Eight

“So, I guess you have to get back to the hotel today.”

Tyler had just finished his coffee and was putting the mug in the dishwasher when Kate finally spoke.

He’d woken this morning to find Kate already out of bed, showered and making coffee. He couldn’t believe he’d slept through all of that. Then again, he’d been wiped out last night.

Kate, however, still seemed to be running on adrenaline. Or maybe this was her normal speed—full-steam ahead.

He wanted to stick around long enough to find out.

But, “Yeah, I do. We’ve got a client staying with us that I need to talk to.”

Curled onto the overstuffed chair in her living room, she looked so damn sexy in a hot pink silk robe as she stared at him over the rim of her coffee cup. Those huge dark eyes watched his every move, but he couldn’t decide if she had regrets about last night.

No way did he want her to have regrets. In fact, he wanted her to want more but he knew he shouldn’t push her.

“A business client?”

“A possible investor in the spa. And a friend.”

Interest sparked as her gaze sharpened. “So the spa . . . Tell me a little more about your plans.”

His first inclination was to give her the glossy overview and leave it at that. He wasn’t used to discussing business with anyone but Jed and Greg, who’d become a trusted advisor. Greg had a cutthroat way of looking at business that Tyler appreciated. While he trusted Jed as he trusted no one else in his life, he and Greg shared a business sensibility Jed just didn’t have.

Then he remembered that Kate was not only a bed partner but a potential vendor. And a smart woman.

She’d realize he was blowing her off.

“Jed came up with the idea. Actually, I think he came up with it because he wanted to go to a place like the one he had in his head but couldn’t find.”

Her expression showed her disbelief. “Seriously? There are spas all over the world and he couldn’t find one he liked?”

Settling back into the couch, he realized he liked having her across from him so he could watch her. She was a stunner, with her hair still rumpled and no makeup and that robe hanging open just enough that he could see the soft curves of her breasts in the neckline. “Jed may seem to be the easygoing playboy but he’s really damn hard to please. He knows what he wants and he knows how he wants things to be. He’s got a deeply ingrained sensuality, and I don’t mean that in a strictly sexual way.”

Her head tilted and ribbons of hair fell over her shoulder, reaching nearly to her nipples. An image of her sitting there naked flashed through his mind and his cock began to throb. With another woman, he might have tried to hide it or will the erection away.

Not with Kate. He wanted her to see how she affected him.

“Then what do you mean?”

“I mean he knows what makes people feel good, whether it’s visual or tactile. The art he collects is a perfect example. Yes, most of it’s erotic but he chooses the pieces because they evoke an emotion, a response. That’s what he wants to do with the spa.”

She nodded, her lips curving in a smile. “And what do you bring to the table?”

“You know that already. I handle the business angles. The money, the staff. All those finer details Jed doesn’t want to be bothered with.”

“And you didn’t offer anything at all to the feel of Haven?”

He considered saying no, but that would be a lie. Still, his contribution to the aesthetics of Haven had been relatively small. And for the spa it would be even less. He just didn’t have the time. “I designed the atrium.”

Her smile told him she’d already known but was pleased he’d confided in her. It wasn’t something he bragged about. Not that he wasn’t proud of it. He was. But his work in the atrium had been one of the things that had gotten him through Mia’s death and he really hated to talk about that.

“Tell me about it. Where’d you get the idea?”

Setting her coffee cup on the nearest table, she let her head fall back against the chair cushion, her body relaxing. He wondered what she’d do if he walked over to her, slid her to the edge of the chair, and brought her off with his mouth. She’d certainly seemed to enjoy it last night.

Or would she think he was trying to avoid her questions? That he only wanted her for sex?

Better to stay where he was.

Later, he’d see if she’d be interested in riding him right here on the couch.

“My grandmother. My mother has been . . . ill most of her life, and Jed and I spent a lot of time with my grandmother at her home on the Main Line. Nana would spend hours in her gardens. And when I say gardens, I mean at least two acres of cultivated beds. Yes, she had help, but she was in charge of every aspect. What to plant, when to plant, where to plant. She should have been a landscape architect. Those beds are works of art.”

“And you helped her with those.”

He grinned. “Under protest, at first. I remember when I was ten, Nana had to drag me out of the house to help her. I used to think she loved torturing me by having me deadhead and weed. I mean, gardening was for girls. Or the hired help.”

“Not for a mighty Golden.” Her raised eyebrows held a challenge.

“Yeah, I guess you could say I had an oversized ego back then.”

“Don’t all ten-year-olds? But somewhere along the line, yours got deflated. How did that happen?”

He’d learned that life didn’t always go your way. “When I realized my mother would never be completely healthy or mentally stable. It was reinforced when my fiancée died.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your mother. I didn’t realize she had problems.”

“Neither did I until I was thirteen. I knew she had violent mood swings, and I realized pretty early on that her personal assistants were really private nurses. But we didn’t talk about our problems in my house. Jed became our mom’s jester. He was the only one who could put a smile on her face sometimes.”

“And you were the one who took care of everything else, weren’t you?”

“Why do you think that?”

She gave a short, little laugh that went straight to his balls. “Because that’s who you are. You take care of things. And you always expect things to go sideways so you’re not surprised when they do.”

It shook him to realize she’d seen that part of him so easily. Yes, he worked damn hard to present an unruffled appearance. Jed always said Armageddon could be happening and he would be stockpiling cases of water and caviar for the aftermath.

Which was probably true.

“So,” she started without waiting for his response, “tell me what you’ll expect from me and the boutique.”

