The Maverick's Red Hot Reunion (Entangled Indulgence) (9 page)

Rasping for breath and struggling to contain the desperation to possess her, Zach wrenched out of the kiss.

“What’s wrong? Why aren’t we…” Kennedy whispered; her voice was hoarse.

He placed his index finger on her lush, kiss-swollen mouth. “Not here.”

“I don’t understand.” She twisted out of his arms. “It’s what you want. And I need you. Do you really want me to beg?”

“Hell no,” he said, more roughly than he intended. “I want you, but not here and not like this.” Her skin flushed bronze. Her curls waved around her face, cinnamon highlighting the strands he’d loosened from the restraining pins. “

Now who’s the tease?” she said.

He’d unleashed this wild, wanton, wonderful woman years ago. In a tangle of youth and heat. Now he wanted to control every facet of their physical reunion to guarantee the outcome he craved. Release from the prison of their past. “You wanted a seduction,” he said. You’ll have to play it my way.”

“Good thing I know a trick or two to level the field.”

He laughed. “Give it your best shot.”

“Trust me.” She leaned forward and gave him a full on view of her cleavage. “I will.”

Zach swallowed hard. This time Kennedy wasn’t the innocent virgin he’d pursued relentlessly with single-minded confidence. A confidence born out of the pure, deep knowledge that she had been born to be his.

But in the years that had passed since she’d ended everything, Kennedy had cloaked herself with experience and self-awareness. Had someone else given her the courage and determination glinting in her sparkling green eyes?

He tamped down the desire to ask if she’d taken other lovers. Still, by the glint in her sparkling green eyes, he knew with a deep certainty that she’d carry through with her own ability to master the situation. And that knowledge propelled him to regain control.

“I won’t take you here like some lovesick teenager or a randy college kid,” he said.

“The hotel’s close enough.”

His stomach tightened. He had to stretch the time between the wanting and the taking—before the leaving. “Not tonight. We need more time to
date.
I’m seducing you,” he said. “That’s what you wanted.” And examining why he wouldn’t rush the act this time wasn’t acceptable. Only regaining the upper hand mattered.

“I bet you didn’t hold back on all your other
dates
.”

No other woman had held his attention like Kennedy. And he’d never rushed sex other than with her. The first time. The crazy night when he’d believed he’d won a primal battle to own and possess. “My other
dates
didn’t demand proper seductions.” The limo pulled up to the hotel’s grand entrance. “I don’t renege on a deal. Ever.”

“You just want to win.” She scooted to the opposite side of the limousine. “I thought you wanted to be friends.”

Hell yeah, he wanted to win. But the problem was he had no idea what the victory spoils would be when he achieved his goal. “Friends with temporary benefits still works.”

She crossed her arms. “Great. Then let’s get on with it. I’m ready, aren’t you?”

“It’s more fun to keep you on your pretty pink toes,” he said as the limo pulled into the hotel’s opulent entryway. And he still didn’t know why she had booted him out of her life five years ago. Until he had that problem solved, he wasn’t going anywhere. The longer he prolonged this seduction, the better chance he had to find the truth.

They exited the limo and walked in silence through the dimly lit lobby, then rode the elevator to their floor. Zach wrapped his arm around her stiff shoulders and noted her jaw’s rigidity. She’d wound her defensive cloak around her and was preparing to take a stand. He mentally braced himself for her fire. And she didn’t disappoint.

As soon as the door to their suite was locked, Kennedy whipped around and jabbed him in the chest. “I’m sick of playing games. We’ve agreed to remain friends and to end this fake engagement as soon as we can do it without hurting Michael. Prolonging what we both want is ridiculous. So what are you waiting for? A papal blessing, or is there something more you want from me? Because I have nothing else to give.”

Chapter Ten

Zach clasped Kennedy’s finger and raised her hand to his mouth. “Are you sure about that?” He kissed her palm, stroked his tongue along her wrist, and teased her with his sexy, hot mouth. “Why the rush?”

