Chapter 2

GRAY STOPPED in front of his dad’s house and looked around. From the outside, it looked the same. As far as he knew, his dad hadn’t changed the exterior since he and Gray’s mom designed it a year after they married. The same couldn’t be said about the interior.

His mom had preferred a more classic style, much like her husband. His dad’s second wife, a woman Gray suspected his father had never truly loved, had preferred a contemporary look. Mere months after she’d moved in, she redecorated the entire mansion, erasing any hint of Gray’s mom. Thankfully, that marriage had lasted only a year—and everyone was happy when it ended.

Not long after the divorce, his dad had the place redecorated again, so it resembled the home Gray remembered. When his father remarried a third time eight years ago, the whole family had held their breath when Abby decided the place needed a few changes. Much to everyone’s relief, Abby’s changes were minor ones.

However, according to Allison, his stepmother had done some redecorating once again over the summer. He hoped the place didn’t resemble the inside of his father’s downtown office. Trent had told him all about the major changes Abby made there. According to his brother, the office resembled the set of a futuristic movie.

Gray pulled open the front door and stopped. Even after all these years, he sometimes expected his mom to be waiting inside for him. Today, though, like on his last visit, the foyer remained empty, the chandelier casting shadows on the floor.

“Gray, you’re here.” Abby walked into the foyer and smiled at him. “Your dad just got home.” Abby hugged him and kissed his cheek.

He didn’t hesitate to return the gesture. He liked and respected Abby, something he couldn’t say about his father’s second wife. Even more important than the fact that he liked her, was the fact that Abby made his dad happy.

“Allison is here, too,” Abby said as she started walking down the hallway.

He followed his stepmother through the house, a place he hadn’t lived in for years and avoided as much as possible. Not that he didn’t love his family; he adored them all, but being inside the house regardless of its current decorating trend always brought back memories of his mom, a woman who had died fifteen years ago whom he still missed.

He suspected his dad understood that and that was why he didn’t nag him about visiting. Instead, his dad came to see him in New York or saw him when Gray visited Cliff House in Newport.

“I thought we could visit for a little while before dinner.” Abby preceded him into the living room where his dad and sister sat deep in conversation. “Mathieu planned dinner for seven o’clock.”

The mention of Kiera’s dad brought her to the forefront of his mind, something that had occurred several times since his brother’s wedding.

“He promised he’d prepare one of your favorite dishes.” Abby took a seat next to his dad.

Gray sat, listening as his father and sister continued their discussion—or perhaps he should call it a disagreement. While he’d missed the beginning of the conversation, he caught enough to know his sister planned to move to Virginia and start working with their cousin, Jake. His dad wasn’t onboard with that decision. He wanted her to remain at Helping Hands Foundation, one of Sherbrooke Enterprises charitable foundations that was based right there in Providence.

While his dad argued that Helping Hands and their Aunt Marilyn needed her expertise, Gray suspected his dad disagreed with the decision because it would mean his only daughter would move several hours away. Dad might come across as a hard-ass judge in the courtroom, but when it came to family, he was anything but.

As the disagreement continued, Gray sat back and let his mind wander.

“Are you still leaving Friday?” His dad asked and Gray realized the conversation between Allison and his dad had ended.

“I think so.”

The flight crew expected him at the airport tomorrow. The idea of boarding a plane and flying back to New York City excited him about as much as Kiera’s neighbor had on Monday afternoon.

He’d kept busy this week. One afternoon, he’d had lunch with Aunt Marilyn, and another, he’d driven out to Connecticut to visit his cousin. Last night, he went out with his brother Derek, and William, an old college friend who lived in the city. However, his lunch with Kiera had been the highlight of the week. Prior to that lunch date, he hadn’t realized how much he missed her.

Gray had never lacked for friends, yet there had always been something special about his and Kiera’s friendship. Perhaps it was because they’d known each other their entire lives. They’d been born a month apart, and although her parents worked for his, they’d played together from the moment they could crawl.

