Chapter 22
The pounding on the office door mirrored the pounding in Kade’s head. All he had to do was open the ledgers and a headache magically appeared. Granted, the books were starting to show a profit, and there wasn’t the Dracaenas sword of a mortgage coming due hanging over him. Still, no amount of reasoning eliminated the guilt and shame he felt for giving in to Declan’s nagging and agreeing to let him take out a loan, using his portion of land as collateral. Once again, he vowed he’d make it up to his brother.
The pounding became more forceful and insistent.
“What, damn it?”
The door opened a crack, then wider until two hands each bearing a mug poked through.
“I bring gifts, Oh Great One,” said a mysterious voice.
Kade couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his face. He shook his head and tried his best to resent the intrusion. He failed.
“I don’t suppose it would matter if I said you were interrupting my work?”
“Nope.” The mugs invitingly jiggled. The owner of the slim arms was still hidden by the partially open door.
Kade chuckled. “I’ve got a gun,” he warned teasingly.
“I’ve got coffee,” was the quick reply.
“You think coffee beats a forty-five?”
“No, but coffee and the pleasure of my company, not to mention my scintillating conversation, does.”
Kade’s laughter filled the room. It was a rich, full sound rarely heard.
“Oh, hell. Come on in. I have a feeling you won’t go away.”
“Well, since you insist.” The toe of Hope’s shoe pushed the door wide, and she stepped into the office dominated by the man behind the scarred desk.
“You have a nice laugh,” she said, placing a steaming mug in front of him and taking one of the two chairs facing the desk.
Raising the mug to his lips, Kade muttered. “Don’t get used to it.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. You shouldn’t give it out too often. Hoard it like a precious commodity to make it go up in value due to scarcity.”
“Huh?” His brow furrowed. “You say the damnedest things.” He hid his thoughts, taking another full mouth of coffee. “But you brew a decent cup. Strong, just the way I like it.”
“Really? That’s the way I like my men.”
Hope held his eyes with her daring, dancing ones. Lightning flashed between them, searing with its intensity.
A flush crept up her throat, deepening the rosy hue to her cheeks.
“I’m sorry,” Hope stumbled. “You’re right. My smart-mouth can be my worst enemy.”
Kade’s eyes never left her face as he eased back in the old desk chair. It creaked and groaned its protest. He steepled his fingers in front of his face.
“Are you ever at a loss for words, Hope Jackson?” he said softly.
Only when you look at me like you are now, she wanted to shout, but stopped the answer before it left her mouth.
“Never mind. Stupid question.” He brushed the heavy ledger to the side.
Thankful for the reprieve, Hope asked, “Book work?”
“Yeah. The bane of my existence. I put it off as long as I can, but it’s like the elephant in the room waiting patiently to be noticed.”
“That bad, huh?” Then she gave a quick smile, “I have an idea. Let me help. I’m good with numbers.”
Kade’s hand shook, sloshing the coffee in his cup. A demonic voice from the past echoed in his ears. “You hate the paperwork, Kade. I’m very good with numbers. Please Kade.”
“They’ll serve ice cream in hell before I’ll let another woman touch these books,” he growled, his lip curling into a sneer. “Fool me once . . . you know that old saying?” He went on not waiting for an answer. “I’ve learned a hard lesson. One I don’t intend to repeat.”
Like glass, any ease between them was shattered.
Kade got to his feet, rounded the desk, and thrust the half full coffee mug at her.
“Like I said, I’m busy.”
Hope took the mug in her shaking hand. He’d gone from a non-threatening man with an incredible laugh to a cold, harsh stranger in a matter of seconds. Back was the steel wall surrounding him, shutting out her and everyone else. Admittance was rare, but she’d been admitted, if only for a brief period of time. It was long enough for her to know Kade McKune was someone she very much wanted to get to know and to get close to.
Turning toward the door, Hope regretted her impulsive actions. He’d made it plain the office was off limits, as well as the man.
Then without warning, two powerful arms snaked out and strong fingers encircled her forearms. She was gently forced to turn and face the scowling man who held her at arm’s length.
“I must be crazy,” he muttered, as an unreadable look crossed his face.
Hope knew that if Kade hadn’t been holding her so securely, she would have sunk to her knees. Her legs were as weak as her stomach. She ran the tip of her tongue over her dry lips as much a captive as a hawk’s prey.
Slowly, he pulled her closer, and with gentle strength, lowered his mouth to hers. The intoxicating smell of woman and lilacs overwhelmed him. He drank in the rightness of the feel of her tender lips and deepened the kiss, knowing without a doubt all air had been sucked out of the room. He wanted more, but as realization reared its ugly head, he pulled away, denying himself the urgent need to taste her again.
His eyes darkened, and Hope saw all tenderness in them flee. Fiercely, he propelled her from the room and slammed the door behind her.
“Go to bed, Hope,” she heard him say. “And lock your door.”