Chapter 5
THREE WEEKS LATER, Gray rang Trent’s doorbell. He’d arrived in Providence that morning hoping to surprise Kiera before she went to work. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been at her apartment, and when he’d sent her a text message, she’d responded that she was having lunch with a friend. With little else to do, he’d driven over to his brother’s apartment, figuring he could annoy him for the afternoon.
“Hi, Gray.” Addie opened the door and greeted him with an inviting smile. “Trent’s in the shower. He just finished a workout.”
Except for at the wedding, he’d never spoken to Addie, but that didn’t stop him from hugging her now.
“Do you two have plans?”
He took in her tailored skirt and white blouse. From the little his dad and stepmother had told him about Addie, he’d expected someone who spent their weekends in jeans and sweatshirts unless they had plans, which dictated otherwise.
Addie led him into the large open living room. “I have a meeting with a client. Make yourself at home. I’ll let Trent know you’re here before I go.” She put on a long wool coat. “If you don’t have any other plans, stay for dinner. I promised Trent I’d cook chicken cacciatore tonight.”
Smart, beautiful, and she could cook. Maybe Trent and he had similar taste in women after all.
After promising he’d stick around for dinner, Gray wandered into the media room. Either Trent or Addie had left the television on and The Star Insider was starting.
Gray recognized the host on the bar-style stool. He’d seen Aimee Trainor at numerous parties and events and always went out of his way to avoid her.
“London native, Nikki Reese, celebrated her thirtieth birthday last night with a star-studded bash in L.A. Many are calling it the Party of the Year, and The Star Insider got exclusive access. As expected, Nikki’s BFF, Selena Cruise, was there, and we caught Selena getting cozy with actor Anderson Brady.”
Gray looked around for the remote. He’d rather watch the home shopping channel than media leech Aimee Trainor.
“Not seen at the party, although he was reportedly expected, was Gray Sherbrooke. Viewers might recall that Nikki and Gray were spotted together in September in Milan looking quite friendly. Of course, maybe he missed the party because someone else has captured his attention.”
He froze, his hand on the remote. He’d gone out of his way to keep his relationship with Kiera a secret. Since nothing had appeared anywhere yet, he’d assumed their relationship remained under the radar.
“Insiders close to Gray told us that the prodigal partier has skipped two other events in the past month, and no one has seen him in the company of a woman since before his brother’s wedding in January.”
Gray’s shoulders relaxed. Their relationship remained a secret.
An elbow jabbed him in the side. “What’s this crap doing on?” Trent asked.
“This was on when I walked in.”
Gray waited to see what else Aimee said.
“Someone close to Gray reported that he is secretly dating a woman he met while in Mexico this past January. This news makes me wonder if another Sherbrooke man will soon be off the market.”
He doubted she had any sources. No one he considered a true friend would talk to the media, and his family avoided people like Aimee Trainor at all costs.
“Someone should gag that woman.” Gray turned off the television as the host launched into her next story.
Trent dropped into an overstuffed leather chair. “Agreed.” His brother waited until Gray sat before he spoke again. “What are you doing in Providence?”
“Visiting.”
“Visiting? Dad and Abby went skiing for the weekend. Or are you visiting someone else?” Trent’s tone insinuated he knew the answer.
“Someone else.” Gray figured he’d use a visit with his dad as his reason for being in town. He hadn’t known his dad and stepmother were away.
“The someone else Chloe said you came in Ambrosia with a few weeks ago?”
Gray had forgotten about seeing Addie’s cousin. “The same one.”
He’d never kept his relationships a secret, which explained why Trent was interested.
His brother smirked. “So Aimee Trainor got that part right. You are secretly dating someone.”
Gray worked on an answer while he waited for his brother’s next comment.
“Can’t think of many women we know that fit Chloe’s description and live around here.” Trent stroked his chin. “You must have just recently hooked up because, before the wedding you hadn’t visited Providence for months.”
Trent looked at him in shock. “Tell me it’s not Tasha Marshall. She fits Chloe’s description and was at the wedding.”
Gray almost said yes just to see his brother’s reaction. “Hell no. I’m not fucking insane.”
