Breathless

by Cheryl Douglas

  “Excuse me,” Tara said, stepping into the room. “If you guys need a few more minutes, I can come back.”

  “No, that’s okay,” Brent said, looking at his brother. “We’re good. Right?”

  Keith knew Brent was asking him whether he intended to cross him. “Yeah, we’re good.”

  Brent gave Tara a kiss on the cheek as he walked past her. “Just give us a shout if you need anything.” He hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “Or ask this guy. He spends so much time here we should charge him rent.”

  Keith had a large two-bedroom suite on the tenth floor, and Ava often invited him over for dinner when he didn’t have other plans. “You’re just jealous ‘cause your fiancée prefers my company to yours.”

  Brent smirked. “In your dreams, buddy. Be nice to our houseguest.” Raising an eyebrow, he mouthed, “But not too nice.”

  Tara braced her hands on the back of the sofa. “I should think about turning in. It’s been a long day. Who knew shopping for wedding shoes could be so tiring?”

  “Come on,” Keith chuckled. “You can’t tell me you didn’t have fun shopping with my brother’s black Amex card.”

  Tara glared at him. “I don’t need your brother’s charity, and Ava was taking care of herself long before he came along.”

  Keith raised his hands in surrender. “Hey, I was just joking.”

  Tara sighed and sat down opposite Keith. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you. Let’s just say I’m a little sensitive about that subject.”

  She’d piqued his curiosity. They’d been friendly in college and in the months since Ava and Brent reconnected, but he didn’t know as much about her as he’d like to. “It sounds like there’s a story there. Let’s hear it.”

  “Maybe another time.” She hid a yawn behind her hand. “I really am beat.”

  He sensed her reluctance had more to do with apprehension than fatigue. Keith knew they would be connected through Brent and Ava forever, and he wanted Tara to feel she could trust him with her secrets. “I have my ways of making you talk.” He was off his couch and on hers before she could blink.

  “What are you doing?”

  He was sitting as close as he could get, and he realized his mistake right away. She smelled incredible. “I remember your Achilles’ heel, lady.”

  She tried to set a cushion between them for protection, but he tossed it on the other couch. “Keith, I don’t know what you’re thinking…” She tried to inch away, but her back hit the armrest.

  He seized her wrist and came up on his knee, hovering over her. “Just tell me what I want to know, and I won’t have to tickle you.”

  “No.” She pursed her lips. “You can’t threaten me. I’ll scream.”

  “No, you won’t.” Keith knew she wouldn’t risk disturbing their hosts.

  “Try me.” Her breathing was labored as she waited for him to make good on his threat or back down.

  Keith never backed down from a challenge. Within seconds, he straddled her, tickling her mercilessly until tears streamed down her face.

  “Okay…” she gasped. “I’ll tell… you.”

  Keith stopped but refused to move. If he did, she would tell him to mind his own damn business. “I’m waiting.”

  “You’re crushing me,” she said, looking down at where he was pinning her hips.

  He’d just come from the gym when Ava invited him over for pizza, so he was wearing the sweats he’s slipped on after his shower. Keith wished he’d been smart enough to wear something that hid his reaction to Tara a little better. He’d always found her feistiness a huge turn on. “Suffer.”

  Tara smiled. “It seems to me you’re the one suffering, Armstrong.”

  She had him there. “Start talking.”

  Her smile slipped, and she said, “My ex’s family accused me of being a gold digger. When he had to choose who to believe, he chose them.”

  Keith cursed and let her up. He shouldn’t have forced her to discuss something that obviously still hurt. “I’m sorry, Tara.” He sat beside her, keeping a safe distance between them.

  “It’s okay. It’s ancient history.”

  He sensed that wasn’t entirely true. “Do you feel like talking about it?” When she remained silent, he said, “If you don’t, that’s cool.”

  “I thought I was in love with him.” Hugging a cushion tightly, she said, “We dated for a while. He refused to introduce me to his family, and I thought it was because of cultural and religious differences. I guess there was more to it than that.”