Her legs turned to jelly.
Because she’d been in a sexual desert for five years and her body considered him an oasis?
Because letting him get too close would lower her guard and she refused to let him bulldoze her into fixing something irreparable. “Because you’re manipulating me,” she said. “I don’t like it.”

He circled her pulse point. “Manipulating you is half the fun.”

Kennedy stared into Zach’s dark eyes and recognized the haunted loneliness within him, even as he pretended nonchalance. His vulnerability called to her in powerful ways that captivated her more than the commanding mask he showed the world.

If she had known this man, if she had been able to bring him to admit his fears and vulnerabilities and loneliness, they might have had a future. Even now, she envisioned a glimpse of a path to that man. A man who would yield emotionally instead of demanding control over every obstacle placed in their lives. Oh, how she could find a way to risk her heart again.

But realizing how desperate Zach was to reverse Michael’s disease, she knew he’d never accept the fact that she was unable, and unwilling, to attempt another pregnancy.

She couldn’t change history, or reverse time, or reinvent truth. She could only have this temporary reconnection. There could be nothing more. Zach had a life waiting for him with his father and Tanner Enterprises. Perhaps even one day, he’d have the family he deserved.

Kennedy couldn’t deny him that future.

He kissed the soft skin on her neck. An electrical current traveled through her and settled low between her legs. She fought for control, inhaling and exhaling air until she could speak. “I’m not a naïve virgin anymore.” Nor did she have stars in her eyes. The most her heart could walk away with was the seeds of a friendship born out of acknowledging the fire burning between them. Then they could both move on.

She and Zach had to flood the raging heat and drown their passion. Then, maybe then, she could finally let the possibility of a future with Zach go. She’d been emotionally adrift five years ago, but if she could hold sway over the outcome of their relationship, she’d finally be free to find a new, safer harbor for her heart.

And so would he. And wasn’t that the true gift of friendship? Of love?

But clearly, Zach had another agenda. Until they left Asheville on Tuesday and they made sure Michael was on a jet to the research hospital in Atlanta, she’d play along. “I’ll give you tonight off, but you had better come through soon,” she said resolutely. The sooner they started, the faster she’d get him out of her system. After that, she’d travel down a path she would forge alone until she could find a way to love again. And to one day be loved, even though she couldn’t risk another pregnancy.

He worked his jaw back and forth. “Tomorrow I’ll come through.”

“Before or after Michael gives his speech at the fundraiser?” she asked, extracting her hand from his powerful grip.

“After.”

“And then?”

He held her pinned to the floor with his gaze. “Who knows? Maybe once will be enough.”

Once would never be enough. She shook her head. “That’s doubtful, but you could be right. Still, no matter what happens after tomorrow night, we won’t be burdened by messy emotional baggage.”

The left corner of his mouth turned up slightly, then he leaned forward and pressed his hands on either side of her bedroom doorframe. “The only mess I expect is twisted sheets coiling around our hot, sleek bodies when I drive into you.”

His chest was scant inches from hers. She could feel his heat penetrating her skin. Need and desire pulsed in her sweet spot. Just looking at him, feeling his warmth, made her crave his touch and the feel of his body in hers.

“You sure you want to wait?” she asked.

“Positive,” he said, leaning closer. “I want your entire body screaming for me, unable to wait one second longer. I want to draw out each and every moment until you’re begging to feel me move inside you.”

He bent his head and licked the tender spot behind her ear. “I want you to dream about me bringing you over the edge.”

…

And dream she did. Throughout the night Kennedy had awakened dozens of times with sweat-soaked sheets wrapped around her legs, her sex pulsing and her breasts swollen. Zach had invaded her dreams and brought her pleasure in her sleep with his sensual promises.

