Private Melody

by Altonya Washington

  Back off… Therin told himself, but chose to set aside the order for a few seconds. He wanted longer to indulge in just a bit more of her. The serenity she radiated took on a more potent aura during their second kiss. He had no will or intention to stop it.

  Somehow though, he did resist—a feat in itself considering her moans told him not to stop. Her voice was soft, helpless yet deliberate. The tone sent the strength right from his legs causing him to lean more fully into the piano.

  Kianti shuddered and snuggled deeper into the embrace as she assumed a more controlling role in the duel being fought between their tongues. She gripped his shirt as though it were her lifeline while inhaling the appealing scent of his cologne. There was that familiar voice in her head still singing its same old song. It told her to end this, but how could she when this was so sweet and so dearly missed….

  Therin set her away suddenly and blinked. That familiar voice in his head reminded him of their distance and the demands of their lives. How could they work?

  “I really need to go,” he said, keeping his hands firm at her elbows to keep her and him at bay. “Thank you for dinner.”

  “Will I see you again?”

  He kissed her forehead and let his mouth linger there. “I’ll be at your door for breakfast.”

  “If you stay, you could wake up to breakfast.”

  “Kianti…” he pressed his forehead to hers. “You’re killin’ me.” He kissed her cheek. “Good night.”

  Chapter 5

  Brody’s handsome face registered frustration when he arrived at Kianti’s early the next morning and smelled breakfast in the air. When he asked what they were having and was told he wasn’t invited, the disappointment emerged.

  Kianti was in full gear when her doctor arrived to check in on her. She’d totally forgotten about the house call and hoped he’d be gone by the time Therin arrived. Tossing the dish towel she held to the counter, she promptly thrust out her wrist for him to check her pulse.

  Brody saw to his duty, though his dark gaze gradually narrowed and he took a closer look around the airy lavender and white kitchen. “Am I interrupting anything?”

  “Not yet,” she sang.

  “This is good,” he said in reference to her pulse, but squeezed her wrist. “For now,” he added.

  Kianti rolled her eyes. “Don’t start.”

  “What do you think you’re doing?” He took a seat at one of the stools near the breakfast nook. “And don’t bother acting like you don’t know what or who I’m talking about.”

  “Brody, please.” She stalked back to the stove and made a pretense of checking the eggs in the warmer. “I’m about to have breakfast with an incredible man and…see where things go from there.”

  “And the direction you’re hoping for is the bedroom.”

  She slammed her hand to the counter and turned. “Damn you.” Her temper peaked when she felt the pressure of tears.

  “Damn,” he hissed when she rushed from the kitchen. Leaving the stool, he caught her before she cleared the doorway. “I’m sorry.” He pressed both hands to his chest in a show of sincerity. “The last thing I want is to upset you.”

  “Oh, that I believe, since feeling upset is a lively emotion. Feeling alive is the last thing any of you want me to experience.”

  “Do you really believe that?” His voice was hushed.

  “Prove it, then. Let me have this—don’t interfere.”

  “Key—”

  “You promised you’d back off.”

  Brody smoothed a hand across his low-cut Afro. “That promise was in reference to the pills.”

  “Hmph.” Kianti shoved both hands into the back pockets of her snug capris and began a slow pace of the kitchen.

  “Pout all you want, but we plan to be focused in hard and heavy on every other aspect of your life.”

  “Stay out of this Brody—that goes for you and your cronies. There isn’t even anything going on. The man lives in Vancouver, for Heaven’s sake!”

  “All right. All right.” Brody bowed his head and decided to give it a rest. He walked over to kiss her cheek and turned her toward the stove. “Your bacon’s done,” he said, before leaving.

  Kianti watched him pull keys from his khakis and go. Then she went to handle the bacon. Brody’s cautions returned though. Exactly what did she think she was doing? She’d done a fine job of ignoring the question, which had made a nice little camp in the back of her mind.

