Allegra’s Shadow

Chapter 5

Mariah squared her shoulders and pushed her sunglasses further up the bridge of her nose. She couldn’t evade the man forever, and after her talk with Gran D her stance softened somewhat. Anthony was a bit forceful, but he did take good care of her. Besides, it would be rude to ignore him.

She raised a slim arm and waved as he turned around.

Anthony touched two fingers to his forehead and returned to his work. Even though Mariah wasn’t expecting him to do cartwheels when he saw her, she felt snubbed by his response; it felt like he was mocking her.

She straightened her shoulders and entered the house. “It’s me,” Mariah announced and placed her purse on the couch.

Gran D came out of the kitchen, wiping a wet spot on her black shorts with a dishtowel. The ends of her wavy hair brushed the shoulders of her tan T-shirt. “Please tell Anthony to come inside and get some water. He’s been workin’ hard for over an hour.” She returned to the kitchen, the dull sound of her house slippers shuffling on the carpet.

Mariah moistened her lips and did as her grandmother asked.

Anthony turned off the mower. He’d seen Mariah out of the corner of his eye when she drove up and couldn’t help the burst of adrenaline that raced through his veins. He was irritated with Mariah for ignoring his call, but he couldn’t deny how good she looked in her light yellow sundress that attracted one’s eye to her shapely legs. If only she knew how her presence made his nerves stand up.

When she got within five feet of him, he looked over his shoulder, his eyes studying her with pointed deliberation.

Mariah felt her self-control slip. She tried not to make any noise as she approached. How did he know she was so close? “Water break.” She pointed a thumb in the direction of the house. “Gran D’s orders.”

He nodded and grabbed his white T-shirt off the chicken wire fence. Mariah swallowed hard as she watched the slabs of moist abdominal muscles ripple when slipped his arms into the sleeves.

Mariah realized that she was still looking at Anthony’s bare abs, because he tugged the shirt over his head and chest, then stopped and stared at her.

When their eyes met, electricity zapped between them, and though the exchange was only a split second, it felt like eons.

Caught, Mariah turned back to the house to hide her embarrassment. “I’ll tell Gran D you’re coming.”

Gran D ushered Anthony to a seat at the kitchen table after he wiped the sweat off his brow with a small towel and washed his hands. She patted his firm shoulder and slid a plate and tall glass in front of him. “Here’s some apple pie and glass of water just for bein’ so helpful.”

Seeing the elderly woman directing the larger, younger man into a chair would have amused Mariah, if her body didn’t feel so warm and responsive whenever he was around.

“It’s no problem, Ms. D.” As he dug a fork into the dessert, he looked up at Mariah from beneath his brows. “What about you?”

Mariah started to shake her head, and then changed her mind. Refusing a slice of pie just to impress him reeked of vanity, and there was no reason for it. It’s not like she was the beauty in the family.

When Ms. D went to check on her garden, Anthony saw how Mariah left the table and headed to the sink. She washed her dish and glass for nearly two minutes.

Mariah was trying to avoid him. Again.

The muscles of his jaw compressed. Screw that.

He rose in one fluid motion, with the empty plate and fork in one hand and the glass in the other, pushing the chair away with the backs of his knees. Her stoic pretense made him want to do something childish – like pull her hair – just to get a rise out of her. Something inside him couldn’t help it, when he knew she was attracted to him, too.

She couldn’t hide it anymore, not after that lustful stare she gave him.

Seeing her opportunity, Della used her garden as an excuse to leave Anthony and Mariah alone. She didn’t need to check it– just like she didn’t need the lawn mowed today – but her absence would give those two a chance to chat.

When Anthony called yesterday, he was checkin’ on her, like he always did, lookin’ to pick her brain ‘bout Mariah, too. She knew Mariah was visitin’ today, so she figured throwin’ them together was for the best.

Della adjusted her hat and knelt down to inspect a light red tomato. She saw the way Mariah glanced at Anthony when she thought no one was lookin’, and Anthony was drawn to Mariah from the first.

She had to pull some strings. Life was short and she wanted to see some great-grandkids before she died.

Inside, Mariah set her dish, glass, and fork in the drain rack next to the sink. She stared out the kitchen window, a thoughtful shimmer in her eyes. Images of Anthony, built, glistening and nude from the waist up dominated her thoughts, and even though he wasn’t shirtless anymore, his potent energy was indisputable… irresistible. The attraction began the moment she laid eyes on him and grew stronger ever since.

