Kissing Her Enemy

by Coleen Kwan

  She reached for him, and he met her halfway, pulling her into a fierce kiss, his arms around her like steel, his chest against hers, his heart pounding wildly in synch with hers. His mouth confirmed his words, and she answered back in the only way she could, pouring her feelings into the kiss until her whole body ached with an exquisite pain that she never wanted to end.

  Eventually they had to come up for air, but their arms remained locked around each other. Even when people began to stream out of the meeting room, they stood embraced together, savoring this once-in-a-lifetime moment. She would never forget this, she thought. The sticky heat, the clatter of shoes, the glow in Logan’s face, the promise of his arms around her.

  She drew in a shuddering breath. “I’ve never felt like this before. It’s incredible, but also a little bit scary. I’m so scared of screwing things up, of losing you.”

  “That makes two of us, but whatever happens, whatever comes our way, I promise that you will always come first with me, Amber. Always. Haven’t you heard what I’m offering?”

  She gazed at him in awe. “You’d really relocate your mega center just for me?”

  “You offered to give up your business, your home, your dreams for me, didn’t you?” He stroked her cheek, tenderness lighting up his face. “You’re one heck of a woman, sweetheart, and I’m never going to give you up.”

  She laughed, sheer joy bubbling through her. “I don’t understand. How did we get here? A few seconds ago I was cringing, and now…now I feel like I’m flying.”

  He laughed shakily, too. “Yeah, I know. It’s crazy. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but, honey, we’re in this together now. We belong together. We’re made for each other, and I don’t care how many arguments we have, because you’re the only one for me.”

  “Okay,” she snuggled into his arms, reveling in her right to be there.

  His eyebrows shot up. “You’re agreeing with me?”

  “Yes.” There would be arguments in the future, she was sure, but she was equally sure they would find a compromise.

  He stroked her hair. “And you’ll take the job?”

  “Um…”

  “Admittedly, I did have an ulterior motive in offering it to you. I thought if I hired you, I’d get to be with you and hopefully persuade you to return my feelings one day. But you’re right about the family empire being on shaky legs. I need this mega center to turn our fortunes around, and for that I need you.”

  “What about your father’s plans to build around me?”

  Grimacing, Logan tightened his grip on her. “My father…”

  Before he could continue, someone from behind touched Amber’s shoulder. She turned to find Hannah and a whole group of people she knew—Caleb, Mrs. Keneally, Giovanni, and her neighbors, Peggy, Eleni, and Martin.

  Hannah cleared her throat. “The planning committee approved Logan’s proposal.”

  Caleb was glaring at Logan, and the others didn’t seem too happy to see her in his arms, either. Amber hastily extricated herself and faced them.

  “I’m sorry you all came for nothing.”

  “Oh, it wasn’t a waste of time,” Mrs. Keneally said. She jerked her chin at Logan. “He listened to our complaints, and it sounds like he’ll do something about them, as long as you stick around and make sure he keeps his word. You are going to take the job, aren’t you?”

  “Well, we were just, uh, discussing that, and yes, I think I will.”

  “Don’t accept whatever he offers,” Caleb said, still eyeing Logan. “You’re in the driver’s seat here.”

  Amber nodded. She turned to her three neighbors. “I’m so sorry for you, though. I feel I’ve let you down.”

  Peggy lifted her shoulders. “Nah, you haven’t. We’ll take the money and move. It’s a pain, but we’ll adjust.”

  Logan spoke up. “I’d be happy to help all three of you find new locations for your stores.”

  Amber looked at Eleni, whom she knew was the most anxious about moving. “Eleni? I know you’re not ready to retire yet. Would you like help relocating your business?”

  The elderly woman nodded, looking relieved. “I would, yes.”

  “I’ll come and talk to all of you in the next few days,” Logan said. “And anyone else who wants help or advice.”

  The three neighbors looked at each other and nodded. “That sounds fair enough, and we’re relieved that Amber won’t lose out,” Martin said. “I need a drink now. Anyone want to join me?”

  Most of the others agreed and moved off with him, but Caleb remained, arms folded over his chest. Hannah tapped her brother’s arm. “Time to go, Caleb.”

  “Yeah, yeah, in a minute. I just have one thing to say to Logan.” He squared his shoulders, his expression pugnacious. “Amber might not have a brother to look out for her, but she’s got me, so you better treat her right, dude.”

  Stifling a snort, Hannah pulled her brother away. “All right, Mr. Macho. Let’s go.”

  Logan watched them leave before murmuring, “I like him.”

  “He’s a…” Sweetheart, she was going to say, but the words dried in her throat when she spotted the couple walking purposefully toward them. Logan’s parents, and they looked determined to say something unpleasant.

  Beside her, Logan had also stiffened, but he threaded his fingers through hers, and she was glad of his warmth because she suddenly felt cold.

  Logan spoke first. “Mom, Dad, you’ll be glad to hear Amber’s accepted the job. She’s going to be our general manager. I’m sure you want to congratulate her and welcome her to the company.” There was steeliness in his voice she’d never heard before, and it seemed to stop his parents in their tracks. “And before you say anything else, hiring Amber will be my final decision as CEO before stepping down for you, Dad.”