His mother had loved gardening. She’d enjoyed working in her green house and in her many gardens alongside the gardeners more than she’d liked sipping tea with other wealthy women. Both he and Trent had spent hours outside with her as she worked with Annette Renault. In fact, thanks to his mom and Annette, he now knew more about plants and flowers than any man should.

As children, he, Trent, and Kiera had done everything from climbing trees to digging up worms. At the time, he hadn’t realized how strange it was that Kiera played alongside them. He didn’t view her parents as employees, but more like extended family. Not until he’d started going to friends’ homes did he learn how others interacted with their household staff. By that time, it was too late. His friendship with Kiera had been established.

They stayed close friends right up until the summer after ninth grade. He’d arrived home for the summer and gone looking for his mom in the green house. When he walked inside, rather than finding his mom, a cute ass and legs that went on for miles greeted him. His fifteen-year old body had taken immediate notice of her. Before he could do anything except stare and drool, Annette had walked in and asked the cute backside if she’d finished repotting the flowers. Then, like in a movie, Kiera had straightened up, turned around, and smiled at him.

All the breath had left his body. He’d muttered something that resembled a greeting and beat it. For a solid week after that, he avoided Kiera like the plague, opting to spend his time in the ocean, wondering how she’d changed so much while he’d been away at school.

After a while, he stopped avoiding her and began tossing round the idea of asking her out. A visit by a school friend killed that idea when his buddy so eloquently reminded him that it was okay to screw the help, but not date them.

Not once had he considered asking Kiera out again, and while they remained friends, their friendship changed that summer. He hadn’t intended for that to happen. However, it’d been the only way for him to handle the unwanted desire she evoked every time she came within ten feet of him.

Something she’d once again managed the night of Trent’s wedding and again on Monday afternoon.

“If you change your mind, stop in and visit Richard. He was asking about you over lunch this week. He was disappointed he didn’t get a chance to speak with you at the wedding.”

Richard Marshall had been a friend of his father and Uncle Warren since boarding school. Gray and his siblings considered the man an uncle.

“If I stick around, I’ll try.”

Gray doubted he’d venture even to Richard’s neighborhood unless he knew for certain that Richard’s youngest daughter, Tasha, was far far away. For the longest time, she’d been infatuated with his brother. Then, she’d set her eye on his cousin. After his cousin’s engagement, though, she decided he was the Sherbrooke for her. Much like his brother and cousin, he had no interest in Tasha.

“How long will Trent be gone anyway?” If he did choose to stick around longer, he doubted his brother would want to return from his honeymoon and find him still in his guest bedroom.

“Addie and Trent will be back on the twenty-seventh,” Allison answered. “Trent pressed for a three week honeymoon, but Addie refused. She said she had too many projects to complete before the baby came.”

Good. That gave him more than a week to crash at his brother’s if he wanted.

“I take it she doesn’t let Trent call all the shots.”

“No. She keeps Trent in line better than I ever did.” His dad laughed. “I only wish they’d met sooner. I might have fewer white hairs.”

Since Trent had called and dropped the news on him, he’d wanted to get to know the woman who’d won over his playboy brother. His father’s comment strengthened that desire. Maybe, with a little luck, his work schedule would cooperate over the next few months and he’d get the opportunity.

First thing Friday morning, he called the flight crew and informed them of his change in plans. New York City would still be there in a few days. With that phone call out of the way, he hung around his brother’s apartment, simply enjoying the down time and the quiet—neither of which he got much of anymore. Sometime well after breakfast, he’d showered and headed out, unsure if the destination he had in mind was a good idea or not.

Regardless of his indecision, fifteen minutes later, he found himself knocking on Kiera’s apartment door.

Without so much as a, “Who is it?” first, the door opened.

“Gray.” His name came out as half statement, half question. “What... I thought you were headed home today.”

