GUILTY PLEASURE (STEELE FAMILY Book 13)

by Brenda Jackson

  “So, how long will you be in Phoenix?” he asked as they, along with the others, began moving back inside.

  Dee glanced up at Midas. “I fly out Tuesday.”

  “So what are your plans for Memorial Day?”

  She wondered why he wanted to know. “Eli’s parents host an annual cookout. I’ll be going with Stacey and Eli.”

  “I heard about that party. Gannon invited me. Wasn’t sure I was going to go, but maybe now I will.”

  Dee chose to ignore Midas’s insinuation that her presence at the Steele’s cookout was a deciding factor. “So how did you and Gannon meet?”

  “Business deals. His family’s freight company transports a lot of our products to other states.”

  Dee was aware that Eli’s father owned a huge shipping company and that Gannon was the only one of the six Steele sons who’d followed their father into that business. While Midas continued to tell her about his and Gannon’s friendship, she caught sight of Cohen out of the corner of her eye. He was talking to Eli’s parents.

  “You know Dee, we can do something to get that guy in the dark slacks and grey shirt to notice us, if that’s what you want.”

  Dee blinked at Midas. “Excuse me.”

  A smile touched his lips. “I am a very perceptive man. Although you’ve pretended to hang on to my every word, I know that your attention has been elsewhere. Mainly on that guy Gannon introduced me to earlier, Dr. Cohen Carlson.”

  Had she been that obvious? She could say she didn’t know what Midas was talking about, but she refused to insult his intelligence that way. If he had picked up on her interest in Cohen, then he was a very perceptive man. “I owe you an apology.”

  “Not really. A person can’t always control the workings of their heart.”

  His words gave her pause. It sounded like he spoke from experience. “Some things aren’t meant to be, no matter how we wish otherwise.”

  “I agree. You’re a beautiful woman and he was a fool to let you go,” Midas responded.

  She smiled up at him, tempted to admit that Cohen had never truly wanted her in the first place. “It’s not that big of a deal, honestly,” she said.

  He chuckled. “You know one of the things I like about you Dee?”

  “What? That I don’t lie very well?” she asked in a teasing tone.

  He chuckled again. “No, I get the impression that you’re dedicated to any cause you’re excited about. Whether it’s the kids you teach…or a past love you’re trying to let go of.”

  Past love she was trying to let go of? She could honestly say she’d thought she’d already managed to do that.

  “Well, I’ve dominated your attention enough for tonight,” Midas said, reaching out and giving her hand a tight, affectionate squeeze before letting it go. “Hopefully once I back off, your guy will stop staring holes in my back and make his move.”

  Make his move? Honestly. She’d given Cohen plenty of opportunities to do that. Still, what had Midas said about Cohen staring holes in his back? That couldn’t be right.

  **

  Out of the corner of his eye, Cohen saw the man who’d dominated Dee’s attention all evening walk away. Great! She was finally alone so he could at least speak to her. It had been over two years and there was no reason they couldn’t go back to being friends, now that they understood each other.

  Without wasting any time, in case the dude returned, he swiftly crossed the room to Dee. The closer he got, the more he had to admit how good she looked in that outfit and those stilettos. Although he wished she wasn’t getting so much male attention… Still, he was forced to admit that seeing that outfit on any other woman probably would not have bothered him so much. The fact that it was Dee who was wearing it, though, did bother him…and that realization annoyed the hell out him.

  Then there was her new hairstyle. In all the years he’d known her, she’d never worn her hair short. It would take some getting used to but he had to admit the style looked good on her, and those huge dangling earrings gave it a wow effect.

  She glanced over at him and saw his approach. He could feel her apprehension. It bothered him that things were this way between them. She was erecting a wall around herself. But then, hadn’t he done the same with her? “Hello Dee,” he said.

  “Cohen.”

  “Nice party.” He was standing close enough to inhale her scent. He knew this particular cologne had been her favorite for years and he hoped she never changed it.

