Debra smiled. “Me and my pocketbook would definitely appreciate that.”
Danica laughed and the two chatted some more before she finally excused herself to greet her guests.
After she was gone Debra blew out a long breath, then allowed her eyes to travel around the beautiful stainless steel kitchen with black marble countertops and more cherry cabinets than she could have ever filled at home. The kitchen had a huge center island where Debra reached for one of the decorative platters and layered it with cupcakes.
She was almost tempted to accept Danica and Bianca’s offer of a partnership so that she could buy the property. Bianca had even offered to simply loan her the money, but she had flat out refused. She didn’t want to get in the habit of owing anyone anything. And the number one issue to end a friendship was money. Her relationship with Bianca was much too important to risk that.
As she filled the platters she allowed her mind to fantasize about being down on Main Street with customers lined up around the corner, eager to sample her latest creations. The location had always been her dream, and if her bid wasn’t big enough and someone else got the shop she knew she was going to be devastated, but at least she’d know she had lost it on her own.
She had learned years ago how to be a survivor. Her mother had barely been around, and when Rita Anderson had been around her mind had been on everything but her girls. She’d rather give Debra and Harmony money and usher them back out the front door so she wouldn’t be disturbed as she entertained her many male visitors.
Debra couldn’t remember her mother ever having had a job. Rita figured, why work when you could let your body work for you? It was humiliating to see how her mother made her money, draining men’s wallets. Debra had been determined never to depend on anyone for anything, even if their intentions were good. If she couldn’t afford it, she went without. As a result, she felt a sense of deep pride with everything she accomplished on her own.
The doorbell rang, breaking her from her thoughts. She moved over to the sink to rinse off her spatula so she could layer another tray. Jaden and Danica were expecting over one hundred guests. Tables and chairs lined the lawn out back beneath a large white canopy where lanterns hung for nightfall. Soft piano music could be heard a few yards away. Bianca had mentioned that Jaden had hired a local band. The Beaumonts were adamant about supporting local talent.
Debra was reaching for a dish towel when her body stilled.
She knew Rance was behind her the second he stepped inside the room. She didn’t need to see him. She felt his presence like a stirring in the air just before a rainstorm.
“Hello, Deb.”
Excitement jolted through her. It was unbelievable that just his voice could still do that to her.
She turned away from the counter and looked up at him. It was all she could do to brace the counter so she wouldn’t wobble to her knees. Inhaling deeply, she finally found the breath to say, “Hi. I thought you weren’t getting in until late.”
She watched as he took a drink from a bottle of beer in his hand. Apparently, he had already raided the cooler out on the patio. “I was able to catch an early flight.”
She swallowed. Her plan had been to drop off the cupcakes and get back home before he arrived.
“You look delicious.”
And so did he. Debra watched as his brown eyes traveled from her head to her toes, taking in everything she was wearing in a complete sweep. He was wearing dark blue jeans and a short-sleeved, light blue polo shirt. He stood there in his relaxed stance, waiting, with a bottle in his hand. Debra realized that the longer she stared, the better he looked, and she absorbed his confidence and strength.
Everything about Rance Beaumont screamed professional basketball player. Height, stance, and gear. He looked like a man with privilege whom women chased down for his autographed. She preferred a quiet life with a simple man, but even knowing that she still felt the tightening of her nipples at the sight of him. She’d wanted to be over him by now, but clearly she was not. She was tired of being taunted by the memories of the cruise and the time they’d had with each other.
And for that reason she was actually glad Rance was here, because she needed to get the man out of her system so she could move on.
He took another drink and set the bottle on the counter, moving closer to her.
As tall as he was, it didn’t take much. By the time Debra realized what he was about to do his lips were already pressed against hers. The kiss was spicy and explosive. He’d been eating hot wings, and she tasted the buffalo sauce on his tongue. It added to the heat of his confident strokes.
This is what she’d missed. This man’s touch. His kiss. The feel of his hard, strong body pushed up close against hers. Warmth not felt since the last time he’d touched her slid through her body.
His hands traveled up and down her back, holding her, pressing her as close as he could. His mouth took hers again and again, and she met every generous stroke of his tongue eagerly. God, she’d missed him! She had found nothing that could compare to what had happened when they’d come together. No other man she’d ever met could compare to Rance.
And that meant she was in way over her head.
She parted her lips and took his tongue inside her mouth. A groaned slipped from her throat, and he drew her even closer. Heat was shooting through every nerve in her body. There was so much electricity between them. So much heat.
Was it any wonder she was attracted to him? Their relationship had been instant, explosive, but now it was time for the spark to burn out.
Debra realized that allowing him to hold and kiss her this way was a huge mistake. Falling into Rance’s arms was not the way to get over him. He was a man accustomed to getting what he wanted, and people bowing down at his feet. The cruise was over. She told herself that his charm and charisma might have worked on the weekend voyage, but not here. Not anymore.
She pushed him away, took one step back, and swayed unsteadily while she gasped for air. His eyes were still locked on hers. “I’m here to deliver cupcakes, not be attacked by some two-fifty-pound basketball player.”
He laughed. “Oh, so you got jokes tonight.”
