by Boone Brux
Though she thought she heard him call her name, she didn’t stop, wanting to get to her car and mope in peace. She turned the corner and ducked into the parking garage a second before hearing her name again. Water puddled around her feet, and her hair lay plastered to her skull. She shook her head and brushed the dripping strands out of her face. It seemed fitting that she’d forgotten her umbrella. The periodic table of elements she could recite off the top of her head, but she couldn’t remember to bring a damn umbrella.
“Kinni.”
She looked up to see Price standing at the entrance of the parking garage. Though he was every bit as drenched as she was, he didn’t seem to notice or care. His green eyes were riveted on her, but he didn’t move forward. Her mind went blank, the relief of seeing him muting every painful emotion she’d been wallowing in. “You’re wet.”
“So are you.” He took a step toward her. “I saw you at the hotel just now.” A foot from her, he stopped. “Were you there to see me?”
“Uhh.” The image of him and the woman embracing rushed back to her. She nodded. “Yes, but you were occupied. I didn’t want to interrupt.”
His brows pinched together. “Occupied?”
“Yes.” She shifted from foot to foot. “You and that woman. I didn’t want to intrude on your good-bye…or hello. Whatever it was.”
“Ah, I see.” The tight line of his mouth softened to a half smile. “If you had intruded, as you say, I would have been able to introduce you to my business partner.”
“You and your business partner looked very cozy.”
“We are. We’ve got a lot in common. We’re both in the hotel business and love traveling.”
Rub it in, why don’t you. “Sounds like a match made in heaven.”
“We’re both master divers. She even came with me to Belize.”
Why exactly had he come after her? To lord his conquests over her? “It sounds like you’re perfect for each other.”
“We are, except for one thing.” He inhaled and shook his head. “She’s my first cousin.”
“First cousins?” It took a few seconds for the information to register.
“Yes, our moms are sisters.”
A drop of water slid into her eye, and she swiped it with her hand. “So you’re not dating her?”
The left corner of his mouth slowly crept upward. “That might get a little awkward at family gatherings, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, it’s just—” The weight of the past ten minutes lifted from her shoulders. “Sorry.”
His expression sobered. “Why are you here, Kinni?”
She hoisted her purse higher on her shoulder and crossed her arms. “I wanted to talk to you.”
“Here I am.” He shoved his hands into his front pockets and shrugged. “So talk.”
“Okay.” This all seemed so much easier in her head. “Where do I start?” He didn’t reply, only continued to stare. “I know I can be intense and rigid sometimes. When things don’t go as I plan, I tend to compartmentalize things.” He nodded. The fact that he was agreeing with her didn’t actually make her feel better, but at least he was willing to stay and listen. “For me, situations are usually black or white. My relationships, too. They’re either good or bad.”
“That makes it a little tough for us regular mortals.”
“I know.” The rain had sunk through her shirt and was now starting to chill her skin. “I’m trying to be more open to the possibility that if something doesn’t work out one way, it could work out another.”
“That’s a good place to start.” His gaze was steady, but he showed no other sign of what he was thinking. “How’s it working so far?”
“Good, I think.” Taking a deep breath, she plunged forward with her explanation. “Though I didn’t like you making a call to Mr. Lawson on my behalf, I decided to keep the job and prove to him that he hadn’t made a mistake in hiring me.” She stiffened her spine and lowered her arms to appear more relaxed. “And even though I disagree with your methods, I know your heart was in the right place.”
The tension in his body melted and his shoulders relaxed. He released a long quiet exhale. “I am sorry about nosing into your business. I just wanted Jonathan to see what I see in you.”
“I know you did.”
“You’re smart, funny, dependable.” He took a step toward her. “Generous, loving. Crazy hot and an animal in bed.”
“You’re not so bad yourself.” Matching his step, she closed the distance between them another foot. “Thank you for seeing those things in me, because I couldn’t see them in myself. And thank you for believing in me so much that you meddled in my business. But most of all”—one more step and she was close enough to touch him—“thank you for coming after me today.”
“Kinni.” He reached up and brushed a strand of wet hair from her face. “I will always come after you.”
Joy blossomed in her chest, swamping her, and a second later his mouth was on hers, showing her how much he cared. His hand cradled her head, and his lips devoured her mouth. She clung to him, drinking in the feel of his touch, pouring all the love she felt for him into their kiss. Her tongue caressed his, and her damp body molded perfectly to his. After several exquisitely perfect minutes, he broke their kiss.
Running his hands down her arms, he said, “You’re soaking wet.”
Leaning into him, she smiled. “So are you.”
“I should probably get you out of these wet clothes.” He plastered on an exaggerated look of concern. “You know, so you don’t catch a cold.”
“I agree.” Despite being damp, her body was on fire. “As quickly as possible.”
“There’s a nice hotel right around the corner.” He draped his arm across her shoulder and guided her toward the exit. “I hear it’s a full-service place.”
“I love that hotel.” She stopped and stepped in front of him, blocking his path. “And I love the owner.”
“And he loves you more than you know.” He took her face in his hands and kissed her again.
There was no doubt in her mind that nothing in the world had ever felt so right, or made more sense than falling in love.
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About the Author
As a multi-published and an award winning writer, Boone’s books drips with experiences from real life. Addicted to anything that might make a good story, she weaves tales that range from dark fantasy to humorous romance. Settled in the icy regions of Alaska with the love of her life and twin daughters, it’s not uncommon to find her tapping away on her iPad on a windy beach or the barren tundra. Be warned, anyone and everyone is fodder for one of Boone’s novels.
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