  “Yes, Stacey did a great job.”

  “I understand you helped out a lot.”

  She smiled and the way her lips parted had his gut clenching. “Stace would claim that. I merely came up with ideas for the decorations.”

  He glanced around. Anyone knowing Eli was aware of how serious he was most of the time. They also knew he loved football and his favorite team was the Arizona Cardinals. Cohen figured that was the reason behind the sports theme of the party. The only thing Eli loved more than the Cardinals was his wife. “Well, I think it’s a great party and I love the decorations, especially this,” he said, pulling a Cardinal referee whistle from his pocket.

  Cohen couldn’t decide what had delighted Eli the most. Hearing the sound of the cardinals all over the house, or the sight of his frat brothers performing a two-step in the middle of the floor just after they all arrived.

  He glanced back at Dee, studying her features. “I like your hair, by the way.”

  “Thanks. It will be easier to manage over the summer while school is out.”

  “You’re not teaching this summer?” He knew that even when the school term was over, she taught reading at a number of senior citizen centers around Memphis. She’d been doing so for years, even before graduating from college.

  “No, I’ve decided to take a break and do something fun for a change.”

  Do something fun? He wondered what that was. Before he could ask, even though he probably didn’t have the right, Stacey got everyone’s attention again.

  “Hi everyone. I’m about to present Eli with his birthday gift. I hope he likes it.”

  Eli leaned over and kissed Stacey on the cheek before accepting the huge box from her. Cohen and everyone else figured things out the moment Eli unwrapped the gift to expose a huge box of disposable diapers. Eli, however, just stood there, as if stunned. Then he turned to Stacey with a huge grin on his face. “Does this mean what I think it does?” he asked her.

  Tears misted Stacey’s eyes as she nodded. “Yes. We’re having a baby, Eli.”

  Eli let out a huge cheer before pulling Stacey into his arms, kissing her soundly in front of everyone. A lot of clapping and even more cardinal sounds from the whistles, followed. Cohen glanced over at Dee and saw tears in her eyes. “You knew already, didn’t you?” he said.

  She nodded. “Yes. Stacey told me the minute I got into town. Just think Cohen. You’re going to be an uncle and I’ll be a godmother.”

  He was thinking about it and he was so filled with happiness that he wanted to pull Dee into his arms, but knew he couldn’t. That’s how things had become messed up between them at his going-away party two years ago.

  He glanced over. Eli had finally released Stacey. And just as Cohen had thought, his sister’s gaze sought him out. He crossed the room to give Stacey a huge hug. “The folks would have been ecstatic. Just think. You’re carrying their first grandchild,” he whispered.

  Stacey wiped tears from her eyes. “I know and I am so happy about it.” Then in a quieter tone, she added, “You know, you should have done the honors. You’re the oldest.”

  “It won’t ever happen,” he said quickly. But upon seeing that concerned look in his sister’s eyes, he added, “Besides, you’ll wear motherhood a lot better than I could ever wear fatherhood.”

  He then pulled Stacey into his arms for another huge hug. But he felt a trickle of unease slide down his spine. Looking up, he soon saw the cause. Midas Coronado was back at Dee’s
side.

  5

  Dee pulled herself up in bed, too excited to sleep. After Stacey’s announcement, it quickly became evident to everyone that Eli was ready for the party to end so he could have his wife all to himself.

  In a way, Dee felt bad because she was staying with them. But when she’d suggested getting a hotel for the night, Stacey had just laughed at her. Eli and Stacey’s home was huge. Dee practically had her own wing, which was on the other side of the house from the master suite. So it wasn’t as if she was in their way.

  She knew Stacy and Eli had been waiting until they’d settled into their new home before they started a family. And they definitely hadn’t wasted any time. Just seeing the once womanizing Steele brothers tonight, noticing how they doted on their wives, made Dee believe there was still hope. One day, she would meet a man who would truly love her.