“Are you okay?”

Mariah gave him a startled look over her shoulder to find him standing close, watching her. She was so wrapped up in her reverie that she didn’t hear him push the chair back and move in her direction. Mariah swallowed, aware of the strength and warmth of his flesh. “Yes. I was…just thinking.” She took an abrupt step back from him.

Anthony placed his empty plate, fork, and cup in the sink. He rested his hands on his hips, and his T-shirt stretched taut around his shoulders. “About?” He stared back in waiting silence.

“Apologizing to you.”

“Really?” he managed, keeping his voice bland.

She exhaled. “For the way things ended…the last time…at Allegra’s. I know – in your own way – you were only trying to help.”

Anthony drew his lips in, turned on the faucet and started washing dishes. “As a cop,” he added after about fifteen seconds, his raspy voice gliding over her like callous fingers, “you have a short period of time to size up a situation, make a decision, and take action.” He placed the dish, fork, and glass next to the ones she had just washed, then caught and held her eyes. Mariah nodded back at him without speaking. He said in a dry tone, “Good thing you were just thinking about apologizing.”

Sudden annoyance lit Mariah’s eyes. Though his expression was neutral, a hint of amusement filled that ocher-tinted gaze, staunching anything she was about to say. She nodded her head. “Okay, I get it. I’m sorry,” she indulged, and realized that Anthony Caine did have a sense of humor.

Gran D walked in then. “Ya’ll alright?” She pulled her glasses down and her eyes shifted between Mariah and Anthony.

“We’re fine, Gran D. Why?”

Gran D pushed her glasses back up and shrugged. “Just wondered.”

A few minutes later, Mariah kissed Gran D goodbye and Anthony walked Mariah to her car. “How’s the packing?” he asked.

She rolled her eyes. “I haven’t started. I’ve healed pretty fast.” She held up her still-bandaged wrist. “It’s the idea of going in Allegra’s room and getting rid of all her stuff that’s so…daunting.”

“Maybe it’ll be less overwhelming if you have some help.”

Mariah stopped a foot away from her car. “Are you offering to lend a hand?” Hope sparkled in her eyes, not because he’d be close – which was a plus – but because she really needed assistance. She couldn’t ask Mom or Gran D. They couldn’t handle it, and Kevin had to work. Her only other option was Solé, but she and Mark left for the Bahamas two days ago. Out of the three women, Solé was the best choice, because she had the least emotional attachment to Allegra.

Anthony paused for a moment, stroking his chin and raising his eyes skyward as if contemplating the mysteries of the universe before returning them to her face. “I guess I’ll be there tomorrow around three, since you asked so nicely.”

That night, it rained and Mariah turned in early. Because her mind was on tomorrow, and Anthony, she found it hard to sleep. After an hour of listening to the rain hit the window, she went to the kitchen.

She didn’t need to flick the light switch, because the glow from the nightlight by the sink was enough. After the incident with the rock, Mariah bought nightlights and plugged them in around the house. It was a small thing, but they made her feel a little more secure.

Mariah prepared some chamomile tea and went back upstairs. When she realized she forgot a spoon, she let out an exasperated sigh and head back down to the kitchen.

Spoon obtained, Mariah closed the drawer and turned away.

She had no idea that a shadowy figure lingered outside, with a bare hand pressed to the kitchen door window.

The next day, Anthony surprised Mariah when he arrived at the house an hour early. Mariah turned off the alarm, opened the door and tried to still the fluttering in her chest. “Hi.” She blinked, stepping back to allow him entrance despite her astonishment. He wore the usual, a crew neck T-shirt, well-fitting cargo pants and sneakers.

“Hi. I figured we could use a good lunch before we started. What about Golden Corral?”

“No Golden Corral, please.” She shook her head and grimaced in good humor, closing the door behind him.

“What?” The corners of his mouth almost tilted upward. “You don’t like the Corral?”

She rolled her eyes. “I would inhale the Corral, but I don’t need a big meal right now. I won’t get anything done when we come back.”

“I’ve always admired a woman who’s not afraid to eat.” His voice was playful, but it held an undercurrent of something deeper that skimmed along the edges of Mariah’s awareness.

