Dakota was right. The last thing Kenton wanted was to lose his chance at making Egypt his. He’d been attracted to her from the moment they’d met years ago. Since then, their relationship had grown into a special friendship, but he wanted more. He knew she felt the same. Except, she was still singing the same tune: I can’t go out with you.
“Dee, I’m going to catch you later.” He slipped into his shoes and finished buttoning his dress shirt, leaving off the tie and suit jacket.
“I hope that’s code for: I have to hurry and get off the phone so I can go see Egypt before she leaves the office. If it is, stop her from going on this date. It’s not safe.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he mocked. “I’ll see what I can do. Now can I go?”
“Yeah, but call me later and let me know how it turns out,” she said before disconnecting.
Kenton chuckled, shoved the phone into his pocket and strolled to the bathroom to relieve himself and freshen up. A short while later, he headed up one level to Egypt’s office, slowing as he approached the opened door. He had no idea what he would say to convince her to stop with the online dating, but he had every intention of trying to change her mind.
He pulled up short when he spotted Egypt across the room. She was standing behind her desk at the window, holding onto the wand used to open and closed the blinds. As she stared at something outside, he took the opportunity to study her profile.
Gorgeous.
At some point in the day, she must have changed clothes, because she wasn’t currently wearing her usual business attire. Sure, she always wore bright colors, but nothing like this orange, one-shoulder, long-sleeved blouse that showed off her long delicate neck, smooth brown shoulder, and emphasized her full breasts. His gaze went lower to the multi-color skirt that stopped just above her knees. With the various patterns in the garment, it reflected her artsy style and fit her curvaceous hips and butt perfectly.
Egypt was a stunning woman on any day, but this was the second time in a matter of weeks, that he’d seen her looking like an Egyptian goddess. Her long dreadlocks were piled on top of her head, with a few locks hanging loose and framing her face.
Closing the blinds, she turned suddenly and startled when spotting him at the door.
Those eyes.
Those dark, exotic doe-like eyes that made him weak in the knees whenever she looked at him, zoned in on him like a laser beam. His body stirred as he took in the whole package.
“Hello, Beautiful,” he finally said and moved farther into the room, closing the door behind him.
Egypt smiled and batted her eyes demurely before directing her attention to the immaculate desk. Her gaze eased back up to him, a sexy grin on her tempting lips.
“Didn’t you guys just go through a sensitivity training? I’m pretty sure you can’t address any woman here by the name, Beautiful.”
His body tightened with need as he stood in front of her desk. Everything about her turned him on from her attractive face to her sassiness, to that enticing fragrance she wore. The thought of her going out with someone else made him want to punch something, but he planned to remain cool. He didn’t know when or how, but one day she would be his.
Kenton planted his palms down on the desk, bringing him closer to her. “You’re the only one here or anywhere, that I call by that name. As far as I’m concerned, it belongs to you. So no harm done, right?”
Egypt shook her head and smirked.
Kenton never had a problem getting the attention of the opposite sex, but he wanted her more than he had ever wanted another woman.
“But I have to ask. Will I need to take another sensitivity training if I tell you that you look absolutely gorgeous today?”
Now she laughed, the sweet sound washing over him like a powerful wave, forcing his need for her to grow.
“You are such a flirt, but don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.” She sat in her desk chair and pulled a large handbag from the bottom drawer. “I would love to hang around and let you continue to pay me compliments, but I need to get going.”
“I take it you have another date,” he said, unable to keep the distaste of the idea out of his tone.
“As a matter of fact, I do. And if I don’t head out now, I’m going to be late.”
“Is this a first date or someone you’ve been out with before?”
“First date.”
“Did you do a background check on him?”
“A preliminary one, yes.”
“Does anyone here know him?”
“I hope not. You guys would scare the bravest man away. Now if you’re done with the interrogation, can I leave?”
She stood with her bag and moved from behind the desk. Kenton watched the smooth sway of her hips in the tight skirt, and his shaft pressed uncomfortably against his zipper.
Damn. This woman and her fine ass. I can’t let her get with someone else.
Kenton diverted his attention. First, he needed to get himself back under control. His body always betrayed him whenever they shared the same space. After a few slow breaths, he turned back just as Egypt was slipping into a short, burnt orange jacket. Before she could get to the door, he stepped into her path.
“Where are you guys going?”
Sighing loudly, Egypt glared at him. “Like I would tell you. The last time I told your spy,” she said of Dakota, “where I was going, she told you. I don’t need you showing up again, Kenton.”
“That only happened one time. I promise I won’t show up this time.” He was glad that she took precautions and usually let Dakota know where’d she’d be and with who, but he still didn’t like the idea of her dating.
“Why do I always have to go through this with you, Hamilton, and Angelo? Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate you guys looking out for me, but I’m a big girl. I don’t need my big brothers, going all He-Man whenever I have a date.”
“You know not to include me in the big brothers’ scenario,” Kenton said in a low voice close to her ear, his hand moving to her hip.