  Her thoughts shifted to Cohen.

  Getting out of bed, she walked over to the window and glanced out at the mountains. In the past, she and Cohen had tried avoiding each other, but tonight they’d shared words. He had been standing close to her, so close that she’d caught the scent of his aftershave. She’d been able to study the shape of his mouth up close, and had been bombarded by the memories of the feel of his lips on hers.

  Although she and Cohen hadn’t spoken after Stacey’s announcement, she’d known each and every time he’d glanced over at her. Her body had responded in full awareness. At one point, she’d even felt her nipples swell and tingle. When she’d glanced over at him, he’d held her gaze for only a moment before looking away.

  She couldn’t help wondering if he was thinking of the times they’d been intimate. How he’d let himself go, touched her all over, tasted every single spot on her body…made love to her like he hadn’t wanted to stop. Ever. Or was he remembering the mornings after…when the guilt had set in? When he’d retreated as if it was the right thing to do? The only thing to do.

  Drawing in a deep breath she pressed her forehead against the window pane and closed her eyes, remembering that first night with Cohen, nearly five years ago…

  Dee nervously entered Cohen’s apartment, closed the door behind her and leaned against it, releasing a deep breath. She was convinced she was doing the right thing. One of them had to make the first move and since he wouldn’t, she was picking up the slack.

  He’d tried hiding his attraction to her but she could see it, sense it. And she had no intention of taking it easy on him, now that she knew he wanted her as much as she wanted him. It was there in his eyes whenever he looked at her. The heat. The fire. And her body had responded. It had gotten so bad that all Stacey had to do was mention her brother and Dee’s nipples would harden.

  In her mind, she’d relived the kiss they’d shared a few months ago. She couldn’t put it out of her mind. And the memories of it caused an indescribable ache within her.

  She glanced at her watch. Over the phone, Cohen had told Stacey that he’d be back by nine-thirty. Which meant that he would be home in less than an hour. There was no time to lose. Moving quickly, she headed for his bedroom.

  It didn’t take her long to strip down to nothing and slide between the sheets. Then, she waited. No one knew of her plan, not even Stacey. Her best friend would have tried talking her out of this crazy scheme and she refused to let anyone do that. She’d never done anything like this before and wouldn’t have felt compelled to do it now if Cohen hadn’t been denying the chemistry between them. She knew he thought he was too old for her, but she was ready to defuse that argument.

  Tonight, she would prove to him that she was the only woman he needed. Sure, she expected him to put up a fuss, to say there was nothing between them. That’s why she’d studied all those books on seduction. Poor Cohen wouldn’t know what hit him.

  Before going to bed at night, she’d read the books and study all the illustrated pictures. Then, when she fell asleep, she’d dream about Cohen doing all those things to her.

  And tonight was the night.

  She wasn’t sure how long she’d lain there, staring up at the ceiling, when she’d finally heard his key inserted in the door. It was around ten. She held her breath. He was humming. Was that a good sign?

  She heard him moving around in the kitchen. Then moments later, she heard the footsteps coming down the hall. Getting closer. And closer. And then she knew he was in the room. Suddenly the ceiling lights went on. He was moving toward the bathroom, when he suddenly turned and stared straight at her.

  “What are you doing here, Dee?”

  She saw the shock, the outrage on his face. But there was something else, too…

  She thought about pulling herself up in bed, then remembered she wasn’t wearing any clothes. Not a stitch. He wasn’t supposed to find that out until later, although she figured he suspected as much.

  “I was waiting for you.”

  His brow rose. “Waiting for me?” At her nod, he asked. “Why?”

  “So you can make love to me.”

  From the hard expression that suddenly appeared on his features, she knew that had been the wrong answer. Apparently the author of the book she’d read on seduction, the one who claimed men preferred women to be upfront with them, hadn’t asked Cohen Carlson.

  “You need to leave, Dee.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you have no business being here, let alone making a statement like that.”

