She didn’t give him a chance to speak again. She opened the door, jetted inside, and shut the door. Leaning against it, she heard him mumble something.
Krista couldn’t believe she’d just made out with him. And chances were if they hadn’t been on the front porch, she’d have had her way with him. Damn, could she have been any more wanton?
There was just something about that man and she couldn’t pinpoint what it was. He made her want to throw all inhibition out the door. It was probably best she wasn’t going to see him again.
Her phone beeped again from the coffee table. It was probably Jamie. Krista sighed and grabbed the phone. Sure enough, it was another message asking her to call.
Krista obliged and Jamie answered after the first ring. “What have you been doing?”
“I was asleep.” And humping Neil’s leg.
“I’m so glad you decided against that guy. He was with another woman tonight. And that woman was practically in his lap groping him. He liked it. I could tell.”
“Maybe he was just flirting with her.”
Jamie sarcastically chuckled. “Oh no. It was much more than that. They were going home together. I’m not blind. Besides, he shouldn’t have been there since he’s met you. I don’t care that he was playing poker or whatever.”
“Jamie, chill. I’m not with him and I made it clear I didn’t want to be. He had every right to talk, flirt, or whatever with that woman.” Only she hoped after that kiss, he didn’t return to the woman—at least tonight. Hopefully he was going home to take a cold shower, much like she needed.
“For some reason I thought you’d be a little more upset about this.”
“I appreciate you being there for me.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
She twirled a strand of hair. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay? I need to get some rest. And you need to stay out of that club. Older men are nothing but trouble.”
“You might be right.”
“I’m always right. Now that we have that established, life can go on.” Krista chuckled.
“Yeah, whatever. Go back to dream world.”
“Night.” She set the phone back down on the table.
After switching off the TV and lights, she headed to her room. Morning would be there fast and she needed to get ready for a long night of tossing and turning. Her engines were still on fire from Neil. And a finger wasn’t going to cut it when she really wanted him to fill her.
Neil stared at his computer screen. He needed to work, but all he could do was think about Krista and that kiss. Good God, it had been beyond amazing. Never had a kiss had him so freaking turned on. This woman had gotten her claws into him and she wasn’t even trying.
Neil grunted and shoved back from his chair. There was no use in even trying to work. He needed to get Krista to give him a shot. She was a single woman. Nothing tying her to where she was—that he knew of. So what was the problem? Why didn’t she want to try? Or at least play a little.
Somehow he had to devise a plan for this weekend. He’d get her to go out with him and give her a date she’d never forget. One that would change her mind. Krista didn’t want an extravagant date. If he wanted her to even consider a relationship, he’d have to tone it down quite a few notches. Something he wasn’t used to.
But first, he was going to call her and ask her on a proper date.
Pulling the phone from his hip, he dialed her number. After the fourth ring the voice mail message came on. Now the question was, to leave a message or not?
“Hi Krista, it’s Neil. When you’ve got a moment, please give me a call. I’d like to take you out again this weekend. Hope you’re having a wonderful day. I’ll be thinking of you.”
He pressed the end button. Was that an okay message? Was it stupid?
What the hell was the matter with him? Of course it was a fine message. Since when did he over think such things. The more he got to know this woman, the more insecure he became. Hopefully she was worth it.
“Well, what did he want?” Jamie stared hard at Krista.
Krista set the phone down on the kitchen table. “A date this weekend.”
Jamie shook her head. “Are you going to go?”
Krista chewed her bottom lip. It was tempting. He was all she’d been able to think about. “I don’t know.”
“All morning you’ve defended his evening out with another woman. And you finally confessed to kissing him.” Jamie gave her a stern look.
Krista grinned. She couldn’t shake that kiss. She was still turned on. Her lower body was craving an intimate meeting with Neil. It had been quite awhile since that part of her body had met flesh and not hard plastic.
“I’m attracted to him in a bad way. But then I think about EJ.”
Jamie sighed and rubbed her arms. “Why is he holding you back so much? Don’t you think he’d want his mommy to have a boyfriend and happy?”
“Seriously? He’s seven. His mommy dating a millionaire is the last thing on his mind.”
“You’re dating a millionaire!” EJ stood at the kitchen doorway with a big grin and wide eyes.
Krista hit her forehead with her hand. “No, I’m not.”
“Is that who sent the flowers?”
She couldn’t just lie to him. “Yes, but we’re just friends. That’s it.”
“Think he’ll buy me anything cool?” EJ continued in an excited voice.
Krista stared at Jamie, hoping she’d see her pleading gaze to help her with this situation. She did. “Did you ever finish building the Lego set I bought you? I want to see it.”
“Yeah. It was hard.” He groaned.
“Show me.” Jamie hopped up from the table and at the doorway turned and mouthed sorry.
Krista took a deep breath and hoped her son didn’t repeat any of what he’d heard to anyone—especially Todd.
But at the moment, she had to decide about Neil. Since EJ was distracted now with Jamie, she grabbed her phone and went out the back door to sit on the porch. Taking another deep breath, she called Neil back. Maybe he’d be busy and not answer.
