Chapter 4

SOME PEOPLE THRIVED LOCKED in an office surrounded by paperwork. Others dreamed about finding cures to diseases. Kiera had been born to create new recipes while surrounded by pots and pans.

She added a pinch of rosemary to the sauce. People bustled around her as they prepared gourmet dishes for the restaurant’s patrons. Most of her friends would find the fast-paced kitchen a living hell, but she couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.

“Everyone I’ve served the veal chops to tonight cannot stop raving about the Cabernet Sauce,” Erica, one of the waitresses, said as she paused next to Kiera.

Yes. She’d worked hard perfecting that recipe. Unfortunately, Chef Andrien would get all the credit, but she expected that. After all, that was how things worked in this business. Someday, when she was in charge of her own kitchen, she’d get all the credit for someone else’s work, too.

“Maybe it’ll be added permanently to the menu.” Kiera sprinkled more salt into the sauce she was cooking

“I bet it—Wow, what’s he doing here?” Erica’s sudden comment had Kiera looking up at her.

“Who’s here? Please tell me it isn’t Jean-Paul.”

A wealthy Frenchman, Jean-Paul owned several restaurants and expected all his employees to all but kiss his butt. No, if he actually thought he could get away with it, he would’ve told his employees to do that, too.

“Not unless Jean-Paul found a fairy godmother to make him hot.” Erica didn’t look at Kiera as she spoke. “I could stand here all day and look at that guy.”

Their surprise visitor definitely wasn’t Jean-Paul. No one would willingly spend the day looking at him unless they wanted to go blind. Jean-Paul might have lot of money, but his face and posture reminded Kiera of a troll. And he had the personality to match.

“Turn around before he leaves.” Erica touched her arm. “You’ll be sorry if you miss him.”

Curiosity captured, Kiera turned but tried not to make it obvious.

“Kiera, I need to speak with you for a moment.” Pierre, the restaurant’s general manager, called out.

“Fudge,” Kiera mumbled under her breath. Not once in all the year she’d worked at Mon Soleil had Pierre singled her out.

Kiera rolled her shoulders back and spun on her heel, prepared for anything. Then she saw who Erica had been gushing about standing next to the restaurant’s general manager.

Okay, maybe prepared for anything had been a stretch. She certainly wasn’t prepared to see Gray in her kitchen.

It’d been a week since Gray had canceled their plans and she hadn’t spoken to him since. He’d called her twice, but she’d missed both calls. When she tried calling him back, she’d reached his voice mail.

A finger jabbed her in the back. “Go on, they’re waiting,” Erica whispered.

Kiera cleared her throat. “Jeremy, please keep an eye on this.” She waited for Jeremy to take her place, then made her legs carry her toward Pierre.

“Mr. Sherbrooke would like a word with you,” Pierre said. He gestured toward Gray.

“Do you mind if we use your office?” Gray asked.

Kiera held her breath and waited for Pierre’s answer.

“Go right ahead.” Pierre forced a smile as he left. “I need to make a walk through the dining room anyway.”

“Come on. Before he changes his mind.” Gray’s fingers wrapped around her wrist, and he led her into the office behind them.

Relax.

Gray pulled the door closed behind him, then crossed the room and closed the second door to the office. Tonight he wore jeans, and a black leather jacket. A five-o’clock shadow covered his cheeks, completing the bad boy look, and his eyes hinted at many sleepless nights.

“How did you ever get Pierre to let you in the kitchen?”

Gray’s eyebrow arched. “Do you really have to ask?”

Right, dumb question. Nobody said no to a Sherbrooke. “Then what are you doing here?”

“I heard there was a cute sous chef working here. I had to see for myself.” Gray flashed her a grin.

She ignored the thrill his comment sent through her. “Get serious, Gray. Are you here for dinner?”

“I am serious. I came to see you.”

Excitement threatened to override her common sense. “How did you even know I was working?” Actually, she wasn’t even sure she’d told him what restaurant she worked at.

“When you didn’t answer your phone tonight, I asked your mom where you were.” Gray took her hands. “We never got a chance to talk this week, so I thought I’d stop by and see you.”

“Oh.” He’d talked to her mother. He really wanted to see her. “Are you here long?” She wanted to ask if he planned to collect his rain check soon.

“It depends.” Gray gave her a playful smile. “When’s your next day off?”

“Tomorrow.”

