Kiss Me Crazy (11 page)

Kara placed a cal to the house once they got on Coronado Bay Bridge and spoke briefly with Briana’s housekeeper, Mrs.

Marten. When they reached the gate, it swung open before Kara could press the intercom and the cab puled up in the semi-circular driveway of the classic Mediterranean vila. She gave the stucco exterior, wel-maintained lawn, flowerbeds, and palm trees a cursory glance as she and Baron walked toward the front entrance.

“Ms. Kara, thank goodness you’re here,” Mrs. Marten said as soon as she opened the door, her voice barely audible above the loud rap music streaming from behind her. “She’s angry.” That was an understatement. The angrier her sister was, the louder and raunchier the music. It had been like that since they were teens. Kara closed the door to cut off the sounds then introduced Baron to the housekeeper.

“Take Mr. Fitzgerald to the family room, okay? I’l join you shortly.”

“If you need me,” Baron reminded her.

She nodded. “I know where to find you.”

Once they stepped inside the marble foyer, Kara waited for Baron and the woman to disappear in the back of the house. She knew the older woman wel enough to know she would offer him a drink, then seat him either in the formal living room or family room.

They both offered an impressive view of the bay.

Now for her pain-in-the-butt sister. Kara took a deep breath and started toward the circular stairway leading to the second floor foyer and the bedroom suites. Male clothing littered the stairs and the bronze railing. Kara shook her head and started up the stairs.

Along the way, she picked up the shirts and tailored pants, and piled them on her arm. Not that she was picking up after Briana. She just didn’t want to step on them.
Now I’m lying to
myself.
No, it was time she faced the truth. She, too, had contributed to Briana’s spoiled-brat attitude. Ever since her sister came into this world, Kara had taken care of her. Granted, she was five and desperate for a sibling when her mother became pregnant with Briana. Stil, that was no reason to be her sister’s keeper now.

The tendency to run to Briana’s aid every time she cried over the phone must stop. Briana must start taking responsibility for her actions.
In other words, I must treat her like an adult, starting
now.

Upstairs, Kara dumped the clothes on the top railing. Then instead of going to the master bedroom, she went in the opposite direction. The elaborate entertainment unit was wired through the house and into other rooms, but the system was in the upstairs sitting room.

She skirted around plush leather sofas and recliners, careful not to trip on the bushy rug then stopped before the stereo system and pressed the off button with more force than necessary. Blissful silence folowed, but she knew it wouldn’t last. She crossed her arms, faced the doorway, and waited.

“Who told you to turn off the music, Mrs. Mart,” Briana screamed, entering the room, then her eyes widened. “Kara?” Kara smiled. “Hey, sis. You look…wel.”

For a moment, Briana was speechless. Even with hair messy and eyes red-rimmed, Briana looked stunning in a pantsuit and high-heeled ankle boots. If her stomach had a baby bump, Kara couldn’t see it.

Other than their hazel eyes, no one could tel they were sisters. Kara’s shorter and curvaceous structure and blonde hair favored their mother’s side of the family while Briana’s tal, wilowy frame and abundant chestnut hair was their dad through and through. To compound the difference, Kara kept her long curly mane natural while Briana’s tresses were highlighted and made fuler with extensions. She also had an enviable and drool-worthy chest.

“What are you doing here, Kara?”

Briana’s beligerent tone didn’t surprise her. “I was in town and thought I’d stop by and congratulate you on your pregnancy.” Kara started to walk forward, her smile in place.

“Wel, you came at a very bad time. I’m about to leave for a trip.” Briana turned to head back to her bedroom and swayed.

Kara frowned. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t have time—oh God.” She crumbled.

“Briana.” Kara rushed forward to break her fal, but didn’t make it. The thud of her sister’s head hitting the floor made her wince. She dropped on her knee and lifted Briana’s head up.

“Help! Mrs. Marten…Baron,” she yeled.

