Unforgettable, page 9
“If you expect an apology, I can’t give you one.” He sighed heavily. “I’m not sorry. I did what I’ve wanted to do for some time.”
Anna shook her head as she recalled the woman’s voice she’d heard in the background when she called him yesterday. Was she yet another woman wanting his attention? And what about the woman Kelli mentioned? And she couldn’t forget the lovely Natasha Baker. Anna was not prepared to have her name added to the long list of eager females vying for his attention.
She said tightly, “Excuse me. I have to get my things together. I’m due at home in less than an hour.”
“Anna? Do you have to leave now? We should talk.”
“I do. And there is nothing to talk about. Let’s both forget this ever happened.”
She nearly ran out of the room. The crazy thing was, he’d done exactly what she’d been longing for him to do. But it had been a colossal mistake. How could she want his kisses, especially when she knew he wasn’t likely to ever settle for one woman? No thanks!
Suddenly furious with herself and him, she increased her pace. She was out of breath when she reached the guest bedroom. No way she was interested in sharing any man, even one as attractive as Gavin Mathis. She’d been a fool to welcome his kiss. Never again.
She was relieved that she didn’t run into him on her way out. By the time she arrived home, she’d nearly convinced herself that his kiss was nothing more than a thank you for helping him out.
“Girl, what is your problem?” Janet whispered. “The serving tables are filled with delectable dishes while flowing champagne tinkles from the fountain. Except for the wedding cake waiting to be cut, everything is ready. The bride and groom are pleased, and the guests seem happy. Why are you standing here scowling?”
Anna released a sigh. “I’m just a little tired.”
“Uh-huh. Keep your secrets, see if I care. I can find a hundred things that need to be done. Excuse me…”
Anna caught Janet’s hand, whispering, “I’m not trying to keep secrets. I just don’t know how I’m feeling.”
“Tell me what happened to upset you.”
“Gavin kissed me. I didn’t expect it, and now I don’t know what I should do about it. Janet, the man has women all over the city chasing him.”
Janet blinked twice before saying, “I have one question. Did you kiss him back?”
“Janet!”
“Simple question. Simple answer.”
Anna nodded, unable to hide the truth.
“Then you don’t have a problem.”
“How can you say that?” Anna demanded, and then blushed because she realized she’d raised her voice.
“Easy. Nothing happened you didn’t want to happen.” Before Janet could say more, Krista motioned for them. “Come on, we need to help Krista and Lori refill those side dishes. They’re going faster than I expected. I hope we have enough food.”
They didn’t have a free moment until hours later when the four of them returned to Anna’s house. Once her kitchen was clean, the women sat down for a much needed cup of hot tea.
“Today wasn’t much of a day off, at least for you.” Krista smiled at Anna.
“I survived.” Anna smiled. “Congratulations, ladies. Everything went well tonight. Janet, that wedding cake was out of this world.”
“It sure was,” their new assistant, Lori Fleming, added.
“Thanks, you all. And I think Krista is right. We’d better get out of here and let Anna get some rest. You have to work tomorrow, don’t you?” Janet asked as she stretched tired muscles.
“Not really. Since Gavin has a game tomorrow, I’ll pick Kyle up for church and take him with me to my folks for dinner.”
“Good work if you can get it,” Krista teased. “I will see you ladies on Monday. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”
“I should be going too.” Lori rose to her feet.
“You were both a great help. Thanks.” Anna waved as they went out the back door.
Janet began collecting their teacups to rinse and put in the dishwasher.
Anna asked, “You have to go?”
“Carl is expecting me, but if you need to talk I can stay a few minutes,” Janet offered.
“No, I don’t need a babysitter. First I’m going to take a hot bath, and then I’m going to bed. I didn’t sleep well last night.”
“I can stay.”
“No need. I’m fine, really.”
“Okay, then.” Janet collected her tote bag and coat. “’Bye.” She let herself out the back door.
