Two Hearts: Beyond Control (Two Hearts Trilogy Book 1)

by CJ Andrews

  Not fully trusting her, I crept through the kitchen and peeked at the front door. Only Jen stood there. Feeling confident, safe, I closed the rest of the distance in a few long strides, pushed forward by a rush of adrenaline. “What the hell were you thinking?”

  “Talking to him might help you figure this mess out. Give you a chance to ease your conscience.”

  I threw my hands up in the air. “Not likely! I’m guilty. Remember? What else is there to figure out?”

  “I’m sorry for pushing Nico on you, but you need to get a grip if you don’t want Will to get suspicious.” She wrapped me in a calming hug. “Come on, let’s watch the rest of our movie. Give your mind a rest, and we’ll work on a plan a little later.”

  The doorbell rang. We both jumped then pulled back to look at each other.

  “Nico?” I whispered, terrified by the possibility even though I couldn’t imagine he’d come back so soon.

  Jen shrugged. “I don’t think so . . . but only one way to find out.” She leaned to the side and peeked through the glass. “Oh, this won’t be good.”

  She turned to me with a guarded expression as the bell sounded again, followed by knocking and Kendra’s muffled shouts.

  “Dammit, Danni. How long do you think you can hide from me? Open the damn door!”

  Jen cringed. “She was pretty pissed when you ran off last night without even telling anyone you were leaving. And then you wouldn’t answer your phone, and Logan left to deal with Nico. Hopefully she’s calmed down by now.”

  I raised my brows and looked at Jen. “Does it sound like she’s calmed down?” I moved past her to open the door. “Might as well get this over with.”

  Kendra stormed inside. “What the hell happened last night?” She swept her gaze over me, a strange expression on her face. “Wait a sec. If you ran off on Nico, why are you still dressed from the walk of shame?” She looked between Jen and me. “Someone needs to explain to me what the hell is going on.”

  I turned to Jen, my voice low. “Didn’t you tell them anything last night?”

  “Only that you were upset, and I was going home to keep you company.”

  Grabbing my sister’s hand, I gave it a gentle squeeze and silently thanked her with my eyes. “Nico and I had a little . . . misunderstanding last night. I needed to get away, and I didn’t want to ruin everyone else’s night.” Hoping to both calm and comfort my best friend, I reached out and rubbed her arm. “Jen just told me Logan ditched you to deal with him. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

  The corners of Kendra’s mouth turned up. A spark flashed in her eyes. “Oh, no need to worry about that.” She winked then leaned to the side enough to bump her shoulder to mine. “He came back. And he definitely made up for leaving.”

  It took a few seconds for her message to sink in. “Wait . . . what? Did you go home with him?”

  Kendra waved dismissively. “Long story. Very long.” A suggestive grin spread across her face. “Anyway, Logan dropped me here and ran on a quick errand. He should be back any minute to take me to lunch before he heads home to New York, so we’ll talk about that later. Tomorrow afternoon . . . whatever you want to do.”

  “I-I can’t. I think I’m going to plan a special ‘welcome home’ for Will. Let him know how much I missed him.” My voice faded; and I steeled myself, expecting her to tear into me again about the way he’d been acting and the fact that he still hadn’t called me. I lifted my eyes to meet hers. “I need to focus on my marriage and stop thinking about Nico. And I need you to cooperate. Please.”

  Kendra groaned, shaking her head. “Look, sweetie, you know I just want you to be happy. And if you can somehow manage to find that with him, then fine, I’ll do my best to support you. But you light up around Nico like I have never seen you do before. Right, Jen?”

  Jen shrugged and gave a reluctant nod, mouthing the word, “Sorry.”

  Kendra continued with her last-ditch effort. “Just think about that. Okay? Sometimes love fades . . . or maybe it never really existed in the first place.” She stared off in the distance a moment before closing her eyes. When she opened them, she continued in a somber voice. “Not the passionate kind of love anyway. Trust me.”

  Logan’s car pulled into the driveway, and Kendra snapped out of whatever that odd moment was. A huge smile returned to her face.

