She let out an intense scream at his final thrust and it caused his entire body to splinter. He hollered out her name and thrust one final time into her welcoming body.
The impact was so strong, so powerful, that afterward, once their breathing had returned to normal, he asked, “Was that substantial enough for you?”
Chapter 17
“That was beyond substantial,” Kimberly muttered. It was cataclysmic. It was as though he’d reached inside her to her very core and touched her like no man ever had. She knew she was forever changed. There was no other man for her but Jaxon; she just wished he could see what was so obvious to her. They were made for each other.
Instead he said, “I hope you know that I truly care for you, Kimberly. This isn’t just meaningless sex for me.”
She appreciated him saying that, but caring for her and loving her were two entirely different things. But her pride would not let her show her disappointment. She snuggled closer into the comfort of his solid chest and that was where she slept.
When she turned over the next morning, she found Jaxon carrying a tray toward the bed.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.” He settled the tray on her lap when she sat up and stacked several pillows back against the headboard.
“Is this all for me?” She looked down at the turkey bacon, egg whites, wheat toast and fresh fruit with black coffee on her lap.
“Yep.” He smiled and he joined her on the bed. “I thought you might need your energy after last night.” His eyes bored into hers, reminding her of the different positions in which they’d made love last night. He’d been voracious for her and she had the sore thighs to prove it. He’d definitely shown her how much he desired and wanted her.
But is that enough?
She ignored the voice inside her head. Instead, she thanked him and bit into a piece of melon. The juice ran down her face and Jaxon leaned over to lick it off her chin. “Don’t you start.” She wagged a finger at him. “Or you’ll make me late.”
“Would that be a bad thing?”
“Some of us don’t make our own schedules like you do.”
“Yeah, well, my days are numbered,” Jaxon replied. She noticed he looked as if he’d let the cat out of the bag.
Kimberly’s heart began pounding in her chest. Did that mean he was leaving the Belleza? She tried to sound calm and nonchalant even though she was far from it when she asked, “Are you leaving soon?”
He nodded reluctantly. “I have to get back to Dunham Investments. I was going to tell you, but I was trying to find the right time.”
“When?” She picked at the toast.
“Soon, but let’s not worry about that.” He leaned over to nuzzle her neck. “What do you say to a romantic dinner later tonight at The Pearl?”
“Okay.” As usual, his kisses caused heat to form below her waist and she could feel herself weakening. So it came as no surprise when Jaxon took the tray, put it on the floor and made love to her again for the second time that morning.
When Kimberly made it to work later that morning, she found she had a visitor. Her father was sitting in her guest chair.
“Daddy? What are you doing here?” she asked, walking behind her desk and taking a seat.
“I had to come,” her father replied sternly, “especially when my own daughter doesn’t bother to tell me there’s been a fire at the Belleza.”
Guilt registered across her face, but she tried to cover it. “I’m handling it.”
“Handling it?” he asked, his voice booming. “When a private investigator contacts me about who my enemies might be or who might hold a grudge against my family, I think that means you far from have this matter under control.”
“That’s not fair.” Kimberly rose from her chair and paced the room. “You placed me in charge of the Belleza because you know my business acumen. So kindly allow me to do my job.”
Her father jumped up from his chair. “Don’t get haughty with me, young lady. I may not run this place anymore, but your mother and I are majority shareholders and as such have a right to know if our investment is in jeopardy.”
“The Belleza is not in jeopardy.” Kimberly turned around to face him. She would not be intimidated by the tone in his voice. Years ago, she might have been, but not now. “I don’t feel the need to share with my investors the hotel’s daily comings and goings. I’m quite capable of finding out who is behind the bad reviews and the small fire at the Ruby Retreat.”
Her father seemed surprised that she was not backing down or kowtowing to him. “And you’re sure it’s not Sean?”
Kimberly rolled her eyes. “C’mon, Daddy. Even you must see how ludicrous that sounds. He would never set fire to the Belleza. It’s his inheritance as much as it is mine. Not to mention, you and Mama just made up, so you shouldn’t be going there again.”
Her father shrugged. “Then you have a big problem on your hands.”
“Nothing I can’t deal with,” she responded. “That’s why I hired an investigator. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”
“You’re that confident?”
She nodded. “I am, but I need you not to lose faith in me and my abilities.”
“I do have faith in you.”
Her eyebrow shot up. “Do you really? Or are you just telling me what you think I want to hear?”
“No, I’m not,” he stated more firmly. “And I promise not to stick my nose where it doesn’t belong, if you promise to keep us abreast so I’m not blindsided when some detective shows up at my door.”
“Fair enough.” She offered her hand. “Deal?”
Instead of accepting her handshake, her father pulled her into a firm hug. “Deal. I love you, Kim.”
“Love you, too, Daddy.”
* * *
Jaxon walked into The Pearl later that afternoon to meet with Gabrielle.
He could see she was surprised because she came out in her cap and executive-chef coat.
“Jaxon Dunham.”
He smiled even though he knew she wasn’t pleased by his hiding his real identity. “Yes. How are you, Gabrielle?”
