Chapter 7
Kelly woke up after Dennis had already gone. With nothing to do, she puttered around the apartment, questioning why Craig had not kissed her. There was no mistaking that look. He had wanted her. Wanted to kiss her. Why didn’t he?
She’d been more aware of him than any man she’d ever been with. At the bar, his thigh had brushed against hers, sending a tremor coursing through her tummy. A brush of his arm, a press of his hip, and her body had shivered with excitement. When he brought her home, she had stared into his baby blues and her world tilted.
Groaning, she wrenched the pillow over her head in frustration. She was losing it.
Never one to feel sorry for herself, she climbed from her warm bed and headed to the shower. This time she used the guest bathroom since she was not in a mood to pamper herself.
After three cups of coffee and a dozen scenarios and possible explanations for Craig’s behavior, she felt like the walls were closing in. She fled to the grocery store, only to find her thoughts of Craig followed her there and home again.
Curled up on the couch, she flipped through a magazine. Brad and Angelina Jolie made the cover again. Some people had entirely too much money. She tossed it on the table just as she heard a key in the lock. Seeing Dennis dressed in a white-collared Polo shirt and tan slacks jogged her memory—he had gone to play golf today.
“I know you didn’t invite me here, but this is getting to be a habit.”
“Am I supposed to know what habit you’re talking about?”
“Ignoring me.”
“You don’t need an invitation. But, when you show up at my home unannounced, don’t expect my undivided attention.” Dennis gave her a goading smile and headed to the fridge. “I’m giving you my hospitality. What more do you want?” He returned to the living room with two beers and handed her one.
“Thanks.”
He kicked off his shoes and tossed his visor on the table. He flopped down beside her, taking a long pull on his beer. “Miss me?”
“You were gone when I woke up.” She pretended to pout.
“Forget about my golf date with Pete and Craig?”
Craig. The man who’d been on her mind all day. “I didn’t know what to do with myself.”
“I’m surprised Gail didn’t come over.”
“She has a job.”
“So do you. But you’re here.” He winked, letting her know he was fine with her company.
“How was the game?”
“Pete won. I beat the socks off Craig,” Dennis said with glee. “He’s normally pretty good, but he came in way over par. His mind wasn’t on golf.”
She’d listened to Dennis give details of his golf games before, but having no interest in the sport, she had no idea what ‘par’ meant. And didn’t care.
So why did she ask?
Because she wanted to hear about Craig.
“What’s going on between you and Craig?” His question came out of the blue. Could he read minds?
Nothing. That was the problem.
Instead, she asked, “Why? Did he say something?”
“He wouldn’t say anything. Trying to get him to talk about you was like a little kid at the dentist. He wouldn’t open his mouth.”
“Why were you discussing me?”
“There was no discussing to it. I probed, he wouldn’t crack. Then he smacked the ball like he wanted to kill it. If I had my guess, he had his mind on you.”
“Me?” she squeaked. “Why would you think that?”
“Didn’t he bring you home last night?”
Yeah. That’s all he did.
“Yes.”
“I thought that was what you wanted.”
Being in such close proximity with Craig had been nice. But not being able to touch him, wondering if he even wanted to touch her, drove her crazy. “It would have been fine if he had wanted the same thing.”
Dennis propped his feet on the coffee table. “Are you kidding? Craig likes you.”
“I thought so, too.”
“He put the moves on you?”
“No.”
Dennis laughed. “You sound disappointed.”
She took a sip of beer. “Something else is going on with him.”
“Come on, Kel. Tell me what happened when he brought you home.”
“Nothing happened.”
“Yeah? Hmm. Maybe that’s the problem. Come here.” He reached behind her and grasped her shoulder, pulling her to him. “Look. Just because Robert is a dickhead, don’t let him turn you against men. Craig is an upstanding guy. I wouldn’t allow him within ten feet of you if I didn’t trust him.”
“He’s seems fine.” She picked at the label on her bottle. “I like him.”
“What’s the problem?”
