Page 53 of Landry
“So bloody bring them. I want to see you.”
“For sex?” she taunted.
“Kathy-”
“Give me half an hour.”
Hanging up, he sat there drumming his fingers on the wheel. So, he had feelings for her; it wasn't just the spectacular sex. When he heard she was in danger, he felt the tightness inside his chest and the urge to run to her rescue. This wouldn't do. His sister was already involved with one member of the family, and they were very happy. Kathy Crenshaw was a whole different kettle of fish. She was spoiled, entitled, and accustomed to having her own way. She was also a damn heiress. He wasn't too shabby in the finance department himself, but his bank account would appear paltry compared to hers. Lifting a hand, he rubbed the back of his neck and wondered what the hell to do.
***
“That went well, I think.” His voice was amused and indulgent at the same time. “I don't think she hates me half as much as she did when she first walked into the room.”
They were safely tucked inside his apartment after they had both decided to call it a day and not go back to their offices. Linking his arms around her waist, he drew her back against him and felt the pleasure blossoming. He wondered if he would ever get usedto the idea of having her in his arms. For years, he had thought it was all over for him.
“Are you kidding?” Tilting her head back, she laughed up at him. “She was practically eating out of your hand by the time we finished lunch.”
“Your brother disappeared.”
“I think it had something to do with the hospital.”
He turned her to face him, his face sober. “I want them to like me. I knew I messed up before-”
“Through no fault of yours,” she reminded him swiftly, hating to see the look of guilt on his handsome face.
“Nevertheless-” He lifted a hand to cup her cheek. “Am I forgiven, darling? Truly?”
“Don't piss me off by asking me such a stupid question.”
His grin flashed. “All right. Point taken.” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “I've asked Leonora to stop by. She has some ideas.”
“We have to include your mother and mine as well as your sister.”
He winced at that. “I'm going to ask to be excused from all of that planning.”
“You were the one who wanted to get married in a week.”
“Too soon?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I cannot wait to be your wife.”
Emotions stormed through him and left him weak. “I adore you,” he whispered hoarsely.
“Show me,” she demanded.
***
He was pacing the living room floor when she walked in.
His heart slammed inside his chest, and he had to forcibly restrain himself from rushing over and hauling her into his arms. “You're fifteen minutes late,” he said instead.
Quelling the urge to walk into his arms, Kathy shrugged out of her jacket and draped the cashmere carelessly over the single sofa. He had lit a fire, which gave the room a cozy warmth. “I had to do some tap dancing with the parents. They're intent on keeping me close. Well? I'm here.”
“Cut the crap.” He was dangerously close to having a slow boil. “Just cut it out. You're in danger.”
“Yes.”
“From some asshole your mother was involved with.”
