She fought back the urge to cry for the second time tonight. "Who would've thought you could be such anice man?"He touched his lips to hers for an innocent kiss and released her. "Well, if you don't get out of here and go to bed, I'm going to drop the nice guy routine and make love to you standing against the wall."She sent him a sultry smile. "Standing means conceiving a boy."His expression turned seriously seductive. "And there's our compromise for tomorrow night. Nothing better than a hot session standing up."

In five more seconds, Mallory was in danger of taking him up on the offer tonight. "Hold that thought until tomorrow."

"I'd rather be holding you."

Get out while you can, Mallory. "Tomorrow, while you're at work, you can think about what we'll be doing when you get home. That should make the day go by much faster."

"And you can think about this." Without warning, he turned her around and backed her against the wall. The kiss he gave her made her dizzy and hot, and hotter still with every smooth stroke of his tongue. All too soon, he broke the kiss and dropped his arms from around her. "I'm going to bed now. I need to build up more ammunition." After a wink and a smile, he walked back into his bedroom and closed the door, leaving Mallory alone in the hall, body blazing and thoughts spinning out of whack. When the mental haze began to subside, she realized how badly she needed to go to bed before she collapsed in her tracks. She also recognized she was quickly becoming addicted to Whit, and that couldn't be a good thing. Oh, but he was good. Much too good to resist.

After three solid nicks on his jaw, Whit decided he'd lost his touch when it came to something as simple as shaving. Considering Mallory's continued struggles, he was beginning to believe he'd lost his touch with women, too.

He tossed the razor aside, wiped a towel over his jaw, braced his hands on the vanity's edge and leaned into them. He now knew what the phrase "no rest for the wicked" meant because some fairly wicked thoughts had kept him from sleep well into the night. Then he'd gotten up much earlier than usual, in every sense of the word. Not an uncommon morning occurrence, except the time-5:00 a.m.-barely qualified as morning. Yet his thoughts hadn't only centered on making love with Mallory. He'd been worried about Mallory in general. He still was.

She kept running hot and cold, and, granted, he really liked her hot. But he sensed something stirring deep within her, some hidden facet he had yet to learn, even if at times he felt he knew her better than most. She definitely knew him better than he'd ever thought possible. That troubled the h.e.l.l out of him at times, to the point that he worried one day she would come home and say she'd had enough of his antics, and then leave. Maybe not now, or at least not until he'd made her pregnant. But after that, he honestly believed she would take off to be on her own, and he didn't even like to think about that all.

He wanted to keep her as his roommate, the best roommate he'd ever had. h.e.l.l, she was the only roommate he'd had since college and the only woman he'd invited into his home for more than a few nights. Although living with her had been relatively easy, that was only part of the reason he didn't want to let her go, even though he resisted taking those other reasons out and examining them. He'd just have to put that off until a later date. At the moment, he had a busy day ahead of him, myriad meetings and smoothing over problems with the current major project, leaving him limited time to mull over his concerns. He wanted to get a head start, needed to get a head start, so he could get home early. Home to Mallory.

He dressed in a white shirt and navy slacks, draped his favorite tie around his neck and headed toward the kitchen for coffee. But something drew him down the hall to Mallory's bedroom. Because of the earliness of the hour, he didn't bother knocking and instead opened the door to peek inside. As suspected, she was still in bed, turned on her side facing him, eyes closed, hair a tangled auburn mess surrounding her face, looking innocent and sweet and s.e.xy as h.e.l.l. She hugged a pillow in her arms, something she always did when her nerves got the best of her. She wore a pair of plain, pale blue pajamas; the covers bunched at her feet looked as if she'd gone three rounds with them during the night. Whit could relate to that, but he couldn't relate to the strong feelings threatening to surface from a place inside himself he rarely acknowledged existed. He'd like nothing better than to take that pillow's place. He wanted to say to h.e.l.l with his job, strip out of his clothes, climb into bed and kiss her all over, beginning with her soft mouth and working his way down her soft body from there. He wanted to make love to her in the first light of morning and not stop until noon for lunch and then start all over again. Or hold her for a while, if nothing else.

Instead, he crossed the room and kissed her cheek lightly, then backed out before she woke up and noticed he was there, staring at her like some kid standing in front of a sporting goods store display, pining for a two-hundred-dollar infield glove that he knew he could never really have, or afford to want.

Yeah, he had a lot to think about between now and the time this baby-making ordeal was over. And he realized all too well he was beginning to want it to not be over for a long time, if ever.

Mallory wanted the day to be over, and it wasn't quite noon. All morning long, she'd had trouble concentrating on her clients, thanks to Whit and their escapades the night before. And worse, she'd begun the day with the Wilkinsons-a couple who would just as soon fight than negotiate their impending divorce. Luckily, they'd left a few moments ago without any bloodshed. Bitter words, yes, bloodshed no. At least not yet.

Now she had one more couple to meet with before lunch, but at least this husband and wife were beginning an adoption search, not preparing for divorce.

