Why couldn't it be all for her? Why couldn't she enjoy it just for tonight and pretend that Jared Martin had the hots for her and only her? Kat glanced at the other patrons in the dining room. There were some attractive women in there—women who were more in Jared Martin's league. Elegant. Classy. Long Island Blue Bloods. Gold Coast Babes.
They looked like that blonde she had seen him with in that magazine picture.
Stop it—just get a grip, Kat!
"I'll give you a private table in the back, yes?"
Kat lifted her chin. “Yes. That would be fine, Harry."
"Follow me."
Harry grabbed two menus and walked through the busy dining room. Kat followed, with Jared behind. Again, he placed his hand on her back. Each time he touched her, her bones melted and her pulse raced. Kat longed to turn around and push Jared back out the door and head for her house—and her bed.
It would be no good if she rushed this. They had a long night ahead—a night in which she could savor the feel of him. Let him strip away the layers she wore and get to the real her—make him want her as much as she wanted him.
The very thought turned her insides to mush. Her heart galloped as they made their way through the crowded dining room to a more secluded part of the restaurant.
Harry would take care of them.
And she would take care of Jared.
* * * *
Jared sliced a piece of his porterhouse steak. It almost melted in his mouth, the marinade tasted spicy, yet sweet.
Like Kat.
He glanced her way and broke a sweat as he watched her eat. He saw the small, pink tip of her tongue dart out for just a second, watched her eyes close as she savored the taste of the meat in her mouth. Jared wondered if that's how she made love, too. When he got her into bed that night, would she savor their lovemaking like she did her meal? Would she make a meal of him, he wondered?
Kat Sullivan had him thinking the craziest things.
He'd convince her stubborn soul that MegaMart was good for Summerville. That he was good for Summerville ... and her. He'd manage her the way he did everyone else, with charm and his own unique ability to make people see reason. His reason. If that didn't work, he'd do what George said and handle Kat the way he handled Plasticmate. He'd fight her with the one thing he knew meant a great deal to her.
KISS.
He'd strip away the layers of that store to find out what really happened behind its closed doors, just like he planned to strip away Kat's layers to find what she hid. He'd have a good time, too. Jared enjoyed her sultry teasing. Remembering his promise to make her pay sent his body into overdrive—he could feel the blood beating in his veins. Heat seared every part of him. Sipping the icy cold water in his glass, Jared watched her spear another piece of meat. She put it to her lips, opened her mouth and popped it inside, then chewed and swallowed. Kat caught him gazing at her and smiled slowly, raising her wineglass to her lips, taking a sip of the deep red liquid.
His hands shook as he reached for his own glass and took a healthy sip. Slow down, boy, he admonished. Take it easy. Relax.
The sound of music coming from the corner of the room wafted toward him.
"Harry has dancing here every night,” Kat murmured, her large, sea-green eyes met his across the table.
Dancing? With Kat? Yes, there was a God, after all!
Jared rose to his feet and came around the table. He extended his hand.
"Dance with me,” his voice grew husky with suppressed desire. If she said no, he'd drag her up and into his arms and out onto that dance floor. The need to feel her, to press her body close to his consumed him.
Kat put down her knife and fork ... slowly. She looked up at him, raised her snowy-white linen napkin to her lips and dabbed them with a corner of the cloth.
She rose to her feet and grasped his hand. “I'd love to,” she replied, her voice silky.
Jared led her out onto the dance floor. The strains of an old melody caressed his ears and flowed through him as he pulled Kat flush against him. Never had music sounded as sweet as it did in that minute when he held Kat in his arms. Her body molded to his, swaying in rhythm to the music ... and him.
His hands moved to her waist. He swore he could span it with both hands as he slid them under her magnificent breasts. Jared felt the stiff, bony lines of what lay beneath her outfit.
His eyes widened as recognition dawned.
A corset. That's why her waist appeared so tiny!
The minx.
A smile spread across his face.