“Changed my mind.” He feared he’d wake her. Thanks to their conversation earlier that week, he knew she was scheduled to work every night that week. Since she answered the door immediately, and stood before him in well-worn jeans and an oversized sweatshirt, he guessed she’d been awake for some time.

She tilted her head “How did you get in? The people in this building aren’t big on letting strangers inside. Some won’t even let my parents in, and they’ve been visiting me since I moved in last year.”

“It must be my charming personality. I just said hello to the woman walking out and mentioned I was here to see you.”

Kiera rolled her eyes at him and laughed. “You’re not that charming. More likely, they recognized you and figured you were harmless.” She pulled the door open wider. “Come on in before Alexa hears you’re in the building and offers to do a pole dance for you.”

“I hoped to run into your neighbor while I was here and that does sound entertaining. Which apartment is hers again?”

Kiera pretended to close the door on him. “She lives right next door in apartment twenty-five.”

Gray took a step forward, crossing into her personal space. “Good to know. Maybe I’ll stop over later. Does she really have a pole in her apartment?”

“Men. You’re all the same.” Her tone bordered on annoyance, but the smile he glimpsed before she walked away hinted at amusement.

“You’re not busy, are you?” He followed her into the loft apartment.

“Actually, you’re interrupting my very important date with my DVR.” Kiera plopped onto her sofa. On the television, a woman remained frozen, about to clean up spilled milk.

“Well then, I can always come back after Alexa gives me that private show, if you want.”

Kiera made a great show of considering his words, and then switched off the television. “She’s probably still in bed. She gets home later than me most nights. You might as well stay here and stop by her place before you leave. That would be the considerate thing to do.”

“Always thinking about others.” Gray sat next to her and patted her thigh. “I’m glad that hasn’t changed.”

Kiera pulled her legs up and rested her arms on her knees. “So, how much longer did you decide to stay?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe just a few more days. I haven’t taken time off in a while.”

Kiera snorted. “This is me, Gray. You don’t have to lie. I don’t care how much you do or don’t work. And I’ve seen those party pictures that pop up all over the magazine covers. You seem to have plenty of fun.”

Her comment stung on many levels. Okay, sure, he’d made it a point to cultivate a certain persona since he started his real job. He found that it came in handy if people believed he was a carefree, laid-back, rich guy who did as little work as possible. However, just the opposite was true, but Kiera wouldn’t know that.

“Thanks. I’m glad I know how you really feel.” He hoped his sarcastic tone masked the hurt her words caused.

Kiera’s teasing smile vanished. “I didn’t mean it like that, Gray. You know how I feel about you.”

Actually, no he didn’t. Which was the problem. He assumed she considered him a childhood friend. After all, that was how he’d thought of her for most of his life. Then he’d seen her again at Trent’s wedding, and, well, now he wondered if he couldn’t do now what he’d considered that summer so many years ago.

“But you do seem to travel a lot. And go to a lot of social events.”

Kiera’s voice pushed his wayward thoughts aside.

“Three or four months ago, I read in some magazine that you were spotted in London with some actress. Or maybe she’s a model. I don’t remember. And last month, you were in Mexico according to Trent.”

“That was all for work.”

She didn’t say the word liar, but her expression did.

“All my travel in the past year has been for work.” It just hadn’t all been for Sherbrooke Enterprises. In fact more than half of it had been for the Agency.

“If you say so.” She looked away then back at him again. “Who was the woman with you in London? It’s driving me nuts that I can’t remember her name. She’s a model, right?”

He didn’t want to discuss any of the women he’d been spotted with over the past year. “Neither. But she wants to get into acting. Her father is the new Russian Prime Minister, and her family owns several businesses, including numerous resorts and casinos around the world. We met at one of them. And for the record, Nadia asked me to the movie premier.”

“She’s beautiful.”

He saw no reason to comment on that statement. After all, she was right; Nadia Danilova was gorgeous. Just not his type.

