He cut off the thought and forced the words out. "I have a date tonight."
She stiffened. Then nodded. "That's good. Who with?"
"Tammy. I spoke with her on the phone a few times. Seems nice. Different from the others--a bit older and seems to hold similar philosophies."
Slade ached for her to meet his gaze, but she ducked her head and concentrated on finding her keys. "Ken knows what she's doing. I hope it works out. Thanks for keeping me company today."
"Thanks for telling me about Jane."
"Welcome." The key slid in the lock and she opened the door. "See ya."
He petted Robert good-bye and watched them disappear. The light went on in the living room, and soon the sounds of the TV drifted through the half-open window. He stood on the pavement for a while, looking in before finally turning away.
This time, he didn't look back.
TAMMY.
She hated her already.
Kate stabbed her spoon into the small carton of Chunky Monkey and shoved it into her mouth. Why did he have to appear on her doorstep today of all days? Before his date with another woman who was probably perfectly matched? She'd been fine these past two weeks. Better than fine. She was almost cured of Slade Montgomery, and that wicked one night, and decided she may even want to date. Soon. Very soon.
But now he screwed up her head again, with those gorgeous jungle eyes, and sinful mouth, and tousled golden hair. His scent was a delicious mixture of ginger and spice that made her want to howl like a bitch in heat. She wished she had never introduced him to the idea of jeans, because those Levi's molded his ass and showed off his other assets. Assets she had personally explored and enjoyed. Assets that weren't hers anymore.
Assets that Tammy better keep her hands off of.
Kate fumed and ate. She glared at the TV where The 40-Year-Old Virgin played and didn't even gain a chuckle. If Steve Carell failed, she was doomed. Even the extra fudge chunks weren't helping.
Groaning in defeat, she wondered if she should climb out of her sweats and go out. Mugs was still open, and a call to Kennedy would give her a date. She could have a few beers and socialize instead of sinking into a black depression alone, regarding a man who was not meant for her.
Life kind of sucked.
The idea of putting her feet into boots instead of her fuzzy slippers confirmed her choice. She finished the carton, tipped back two glasses of wine, and let her mind fade into television numbness. Somewhere she read that every hour spent sitting and watching TV cut off her life by two minutes. Oh, goody. Maybe she'd be done with this hell sooner rather than later.
Forget it. She'd go to bed early, switch off her brain, and be better in the morning. And she'd be much more careful about letting Slade into her house or even engaging in a conversation. He was too dangerous, and she was an addict.
Kate shut off the TV, turned out the lights, and stomped to bed.
"I'M SO GLAD WE finally set this up."
"Me, too." Slade gazed at the woman across the table. Her black hair was fashionably short and her smile real. She liked the gym, worked as an attorney in property law, and was divorced. So far, the date had gone perfectly, and he honestly liked her.
"I'm surprised you're open to a matchmaking firm," she commented, cutting into her steak. Her appetite was so much better than those of the other women he took out. Not as good as Kate's, of course, but still worthy of his need for consistent gourmet food. "I interned for a divorce firm in my younger days and it's a real bitch. Kind of ruins your idea of a happy ending."
Surprised at her astuteness, he grinned. "Yeah, I got slightly singed along the way."
"More like roasted, I bet."
He chuckled and took a sip of wine. "Let's just say I'm open to the idea of a companion. Someone without high ideals but willing to date and explore a relationship on rational terms."
She nodded with approval. "Me, too. Freaks me out when a guy starts talking about his biological clock or settling down. I love my work, my life, and have plenty of hobbies. But sharing it would be nice. Seeing what happens."
"Exactly."
Ken had hit the jackpot. Not only did he like Tammy, she was attractive and matched his sense of humor. The pieces he'd been searching for clicked into place. They finished dessert--the woman actually had cake without an apology--and made their way out of the restaurant. She chattered a bit as he walked her to the car, and Slade hesitated. Should he invite her back? No, better off waiting for the next time. And there'd definitely be a next time.
"I had a great time. Do you want to go out again?" she asked.
"Definitely. I'll give you a call this week. I'm glad we met."
"Me, too." She lifted herself up on tiptoe and gave him a peck on the lips. "Good night."
" 'Night."
He watched her pull away. He was back on track. This was the type of woman he needed in his life, one who understood him, knew how life worked, and was eager to meet him halfway. He got into his Jag and started home.
Cranking up the radio, he listened to Daughtry croon about the start of something good, and pictured his future. Partner at his law firm. A beautiful, intelligent woman sharing some good moments. Jane happy. His designer apartment. Life was indeed good.
The words of the song hit his ears and his gut at the same time. This was what he wanted, right? What he had always wanted? This was the best it was going to get.
He thought about his afternoon with Kate. About Robert. About the empty ache in his gut that never seemed to get full, no matter what food he ate or alcohol he drank or work he did. He remembered when he touched Tammy, and the pleasantness of her company, and how on every rational level she seemed the perfect fit.
But she wasn't Kate.
He was in love with Kate.
The knowledge sank in and tore at his flesh like talons. No. Not possible. He didn't believe in love, or at least not in love that lasted. She'd wreck him to pieces and make his existence a mess. She'd turn him upside down and inside out and never stay in the carefully drawn lines of his life.
