She opened her mouth to protest and then closed it. Humiliation at having been so wanton and naive didn’t settle well with her. She’d let her libido overrule any common sense she’d have used. She could argue that Street seemed genuinely interested in pursuing something afterwards, but what was the point?
She sought the crowd and found Street holding a bag of cotton candy. So why would he ask her out if he was going to give her the cold shoulder?
Chapter Four
“You look much better,” Na’arah told Auggie the following day. She settled the vase of flowers she’d brought on the nightstand. “I was really worried about you.”
Auggie raised a hand and captured her wrist. “Were you hurt?” His eyes held concern and a bit of guilt.
“No. They ran off before I hit the sidewalk. Why would you think they would hurt me?” She perched on the edge of the bed. “Anyway, here.” She reached in her pocket and held out the bracelet. “This belongs to you.”
“Did you see who they were?” He studied the jewelry a moment, but did not take it.
“It was too dark and my contacts were blurring.” She shook the charms. “Here.”
He pushed her hand away. “Keep it, Na’arah. You deserve it.”
“Is this going to get me beat up now?” She teased. “I don’t want one of your many girlfriends coming after me.”
When he laughed he grasped his side. “Oh honey, don’t do that.” He settled back on the bed. “None of my many admirers will harm you. They know how to behave themselves.”
She cradled the bracelet in her palm. “Are you sure?”
He nodded. “Tell me about the fair?”
She darted her gaze out the window, then back to him. “I have to replace Kyle.”
“I should’ve done that for you. He’s really a good guy. Once you get to know him.”
If Na’arah hadn’t been watching Auggie’s face, she’d have missed the flicker of guilt in his eyes. What did he have to feel bad about? Kyle was a jerk plain and simple.
“Well, him trying to shove his penis down my throat is not how I want to get to know him.”
Auggie’s eyes darkened and he clenched his fists in his lap. “He did that? To you?”
She nodded.
“I’ll beat the brakes off him as soon as I get outta here. He had no right.”
“It isn’t your fault.” Auggie was a lot of things, but in his world, no meant no.
His features softened. He grasped her hand and held her gaze. “Listen to me, okay?” She nodded. “If anything happens to me, anything at all, you go to my nephew and get his help.”
“What could possibly happen to you?” She dragged her hand from his. “Don’t talk like that. Besides Rue wants nothing to do with me.”
Auggie quirked a brow. “Are you sure about that?”
She nodded.
“Well, remember what I said. Street will be there to help you.”
“I signed all the papers your lawyer brought to me.” She stood. “I’ll let you get some rest, the nurses said I shouldn’t overtire you.”
He smiled. “Thanks for the flowers.”
She picked up her purse and left with a wave. As she headed to the elevator, she mulled over Auggie’s words. Street would be the last person she went to for help. No matter what the situation.
****
Street stabbed the ‘up’ button for the elevator and stood back to wait. Seeing Na’arah at the fair sent a jolt of lust through his veins, he hadn’t been able to shake. When he laid eyes on her, he’d wanted to crush her to him and ravish her again, but she’d been on her knees with someone else. The woman sure got around and he still wanted her.
The elevator dinged. A whoosh preceded the doors opening. He held his breath as the woman of his thoughts stepped off the car. Her head was down as she studied the screen on her phone. Some perverse need to grab her attention went through him and he blocked her path.
She ran into him and would’ve hit the floor if he hadn’t wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Oh! I should’ve been watching where I was going.”
He relished the feel of her soft curves rubbing against his lean hard frame, heat pooled low and hot, wanton lust throbbed with every beat of his heart.
“It was my fault.”
She gazed into his face, her delectable lips forming an ‘o.’ “Rue.”
“Nice to see you remembered my name.”
She shoved against him. He tightened his arms.
“What are you doing here?” He grabbed her elbow and led her to a deserted waiting room.
“Visiting Auggie.” She jerked away from him. “Why should it matter to you? You made it clear you don’t want anything more to do with me.”
He studied her a moment: dark circles smudged her eyes and when she tilted her head, her hair slid over her shoulders. She hugged the light zip-up hoodie she wore more firmly around her voluptuous figure, which only enhanced the swell of her breasts. He dropped his gaze, hoping to avoid the temptation of her curvy bosom, only to fasten on the hint of bare midriff. A diamond studded hoop adorned her navel, while the corner of a small tattoo peeked above the waistband of her low rise yoga pants.
A touch of ink teased and flared like a beacon. He had to know what it was, he’d bet money it was a butterfly or some other cutesy piece or art. Damn, if he’d had time yesterday, he’d have discovered her secret.
“Why can’t I stop thinking about you?” he demanded.
She shook her head. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I don’t want any part of it.”
“I could say the same thing about you. You told me you didn’t have a boyfriend.”
“And I don’t.”
He resisted the urge to flinch beneath her scathing glare. “What about that blond guy at the fair? He seemed pretty happy with your services.” Watching the play of emotions cross her pretty features fascinated him.
Confusion knitted her brows, before it cleared and was replaced by stormy anger. “You thought I was a willing participant to what that fool was doing?”