Had he not known for a fact that their feelings for each other were mutual, he wouldn’t have made such a bold move. He was close enough to feel Egypt shudder against him.
“I definitely don’t see you or consider you as a sister. In fact, the things I’d love to do with you would not fall into the brotherly love zone.”
Her hand went to his chest, and her touch scorched his skin right through his shirt. At 5’9” she was tall for a woman, but even with her high heels, the top of her head only came up to his nose. He had always been attracted to tall, curvy women and she didn’t disappoint.
“Kenton, I…we,” she started, but stopped and dropped her gaze. When her tongue slid across her bottom lip, an uncontrollable growl rumbled in his throat.
“Cancel your date, and go out with me,” he said, caressing her soft cheek with the pad of his thumb.
Egypt glanced up at him, and the urge to kiss her was stronger than ever.
“I already told you. I can’t go out with you.”
“You can’t or you won’t?”
She stepped out of his hold but didn’t move away. “Is there a difference?”
Kenton shoved his hands into his front, pants pockets to keep from touching her again. “Yeah, there is a difference. Have you ever seen the movie, Pretty Woman?”
Egypt’s brows shot up. “Are you kidding me? There’s not a woman alive who hasn’t seen the movie, at least twice. Question is, have you seen it?”
“I have three sisters, two who are older. It was impossible for me not to see it and every other chick flick that exists. The point is, toward the end of the movie, when Edward asks Vivian to stay with him for one more night, she gives a teary-eyed I can’t. That’s how you say I can’t, but without the tears.”
Egypt stared at him with her mouth hanging open but didn’t say anything.
“When you tell me you can’t go out with me, that speaks volumes. It means you can’t go out with me because you’re afraid, or it�
��s because of something that has happened in your past. Deep down, you really do want to date me.”
She shook her head, and Kenton didn’t miss the soft smile spreading across her lips. “You’re too much. You know that?”
“Tonight, there was something else behind your words, and I can’t put my finger on it. Have I done something to make you think that you and I can’t date? And don’t give me that shit about fraternizing. That rule is not included in our employee handbook.”
“Kenton…”
He grasped her arm gently and pulled her close. “If you told me that you won’t or will never go out with me, I would’ve backed off a long time ago. You haven’t done that. So which is it? You can’t go out with me, or you don’t want to?”
Egypt folded her bottom lip between her teeth as if debating on whether to tell him the truth or lie. As a former undercover FBI agent, he’d been good at reading people, and he already knew the answer. She wanted to be with him as much as he wanted to be with her, but something was holding her back. He didn’t know what, but he had every intention of finding out.
“Sweetheart, your silence tells me everything I need to know.” Kenton cupped her face between his hands and lowered his head.
“Wha—”
His mouth covered hers, effectively cutting off her words and he savored the softness of her lips. He had wanted to kiss her like this for months, and finally, he was getting the chance to taste her sweetness.
He nudged her lips apart with his tongue, and a wave of heat instantly spread through his body when he slid into her mouth. The quick pecks on the cheek and the chaste kisses on the lips that they’d shared on occasion was nothing compared to this. This…this was special. Memorable.
Hot.
Soft.
Sweet.
The kiss was everything he knew it would be and more. Egypt’s sensual moans and the way she fisted the front of his dress shirt, served as encouragement. Kenton savored every lap of her tongue and the warmth that encompassed him. He adored this woman. The eagerness in the way she kissed him back let him know that he’d been right. She wanted him as much as he wanted her.
Even so, his mind screamed—Stop! Let her go before you scare her off. The rest of his body wasn’t in agreement. Seeing her all dolled up for another man did something to him. Even though taking the liberty to kiss her had been risky, Kenton was determined to prove to her that she and he belonged together.
His hands traveled down the sides of her body and stopped on her curvy hips. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. His body was on fire. No doubt she felt the effect that she was having on him pressed against her stomach.
Damn. She felt good.
If he didn’t stop soon, he wouldn’t be able to, and he really didn’t want to. He also didn’t want to totally scare her off. Knowing that, he slowly pulled his mouth from hers and lifted his head.
Egypt gasped and stepped back as if just realizing what they’d done.
“W—Why’d you do that?” she asked quietly, lust brimming in her eyes and her fingers hovered over her lips.
“Because I wanted to make sure you’re thinking of me while you’re out with another man.” He brushed the back of his fingers down her cheek. “Stay safe, and have a good evening.”
Even though it was hard to leave after what they’d shared, Kenton opened the door and walked out. He left her standing there, knowing that he gave her something to think about.
This was all a part of his plan. He was determined to show Egypt why he was the better choice out of any of the jerks she was going out with. He just had to figure out how to get past the walls she had built around herself.
One way or another…
Chapter Three
Crap! I can’t believe he kissed me. Really kissed me.
Egypt hurried up the concrete stairs to the restaurant trying to tap down her nervousness. She always looked forward to her dates before they happened, but when it came time for them, she started second-guessing her decision. Meeting someone online and then agreeing to go out with him made her a little leery. This time was no different. Except it was different.