“It’s not me. I mean, he’s into me one minute, the next he shoves me away.”
“That doesn’t sound like Craig.”
“I don’t know if he’s toying with me or what.”
“He’s not like that.” Dennis took a gulp of beer. “He’s interested. He’s acting too weird not to be.”
Kelly shifted so she could see Dennis’s face. “Weird how?”
He glanced down at her, then gazed out the long window as if considering his words. “Usually we talk. Compare notes. Every time I brought up your name today, he clammed up.”
“What did you say?”
“I mentioned you and asked him how you two got along. Pete said you looked hot and I thought Craig was going to slug him.”
Kelly smiled to herself. Sounded a little like jealously. “Go on.”
“Do you know Larry? He was our fourth. Pete told Larry about the hot redhead cozying up to me. Craig acted like I should have been with you. I told him you didn’t mind.” Dennis shifted and stared down at her. “Did you?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” She swatted his chest, then sat up. “Maybe he thinks since I’m visiting, you have an obligation to watch out for me.” She placed her bottle on the coffee table and stood gesturing with her hands. “You need to make it clear, I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
“I don’t need to tell him anything about your size or your looks. Any man with eyes can see for himself you’re a woman.” Dennis dropped his gaze down her body and took his time raising it back up.
“When you examine me like that, it gives me the willies.”
His brows jerked up. “The willies?”
“That’s the way you look at a girl you want to take to bed.”
“How do you know what’s in my mind, Kel?”
“Well, it just seems like that’s what it means.”
Lifting his legs, he sat his bottle on the table where his feet had been, and stepped next to her. “Can’t help but appreciate a beautiful woman.”
“You’ve never looked at me like . . .”
“Like what? Like I desire you?”
“You don’t.”
“Calm down, Kel. Our friendship is too solid for awkwardness between us. I’d rather have your friendship than nothing at all. What we have is special. I would never risk what we have for sex.” He drew her into his arms and cradled her the way he always did.
Family. She never had a brother. She wondered if this was what it would feel like. Being an only child, she’d been lonely. Her parents traveled, so Kelly spent most of her time with a nanny. Once, she had called the woman ‘Mama’ and was quickly corrected. Perhaps she formed this bond with Dennis because she needed that closeness. An attachment similar to what a family member should be.
“Now,” He released her. “If you have no objections, I’m off to shower.”
Kelly shrugged. “It’s your bathroom.”
“But what will I find when I get there?” He waved his fingers in the air. “Frilly things?”
“I cleaned your bathroom.”
“Hmmm.” Dennis strode to the wide hallway that divided the bedrooms. “Dinner in or out? I’m starved.”
“I bought some chicken. While you’re in the shower, I’ll put it in the oven.”
“Are you making that broccoli and rice dish?”
“That’s the plan.” She knew how much he loved it, so she’d picked up all the ingredients at the store.
“I may just have to marry you yet. What better way for a woman to have a man wrapped around her little finger than through his stomach?”
“Huh. I’d like to be there the day a woman wraps you around her little finger.”
“Never going to happen.”
~ ~ ~
Determined to get to the bottom of things, Dennis invited Craig the next night for dinner. No matter how much Kelly argued with Dennis, he would not be swayed. An interrogation was on the menu and short of leaving, Kelly didn’t know what to do.
“Please Dennis. You can’t do this.”
“Will you relax? I’m not going to attack him. Shit, Kelly. Craig and I are as close as . . . well, pretty much you and me. He’s my best friend, guy friend. You’re my best girl friend.”
“Thanks for clearing that up for me,” she said sarcastically.
“Come on—” The doorbell to the apartment rang.
“Saved by the bell.” She lurched for the door, but he grabbed her arm.
“There’s no need to panic. We’re just having dinner.”
“Does Craig know he’s on the menu?”
“Knock it off.” Dennis stepped onto the landing and opened the door. “Hey, buddy. Come on in.”