“Does this mean I can have a contract drawn up?”

He hadn’t realized until now how much he wanted to tie her to him. At least through the boutique. Did that make him a bad person?

Her lips quirked into a wry little smile. “No. Not yet. I’d like to know a little more about what I’d be getting into. What my liabilities will be. What I’ll be expected to do.”

He appreciated that she wanted all her ducks in a row before she signed on the dotted line. “The way we work the boutique at the hotel is that Jed and I own the space. We hire a manager for the shop and she decides on the clothing she wants to stock. Then we work a deal with the designers. Every deal is different. Some of the pieces we take on consignment. Some we buy outright.”

“So I’d be just one of several designers in the boutique?”

He couldn’t tell if she liked the idea or not. “No. Because of the size of the boutique and the nature of the merchandise, we’re only planning to feature one designer. And from what I’ve seen, I think one will be more than enough. Your designs are beautiful, Kate. Sexy and sensuous, but they still manage to be tasteful. What I’ve seen is more than enough to make me confident your designs are perfect for what we’re looking for.”

Her cheeks blushed with the barest hint of color. “Thank you, Tyler. And I can’t deny that this is a major opportunity for me. I’d be a fool to pass it up.”

“Then say yes.” He wanted her to say yes. Wanted to work with her on this, help her build this.

Until now, he’d only ever trusted Jed to be his business partner. He’d even kept Mia on the sidelines about the hotel.

But Kate . . . He wanted Kate to want this, to want to work with him. Wanted it with a teeth-grinding need that shocked the hell out of him.

He trusted her judgment. Trusted her ability. Trusted her.

She drew in a deep breath, like she was preparing to take a plunge into deep water. “I need just a few more days to decide. Is that okay?”

No. But he couldn’t say that. “That’s fine. Now come over here and let’s not talk business.”

There was that half smile of hers again. “I still have a lot of questions—”

“And those can all be answered later. Right now, I want you.”

He barely reined in the urge to demand she get off the chair and come to him. Turned out he didn’t need to.

With her chin stuck in the air, she rose from her chair . . .

And turned toward the kitchen.

“Would you like some more coffee?”

He was on his feet and only steps behind her when she stepped into the tiny kitchen. Leaning against the wall, he watched her pour another mug for herself then held up the carafe at him.

“Did I frighten you last night?”

He needed to know. Needed to know if he had to curb his appetite if he wanted to continue to see her.

Because he really wanted to continue seeing her.

She didn’t answer right away and, for a few seconds, he wasn’t sure she was going to. Then she sighed and set the pot back into the machine.

“No, you didn’t scare me.”

Her emphasis on that one word made him hesitate and take a mental step back. “Then what did?”

She didn’t answer right away as she set her mug on the counter. Crossing her arms under her breasts, she stared up at him for several seconds before shaking her head. “I’m not sure I’m cut out for that type of lifestyle.”

What was he missing? “I’m not asking you to change the way you live, Kate. I’m not looking to take over your life or put a collar on you.”

Her expression showed nothing of her thoughts, and he wondered how she’d gotten so good at that. “I’m just not sure I enjoyed how it made me feel.”

Now, he knew that was bullshit. She’d enjoyed the hell out of it.

Why would she not want more of that pleasure?

His first inclination was to argue with her, but he bit back the urge. He could push her away and that’s exactly what he didn’t want to happen.

“Okay.” He shrugged as if he wasn’t beating back the very dominance that she found so distasteful. “Would you like to discuss terms for the boutique instead?”

For a moment she looked stunned, as if she hadn’t expected him to give in so easily. Then she nodded and gestured toward the tiny table against the wall. “Why don’t we sit down? Let me get a pad and pen to take notes. I’ve got lots of questions.”

Yeah, he was sure she did. Just not all of them were about the boutique. But it didn’t seem like they’d be talking about those anytime soon.

**

“So do you want to talk about it or are we just going to ignore the elephant in the room?”

Kate made a face at Annabelle as she pressed the hem on Mr. Morrissey’s new suit pants. The retired banker had to have the most expensive wardrobe of anyone in town. And she’d know because she’d been doing all of his alterations since she’d taken this job at Parisi Dry Cleaning.

His suits were Hugo Boss and his shirts custom made in Italy and shipped to his home for final fittings. He owned a huge horse farm outside of Adamstown and bred racing stock. He also dabbled in stocks, according to the town gossip mill, otherwise known as Cuppa Joe, Tracy Tate’s coffee shop on Main Street.

“There’s no elephant. Yes, we had amazing sex. Then he gave me details on the boutique at the spa to think over and then he left.”

No, Kate didn’t think there was an elephant. It was more like a voracious black bear, waiting to rise up on its hind legs and bite her in the ass.

She didn’t think anyone had seen Tyler leave her apartment Sunday morning but she’d dreaded coming into work in case someone had.

And of course, that person would not be able to keep it to themselves. No, they’d head to Tracy’s for their morning coffee and someone would say, “Did you notice that sweet Mercedes sitting in the lot behind Schmidt’s apartment building?”

Then someone else would say, “No. Did the Harrisons get a new car?”

And because no one believed the very nice Harrisons, the couple who lived on the first floor of Kate’s apartment building and had two kids in college, would spring for an expensive foreign car, it wouldn’t take long for someone to say, “You know, I think I saw that car parked at Annabelle’s for the party.”

And someone else would say, “And did you see who left with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome that night? Kate Song practically dragged that man out of the building—”

Annabelle snapped her fingers in front of her face, startling her out of her thoughts.

