Unforgettable, page 12
“That’s what you think it will come down to?”
“Looks that way to me.” Gavin averted his gaze.
He felt as if he was lying to the one man who was more like a brother than a friend…and he didn’t like it one bit. As if he was going behind Wesley’s back because he hadn’t come right out and told him what was on his mind. Gavin knew that he wasn’t ready to tell what Wesley certainly wasn’t ready to hear.
Wesley punched Gavin playfully on the arm. “Has Kyle put a crimp in your love life? That would explain you’re less than pleasant mood, my man.”
Gavin didn’t miss the women he normally dated because they no longer held the appeal they once had. He’d done without for nearly a year. Sex for sex’s sake had lost its appeal. There was no true satisfaction, only a lingering emptiness deep inside, as if something vital was missing. He hadn’t even been tempted, until recently.
“Not that it’s any of your damn business but I’m not seeing anyone special.”
“What about Carol that you took out with us?” Wesley grinned.
“What she liked was my income. Thanks, but no thanks.”
The single reason he had taken her out was to get his mind off Anna. It hadn’t worked. What he couldn’t understand was why Anna had her defenses so firmly in place. Did it have anything to do with the fact she knew the men in her family were so protective that she feared no man could meet their exacting standards? Or was she interested in someone else? But she had denied that time and time again. What was he to think?
Gavin and Anna had been friends for a long time. Perhaps the huge gap between friends and lovers caused her hesitation. Whatever her reason, Gavin sure as hell couldn’t tell Wesley. If a man wanted her, he had better be offering marriage. Nothing less was going to fly with the Prescott men.
Unfortunately, Wesley knew that Gavin had decided a long time ago that marriage was not for him. Gavin would rather remain single for the rest of his days than to hurt any woman the way his father had hurt his mother, or a child the way his father had hurt both his sons. No one deserved that kind of pain.
Gavin knew he wasn’t like his father. He’d worked hard to ensure it. Yet there had to be a reason that he had never even come close to falling in love. He preferred experienced women. Nothing serious. That way no one got hurt and he could look at himself in the mirror in the morning.
“Why doesn’t that surprise me? What you need is to stop playing around and look for what I have with Kelli. When the Prescott men marry, they stay married. Look how long my folks have been together.”
“You had a great example while growing up. I never had that. Besides, I like my freedom. I don’t want someone trying to control my life and finances.”
Before Gavin could walk through the locker room door, Wesley placed a restraining hand on his shoulder. “It’s not about control. It’s about love and sharing.”
“Yeah? How am I going to do that when you got the last good one?”
“Excuses won’t work. If you think you’re like your father, you’re wrong. He isn’t a quarter of the man that you’ve become,” Wesley said seriously as he went inside the locker room.
Deep in thought, Gavin didn’t follow for a moment. Although he hadn’t said it, he was touched by the compliment coming from a man he respected and loved as a brother. Was Wesley right? Was he comparing himself to his father? He certainly didn’t plan to repeat his old man’s mistakes. He’d decided early on not to marry, unwilling to risk becoming less than an exceptional husband and father. Too bad life didn’t offer any guarantees.
Just then, he recalled the way Anna had looked curled up on the couch the night he’d come home early. Her skin looked as soft and creamy as the peach silk she wore. He didn’t need to be told that she was the kind of woman who would want more than he was able to give. Yet that knowledge didn’t change the fact that he ached every minute of every day to be inside of her.
Nor did the knowledge that she would want more stop his heart from pounding with need whenever he looked at her. Nothing worked. Nothing altered the way blood hardened his shaft whenever she was within touching distance.
For the first time in memory he had lost control of his head and taken Anna into his arms. At least he was no longer driving himself nuts wondering about her taste…he knew the tantalizing flavor of her mouth. Unfortunately, it had left him hungry for more. He wouldn’t be appeased until he had sampled every sweet inch of her shapely body.
Since that moment of weakness she had avoided him. His mouth tightened. She might not have anything to say about what they shared, but he had plenty.
Gavin discreetly watched Anna as she passed a serving dish to Kyle. She’d been teasing the boy about the amount of food he could put away and never seem to gain an ounce.
“He’s still growing.” Gavin added, “I wouldn’t be surprised if he tops me one day by a couple of inches.”
Kyle flashed a quick grin. “You really think so?”
“I don’t see why not. You’re taller than Anna already. Now, you’ll have to go some to outweigh me, bro.”
Anna laughed. “I’m beginning to feel downright short.”
Kyle was clearly pleased by the comment.
Gavin grinned. He liked Kyle’s smile. It was the first he’d seen on his brother’s face. And he knew he had Anna to thank. Her presence added a normalcy that he found refreshing.
As yet he hadn’t managed to have a private word with her, but she’d stayed for dinner tonight. He had no idea why, yet she seemed more relaxed this evening. Something had happened. Her eyes sparkled with humor, and he suspected she was wearing one of her new outfits. The slacks and pretty sweater gently followed the curves of her shapely figure.
When he’d invited her to lunch she’d said she had an appointment, but it was clear to him that she’d rather drink poison than spend time alone with him. He didn’t plan to waste time or energy wondering why she had changed her mind but he was grateful for it.
