Her heart slipped another notch. He cooks, too?
She shook her head, trying to focus on her anger, but he dipped the spoon in the saucepan and brought it to her. Up this close, his spicy cologne nearly made her knees buckle.
“Here, taste this and tell me what you think.”
Hypnotized, she kept her eyes on his and obediently opened her mouth. When he slipped the warm spoon inside and the cream coated her lips and tongue, her heart took on a different rhythm. Her body turned gooey and moist, and it had nothing to do with the temperature in the room. The thermostat in her body grew steadily. Taking it slow, he pulled the spoon out, and with his finger, he wiped away a spot on her lips where the sauce had remained. He slipped his finger inside his mouth and she tingled.
“Well? What do you think?” His voice was lower than it had been a moment ago.
I think I’d like to taste you, too. After that thought, her mind went blank from everything else but him. Things she shouldn’t be thinking about clouded her mind. She breathed in his aroused musky scent. Hot sensations escalated through her body, touching and awakening secret areas that had never experienced such desire.
“I … I…” She mumbled like a fool, but was unable to correct the mistake.
He grinned, damn him. Setting the spoon down on the stove counter, he moved toward her. Her wobbly legs retreated, but they only succeeded in backing her up against a wall. Now he had her pinned. I’m in big trouble.
He pressed his hard body to hers. It was all she could do not to moan aloud from the intense pleasure it brought. When he brushed his fingers so very gently up her neck and face and threaded them through her hair, she closed her eyes, unable to watch his heated green eyes any longer.
“Kenya,” he whispered huskily. “God help me, but I want to touch you when you look at me like that.”
Stay angry! She brought up her shaky hands and pushed on his chest, intending to stop him. But once his hot muscles flexed beneath his tight skin, all thoughts of stopping him fled. She wanted to run her hands all over his bare chest then search for other parts of his body she could make bare.
“I’ve wanted to touch you since last night.” He bent his head and placed his mouth to the curve of her neck. A moan broke from her throat.
“You smell wonderful,” he muttered.
So do you.
The tip of his hot tongue stroked her skin, and she released a deeper moan.
“And you taste good, too.”
She had to stop him. She had to stop herself, yet her voice wouldn’t work and her body ignored her. Once he gathered her in his arms, she was lost for sure. He kissed her neck then nibbled and sucked, thrilling her completely. Her body melted against his, and she was totally in his control. She clung to the edge of his shirt for support and closed her eyes.
One of his hands slid down her back and cupped her buttocks, pushing her into his hips. When his hard arousal straining through his jeans met with her, another sexual ripple shot through her. He lifted her leg and hooked it over his hip, allowing her to feel more of his heat.
His hand slid up her waist to her breast and her eyes flew open, but she had no intention of stopping him. His eyes were a deeper shade of green, and an intense emotion etched across the very handsome features softening in his eyes.
He flicked his thumb over her tightened nipple. “Kenya, you take my breath away.”
She knew exactly what he meant, because for some inane reason, she found it hard to breathe. She licked her dry lips. “Eli—”
He bumped her with his hips again, his hardness separated from her body by a mere piece of cloth. Heat shot through her again. She wanted him … now. She lifted her pelvis and rubbed him back. If he didn’t take her right this minute…
The shrilling ring from the phone in the kitchen erased from her mind what she’d been wanting. When the second ring sounded, it had pulled her completely out of her hypnotized state.
She dropped her leg and pushed away from him. Disappointment flooded through her, creating loneliness. She quickly moved over to the phone.
“Hello?” Her voice sounded much too deep to be normal.
“Kenya?”
Inwardly she groaned. “Yes, Dad, it’s me.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Eli turned off the stove and left the kitchen. She released a ragged sigh. Thank heaven’s she’d gotten out of that scrape, but what would happen if he convinced her to continue this later? Would she want to experience the thrill he gave her again?