Shit. She looked down to make sure she hadn’t scorched Mr. Morrissey’s pants. Luckily, the iron stood upright at the end of the board.

“Hey, you winked out there for a minute,” Annabelle said. “If last night was so amazing, why are you scowling just like your boss? Could you stop? You’re kinda freaking me out.”

Since she had a love-hate relationship with Joe Parisi, who’d hired her straight out of college with no experience whatsoever but had the patience of a gnat and an Italian temper to go with it, she gave Annabelle one of Joe’s favorite hand gestures.

Then she sighed and shrugged. “It was amazing. I just don’t know that we’re going to repeat it. Why are you here anyway? Don’t you have a playboy fiancé to keep happy and a business of your own to run?”

Annabelle gave her the don’t-even-try-it face. “It’s Monday so the shop’s closed, which you would remember if your brains weren’t addled by Tyler. Jared had to go back to Philly to meet with some big client at Haven, and I remembered Joe took the day off to visit his mother in Delaware so you’re alone all day. Now, spit it out. What happened?”

Since she didn’t want to screw up Mr. Morrissey’s pants beyond repair, she switched off the iron and cocked her head for Annabelle to follow her to the break room.

After she’d poured herself her fourth—or fifth—cup of coffee for the morning, she set her mug on the tiny table along the wall and flopped onto one of the chairs.

“You have to promise me you won’t judge.”

Annabelle’s eyebrows curved into serious arches. “How kinky are we talking?”

“That’s just the thing. How kinky is too kinky? I’m not even sure I know. And I don’t know if I’m freaked out because I’m a prude or because I have a preexisting hang-up. And if I do have a preexisting hang-up, can I get over it before I completely push him away?”

Annabelle shook her head, an amused grin starting to form. “Maybe you should start by telling me exactly what happened and we can go from there.”

Kate took the plunge and let it spill out. “I let him tie me to the bed.” Ignoring Annabelle’s suddenly huge eyes, she pressed on. “I liked it in the moment but, of course, Sunday morning, I started to question everything. And now I think Tyler thinks I’m not into it and he won’t want to see me again. The problem is, I think I might be into it, but should I be? I mean, I’m supposed to be a strong woman, right? I shouldn’t want to be dominated by a man. I shouldn’t want to feel all helpless and ‘oh, save me, big strong man.’ Right?”

Annabelle blinked, looking totally confused. “Um, I’m still at, I let him tie me to the bed. I’m not shocked,” she rushed to add. “And I’m not judging. I’m just . . . Yeah, wow. That must have been a huge leap of faith for you.”

And this was why Annabelle was her best friend. She got her.

“It was. But what do I do about Tyler?”

“Well, what do you want to do about Tyler?”

Kate threw her hands in the air. “That’s just it. I don’t have a clue.”

Annabelle scrunched her face into a grimace. “Have you considered maybe it’s too soon after your breakup with Arnie to be with anyone else?”

“No, not really. I mean, breaking up with Arnie was the right thing to do. I just don’t love him like I should to make the commitment to marry him. I should’ve realized that months ago.”

“I think you did realize it months ago. When you first met Tyler. Do you think that has anything to do with how you’re feeling now?”

She took a sip of coffee and pondered that. “Possibly. Probably.” Then she sighed. “But what do I do about it? I want to see him again, but I’m not sure I’m ready to jump into that lifestyle. Hell, I’m not even sure I really approve of the lifestyle.”

“I’m sorry.” Annabelle offered her a lopsided grin. “I just don’t know what to tell you. You’re the only one who can know what you’re comfortable with. But maybe you’re not giving Tyler enough credit. Talk to him. Tell him what you’re thinking.”

“I know, I know. You’re absolutely right. It’s just not that easy when you don’t really know the guy.”

Annabelle shook her head. “Honey, you probably know him better than you realize. I think you learn a lot about a guy when you allow him to tie you up.”

Okay, when Annabelle put it like that . . .

She sighed. “I really like him.”

“Then don’t scare yourself away from him.” Annabelle reached for her hand and squeezed. “I say go for it.”

**

“Are you going to mope the entire time I’m in town? Seriously, I thought we were gonna have some fun this week and you’re acting like a fucking robot. What the hell’s wrong? And don’t give me any bullshit. I’ve known you for years, Tyler. What’s going on?”

Greg Hicks held out his hand for the glass of whiskey Tyler had just poured him then sat back in the leather club chair in the Salon.

A dreary Monday afternoon cast shadows throughout the room, perfectly matching Tyler’s mood.

He’d tried to throw off this serious funk because he was happy to see Greg, but not even last night in the bar, listening to some great, live music, could he dredge up a smile.

Dropping into the chair opposite Greg, he took a long pull from his own drink before he spilled his problem onto his friend’s shoulders.

“I met a woman. We spent a few nights together. Not sure it’s going to work out.”

“But you like her.”

The shock in Greg’s tone didn’t make him feel any better. Hell, did everyone think he was going to pine away for Mia for the next twenty years?

She was gone. He’d come to grips with her death, for Christ’s sake.

“Yeah. I do.”

Greg broke out in a smile that had been known to make women throw themselves on his casting couch without any hope of landing a job.

The guy looked like a SoCal surfer, with his sun-streaked brown hair and killer green eyes, and he towered over most men at six three.

People outside the film industry saw an easygoing dude with a ready smile and down-home charm. Industry insiders knew that outward charm hid the tough-as-balls producer who got films made on time and within budget and didn’t take shit from anyone.

“Well, now, I’m glad to hear that. So what’s the problem?”

