“Well, you came at a very bad time. I’m about to leave for a trip.” Briana turned to head back to her bedroom and swayed.
Kara frowned. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t have time—oh God.” She crumbled.
“Briana.” Kara rushed forward to break her fall, but didn’t make it. The thud of her sister’s head hitting the floor made her wince. She dropped on her knee and lifted Briana’s head up. “Help! Mrs. Marten…Baron,” she yelled.
Sounds of running feet came from the stairs, and then Baron asked, “Where are you?”
“In here.”
He rushed into the room, squatted beside her, and touched Briana’s forehead. “What happened?”
“She swayed and keeled over. She hit her head pretty hard.” She touched the back of Briana’s head. “It’s already swelling. Could you carry her to the bedroom, please?”
“Of course.” Baron easily lifted Briana off the floor.
“This way.” Kara turned toward the stairs and saw the housekeeper. “Mrs. Marten, do you know her doctor’s phone number?”
“Yes, it’s on the fridge door downstairs,” the housekeeper said.
“Get it for me please, and a cold compress or ice for her head.”
She led Baron to Briana’s opulently decorated gold and tan bedroom. Clothes were all over the bed, which she swept to the side to create room. Briana moaned and her eyelids lifted just as Baron laid her down.
“She’s coming around,” he said.
“Thanks, Baron.” Kara slipped beside him, her eyes on her sister. “You took a really bad spill, sis. How are you feeling?”
“Like crap,” Briana snapped, frowning. Her sister’s gaze shifted to Baron, the frown melting away. “Did she call you Baron? As in her boss, Baron Fitzgerald?”
“Sorry we’re meeting under such circumstances. I’ll let your sister—”
“No, don’t go yet.” She grabbed his hand and started to sit up. “I can’t believe we’ve never met.”
Baron pressed on her shoulder. “Please, lie down until your sister figures out what’s wrong with you.”
Briana patted his hand. “I’m okay. Kara gave me quite a shock sneaking up on me, that’s all. She didn’t even bother to tell me she’s brought a guest.” She threw Kara a censoring look then turned on the sweetness as she smiled at Baron.
Resentment and a large dose of possessiveness sucked concern for her sister right out of Kara. No way in hell would she let the hussy pull a seductive number on Baron. Yes, she was an adult and had no reason to act like she owned the guy but a line had to be drawn.
Kara narrowed her eyes at her sister. “Briana, we’ll let you rest—”
“But I don’t need to rest, Kara.” Briana’s gaze didn’t shift from Baron. “Why don’t you give me a moment to catch my breath and I’ll join you downstairs,” she purred, making goo-goo eyes at him.
Please don’t let him fall for her act…
Kara repeated that sentence like a litany. She didn’t realize her hands had fisted until Baron covered one with his and gently stroked her knuckles, infusing her with warmth. She swallowed and glanced at him, relief surging through her. He was scowling down at Briana, looking more puzzled than impressed.
“Ms. Kara, I got the ice,” Mrs. Marten said from the bedroom doorway.
“Thank you.” Kara reluctantly slipped her hand from under Baron’s, joined the housekeeper, and took the ice pack. “Is this the first time she’s fainted?” she asked her in a low voice.
The housekeeper glanced toward the bed and its occupant then shook her head. “No. It happened last week, twice. She doesn’t eat enough. I told her it’s not healthy for her and the baby, but she won’t listen. This morning she refused breakfast. Mr. Jim begged her to eat. Still, she refused.”
It was obvious the housekeeper truly cared for Briana. She’d been with them for three years now and often treated both Jim and Briana like she would her children.
“Why don’t you go downstairs and prepare something she likes. I’ll figure out how to make her eat it.” She joined Baron by Briana’s bedside and bent to press the ice pack against Briana’s head. “Hold it right here or the swelling will only get worse.”
Briana glared at her and didn’t touch the ice pack. It fell on the bed.
Time you grew up, little princess. If she wanted a swollen head, then that was up to her. Kara smiled at Briana, straightened her body, and turned to Baron. “Can we talk?”