“You’re the first woman I’ve asked out in a while.”

Kiera bit down on her lip, but her smile still escaped. “Too busy?”

“That’s part of it.”

He worked hard, but that didn’t mean he had no social life. Instead, it was more a case of not meeting anyone he cared to get to know better. In fact, the desire he’d experienced dancing Saturday—and again on Monday—had been the first he’d felt in a long time.

“What about you?” They’d discussed many things over lunch, but not once had she mentioned a boyfriend.

“My job isn’t all that conducive to an active social life. I dated someone in Paris for two years, but he didn’t want to move here with me. We’re still friends and text sometimes.”

No guy in her life; he shouldn’t like the sound of that, but he did. A lot.

“Since we both have no social life, do you mind if I hang out here for the afternoon and watch television? I’ll even buy pizza later.”

Both her grandfather and father might be gourmet chefs, but the girl he’d known all his life loved pizza. Especially pepperoni and mushroom.

“You, my friend, have yourself a deal.”

For what seemed like the hundredth time that afternoon, Kiera shot a look at Gray, then looked back at the super heroes on her socks. Man, she wished he’d called rather than just show up. Then she wouldn’t be sitting there in jeans so old they could buy a ticket to a PG-13 movie and socks decorated with super heroes. Okay, maybe her jeans weren’t that old, but they had holes in both the knees and she’d had them since before she’d moved to Paris. Granted, she didn’t have to impress Gray, but that didn’t mean she wanted to look like a slob, either. Especially considering he looked great today as usual.

The jingle for a popular snack food company started up, and Kiera realized the television show had gone to another commercial.

“Does anyone watch commercials anymore?” She hit Fast-Forward.

“Someone in the marketing department could answer you better than me, but that commercial is making me hungry for cake. And someone in this room did promise they’d make me cupcakes if I wanted.”

She’d baked enough that she could whip up cupcakes in her sleep. “So I did. And you promised me pizza.” Kiera switched off the television. “I’ll get started on my end of the bargain if you handle yours.”

“Deal.”

Gray smiled at her and an overwhelming urge to put space between them sent her toward the kitchen.

“There’s a take-out menu in the drawer next to you.”

She liked cooking and experimenting with dishes too much to order take-out often. Still, she pulled out the too-lazy-to-cook card at times and called for delivery. Since she’d moved to Lincoln, she’d tried several different places and the pizza restaurant located on Mendon Road in Cumberland was, by far her favorite or at least her favorite that would deliver.

Kiera measured out flour while Gray placed the order. For several minutes afterward, the entire apartment remained silent. She didn’t know what he was doing, and since he remained almost as far from her as possible in the small apartment, she didn’t turn around to look.

Maybe he was playing a game on his phone or checking his email. Either activity should keep him occupied while she baked and continuously reminded herself that this was Gray Sherbrooke. She shouldn’t be thinking of him as anything but an old friend. She didn’t need to impress him. Well, unless he planned to open a gourmet restaurant somewhere. And if he planned to do that, she better prepare something besides chocolate cupcakes.

“Do you need any help?”

She spun around, her arm clipping the mixing bowl, almost sending it to the floor. Somehow, though, Gray managed to catch it before flour went everywhere.

“Are you okay?” Gray put the bowl back on the counter.

“I forgot you were here.” Yeah, like that would ever happen.

Gray’s mouth dropped open. “I don’t think any woman has ever said that to me before. I think I’ve been insulted.” He crossed his arms. “Maybe I should take my pizzas when they get here and go see your pole-dancing neighbor.”

Kiera tightened her grip on the vanilla. “I just meant that you were so quiet that I got caught up in what I was doing.”

Gray studied her, and she tried not to fidget.

“Joking, Kiera. You do remember what that is, right?” He stepped closer and reached for her hand. “If you hold this any tighter, you’re going to break it.” He pulled her fingers from the bottle. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’re trembling.”