  What! Amber gaped at Logan. What did he just say?

  Logan was gazing at his parents with stern resolve. “You made it clear that you wouldn’t allow me to head the company unless I married someone you approved of. Well, I’ve made my choice, and I choose Amber.”

  Three people gasped. Heloise clutched at her throat. “You mean you and Amber are…” She trailed off, looking thunderstruck.

  Logan tightened his clasp on Amber’s fingers. “Yes, we are. Involved. In a relationship. In love. Deliriously in love.”

  Thank God he was holding her hand, Amber thought, lightheaded with shock.

  Heloise’s eyelids went into rapid-fire blink. Clearly she had never heard her son confess to being in love. “Oh, ah, well, um…”

  Logan looked at his father. “Dad, if you want me to, I’ll be happy to stay on as vice president when you return as CEO.”

  Blaine spluttered, eyes goggling. “You—you—”

  Logan continued, “Naturally, I want to take as much stress off you as possible. You’ll be in charge and make the decisions, and I’ll be there to carry out your instructions.”

  For several long moments Blaine glanced between his wife and his son. Finally, his gaze settled on Amber. “Yes, it’s true,” he said. “I’ve been holding off on allowing Logan full control until he settles down with a girl we approve of, and after last night’s embarrassment, I threatened to take over as CEO unless he dropped you. Well, he’s called my bluff, and it appears I’ve been caught short.”

  “No, Dad, this isn’t a round of poker, and I’m not trying to game anyone,” Logan said. “This is my life, and I want to spend it with Amber and you and Mom. If this is what it takes for that to happen, then so be it.”

  He pulled Amber closer, and she felt the tremor of emotion running through his arm. My God, what he must be going through…

  The quaver in Blaine’s jaw showed the emotion was running high in him, too. “Of course I don’t want to be CEO again,” he blurted out. “And I realize now how stupid it is trying to dictate my children’s lives. If you make mistakes, then hopefully you’ll learn from them, like I did. Logan, you have full control of the company effective i
mmediately. From now on, Wright Inc is in your hands.”

  Logan blinked in surprise. “Thank you, Dad.”

  Blaine was gazing at Amber. “If my son is willing to be demoted to vice president for you and put up with my interference, then you must be special, Ms. Miller. Congratulations on your new job.”

  “Uh, thank you,” Amber murmured, her mind still spinning from the turn of events. “I’ll do my best.”

  Logan squeezed her shoulder, exchanging a brief smile with her before returning his attention to his father. “Dad, I’m sorry we argued earlier. I didn’t mean to be so harsh with you.”

  Blaine’s face turned a little ruddy. “It’s hard hearing the blunt truth from my own child, but I’ll recover. I’m glad we’ve cleared the air.” He put his arm around his wife. “Perhaps you’d like to bring Amber to dinner with us on Saturday night.” Heloise let out a faint squawk, but her husband just gripped her shoulder tighter as he addressed Amber. “My daughter and her fiancé will be with us this weekend. I’m sure they’d love to meet you properly.”

  Amber shared a startled glance with Logan before murmuring her acceptance.

  “Good, then we’ll see you on Saturday.” He guided his speechless wife away, leaving Amber and Logan alone.

  “You’d really give up being CEO just to be with me?” Amber murmured as soon as they were alone.

  Lifting her hand, Logan pressed his lips to her fingers. “Yes,” he said simply.

  She shook her head, still not quite believing what had happened. “You know, I don’t blame them for disapproving of me.”

  “Hey, it might not have sounded like one, but that dinner invitation was a ringing endorsement from my dad.”

  “Your mom looked stunned.”

  “She was probably thinking of ways to make her dining room waterproof.”

  “Huh.” Amber narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you teasing me? I’ve only ever thrown a drink at someone twice in my life. I don’t make a habit of it.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. Next time you feel the urge, just grab my hand and squeeze it.”

  “Like this?”

  “Is that all you got?”

  “Okay, how about this?”

  “Yeah, ah, you can let go. That hand hasn’t fully healed yet.”

  “Oh my God, I didn’t realize it was that hand!” Lifting his right hand, she rained kisses over his fingers and palm.

  “Hey, there’s another part of me that needs kissing better, too.”

  “Which part?”

  “Let’s go home and I’ll show you.”

  Epilogue

  Logan stomped into the house, slamming the door behind him. “Amber!” he yelled.

  Through the sliding doors, he saw her outside by the pool, rising from the sun lounger, a pile of spreadsheets clutched in one hand. He halted, his ire forgotten at the sight of her bikini-clad body, shimmering with suntan lotion. She strolled into the living room, popping her sunglasses on top of her hair, her long, shapely legs scrambling his thoughts.

  “Why are you yelling?” She flipped through the spreadsheets. “I’ve got everything under control. We’re all set to open on Saturday.”

  Saturday was the grand opening of Wright’s Home and Hardware Center, two months ahead of schedule and under budget, thanks to his and Amber’s hard work.

