“Don’t make no kind of sense, Joanne. None whatsoever.”
“I know, Mama Estelle. Honest, I’ve tried to tell Luke a few times, but I can never seem to get the words out. Either we get interrupted or I get cold feet.”
“He’s not going to be happy about it, by no means, but you can’t build a relationship on half-truths, baby. Honesty is the foundation of any successful relationship. And communication is key. You need to do better at both.”
“Haven’t you ever done something, Mama Estelle, that just snowballed out of control? Because that’s what happened here. My intentions were good, but it’s just gotten away from me.”
The matriarch blew warm breath in a deep sigh. “You’re making excuses for bad behavior. You know better. I taught you better.”
Joanne had no response, falling silent as Mama Estelle hummed a soft spiritual in her ear. Joanne knew she should have told Luke by now. She knew that the longer she kept her paternity a secret, the worse it would be when she did tell. Denying the lifestyle she’d been raised in, pretending that Luke’s world was as far from her own as she could imagine, wasn’t doing either of them an ounce of good. Neither was the secret that had brought her to the only home that had always made her feel safe and secure.
Joanne had woken early, nestled deep against Luke’s broad back. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she’d snuggled against his warmth, relishing the tranquility she’d found being by his side.
Rising, the two had showered together, their morning ritual starting her day off nicely. No one had blinked any eye when the two had found their way to the breakfast table, Joanne pulling two ceramic mugs from the cupboards and filling them both with freshly brewed coffee.
She and Michelle had chatted briefly, the two women having formed a nice friendship since Joanne had begun to spend so much of her time in the Stallion home. Michelle’s excitement over her pregnancy had been infectious, and it moved Joanne to fantasize such an event for herself. Even Mark had teased her and Luke about legitimizing their relationship so that the impending addition to their family might have a cousin or two to grow up with. Luke had laughed it off, but even he had to admit to himself that the thought of fathering a child with Joanne piqued his interest.
Then Mark had opened the morning newspaper, the daily headline in the business section capturing his full attention. The print was bold, jumping off the page as if it were being shouted over an intercom. E-Kal Makes Bid For Stallion Empire. As he’d read the details out loud, Joanne had felt her stomach rise into her throat, threatening to spew her breakfast before it could settle. She was shocked, the emotion dressing her expression. She couldn’t begin to believe this was happening to her.
Both brothers had clearly been chagrined by the whole affair. Joanne had been mortified to learn that the Stallion nemesis was the one and only Charles Lake. Both Luke and his brother had soon raced from their family’s home, knowing that their whole day would be occupied with the fallout from the news.
Umpteen messages to her father had gone unanswered, the man tied up in corporate meetings for most of the day. But Joanne was desperate to speak to him. Desperate to make this whole mess go away. Unable to focus, she’d finally found her way to Estelle Brooks’s front door, doing what she did best when she needed her father—waiting patiently for the man to show her an ounce of his attention.
Joanne didn’t know how long she’d been sleeping, but she was startled awake by the easy chime of her cell phone. Marley and her mother were nowhere to be found. The home was dark and quiet as she fumbled for her purse, searching anxiously for the ringing device. Pulling it into her hand, she glanced quickly at the caller ID before answering it.
“Daddy! I’ve been calling you all day.”
“I’m a busy man, Joanne. What’s the problem?”
“You’re trying to steal Stallion Enterprises. That’s what the problem is.”
“I’m not trying to steal anything, Joanne. I’ve offered to pay them fair market value for their business.”
“Obviously the Stallion family wasn’t interested in your offer.”
“Obviously, but as one of their major stockholders, I believe our company will be better suited to run that business.”
“Our company? There is no our in this, Daddy. That company and this decision is yours, and yours alone.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Joanne. E-Kal is very much our company. I built that business for you. It’s your legacy. One day I’ll pass the reins over to you and you’ll pass them down to your own children. Right now I have to do everything I can to ensure that it’s worth inheriting.”
“Why Stallion Enterprises, Daddy? Why, out of all the companies you could have purchased, why did you choose Stallion?”