“The jury’s still out on that, bro. But I’m glad it’s not Tasha.”
Gray didn’t comment and neither brother spoke for several seconds.
“When did your sex life become such a national secret?”
“She wants to keep it out of the media.”
“Good luck with that one,” Trent said with sarcasm. “Addie said you’re staying for dinner?”
“Yeah, since K—” Gray stopped himself before he said anymore. “The person I really want to see is busy tonight, I’ll hang around and annoy you instead.”
“Nice save there, Gray. So the mystery woman’s name starts with a K.”
Be more careful. As long as he didn’t drop any other hints, Trent would never figure it out. After all, he’d assume Gray’s new girlfriend was from a wealthy family or a celebrity who owned a house in Rhode Island. Unless Gray tipped Trent off, he’d never suspect the truth.
“She’s not someone I’ve dated, is she? We know how awkward that can get.” Trent made reference to the one time their cousin, Scott Belmont, dated a former girlfriend of Trent’s.
“I don’t need your leftovers, Trent.”
“I never said you did. I’m just gathering more clues. If I haven’t dated her, that certainly narrows it down though.”
“Give up trying to figure it out. You’ll never get it and only manage to overtax your brain.”
Gray had seen his brother’s smile more than enough in the past, so he knew Trent had no intention of giving up. Since he had no intention of inadvertently helping his brother, he switched the television back on and began channel surfing.
Eventually, he settled on the sports channel, which they watched until Addie returned home.
Gray watched his older brother interact with Addie as she prepared dinner and while they ate. He’d known his brother must love her to marry her, but Trent’s behavior showed just how much he adored his wife. The behavior was so out of character, he wanted to ask what had happened to his real brother. Instead, he asked Addie about their honeymoon, and as she talked, he enjoyed the wonderful dinner she prepared.
“Your sister is coming over tomorrow night. Why don’t you come, too?” Addie asked.
“He’s too busy,” Trent answered as he started clearing the dinner plates. “He’s here to see the mystery woman Chloe saw him with a few weeks ago.”
“Invite her, too.”
He didn’t dislike the idea. Kiera knew Allison and Trent well, and he got the impression she’d get along with Trent’s wife, but he wasn’t sure she’d go for the idea. “I’ll have to see.”
“Apparently, her identity is some big national secret, but I’ll figure it out.” Trent walked away with a stack of dishes.
Addie appeared curious, but she didn’t press for a name. “If you change your mind, come on by.”
His brother came back into the room for more dishes. “It’s not like the media camps out on my back step anymore.”
“Liar,” Addie said with some humor.
“Well, not like they used to.” Trent kissed his wife’s cheek before he started toward the kitchen. “I still think you’re seeing Tasha Marshall and you’re too embarrassed to admit it. Either that, or the mystery woman is on America’s Most Wanted list.”
His brother had brought Tasha up several times that afternoon. “For the friggin last time, it’s not Tasha. Kiera just wants to keep things low-key for now.”
Gray wasn’t exactly sure what made him decide to let Kiera’s name slip. Maybe he was just tired of keeping secrets from everyone he cared about. Maybe this was his opportunity to at least let one secret out without jeopardizing national security.
Trent stopped and turned around with a look that was somewhere between astonishment and confusion.
“Kiera? As in Kiera Renault?”
Kiera wasn’t the most popular name in the world. If her name had been Kelly or Kristen, his brother might have had a more difficult time figuring out which Kiera he meant.
Trent didn’t give him time to confirm or deny anything.
“You’re seeing Kiera. When did that happen?” He put the dishes back onto the table.
“Who’s she?” Addie looked at him first. When he didn’t answer, she looked at her husband. “Trent?”
“She’s Mathieu and Annette’s daughter. They work at my dad’s estate. You’ve met them. All three of them were at the wedding. Kiera more or less grew up with us.”
“What’s the big deal, then?”
“It’s not a big deal. More of a surprise,” Trent answered. “Ask Gray why it’s such a mystery. After all, the media will find out. They always do. Kiera knows that. She’s known the family long enough.”
He agreed with Trent. “She doesn’t want her parents to know yet.”