Sounds of running feet came from the stairs, and then Baron asked, “Where are you?”

“In here.”

He rushed into the room, squatted beside her, and touched Briana’s forehead. “What happened?”

“She swayed and keeled over. She hit her head pretty hard.” She touched the back of Briana’s head. “It’s already sweling. Could you carry her to the bedroom, please?”

“Of course.” Baron easily lifted Briana off the floor.

“This way.” Kara turned toward the stairs and saw the housekeeper. “Mrs. Marten, do you know her doctor’s phone number?”

“Yes, it’s on the fridge door downstairs,” the housekeeper said.

“Get it for me please, and a cold compress or ice for her head.”

She led Baron to Briana’s opulently decorated gold and tan bedroom. Clothes were al over the bed, which she swept to the side to create room. Briana moaned and her eyelids lifted just as Baron laid her down.

“She’s coming around,” he said.

“Thanks, Baron.” Kara slipped beside him, her eyes on her sister. “You took a realy bad spil, sis. How are you feeling?”

“Like crap,” Briana snapped, frowning. Her sister’s gaze shifted to Baron, the frown melting away. “Did she cal you Baron?

As in her boss, Baron Fitzgerald?”

“Sorry we’re meeting under such circumstances. I’l let your sister—”

“No, don’t go yet.” She grabbed his hand and started to sit up. “I can’t believe we’ve never met.”

Baron pressed on her shoulder. “Please, lie down until your sister figures out what’s wrong with you.”

Briana patted his hand. “I’m okay. Kara gave me quite a shock sneaking up on me, that’s al. She didn’t even bother to tel me she’s brought a guest.” She threw Kara a censoring look then turned on the sweetness as she smiled at Baron.

Resentment and a large dose of possessiveness sucked concern for her sister right out of Kara. No way in hel would she let the hussy pul a seductive number on Baron. Yes, she was an adult and had no reason to act like she owned the guy but a line had to be drawn.

Kara narrowed her eyes at her sister. “Briana, we’l let you rest—”

“But I don’t need to rest, Kara.” Briana’s gaze didn’t shift from Baron. “Why don’t you give me a moment to catch my breath and I’l join you downstairs,” she purred, making goo-goo eyes at him.

Please don’t let him fall for her act…

Kara repeated that sentence like a litany. She didn’t realize her hands had fisted until Baron covered one with his and gently stroked her knuckles, infusing her with warmth. She swalowed and glanced at him, relief surging through her. He was scowling down at Briana, looking more puzzled than impressed.

“Ms. Kara, I got the ice,” Mrs. Marten said from the bedroom doorway.

“Thank you.” Kara reluctantly slipped her hand from under Baron’s, joined the housekeeper, and took the ice pack. “Is this the first time she’s fainted?” she asked her in a low voice.

The housekeeper glanced toward the bed and its occupant then shook her head. “No. It happened last week, twice. She doesn’t eat enough. I told her it’s not healthy for her and the baby, but she won’t listen. This morning she refused breakfast. Mr. Jim begged her to eat. Stil, she refused.”

It was obvious the housekeeper truly cared for Briana.

She’d been with them for three years now and often treated both Jim and Briana like she would her children.

“Why don’t you go downstairs and prepare something she likes. I’l figure out how to make her eat it.” She joined Baron by Briana’s bedside and bent to press the ice pack against Briana’s head. “Hold it right here or the sweling wil only get worse.” Briana glared at her and didn’t touch the ice pack. It fel on the bed.

Time you grew up, little princess.
If she wanted a swolen head, then that was up to her. Kara smiled at Briana, straightened her body, and turned to Baron. “Can we talk?”

“Yeah, sure.” He stepped away from the bed and reached for her hand, again. “I hope you feel better, Mrs. Wilkins.” Briana sat up, one hand reaching for the ice now. “That’s what everyone cals Jim’s mother. Please cal me Briana. Don’t leave yet. I want to know what…” her gaze narrowed on their linked hands, “my sister’s been up to.”

