Secret Moves (Secret Dreams Contemporary Romance 3)

by Charles, Miranda P.

  What? He stared at her in disbelief.

  "I'm not kidding, Trey. I still intend to fulfil this little fantasy of mine. Take me to your favourite pick-up places. Pretty please?"

  "Sure," he replied, feeling bothered. He found himself hoping that Kris was simply way too tipsy to mean what she'd just said.

  CHAPTER TWO

  "I wonder who that could be?" Kris mused as the doorbell rang loud enough to be heard from the expansive outdoor deck of Kane and Jasmine's house.

  "Maybe it's a late wedding present delivery for the newlyweds," her cousin Samantha guessed from her relaxed floating position in the swimming pool.

  Kris wrapped a towel around her bikini-clad body and went to answer the door. It was Ari.

  "Hey, darl," Kris cried as she gave Ari a hug and a kiss. "We weren't expecting to see you today."

  "Dylan has some urgent work to finish for tomorrow, so I thought I'd spend the day with you guys," Ari replied. "I tried to call but you weren't answering your phones. I figured you must still be in bed, while Sam must have her hands full whipping something up in the kitchen."

  "Oh, sorry. We've been sunbathing and having a dip in the pool. We didn't take our phones outside. Did you bring your swimsuit?"

  "Already wearing it underneath my clothes," Ari grinned.

  "Great! It's a pity Jasmine's not with us," Kris replied as they headed out the back to join Sam. "She's probably not even thinking about us. She could even be in the throes of passion right now as her hunk of a husband makes love to her."

  "Kris!" Ari gasped, laughter bubbling out of her.

  Kris covered her face in embarrassment. "Oh, my God, Ari. What the hell is wrong with me?" she lamented.

  "Like you said, hon, you just need to get laid," Ari replied, putting an arm around her shoulders.

  "Hey, Ari," Sam cried. "It's great that you're here. Is Dylan joining us later?"

  "Not until dinnertime. He fell behind with his work because of his groomsman duties for his brother. But are you girls free to have dinner with us tonight? We want to take you to our favourite restaurant near his place."

  "Sure. Sounds good," Sam replied.

  "Just us three and Dylan?" Kris asked.

  "That's the plan," Ari answered. "Were you wanting other people to join us?"

  Kris could see the curiosity in Ari's face and could imagine what her friend was thinking. "It would be good if Trey could be there, too," she said with an enigmatic smile. She was looking forward to seeing Trey again. She still couldn't believe he'd agreed to that bet she'd suggested while under the influence. He must have been just as inebriated as she had been to even consider it.

  Ari's eyes widened. "So you're going ahead with it with him?"

  "Going ahead with what with whom?" Sam asked suspiciously.

  Kris laughed at the girls' expressions. "I'm going ahead with it, but not with Trey, Ari. He's just going to take me to decent places where I could meet decent men so my cousin here won't get so worried about me."

  "As long as you're after casual sex with a stranger, I will continue worrying about you," Sam said to Kris with a pointed look. "How do you know that the guys you meet are … healthy?"

  "Condom, Sam. Condom. Plus, I'll ask Trey to help me suss them out. He might even introduce me to friends of his that none of us have met before."

  "Why don't you just do it with Trey?" Sam asked. "You two looked liked you got along like a house on fire at the reception last night. With him being Dylan and Kane's friend, he's likely to be, you know, safe."

  "Ari thinks it's not a good idea."

  "Why not? You think he might not be healthy, after all?" Sam asked Ari in wonder.

  Ari laughed. "Oh, Sam. That's not it. I'm sure Trey's safe—physically, I mean. But he's a playboy."

  "Oh," Sam said in understanding. "You're right, Ari. Bad idea."

  "Come on, girls. You think I'm going to let myself fall in love with another playboy?" Kris asked with a laugh. Sam and Ari were well aware of her past relationships. Twice in her life, she'd fallen in love. Twice, it was with a gorgeous, hunky man who was a self-confessed playboy. Twice, she'd been rather elated that she had managed to get a smooth operator to commit to a relationship with her. Twice, she realised true playboys didn't change their spots.

  She shook her head, not wanting to relive painful memories.