Gray squeezed her hand. “Then I’m here at least until Tuesday. I want to make sure I claim that rain check you owe me before I leave.”

Kiera pulled her hand away, hoping the loss of physical contact would help clear her head.

“What do you say? I can pick you up in the afternoon, and we can head over to the rink, or anywhere else you want.”

“Um, okay. I have a dentist appointment at eleven o’clock. It shouldn’t take long.” She’d already rescheduled the appointment once when she got called into work because a coworker was sick. “If you want I can reschedule the appointment.”

Gray took her hands again. “No need. I’ll pick you up around one o’clock. How does that sound?”

She ignored the way he rubbed his thumb against her palm. “Good.”

“Then I’ll see you at one.” He gave her a mega-watt smile that made her hotter than the restaurant’s kitchen in August. “If you change your mind about skating, that’s fine. I’m game for anything.”

Before she responded, he kissed her cheek. “I better go before Pierre demands his office back. See you tomorrow.”

She watched Gray exit through the office’s main door. They had a date for tomorrow.

Gray left Mon Soleil and went straight to his hotel. He’d considered staying at Trent’s apartment again, but he didn’t know how long he’d be in town, and Trent was due back from his honeymoon tomorrow. The newlyweds would want some privacy. And he didn’t want his brother questioning his return.

After checking into his suite, he placed a room service order, and then dropped onto the bed. At the moment, his body wanted two things: food and sleep. He doubted it cared which order it got them in. If he’d been smart, he would’ve taken care of both needs the moment he stepped off the plane. However, when yet another of his phone calls went to Kiera’s voice mail, he’d driven out to Barrington to see Annette. Once he had Kiera’s whereabouts, he’d back-tracked to Providence for his surprise visit.

Despite its rocky start, the visit had gone well. Either the hostess hadn’t recognized him or she’d stuck to the rules because when Gray had asked to see Kiera, she’d claimed no one was allowed inside the restaurant without a reservation. He’d tried to explain that he’d only wanted a moment of Kiera’s time. When the hostess remained adamant, he’d asked to see the manager.

The hostess might not have recognized him, but Pierre had. The man apologized for any misunderstanding and led him into his office.

Gray dismissed both Pierre and the hostess from his mind. Kiera had looked downright shocked to see him, which he supposed made sense. True, he’d left her messages during the week, but he hadn’t told her he’d be back today. He hadn’t even known if he’d make it back this week or not. It had taken him longer than he’d hoped to handle the situation in Mexico. Then he’d flown back and met with Randall before attending a party in DC. A party he would’ve rather skipped, but he’d already committed to attending and hadn’t been able to come up with a good way to get out without offending the host.

Even though they hadn’t spoken, Kiera hadn’t left his thoughts. In fact, throughout the week he’d wondered when he’d get a chance to reschedule their date. He’d known she might not be available until later in the week. Still, he’d hoped she’d have a day off sooner rather than later. While no one would be shocked if he didn’t show up at the Sherbrooke office until Friday or even next Monday, he didn’t want to wait all week to see her.

Thankfully, he didn’t have to. He only had another sixteen hours, and for several of those, he planned to be asleep.

A knock told Gray that room service had arrived. It took some effort, but he peeled himself off the bed and let the employee inside with his dinner.

“Is there anything else I can get for you tonight, Mr. Sherbrooke?” The waiter stood beside the cart and pulled the covers off the plates.

Gray looked over his dinner. “No, I believe everything I need is here. Thank you.” Even if something were missing, he wouldn’t care. Right now, he wanted to eat and he didn’t care what it tasted like.

The waiter walked toward the door. “Have a nice evening, sir.”

If someone considered sleeping a nice evening then he planned to enjoy himself as soon as he finished the baked scrod and clam chowder.

Removing the plates, Gray set them on the table. He didn’t find himself alone for dinner often. Frequently he dined with business associates. Other times, he found an attractive woman sitting across from him. He didn’t mind the solitude tonight. It was nice for a change. It wasn’t that he didn’t like being social, but when it was work related it wasn’t exactly relaxing. Tomorrow, he hoped to find himself relaxing in Kiera’s company.

He’d only invited her skating, but that didn’t mean he had any intention of ending their date after they finished. Unless she refused, he planned to spend the whole day with her, and that included the evening hours. Before he flew back to New York, he intended to explore things between them more.