Baron gave her a brief smile. “Maybe next time. I hope you feel better.” His tone was impersonal. Then he walked with Kara toward the door.

Kara grinned at the petulant expression on her sister’s face.

Briana had finaly met a man who didn’t bend over backwards to accommodate her. That it was Baron, her man, pleased Kara. Yes, she was laying claim on him, even if it was just for two weeks. Only a fool would let an affair with a man who looked like a god, promised decadence, and turned her on with a look pass her by.

And she, Kara Michaels, was not a fool. As soon as they got to Idaho, she’d tel him a big fat yes to sleeping in his arms, to the right to touch and love him, and to indulge in her wildest fantasies. Just thinking about it made her heart hum with anticipation.

They entered the halway and Baron turned to look at her.

She studied his handsome face, the sensual curve of his lips and the arrogantly slanted eyebrows. Would she ever get used to his beauty or generous heart? Even now, he studied her with creases on his brow.

She reached up and ran her fingers across his forehead, attempting to even out the folds. “Don’t worry. She’l be fine.”

“I’m more worried about you. Do you think you’l be okay?”

Her throat blocked with emotion. Worrying was usualy her department while her family just assumed she’d be okay. For the first time someone put her feelings first. It felt wonderful. Kara smiled.

“Yes I wil, and thanks for…,” she searched her brain for a more apt word and chose, “caring.”

A sensual gleam glistened in the depth of his eyes. “Oh, sweetheart, if you only knew.”

The endearment and the simple statement held a wealth of meaning that left Kara hoping he truly cared about her, not as someone he wanted to have sex with but as a person. She went on her toes to press a kiss on his cheek, her eyes closing as she soaked in his warmth, musky scent, his very essence.

Her eyes snapped open when her lips encountered his instead. He’d turned his head when she wasn’t watching. Kara broke the contact and swalowed.

It was just a feather kiss, mere whisper, but her entire body warmed. She glanced toward her sister’s bedroom and said in a breathless rush, “You’d better go. Your cabby can’t wait forever and my sister needs food and—”

His mouth cut through her nervous stutter, took her on a rolercoaster ride of sensual delight until her head was filed with broken thoughts and flashing lights. The kiss ended too soon, left her with the taste of him stil teasing her palate. Kara licked her lips and opened her eyes. Their gazes met and locked, both of them struggling to breathe evenly.

She didn’t intend to say, “Wow,” but she did anyway then blushed when his lips twitched as though he was suppressing a smile.

He ran his knuckles along her jawline. “You can’t tease a starved man with the promise of food and expect him to act sane.”

“I’m food now?”

He chuckled. “Only the kind I plan to indulge in day and night for two weeks. When do you think you’l come home?” He made it sound like he couldn’t wait to ravish her, which should be intimidating but instead was rather exciting. Kara took a deep breath and made sure she could talk without panting before she spoke.

“Tomorrow, I think. Jim’s mother is flying in later today.”

“Do you think she can handle your sister?”

“Oh yeah. I’ve met her before and know she doesn’t take any mess from anybody. With her around, Briana wil be eating for two, won’t wear those ridiculous high-heels, or avoid her doctor’s orders.”

His hand dropped from her face. “Cal me tonight when you’re sure about tomorrow. I don’t want to get the tickets until I know you’l be there.” He brushed his lips over hers and murmured,

“I’m looking forward to Idaho.”

“Me too.”

He grinned, then turned and headed downstairs. Kara leaned against the railing and waved when he glanced up one last time before he exited the house. She pressed her fingers on her lips, paused to wipe the grin from her face before she re-entered Briana’s room.

Kara found Briana in the middle of the bed, legs crossed, and the ice pack pressed against her head. “I never thought I’d live to see the day my perfect sister fals from grace,” she said with a laugh. “An affair with the boss? Give me the details?” Kara didn’t rise to the taunt, though she was surprised.