“Hello, beautiful.”
She was never lucky. “Hi, I got your message.”
“Good. I’d really love to take you out again and I promise, this time it won’t be on a jet.”
Perhaps he had a yacht for this next date. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea.”
“I’m not taking no for an answer. One more date, that’s all I ask. Let me show you that I can be the kind of guy you want to be with.”
It was hard to tell him no, especially when she really didn’t want to. “Okay, but it needs to be somewhere public.”
He chuckled. “Afraid to be alone with me?”
Yes, yes she was. She’d be naked in no time with her legs spread open. “I don’t want you getting the wrong impression.”
“I could wait a lifetime for you, Krista. You’re special.”
Her heart did a flip-flop. This man could make her swoon. He was trouble. “Saturday is best for me.”
“Then Saturday it is. How about we make it a day date? I’d like to make the most of our time together.”
“Okay. Sounds like a plan.” Jamie tapped on the door behind her and mouthed the word Neil. Krista nodded. “Listen, I’m sorry to cut this short, but I’ve got to go.”
“I’ll be in touch soon about our date. I can’t wait.”
“Me too.” She disconnected the call.
With the phone held tightly in her hand, she got up and went back inside where her friend stood with her arms crossed and toe tapping.
“We’re going out this weekend.” A grin spread across her face.
“Did you tell him about EJ yet?”
She shook her head. “No. Thankfully it’s his dad’s weekend. Let’s hope he doesn’t tell Todd I’m supposedly seeing a millionaire.”
Jamie shrugged. “I think I convinced EJ you weren’t.”
What a relief. “Thanks.”
All she needed now was for Todd to demand to meet Neil before this supposed date. The date she planned on being the last one. But so far any plans she’d made about Neil hadn’t worked out. Hell, she hadn’t planned on seeing him again after the first date. Yet now they were pretty much on date three.
Todd was late—which wasn’t like him. EJ sat on the couch, watching some cartoon that Krista didn’t get. It was sort of like a Saturday Night Live type show for kids. Some of the skits were rather funny, while some left her scratching her head. But EJ loved it.
She checked her phone to make sure Todd hadn’t called or sent a message. Nothing. “Hey, EJ. Did your dad say anything about being late?”
“Nope.” His gaze never left the TV screen.
“Is he working late?”
“I don’t know, Mom. Call him.”
Her son was a genius. Why was she fussing about it when all she had to do was call? As she scrolled though her contacts to Todd’s number, she heard the glass door open and a light knock on the door.
“Looks like he’s here.” She opened the door.
Todd stood on the other side with a smile. “Sorry I’m late. I stopped and got coffee. Here.” He handed a cup to her.
She took it, surprised he’d thought of her, and stepped back so he could come in. “Thanks.” She heard the hesitation in her own voice. He’d never done anything like that before.
“I was there and knew I was coming here. No big deal.” He shrugged.
Something in her gut told her it was a big deal. “I appreciate it. That was kind of you.” She turned to face her son. “EJ, Dad’s here.”
“Just a minute.”
“He loves that show,” Todd said.
She nodded and sipped the hot beverage. Mmm, her favorite. Mocha. “Yeah, I know.”
“I personally find it odd.”
Krista glanced at the clock and hoped the show would hurry up. Typically when she had to converse with Todd, she liked to do it over the phone. She didn’t have any hard feelings toward him anymore necessarily. It was still uncomfortable at times to be around him though. They’d once shared everything with one another, and now, only EJ.
“Those flowers are still holding up.” Todd took a sip of his coffee.
She glanced at them. They still bloomed brightly. “Yeah. I’m surprised, since I don’t have a green thumb.”
“Still not seeing the man who sent them?”
She shook her head. She hated lying, but was it really lying? This was a date to show him things wouldn’t work. Just last the last few dates.
“A millionaire sent her those.” Perfect timing. EJ’s show was over.
“A millionaire?” Todd raised an eyebrow.
Krista laughed nervously. “You watch too much TV, EJ.”
“But—”
She gave her son a stern look and he shut up.
“You two have a fun weekend.” Krista held the door open and set the coffee on the end table next to it. “Give me a hug.” EJ wrapped his arms around her and she planted a kiss on the top of his head. “Have fun. I love you.”
“Love you too. Come on, Dad.” EJ grabbed his duffle bag and went out.
Todd stood there. “I’d like to sit down soon so we can talk.”
“About EJ?”
“Not really. We’ll set something up soon. Enjoy your weekend as well.” Todd went out the door.
Krista shut the door. Just what she needed. Todd to throw a curveball in this when she was already stressed enough about Neil. Now she had a feeling Todd wanted to talk about them. But there was no them. After all, he was the one who told her that he’d fallen out of love with her. He couldn’t have possibly re-fallen in love with her, could he?
Chapter Six
A low-key date wasn’t as easy as Neil had thought it would be. Simple, he kept reminding himself. It was the way to win over Krista. And he was pretty sure that this date was simple. It certainly wasn’t the type of date he’d usually offer a woman. Perhaps he’d learn a thing or two from this for the future.
