by Rachel Lacey
If you’re not after my money, then what do you want?
An awkward moment passed, during which Kate was torn between the desire to acknowledge the woman she now believed to be her sister or run screaming from the room, unable to bear another reminder of her tortured past.
“How did you find me?” she asked instead.
“I found this when I was going through his things.” Lori reached into her purse to produce a photo, which she passed to Kate.
Kate looked down at the photo. She saw a cherubic blonde toddler in a pink tutu embraced by a tall, handsome man with dark hair and a warm smile. Her throat tightened. She flipped the photo over to read the scrawled print on the other side: Kate and Daddy.
Her mother had kept enough photos for Kate to recognize herself in the round-cheeked, smiling girl in the photo, as much as she knew the man to be Wade Rynes, her father. She drew a deep breath and steadied herself.
“I knew he was from Connecticut. Woodbridge,” Lori continued. “I combed the high school yearbooks until I found you.”
“But my name—”
“Was different, I know. But trust me, the high school secretary I spoke to was more than happy to fill me in on who you were…if I couldn’t have made the connection myself once I saw your class photo.”
Kate sat back in her chair and stared Lori down as her suspicions deepened. So, Lori had been poking around at her old high school recently. That was convenient, since both rounds of photos to hit the tabloids this week were from Kate’s high school years. What she didn’t understand was why. Did Lori begrudge her success? She hadn’t seemed angry when they first met, not until Kate denied knowing Wade Rynes to save face in front of the watching paparazzi. But she wouldn’t ask, couldn’t ask, until she knew Lori was on the up-and-up.
“It’s not that we mistrust you, Ms. Booth,” Harry said. “Please understand that for a woman in Katherine’s position, she faces people of questionable motive relatively often. We just need to confirm—”
“Yes, I understand.” Lori’s eyes burned into Kate’s. “I’ll be flying home to North Carolina tomorrow. I’ve left my contact information with your manager.”
With that, she stood. Lori threw one last glance over her shoulder, then strode from the room, leaving Kate both weak with relief and burning with regret.
* * *
Josh stood with his back to the restaurant, idly watching the stream of people passing by on the sidewalk. Tosca was one of his favorite restaurants, a place he’d visited often since moving to the neighborhood two years ago.
He enjoyed the food and the atmosphere and…hell. Bringing Kate here was a terrible idea. He was sure to get inquiring looks from Sal, the owner, since this would be the first time Josh dined here with a date. Let alone a date with someone as memorable as Katherine Hayes.
Bringing Kate anywhere was a terrible idea, but somehow, she kept overriding his common sense. Gabe had made sure Josh saw the photo on one of those gossip blogs of him and Kate outside her building on Friday. The blogger had drawn a big circle around Josh’s head and inserted the caption “Katherine’s Mystery Man.”
It was only a matter of time before someone he knew saw it and put two and two together. He tugged at the collar of his shirt. When he decided to date again, he didn’t need the whole world following along. He’d enjoy dinner with her tonight, but this had to be the end of it.
As for their bet, Kate didn’t stand a chance. When she pulled up to the curb in that shiny Mercedes with her personal chauffeur, he doubted she’d make it in the front door before being asked for her autograph.
There was no way she was paying for dinner tonight. None.
“Boo.” It was a whisper in his ear, so close, he felt the warmth of her breath.
He spun to find Kate standing behind him, hands tucked into the pockets of her jeans, a wide smile on her face. She wore minimal makeup, her hair pulled back in a simple braid. A turquoise blouse added a splash of color to her appearance.
“Where did you come from?” he asked, his voice gruff as he fought the urge to touch her, to kiss her.
“Anton dropped me off around the corner.”
He leaned forward, staring at her more closely. “Brown contacts. You really think that will do the trick?”
Her eyebrows lifted, and her grin widened. “We’ll see, won’t we?”
“Or are your contacts blue, and this is your natural color?”
She clucked her tongue. “My, you’re skeptical. These are contacts.”