He’d done his best not to pressure her. He’d been surprised and appreciative when he invited her to stay for dinner and she consented. Gavin wasn’t about to question his good fortune. She’d let him know that he’d overstepped the imaginary line she placed around herself when he kissed her and again when he’d asked her out. Although disappointed, he planned to try not to force the issue.
“Another great dinner, Anna. Right, Kyle?”
“Right.”
“Thanks, gentlemen.” She began collecting the dishes.
“Hold it. That’s Kyle’s job.”
Kyle surprised him by asking, “When do you get a turn?”
“Me?”
“Yes…you,” Anna jumped in.
Gavin chuckled. “You two ganging up on me?”
“Why not? Kyle’s been doing better in English, keeping his room clean and helping out.” Leaning over, she playfully pulled Kyle’s ear.
“True,” Gavin hedged as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Okay. I’ll do them for one week, if you beat me at air hockey.”
“That’s a great idea.” She clapped her hands. “My money is on Kyle.”
The boy’s eyes were twinkling. “Okay. I’m game.”
Gavin wasn’t about to argue. He was thrilled by the happiness in his brother’s face. “Let’s go.” He pushed back his chair. He glanced back at Anna. “You coming?”
“Someone has to keep you two honest.” She draped an arm over Kyle’s slim shoulders. “Isn’t that right?”
“Yeah. He might cheat.” Kyle laughed as the three of them headed for the game room.
The room was equipped with a pool table, air hockey game, and Ping Pong table, as well as a shuffle board and a chess board, plus pinball and slot machines. Gavin found his quick reflexes helped, but he couldn’t stop Kyle’s youthful enthusiasm. Kyle whipped him two out of three games.
“I don’t believe it,” Gavin groaned, not the least bit put out. He was so relieved to see Kyle relaxed and enjoying himself for a change that losing a hundred games would be worth it.
“Believe it. You lost,” Anna teased.
“That’s right. Get to work. That kitchen has to be spotless before you can leave,” Kyle instructed with a big grin on his face.
“Congratulations,” Gavin gave his brother a rough hug. “You’re the man.”
Kyle was all smiles. “I think I’ll go watch some TV while you get to work.”
“Yeah, right,” Gavin grumbled for good measure as he followed Anna down the main hall to the kitchen. His mind wasn’t on the task at hand, but on the seductive sway of her shapely hips.
She was such a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She didn’t need the makeup. She was downright sexy with her incredibly long legs and tempting smiles. Why had she been hiding her beauty all these years? More important, why hadn’t he noticed?
When they were out of earshot in the kitchen, Anna beamed. “Did you see those smiles?”
Gavin grinned. “It was great to see him happy. It’s about time.” He walked to the table and began collecting dishes.
“I don’t know if you planned to lose or if it just happened, but I’m so glad.” She surprised them both when she came over to him and brushed her lips against his. It was such a light touch that for an instant he wondered if he’d imagined it.
“So was I,” he said casually, determined to conceal his delight. He had no idea why she’d kissed him, but he wasn’t about to offer a single complaint. He asked as he placed the serving bowls on the counter. “Got to go?”
She shook her head. “But I should.” She gathered her things, a soft smile on her face. “See you in the morning.”
Gavin had to bite his tongue to keep from calling her back, determined not to pressure her.
Two weeks later, Gavin was stretched out on a bench lifting weights in his home gym when Anna walked into the room. She waited until he placed the three-hundred-and-ten-pound weight on the bar holder above his head before she said, “Do you have a moment?”
He sat up, grabbing a towel to wipe perspiration from his face and upper body. “For you, I’ve got two. What’s up?”
“Has Kyle told you that he’d like to invite my brother Wayne over during the week, after school?”
“Nope. He hasn’t mentioned it. Are the boys friends?” Gavin noted the way she quickly looked away from his bare chest and muscular legs.
“Getting that way. It started with them doing their homework together on Sundays. Wayne helped Kyle out in English and Kyle has helped Wayne in math. Kyle wanted to ask Wayne to stay over, but he wasn’t sure you’d agree.”
“Why would I mind? Kyle spends too much time as it is alone in his room. In fact, I’ve been considering taking the television out of his room. He claims he can’t sleep if the thing isn’t on. Why didn’t he ask me?”
“He’s reluctant to ask in case you say no.”
Gavin absently smoothed his mustache. “I don’t like it that he feels he can’t come to me. Anna, I’m trying. I don’t want my brother to be afraid of me.”
“I know you don’t,” she said softly. “But he still needs time to really get to know you and your moods.”
“All right.” He caught her hand. “You’ve been looking awfully pretty these days.” His gaze slowly moved over her lush curves.
“Thank you. Excuse me…”
He didn’t release her hand when she tugged. “Kyle isn’t the only one reluctant to be near me. Ever since that kiss, you practically run when you see me coming. If you’d like an apology, I’ll give you one. Is that what you want?”
Anna’s chin shot up a notch. “I never asked for an apology.”
He searched her eyes before he said, “I hope you’re saying nothing happened between us that we both didn’t want to happen. Sweetheart, we both know that I want you. But it takes two.” He gently rubbed his thumb over the back of her soft hand.
