“Wait. How did you know what they were saying? Do you understand Spanish?”
Khalil smiled. “Sí, y puede hablar con soltura. Yes, and can speak fluently. French, as well.”
Lexia’s mouth fell open.
“Anyway, after several hours, they finally told me I was being held on drug trafficking charges. I was twenty-five years old and had never even gotten a traffic violation. I tried to tell them over and over that I had no idea what they were talking about, but...”
Lexia entwined their fingers. “What happened?”
“Apparently Michaela and two other models were using their assignments to distribute cocaine. They’d been under investigation for a while and had made another drop the evening before, only this time to undercover agents.”
“I’m so sorry.” She scooted closer and laid her head against his shoulder. “How did you get out?”
“My agent. He’d been looking for me because we were scheduled to have dinner with some dignitaries and I never showed. He went to the police, showed them my picture and found out I was in custody. Fortunately for me, during the times the deals went down, I had airtight alibis, including the previous night—my agent and I were having dinner with a high-ranking government official—and they had to let me go.” Khalil fell silent. “You’re the only one who knows.”
Lexia wrapped an arm around his waist. “Why didn’t you tell your family? After meeting them, I know they would have come for you.”
“I don’t know. Pride. Humiliation. I didn’t want them to worry.” When Khalil returned home two days later, he had done his best to act normal. He had also decided to retire from modeling the following year, an announcement that had shocked his family. “I promised myself that I would never let another woman get close to me again.” He shifted until he was facing Lexia. “Then you came along. From the moment we met, I knew there was something different about you.” She may not be the type you’re used to dating, but she may end up being exactly your type. He heard Brandon’s words in his mind and had to admit that this time his brother had been right. “I want and need you in my life, Lexia. Can we start again?”
She stared out at the water, seemingly considering his offer. “How do I know you won’t hurt me again?”
“You don’t,” he said softly. “Just like I don’t know if you’ll hurt me. My mother told me that there is always a risk when it comes to love, but the payoff is worth it.” He leaned closer and brushed his lips against hers. “Take the risk with me, baby. I promise to make every moment worth it.”
A tear ran down her cheek and she nodded. “I love you, Khalil.”
Khalil wiped the tear away and smiled. “I know.” He captured her mouth in a tender and healing kiss infused with everything overflowing in his heart. Now I’m happy.
Lexia tore her mouth away and slanted him a curious glance. “What do you mean, you know?”
“You said it that night in New York. I had been hearing muffled snippets for a couple of days, but yours were the first clear words in my ear. And, like a fool, I ran from them. But I’m not running anymore.”
She placed her palm on his cheek. “I didn’t want you to hear them because I wanted to run, too.”
As always, her touch did something to him. “No more running...for either of us.”
“No more running.”
Khalil kissed her once more, shifted her until she was between his legs and wrapped his arms around her. Contentment unlike anything he had ever experienced filled him and it came to him that he could sit with her this way for the rest of his life. For the first time, the thought of permanency with a woman didn’t evoke the fear that had ruled his life for the past eight years. Sam had told him that Lexia planned to stay here until Sunday, which meant he had two days to convince her to marry him.
At length, Lexia asked, “How long are you staying?”
“As long as you are, hopefully.”
She whipped her head around. “You booked a hotel?”
“Not yet. Do I need to?”
“Of course not. This house has four bedrooms and there are plenty to choose from.”
“Then I choose whichever bed you’ll be in.” Her mouth fell open and he burst out laughing. Khalil tickled her ribs. “You thought you were being slick, huh?”
Lexia squealed with laughter and squirmed to get away from him. “Stop it, crazy man!” She slapped at his hands.
Soon they were both laughing. She knocked him backward in the sand, straddled his waist and managed to do the same to him before he pinned her arms and started to roll over.
She stopped laughing. “If you get sand in my hair, you’re going to be sleeping in your car.”
He flipped onto his back. “Since you put it that way.”
“What am I going to do with you?”
He lifted a brow.
An embarrassed expression crossed her face. “That’s not what I mean, and you know it.”
Khalil’s body didn’t care. He wanted to make love to her here and now, but reined in his impatience. They had the next two days and he needed her to know that he wanted more for them than just sex. He prayed he could last at least one day.
* * *
Saturday morning, Lexia squinted at the sunlight streaming through the partially open curtains. The heat behind her reminded her that she wasn’t alone. Carefully shifting, her gaze roamed over the gorgeous man asleep next to her. Khalil’s showing up had definitely been a surprise, but she couldn’t be mad at him—or Sam. Sam had made her position clear and Lexia knew her best friend would do anything to see Lexia happy, even if it meant being sneaky.
She resisted the urge to trail her fingers over Khalil’s face and down his magnificent bare chest visible above the sheet. Her heart went out to him for what he had endured for that day and a half. He’d told her about fighting to protect himself, the fear of not knowing whether he’d be released, not getting his belongings back and isolating himself from virtually everyone for a short while. That he chose to reveal the truth to her only made her love him more. She had been blown away by the fact that he knew Spanish and French. The way the words rolled off his tongue in that sexy voice had her wanting to strip him naked and straddle him right there on the beach. They had spent Friday talking, walking along the beach, watching movies and finding their way back to each other. She felt them growing closer and hoped that meant good things for their relationship.
