He stood up, adjusting the tent in his pants. She looked so hot and seductive, he wanted to take her right there on the sofa, but he sucked it up and reached down for her hand. “Come on. I’ve got something to show you in the bedroom.”
She stood up, grinning. “I’ll bet you do.”
The minute she walked in front of him, he reached down and smacked her on the ass. She jumped and glanced back at him with a sultry smile on her face. “Don’t start nothing you can’t finish.”
With those words, his whole body ached to finish what they’d started.
Chapter 17
Kyla’s prediction had been correct. They spent Sunday night making love until Miles practically fell into a coma, he slept so soundly. Monday morning came around too soon. He took the day off, wanting to spend as much time with Kyla as he could. While she soaked in his bathtub, he cooked the only meal he was any good at, breakfast. He carried a tray of turkey bacon, scrambled eggs, toast and orange juice down the hall, stopping at the bathroom door. Balancing everything on one hand, he knocked on the door.
“Come in,” she called out in a voice that sounded like a woman in love.
Smiling, Miles turned the knob and then grabbed the tray before it tilted over. He entered the bathroom and walked over to the tub. She sat in a pool of bubbles with her hair piled on top of her head. “I thought you could use a little nourishment after last night,” he said, and draped the tray over the edge of the tub.
“You made all this for me?” she asked, squeezing the washcloth in her hand.
He nodded. “See what you got me doing. And I didn’t burn the toast.”
She ate her breakfast while he went back to the kitchen to clean up the disaster area before she finished.
Before lunch, in preparation for the United Negro College Fund Fundraising Gala later that night, Kyla tried on her dress for him. His jaw dropped at the sight of her slim frame in the cream-colored off-the-shoulder dress with small ruffles and lace-up arm details. The dress, with a slit up one thigh, gave her a chic, polished look. She held up her hair, asking him if she should wear it up or down.
Miles walked over and removed her hand, allowing her hair to fall. “Which way do you think I like it?” he asked, before wrapping his arm around her waist.
She placed a palm on his chest. “If you mess up this dress before I have a chance to wear it, I’ll never forgive you.”
“Then I think you’d better take it off,” he said, letting go, but not before giving her a quick kiss on the lips. “Because something about you and this look right here is really turning me on. I’m not sure if we’ll make the fundraiser.” Miles licked his lips, thinking about all the things he wanted to do to her.
As luck would have it, Brandon returned home before Miles and Kyla could get into anything. Over lunch Brandon filled them in on his weekend.
“Miles I know you want me to come work with you after graduation, but I’ve got some great news.”
Miles glanced at Kyla afraid of what his little brother was about to say. Then nodded for Brandon to continue.
“I might be headed to London on a paid internship.”
“London! Why London?” Miles asked.
“Well, my buddy’s dad wants to talk to me about the internship. It will be a chance to get some international experience. Plus, I met a girl from there this week.”
Miles sat back and crossed his arms. “So what you’re really telling me is you met a girl and you want to move to London.”
Brandon shrugged. “Something like that, yeah.”
* * *
“I see that a week on the farm wasn’t enough.” Glenda teased Miles as he stood at the bar waiting on Kyla’s drink. Every year, Parker Edmunds purchased a table for the gala, happy to give their support to the UNCF’s efforts. Glenda wore a black gown with a plunging neckline and front split to show off her supermodel body for her date, Quan.
Miles took a sip of his drink before responding. “A month wouldn’t have been enough.”
Glenda turned around with her back to the bar, finding Kyla across the room. “She’s beautiful and sweet, and she’s all about organic farming. Have you discussed your differences?”
He shook his head. “I’m sure we’ll find some common ground. I don’t have anything against organic farming, you know that. It’s just not how I make my money.”
“But I’m willing to bet it’s her life. And Miles, most organic farmers are very passionate about what they do.”
“Oh, she’s passionate all right, about everything she does. But the farm is run by her cousins. She’s just working there until she gets her PhD.”
Glenda shrugged. “So what? I’m sure she’s not going to give up her nonprofit work once she gets her degree. She’s going to protest against everything you do. Everything we do. And from what I’ve seen so far, she can be very persuasive.”
Miles looked at Kyla, standing several feet away talking to a group of women who worked on the UNCF scholarship fund. Glenda was right about one thing: organic food was Kyla’s life. She planned on spreading her hands-on workshops all over the state of Kentucky, which he could wholeheartedly support. But could she also support him in his efforts to rid the world of hunger in his way?
* * *
Kyla left Chicago Wednesday afternoon, and returned to her life in Danville, Kentucky. She spent the next week missing Miles, having to settle for brief phone calls and text messages. Each morning she woke happy that another day had passed, shortening the time she’d be away from him. She couldn’t wait for him to return to Lexington over the weekend. She was debating whether she’d travel up to see him or whether he’d come down to see her, but either way, he promised they’d see each other. While she worked, images of Miles danced in her head: Miles shirtless, Miles laughing, Miles lying naked next to her and Miles making love to her. But the one image that was etched in her brain was that of Miles admitting he’d broken his vow because he found in her the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
The bright sunshine, the heat and the sweat rolling down Kyla’s back all reminded her that her fantasy weekend was over. She didn’t know what would happen to her and Miles now, but she was glad to be back on familiar territory. She’d missed the morning truck rides, the guests eager to hit the fields to start collecting their dinner and her sidekick, Kevin.