“Is she embarrassed by you?” Trent laughed. “I don’t blame her.”
“Look who’s talking? I don’t know how your wife stands being seen with you.” Gray looked at his sister-in-law. “How do you manage it?”
Addie sighed and shook her head. “The crazy things I do for love.”
“You have my sympathy.” Gray winked at his sister-in-law. “Can we keep this between us until Kiera’s ready?”
Trent nodded. “When the media finds out, it won’t be from us. Allison wouldn’t tell anyone either if you change your mind about tomorrow night.” His brother smiled at him. “Of course if you find yourself busy with other activities, I understand.”
Gray certainly planned to be busy, but a night with Kiera and his family might be nice, too.
A few hours after dinner, Gray left his brother’s and drove to Kiera’s apartment. When they’d messaged each other that afternoon, he’d told her he’d see her in the morning. Now, the idea of waiting until then wasn’t acceptable.
As he sat in the parking lot, he promised himself he’d only visit for a short time. She’d had a busy day and they did have the next two days together.
Headlights shone on him, blinding him as a car pulled into the parking lot. Once his eyesight returned to normal, he determined the make and model of the car and then confirmed the license plate number. Confident it was Kiera, he got out and crossed the lot.
“Hi,” Gray called when he got closer so he wouldn’t surprise her.
Kiera was reaching across the passenger seat when Gray spoke, and she pulled back so fast that she whacked her head on the doorframe.
“Gray, what are you doing here?” Kiera rubbed her head.
He stepped closer and put his arms around her. “I couldn’t wait until tomorrow. I missed you.” He kissed her before she could speak.
Gray had intended the kiss to be a greeting, nothing more. She’d just gotten home from work and didn’t need him sticking around for a long make-out session. However, the kiss he’d intended as a hello changed from casual to hot the moment she put her arms around him. Then, before he’d realized it, he’d pushed her against the car trapping her there.
When he broke off their kiss and moved his lips to her neck, she titled her head to one side. “I’ve missed you, too. Do you want to come inside?”
He wanted to. That didn’t mean he should.
“Depends. How tired are you? Be honest.”
“Not tired at all.”
Gray kissed her lips again. “Okay.”
Tired? He thought she was too tired. Other then when she’d been at work, she’d thought about nothing other than seeing him again all week. The weekend before, they’d had only one day together because of her work schedule, and she’d missed him ever since. When she’d turned around tonight and saw him, a second wind surged through her.
“I’m sorry about this afternoon. If you’d told me that you were arriving today instead of tomorrow, I would’ve rescheduled with Stephanie.” Kiera unlocked the front door and headed inside.
Gray’s fingers wrapped around her hand as they walked up the stairs. “I wanted to surprise you. Next time, I’ll call earlier.”
Kiera pushed open her apartment door and switched on the lights. “Make yourself at home. I need to change. I smell like the kitchen.”
Rather than release her hand, Gray tugged her to him. “You smell fine to me.” He kissed her neck. “Better than fine.”
Kiera laughed. “Always full of compliments. A girl could get used to that.” She tickled him just below the ribs. “I’ll be right back. Promise.”
“Don’t suppose you need any help?”
She almost said yes. If he helped her undress, she’d be able to return the favor and she was dying to see him without clothes on. Just the thought took her breath away, so she could imagine what the actual sight would do. That particular activity would lead to others, and she didn’t want to smell like a kitchen the first time they made love.
Kiera walked backward toward the stairs to the loft, her eyes never leaving his. “Can I get a rain check on that offer?”
“Definitely.”
She saw the heat in his eyes and hurried to her room.
On a normal night, she’d shower after work then put on some pajamas or sweats. Tonight, showering would mean wasted time, so instead, she tossed her uniform into the laundry hamper and put on jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt and washed her face. Before she went back down, she checked her reflection. Several pieces of hair fell around her face, no longer happy to be part of the bun she’d fashioned hours ago. Kiera yanked the hair tie out and ran her fingers through her curls.
“Feel better now?” Gray lounged on the couch when she came back down.
“Better, not perfect.” She stopped beside him. “Do you want anything?”
