He was also way out of her league.
She turned back around and took several deep breathes, trying to settle her stomach. She’d always thought Keith was handsome, but Keith was one of those guys that would never settle down. He dated the gorgeous girls, drove the expensive SUV. He was the type of guy Paula could only admire from afar, or occasionally say hi to in passing. They’d probably spent more time together in the last day than they had in the last five years.
It was a shame she had to get arrested in a foreign country to find out what it would be like to wake up in his arms.
Nausea rolled through her stomach, and she tried to swallow it back down. It didn’t work and in a rush, she threw the covers off, then wobbled as quickly as possible to the bathroom.
Without even turning on the light, she dropped to the floor and emptied the contents of her stomach into the toilet. Pain sliced through her ribs, and she winced as she placed her hand over the throbbing ache. It almost hurt too much to throw up, but once it started she couldn’t stop and had to suffer through.
She cradled her forehead in her hands and moaned as she tried to catch her breath. God, she hated getting sick to her stomach.
She heard the water run and resisted the urge to moan again. The only other person in the room was Keith so that had to be him behind her. The water shut off, and she could feel his presence as he knelt beside her on the cold tile floor.
“Here,” he said softy as he handed her a warm rag.
She took it without looking at him and covered her face. “Thank you,” she mumbled from behind the rag.
He began to rub his hand up and down her back in a soothing motion that made her heart melt.
How many guys out there would actually kneel on the floor with a girl when she was puking her guts up?
“You okay?” he asked.
She nodded, but still kept the rag over her face. “I’m so embarrassed,” she whispered as she lowered the rag and wiped at her mouth.
“Don’t be. It’s my fault. I think I gave you too much. You should not have passed out like you did. The doc said you might be sick this morning.”
“The doc?” she asked in confusion. She vaguely remembered the plane landing in London and Keith carrying her into the room, but hardly anything beyond that.
“We have a friend who’s a doctor stationed here in London. He came over to check you out as a favor. When you’re up and feeling better, he wants to see you in his office so he can x-ray your ribs.”
“Does he think they might be broken?”
“Cracked.”
Paula sighed. “Remind me when I’m better to hit you with something for giving me too much of whatever the crap that was you gave me.”
Keith chuckled and put his hand at her elbow. “Consider it done. Come on. There’s some Ginger Ale in the fridge in the parlor. I hear it does wonders.”
Paula nodded and allowed him to help her to her feet. She followed him into the parlor, then dropped slowly into one of the overstuffed chairs by the fireplace. The room, she noticed, reminded her of a castle; tall ceilings with thick, ornate crown molding and gold and beige curtains that screamed money hung from ceiling to floor. A thick, plush rug covered the original hardwood floors and warmed her feet. Off white and gold furniture was scattered around the large room.
It wasn’t exactly her taste, but it was nice. It was also another stark reminder that Keith Tipton was way out of her league. Not only was he most likely richer than God himself, he was prettier than the fabled Gabriel.
Scrunching her nose in disgust, she glanced toward the French doors that flanked either side of the hearth with interest.
“Is there a balcony out there?” she asked, pointing toward the door.
Keith glanced sideways at her as he poured the contents of the bottle of Ginger Ale into a glass filled with ice. “Yes. If you want, we can step outside. The fresh air might do you some good.”
Paula sat silent, watching Keith as he set the empty bottle in the sink. His clothes were rumpled, his shirt untucked. At some point, probably on the plane, he’d changed into jeans and a button shirt that appeared to be made of suede. A morning five-0-clock shadow covered his lower jaw giving him a very masculine, very roguish appearance. His face was already rugged, but the stubble made him look even sexier - if that were even possible.
I just went to prison over a man. What the hell am I doing?
“What’s the frown for? Still feeling bad?”
She looked up at Keith, who now stood before her holding out the glass of Ginger Ale. He’d walked over, and she’d been so lost in thought over his body, she hadn’t even noticed. Feeling the heat of a blush as it covered her cheeks, she grabbed the glass and slowly took a sip. She needed to pull her thoughts together. It was probably the aftereffects of the drug that had her so moony over a man she’d known for years.
“I’m okay. Just feeling a bit weird.”
“It’ll pass.”
Keith walked over and opened the French door to the left of the fireplace. Cool morning air rushed into the room, and Paula swore she could smell coffee on the breeze. She inhaled deep and sighed. Prison only gave you the basics and coffee hadn’t been on the menu.
Despite the fact she no longer suffered from caffeine withdrawal, it still didn’t stop her from wanting a cup.
“Come on and check out this view,” Keith called from the balcony.
Paula stood slowly and headed outside. As she went, she took small sips of her drink in the hopes it would stay down. As her eyes adjusted to the morning light, she gasped at the view before her.
Low overhanging clouds and wet streets gave the city a wintery appearance, and she smiled in appreciation. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured. “London, I’m assuming?”
“Knightsbridge,” Keith replied.
Paula swallowed. “That figures.”
Keith turned and amusement sparkled in his eyes. “Excuse me?”
“Isn’t Knightsbridge one of the most expensive areas of London?”
