Sweet Southern Nights

by Rochelle Alers

  “We’re going back to your place so you can change into something less revealing.”

  “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

  Levi rolled his eyes. “You’ll see once we get there.”

  “Where, Levi?”

  “You’ll see,” he said cryptically.

  Folding her arms under her breasts, Angela stared at the lights on the dashboard. “What about you? Aren’t you a tad bit overdressed?”

  “All I have to do is take off my jacket and tie, roll up my cuffs and I’m good. By the way, what time is your curfew?”

  She smiled. “I haven’t had a curfew since I moved out of my parents’ house. Why are you asking?”

  “I’m going to take you to a place where the guys at the clinic usually hang out on Friday nights. It’s something of a honky-tonk, juke joint, sports bar and local watering hole all rolled into one. They serve wonderful food and have better than average live music. They also have line dancing and karaoke.”

  Angela was hard-pressed to contain her excitement. Levi had promised her they were going to have fun, and apparently he was a man of his word. It had been a long time since she’d been able to let her hair down, throw caution to the wind and just enjoy herself.

  “In other words, the joint is jumpin’,” she said, smiling.

  “That it is. I asked how late you can stay out because even though I don’t have office hours on Mondays, you might have made plans for tomorrow.”

  “I’m not going into the shop tomorrow.” What she didn’t say was that she’d planned to spend the entire day writing.

  Angela stared at his distinctive profile. She’d noticed a lot of the women at the reception staring at Levi when they thought she wasn’t looking. It was as much curiosity on their part as it was taking note of his handsomeness.

  Angela had never been attracted to a man because he was good looking, but if she’d had to choose the man of her dreams, then Levi Eaton would’ve definitely be on top. His classically masculine looks were a throwback to the days when men dressed conservatively, had close-cropped hair, were clean-shaven, and never had piercings or tattoos. He reminded her of the distinguished-looking men in her grandfather’s photos. Not only was Levi easy on the eyes, but he was also intelligent, articulate and had impeccable manners.

  Levi gave her another quick glance. “If that’s the case, then are you willing to stay overnight? We’ll stop by the hotel and I’ll check out. I’ll bring you back to Louisville tomorrow after brunch.”

  “First it was breakfast and now it’s brunch?”

  He smiled. “It’s whatever you want it to be. If you’re an early riser then it’s breakfast. If not, then it’s brunch. It’s your call, Angela.”

  “What if I ask for a rain check?”

  Levi nodded. “When do you want to take your rain check?”

  Angela met his eyes when he slowed and stopped for a red light. “Let’s wait until Derby weekend. We usually start partying Thursday night and don’t end until late Saturday into Sunday morning.”

  “Do you really wear those big fancy hats?”

  “Yes.”

  He shook his head. “So you wear a salad bowl on your head because it’s customary.”

  Angela softly punched his shoulder, her hand hitting solid muscle. Her eyebrows lifted a fraction. Levi’s tailored attire concealed a rock-hard body. “You’ll eat those words when you see my chapeau.”

  “We’ll see about that.” The light changed and he stepped on the gas pedal. “When was your first Derby?”

  “I went to my first Derby at thirteen. I wasn’t as excited about seeing the race as I was about my outfit. I had to have the perfect dress, hat and shoes. It was also my first time wearing makeup, so I had to make certain not to overdo it or my mother would’ve made me scrub my face until it was raw. She has a thing about women looking like hookers.”

  Angela told Levi about Kentucky Derbys she’d attended once she was old enough to go to the pre- and post-race parties, and her first mint julep.

  “I’ve never had a mint julep,” Levi admitted. “Is it that special?”

  “Yes. I may sound biased, but I’m going to recommend that you don’t have one until you’ve tasted a mint julep made with aged bourbon from Chase Brothers distillery.”

  “Your brothers are distillers?”

  Angela laughed softly. “Jared and Langdon took over a failing distillery more than ten years ago, and have a reputation of making some of the finest bourbon in the state. They’ve concocted a blended bourbon and a Kentucky whiskey that are ninety and ninety-seven proof.”

  “Is it true the best bourbon comes from Kentucky?”

  “We Kentuckians know it’s the best. One of these days I’ll take you on a road trip along the Bourbon Trail. You’ll be able to sample the different brands from most of the distilleries. And if you want I’ll take you on a tour of some of the horse farms.”

  Levi maneuvered onto the local road leading to Angela’s house. Initially, she seemed to have reservations about seeing him beyond the wedding, and now she was planning road trips with him. He didn’t know what had prompted her to change her mind. What he had to remind himself was that he’d come to Kentucky to practice medicine and not become involved with a woman, especially if that woman was his colleague’s sister.

  He also had to remind himself that he’d never used a woman to satisfy his sexual needs, but Angela’s aversion to committed relationships wasn’t reason enough for him not to see her.

  Once they reached the gatehouse, the guard waved them through when he noticed Angela in the car. “Where’s Miss Divine?” Levi asked when Angela opened the door. “I thought she would be here to greet you.”

  She glanced up at him over her shoulder. “Miss Dee isn’t allowed in the kitchen, living and dining rooms.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I don’t want cat hair everywhere.”