She leaned her forehead against the wall for support, but her legs still quivered. She wobbled to the kitchen chair and sat. Her breasts ached, and between her legs throbbed, reminding her of what she could have had.
“How did Lisa’s party go last night? Anything exciting happen?” her dad asked.
That’s an understatement. “No, in fact, I couldn’t wait to get home. You know how fake people can be.”
“Yes, dear, I do know. But your dress must have been a hit. Your mother talked to a few ladies who’d attended the party and they all said you looked beautiful.”
She smiled. “Thanks, Dad. You know, this morning when I arrived to work, George told me that we’d sold five more dresses.”
He laughed. “That’s my girl. You’ve certainly made me proud.”
“Dad?” she asked, quickly changing the subject. Suddenly, Eli’s remark about her father’s connections disturbed her. “Can I ask you a serious question?”
“Sure, honey.”
“Do you like Terrel?”
He laughed. “Of course I like Terrel. He’s a very successful man that will provide a good life for my daughter. What’s not to like?”
“Do you think he’s marrying me because of … well … because of the ties our family has with New York City?”
Her father paused, and the lengthy silence bothered her. After a few awkward moments, he spoke. “I was never totally satisfied with any of your boyfriends, mainly because I wondered if they just wanted you because of our family name. When I first met Terrel, I wondered the same thing, but he seems like a man who’s got his head on straight. He treats you well, gives you anything you want, and he hasn’t once asked me for money or my influence.”
“Do you think he will?”
“Kenya, honey, why do you ask? Are you having second thoughts?”
She let out a deep sigh. “Sometimes I think I am, but then it’s just because I’m getting cold feet. I think Terrel is a great guy, and on a few occasions I find myself questioning my love for him, but all in all, I think he loves me, and he wants to provide for me.”
“I think so, too. But honey, does he love you the way you want to be loved?”
She squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed her forehead. This was something she didn’t want to answer. Terrel wasn’t exactly gifted in the lovey-dovey side of their romance. Not like Eli.
She cursed under her breath. Why did I think of that?
“Dad, I really appreciate your help.”
“Well, I love you, Kenya, and if you don’t feel right about marrying Terrel, your mother and I will understand. I’d hate to see you make the biggest mistake of your life by marrying the wrong man.”
“Thanks, Dad. I needed to hear that.”
When she hung up the phone, peacefulness settled in her heart. She still didn’t know exactly how to handle the situation with Eli, but at least she wasn’t as angry as she’d been when she first entered her apartment.
Four
Eli paced the floor in his room, cursing the untimely phone call. He hadn’t planned on being so hot for Kenya when he first set out on his mission. He’d seen her before at a distance and thought she was a very beautiful woman, but she belonged to Terrel. Yet now … now he didn’t want her to belong to Terrel. That evil man—who had the audacity to call himself a Montgomery—didn’t deserve a precious, delicate flower like Kenya.
He stopped at the window and parted the blinds a little, overlooking the street that crossed in front of the apartment build
ing. Taking deep breaths, he calmed his anger. So far, so good. Yet time was running out, and he couldn’t get distracted from his goal. The week would soon be at an end, and before next Saturday, he had to stop Kenya from marrying Terrel. At the same time, he had to encourage her to find a way to release the rightful President of Montgomery Aisle from the mental hospital.
He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. Could he possibly get everything accomplished in such a short time? He had to. His life—his very existence—depended on it. And he couldn’t get caught. He had the distinct feeling someone had followed him. If they found him, they’d take him back. That couldn’t happen until after he brought Terrel down.
From out in the other room, Kenya’s voice echoed in the kitchen as she said goodbye to her father. He hesitated in going out to talk to her. She’d be upset from what had just transpired between them. He couldn’t let her hate him. His whole plan would be ruined.
“Eli?” she called.
With a heavy sigh, he walked into the front room where she waited for him, arms folded across her chest and her lips tight.
“Yes?” He took hesitant steps toward her.
