“I’m convinced Cohen was clueless though, Dee. Being a doctor was his main focus.”
Dee knew all about Cohen’s devotion to his profession. No one could have been prouder of him when he’d gotten that chief of surgery position in Florida. But there was nothing between them now. She squared her shoulders. Since she was opening up to Stacey, she might as well get it all off her chest. “I seduced him. Twice.”
She hadn’t meant to blurt it out that way, but she couldn’t take it back now. Evidently, her voice carried, because two women in a nearby booth looked over at her. She wanted to crawl under the table. But Stacey, she noticed, was smiling.
Dee frowned. “What’s so funny?”
“Cohen is such a workaholic. I didn’t think my brother could be seduced.”
Dee rolled her eyes. She lowered her voice, so she didn’t send the women still staring at her into cardiac arrest, and said, “Any man can be seduced, Stacey. Even a workaholic like Cohen. Trust me, I studied hard and planned well.”
Stacey lifted a brow. “Studied hard and planned well?”
“Yes, I had no intention of failing. I bought every book I could afford on the art of seduction.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
Dee shook her head. “No. Once I’d figured out how to pull it off, I went to his apartment. He’d been out of town, but I knew he would return that night. And when he did, I was there, waiting for him.”
Stacey’s eyes widened liked saucers. Now it was Dee’s turn to be amused. “What’s wrong? You didn’t think I had it in me?”
“Honestly, no. When was this? How did you get into his apartment?”
“It was when we were both right out of college, when you and I shared that apartment in Memphis. I borrowed your key.”
Stacey lifted a brow. “My key?”
“Yes, the spare one he’d given you. You kept it on that key-rack that hung in the kitchen.”
“You used that key to get into Cohen’s apartment?” Stacey asked, shocked.
“Guilty as charged. I overheard your phone conversation with him earlier that day. He told you he was on his way back to Memphis from a medical convention in Dallas. So I put my plan into action, while I had the nerve to do so.”
Dee saw that Stacey, who took another shaky sip of her iced tea, was hanging on to her every word, so she continued. “When he got home, I was there waiting for him.” There was no need to tell Stacey that she’d also been in his bed, naked.
Stacey swallowed. “And he didn’t ask you to leave?”
“Yes. In fact, I thought he was going to toss me out. We were arguing and then the next thing I knew, we were kissing. Things happened pretty quickly after that.”
When Stacey didn’t comment, Dee added, “He wanted me as much as I wanted him. I took advantage of that. It was the best night of my life and one I won’t ever forget. But the morning after left a lot to be desired.”
“What happened?”
Dee sighed deeply. “Guilt set in on his part. I saw it in his eyes, all over his face. He wouldn’t even look at me. He told me that we’d made a huge mistake. That it should never have happened.”
Dee didn’t say anything for a long moment, then continued. “I thought he needed time and would eventually come around, but he never did. He avoided me like the plague after that. Then three months later, you came home and announced he’d accepted a job offer in Phoenix. A part of me knew he’d done that to get away from me.”
So many times, Dee had thought about reaching out to Cohen, to let him know that he didn’t have to do anything as drastic as move away. But a part of her resented his decision to put so much distance between them.
“I admit, at the time, I couldn’t believe he was leaving Memphis,” Stacey said, breaking into her thoughts. “But I didn’t think much about it because the job was a great opportunity for him,” Stacey said.
Dee nodded. “Yes, but Cohen would not have left, leaving you behind, had it not been for me. And then, when that incident happened between you and Wallace, and you left Memphis to join Cohen in Phoenix, I felt he blamed me. He probably figured that if he’d been in Memphis to protect you, you would never have gotten involved with Wallace in the first place.”
Stacey waved off her words. “I would have dated Wallace and he and Gail would have screwed around on me regardless. I believe that time in my life was meant to happen. Had I married Wallace, I would not have met Eli.”
Dee knew that to be true. The Wallace Flowers incident had definitely spurred Stacey on to make some changes. “But still, for the longest time, I felt guilty for being the reason Cohen left Memphis.”