Mallory pushed her chair from behind the desk, stood and pressed the intercom. "You can send in the Lathams now, Roz."

"They're on their way."

As always, Melinda and David Latham entered the room with pleasant smiles on their faces even though they'd endured fifteen years of infertility. But today they looked happier than normal, despite the fact they were just now reviewing a very limited list of prospective mothers-to-be and facing a long, and possibly futile, process.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Latham. Have a seat." Mallory indicated the chairs in front of her desk. After they settled in, she said, "I have some information about a woman in Missouri that I think might interest you."

Melinda Latham exchanged a meaningful look with her husband. "Actually, we just stopped by to thank you for everything, but we won't be needing your services."

Fairly surprising news to Mallory, considering their last conversation. "Then you've changed your mind about adopting?"

"Our minds have been changed for us," David said. "Melinda found out she's pregnant."

Mallory's own smile appeared despite the little tug of envy that she quickly put away. "That's wonderful news."

"And really unexpected," Melinda said. "But our doctor said it's not that unusual. A lot of times couples decide to adopt, get their minds off of conception and suddenly it just happens."

David took his wife's hand into his. "We couldn't be happier. We've waited a long time for this."

"I know you have," Mallory said. "And I'm absolutely thrilled for you." She sincerely was thrilled even though she experienced a bout of wistfulness she tried to write off to fatigue. But she knew better. The closeness of this couple so obviously in love, the realization of their dreams, only reminded her how far off her own dreams now seemed.

The pair came to their feet in dismissal. "We're really grateful for your efforts, Ms. O'Brien," Melinda said. "And who knows? Maybe you've been our lucky charm."

Mallory rose and smiled. "I doubt that, but thanks for the sentiment. And be sure to send me a picture after the baby's born. Better still, stop by for a visit. I love babies."

David gave her with a wide grin. "You should have one yourself, while you're still young."

I'm trying, Mallory wanted to say but kept that to herself. "Maybe one of these days," she said. Hopefully someday soon.

After the Lathams departed, Mallory was more determined than ever to get pregnant. She also weighed Melinda's words about getting her mind off the conception and just letting it happen. Definitely something she needed to seriously consider. Something she really needed to do. Spontaneous s.e.x might be more favorable for a quick conception. No planning, no aforethought. Just go for it.

It then occurred to her she had no other appointments until 2:00 p.m. She shrugged on her jacket and picked up her purse with one important goal in mind-taking her lunch break to see a very virile, very s.e.xy man about making a baby.

"Mr. Manning, you have a call on line one."

Whit shoved the mess on his desk to one side in order to locate the phone and depressed the intercom."Who is it, Sandra?""She said her name is Ms. Concepcion and that it's very personal."Whit went though a mental laundry list of past girlfriends and couldn't recall dating anyone by that name.

"Did she say what she wants?""No, only that it's imperative she speak with you right away."It better be a valid phone call. He'd had enough trouble focusing on work without having to deal with some sneaky solicitor. Punching the blinking line, he barked out an irritable, "Whit Manning."

"Someone sounds like they got up on the wrong side of the bed."

Mallory, the last person he expected to hear from today. "Why the h.e.l.l have you decided to change your

name from O'Brien to Concepcion?"

She released a s.e.xy laugh. "I thought it had a nice ring to it considering I've been thinking aboutconception all morning long and what we're going to do tonight."So had Whit, the reason behind his lack of concentration. "Is that why you called, to taunt me?""Actually, I'm on my cell. I'm heading to the apartment as we speak. I thought you might want to meet me there for lunch.""I had a late breakfast with clients so I've decided to skip lunch.""Who said anything about food?"Whit couldn't believe his immediate below-the-belt reaction. Oh, yeah he could. He'd been battling himself since dawn. "Are you suggesting a midday tryst?""Exactly. I had a little twinge this morning so I'm fairly sure I'm ovulating."Whit had a real big twinge. "I'm up for it.""I'm sure you are. Does that mean you'll meet me?"Whit glanced at his watch. d.a.m.n. "I've got a big powwow in an hour and I have to meet with my father to prep fifteen minutes beforehand. By the time I get there, we'd have about five minutes before I have to

head back."

"Guess I'll just have to spend my break alone, watching soaps and lamenting what we could be doing."

She paused for a moment. "Or I could come there."

"Here?"

"You do have a lock on your door, don't you?"

"Yeah. But I don't have a bed."

"I'm sure I can find a soft place to land."

"You can use me for that."

"I intend to, and you're going to enjoy it."

No doubt about it, he was going to enjoy it very much. "How far are you from my office?"

"I just pa.s.sed you on the way to the loft but I can turn around."

Mallory's suggestion was turning him into a madman. "That sounds like a plan, a little dangerous, but

doable.""Isn't living a little dangerously fun?""You didn't think so last night.""I've changed my mind."Whit could live with that, if he didn't die from antic.i.p.ation. "I'll be glad to accommodate you, but first I want to know if you're wearing another thong.""No. Animal-print panties.""I've always wanted to go on safari without leaving the country."She laughed again. "What color boxers are you wearing today?"

