“There is no ‘me and Luc’,” I said quietly. “Ina set it up.” I felt myself shrinking and it pissed me off, what is his fucking problem? I looked up into his eyes and puffed my chest against him and of course, that is what got the smile. His lips cracked, against his will, and he grinned at me.
In the space of a breath, his hands were wrapped around the back of my neck, fingers tangled in my hair and he pulled me to him. My arms fell to my sides and I was finished. His soft lips swept against mine before he covered my mouth with his, demanding and hot. His tongue rolled along my lips coaxing them open, allowing him to explore my mouth. He was sweet but his mouth was bossy, crushed against mine, taking what he wanted. He kissed like a storm, that slow build growing into a frenzy and the resulting, temporary calm looking at one another in awe, unable to believe that he just kissed me, like that, and then he came back for seconds, pressing his lips back to mine. I let my body fall against him, relishing in the feel of his hands in my hair, his lips against mine. It took me a moment to register the end of the kiss and when I opened my eyes Kelley was watching me as he licked me from his lips.
He lowered his head and whispered in my ear as I came back to earth, “no more Luc,” on that, he turned and walked out of the kitchen leaving me reeling. I took a moment and absorbed all that happened, caught my breath, collected my wits and left the kitchen and the kiss behind the door. I brought the tray with the teapot and cups into the sitting room to find them all sitting around the fire talking about the Zoom Ball.
“You’ll have to excuse me, but I have an early morning,” Luc said as he stood, his eyes focused on me. He took the tray from me and placed it on a side table. “Won’t you walk me out, Kiki?” He asked with a smile and a hand to my back, already pushing me from the room. I craned my neck around to see Ina giddy and pink cheeked. Damn it. He led from the back, gently nudging me into the foyer. He grabbed his coat and turned to me, his hand resting unwelcome at my hip. He hummed as he closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to mine, “it was so nice to see you again, Mon a mi. I will be in London until the end of the week, but sadly I will not be here to escort you to the ball.” I did a secret cheer in my head as he kissed both cheeks and slipped out the door, leaving behind a cloud of his cologne. I went back to the sitting room, so glad that my lips didn’t wear the stain of Luc. I took up the tea tray and carried on as they continued a discussion that didn’t seem to stop due to my absence.
Kelley didn’t look up at me when I handed him his tea cup, didn’t look at me when I filled it. Jo gushed about Zoom, going on and on about finding a dress and being a sponsor. Lilly hung on her every word, taking mental notes I would guess, Ina, on the other hand, wore a warm rosy oblivious grin as she sipped what was sure to be her last glass of wine. Kelley and Robert just listened and nodded as Jo carried on about the charity auction and gala. Apparently, it was the official open to the season and a big deal in London society.
I remember my parents going to these events. Mom never liked them, but dad always made such a big deal. He would have a limo pick them up. I remember him in a tuxedo, God, he was handsome, and my mom always had a new dress. They were beautiful together; I always longed to go with them. I wondered if I would get to attend with Robert and Ina until Jo let slip what the ‘suggested donation’ was. I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be setting foot anywhere near that Gala and that was just fine by me.
“Cooper always has a table.” She said turning to me, placing her delicate hand on my knee. “You’ll have to find a dress, Kiki.” I choked and laughed an unfunny laugh before frowning.
“A dress? I don’t have $5,000, or a date for that matter.”
“Luc can be your escort.” She said with a wide smile. I heard Kelley groan quietly under his breath. I glared at him wanting to burn him down but he just smirked and looked away, robbing me of his attention for the remainder of the evening.
Jo feigned exhaustion not long after and they were out the door with Cade and Lilly following quickly behind. I helped Robert get Ina upstairs and went into the kitchen to clean up the remnants of the evening.