"You're lovely,” he blurted. Fool. Damn, but he had to be careful, lest she find out just how powerful his attraction to her had become. He shoved that thought aside, succumbing to the feel of her in his arms. “Kat,” he whispered close to her ear. His lips skimmed across her forehead and temple. Kat shuddered against him and moved closer into the shelter of his arms.
The music played on. Soon, Jared didn't even hear it.
He heard only the beat of Kat's heart, felt it thud against his chest.
And realized she had snared him once more.
No trap ever felt as sweet!
* * * *
Kat sucked in a breath as Jared's hands spanned her waist. She noticed the look of surprise on his face.
He knew. Jared knew what lay beneath her dress. In that instant, a feeling of power assailed her, knowing that her plan worked.
His thumbs slid under breasts, down the front of her waist, his fingers gliding along her back on either side of her spine. She could feel his erection through the thin silk of her dress. The sultry tune echoed in the small confines of the room. Kat heard nothing, saw nothing—except for Jared.
His dark eyes smoldered with every move. She succumbed to the feel of being this close to him. When he leaned down, his lips caressed her earlobe, sending a cascade of wanton desire through her. She moved closer, pressed her body flush against Jared's until their knees bumped.
He smelled like heaven. His warm, musky fragrance caused her head to spin in a zillion different directions all at once. She realized she had let him lead and followed like a panting puppy in hopes of a treat. Resting her head against his chest, she felt the slow beat of his heart, which increased as she snuggled against him.
Love thine enemy.
This was the way to fell her opponent. Lilith's advice to keep Jared Martin close rang in her ears, only Kat longed to get even closer.
"Let's go,” she whispered.
His coffee-colored eyes dilated, the pupils growing large in a matter of seconds.
Jared released her and stepped back. She felt a strange loss when he moved away from her.
"Stay here,” he commanded, his voice soft.
Kat couldn't have moved if she tried. She nodded her head and stood rooted to her place on the dance floor.
Jared withdrew a wad of cash from his pocket and threw it on the table. Then he turned to face her.
Kat swallowed. Hard. Her breath came in short, rushed gasps.
Jared grabbed her jacket and bag from the table and walked toward her. He placed the jacket over her shoulders and put the bag in her hands, folding her fingers over the small, satin clutch.
Leading her from the restaurant, Kat swore her feet floated over the floor. Heat and a dull ache flowed through her loins as she walked. She heard Jared murmur ‘good night’ to Harry thankful that at least one of them could still speak.
The warm, night air caressed her face as they walked out of the restaurant to the parking lot. She felt that strange sensation of being led, as if she had no choice but to go in his direction. No, her mind screamed! Be tough. Take the lead. Take charge, take...
Him.
She'd fell him by letting him lead.
Right where she wanted to go.
* * * *
Jared practically shoved Kat in the car then slammed the door closed. He sprinted to the driver's side and got in. As he started the engine, he turned to face her, “Kat—” he started.
She leaned over and grabbed his face in her hands and kissed the breath from his lungs. Jared's head reeled, his mind raced, and at the same time, his desire-ridden body leapt to attention, his erection pressing painfully against his trousers.
He grabbed her around the waist and hauled her into his lap. Kat lay sprawled across him, her head resting against the crook of his arm. Jared kissed her deeply, his tongue battling with hers. He slid his hand over her silk-lined legs, trailing his fingers up the back of her calf, enjoying its tight, muscled feel. His hand skimmed her knee then rode up her thigh. He stopped when he felt the garter and gazed down into Kat's passion-filled face.
"It's payback time,” he grinned.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Seven
Jared's hand continued to taunt and tease Kat. She moaned once as her head lolled back on Jared's forearm. His fingers played with the garter, skimmed the delicate lace on the panty, then worked their way under and grazed the delicate nub hidden in the folds of flesh between her legs. Kat almost sobbed from the exquisite torture as his long fingers stroked and fondled her most secret place.