“Yeah, sure.” He stepped away from the bed and reached for her hand, again. “I hope you feel better, Mrs. Wilkins.”
Briana sat up, one hand reaching for the ice now. “That’s what everyone calls Jim’s mother. Please call me Briana. Don’t leave yet. I want to know what…” her gaze narrowed on their linked hands, “my sister’s been up to.”
Baron gave her a brief smile. “Maybe next time. I hope you feel better.” His tone was impersonal. Then he walked with Kara toward the door.
Kara grinned at the petulant expression on her sister’s face. Briana had finally met a man who didn’t bend over backwards to accommodate her. That it was Baron, her man, pleased Kara. Yes, she was laying claim on him, even if it was just for two weeks. Only a fool would let an affair with a man who looked like a god, promised decadence, and turned her on with a look pass her by. And she, Kara Michaels, was not a fool. As soon as they got to Idaho, she’d tell him a big fat yes to sleeping in his arms, to the right to touch and love him, and to indulge in her wildest fantasies. Just thinking about it made her heart hum with anticipation.
They entered the hallway and Baron turned to look at her. She studied his handsome face, the sensual curve of his lips and the arrogantly slanted eyebrows. Would she ever get used to his beauty or generous heart? Even now, he studied her with creases on his brow.
She reached up and ran her fingers across his forehead, attempting to even out the folds. “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine.”
“I’m more worried about you. Do you think you’ll be okay?”
Her throat blocked with emotion. Worrying was usually her department while her family just assumed she’d be okay. For the first time someone put her feelings first. It felt wonderful. Kara smiled.
“Yes I will, and thanks for…,” she searched her brain for a more apt word and chose, “caring.”
A sensual gleam glistened in the depth of his eyes. “Oh, sweetheart, if you only knew.”
The endearment and the simple statement held a wealth of meaning that left Kara hoping he truly cared about her, not as someone he wanted to have sex with but as a person. She went on her toes to press a kiss on his cheek, her eyes closing as she soaked in his warmth, musky scent, his very essence.
Her eyes snapped open when her lips encountered his instead. He’d turned his head when she wasn’t watching. Kara broke the contact and swallowed.
It was just a feather kiss, mere whisper, but her entire body warmed. She glanced toward her sister’s bedroom and said in a breathless rush, “You’d better go. Your cabby can’t wait forever and my sister needs food and—”
His mouth cut through her nervous stutter, took her on a rollercoaster ride of sensual delight until her head was filled with broken thoughts and flashing lights. The kiss ended too soon, left her with the taste of him still teasing her palate. Kara licked her lips and opened her eyes. Their gazes met and locked, both of them struggling to breathe evenly.
She didn’t intend to say, “Wow,” but she did anyway then blushed when his lips twitched as though he was suppressing a smile.
He ran his knuckles along her jawline. “You can’t tease a starved man with the promise of food and expect him to act sane.”
“I’m food now?”
He chuckled. “Only the kind I plan to indulge in day and night for two weeks. When do you think you’ll come home?”
He made it sound like he couldn’t wait to ravish her, which should be intimidating but instead was rather exciting. Kara took a deep breath and
made sure she could talk without panting before she spoke.
“Tomorrow, I think. Jim’s mother is flying in later today.”
“Do you think she can handle your sister?”
“Oh yeah. I’ve met her before and know she doesn’t take any mess from anybody. With her around, Briana will be eating for two, won’t wear those ridiculous high-heels, or avoid her doctor’s orders.”
His hand dropped from her face. “Call me tonight when you’re sure about tomorrow. I don’t want to get the tickets until I know you’ll be there.” He brushed his lips over hers and murmured, “I’m looking forward to Idaho.”
“Me too.”
He grinned, then turned and headed downstairs. Kara leaned against the railing and waved when he glanced up one last time before he exited the house. She pressed her fingers on her lips, paused to wipe the grin from her face before she re-entered Briana’s room.
