. “Mummy will have fun there. She knows how to make good cakes. She can show them how.”

  Amme pressed a kiss to the top of Autumn’s head, and Marcus won
dered if she did it to give herself a chance to rein in her galloping sympathy, to school her expression, to decide what to say to the little girl that might offer comfort. It was what he would have done because this situation was far, far, far away from his experience.

  “Yes, she can teach them. I bet they’ll have a lot of fun learning.” Her voice held gravel, a distinct wobble, but she got the words out and they seemed to comfort his daughter.

  “Let’s get you ready for bed. Your daddy can choose a book to read from while you clean your teeth and wash your face. The books we bought today are in the bag by the bed.”

  They disappeared, leaving Marcus bemused. Amme made Candy’s death seem natural and not a bad thing. Her confident manner and the way she handled Autumn had stopped the tears before they started. He found the bag of books and picked out one featuring a naughty puppy that kept digging holes.

  Amme helped Autumn into her pajamas and pulled back the covers. “Good night, sweetie.” She kissed Autumn’s cheek. “I’ll plug in the special light we bought for you today while your father reads your story.”

  “What if the monsters come again?”

  “Remember what Camryn said? That’s a special light and the monsters are frightened of it. I’m right next door though, so if you need me for anything, just shout and I’ll come. Okay?”

  Autumn’s nod was solemn. “Yes.”

  Marcus started reading while Amme busied herself with unpacking the light. It was pale blue and the brim bore a sparkly unicorn. Subtle blue light lit the room when Amme switched it on.

  “Pretty,” she said. “Sweet dreams, Autumn.”

  “Where are you going?” Marcus asked.

  “Downstairs to dance with my friends,” Amme said.

  “But what about me?”

  “Autumn is almost asleep. You can handle finishing the story.” With that said, she sashayed from the bedroom.

  Marcus stared at her curvy ass and blinked when Autumn tugged at his arm.

  “Keep reading, Daddy.”

  “Uh, okay.” He scanned the page and started reading. “Bella, the white puppy ran along the fence and searched for a way underneath.” He kept turning pages until he reached the end and his little girl had fallen asleep. He set the book down and backed out of the room only pausing to switch off the main light.

  As he approached the lounge, he started to hear music and laughter. He spied the mistletoe they’d hung from a light fitting and smiled. A country ballad drifted from his stereo system and they were all dancing. Ry and Cameron were wrapped in each other’s arms. Mogens was dancing with Gweneth, Jannike with Kaya and Amme partnered Nanu.

  A spurt of jealousy swelled within Marcus.

  “Good,” Nanu said, grinning broadly when he spotted Marcus. “I need a rest. You can dance with Amme, and I’ll take care of the music. Top system, Marcus. Rockin’ music. Camryn was right, Amme. They have excellent music. We need to get some for the Indy. Ah…yeah. The music,” Nanu said and backed away, a chagrined expression etched into his broad features.

  “What is the Indy?” Marcus asked as he drew Amme closer.

  “The name we give our vehicle.”

  The song drifted to an end. Nanu winked at him and put on another slow dance. Maybe his jealousy wasn’t warranted. Marcus drew Amme even closer and ran his hand down her back.

  “You smell nice,” she whispered.

  He grinned and brushed a kiss against her hair. She felt perfect in his arms.

  “Did you buy anything else today, apart from the bikini?”

  “Lingerie,” she said with satisfaction. “I can’t wait to show you.”

  “So you mean to entice me?” Laughter shaded his voice while a whoosh of blood settled in his cock.

  “Of course I do,” she said, her face devoid of humor. “Is it working?”

  Marcus stared. As a businessman he was used to reading people, making snap decisions, yet Amme… He found himself shaking his head. “I have trouble knowing if you’re joking or not.”

  “I’m not joking. I find you attractive. Camryn says normally an employee shouldn’t make advances to their boss, but since we’re leaving at the beginning of the year, it would be all right. As long as you are interested in return.”