She took another sip of her drink. “Although I knew I was probably the last person Cohen wanted to see, I loved coming to see you. You are my best friend—there was no way I wasn’t going to visit you. Still, I don’t know if you noticed, but he made himself scarce whenever I came to town.”
“Yes, but the two of you looked pretty cozy at his going-away party. I know you left with him that night.”
“Yes. That was the second time I managed to seduce him. But like before, he said sleeping with me had been a mistake. That’s why I returned to Memphis earlier than planned.”
“I’m sorry, Dee.”
“Don’t be. I brought it all on myself. Cohen let the ten-year difference in our ages get in the way. Personally, I don’t believe it. I just don’t think he finds me attractive.”
Stacey snorted. “If he hadn’t found you attractive, he would not have slept with you in the first place.”
“Then what do you think, Stace? At my parents’ anniversary party, he tried avoiding me. And when I cornered him on the terrace, we had words. I told him that I hoped he had a long and miserable life. At the time, I meant it. Then weeks later, I saw him at your wedding and…”
“And what?”
“I decided that I didn’t want Cohen to have a miserable life. I want him to be happy. So I’ve moved on. It was hard, but I’m not going to give Cohen the chance to hurt me again.”
“When was the last time you saw him?” Stacey asked.
“Not since your wedding.”
“That long ago? It’s been well over two years.”
“I know, but I felt I needed the time to get over him.”
“And have you?”
“Yes. Rejection hurts and I’m not a masochist. At some point, a girl has to decide when she’s had enough.” Dee refused to love a man who evidently didn’t want it. So she’d dated a bit, but so far, hadn’t met anyone who held her interest.
“At least I don’t have to worry about seeing him at Eli’s party. Thanks for letting me know that he won’t be there,” Dee said.
“Umm…I forgot to mention, those plans have changed.”
Dee felt her heartbeat jump. “What do you mean?”
“Cohen will be coming after all. In fact, he arrived earlier today. He’s here in Phoenix.”
**
“What about you, Cohen? You in?”
Cohen took another sip of his beer as glanced across the room at Zion Blackstone. Zion, who’d until recently been living in Rome, was a friend of the Steele brothers. Zion was also an internationally renowned jeweler. Cohen shook his head. “No, I’ll pass.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.” Zion was soliciting members for the Guarded Hearts Club. To become a member of this single guys club, where no married men were allowed, you had to take a pledge to remain a bachelor. Although Cohen didn’t intend to ever marry, he still didn’t want to belong to any club. Besides, from what he’d seen, the group wasn’t particularly effective. Most of the men who’d pledged never to marry, had. Then they’d dropped out of the club, which was why Zion, the lone member, was now desperately recruiting new comrades.
Zion shifted his gaze from Cohen to Gannon Steele, the youngest of the Steele brothers and the one Cohen knew was the most impressionable. “What about you, Gannon?
You in?”
Gannon’s smile was huge. Anyone would think someone had offered him the key to a brothel in Las Vegas. “Hell, yeah, I’m in. And I know five other guys who might be interested, as well.”
“That’s great!” Zion said. “When can I meet them?”
“Tomorrow night. They’re coming with me to Eli’s birthday party.”
Eli frowned at Gannon. “Hey, wait a minute. They weren’t invited to my party. They’re your friends, not mine.”
“I asked Stacey if I could invite them. She said yes.”
Eli stared at Gannon as if he wanted to strangle him.
Cohen couldn’t help but grin. When he’d moved to Phoenix five years ago, he hadn’t known a soul. But on his first day at the hospital, he’d met Tyson Steele, another surgeon. They had immediately hit it off, and quickly became the best of friends.
Tyson had a personality that made people let their guard down. He was a dedicated surgeon who always put his patients first. But outside the hospital, he was very different. Before settling down and getting married last year, Tyson had been the ultimate ladies’ man, one who never got tired of the thrill of the chase.
“Want another beer?” Tyson asked him, interrupting his thoughts.