Keith shrugged.
Sighing, Paula waved her hand in dismissal. “Never mind.”
Keith turned to lean against the railing. “Are you trying to imply that because I’m rich it figures I would stay in a rich area?”
She eyed him speculatively. “Maybe. Unless that offends you…then no.”
Keith laughed, and she inwardly relaxed that he hadn’t taken offense.
“I don’t deny I have money, but…” He shrugged. “I just like this area. Lots of nice restaurants and I do love to eat. If I don’t stop, one of these days it will catch up to me and I’ll find myself fifty pounds overweight.”
Paula gave a very unladylike snort. “Please. You probably have to eat about four thousand calories a day just to maintain all that muscle—“
She stopped abruptly and took a quick sip of her soda. Keith’s lips twitched in amusement as he watched her.
“Is there any coffee around here?” she asked, suddenly feeling very much like a school girl with her first big crush.
“I’ll call room service and have them bring some up. I could use a little caffeine myself. While we’re waiting on the coffee, I’m going to give Kiley a call. She was worried about you.”
Although she didn’t say anything, Paula cringed at the idea of talking with Kiley. She felt so stupid over what she’d done the last thing she wanted was a lecture.
Keith’s surprised, angry voice startled her from her thoughts. “Scott?” Keith pulled the phone away from his ear, glanced quickly at the screen, then put it back. “What the hell are you doing answering Kiley’s phone this late at night?”
Scott froze, unable to think of anything to say. He scrunched his eyes closed and tried to think.
Quick! Come up with something!
“Scott!” Keith snapped.
He tapped Kiley on the hip. “Give me a second, Keith! I just woke up. Stop yelling at me or I’ll hang up on your ass.”
Kiley sat up and frown
ed.
“Kiley and I switched phones on accident. It was so late I just decided to wait until tomorrow to switch them back.”
Kiley’s eyes widened as the realization of what was going on finally sank in. Scott shrugged and lowered the phone from his mouth. “I answered it without thinking,” he whispered. “I thought it was mine.”
Sighing, Kiley brushed her hair back off her face. Scott knew exactly how she felt.
“If you’re wanting Kiley, you can get a hold of her on mine.”
“Yeah, I’ll call her in a minute.”
Scott squeezed his forehead between his thumb and forefinger. Keith didn’t really sound all that convinced, but Scott doubted his mind would immediately go to the two of them were sleeping together. As far as he knew, Keith didn’t have a clue about how much Scott cared for his sister.
Or, at least he hoped so. They wanted to tell him, they just had to find the right time. And over the phone, across continents, was definitely not the right time.
“How are things in London?” Scott asked.
“Good so far. Has Kiley gotten any more information on this drug cartel?”
Kiley shook her head. Hell, they’d been in bed all day. Neither one of them had done anything.
“She’s still working on that,” Keith replied.
“That’s not like Kiley,” Scott said. “What’s taking her so long?”
Scott rolled his eyes. Me. “You’ll have to ask her.”
“What’s going on over there, Scott?” Keith snarled. “The two of you aren’t still fighting, are you?”
“No,” Scott replied, trying to fight a smile. “We’re not fighting.”
Kiley slapped his arm. Scott was quiet, and Keith began to get nervous.
“How’s Paula?” he asked.
“She’s suffering the side-effects of the drug I gave her for pain, but other than that, she’s fine.”
Scott nodded. “Tell her to eat a peppermint. Remember, I had the same problem when I got shot in Greece.”
“I’d forgotten about that. I’ll tell her. Thanks.”
“You forgot I was shot?” Scott teased. “How the hell can you forget that? You had to practically carry me out because that damn drug knocked me on my ass.”
“I didn’t forget you got shot, you prick. I forgot you had the same problem. I had to carry her too, only she makes a much cuter drunk than you.”
Scott chuckled. “Yeah, I’ll bet. Probably a lot lighter, too.”
“No, shit.”
At least he had Keith’s train of thought somewhere else, although sadly, he was about to put it right back on Kiley.
“Don’t forget to call Kiley on my phone. I’m sure she’ll want to hear about Paula and you can remind her about the cartel.”
“I shouldn’t have to remind her.” There was a moment’s pause. “Does she seem okay to you?”
“Why you asking me?”
“I don’t know. Sometimes she talks to you.”
Scott snorted. “Lately, she yells at me.”
He turned and winked at Kiley who smiled back just a little. She looked so cute with her hair a tangled mess and her eyes drooping sleepily. Reaching out, he touched her chin and tilted her head up. Her smile widened, and he resisted the urge to lean over and kiss her, despite the fact he was talking to her brother on the phone. Talk about living dangerously. He would rather pull someone out of Irag than face the anger he knew would be coming once they told Scott about their affair.
“And that’s another thing,” Keith said, and Scott had to think quick to remember what they’d been talking about. “Her grouchy mood. See what you can find out. She might tell you before she tells me.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Great…thanks.”
Keith hung up, and Scott let out a deep sigh. “He’ll be calling you next.”
Kiley fell back against her pillow. “Great.”