Tyler wasn’t exactly sure, and that pissed him the hell off. “I think I scared her.”

And that really didn’t sit right with him.

“So what happened? Come on, now. Tell Father Greg all about it.”

That coaxed a smile out of him. Greg was barely six years older but he constantly razzed Tyler about his youth and inexperience.

Of course, Tyler reciprocated by telling him he was old, so it all evened out.

Tyler gave him the finger as he took another swallow and let the whiskey’s warmth sink into his blood. He’d been feeling pretty damn cold since he’d returned on Sunday.

“We’re gonna be ducking lightning bolts if you don’t watch your mouth.” Tyler set his empty glass on the table, figuring it was too early to finish the bottle. He and Greg had plans for tonight that required him to be coherent.

“Trust me, if I haven’t been struck by now, it ain’t happening. Start with the girl. Who is she?”

“You don’t know her.”

Greg’s gaze narrowed, as if Tyler had just presented him with an interesting puzzle. “Okay, so someone new. Someone who doesn’t know about your preferences?”

“She knows now.”

“Ah. And that’s the problem.”

He remembered word for word what Kate had said Sunday morning. “Yeah.”

“So what? You’ve been through this before. Mia had no idea what you liked when you first met her. Hell, Mia was practically an innocent when you brought her in. She adapted. What makes you think this girl won’t?”

Good question. “She’s stronger than Mia.”

Greg nodded. “No offense intended to Mia, you know I thought she was a sweet girl but . . . Hell, a thin sheet of ice was stronger than Mia. You had the perfect little submissive there.”

He knew that’s what everyone thought about Mia, at least those who knew his predilections. He still wondered, though, if Mia had been submissive. Or just afraid to refuse him.

There was a difference.

“So this girl didn’t like it. Or she was truly frightened?”

“That’s the problem. I’m not sure.”

“Did you talk to her about it?”

“A little. Mostly we discussed business.”

He’d shocked Greg again. “I thought you didn’t discuss business with anyone but Jed and me.”

“I don’t. Usually.” He grimaced. “We’re talking about opening a lingerie boutique at the spa. She’s the designer Jed chose.”

“Well, damn. Another rule broken. Business and pleasure. Now that’s a slippery slope.”

Yeah, Tyler wasn’t happy about it either. But he wanted Kate and, for the first time in his life, he was willing to bend some of his long-held rules.

“So what are you going to do?” Greg asked.

“I’m not sure.”

Greg lifted an eyebrow at him as he sipped his whiskey. “Another first. I think I need to meet the lady who makes you more human.”

More human? “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Since Mia died, you’ve been going through the motions. I’ve been waiting for you to snap out of it. Seems like you might be ready to do that.”

With a start, he realized Greg was right. He had been going through the motions. Waiting . . . He hadn’t known what for.

“So,” Greg prodded, “what are you going to do about her?”

He didn’t have to think very long on that one. “I’m going to call her and see if she wants to have dinner with me later this week. Take it slow.”

“Slow’s never been your strong suit, Tyler.”

“I think you’re mixing me up with my brother. Jed’s the impulsive one.”

Greg just smiled. “I didn’t say you were impulsive. But when you make up your mind to do something, you’re like a freight train gathering speed as it heads down the hill. Now, since I haven’t met the girl, I don’t have any pertinent advice. But why don’t we correct that. Invite her down for dinner Friday night. I don’t have plans. We can make it a double with Jed. I’m anxious to meet his girl too.”

“That should make things easier. Kate is Annabelle’s best friend.”

“Interesting. I look forward to it.” Greg took a deep breath then set his glass on the table, his expression settling into serious lines. “All right, enough small talk. Let’s get down to business.”

**

“Dr. Malinowski, this is Kate Song. I was a student of—”

“Kate! Oh my God, it’s so nice to hear from you. How are you?”

Kate swallowed an audible sigh of relief as she caught up with her former professor for several minutes on the phone.

Since she couldn’t make this call from work, she’d taken her lunch break at home Wednesday afternoon. But she hadn’t eaten yet. She’d been too nervous.

She didn’t know why. Dr. Dinah Malinowski was as personable as she’d been at college. They talked for several minutes before Kate worked up the nerve to get around to the real reason she’d called.

“Dr. Mal—”

“Oh, please call me Dinah, Kate. You’re not in college any longer. And I can’t believe you called me, today of all days. I was actually planning to call you. There may be an opportunity for you to work in New York with me on a show. Would you be interested? I wanted to talk to you before I throw your name into the pot.”

The question took her by complete surprise and left her speechless for several seconds as her brain tried to process.

A show. An actual New York show?

Before she could think of anything to say, Dinah continued on. “It would be off-Broadway but for an established company. Their longtime costume designer is retiring and, since I’ve been working with her for years, she suggested me for her position. And the first person I thought about bringing with me was you.”

“Congratulations, Dinah. That’s a wonderful opportunity for you. And I’m flattered that you thought of me.”

“I know it might be a huge leap of faith for you, considering I have no idea what you’ve been doing since graduation, but that doesn’t change the fact that you were one of my most gifted students and I want you to consider it. What are you doing now?”

She almost didn’t want to say. Not that there was anything wrong with her job. It was a solid use of her skills. But working in a dry cleaners wasn’t exactly the life she’d had planned.

But this . . .

This was her dream.

And totally not what she’d called about.

“I’m working as a tailor and designing on the side,” she said, then rushed on before Dinah could ask more questions. “I’d love to hear more about this.”