Kyla jumped when the truck door slammed and Kevin walked back toward her. “Is everything okay?” she asked, while shoving empty baskets under the seats of the truck bed.
“Women. I’ll never understand them,” Kevin replied, shaking his head.
“So, what did you do?” she asked, knowing Kevin.
He ran his hand through his hair. “I went out with some friends, and somebody told her they saw me with another woman. Who’s she gonna believe, me or some fool she don’t know?”
“Maybe you need to sit down face-to-face instead of having it out over the phone.”
“Yeah, well, that’s what I’ve been trying to do. She won’t see me.”
“Don’t give up. If you two are meant to be, it’ll work out.” Before she went to check and see if any of the guests needed help, she walked over and stood next to Kevin.
“Well, look at you, giving out relationship advice.”
Kyla waved him off.
“Your weekend must have went better than you’re letting on, considering you extended it and everything.”
She shrugged. “I had a great time with a great guy.”
“Yeah, so I see. What’s that on your face?” He pointed at her cheeks.
Kyla wiped at the sides of her mouth. “I don’t feel anything. Do you still see it?”
“Yeah. It’s a glow, and it’s all over.”
She lowered her hand and punched him in the arm. “I’m gonna hurt you.”
“No, seriously. I noticed
it when you came out the back door this morning.” He threw his hands up and backed up. “That’s all I’m saying.”
Kyla narrowed her eyes at him and looked for something to throw as he kept backing up.
During the ride back to the farm, one of the couples led the group in song. It was shaping up to be a beautiful day. When Kyla walked into the house, Tayler informed her there was a gentleman in the library waiting to talk to her.
“Who is he?” Kyla asked.
Tayler widened her lips and shrugged. “I don’t know. He won’t say.”
“Okay.” Kyla stopped in the bathroom first to wash her hands, then opened the door that separated the family quarters from the rest of the house. In the library, a slender white man stood by the bookshelf looking at the collection of guests’ photographs. He turned around when he heard her enter.
“Hello, I’m Kyla Coleman. Are you waiting for me?”
He smiled and crossed the room, offering his hand. “Yes, Ms. Coleman, my name’s Dave Johnson, and if you have a few minutes I’d like to speak to you about the property on Mansell Road in Nicholasville.”
Kyla’s back straightened. That’s where her parents lived. “What about it?” she asked, unable to keep the defensive tone from her voice.
He looked around. “Do you mind if we sit down?”
She shook her head. “No, have a seat.” The hair on the nape of her neck stood up, and she knew this could not be good news.
He sat on one end of the sofa while Kyla sat on the other. He reached down for a portfolio she hadn’t seen propped next to the sofa and pulled out some papers.
“I’ve just come from the property after making an offer to purchase for a client of mine. As you know, the property is in preforeclosure due to back taxes and overdue loans.” He glanced down at his paper. “The property is deeded to Paula Montgomery.” Then he looked back up at Kyla. “I believe that’s your mother’s maiden name.”
Kyla sat back deep into the sofa and looked at this skinny man with slicked-back black hair and silver wire-rimmed glasses, and wondered who the hell he was. She nodded. “What did you say your name was, again?”
He reached into his jacket pocket and produced a business card. “Dave Johnson, investment Realtor for The Lucas Group.”
She studied the card a couple of seconds, then looked up. “Paula Montgomery is my mother’s maiden name, yes. But, I think somebody’s made a mistake. The property is not in foreclosure.”
He took a deep breath. “No, not yet. It’s in preforeclosure.”
She sat up. “Who told you that? It’s not in pre-or any other type of foreclosure, and it’s certainly not for sale.”
Mr. Johnson cleared his throat. “Hmmm...we’ve sent several letters and postcards, and I visited Mr. Ernie Coleman this morning when I didn’t get a response to any of the correspondence. I’m afraid he was not ready to listen to my offer.”
She crossed her arms. “So, what makes you think I want to hear anything you have to say?”
He cleared his throat. “Yes, well, after I spoke with my client relaying your father’s response, he suggested I come speak to you. He said you would understand the—”
“Wait a minute, who is your client?” she snapped. She’d had just about enough of this guy, who was probably trying to trick her parents out of their land. Where was Gavin? He should be discussing this with him.
“The Lucas Group is representing Parker Edmunds.”
Kyla gasped and tilted her head. She could not have heard him right. “Miles Parker?” she asked for clarification.
“Yes, he suggested I pay you a visit. We’re hoping you can help us.”
The room began to spin, and Kyla’s body weakened. She was at a loss for words. The sensation of things moving too quickly to process took over her body. Miles wouldn’t do this to her! Her heart was pounding as she looked up at this errand boy. “Would you please leave?” she asked with a tremor in her voice.