Oh, h.e.l.l. He might as well tell her because she would soon find out. "I haven't done any laundry so I'm wearing briefs."

She let go an impatient sigh. "I'll forgive you today, as long as you agree to the office interlude."

"After all this talk, if we don't do it then I'll risk losing all my self-respect in front of major clients. Now get off the phone and get over here immediately. And use your real name. Otherwise you're going to confuse Sandra."

"Okay. I'll be there in five minutes."

"I'll be waiting." Waiting and wondering just how they were going to accomplish this mating session without hurting something, or getting caught.

Whit reclaimed his professionalism long enough to call his admin. "When Ms. O'Brien arrives, send her in. And hold all my calls for the next forty-five minutes."

"Yes, sir. But what if you father needs you?"

"Tell him I'm in a meeting and won't be available for a while."

"I'll try." Sandra didn't sound at all confident she could hold off the master of the universe. Neither was Whit, but he didn't give a d.a.m.n. It was high time he made his father wait for a change, instead of the other way around.

After pushing back from his desk, Whit began to pace the length of the room. No way could he sit still knowing Mallory would be in his office in a matter of minutes. Better still, in his arms. He surveyed the room for a good place to make love. The sofa was d.a.m.n small and the two club chairs weren't much better. Of course, that might mean another Mallory lap dance. Nothing wrong with that, except he really wanted to be closer to her today. His desk was fairly large, but he'd have to clear it off. And going at it on a hard oak surface wouldn't be comfortable for either of them, although it could be managed. The floor had its advantages but the carpet was more industrial grade instead of plush. h.e.l.l, standing against the door was starting to look good, especially when Mallory walked through it a few minutes later wearing a conservative black business suit and a tentative smile.

She stepped completely inside and pointed behind her. "Sandra said to tell you she put the phone on voice mail and she's going to lunch."

"Good."

After closing the door behind her, she leaned back against it. "How much time do we have?"

"Thirty-three minutes, give or take a few seconds."

She took a couple of steps forward. "Not much time, but enough to get the job done."

The way Whit was feeling now, he'd get the job done in less than five minutes if not careful. Crossing the room, he bypa.s.sed Mallory and locked the door then turned to find her clutching her purse against her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. He strode to her, s.n.a.t.c.hed the bag and tossed it onto the nearby sofa. Without saying a word, he kissed her the way he'd wanted to from the moment she'd walked into his domain, letting her know exactly how much he wanted her.

After he backed her against the single strip of barren wall dividing the floor-to-ceiling windows, Mallory loosened his tie, slipped it over his head then hurled it somewhere behind him. She began tackling his b.u.t.tons, inadvertently popping two off the placket and launched them across the room like missiles.When he caught her wrists, she looked up at him with a sheepish smile. "Oops.""Maybe it's better if we leave most of our clothes on before we tear them to shreds.""I'm not going to take your shirt off. I just want it open."He released his grip and let her undo the remaining b.u.t.tons, and he was glad he did when she smoothed her hands over his bare chest. Recognizing the benefits of skin against skin, he released the b.u.t.tons on her jacket to reveal a black camisole and nothing else. He raised the fabric and rubbed his chest against her bare b.r.e.a.s.t.s, claiming her mouth for another deep kiss.

On the verge of losing control, Whit pulled back and bracketed her face in his palms. "Let's try the couch."

"What happened to hot s.e.x against the wall?" She glided one hand down his belly. "Or will it be too hard to manage?"

He pressed against her, letting her know exactly how hard it was. "I can manage it."

Whit lowered his hands and slipped the b.u.t.ton on her slacks with practiced ease, but when he tried to

lower the zipper, it wouldn't budge. He tugged again, without success. "Great," he muttered. "A fabricchast.i.ty belt."Mallory looked down and said, "Let me try it." And she did, but the stubborn fly wouldn't cooperate. "It 's definitely stuck.""I can't get you pregnant this way." Whit tried to dislodge the zipper again, this time with more force."Whit, you're going to break it."As soon as she said it, he did it, separating the tab from the track, leaving the fly gaping. But at least he'd gotten the thing open. "Sorry."

She looked pretty mad, and d.a.m.ned s.e.xy. "Sorry? Is that all you have to say?"

"Hey, you did in my b.u.t.tons."

"True. Guess that makes us even."

He stroked his knuckles across her belly, back and forth right beneath her navel. "I'll buy you another

pair.""We need to hurry so I'll have time to change.""Some things just can't be hurried," he said as he toyed with the thin elastic band at the top of the animal-print underwear. "It's safari time."

But before he could slide his hand completely inside, Mallory caught his wrist and halted his progress. His frustration filtered out on a groan. "Mallory, this is no time to be changing your mind."

"Didn't you hear that?"

He could only hear his pulse pounding in his ears and Mr. Happy demanding he get on with it. "No, I