“That depends on why you’re here,” she replied with a skeptical look. “What can I do for you?”
“I would like to have the private room tonight,” he said, pointing toward the glass doors.
“We only use that for our monthly tasting menu or for large parties,” Gabrielle replied.
“I’m sure. But tonight is special. I want to show Kimberly just how important she is to me.”
“That’s good, because I don’t want her to get hurt.”
“And you think I would hurt her?”
“Robyn and I saw the newspaper article.”
“But that’s not the only reason you have your doubts?” He suspected there was more to her concern. His cell phone rang in his pocket and Jaxon pulled it out, saw that it was his mother and put it back into his pocket. He didn’t have time to deal with her. This was more important.
Gabrielle shrugged. “C’mon, Jaxon, we travel in the same circles and although we’ve never met, I’ve heard a lot about you. You’re the bachelor that every socialite wants to snag. It’s easy to see how your ex-girlfriend could get the wrong idea.”
“I know I have a reputation, but I’ve always been up-front with the women I’m with, including Kimberly. I’m not using her, if that’s what you’re implying, Gabrielle. I care for her.”
At that comment, Gabrielle’s demeanor began to warm. “That’s good to hear and of course because your request is for Kim, I’ll agree, but you’ll have to pay top dollar to have exclusive use of the room. Though I’m sure that’s no problem for a Dunham.”
Jaxon gritted his teeth to keep from pointing out that he’d made his own money and didn’t depend on the Dunham name o
r bank account. He didn’t want to antagonize her, not when he needed a favor. “That brings me to my second request.”
“Which is?”
“I would like a special menu in our honor.”
Gabrielle glanced down at her watch; it was 3:00 p.m. “You sure don’t want much, do you?”
“I’m sure a top-notch executive chef such as yourself is used to the unexpected. You’ll take care of it?” he asked, but it was more like a statement. He knew that at the Belleza, the staff prided themselves on catering to their exclusive guests.
Gabrielle narrowed her eyes at him, but she placed a smile on her face and said, “Of course.”
“Great. We’ll be here at seven,” Jaxon said. He turned to leave, but spun around. “I really appreciate this, Gabrielle, and I know Kimberly will, too.”
She inclined her head in acknowledgment.
Jaxon smiled as he left The Pearl. The stage was set for a private romantic dinner. Even though he had to leave soon, he hoped tonight would show her how he felt and would ease her mind. He wasn’t ready to put a name to his feelings for her yet, but he wasn’t ready to give her up, either. He just hoped Kimberly would understand.
* * *
Kimberly paid special care when she dressed for her date with Jaxon that evening. She’d found a simple spaghetti-strap jersey dress in the back of her closet. It was flaming red, but it would give her the confidence boost she needed. She wasn’t sure what the evening was all about, but she would look fabulous nonetheless. She added gold hoops to her ears, a three-teardrop necklace to her neck and strappy red sandals on her feet as her final accessory before spritzing her favorite perfume.
Jaxon arrived at six forty-five wearing a black suit and a crisp white shirt with a few buttons open at the top. He looked sexier than any man had a right to be and she swallowed.
“Hey, beautiful.” He twirled her around as he entered her condo so he could get a better look at her.
She could see the appreciative look in his eye and it made her feel sexy.
He offered her his arm. “Ready to go?”
“Yes.”
Minutes later, they were in his Jaguar riding over to The Pearl. She would have been just fine in her golf cart, but Jaxon had insisted on the car as they were having a “proper date.”
When they arrived at The Pearl, the hostess Charlene was there to greet them. “Ms. P-P-Parker,” she stammered. “I—I had no idea you were coming.” She was clearly unnerved at seeing her boss after-hours.
“We have a reservation under Jack Scott,” Jaxon said, attempting to get her back on track.
Charlene glanced down at her book. “Oh, okay. I see it.” She pointed down to her book. “I just assumed... Well, never mind.” She grabbed two menus and started walking toward the main dining room. “I’ll show you to a table.”
“No, no.” Jaxon stopped her. “We have the private room.” He pointed to the glass door behind Charlene.
“What?” Kimberly and Charlene both looked at him, perplexed.
“That’s for groups,” Charlene said.
“And I arranged it with Gabrielle earlier,” Jaxon said. “Do you need to check your book again?”
Charlene rushed back toward the hostess stand. “Oh, yeah. I mean, oh, yes, you’re right, Mr. Scott, My apologies.” She placed the menus back in the bin. “I see a note from the executive chef. Please follow me.”
She walked them to the private room. Once there, Kimberly could see that the large table had been replaced with a single circular table set for two, along with what looked like a special menu.
Charlene attempted to pull out Kimberly’s chair, but stumbled.
“I’ll take it from here,” Jaxon replied, taking over and helping Kimberly to her seat. “Thank you.”
“Enjoy your evening.” Charlene waved on her way out, but she wasn’t paying attention and slammed right into the glass door. “Oops, my bad.” She laughed and managed to open the door with no further issues.
“Is she always like that?” Jaxon asked as he came around to sit opposite her.