The previous weekend, she’d aroused him in a way no woman had in a long time—and she hadn’t even tried. Heaven help him if she did. The desire he felt wasn’t the only thing telling him to pursue Kiera. All week, he’d thought about their conversations, both at lunch and at her apartment. It had been like reconnecting with a best friend. A best friend who evoked images of sexy lingerie and big beds.

Gray dug into his chowder and shook his head. Sexy lingerie and beds. No wonder his father feared he was taking over where Trent left off with women. If his father—and the rest of his family—only knew the truth. He hadn’t slept with a woman in months. Sure, he’d taken plenty of women on dates, but he’d done nothing with any of them—even though several had tried. He’d been tempted once or twice, but his head and heart hadn’t been in it.

That wouldn’t be a problem tomorrow.

“Hi, Kiera. There’s no emergency, but I need you to call me right away,” her mom said. “It’s important. Love you.” The voice mail message ended and Kiera deleted it.

Not an emergency but important enough that her mom wanted to talk to her right away? What could be up? Hopefully not bad news.

Kiera’s cell phone rang before she could call her mom back. A quick peek at the screen revealed the name Mom on the screen.

Fear made Kiera hesitate. If not an emergency, why call this late? Was Pepe okay? Her grandfather’s doctor had changed his blood pressure medicine last month. What about Meme? Her grandmother had the flu right before Christmas and spent three days in the hospital.

Please no bad news. She pressed talk. “Hi, Mom. What’s wrong? Is Meme in the hospital again?”

“Meme is fine. Your grandparents left on their vacation this morning.”

Kiera let out the breath she was holding

“Everyone’s fine. Like I said in my message, there’s no emergency.”

Thank goodness but why the call?

“Are you alone?” her mom asked.

“Of course. I’m on my way home from work. Why?” Her mom occasionally inquired into her social life, but for the most part, she didn’t pry.

“Gray stopped by tonight. He wanted to know where you worked.”

Kiera took the on-ramp to the highway. “He told me when he stopped in.”

Another throat clearing came over the phone. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to date him, honey.”

Kiera almost laughed. In fact, she would’ve if her mom didn’t sound so serious. “Mom—”

“I’ve known Gray all his life and think the world of him, but your dad and I do work for his father. I know we all sometimes forget that because they don’t treat us like employees and Donna and I were friends, but we come from different worlds, honey.”

“Mom we’re—”

“And I know you grew up being friends with Gray, but he’s not the settling down type.”

People had said that about Trent at one time, too, and look at him now. “We’re not dating, Mom.” They’d kissed and planned to spend the next day together, but that didn’t equal dating.

“Last week, we were supposed to have lunch, but he had to cancel. He just wanted to reschedule while he’s back in town.” She spoke the truth—more or less. She’d only left out a few details. Her mom didn’t need to know everything.

“Oh.” Her mom didn’t speak for a few seconds. “I guess that’s okay.” Another moment of silence followed. “Just be careful, okay? And remember, your dad and I work for the Sherbrookes.”

Kiera crossed her fingers before she answered. “There’s nothing to worry about, Mom.”

Many people hated dentists, but they didn’t bother her. Even when she’d had a mouth full of metal, she hadn’t minded the monthly visit to the orthodontist. Of course, back then, it helped that the visits meant she got to miss school.

So, while the dental hygienist cleaned her teeth, Kiera sat back and thought about her mom’s phone call. She realized that while the Sherbrookes included her family in their inner circle, they didn’t truly belong there. Sometimes, it was easy to forget that and her mom had only been looking out for her by reminding her. Most people would also say that her mom’s opinion that Gray wasn’t the type to settle down was correct.

Kiera didn’t.

Maybe she would’ve a year ago, but now that both his brother and Jake, the two biggest playboys in the world, were married, anything was possible.

All that led her back to the half-truths she’d told her mom. While they weren’t technically dating, they had kissed.

Oh, how they kissed.

Kiera sighed, but with her mouth wide open and dental tools inside, it came out as more of a choking sound.

“Are you okay?” The hygienist stopped working to ask.

Kiera nodded, and the hygienist went back to work while she went back to thinking.

He’d kissed just her cheek in Pierre’s office, and she hadn’t tried for more. Would he give her another brotherly kiss today or something more like the ones last weekend? Her lips wanted more of last weekend’s treatment.