  She thought back to her behavior when Therin visited the day before. She’d never been shy with men. She believed in being up front about what she wanted, as opposed to playing coy games to go after it.

  Where Therin Rucker was concerned, God, she wanted him. Perhaps that was simply because her sex life was so lacking. Perhaps it was because he was so very appealing.

  Perhaps she wanted to test how ready she was to live life to its fullest without the aid of her trusty meds. And what if she wasn’t ready? A relationship—hell. Any sort of involvement with the very sexy ex-ambassador or anyone else, for that matter, would be out of the question.

  Then there was her playing—her passion. Was she really ready to risk that by unchaining herself from those pills?

  And what of Therin himself? Didn’t he deserve to know of her condition? Kianti shook her head and began wiping down the already spotless countertop. She didn’t need to think of that just then. Perhaps she wasn’t as ready to live this part of her life as she thought.

  Therin whistled a soft tune and was grabbing his keys from the message table when his phone vibrated next to them. He grumbled low, spotting Vaughn’s name on the faceplate. Silently, he debated on whether or not to reply. Last thing he wanted was more drama filtering into his time with Kianti.

  “Yeah, V?” He answered anyway, while checking his watch.

  “Hey…you talk to the general yet?”

  “Mmm, the general…that’s a no.”

  “Why not?” Vaughn laughed shortly.

  Therin settled partially on the desk. “Other things on my mind.”

  “Ah…the lovely and gifted Kianti Lawrence.” Vaughn’s laughter was easier then. “Look, man, you know I approve of you takin’ time out to enjoy yourself but have you thought about how complicated this could be?”

  Therin wouldn’t admit that was almost all he could think about. Those thoughts, however, were easy to cast off when he recalled how alive he felt when he was with her. He wasn’t ready to let go of that yet and honestly didn’t know when he would be.

  “Ther?”

  “Did you check out her entourage?”

  Vaughn cleared his throat. “Yeah, um— They, um, they’re almost like a family. They don’t share blood but they share history. All met up during their college years. Kianti divided her time between a hellacious practice schedule mixed with her music curriculum. She and Parker—Brody—go back the furthest. They grew up together.”

  Therin frowned over that discovery but didn’t take long to mull it over.

  “Therin… Did Kianti talk about Parker’s role in her crew?”

  Therin stroked his jaw absently and tried to remember. “She said he was her cook. Why?”

  “Because Brody Parker has a medical degree.”

  Therin’s hand paused on his jaw. “Medicine?”

  “Cardiology is his specialty.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “I double-checked to make sure.”

  Therin’s light stare traveled the hotel room in an absent manner.

  “You think the guy’s walkin’ around with a med degree but prefers to play cook to a musical genius?” Vaughn pondered.

  Therin managed a chuckle. “I doubt it.”

  “Wonder why she didn’t tell you? You want me to dig more? I’m sure I can find—”

  “No, no, V. This is good.” Therin bumped his fist against the cleft in his chin. “I’ll ask when the time is right.”

  “I take that to mean you plan on getting to know her better?”

/>   “I’ll let you know once I know, V.”

  “This may sound corny, but is it fair to say that the talented Ms. Lawrence is unlike anyone you’ve ever met?”

  Therin’s soft smile belied the unexpected pounding in his heart. Just the mention of her name was starting to affect him quite seriously. “It’s fair to say it.” He finally acknowledged Vaughn’s query.

  “Can I ask why?”

  Therin leaned on the edge of the message table and considered Vaughn’s words. “Guess I could be shallow and say it’s because she’s a sexy dime I want in my bed.” He grinned when Vaughn’s chuckle came through the line. “And she’s definitely that, but there’s more to it. I’m gonna need more time to figure out what that means. I wasn’t expecting her, V—not one damn bit. All of a sudden, she was just there—right in front of me, and that’s where I want her to stay.”

  Vaughn whistled. “I’m impressed.”

  “Ha! Good for you. I’m scared,” Therin admitted while silently acknowledging that his fear was more exciting than terrifying.