To his horror, her eyes glistened like diamonds. Once again his mouth and emotions ran rampant when a cooler head should’ve prevailed.
“If my sister hadn’t been there, he most certainly would’ve tried to take advantage of my position.” She stared at him a moment, disappointment mingled with contempt. “Why would you think otherwise?”
Street held out his hand, palm side up. “Honey, I’m sorry. I didn’t...”
She spun on her heel. He grabbed her arm and dragged into his embrace. Na’arah wiggled against him, igniting a firestorm of need only she could quench.
“Let me go.”
“I wish I could.”
Fire sparked and flared in her eyes, but beneath the anger was good old fashioned lust. Her beautiful breasts heaved up and down. He hauled her a little closer, so she rose on tiptoe to keep her balance. She grasped his biceps to stay upright. Last night when she stood in front of him, he could kiss her on the forehead with no problem. Today, without the heels, the top of her head barely reached his shoulder. And that was just fine with him.
“If all you wanted was a one night stand all you had to do was say so. I’m grown. You don’t have to play with my emotions by pretending to want to date me then ignore me until it’s convenient for you. If you don’t want to see me, just say so.”
“I don’t want a one night stand.” He lowered his head and slanted his mouth across hers. Her lips were pure temptation. He ran his tongue along the seam, nibbling at her full bottom lip. When she moaned, he deepened the kiss. Such sweetness and it was his for the taking.
He relished the heat of her hands as they slid from his arms to lock behind his neck. The move allowed him to draw her closer, molding her soft breasts to his lean, muscular frame. Now all he could think about was the way her body would feel, bare beneath his, and despised the clothing that prevented them from being skin to skin.
With supre
me effort he broke the kiss, but did not let her go.
She slid her hands from his shoulders to his chest and looked up at him with desire filled eyes. “If you didn’t want a one night stand, then why were you so cold yesterday?”
“I thought— I was jealous,” he muttered.
“Jealous?” Surprised filled her voice. “Why?”
He released her and stepped away. “Can we talk about this over dinner?”
“Dinner?”
“Yes.”
She studied him so long he feared she’d say no. “Fine, but you better have a really good explanation.”
Street exhaled the breath he’d been holding. “I’ll meet you at the bar at 7:30 this evening.”
Na’arah nodded and sauntered away.
He watched the sassy sway of her hips. Damn, baby girl had a body on her.
****
Na’arah stepped onto the sidewalk in front of Street’s Bar & Grille at 7:20 pm. She was surprised to find Street leaning against one brick wall, a bouquet of flowers clutched in his hands. He straightened when he saw her.
She wasn’t sure what she expected, but this wasn’t it. Muscles rippled beneath the black tailored dress shirt when he shifted. His tie, a deep crimson, added the right amount of color to his evening attire. Even his black slacks held a bit of red in the pinstripe.
“You look amazing.” She drifted her gaze over him again, this time lingering on the growing swell near his crotch. Well, that was impressive, too.
Street closed the distance between them. The subtle scent of spiced wood beckoned and enticed. She inhaled the subtle fragrance so alluring and potent, and for a moment she forgot they were on a street and smoothed a hand down his tie. Attraction crackled beneath her palm, while she held his gaze.
“I’m going to kiss you.”
“And if I don’t want you to?” She hoped he couldn’t feel her pulse pounding. If he kissed her now she’d melt on the spot. Every time she was around him, common sense went out the window and all she wanted was to feel his body next to hers.
He cupped her cheek, caressing the fullness of her bottom lip with the pad of his thumb. “Then say no.”
Lust coiled and tightened in her belly with every stroke of his thumb. A smirk creased his lips and she knew she couldn’t deny him a kiss. He lowered his head, blotting out the evening sun and slanted his mouth over hers.
Pure, unadulterated bliss. She sank into his embrace with fervor, hoping to sate her desire for him with her lips alone. Never had a kiss been all-consuming, scorching a path of need through her veins only to leave an ache between her legs and her panties damp.
He drifted a hand down the curve of her spine over the swell of her behind to squeeze her lush apple bottom. He urged her closer, molding her to his erection. Maybe they could skip dinner.
As if sensing her thoughts he broke the kiss. “You have such delicious lips,” he murmured, his warm breath tickling her ear.
He held her within the security of his embrace a moment longer. She rested her head against his shoulder. Somehow being locked in his arms seemed so right. When he released her, she stepped back, smoothing a trembling hand down the front of her short skirt.
She noted how his heated perusal followed her movements and she relished the scrutiny.
“I thought red was your color, but I love this dress.”
Na’arah inclined her head. Tonight she’d chosen a simple ivory scooped neck dress that accented her slim waist and showed off her legs. The garment covered more than it revealed, with its elbow length sleeves and short hemline. Wide gold cuff bracelets, dangly earrings and strappy sandals completed her ensemble.
“These are for you.” He held out the flowers.
“Thank you.”
Street grasped her elbow and led her to a dark green Durango. “We have reservations at one of my favorite restaurants.”
She quirked an eyebrow. “Here? In town?”