CHAPTER 8
Kara found Briana in the middle of the bed, legs crossed, and the ice pack pressed against her head. “I never thought I’d live to see the day my perfect sister falls from grace,” she said with a laugh. “An affair with the boss? Give me the details?”
Kara didn’t rise to the taunt, though she was surprised. Briana never spoke to her like that before. She often whined and found someone to blame for her problems. Kara kept on smiling until she stopped in front of Briana.
“I have nothing to be ashamed of, Briana. He’s gorgeous and totally into me.” The last part was unnecessary but it felt good to rub it in.
Briana snickered. “Please. You’ve got to be desperate to brag about someone else’s man. Last I heard, he was getting hitched while you were busy pining for him in his basement. Mom told me.”
Kara stiffened. She never told their mother she liked Baron, but her feelings must have been apparent. That their mother shared her thoughts with Briana hurt.
“I guess you’re now just like all the other home wreckers chasing after married men.” Her chin trembled, the telltale sign that the water works were about to commence.
Kara frowned. Could her sister be worried about Jim cheating on her? Not likely. The man was nuts about Briana. As for her ridicule, Kara could explain about Valerie and Baron’s marital status, but that wouldn’t reassure Briana. Her sister was spoiling for a fight and would just find something else to harp on. For now, discussing Baron was out.
“How’s your head?” Kara asked.
“How long has the affair been going on?” Briana dropped the ice pack on the side table and braced herself against the bed with her elbows, a smug smile on her painted lips.
“Mrs. Marten made something for you to eat,” Kara said as if Briana hadn’t spoken. “Afterwards, I can go with you to the doctor. The fainting spells could be caused by something other than lack of food.”
“How long, sis?”
Amazing how tenacious her fickle sister could be when she wanted to hurt Kara. She had been like that since they were little. “Why didn’t you tell me you had miscarriages or that you’re expecting? Why did I have to hear it from Mom?”
“How does it feel to be the other woman?”
Kara clenched her teeth. “You call me every time you have a crisis. Why not this time?”
“I’m a married woman now, Kara. I pick and chose what I share with you.” Despite her flippant assertion, an uneasy expression crossed her face. “He’s hot…your Baron. If I weren’t married, I’d—”
“Do nothing because I’d kick your ass from here to hell and back.” She’d let Briana get to her. Kara massaged her temple and sighed. As expected from her interaction with Briana, she felt a headache coming. Her sister’s smug smile didn’t help either.
“Look. I don’t know what’s happening with you or in your marriage, but you’re pregnant now and about to become a mother. You need to cut the bullshit and start acting right.” She indicated the clothes on the floor. “What’s the point of this? You want to kick Jim out when you’re about to have a kid together? What next? Ask him for a divorce? Get a job?” Her sister had no qualifications to speak of. Her modeling career was behind her—she’d pissed off every photographer on the west coast.
Briana got up and made a face at Kara, hands going on her hips. “If you can’t give me a straight answer about your affair, I don’t see why I should tell you anything.”
“My relationship with Baron is none of your business, Briana.”
“Is that right? So what gives you the right to butt into mine…to talk to my man behind my back? You’re my sister. When it comes to any problems in my marriage,” her voice broke, “you take my side, not his.” Her chin trembled again.
Kara pinched the bridge of her nose. Whether she liked it or not, she was being dragged into Briana’s mess again. If she weren’t pregnant, I swear I’d tell her to seek therapy then leave.
“He’s been acting strange and I need to know why. I know he’s not messing with anyone here in San Diego. While he’s on the road, I always make sure no groupies hang around him, which is why I’m catching the next flight to Atlanta.” She walked around the bed, picked up a suitcase from the floor, and threw it on the bed.
Kara sighed. “I’m sure he’s picked up on your distrust, which would explain the changes you see in him. Don’t you know that without trust you have no chance of making your marriage work?”
Briana’s eyes flashed. “You’d like that wouldn’t you? Payback for stealing him from you, uh?”
