He pulled away from her, breathing hard.
Like two fighters squaring off, they stood and glared at each other.
"You can be certain of one thing, Kat."
She glanced at his arousal and licked her lips.
Jared laughed. “I'll be back for more, my lovely opponent."
He turned on his heel and marched out of her kitchen.
Kat didn't move. She heard her garage door open, heard the roar of the Jag's engine.
The clocked ticked on the wall.
She glanced up. Nine a.m. It was time to get to KISS...
And work on finding the secret she was now positive Jared hid from the world.
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Chapter Ten
Later that day Jared glanced at his watch for what must have been the hundredth time.
"Shall we get started?” he asked the group of silver-haired septuagenarian women seated around his table at Summerville's Sunshine Café. The day was gorgeous. Not a cloud in the sky. Jared opted for a table on the deck outside so he could look out at the calm, clear water of the Long Island Sound out back.
"Well, it wouldn't be right to start a meeting of the Summerville Historical Society without her,” a trim, elderly lady named Mildred Cummings replied. “We should wait."
There were murmurs of agreement from the assembled group.
"Whom, exactly, are we waiting for?” he asked.
Evelyn Rogers, Summerville's historian, patted his hand gently. “Why, we're waiting for our president, dear."
Jared took a sip of his water and nodded. “I see..."
"She should be along any minute now."
He wanted to tell her that she said that a half an hour ago. Instead, he opted for, “Then I guess we'll wait."
The women beamed at him.
"Are you enjoying your stay with us, Mr. Martin?” Annabelle Lewis, the caretaker of one of Summerville's oldest homes asked him.
"Please, call me Jared, and yes, I'm enjoying myself very much."
"What sights have you seen?” she asked, her bright blue eyes didn't leave his face. “How about the Captain Hill House? Have you seen it?"
"Uh, well, no..."
"Oh! You should!” The women all said in unison.
"It is wonderful, I must tell you,” Annabelle continued. “It's been completely remodeled to resemble what it used to look like. It has this beautifully redone watchtower. You can see for miles when you're up there ... the vineyards, the farmlands surrounding the house. It's really quite an impressive sight."
The only sight Jared could seem to concentrate on was that of Kat dressed in that coral-colored corset from last night. He couldn't get that vision of her out of his head. Moreover, he didn't want to. Kat was an addiction. He knew she wasn't good for him, knew she'd probably try to do him in, but he wanted her any way. He took a healthy sip of water to cool down and grabbed a bread stick from the basket in front of him.
"Oh look, here comes our president now."
Jared glanced at the entrance to the small deck. A woman made her approach. She had on a pair of sleek, dark sunglasses. Her hair had been fashioned into a stylish up-do and the cream-colored, body-hugging sundress she wore outlined her every curve. The heart-shaped neckline hugged her magnificent breasts. Small, bronze-colored grommets highlighted the neckline and waist. The flounced bottom of the dress skirted her knees—it billowed in the slight breeze that kicked up, showing off her long, shapely legs.
"Good afternoon, ladies,” she said in greeting as she walked around and hugged each of them at the table. When she got to Jared, she stopped.
He rose from his chair as she removed her sunglasses to reveal a pair of sea-green eyes.
"Why, Mr. Martin, how lovely to see you."
"Kat...” her name slipped from his lips.
She stuck out her hand and angled her chin.
A muscle in Jared's cheek quivered. The minx! She never said one word to him about being part of the historical society, let alone being its president. In fact, she had said that she had an appointment that afternoon...
Of course ... with him!
A new battlefront in which she could fight him on.
"Kat,” he said again, refusing to accede to her. “A pleasure to see you again.” He held out a chair. She slipped into it. He grasped the arms and leaned over the back to help slide it under the table. He whispered in her ear, “Score one for you and your surprise attack."
She smiled charmingly. “Why thank you, Mr. Martin. That's very kind of you."
He wasn't feeling the least bit ... kind. In fact, he had the most unholy urge to haul her out of the chair, toss her over his shoulder, and march out of the restaurant. Then he wanted to make love to her for the rest of the day and ... night.
