Keeping Wicked (The Mitchell Brothers Book 3)

by Kathryn L. James

  “I need to meet this new conquest.”

  “No, Leah. It’s not like that. I… don’t... I don’t want him to know about my life before.” Her eyes flew up to mine.

  “Then don’t tell him.”

  Carli was a female love and leave ‘em kind of girl. It was her game. She didn’t want relationships but loved sex. I used to joke around and proclaim I’d get rich if I purchased stock in condoms all because of her.

  “That’s enough about me. It’s your turn. A hundred-grand bid!”

  “Crazy, huh? I’m glad I did it... you know being a part of raising money for the kids.”

  “Everyone on the committee is buzzing about who shelled out that kind of money. Right now, he’s still anonymous. Earlier, Suzanne, the chair president said the highlight of night was you. I nearly fell out. It was more than we’ve made over the last three years put together.”

  “No, they know it’s some guy named Dwayne Thompson.” I frowned, surprised she wasn’t informed.

  Carli wrinkled her nose and laughed. “Dwayne was the bidder by proxy.”

  “Proxy?”

  “It’s created quite the stir. We don’t know, which means we also don’t know who will be taking you out on a date.”

  “Then who the hell is Dwayne Thompson?”

  “He’s the big cheese with trusted relationships with anyone who is someone in Dallas and handles their money. He’s affiliated with the big time, Leah.”

  “Well, that’s great. Instead of someone who seemed normal, I’ll have to suffer through a meal with someone who could be a complete asshole who brags about how many women want to marry him.”

  “Or maybe he’ll be hot with a panty-melting grin like Zane, not to mention a nice ass. And if so, a guy who might make you feel alive and want to have a one-night stand. Maybe he’ll kiss you and it’ll be so hot, it’ll knock you on your ass.”

  “Not likely.”

  “One of these days, it’s going to happen to you too. And when it does, I swear to not say, I told you so, but you’ll know I’m thinking it.”

  I shoved a bite of the rich dessert covered in the sugary sweet cream cheese icing inside my mouth. “Whatever, friend.”

  “Did you and Dwayne speak to one another?”

  “Yes. He mentioned something about next week for Carlisle and Vaughn’s.”

  “Whoever it is, isn’t going skimpy, not that I would expect him to since he paid a hundred grand. Leah, that place is seriously amazing. You should try the steak medallion salad. It’s delicious.”

  “If I have to go at all, I’d rather the cantina.” I reached up and tightened my ponytail.

  “Can’t you try and remotely look forward to this?”

  “Helping the kids is all that matters to me.”

  “Try, Leah. Try and have a good time.” Her eyes held the look I despised.

  Pity.

  Carli and Anita were the only two people who knew what had happened to me.

  “Don’t look at me like that. Just because I’m not interested in having sex or having a man in my life, doesn’t mean I’m not happy.”

  “So you say.”

  “Enough about me. Tell me more about you and this Zane.”

  “When you know, you know, and I can’t explain it.”

  Letting out a deep breath, “Be careful. A good person can be horrible underneath.”

  “He’s genuine. You’ll see. Everyone isn’t like the sick bastard that hurt you. There’s someone that’s going to show you that one day. Doesn’t Dr. Grogan advise and council you on any of that in your therapy sessions?”

  I knew all guys were not vile or sadists, that good men existed. But the scar I kept hidden reminded me daily that vicious and evil men preyed on women to get off on hurting them. It had happened to me. I trusted the wrong person and the sick thrill in his eyes as he violated me would forever haunt me.

  “I stopped seeing Dr. Grogan a year ago. But yes, he used to tell me that all the time.”

  “One day you’re going to meet a man who is going to make you question if it’s the sunshine or him lighting up the room. And I can’t wait.”

  I forced a grin, “I don’t think so. It’s not in the stars.”

  The doorbell chimed and she quickly retrieved a cosmetic bag from behind her pillow. In a rush she rolled gloss over her lips and checked her teeth in the compact mirror.