Her brain kept replaying her mother’s voice. Was her mom only concerned that Gray would break her heart, or was she worried Mark Sherbrooke would fire her and Dad?

Kiera had known Mark Sherbrooke forever and couldn’t see him doing anything like that. That didn’t mean it wasn’t a concern for her mom, though.

“You can sit up and rinse now.” The dental hygienist raised the back of Kiera’s chair.

Maybe the dentist chair isn’t the place to figure this out. Kiera followed the hygienist’s instructions. Once out of the chair, she stopped at the desk and made her next appointment before she drove home eager for the fun to really start.

Kiera almost bit down on her fingernail, but yanked her hand away and shoved it into her jeans pocket. She’d buzzed Gray into the building seconds before, and any minute he’d knock on her apartment door.

How would today play out? She’d asked herself the same question over and over since leaving the dentist. How do I want it to go? Her mom’s comments kept coming back.

A simple day on the ice, followed by dinner and then a, “Goodbye, see you around,” would be the safest route. Safe was good. Most of the time, she played it safe. Nobody got hurt or in trouble when she did that.

This time, a little voice kept telling her not to play it safe. It kept shouting that if the opportunity to live dangerously arose, she should take it and hang on tight.

In fact, it was that little voice that convinced her to wear makeup today and put a little extra thought into her outfit. She’d never mastered the art of applying makeup and doing fancy hairstyles, so she threw on some eyeliner and lipstick, then pulled her curls into a loose braid to keep her hair under control while skating.

Kiera expected the knock on the door, but still, she jumped when she heard it. So that it didn’t look as if she’d just been standing around waiting, she counted to ten, then opened the door.

“I’ve been looking forward to this since last week.” Gray stepped inside and kissed her before she said a word.

The kiss was quick, but it still sent enough heat through her to bake an entire soufflé.

“Sorry I’m a few minutes late. I stopped to buy new gloves. I lost one of mine somewhere.”

She’d forgotten about the glove he dropped on his last visit. “It’s here. You dropped it. I’ll grab it.”

Gray took her hand before she could step away. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll grab it when we come back.” He pulled her closer. “Are you ready to go?”

“I’ve had my skates out since this morning.” The little voice that told her to take a risk got louder. She allowed herself a quick glimpse at his lips before making eye contact again. The kiss he gave her had been way too short. If it had been any shorter, she would’ve missed it.

Would he mind if she kissed him? They stood close enough. All she had to do was lean forward a little.

Kiera moistened her lips. If he could kiss her, she could do the same. She leaned forward.

Your father and I work for the Sherbrookes. Her mother’s voice canceled out the urging to take a chance, and she stepped back.

“Let me grab my jacket, and we can go.”

On the ride into Providence, they discussed her previous week at work and her new recipes. She tried to get him to talk about his week, but he came back with an, “I’d rather not talk about it” answer. She could understand that. Everyone experienced those types of weeks.

By the time they laced up their skates a short while later, they’d exhausted Kiera’s list of new recipes. While she enjoyed telling him about her latest concoctions, she kept waiting for him to bring up the previous weekend. So far, they’d both acted as if it’d never happened.

“Ready?” Kiera waited while Gray finished lacing his rented skates.

Gray looked at the rink. Located at the heart of the city, the outdoor ice rink drew skaters of all ages and abilities. Most weekends between November and March, the ice was packed. Today, only a handful of people were skating.

“I haven’t skated in a long time.” Gray stood with one hand on the wall surrounding the rink.

Kiera walked onto the ice. “It’s like riding a bike. Once you learn, you don’t forget.”

At least, she hoped so. She’d hate for Gray to spend all day struggling. But if he did, it was his fault. He could’ve suggested they do something else.

“We’ll take it slow.” She waited for him to reach her, and then they started around the rink, side-by-side.

With each movement, Gray appeared more confident.

“What did I tell you? Just like riding a bike.”

They’d made it half way around, and he hadn’t fallen once.

“I still think I’ll keep to the basics. No fancy moves for me.”

He picked up his pace, and they passed a couple that Kiera guessed had attended Brown University since they wore sweatshirts with the name printed on the back.

“No, upright spins for you, Mr. Sherbrooke?” She didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, she glided forward and did a one-foot, upright spin.

Gray applauded. “Yeah, I’ll skip that today.” He skated toward her. “Where did you learn that?”