  “It’s nothing that can’t be vacuumed up.”

  Angela turned, narrowing her eyes at Levi. “Not when I have to clean a house with a dozen rooms.”

  He took off his jacket and slung it over his shoulder. “Don’t you have a cleaning service?”

  “No.”

  “Well, you should. They can send someone in once or twice a week to clean everything.”

  “That’s all right, Levi. Miss Dee is fine just the way things are.”

  “There’s no reason why she shouldn’t have the run of the house, Angela.”

  “What!” The word was barely out of her mouth when a blur of ivory and chocolate fur streaked past her, heading directly for Levi. “Miss Dee!”

  Bending down, Levi gathered the cat who nuzzled him under his chin. “Hey, beautiful!” Rubbing the feline’s back, he winked at Angela. “Your mama is a meanie. She has you under house arrest.” He pressed a kiss to her head. “Daddy’s going to report her to the authorities for animal abuse.”

  Angela glared at Levi. “For your information, I’ve never abused my cat. And if you want Miss Dee to roam the house, then you pay a cleaning service to come in and vacuum up pet hair.”

  He buried his face in the soft fur. “That’s not a problem. I’ll call a cleaning service Monday and arrange for them to contact you. I’ll also have them bill my credit card.”

  “What happens after you leave Kentucky, Mr. Big Shot? There’s no way I’m going to retrain Miss Dee to stay out of those rooms after she’s run amuck throughout the house.”

  “Don’t worry, Ang. I’ll still pay for it. After all, it’s only money.”

  It’s only money, she mouthed, still glaring at him. “Go on and put her down so she can shed everywhere. I’m going upstairs to change.”

  Levi smothered a chuckle. “Mama’s mad, b
aby girl. But she’ll get over it,” he said to the blue-gray eyed cat staring up at him.

  “Whenever you have children they’re going to be spoiled,” Angela shouted, as she walked up the staircase to the second floor.

  “They are going to be wonderful and you know it. We Eatons make beautiful, intelligent babies.”

  Angela paused midway up the staircase. “Don’t sleep on the Chases,” she countered.

  “I’ll let you know when I see a few Chases running underfoot.”

  This time she didn’t have a quick comeback.

  “One of these days you’ll eat those words,” she challenged. “Let’s hope you don’t choke on them.”

  Levi pretended to cough and choke as Angela continued up the staircase. “Your mama’s okay, Miss Dee. But she has to let you be a cat and explore.” The cat blinked. “Yes, I know. You and I are going to become best buds.”

  There was a time when Levi had considered becoming a veterinarian. He’d had a habit of bringing home injured birds, cats and dogs until his mother laid down the law and said that she wasn’t running an animal hospital, and suggested he become a vet. He’d considered it until he realized he would have to deal with exotic animals like snakes, and quickly changed his focus from treating animals to treating humans.

  He loved medicine, and caring for children in particular. And he was beginning to like Angela Chase more than he wanted to. Levi knew he had to be careful not to cross the line with her where his emotions were concerned.

  However, there was something about the sassy Southern belle that had him thinking about her when he least wanted or expected. In a few months he would be returning to New York, and Levi didn’t want to bring back any extra emotional baggage.

  Chapter 7

  Angela walked into the living room and stared at Levi sitting in the alcove with Miss Divine lying in his lap. The cat was purring, enjoying the long fingers stroking her fur. She tried imagining those same fingers stroking her bare skin, and wondered if she would moan in ecstasy and beg Levi to make love to her.

  Reel it in, the voice in her head warned. She knew it had been a long time, much too long, since she’d slept with a man. But Angela couldn’t forget that Levi wanted an uncomplicated relationship—one that was probably free of sexual entanglement. She didn’t know whether it was because he was involved with a woman in New York and hadn’t wanted to cheat, or that he didn’t want to become involved with her because she was Duncan’s sister. Angela found it hard to believe that she’d just met Levi the day before and twenty-four hours later she’d attended a wedding with him. Now she was getting ready to go out for dinner, live music and dancing, and even agreeing to sleep over at his place in less than two weeks.

  Had she lost her mind, or was she just that comfortable with him because he worked with Duncan? Maybe it was because he’d said he wanted what she wanted—a no-strings-attached relationship. That had become her dating philosophy—friends without benefits. Angela knew if she slept with any of the men she dated, it would’ve complicated things when it came time to break up. It would be different with Levi. He would leave Kentucky and return to his home and medical practice in New York. She couldn’t have scripted a better storyline.

  Angela didn’t want to think or fantasize about making love to Levi Eaton. She’d been able to survive her self-imposed celibacy only because she went out with guys she knew she would never sleep with.

  The subject of her fantasy had removed his tie and rolled up the French cuffs of his shirt.

  “I’m ready, but I can wait until you finish spoiling Miss Dee.”

  Levi turned to find Angela standing several feet away. Setting the cat down on the floor, he stood. A sensual glow illuminated his eyes as he stared at her. She’d changed her diamond studs for a pair of large gold hoops and wore a pair of fitted black jeans that hugged her hips, a black knit pullover and matching high-heeled booties. Her presence shifted his libido into overdrive. His gaze moved from her curvy hips to the sweep of hair cascading over her shoulder. Angela was a chameleon. Every time he saw her she looked different.

