She sucked in a quick breath. “How did you know?”
“I overheard.” He reached up to his ear and took out a hearing aide. “George was talking my ear off, but I had my hearing device tuned into your office.”
Her cheeks heated, so she looked away. “Okay, I’ll confess, although I thought last night was a dream, you did bring up some good points that made me want to ask questions.”
His finger stroked her chin, turning her face to his. Her heart seemed to jump to her throat and she cursed his charm.
“I take it you didn’t find any answers,” he asked.
“No.”
“Don’t give up. We’ll find them.”
“No, we won’t. Listen, Eli, I still don’t believe you’re from the future.”
He shrugged. “Then who am I and how did I get your father’s ring?”
“Wish I knew.”
He chuckled and sat back in his seat. “For now, let’s just pretend we’re cousins.” He gave her a wink. “Very distant cousins.”
Shaking her head, she put the car in drive and headed toward her destination further into the city. As she drove, her mind filled with questions that needed answering before she went completely insane. Hopefully, he would give her reassuring answers. His invigorating presence bothered her, almost as much as her confusion.
“Eli?”
“Yes?”
“Can you kindly explain what you meant last night when you suggested Terrel was using me for the prestige my family’s name will bring him?”
He chuckled. “Your father was the Senator of New York a couple of years ago.”
She scowled, tightening her hands on the steering wheel. “I don’t see how my father has anything to do with Terrel Montgomery. Terrel is a powerful man in his own right. Why would he need my father?”
“Because the state of New York loved your father when he was Senator. Your father has certain connections Terrel will never possess.”
“It still doesn’t make sense.”
“Believe me, Kendra, it will in a few years when Terrel befriends some of the connections through your father, and it’s through them that he gains more power.”
Rolling her eyes, she concentrated on driving in silence. During the fifteen minutes it took to get to the store, Eli played with the radio stations. The constant flipping of channels grated on her nerves, but finally he settled on classic rock. He hummed along and tapped his toe. She couldn’t believe how well she enjoyed his deep voice.
One thing that bothered her was the way he kept his eyes on the road...and on the other cars passing. Whenever a car would stop beside them as they waited for a traffic light, Eli would scrunch in the seat and put his hand to his face as if he didn’t want anyone to look at him. Perhaps he didn’t like crowds. So, instead of taking him to Montgomery Aisle, she took him to a smaller men’s clothing store. One not so elaborate.
When she pulled into a parking stall and killed the engine, he leaned over and touched her arm. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For not deserting me.” He stroked her cheek. “You’re an exceptional woman.”
His attention dropped to her lips, and an irregular pound began in her heart. Would he kiss her? But he pulled away, opened his door and climbed out. She remained seated only until she could control her quick breaths, but soon he opened her door again.
He held out his hand for her to take, which she did. She couldn’t tear her attention away from his eyes when his warm fingers encompassed hers; the warmth from his body blended with hers and caused havoc to her system. Eli had literally put a spell on her.
“Tell me, do all the men from your time possess such superb manners?”
His chest shook with silent laughter. “No.”
“Then why are you so different?”
“Where I come from, it’s not often I see a real lady. Believe me when I say it’s an honor to treat you like this.” He gave her a wink. “I enjoy giving attention to such a beautiful woman.”
Her cheeks tingled with a familiar burning and she looked away. “Okay, Eli, if anybody asks, you are my cousin from...from...”
“Minnesota? Just off the farm?”
He poked her in the ribs and she jumped. The mere touch of his finger sparked something incredible in her that she didn’t want to think about.
She let out a shaky laugh. “Okay, from Minnesota.”
He stayed right by her side as they walked through the small store. Her elbow continued to bump into his, causing greater confusion when heat spread all over her. She didn’t exactly like it—or maybe she liked it more than she should. When most of the women in the store gazed upon Eli as if he were the hunk-of-the-month, Kendra grinned. They must be looking past his outdated clothes and hideous sandals.
She was used to walking beside a good-looking man; Terrel was extremely handsome. But there was something different about Eli. He was as dark as Terrel was light—both in skin and hair color, and Eli’s tanned skin looked very good on him. He wasn’t as tall as Terrel, but somehow because of this, she was more relaxed around him. The future-man wasn’t as cocky and assured as Terrel, and Eli was more easy-going. Secretly, she wished Terrel were more like Eli.
The future man turned into a totally different man once he started trying on clothes. His zany personality came forth, and he made her laugh too many times to count, especially when he chose a style of clothing that made him look like George.
He walked out of the dressing room, swinging his hips in a feminine rhythm, then posed right in front of her with his hands at his waist. “Tell me, Kendra. Do you think George would approve?”
Laughter burst from her. “Oh, yes. You’d be George’s hero for sure. Forget about Gerard what’s-his-name.”
Eli’s smile relaxed as he touched his finger to his chin, slowly tapping as he looked over his shoulder at his side profile in the full-length mirror. “Umm, I don’t know.” His hands slid down the leather tight pants, bringing Kendra’s attention to his very powerful legs and buttocks.