Oh, goodness. The man brought her long-dormant senses to life, and he hadn’t even kissed her yet. “Okay.” Mariah swallowed and cleared her throat. “I’ll uh…be right back.”

As she headed upstairs, Mariah could’ve sworn his eyes were boring holes in her butt. Although she was flattered, Mariah didn’t look back. He’d already caught her staring at him once, and a large part of her was afraid that if she did look back, Anthony would see the same desire mirrored in her eyes again.

Mariah was right; Anthony was staring. The pants she wore stopped just above the ankle and shaped to the contours of a well-rounded behind that reminded him of an onion.

Anthony gave himself a mental pat on the back. He took a chance and it paid off. He showed up early to catch Mariah off guard, and now she was going to lunch with him.

He was finally making progress.

Mariah changed into a pair of black capris, a pink tank top and black sneakers. As she dressed, she couldn’t resist a check in the mirror. Mariah couldn’t believe she had agreed to go to lunch with Anthony. She settled the strap of her black purse over her shoulder. “This is not a date,” she told her reflection, her voice firm, her gaze steady. “It’s not.”

As they drove, she tried to convince herself that going out with Anthony wasn’t a date, but deep down, she couldn’t control the thrill that coursed through her. She had not dated for a long time; she hadn’t wanted to, until now.

But her excitement started to dwindle the second she and Anthony walked into one of his favorite restaurants. It felt as though time came to a halt as people stopped and stared at him.

The waitress who served them was the worst offender.

She addressed Anthony first, and her eyes kept straying toward him as she talked. He ordered and she graced him a heartfelt grin before turning her attention to Mariah, and then her smile became more artificial.

Mariah knew what that smile meant, had seen it many times from other women when she was with Terry, and what little elation she had vaporized like a drop of water on a hot skillet.

Coming here was a bad idea.

Anthony would give the waitress a decent tip, because she had a hard, thankless job that didn’t even pay minimum wage – not because she was super attentive. He tapped a finger on the table as they ate. The more the waitress stopped by their table, the more nonchalant Mariah became, and the less she ate. Conversation between him and Mariah was lukewarm now, different from the chat they’d had in the car.

Mariah’s walls were back up, and he would have to work harder to get break through them.

Painful memories of her ex-husband arose as Mariah watched the pretty waitress gush over Anthony. When Mariah could eat no more, she asked the waitress for a takeout box, then stepped to the ladies’ room while Anthony waited for the check.

As she washed her hands, Mariah stared at herself in the mirror and didn’t like what she saw. Her expression was stiff and the look in her eyes was distant. Mariah had gone back into Terry Mode, something she did when her ex-husband flirted with other women, and the other women were always more attractive than she was. Pretending she wasn’t hurt by his actions in public was the only way she knew how to fight back.

But Anthony didn’t disrespect her, a voice reminded her. He treated the waitress with polite disinterest. That fact improved Mariah’s mood.

When Mariah returned to the table, Anthony rose out of the booth. Mariah’s eyes dropped to the table, taking in the number left behind and the tip. His gaze followed hers then returned. “Ready?”

She nodded and a kernel of delight bloomed inside her.

As they walked out Anthony put a large hand to the middle of Mariah’s spine, providing guidance even though she didn’t need it. The touch was solid and persuasive and Mariah’s heartbeat throbbed in her ears, but she didn’t resist.

When she didn’t flinch at his touch, Anthony readily slid his hand down further, fitting into the small of her back. This time, a delicious shudder heated her body, but Mariah didn’t protest.

Anthony felt Mariah shiver at his touch, which meant all wasn’t lost.

One corner of his mouth pulled into a slight, satisfied smile that she couldn’t see. She was warming up to him. But he had to move carefully, or else he’d scare her away. He couldn’t afford to lose her now, not when her response to his touch let him know that she was open to more between them, and not just sex.

He thought about the next step, inviting her to dinner at his house.

He hoped she liked dogs…

Allegra’s room was fit for an empress with a pencil post, king-sized bed and armoires made of dark merlot finish. Bottles of expensive perfume, cosmetics and other skin products were lined up on a Candice vanity according to function. Her bathroom was half the size of the bedroom with a deep, oval tub, a shower with a dappled glass door, and the double sink had a vibrant French gold finish.