Briana never spoke to her like that before. She often whined and found someone to blame for her problems. Kara kept on smiling until she stopped in front of Briana.

“I have nothing to be ashamed of, Briana. He’s gorgeous and
totally into me
.” The last part was unnecessary but it felt good to rub it in.

Briana snickered. “Please. You’ve got to be desperate to brag about someone else’s man. Last I heard, he was getting hitched while you were busy pining for him in his basement. Mom told me.”

Kara stiffened. She never told their mother she liked Baron, but her feelings must have been apparent. That their mother shared her thoughts with Briana hurt.

“I guess you’re now just like al the other home wreckers chasing after married men.” Her chin trembled, the teltale sign that the water works were about to commence.

Kara frowned. Could her sister be worried about Jim cheating on her? Not likely. The man was nuts about Briana. As for her ridicule, Kara could explain about Valerie and Baron’s marital status, but that wouldn’t reassure Briana. Her sister was spoiling for a fight and would just find something else to harp on. For now, discussing Baron was out.

“How’s your head?” Kara asked.

“How long has the affair been going on?” Briana dropped the ice pack on the side table and braced herself against the bed with her elbows, a smug smile on her painted lips.

“Mrs. Marten made something for you to eat,” Kara said as if Briana hadn’t spoken. “Afterwards, I can go with you to the doctor. The fainting spels could be caused by something other than lack of food.”

“How long, sis?”

Amazing how tenacious her fickle sister could be when she wanted to hurt Kara. She had been like that since they were little.

“Why didn’t you tel me you had miscarriages or that you’re expecting? Why did I have to hear it from Mom?”

“How does it feel to be the other woman?”

Kara clenched her teeth. “You cal me every time you have a crisis. Why not this time?”

“I’m a married woman now, Kara. I pick and chose what I share with you.” Despite her flippant assertion, an uneasy expression crossed her face. “He’s hot…your Baron. If I weren’t married, I’d—”

“Do nothing because I’d kick your ass from here to hel and back.” She’d let Briana get to her. Kara massaged her temple and sighed. As expected from her interaction with Briana, she felt a headache coming. Her sister’s smug smile didn’t help either.

“Look. I don’t know what’s happening with you or in your marriage, but you’re pregnant now and about to become a mother.

You need to cut the bulshit and start acting right.” She indicated the clothes on the floor. “What’s the point of this? You want to kick Jim out when you’re about to have a kid together? What next? Ask him for a divorce? Get a job?” Her sister had no qualifications to speak of. Her modeling career was behind her—she’d pissed off every photographer on the west coast.

Briana got up and made a face at Kara, hands going on her hips. “If you can’t give me a straight answer about your affair, I don’t see why I should tel you anything.”

“My relationship with Baron is none of your business, Briana.”

“Is that right? So what gives you the right to butt into mine…to talk to my man behind my back? You’re my sister. When it comes to any problems in my marriage,” her voice broke, “you take my side, not his.” Her chin trembled again.

Kara pinched the bridge of her nose. Whether she liked it or not, she was being dragged into Briana’s mess again.
If she
weren’t pregnant, I swear I’d tell her to seek therapy then
leave.

“He’s been acting strange and I need to know why. I know he’s not messing with anyone here in San Diego. While he’s on the road, I always make sure no groupies hang around him, which is why I’m catching the next flight to Atlanta.” She walked around the bed, picked up a suitcase from the floor, and threw it on the bed.

Kara sighed. “I’m sure he’s picked up on your distrust, which would explain the changes you see in him. Don’t you know that without trust you have no chance of making your marriage work?”

Briana’s eyes flashed. “You’d like that wouldn’t you?

Payback for stealing him from you, uh?”

“Oh, just grow up already,” Kara snapped. “Your mess gets uglier every time I see you.”