“My cousin. She used to compete in figure skating. Now, she teaches children to skate.”

Together, they started around the rink again.

“She tried to teach me a camel spin, but I never got the hang of it. I can manage a decent sit spin or at least I could back in the day. I haven’t tried in a long time.”

“I’m impressed. What other talents have you been hiding?”

Gray took her hand, and she wished they didn’t have winter gloves on.

“I can play the piano now.” She’d never had the patience to learn an instrument as a child, but while in college, she took lessons. “My piano playing might be better than my ice skating.”

Together, they started a second lap.

“What about you? What secrets have you been hiding?’

Gray’s hand gripped hers tighter momentarily, and he picked up their pace. Then, just like that, he released her hand. “None.”

“C’mon. You must have some.” Kiera thought for a moment. “I bet you can knit. You probably sit in your office and make hats and scarfs all day long. Maybe baby booties, too.”

“I don’t have any secrets. How could I? The damn media is always around.” Gray’s relaxed attitude disappeared.

“I guess you’re right. The Star Report does love to showcase your life.”

She’d never asked him how he felt about how the media printed everything they could about him and his family. Since he never curbed his partying ways, she assumed it didn’t bother him. The way he answered her question caused her to reconsider however.

She shouldn’t have pressed him for a different answer. Of course, everyone had secrets they didn’t want others to know. Most people found it easy to keep those things under lock and key, but someone like Gray didn’t have that luxury. The media hounded him and his family all the time, trying to dig up dirt. He didn’t need his friends hounding him, too.

Hoping to move past the awkwardness now surrounding them, Kiera nudged him. “How about we go around one more time, then go get some hot chocolate? I need to warm up.”

For the first time in minutes, Gray glanced at her. “We can get some hot chocolate.” His lips curved into a smile that should be illegal in all fifty states. “Or I could warm you up.” He slipped his arm around her waist. “You tell me which you prefer.”

Had she felt cold a moment ago? She suffered from the opposite problem now. “Tough choice. You do know how much I love chocolate.” The little voice that urged her to live dangerously started back up. “But your other offer is tempting.” Take the plunge! The little voice shouted. “Can I have both?”

Gray stopped them and turned her toward him. “Absolutely.”

He planned to kiss her again. She saw it in his eyes, and when his lips touched hers, she leaned into him. Unlike earlier, he took his time teasing her lips until they parted, and then he slipped his tongue inside.

“Come on, buddy. This isn’t the place for that.” An angry man’s voice rang in her ears, and Gray’s mouth left hers. “There are kids here.” The man pointed to a toddler across the ice.

Heat washed over her and she looked down at her skates. The man had a point. They were in a public place.

“My apologies. We were just leaving.” Gray’s voice came out so calm and unaffected that she looked at him.

Unlike her, he appeared not at all embarrassed. Then again, people caught him kissing women in public on a regular basis; what was one more time?

“Enjoy your day.” Gray took her hand and led her across the ice.

Kiera kept her face down while they collected their shoes and changed out of their skates. How many others had seen them kiss?

“Where should we go for hot chocolate?” Gray asked.

After his kiss, she didn’t need anything to warm her up. “Anywhere is okay.” She took her time retying her boots.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you out there.” Gray’s hand covered hers, making it impossible to tie her laces.

“We’re both at fault.” She glanced at him. “No need to apologize.”

He released her hand, and she finished tying her boots. “Besides I know how irresistible you find me,” she said, thinking of his comment from the day she’d baked cupcakes.

“Kiera—”

“Let’s go to Ambrosia. I love how they put cinnamon in their hot chocolate. Have you ever tried it that way?”

His eyes narrowed. “You can change the subject for now. No, I’ve never had it that way, but I’m up for trying it.”

Like most afternoons, customers filled the booths and tables inside Ambrosia Pastry Shop and Café. Even before Trent Sherbrooke married Addison Raimono, the granddaughter of the owner, the café and its other locations had always done well. Since news broke of Trent and Addison’s relationship, however, the place was packed every day.

“If you want to grab a table, I’ll order.” Gray held open the door for her. “Do you want anything else?”

Kiera looked around the crowded café and spied only two open tables and more than that number of customers ahead of them in line.

“Maybe we should get the hot chocolates to go. It’s busy in here.”

“That’s fine.” Gray put an arm across her shoulders and pulled her closer.