After Kennedy had crawled out of bed and washed the debris of her insomnia from her skin, she joined Zach, Hannah, and Michael for a tour of the Biltmore Estate. They’d all dined on a delicious lunch at the Grove Park Inn, and then they’d parted ways so Michael could rest and prepare for his speech that evening. That meant touring the charming historic downtown district alone with Zach, which was fine by Kennedy because she didn’t have the energy to answer one more question about her fake June wedding.

She fastened an earring and checked the mirror, calling, “Have you heard from Hannah?”

“Shannon and Paul are with her now. They just ordered room service.”

“I was hoping to see them before the speech,” Kennedy said while hunting around the bedroom for her sandals.

“Blake and Jessie are there with the kids,” Zach replied from the suite’s living room. “We’ll see them soon enough.”

She joined him, sexy shoes in hand. “Do you think Michael’s told the rest of his family about our engagement?”

“He promised he wouldn’t, but after today who knows what he’ll do?” Zach said, his left elbow on the bar and a glass in his right hand.

“I think you carried the doting fiancé thing a bit too far,” she griped as she finished strapping on her shoes. Throughout the Biltmore tour, Zach’s close proximity, slight nuances, and casual touches were like electrical charges to her sex-starved hormones. It had been like the first months of their relationship. Free. Playful. He’d been sexually magnetic and tantalized her with naughty promises to bring her to the brink of insanity.

And like the proverbial sacrifice preparing for the altar of her release, Kennedy had purchased just the items to carry out his suggestions—a demi bra trimmed with lace with a matching silk thong and thigh high shimmering stockings, covering them with a figure-revealing dress.

“As long as your parents are floating around the Caribbean and playing shuffleboard, he won’t spill,” Zach assured her.

“They’re due to dock at Fort Lauderdale tomorrow.”

“Then you’ll call them first thing in the morning, explain the situation, and you know they’ll understand.”

“I’m just being a worry wart,” Kennedy said. “I can’t wait to talk to them, and make sure they’re okay about this crazy idea.”

He walked toward her. “It’s not all crazy. At least we’re friends now.”

“That’s true.” But oh how a part of her wished for so much more. “Friends with temporary benefits.”

“The best kind,” Zach said.

Her heart slammed into her breastbone. Zach decked out in a tuxedo had always succeeded in making her mentally drool. Tonight was no different. The cut of his coat hugged his broad shoulders and accentuated his magnificent body to perfection. He emanated strength. A strength he’d wrapped around her when he’d scorched her, branded her with his mouth and intoxicated her with his soul searing kisses.

A strength she’d missed.

He was the most breathtaking man she’d ever encountered. Elegant. Refined. And still devastatingly sexy.

She moistened her lips with her tongue. “We should hurry. Michael’s speech starts in half an hour and I want to get to the ballroom early to give him moral support.”

“We’ll get there with time to spare.” He moved toward her and placed his hand on the small of her bare back. “I can’t wait to undress you and discover what you’re hiding underneath
.
”

She flushed from the top of her head to the bottom of her toes. Every freckle on her skin felt burnished to a hot bronzed sheen. Her throat was as tight as a steel cable.

She swallowed. “Regret stalling?” she asked.

“I never regret delaying pleasure.” He escorted her to the elevator and guided her with possessive ease, never letting her stray from the heat of his hand on her skin. “It heightens the release.”

A shiver shimmied along her spine. Anticipation jangled with the nerves he’d brought to high alert with his sensual promises. She stepped inside the elevator and pushed the conference floor button. “That remains to be seen,” she said. Though she’d no doubt that Zach would deliver exactly what she craved.

He drew her closer and caressed the curve of her waist. “I can’t wait to demonstrate.”

She stared through the glass panes as the elevator cruised down to their floor, unable to speak for fear of betraying her heightened sensual tension. Or giving her heart free rein. Moments later, they arrived at the main ballroom, and she spotted her cousin Caleb near the stage talking to Hannah.

“What’s Caleb doing here?” she asked nervously.