“And sleeping with your married boss isn’t ugly? Don’t be a hypocrite, Kara. FYI, I trust my man. I just don’t trust the bitches that don’t seem to care that he has a wife.” She shot Kara a pointed look then scooped a bunch of clothes from the bed, straightened, and swayed.

Kara stifled the urge to rush to Briana’s side though she moved closer in case she had to break her fal. She waited until her sister dropped the clothes and sat on the bed, then walked to her side.

“Why don’t you worry about your health and child instead?

You can hardly walk without keeling over. Jim loves you, otherwise he wouldn’t have caled me. And just so you know, this is the first time he’s caled me since you two became engaged. He’s worried about you.”

Briana’s eyes filed with tears. “We had a horrible fight and I told him…terrible things. I know he hates me now.” She dropped her head in her hands. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m angry al the time.”

She realy didn’t want to feel sorry for Briana, but it was obvious her sister needed help. Even her cruelty now was out of norm. Kara squatted so they were eye level. “It’s probably the hormones, Briana. You need to talk to someone about this…your doctor or other women who’ve been through childbirth.” Briana wiped the tears from her cheeks and shot Kara a beseeching look. “There’s a pre-natal class offered by the local hospital, but Jim said he can’t come with me. Why should I do everything by myself? It’s his child, too.”

Kara forced herself not to rol her eyes. “He’s doing his part, playing bal and bringing home money. If he were home, he’d go with you.”

Briana was silent for a moment. “Could you go with me?” she mumbled.

“Today? Sure.”

She shot Kara another glance from under her lashes. “Not just today. With Jim gone so much, you could stay here for a little while and—”

“I can’t.” Kara jumped up. “I have a job and a life, Briana.

In Los Angeles.”

“It’s not as if you can’t do your job from here. I mean you don’t have to go the office or meet with people to clean paintings.” Whatever sympathy Kara had felt for Briana evaporated.

“Actualy, I do.”

Briana shot her a pleading glance. “How about I come to Los Angeles and stay with you?”

Hel no. Briana at her place would drive her crazy within a day. Besides, Kara had no intention of backing out of the two-week anticipated rendezvous with Baron. She frowned. Was she being selfish by not being there for Briana?

“You can’t. I have too many things on my plate right now.

Besides, your mother-in-law’s coming to stay with you.”

“What? That old goat hates my guts.” The pleading look disappeared from Briana’s face.

“Nothing brings around an old goat like a grandchild. You two can bond while you shop and decorate the baby’s room.” Kara started for the door.

“Kara, please. Let me stay with you.” Briana’s voice shook.

“No.”

“You hate me,” she wailed.

God, what a baby. “No, I do not.”

“Then why are you acting like this? You’re usualy nicer.”
Look where that got me.
Kara paused by the door and looked back at her sister, whose eyes were too dry for someone close to tears. Her performance had gotten better since she last saw her.

“I’m not acting, Briana. I’m tired of babying you. Yes, I’m usualy nicer because I give in to your demands. This time I’m saying no. It’s time you stood on your own feet and accepted your responsibilities. Start by taking care of yourself and your baby. Get to know you mother-in-law. You both love Jim, a starting point in my book.”

“Is it the things I said about you and your boss? I’m sorry. I didn’t realy mean them.”

Kara shook her head at the insincere apology. “No, you’re not, but feel free to lob more salvos at me anytime. They don’t change a thing. I’d never mess around with a married man. That you choose to believe it is your prerogative. Jim asked me to stay with you until his mother gets here. I intend to do exactly that, and then I’m going home.”

Kara didn’t wait to see how Briana received her little speech. She left the bedroom, feeling lighter and freer, and went downstairs. She grabbed her purse from the hal table and went in search of the housekeeper.

Mrs. Marten was in the kitchen baking fresh croissants, but looked up then shifted to see behind Kara expectantly. A crestfalen expression settled on her face. “She’s not coming?”