His smile should’ve clued her in. “Yes. You.” He tugged her down on top of him. Not that it required much effort on his part.
Since she liked her current location, she didn’t complain. “Are you staying at The Bellevue again?” He’d stayed at the five-star hotel owned by Sherbrooke Enterprises on his last three visits.
“No. I thought it might raise some red flags if I checked in four weekends in a row. A good friend of mine is heading overseas tomorrow for the next month. He told me I can stay at his place whenever I’m in town.”
Gray had too many friends to even speculate who he referred to. “Did you tell him why you needed a place to stay?” To others it’d seem odd that Gray was visiting town and not staying with family.
“I told him I needed a place while I visited with a friend. He didn’t ask for details, and I didn’t offer any.”
He had strange friends. If she dropped that line on Stephanie or Joanna, they’d demand all the details.
“I stopped by Trent’s today.”
“You must have been seriously bored.”
“You have no idea.” He kissed her forehead.
She doubted Trent knew about Gray’s earlier visits to town, but he might still question the reason for his current one. “Did he ask why you’re around?”
“Of course and he invited us over tomorrow for dinner. Allison will be there, too.”
Something in his tone bothered her. “You said no, right?”
“Not exactly. I said I’d think about it.”
Kiera pushed herself up. “We can’t go to your brother’s together.”
“Trust me. I love every minute we spend together locked up in either my hotel suite or your apartment but...”
Fudge. He was going to complain. So far they hadn’t disagreed about anything, but it sounded like that was about to change.
“Stopping in for a few hours could be fun. It’s only Trent, Addie, and my sister. They won’t say anything.”
“Gray, I trust them not to tell the media, but what if they say something to your dad or my parents?” If and when her parents found out about their relationship, she wanted them to hear it from her, not one of Gray’s relatives.
Gray looked away and raked a hand through his hair. “It’s a little late. Trent and Addie know.”
“What?” He’d promised to keep their relationship between them.
“I slipped and said your name. Trent’s not an idiot, and you’re name isn’t exactly common.”
Kiera leaned back against the couch. Darn. So much for keeping it a secret a little longer. Now that his brother and sister-in-law knew, did that mean they had to tell the world, too?
“I’m sorry, but we knew eventually someone would find out. At least, it’s only Trent. It could be worse.”
True. Trent never spoke to the media about family matters unless he had no other choice.
“I hate to say it, but you’re right.”
“Damn, why didn’t I record that?”
“Very funny, Gray.”
“Since my brother knows, why don’t we spend the morning and afternoon locked up together, then we can come out long enough to visit Trent and eat dinner before locking ourselves up again.” Gray kissed her forehead and then each of her cheeks. “Sunday, we can repeat the day, but leave out the visit to my brother’s.”
The locked-up-all-day sounded fabulous. A visit with his brother and Addie didn’t sound horrible either. And Kiera had to admit, she was curious about Addie. She’d congratulated her at the wedding, but otherwise, she’d never spoken to Gray’s sister in-law. Since the woman had managed to not only capture Trent’s attention, but also his heart, she must be special.
“Okay, but please no other family gatherings. At least for a little while.”
Gray pulled her against him again. “Whatever you say.”
That’s what he’d said the last time, but Kiera kept the negative thought to herself. On one level, asking Gray to keep their relationship a secret wasn’t fair to him. As far as she knew, he’d never done so in the past. At the same time, she wasn’t ready to drop the news on her parents. Telling Gray’s family and not hers would only lead to more problems in the future.
Kiera snuggled closer and rested her head on him, warmth from his body seeping into her. “I’ll have to make something to bring with us. Any suggestions?”
“That’s not necessary.” He rubbed his hand across her hair.
“Yes, I do. I can’t show up empty-handed. Does your sister-in-law like chocolate or would she prefer a more fruity dessert?”
Gray’s hand moved lower, and he began rubbing her back. “No idea. Tonight at dinner was the longest conversation I’ve had with her and the wedding was the first time I met her.”
“Really? Why?”
“I told you; I’ve been traveling a lot, and they haven’t been together that long. They met sometime in the summer.”