  “Love to stay and chat, ladies, but there is an incredibly sexy man waiting for my charming company.” She gave us each a quick hug before rushing out the door.

  Jen closed the door and turned to me. “So. We can try watching our movie again, or we can head to the kitchen for brunch first. Take your pick.”

  I caught my reflection in the glass by the door—ratted hair, smeared makeup, and Jen’s little black party dress. “I think I’m going to go take a shower.” Wash away the memory of last night. Of Nico. “And then maybe you can help me plan something special for Will?”

  Jen’s face lit up. “Oh, I think we can come up with something that will make him very happy to be back home.”

  Emotionally drained, I took two steps toward the stairs before stopping. How did everything get so off track? New Year’s Eve had been perfect—the way Will treated me, and the way he worshiped my body when we made love that night. It was everything I wanted. Less than three weeks had passed, and I’d allowed myself to become so consumed by Nico that I’d lost sight of my goal—my resolution to spice things up in my marriage.

  I turned and threw myself at Jen, wrapping her in a tight embrace. “Thanks. You’re the best, you know.”

  “I know.” She laughed, returning my enthusiastic hug. “But that’s only ’cause I learned from the best.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Room for Dessert

  The clock on the stove read 7:24. According to the text Will had sent earlier, he should be home any minute. My pulse pounded an erratic beat, a combination of nerves and anticipation.

  Jen had talked me out of confessing, telling Will about the kiss I’d shared with Nico, a decision I still had serious doubts about even though it was “only one minor indiscretion,” as she’d put it. According to Jen, I’d already punished myself enough, and “there was no point jeopardizing my marriage over a momentary lapse in judgment that would never happen again.”

  In my mind, a lie of omission was still a lie, and the only thing worse than living with that lie would be getting caught in it. I had to hope my body wouldn’t betray me and make Will suspicious.

  Fear that he might still be angry with me intensified my guilt over the secrets from Friday night. I wrapped my arms tighter across my churning stomach as I paced the kitchen floor, waiting for the car to bring Will home. The clicking of my heels on the tile echoed in the otherwise silent house. I needed to get things back to the way they’d been on New Year’s Eve, get our relationship back on the right track and remind him how good we were together. Discover how passionate our sex life could be. Jen’s plan had to work.

  The dining room table was set for an intimate dinner for two, complete with a chilled bottle of champagne and some fresh strawberries with whipped cream. The aroma of Will’s favorite dish, an herb-crusted beef tenderloin, filled the air. Candles burned in every room, the only source of light.

  I clenched my fingers around the remote for the sound system, ready to begin playing the romantic songs I’d picked to tell Will how much he meant to me. Headlights flashed in the driveway, followed by car doors closing and the house door opening.

  “Danielle?” The door closed. “What’s with all the candles? Did we lose electric or something?”

  I didn’t answer, waiting patiently in the kitchen for him to come closer.

  “Mmmm . . . something smells good. Danielle? You down here?” He paused when he reached the dining room then continued in a cautious tone. “Wow . . . what’s the occasion?”

  “Welcome home, sweetheart.” I stepped into the dining room, beaming at my husband and realizing how much I’d missed him.
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br />   He’d only been away two days, but so much had happened during that time that it felt much longer. Of course, not hearing from him the whole time didn’t help. My chest tightened at that thought, but I pushed aside the heartache for now.

  I strolled across the room, a provocative sway to my hips, enjoying Will’s expression as he watched. A casual glance at the table as I stopped in front of him reassured me the silver serving platter was within my reach.

  I rested my hand on the back of a chair for support and returned my eyes to my handsome husband. “See something you like?”

  His head tipped to one side, a single eyebrow arched, and an appreciative grin spread across his face. The heat of his gaze scorched me as it swept over every inch of my body. My chef’s apron covered me from my collarbone to my knees, but it left exposed my bare arms and shoulders, pale silk stockings, and my jeweled gold stilettos—the same shoes I’d kept on, at Will’s request, when he made love to me on my birthday.