“We need to have a little talk.”
“Okay.” He sat on the sofa.
She remained where she was by the small liquor bar in the corner of the room. “I talked with Terrel today.”
He lifted his brow. Why wasn’t she going to yell at him for kissing her? “And what did he say?”
“You mean you don’t know?”
He shrugged. “Apparently not. I don’t know what lies he’s been telling lately.”
“Well, let’s just say he painted a different picture of Joshua Montgomery than you did.”
He creased his forehead. “Of course he did. Terrel has never liked Joshua because of the closeness Joshua and his father shared.”
She shook her head. “See, there again, Terrel tells a different story.”
He relaxed back in the cushions, crossing one leg over the other and stretching his arm over the back of the couch. “Oh, really? What exactly did he say?”
“Only the truth.”
“Maybe Terrel’s truth.”
“The truth is the truth.”
“And I guess you’re going to believe him over me?”
“Of course. Terrel is my fiancé and you’re still a stranger to me.” She tucked a lock of her chestnut hair behind her ear.
He stared at her while he wracked his brain with ways to convince her. But she wasn’t going to believe a stranger. This was only a temporary snag in his plan, but one he’d figure a way out of soon.
He scrubbed his hand over his goatee. “Okay, let me think of someone you can talk to who knew Joshua when Adam was alive. Maybe a servant?”
She shook her head. “I’ve already tried that. Apparently, Lisa dismissed Adam’s servants right after his death.”
“I’m sure they’re around New York somewhere.”
She huffed. “You’re bound and determined to make a liar out of my fiancé, aren’t you?”
He jumped up. Taking three long strides, he stood in front of her. Color disappeared from her face, her eyes widening. Damn. He didn’t want to frighten her. Just the opposite.
He inhaled slowly, cooling his fury. “Kenya.” He caressed her cheek, loving the softness of her smooth skin. “I’m sorry you think the worst in me, but I must admit, I’m trying to prove your fiancé is a liar. I hate to point out the fact that I know him better than you, but I do. Terrel isn’t going to show you his bad side because he needs you, or more specifically, he needs your family’s influence.”
Her chest rose and fell with her quick breaths. Did it stem from her fright or his closeness?
“Give me one more day, please?” He ran the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip. “I’ll locate one of Joshua’s servants and you can ask them.”
She licked her lips. “Eli, I don’t know anymore.”
“Just one more day, please?” He leaned forward and kissed her neck, just under her ear. Her erratic pulse quickened, as did his heartbeat. Damn, this was exciting, but he didn’t want to push her. Now was not the time to continue this.
“One more day and that’s all,” she said in a shaky voice.
Although he wanted to take her in his arms and smother her with kisses, he regained control over his desires and pulled back. Her eyes had been closed and her lips slightly parted. And, when her lids fluttered open, her eyes were dark with passion.
He stayed close, not really wanting to break the heat sparking between them right now. The longer he watched her face, the more he wanted to kiss her, especially when her attention dropped to his lips. How could he stop himself now? Not when the curious look of interest was evident in her eyes.
He stroked the pad of his thumb across her bottom lip again. “Kenya, do you know how irresistible you are?”
He pressed his lips to hers, and she let out a soft moan. Her hands moved up his chest and linked around his neck. Her body relaxed fully against him. He groaned from excitement. This was easier than he’d thought.
He cradled her perfect body in his arms as his mouth slid across her, nipping and pecking gently, then when her lips opened, he dipped his tongue inside to caress with hers. She kissed as good as she looked—wonderful and heavenly.
He had to keep the kiss simple, but the way she hungrily kissed him drove him crazy, and he wanted to do more. He moved his hands over her back, then down to cup her bottom, pulling her hips into his. She fit perfectly against his growing arousal. He growled and turned the kiss wild, slanting his mouth over hers to deepen the kiss with his tongue.
Quickly, she broke away. “We can’t do this.” She bumped him aside and walked to the kitchen.
