Engaging the Enemy

by Reese Ryan

  Kayleigh’s eyes opened abruptly at the memory of the humiliation she’d felt when Parker had suddenly changed his mind. She couldn’t do that again. And there was no way their business relationship could recover from it a second time.

  She did have a modicum of pride.

  Kayleigh pulled away and shook her head. “No, Parker. You don’t get to do this to me again. You made it clear that it’s a bad idea for us to sleep together. Have you changed your mind?”

  Parker frowned. “Assessing the situation objectively, I know it’s risky.”

  Kayleigh’s cheeks burned. Her fingers drifted to her lips. “Then why’d you—”

  “Because I want you, Kayleigh.” He planted his hands loosely on her hips, his intense gaze pinning her in place. “I can’t stop thinking about you or that night. I can’t stop wishing I’d made a different choice. For once in my life, I don’t give a damn about doing what’s logical. I just know I want this...that I want you.”

  Kayleigh’s hands trembled slightly. She sucked in a deep breath and slipped one strap then the other from her shoulder. The silky material glided onto the floor.

  Parker’s mouth twisted in a sexy grin when she gripped the lapels of his jacket and pulled him down for another kiss.

  * * *

  The fire grew in his belly and spread through his limbs as Parker kissed Kayleigh, palming her round bottom and hauling her against him. His body was strung tightly with a desperate need for this woman. Thoughts of Kayleigh filled his head constantly now, distracting him from his work during the day and keeping him awake at night.

  He kissed her with a hunger that she seemed to feel, too. Until they were both gasping for breath.

  Kayleigh pulled away, her chest heaving and her warm brown eyes studying his.

  Parker hoped to God that Kayleigh wasn’t having a moment of clarity. Because for the first time in a very long time, he didn’t care about logic and reason. He simply wanted to give into the sensations that overwhelmed him whenever he was with this woman.

  He wanted to feel the heat raging between her luscious thighs as her molten center pressed against him. Her soft breasts, with their pointed peaks, mashing against his hard chest. Her warm hands on his hot skin. Her lips crushed against his. The sense of urgency and the enthralling feeling of spinning out of control.

  He was addicted to that feeling and to her. And he didn’t want it to stop.

  Kayleigh slipped her hand in his and led him to the bed. She helped him out of his tuxedo jacket and dropped it onto the chair before slowly unbuttoning his shirt.

  He couldn’t take his eyes off her gorgeous face and the deep flush of her cheeks as her fingers nimbly pushed each button through its hole.

  As sexy as she was, slowly undressing him, he desperately wanted to kiss her again and glide his hands over her bare skin. And he ached to be buried deep inside her.

  Parker stripped off his shirt and pants, hastily retrieving the strip of foil packets he’d shoved into his pocket before he’d knocked on Kayleigh’s door. He dropped them onto the bedside table.

  “Ambitious.” Kayleigh’s mouth pulled into a playful grin as she regarded the strip of six condoms.

  Parker was neither bashful nor prudish. Yet, somehow, Kayleigh had a gift for making him blush, and she seemed to take great delight in it.

  “I wasn’t sure that would be enough.”

  Kayleigh grinned, her eyes twinkling. She sank her teeth into her luscious lower lip, then lifted onto her toes and pressed a kiss to his eager mouth.

  Parker cradled her face as he savored the taste of her sweet lips and the sensation of her tongue gliding against his. He could hold this woman in his arms and kiss her until the sky turned green and the grass turned blue. And still it would never be enough.

  He lay her on the bed and hovered over her, his gaze meeting hers. His heart pounded so loudly that the sound seemed to fill the space around him.

  Parker wanted to tell Kayleigh everything he’d been thinking these past few weeks. That he cared for her deeply. That he often wished he could go back to that day when they were kids and make a different choice. That he’d do anything to take away the pain she’d suffered during their years apart. But the words lodged in his throat. He stared at her without a word.

  Kayleigh traced his cheekbone with her thumb, her eyes drifting closed as she pressed her mouth to his again. He kissed her; this time the kiss was slow and sweet even as heat built between them.

  Parker stripped Kayleigh of her pretty black lace strapless bra and matching panties before chucking his boxers, ripping open one of the little foil squares and sheathing himself.

  He kissed his way down her chest, flicking her hardened nipple with his tongue. His body tensed in response to her sensual murmur.

  There was something so incredibly provocative about Kayleigh. She was sexy, regardless of whether she was wearing a satin gown or tattered jeans and a tee. And she could get a rise out of him like no one else. She’d been the source of joy, anger, frustration and amusement. But lately the feelings Kayleigh engendered in him most were a consuming lust and an affection that grew deeper with every passing day.

  This moment was everything he’d dreamed of, and he couldn’t wait another minute to be inside her.

  Parker guided himself to her entrance, his hips inching forward. Everything about this woman made him feel incredible in a way he hadn’t experienced before. His senses were overwhelmed with pleasure intensified by her soft whimpers.

  A delicious sensation rolled up his spine as he glided inside her, slowly and deliberately. He was intent on savoring every moment of their connection.