Chapter Fifteen
Keith frowned and stared at the phone. His gut told him something was off, but he wasn’t sure what.
“Everything okay?” Paula asked.
“Yeah…I think. Scott just threw me. He answered Kiley’s phone.”
Paula raised an eyebrow, but didn’t say anything.
“He says he picked her phone up by accident.”
Paula snickered. “I can’t see Scott picking up a phone with a hello kitty case around it and thinking it was his.”
Keith lifted his head and stared at Paula in shock, then anger.
“Oh, relax. He’s slept on her couch before. Maybe he was doing that this time and answered her phone by mistake and just made up that story so you wouldn’t worry.”
“Why would he sleep on her couch?”
“Because he has the hots for her and uses any excuse he can to be close to her. Wow, for someone so smart in the art of war, you’re an idiot when it comes to your best friend and who he’s in love with.”
Keith shook his head in denial. “Scott is not in love with Kiley.”
“Why? Because you told him years ago to keep his hands off her?”
He stared at Paula in surprise. “How did you know about that?”
“Kiley.”
“Kiley knew?”
Paula rolled her eyes and walked over to glance in the bags covering the coffee table. “What’s all this?” she asked, ignoring his question.
“Uh…those are the clothes that John brought you, I’m guessing. You need something to wear other than what you have on.”
Paula tilted her head in acknowledgement as she rummaged through one of the larger bags.
John had pretty good taste in clothes, she thought as she pulled out a pair of slacks and a blouse.
She lowered her hands, still holding onto the clothes and looked through the open doors of the other bedroom. “Where are John and the others?”
“Probably in the other suite.”
“You have more than one?”
Scott nodded. “Yes. Two.”
Her lips formed a silent “o” before she turned her attention back to the clothes still in her hand.
Of course he did. There was no telling what else mister moneybags had. “I guess I better get dressed.”
“Lifting your arms may be a little painful. If you need any—“
“I’ll be fine,” she replied, probably more quickly than she should have if Keith’s amused expression was any indication.
She was sure he hadn’t meant anything sexual by the offer, but it would still be a bit weird to have him see her naked.
“You should probably call Kiley,” she murmured.
“Do you want to talk to her?”
Paula bit her lower lip briefly before shaking her head no.
“She’s your friend, sweetheart. She’s not going to yell at you.”
She briefly closed her eyes, both at the sound of the endearment and the thought of Kiley being disappointed in her. “I know.”
Opening her eyes, she met Keith’s understanding stare. He held his phone out to her. “She’s gonna want to talk to you.”
Sighing, she took the phone and scrolled through the contacts looking for Kiley’s name.
Remembering that Scott had Kiley’s phone, she began to look for Scott’s number. She took a deep breath, then hit send.
Kiley answered the phone on the first ring. “Hey, big brother. How’s London?”
“London’s great,” Paula replied. She glanced over her shoulder and watched as Keith went back out to the balcony, apparently giving her a few moments of privacy. Lowering her voice, she asked, “How’s Scott? Is he on your couch again or did he finally make it to your bed?”
“Paula?” Kiley cried. “Oh, my, God! Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Sore, tired…embarrassed.”
“Don’t be embarrassed, honey. You’re safe now. That’s all that matters. We’re gonna put this behind you like it never happened.”
“I can’t thank you enough, Kiley—“
&nb
sp; “Just take care of my brother while you’re out there. Make him do something fun. He never has any fun anymore.”
“Like you and Scott?”
There was a moment of telling silence on the other end.
“Where’s Keith?” Kiley asked.
“He’s on the balcony. He walked outside to give me some privacy. Did Scott really take your phone by mistake?”
“No,” Kiley admitted. “Did my brother believe it?”
“Sorta,” Paula said. “He trusts you, but when he finds out you’re…” Keith came back in the parlor, and Paula giggled at the way he shook his head, then swiped his hand across his wet hair.
“Paula?”
“Sorry,” Paula said. “It started raining outside and Keith came in shaking his head like a dog does to remove the water from his hair.”
Keith lifted his head sharply. “A dog?”
Kiley snickered. “I bet he loved that comparison.”
“Oh, yeah,” Paula replied as she turned and headed to her bedroom. “So…details?”
“Can we wait until you get home?”
“I suppose.”
She glanced back to make sure Keith was still in the parlor. He stood by the open French door watching it rain, his strong body silhouetted against the gray clouds outside. Her heart hammered at the way his jeans hugged his ass and thick thighs. Licking her lips, she tried to turn her thoughts back to Kiley, but failed miserably.
“But don’t I at least get a little snippet?” Paula asked as she finally pulled her gaze away from Kiley’s gorgeous brother and paced further into the room where she couldn’t see him.
“Let’s just say when I’m drunk I have a big mouth.”
Paula stopped pacing. “Did you make a pass at him?”
“Worse.”
“Worse?”
“She stripped for me,” Scott said into the phone.
Paula began to laugh in earnest. Turning, she saw Keith come to the door and lean against the jam. “Oh, I can’t wait to hear about this. Keith’s back. Is there anything you want me to tell him?”
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