“Caffeine withdrawal. I didn’t have my afternoon cup yet.” The lie flew out of her mouth.

“Gotcha. Happens to me all the time. Tell me where the coffee is and I’ll make us some.”

She doubted he ever suffered from her current aliment, but since he believed her excuse, she’d stick with it.

“Coffee’s in the corner cupboard.”

Somehow, she finished the cupcake batter without once again putting her foot in her mouth. She even thought she got the recipe correct, although it was possible she’d added too much sugar. With Gray in the tiny space that claimed to be a kitchen, she had a little trouble focusing on anything but him.

“These babies are ready for the oven.” Kiera opened the door. “I’ll do the dishes after we eat.”

The pizzas hadn’t arrived, but they should show up soon. At least she hoped so; her stomach kept making the most unladylike sounds.

“Health experts say you shouldn’t eat uncooked batter because of the raw eggs, but I can’t bake cupcakes and not lick the bowl.” Kiera ran her finger along the inside of the bowl and then licked the batter off. “Mmmm, perfect.” If she’d added too much of something or left something out, she couldn’t tell. “Want a taste?” She nodded toward the bowl.

Gray didn’t comment. Instead, he left his seat and approached her, reminding her a bit of a lion stalking his prey.

Why, oh why, did he have to look so sexy? She wanted to lick him the same way she’d licked the batter from her finger.

Without any warning Gray took her hand and used her finger to scoop up the chocolate batter. She watched as he lifted her hand toward his mouth, and about half a second before he closed his lips around her finger, she realized his intent. But by then, it was too late.

His tongue ran along her finger, and then he sucked the remaining batter off. Right away, a mental image of him doing the same thing somewhere else on her body danced before her eyes. Heat spread throughout her, and she swallowed, frozen in place.

He pulled her finger from his mouth. “Delicious.” Gray maintained eye contact as he kissed the top of her hand. His breath traveled over her skin, sending shivers up her arm.

“You, uh, always did love chocolate.” Her voice came out far from casual, but considering the circumstances, that came as no surprise.

He lowered their hands, but didn’t let go. “I didn’t mean the batter.”

Boy, oh, boy did she need a cold drink. “Gray—”

The intercom came to life.

“Pizzas.” Thank God.

Gray nodded. “I’ll get them.”

Alone, Kiera sagged against the counter. The Gray Sherbrooke who’d given her a hug, patted her on the back, and even kissed her on the cheek… that Gray she could handle. But she didn’t know what to make of the man who’d just sucked raw cupcake batter off her finger and kissed her hand. Most women in her shoes would thank their lucky stars, then grab hold of Gray before he changed his mind and went back to giving them friendly pats on the back.

She had no intention of doing that. A safer route would be to sit him down and ask him if he was okay. Maybe he’d bumped his head while in the shower or was, perhaps, having a life crisis.

Yup, when he came back, she’d ask him and get to the bottom of things because some kind of logical explanation had to exist. After all, they’d known each other for almost thirty years and he’d never once hinted that he saw her as anything but a friend.

Sure, she’d wished he saw her as more from time to time, but she’d gotten over the teenage crush a long time ago.

The apartment door opened, and Gray walked in, carrying two pizza boxes as if he did it every day. The aroma of pizza made her stomach rumble.

“I almost ate a slice on my way back up.”

She watched him cross the living room and wished he did do it every day. Move your legs. Do something useful. Kiera gave herself a mental shake and grabbed some plates from the cupboard.

“Go ahead and start without me.” She handed him the plates. “I need a drink. Can I get you anything?”

What she needed was a tub filled with ice, but for now, she’d settle for an extra large glass of water.

“I’ve got water and ginger ale.” She pulled open the refrigerator door more for the cold air than because she needed to see its contents. “Milk and a little cranberry juice.”