I turned on the iPod, picked a random playlist and lost myself in the mess. Scrubbing dishes, washing glasses, anything to work out this tick, this nervous energy, this unexplained anxiety that seemed to plague me since the moment Kelley’s lips touched mine. My God, Kelley kissed me! I stopped and thought on that for a moment and sighed. His soft lips, his hands twisted around my neck, the taste of his mouth. It was all far better than I could have ever imagined, but then there was his cold stare, his biting accusation, his childish manner. I touched my finger to my lips and closed my eyes, wanting to file away the kiss and block out all the rest.
He wasn’t about to let that happen, the proof was him standing before me when I opened my eyes. His big arms folded across his chest, his eyes focused on me, his mouth turned down in a somehow smoldering frown that both made me a little hot and a lot anxious.
“You scared me,” I said with a start as he stepped closer.
“I’m not done with you,” he said in a low rumble, pulling out a bar stool. I rounded the counter and stood across from him, waiting for his eyes to meet mine. When they did, they were intense and clear, determined.
“I thought you left?” I questioned. “Where is Jo?”
“You cannot see Luc again,” he said flatly.
“What?”
“You will stay away from him, and any man like him.”
“Kelley,” I started but he cut me off.
“You will stay away from Luc, you will keep your head on the track, and you will keep your focus on me.” He brought his fingers up and pointed to his eyes.
“Kelley,” I was starting to get pissed now, my palms sweating as I took them from the counter and wiped them on my apron.
“Unless it’s Luc you want, then I suppose you have a decision to make, kid.”
“What? Kelley.”
“I can’t believe that he was here tonight. I cannot believe that he spoke to me like he did and I cannot fucking believe that you let that man put his slimy, French hands on you. Did he kiss you?” He asked glaring at me, but quickly taking it back. “Never mind.” He slammed his palm on the counter.
“Kelley,” I said quietly, wanting him to soften his face, his rigid lips, and his stiff body.
“You gonna let him escort you to Zoom? I would be a laughing stock.”
“I don’t see why it should even matter to you,” I returned frustrated and done being talked to like a child. “Nobody even knows I am your driver anyhow.” I stepped back and steadied myself against the back counter, my fingers wrapped around the lip, holding strong.
“Maybe I will go with Luc,” I snapped. “You will clearly be going with Jo. Mr. She knows it’s over.” His eyes grew wide as he rounded the counter and charged at me, stopping just short of bowling me over as I rocked back on my heels.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” He snarled and immediately turned the subject back. “You would have to sit with Mercedes.” His acerbic tone cut the quiet in the kitchen. “No driver of mine will sit at a Mercedes table.”
“Am I even a part of this conversation?” I asked irritated as he looked right through me.
“What the fuck is your problem, Kelley? You know I don’t want to go with Luc. I don’t want anyone or anything! I just want…,” my train of thought derailed. “You are the one who said this,” I wave my hand in the space between us, “wasn’t going to happen. You reminded me that I’m nothing more than a child to you, that I could never handle you; which is total bullshit by the way. But don’t act like I am doing something wrong here. This is all on you. You don’t want me out there? You know what to do.” His eyes pinned me to the spot but there was no shutting me up now, he started it and I was going to finish it. “And now there you stand, nothing to say, doing nothing. Jesus Kelley, why do you pretend to care when you so clearly don’t?”
“I care
, kid, trust me.”
“Then do something,” I demanded, stepping closer to him, “do you want me or not? What is it exactly that you are afraid?” His eyes caught fire at the accusation and he took a beat before his hand reached out and snaked around my arm. He pulled me to him and locked me up, tipping my chin, forcing my gaze to his. His body was rigid, his arms strong and comforting but his face was pained.
“Why do I have to be afraid, Kiki?” He asked with a half grin. “Did it ever cross your mind that I just don’t see you that way?” He paused and waited.
“No,” I returned flatly. “You kissed me,” I said, my voice slightly lower. “I felt that.”
“That was nothing,” he murmured.
“Nothing?” I growled as a silent chuckle passed his lips and he cleared his throat.
