by Kat Martin
“If DeMarco ordered the hit, maybe Arthur thought his son Daniel was also in danger.”
“I’d say that’s exactly right. Arthur killed the guy to protect his other son.”
The detective went silent. Then a sigh whispered over the line. “Unfortunately, Kenzie’s still the prime suspect in her ex-husband’s murder. Nothing we can do until something turns up that clears her name.”
“I’m working on it.”
“I’ll stay on it, too. If I find anything, you’ll be the first to know. Good luck, Reese. And I appreciate the cooperation.”
Reese hung up the phone. He needed to talk to Kenzie. And to Griff. The boy had just lost his dad. Now his grandfather was dead. Griff had been the victim of a brutal kidnapping and seen a man killed right in front of him. The boy trusted Reese, and Reese wasn’t going to let him down.
He called the garage and had his car brought up to the valet stand, then grabbed his suit jacket off the coatrack and slung it over one shoulder. Kenzie might not want to see him. Clearly, she was having second thoughts about them after the shooting. But he wanted—needed—to see her.
Kenzie was important to him. More important than he could have imagined. He wanted her, and not just in his bed. Every day he grew more certain of his feelings, more certain she was the right woman for him. And deep down, he believed Kenzie felt the same.
Reese wasn’t the kind of man who gave up when the going got tough. No matter what he’d done to protect her son, he was a different man now than he had been all those years ago. He just had to find a way to prove it.
He walked out of his office, over to Louise’s desk. “Clear my schedule for the rest of the day, Louise. If something important comes up, you can reach me on my cell.”
The older woman looked up at him. “Mr. Stiles called while you were on the line. He said it was in regard to the Poseidon deal. He was hoping to talk to you right away.”
“I’ll call him. Thanks, Louise.”
Reese walked into the elevator and hit the button for the parking garage. As the doors slid open, he pressed Derek’s contact number.
“What’s going on?” Reese asked when Derek picked up.
“I wanted to give you a heads-up on where we are in the deal.”
“I’m just heading for my car. Go ahead.”
“I talked to Sea Titan after your last phone call and we’re back in business. I explained that a problem had come up on our end, but you managed to resolve it. The last of the permits have been approved. If we want this done, we need to act.”
Reese had explained to Derek why he’d changed his mind—again—and decided not to back out of the deal. He’d resolved the problems that had come up on his end—not mentioning the rescue of a kidnapped child—and was ready to move forward. He’d hoped Sea Titan wouldn’t get nervous and refuse. Apparently that hadn’t happened.
“So far everything is moving along smoothly,” Derek said. “No more accidents.”
“Good. Stay on top of it, make sure everything’s in order for the closing, and keep me posted.”
“You still want to go out to the rig?”
With all that had happened, he needed to focus. Touring the rig, talking to the people who worked there, was something he had been trying to do from the start. “As a matter of fact, yes. I’ll handle the arrangements from this end.”
“Great. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”
“Will do.” Reese ended the call.
The valet had his black Jag up and running. Reese slid behind the wheel and pulled the car out into the street.
The protesters were gone. A big storm had blown in last night and it was still cloudy and raining off and on. The group had already dwindled to around ten people. Now the last of the stragglers where gone. Turned out, protesting was a lot more work than people believed.
Which made him think of the accidents DeMarco had arranged to stop Garrett Resources from purchasing the rig. Reese had been working with the installation supervisor on the platform to identify the person or persons responsible, so far without results. Eventually, they’d find the guy and throw his ass in jail. At least with Haines and DeMarco both dead, the trouble on the rig was over.
And Griff and Kenzie were no longer in danger.
He started to pick up the phone to call so she’d know he was coming, but what if she refused to see him?
Reese kept driving. She was still his executive assistant. If he just showed up, she’d be hard-pressed not to let him in.
Reese pulled up in front of her town house and turned off the engine, then just sat there. What was it about McKenzie Haines that set her apart from every other woman he had dated?
The thought had kept him awake more nights than he could count. Then he remembered telling her about Billy Curtis, the boy who’d been killed in the car wreck when Reese was seventeen. He’d been at least partly to blame. He’d never told anyone what a devastating, life-altering event Billy’s death had been.
But Kenzie had a way of reaching through the iron control he wore like armor around him. He’d let her in and she’d revived a part of him that had died that night with Billy. Kenzie had brought him into the light, restored his hopes and dreams, and taught him how to love.
He loved her, he silently admitted. He’d tried to deny it, but it was true. He loved her and he wasn’t letting her go without a fight.
Unfortunately, when he finally got out of the car and knocked on the front door, it was Florence who answered.
“I’m sorry, Reese, Kenzie’s not here. She took Griff to see that psychologist, Dr. Stone. I’m not sure when they’ll be back, but you’re welcome to come in and wait.”
Reese just shook his head. “I can’t. I’ve got too much to do at the office.”
“At least come in for a glass of iced tea. I haven’t had a chance to thank you for saving my grandson.”
He weakened. He liked Florence Spencer. When she held open the screen door, he walked inside and followed her into the kitchen.