  “Are you going to deny you want me, Cohen?”

  “Yes, I’m going to deny it. I can’t believe Stacey helped you set this up. Now leave.”

  “Stacey doesn’t know anything about this. But you’re right. I have no right to be in your apartment uninvited, but I came here for a reason. I need you to admit there is something between us.”

  He shook his head. “Whatever you think is between us is all in your head.”

  “I refuse to believe that. I see the way you look at me and--”

  “And you decided to get into my bed, based on the way I looked at you?”

  “Yes. You’ve done it more than once.”

  “It means nothing other than I’ve noticed you’re not a kid anymore. And I wouldn’t even be noticing, if you wore more clothes and a pair of comfortable shoes instead of those high heels you’re so fond of.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with how I dress. My clothes can’t be that bad, because I know there were times you couldn’t take your eyes off of me.”

  He rubbed his hand down his face, obviously frustrated with her. “It’s all about lust, Dee. Grow up and one day you will understand how a man’s mind works.”

  She lifted her chin. “I already know. I have brothers.”

  “Please leave, Dee. Either you leave or I will. You are not welcome here.”

  Dee stared at him. This definitely wasn’t going the way she’d expected. In the books, she’d read that a man’s usual reaction to finding a naked woman in his bed, was to begin ripping off his clothes. So why was Cohen being so stubborn? He wanted her. She wanted him. What was the problem? “Can we talk?”

  “I think you’ve said enough.”

  “Can I at least ask you something?” It was something she needed to know.

  “What?”

  “You are into women, right?” She knew he was into women—why else would he have checked her out so thoroughly and so often? She was merely trying to stall for time, getting him to engage in the conversation he claimed he didn’t want to have with her.

  He just stared at her. Obviously, he didn’t immediately realize what she was asking. Then he hardened his gaze. “Rest assured, I am a heterosexual male. I enjoy women.”

  She shrugged. “I was just wondering. I’ve never seen you with one and Stacey never mentioned you being involved with anyone.”

  He glared down at her. “For your information, my work takes priority over everything in my life right now. And as far as Stacey knowing, I don’t necessarily tell her about every single wom
an I date.”

  “So you do date?” She wasn’t sure she liked hearing that. She much preferred thinking that he didn’t.

  “Yes, on occasion. When I feel like it. But it’s not my top priority. My work as a surgeon is.” He glanced at his watch. “Now if you don’t mind, I’ve been on a three hour flight. I’m tired, aggravated and would like to get into my own bed.”

  “There’s enough room for both of us. But if you insist that I leave, then I will.” Although she had no intention of doing so. According to one of the books, once a man saw a woman’s naked body, that was it! From that moment on, he’d be putty in her hands.

  If the man had been anyone other than Cohen--and if she hadn’t loved him so much--she wouldn’t be doing this. But she’d made up her mind months ago. She wanted him. And she was going to have him. All those sexy items--the shoes, clothes--had been purchased with him in mind.

  “Fine. I’ll leave.”

  “Good.”

  She threw back the covers and slid out of bed in a movement that would have made the most gifted seductress proud. He was seeing it all, just like she wanted him to do. Her breasts, tummy, thighs, legs…and what was between them. And he was looking. If he hadn’t wanted to see, he could have turned his back. But he hadn’t.

  “Please hurry and put on some clothes, Deidre.”

  Wow. He’d used her full name. This must be serious. She stood beside the bed. “I will. If you truly want me to.”

  “I truly want you to.”

  ‘Okay.”

  She turned and leaned over to pick up her panties off the floor, deliberately giving him a view of her backside. If he meant for her not to hear his groan, he failed miserably. After skimming her panties up her hips and thighs, she slid her feet into her shoes.

  One author had written that men loved a woman’s boobs and butt more than anything. But she’d discovered early on that no matter how much cleavage she showed, Cohen’s interest was always firmly fastened on her legs. That meant she needed to flaunt what she had and wearing stilettos always did the trick.