Everything was ready; now all he needed was Krista. He’d planned on picking her up, but she’d been stubborn—as usual. She was meeting him at a park about five minutes from her house.
One last check and he was ready. The drive over to the park was short, but his mind was still clouded with her. It seemed as though his life was revolving around this one woman. One moment he liked it, the next he wanted to run. The last time he’d been head over heels for a woman, it hadn’t gone well. Krista was certainly after his heart, even though she didn’t know it. Hell, even if he handed her his heart on a platter, she’d have some reason to refuse it. And that was why he was so crazy about her. She didn’t care at all about his place in the world or the fact that he owned a chain of successful hotels. He had more money than he’d ever dreamed of, and he could give her any type of life that she’d ever want. He couldn’t remember the last time a woman was interested in him for him. Even then, he wasn’t sure Krista was all that interested in him.
Then again, that kiss. She’d been on fire. Oh yeah, she’d wanted him all right. If they’d been inside her home, he’d have had her naked on the couch in no time, sinking into her warmth. He’d have made love to her until she’d lost her voice and then he’d do it all again.
Pleasing her was something he didn’t think he’d ever tire of. A challenging woman—that’s what he liked about her.
Neil pulled up to the park and found a spot. She’d given him a general idea on where to meet. But he didn’t see her yet. While he waited, he’d find the perfect spot.
After he climbed out of his vehicle, he scanned the area. The green fields led to a lake that he imagined often filled with geese. There was a tall oak tree that supplied a good amount of shade that was nestled near the water.
Picking up the picnic basket and blanket, he made his way over to the tree. He laid out the soft white cashmere blanket then set the basket in the middle. He’d brought candles to light, but now that he was here, he saw how silly that was. The land wasn’t flat enough and the only fire he wanted to start today was Krista’s.
He heard the sound of a breaking twig. Turning, he saw Krista making her way to him and her beauty caused his heart to race. She wore a simple white sundress. Her long red locks were straight. He smiled when he saw the heeled wedge sandals she wore, giving him a glimpse at her rock-hard calves. God, he wished he could run his hands up and down her legs, feeling their smoothness. Slowly he’d make his way higher until one finger could dip into her slit and feel her wetness.
Damn it. He ached to touch her. To have her arch her back, lay her head against this blanket, and let him pleasure her. He wanted to see her face as she released. Would she be a woman who bit her bottom lip to suppress the moan, or would she let her mouth hang open and lose herself in her orgasm as she chanted? At this moment it didn’t matter how much longer she made him wait, it was his goal right now to find out how this woman released.
“Hi.” She smiled and took a seat, tucking her legs under her.
“You look as pretty as ever.”
“Thanks. You look handsome yourself.”
He grinned. Maybe she was fantasizing about ravishing him. “I hope this is okay. I packed a picnic for us and this spot looked good.”
She looked around. “It’s very private.”
“Yes. Though that wasn’t my intention.” Not totally.
“Sure.” She winked at him.
Her mood was much more at ease today. He liked this side of her. “Any fun plans this weekend?”
“Other than today, not at the moment.”
He was surprised she didn’t have a full agenda. “For a single woman, you don’t do a lot. How come?”
She shrugged. “What should I be doing? Going to clubs every night and shopping?”
The women he usually dated did. “Not necessarily. I guess I want to learn what you like to do.”
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “My life is boring in c
apital letters. I have no excitement whatsoever.”
“I don’t think your life is boring. If you’d let me, I’d like to be in it more.”
He waited for her to tell him this was it, but she didn’t. Was she coming around? Had the kiss changed things for her?
Neil opened up the basket and pulled out some of the contents. He set out a bowl of grapes and a small platter of cheese and crackers. He’d packed two plastic cups and a small pitcher of wine.
“That’s the never-ending basket.” Krista giggled.
“In the event you don’t want wine or this, I also have two cans of coke and PB and J.”
“You packed soda and peanut butter and jelly?”
He nodded. “I did. I wanted to impress you.”
“You have.” Her smile filled her face.
Today was on track to being the perfect date.
Krista took a bite of the cheese and a cracker. She couldn’t believe that she was sitting in the middle of park, drinking wine and having a snack with Neil. This was not at all the type of date she’d pictured having with him, but she was enjoying it.
He was fun. He’d been sharing different stories about his life and people he’d met through his business. Some funny stories about those who had stayed at his hotels. If it wasn’t for the fact that they were from two totally different worlds, she would’ve thought he was perfect for her.
She took a long sip of her wine as Neil cleaned up.
“Was lunch okay? I know it wasn’t much.” He set his empty glass back inside the basket.
She handed her cup to him. “It was perfect. Thank you. I enjoyed getting to know you a little better. What’s next?”
He grinned that sexy smile of his that made her heart pitter-patter. “The movies.”
“Oh yeah?”
“I’ll leave it up to you. Do you want to see a new release or one that’s been out for a while?”
It was so high school. Either go see the movie that would be packed with people or the movie where they could sit in the back of the theatre and make out. “We’ll have to see what’s playing first, before I make my decision.”
What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 9) Page 55