“Great! That’s just what I hoped to hear. Are you free later this week to meet? I guess I should ask if you’re still in the area. I know you always talked about heading for New York but . . .”

Her mother had died. “I’m still in Adamstown, so I could be in Gettysburg any night.”

“Actually I’m living in New York City now but I’ll be in the area tomorrow night to visit my folks. How about I give you a call? We can meet for drinks and talk. Now, I guess I should ask why you called.”

Kate assured Dinah they could discuss it at dinner and they hung up after a short round of good-byes.

When her phone rang again only seconds later, Kate almost expected it to be Dinah calling back, telling her she’d made a horrible mistake, that she hadn’t realized who she was talking to and that she didn’t really want to talk about a job in New York City.

And when she picked up the phone and realized the call was from her father, she nearly put it down without answering.

Of course she couldn’t do that.

Deep breath. “Hi, Dad. How are you? Is everything okay?”

His sigh rang through the connection, loud and clear. “Why do you always assume something’s wrong when I call? I’m not that old, am I?”

She had to laugh. Her dad had an extremely dry sense of humor, when he had any at all. It’d taken her years to figure out when he was making a joke.

“No, Dad, you’re not that old. Sorry. What’s up?”

“I haven’t heard from you since last week. I’m simply checking in. I called the shop but Joe told me you’d gone home for lunch. Are you feeling okay?”

She wasn’t sure how to answer that without divulging more than her dad would probably want to know so she simply said, “I’m fine. The wedding dress I made for Maggie Shanahan survived the day despite being ripped by a dog. I had to repair it before the wedding but it held.”

“I have no doubt it did.”

Was that pride she heard in his voice? It would be nice if she could tell. But that was something to ponder another day. She had way too much stuff in her brain now.

They talked for another few minutes. Her dad asked questions. She responded. A normal conversation for them.

It was all so . . . civilized. Which was a sucky way to characterize her relationship with her father. But true.

“I heard Annabelle’s grand opening was quite the event.”

Shit. Had he heard about her leaving the party with Tyler? Would she get his infamous “You should have more respect for yourself” speech? Or would it be the “Don’t disgrace yourself” speech? With her dad, there was always a speech.

“Um, yeah. It was.”

“Please let her know how sorry I was to miss it. I understand she made an announcement about her parents. That must have been difficult for her. Please tell her I wish her the best with her new endeavor.”

And once again, her father had surprised her. “I will. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”

“I understand you left with a man. Is there someone new in your life?”

And there it was. The zinger.

Way to bury the lede, Dad.

There was no way she going there, not with him. “No, Dad. There’s not. The man is Annabelle’s boyfriend’s brother. His name’s Tyler Golden. He’s simply an acquaintance.”

An acquaintance she’d had mind-blowing sex with.

Yeah, really not going there.

“Kate.” He paused, and she braced herself for the speech, whichever one it might be. “Do you think that’s wise? You’ve only just broken off your engagement with Arnold. People will talk. I don’t want you to be the center of people’s conversation.”

“I know, Dad. That won’t happen.”

He fell silent and so did she. She was an adult and she wasn’t about to offer up any more information. Though he might still consider her a child, there were things he didn’t need to know about her life. Such as the fact that she had sex. He could go on thinking she was a virgin until she married.

He sighed. She heard it loud and clear and she fought the urge to cave and tell him what he wanted to hear.

“Well, I should let you get back to work. Maybe we can schedule dinner soon. If you have the time.”

She held back a sigh. Her dad had mastered the art of the guilt trip a long time ago. “Sure. I’m, ah, meeting an old professor tomorrow night but I’m free every other night.” And yes, that was totally pathetic. She had no hope that Tyler would call. At least, not to ask her out.

She didn’t think she’d ever see him outside of business again. “Why don’t we plan on Sunday night? I have plans Friday and Saturday.”

Gee, her dad had plans for the weekend and she didn’t. How pathetic was that? “Sure, that’s great.”

At least she’d have all weekend to sew.

**

“Kate, it’s Tyler. How are you?”

Shocked was the only word that came to mind Friday night around eight as she sat at her machine, eyes nearly crossed.

She’d been here close to five hours, sewing together tiny bits of lace and satin and chewing over last night’s conversation with Dinah. Her former professor had offered her a great opportunity, practically gift-wrapped and on a silver platter. She should’ve jumped at the offer immediately.

Instead, she’d smiled and said she had to give it some thought.

She’d been expecting a call from Annabelle to tell her how stupid she was being when she’d answered her phone without looking at the number.

Now, she rescued her latest design from the machine before she could totally ruin the fabric then she sat back in her chair and tried not to feel like a tongue-tied teenager.

“I’m fine. And you?”

Oh, look how polite we’re being.

She nearly snorted.

“I’d like to see you,” he said. “I know I should have called earlier, but we had a situation at the hotel. This is the first chance I’ve had to call and I’d really like to see you.”

Okay, maybe not so polite.

And possibly a little drunk? Had he slurred his words? Or was she hearing something that wasn’t there?

Or maybe the entire conversation was a dream. Maybe she’d fallen asleep, which would account for the strange vibe.

“Are you okay, Tyler?”

“I’m fine.” And he did sound fine. Absolutely controlled. “I’d simply like to see you.”

That was the third time he’d said that. A shiver of anticipation ran up her spine. She’d wondered if he was going to call her again. But as Thursday and today had passed and he hadn’t, she’d thought maybe he never would.

And yeah, she’d been a little pissed off about that.

Which was totally irrational because she could’ve called him.

Only she hadn’t.

“Would it be okay if I came in?” he asked.

