“I’m doing remarkably well now that you’re here.”
A wide smile filled her face. “I’m doing really good, too,” she said. “I’ll be better once Collin stops acting like the world has come to an end.”
Matthew chuckled. “He’ll be just fine. My brothers have a full schedule planned for him. In fact, he’ll be heading to the race track with Mark tonight. Being down in the pits, up close with the bikes, should brighten his mood considerably.”
He wrapped his arms around her torso and hugged her tightly. Leaning his face against hers, he pressed his cheek to her cheek. His eyes were closed as his hands skated down the length of her back. She felt good in his arms, and he would have continued to hold on to her if Marah and Collin hadn’t come bounding down the steps in their direction. He reluctantly dropped his arms back to his sides as he took a step back.
“So, you two ready to take off?” Marah asked.
Katrina took a deep breath, filling her lungs with air.
Matthew nodded. “We just need to make sure Collin is settled. How are you doing, buddy?” he asked, turning his attention to the teenager, who was glaring in his direction.
The boy shrugged his narrow shoulders. “Okay, I guess.”
Matthew nodded. “Glad to hear it.”
Collin rolled his eyes, still scowling. He met his mother’s stare. “I don’t feel well. I think I have a temperature,” he said, feigning a weak cough into the crook of his elbow.
Katrina reached to feel his forehead. “You don’t feel warm.”
“Well, I am. I’m burning up. I think I’m getting sick.”
Katrina cut an eye in Matthew’s direction. He winked an eye at her.
“That doesn’t sound good,” Matthew said, reaching to feel the kid’s forehead. “Yeah, you definitely feel a little warm to me.” He turned to Katrina. “Maybe we should postpone our trip.”
“Who’s postponing their trip?” Mark asked, making his way into the foyer to see what was going on. He waved a hand at Katrina, then looked up to say hello to Collin. “So, you about ready to ride, kid?” he asked.
“Ride?” Collin looked confused.
“I’m making time, money. If you’re coming to the track with me, we need to head on out.”
Matthew shook his head. “Sorry, Mark. Collin seems to be coming down with something. Doesn’t look like he’s going to be able to go anywhere tonight.”
Mark nodded. “That’s a shame, kid. I hear you’re a wiz when it comes to an engine.”
“Well, it’s not that bad,” Collin said, a distinct change in his tone. “I just…”
Matthew gestured with his head. “No, we wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. Your mom and I would be devastated. We’ll just cancel our plans and stay here and look out for you. That’s the right thing to do. Don’t you think so, Katrina?”
Katrina smiled faintly, her head waving up and down. “Definitely. In fact—” she lifted herself up to the step Collin was standing on “—I think we need to get you to bed right away.” She brushed her palm across his forehead.
“Too bad,” Mark said, moving in the direction of the front door. “You would have had the best seats in the stadium.”
“No!” Collin exclaimed, excited, his voice rising substantially. “Really, I’m feeling better. I can go! Please!”
Katrina shook her head. “Are you sure, son? I wouldn’t want to leave and have you go off to the races and then get sick. I’d feel horrible!”
“It’s not a problem,” Collin said, reaching to kiss her cheek. “Have a good trip,” he said as he moved in Mark’s direction, heading for the safety helmet the man was extending in his direction.
Before Katrina could respond, her son was out the door and headed down the front steps. As Mark rolled out behind him, he laughed heartily. Looking back over his shoulder, he shook his head at his family and waved goodbye.
Matthew laughed. “Luke pulled the same stunt when he was that age. In fact, he went so far as to use a lighter to heat up the thermometer to make it look like he had a fever.”
Marah giggled. “What happened?”
“It took him weeks to figure out why John didn’t fall for him having a one-hundred-fifty-three-degree temperature.”
They all laughed heartily.
Matthew reached for Katrina’s hand. “We need to go, sweetheart. We’ve got a fourteen-hour flight ahead of us.”
Katrina nodded, the warmth from his fingers caressing her flesh. She met Marah’s gaze, the other woman eyeing her intently. “Thank you, Marah. I really appreciate your family keeping an eye on Collin for me.”
Marah smiled reassuringly. “Don’t you worry. Collin is going to be just fine. You just go have a great time,” she said. She gave Katrina a sly wink. “A really, really great time!”
Chapter 15
They’d been in the air for hours, talking about everything and about nothing as they passed the time. Katrina lay cradled in Matthew’s arms, her legs extended across the airplane’s leather upholstery as she stared out the window at the cloud-filled sky.
The Stallion jet had been waiting on the tarmac for them, the flight attendant and pilot ready to meet every one of their needs. Katrina had been slightly taken aback by the attention, but Matthew’s nonchalant attitude about flying in a private plane without the hassle of long lines, the baggage check-in and the security checks of commercial flights quickly put her at ease.
From the moment they’d stepped aboard, the two had been completely relaxed, basking easily in the comfort they felt with each other. Matthew drew his fingers down the length of her arm as he nuzzled a kiss against her neck.
“You’re a distraction, Judge Broomes,” he said softly as he relished the warmth of her skin against his lips.
Katrina giggled ever so softly. “And what, pray tell, makes you say that?” she asked.