Now, like so many other times, she wondered about his actions. If she spent time with another man—perhaps one of the many blind dates her friends tried to set her up on—and he acted like this, she’d assume he intended to pursue a relationship and not just some quick fling. Was it safe to assume that with Gray? She’d have to ask him soon, if he didn’t tell her for certain before the end of the day.

“What would you like today?” The woman behind the counter asked, and Kiera did a double take. The woman looked identical to the maid of honor at Trent’s wedding.

“How are you, Chloe?” Gray asked.

Gray and Chloe exchanged a few pleasantries before he placed their order.

“Addie invited me for dinner Friday. Will you be there too?” Chloe asked.

Gray took the hot chocolates from Chloe. “I won’t be around this weekend. Hopefully, I can join everyone soon.” Gray dropped a few dollars in the tip cup before they left.

Kiera had expected Gray to be gone before the weekend. Neither his lifestyle nor work tied him to the area. His comment about joining Trent, his wife, and her family soon, highlighted the fact that he didn’t plan to stay long now.

Gray started up the car and waited. “So where to now?”

“You pick this time”.

“Since I did promise to warm you up in case that hot chocolate didn’t, lets go back to your place.”

Heat that had nothing to do with her hot chocolate spread through her as she considered how they’d spent their time at her apartment on his last visit and how they might spend it today.

During their trip into the city, Kiera had kept up a steady conversation. Now, she remained silent, sipping her hot chocolate and looking everywhere but at him. Gray didn’t know how to read that. The women he usually spent time with spoke just to hear their own voices. Did Kiera’s silence indicate something bothered her, or was she just content?

He’d thought she was happy to be with him today. Once or twice he glimpsed a frown, especially after he’d insisted he had no secrets. He’d been a little more abrupt then necessary when he answered her, so maybe that accounted for her reaction. But despite the frowns, she’d responded when he kissed her. If she wanted him to back off, Kiera wouldn’t have responded to him the way she had on the ice. At least, the Kiera he’d grown up with wouldn’t have. Judging by the time he’d spent with her so far, she hadn’t changed much.

On the way inside Kiera’s apartment building, they ran into the same woman who had let Gray inside on an earlier visit.

“Hi Joy. Heading out?”

“Ryan spent last night at his dad’s house. I’m going to pick him up.”

At first, he thought Kiera planned to end the conversation there and not introduce him, but then she nodded in his direction.

“Joy, this is Gray. He’s an old friend of mine.” Kiera turned toward him. “Joy and her son live upstairs.”

An old friend? He didn’t want her to see him as just an old friend. He thought his actions conveyed that message. Evidently he’d done a poor job so far. Even if he had done a lousy job of getting his true feeling across, did she think he kissed all women the way he’d kissed her?

He listened as Joy and Kiera spoke for a few minutes, then he followed Kiera upstairs.

The scent of rosemary and basil remained from earlier. “If you want, I’ll hang up your jacket.” Kiera stood near the closet, having already hung hers up.

Gray shrugged off his jacket and handed it to her. “I had fun today. If we get a chance before the rink closes, we should do it again.” He waited for a “sounds good” or an “okay.” Neither response came. Instead, she shrugged and slipped his jacket onto a hanger.

“Don’t let me forget to give you your glove.”

He waited until she closed the door before he put his arms around her waist. “If I forget it today, I’ll grab it the next time I’m here.”

That statement should give her some idea of his intentions on the off chance the kiss they shared earlier hadn’t.

“You were right; the hot chocolate with cinnamon was delicious. I hope it didn’t warm you up too much. I did promise to help you get rid of any chill.”

Kiera smiled, and Gray took that as a green light and lowered his mouth to hers.

As if they’d done it a thousand times before, she put her arms over his shoulders and leaned into him. He took her actions as a good sign, and while he wanted nothing more than to slip his tongue into her mouth and taste her, he held back, instead, taking his time to memorize the feel of her lips under his.

Slow and gradual. He could do that. At least, he managed to until Kiera slid her hands up his neck and into his hair and the tight leash he kept on his desire snapped. He changed the angle of his mouth over hers and tugged on her bottom lip until she opened for him. She tasted like chocolate.

A groan reached his ears when their tongues met. He wasn’t certain if it came from him or Kiera and honestly didn’t care. Without breaking contact, he leaned against the wall and pulled her tightly against him. The groan this time came from him. It escaped the moment her body pressed into his.