  "By now I'm pretty sure I've learned my lesson," she said lightly.

  Sam reached out and squeezed her hand. "I hope so, Kris. I'd hate for you to get hurt again."

  She smiled and squeezed her cousin's hand back. Samantha Lane was as close to her as a sister could be. Both of them were twenty-seven, with Sam only two months older than her. But even so, sometimes Sam acted like a mother hen.

  They had been close since they were kids. When Kris' mother had died in a car accident two and a half years ago, Sam had been the person who most helped her cope with that devastating loss.

  They understood each other and embraced the fact that they had different personalities.

  Even with men, their attitudes and behaviours were in stark contrast. Kris was an extrovert who took risks, while Sam was the ultra-cautious introvert.

  She shook her head, unable to understand how Sam could handle not being with a man for more than a year and not be crazy with need like she was.

  "What?" Sam asked, noticing her head-shake.

  "I was just wondering why you're not missing having sex with a man," she responded.

  "Who told you I'm not missing it?"

  "Oooh!" both Kris and Ari exclaimed.

  "But unlike you, I will continue to wait until I find myself a new boyfriend," Sam declared. "Casual sex just doesn't interest me."

  "You mean you're too scared of it," Kris said teasingly.

  Sam shrugged. "Yeah, that's probably true. But to be completely honest, I don't see what the fuss is about. None of my past boyfriends set me on fire, so it's not like I feel I'm missing out on much."

  "Oh, Sammy, really? You never told me that," Kris said. "But now that you've mentioned it, I'm not surprised. Your exes looked like they were all virgins before they met you—even your last one who was thirty-five. You need someone who knows his way around a woman's body."

  Sam blushed even as she giggled. "Fine. I'll be more selective the next time around."

  "Great! So do you want to go hunting with me?" Kris asked.

  "No! I still don't want casual. I'll find a real boyfriend when we get back home," Sam said.

  "Okay. Suit yourself," Kris responded. "I'm looking forward to going hunting—with Trey."

  "How did you get Trey to agree to that?" Ari asked.

  "You know me—direct as ever. I told Trey I had considered approaching him for a fling but changed my mind after I spoke with you."

  "Oh. What did he say about that?"

  "He said you were right to warn me off him, so we agreed it wasn't a good idea to sleep together. But he's a fun guy who knows his way around Sydney's nightspots so he'd know the better places I could hang out in—and get picked up from."

  "It was considerate of him to admit you shouldn't consider him," Sam observed. "He sounds like a nice playboy."

  "Trey is a nice guy, once you get to know him," Ari confirmed. "He's very loyal to his friends—incredibly so. Maybe that's why he doesn't have any loyalty left to give to a woman so he chooses not to be with one."

  "Maybe he's someone who just hasn't met the one girl who would make him renounce his bachelor ways," Kris said. "Look at what happened to Dylan when he met you, Ari."

  Ari smiled serenely. "Sure. Maybe Trey's still waiting for the right girl to come along."

  "Whoever it is would be one lucky gal," Kris couldn't help commenting.

  "Oh, no," Sam said.

  "What? It was just a comment," Kris said innocently.

  "Kris," Ari said with a sober face. "When Dylan and I got serious, Trey was genuinely happy for us. But Trey also vowed—that was Trey's word, not mine—that
he would not go down that same path. He said he's happy to stay single for a long, long time—maybe even for the rest of his life."

  "Really?" Kris said, surprised at the heaviness of the disappointment that coursed through her. "He must have had some painful experience with a woman to have that conviction."

  "I know he's had a bad experience but I don't know what happened exactly. I'm sure Dylan knows, but I don't want to ask as it's really none of my business, and Dylan's quite loyal to his friends, too," Ari said.

  "You're lucky, Ari. Dylan's a great guy," Sam said.

  Ari sighed contentedly.

  As Sam and Ari continued talking about Dylan and men in general, Kris only half-listened to their conversation. Her mind preferred to dwell on Trey.

  Oh, God. Not another playboy.

  *******

  "Hey, girls. Good to see you again," Dylan said, kissing Kris and Sam on the cheek as they walked into his living room. "And you," he said to Ari as he pulled his girlfriend close for a lingering kiss on the lips. "I missed you."