  “You seem to be . . . underdressed.” He slipped his hands in his pants pockets, tugging at the fabric while adjusting himself. “Aren’t you cold?”

  “Actually, I’m feeling rather hot tonight.” I stepped closer, loosening his tie as I spoke. “I was thinking we could have dessert before dinner tonight.” I pressed my hips against him, a subtle check to make sure I had raised his attention. “And then again after dinner.”

  “I—”

  “Shhh.” I placed a finger over his mouth then traced it along his lips while speaking in a seductive whisper. “I wasn’t finished. Now, in case you were wondering what you’re having for dessert . . .” Stepping back, I reached behind myself, untied the straps on my apron, and let it fall to the ground.

  “Nice.” He brushed the backs of his fingers along the top of my pale pink bra then explored the matching panties and garter belt, tracing the lace ruffle that ran around my hips. “Very nice.”

  His feathery touch made my skin tingle. I closed my eyes, anxious to get lost in the arousing sensation. My body tensed when my mind filled with an image of Nico standing in front of me, touching me—an unwelcome interruption from my guilty conscience. I forced it aside, reminding myself to stay focused on Will.

  He slid his hand up my torso and captured the gold heart pendant that dangled between my breasts, tracing his thumb over the diamond accents of the gift he’d given me on our wedding day. His eyes closed, and his brow furrowed. “You stole a piece of my heart the first day we met, but today I willingly give all of it to you. Now you can wear it next to yours . . .”

  Heat from his palm as he pressed the pendant against my left breast sent a chill through me. I drew in a shaky breath and finished the words he’d first spoken nearly fifteen years earlier. “And always remember how precious and beautiful our love is.”

  My jewelry box held the handwritten note with the message he’d whispered in my ear while fastening the clasp behind my neck that night. Every time I wore his heart, I took a moment to remind myself what it represented. Could he possibly remember the words so clearly, or had he read them again too?

  A single tear fell, landing on Will’s hand.

  “I’m so sorry, Danielle. I never meant to hurt you.” He tipped my face toward his and placed a tender kiss at the corner of my eye.

  It warmed my heart that he realized how much I’d suffered this weekend, but I worried he was seeing my guilt instead of the pain he’d caused by ignoring me. Either way, we were veering away from my plan to seduce him.

  “So, getting back to dessert.” I took a strawberry from the plate, dragged it through the whipped cream, and raised it to my mouth. Keeping my eyes locked on his, I swirled my tongue around the tip of the berry then closed my lips over it and gently sucked at the cream. “Mmmm . . .” I took a bite. “So sweet. Want some?”

  The strawberry left a sticky trail as I skimmed it along his lower lip. His tongue darted out, gathering the juices and licking a dollop of cream from the corner of his mouth.

  “Let me help you.” I held his face and traced my tongue along his lips before letting it sweep into his mouth, tasting the odd combination of strawberry and Will’s favorite mints.

  The kiss was warm. Familiar. The way it should be, I supposed, even though I craved more. More excitement. More passion. More . . . something.

  He grabbed my wrists and pulled away. “I’m pretty worn out from my trip, babe.” He brushed his hands across my breasts, down my torso, and up my arms. The light contact gave me goose bumps. “And I already ate. I’m sorry. You went to so much trouble too.”

  Such a jokester. I raised my brows, challenging him, waiting for him to crack a smile. It didn’t come.

  “Not a chance, mister. I’m not taking no for an answer tonight.” I rolled my hips, grinding on his erection. “Seems to me you’re up for some fun. Tell ya what, I’ll even do all the work. All you have to do is lay back and enjoy.”

  “Christ, you’re stubborn,” he mumbled, pushing farther away from me.

  “I prefer to think of it as persistent. Determined.” Stepping forward, I leaned in and nuzzled against his neck, letting my lips glide along his skin before placing a lush kiss below his ear. “Getting what I want.”

  He groaned, sounding defeated. “Fine, but let me grab a quick shower first.”

  “Deal. I’ll meet you upstairs.” I smiled at him, satisfied with my small victory. His reaction was less enthusiastic than I’d imagined, but it would have to do for now. At least he hadn’t turned me down. Again.