  “You look very nice.” He wanted to tell her she looked sexy, but didn’t want to send mixed signals.

  “I hope I’m not too casual.”

  Levi shook his head trying to will his erection to go down, and praying that Angela wouldn’t notice the growing bulge in the front of his pants. “No, no,” he said, much too quickly. “You’re good.”

  “Are you all right?”

  Folding his hands in front of him, Levi shifted slightly in an attempt to conceal his hard-on. Much to his chagrin, he became more aroused. “Perhaps I should use your bathroom before we leave.”

  Angela’s expression brightened. “Of course. Meanwhile, I’ll put Miss Dee in the laundry room. Despite your accusation that I’m abusing her, I still don’t trust her to have the run of the house while I’m away.”

  She picked up the tiny cat, cradling her under her arm, and carried her into the laundry room. Miss Dee crawled into her bed, tucked her head against her side and closed her eyes. Angela left the door slightly ajar. By the time she’d retrieved her favorite shoulder bag and lightweight wool jacket, making certain she had her driver’s license, keys, credit cards and cash, Levi had returned. She punched in the code for the security system, and then closed the front door.

  “Do you always leave so many lights on when you go out?” Levi asked, tucking her arm into the bend of his elbow as he led her to the car.

  “I don’t like coming home to a dark house.”

  “Are you afraid of the dark?”

  “No.”

  Levi opened the passenger door, and waited until Angela was seated and had buckled her seatbelt before closing the car door. He came around, took his seat behind the wheel and started the engine. With no traffic, he could make it to The Rook within half an hour.

  Angela stared up at the chimney atop a large barnlike building constructed in the shape of a chess piece, which gave the establishment its name. Bright lights and the sound of music spilled out into the darkness whenever the door opened.

  She shared a smile with Levi as he pulled into one of the few empty parking spaces. “There’s no doubt the joint is jumping.”

  “That’s every night.”

  She unbuckled her seat belt. “How often do you come here?”

  “A few times a month. The staff at the clinic comes here to hang out sometimes. Duncan only joins us when he doesn’t have a date.”

  “What about you, Levi?” Angela asked.

  “What about me?”

  “Have you dated anyone since coming here?”

  He cut the engine and only the sound of their breathing punctuated the silence. “Before you, I dated a woman a few times,” Levi admitted.

  “What happened?”

  He managed a wry smile. “She wanted more than I was willing to offer her at this time in my life. And, before you ask, I’ll tell you. She wanted marriage and babies, but I don’t see that in my immediate future. Maybe if I was going to relocate to Kentucky I might’ve possibly entertained the idea.”

  “Would you ever consider living here permanently?”

  “I don’t know.” Levi traced the outline of Angela’s ear with his forefinger. “Would you ever consider moving somewhere else?”

  She blinked, swallowed a breath then slowly blew it out. “I suppose I would if the right opportunity presented itself.”

  “What about the Garden Gate?”

  Angela dropped her gaze. “The gift shop is Traci’s brainchild. We’re not equal partners. She has a seventy-five percent interest and I have the remaining twenty-five.”

  An expression of concern crossed Levi’s face. “Is that enough for you to live on?”

  She nodded. “We pay ou
rselves salaries, so it’s not as if we have to wait until the end of the year to take money out.”

  “Levi, I’m not destitute,” she continued when he stared at her, wondering if that was what he meant when he said as long as he lived in Kentucky he would take care of her. Well, she didn’t need his financial support. She needed friendship, an uncomplicated relationship where she could learn to trust again.

  “I’m not implying—” The ringing of Angela’s cell stopped his words. “Aren’t you going to answer that?”

  Angela tilted her head at an angle, while peering at Levi through a fringe of lashes. “No.” It was Traci’s ringtone. There was no doubt her cousin wanted to know where she was. She would call her back tomorrow. “You promise to feed me, Levi, and right now I’m so hungry I could eat a plate of French fries.”

  Levi’s deep laughter echoed in the car. “You’re kidding, aren’t you?”

  “No, I’m not. Some people are addicted to drugs. For me, it’s fries. One fry and I blow up like a blimp. One minute they’re on my lips, but forever on my hips.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with your hips,” Levi said, pushing open his door and coming around to help her out of the car.

  In fact, there was nothing wrong with Angela, at all. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he escorted her to the door of The Rook. Music and singing and waiters carrying large trays of food greeted them at the door. A man in a Stetson stood on stage singing karaoke to a Trace Adkins song.

  “Welcome back, Doc,” the hostess greeted Levi, shouting to be heard over the din. Her face appeared almost geisha-like in contrast to the raven straight hair falling around her shoulders.

  “Thanks, Becky.” He’d met the young woman for the first time when she brought her daughters to the clinic to get their booster shots. He glanced around the crowded restaurant. “How long is the wait?”

  Becky’s blue eyes shifted to the seating floor plan at the hostess lecturn. “Do you want to sit close to the stage?”

  “What else do you have?” Levi asked.