After locking up, Anna went into her bedroom, her private sanctuary. The velvet, dark raspberry comforter and pillow shams on her queen-size bed were trimmed in pale-pink cording and the hardwood floor was covered in a thick, floral rug on a cream background.
Anna had a tough time relaxing, even after a soothing bubble bath. Her head was full of thoughts of Gavin. Why had he kissed her? It had come out of nowhere.
What had brought on the change? Certainly she hadn’t said or done anything to make him think she’d welcome his kisses. Or had she?
There was no denying, she had seen it coming. He hadn’t rushed the kiss. His movements had been slow, even deliberate. She moaned unhappily, recognizing that she shared some of the blame. She’d welcomed that kiss. Before her common sense had kicked in, she’d been caught up in the heat and sheer pleasure of the kiss. She hadn’t wanted it to end.
Anna covered her face with her hands as she let out a sad little moan. It all boiled down to one single fact. She had no business responding to his kiss. What had happened to her brain? She knew he was involved with other women. Stupid, stupid. She had no one else to blame. With her luck she was bound to fall flat on her face the instant he showed up with any one of the women who followed him around like sheep. Where was her pride?
It was best if she did exactly what she’d asked him to do…forget it ever happened.
“Why didn’t you tell me that you and Wayne are in some of the same classes?” Anna asked Kyle the next evening as she drove away from her parents’ home.
“Didn’t matter.” Kyle shrugged. “We only see each other at school.”
“But you’ve been coming with me on Sundays whenever Gavin has a game.”
“What’s the big deal? It’s not like we’re friends.”
Anna said no more. She was just glad dinner had gone well, despite the fact Kyle never said much. For once the boy wasn’t so guarded, even managing to laugh at one of her father’s corny jokes. He certainly enjoyed the meal, judging by the amount of food he put away, and he seemed to take Ralph’s good-natured teasing in stride.
She had been pleasantly surprised when Kyle accepted Wayne’s invitation to go to his room to listen to a new CD and play a video game. The boys had been gone so long that she had been forced to call him and let him know it was time she got him back home. Both boys had school in the morning.
Anna had anxiously waited to see if Gavin might stop by after the game, especially since Wesley had come by to eat and visit. Of course Kelli and the baby were already there. Perhaps Gavin had a date? She’d never know for sure because she was not about to ask Wesley, who was bound to know Gavin’s plans.
Gavin had scored the last touchdown with less than a minute to go. The Lions had won the game. Even Kyle seemed pleased by his big brother’s success.
“Did you know Wayne does well in English but has problems in math?”
Kyle looked surprised. “I thought a kid like him would do well in everything.”
“What do you mean ‘a kid like him’?”
“You know. He’s always had a mother and a father…a real family.”
“Everyone has problems.” Suddenly she had an idea. “Since you’re so good in math, how do you feel about tutoring Wayne? In exchange he can help you out with English. What do you think?”
“Don’t know.” Kyle was thoughtful for a time before he asked, “Do you think he would want to help me?”
“I can ask him. This would be a two-way deal. Are you willing to help him?”
“Sure.”
“Good. I’ll talk to Wayne and let you know what he says.”
“Your folks won’t mind?”
“Why should they? As long as you two spend time studying and not goofing off, I don’t see why they would.”
“What about Gavin?”
“You’re going to have to ask him.” She turned into Gavin’s drive, stopped at the gates to punch in the security code before she followed the curve to the right. She slowed to a stop at the side of the house. She spotted Gavin’s Lincoln Navigator parked in front of the garage. The outside lamps had been turned on.
“Looks like Gavin’s home,” Kyle said as he unfastened his seat belt. When she made no move to get out of the car, he asked, “You coming in?”
“Not tonight. It’s late. I’ll see you in the morning. Congratulate your brother on the win for me.”
“Okay. Bye.” Kyle shoved his hands into his pockets as he made his way to the side door.