“No, I’m fine.”
“You’re quiet,” Tyson said, his green eyes sharp with concern.
“I’ve got a lot on my mind,” Cohen said, before taking a swig of his beer.
“Work?”
“No, personal.”
Tyson nodded, and then downed a mouthful of his own beer. Cohen knew his best friend would leave it at that. Tyson always respected his privacy. He knew that if there was anything Cohen needed to talk about, he’d eventually get it off his chest.
“How’s married life going?” he asked Tyson.
Tyson smiled. “I never thought I’d say this, but married life is wonderful. I can’t imagine a life without Hunter in it.” He put his beer bottle to his lips and took another swallow. “You sure you don’t want to crash at my place instead of that hotel, Cohen? You know you’re welcome.”
Cohen nodded. “Thanks, but you and Hunter are still practically newlyweds. You need your privacy.” He knew he could have stayed with Tyson or his sister, but had declined both invitations, and checked into a hotel, instead. He had to prepare himself for when he saw Dee. It would be the first time their paths had crossed in two and a half years.
At first, he’d taken the coward’s way out and told Stacey he couldn’t make it. But the more he thought about it, the more he decided not to let Dee’s presence be a factor. He couldn’t avoid her forever. Besides, he planned to attend her brother Lawyer’s wedding next month, so he’d have to see her then. She was his sister’s best friend and their paths would likely cross many times in the years to come.
He figured that he might as well bite the bullet now, accepting how things were and how they would always be.
2
Cohen was in Phoenix…
Dee tried her best to put the thought out of her mind but couldn’t. She and Stacey had decided to go shopping and instead of concentrating on finding something to wear to the party tomorrow night, her mind was consumed with thoughts of him, the man she’d tried so hard to get over.
“Found anything you like yet?” Stacey asked.
“Not yet, but I see that you have,” she said, glancing at the outfits Stacey had across her arm.
“Yes. I’m going in the dressing room to try these on. By the way, Brittany called. She, Hunter and Nikki are in the area shopping as well. I invited them to join us for dinner later. I hope that’s okay.”
Brittany was married to Galen Steele. Nikki was married to Jonas Steele and Hunter had married Tyson Steele--who was Cohen’s best friend--nine months ago. “That’s fine. It’ll be fun.” And it would give her the chance to finally meet Hunter. Stacey had been going on and on about what a nice person she was.
“I’m sure you’ll find something for the party,” Stacey said over her shoulder as she headed toward the dressing room.
“I just need to keep looking,” Dee assured her. That is, if I can keep my mind off Cohen. He didn’t deserve her interest, so why was he getting it?
“May I help you?”
Obviously, Stacey wasn’t the only one who’d noticed Dee’s preoccupation. A salesgirl who barely looked a day over twenty had come to help her out. “I’m looking for a party dress.”
“How daring?”
Dee lifted a brow. “How daring?”
“Yes, how much skin do you want to show?”
Typically, Dee dressed conservatively—after all, she was usually in a classroom--but she didn’t have a problem wearing something sexy now and then. “Do you have any outfits that push the envelope?”
The younger woman nodded with a huge smile. “Yes. And I can think of a few that will look great on you.”
Umm, pushing the envelope might not be such a bad idea, especially since Cohen would be at the party. She had no problem showing him exactly what he’d turned down. “Then please show me what you have.”
**
Several hours later, Dee and Stacey walked into Maxell’s, a popular restaurant in town for evening dining. Dee had ended up purchasing two outfits—she hadn’t been able to make up her mind which one she liked best.
“There they are,” Stacey said excitedly, waving at the three women sitting at a table that had a view of the mountains.
Hugs were exchanged all around and finally, Dee was introduced to Hunter. She liked Tyson Steele’s wife immediately.
“So where are the twins?” Dee asked Brittany. Galen and Brittany had one-year-old twins, an adorable boy and girl.
Brittany smiled. “They are spending time with my in-laws. Drew and Eden are the greatest! They love being grandparents. I have a feeling I’m going to have to watch that they don’t spoil the twins rotten.”