Damn. Dennis had made her nervous with his intention to ambush Craig, but her voice sounded husky with sexual tension. She almost wished Craig was on the menu, he looked good enough to eat.
“Hi, Craig,” She said in a breathy gasp.
“Hi.” His eyes lit up when he saw her, making her warm all over. “Something sure smells good.”
“Glad to hear you say that,” Dennis said. “She was bitching about the smell of the onions earlier.”
Kelly placed her hands on her hips. “The onions were rank.”
“But they taste delicious.” Dennis offered Craig a beer.
“Thanks, man. I brought wine for dinner.”
“Kelly is an awesome cook,” Dennis said as he took the wine. “I told her just the other day that I might have to marry her for her cooking.”
If Dennis expected a rise out of Craig, they both were sadly disappointed. No jealously, no glares, nothing. Craig seemed to take the remark in stride. Kelly shot Dennis a warning glance.
“You’re right on time,” she said to Craig. “Dinner is ready. All I have to do is dish it up.”
While the men hovered in the living area, Kelly hustled to the kitchen. She braced her arms on the counter and closed her eyes. The chemistry hit her stronger every time she saw him. What on earth was happening? She had no control over her emotions or her body.
She grabbed an open bottle of wine and poured a generous amount in a glass. Tempted, she almost drank from the bottle, but she refrained from that impulsive act. Instead, she grasped the goblet and downed the alcohol in one swoop. Her throat burned, and she gasped to keep from choking. The wine hit her empty stomach.
The roast smelled delicious with herbs and onions, the juice would be perfect for soup tomorrow. Potatoes, carrots, and a salad completed the meal, with bread toasting in the oven. She shook herself and focused on setting the table.
With everything ready, she called the men to eat. As Dennis walked by, she gave him another warning glare.
Somehow, they made it through dinner. Even though her roast turned out perfectly, Kelly picked at her food. Every moment, she waited for Dennis to strike. Knowing he would embarrass her, wondering how she would handle whatever the idiot would toss her way. He was supposed to be her friend. But when he got an idea in his head, especially if he thought he was helping, he chewed on it like a dog gnawed on a bone.
His latest idea had been to put Craig in the hot seat. Kelly had tried to talk him out of it. Reason with him that she would be in the hot seat right along with him. Dennis just laughed it off. Now she’d fretted the entire meal, and her stomach was in knots. She held her glass out to Dennis for more wine.
“I think you’ve done this one in.”
“What?” She blinked, not sure what Dennis meant.
He wiggled the empty bottle. “All gone.”
“Oh.” When she moved her head, she suddenly realized she might be a bit tipsy.
“Why don’t I make some coffee?”
“Sure,” she answered as Dennis rose. Is this what she’d been reduced to? One-word sentences? She sat there, staring at her plate. Then she fanned her face, wondering if it looked flushed. Great. Just Great. Now Craig would think her a wino.
He chuckled, jerking her attention. Blue eyes flamed, making her hotter. And Dennis was making coffee? She needed a glass of water. Ice water.
She braced her hands on the table preparing to stand.
“Wait,” Craig quickly said. “Tell me what you need and I’ll get it.”
Dennis, bless his soul, returned to the table with a glass of ice water and handed it to her.
She gulped. Then thought better of the idea, and sipped.
“I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”
Tomorrow? What was tomorrow? Thursday? Wednesday?
“So soon?”
Of course Dennis expected his two best friends to get along, having no idea of the current igniting every time she and Craig were in the same room. Craig had come to Charlotte to see his buddy. Now he was high-tailing it out of Dodge. Because of her?
“I only planned on staying a few days. I’m headed to the West Coast.”
Dennis leaned back in his chair and lifted his wine glass. “Going to see your mom?”
Kelly took another sip of water to clear her head. Mom?
“You know I have an office there, but yes. I will see her as well,” Craig replied.
“Your mother lives on the West Coast?” At least her voice sounded normal.
“San Francisco. My base office is there. I do a lot of traveling, but she knows I’ll always come home.”