  “I’ll get the door.” In my wildest dreams, I never thought Carli would be like a giddy schoolgirl.

  “Call me when you hear from the mysterious date.”

  When I opened the door, her handsome man with a sheepish grin held a box of red hots, Carli’s favorite candy. “You must be Leah.”

  “And you must be Zane the pediatrician.”

  “She’s been talking about me.” He looked over my shoulder at Carli wearing a boyish smile. “I like it.”

  “And she wore panda bears for you.” I rolled my eyes and darted down the pebbled sidewalk to my car.

  Twenty minutes later, I placed my cell phone on top of the dresser in my bedroom. I frowned at Dad’s name lighting up the screen.

  Dad: All the boys will be at my house for a party next Friday. I’d love for you to be there.

  “No,” I mumbled but knew I would go. It was all in trying to make things better between each other and me trying to find a way to forgive him.

  Me: Sure.

  Dad: Miss you.

  Me: Are you in town?

  Dad: I’ll be home in a few days. Dinner?

  Me: I’ll check my calendar and let you know.

  That pushed the limit. My calendar was empty, but I wasn’t ready for an awkward hour together. Not yet.

  Anita always tried to ease him into our conversation, and lately mentioned him having a hard time adapting to coming home to a lonely house because I’d moved out. She said he always asked if I’d left any messages or dropped by and slammed the door to his study when she told him I hadn’t.

  Curling up on the couch, I spent the rest of the afternoon binging on a large bowl of popcorn and a soda while watching a romantic comedy. A few chimes alerted new text messages from the phone I’d left in the bedroom but I ignored them until the movie credits started rolling across the screen.

  Yawning and barely able to keep my eyes open, I smirked at the phone. I didn’t want to read my dad’s persistent invites but walked over to the device anyway. Instead, a number I didn’t recognize lit up.

  Unknown: Are you available for our dinner engagement tomorrow night? Carlisle & Vaughn’s. Please confirm.

  My eyes widened at the message and I kept re-reading it over and over again.

  I can’t do it.

  Instead of replying, I powered the device off and left it on the dresser before climbing onto the butter soft Egyptian cotton sheets. The silence only made matters worse and I stared at the ceiling illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlight outside the window.

  Why couldn’t I be normal? Go on one date that wasn’t even a real date? Why did I allow that one night to control my life?

  Usually, I was able to keep the memories on a leash, but tonight they were fresh on my mind. Absently I ran my fingertips along the lower part of my abdomen tracing the proof that was a constant reminder of the darkest moment of my life.

  A tear rolled out of my eye and trickled into my hair.

  I was permanently scarred inside and out.

  Chapter 3

  The next morning, I sat behind my French vanilla desk, admiring my favorite view of the spectacular manicured courtyard. Two squirrels scampered about unconcerned with presence in the window. I was going to miss this cozy spot and hated saying good-bye to my small apartment I’d called home for the last couple of years, but having a shorter commute was sensible so I’d signed a lease on a new townhouse yesterday.

  Scrolling through files on my computer, I saved all the folders on a flash-drive. Each college semester had flown by
and graduation loomed around the corner. It felt surreal I was going to be a certified kindergarten teacher soon.

  The ding alerting a new text made me curse since I had been enjoying the moment of peace.

  Unknown: Pick an evening of your choice.

  I contemplated how to answer without sounding rude or coming off as a smartass. Surely whoever paid that kind of money had too many obligations to go on a date with a complete stranger.

  Me: I appreciate your generous donation to the charity, but at this time I would like to pass on the date as it’s not necessary. Again, thank you so much for your noble donation helping the children in the city. Best regards.

  Breathing a sigh of relief, I left it on a stack of papers and headed to the kitchen for a light breakfast. It didn’t take long to make a piece of cheese toast with a side of fresh strawberries. Two bites later my cell fucking chimed again.

  Damn it to all hell! Can’t a girl get a moment of peace this morning?