“Of course, I want you, you fucking pain in the ass,” his rough whisper hit me just before his mouth crashed down on mine and he took the words right out of my mouth. It was a kiss ten years in the making, not stolen, not taken, but claimed, finally, after all, this time. It was hot and bossy and perfect. I melted into his arms, my body pressed against him, one hand pressing me in closer, the other strong hand at my jaw guiding me, putting me right where he wanted me. His lips were hard, taking my mouth with force, with purpose. It was a kiss for the ages, slowly extracting every sadness I had ever felt, all being replaced with this overwhelming warmth. I was unaware of my body as a whole as our lips danced, sighing into his mouth as he took me again. It was as if our lips were old friends, reuniting in a tango that threatened to burn the house down. I couldn’t get close enough, couldn’t grab him hard enough. I wanted him to crush me, with his arms, his lips, him. I had waited so long for this, for his lips to be on mine. To taste his tongue and feel his hands wound around my waist. I had dreams of his hands in my hair and there they were. This is what I had been waiting for. And then he was gone.
I opened my eyes to see him smiling down at me, a warmth in his eyes I had never witnessed.
“Fuck,” he said quietly through his bright smile.
“I know,” I whispered touching my fingertips to my lips, “fuck.” He moved to grab me again but the kitchen door swung open and Robert strode into the room looking irritated.
“Ina has a headache,” he said to nobody in particular, “I wonder why.” He grabbed a few pills for her from the cabinet and turned back to look at us. Kelley moved a few steps away from me but Robert just watched for a moment, examining that space between us, his brows furrowed before he seemed to give up on the thought, whatever it was, and he excused himself with a terse goodnight, mumbling under his breath, “I don’t want to know.”
“Let’s go for a drive.” Kelley reclaimed my attention with a grin that had me floored and I couldn’t say no if I wanted to. Who was I kidding, I wouldn’t say no. Not to Kelley, and certainly not tonight.
“Ok,” the words floated through my smile melodious. I pulled my lip through my teeth but the grin couldn’t be stifled, he had kissed me silly. He just tipped his chin, his eyes equally alight and gestured towards the door.
“Ladies first.”
Chapter 10
Don’t Call me Kid
The ride was quiet at first. We pulled onto the M5 and he hit the gas. I had no frame of reference, no idea where we were or where we were going. It was dark and the further out in the country we got, the darker it became. It was hauntingly beautiful, the sky twinkled with so many stars and the quiet was comfortable, easy.
“Where are we going?” I asked not really concerned with the answer.
“Haven’t decided yet,” he returned looking at me through the dark. The passing headlights illuminated his face, his dark eyes flashed and sparkled before he disappeared into the shadows again and he returned his attention to the road. “I thought we could wing it,” he said quietly, his foot hitting the floor. He wove between three long-haul trucks that were converging on one another, getting through before they cut off traffic.
“So tell me, Makayla,” his tongue wrapped around my name did a funny thing to me. I twisted in my seat, turning my body towards him, my hands resting on my knees. “How do you like my car?” I covered my mouth to stifle a hearty giggle, unbelieving that we are talking about his car.
“It’s nice I guess,” I said patting the woodgrain dash, trying not to roll my eyes,
“No, Mack,” he shook his head, “not this car, my car?” Duh, I think to myself. Of course, he wouldn’t be thinking I would be impressed with his stupid car. Not this car anyhow. I wasn’t that girl, I’d rather drive the car than ride in it, and I’d rather race than ‘be seen.’
“It feels good. You and Robert have done an amazing job.”
“No,” he drops a gear and passes a caravan, his eyes never leaving the road. “How did it feel?” Ok, so I guess we were talking cars. Not why I thought he wanted to take a ride, but ok.
“Well, she has gotten smoother, the gearbox is still a bit stiff I think.”
“No, you need to work on your speed,” he says, speeding up, “and your strength.”
“That’s fair,” I said as the mood changed rapidly, turning myself back towards the front as he turned icy. We were both quiet for a moment.
“Just how many times did you drive my car?” His tone was quiet, but on edge. I shifted again and he reached out, his strong hand wrapping around my knees, essentially holding me still.