She forced a smile while her lips burned from the heated kiss.
“Enough. I have work to do.”
His eyes narrowed with confusion. “Is that how you talk to your fiancé?” She saw amusement flashing in his gaze.
Debra rolled her eyes upward. In no way had she expected the news media to track her down. She had even received a call from a writer for People Magazine. It was unbelievable. She’d never forget the face of Carren Clark, a reporter for Channel 8 News, when she’d dropped by the bakery expecting an exclusive story. That chick never knew when to quit. Even in high school Carren had been a pain in the ass. Debra still didn’t know what Jace had ever seen in her. He had dated her briefly before he’d fallen in love with Sheyna Simmons.
“I’m glad that rumor is dead,” she retorted, referring to the fashion model.
“I don’t wanna talk about that. I wanna talk about us.”
“Us?” His gaze drilled into hers. “What about us?”
He frowned down at her and seemed surprised that she hadn’t seemed fazed by the question. “Why haven’t you been answering my calls?”
She dropped her head and made a show of putting the cupcakes on a platter.
“Deb… I’m talking to you.”
“About what?” she asked without looking up.
“I asked you a question. Hey.” He cupped her chin and tipped it so she was forced to stop and look at him. “I’ve been texting and calling you all week. What gives?” He almost sounded hurt at being ignored. She figured it was more his pride than anything else.
“I saw you and your new model girlfriend, Chanelle.”
He wet his lips. “She’s not my girlfriend. Just a friend who invited me to be her escort to a fashion show. The only reason I agreed was because I was trying to get the paparazzi off your ass. Jace mentioned the t
elevision and news cameras were following you around town.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “Really. That’s all it was.”
And she believed him.
“Trust me, Deb. I got your back.”
His grin warmed her more than any gas fireplace. “It’s nice to know somebody does.”
“I definitely do.” Reaching up, he caressed her cheek. “You make me crazy, you know that?” He shook his head slowly.
His eyes blazed with desire. Debra tilted her head and Rance leaned forward for another kiss that was downright tasty. Nothing like polluting a sista’s judgment with those irresistible lips, sending her pulse into a tailspin. Debra sighed as he deepened the kiss, snatching her breath away. When he finally drew back and winked, she swayed unsteadily.
Nervously, she shifted her weight onto her other leg, refusing to give in to the desire to lean into him again, or beg him to carry her to the nearest closet and make love to her.
She tipped her head back and looked up at him. And in that instance, she felt that familiar connection zing between them.
“Did you miss me?” Rance asked. His eyes were dark and serious. Lips slightly parted. “Debra, c’mon, answer the question. Did you miss me?” he repeated.
He was standing too close, so how in the world did he expect her to think straight? Debra licked her parched lips and finally nodded.
“Yes, I missed you,” she admitted.
His lips twitched. “I knew I’d get under your skin.”
“Whatever.” She muttered and then punched Rance hard in the chest.
“Ow!”
“You always find a way to ruin the moment by saying something cocky.” He couldn’t even be serious for a moment. But as if he’d read her mind, Rance reached out and snaked an arm around her waist and drew her near. Instantly, her body came alive again.
“My bad. I guess it’s because I missed you like crazy,” he said softly, his gaze intense as he stared into her eyes.
She had to swallow again. “You say that to all your groupies.”
“The only groupie I care about is you.” He pulled her closer, lowered his head, and kissed her again. My, my, my that man was delicious, she thought as she ran her hands up and down his back.
“Whoa! Not around the food.”
Rance pulled back and glared over at his cousin Jaden. Talk about bad timing. Immediately, Debra pushed against his chest and moved over to the sink to wash her hands.
“Aren’t you supposed to be entertaining your guests?” Rance growled. He gave Jaden a look, hoping he would get the hint.
He didn’t.
“I was entertaining, but the natives were restless for some finger food while the caterer is setting up, so I thought I’d play host for a bit. However, I wasn’t expecting slob all over the cupcakes.”
“Ha-ha,” Rance replied, and noticed Debra was avoiding eye contact.
“I’ll be more than happy to bring them out before I leave,” Debra offered. She was moving around the kitchen hastily, doing everything she could not to bump into him.
“Debra, you’re more than welcome to stick around,” Jaden said, extending an invitation to stay for the birthday celebration.
For the first time she looked up with a smile that didn’t quite meet her green eyes. Only she was looking at Jaden and avoided looking in Rance’s direction altogether. “Oh, no. I have a busy day tomorrow and I need to get an early start. But thanks for asking.”
Jaden decided to try once more. “Bianca’s on her way, and you know she’ll have a fit if you leave.”
“She’ll be here,” Rance replied.
Her head snapped around and she spoke with a little of that sass he adored so much. “Rance, I don’t need you making decisions for me.”
“I’m not.” He said as he finished his beer. “I just said you’re gonna stick around.”
Debra brought a hand to her hip and stood in front of him as she countered, “Says who?”
“Says me,” he growled, and completely ignored the hard glare she was firing at him. She was trying to be difficult. Her face was proof of that. Rance leaned in close and decided to try a softer approach. “Please.”