She hooked her arm in his as they walked toward the entrance. The breeze carried her perfume over him, toying with his senses. He’d driven himself nearly crazy since Saturday, imagining what it might have been like if he’d kissed her in the park. What she tasted like, how she’d feel in his arms. Hell, he’d dreamed about a lot more than that.
Which only cemented his decision not to kiss her. Paparazzi or not, he absolutely could not allow himself to fall into a romantic relationship with this woman. She was outgoing and passionate, filled with a love of life he no longer felt. She likely loved with the same intensity she lived, and Josh had nothing to offer in return.
They stepped through the door into the restaurant. Lindsay, the hostess, looked up with a smile, glancing from Josh to Kate.
Kate walked over to a painting of the Italian countryside, one of many that adorned the walls of the restaurant. “This is amazing.”
“Sal’s grandfather painted them,” Lindsay told her.
“He’s very talented. Is Sal the owner?”
“He is. Table for two?” Lindsay looked at Josh.
He nodded. Lindsay picked up two menus and led them down the hallway, through a series of interconnected dining rooms to a booth near the back.
Kate winked as they sat, and he frowned. Lindsay hadn’t given her a second glance. No one had. The truth was, she blended damn well, and he was in trouble. He’d sooner sell a kidney than let her pay for dinner, let alone in a place where everyone knew him.
“You come here often?” Kate asked.
“Couple times a month. Why?”
“The hostess has the hots for you.”
“What? Lindsay? I don’t think so.”
“Aha, so you’re on a first-name basis. Yes, and I’d guess you usually come here alone. You didn’t notice the look she gave me?”
“What look?” He rubbed a hand through his hair. What was she talking about? And how did she know he usually came here alone? He rested his elbows on the table. “I’d like to renegotiate the terms of our bet.”
“Oh?” She cocked her head to the side.
His gaze slid to her neck and lingered on the bare skin exposed there. “I’m paying for dinner. Name your new terms.”
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Anything I want?”
Josh could feel his pulse pounding as he nodded. He was headed for nothing but trouble, playing games with a woman like Katherine Hayes.
She leaned closer. “If I win, you kiss me good night.”
He straightened in his seat. “What?”
“You heard me,” she said, still watching him closely.
He was staring at her mouth, her pink glossy lips. A quick kiss as they parted ways. He could handle that, right? No, he wasn’t sure that he could. But then again…
“And if I win?” His voice sounded like he’d swallowed sandpaper.
She leaned even closer. “You won’t. But name your stakes anyway.”
He faltered. His stakes had been to pay for dinner. Now that he’d been an idiot and taken things further, his imagination had run dry.
“Yes?” Kate’s eyes burned into his, only inches away.
His heart beat wildly against his ribs. “I take you home. No chauffeur.”
Take her home? That was worse than kissing her. If tonight didn’t scar him for life, maybe he’d be wise to let Lily set him up next time. Obviously, he had no idea what he was doing on his own.
She tipped her head with a coy smile
. “Before or after you kiss me?”
Their waitress chose that moment to introduce herself, saving him from an answer. Kate winked, sinking back in her seat. He ordered a bottle of wine while Kate studied the menu without attracting more than a passing glance.
He could have asked for her opinion on the wine, drawing the waitress’s attention to her. But truthfully, he didn’t want her to be recognized, didn’t want a repeat of the fiasco at Bóheme. He just wanted a nice, normal dinner. Further evidence he hadn’t thought this through. Why had he ever agreed to a stupid bet?
In keeping with her disguise, she chatted about everyday topics like her dogs and the new Native American art exhibit at the Met. She peppered him with questions about his job, his upcoming triathlon, and his family, while Josh laughed inwardly to think he could tell Lily that her name had indeed come up on his second date with Katherine Hayes.
As they talked, his gaze drifted from her lips to the way her fingers absently stroked the stem of her wineglass. Desire curled warm and tight inside him. By the time they’d finished eating, he was in agony, and the way things were headed, he was going to have to kiss her good night. It had almost been too easy for her.