  Keith hated the loser who had made her feel as though she wasn’t good enough. She was smart, gorgeous, kind, and too damn good for a guy too stupid to recognize a good thing when he had it. “So you met his family eventually?”

  “His sister was getting married. I gave him an ultimatum: either he invited me to the wedding or I would dump him.”

  “I take it he invited you?” Keith risked a glance at her. She looked so sad, and he just wanted to make her smile again.

  “He did.” She hugged the cushion tighter, propping her chin on it. “I thought things were going okay, but when I was in one of the bathroom stalls, his mother and sisters came in. They started talking about how I was just a whore after Biagio’s money. They said we would never last because they wouldn’t let us.”

  “I’m sorry.” Keith reached for her hand, lacing their fingers. “That must have sucked.”

  “It did.” She tipped her head to look at him, still holding the pillow. “I told him what they said, and he said I shouldn’t listen to them.”

  “That was asking a lot.” If anyone ever said those things about a woman Keith loved, he would go to the mat to defend her honor, even if they were his own family.

  “I thought so too, but I’d already invested a year in the relationship.” She stared at a framed photo of Ava and Brent on an end table. “Ava told me to let him go. She said he didn’t deserve me, but I wasn’t ready to move on. I wanted it to work.”

  Keith knew admitting she’d been duped by that guy wasn’t easy for her. “What happened next?”

  “His mother came to the office and offered me money, a lot of money, to stay away from him.”

  “Seriously?” Keith couldn’t believe anyone could mistake Tara for an opportunist. She was one of the most genuine people he’d ever met. “Obviously you told her to go to hell.”

  Tara looked at him, a smile teasing her lips. “How did you know I told her that?”

  “Because I know you.”

  “Apparently you know me better than Biagio. His mother told him I’d accepted her bribe, and he believed her. He told me it was over.”

  Keith released her hand to put his arm around her. “I’m sorry, hon. It sounds like you’re better off without him though.”

  “Yeah, I guess I am.”

  It bothered Keith that she didn’t sound convinced. She should be calling her ex every colorful name she could think of, and a few Keith would be happy to supply. Instead, she seemed to still have feelings for him. “How long ago did this happen?”

  “About a year ago.”

  More than enough time for resentment to set in. “You ever hear from him?”

  “Yeah, he calls and texts sometimes. I never respond.”

  “What does he say?”

  “He says he’s sorry, that he never should have taken their word over mine.”

  Keith had never met the guy, yet he already despised him. “He doesn’t honestly think you’re naïve enough to buy that shit, does he?”

  She tried to pull away, but Keith wasn’t ready to let her go. He shifted so her back was against his chest and the cushion she’d been using as a shield was supporting her head.

  “Now you sound like Ava,” Tara said. “She says the same thing every time he calls.”

  “My future sister-in-law is a smart woman.”

  “It’s not as black and white as it sounds, Keith.” Her cell phone rang, and she glanced at the screen. “That’s stran
ge. It’s my landlady.” Glancing at her watch, she frowned. “What could she want at this hour?”

  “Only one way to find out.”

  “Right.” Tara pressed the button to connect the call. “Mrs. McMillan?”

  Keith watched her face drain of color. Whatever the news, it obviously wasn’t good.

  “Oh my God. Are you okay?” Digging her nails into the sofa cushion, she asked, “When did this happen? What caused it?” Tara fell silent, nodding. “I can’t believe this.” She dropped her head into her hand. “No, I’ll be okay. I’ll figure something out. I’m spending the night at a friend’s place tonight. I’ll decide what to do in the morning. Thanks for the call. Take care.”

  “What happened?” Keith asked as soon as she disconnected. She just stared off into space. “Talk to me. It can’t be that bad.”

  “Mrs. McMillan’s house caught on fire.” With a shuddering sigh, she said, “My home… I can’t believe this.”

  Keith knew she rented part of a duplex not far from her office. “Are you serious? How bad?”

  “Bad…” Covering her mouth, she closed her eyes. “Really bad. Mrs. McMillan was visiting her sister and she’d taken her dog, so no one was hurt. I guess that’s the most important thing. The rest of it is just stuff.”