  “It’s going to be awesome, what with the free hotdogs and pony rides and demonstrations,” Amber continued. “All my old customers are coming, and of course Eleni, Peggy, and Martin, too. I’ve ordered ten dozen donuts from Peggy, and Eleni and Martin are helping with the kids’ face-painting.” Her old neighbors had happily transferred to new locations in town, and their businesses were doing well.

  Logan had never known anyone as hardworking as Amber. Even now, when she was supposed to have the day off, her first in weeks, she was immersed in work. He eyed the skimpy blue bikini, mesmerized by the way it clung to her curves.

  “Well?” She sauntered to the kitchen, her hips swaying hypnotically.

  He followed her, eyes glued on her butt. “Well, what?”

  “You sounded ticked off with me. What have I done?”

  Oh, yeah, it was coming back to him. His indignation returned. “What’s this garbage I hear about you buying a condo?”

  She paused, midway through pouring herself water from a jug. “Who told you that?”

  “TJ.”

  “You bumped into my uncle?”

  “No, I stopped at the bar for a drink, and he—”

  “You stopped for a drink at TJ’s?” Her smile lit up her face. “Oh, that’s nice.”

  Logan waved a hand impatiently. He had grown quite fond of Amber’s uncle and her mom. With her signing bonus and the money from selling her store, Amber had paid off her mom’s debts and bought her a new trailer. Cristal was healthy and thriving, and loved it when he and Amber went out dancing with her.

  As for his parents, well, they were definitely thawing toward Amber. His father had no regrets about handing him full control of the company, especially after seeing how well he and Amber worked together, and his mother was glad that Blaine was no longer stressed and that Sophie’s wedding could be as extravagant as she liked. They hadn’t even murmured a word of protest six months ago when they’d heard Amber had moved in with him. And just last week when they had come over for a barbecue and Amber had accidentally spilled a glass of red wine over his mom’s white dress, Heloise had barely raised a fuss, declaring it was a good excuse for a shopping trip.

  “Is it true?” he asked. “You’re buying a condo?”

  She eyed him warily before answering, “Yes.”

  “Why?” he demanded.

  “I’ve saved up enough for a deposit, and it’s a good investment.”

  He sucked in a deep breath. His heart hammered. “Aren’t you happy here?”

  She blinked in surprise. “Of course I’m happy. I’m very happy.” Her voice softened, but he wasn’t satisfied.

  “Then you don’t need a condo.”

  “I told you, it’s a good investment.”

  “You can buy shares instead.”

  She propped her hands on her hips. “Why are you being so difficult?”

  “Okay, I’ll let you buy the condo, but on one condition.”

  Amber’s eyes glinted dangerously. “You’ll let me buy the condo?”

  “Yes, but only if you marry me first.”

  “Listen, buster, I’ll buy a condo if I damn well want to—wait, what? What did you say?”

  “You heard me.” His heart quavered, and then he did the thing he’d been sweating over for weeks. He yanked open a drawer, picked up a small, square box, and fell to his knees in front of her, clasping her free hand.

  “Amber, sweetheart, I love you. This past year has been the most incredible, happiest time of my life, but I’m greedy. I want more. I want to be your husband. I want to love you through good times and bad. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I want”—he gulped—“I want to be the father of your children. Will you allow me that honor?”

  He popped open the box to reveal an enormous square-cut diamond ring. Her eyes were huge with shock, and then her face crumpled, and tears rolled down her cheeks, but he knew they were happy tears.

  “Oh my God, yes, yes…” she murmured, her hand shaking in his. His heart filled until it felt it would burst out of his chest.

  The jug in her other hand wobbled, splashing water onto his face. Lightheaded, he rose and plucked the jug from her hand. He slipped the ring onto her finger and kissed her, marveling at how right it felt.

  “Holy crap, Logan,” she breathed, sounding like she was hyperventilating. “How long have you been hiding that ring there?”

  “I bought it last week. Been trying to find the right moment to pop the question.” He grinned, recalling the anxious week he’d endured. “I was checking out the ring last night when you walked in wearing that negligee I like so much. I got distracted and shoved it into the dra
wer.”

  She laughed with him. Last night had been spectacular, but he had a feeling tonight would top everything else.

  “Do you really want to have children with me?” she asked, sounding uncharacteristically shy.

  “Of course. I want at least six.”

  “Six! Hold your horses, cowboy.”

  “Okay. I’ll settle for one.”

  She kissed him until he forgot what day it was. Eventually she asked, “How will your mother take the news?”

  “She’ll be ecstatic.”

  “You’re such a liar.”

  “If she says something rude, you have my permission to dump a jug of water over her.”

  “Stop it,” she said with a laugh, and then her eyes grew serious. “It’ll take time, but eventually I’ll convince her. She’ll see how much I love you and how I only want to make you happy.”

  He swung her into his arms and made for the bedroom. “How about I make you happy right now?”

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  About the Author

  Coleen Kwan has been a bookworm all her life. At school, English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life—and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.

  Coleen lives in Sydney with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.

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