  Kris suppressed an envious sigh just as an image of Trey flashed in her mind. She shook her head imperceptibly. The sooner she found herself a handsome guy to have sex with, the better. When that happened, she wouldn't have to perceive Trey as the epitome of her perfect fling partner.

  "By the way, girls, Adam and Trey are joining us tonight. Hope you don't mind," Dylan said.

  Yay! I mean…so what? Kris thought.

  "No, that's fine," was what she said out loud.

  "No, we don't mind," Sam seconded, glancing slyly at her.

  "I'll give you girls a tour of the place before we head off to the restaurant," Ari said. "You don't mind if I show them around, do you, honey?" she asked Dylan.

  "Of course not," Dylan answered. "And you don't have to ask me. You live here now, too."

  "I haven't officially moved in yet," Ari replied with a goofy grin on her face.

  "That's just semantics," Dylan replied, squeezing Ari against him playfully. "Besides, you're moving in next week."

  "Next week?"

  "Yes. I've already booked a removalist for this coming Saturday. You don't mind, do you? You said it will only take you a couple of days to pack. I thought the sooner we do it, the better."

  "When I said a couple of days, I didn't mean two days, Dyl," Ari replied with worry in her voice. "I meant a few days, and I'm not exactly sure how many. I may not be ready by Saturday."

  "Oh. I'll help you pack then, or we'll get the removalist to pack for you," Dylan said, unconcerned.

  Ari arched her eyebrows at him. "You're busy this week and I don't want strangers packing my stuff."

  "We'll help!" Kris volunteered.

  "Yes, we're more than happy to," Sam quipped.

  "Would you, girls? That would be great! Thank you," Dylan said with a big grin, then turned to Ari. "Any other problems, baby?"

  Ari rolled her eyes. "No, as long as the girls don't mind. They're here for a relaxing break, you know."

  Sam laughed. "Don't be silly, Ari. It would be fun to help you pack your stuff."

  "Okay, then. Thanks, girls. Now let me give you that tour."

  *

  Kris started to feel inordinately nervous when it was time to go to dinner.

  "Let me call Trey to let him know we're on our way. Adam's with him," Dylan said.

  "Is Adam's girlfriend coming too?" Ari asked.

  "No. They're having a bit of an issue."

  "Oh. That's a shame."

  "I don't think so," Dylan said.

  "Dyl!" Ari rebuked.

  "Well, I happen to think Adam will be better off without her. But don't mention anything to him. He's a bit sensitive about the subject," Dylan replied as he put his phone against his ear. "Hey, Trey. We're leaving my place now…Okay, see you there."

  "Are the guys at the restaurant already?" Kris asked as Dylan hung up.

  "No. They're just leaving Trey's place. He only lives a couple of blocks from here, but we'll get to the restaurant before they do. We're literally just a few doors away."

  Kris wasn't surprised that Trey and Dylan lived close together. The two of them, together with their other best friend Adam Craig, owned a software development firm. Ari had previously mentioned they were commissioned by big companies to create mobile apps for their businesses. They also developed games apps for mobile devices.

  She wondered what Trey's apartment was like. Dylan had a view of Sydney Harbour and its famous bridge from his balcony. It was one of her favourite vistas in the whole world.

  Maybe Trey would invite her to his place one day…or night. She'd like that, just so she could check out what view he had from his place. And no, she wasn't thinking of what his bed looked like. Okay, maybe she was a bit curious, but seriously, how different could one bed be from another, right?

  *******

  Kris felt a zing of excitement rip through her as she spotted Trey and Adam being led by a wait staff to their table.

  Gosh. Trey looked positively yummy in a button-down navy sport shirt and dark blue jeans—she just wanted to eat him.

  She flushed at the unintended visual from her words, grateful for the restaurant's muted lighting. I bet it was a Freudian slip, Kristen.

  She took a deep breath to cool down and put on a bright smile as the two guys approached.

  Trey greeted her first.

  "Hey, gorgeous," he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek, his fingers gently squeezing her arm.

  "Hi," she managed to croak, as her heart thudded hard in her chest. Good Lord, Kris. Take a hold of yourself.