“Water, please.” Gray opened a pizza box and placed two slices on each plate. He didn’t start eating, though. Instead, he pulled out a chair and stood behind it. “Those cupcakes smell great. How long until they’re done?”

His mention of cupcakes sent her body temperature up again. She drank half of her water and reconsidered her earlier decision. Maybe the best option was to ignore what had happened earlier. She could pretend it’d never happened. Doing that might not answer her questions, but it would keep her from spontaneously combusting.

“About another fifteen minutes but if you want them frosted they’ll need to cool off.” Something she had no hope of doing anytime soon.

“If I want them frosted? You know me better than that.”

Until five minutes ago, she’d thought she’d known him rather well, but now? Not so much.

“Have a seat.” He gestured toward the chair he’d pulled out.

Right now, she’d rather stay where she was with the table separating them. Gray would never go for that. Each and every Sherbrooke had proper manners drilled into them, and that meant each Sherbrooke male had been raised to pull out chairs for women and only sit once all the women present had done so first. So Kiera did the only thing she could. She sat down.

Gray ate two slices of pizza before he spoke again. “You’re quiet over there.” He grabbed a third slice. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He left the pizza untouched in his plate and waited for her answer.

She’d spent the last several minutes avoiding eye contact. With him expecting an answer, it seemed rude to keep staring at her plate.

Kiera looked up and forced herself to meet his eyes. “Fine. Really.”

Gray remained silent as if considering her words. Then he reached for her. “I don’t believe you.” He squeezed her hand and waited.

Every Sherbrooke shared one particular characteristic: stubbornness. Gray included. If he suspected something bothered her, he wouldn’t give up until he got the truth or she tossed him out.

And she didn’t want to toss him out.

“What’s the matter, Kiera?”

“Before…” She paused and her gaze dropped to his mouth, lingering there for a bit before forcing herself to meet his gaze again. While his eyes were not as unique a shade of blue as many of the Sherbrookes, she found them beautiful.

“You know, when we were in the kitchen.” Kiera bounced her knee under the table and bumped his leg.

“Did I upset you?”

“No. Well, yes.” Kiera heard a growl and realized it came from her. Why did he have to sit so close? He could’ve picked the chair across the table, but no, he picked the one next to her. “Why?”

“Why what?” He moved his hand to her shoulder.

“Why did you do it?”

Gray leaned forward, and his voice became a mere whisper. “Because I couldn’t stop myself. Like now.”

She saw the intent in his eyes, but the press of his lips on hers startled her anyway.

He cradled her face in his hands and kissed her for a few more seconds before pulling his lips away. “Are you free this weekend?”

The kiss had been more gentle than passionate, yet it blew her mind away. “I’m off until Monday.”

“Let’s spend it together.” He brushed the back of his hand against her cheek then slipped it behind her neck. “I don’t know what we’ll do. It’s so damn cold, but I want to be with you.”

She was anything but cold.

“We could go skiing. I haven’t been in a long time. Or what about ice-skating? Or we could see what movies are playing. Whatever you want,” Gray said.

Since he’d made the first move before, she’d take the lead now. Butterflies tickled her insides as she leaned forward and kissed him.

Kiera might have instigated their second kiss, but she didn’t keep control of it. Instead, Gray left her in charge just long enough for her to put her arms over his shoulders. Once she did that, he changed the angle of his mouth, applying more pressure and tugging her into his lap. Heat consumed her when he slipped his tongue between her lips. Lord, the man could kiss.

Gray moved his lips to her ear lobe. “It’ll be fun. I promise. What do you say?” His breath was hot against her skin.

Kiera nodded as Gray switched his attention from her ear to her neck.

“I think I’d like to go ice skating.” She managed to get the words out as she pulled his head back towards hers for another kiss.

She was in Gray’s lap. Kissing him. Heat was coursing through her body. Her teenaged fantasies were coming true, and she didn’t have a clue why.