Kiera shifted against him, the movement causing his semi-aroused self to stiffen further. As if on their own, his hands traveled south to cup her ass. Since she gave no indication that he should move them, he took advantage of their position.

He slid them across her backside, learning every curve like he’d wanted to ever since she’d grabbed her ice skates before they’d left her apartment. She moaned as he continued his exploration, the sound giving him the encouragement he needed.

Satisfied he’d committed her ass to memory, he slid his hand under her shirt. Warm and silky skin greeted him. His fingertips traced a path up her spine and his lips found her collarbone. As he kissed her skin, he breathed in the scent of strawberries.

He should let her take things from here. Let her set the pace.

Otherwise he might strip her naked right now.

Resolve set, he let his hand rest at the base of her spine. He’d let her decide how far they went today.

That was the thought anyway. But then she moved against him again and moaned as he kissed the pulse in her neck and his best intentions flew out the window.

In one movement, he reversed their position so she was pinned between him and the wall. Then he reached for the buttons of her flannel shirt. When he released the last one, he pushed the shirt open and slid his hand up her stomach and over her breasts.

Gray caressed and teased one breast through her bra until her nipple became a tight pebble. Then he switched his attention to the other one. It didn’t take much effort before that nipple tightened under his palm, straining against her bra.

He wanted her naked breasts pressed against his bare chest and later he’d get it. Right now, he wanted something even more. He wanted to taste her.

He tore his lips from hers and kissed the skin above her bra. Once he finished on one side, he switched to the other while he reached for the front clasp.

Gray spread the bra apart and took one nipple in his mouth. He licked the tight bud. This was the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Kiera’s sudden shove removed that thought from his mind.

“What’s the matter? Did I hurt you?” He took a step back and watched as she clipped her bra together.

Her breathing matched his own and her cheeks were flushed.

“No, you didn’t hurt me.” She walked away from him and sat at the table.

He followed, taking the seat next to her. Since she didn’t look like she wanted him to embrace her, he took her hand instead. “What’s the matter, then? If you didn’t like that, I won’t do it again.”

It might kill him, but he’d keep his lips on her lips instead.

Her expression said get real.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” She clenched her free hand, her knuckles turning white. “In a few days you’ll be back in New York or Rome or wherever you’re off to next. Who knows when I’ll see you again? It might be years. I’d rather not do something today that will ruin our friendship.”

She thought he wanted to score before he flew off again? Damn it to hell.

“I didn’t come back here to have sex, Kiera.” He took her other hand with his. “There’s something between us. I know you feel it too. I want to see where things go. That’s why I came back to Providence yesterday.”

Kiera’s face remained an unreadable mask. “Gray, we’ve known each other forever, and you’re right; there is something between us.”

He expected a smile or maybe a kiss. He didn’t get either. Instead, he got a frown.

“But I don’t know if dating is a good idea. My parents work for your father. What if things don’t work out between us? That could put my parents’ jobs in jeopardy.”

No matter what happened, his father would never fire Mathieu and Annette Renault. “Kiera that—”

“Besides, you live three hours away.”

Long-distance relationships had their own unique set of problems, but they could work. His cousin, Callie, and her husband, Dylan, had done it before they married, as had his cousin, Sara, and her fiancé before she relocated.

“You’re right. Long-distance relationships aren’t ideal.” He’d tackle one problem at a time. “Trust me, I’ll make sure we see each other. The world’s social scene won’t collapse if I miss a few events.”

Kiera gave him a half-smile. “I don’t know about that.”

“And you have nothing to worry about in terms of your parents. My dad would never fire either of them, no matter what. They’re like family.”

“I want to believe all that, Gray.”

“Then do because it’s the truth. If it makes you feel better, we won’t tell anyone right now. We can try to fly under the radar and keep our relationship a secret. If, for some reason, things don’t work, your parents and my dad will never know anything.”

“Can we do that with all the media attention you get?”

“I’ve never tried, but we can see. I know how to hide certain things from the media.” Gray squeezed her hand. “It might mean some clandestine meetings in hotels where we stay locked up for days.”

Kiera laughed, just the response he’d hoped for.

“When you put it that way, where do I sign up?”

Gray had to kiss her again. “Right here.” He leaned in and kissed her.

“Do you sign all your agreements that way?” Kiera ended the kiss sooner than he would’ve liked.