The walk-in closet was enormous and organized by outfit. Formal wear was on the left, semi-formal and semi-casual were in the middle, and business clothes was on the right. Three rows of shelves – filled with numerous folded sweaters of different fabrics and colors – lined the walls in a U-shape from one end to the other. On the floor against the center wall were four stacked rows of shoe cubbies. Allegra had at least ten pairs of each type of footwear. Against the right wall was a nightstand with cinnamon finish.

“Let’s start with her clothes.” Before they returned to the house, Mariah and Anthony stopped at a nearby department store so she could buy a few rolling storage bins. It took almost two hours to clean out a portion of the closet because they were mindful of Mariah’s injured wrist, and they folded the clothes instead of haphazardly tossing them into the bin. A separate bin was used for shoes. If not for the creep factor and the fact that her clothes and shoes didn’t fit, Mariah would’ve gladly taken much of her sister’s wardrobe for herself. But Allegra’s attire wasn’t Mariah’s style. She preferred more casual, understated fashions.

Mariah opened the nightstand and found a two-drawer jewelry box. It was handmade of beautiful woods and traditional designs. She reached in to withdraw the first item that came into view, a pair of Tiffany solitaire earrings in platinum. “These must be worth a thousand, easy.”

She returned them to the box, examining the other contents. Mariah liked jewelry, but not to this degree. “Look at all this. Platinum, gold, diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. I could give them to Mom and Gran D but…”

“Ms. D. would never take them.”

“I know. She’s never been into expensive things like this and Mom…these would just be heartbreaking reminders.”

“Her heart is breaking, no matter what.”

Mariah nodded, closing the box.

By the time they finished, it was nearly seven.

Mariah sighed as she sank down on the bed, her sneakers dangling several inches off the floor. “I am done for the night.”

Anthony leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. “I’ll come back again. Just let me know.”

“Thanks. There’s so much more to get rid of, enough for Mimi’s Closet.” Mariah peered around the room.

“What’s Mimi’s Closet?”

“A clothing store.”

“Why don’t you just put them in one of the clothing donation boxes, or give it to a church?”

“I was.” She shook her head. “But Allegra’s final wishes clearly stated that she wanted me to take them to Mimi’s.”

“Why there?”

“Because they pay for clothes and shoes up front, especially brand names. A few years ago, she told me that she wanted people to pay good money for her quality possessions after she died.”

“Are you serious?” Anthony lowered his arms and pushed away from the wall. “She wanted to sell her stuff for money that she couldn’t touch with her cold, dead hands, rather than to let struggling people have access to good clothes for free?”

“Unfortunately, yes. I forgot how we got on the subject of donating clothes, but we got into an argument about her comment. I thought she was selfish; she thought otherwise.”

Anthony shook his head in disbelief. “Allegra was worse than I thought.”

Mariah didn’t know how to respond, so she said nothing. But her stomach chose that precise moment to rumble. “Oh, no,” she mumbled self-consciously. She put a hand to her stomach.

Mariah’s reaction seemed to amuse Anthony, and lighten the mood. “You want some Italian?”

“Oh, no, I wasn’t trying to get you to buy me dinner, too.” Her eyes widened.

“It’s okay.” Mariah didn’t play games. He liked that about her. “I’ve got some lasagna at home.”

She was about to say no, but her stomach let out another rumble, a stronger one this time. “Okay, okay,” she gave in. “You win.”

Anthony didn’t know if Mariah was talking to him, or her stomach, but he was happy to have the victory. It just gave him more alone time with her.

How did I get into this? Mariah asked herself as she dismounted from Anthony’s SUV and followed him into his home.

“Do animals bother you?” he asked carefully before unlocking the door.

Mariah sensed this was important to him, even though he appeared unconcerned. “Not at all. We had a cat when I was kid. Ter- I just never had time for a pet. I’d like to get another one. I just haven’t had time,” she replied. Shut up, Mariah. You’re rambling.

Something in Anthony seemed to ease. “Okay.” He inserted his key and turned the lock, pushing the door open and turning off his alarm. The scent of cinnamon greeted Mariah, and her uncertainty lessened as the prettiest dog she’d ever seen came into view. It was medium-sized and compact with well-developed muscles. Its fur was red on top and buff-colored on the lower part of its face, underneath its chin, the underside of its body, and the inside of its legs. Deep-set, triangularly-shaped brown eyes were rimmed with black and slanted upwards, a thick tail curled toward its back and foxlike features gave the animal a distinctive appearance. A silver collar that resembled a chain dangled from the dog’s neck.