“I should plan a trip out there,” Dennis suggested. “I’d like to see your mom again.”
“I’m sure she’d like to see you too.”
While Dennis left the table to get coffee, Kelly’s mind raced. Craig was leaving. Her chest squeezed.
“You’re leaving tomorrow?”
“Yes. There’s nothing to keep me here.”
Nothing?
Dennis brought in the carafe and poured her a cup of coffee. “Are you sure you have to leave tomorrow?”
“I want to check on things at the office.”
“I thought you wanted to get away from the office for a while.” Dennis stepped to the opposite side of the table and poured coffee for Craig.
“I’ve been here several days.”
Kelly held her breath wondering if Dennis would start his interrogation now.
“Four days.” Dennis held up three fingers, the kook. “Can’t Kelly and I tempt you to stay a bit longer?”
Craig turned his gaze on her. For a moment, she lost sight of everything around her. There was only Craig, and her. She longed to crawl into the Cerulean blue sphere, be swallowed up in the magical moment.
“No,” he said, breaking the spell. “I think I best be going.”
“Well, you can’t leave tomorrow. At least wait until Saturday. We’ll give you a proper sendoff. Can’t have my buddy leaving without a celebration. Who knows when we’ll see you again.”
Who knows when we’ll see you again.
Why did those words make her want to shrivel up and cry?
~ ~ ~
Half the people in the bar had showed up from Dennis’s invitation. The other half joined in as soon as they found out it was a party. Booze flowed. So many toasts were made, Craig was beginning to feel like a celebrity. The only thing he knew for sure was that he didn’t want to go anywhere. Not until he figured out whatever was between him and Kelly.
The woman was gorgeous. She wore a tight blue, short skirt with a slinky blouse showing nice cleavage. He couldn’t help but stare. With legs like that, she could get any man she wanted. Her throaty laugh hummed in his ear, creating a fantasy he’d like to play out. She was everything he wanted but was too afraid to take.
He was in trouble. This would be a hell of a lot easier if Dennis was not his friend. The bro line was one he would not cross. If he acted on his feelings, he could lose more than his best friend.
So, he stood there watching, denying himself. He’d be gone tomorrow.
“I haven’t had this much fun in a long time.”
Kelly’s laugh grabbed him right in the gut. She and Dennis were really enjoying themselves. Who was he to put a damper on their fun?
“I do believe someone over there is trying to get your attention.” Pete spoke to Dennis, then nodded to a female across the room.
“Here, my friend. Sit down.” With one hand on Craig’s shoulder, Dennis practically shoved him in the booth with Kelly. “Back in a moment.”
“I rest my case.” Kelly lifted her beer in salute. Gail and Pete laughed, then clinked their beer bottles with hers.
Noticing the exchange, Craig wondered at their actions. “Did I miss something?”
Pete pointed the neck of his bottle toward Dennis. “That’s my guy. He lives the life of a true bachelor.”
“Is he doing something different than the rest of us?”
“He lives the fantasies most of us mere men dream about.”
Fantasies. Craig had his share of those since meeting Kelly.
“Doesn’t tie himself down,” Pete went on. “Shares a rocking relationship with a beautiful woman for a brief spell, then when he’s ready to move on, he goes for it.”
Move on?
“And the amazing part? The ex-girlfriends remain his loyal friends.” Pete glanced to Dennis again. “The guy can’t do anything wrong.”
Craig noticed an exchange, a sort of silent communication, pass between Kelly and Gail. He’d thought Gail was Pete’s girlfriend. What kind of jerk would make a comment like that with his girl sitting next to him?
And what about Kelly? He’d only just met her but she didn’t seem the kind of female who’d tolerate a guy who played around. Was she only a temporary thing to Dennis? Craig couldn’t believe his friend would let this one get away.
He took a quick glance over his shoulder. Dennis had his arm securely around a redhead, the same one who’d flirted shamelessly with him the last time they were here.