She shifted her body, pushing her feet against the passenger seat, stretching as though she was a tight wire being pulled in two different directions. Heat flowed through her body though the air conditioner blew cool air full blast against her skin. Each time she moved, her bottom skimmed Jared's thighs, his erection pressing against her backside. Moisture seeped out of the folds of flesh between her legs that Jared caressed with his fingertips. The more he stroked, the wetter she became.
"God almighty, Kat, don't move another muscle."
Jared's strained voice filled the small interior of the Jaguar, just as his fingers ceased their delightful, exquisite torment. She looked down to see him easing her dress back over her legs.
An urge to cry out, ‘No!’ filled her. Kat mentally cursed. Why had he stopped?
Grasping her around the waist, he lifted her from his lap and eased her into the passenger seat. He shifted his tall frame beside her, but that didn't diminish the bulge between his legs straining against his trousers.
Yes, she thought smugly, paybacks were indeed a bitch. It pleased her no end to see the pained look on his face.
He gripped the steering wheel, causing the skin on his knuckles to grow taut and white against the bronze color highlighting the backs of both hands. He sat like that for a few seconds, not moving, not saying a word. Finally, he slid his gaze in her direction.
"I won't take you here like this. You deserve more than that.” His voice was clipped ... hoarse. “I intend to give you what you want, Kat—what we both want."
Her eyes widened when he grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips, trailing them across the delicate skin lining the back of it.
"...but not here. Not this way,” he finished.
She swallowed, her throat muscles convulsed around a tight, painful lump. “Take me home,” she finally managed.
His face fell as he released her. Jared blew out a breath, running a hand through his dark hair. He glanced out the driver's side window then turned to face her, his face a mask of hard angles and planes. “All right,” he replied, as he blew out a breath. “I'll take you home."
He slid his eyes away from her, put the car in drive and hit the accelerator.
Kat laid a hand on his forearm. His foot slammed on the brake, causing the car to lurch forward. Jared gazed at her sharply and narrowed his eyes. “What?"
She tried to smile, but couldn't get the corners of her mouth to lift. “With me, Jared. I meant ... come home with me."
His entire body relaxed. When he looked at her next, his magnificent eyes glowed with a soft, golden light.
"With pleasure,” came his husky response.
Kat cursed the long drive back to her house.
* * * *
Jared heard the low hum of the Jag's powerful motor, as well as the racing beat of his own heart. He had to battle the urge he felt to push the accelerator to the floor. His brain held a dim memory of leaving Kat on the dance floor and of him emptying his pockets of several hundred dollar bills. Jared swore he could still hear the waiter's shout of ‘Sir ... your change!’ as he literally shoved Kat out of Harry's.
As he drove toward Summerville, Jared glanced at Kat. She stared out her window at the passing scenery and didn't utter a word.
He didn't blame her in the least. He had responded to her like a hormone-crazed teenager enjoying his first lay in his daddy's car. Jared thought he'd shatter into a million tiny pieces when she said, ‘Take me home.’ The need to be inside her had overtaken his body ... and his good sense.
He had caught a glimpse of what lay beneath her dress—the fiery coral-colored thong and garter belt she wore fueled his deepest fantasy come to life. He had to be out of his mind to screw this up now. He'd bet his last dollar that she had on that coral-colored corset he had seen on display at KISS.
No way was he going to rush this!
She was allowing him in, letting him see her sensual side. If she allowed him access to that, he'd find out more—like what was really happening behind KISS’ doors. It shocked him that he wanted to know that secret far more than he wanted her approval for his plans for MegaMart and Summerville. What went on behind KISS’ closed doors intrigued him, made his desire for Kat increase tenfold. Part of him couldn't resist thinking that something shady was going down, yet another part of him refused to believe it.
He wouldn't believe it.
Not about Kat...