He flashed her an enigmatic smile while holding open her door. Once she was safely seated in the passenger seat, Street closed the door and made his way to the driver’s side.
“Nope. Not here in town.”
Thirty-three minutes later they were being shown to booth 81 inside Weber’s restaurant. Heavy maroon drapes framed the white linen clad table and for a moment she wondered if the ties could be removed. A small chandelier cast muted illumination on the waiting crystal goblets and monogramed silverware. Faded oil paintings graced the walls.
The hostess handed them menus then walked away.
“I’ve never been here,” Na’arah said opening her menu.
“Weber’s is fairly well known for its prime rib.”
She nodded and glanced around. “I like the curtains.”
A sly smile teased the corners of his mouth and her pulse jerked in response. Conversations buzzed above the clink of silverware against china. He couldn’t possibly think they could do anything naughty in the booth and not get caught.
He covered her hand with his, swirling circles on her skin and leaned closer. “Wouldn’t it be interesting to find out how far we could go?”
Having sex in his office while the bar was open was one thing, but getting frisky in a restaurant was another. Tension built with each swipe of his fingertips. She shifted on the seat. So far he was making up for his earlier behavior.
Street brought her fingers to his mouth and kissed the tips. His gaze never wavered from her face. She sucked in a breath. Her nipples pebbled and pushed against the material of her dress, sensitizing the peaks even more. All he’d done was kiss her fingers. She crossed her legs in an attempt to quell the ache between her thighs.
“I—we—you really thought there was someone else?”
“Auggie makes a habit of collecting women.”
“He totally does and I refused to be part of his harem. I have no idea what my sister saw in him.” She shook her head. “If I was involved with him or anybody else I’d have told you.”
She studied him, he seemed to visibly relax. Curious, she allowed her gaze to linger on his handsome features. He was bald and her fingers longed to graze his scalp. A faded scar added to the character of his angular face. Any woman would be proud to have him escort her for the evening, so why would he think otherwise?
“You bought the spa?”
She nodded. “Seemed like a good idea, at the time.”
“Now you don’t think so?”
“Just nerves, I guess.” She offered him a sheepish smile. “Give me a few weeks and I’ll let you know how it goes.”
“I’ll do that.”
****
Just before dessert was served Na’arah excused herself to go to the ladies rooms. On the way she plucked her phone from her bag, which had been vibrating most of the evening and scrolled through the messages. She paused in the vestibule and dialed the number.
“Where are you?”
“I’m on a date. What’s going on?” She glanced over her shoulder.
A heavy sigh tickled her ear. “I’m in a bit of a jam.”
She held a breath, listening for pings, bells and whistles in the background. Hearing none she slowly exhaled. “Talk to me.”
“I’m sitting outside a casino, Arah. There’s a poker tournament tonight. Huge payoff.”
A momentary flutter of panic surged through her belly. She volunteered for some of the local support groups and if Derrick was calling her, that meant he couldn’t get in touch with his normal sponsor. Thankfully, she knew enough of what he was dealing with to guide him, hopefully, in the right direction.
“Okay, Der. You can get through this. You calling me is proof that you can beat this. All you have to do is drive away.”
His throaty chuckled sounded forced. “You make it sound so easy.”
“It is.”
“But it’s just so fucking hard.”
Her heart clenched. “I know, but how long has it been since you gambled?”
“Three years, eleven months and thirte
en days.”
“So we let’s celebrate when we make it to four.”
Another heavy sigh was her answer.
“Why do you need the payoff?”
“You sound like my fucking shrink.”
She giggled and descended the stairs. Her voice sounded hollow and bounced off the tiled walls when she entered the bathroom. “I’ve been called worse. Is business okay?”
“It’s picked up a bit, but the rain is hampering some of my larger landscaping projects. All I need are a few sunny days and I can haul ass to get things done.”
“So what’s the problem?”
“All right.” An engine roared to life and she smiled. “You’ve made your point.”
“Good. When you get back, I’ll buy you a drink.”
“I get enough of those already. Thanks for listening.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” She hurried to use the bathroom.
****
Street sipped his water and studied Na’arah as she approached the table. All throughout dinner she’d tried to ask him about his previous relationships, but each time he avoided the question and she took the hint.
This was one woman he wanted for himself, but what did he have to keep her? Feeling so adamant about one woman shook him. He hadn’t felt like this in a long time and to feel this way about someone so beautiful and desirable left him a little breathless. He hadn’t had a serious relationship since before his injury. Not that he had wanted one. And now that he was considering one, old insecurities surfaced. What if he wasn’t enough?
Still, as he focused on the milk chocolate smoothness of her shapely legs and curvy hips, he wanted to forget the past and concentrate on the now. He set down his glass and stood. A question filled her eyes, while her lips creased in a ghost of a smile.
The answer was simple, he wanted to dance with her. Fast tempo songs made it nearly impossible to keep up, but a slow number, like the one playing now, was perfect for holding her against him and feeling all her sensuous curves.
Her eyes widened as he closed the distance between them. He cupped her elbow, led her to the dance floor, and swept her into his arms.
Street Safe Page 4