  Kayleigh wrapped her arms around him, her freshly manicured nails digging into his back as he circled his hips with focused determination.

  He alternated deep and shallow thrusts, allowing her responses to guide him until she tensed, her body trembling as she called his name.

  His pulse raced and beads of perspiration trickled down his back as her inner walls contracted around his heated flesh. Parker cursed beneath his breath, his back tensing as he found his release with a few more thrusts.

  Parker collapsed on the bed beside her, both of them still breathing heavily. There were so many things he wanted to say to Kayleigh. But instead, he gave her a quick kiss and made his way to the bathroom.

  It’d been a long time since he’d been in a relationship. Sex had simply been a biological need. A necessary mutual release. But with Kayleigh, everything felt...different.

  He wasn’t sure exactly what their sleeping together meant for their relationship. Or what her expectations were. It was something they should have addressed prior to having sex. He’d known that, but it wasn’t the head above his shoulders that had won the argument. Which meant they needed to talk about it now.

  But when he returned from the bathroom, Kayleigh lay on her side with her back to him. Her rhythmic breathing indicated that she’d fallen asleep.

  Parker sighed, relieved they could delay the awkward what-does-this-mean-for-us conversation for another day. But it presented another problem. Did he go back to his own room, as he typically would? Or should he crawl into bed beside her?

  Neither option seemed quite right.

  * * *

  Parker sat in the chair beside Kayleigh’s bed as she slept. He’d checked his email, worked on some spreadsheets and watched a couple of financial news shows. He’d even managed to doze off to sleep.

  “Parker?” Kayleigh rolled over, her hand searching the empty spot he’d vacated hours earlier.

  “I’m here.”

  She turned toward him and then sat up in bed. “Did you sleep in that chair all night?”

  “I needed to catch up on some work, and I didn’t want to wake you.”

  “Then why didn’t you return to your room?” She eyed him suspiciously.

&
nbsp; “I thought you’d find it rude if I just left,” he admitted. “The chair was a compromise.”

  A slow smile curled one edge of her mouth, and her eyes twinkled as if she was pleased with his answer. She yawned and ran her hands through her wild red curls. When she spotted the time—barely five o’clock in the morning—she extended a hand to him.

  “It’s too early to do anything. You’re on vacation.”

  “Actually, it’s a business trip.”

  “Parker.” She wiggled her fingers. “Come to bed.”

  He set his phone on the table and stood, taking a deep breath before he slid beneath the covers and wrapped an arm around her.

  They were both quiet for a moment. Kayleigh raised her head and met his gaze. “Look, I know you’re probably freaking out because you think this means we’re suddenly...I don’t know...a couple or something. It doesn’t. We’re two sensible adults and this is just...sex. I’m not looking for anything more than this.”

  “Oh, okay.” He wasn’t sure whether he should feel relieved or slighted by her declaration.

  “But since we’ve broken that barrier... I’d certainly be open to doing this again. Since you’ve still got a few left and all.” Kayleigh glanced at the foil packets on the nightstand and then grinned. She pressed her open palm to his chest, halting his movement when he reached for them. “After I get a few more hours of sleep and a shower.”

  “Deal.” Parker grinned, lying back down and propping one arm behind his head.

  “Parker, can I ask you something?” Kayleigh folded her arms over his chest and propped her chin on her hands. “Are you planning a hostile takeover of King’s Finest?”

  “What would make you think that?” He frowned.

  “I noticed the research you were reviewing when I joined you for breakfast this morning. It was about merit-based family-owned business succession as opposed to succession based on birth order.” She tilted her head as she regarded him. “You’re trying to leapfrog Blake as the next CEO, aren’t you?”

  “Yes. Because I think it’s in our company’s best interest.” He stared at the ceiling. “And it wouldn’t be a hostile takeover. It would be by consensus. I plan to prove that I’m the best candidate for the position.”

  “And that’s why you were willing to do this. Playing my fake fiancé for the sake of your family’s deal...it’s a perfect opportunity to prove to your father that you should be the heir apparent.” She lay on her back in the crook of his arm.

  There was silence between them for a few moments. “You think I’m being unfair to Blake?”

  “I think he deserves to know how you feel and so do Max and Zora.”

  “I plan to tell them, but I wanted to wait until after my parents’ big anniversary party.”

  “In case your brothers and sister don’t take the news too well?” Kayleigh laughed. “Because boy would that make the party awkward.”

  “Exactly.” He couldn’t help chuckling, too.

  “Who have you told about this?”

  “Just you.” There was something oddly comforting about there being a secret that only the two of them shared. “Hey, what do you think about switching to a later flight, if one is available? There’s a little gallery in West Chelsea that I’d love to take you to, if we have time.”

  “I’d like that.” Kayleigh pressed her cheek to his chest and settled against him.

  Parker pulled up the airline app and switched their tickets. Before he was done, Kayleigh had already fallen back to sleep. Her soft breath skittered across his chest as her limbs tangled with his.

  Parker kissed the top of her head and readjusted his pillow as he stared at the ceiling of the hotel room. He wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon, so he might as well settle in and enjoy having Kayleigh’s warm, lush, naked body pressed to his.