Kenton had kissed her.
Her fingers went to her lips. It was as if she could still feel his luscious mouth on hers. She couldn’t believe they had actually kissed. Their first real kiss. It was even more amazing than she had imagined it would be. But now his words played on a loop in her head, screwing with her mind.
I wanted to make sure you’re thinking of me while you’re out with another man.
He had ruined everything. All it took was that frickin’ kiss and those words to throw her off balance, making her even more unsure about going on a blind date. Egypt had no doubt that he knew what he was doing. He knew she wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about him.
“Urgh, he gets on my damn nerves,” she mumbled to herself as she strolled into the restaurant. She and Kenton were good friends with a great working relationship. However, the last few months, something had shifted between them. He’d been more touchy-feely, and attentive. And she enjoyed every minute of the flirting and had even gotten used to him asking her out every other day.
At first, Egypt thought she was just lonely for some companionship, but something was going on with him too. But no way was he lonely for company. The man attracted women without even trying, probably because he was tall, muscular, and fine as hell. He was one of the most requested security specialists at Supreme, and those requests weren’t only because of his protection skills. The man was the total package. Witty, charismatic, and had the compassion of a saint. Add those traits to his rugged sexiness that fueled her fantasies, and you had an irresistible man. The perfect catch.
Too bad they could never get together, no matter how many times he asked her out. It couldn’t happen.
Just stop thinking about him.
“Hi, I’ll be right with you,” the hostess said to Egypt when she rushed back to the stand and grabbed a few menus. “Conner party of four your table is ready.” The small group stepped forward and she escorted them to the dining room.
Egypt glanced around the waiting area. The buzz of conversation and soft jazz sifting through the overhead speakers mingled together. There was a large group of people in business suits talking and laughing quietly near the hallway that led to the restrooms. Closer to the hostess station stood an older couple patiently waiting to be seated, while two other people sat on a bench near the door she had just entered, taking a selfie.
So far it didn’t look as if her date had arrived, but Egypt glanced to her right, toward the bar area, checking to see if Devonte might’ve been there. She spotted a few men sitting alone, but none resembled the profile picture that he had uploaded to the dating site.
Egypt inhaled a long, steadying breath and released it slowly to tap down her anxiousness. Hopefully, she and Devonte hit it off. She’d been on three dates with guys that she had met through the dating site, but none had resulted in second dates.
Maybe tonight will be different.
Dakota, one of her best friends, told her she was probably giving off some type of vibe, insisting that Egypt was too into Kenton to open herself up to anyone else. Which was probably true. Egypt compared every man she met to him. If he knew how often she thought of him when on a date with other men, his ego would swell even bigger than it already was.
Shoot.
Egypt shook her head. She was falling right into the trap Kenton had set. Making her think about him all evening.
Nope. Not gonna think about him. I have a date, and I’m going to enjoy myself even if it kills me.
“Hi, sorry for the wait. Party of one?” the hostess asked when she returned. Egypt looked around, surprised the woman had already seated the smaller groups that had been standing nearby.
Egypt glanced at her watch. Devonte was almost ten minutes late. “Actually, I’m meeting someone here, but I don’t see him. I believe he made a reservation. The name is Devonte Abernathy.”
Pushing her long blond hair out of her face and behind her ear, the hostess studied the list on the wood podium. “Ah, yes, here we are. Abernathy for two. He hasn’t arrived yet, but would you like to be seated?”
“That would be great. Thanks.”
The woman grabbed a couple of menus and a wine list. “Follow me, please.”
Egypt trailed her into the dining room, and the intoxicating scent of fresh bread, basil and a host of other scents wafted past her nose. She hadn’t eaten since lunch, and her stomach chose that moment to grumble.
“Is this okay?” The hostess stopped at a small booth. “When your party arrives, you should be able to see him from here.”
“This is great.”
Once Egypt was seated, the hostess handed her a menu and set the other one on the table, along with the wine list.
“Your server will be right with you.”
“Thank you.” Before Egypt could look over the menu, a server was at the table.
“Hi, I’m Monica and I’ll be your server this evening,” she said as she filled the water glass that was in front of Egypt. “Will anyone else be joining you?”
“I’m expecting one other person. Can you give him about five more minutes?”
“Sure, no problem. May I get you something from the bar in the meantime? Maybe a glass of wine or a mojito?”
“A glass of Sauvignon Blanc would be great.”
“Good choice. I’ll be right back with your drink.”
Egypt scanned the menu and narrowed her choices down to two entrees and heard her phone chime. Setting the menu down, she pulled her cell from the side pocket of her handbag and glanced at the screen.
Devonte: Sorry I have to cancel on dinner. Maybe another time.
Are you frickin’ kidding me?
Egypt growled under her breath, debating on how to respond. Part of her wanted to tell him to lose her damn number, while the other part of her was thinking—good riddance. Before she could decide what to do, the server returned with her drink.
Accused Page 2