  Keith pulled her closer when she started sobbing. “It’s gonna be okay.”

  “Everything I own is gone,” she whispered as tears fell on her lap. “Mrs. McMillan said the firefighters wouldn’t let her back in the house, but she didn’t think anything could be salvaged. The fire inspector will be out tomorrow to assess the damage.”

  “Do you have insurance to cover your stuff, hon?”

  Tara groaned. Reaching for her glass of wine, she downed the rest in one deep swallow. “I meant to renew my policy, but my car broke down and I had to get that fixed. Mrs. McMillan kept on me about renewing it, and I promised her I would. I kept saying, ‘Next paycheck.’”

  Keith knew Tara was still paying a mountain of student loans, and she refused to accept help from Ava or Brent. “So you lost everything?” Keith couldn’t even begin to imagine that.

  “I guess the only thing I have left to my name is the clothes on my back.” Tara grabbed the wine bottle and refilled her glass.

  Alcohol wouldn’t solve her problems, but Keith couldn’t blame her for wanting to forget them. “You know Brent and Ava would love to have you stay here while you sort things out. If you need money or a place to stay, you’ve got it, Tara. All you have to do is ask.” Money was no object for him or his brother, and they both adored Tara, albeit for different reasons.

  Tara patted his leg. “That’s so sweet of you. But this isn’t your problem, and I’m certainly not going to impose on Brent and Ava. They’ve got enough on their plate trying to build a new home and plan the wedding. Not to mention the fact they need their privacy.”

  “What about Ava’s place? Has she sold it yet?” Keith knew Ava’s condo was on the market and she had some prospective buyers interested in a quick closing, but he hadn’t asked whether the deal had closed.

  “Sold last week,” Tara muttered miserably. “I guess I’ll just have to stay with my parents.”

  Keith frowned. “Your parents’ place is over an hour away. You’re going to commute more than two hours every day? That’s crazy. I have an extra bedroom. Why don’t you stay with me?”

  A beat of awareness passed between them. Her eyes lingered on his lips for a fraction of a second before she said, “We both know that’s not a good idea.”

  He would never take advantage of her situation, but Keith thought spending more time with Tara sounded like a stellar idea. “It’s better than wasting time and gas money on a long commute and you said you don’t want to impose on Ava and Brent.” He knew they wouldn’t see it as an imposition, but he understood why Tara would feel like a third wheel living with a couple who couldn’t keep their hands off each other. “Face it, your parents live too far away. Do you have any other friends you can stay with?” He hoped not. If she was calling a friend to help her out, he wanted it to be him.

  “None with an extra bedroom.” Raking her nails over her scalp, she said, “Besides, they already complain about not getting enough alone time with their boyfriends. I’d be imposing on them too.” Sighing, she rubbed her bloodshot eyes. “God, what a mess. I can’t believe I was stupid enough to let the insurance lapse. It may not have covered much, but at least it would have given me enough money to buy the necessities. Right now, I can’t even cover that.”

  Keith had grown up in dire straits. He understood that insurance often fell to the bottom of the list when one was trying to put food on the table and pay the utility bills. He settled back on the sofa, leaving his arm stretched across the back in case she needed a shoulder to lean on. “It’s not your fault. It’s not like you could’ve predicted a fire.”

  “The place is old. It was probably faulty wiring or something.”

  He pulled her back into his chest, wrapped his arms around her, and coaxed her head down. “It’ll be okay.” He kissed the top of her head. “You have a lot of people who care about you, babe. We’re gonna help you get through this.”

  “Thanks,” she said, sniffling and pressing her fingertips against her temples. “I still can’t believe this is happening, Keith. I’m homeless.”

  Chapter Two

  Keith was thinking about Tara’s predicament at work the next day when he spotted Ava walking toward Brent’s office. “Ava!” He jumped up and sprinted across his office to catch her before she disappeared.

  She’d stopped when she heard his voice, though, and peeked her head in the door. “I’m glad you’re here. I was going to call you later. I wanted to thank you for being there for Tara last night. She must have been a wreck, huh?”