  Unknown: If it’s the idea of going to Carlisle and Vaughn’s, the arrangements can be changed. How does Petals, The Valencia, or Beaux’s sound? You decide on the time and place.

  WTF?

  I said no, you idiot.

  Me: It’s not the venue. I have zero intentions of having dinner with you. Thank you for understanding.

  There!

  Direct.

  To the point.

  End of story.

  Unknown: I along with the students find disappointment in your decision in defaulting the money awarded. The rules specifically stipulate all commitments must be upheld or the donation is voided.

  I stilled.

  No way would he jack with the well-being of the kids over a stupid dinner!

  Me: Or you could say we went and didn’t.

  Unknown: Choose the location, Ms. Wright. They are all five stars.

  None of the places he mentioned were my cup of tea. Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, I paced the floor pissed off at him backing me into a corner.

  “If you’re going to make me follow through, it’ll be on my terms you asshole,” I muttered under my breath.

  Me: Tonight. Seven thirty. I’ll meet you at Ortega’s Cantina. Casual dress.

  I hit send, smiling a smug grin. Ortega’s was a fun upbeat atmosphere and polar opposite of the eloquent black-tie restaurants he’d suggested. Mr. Ortega, the original owner was in his late seventies but still ran the operation along with his wife Rosalinda who had known me and Carli for several years.

  Unknown: I’ll be there.

  Me: Do you need the address?

  Unknown: See you tonight, Leah.

  Me: Who is this?

  No reply.

  “Asshole!” I called out.

  I called Carli to see if she had heard anything about the mystery man, Mr. Asshole.

  “Hey you.” She answered with bounce in her voice.

  “Mr. Big Spender is an ass wipe.”

  “What happened?”

  “First, he’s been texting me but won’t reveal his identity. I declined the date, but he responded with a threat to pull the funding from the kids… something about not meeting all of the obligations. Can you believe that shit?”

  “When are you going?” Amusement filled her tone. I knew her well and she was having a field day with my predicament.

  “Tonight. He suggested several black-tie restaurants downtown. But if he wants to go through with it, we’re going to the place on my terms. He’s meeting me at Ortega’s.”

  “Doesn’t sound like a jerk to me. Sounds more like he wants to follow through so he can give the money with a clear conscious. He even agreed on your choice of place.”

  “Whatever.” I rolled my eyes. “If I don’t call you later, I’m probably laying a ditch somewhere with my throat slit open.”

  “Dwayne Thompson doesn’t handle affairs for serial killers. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll call me later after experiencing the best time you’ve had in a long time.”

  “I doubt it.”

  One hour passed.

  Then two, three, four.

  I chose my favorite white jeans and a baby pink shirt with matching pink Converse. If he expected for me to look like the girl at the gala, he was sadly mistaken. Instead of beautiful, I sought the Plain-Jane look. No flawless make-up, instead I applied my usual light make-up, no lipstick, and a high-pony tail.

  The horn of the Uber sounded from the curb at the same time the text notification chimed. A driver was necessary because I planned to have more than one top shelf margarita to get me through the night.

  Along the way to the cantina, I couldn’t take my eyes off the beautiful afternoon sky and the striking buildings. I loved Dallas and all its beauty and architecture.

  Closer to Ortega’s my mind still spun a million different directions. It had been four years since I’d been on a date and it had changed everything. At seventeen, I’d endured the worst night of my life at the hands of a guy I trusted.

  “We’ve arrived,” the young driver called over his shoulder as he pulled to a stop in front of the coral colored adobe restaurant.

  My heart beat fast as I made my way through the arched patio entrance colored in a palette of bright colors. Strings of lights swayed in the breeze above and I wished it was me and Carli having girl time instead of a date that spelled disaster.

  Taking one last deep breath, I opened the heavy door. Inside, music, laughter, and loud chatter filled the lively atmosphere. Rosalinda rushed toward me waving her hand as soon as she saw me.