Oh no.

She shot out of her chair and headed for the window at the back that overlooked the parking area. Sure enough, there was Tyler’s Mercedes.

Her heart thudded like a bass drum and she could barely breathe. She’d never had a man do this to her before. She wasn’t entirely sure she liked it.

“What are you doing here, Tyler?”

“I want to see you.”

The low tone of his voice made her heart pound even faster. “You don’t call first?”

“Aren’t we talking on the phone right now?”

And people thought she was a smart-ass. “But you’re sitting in my parking lot.”

“I called first.”

“But . . .”

“If you don’t want to see me, we’ll go.”

She paused. “We?”

“I had a friend drive me. I had a little too much to drink.”

“So you’re drunk.”

“No. I didn’t drink enough to be impaired. I’m just cautious.”

Which she should be, too. Trouble was, she wanted to see him. She’d missed him. Which totally sucked because she’d been determined not to break down and call him.

But here he was. Practically gift-wrapped.

“May I come in, Kate? Or should I leave?”

“No. I mean, come up. Is your friend . . . joining you?”

A pause. “He’d like to meet you, if it’s okay with you.”

“Um, sure. That’s fine.”

He didn’t miss the hesitation in her tone. “I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have barged in like this. We’ll—”

“No. No, it’s fine. Please, come up.”

She hung up before she could say any more then ran for her bedroom. She managed to tear off her old sweats and pull on a pair of worn jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt before she heard the knock on her door.

Taking a deep breath as she covered the few feet to the door, she didn’t give herself time to second-guess. Instead, she braced for impact.

And still couldn’t manage to completely control her response to him.

Tyler nearly filled the narrow doorway, all broad shoulders and wide chest. She looked up into his face and noticed how intently he stared at her.

“Hi.”

Her stomach actually fluttered as the sound of his deep voice penetrated. “Hello, Tyler. Please come in.”

Gosh, what manners. Dad would be so pleased.

She moved to the side so he could enter then felt her gaze catch on the man behind him.

She’d thought Tyler was tall but this man had at least a few inches on him. But where Tyler had that dark and brooding vibe, this guy had a loving-every-minute-of-it smile. One of those completely confident, devil-may-care smiles that made people want to be in his presence.

And totally screwed with her sense of balance.

Tyler had already knocked her for a loop. If she got any more off-kilter, she’d simply fall over.

“Kate Song, this is a good friend of mine, Greg Hicks.”

The name sounded familiar but she couldn’t say she recognized him. She held out her hand after she’d closed the door behind him. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Hicks.”

Tyler and his friend exchanged a quick glance she couldn’t interpret before Greg turned his smile up a notch. “Great to meet you, Kate. Tyler’s told me a lot about you.”

He had? Like how he’d tied her to her bed and fucked her until she nearly passed out?

She almost tripped over her own feet as she led them toward her tiny living room.

“I told him about your designs for the boutique and your wedding gowns.” Tyler’s hand touched her elbow, as if to steady her. Or to reassure her he hadn’t divulged any other secrets. “Greg’s been a friend of mine for years.”

Directing her to the couch, he sat beside her, while Greg sat in the armchair that seemed to shrink beneath his bulk.

Yet, even though she obviously acknowledged the man’s appeal, he didn’t make her want to strip him down to the skin and run her hands all over his body.

But then she couldn’t help but wonder what Greg looked like naked.

Oh wow.

She forced herself to smile at Greg. “And how did you meet?”

“I was one of Haven’s first customers. I live on the West Coast, but my parents still live in Philly so I travel back East a lot.”

She nodded, her brain too scrambled to come up with any more small talk. After the meeting with Dinah Thursday night, she’d felt torn in five different directions. But one look at Tyler and she only wanted to know why he was here. What did he want?

She hoped it was her.

And talk about further complicating your life . . .

Switching her attention back to Tyler, she noticed how intently he stared at her.

“Is everything okay?”

He nodded. “Everything’s fine. Greg wanted to see the new property, and since we were in the area, I wanted to stop and see you. How was your week?”

She’d learned the fine art of lying with a smile at a young age. “Fine. And yours?”

Tyler’s expression darkened and she knew he’d seen through her. She readied herself for the second degree.

“I missed you.” Tyler’s stark words made her gut clench. How did he manage to do that with only three little words? “I decided I’d waited long enough for you to call so I made the first move.”

Her mouth dropped open but she couldn’t think of a damn thing to say. Across from them, Greg choked on a cough she was pretty sure started as a laugh.

“You know you could’ve called me.”

“I did. Tonight. Are you telling me you wanted me to call earlier?”

That was a pretty personal question to answer in front of a total stranger, who watched them like they were engaged in a fierce tennis match.

And how should she answer that? If she said yes, she’d sound petulant. If she said no, she’d be lying. And apparently he’d be able to tell.

“What are you really doing here tonight, Tyler?”

“I told you. I missed you. Spend the weekend at Haven with me. Greg and I have some business to take care of tomorrow morning but there’s a reception tomorrow night I’d like you to attend with me.”

“A reception for what?”

He didn’t answer right away and she wondered if this had to do with the Salon. She couldn’t decide if she was disappointed when he said, “A fund-raising event for Greg’s new film.”

“Greg’s a director?”

“I’m a producer,” Greg answered, drawing her gaze toward him once again, forcing her to acknowledge his presence.

“Would I know anything you’ve produced?”

Greg’s smile grew, and the quick look he exchanged with Tyler said something she couldn’t interpret. “Probably a few.”