Lexia had expected them to make love last night, but he had only kissed her, pulled her close and gone to sleep just like he’d done on Thursday. A part of her had been disappointed, but as he held her throughout the night, she’d been content. As if sensing her scrutiny, Khalil opened his eyes.
“Morning, beautiful.”
“Good morning to you, too.”
Khalil stretched. “What time is it?”
Lexia glanced over her shoulder at the clock on the nightstand. “Just after eight.”
He fingered one of the braids he’d helped her do last night. “Think you can be ready to leave at nine so we can stop for a quick breakfast? We have a ten o’clock appointment.”
She rose up on her elbow. “Where?”
A smile curved his lips. “It’s a surprise.” He tossed her a wink, flipped the covers back and slid off the bed.
She hopped off the bed and trailed him to the bathroom. “I know that’s not all you’re going to say.”
“Unless you want to be late and miss your surprise, I suggest you leave the bathroom while you still can. If you stay one more minute, we are going to be late. You do remember the last time we were in the bathroom together?” he asked with a wicked grin.
Lexia remembered with exceptional clarity what happened in the shower at his gym. And so did her body. The way he was staring at her didn’t help, either. But curiosity about what the surpr
ise might be got the better of her and she backed out of the door.
Khalil chuckled. “We’ll save it for later then.”
“Whatever. Just hurry up and don’t use all the hot water.”
“No worries there,” he mumbled. “I don’t think I’ll be needing the hot water.”
Her gaze followed his down to his fully erect shaft straining against his briefs. If they made it quick...
“No, baby. As bad as I want you right now, we wouldn’t have nearly enough time.”
Lexia gripped the knob and pulled the door closed away from temptation. She heard Khalil’s laughter as she flopped down on the bed to wait her turn and tried to figure out what he had up his sleeve.
An hour later, they were seated in a nearby family-owned restaurant. She ordered the breakfast burrito and Khalil had the egg white vegetable scramble. Not for the first time, she noticed that he had ordered a healthier meal option. Probably why his body looked the way it did.
While waiting for their food, she clasped her hands in front of her on the table. “So, this was the big surprise?”
Khalil leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. “Nope.”
She narrowed her eyes. “What are you planning?”
“You’ll have to wait and see.”
“You just got here two days ago and we’ve been together the whole time. How did you have time to plan whatever this is?”
He merely smiled.
“I can’t believe you aren’t going to tell me.” Lexia batted her eyes sweetly. “If you tell me, I’ll totally make it worth it.” Desire leaped into his eyes and for a moment, she thought he would relent.
He shook his head. “Nah, baby. It’s not going to work. And stop pouting,” he added with a chuckle. “This is our last day here and I just want us to have some special time together. Trust me?”
Lexia had never been really comfortable with surprises, mainly because most times they didn’t end well. But she assured herself that this time would be different. He’d confessed to loving her and they’d spent the last couple of days talking openly about their hopes and fears, so she would trust him. “Yes.”
Their food arrived and, while eating, they talked about what he would do if he didn’t regain hearing in his right ear and the mobile services and transitional housing projects for the homeless that he’d started.
“I can’t believe you did all that in two weeks.”
“You met Brandon, so you know how forceful he can be. We’re always telling him to chill, but in this instance, it’s working in our favor, so it’s all good.”
Lexia smiled. The image of his brother standing over the paramedic glaring and remembering how he’d manipulated her floated through her mind. “I know what you mean.” She couldn’t wait to see the converted buses and thought that a novel idea. Once they were done, Khalil settled the bill and escorted her out to the car. Five minutes later, he pulled into the lot at San Ysidro Ranch. The upscale resort was highly rated and known for its luxury, natural beauty and romantic heritage. “Um...we already have a place to stay. You do not need to waste good money on a hotel.”
Khalil hopped out of the car and came around to help her out. “We’re not staying here. And even if we were, I wouldn’t consider spending my money on you a waste. You’re worth every penny I have and more. I’d give it all away if it meant having you in my life.” He placed a lingering kiss on her lips.
If she didn’t already love him, that statement would have pushed her over the edge. “You are...” Her emotions swelled. She placed her hand on his chest and felt the strong, steady beat of his amazing heart.
“And so are you. Come on, sweetheart.”
Inside, Lexia found out that he had arranged for them to have a couples’ massage, and then left her to be further pampered with a facial, manicure and pedicure. By the time Khalil came back for her, she was totally relaxed. She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest. “Thank you so much. This was the best surprise I’ve ever had.”
“You’re welcome. Hungry?”
“A little.” It had been almost five hours since breakfast. Over her protests, he escorted her to the hotel’s restaurant and they had a light lunch at a price that widened her eyes.