“Josh, I heard you were here tonight.” Sal appeared at their table, robust and red-faced in a gray suit, his tie slightly askew. “And who’s the lovely lady?”
Josh leaned back with a smile. Maybe not so easy for her after all.
“Kate.” She extended her hand with a friendly smile.
“Kate, this is Sal Diorio. He owns Tosca,” Josh told her.
“So you do come here a lot.” She glanced at Josh before returning her gaze to Sal. “You have a lovely restaurant. The food was excellent, and the paintings? I heard they were done by your grandfather. They’re fantastic.”
“Thank you.” Sal beamed with pride. “You look familiar. Have we met before?”
Josh smirked. Here it came. He received a swift kick under the table while Kate continued to smile sweetly at Sal.
She shrugged. “People say that all the time. I must have one of those faces.”
“Right. Well, I’ll let you two get back to your meal. Dessert’s on the house. It was lovely meeting you, Kate.” Sal’s eyes twinkled.
“Likewise,” she said, as charming as ever.
When he was out of sight, Josh bent to rub his shin. “Ouch.”
“You were about to give me away with your ‘cat ate the canary’ grin.”
“He recognized you.”
“He did not. And unless you have anyone else you’d like me to meet before we leave, I’d say things are looking pretty unfavorable for you.”
“Indeed.” Dammit, he was staring at her mouth again, and she was watching.
She sat back with a satisfied smile.
“So, I take it you’re not into pop music. Who do you listen to?” she asked, as they shared a slice of tiramisu courtesy of Sal.
He shrugged. “Dave Matthews Band, some classic rock, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Who.”
She nodded. “Good music. Dark Side of the Moon is one of my favorites when I’m trying to get the creative juices flowing. DMB too. Dave’s a good guy. I’ve met him a few times.”
Josh shook his head. “Of course you have. So, what about you?”
“You might be surprised to know I don’t listen to pop music either.”
He tilted his head. “You’d be right.”
“Well, not much of it anyway. I do have a bit of a girl crush on Madonna,” she said with a grin. “I listen to a lot of classic rock too. Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe. And I have a fondness for Latin music. Buena Vista Social Club, Ibrahim Ferrer, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente. Blues, hip hop, dance, I’ll listen to just about anything.”
He leaned forward, ridiculously turned on by her taste in music. “You are full of surprises.”
She winked. “You have no idea.”
After paying the check, he rested his hand on the small of her back as he guided her out of the restaurant. They stood on the sidewalk, facing each other. “So.”
She looked up. “So.”
He cleared his throat. This was awkward. There was no sign of her driver, nor had he seen her call for him. Josh had come on the subway. He could call them a cab, but the deal had been for him to drive her home if he won, which he hadn’t…
She stepped closer. “I forgot to tell you something important.”
“What’s that?” His pulse raced. God, she was close enough now that all he’d have to do was—
“I never lose,” she whispered.
Mere inches separated their bodies. He could feel her body heat and smell the intoxicating scent of her perfume, like fresh flowers dipped in honey. His head lowered almost against his will, while need seared through his veins, burning him up from the inside out. Kate sucked in a breath as their eyes met. His lips brushed hers. A jolt shot through him like something inside him had just awoken after a long hibernation, something primal and raw.
Their mouths met, lips moving, teasing, tasting, and he could have sworn he heard music playing, or maybe it was just the rhythm of his pulse pounding in his ears. It was too much and not enough and absolutely perfect all at the same time. He lifted his head, every cell in his body screaming with the need for more. More…
She sighed, then leaned forward to kiss him back. Her fingers trailed over his chest, and just like that, his control snapped. His hands slid up her back, dragging the elastic from her hair and tangling in its depths. Her lips parted, and his tongue slipped into the heat of her mouth.
Yes.