“Griff might be safe,” he said, “but I don’t think Kenzie approves of my methods.”
“She told me about it. Sometimes bad things happen and there’s nothing we can do. She’ll figure it out. She’s just worried about her son.” Flo poured two glasses of tea, and they sat down at the kitchen table. “She worries about you, too, you know.”
He knew in some way it was true. She was his assistant. It was her job to care of him, do whatever he needed to help him keep the company running smoothly. But that wasn’t the same as loving him.
“I need to talk to her, but it never seems to be the right time.”
“My advice? Make time.”
But with everything going on, that was easier said than done.
“Detective Ford came by to tell her about Arthur. He was a lot more pleasant this time. I think he’s finally starting to believe she’s innocent.”
Reese set his glass down on the table. “Heath Ford’s a good cop. He’s looking for the truth. We just have to help him find it.”
“Arthur’s the reason Kenzie took Griff back to see Dr. Stone. She was afraid his grandfather’s death on top of everything else would be too much for Griff to handle.”
“How’s he doing?”
“Griff’s a strong boy. He’ll be okay, but it’s going to take some time.”
“Yeah.” Reese finished his iced tea and rose from the table. “Tell Kenzie... Tell her I’m sorry I missed her.”
“I’ll tell her.” Flo walked him to the door. “Don’t give up on them, Reese. In time, everything will get back to normal.”
Reese just nodded. He’d given up on normal a long time ago.
THIRTY-EIGHT
Kenzie spent a miserable weekend thinking about Reese, wishing she had handled things differently. He’d called her twice on Friday, but she had
missed both calls and hadn’t called him back.
She wasn’t sure what to say. She had no idea what he was thinking after the way she had treated him. Reese had saved her son’s life—at great risk to his own—and she had practically tossed him out in the street.
She knew he’d come by the house to see her, but again, fate had intervened and she had missed him. Reese hadn’t tried to contact her again.
Choosing a very businesslike navy-and-white skirt suit, she drove to the office Monday morning. Until Reese fired her or she quit, she still had a job to do. She arrived early and so did Louise, but Reese hadn’t come in yet.
“Boy, am I glad to see you,” Louise said. “I don’t know how you keep up with that man. He’s a handful, I swear.”
“I know he can be demanding.”
“That, dear girl, is an understatement.” Louise smiled. “He’s different when you’re around. You know how to handle him.” Her eyes twinkled. “How to soothe the savage beast, so to speak.”
Kenzie laughed. “Maybe so. I think the three of us make a pretty good team.”
“You’re right, we do.” The familiar deep voice sent tingles down her spine. “Welcome back, Kenzie. You ready to go to work?”
“I’m...I’m ready.”
“Good, let’s go.” He strode off toward his office without another word, and Kenzie fell in behind him. Her pulse was racing, her mouth paper-dry.
After everything that had happened, she had no idea what to say, so she just closed the door behind her and sat down in her usual chair in front of his desk. She opened her iPad, ready to go over his schedule and make notes on what he needed her to do.
It was still early, the workday not officially started, when Reese looked up at her from behind his desk, his expression unreadable.
“How was your weekend?” he asked.
She opened her mouth to make some bland reply but emotion welled up and unexpected words tumbled out. “Arthur killed DeMarco. Arthur’s dead, too.” As if the police wouldn’t have already told him. Dear God, she needed to get a grip.
His features softened as he rose from his desk and walked toward her. Kenzie rose, as well. Uncertain, she took a hesitant step in his direction. Reese closed the distance and pulled her into his arms.
“I heard the news. I tried to call you. Are you okay? How’s Griff?”
A breath trembled out. “Griff’s doing fine. We’re both all right.” Unable to ignore her feelings any longer, she slid her arms around his neck and just hung on. “I missed you. I missed you so much.”
A shudder went through his hard frame. “I missed you, too.” Reese bent his head and kissed her, softly at first, then deeper.
The kiss lingered, went on and on, neither of them wanting the moment to end. The feel of his mouth over hers sent heat pulsing through her. The kiss went deeper, turned wilder, hotter, burned completely out of control. She wanted to strip him naked, have her way with him on top of his desk. She wanted him inside her so much she ached with it.
“I need you,” he said against the side of her neck. “It’s all I can do not to take you right here.” He kissed her again and every sensible thought flew out of her head.
“We can’t...can’t do that.” Heat flushed her cheeks as she looked up at him. “Can we?”
His gaze went from guarded blue to hot blue flame. “My family owns the company. Hell, the whole damned building belongs to us. As long as it’s what you want, too, we can do whatever we damn well please.”
Striding to the door, he pushed the lock, walked back, and started kissing her again. The next thing she knew her blouse was unbuttoned, the front hook on her bra undone. Reese filled his hands with her breasts, lowered his head, and took a nipple into his mouth.
Kenzie moaned softly. Sliding her hands into his silky black hair, she arched her back to give him better access. Her heart pounded as desire burned through her. She was panting and on fire.
“I want you,” she said. “I ache with wanting you, Reese.”