“It’s a strategic move, Joanne. Stallion Enterprises is exceptionally profitable. They have great distribution capabilities in areas we need to be in. If we acquire Stallion, then it allows us to enter new markets without having to take on the risk, time and expense of starting new divisions. Why wouldn’t I want them?”
“Don’t do this, Daddy. I’ve never asked you for anything before, but I’m asking you to not to do this. Leave the Stallions alone. Go after someone else’s company. Please.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Joanne. It’s not like you know the Stallions. What difference does it make?”
“It makes a difference to me. Please, Daddy!” Joanne pleaded.
Her father laughed, and Joanne could almost see him shaking his head as if she’d asked him for the moon. How absurd of her to think that he might actually make an effort to attain the moon for her. How foolish was she to think that he might actually do something for his daughter that she actually wanted him to do.
Charles Lake dismissed her and her wants. “Daughter, you go dabble with your little design thing and let me deal with the real business. My attorney will be sending some papers over for your signature this week. Sign them and give them right back to the messenger. Understand?”
Joanne didn’t bother to respond. Without another word, she disconnected the call. Across the room, the digital clock on the bookcase glimmered the time in florescent green. It was barely eight o’clock in the evening.
Flipping the phone open a second time, she pressed the speed-dial number for Luke. He answered on the first ring. “Hey, buddy!”
“Hey, yourself. How are you?”
“Exhausted. I’ve had some kind of day. How are you doing?”
“I’ve been better. I’ve had a day, too.”
“Where are you?” Luke asked.
Joanne looked around the quaint room, family photographs of Mama Estelle, Marley and the rest of the Brooks clan seeming to stare back at her. “I’m home,” she said finally, tears pressing hot against her closed eyelids.
“Have you had dinner yet?” Luke queried. His voice dropped to a soft whisper. “I really would like to see you. I really need to see you, Joanne.”
Joanne shook her head into the receiver as if he could see her. “No, but I don’t have much of an appetite. I just want you to hold me,” she said, whispering back.
Something in her voice pulled at Luke’s heartstrings. “Is everything okay, baby?”
Gently shaking her head, Joanne fought back the urge to cry. “I’m fine. I just miss you.”
A pregnant pause filled the space over the telephone line. It swelled full, looming like an elephant in a small room. Both of them sensed the other wanting to say something, but neither one could find the words. Luke finally broke the silence.
“The house has been turned into battle-zone central. Everyone’s here, and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere anytime soon. Why don’t you meet me at the Ritz-Carlton?”
“I’m leaving now,” Joanne said, nodding.
As Joanne disconnected the call, she dropped the phone to the floor and her head into her hands. She had to tell Luke about her connection to E-Kal. He had to hear it from her before he heard it from someone else. But she wo
uld have given anything to make it all go away so that Luke would never have to hear a thing.
Chapter 17
His kisses were precious, like exquisite gems to be marveled over. Since coming through the penthouse doors Joanne had been standing in Luke’s arms for a full ten minutes, his mouth gently caressing her own. Joanne melted beneath his touch, his large hands stroking every ounce of worry from the length of her arms, her back, the curve of her hips and her waist. Joanne willed the moment to last forever.
Leaning her head back against her shoulders, Joanne swallowed hard as Luke’s kisses moved down the length of her neck and back again. His heated breath generated an explosion of sensation that threatened to rob her of her consciousness. Her legs quivered uncontrollably, threatening to drop her to the ground.
Joanne leaned her head into Luke’s chest, wrapping her arms around his midsection. Her grip was telling, the woman holding on to Luke for dear life. So Luke held her, wrapping his arms tightly around her shoulders and hugging her to him. He held her close as he gently rocked her in his arms, leaning his cheek next to hers.
They needed to talk, but Joanne couldn’t find the words to say what she needed to say to him. Any attempt at rational thought disappeared in the whirlwind of emotions. Luke had resumed his trail of kisses, his tongue grazing her lips in sweet invitation. Joanne closed her eyes, tilted her head back to meet his mouth and allowed herself to fall into the emotion. Her lips parted, and Luke’s tongue slipped softly between them.
