by Dara Girard
“I didn’t waste three. That was one long kiss.”
“No, it wasn’t. Every pause was a separate kiss.”
He shook his head. “No, this.” He bent down and placed a kiss on her neck, his lips hot against her skin. “And this.” He placed another kiss further down. “Is a separate kiss.”
She fought to keep her composure, although a passionate longing simmered within. “You’re wasting your kissing quota,” she managed to say, trying her best to meet his compelling gaze without melting.
“No,” he said with a smile. A smile that this time was more of a predatory challenge than vicious. “I’m making a point.”
“I think it’s better you make your points when we have an audience.”
“I’m only clarifying a few details. I thought you liked being prepared.”
“I’m fully prepared now,” Tanna said, leaning back, wishing he’d do the same. Why was he acting this way? Didn’t he trust her? “Don’t worry. I’ll play my role well.”
He stared at her for a long moment, but he still wore his shades so she couldn’t see his eyes clearly. “I know.” He drew back and started the car. “That’s not what worries me.”
Chapter 14
If he didn’t know better, he’d think Tanna was eager to get rid of him. What was so wrong with his company? Sure, he’d taken up more of her time than he’d planned, but he treated her well. Most women would have been glad.
He sighed. The day wasn’t a good one. It already hadn’t started out as he’d hoped when he’d gotten a phone call from Rosemarie.
“He’s here and I need you to do something,” she said before she disconnected. Doran didn’t have to ask who ‘he’ was and his sister wouldn’t give him the option to refuse her summons. She opened the door just as he parked. “I thought you’d already be at the lake house,” he said, stepping out of his car.
“I’m driving there later today.”
Doran scanned the front yard. “Where is he?”
“In the sitting room.”
He turned to her alarmed. “You let him in the house?”
“Of course.”
“Why?”
“Because of this ridiculous inconvenience called ‘neighbors’.”
“And I’ll assume that’s also the reason you didn’t call the police?”
She patted his cheek. “Clever boy.”
He walked past her into the house. “This is the final time. Call Dillon next time.”
“I did. He wasn’t available.”
Doran gritted his teeth. He’d walked into that one. Of course she’d call Dillon first. Everyone did. He was the sensible, smart one. People only called on him when they’d run out of options. Doran walked into the sitting room then swore. “It’s empty.”
Rosemarie came up behind him. “He was here a minute ago.”
They heard something crash in the kitchen. Rosemarie marched in that direction. “If he ruins the new finish on the countertop, I’ll kill him.”
They found her ex-husband on the floor in front of the fridge, crying, a broken plate on the ground beside him. “I don’t know why you won’t give me another chance,” he wailed. At six foot one, a touch of grey in his goatee, wearing a pair of crumbled khakis and an orange shirt that could use a wash and an iron, he made a pitiful sight.
Doran grabbed his arm and lifted him to his feet. “It’s time to sober up.”
Kelvin yanked his arm away and stumbled back. “I’m not drunk.” He held out his hands. “I’m a man in agony,” he said, then slid to the floor again and started to cry.
It had taken Doran fifteen minutes to finally get him to stop crying, when he was able to get him to his feet, he was seeing his way to victory. That was until Kelvin’s mother arrived. A woman who blamed Rosemarie for her son’s sorry state. A woman who’d gotten more out of the marriage—family trips, gifts, social connections—than her son had. She was just as eager to see the two reunited. And soon both mother and son sat on Rosemarie’s couch crying. Another hour passed before Doran was able to convince them to leave.
And as he drove to Tanna’s place he felt oddly excited to see her. But she hardly wanted to give him the time of day. He felt like an appointment in her business roster. And then she said she didn’t like his smile.
It shouldn’t have bothered him but it did. He’d worked very hard so that Tanna didn’t see any of his eccentricities as Megan liked to call them. He’d treated Tanna the best he’d ever treated a woman. What was not to like? Sure, the plan against his mother was devious, but he wasn’t being cruel. Once Tanna met her, she’d know that was an impossibility.
He hadn’t meant to kiss her like that. He’d meant to tease her a little, but something came over him the moment his lips touched that tempting mouth of hers. After dealing with Rosemarie, Kelvin and his mother, Doran had felt tired, but somehow being with Tanna invigorated him. Kissing her, holding her close, invigorated him more. Tasting her lips, tasting her tongue, tasting her skin, filled him with an insatiable hunger. Yes, it wounded his pride a little that she didn’t desire him as so many others did, but his desire for her wasn’t just because she was a challenge. He wasn’t quite sure where the desire came from, just that it was there— simmering below the surface, threatening to consume him. He had to keep it at bay. He’d lost his heart once with disastrous results. He wasn’t doing that again.
Especially with a woman who made it clear she had better things to do.
“So what was your emergency?” she asked him.
“Emergency?”
“Yes, the reason why you were late.”
He wasn’t in the mood to discuss Rosemarie and her ex. Having Tanna meet his mother would be enough, she didn’t need to know about the loser his sister had married. “Car troubles.”