“Oh, just grow up already,” Kara snapped. “Your mess gets uglier every time I see you.”
“And sleeping with your married boss isn’t ugly? Don’t be a hypocrite, Kara. FYI, I trust my man. I just don’t trust the bitches that don’t seem to care that he has a wife.” She shot Kara a pointed look then scooped a bunch of clothes from the bed, straightened, and swayed.
Kara stifled the urge to rush to Briana’s side though she moved closer in case she had to break her fall. She waited until her sister dropped the clothes and sat on the bed, then walked to her side.
“Why don’t you worry about your health and child instead? You can hardly walk without keeling over. Jim loves you, otherwise he wouldn’t have called me. And just so you know, this is the first time he’s called me since you two became engaged. He’s worried about you.”
Briana’s eyes filled with tears. “We had a horrible fight and I told him…terrible things. I know he hates me now.” She dropped her head in her hands. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m angry all the time.”
She really didn’t want to feel sorry for Briana, but it was obvious her sister needed help. Even her cruelty now was out of norm. Kara squatted so they were eye level. “It’s probably the hormones, Briana. You need to talk to someone about this…your doctor or other women who’ve been through childbirth.”
Briana wiped the tears from her cheeks and shot Kara a beseeching look. “There’s a pre-natal class offered by the local hospital, but Jim said he can’t come with me. Why should I do everything by myself? It’s his child, too.”
Kara forced herself not to roll her eyes. “He’s doing his part, playing ball and bringing home money. If he were home, he’d go with you.”
Briana was silent for a moment. “Could you go with me?” she mumbled.
“Today? Sure.”
She shot Kara another glance from under her lashes. “Not just today. With Jim gone so much, you could stay here for a little while and—”
“I can’t.” Kara jumped up. “I have a job and a life, Briana. In Los Angeles.”
“It’s not as if you can’t do your job from here. I mean you don’t have to go the office or meet with people to clean paintings.”
Whatever sympathy Kara had felt for Briana evaporated. “Actually, I do.”
Briana shot her a pleading glance. “How about I come to Los Angeles and stay with you?”
Hell no. Briana at her place would drive her crazy within a day. Besides, Kara had no intention of backing out of the two-week anti
cipated rendezvous with Baron. She frowned. Was she being selfish by not being there for Briana?
“You can’t. I have too many things on my plate right now. Besides, your mother-in-law’s coming to stay with you.”
“What? That old goat hates my guts.” The pleading look disappeared from Briana’s face.
“Nothing brings around an old goat like a grandchild. You two can bond while you shop and decorate the baby’s room.” Kara started for the door.
“Kara, please. Let me stay with you.” Briana’s voice shook.
“No.”
“You hate me,” she wailed.
God, what a baby. “No, I do not.”
“Then why are you acting like this? You’re usually nicer.”
Look where that got me. Kara paused by the door and looked back at her sister, whose eyes were too dry for someone close to tears. Her performance had gotten better since she last saw her.
“I’m not acting, Briana. I’m tired of babying you. Yes, I’m usually nicer because I give in to your demands. This time I’m saying no. It’s time you stood on your own feet and accepted your responsibilities. Start by taking care of yourself and your baby. Get to know you mother-in-law. You both love Jim, a starting point in my book.”
“Is it the things I said about you and your boss? I’m sorry. I didn’t really mean them.”
Kara shook her head at the insincere apology. “No, you’re not, but feel free to lob more salvos at me anytime. They don’t change a thing. I’d never mess around with a married man. That you choose to believe it is your prerogative. Jim asked me to stay with you until his mother gets here. I intend to do exactly that, and then I’m going home.”
Kara didn’t wait to see how Briana received her little speech. She left the bedroom, feeling lighter and freer, and went downstairs. She grabbed her purse from the hall table and went in search of the housekeeper.
Mrs. Marten was in the kitchen baking fresh croissants, but looked up then shifted to see behind Kara expectantly. A crestfallen expression settled on her face. “She’s not coming?”
Kiss Me Crazy Page 11