The kiss was heated, rising in urgency, and then Luke broke the sweet connection, his mouth fluttering across her cheeks, her nose and her eyelids before tracing a second path past the sensitive lobe of her ear, across her jawline, back down her neck to the hollow between her collarbone. Joanne gasped softly for air.
“How’s your day now?” Luke whispered into her ear, nuzzling his face against her neck.
Joanne murmured softly, “It’s much better now.”
“So is mine, now that I’m with you.” Luke’s smile was tender, and Joanne felt herself lost in the beauty of it. He clasped her hands in his and pulled her gently into the immaculately decorated room. Guiding her to the upholstered sofa that adorned one side of the luxury suite, the two settled down against the cushions.
Luke pulled Joanne back against his chest, wrapping the length of his arms around her torso. He gently caressed her arms, his fingers kneading the tension from her body. Luke nuzzled his face into her hair, inhaling deeply. The soft strands smelled of coconut and almonds.
Soft music filled the space. The tune playing was familiar, but Joanne couldn’t attach a name or performer to it. She closed her eyes, allowing the subtle lilt of flutes and violins to flood her senses, Luke’s soft touch leading the intimate moment.
“This is nice,” she finally whispered, breaking the silence that had risen between them. “I wish we could stay like this forever.”
The man nodded his agreement. “So do I.”
Joanne turned in her seat to face him. “Luke, there is so much I need to tell you. There are things you need to know about me and—”
“Wait,” Luke whispered, cutting her off. He clasped her face between his large hands, pressing his fingers to her furrowed brow.
Joanne could feel herself becoming lost in the deep stare that he gave her, the dark pools pulling her in. “But, I have to tell you—”
“Baby, I want to know everything there is to know about you,” he said, shaking his head. “You know I do. But tonight I just want us to enjoy the moment. This whole day has been one nightmare after another. I just want to spend the rest of the night holding you in my arms and making love to you. Tomorrow, when we wake up, we can talk about everything or nothing, whatever you want. Okay? Please?”
Joanne felt her head bobbing against her neck. She met his smile with one of her own and then he kissed her again, embracing her tightly. Luke snuggled his face into Joanne’s neck, the fruity scent of her body wash tickling his nostrils. He could almost taste the light mango scent against her smooth, chocolate body. Unable to resist, Luke planted gentle kisses on her soft neck, his tongue flickering against the soft curve beneath her chin. Joanne groaned as a current of electricity sped through her body, shivers of energy coursing through her veins.
Joanne traced her index finger along the line of his profile. The slim appendage drew a delicate trail over the chiseled cheekbones down to his full lips. Luke opened his mouth and captured the firm digit between his teeth. Luke sucked softly on the sweet flesh, drawing it in and out. As Luke sucked harder, Joanne’s passion rose tenfold, warm waves of pleasure rushing through her.
Sliding her finger from his mouth, Luke pressed a warm kiss to the palm of her hand. Unable to resist, Joanne leaned in and pressed her lips against his. Luke moaned as Joanne’s soft tongue entered his mouth, softly caressing his own. Their kisses deepened as Luke gripped the back of Joanne’s head and locked his fingers in her soft, silky curls. Desire nourished desire, a deep hunger consuming them both as they danced back and forth in each other’s mouths.
A flash of heat burned deep between Joanne’s thighs. Lifting her body above his, she pushed him gently back against the cushions. Straddling his body, she parted her legs widely around his pelvis, grinding herself against him. A full erection strained hard and urgent in response.
The dance against him was slow and methodic, and Joanne savored the sensations. She understood that tomorrow and all their secrets would come soon enough, but this night would be theirs alone. All she wanted was to make love to him and have their lovemaking last a lifetime.
As if reading her mind, Luke grabbed her buttocks with both hands, pulling her tight to him as he rotated his body in sync with hers. His flesh was rigid, a rod of steel desperate to be free as Joanne rode him through his clothes.