“Why are you saying these things?”
He tugged her hand, drawing her off-balance. She landed across his splayed hard-muscled thighs. He dropped his head until they were practically nose to nose. “It needs to be said. I don’t want you to have any doubts where I’m concerned.”
He vowed every single day not to pressure her but the instant he saw her, the hunger started all over again. Didn’t he have enough on his mind without having to contend with feeling guilty because he ached to make love to his best friend’s baby sister? No matter what he told himself, he yearned to discover all her feminine secrets.
“What about Natasha?” Anna said in a whisper.
“What about her? There’s nothing going on between us. She’s an old friend and a business associate. Natasha works with high school students who need the scholarship program we provide through the foundation.”
“She didn’t act like she was just a friend, when I met her.”
“We dated a few times more than a year ago. And it’s been over for a long time.”
“And the others?”
“What others?”
She forced herself to say, “I heard a woman in the background when I called about Kyle. Was she just a friend also?”
“Who?”
“How should I know?”
“Sweetheart, I was in one of our stores. There are women who work for us. But I’m not involved with anyone. Is that what you thought? That I wanted to add you to some list?”
She glared at him. “I am not interested in being your latest toy.”
“No, Anna. You have it wrong. First of all, I would never treat any woman like a toy. Second, I’ve been celibate for nearly a year. I was so tired of the games, and sick of not knowing what the women I dated really wanted. Believe me, the attraction was not me, but what they assumed came with being my lady.”
He pressed her hand against his bare chest. “Anna, I want you…only you. Feel my heart racing. It happens every time you enter a room. It’s nothing I planned.”
Anna studied his dark eyes for a long moment before she released a whimper as she pressed her lips to the base of his throat. She breathed deeply, filling her lungs with his scent.
He groaned low in his throat at the sweetness of the caress. All the reasons that he should not be holding her like this suddenly didn’t matter. He dropped his head, pressing tender kisses from her forehead down to her beautiful throat and then he covered her mouth with his own.
“Oh, Anna…” Gavin groaned as he kissed her again.
He followed the outline of her lips with the tip of his tongue. When her body melted against his, he gathered her even closer, pressing her lush breasts into the hard wall of his deep chest. When she parted her lips, offering even more, he sponged her bottom lip with his tongue, only to take it into his mouth to suckle.
Anna shivered as Gavin slid his tongue into her mouth. Eventually the need to breathe forced them to part. As she stared up at him, his heart pounded with excitement.
He smoothed a thumb over her kiss-swollen lips. “Do you still doubt that I want you?”
“No.” She blushed.
As close as they were, she had to feel his sex, heavy with need. He longed to caress her soft length, discover all her sweet secrets.
“Good.” He smiled, pressing a kiss on her throat, close to her ear. When she trembled, he smiled. “The question is, how badly do you want me?”
Her eyes went wide, but she remained silent as she searched his dark eyes.
“Are you ready to be honest with me? To tell me the reason you turned me down when I asked you out?” The ringing telephone didn’t prompt him to make a move to answer it.
“You know the reason. Natasha and the others.”
“And the reason for the makeup and hair?”
Anna eased away and rose to her feet. Rather than answer that question, she asked one of her own. “What about it?”
“That’s not an answer.” He surged to his feet.
She smiled. “At the moment, it’s all I’m prepared to say.”
He grinned. “Maybe I can persuade you to—”
“Gavin, telephone,” Kyle said as he walked into the exercise room.
“Thanks.”
While Gavin went to the extension mounted on the wall, Anna turned to leave, intending to give him privacy. It would also give her an opportunity to sort out how she felt about what had just happened and what had been said. He wasn’t involved with anyone else. It was up to her. Was she ready to take the next step? Ready to be honest about her feelings for him?
Kyle was right behind her. “Did you ask him? What did he say?”
“I asked him.” She smiled. “Now it’s your turn.”
“What?”
“Gavin said you’re the one who has to do the asking.” She patted his arm reassuringly. “Don’t worry. He’ll probably say yes.”
Kyle didn’t look convinced.
“Go on,” she urged. “Ask him as soon as he gets off the telephone. See you guys in the morning.”
Kyle caught her hand, stopping her. “Will you stay until I ask?”
“You don’t need me. This you can handle on your own.” She kissed his cheek. “See you in the morning. Good luck.”
11
Anna had just hung up the telephone when it rang again. Assuming it was her mother calling her back, rather than saying hello, she said, “I told you I didn’t mind doing the cranberry bread. It will be a treat, especially with all the other fixings.”
“Sounds great to me. How are you?”
That deep baritone voice didn’t belong to her mother. “Gavin?”
“Yes, darlin’.”
She was glad he couldn’t see that she was grinning like crazy. She made herself ask, “Is something wrong?”
“Not a thing. Are you busy?”
“No. I just got off the phone with my mother. We were planning the Thanksgiving dinner. You and Kyle are invited.”
“Good. Can’t wait. You got your cooking talent from that sweet mother of yours, and your soft voice. On her it’s decidedly Southern, on you it’s downright sexy.”