  “So I guess this means she’s more than someone’s toy you plan on stealing away?”

  “She was always more than that. Look, V, let me check in with you later, all right?” Therin added when Vaughn made no further comments.

  He waited a beat before leaving the message table, taking a moment to think over the new information he’d received. Did he and Kianti know each other well enough yet for him to ask what role Brody Parker really played in her life? How would she react to him prying into that?

  Therin thought back to the kiss they’d shared. He exchanged stroking his jaw for stroking his chest that felt tight with need once those memories began to funnel in. Ending that closeness was the last thing he wanted, but it was way too soon for them to venture down that road.

  In light of that, should he even be heading to her place for breakfast? he wondered. He’d barely been able to walk out of there the other day. Clearly, his resistance to her was practically nonexistent. No doubt she’d be just as provocative that morning. Then what would he do? The right thing and not take what he wanted from her or take her until neither of them could see straight which was the only thing he wanted to do.

  Kianti was checking her hair in the dresser mirror and nodded once in approval of the tiny braids that drew her hair back away from her forehead while leaving the rest of the heavy mass draping past her shoulders.

  She was turning away from the dresser when the pill bottle caught her eye. Her fist clenched reflexively and she pressed it to her chin before leaning over to grab the bottle. Brushing her thumb across the label as she studied it, she debated on whether to take one just in case….

  “Dammit, Key,” she said and slammed the bottle back to the dresser. How could she even consider giving up something she was so determined to accomplish in order to indulge in a few moments (hopefully a few hours) with Therin Rucker?

  Nothing was worth that. Not even the pleasure he was sure to bring if his kisses were any clue. The bell rang and she inhaled slowly as though resolving the issue in her head.

  “Did you have a horrible time with the traffic?” she asked after greeting Therin at the front door. “It must be a lot different here than it is in Vancouver.”

  “It wasn’t so bad.” He shrugged, his light eyes appreciatively taking in her hair and the turquoise halter she wore.

  “Why’d you decide to stay there instead of moving back to the States once your post was up?” Kianti asked while heading for the kitchen.

  Therin followed, smiling at the fuzzy black slippers that slapped at the glossy hardwoods. “Vancouver’s more my style—then there’s the place itself. Damn beautiful.” His voice softened and at that moment he wasn’t referring to the city, but the woman in his line of sight.

  “Makes me feel like I’m in a different time—place.” He shrugged offering the sudden explanation when she caught him staring. “Keeps me mellow.”

  Her dark eyes registered understanding. “Is that important to you? To feel mellow?”

  “Well…yeah.” He smiled on the admission. “I’d say the same is true for you—am I right?”

  Kianti didn’t hesitate with her nod.

  “Is that what your disappearing backstage is about? You make a habit of doing that?” He strolled closer with his thumbs hooked in the belt loops of his denims.

  “It helps.” She resumed her journey toward the kitchen.

  Therin bit his lip on the next question for only a second before deciding to bite the bullet and ask. “Helps with what?”

  The long fork she’d reached for hit the cream stovetop with a clatter. “What do you mean?”

  “Hell,” Therin muttered and took a moment to work his fingers against the muscles tensed at the back of his neck. “I know Brody Parker is a doctor. I thought he might be yours.”

  She smiled and reached for the fork again. “I assure you, I’m not contagious.”

  Therin reciprocated the smile. “I didn’t suspect that you were.” He neared the island and watched her at the stove. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

  “It’s okay.” She was already shaking her head. “I definitely can’t blame you for asking especially after that pathetic lie I told about Brody being my cook.” She laughed shortly over the memory.

  Therin took a seat on one of the Chinese stools surrounding the chopping-block-top kitchen island. “Why’d you feel the need to tell me that?”

  “Hmph.” Kianti turned and leaned against the stove. “Therin, I have a heart condition that can cause a spike in my blood pressure. My playing affects it, as does virtually any overexertion.” She toyed with the O-ring at the front of her halter. “I’ve been taking pills for several years to regulate it. There’s no other treatment aside from a heart transplant…maybe.” She smirked and blinked to ward off what felt suspiciously like tears.