“Soon. Give her time.” Kara removed her cel phone and walked to the French doors leading to the pool. Renee picked up after two rings. “Did you get my message?”

“Just did. Why do I have to take care of your ADHD cat?” Kara laughed, adjusted one of the cushioned deck lounges and lay down. “I’m going to Idaho to authenticate a client’s colection. I’l be gone for about two weeks.”

“Idaho? Don’t they have skinheads out there?” Kara roled her eyes. “Maybe. But I’m sure they aren’t lying in wait for us. Can you take care of Tessie for me or what?”

“Us?”

She grimaced and caled herself every name in the book.

She hadn’t meant to let that slip out. “Baron and I wil be working on this one.”

There was silence on the line.

“Uh-mm, Renee? Are you stil there?”

“Yeah. Okay. You and Mr. Hunky-dory. I’l gladly watch the cat. Just have fun…a butt-load of fun.”

Kara chuckled. “I owe you.”

“Yes, you do. What are you doing tonight?”

She’d left Renee a message this morning about watching Tessie, but had intentionaly omitted mentioning her impromptu morning trip to San Diego. “I, uh, I’m out of town right now. San Diego, but I’l be back tomorrow.”

“Oh? Are your parents okay?”

“Yeah. I spoke with them over the weekend.”

There was silence, and then, “Please do
not
tel me you’re at your sister’s. Again. What did she do this time? Refused to pay a hair stylist because of a bad perm? Mouthed off to a cop? I thought you made sure she had a lawyer on speed dial for such minor infractions.”

“She’s expecting, Renee.”

“Whoa. That’s wonderful news. When did you find out?”

“Over the weekend.”

“Ohmigod,” Renee squealed. “You’re going to be an aunt.”

“I know. Isn’t it exciting?” Briana’s voice floated through the window and Kara looked toward the house. Briana was seated on a stool while Mrs. Marten prepared for her a plate. “I thought I’d stop by and see how she’s doing.”

“You suck at lying. What realy happened?”

“Can’t go into that right now. Let’s talk tomorrow.”

“Fine. Tel her congrats from me. The girl might be crazy, but a baby is a reason to celebrate.”

Kara hung up the phone but when she went inside, Briana ignored her. Not in the least bothered, Kara went to get her overnight bag from where Baron had placed it by the front door.

The housekeeper was picking up Jim’s clothes from the upstairs rail.

“Mrs. Marten?” Kara caled out to get her attention. She added when the woman looked at her, “Did Briana mention that Jim’s mother is coming?”

“Mr. Jim told me before he left this morning. He said she’l cal me before she boards the plane.”

“Has she caled?”

“No, but I’ve already prepared the yelow bedroom for her.”

“Good. I’l take the one beside hers for tonight.” She picked up her overnight bag, went into the spare bedroom, and kicked off her shoes. Going over her conversation with Briana, she slipped into a pair of Capri pants and a T-shirt, added sandals, and left the room. Briana was stil eating and flipping through a fashion magazine.

Kara raided the bookshelf in the downstairs living room and curled up on a leather lounge with a romance book. For a moment she glanced around and smiled. The room with its soaring ceiling, high windows, and ultra modern décor had always been her favorite, from the way the light gray epoxy floor and white rug offset the black furniture and display cabinets to the colorful and distinctive Blenko Glass decanters strategicaly placed around the room. Even the large wedding portrait of Briana and Jim above the brick fireplace complemented the room.

Through a glass door, Kara had a clear view of the foyer and the stairs. She knew when Briana left the kitchen and went upstairs. Mrs. Marten didn’t come downstairs for several hours and it was to respond to the gate intercom. A flash of joy folowed when she saw a blue Camry on security panel by the door.

Penelope “Penny” Michaels had arrived.

Kara got up and headed outside to meet her mother, but inside she had a sinking feeling of impending doom. Briana didn’t get her penchant for melodrama from their father. Their mother was and had always been the
el supremo
of drama-dom.