Kiera unbuttoned his shirt as she fought back a yawn. “I remember the pictures in the papers and magazines.” Despite her efforts, the yawn escaped.
“That means it’s time for me to go. Not that I want to.” Gray kissed her head and helped her into an upright position.
“Gray, I’m not that tired.” She watched him fix his shirt.
“You can’t even keep your eyes open.” He stood and held out a hand. “We have all weekend together.”
He was right, but she didn’t like it.
“What time should I come by tomorrow?”
Kiera followed him to the door. “Eleven?”
Gray paused with one arm in his jacket. “That’s too late.”
“I need time to bake and clean up.”
“So? I can help. Or watch.”
She’d get her task accomplished faster without him around, but his presence would make the morning much more enjoyable.
“Come over whenever you want then.” Or just don’t leave now. She toyed with the idea of asking him to stay, but dismissed it. She wasn’t up for anything but sleeping tonight. If she asked Gray to stay, he’d expect more than a cuddle in bed.
“How does nine sound?” Gray zipped up his jacket.
“I’ll make sure my other boyfriend is gone by then.”
Gray leaned closer as if to kiss her. “You do that. And tell him if I ever see him around here, he’s a dead man.”
His lips came down on hers in a possessive kiss. A kiss intended to leave no questions behind about his feelings regarding her joke. When he pulled back, her lips tingled.
“Get a good night’s sleep. You’ll need it.”
She caught the sexual message and suppressed the images it invoked.
“I will. You, too.” Had her voice sounded a little seductive? It had to her, but had he noticed?
The smile Gray gave her indicated he had, and he kissed her one last time before he left.
Kiera locked the door and walked to the bathroom to take a shower before bed. While she waited for the water to heat up, she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. A pink hue covered her face, and her lips remained rosy and swollen. Anyone would take one look at her and know she’d received a few toe-curling kisses.
What would tomorrow bring?
No doubt her lips would receive some more of Gray’s magic. What about the rest of her body?
He wanted her. More than once, she’d felt his erection against her during one of their kissing marathons. His tone tonight had alluded to a plan to keep her up late with some adult activities. Or she thought it had. She was far from an expert on men and reading between the lines. Still, both her mind and body picked up on the husky tone in his voice when he told her to get a good night’s sleep.
Tomorrow, he planned to make their relationship intimate, and she had no intentions of stopping him.
After her quick shower, Kiera pulled on her favorite sweat pants and a t-shirt. She didn’t bother to get in bed. Sleep would require that she lie still for a period of time. Right now, that wasn’t happening. Enough energy and excitement buzzed through her to power the entire building. If she had known that would happen after her shower, she would’ve taken it before Gray left. Then, they could have engaged in some fun tonight.
Since Gray was gone and she couldn’t sleep, she’d search through her recipes for something to make for tomorrow’s dinner party. Maybe she’d even find a recipe for something that Gray could take back to New York with him on Sunday.
Kiera flipped though her all-time favorite cookbook. It had been a gift from her grandfather, and she always found something tempting inside. Tonight proved to be no different.
She’d scanned past the first few pages, then stopped when a picture of an apricot almond tart caught her attention. It wasn’t chocolate, but it promised to be sweet, and she already had all the necessary ingredients. It would make a perfect dessert for tomorrow night. Perhaps she would bake up a batch of chocolate cupcakes, too. If she did, she’d add some gummy worms to the frosting. Trent would get a laugh out of that. If she had time, she’d make a chocolate soufflé for Gray.
Desserts settled upon, Kiera pulled out her unfinished crossword puzzle. While her eyes saw the empty boxes and clues, her mind wandered to what tomorrow night held in store for her. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that Gray would be a wonderful lover. No one could look as sexy as him and be anything but. She just hoped he didn’t find her skills lacking. She wasn’t a virgin, but she certainly didn’t have as much experience as him.
If he wasn’t satisfied with her, how would she know? Gray wouldn’t tell her something like that. He’d be afraid of hurting her feelings. Would his facial expressions give anything away?
She tried picturing him lying there naked with a frown, but the image wouldn’t come.
Knock it off. Tomorrow night, everything will be fine. No, not fine. Exceptional.