Kimberly shrugged. She didn’t want to think about Charlene, only Jaxon and how thoughtful he’d been in arranging this private dinner. “I can’t believe you arranged all this.”
Jaxon smiled widely, showing off his white teeth. “I have my moments.”
“I can see that,” Kimberly said, placing her napkin in her lap.
“Champagne?” he asked, glancing at the bottle chilling in a bucket beside the table.
“I’d love some.”
Jaxon easily popped the cork, then filled two flutes. “For you.” He handed her the glass and touched his to hers.
“You’re a special lady, Kimberly Parker,” he said. “And I wanted you to know it.”
Kimberly smiled. Now if he could only say the three words she so desperately wanted to hear, everything would be right in the world.
In addition to their always stimulating conversation, they enjoyed a delectable three-course meal that Gabrielle had prepared exclusively for them. They started with a pear and kale salad with radishes, red endive, caramelized honey and pistachio-crusted goat cheese beignets. It was followed by red snapper with polenta and broccolini, and a decadent dessert of caramel-apple pie with pecan streusel and persimmon sherbet. The meal was to die for.
Kimberly was thankful to Jaxon and Gabby for such a great evening. They were enjoying their dessert when the glass doors to the private room swung open and a beautiful, tall woman burst in.
She had big eighties-style highlighted brown hair that reached her shoulders and was clad in a belted jumpsuit and spiky stilettos.
“So this is where you’ve been hiding out!” she yelled, “You lying dog!”
The stunned look on Jaxon’s face told Kimberly exactly who the woman was before he even said her name. “Stephanie, what the hell are you doing here? And how did you find me?”
Charlene came rushing in behind Stephanie looking sheepish. “I’m so sorry, Ms. Parker. She barged in and wouldn’t take no for answer.”
Kimberly held her hand up to stop the young woman from chattering any more. “It’s okay, Charlene. I’ve got this.”
Charlene nodded and hung her head apologetically as she closed the door behind her.
“I didn’t hunt you down if that’s what you’re insinuating,” Stephanie replied. “Your parents told me where you are.”
“Excuse me?” Jaxon quickly rose to his feet.
“Apparently you’re not as slick as you think you are at hiding your tracks.”
“You should leave, Stephanie,” Jaxon said. “You’re not welcome here and this is entirely inappropriate.”
“Ha!” She laughed and threw her head back. “Clearly, because you have another piece on the side to satisfy your sexual needs. My God, Jaxon. Have you no shame?”
“Who should be ashamed is you,” he responded. “You’re the one who’s been smearing my name, my family’s name all over the local tabloids. And to what end, Stephanie? You know as well as I do that marriage was never on the table.”
“That’s bull, Jaxon, and you know it,” Stephanie said. “You led me on. You had me and my family believing we had a future.”
“I never made you any promises.”
“Are you kidding me?” She chuckled bitterly. “You didn’t seem to mind when you were in my bed. In fact, you couldn’t seem to get enough of this.” She slid her hands down the sides of her curvaceous body. There was no disguising the woman had a banging body and Kimberly could see she’d dressed tonight with the sole purpose of showing Jaxon exactly what he was missing.
“That’s enough.” Jaxon glanced in Kimberly’s direction and he could no doubt read the emotion on her face at seeing Stephanie’s pain.
It was evident to Kimberl
y that Stephanie had feelings for Jaxon even though he may not have shared them. It was like looking in a mirror. Tears began to well in Kimberly’s eyes. Was history repeating itself? Was she as deluded as Stephanie that the incredible lovemaking they shared could somehow lead to something more real, something more substantial?
“I’ll say when it’s enough,” Stephanie replied. “She—” Stephanie pointed to Kimberly “—needs to know who you truly are. She needs to know that she’s fooling herself if she thinks you’re ever going to commit to her, because you won’t.”
Stephanie turned to Kimberly this time. “He’s a liar and a user. And when he’s finished with you, he’ll toss you aside and leave you brokenhearted.”
“I’ve had enough of you. You’ve no right to come here and dump all your emotional baggage and insecurities on me and Kimberly. You’re just angry and hurt that you’re not the one.” Jaxon started toward Stephanie, but she held her hands up in the air.
“Don’t you touch me, don’t you dare touch me,” she snapped. “I’ve said what I came here to say. I’ve looked you in the face and told you exactly what I think of you. The great Jaxon Dunham is nothing but a lying dog and I hope you rot in hell.”
She turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, rattling the glass door on her way out with the force of her exit.
“Kimberly,” Jaxon began, but she put up her hands in defensive mode.
“Don’t!” She glanced outside the glass door and could see they had an audience. All the other diners had seen the encounter.
“I’m so sorry that Stephanie came here and ruined what would otherwise have been an amazing night.”
Kimberly shook her head. She was confused and needed some air. “I have to go.” She didn’t wait to hear any more; she just rushed from the room. She heard Gabby calling her name as she fled from The Pearl, but she just wanted to be alone.
Chapter 18
Kimberly didn’t make it very far from the dining area. She’d run as far as the main lawn before Jaxon caught up to her.
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