Debra glared at him with those beautiful eyes of hers and he felt the floor beneath him shift. She was a feisty thing.
“I guess I can stay for a little while, but only because Bianca is on her way.”
“I guess she told you,” Jaden muttered, then roared with laughter, sending his dreadlocks swinging across his back.
“Hey, I’ll take what I can get.” Rance brought the bottle back to his lips and watched as Debra reached for the tray of cupcakes and carried them through the sunroom. He watched the sway of her tantalizing ass while she carried the glass tray out onto the lawn.
She was wearing her mass of curls in a neat French braid. Beneath the apron with DebbieCakes embroidered in elegant pink script on it she was wearing a green and yellow sundress with a hem that brushed her ankles. Every last curve was being proudly showcased. Rance felt a stirring at his loins. That woman got a physical response out of him every time he watched her strut across a room.
As soon as she was far enough away not to overhear, Jaden turned and gave him a curious look. “So what’s really going on between the two of you? I thought all that stuff in the tabloids was just rumors.”
Rance scowled and brought the bottle to his lips again. “It is rumors.”
I shouldn’t have kissed her.
The moment he’d pressed his lips against hers he’d felt the sizzle clear down to his shoes.
He was here not only because he’d promised Jaden he’d attend Danica’s birthday, but because he had come hoping to see Debra, and once and for all get her out of his system. Instead, he had molded her to his body. Kissed her lips.
“I think you’ve been holding back on us.”
Rance pushed his thoughts aside to pay attention. “What do you mean?”
“I mean… you’re in Sheraton Beach for more than just Danica’s party.” His cousin looked relaxed… amused.
With a shrug Rance brought the beer to his lips and finished it with one swallow.
“Hey, I ain’t mad. Debra’s a good woman,” Jaden began with a grin as he moved over to the refrigerator and removed two bottles of water. “She’s educated, smart, and beautiful, and definitely has her head on right.”
“What are you, her personal cheerleader?” Rance managed a short laugh.
“No, but I know a good woman when I see one, and I get the feeling you do, too. Just don’t play around with her head. She was living with some wannabe actor who took her through the ringer, and she really got hurt behind that mess. She doesn’t need games. That mess in the tabloids about you two really bothered her.”
His eyes widened with surprise. “It did?”
Jaden hesitated like he was afraid he was saying too much. “Hell, yes. She’s not used to all that attention. People in this town love to gossip. Then along comes all the recent media about her being your jilted fiancée. I mean, come on dude. Really? How would you feel?”
“I’ve never lied or promised her anything.”
“Okay. Then why don’t you just leave her alone?” Jaden suggested, then strolled out of the kitchen and back to join the others.
Rance cussed under his breath. He couldn’t do that. Couldn’t do what Jaden had suggested. When he gazed into Debra’s eyes, fierce desire unleashed at a level he’d never felt with any other woman. And even though he had done everything he could to prevent it from happening, Debra had worked her way into his soul.
* * *
For the past hour, Debra had been sitting out under the white canopy, watching in envy as the couples danced on the platform stage. The food had been catered, the live band was amazing and the Beaumont clan kept the guests entertained.
Bianca and London were dancing together, bodies close, moving in their own private rhythm that was clearly sexual in nature. One song after another, she watch
ed the couple staring at each other like they were attending their senior prom. You would have thought they were the only two people on the floor. And when London drew his wife in for another long kiss, Debra looked away, suddenly feeling like a Peeping Tom.
“Are you ready to dance?”
She blushed but didn’t dare look over at Rance, who was sitting across from her at the table. “No, thank you.”
“You keep saying that, but you can’t keep your eyes off the dance floor.”
“Because I love people watching,” she admitted, and her eyes traveled over to Brenna and Jabarie Beaumont. Her head was resting on his shoulder and her eyes were closed. The two had shut the door on the rest of the world.
“Dancing is much more fun than people watching.”
“I’ll pass,” she said with a sigh.
Rance rose from the chair with his hand out. “You just gonna leave a brotha hanging in front of all of his peeps?”
Yep, she thought as she nervously nibbled on her lip. She just didn’t trust herself with him holding her. With him that close she couldn’t think, and she needed her head.
“C’mon, just one dance,” he said in a low voice.
He wasn’t going to quit until she agreed. She finally shrugged like it was no big deal and took his hand. Smiling, Rance pulled her gently to her feet and led her out onto the floor. The band was serenading the ladies. Rance walked to the center of the stage, then turned and engulfed Debra in the circle of his large arms.
Immediately a shiver of pleasure raced down her spine. Debra’s eyes fluttered shut and she was caught up in the euphoria of the moment.
No matter how much she tried to pretend he didn’t matter, he did. Her body stirred, the feeling becoming all too familiar. There was just no denying how important he had become. She closed her eyes and sighed. Why was it that women always managed to fall for men who were so wrong for them? She couldn’t understand it.
“It feels good holding you in my arms,” Rance whispered, his lips brushing against her hair.
Leaning back, she gazed up at him and wrinkled her nose.
He chuckled. “I don’t know why you keep acting.”
Do Me Baby (The Beaumont Series) Page 13