“I knew it was just a matter of time before he got distracted. Don’t worry Craig,” Kelly bumped his shoulder. “I’m still here.”
Dammit. Even if Dennis’s interest in Kelly was temporary, at this point in time, he and Kelly were an item. So why the hell wasn’t the guy sitting here with her? Instead, he was draped all over the redhead at the bar. And why didn’t Kelly object to his appalling behavior?
Craig stared at his beer while he ground his back teeth together. Watching her and Dennis, something didn’t seem quite right. He couldn’t help feeling the answer lay within reach.
“Hey, Gail,” Kelly said. “Over there’s Jerry.”
Gail leaned her elbows on the table, peering around Pete. “Hey, Jerry.” She yelled and waved her hand.
“What are you doing?” Pete frowned as if he didn’t like the idea of Gail calling out to another man. After what he’d just said?
Can’t have it both ways, fella. Craig took a pull from his beer.
“I want to dance. Jerry is a hoot.” Gail nudged Pete like she wanted him to get out of her way. He didn’t budge.
“If you want to dance, why don’t you just say so?”
Gail looked like she would punch him. “Sometimes it’s nice to have a guy ask.”
Were these two a couple or not?
A screech sounded from somewhere to his right.
“Kelly! It really is you.”
Craig looked up just as a flustered blonde jumping bean came to a halt at their table.
“Hi, Brenda.” Kelly greeted the female whose attention was fastened on him.
“And who is this hunk?”
“That’s Craig.” He heard Gail answer before Kelly could speak.
“Hello there.” She turned on the charm. “Haven’t I seen you in here before?”
“It’s possible,” he replied in boredom. The last thing he wanted was to hook up with another woman this evening.
“I remember. You’ve been here with Dennis. Move over.” She wiggled in beside him, so he scooted over, making room. His thigh brushed up against Kelly’s. His breathing hitched. He wanted to pull her onto his lap and smother her in breathless kisses.
“I’ve just heard some juicy gossip.”
He didn’t mind being sandwiched between them, so he ignored the chatterbox and simply enjoyed being this close to the woman of his fantasies. Feeling like it was the natural thing to do, he raised his arm and placed it on the back of the booth behind her head. Brenda’s shoulder brushed his chest as she leaned over. It was getting damn crowded in this space. He shifted, angling more toward Kelly. The fullness of her breast fit snug in the curve of his side. He sucked air and willed his growing erection to calm.
Coconut drifted from her hair, tempting him to rub his nose in the silky softness, or take the strands between his fingers and bring them to his lips. If he turned his head just so, he could kiss the top of her head. At that moment, Kelly peeked at him.
Caught. Her knowing smile made his mouth go dry. All too soon, the temptation to kiss her disappeared as little Miss Busybody accidentally elbowed him in the ribs.
Christ.
He rolled his eyes toward Pete. The guy was doing some eye rolling of his own.
Gail joined the fray, and the girl’s voices prattled on with him stuck in the middle, wondering when the little busybody would leave. This was not at all how he’d predicted his night would go. Back at the bar, Dennis flirted outrageously with the redhead. Kelly didn’t seem upset. Where exactly did things stand with them?
Finally, Brenda ran out of steam. “I’m off. Gotta go see Sylvia.” She waved her fingers in farewell.
“Thank God that’s over,” Pete heaved out with a dramatic sigh.
“Aw, come on. Brenda is nice.” Gail criticized.
“I wonder if she recharges her batteries when she goes to bed at night. Umph.” He jumped. Gail must have poked him in the ribs.
“Come on.” Pete grabbed Gail by the arm and practically dragged her into the dancing crowd.
“Atta girl.” Kelly laughed and tilted her bottle toward Craig. He tapped his beer with hers and studied her neck as she swallowed. Damn, she was lovely. A craving filled his chest that he didn’t understand.
With Brenda gone, Craig suddenly had more breathing room, but he didn’t want to move. He lifted a brow and studied Kelly’s face. Friendship? Fondness? He may not have a name for the attraction between them, but she damn sure was irresistible. He liked being snug up to Kelly just fine.