That realization hit him squarely in the chest. By thinking the best of her, he let down his guard. If he let down his guard then he would be allowing her in. What would she see? The pain that knifed through him every time he thought about his father? Would she see his shattered dreams and hopes?
Jared reached over and grabbed her hand, bringing it up to his lips. Her startled look as he brushed his mouth across the soft, fragrant skin lining the back of her hand pleased him.
He liked her wary.
Jared slowed the Jag as he came to a red light. He squeezed her hand then started to release his grip.
Kat's fingers curled and tightened around his. Then she brought his hand up to her right breast. He kneaded the firm flesh, and ran his thumb across the peak of her nipple. The protruding bud hardened beneath his touch. Kat placed her hand over his, pushing her breast further into his palm as though she couldn't get enough. His eyes strayed to her deep cleavage. As if on cue, he leaned across the console and planted a soft kiss in the deep ‘V’ between her breasts. She inhaled swiftly, causing her magnificent chest to rise and fall.
From the corner of his eye, Jared saw the traffic light turn green. He grudgingly released her as he gunned the engine and drove toward Summerville.
Fifteen minutes later, they pulled up in front of Kat's house.
* * * *
"Here are your pictures."
George O'Reilly glanced up just as a tall gray-haired man threw a Manila envelope down on the desk.
"My, my,” George intoned. “That was quick, Mr. Galati."
Vincent Galati shrugged powerful shoulders. “You hired me to do a job, and I did it. I know it's late, but I figured you wanted to see these."
George nodded and opened the envelope, extracting several five by seven photographs. George's eyes widened upon seeing a photo of Kat accepting a huge wad of cash from a man. A scantily clad woman stood nearby. “Well, well, what have we here? Ms. Upstart has quite a little side-business going on, doesn't she?"
"Looks that way."
George studied each picture. “I'm sure Jared Martin will be very interested in these."
"Do you have my money?"
George looked up. “Patience is a virtue Mr. Galati."
"Just give me what you promised."
"Here,” George opened a desk drawer and handed him a fat, white envelope. “Now, get lost."
Galati opened the envelope and did a quick count.
>
Ten thousand dollars, just like O'Reilly had promised. He watched as George examined each photograph, thoroughly engrossed.
Every lousy thing Galati ever heard about MegaMart was true. They were sharks out to eat every last little fish in the ocean, and they'd do it by every means available, and George O'Reilly was the biggest, nastiest shark in the sea.
"You must be a bitch to work for,” Galati muttered under his breath.
George looked up. “I heard that, Mr. Galati.” George leaned back in a large, black leather chair, and eyed him. “A bitch is a female dog, are you aware of that?"
"Yeah. Whatever.” Galati turned and reached for the doorknob again, only to hear a whizzing sound then a thud. When he looked up, he noticed the pointed tip of a silver letter opener imbedded in the wood on the door frame. It missed his head ... barely.
"Oh my,” George grinned. “I wondered where I put that letter opener. Must have ... slipped from my hands."
Galati ripped open the door and ran, hearing George's laughter ringing in his ears.
* * * *
Jared eased the Jag into the driveway of Kat's two-story, remodeled sixty's-style home. She dug through her bag until she found her small ring of keys and hit a button on the remote dangling from the key chain. Her garage door opened.
Jared glanced at her.
"Go on. Pull in,” she urged. He did as instructed, parking his car along side of hers in the spacious garage.
She placed her keys back in her bag and had her hand on the car door, intent on getting out, only to have it wrenched open by Jared. He leaned in and pulled her out. The foreplay she and Jared engaged in on the way back from the restaurant had taken its toll. She managed to stand upright on wobbly legs. He must have sensed her weakness. Pushing her up against the car, he wrapped one arm around her waist, holding tight. Then his lips slammed into hers in a fierce, hot kiss. Jared's lean body pinned her to the car, but Kat didn't fear him. Instead, she gloried in the muscled feel of his tall frame, enjoying the sensation of being supported as his lips nibbled and sucked hers.
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