A growl came from his throat. Reese kissed his way down her neck and nipped an earlobe, sending little shivers over her skin.
“We don’t have time for this,” he said gruffly. “Not enough time for me to do it right.”
“I don’t care.” She trembled. “Please, Reese.”
He kissed her again, long, wet, and deep. She felt his hands sliding her skirt up around her waist, then he turned her around and she understood what he wanted, bent over his desk, and felt the snap of her thong as Reese ripped it away.
It was a secret, forbidden fantasy that he would take her this way, claim her in some wild, primitive fashion. He slid into her, touched her as he took her fast and hard, both of them burning out of control. Reaching the edge, she tipped into climax at supersonic speed. Pleasure scorched through her, meshed with the love she felt for him, drawing the moment into what seemed like forever.
As they began to spiral down, Reese adjusted her clothes, turned her into his arms, and just held her. Kissing her softly one last time, he left to deal with the condom he’d dug out of his wallet.
Kenzie used his private bathroom to freshen herself and came out neatly dressed, her hair finger-combed back in place. The only evidence of their misconduct was the flush in her cheeks and Reese’s look of male satisfaction.
“We need to talk,” he said. “It’s been hell not knowing what you’re thinking, how you’re feeling. I can deal with just about anything, as long as I know where I stand.”
She looked up at him and wondered if her feelings showed in her eyes. “I owe you an apology. You’ve done nothing but try to help me from the start. Things just seemed to get so mixed-up. I’ve been trying to figure out what’s best for Griff. And even though I’m innocent of Lee’s murder, I’m still the number one suspect. Dragging you into my problems just isn’t fair.”
He paced over to the window, stood looking down at the street teeming with people fourteen stories below.
He turned back to her. “You don’t owe me anything, Kenzie. In a way I owe you.” He sighed. “After everything that’s happened, I wasn’t expecting to see you today. I set up a meeting tonight with a group of regional managers. Some of them are flying in from out of town. I can try to cancel, but—”
“You can’t do that, Reese. Whatever happens, you still have a job to do.” She quashed her disappointment. Reese was CEO. He had duties, responsibilities. Accepting those responsibilities made him the man he was, the man she’d fallen in love with.
He shoved his hands into the pockets of his slacks. “I was planning to fly down to Houston in the morning. We’ll be closing on the Poseidon deal this week. I need to make that long-overdue trip out to the rig.” His eyes found hers. There was something in them. It looked almost like longing.
“If you went with me, we could spend the night together. We could talk things over, figure things out. What do you think?”
Her eyes misted. After all the trouble, he still wanted to be with her. “I’d love to go. Gran is with Griff and it’s only one night.”
The tension went out of his wide shoulders. He gave her the sweetest smile. “Okay, then. I’ve got a lot to do before we leave, so we’d better get to work.”
Those incredible blue eyes ran over her, heated again. She read their silent message. Before I think of another way to use my desk.
Kenzie’s blush returned, the idea all too tempting. It was eight o’clock in the morning, the office just open. She flicked him a last amused glance. “I’ll get my notepad,” she said.
* * *
The morning was slipping away. Sunlight sliced through the crack in the bedroom curtains, reminding Troy he was overdue at the office, but he made no move to get out of bed. After the best sex of his life, he lay spent and sated among his expensive black satin sheets. Delia Parr curled up on the bed beside him, a red-painted nail toying wit
h the sparse black hair on his chest.
Troy had started seeing Delia after Lee Haines’s death. He’d called to comfort her in the loss of her fiancé. He chuckled—and comfort her he had. The woman was completely uninhibited, he’d discovered, and totally insatiable.
She was also a money-hungry bitch.
Which was how Lee Haines had managed to get into her pants.
He reached down and squeezed her plump ass, eliciting a throaty laugh. She was a rounded kind of woman, soft against his thinner, more sinewy frame. In bed, he didn’t have the stamina she had, but she suited him just the same.
And in a strange way, he trusted her. Delia was as devious and conniving as he was, ready to do whatever it took to pay for the lavish lifestyle they both enjoyed.
When he’d told Delia about the helicopter mechanic, how the guy had tried to blackmail him and Troy had been forced to kill him, instead of being appalled, she’d been sexually aroused by the story.
Delia traced a line from his chest to his groin, and lust slipped through him.
“What are we going to do about the Poseidon?” she asked, eyeing him from beneath her thick black lashes. She knew about that, too, knew he’d been trying to take over the deal. He wasn’t even sure how she’d found out. Arthur, maybe. The old man had secretly had a yen for Delia himself.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got it handled. Just because Arthur managed to fuck everything up doesn’t mean I’m willing to let it go.”
Between what Arthur had told him and the questions the cops had asked when they’d grilled him about Arthur’s death and Sawyer DeMarco, Troy had been able to piece together pretty much what had happened.
“I’m not letting that prick Reese Garrett come out on top again.” Troy hated the bastard, had since their college days. Garrett always got what he went after no matter what it took. Troy was as good-looking as Reese, but he didn’t have the persistence or the drive. Didn’t matter—it galled him just the same.