She made a soft sound of arousal that shot straight to his dick. He sank his hands into her back pockets, anchoring her against him as their tongues danced with a hunger that bordered on desperation. There was nothing but the feel of his mouth on hers, her breasts pressed against his chest, and the runaway pounding of his heart.
Finally, Kate pulled back, her chest heaving, hair disheveled. She cocked her head and gave him a sly smile. “So, I guess you’re not a sore loser.”
He struggled to catch his breath. Thank God she’d kept her wits about her, because he sure as hell hadn’t. He’d completely lost track of the fact they were standing in the middle of a busy sidewalk, just steps from the entrance to Tosca. He pulled her in for one last kiss, then turned toward the street behind them. “I’ll call us a cab.”
7
Back at her condo, Kate poured two glasses of wine. She handed one to Josh, and they walked to the window to take in the view. Ben and Jerry clattered into the living room, tails wagging. She shooed them onto the balcony to use their doggy grass.
Josh raised an eyebrow. “You keep grass on your balcony for the dogs?”
“Easier than walking them.”
“I’m sure you could hire someone to do that.” Josh stooped to ruffle Jerry’s fluffy head as he scampered back inside.
“I have someone who comes twice a day, but I keep odd hours, so it’s just easier to be able to let them out when they need to go.”
“How do you feel about that?” Josh asked the dog at his feet.
Jerry cocked his head, his blue eyes bright.
She laughed. “Jerry’s deaf.”
“No kidding.”
“You really wouldn’t know, other than the blue eyes. We have a few hand signals, but mostly he uses Ben as his ears.”
Josh held her gaze. “There’s something ironic there, a famous singer with a deaf dog.”
“Probably.” She looked down at her dog. “Jerry’s special. He’s like the calm in my storm.”
“How so?”
“Maybe he’s more in touch with his other senses because he can’t hear, but he’s just really attuned to me. There’s something primal about not needing words to communicate, right?”
“Definitely.” He gave her a look that set her pulse racing. “Are they brothers?”
She nodded. “Littermates. They’d be lost without each other, I think.”
“I’m fuzzy o
n little dog breeds. What are they?”
“Maltese.”
Ben joined them, and both dogs moved off to the kitchen in search of crumbs.
Josh set their wineglasses on the end table and drew her in close. His eyes gleamed with hunger, yet he’d remained oddly hands-off since that blistering kiss outside Tosca. Time to figure out where they stood.
She clasped her hands behind his neck. “I like you, Josh, and I’d like to see where this thing between us is heading, but I should be up front about the fact that I’m not looking for a serious relationship. I’m only in New York for two and a half more weeks, so that’s all this could be.”
He stood there for a long minute in silence, clearly wrestling with his answer. His arms tightened around her. “I want that too, but…”
She pressed closer in his arms and tilted her head to his. “But?”
“I think it’s better if this ends tonight.”
“You don’t look like that’s what you want.” On the contrary, the look on his face had her pulse racing and desire tugging low in her belly.
His gaze dropped to her mouth. “It’s not good for me to have my face in the tabloids, for a number of reasons.”
“Well, I think we’ve established that I can be discreet, if that’s your only objection.” Her breasts were pressed against his chest, and she felt his heart pounding. She trailed a finger over his lips. “I mean, I understand if you’re not attracted to me…”
He groaned. Attraction was definitely not a problem. Lust battled something else across his features, something alarmingly intense, maybe even painful.
She sucked in a breath and stepped back. “But you’re not really a casual fling kind of guy, are you?”
He reached out and drew her back in. Pressed against him, she could feel exactly how much he wanted her, and her body ached in response. “No, I’m not, but this isn’t a good time for me to get serious either.”
“So…?”
“Yes.” And then he kissed her.
Damn, the man could kiss. He nipped at her lower lip, sending a bolt of fire straight to the restless ache between her thighs. Her hands fisted in the soft cotton of his shirt as she kissed him back. Their tongues tangled while his hands roamed from her hair down to her ass, lifting her up against him.