Then he rattled off three huge blockbusters even a person who didn’t follow mainstream movies would know.

She blushed, feeling like a rube and not liking the feeling at all. “I’m—”

“Kate.” Greg reached for her hand, shaking his head. “If I wanted people to fawn over me, I’d wear my Oscar around my neck, sweetheart. Put Tyler out of his misery and say yes.”

She turned back to Tyler, who continued to watch her with that intent gaze. “What should I bring?”

His smile barely registered on his face but his eyes shone. “Why don’t you show me what you have, and I’ll help you choose?”

He wanted to pick her clothes for her? If any other man had suggested that, she’d think he was weird. But with Tyler . . . “Okay.”

She stood, but Tyler was already on his feet, reaching for her hand. She took his but when she tried to pull away, he wouldn’t let her. He threaded his fingers through hers and led the way to her bedroom. When she’d crossed the threshold, she nearly lost her breath when he put his hands around her waist, lifted her off her feet then held her back against the door.

He leaned in close enough that she could smell the faint, seductive hint of alcohol on his breath. “I wasn’t lying before. I missed you this week.”

Then he kissed her.

And not a hey-happy-to-see-you kiss. This was an I-want-to-devour-you kiss. She barely sucked in a breath before he took it away again with the force of his lips on hers and the thrust of his tongue in her mouth.

He didn’t hold anything back, and she realized she didn’t want him to. She wanted to know how much he’d missed her, how much he needed her.

Because she’d been pining for him too.

Shoving her hands in his hair, she caught the short strands between her fingers and tugged. Not to pull him away but to feel him resist.

He slid one arm beneath her ass so he could hold her up then let his free hand stroke up her side to her breast. Cupping her, he kneaded the soft flesh until she moaned into his mouth and lifted her legs to wrap around his waist.

His groan echoed through her small bedroom and sank deep into her body, making her thighs tighten and her hips thrust forward to press his erection into her clit.

Ah, God, just a little more pressure, a little movement, and she swore she’d come.

As if he’d read her mind, he pressed forward, catching her clit on the seam of her jeans until she thought she’d scream.

And when he pulled away, she muttered a frustrated sound that made him smile against her lips before he set her on her feet.

“Glad you’re happy to see me too.”

She wanted to glare up at him but it dissolved under the sexual need driving her crazy.

Hell, for those few minutes he’d been kissing her, she’d forgotten another man sat in her living room waiting for them while she wanted to rip off Tyler’s clothes and throw him on her bed.

“You didn’t call.”

Damn it, she did sound like a petulant teenager.

“I wasn’t sure you’d want to hear from me.”

His expression indicated it wasn’t something he wanted to talk about, so she let that slide. “I did miss you, Tyler.” More than she wanted to admit.

“Then why didn’t you call?”

She crossed her arms over her chest and raised her eyebrows. “Why didn’t you?”

His lips curved in that half smile that made her knees weak. “An impasse. I can deal with that. For now.”

Turning, he walked to her closet, opened the door, and just stood there.

She walked over to stand next to him. “Are you really going to tell me what clothes to wear?”

He gave her a wry look. “Of course not. But if I stood like that any longer, I might’ve had you naked and pinned to the door with my cock inside you. I’m not sure you were ready for that with Greg sitting out there.”

Oh.

Images flashed through her mind, making her hot and breathless. My God, it just wasn’t fair what he could do to her with only his voice. But two could play that game.

“Maybe I would’ve been okay with that.”

He turned to face her completely. “Would you?”

She knew he was asking about what had happened last Sunday. And since she’d had some time to think about it, she’d realized she didn’t want to give up on Tyler quite so fast.

She didn’t want to lie to herself. She’d enjoyed it. And she didn’t want fear to rule her life.

Smiling, she turned to her closet. “Tell me a little about this party.”

**

Since Greg couldn’t fit comfortably in the back of his Mercedes and Tyler had sobered up enough to drive, Kate sat in the back.

He’d wanted her beside him but she’d laughed when Greg had grudgingly offered to fold himself into the backseat then slid into the backseat herself.

He could see her in the mirror and he knew she watched him as much as he watched her.

He knew she could tell he had something weighing on his mind. His father’s bombshell earlier today felt like a concrete block on his shoulders.

The bastard was going to sell the GoldenStar chain unless Tyler took over chairmanship of the board.

Tyler still felt like he’d been punched in the gut. He’d left his father’s office in a seething rage that he’d only managed to douse with a trip to the gym to punch the bag for an hour and a bottle of Patrón before dinner with Greg.

Dinner had helped sober him but nothing had erased the need to see Kate.

When he thought of her, all the other shit in his head settled.

Greg had offered to drive and Tyler wasn’t far enough gone to not realize that was probably a good idea. His head wasn’t on straight.

But he’d known exactly what he needed to take his mind off everything else.

He needed her.

After that kiss, he’d managed to keep his hands in his pockets, even though she tempted him with each article of clothing she pulled out of the closet.

A dress for tomorrow night’s reception that looked like nothing more than a tube of black velvet with two straps to hold it up. A pair of black slacks and a baby blue blouse he assumed she’d wear with it. A T-shirt and a pair of jeans.

Then she’d opened the chest of drawers and threw tiny bits of silk and lace on the bed. Underwear and bras.

His mouth dried and his hands curled into fists in his pockets.

He wondered what she was wearing right now. Although, if he had to guess, he didn’t think she was wearing anything under that T-shirt.

It didn’t take her long to pack a bag though she’d probably spent more time picking out her shoes and jewelry than she had her clothes.