  She smiled at Adam as he kissed her hello, finding the space to breathe. Funny that. There was not one iota of reaction to Adam who was just as good-looking as his friends.

  The last two empty chairs were on either end of the rectangular table and Trey sat himself adjacent to her. His knee bumped hers a couple of times as he made himself comfortable. She gazed at him, convinced that he did that on purpose, but he only smiled innocently.

  *

  Kris found herself immensely enjoying the company of the guys as dinner progressed. Even after the feast at Kane and Jasmine's wedding reception the night before, they'd ordered enough of the delectable Asian dishes to feed an army.

  "Goodness, I'll need to spend hours in the gym to burn off all these calories," Ari moaned as she helped herself to more food.

  "Don't worry, babe. Eat all you want. I'll help you burn them," Dylan said with a cheeky smile.

  Ari elbowed him.

  "I think I'll need to hit the dance floor tonight after all this," Kris said. "Anyone want to join me?"

  "I'm in!" Sam said.

  Ari gave Dylan a hopeful, pleading look.

  "Okay, count us in," Dylan said with a chuckle.

  "Should be fun. I'll go with you guys," Adam quipped.

  "Yeah, I'll join you, too," Trey said nonchalantly.

  "On the dance floor?" Adam asked with a snicker.

  "I'm not about to go home while you guys continue to have fun," Trey answered.

  "You'll join us on the dance floor?" Adam repeated. "For the second night in a row?"

  "No. I'm going to enjoy the atmosphere and the company. But I'll just sit and watch you guys dance, thank you."

  "You don't like dancing, Trey?" Sam asked.

  Dylan chortled. "The last time I've seen Trey dance—apart from last night, that is—was when we were seventeen. That would be fifteen years ago, now."

  "Really?" Sam asked, looking at Trey. "I'm assuming Kris dragged you to the dance floor last night, then? She's got a reputation for managing to coax even the most reluctant person to shake their booty."

  "Does she now?" Trey asked wryly, glancing at Kris. "I'm not surprised."

  "Hey, Kris can teach you a step or two. She was great at teaching us that bridal dance," Dylan said.

  Trey took a deep breath. "No. Not tonight."

  "We'll make sure you have fun anyway, Trey," Kris said to him with a
sweet smile.

  Trey narrowed his eyes at her, but she could tell he was trying to stifle a smile. He bumped his knee against hers again, lingering for a few seconds. Her insides clenched deliciously.

  Damn her overactive libido. She resolved to find herself that fling partner pronto, otherwise she'd be in big trouble. Her reaction to Trey was getting out of hand.

  CHAPTER THREE

  With beer in hand, Trey made himself comfortable on the black lounge which was perfectly positioned to have a clear view of the dance floor. He didn't mind sitting by himself. He'd done it many times before. Women on the prowl usually took the opportunity to chat him up, and he'd met a few hot ones with this very strategy.

  But tonight he felt…weird. He couldn't put a finger on it, except that he really hoped no one would try to engage him in conversation. He wasn't there to pick up or to get picked up.

  It could be because they had the three girls with them tonight, he reasoned to himself. It would be rude to leave their little group for some stranger when he'd agreed to enjoy the company of his friends.

  He smiled as he watched Kris dance some steps while Ari, Sam, and even Dylan copied her almost effortlessly. He laughed out loud as Adam tried to follow, missing a beat here and there. But after about a minute, Adam was in perfect rhythm with the others.

  Ever since he had been laughed at by his cheerleader crush when he was seventeen, he'd refused to dance in front of anyone. When he was younger, it had been a big ego thing. He didn't want to look uncool. Sure, there was still a little bit of that now, but frankly, he attracted more girls sitting down than being up on his feet, moving about ungracefully. He'd never found any motivation strong enough to make him want to dance.

  He inhaled sharply, feeling curiously jealous that his friends were having such a great time with Kris. He realised he wanted to take his dance lessons with her seriously, if only to enjoy the warmth of her exuberant personality up close.

  "Trey!"

  He turned his head to see a pretty redhead whose long, shapely legs were showcased by her short, tight dress and sparkling stilettos. He hid a sigh. Why was it that when you so wanted something not to happen, it seemed like it almost always did?