He followed, hoping to do a little more convincing. She stood by the stove dishing up the dinner he’d cooked. Anger lines weren’t marking her face as they were earlier. Instead, doubt lingered in the eyes that tried to avoid him. He could tell. And he wouldn’t give up.
Kenya stared at her plate of food, moving around the noodles with her fork. She had eaten a few bites, but her nervous stomach wouldn’t allow much more, especially when she thought about what she and Eli could have done.
Was she stupid? Why was she so eager to give herself to a total stranger? She couldn’t be that sexually frustrated could she? Thanks to Terrel’s unwillingness to please her, she already knew the answer. Yet, she couldn’t let that rule her thoughts. Lately, the more she considered marrying him, the more frightened she became—and that was before Eli had entered her life.
Still, Eli was unfamiliar to her, and she continued to suspect he was a few cans short of a six-pack. Something about him seemed weird, out of place, but she couldn’t identify what it was. Besides, he was all wrong for her … the exact opposite of what she wanted in a man.
The awkward silence at the table kept her from raising her gaze to look at him. She didn’t want his hypnotic green eyes to spin her sexual drive out of control again. She didn’t want to get to the point where she’d push everything off the table, grab and pin him down, and make wild, passionate love to him. Although the idea had always been a fantasy of hers, it was something she couldn’t do with a man she barely knew.
Across the table, Eli shifted his chair, but she kept her attention focused on her plate. Even when he cleared his throat, she wouldn’t look at him.
“Kenya? Earlier, we got side tracked from our conversation, and I’d like to talk about it.”
Her heart dropped. Did he want to discuss what had almost happened between them?
“Will you please tell me what Terrel had to say about his stepbrother Joshua?”
She released a sigh, then glanced up at him. Big mistake. She quickly dropped her attention to her plate. Why did he have to be so damn gorgeous? Why were his eyes so incredibly dreamy, his lips pouty, begging to be kissed? And why was she forgetting that he was so opposite of what she liked in a man?
Food caught in her dry throat, so
she finished swallowing. She took a drink to moisten it. “Terrel said that Joshua was a wicked man. He said Joshua was the reason Adam had a heart attack.”
When Eli’s fork dropped on his plate, she looked up. Anger lines creased on his forehead, and he kept his lips tight.
She continued, “Terrel said Joshua was out of control with his cocaine and gambling habits. When Adam found out about them, Joshua laughed in his face. Terrel said that was when Adam had his heart attack.”
He curled his hands into fists and his knuckles turned white. “What did Terrel say about how Joshua died?”
“Terrel said Lisa put Joshua into a clinic to get help for his problem, but Joshua escaped and returned home. That afternoon while Terrel and his mother were at the office, Joshua had his own little drug party and overdosed.”
Eli rested his elbows on the table as his head sank into his large hands. His breathing turned heavy as if trying to calm himself.
“Kenya?” he mumbled. “Will you hate me if I can prove Terrel wrong?”
She set down her fork and leaned back in her chair. “How can you?”
He took in a deep breath then straightened, meeting her eyes. “If I remember correctly, my father told me about a disturbing article written in the newspaper around that time. The article was about the Montgomery family secrets.” His hard jaw relaxed. “Actually, the article talked more about Terrel than it did Joshua. I remember my father telling me how upset it made Lisa.”
A small throb began to build in her head. “What did it say?”
He shook his head. “I think I’ll take you to the library tomorrow and we’ll look up the article in the archives together.” He pushed away from the table and stood.
“Eli.” Her voice rose. “Tell me what the article said.”
He took a few steps toward the hallway, then stopped, glancing over his shoulder. “Let’s wait and see what we find out tomorrow.”
Five
Another sleepless night had passed and Kenya was sure if she had any more of these, the bags underneath her eyes would stay permanently. She took a cool shower hoping to bring down the swelling, but even after all the make-up she applied she still looked hung over.
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