Joanne’s skin felt like it was on fire, and she no longer had any control over her muscles. Their lips found each other again, and the kiss deepened as she felt Luke’s hands disappearing beneath her T-shirt. He fumbled briefly, unclasping her bra. The sudden release of her breasts swinging to freedom emboldened him, and he quickly cupped each mound in his palms. His fingers slid over the sensitive nipples, which reacted to his touch as he caressed the swollen orbs.
Luke finally broke the kiss between them. The disconnect left Joanne hungry, and she lifted her questioning eyes to his. Joanne gasped loudly as Luke suddenly lifted himself from the seat, lifting Joanne with him. He held her firmly, her legs wrapping around his waist. His chuckle was teasing as she held on tightly, clasping her hands behind his neck.
Carrying her to the bed, Luke laid her gently against the mattress, snatching the bed covering to the floor. The couple was suddenly fraught with a sense of urgency. Joanne lifted her torso slightly, pulling her shirt and bra up and over her head. She tugged at the button that secured her jeans, sliding her hips from them as she dropped her garments over the side of the bed.
Luke watched, his dark gaze locked with hers as he stepped out of his own clothes, throwing them to the floor with hers. Dropping his naked body down beside hers, Luke pulled Joanne’s arms up and over her head, clasping her wrists in his large hand. He stared down at her, enamored with the sheer beauty of her.
“I love you,” Luke whispered loudly, his seductive voice coming deep and husky in his throat.
Joanne’s eyes widened, but before she could respond, Luke leaned and kissed her deeply. When his mouth met hers in a heated kiss, all thought was lost to them both.
Blanketing her body with his own, Luke savored the sensation—thigh to thigh, belly button to belly button, and lip to lip. Time stopped as they shared space and air, playing each other like skilled musicians would play fine instruments. The simpatico was a sweet, tender melody, and Luke became their conductor.
Joanne lost herself completely as she gave into the sensations Luke was eliciting from her body. When he sheathed himself with a condom, her mind and body were mush. Her back arched and her breathing becam
e labored.
Luke stared down at her, awed by just how beautiful she was. Anticipation danced in her eyes as she opened herself to him, spreading her legs open widely as he tap-danced at the entrance of her private door. Joanne locked her eyes with his as he rocked his pelvis against hers, and then he entered her.
Joanne cried out with pleasure, her soft moans escaping past her lips. Goose bumps covered her entire body and her senses were on overload. With every stroke a shock of pleasure coursed through her. Joanne’s eyes were clenched shut, her head rolling from side to side in pure ecstasy.
Luke felt her muscles tighten around him. The vibrations had him quivering, perspiration beading against his skin. They both moved higher and higher toward ecstasy as Luke stroked deeper and deeper into her. Joanne’s shuddering moans incited his own, both of them moved to tears.
Orgasm blended into orgasm. Muscles clenched and released as rainbows of color exploded between them. Shocks of pleasure rolled in upon each other, overlapping and rippling away, only to be overshadowed by more crashing waves.
As the spasms died away, Luke held her tightly. Joanne kissed him softly, her body still entangled with his. Then she whispered his name, the lilt of it sweet music to his ears, as she told him she loved him, too.
The room filled quickly with morning light, rousing Luke from a deep sleep. All was quiet around them, Joanne dozing soundly by his side. Luke suddenly couldn’t imagine himself waking any other way. He turned over on his side to face her, wrapping his arms around her sleeping form. The warmth of her body next to his never ceased to cause a ripple of yearning through his body. Every time they were together he wanted her more, unable to get enough of her. His heartbeat raced, beating like thunder in his chest.
They’d made love most of the night, over and over again. He could still feel the heat of her breath against his flesh as he’d swam in the sweetness of her nectar. His entire body had ached for her as she’d mounted him, agonizing expressions of lust and pleasure washing over them both. Heaven had descended down upon them time and time again. The memory rippled through his heart, surging full force through his veins. Luke inhaled, filling his lungs with a deep breath of morning air.
Lost in a Stallion's Arms (Kimani Romance) Page 14