Zach smiled. “Matchmaker Michael must have set them up.”

“Hannah doesn’t look too happy about it,” Kennedy said. “I wish he’d quit meddling in everyone’s lives.”

“You just wish he would have kept out of ours,” Zach said.

She heard a hint of hurt in his rough tone. “I’m worried Caleb will tell Michael the truth,” she said. “He heard us fighting back at Sweetbriar Springs, remember?”

“Relax,” Zach said. “Caleb’s a Marine. He won’t spill under any circumstance.”

Worry crept into the base of her neck. “I’m double checking just in case.”

“After I order our drinks, we’ll talk to him.” Zach steered her toward the cash bar, then gave a generous tip for her chardonnay and his scotch.

“I didn’t know you were coming,” she said after they’d joined Caleb at the table.

Caleb nodded his sheared head. “Michael thought I’d like to hear his speech.”

She heard a hint of amusement underscoring his voice. “That’s nice, but who’s running the renovation?” she asked.

He gave her a mock stare of shock. “What? We’re supposed to work weekends while you and your
fiancé
fritz around Asheville like lovesick idiots?” he asked. “What happened to the takeover?”

“There wasn’t ever a takeover. Zach planned to surprise me with it as a wedding present.” She punched his arm. “And we’re not idiots.” But they were foolish enough to fake an engagement in Gossip Central, North Carolina.

“So that’s why you rushed out of the resort looking like you were ready to kill Zach, not marry him?” Caleb asked.

“It was all a misunderstanding.” Zach tightened his grip on her shoulders. “We’re cool now.”

“Good to hear.” Caleb tipped his index finger to his forehead and saluted Michael, who sat in his wheelchair at the corner of the stage. “Michael’s happy. That’s all that matters, right?”

“Exactly,” Kennedy said.

She caught a secret look passing between Caleb and Michael. Suspicion raised the hairs on the back of her neck, but before she could call him on it, Hannah slid into the chair next to Caleb. And minutes later, the director of the local ALS Association introduced Michael as the evening’s guest speaker.

Kennedy’s vision blurred when Michael rolled toward the podium in his motorized, custom-built wheelchair. They all turned their attention to the stage. The spotlight focused on her friend. Zach reached for her hand and laced his fingers through hers. Blinking back the threat of waterworks, she held onto him and listened to her dear friend’s slow, careful enunciation.

After he thanked the audience for attending his fundraiser, Michael said, “When I was first diagnosed with ALS I felt completely alone. But in the days that have followed, I’ve realized how deeply supported I am by my family, my friends, and my community. Yes, it sucks to know that one day I will completely lose my ability to walk and talk. And I won’t lie. I miss doing simple things like tying my shoes or going for a long swim in Sweetbriar Lake. But know this: ALS will never define me. Who I am and what I make of the time I have left will define me.”

Her friend, once so strong and capable, may have been stricken by a horrible illness, but nothing could rob him of his spirit. It took everything in her not to cry in front of him as she had promised. Swallowing hard, she clung to Zach for support. He clasped her hand and increased the pressure.

Her throat tightened. A new gauntness made Michael’s handsome features more pronounced in his face, but his expression lit with humor even as he fought to string together his thoughts for the audience. His voice might have been impaired, and his inability to move his once famous swimming legs sliced Kennedy’s soul, but his determination reignited her belief that good things could emerge from bad if she had faith.

She caught sight of Zach’s profile. The lights and shadows accentuated his rigid control over his emotions. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed, and when he blinked, moisture glistened on his thick lashes.

A band wrapped around her lungs, squeezing painfully, making each breath a struggle. To see the vulnerability behind the commanding and authoritative mask Zach presented to the world, even to her, chipped her icy resolve to keep her heart guarded. Oh, how she longed to give him the comfort he craved.

But that comfort would be short-lived. A fleeting moment not intended for a lifetime of undergirding each other through the bad times and celebrating joy when life crested over wonderful peaks.