His gut filled with relief. And jealousy. Now he could admit it to himself.
“I do love her,” Dennis said.
Craig studied his friend, wondering if Dennis concealed a secret love that had not been returned.
“Not the in love, bed partner, or marrying kind,” Dennis clarified. “It’s more like, well, there are times she’s like a sister. Sometimes she’s much more. I can say anything. Do anything. It makes no difference to her who I’m with. Hell, in high school she was more concerned with my dates than she was her own. She went so far as to pick out girls for me. Even draw attention to the finer points of some prospects. She’d tell me how to dress or what cologne to wear to seduce my dates. Afterwards, the crazy girl asked for details?”
“Details?”
“I drew the line at that. Even though she begged, saying she needed to know for her own dates. She had a way of drawing certain information out of me. She’s easy to talk to, kind of like one of the guys. But I didn’t tell her everything.” While saying that last bit, Dennis gave Craig a knowing look of significant communication, a covenant shared only between men.
“God, I hope not,” Craig muttered.
“We shared a lot of secrets. I guess we do have an extraordinary connection. It’s hard to explain. I’m smart enough to appreciate its rarity.”
“I have no idea what to say to that.”
“You don’t have to say anything, except you’ll accept Kelly for the spirited person she is.”
“That I can promise.”
“You girls gonna talk all day, or get busy?” Craig turned, spotting two men who had zeroed in on the entire conversation. One of the guys had his arms resting on the top rope.
“All right. We’re done,” Dennis called back. He held the ropes while Craig climbed down from the mat.
Craig headed to the locker room carrying a much lighter load on his shoulders. Still, Dennis was his best friend, and he needed to be sure the guy was okay with things. Just before they entered, Craig asked. “Then you don’t mind—”
“Haven’t you heard anything I said?” Dennis slapped him on the back
“Yes. And it sounds to me like you have a thing for Kelly. I want to know exactly what I’m getting into.”
“Affection? Fondness? Devotion? All of those. Nothing personal or intimate.”
“I really like her, Dennis. I’ve never had a woman get under my skin like she has. I can’t even explain it. I just know I want to be with her. The only way I’d walk away would be if you already had an interest.”
“Sorry, buddy. Sounds to me like it’s already too late.”
“I would never do anything to destroy our friendship,” Craig guaranteed him.
“We’re good. As for me and Kelly, whatever bond we have, it’s safe. Relax. Did I say she has a mind of her own? She has a voice too, and damn well knows how to use it. At the top of her lungs if she feels it necessary. The woman would tell me to mind my own business if I tried to boss her around. You don’t know what you’re in for,” he chuckled.
Craig had been given the green light. At least he thought he had. “If you don’t want her for yourself, that’s all I need to know.”
“You’re one of the few men I’d trust with her. If you choose to pursue her, better make it fast.”
“Why?”
“You’re leaving, Kelly will be gone soon.”
His gut jerked at the thought of being separated from her before having the chance to explore their attraction. He’d told her last night he would stay. For a week, two, or longer. He’d stay until he needed to leave.
“You look entirely too pleased with yourself,” Dennis noted.
“I haven’t gone anywhere yet. Think I’ll hang around for a while.”
“That’s the Craig I know. Where have you been?”
Chapter 10
Curled up with a cup of coffee, Kelly sipped the hot brew, glad to have the apartment to herself. It gave her time to get her thoughts in order. A week ago, she’d been involved with a married man and sworn off men all together. Last night, she’d forgotten all her loathing, and lusted after the hottest man she’d ever met.
Craig’s behavior made sense now. Of course, she hadn’t been at all happy when he accused her of playing a game. She would never two-time a guy, especially after being on the receiving end of Robert’s betrayal.
Once Craig aired his suspicion, they were able to relax, sharing pizza and wine, comfortable with each other, without the previous tension. The distrustful tension, that is. The sexual tension had surrounded them in abundance.
Which brought her back to her misgivings. The guy was sex on a stick. She wanted to lick, taste, bite, gorge herself. But Robert had done a number on her and she just didn’t trust herself. True, Craig was only here for a short time. She’d be going home in a week or so, unless Dennis convinced her to stay. And that looked more appealing than returning to Virginia. So, did she jump back on the horse? Or keep her distance?
Why, she had to ask herself.
Why couldn’t she just have fun? Maybe she could have a fling with Craig. A week of fun and no strings. Things would end soon enough. But he tugged at something deep inside of her, and she wasn’t the one-night-stand or fling type.
Her cell phone vibrated, a number she didn’t recognize. Normally, she hesitated, or let the call go to voicemail. Her instincts were telling her to answer.
“Hello.”
“It’s Craig.”
Kelly’s heart did a somersault. His husky voice had her sitting up straight with her feet planted on the floor. Her hand was shaking, so she set her cup on the table to keep from spilling.
“Hi, Craig.” She hoped she didn’t sound like an eager teenager.