  “If I’d introduced Brody as my doctor that night, I’d have felt obligated to explain all that and…” She grabbed a towel and began to wipe down the counter. “I just didn’t want to.”

  “Why would you feel the need to explain that?” He rested his arm across the island. “Lots of celebrities travel with physicians.”

  She ceased the wipe down and smiled sadly. “I’ve been explaining myself for so long…it’s just habit.” She shrugged. She waved the dish towel in his direction. “You can’t deny that you wouldn’t have been curious.”

  “So what if I was?” He straightened and pressed a hand to his olive-green polo. “That wouldn’t have given me any right to know.”

  “Hmph.” She leaned to pull plates from one of the bead board cabinets. “I wish more people were as respectful of privacy.”

  “Would you have told me if I hadn’t asked about Parker?”

  Kianti nodded. “I actually decided to tell you this morning. After breakfast, of course.”

  He frowned. “Why after breakfast?”

  She laughed. “Well, I wanted you to eat before you ran out. I did pretty much slave over our food here, you know?”

  Therin wasn’t amused and let her see the agitation tighten his gorgeous features. “You figured I wouldn’t stick around once you told me about your condition?”

  “Men rarely do.” She turned to take utensils from a drawer. “And if they do, it’s not for long.”

  “I don’t appreciate being put in that group, Kianti.”

  “Oh, don’t take it seriously.” Her laughter bubbled up again. “It’s understandable that a man would think twice about hooking up with a woman who could die in the midst of making love.”

  “Jesus.” Therin grimaced. “Do you ever stop to think that it’s not your condition that sends a guy scramblin’ but your expectation that he’ll be an ass about it that does the trick?”

  Kianti didn’t have a comeback. “Would you like to eat in the kitchen or the dining room?” she asked instead.

  Therin massaged the silky hair covering his head and cursed his loss of temper. Raisi
ng his head then, he watched Kianti and smiled over how smoothly it’d happened and how alive it’d made him feel when it did.

  “Kitchen’s fine,” he said and moved to help her.

  “I’m not an invalid, Therin,” she snapped when he took the dishes and silverware. “I can damn well set a table—you’re my guest.”

  In response, he took her wrist and planted her on one of the stools. “I was only offering to help, but since you expect me to treat you like an invalid, I’ll just go on and give you what you’re looking for.”

  Kianti’s mouth parted but again she found that she had no comeback. She watched Therin set out the breakfast, giving him instruction on where to find mugs, glasses and serving utensils. While he was engaged, she indulged in observing him—looks, clothing, manner—and discovered battling with her four overprotectors hadn’t prepared her for going a round with this man. It hadn’t prepared her at all.

  Chapter 6

  Kianti mostly picked at her food. It wasn’t difficult for Therin to notice.

  “I think I’ve been doing a pretty good job of treating you like an invalid, but I draw the line at feeding you.”

  Her laughter was soft, but it was there. “I rarely eat breakfast.”

  “Ah…bet that doesn’t sit too well with your doctor.” Therin spoke around a mouthful of perfectly seasoned eggs. “Could you help me out, anyway? Eating alone is almost as bad as drinking alone.”

  Without argument, Kianti reached for her fork and stabbed a medallion of beef sausage.

  “You’re a damn good cook for someone who hates eating,” he complimented.

  “Thanks.” She ate a bit more of the sausage and gave a saucy toss of her head. “And I don’t hate eating. It’s just that my mornings start so early with practice and all…it’s usually time for lunch by the time I take a break.”

  “Dedication indeed. Playing is certainly your passion. So does this condition run in your family?”

  “My father has high blood pressure—it runs on his side of the family. But he’s the only one who has the overexertion problem. Then I came along….” She ate a bit more eggs. “In spite of my not drinking or smoking and eating right—”