That wasn’t going to stop her, though. Matter of fact, it wasn’t until the oven timer buzzed that she realized she was still baking the cupcakes.

And it was only the threat of burned cupcakes that could convince Gray to let go.

She’d made out with Gray. Talk about a surprise. Kiera started the next show on her DVR but peeked over at Gray. He sat close. Unfortunately, he didn’t show any signs of kissing her again anytime soon which was what she wanted him to do.

Was his behavior now normal? Maybe Gray liked to get a woman all hot and bothered and then act like nothing had happened. Or maybe this was how Gray acted after he decided he shouldn’t have kissed a woman in the first place. If that was the case, why was he still sitting beside her? He sat so close she could smell the soap he’d used that morning.

The current episode of her favorite television show ended, and Kiera stood. “You can put on whatever you want.” She handed him the remote. “I’m going to frost those cupcakes. They’re cool enough now.” She wished she could cool off the way they had. “Do you want chocolate or vanilla frosting?”

“Surprise me.”

That was the word of the day. Kiera headed into the kitchen and grabbed what she needed for chocolate frosting. As she worked, she waited for a new television show to start. Instead, the television beeped as Gray switched it off.

“I might need to take some cupcakes home with me tonight.”

Gray’s voice came from behind her, and, without looking, she knew he stood close to her.

“You can take them all. I don’t need any more junk food hanging around. If I splurge much more this winter, I’m going to need new jeans.”

“Knock it off. You look fantastic and you never go nuts with junk food.” He came to stand next to her. “The only reason you might want new jeans is because those have holes in them.” Gray traced her jaw with his finger.

Kiera attacked the ingredients in the bowl with a spoon. “Gray, this is like the third time you’ve seen me in three years. Maybe I’ve become a junk food junky.” She heard the bite in her tone.

His hand fell away. “Did I do something?”

She shook her head. “I just meant that people change.”

Gray’s hand came down on hers, forcing her to stop mixing the frosting. “You’re beating that frosting to death. If I made you mad, just say so.”

Kiera released her death grip on the spoon. “I’m not mad. Confused a little, that’s all.”

“Because of earlier?”

“No. Because Boston traded their star pitcher to Baltimore.” He had to ask?

Gray smiled, and she imagined his lips pressed against hers again.

“Fair enough. That was a stupid question.” He turned her, so they faced each other. “I didn’t intend to confuse you, but since the wedding, I can’t stop thinking about you.”

His words sent a shiver down her spine. No guy, not even her last boyfriend, had ever said they couldn’t stop thinking about her.

“If you say no, I’ll respect that, but I’d like to see where things go between us.” His hands slid down her arms, and he took her hands.

Oh, man. Why did he have to sound so sincere? She’d been convinced that they would spend time together this weekend, and afterward, he’d jet off to wherever he went when he left town and it’d be another three years before she saw him again.

Now he made it sound as if he had other ideas in mind.

“You already know my two faults, so it’s not like you have to worry about uncovering some strange fetishes or anything.”

Gray had never taken himself too seriously, and it looked like that hadn’t changed.

“Your two faults? I’d say you have more than just two, Mr. I’m-Perfect.”

His forehead wrinkled. “No, I’m sure I only have two.” Gray took a step closer. “But we can spend time together and you can enlighten me on any others.”

One step closer and her breasts would touch his chest. The thought of which sent her pulse racing. Maybe she should take him up on his offer. They had known each other a long time and he’d never lied to her.

“Okay.” She made her decision before she second-guessed herself. “I’ll help you discover the rest of your faults.” Kiera closed the gap between them and kissed him.

She intended to give him a peck on the lips, but Gray had other ideas. Before she could step away, he locked his arms around her and pulled her against him, taking control of their kiss.

After awhile, he ended the kiss and Kiera sighed. Even though her eyes remained closed, Gray’s rapid breathing and the erection she felt pressing against her told her he was affected by their kiss, too.