“I wanted to thank you for last night.”
His raspy voice created a hum in her tummy, not to mention what the reminder of last evening’s kiss produced. She doubted the kiss was what he referred to. She decided to keep the tone light.
“Pizza and wine? You’re welcome.”
“And the conversation.”
“I enjoyed our talk as well.”
“I’ve changed my schedule. I’ll be staying here for another week or so.”
She wanted to dance.
Hadn’t she been sitting here, lecturing herself about her previous relationship and swearing off men? How could she do that when she’d just met someone interesting?
“I have another week before I have to go back to work. Dennis is trying to talk me into staying longer. I’m thinking about it.”
“Maybe I can help you make up your mind.” His sexy voice teased.
Yes, he certainly could. She refused to acknowledge how eagerly she looked forward to his attempts.
“Really? How would you do that?”
“What do you say to dinner tonight? Just you and me.”
Yes, yes, yes. She might as well face it. Craig was too irresistible to resist.
“I’d like that. What time?”
“Seven?”
She glanced at her watch. Five hours from now. “I’ll be ready. How shall I dress?”
“Nothing fancy. We’ll have dinner. Maybe a drive. We can finish our conversation.”
“Sounds wonderful. See you at seven.”
She ended the call and held the phone next to her heart. An actual date. Now she’d have an opportunity to wear one of the gorgeous dresses from her shopping excursion with Dennis. She stood in front of the closet and threw open the doors. Several garments, with tags attached, hung in a row. She quickly slipped through each one, trying to decide which to wear.
The Persian blue matched Craig’s eyes. She snatched the hanger and ran her fingers over the silk. She thought Dennis had gone off his rocker when he purchased it f
or her. Now she was damn glad he had.
~ ~ ~
Hooking an earring into her ear, Kelly didn’t know Dennis was home until she heard a loud whistle. Turning, she found him leaning against the doorjamb, looking like a wolf about to gobble up Little Red.
“Best money I ever spent. You’re a knockout. Where are we going?”
“I am going out.” She ignored him and sat on the bed to slip on her shoes. The black, shiny sling-backs complimented the dress and were the perfect height. After securing the straps, she stood and smoothed the clingy material over her hips.
“Lucky devil. You’re going to knock Craig on his ass in that outfit.” He gave her a long, slow perusal. “Poor guy won’t know what hit him.”
“Poor Craig?”
A laugh slipped from his throat. “No. Poor me. You’re deserting me.”
“You’re a big boy.”
He smiled. “Unfeeling witch.”
“You love every minute,” she said as she patted his cheek, squeezing by him on her way to the bathroom. She dug in her makeup case for lipstick.
“Why do women wear that gunk?”
“Men like us to look nice.”
“Then we kiss it right off. Why don’t makeup retailers make products that taste good?”
She met his gaze in the mirror. “You don’t like the taste of lipstick?”
“Now if you had some chocolate—”
“If you want chocolate, eat candy. A woman’s lips are not food.” His lips curved up in a mocking grin.
“If a man doesn’t nibble on your lips, he’s not kissing you right.”
The thought of Craig nibbling on her lips sent a tingle to her belly. She stepped around Dennis and went back to the guest room for her purse. He followed.
“Have you decided when you’re heading back to Virginia?”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“No. You can thank me, though.” He folded his arms and leaned against the wall, crossing his feet. The smirk on his face set off her alarm bells. He had a secret that he was bursting to tell.
“Oh? Why would I do that?” She raised one eyebrow in suspicion.
“I paid Craig a visit.”
Now he had her attention. “And?”
“I wanted to pay him back for his prank. Especially since he planned to throw ice on me.”
She narrowed her eyes and asked, “What did you do?”
“Invited him to the boxing gym.”
Invited . . .
“You fought?” she squealed.
“Sort of.” Dennis gave a wink, then turned, striding to the kitchen with a confident swagger, knowing she’d be hot on his heels.
“Come back here and tell me what happened.”
Dennis snatched a beer from the fridge, twisted the top on the bottle and took a long pull. “I didn’t hurt him. Got a few punches in though.”
“You hit him? Because he threw a bucket of ice water on me that was meant for you?”
Dennis burst out laughing. “You should have seen his face. I had him going for a while there.”
“At my expense.” She crossed her arms and glared. A well-known mischief-maker, Dennis was hopeless. He’d staged a lot of pranks. Evidently, so had Craig. But fighting? With Craig’s physique, she thought he could hold his own. She wasn’t too worried.
Dennis pulled out a chair and sat. Impulsively, she did the same. “And?”
“I let him think I was furious for what he did to you. He thought you were my girl, so. . .”
She tensed. She thought she’d straightened that out last night.
“You played along,” she reasoned.
“Yep, I did.” He sat there with an egotistical smirk.
“You did eventually set him straight, right?”
“We threw a few punches, then he saw the joke for what it was.” Dennis shrugged and took a swig of his beer.