“Good night,” she called, but waited until Kyle had gone inside before she turned the car around and headed home, calling herself every kind of coward she could think of.
Anna felt as if she had her emotions under control as she let herself into Gavin’s house on Monday. This morning was no different from any other, she assured herself as she put her things away. She tied a floral bib apron around her waist before she scrubbed her hands and nails with a small brush. After filling the coffee maker, she assembled and measured the ingredients for waffles. She quickly had the batter ready to go. Using the juicer she made a morning energizer by juicing fresh oranges, pink grapefruit, carrots, and a touch of ginger root.
Some twenty minutes later, Gavin said, “Good morning. Something smells good.” He smiled as he walked up behind where she was working at the center island.
“Good morning,” she said as she removed another batch of waffles from the waffle iron. When he leaned down to kiss her cheek, she stepped out of reach before he could make contact. She tried not to notice how nice he looked or how good he smelled.
“Everything is ready. Have a seat.” She set a full plate in front of him at the breakfast bar.
“What’s wrong?” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“Nothing. Your breakfast is getting cold.”
“You’re angry.”
“Hi,” Kyle said as he came into the room. He took the pitcher out of the refrigerator and filled both his and Gavin’s glasses before taking his seat.
Anna smiled at him. “Morning. Did you sleep well?”
Kyle grinned sheepishly. “Yeah.”
Gavin moved to fill the coffee mugs before taking the tall chair beside Kyle. It was then he noticed only two place settings. “You’re not joining us?”
“No, I’ve already eaten.” She busied herself with filling Kyle’s plate.
“Looks good.” Gavin smiled at her.
“Thanks.” Grabbing a carton of milk from the refrigerator, she poured Kyle a glass. “Kyle, did you finish all your schoolwork?”
“Yeah.” He glanced at his brother. “He’s going with me to talk to Mrs. Winston.”
“Good.” Anna turned away from Gavin’s searching gaze to begin filling the sink with hot sudsy water.
There was so much tension in the room, or at least it felt that way to Anna. She was relieved when first Vanessa, Gavin’s secretary, and then a few minutes later Gretchen, Gavin’s assistant, arrived. Yet she couldn’t seem to breathe until Gavin left with Kyle.
She’d clearly made a fool of herself. If she couldn’t face him, why hadn’t she called in sick? What was she afraid of? All he’d done was kiss her. If she didn’t want his kisses, all she had to do was tell him. Gavin wasn’t the type to take advantage of women. He didn’t need to, considering the women chasing after him.
What was with him anyway? Had he been trying to smooth things over? Or had he been trying to pretend nothing had happened on Saturday morning? Pretending seemed like a pretty good idea to her. It was what she’d been trying to do. She would much rather do that than deal with her own alarming awareness of him.
She sat down at the desk and turned on her laptop. It didn’t take long before she found she couldn’t do that either. She couldn’t concentrate. Frustrated, she reached for the telephone even though it was only just after eight. Her feet tapped against the flooring as she waited for the telephone to be picked up on the other end.
“Prescott residence.”
“Morning, sis. You busy?”
“Hi, Anna. I like it when you call me that.” Kelli, her brother’s wife, laughed. “No, I’m not busy. Who can sleep with a baby in the house? What’s up?”
“Can I stop by? I need to talk.”
“Sure. You can help with the laundry.”
“I’m on my way.”
Gavin was relieved that the interview with Kyle’s teacher and the principal had gone so well. Most importantly Kyle seemed to fully grasp the gravity of the situation. The boy wasn’t pleased to be the center of so much attention.
There was no denying that Gavin had been scared when he learned that his little brother was essentially on the streets for three days. It was clear the boy was used to solving his own problems. It infuriated Gavin that Kyle had had no one he could depend on for most of his young life.
It was good Gavin hadn’t run into George in the past few days because he doubted he could stop himself from going after the bastard with his fists. What kind of life was that for a kid? Growing up with no security, no one he could trust? Kyle deserved better. And it was up to him to make sure that his brother got what he needed, with or without their father’s cooperation.