“Oh, that’s better than mine,” she said then commenced to tell him about her family friends’ loss. And he felt himself being drawn in. He knew she was kind, but hearing the compassionate way she talked about the couple, touched his heart. He gritted his teeth. Megan had been kind too. She’d donated hours of her time to a literacy group. It didn’t mean anything.
But as Tanna spoke, Doran couldn’t help noticing how the sun’s rays caressed her skin, polishing the perfect surface of her face, the smooth curves of her bare arms, and swept across her chest, his gaze briefly lingering on the circular dip of her neckline leaving much to his imagination. He softly swore.
“Okay, fine,” Tanna said sounding a little hurt. “I’ll stop talking. I was just trying to fill up the silence.”
“I don’t mind you talking.”
“Then why did you swear?”
He swore again this time silently. He hadn’t meant for her to hear him. “No, it’s not you. I was just…my sister’s ex came by.”
Tanna’s eyes grew wide and she stiffened in her seat. “Tell me he didn’t put another hole in the wall.”
He glanced at her startled. “You saw those?”
“Of course, how could I miss them? I staged her house, remember? There are no secrets a house can hide from me.”
For some reason, what she said helped him to relax. She knew about his sister’s marriage and didn’t care. He felt no judgment in her tone. “No, Kelvin didn’t do any major damage this time.”
“Did he break anything?”
Doran thought for a moment. “Just a plate.”
She cringed. “The set on the table in the kitchen? Or the one in the dining room?”
Hell, he didn’t know. He hadn’t paid attention where the plate came from. “The kitchen,” he guessed.
“Damn, I chose that set particularly. I’ll have to see if I can get a replacement.” She pulled out her cell phone and made a note. “Is that the only damage?”
“Aside from my shirt?”
“Your shirt?”
“Yes, his mother was equally upset.”
“His mother was there?”
“Yes.”
“And cried on your shoulder?
”
He nodded.
“Lipstick, mascara or foundation?”
“What?”
“The stain. Which one was it?”
“I honestly don’t know. It’s the dry cleaner’s problem now.”
She patted his leg. “You’re a good brother. I’m sure Rosemarie is very grateful.”
His brows shot up. “You met my sister, right? I can’t remember the last time she was grateful for anything.”
“She was pleased with my work,” Tanna said with a smug grin.
Doran scowled. “A rare exception.”
Tanna couldn’t help a giggle. “I know.”
A smile tugged at his mouth. “So she gave you trouble too, huh?”
“Not too much.”
He didn’t believe her. “After helping her ex and his mother do you know what my sister did?”
Tanna shook her head.
“Go on. Guess.”
Tanna bit her lip and scratched the side of her head. “Rosemarie. Rosemarie. What would she do?” She snapped her fingers as a thought came to her. “I bet you she was annoyed that you took so long to get rid of them.”
He pounded the steering wheel amazed at her accuracy. “That’s it!”
Tanna laughed. “I know. Your sister is…Oh, the stories I could tell you.”
Doran tapped his ear, his mood lifting. “I’m listening.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“It wouldn’t be professional.”
“Just one juicy little story. I promise I won’t use it against her.” He shook his head. “Forget it. I couldn’t promise you that.”
“See? That’s why I won’t tell you. It wouldn’t be fair.”
“But it would be fun.”
“No.”
He playfully pinched her cheek. “You’re such a good girl.”
She swatted his hand away. “Not always.”
Doran felt his pulse quicken and when he spoke, his voice had a husky tone he couldn’t hide. “That’s good to hear.”
Chapter 15
Tanna had always thought cobras were beautiful and majestic creatures. Of course she’d never imagined them wearing dark purple lipstick and heels.
Vanessa Gibson looked like the kind of woman who’d scheduled the birth of her children between luncheons and delivered them without breaking a sweat. She had a cold, dangerous beauty. Tanna half expected the woman to test the air with her tongue.
“My God,” Vanessa said, greeting them in the foyer. “You actually brought her here in that condition. When is she due?”
Tanna paused recognizing the insult—not only was she calling her fat, but she didn’t have the decency to address her as anything else but ‘she’—but didn’t know how to respond. Did Doran want her to pretend she was pregnant? That would really rankle her. Or did he want her to become outraged and throw back an insult? Or perhaps he wanted her to laugh and turn it into a joke? Before she could decide he said, “She isn’t pregnant, Mom.”
His mother rested a hand on her chest. “Thank heavens for that.”
“But it isn’t from lack of trying.”
His mother’s hand fell to her side. “You can’t even commit to the family business, I doubt you’re ready to be a father.”
“What I plan on becoming is none of your business.”
Tanna cleared her throat. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Gibson.”
“You lie beautifully, but it won’t help.” She gave her a once over. “You really shouldn’t wear a blouse like that. It does nothing for your figure or rather lack thereof. I’m very annoyed how late you are. I was expecting you an hour ago. The snack I had prepared was ruined. Oh, and before I forget, you’ll be in separate rooms. The only sounds you’ll be making in bed are sounds of sleep.” Her mobile rang. “Excuse me,” she said before strolling away.
Tanna watched her in admiration. “Well that was fast. Three insults in less than thirty seconds. Or was it four?” She turned to the front door.