When he was sure she was settled he whispered again, “If you play with fire Kat, you get burned. You won't win this battle."
Her look grew sly. “We'll see,” she replied, her voice a whisper on the breeze.
Jared settled his tall frame into his own chair.
Evelyn Rogers glanced at Jared, then Kat. “Well, now that we're all here, let me just say that this wonderful lady,” she held her hand, palm out, in Kat's direction, “does an excellent job as president of Summerville's Historical Society."
The women raised their glasses in tribute, forcing Jared to do the same. “I didn't know this about you ... Kat.” He drew out her name. “It never came up in our, um ... discussions yesterday evening."
She turned to face him, her eyes stormy. “I told you ... its Ms. Sullivan."
He cocked his head at her. “That's funny."
"What is?"
"Last night it was ... Jared."
She had lifted her fork to spear an olive from the dish in front of her. The fork slipped from her hand and fell to the ground. Kat leaned down to retrieve it. Jared met her halfway.
"Don't you dare mention last night again,” she whispered furiously from her position under the table as she rummaged on the ground for the fork.
He grinned at her and held the fork toward her. “It's odd that in the throes of passion, you used my first name. That was when you came in my hand, wasn't it?” He asked, angling his head under the table to get a better look at her.
Kat growled low in her throat. “You bastard,” she hissed.
"Waiter!” he called out, sitting upright and swiveling around in his chair. “The lady needs a clean fork.” He waved it in the air next to Kat's head. She balled her hand into a fist, resting it on the napkin in her lap.
Jared looked down at it. “If you take a swing at me here, I'll retaliate. You'll be very embarrassed.” He pitched his voice low and pinned her with a dark look.
"Shut up,” she replied under her breath.
"Kat, dear, you look wonderful.” Evelyn Rogers piped in. “That dress is divine. Did you design it?"
Kat smiled at her and sipped her water. “Yes, I did."
Evelyn smiled. “That's wonderful. Are you going to offer a clothing line, too, at KISS?"
"I just might, Evelyn. I haven't decided yet."
Jared sipped his water, eyeing her over the rim. “Kat seems to have a huge following with her lingerie line."
"Oh, yes, she does. We're so proud of her,” came Evelyn's reply. “Aren't we ladies?” Several silver-haired heads bobbed up and down in unison.
Jared sighed, smiling. “I know that I, for one, have now been transformed into a devoted fan of Kat's."
"Really?” Kat's voice dripped acid.
"Really.” He offered her a breadstick. She snatched it from his hands.
"As a matter of fact, there's that coral-colored cors...” He jumped when he felt a sharp pain in his left thigh. His water glass tumbled over—he managed to catch it just as liquid sloshed over the side. Jared massaged his leg to ease the sting in his thigh and noticed Kat placing her fork on the edge of the table.
Her eyes grew wide, her look pure innocence. “Oh my, is there somet
hing wrong, Mr. Martin?"
"No,” he replied, his voice tight. “Nothing."
"Oh well then, I guess we should order, shouldn't we ladies?” Kat asked brightly. “What does everyone feel like eating today? Annabelle, didn't you say the swordfish was terrific the last time?"
The waiter came by and handed each of them menus then rattled off the specials. Jared didn't hear a thing he said. He was acutely aware of Kat sitting next to him and the sting in his thigh. The tigress’ claws were out. He glanced down at his leg. Well, at least she didn't draw any blood! Oh what he wouldn't give to drag her away from there and make her pay for what she just did. He could smell her perfume. The light, fresh floral fragrance drifted by his nose. When she shifted in the chair, the flounced bottom of the dress rode up her thighs. Jared glanced down at her feet. They were encased in a pair of matching, cream-colored, canvas cork-wedge sandals, decorated with the same small grommets she had used at the neckline and waist of the dress. From his vantage point next to her, he also had a clear view of her cleavage.