He’d been late for practice but that couldn’t be helped. By the time he headed back home, it was early afternoon. During the meeting with the principal and Mrs. Winston, Gavin wished Anna had been with him. He could have used her support. Judging by the way she had moved away from him that morning, she didn’t want him anywhere near her. If that was the case, it was time she told him to his face.
He had a little over an hour and half before he needed to pick up Kyle. Time enough for that long-awaited talk with Anna. His brow immediately creased as he noticed the cars parked in the drive. Everyone’s but Anna’s.
“Where is Anna?” he said to his assistant as he walked into the drawing room that had cleverly been converted into an office.
Gretchen glanced up from the computer screen. “She had to go out but will be back in time to prepare dinner. She left a tray in the refrigerator if you’re hungry. Anything I can do for you?”
He shook his head. Rather than tackle the paperwork waiting on his desk, he turned toward the stairs.
“Mr. Mathis,” Vanessa called. She’d been at her desk on the telephone when Gavin came in. “You had a call from your lawyer. Paul wants to discuss the changes you want to make in the foundation’s scholarship program. There was another call from Carl Johnson. He left his cell phone number, and there was also a call from Dexter Washington, the director of the Malcolm X Community Center. They want to schedule a football clinic in April with you and Wesley.”
“Anything else?”
“That’s it.”
“Thanks, Vanessa. Leave the messages on my desk.” Gavin continued on upstairs to his rooms.
Anna knew he wanted to talk to her. What the hell kind of game was she playing with him? Then he stopped suddenly. Game? What was he thinking? That was not her way. She didn’t play games with anyone.
She’d agreed to be his personal chef, not his lady. He was the one in the wrong. He had no business letting his erection do his thinking for him. He had no idea how it had happened. All he knew was that the more he was around her, the more intrigued he became by the woman rather than what she placed on his table each day.
To make matters worse, he’d started dreaming about her. Images of her soft and curvy beneath him filled his dreams night after night. Anna was family, just as much a part of his life as Wesley and their folks, Devin, Ralph, and Wayne. Gavin didn’t need to be told that his best friend and business partner would come after him with both fists swinging if he had any inkling of the erotic fantasies Gavin entertained about his baby sister day in and day out.
Gavin had been fighting this need to taste her full lips for weeks now. If he was brutally honest with himself, he’d admit that he wanted more than one taste. He ached for the woman.
The other day he’d been so damn needy when he had taken her into his arms that he’d lost it. Before he knew what hit him, he’d been captivated by the luscious shape of her lips. His control shattered the instant she’d parted her lips and made no effort to push him away. He’d been aroused from the moment he’d touched her and had known he couldn’t wait to sample her incredible sweetness.
He groaned, recalling that one sip from her lips and he was powerless to stop himself from tightening his hold until her curves rested against him. Her breasts had been unbelievably soft, her nipples hard against his chest. He wanted…oh how he wanted to taste every inch of her. And those beautiful long legs of hers…all he could think about was imagining them locked around his waist. Before he realized what was happening, he had deepened that kiss, craving more…so much more.
That one incomparable kiss had changed everything between them. It had certainly allowed him to know what he’d been missing. He’d been paying for it every day since.
Gavin didn’t need to look into her eyes to know he’d shocked her, possibly frightened her. Hell, she’d jumped a foot when he attempted to kiss her nape and cheek. Why was she acting like a virgin? He knew Anna had dated all through college and after.
“Where is she?” he grumbled to himself as he chanced into exercise clothes.
They needed to talk privately and soon. Maybe he needed to back off, leave well enough alone? If she wasn’t interested in more than friendship, who was he to force the issue? Anna was Wesley’s baby sister, after all. Yet, he couldn’t forget her sweet responses. She felt so good in his arms.
8