The dog barked once in a welcoming manner and wagged its tail happily as it approached Anthony, the chain jingling. “Hey, Ming.” Anthony bent down on his haunches.

Ming accepted a few pets from Anthony then turned his attention to Mariah, his dark eyes guarded.

Mariah knelt down, stretching her arm out, palm upward.

Ming advanced without hesitation, the chain clinking. He sniffed her, his cold, black nose tickling her palm and Mariah couldn’t suppress a little giggle. Deciding that she was okay, Ming ducked his head under her palm, giving her permission to stroke him.

Mariah caressed his fur a few times, marveling at its texture. “Aren’t you a beauty?” She raised her eyes to find Anthony watching her. “What kind of dog is he?”

“A Shiba Inu.”

“Shiba what?” Confusion skipped across her face even as she scratched behind one of Ming’s triangular-shaped ears.

“Shiba Inu. It’s Japanese for ‘brushwood dog.’”

“His coat is so stiff and straight on top, but soft and thick underneath. You can’t tell unless you touch it.”

“Helps him stay waterproof.”

“I’ve never seen his type before.”

Anthony lifted his shoulders in a slight shrug. “They’re not very popular around here.”

“How old is he?”

“A year.”

Mariah pushed herself into a standing position and Ming looked a little forlorn when she stopped petting him. He turned and dashed into the den. “He’s quite well-behaved, and clean.”

“Shibas are like cats when it comes to bathing and climbing. They were bred to flush out game, birds, sometimes boars, so the prey drive is strong. That’s why people shouldn’t keep smaller animals around. They’re runners, too, so you need to keep them on a leash or have covered outdoor runs. Once they get away, they’re gone.”

“He looked kind of fierce at first. Is he’s your guard dog?”

“I didn’t choose him for that purpose, but they’re good protectors. They don’t bark a lot, but when they do, it’s usually for a good reason. And it they don’t like something, they let out a ‘Shiba Scream.’”

Mariah’s brows dipped.

“It’s hard to describe, but you’ll know it when you hear it, and you’ll wish you hadn’t.” He gestured to the couch. “Have a seat.”

Mariah slid onto the sofa.

“Want something to drink? I’ve got water, apple juice –”

“Water, please.”

He inclined his head and turned toward the kitchen.

“You have a lovely home.” It was a large space for one person, about 1400 square feet. Mariah looked around the room. She liked the way he’d decorated the place. It was simple and soothing, but not Spartan. Masculine, but not overpowering.

“Thanks.”

The black-and-white picture of a woman on the mantle caught Mariah’s eye, and she strolled across the room to get a closer view. His grandmother Lilly. She retained a prettiness that went beyond her features. She had to, or Gran D would’ve never been her best friend.

Mariah moved on to the color photo of Anthony’s parents on their wedding day. Their smiles were radiant and their eyes shared the spark of happiness and optimism for the future that many newlyweds often possessed. Anthony’s mother was a younger version of Lilly, with her pretty brown eyes and dark reddish brown hair. Looking at the groom was like looking at Anthony, except his eyes had a more hazel golden hue.

It was the pictures of Anthony that grabbed her attention. From infancy until around three or four, a ready smile lit his features. He was handsome even then, and loved dogs, as evidenced by the two pictures of him holding what looked like a terrier. But as he got older, the look in his amber eyes became too somber for someone so young.

She turned her attention to the bowl filled with cinnamon near the pictures, dipped her head to inhale the scent and then returned to the sofa.

Ming trotted back into the living room, a tennis ball in his mouth. He dropped it at her feet, let out one deep bark and wagged his tail. Then he spun around in a circle twice and sat at her feet. Mariah swore she saw a dog grin on his face. “Do you mind if I take Ming out back?” she called out.

“No.” She swung her heard around to look at Anthony, caught off guard by the fact that he stood a few feet behind her and hadn’t made a sound. “Didn’t mean to startle you.” His tone was apologetic. In each hand was a glass of water.

Mariah forced herself to settle down. “It’s okay,” she said in a composed voice.