Ah, hell.
It had been difficult enough keeping his distance from Kelly without Dennis throwing them together. Craig did not encroach on another’s territory. But if the idiot kept acting like an ass, Craig just might take her away from the fool.
As long as he was sitting in this booth, he’d take pleasure just being with her and enjoy every mystifying minute.
Craig knew he should slide over. He shifted enough to at least make it look like he was not attempting to seduce Kelly. She was addicting. Once again, he placed his arm on the back of the booth, making his proximity to Kelly a tad intimate. Her eyes narrowed and she focused on his lips. The woman had the ability to destroy his control. He wanted to kiss her.
Just when he sensed her about to lean toward him, he remembered she was with Dennis. He drew back. Hell. He couldn’t avoid her. Not when Dennis kept throwing them together. He had practically delivered Kelly into Craig’s lap.
He suffered a moment of painful, awkward silence. She played with the label on her bottle. The urge to hold her overwhelmed him, making him lower his guard. He knew it was a bad idea before he asked, but he gave in to his impulse.
“Will you dance with me?”
Amber eyes locked on his. Their faces were so close. If he leaned one inch . . .
“Yes.” Her breath fanned his face.
He swallowed a groan and grabbed her hand, tugging her from the booth. He pulled her to him and savored the sensation of her body pressed against his. The soft brush of her breasts, the sweet scent invading him, how perfectly she fit in his arms as they swayed together.
Arousal slammed into him.
Her fingers played with the hair on his nape while her golden gaze kept him charmed in her spell. He leaned in and relished her heavenly touch. The soft brushing eased the tightness in his neck, yet fueled the ache in his gut. With every second that passed, he wanted her more.
“You shouldn’t look at me that way,” he murmured.
“What way?”
“Like you want me to devour those gorgeous lips.”
Her gaze burned into his, and damn him, he wanted her to burn for him. She ran her tongue over her bottom lip, sending a pang of lust straight to his groin. Then, she stood on her tip toes, pressing her full breasts to his chest and leaned in, as if she expected him to do exactly what he’d said.
She’s not yours.
Doing what he wanted instead of the right thing had gotten him in trouble more times than he wanted to admit. This would not be one of those times. By the barest thread of conscience, he snapped back to reality. He stopped, his entire body tense with frustration and anger. Anger at himself. Anger at the tease who seemed so willing in his arms. He heard strands of music still playing, but they stood unmoving in the middle of the other dancers.
Craig took a firm hold of the arms around his neck and drew them down as a barrier between them. He’d almost fallen. Almost betrayed his best friend. Almost squandered his own self-respect.
“I get it,” he growled in a harsh voice. “You think if the cat can play, so can you.”
Kelly’s faced scrunched up in confusion. “What?”
Disgust filled his insides. Loathing for Dennis, for Kelly, and himself.
“You know, you two are something else. I don’t know what kind of relationship you have, but—”
He broke off, watching the emotions play over her face. Only a second before, he’d been about to kiss her.
“You want to play the same game as Dennis?” With the barest of control, he held on to his anger. His voice grew harsher with every breath. “He flirts over there, and you thought you’d try your wiles on me? I don’t play games. If you think you can use me to make your boyfriend jealous, I’m not your guy.”
Craig strode off the dance floor, not caring if he made a scene. Being in her presence a moment longer was unbearable.
He stormed out the front entrance and was within ten feet of his car when Kelly called out to him.
“Just one damn minute!”
He froze with one hand in his pocket, digging for his keys.
“Who the hell do you think you are to speak to me that way? Better yet, who do you think I am that I deserve it?” She stalked up to him, fury sketched in every line on her face.
“Go back in there, Kelly,” he growled, his gut clenching. “I’m leaving.”
“Not before you explain to me what that,” she swung her arm in a wide arch, “was all about.”
God, the woman was beautiful in her rage. But he couldn’t back down.