  It had been almost three weeks since Will made love to me, and nearly as long since the last time I’d successfully seduced him. Of course, I’d had the advantage that day, sneaking up on him while he slept.

  I stopped at the bottom of the stairs, a fun idea springing to mind, and dashed back to the dining room to grab the bowl of whipped cream before following Will upstairs.

  Will’s drawn-out “quick shower” gave me plenty of time to get ready. I lit the candles I’d placed on every dresser then laid towels across the bed before kneeling in the middle to wait for him, the bowl of whipped cream by my side. We had never played with food before, and this wasn’t part of the plan Jen helped me put together, but it could be romantic.

  Sensual thoughts of caressing his body with my mouth filled my mind. A soft sigh slipped past my lips. I wiggled restlessly, trying to ease the gentle pulsing between my legs. Will hadn’t even entered the room, and my panties were already damp.

  Soft music drifted up from the sound system downstairs, and the scent of lavender slowly filled the air. Flickering light reflected off my pendant. I grasped it the same way Will had earlier. Hearing him recite the sentimental message had given me hope, shown me that he wanted to save our marriage too. Tonight would be perfect. We belong together.

  After what felt like an eternity, the shower finally stopped. I straightened my garter belt, smoothed my panties, and adjusted my bra to show off the girls. My pulse quickened, anticipating his reaction to my surprise. I repositioned the bowl beside me then dragged my finger through the fluffy white cream and raised it to my lips.

  Will emerged from the steamy bathroom, completely naked, pausing to watch as I sucked the cream off my finger. “Oh, now that’s hot.”

  His body’s instant reaction was clearly visible . . . not to mention a complete turn-on. My core clenched, anxious for his touch. But my needs would have to wait until I’d blown his mind, as promised.

  “Why don’t you join me?” I extended my arms toward him as he sauntered across the room.

  He grabbed my hands, placed a tender kiss on each palm, and allowed me to pull him onto the bed. We knelt facing each other, our bodies pressed together.

  I skimmed my fingertips along his smooth face as I gazed into his eyes, drowning in the deep sapphire pools. “I am gonna rock your world and make sure you never want to leave me again.”

  His eyes grew wide with a shocked expression, making me laugh. I weaved my fingers through his damp hair and guided
his mouth to mine. There were no sparks like . . . the other night, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a fire burning somewhere deep inside.

  Will smoothed my hair away from my face. He pulled back to look at me and brushed his thumb across my lower lip. “So. This is nice, but I thought I was going to lay back and relax while you enjoyed your dessert.” One side of his mouth pulled up in a suggestive taunt.

  I gave him a gentle shove, and he fell to his back with an excessive amount of dramatic flair—hand on his chest, feigning a wounded heart. He slid toward the headboard and reclined against the mound of pillows there.

  I shook my head, laughing at his lighthearted mood. Business trips were usually stressful events, but he seemed different this time. Relaxed. Things must have gone better than he’d expected, and I really wanted to ask him about it, but that would mean passing up the opportunity stretched out in front of me. News of his trip would have to wait.

  Propped there, waiting with arms spread wide, he hooked his fingers, motioning for me to come to him. “Okay, babe. Bring it on. I’m ready to be rocked.” He folded his hands behind his neck and leaned his head back, eyes closed.

  I collected my bowl and straddled his legs, climbing to sit on his thighs. After pausing to study my canvas, I swiped a finger through the whipped cream and painted a heart near the side of his neck, just below his jaw.

  He winced, as I expected. It was a sensitive spot for him. But a few nibbles there could get his motor revving.

  I bit back a grin. “Okay to go on?”

  A smile eased his scrunched up face, and he nodded. “I’ll be brave.”

  I continued dipping into the cream and drawing hearts along his jawline, down his neck, and at random places on his chest, giggling as he flinched with each cool touch.

  “What are you doing?” He drew out the words with playful curiosity, peeking at me through one opened eye.

  “Frosting my dessert.” I beamed at him, thoroughly enjoying myself.