He set the glasses on the table, transferring his gaze from her to Ming – who hadn’t moved and watched Mariah – and back to Mariah again. “You want to play with Ming.”

“Actually, he wanted to play.” Mariah reached down and grabbed the ball, holding it up for his verification. She broke into a wide, open smile for the first time since they’d met, unaware of the captivating picture she made. Then she turned and started petting Ming again with her free hand.

Anthony fell on his butt as he watched, momentarily speechless, his heart pounding. He wanted her to smile at him that way.

An undeniable magnetism was building between Mariah and Anthony.

But that didn’t mean she had to surrender to it.

Ming was a great buffer. Mariah and Anthony took turns tossing the ball from his deck into the yard and Mariah made sure she kept several feet between them.

The sky darkened and clouds started to grow thick as the air cooled by a few degrees, marking the end of the game. Besides, Mariah’s arm was a bit sore.

Anthony had made a tossed salad before they went outside and the lasagna was ready.

They washed their hands in the kitchen sink.

Ming ran to his water dish, took a few laps, then came back to lie down outside the kitchen. His brown eyes looked mournful as he watched Anthony and Mariah move around.

Mariah smiled at the dog. “Poor thing looks sad, lonely, and worn out.”

“That’s his “I wish I could go in the kitchen” look. Don’t let him fool you,” Anthony warned. “He’ll be ready to play at the drop of a hat. He’s just waiting for us to leave the kitchen. He thinks you’re his new toy.”

A light chuckle escaped her. “I suppose there are worse things to be. I guess I’m flattered.”

When Ming brought Mariah his tennis ball, Anthony thought nothing else could surprise him, because Ming only did that with him and Kevin.

He was wrong.

When Anthony heard Mariah laugh, he stopped breathing for a few seconds. At that moment, she was relaxed, just the way he wanted to her to be around him. Anthony wanted to kiss her then, but something told him to wait.

As they sat down to eat, Mariah asked, “Do you mind if I say Grace?”

Anthony’s eyes swept over her face. “No. Grandma Lilly did it all the time.” The duo closed their eyes and bowed their heads. A small smile touched Anthony’s lips and he snuck a peek Mariah as she prayed. She looked good at his table.

“I owe you two meals now.” Mariah dried the last of the dishes and handed them to Anthony to put away.

“Forget it.”

Mariah observed Anthony covertly – she didn’t want to get caught staring again – so she made a point of pushing the chairs under the table. When she finished, she lifted her eyes to find Anthony leaning against the sink and staring at her, his muscular arms folded across his broad chest.

“What?” she asked, even though what she was feeling was far from calm.

“Ming doesn’t take to many people,” he revealed in that hoarse, nerve-tingling voice.

“Really?” she asked in interested amazement.

Anthony photographed her with his eyes and the climate changed, as though he’d lit a match in a room full of hydrogen. He pushed away from the sink and approached her with long, purposeful strides.

Taking an unsteady breath, Mariah stepped back as her heart throbbed in her ears. She wanted to put more distance between them, but realized that the more one retreated, the more they’re chased. If she stopped moving, so would he. Mariah met his eyes without flinching.

But Anthony continued to advance, and in one forward motion, Mariah was in his arms.

His touch upset her balance and she flattened both palms against his powerful chest, even as her insides jangled with anticipation.

“Anthony.” Her voice was full of entreaty. She couldn’t decide if she was begging him to stop or not.

Anthony inclined his head, those bright eyes riveted on Mariah’s face as his arms encircled her, one hand in the small of her back, the other at the nape of her neck. “Now you say my name.” There was a faint tremor in his voice as though some emotion had touched him.

Mariah’s heart danced with excitement. No man had ever looked at her with such desire before. It was a thrilling sensation and she felt her knees weaken when his lips descended. Her emotions whirled and skidded as he sucked her top lip between his, before moving his mouth over hers hungrily, questing and delving, devouring its softness.

Anthony’s hands explored the hollows of her back, shaping her soft curves to the outlines of his muscular frame. His touch, steady and persuasive, invited so much more that she had no desire to back out of his embrace.

He continued his passionate assault on her senses, his lips searing a path across her cheek to nibble at her earlobe. Mariah gave a genuine sigh of delight, unconsciously tightening her arms around his neck. Anthony raised his head and their eyes locked as their breathing came in unison. Before she could catch her breath, he lifted her into the circle of his arms, her feet dangling in the air, his strong hands encircling her waist.