She’d also stopped just before they were ready to walk out the door and said she’d forgotten something. He had no idea what but she’d taken her overnight bag with her and when he’d picked it up again, it was heavier.

“So, Kate.” Greg turned so he could address her after they’d reached the turnpike. “Tyler tells me you’re considering taking a boutique in the spa. I gotta say, it sounds like a great opportunity for you.”

She surprised him by saying, “I think so too.”

“So you’re going to do it?” Tyler caught her gaze in the mirror for a few brief seconds.

She smiled. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about it this week but there are a few things I need to figure out before I say yes.”

He wanted her to say yes but knew he couldn’t pressure her into making this decision. He settled for a restrained, “I’ll answer any question you have.”

Her smile did weird and wonderful things to his insides, and he knew he should probably be worried about that. He knew what happened when he let himself get out of control and he didn’t want to ever feel like that again.

“I know. I just . . . need a little more time.”

Greg steered the conversation away from the subject after that, drawing out Kate and keeping her engaged. Tyler added a little here and there, though he was more than content to listen to Kate.

Who didn’t seem at all attracted to Greg. He couldn’t help feeling superior about that. Yes, it was juvenile. He’d have to watch that.

What she was interested in was costume design. He knew that’s what she’d studied in college and what she’d hoped to pursue after graduation. Until her mother’s death had interrupted those plans.

When he finally pulled into the garage at Haven, she and Greg were laughing about a recent Broadway production they’d both seen and the amazing costumes.

“Her use of color to show character was brilliant,” Kate said as Tyler helped her out of the car. “It was amazing how much emotion a simple blue handkerchief in his pocket could convey.”

Since Tyler hadn’t seen the show, he had no idea what they were talking about. And he didn’t care. He simply enjoyed listening to Kate and watching her talk about something she obviously loved.

When they reached the fourth floor, though, the conversation came to a halt as the elevator doors opened. Greg was staying in one of the suites and he nodded at Tyler and said good night to Kate before he disappeared into it, leaving them staring into each other’s eyes.

“Would you like your own room, Kate? Or will you stay with me this weekend?”

He heard no hesitation in her voice when she said, “I’d like to stay with you.”

Which was exactly what he wanted so he didn’t bother to hide his smile. “Good.”

Opening the door to his apartment, he waved her in then headed to his bedroom to drop off her bag.

He hadn’t realized she’d followed him until he turned and found her standing in the doorway, her gaze taking in everything.

“You decorated this room yourself, didn’t you?”

How did she know that? “Pretty much, yes.”

Her gaze returned to him and she smiled. “I like it.”

“I’m glad. But how could you tell I decorated it?”

“It feels like you.”

Navy blue walls decorated with the framed conceptual drawings he’d made of the atrium. Sky blue silk drapes at the windows. Cherry mahogany furniture, including a king-size bed, a double chest, and a night table.

No clutter. No mess.

Not much personality.

“So I’m boring.”

She laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners until they almost disappeared. “I don’t think you’re boring, Tyler. Not at all. You’ve got hidden depths. You’re straightforward. I like that.”

Closing the distance between them, he stopped only inches away, close enough that she had to tilt her head back to look at him.

He wanted to reach for her but kept his hands to himself. For now, anyway. At the moment, he wanted to know why she’d agreed to come. Before, it hadn’t mattered. Only that she had.

“I’m glad you came. I believe you’ll have a good time at the party. I believe Annabelle will be there, too, at least for a little while.”

Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. “She didn’t say anything. Then again, we didn’t get to talk much this week.”

He saw that didn’t sit well with her. “Did you have a busy week?”

She sighed and nodded. “Yeah, busier than normal. And I spent most nights working on designs.”

Heat began to build low in his gut. “Lingerie designs?”

A mysterious look crossed her face. “And others.”

“More wedding dresses?”

She shook her head. “It’ll probably be easier if I show you.”

“Are you going to model?”

“Would you like me to?”

Her expression had turned flirtatious and the way she stared up at him made his cock swell. The remnants of alcohol in his system burned away from the look in her eyes.

“I guess it depends on what you’re going to model.”

With that same mysterious smile, she walked to the bed, where he’d set her bag on the floor next to it.

“Lingerie and wedding dresses aren’t all I’ve been working on. I was trained as a costume designer. I’ve had a few requests recently for costumes.” She paused. “Role-playing costumes.”

His heart began to pound. “Like the fairy costumes you made for you and Annabelle.”

Her smile turned wicked. “Kind of, yes. But not the kind you can wear outside of the bedroom. Unless it’s down the hall in the Salon.”

Oh, hell yes. He definitely wanted to see whatever she had in that bag.

He’d never really considered the idea of dress-up before. It wasn’t something Mia had ever suggested, and it’d just never popped up on his radar. Some of the women who attended Jed’s Salons did dress up, but he’d been there so infrequently in the past several years that it had never really registered.

Now, he couldn’t think of anything he wanted more.

Kate picked up the bag and set it on the bed. “Why don’t you go sit in the living room and I’ll be out in a few minutes?”

He nodded. “Would you like a drink?”

She took a deep breath and he saw the slightest hint of nerves hit her. But then she nodded and the nerves disappeared. “Sure. Something light.”

“Champagne?”‘

“Okay.”

He forced himself to leave slowly, not run for the other room like a horny teenager. Shutting the door behind him, he stopped to take a deep breath, trying to rein in the excitement roiling through his gut. He didn’t want to rip the clothes off her the minute he saw her. But his control was pretty damn shoddy at the moment.

And that was the one thing he couldn’t lose.