Lovely. How lucky could he be to have such a beautiful, sexy opponent? He'd take a hundred jabs in his thigh for a chance to tussle with her again—in bed. Glancing at his menu, he said in a low voice. “So, are you the mayor, too?"
She studied her own menu. “Just until last year,” she replied, smiling sweetly. “Now Mildred is our mayor."
The older woman smiled back at Kat from across the table.
Jared chatted with the women, but remained acutely aware of Kat next to him. Occasionally, he'd brush his thigh against hers. She'd respond in kind, sending shock waves of hot need through him. He'd sip his water, hoping to cool the banked, low fire Kat apparently intended to build within him. Did she think she could throw him off the track that way? He smiled slowly, and slipped his hand under the table. With his fingers, he lifted the hem of her dress and trailed them across the bare skin of her thigh.
Her eyes widened in shock as she spoke with Annabelle. She didn't stop, didn't hesitate, but slipped her hand under the table to stroke his swollen member.
Lunch passed by in a blur for Jared. The sun's rays beat down, simultaneously, a cloud of hazy, sexual need passed over him. Reaching under the table once more, he twined his fingers in hers and squeezed them gently. She gazed over at him as she sipped a frosty, cold glass of iced tea, but the look that passed between them sizzled. A cool breeze wafted by, lifting the ends of the umbrella that shaded their table, but Jared felt hotter than ever. A small beat of sweat trickled down his chest under his shirt.
"Well, Kat, should we begin?” Evelyn Rogers’ sweet, lilting voice broke through his heated thoughts.
Kat turned stormy, sea-green eyes on Jared. “Why not?” She pushed her plate away. “Let's hear what Mr. Martin has to say.” Assuming a relaxed pose, she leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms under her breasts. The slight breeze kicked up, tickling the few strands of hair at the nape of her neck. Jared cocked his head at her to study her profile. He couldn't decide if he liked her hair up like that in that twist or...
"Mr. Martin?"
His gaze swiveled in the direction of the voice he just heard.
"Would you like to begin?"
It was Annabelle. Sweet Annabelle. Here he thought he'd be stuck with a bunch of old biddies, but once more, Summerville proved him wrong. Jared suddenly felt at odds. Glancing at the portfolio next to him, his mind filled with doubt. Would they like what he planned? He ran a finger around his shirt collar. Heat seared his skin, but this time, he couldn't blame Kat.
"Yes, I think we'll begin.” He reached over to grab the portfolio, withdrawing several large sheets of drawings.
The waiter cleared the table as the women passed the drawings around.
"Oh my, look!” Evelyn cried out. “He's drawn Main Street perfectly.” She clapped her hands in front of her.
"And there's ‘The Yarn Barn’ and Fred's place and..."
"KISS.” Kat finished curtly.
Evelyn smiled at her then turned her attention back to Jared. “This is quite an accurate rendering, Mr. Martin."
"Thank you."
Kat gazed at the sketch in front of her. He held his breath, anticipation building inside him. Jared's stomach lurched; his hands became moist. He stifled the urge he had to sit on them.
Her eyes continued to scan the drawing in front of her. She lifted them to look directly into his. “Where's MegaMart?” she asked.
Jared shifted his chair closer to Kat's, bumping her knee with his. “There it is, right there.” Jared pointed to a large, Victorian style building at the end of Main Street.
Kat peered down at the drawing. “That?” she pointed at the building. “That's MegaMart?"
Jared smiled at her. “It is. It's the new and improved MegaMart."
She gazed at him, her eyes taking on a wary look. “What on earth are you talking about, ‘new and improved'?"
"It's my MegaMart complex. Of course, we won't be calling it that. We'll call it ‘The Shops at Summerville Inn.’”
"I'm not sure I'm following you."
Jared spoke quickly. “It's a one hundred room inn at the beginning of Main Street. See all the stores in back? Those are all the existing stores and shops. They'll be part of the complex. They'll form the courtyard in back."