  “Anybody would be, right?” He beckoned her inside.

  “That’s for sure.” She kissed his cheek. “You don’t usually work on Saturdays, do you?”

  “I needed to take care of a few things.” He’d been sitting at home making himself crazy worrying about Tara. He thought coming to work might take his mind off of her, but it hadn’t worked.

  Sitting in one of the guest chairs, Ava said, “Tara told me you tried to talk her into staying with you.”

  “Yeah, but she wouldn’t go for it.” He claimed the leather chair next to her. “Did you have any luck getting through to her?” He was going for casual, but he failed miserably.

  Lines appeared on Ava’s forehead, and she leaned in closer. “No, and I don’t know what to do. Tara’s so independent. She hates asking anyone for anything. Being helpless is killing her.” Ava clenched her hands in her lap. “I practically begged her to stay with us, but she refused. She said she’d stay in a cheap motel until she figured something out.”

  “Like hell she will!” Keith refused to think about her sleeping in some flea-bitten dive while he slept in a king-sized bed on 800 thread-count sheets. “Where is she now?”

  Ava leaned back, obviously startled. “She said she was going into the office for a bit.”

  ***

  Tara heard someone slam the door in the lobby, and she jumped up from her desk. She looked up and saw Keith scowling at her. “What are you doing here? You look stressed.”

  “With good reason.” He paced the carpeted floor, his hands shoved into the pockets of his black bomber jacket. “No way are you staying in some no-tell motel. I don’t care what you say.”

  Obviously he’d talked to Ava and Brent. They must have decided to gang up on her. “I’m a big girl. Nobody gets to call the shots in my life but me.” When Keith opened his mouth to object, she planted her hands on her hips and glared at him.

  Keith glared back at her. “We’ll see about that.”

  Tara rolled her eyes. The Armstrong brothers were accustomed to getting what they wanted, but she didn’t intend to let them dictate how she lived her life. Where she lived was her decision and she’d already made it, whether Keith a
nd Brent liked it or not.

  “I don’t need help, Keith.” She stepped forward and softened her tone when his big brown eyes took on that wounded puppy look. “But it’s nice to know you care.”

  He surprised her by grabbing her hands and pulling her forward until she collided with his chest. “I couldn’t sleep last night, thinking about this.”

  Tara hadn’t slept either, but Keith didn’t need to know that. “I’ll be fine. I can take care of myself.”

  “Why are you being so stubborn? You have friends who want to help you. Let us.” He squeezed her hands. “Please.”

  His eyes were outlining her body, searing her all over. She’d be lying if she said Keith didn’t do it for her, but she owed it to Ava to respect her wishes. Tara didn’t want to make future meetings with Keith awkward by indulging in a quickie. Her breathing was rapid, every muscle in her body tense as she waited to see what he would do next.

  Keith muttered a curse before cupping the back of her head and taking her mouth with the force of a tortured man. He kissed her as if he couldn’t control himself, as if his mouth had a mind of its own and was intent on obliterating her objections. He changed positions, delving deeper and holding her prisoner as he moaned into her mouth.

  Backing her up, he pinned her to the wall, and she felt a little dizzy when his hand found its way beneath her top. He brushed the pad of his thumb across her peaked nipple, and she barely resisted the impulse to slide down the wall and take him with her. It was so much more than a kiss. She felt as though she was signing over her body’s title to him to do with as he pleased.

  That realization hit her with the impact of a bucket of ice water. She pushed against his shoulders. “Stop…” She turned her face away, trying to suck in a much-needed breath. “You need to stop. We need to stop. Ava. Brent. We can’t…”

  “I know.” He buried his face in her hair. “I know. You’re right.”

  Tara knew he was as stunned by that kiss as she was. He hadn’t intended for it to happen either. They couldn’t take it back, she didn’t even know if she wanted to, but they couldn’t let it happen it again. Ava and Brent were two of the most important people in their lives, and they had reason to be concerned about Tara hooking up with Keith. He was a player, a very charming player, which meant she would probably end up with a broken heart. She couldn’t let that happen.