“Only the ones I really care about.” He kissed her forehead. “I can’t guarantee how long we can keep the secret, but I can promise I’ll see you as often as possible. If I can’t get here for some reason, you can visit me in New York or we can meet halfway.”

“Looks like you just closed another deal, Mr. Sherbrooke.” She kissed him again.

Kiera lifted her head. Like the last time she checked, Gray remained sound asleep. Rather than bother him, she left him alone, and went back to watching the movie.

On the television, the hero, played by Anderson Brady, led his love interest, played by Mia Troy, into a building and toward the roof. While the heroine thought she was about to receive a marriage proposal, the hero had murder in mind. No matter how many times she saw the movie, Kiera’s heart raced with each step Mia’s character took up the stairs.

The current movie scene wasn’t the only thing that made her heart race tonight. Gray had done an excellent job of that too, both before and after dinner.

She looked at him again. He’d looked beat when he arrived that afternoon, so it didn’t surprise her that he slept now. Honestly, she didn’t mind either. It gave her a chance to look at him and not worry he’d catch her doing it. Who knew when she’d get a chance again?

He promised to make time for them, and Gray had never lied to her in the past, but it might be a week before he made it back.

She thought about his other promise. How long could they keep their relationship under wraps? Since they’d been friends for so long, the media might buy that they were just two friends hanging out if they were caught together, even if only for a short time and as long as they didn’t keep making out in public places. Regardless, she’d made her decision to live a little dangerously and see where things went. Kiera looked back at the movie. As the characters stepped onto the roof, she wanted to shout a warning. Then, like the hero did every time she watched the film, he shoved Mia off the edge. The camera followed Mia’s descent for a few seconds, and then panned back to Anderson Brady’s face and he gave the audience a final smile before the credits started.

“Have I been out long?”

Sleep lingered in Gray’s voice. She’d love to find out if that’s what it sounded like when he woke up in the morning.

“Since about half way through the movie.”

Gray kissed her hair. “Sorry about that. I haven’t had much sleep the past few weeks. I’ll try not to let it happen again.”

“To much partying?” She smiled at him and waited for a teasing reply.

“You know me. World-renowned party-boy and occasional playboy.”

Gray kissed her forehead, then her cheeks, and Kiera’s skin shivered with pleasure everywhere his lips touched her.

“Perhaps I should say former party-boy and playboy.” His lips brushed hers as he spoke.

She smiled against his lips. “I think you should add that to your business cards.” She didn’t give him a chance to respond. Instead, she placed her open lips against his and set about reminding him why he decided to give up his previous ways.

Without warning, Gray rolled her under him and took control of their kiss. Each pass of his tongue sent a new shiver through her. Kiera felt his erection through their clothes and arched her hips as she slid her hands into his back pockets. Gray kissed his way down her neck, and her breasts ached for the touch of his mouth again.

“We should stop now while I still can.” His breath tickled her neck.

He was right. She might be on fire for him and want nothing more than to tear off both their clothes, but she didn’t want to rush things either.

“You’re right.” She took her time pulling her hands from his pockets, allowing herself to enjoy the feel of his tight backside under her palms.

Gray brushed her hair over her shoulder. “It’s getting late. I should go. My plane leaves at seven in the morning.” Despite his words, he stayed put.

She’d expected that, but still it stung. “Back to New York?” she asked, forcing back her real question, which was, “When will you be back?”

He traced her ear with his fingertip. “I have a meeting in Virginia late tomorrow morning, but I’m heading back to New York right after.” Gray met her eyes as he sat up. “What about you? What does your week look like?”

“I’m working every day. My next day off is Sunday. My schedule varies week to week, but I always get two days off.”

Kiera pulled herself up. It was getting late and Gray had an early flight. She should let him leave.

“I’ll see if I can re-work my schedule and get back here Sunday morning.” Gray checked his watch. “It’s almost eleven, so I’m going to leave. I’ll call you tomorrow when I get back to New York.”

They both stood at the same time. While Gray put his shoes back on, she retrieved his jacket.

“Be careful driving tonight.” She watched him pull his jacket on, already missing the feel of his arms around her.

“Will do.” He pulled her in for a final kiss. A kiss that sent warmth through her and made her feel not only desired but cherished.

“I’ll talk to you soon.” With that, Gray left.

Kiera stared at the closed door and touched her lips. It was going to be one long week.

.