Dee smiled. She’d met Drew and Eden Steele. All six of the Steele brothers had inherited Eden’s beautiful green eyes. Eden was a former international fashion model whose face had graced the covers of several magazines, the likes of Vogue and Elle.
“I love your hair,” Nikki said to Dee. “You have the perfect face for that style.”
A smile touched Dee’s lips. “Thanks.” She’d received a lot of compliments since she bitten the bullet and got her hair cut, leaving it short and curly. It was just the carefree style she needed for the summer months.
After the waiter brought out glasses of water and took their dinner orders, Brittany asked Stacey, “Everything all set for the party tomorrow?”
A huge smile covered Stacey’s lips. “Yes. I spoke with the caterer today to finalize the food menu.”
Dee took a sip of her water and listened to the conversation around her. It was easy to see the bonds between the women. Although she hadn’t yet seen Tyson and Hunter together, there wasn’t any doubt in her mind that the Steele brothers adored the women they’d married. Some women, she thought, had all the luck.
She had to believe that one day, she’d find her happily ever after. A vision of Cohen flashed in her mind and she quickly forced it back out. He’d had his chance with her. She only hoped that one day, he would realize just what he’d thrown away.
**
Cohen entered his hotel room. He had enjoyed hanging out with friends. Back in Florida, he’d met a lot of good guys at the hospital, but he hadn’t struck up a close friendship with any of them. And as far as dating went, he’d been out a few times, but truthfully, he hadn’t been interested in a woman since making love to Dee.
He doubted he would ever forget the night he’d first noticed Deidre Lewis was no longer a kid. He had been passing through Columbus and dropped by the apartment that Stacey shared with Dee while attending Ohio State University. Stacey hadn’t been home, but a twenty-year old Dee was, and she was just about to go out to a party. She had looked good. Too good. She was dressed differently than he
’d ever seen her. Gone was the t-shirt, jeans and sneakers he was used to seeing on her. That night, he’d thought she was showing way too much skin with the short dress that had a cut-out at her stomach that proudly displayed a belly-ring. But what had really caught his attention were the legs that seemed to go on forever and the pair of stilettos on her feet. He’d been speechless.
She had invited him to hang around while she finished getting dressed since Stacey was on her way back home. By finishing, he’d hoped Dee had meant she would either be changing her outfit or covering up all that exposed skin. She’d done neither. In fact, she had spent ten minutes in her bedroom doing something he thought was way too sexy-looking to her hair. By the time Stacey returned home, he had felt as if he needed a stiff drink.
From that night on, he’d become even more aware of Dee. And he didn’t like it. He had tried putting distance between them but that was hard to do, considering she was Stacey’s best friend. He suddenly remembered the time Dee’s parents and brothers had gone on a cruise and left a sick Dee behind. Stacey and Dee had moved back to Memphis after college and were sharing an apartment. During this particular time, Stacey had been in Dallas at an International Technology convention, but she’d called and asked him to drop by the house to check on a sick Dee.
Dee had managed to drag herself to the door, then had practically passed out at his feet. She’d been burning up with a fever. The doctor in him had kicked in and he had carried her into her bedroom, put her back to bed and had spent the next twenty-four hours working to get her temperature down and get liquids into her dehydrated body. He’d refused to leave her, until Stacey had arrived the next day.
Cohen had seen Dee two weeks later, when she’d shown up at his apartment to thank him. Though he’d told her there was no need, she’d insisted and entered carrying bags of groceries. To show her appreciation, she’d intended to make his favorite dish, a pot of seafood gumbo.
He still wasn’t sure which had gotten to him first, the thought of eating gumbo or the fact that she’d shown up wearing a halter top, a pair of shorts that should have been outlawed and a pair of stilettos. The shoes were red with gray wiggly lines on the back and heel. He couldn’t help noticing, again, that Dee had the legs for them.
GUILTY PLEASURE (STEELE FAMILY Book 13) Page 2