  Marcus found himself charmed and incredibly turned on. He cupped her cheek and tipped up her chin until their gazes meshed. Her skin was cool and soft beneath his fingertips. “I’m interested.”

  “Perfect. What do we do next?”

  A laugh spluttered from him, loud enough to attract the attention of her friends. He gave her a swift hug, reveling in her softness against his harder body.

  Behind him someone spoke in staccato clicks and grunts.

  “What is that language?” he asked.

  “Jibberish,” Amme said. “They’re being silly. Private joke.”

  “As long as they’re not making fun about my big ears or pointy nose.”

  “No, they’re giving me advice and made mention of your sexy arse.”

  Marcus spluttered another laugh and brushed a kiss on her cheek. Refreshing. That was the word for Amme. She was light years away from the women he normally associated with—their coy games and manipulations. A few weeks in her company was just the thing he needed to recharge. Amme was the perfect prescription for both him and Autumn.

  “You’re standing under the mistletoe,” Nanu said without warning.

  Marcus glanced up. Nope. It wasn’t him. His gaze went to Amme’s lips and lingered. Pity. Maybe he’d maneuver Amme in that direction.

  Shrill whistles and cheers dragged him back. He turned to see Kaya plant a big, wet kiss on Jannike. Jannike’s arms went around the other woman and she kissed her back. Camryn started giggling, laughing so hard Ry had to hold her upright.

  “Woot. Woot. Woot!” Nanu cried.

  Gweneth clapped her hands together, her pretty face beaming.

  “Are they together?” Marcus asked.

  “What? We’re all together,” Amme said.

  As his mind groped with that, the music changed to something older and more upbeat.

  “Do you know how to do this one?” Amme asked. “I saw it on the television.”

  “I’m sure I can muddle through,” Marcus said and began the steps to the jive. Amme studied him for a few seconds then fell into step, looking as if she’d been doing the dance for years. “You’re good.”

  “Show us the steps,” Kaya said from behind them.

  Marcus turned Amme a fraction but continued to dance. Kaya watched closely and started to follow with Jannike as her partner. Her hair looked bluer tonight. It wasn’t unattractive, just bright. Was that—her ear was pointy and decorated with some sort of jewelry. He blinked and looked again, but her hair had flipped over her ear.

  “Something wrong?” Amme asked when the dance brought them closer.

  He glanced over her shoulder and felt his eyes widen on seeing Mogens. The man glowed with a weird pearly light.

  “No. I guess I’m tired.” He must be if he was seeing things. Marcus risked another glance and both Mogens and Kaya appeared normal again.

  The music drifted to an end.

  “Someone is under the mistletoe,” Nanu said.

  Good. He’d got it right this time. Marcus turned to Amme and started to move toward her. A big blur passed between them, and before he could blink, hard hands seized him and a mouth marauded his. Shock held him in place. There were cheers. Whistles. Someone laughed so hard they were having trouble breathing.

  “Hey,” Nanu said, drawing back with a scowl. “You’re meant to kiss me back.”

  Camryn gasped a hoarse breath and started laughing again. Tears streamed from her eyes.

  “Why didn’t you kiss me back?” Nanu demanded. “Those are the mistletoe rules.”

  Camryn drew a noisy breath. Her mouth twitched, and she let out another big howl of laughter.

  “I…ah…I don’t swing that way,” Marcus finally managed.

  “Why is she laughing?” Jannike demanded.

  Everyone was looking puzzled apart from Camryn, and she was no help because she couldn’t stop hooting.

  “Traditionally, kissing under the mistletoe occurs between men and women,” Marcus said, edging away from Nanu. He wrapped his arm around Amme’s waist then moved her in front of her so Nanu couldn’t pounce on him again. “A young woman would stand under the mistletoe on purpose in order to get a man she liked to kiss her. These days, with same sex marriages, I presume women kiss each other each too. And men kiss each other. You’re not meant to kiss just anyone,” Marcus said. “Normally you’re showing you like them.”