“These pants might work, but where will I be able to wear them?” He switched his gaze back to her. “And how will I sit without them ripping my crotch and showing off my lacey thong underwear?”
Once again, she let out a bark of laughter. Without another word, he shrugged and sashayed back into the dressing room.
What was it about this man that could make her heart sing not even twelve hours after meeting him? And why couldn’t Terrel make her heart leap as Eli had done? This man was still a stranger to her, yet she was more comfortable with him than her own fiancé. The new feeling scared her. Why would she feel this way about a man who was obviously insane? At least his time-travel story was.
She breathed a heavy sigh. Hopefully, she’d figure out his real story and get rid of him. She wasn’t supposed to be having feelings like this. She was engaged, for heaven’s sake. She must remember Terrel was real. Eli wasn’t.
After another hour, Eli picked out three full outfits—some she had to tell him to put back because they didn’t match—and had the purchases charged to his credit card. Men! She didn’t want to ask in front of the cashier, but she wondered where he’d gotten the card, especially if he was from the future.
She tried to help him with his bags, but he refused. As they walked to her car, he was just enough in front of her that she could see his bulging biceps...and oh, what wonderful bunches of muscles he had. Dare she say his body looked more muscular than her own fiancé’s?
Once again, he tried not to be noticed as he held the bags close to his face, or turned his back to the traffic. Very strange. She opened the trunk for him and he piled the bags inside.
He closed the trunk and stepped in front of her, draping his arms over her shoulders. “Okay, cuz, what other forms of entertainment do you have in store for me today?”
Her heart hammered. If he only knew she was seriously thinking of spending more time with him. But no, she must not even think of such things.
She was engaged to the perfect man. She just had to remember that. Yet it was so hard!
After climbing in the car, she rested her hands on the steering wheel and waited for him to enter through the passenger’s side. He met her stare and smiled.
“Do you want me to drop you off somewhere?” she asked.
His smile disappeared. “No. I was hoping we could spend more time getting to know each other better.”
Her heart clenched, realizing he had the same thoughts as she had. “Why?”
“Because I want to do all I can to make you trust me—and help me.”
Kendra took a deep breath in through the nostrils and released it slowly out her mouth. “I just don’t see how that can happen.”
“Please.” He placed his hand on her arm, staring deeply into her eyes. “Give me a chance.”
For the love of… How could she turn down a plea like that after staring into his huge green, puppy-dog eyes?
“All right,” she said, “we’ll go back to my house to talk.”
His smile returned. “Thank you.”
She started the car and pulled out on the street. Once again, he kept his hand blocking his face when they passed other cars.
“Tell me, Eli. Do you have some place to stay?”
“No.”
“Where did you sleep last night?”
“Park bench. Two of them, actually.”
She threw him a confused stare. “Two?”
“Yes. When the first police officer woke me and told me to move on, I had to find another bench.”
Nodding, she contemplated his story—everything he’d told her so far. It was like reading her father’s book all over again, mixed with watching the movie, The Terminator.
“Eli, in your time, where do you live?”
“In a house.”
She rolled her eyes. “Here, in New York?”
“Yes.”
“Are you a wealthy person?”
“I’m considered middle-class.”
“So you’d mentioned a battalion of men before. Does that mean you’re a military man?”
“In a sense, yes.” He adjusted in his seat, turning more her way. “There are many people like me who are forming groups to try and stop Terrel. The problem is, he has a lot of people on his payroll.”
She really didn’t want to talk about that right now. The confusion gave her a greater headache. “How long will you be here in my time?”
“Only one week.”
She glanced at him again, then switched her attention back to the afternoon traffic. “Why only a week?”
“That’s when my time-travel gadget was programmed to send me back.” His fingers softly caressed her hand. “Which is why I seem like I’m being pushy. I don’t have much time.”
Oh good grief! Kendra wished she would stop burning every time he touched her. And she really wished her heart wasn’t like her fathers—so understanding and giving to perfect strangers. “Fine. You can stay at my place until you leave.”
Chapter Three
Kendra unlocked the door to her apartment and walked inside, Eli a close second behind her. His attention roamed around her tidy front room. He walked in further, running his fingers along the back of the sofa. “So, this is home-sweet-home, huh?”
She threw him a glare. “Eli, this isn’t your home, this is mine. Remember that, will you?” A slight pound started in her forehead, threatening to ruin her afternoon. She marched into the kitchen toward the medicine cupboard to get some aspirins.
This morning’s shopping trip went well. Too well. Eli had been so charming, and so much fun to spend time with. She still couldn’t figure out how come she was more comfortable with him in just a few hours than the many months of being with Terrel. Of course, that could explain why she’d allowed a strange man to convince her to let him stay at her apartment. Those irresistible puppy eyes of his could melt an iceberg. They’d certainly melted her defenses.
“Which room is mine?” He followed her into the kitchen and to the window, closing the blinds.
She scowled. “The room you’ll be staying in is at the end of the hallway to your left.”