He grabbed her arm. “You can’t run out on me now.”
Tanna turned to him surprised. “Why would I do that?”
“You just had this strange expression on your face and then turned to leave.”
“It’s because I didn’t get a proper look at the house when we first drove up.”
He frowned. “What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing,” she said in awe. “So far absolutely nothing. It’s a house stager’s heaven. Three floors of architectural majesty with cathedral ceiling and wood floors, nestled in a gorgeous cove. Is there a lakeside deck?”
“Of course.”
“Brick patio?”
Doran folded his arms, amused by her interest. “With a stunning view of the lake.”
Tanna wiped the side of her mouth. “I’m drooling, aren’t I?”
He grinned. “Only a little, but you’ll have to wait for the full tour.”
Her face fell. “Why?”
He took her hand and headed for the stairs. “We have to deal with something more important.”
“What’s more important?”
He sent her a significant look. “Our sleeping arrangements.”
Tanna watched Doran direct one of the staff to set her suitcase in his room. She stood by the wall not sure what to do. She knew he wanted to irritate his mother, but she wasn’t sure this was the best tactic. Sharing a hotel suite or villa with him was one thing. A bedroom was another. They’d never been in such intimate, close quarters before. She didn’t see a couch for him to sleep on and doubted he planned to sleep on the floor.
“I’m not sure this is a good idea,” Tanna said, once the man who’d helped with the bags had left and closed the door. “Your mother said—”
“My mother says a lot of things and I ignore most of them with great pleasure.”
Tanna shook her head. “Doran, I don’t—”
“It’s not a morals thing. She didn’t mind when I had—never mind. I just won’t have her change the rules when she didn’t before.”
He’d been here with Megan. They’d been together in this room. That made it worse. No, what made it worse was the thought of him in only his pajama bottoms lying in bed next to her. Not that she knew much more about him even after being with him for nearly a month. She noticed he had a strange habit of turning a doorknob three times before opening it and he liked to have his clothes laid out in a certain way, but she’d always been a casual observer from a distance. What did she care if he walked around only in a towel if he was in another room? What did it matter what nightgown she wore if he didn’t see it? But this was too close. There was nowhere to hide. “I can’t do this.”
“Why not?”
“Where are you supposed to sleep? I can’t have you sleeping in the closet no matter how big it is.”
“I’m not sleeping in the closet.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re going to sleep on the floor?”
“No,” Doran said losing patience. “I’m sleeping in the bed.”
She pointed to herself, outraged. “You expect me to sleep on the floor?”
“Tanna, nobody is sleeping on the floor.”
“Then where am I supposed to sleep?”
He sat on the bed. “Is it really that hard to figure out?”
No, it’s what I’ve been afraid of. “But we’ve never shared a bed before.”
“Stop standing over there like a wallflower.” He patted the mattress. “It’s pretty comfortable.”
She folded her arms, looking like a prim Miss, but feeling like a wanton woman, imagining him kissing her like he had in the car, except his mouth would be wandering much further south. How could she sleep with the sound of his skin, whispering against the sheets; dream without the lingering scent of his skin invading her thoughts?
Doran stood and held out his hands. “Come on, Tanna. Relax. Nothing’s going to happen. If I try to grope you in my sleep you can just slap me.”
His hands.
She hadn’t even allowed herself to imagine what his hands could do. His beautiful, warm hands slipping under the covers and sliding seductively down her leg…She hugged her arms tighter. “It’s weird.”
“No, it’s not. We’re like brother and sister.”
“Would you really share a bed with Rosemarie?”
A look of horror crossed his face. “You have a point.” He shook his head. “But this is different. We’re friends and nothing’s going to happen.”
“I like to sleep naked.”
“No, you don’t.”
“What if I did?”
A wolf’s grin spread across his face. “I wouldn’t stop you.”
Tanna threw up her hands. “This is not funny.”
His face changed and grew serious. “You really don’t want to share a bed with me?” He closed the distance between them and grabbed her arms, his eyes dark and searching. “Did I scare you?”
Her heart leapt to her throat. “Scare me?”
“In the car,” he said with a note of regret. “Is that why you’re acting like this?”
The car. Why did he have to remind her about the car? And that kiss. No, it was more than one kiss. It was a series of intoxicating, deliriously wonderful kisses and it was all a game to him, but to her it was too real. She briefly closed her eyes, touching her fingers to her forehead. “No,” she said, finally able to meet his gaze. “I’d already forgotten about that.”
He straightened and folded his arms. “I’d never hurt you.”
“I know that.”
“Then why is your hand shaking?”
“Because I’m nervous. We’re so close to making this work and I don’t want to ruin it, plus…what about Megan?”
He rested his hands on his hips, his tone flat. “What about her?”
“If we didn’t share a room, when you see Megan, you’d have a chance to be alone with her.”
His face hardened. “I’m not doing this because of her.”
Oh sure. “Plans change.”
“I only have one plan. And if I were doing this to prove something to Megan,” he held up his hand, “which I’m not, then it will be more convincing to have you share my room, right?”