Anthony’s mouth recaptured hers. Blood pounded in her brain, leapt from her heart, made her knees tremble, and she was dazed at her own eager response to the touch of his lips. He groaned when his tongue explored the recesses of her mouth, and a warm, strong hand slipped under her shirt, caressing the line of her back, shocking her. The concave hollow of her spine quivered at his touch, but she didn’t pull away.

When his lips left hers to capture an earlobe, a whimper of ecstasy slipped past her lips, and passion nearly radiated from her soft core, thrilling and frightening her. A kernel of self-preservation took root, screaming that this man was so far out of her league, and that she couldn’t, she shouldn’t, let herself go in his arms, jolting her back to reality.

Mariah wrenched away and lowered her head, her senses reeling as if short-circuited. The harsh, uneven rhythm of their breathing was the only sound that filled the kitchen.

“What?” His broad shoulders were heaving and light smoldered in his amber eyes.

“Oh God,” she panted. “I-I can’t…I’m sorry.” Mariah flattened her hands against Anthony’s chest.

For a moment Anthony studied the top of her head. A small gasp escaped Mariah when he set her down, hands lingering a little too long around her waist before releasing her. She ran a hand through her hair, taking a glance at Anthony, noting his set face, his clamped mouth and fixed eyes.

“Take me back to the house.” Mariah had to get out of there; she needed to be alone with her thoughts.

By the time they pulled up to Allegra’s, the clouds were still thick and the sky started to rumble. The weather outside seemed to coincide with the mood inside Anthony’s car.

He shifted the gear into Park and turned off the ignition. Placing his right arm over the back of Mariah’s seat, he turned toward her.

She avoided his gaze the whole time they drove, even now, focusing her attention on her hands, which twisted in her lap.

His rough voice stole through the quiet. “What happened back there, Mariah?”

She winced, but didn’t look at him. “I don’t know what you mean,” she contradicted in a broken whisper.

“You panicked.”

Humiliatingly conscious of his scrutiny, Mariah kept her eyes averted, but the quiver in her voice spoke volumes. “No, I didn’t.”

Anthony leaned forward, his left hand cupped Mariah’s trembling chin, turning it so that she had to look at him, or shut her eyes. She didn’t close them, but they darted back and forth. “Why didn’t you let yourself go, when I kissed you?”

At that comment, Mariah forced herself to meet his stare. “You’re a stranger.”

One brow arched.

His gaze searched her face, reaching into her thoughts. She couldn’t let him see…Mariah pulled away. “Because I didn’t want to, okay?” There was a trace of fear in her voice.

“Try again.”

“Why does it matter?” she snapped.

“I think you want to let go, but you’re scared. Why?”

Mariah turned away, her fingers fumbling with the door handle. She threw the door open and hopped out of the car.

Once she was inside the house, Mariah shut the front door behind her and leaned against it, exhaling the sigh she’d suppressed since she stepped into Anthony’s car. Her emotions were so chaotic she forgot to reactivate the alarm. In her limited past experience, a kiss was just lip-service, a bottom rung on the ladder of having sex.

But Anthony kissed with heartfelt enthusiasm. If she were an executioner, his talented mouth would definitely grant him a pardon. Thank God she’d stopped before passing the point of no return.

Mariah couldn’t help but wonder how she compared to other women in his past. He kissed her because he was bored, she concluded. A man with his amazing looks could have almost any woman he wanted, a woman on his level, like Nia Long, Halle Berry or Allegra. Men didn’t really want her, and if they pretended to, it was only for sex because she was the nearest female available, not because she was so beautiful to them.

And that’s why she backed away from Anthony. She didn’t want to be convenient.

Mariah felt a shudder of mortification. She was hot, moist, enormously unsatisfied, and she needed a shower. But before Mariah headed upstairs, she walked to the door that led to the deck and backyard. Habit made her check it every night.

Thunder boomed throughout the house and Mariah jumped, panting in terror. Her hand moved to her chest and she took a few deep, slow breaths in an attempt to calm herself down. Once her heartbeat returned to near-normal, Mariah flicked on the deck light and peeked through the blinds…

And that’s when she saw a bare hand pressed to the window.