  Sixteen

  Parker Abbott did something he never, ever did. He called the office, took the day off and slept in.

  He and Kayleigh had returned to Magnolia Lake in the wee hours of the morning after taking a later flight back. Besides, between making love to Kayleigh and his insistence on sleeping in that damned chair, he’d gotten very little sleep. He usually subsisted on a few hours. But it needed to be three or four solid hours in a comfortable bed.

  He awoke, showered and fixed himself breakfast, with thoughts of his night with Kayleigh still running through his head. Maybe sleeping with her was an ill-advised move, but it was one he couldn’t bring himself to regret. In fact his only regret was not taking her to bed that night at the cabin.

  Parker had made himself a late breakfast and was loading the dishwasher when his doorbell rang. He peeked through the small windows at the top of the ornate wood door.

  “Mom?” Parker swung the door open and she rushed past him, not bothering to give him her traditional hug and kiss. He furrowed his brows and closed the door. “What’s wrong? Did something happen at the office?”

  “Yes.” She looked both angry and teary. “How could you get engaged and announce it to the entire world without telling your own family?”

  Shit.

  He zeroed in on the sheet of paper she was waving, taking it from her hand. It was the e-newsletter from the trade organization that had put on the event they’d attended over the weekend. The caption under the lead photo proclaimed that the executive of the year was in attendance with his fiancée.

  “Mom, I can explain.”

  Or could he? He couldn’t tell his mother about the deal with Kayleigh. It would ruin the surprise his family had worked so hard on.

  “I’m listening.” Iris Abbott folded her arms and plopped down on the sofa in his great room. “I’d love to hear you explain why you’d tell the entire free world but couldn’t be bothered to pick up the phone and share your happy news with your mother.”

  Parker sank onto the sofa and wrapped an arm around her.

  “I told Elena Mixon that Kayleigh was my fiancée to make it clear that there was nothing between us. She made it her business to tell the entire association. Once it spread like wildfire...well... I couldn’t very well change my story.”

  “So you and Kayleigh aren’t engaged?” His mother seemed disappointed when he confirmed that they weren’t. “That’s a shame. She’s good for you, Parker.”

  “What makes you say that?” Parker sank against the back of the cushion. “We’re like fire and ice. Polar opposites.”

  He actually wanted to believe that there could be something more to him and Kayleigh. That what they’d shared last night could be the beginning of something bigger instead of the end of their fake-fiancé experiment. But there was too much baggage between them, and they were too different in nature.

  Wasn’t that a recipe for disaster?

  He cared too much for Kayleigh to hurt her any more than he already had.

  “I guess you’ve never heard the old saying that opposites attract.” His mother patted his knee.

  “I have. It’s filed in here—” he tapped his temple “—alongside stories of Sasquatch and alien abductions.”

  They both laughed when she elbowed him.

  “Seriously, Mom, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about relationships from watching you and Dad, it’s the importance of a unified purpose. You two have a lot in common. So do Blake and Savannah.”

  “But we have a lot of differences, too. That’s what brings variety and interest to a relationship, sweetheart.” Her eyes twinkled. “There’s something special between you and Kayleigh. There always has been. It broke my heart when you two parted ways as kids. I’ve always hoped that one day you two would figure things out and fix your relationship. Good friendships are hard to come by.”

  Parker nodded. “I know, Mom. These past few weeks with her have been great. In some ways she’s still the girl I’ve always known. In other ways I wonder if I ever really
knew her or understood her situation at all.”

  “Well, whatever it is that you two have... I still see it in her eyes. You care deeply for her, Parker. And despite how hurt and angry she might be over what happened between you two, it appears that she has deep feelings for you, too.”

  “I don’t know. Sometimes I look at her and I think...maybe we could be...something. But other times...” He sighed and ran a hand over his head.

  “Life isn’t like the data you love so much, honey.” His mother’s tone was soothing. “There’s no guarantee that two plus two will equal four.”

  “Precisely. Data is reliable. Two plus two always equals four. And if you perform the steps correctly, the data can fairly accurately predict what you should expect. There are variables, but—”

  “That’s what makes life and love so exciting.” She cut off his ramblings, a wide smile spread across her still-beautiful face. “Love is unpredictable. You never know exactly how things will turn out. You have to use your mind, your heart and your instincts to make the right decision when it comes to love.”

  “Who said anything about love?”

  “Romance, relationships, affection. Whatever you want to call it.” She waved a hand dismissively.

  “The point is that numbers are straightforward. They don’t confuse the hell out of you and make you doubt yourself.”

  His mother placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Maybe she’s struggling with her feelings, too.”

  He hadn’t considered that.

  Maybe she was grappling with her feelings. Or maybe she’d meant exactly what she’d said. That he shouldn’t read anything deeper into their sleeping together, because it was only temporary. Once he’d fulfilled the terms of their contract, they would go their separate ways.

  Parker turned to face his mother. “If we were truly compatible, it wouldn’t be such a struggle, would it?”