  “You and Crazy want your usual table, Bebe?” She met me with a warm gentle smile.

  She referred to Carli as Crazy and me Bebe.

  “I’m not with Crazy tonight. I’m... meeting someone.” Nervousness laced my voice.

  She raised her eyebrows. “A man someone?”

  “Yes, but it’s not what you think. It’s only a... business meeting.”

  “Is he here yet?”

  How the hell would I know? I didn’t even know who I was looking for. I scanned the entrance and the few couples sitting on the lime vinyl benches awaiting a table.

  No one alone.

  “I’m not sure...”

  “We would like your best table,” a deep husky voice resonated behind me.

  Heat radiated from his close proximity and I sucked in a sharp breath at the unexpected warmth rippling through me at a cyclone speed.

  Rosalinda’s eyes twinkled in amusement as she grabbed two menus. “I know just the table.”

  Mustering up courage, I slowly turned around to meet the asshole who wouldn’t take no for an answer. He had to be around six-foot-three, and his warm eyes reminded me of Tennessee whiskey. As if hypnotized, I took in the angle of his rugged chiseled jaw and perfect lips curled in a devilish grin. His tousled hair, so brown, maybe black, was thick and perfect.

  I gulped, trying to alleviate my parched throat.

  His body was meant for the designer black slacks, a light gray crisp dress shirt that stretched across broad shoulders, and black Italian leather shoes.

  He defined gorgeous... and I didn’t label men gorgeous.

  My eyes drifted back to his face and landed on his amused cocky grin that clearly mocked my ogling.

  What the hell is wrong with you Leah?

  “I’m Chad Mitchell.” He extended his large hand

  How does he know who I am?

  “Bebe, his hand.” Rosalinda nudged my arm with her shoulder.

  “Leah Wright. I’m sorry, you caught me off guard. I didn’t expect you to arrive quite so early or know my name.”

  I lied. Timing wasn’t the issue at all. I’d never expected him to have the effect he had on me… or to be incredibly handsome.

  When my small hand slid in between his, shockwaves traveled up and down my spine. Electricity crackled and I wanted to pull my hand free, but the heat filling my senses overruled the warnings.

&
nbsp; The attraction I felt wasn’t invited or even a choice. It was an undeniable chemistry that was foreign and scared the hell out of me.

  “I’m never late.” He stepped closer, lips curving into a wide smile before turning his attention to Rosalinda. “Who would keep a beautiful lady like Ms. Wright waiting?”

  Her face it up and then led us to a table. “It’s not so loud in the overflow room. You want your usual, Leah?”

  “Make it a small.” I bit my lower lip and turned toward him.

  “Sir, would you like to start off with a drink?”

  “I’ll have the same as Leah.” He flashed a dazzling smile to Rosalinda, and I could tell he had her at first glance as well.

  Unrolling the black linen napkin, I placed the silverware on the table and draped it across my lap. My hand trembled. No one had ever had this effect on me. My blood felt like it sizzled as it coursed through my veins.

  He was the type of man who could have any woman he wanted. Why this man would want to spend a couple of hours with a woman who wasn’t interested was beyond me.

  He flipped the menu open, roaming over the selections, “What do you recommend?”

  I kept silent, staring at the menu I already knew by heart, I kept my eyes trained on the taco graphics.

  “Why couldn’t you just donate the money? I mean why go through with the formality of the whole dinner thing when you could have written a check? Don’t you think it’s a complete waste of time?”

  He arched an eyebrow up and dropped the menu onto the table. “If that’s how you felt, you should have called my secretary and declined.”

  “I told you I didn’t want to do this, and you threatened to pull the donation. I wasn’t going to be the reason the kids suffered.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Lines creased his forehead.

  Rolling my eyes, I scrolled through my phone and slid the proof in front of him.

  “Since you can’t seem to remember, here’s the conversation.”

  He read through the feed, shaking his head and his jaw ticked as he flashed a dark brooding gaze in my direction.