Her eyes widened. “An inn? We already have a bed and breakfast. Betty's ‘Pink Lily.’ We don't need a ... hotel,” she sneered, then tossed the drawing on the table in front of her. The corner of the sketch landed in a small pool of water near her iced tea glass.
Jared snatched the drawing before any damage could be done. The damn artwork cost him a fortune, not to mention all the time and energy he put into it. He glared at Kat, but she ignored him. She shifted in her seat and angled her body, signaling her disdain ... and her defiance.
Never in all his born days had he encountered a woman as rude and so adverse to change as Kat Sullivan. He still had an urge to scoop her up out of her chair, only this time, he wanted to lay her facedown across his lap and spank the shit out of her.
He addressed the assembled group before him. “What Ka—Ms. Sullivan says has some merit to it."
The women stared at him, wide-eyed.
"Ms. Sullivan is right, you do already have a bed and breakfast.” He gave Kat a hard look. “But it's in trouble."
"Of all the nerve!” Kat threw down her napkin and faced him. “You're staying there yourself,” she aimed her index finger at him, her long, French-manicured fingernail slashed through the air. “You said you liked it. You said—"
He held up a hand. “I do like it. But we did some research..."
"Who did?” Kat's eyes grew sharp, revealing the depths of their icy, blue-green color.
"I did. MegaMart did. We noticed that, well ... for lack of a better term, The Pink Lily didn't do so well last year."
Kat's face paled. “So? Betty will have a better year this year."
Annabelle tapped her shoulder. “But he's right, Kat. Even Betty said she had a miserable year."
"Look,” Jared pulled his chair closer to Kat's. Leaning one arm over his knee, he bent his tall frame in her direction. “I have no intention of putting Betty Horan out of business."
"Not much you don't!” Kat snorted. She shifted away from him.
No, I'm not going to use my hand on her lovely backside, I'm going to...
He struggled to rein in his burgeoning temper. “I do not intend to put anyone out of business. I lo ... I mean, I like it here in Summerville. I like the people. My new MegaMart idea has been in the works for quite some time. It's worth a shot, especially here in this town. Nothing would change, I promise you..."
Kat turned her head away. This time, Jared didn't hesitate. He reached out and snatched her stubborn chin in his hand, turning her to face him.
"All the stores and shops will fall under the MegaMart banner, but they'll stay the same. The inn will be the draw. It's only a hundred rooms. That'll fill up quickly, especi
ally in the summer months. Betty's place can take the overflow."
Kat pulled out of his grasp.
"I don't like it. And I don't like your underhanded business practices, Mr. Martin."
The ladies at the table grew quiet. No one spoke for quite some time.
Jared struggled to maintain his composure. “And just what are the underhanded business practices you're referring to?"
"This same thing happened in Hillsite two years ago, ladies.” Kat glanced at the women sitting around the table. “He told them that if they let MegaMart into Hillsite, the town would benefit. He'd build them a new high school and a new library."
"I have every intention of doing that. It's just—"
"He has absolutely no intention of doing that!” Kat lifted a hand and slashed it through the air, right under Jared's nose. He leaned back for fear of being scraped by her long nails. “They haven't even begun construction of the new high school, which, I may add, Hillsite badly needs, and which he promised."
"I wanted more say in the plans!” Lowering his voice, he continued. “I didn't think what they were proposing for the new school was right, I wanted ... well, let's just say we've got some issues at Hillsite, but the new library..."
"Isn't built yet, either, is it?” she sneered.
Jared's face grew hard. “It's MegaMart's money, not theirs. If I don't think something's right, I won't do it."
"You're full of sh...” Kat glanced at the assembled group. “...garbage,” she finished.
"Mr. Martin...” Annabelle began.
"Jared,” he corrected.
She smiled a little. “Jared. While most of us here are quite impressed with what you've done, we can't just go ahead and give you an all-out ‘yes’ to your proposed project, we'd have to vote."
He slumped back in his chair. All his hopes and dreams for MegaMart, for making his father's company shine were vanishing like a puff of smoke into the air. He owed him this ... and he owed himself. Damn Kat Sullivan!
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