“Is this an interrogation or a date?” I asked.
“Could be both,” he returned with a grin. “Maybe neither.” That stung; perhaps I was reading this all wrong. But, he kissed me. He kissed the hell out of me, that was not wrong.
“No Kelley, don’t play with me. Don’t treat me like a child.” I turned to look at him. “I want you to take me seriously.”
“Oh, I take you very seriously,” he returned with a wink.
“That, right there says you don’t,” I turned away.
“Oh now,” he said, his hand wrapping back around my leg, “don’t turn away.” His fingers slid further up my leg and wrapped around the inside of my thigh. My mouth went dry and my heart fluttered, damn his hand felt so good. I looked down at his fist wrapped around my thigh then up and our eyes met for a moment before he returned his gaze to the road but he didn’t remove his hand.
I settled into the feeling of his skin on mine but realized I had no idea what to do with my hands. His hand rested where mine would normally be, I fidgeted and shifted before he moved his hand, wrapping it around mine then he placed our clasped hands in my lap. We are holding hands, oh my god. I look down at my lap, at our intertwined hands. His big strong fingers making my hand look so small. I looked over to him and smiled. He was already smiling, his face illuminated by the headlights of an oncoming car. He turned back to the road and I studied him, my god he was beautiful, and just getting better with age.
I let myself sink into his touch and I sank into the leather seat, our hands intertwined. With my other hand, I explored the terrain of the back of his hand, running my fingers gently along the lines of his fingers. It was a simple touch, but I felt so close to him. Every stroke was like learning him; I ran my fingertip down each finger, up and over each knuckle, making a swirl across the back of his hand before taking the same path down the next finger. I didn’t know about him, but to me it was hypnotic. The feel of his hand in my hand, strong fingers holding mine so possessively, his warmth in my lap. I saw his mouth twitch in a quick, undeniable smile as I ran my finger along his, so I continued.
We drove through the dark countryside and talked; talked about everything but nothing. Most notably not my Dad. We rode in silence as the passing traffic thinned, the cars became fewer and farther between as the stars got brighter and the great dark expanse grew before us. I looked over and studied Kelley, his features moving in and out of barely there shadows. His jaw was strong as it always had been but there was an edge that wasn’t there when we were kids. The faintest bit of stubb
le covered his jawline, accentuating the planes of his face that much more.
His cheekbones were high but the apples of his cheeks were full, they were always full. He always had the best grin, even when I hated him as a girl, I couldn’t resist that damn grin. I looked at his long, strong fingers wrapped lightly around the wheel, the grace of his well-defined forearms, the faint pulse of a large vein throbbing just beneath the surface. My eyes traveled up and over his shoulders, his wide, powerful shoulders, up his strong neck, his Adams apple taking a deep dip as I watched him swallow then back to his profile. His straight nose and wide eyes were focused on the road, so I thought.
“You like what you see?” He asked with his mouth in a wide grin. Oh, my god! I felt myself turn three shades of red and thank goodness for the darkness of the hour. I slowly turned my body back towards the front of the car, mortified, but he stopped me with that strong hand on my knee. “Keep looking baby,” he said, his voice low, “I want your eyes on me.” He looked over at me, his eyes warm, his face soft. “If I wasn’t driving right now kid, trust that I’d be staring at you.” His fingers flexed around my leg. “Almost there,” he mused, mostly to himself as he slowed the car and pulled off the highway. We came to a traffic light and he turned to me giving me his full attention. Even through the dark, the intensity of his gaze knocked me sideways, his eyes sparkled and I lost all train of thought.
“Do we have a destination?” I asked softly, still not caring. His fingers tightened around mine and he smiled, his eyes back on the road.
“Somewhere I can look at you.” We drove five more minutes in an electric silence before he pulled off into a little village and down a dimly lit street. The street was lined with cottages, all dark. He pulled into the fourth drive on the left, put the car in park, turned the key then turned to look at me. “Here we are,” he said with a smirk.
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