He flashed his wicked smile on her again before picking up his shopping bags and walking in that direction. Grumbling, she yanked a cup off the shelf and filled it with water. She took two pills and gulped down the liquid, choking on the last swallow. Using the back of her hand, she wiped across her mouth. Something was definitely wrong with her. Since meeting him, she’d been acting like a smitten teenager whose hormones were running out of control!
“Kendra?” Eli asked from the extra bedroom.
She stepped into the hallway. “Yes?”
He walked out of the room, his shirt unbuttoned, hanging open. Dryness consumed her throat, making it impossible to swallow. She needed another drink—much colder this time. But more than that, she needed to do something—anything—to take her eyes off him. Unfortunately, she couldn’t stop staring at his chest…and the mark above his right breast.
“What’s that?” she asked, pointing to the mark.
He glanced down, then met her eyes again. “A birthmark.”
“Oh.” She quickly diverted her eyes.
“You sure keep an immaculate home. Everything has its place, and there’s not a speck of dust anywhere.”
“So.”
“So doesn’t that get annoying?”
She rolled her eyes. “Just about as annoying as a man who doesn’t know how to groom his goatee or comb his hair.”
He chuckled and ran his fingers through his long hair. “There. Is that better?”
She shrugged.
“Do you have rules for when I’m supposed to use the bathroom?”
“Hopefully you’ll use the bathroom when you get the urge to go.”
His grin widened. “You know what I mean.”
“Well...I usually take my showers in the morning, if that’s what you’re referring to.”
He leaned against the doorframe, folding his arms over his chest. “Do you mind if I put my toothbrush next to yours?”
Her heart lifted to her throat. She couldn’t speak, let alone think. Trying to clear the improper thoughts, she shook her head. “Eli, you’re only going to be here a week. Right?”
“Yes.”
She nodded. “Good. Just don’t get too comfortable.”
“All right.”
His crooked grin gave away his playfulness, and curse his hide if she didn’t want to play right back. But she wouldn’t. After all, he was crazy—although she would soon be in a straightjacket if she kept this up.
“I need to go back to the office. Are you going to be all right?”
“Yes.”
“Do you need my number at work?”
“I know how to use the phonebook.”
She took in slower breaths. “Good. I’ll see you later tonight.”
“Have a nice day at work.”
She didn’t remember stepping out to her car or even driving to Terrel’s office until she walked into the building. Eli was constantly on her mind and she wanted to boot him out. She blamed Terrel. It was her fiancé’s fault for ignoring her. Well, she’d force him to take her into his arms and make her forget the new man in her life. It would also be reassuring if he could tell her that everything Eli said about his family was false.
Terrel stood by his secretary’s desk when Kendra approached. He looked at her and smiled.
“What are you doing here?” He took a step away from Betty.
“I need to talk to you if you have a few minutes.”
He glanced down at his watch. “Yes, but only a few. I have another meeting soon.”
They walked into his room and he shut the door. His eyes scanned up and down her length, and his gaze darkened. It’d been so long since he’d looked at her this way, yet why didn’t it make her heart pound the way it did when Eli looked at her?
“What’s with the get-up?” He strode toward her. “I don’t thi
nk I’ve ever seen you look so casual, yet mouth-watering desirable at the same time.”
He pulled her into his arms and nibbled on her neck. She sighed and smiled. “I really need this right now.”
Just as tingles began dancing across her skin, he pulled away, making them disappear. The familiar lonely and rejected feeling returned.
“What do you need to talk to me about? Betty mentioned you’d called earlier today.”
Kendra exhaled and moved to sit on his leather-covered chair. “Yes. I had somebody come in the shop today who knew your father.”
His eyes widened as he took his seat behind his desk. “Oh, really? Who?”
She really didn’t want to tell him about the future-man. Terrel would definitely think she’d gone coo-coo and lock her up in the funny farm. Her mind scrambled to think of a wealthy name. “Elijah Cavanaugh.”
Terrel’s brows drew together. “I don’t think I’ve heard of him.”
She shrugged. “Probably not. He said he’s been out of the country for a few years. I guess he knew your father and your brother quite well.”
“How did he know to look you up?”
Her mind scrambled again. Thankfully, she was better prepared than she’d been this morning when Eli made her forget things. “He saw our engagement announcement in the paper, and since he’d passed by my shop a time or two, he decided to come in and make my acquaintance.” She waited for his reaction, but his face remained impassive.
“How nice. Did you invite him to the wedding?”
“Of course.” She leaned forward on Terrel’s desk, resting her elbows on the smooth wood. “But he said something that made me curious.”
“What’d he say?”
“He mentioned you were not Adam Montgomery’s biological son. Is this true?”
Her heart hammered as she waited for his reaction. Terrel didn’t seem the least bit surprised. Once again, he kept an all-to-familiar business expression.
“Yes. Most everybody knows my mother married Adam when I was four years old. A year and a half later, Adam decided to adopt me, so my last name was changed.”
She chuckled and shook her head. “I was shocked to hear him say that because you hadn’t mentioned it before.”
Crazy For You Page 3