“Now might be a good time to frost those cupcakes.” His hands traveled lower and slipped into her back pockets.

Kiera couldn’t agree more. She needed some space between them. Opening her eyes, she found him looking at her. “I think you’re right. Do you want to help?”

Gray nodded.

“Then we’re going to need to move. We can’t do anything like this.”

Gray cocked an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t say that.”

Kiera pictured them kissing again. “You know what I mean.” She took a step backward, which forced Gray to pull his hands from her pockets. “If you do a good job, I’ll even let you lick the extra frosting from the bowl.”

She turned back to the counter and gave the frosting one final stir before picking up a cupcake.

“You’re a slave driver.”

“I’m serious when it comes to cupcakes. Now, get to work my friend.”

“Whatever you say.” Gray came up alongside her and kissed her before he accepted the frosting spatula she handed him. “Did Boston really trade Quinn? He was the ace in their pitching rotation.”

As they fell into a rhythm, Kiera shared what she’d heard about the changes Boston had made to their baseball team. While not an overzealous fan who had to watch every game, she, like most New Englanders, was a Red Sox fan.

“Keep doing such a good job, and I’ll let you in my kitchen again.” She stopped working and watched Gray frost the cupcake in his hand.

Gray put down the cupcake he held and put his arm around her. “And what would you have me doing?” He kissed her jaw and then traced a path toward her ear.

Excitement zinged through her as he sucked on her earlobe. “You’ll just have to wait and see.” She could picture them doing so many things in the kitchen, and none of them involved cooking.

“I like the sound of that.”

Kiera left one cupcake behind, but wrapped the rest on the plate. While she loved sweets, she tried to maintain a healthy diet. If the cupcakes stayed with her, they’d only go stale. She doubted that would happen if Gray took them home.

“Here. You can enjoy the rest later.” She handed Gray the plate. He’d spent the entire day at her place, but when she started to fall asleep on the couch, he’d announced it was time for him to go.

Gray zipped up his leather jacket. “Trust me, I plan to.” He accepted the plate, but set it down. “What time should I pick you up tomorrow?” He put his arms around her.

“The rink opens at ten o’clock, but I can meet you there. It doesn’t make much sense for you to drive here just to drive back to Providence later.”

“I have a better idea. How about I pick you up at nine, we grab some breakfast, and then head to the rink?”

If he wanted to go out of his way, that was his business. “I’ll be ready for nine.”

Gray gave her a final kiss, then grabbed his cupcakes, and left.

“Wow.” Kiera leaned against the closed door. She hadn’t kissed a guy like that in forever. She’d shared a few brief kisses with the blind dates her friends set her up with since her return, but nothing like the ice-melting, steam-producing ones she’d shared with Gray today.

And tomorrow there might be more. Hopefully, she wouldn’t evaporate during one of them.

Kiera closed her eyes. The man kissed like someone who’d had way too much practice. She knew Gray liked to party, but she’d never considered him a playboy. That honor belonged to Trent and Jake. Maybe she’d been wrong. Maybe he was both a party animal and a playboy. After all, no one mastered any skill, whether it be playing an instrument or, in this case, kissing, without plenty of practice.

Pushing away from the door, Kiera opened her eyes. If he’d mastered kissing so well, had he also mastered other skills?

An image of Gray, naked in her bed, materialized in her head. She’d never been one to sit and fantasize, but after the afternoon she’d spent with Gray, who could blame her?

“Stop. Right. There.” She forced the image away and walked up the stairs to the loft. After removing her sweatshirt, she pulled on a clean t-shirt.

She was fantasizing about Gray. A guy she’d known her entire life. A man way out of her league. She had a better chance of opening her own chain of restaurants tomorrow than having anything come from this weekend. Besides, they might spend tomorrow together and decide they couldn’t stand each other.

“It’s Gray, you idiot.” She already knew she liked him. She just wasn’t sure how much. Fudge.