Afterward, they played tourists and took a scenic tour of Santa Barbara. They even stopped at a park and played on the swings like kids. It was the best date she’d ever had, hands down, and she wished she could spend the rest of her life with him, just this way.
Chapter 20
Dusk had fallen by the time they got back to the house. Lexia started up the walkway and stopped when she realized he was still standing by the car. “Are you coming?”
“Yeah. I just need to get something out of the car.” Khalil rounded the car and popped the trunk. “Go on in. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Okay.” Lexia paused at the sight of a note on the door. She walked closer and read: A house of love... “What does that mean?” she mumbled and stuck her key in the door. She opened it and froze. Her hands flew to her mouth and tears filled her eyes. “Oh my.” Roses of every shade covered the room. Some were in vases, while others had been placed on chairs and tables. She glanced up and saw that a few had even been affixed to the ceiling.
“What do you think?”
She whirled around at the sound of Khalil’s voice. “It’s amazing, beautiful, unbelievable.” He must have come back to the house while she was at the spa. She walked farther into the room, still in shock. Beneath her feet, red rose petals had been placed in what appeared to be a path. She glanced over her shoulder at Khalil. “Does this lead somewhere?”
“Yes.”
Lexia tentatively continued, trying to look ahead to see where it ended. When she got to the back deck, the tears spilled over. The roses continued onto the deck, and then were replaced with a path of candles that ended at an elegantly set table for two on the beach. She looked up at him. “I have never met anyone like you, Khalil Gray. I love you.”
Khalil lowered his head and placed a tender kiss on her lips. “And I love you.” He took her by the hand, led her to the table and seated her. Then he pulled out his phone, made a call and took the seat adjacent to her.
Only then did she notice that a mock band stage had been set up a short distance away. “Did you...?”
He grinned. “I asked an old friend if he could help me out.” He pointed behind her.
She nearly fell out of her chair. “Is that Monte? He’s your old friend? Ohmigod! I love his music. This is fantastic!” She slapped a hand over her mouth to stop rambling like a crazy fangirl, but couldn’t stop bouncing in her chair.
He laughed and shook his head. “You never get that excited when you see me.”
She patted his hand. “Aw, you know I love you, baby.”
Monte and another man reached the table and Khalil stood to embrace each man. “Thanks for helping me out.”
Monte smiled and clapped Khalil on the back. “No problem.”
Khalil gestured to Lexia. “I’d like you to meet Lexia Daniels. Lexia, this is Terrence Campbell, or Monte, and Donovan Wright, his best friend and manager.”
Lexia couldn’t get her mouth to work. She shook herself and extended her hand. “Sorry for staring like a starstruck kid, but I’m a big fan. It’s really nice to meet you both. Do you prefer Terrence or Monte?”
Terrence shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lexia. Terrence is fine.”
Donovan repeated the gesture. “Nice to meet you, Lexia. So how did you meet this clown?” he asked, pointing at Khalil.
She laughed. “Over a slice of low fat apple cinnamon coffee cake and a cup of tea in my café. He was very persistent.”
Terrence nodded. “Hey, that’s the only way to get your girl.”
The three m
en did fist bumps and Lexia rolled her eyes. She knew that Terrence and Donovan had both gotten married a few years ago and had two children each. Lexia opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the arrival of two men pushing a cart with what she assumed was their dinner.
“That’s my cue,” Terrence said. “Any requests, Lexia?”
She really wanted to ask him to sing every song on every one of his eight CDs, but figured that wouldn’t be practical. “Can you sing ‘Just To Be With You’ and ‘It’s Only You’?”
“Absolutely.” He inclined his head. “Enjoy your dinner.” He and Donovan sauntered off and joined the band.
Lexia faced Khalil. “I know I said earlier that this was the best surprise ever, but this...this is...” She swiped at the tears and chuckled. “I have never been this emotional. You’re ruining my tough girl image.”
Khalil leaned over and kissed the escaped tear. “I want you to know how much you mean to me.”
They dined on mixed green salads, seared scallops in a white wine sauce, steamed vegetables and the fluffiest mashed potatoes that Lexia had ever eaten. The band played instrumental versions of Monte’s songs as the sun set in an explosion of purple, orange and pink.
“Would you like anything else?” Khalil asked when she finished.
“No, thank you. Everything was delicious.”
He placed his napkin on the table, stood and extended his hand. “Dance with me.” He helped her to her feet and slid his arms around her.
Lexia laid her head on his chest and swayed to the slow beat as Monte sang the lyrics to her favorite songs. They danced to song after song. She still couldn’t believe that she was being treated to a private concert with one of her favorite artists.
“Do you remember when I told you this wasn’t a fairy tale?”
She lifted her head. “Yes.”
“I lied.” Khalil held her eyes. “This is a fairy tale of the most magical kind. What else could have brought you into my life? From the first time you touched me, I felt something different, something frightening...but in a good way. I finally figured out what it was.”
A Touch of Love Page 19