“Because I should be brushing up on the details of my contract negotiations, and instead…” He paused, his voice dropping an octave. “Instead, I’m trying to brush up on you.”
Katrina couldn’t contain the wealth of emotion that bubbled through her spirit. She cuddled closer against Matthew’s broad chest as he tightened his arms around her torso. Joy painted her expression, the sheer energy of it gleaming deep in her eyes.
“I have no doubts, Counselor, that you are well versed in all the details of your negotiations, which is why you can afford to be distracted by other things.”
He chuckled heartily. “Baby, other things is not what I’m distracted by. The sexiest, most beautiful woman in the world has my full and undivided attention.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, ma’am. She’s got me so wound up that I don’t know if I’m coming or going most of the time.”
“That sounds very personal.”
Matthew nodded, planting a damp kiss on her cheek. “It’s become very serious.”
“Hmmm,” Katrina purred softly. She cut an eye up at him, smiling sweetly. “Thank you for inviting me. I was reluctant to come at first, but I’m looking forward to our having a great time.”
“My lady, I can guarantee you will have the most memorable week of your life.”
Nodding her head against his chest, she didn’t have anything else to say. All she wanted was to stop time and enjoy the moment.
* * *
Katrina lounged in a tub of warm water. For the first time in two days she felt normal again, her body having adjusted to the difference in time and the serious jet lag having finally subsided. Matthew had called and asked her to be ready for a late dinner, his business dealings successfully concluded. He wanted to celebrate the major coup for the Stallion family business, and he wanted to celebrate with her.
After an abso
lutely delightful day Katrina decided she loved Paris best in the early mornings, before the city had fully woken up. The Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, had become one of her favorite places, the views absolutely magnificent. Watching the sun rise over the horizon that morning had been positively enchanting. She had visited the typical tourist haunts and then had stepped away from those areas and had discovered quaint residential streets, quiet wood-paneled cafés, old bookshops and marvelous art galleries. Not having Matthew with her had been the day’s only imperfection. When they had last spoken, he had promised to make that up to her. Katrina had plans for him, as well, logistics of such having taken some maneuvering.
Easing her way out of the Jacuzzi tub, Katrina wrapped an oversize plush white towel around her naked form. Taking a quick glance at the timepiece that rested on the bathroom counter, she mused that she had at least an hour before Matthew would be returning to the hotel. Always the consummate gentleman, he had booked separate accommodations at the luxury hotel. The suite he’d situated her in was a three-bedroom extravaganza that put her own home to shame. Matthew had taken up residence in the adjoining suite, a single door standing between them.
The first night they’d both passed out from exhaustion, Katrina in her suite and Matthew in his. He was gone when she awoke the next morning, business superseding everything else. Katrina had slept most of the day away. When Matthew had returned, he’d been in full lawyer mode, focused solely on business and what he needed to do to accomplish what he’d come all the way across the Atlantic to accomplish. Knowing the importance of that, Katrina had taken a step back, moving herself well out of his way so as not to interfere.
When it was time to settle down for the night, Matthew fell asleep on the living-room sofa in her suite, legal documents scattered around him. Katrina had watched him as he slept, his head tossed back, his mouth open ever so slightly. He snored. Softly. The sound of it was almost calming as he sucked in air and blew it out in a deep, low whistle. When she could no longer keep her own eyes open, Katrina had curled up on the opposite end of the sofa, wrapping a cashmere blanket around both of them. When she awoke, he was gone and a single red rose rested on the sofa cushion beside her. And now, finished with his business, he had promised her his full and undivided attention for the rest of the week. Deep in thought, Katrina had promised him something, as well. Matthew just didn’t know it yet.
Back in one of the suite’s luxurious bedrooms Katrina slipped into a pair of black lace panties and a matching bra. Sliding black nylons up the length of her legs, she stepped into a pair of black, four-inch stilettos. Standing in front of the full-length mirror, she took in her reflection, pleased with what she saw. Diligent exercise had her body firm and toned. Her skin was soft and supple, and she routinely slathered on a thick layer of moisturizer to keep it that way. Debating whether to wear her hair up or down, Katrina opted for down, allowing the lush blue-black strands to curl ever so slightly against her shoulders. A shimmer of blush across her cheeks, dark liner beneath her eyes and a hint of gloss on her lips were her only makeup. By the time Matthew knocked on the door for her, she had zipped up her sleek black lace dress and was feeling quite pleased with herself.
Matthew’s full grin was approving when she pulled open the door to allow him inside. With his arms crossed over his chest, he leaned against the door frame. His gaze skated from the top of her head down to the leather shoes that adorned her feet and back again.
“Hey, honey, I’m home!” he chimed easily. A soft chuckle eased past her lips. Matthew leaned to kiss her cheek, allowing his lips to linger against her skin as he inhaled the delicate scent of her perfume. He wrapped his arms around her torso and hugged her tightly. “You look stunning,” he said, nodding his head.
Katrina smiled back. “Thank you!”
“Ready to go have some fun?” Matthew asked as he clasped her hand beneath his.
She nodded, her exuberant expression answering for her.