“One of these days I’m going to take a giant, sharp pin and let the air out of that big head of yours.” Leaning on her hands, she rose from the chair and pushed away from the table. “And I’m supposed to thank you? It’s a wonder he bothered to call.”
“I convinced him to stick around.”
“Hmmm. I’m sure there’s more to it, but thank you.” She turned to walk away, but not before delivering a parting shot. “Craig better not be sporting a black eye.”
“Don’t be late,” Dennis called as she walked off.
“Don’t wait up.” She kissed her fingertips and blew in his direction.
Dennis and his shenanigans. As long as he hadn’t scared Craig off.
The anticipation of spending an evening with Craig made her jumpy. Nerves? It wasn’t nerves about going on a date. More like restless anticipation. Now that Craig knew she didn’t have a boyfriend, he had no reason to hold back.
She couldn’t wait to see him.
~ ~ ~
Craig thought Kelly was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. A blue silky creation slithered over her breasts and hips, making her look entirely too inviting. Long golden waves surrounded her shoulders, emphasizing the opening V of her dress and an admirable amount of cleavage. The skirt hit at her knees, hiding the long length of thigh he’d seen at the pool. Still, the clinging outfit hid nothing and accented her splendid body. As he took her arm, he fingered the elegant silk, wondering how in the world he was going to keep his hands off her.
He ushered her to the truck, thinking it would be safer to keep moving. Now that he knew he had a chance with her, it wouldn’t do to attack her the first moment they were alone.
The tie around his neck might as well have been a noose by the way it choked him. He knew the reason he had difficulty breathing was the woman sitting beside him, and had nothing to do with clothing. The interior of the vehicle suddenly seemed too small. Damn, he’d been in difficult situations where worry had made him sweat. But seeing Kelly in her sexy attire, smelling like a delicious confection he desired to eat, was pure torture.
When they arrived at the restaurant, he noticed the appreciative stares from other men. He smiled, pleased she was with him, yet jealousy flared, enough to punch any man who looked at her longer than necessary. He’d never had such a reaction while in the company of a beautiful woman. His home being in San Francisco, plenty of opportunities arose to escort gorgeous females to various functions. Attractive women constantly strived for his attention. None could hold a candle to Kelly.
True, she was beautiful. Underneath, he knew an exceptional woman existed. Kelly was easy to talk to. More than comfortable in her presence, he felt like he’d known her forever. His buddy had provided many details, but being near her, he found he wanted more. More time, more touches, and after that exhilarating kiss, more of her delicious taste.
He pressed his hand gently in the middle of her back, guiding her through the restaurant, conscious of the heat generated by a simple touch. They reached their table, he held the chair for her, then brought his seat beside her, rather than sitting directly across. He didn’t like the idea of being so far away. Her fragrance, just light enough to entice, tantalized his senses, engaging his awareness, luring him close.
He ordered a bottle of champagne.
“Champagne?”
“I thought the occasion called for it.”
“What’s the occasion?”
He leaned closer, yet resisted touching her hand with his own. Now that he knew the truth, he could wait. Anticipation would drive them both to madness.
“We’ve been circling each other like a couple of apprehensive adolescents. Fools, actually. Speaking just of myself, of course. Too busy fighting this astounding attraction, I couldn’t get out of my own way.”
“I will admit the signals were confusing. So,
we’re celebrating?”
“We’ve come to our senses. Our first date.”
“You have the assumption there will be another.” A corner of her mouth lifted in a flirtatious gesture. Before he could respond, the waiter returned with a silver bucket and two champagne flutes. He wrapped a white linen napkin around the bottle and poured. The gold liquid rose, fizzing in the glasses. The waiter left, and Craig caught her gaze.
“You may be assured that there will be another.” He lifted his glass. “To the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Her eyes sparkled, and her lips curled into a megawatt smile. God, the woman stirred his blood.
“Cheers.” She lightly clinked her glass to his, then placed her plush lips on the edge of the crystal, causing a rush of heat in his groin.
“You look stunning in that dress.”
“Thank you,” she said as she placed her glass on the table. “You look quite handsome yourself.”
“I’ve been looking forward to this evening.” He watched her delicate fingers play with the stem of her crystal. Every move she made added fuel to his lust and chipped away at his control.
“I was a little surprised.”
“That I asked you out?”
“That you called me after Dennis assaulted you.”
“Assaul— It was nothing so serious. And nothing could have kept me from calling. Dennis pretended to be angry. I met him at the boxing ring. With my mind trying to figure out why he was so mad, I didn’t detect his hoax. We traded a few punches before he fessed up.”
“I don’t see any ill effects.”
“I can handle my own.” Craig shrugged, then took a sip of his champagne while peering over the rim, holding her gaze. He could stare at her for hours.
“I can only imagine the pranks you two pulled in college.”
Instant Enticement Page 14