“Do you think you’ll—”
“GET OUT!” she yelled.
Chapter 18
Kyla spent the rest of Friday catching up on her work. Whatever someone needed help with, she was there. She needed something to keep her mind off her visitor earlier. She didn’t believe a word he’d said. If there was trouble at home, Tracee would have told her. Besides, she told herself there was no way her family was about to lose their farm. Her mother’s family owned other land in Nicholasville, and he must have mistaken the properties.
Miles hadn’t called her all day long, and after what her visitor said, she wasn’t going to call him. Since she’d left Chicago they’d spoken almost every day, so she found it strange that he hadn’t called today.
Saturday morning’s truck ride was a welcome diversion. The guests always kept her busy. For a couple of hours, at least, she was able to get her mind off Miles and her visitor. However, after she returned to the B and B, the thoughts resurfaced. Tracee hadn’t been home last night, and she’d taken the morning off to volunteer with a church program, so Kyla couldn’t talk to her. When Corra asked her to cover the gift shop while she ran into town, Kyla eagerly did so.
Now that people were driving up to the B and B not only as guests, but as patrons of the U-pick store and Rooted Beginnings workshops, business in the gift shop had picked up. Corra practically ran things herself, so whenever Kyla had the time, she helped out as much as she could. Today she decided to do some restocking while Corra was out. In the back room, an endless supply of whatnots in boxes lined the shelves. Kyla took stock of what they were low on and began opening boxes.
A few minutes into her job, the bell over the door jingled. She had a customer. “I’ll be right with you,” she called out before stopping what she was doing and walking out to be of assistance.
Miles stood inside the door looking around, and her heart skipped a beat. He’d gotten a haircut since Chicago, and he looked so handsome. She hesitated before running over to greet him. Why hadn’t he called first?
He smiled the minute he laid eyes on her. “Hey, how you doin’?”
They walked across the floor to greet each other, and she noticed a slight hesitation on his part, as well.
“I’m fine. How did you know I was in here?” she asked.
Miles rocked back on his heels before leaning in for a forehead kiss. She pulled back slightly from the kiss, a little leery of him right now.
“Tayler told me. I went up to the house first. She said you were covering for your cousin.” He took a step closer and pulled her back into his embrace. “What’s wrong, didn’t you miss me?” he asked, kissing her on the neck when she looked away.
Kyla moved out of his arms again and walked over behind the cash register, pretending she had something to do. “Why didn’t you call or text to let me know you were coming?”
He followed her, standing on the other side of the counter. “I told you I’d see you this weekend. I flew in yesterday morning, but I had so much to do I couldn’t get away.”
She nodded. “Like sending some real estate guy over here hoping I’d help you out?” she asked, as she picked up a pencil and tapped it against the counter. She knew the look she gave him made him uncomfortable, and she was happy about that right now.
Miles drew his lips into a straight line and took a deep breath. “He told me you asked him to leave,” he said, frowning.
“So, you did send him to talk to me?” She flipped the pencil over, and it landed on the floor. Her stomach fluttered at the same time, and she blocked it out.
“I did,” he said with confidence. “He was just doing his job, and I thought if he explained it to you, you might be able to explain it to your father.”
He looked so calm, standing there telling her he wanted to take her family’s land. She couldn’t believe it. “I think you need to start from the beginning and tell me what this is about. I
s that the land Glenda mentioned looking at in Nicholasville?” she asked in an uncertain tone.
He nodded. “Yeah, we’ve been looking to purchase some property south of Lexington, and Glenda found this preforeclosure over a month ago. But the deed wasn’t under Coleman, so I had no idea your parents lived there. It was just another business deal. But I’ve never been comfortable with foreclosures, so I had my advisor dig around and get me some information on the owners. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t putting anyone out in the street. Just last week I learned the occupants were your parents.”
Kyla shook her head. “I don’t believe you. Like I told your real estate guy, if my parents were losing their home, I think I would know.”
He leaned against the counter palms down and looked genuinely concerned. “Kyla, I’m sorry. I hate to be the one to break it to you.”
She crossed her arms. “Even if it were true, you didn’t say anything to me once you discovered it. We’ve spoken since last week.”
“I know. I thought you might be embarrassed if I brought it up, although you shouldn’t be. We’ve sent cards to your father offering to purchase the land. But he’s never replied.”
She kept shaking her head. “My family is not moving, nor is their land for sale. You must have mixed something up.” She heard her own voice rise several octaves, and a heavy feeling weighed on her chest.
Miles came around the counter closer to Kyla. She wanted him to stop. She didn’t want him to touch her.
He reached out and held her by the arms. “Kyla, you think the whole time we were looking at the land we knew it belonged to your family? That I knew your mother and father lived on that land and I didn’t say anything to you?”
She nodded. “You want me to talk them into selling, don’t you?”
He took a deep breath. “They’re about to lose the land, Kyla. If you don’t believe me, call them and find out for yourself. I’m surprised you didn’t already know.”
Something About You Page 15