Matthew gestured toward the door. “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”
* * *
The whole of Paris was enchanting and romantic. A car and driver were waiting outside the hotel for them, ready to whisk them off to wherever Matthew directed. And first he commanded that they be taken to Le Pré Catelan, Paris’s most prestigious restaurant. The elegant eatery was nestled in a tranquil, luxuriant area deep in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, only a few minutes from the Champs-Elysées.
Katrina had grown used to everyone knowing and fawning over Matthew Stallion. The restaurant’s staff greeted him as if he dined there every day of the week, attentive to his every need, even before he asked. Matthew ordered their meals, lavishing her with the most incredible French cuisine and wines selected by one of the most respected sommeliers in the city. Matthew had greeted the man warmly, and the two were pleased to be reacquainted with one another.
“Olivier Poussier is an old friend,” he said, extolling the wine steward’s many virtues. “Olivier’s creative expertise is renowned.”
“Do you come here often?” Katrina asked.
He nodded. “I’ve been known to fly in for dinner when the moment moves me.”
“You just fly to Paris for dinner?”
“And dessert,” Matthew said, his voice dropping seductively.
The deep tone sent a shiver up Katrina’s spine, moving her to press her knees together tightly to stall the heat that had erupted at the cusp between her thighs.
After the meal, Matthew held her hand, leading her out of the restaurant and back to the waiting car.
“There’s a wonderful little club not too far from here. The jazz is soft and the wine is exceptional. We can dance cheek to cheek until the sun comes up. You game?”
Katrina met his deep gaze. A smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. “Why don’t we save that for tomorrow? I actually thought we’d do something different tonight.”
Matthew lifted his brows, curiosity washing over his expression. “And what might that be, beautiful lady?”
Katrina’s smile was intriguing. “We need to go back to the hotel first. I forgot something,” she said, pausing ever so slightly. “Then I’ll tell you.”
Matthew nodded, sensing that she wasn’t going to give him any more information as she slid into the vehicle. He followed, close on her heels, instructing the driver to return them to their home away from home.
As the chauffeur pulled in front of the hotel’s entrance, Katrina pressed her palm to his knee and squeezed it gently. “Wait here,” she said softly. “I won’t be long.”
“I can walk up with you,” Matthew said, moving to exit the car with her.
Katrina pressed her palm to his chest and gently pushed him back against his seat. She winked an eye. “Not necessary,” she said. “It will only take a quick minute. I’ll call if I need your help.”
“Hurry back,” Matthew said, reaching to give her a quick kiss. “I miss you already.”
Inside the hotel’s lobby, the concierge waved in her direction. “Mademoiselle Broomes, everything is as you requested. Is there anything else that I can assist you with tonight?”
Waving her head from side to side, Katrina took a deep inhale of air. “Thank you, but I can’t think of anything else.”
The man nodded as Katrina smiled her appreciation. She headed for the elevators and went up to the penthouse suite. Opening the door, she stepped inside and took in the view. It couldn’t be more perfect. Dialing the room’s telephone, she asked the operator to connect her to Matthew Stallion. As his cell phone rang on the other end, she suddenly found herself nervous, second-guessing what she had planned as anxiety rustled deep in her midsection.
“Hello?”
“Hey,” Katrina said softly.
“Is everything okay?” Matthew asked, concern rising in his voice.
Katrina smiled into the receiver. “Everything is perfect, but I could use some assistance, after all.”
“No problem,” Matthew intoned. “I’ll be right up.”
“Oh, and one more thing,” Katrina added. “Tell the driver we won’t need him anymore tonight.”
Matthew paused, his curiosity seriously piqued. “Are you sure?”
Katrina giggled softly. “Absolutely positive.”
Dismissing the driver, Matthew exited the parked vehicle and rushed through the hotel lobby. The concierge greeted him cheerfully, gesturing for his attention.
“Monsieur Stallion, a moment please, sir.”
Not wanting to be detained, Matthew barely hesitated.
“Please, sir. It’s very important,” the concierge persisted.
“Yes?”
The concierge extended his hand and gave Matthew a passkey to an unfamiliar room. “Sir, mademoiselle has asked that you please join her in the penthouse gardens.” The man smiled politely, his expression revealing nothing more than what his duties required.
A look of confusion washed over Matthew’s face. Nodding his gratitude, he turned abruptly and rushed toward the elevators, his focus on nothing else but reaching Katrina to see what was going on. He didn’t have a clue what she could possibly be up to, but he was seriously intrigued.
He hated that she’d had to spend her first days in Paris alone. He was intent on making up for every minute. He was anxious to show her everything he loved about the city and even more intent on the two of them discovering their own favorite places and things together.
As the elevator reached the rooftop floor, he moved quickly to the door of the suite. Using the passkey, he let himself inside. His excitement was almost consuming.
The interior was dimly lit, and it seemed as if no one was there. Matthew called out Katrina’s name, moving forward into the large suite, eagerly searching for her. Katrina’s faint voice called out to him, moving him to follow the sound. As he came to the glass doors that led out to the rooftop gardens, Matthew’s eyes widened in surprise. He came to a quick halt, and then a wide grin spread like wildfire across his face.
Seduced by a Stallion Page 11