Tonight, he didn't care.
Tonight, he needed her. Craved her. His blood roared in his veins, and he stomped on the accelerator, making his way toward Verily. Time passed in a blur, and Slade felt drunk as he finally reached her house and stumbled out of the car. Vision blurred, he pounded on the door, and waited.
She stood on the threshold, her arms clutched around a short, silky robe thing. Pink fuzzy slippers. Her hair tumbled over her shoulders and her eyes were sleep blurred as she stared at him. Her mouth formed a little O of surprise, and she shifted from one foot to the other as if trying to decide to invite him in or slam the door in his face.
"The date was perfect. Tammy was perfect," he said.
"Then go to her. I can't do this, Slade. I can't."
Her voice broke and he was lost. He stretched out his hands in surrender. "I don't want her, Kate. I only want you. I'm . . . empty without you."
She blinked. A sheen of tears threatened, and he waited for her to push him away and retreat for safety.
Instead, she reached over and pulled him into her arms.
Her body was on fire. Soft flesh hit his chest, surrounded him. He groaned deep in his chest and took her mouth, drowning in her taste, plunging his tongue deep to drink and drink, wondering if he'd ever be sated.
He kicked the door closed with his foot, lifted her up, and took her into the bedroom. Ripped his clothes off, tugging at her robe until her breasts were bared to his sight. Her nipples peaked hard and tight, and he sucked them into his mouth, licking, biting until she arched and cried out in pleasure. Her scent soaked his nostrils and the connection between them seethed with electricity. She opened her thighs to him and his fingers dove into the sweet honey, coating her clit and teasing her to that first climax. She shuddered and dug her nails deep into his shoulders. Slade watched her come apart with a fierce satisfaction, but he was nowhere near done, barely skimming the surface of what he wante
d to rack from her body. He kissed his way down her stomach, parted her swollen lips, and rubbed his mouth over her pussy, scraping his jaw on her quivering inner thighs, licking and sucking her clit until she pulled at his hair and writhed beneath him, surrendering to her second climax. He gave her the suction needed to keep the orgasm going, pinning her thighs down to the mattress and licking her slit, his fingers still working in and out of her channel, trying to drag him in. His dick throbbed, but he refused to be done yet, wanting to immerse himself in every part of this woman who had crashed through each barrier he'd carefully built. Slade fumbled for the condom in his pants, rolling it over his erection, and pushing her wide apart, slid home.
She clenched him in a silky vise, and he groaned, the sensation of being held so tightly inside her sheer heaven. He kept still, enjoying her wet heat that tried to burn him alive. Slowly, he eased back all the way, thrusting back in to the hilt and keeping the ride easy and slow. She fought him like a wildcat, arching up and trying to take him faster and deeper, but it was too good, too sweet to be over. He added a bit of friction to her swollen clit, and she dug her heels into his back, twisting madly from side to side. Slade laughed low and sucked on her nipple, scraping his teeth against the hard tip as he picked up the pace. Faster and faster, his hips pistoned and moved until he hit the sweet spot and she screamed out, bucking under him. His fingers twisted hard within hers as he held her down and slammed into her again and again, the piercing pleasure so erotic it bordered on pain, taking him to the edge and over until he exploded.
He spilled his seed and ripped her name from his lips. Skin damp with sweat, he rode out the last of the aftershocks before slipping out. Kate collapsed into the sheets, arms and legs flung wide as her breath came in and out in choppy waves. He got rid of the condom, climbed back into bed, and pulled her close. Laying her head against his chest, she wrapped her arms around him.
"Don't leave me tonight."
Her whisper made him pull her closer. "Don't want to. I'm staying."
She snuggled closer and they slept.
KATE MOVED HER LEG and bumped against something hard. Inching her hand down the mattress, her fingers wrapped around a very proud erection. She murmured with pleasure as she surfaced from sleep, and stroked him from root to tip. Like steel sheathed in smooth satin, she enjoyed the texture and strength of his arousal. Groans rose from his chest and he thrust into her palm for more.
With a wicked grin, she ducked her head under the blankets and found him with her mouth. His breath hissed through his teeth, but Kate was far gone, lost in his musky taste. She licked and sucked him, swirling her tongue around the tip, while her hands pumped up and down his length.
His fingers worked its way into her hair and held her, giving himself up to her ministrations. Power surged through her, and she opened wider, until he slid to the back of her throat and his balls tightened.
"Kate!" Her name was ripped from his lips, amid hard pants. "Condom, now."
"Where?" she teased, swirling her tongue around his leaking tip.
"Ah, God, pants pocket. There!"
She reached down, grabbed one, and sheathed him, never breaking contact or the rhythm of her swirling fingers. Already wet and aching for him, she climbed on top, spread her legs, and sank down onto his length.
Kate threw her head back as the delicious sensations skittered over her skin and teased her clit. So good. The heat between them only added to the edge, pumping up the tension. She looked up his body and got trapped within the seething burn of his green eyes.
"Ride me, baby. Ride me hard."
She shuddered and obeyed. He cupped her breasts and rubbed her nipples as she ground herself against him, closing in toward her orgasm, pumping her hips as her gut clenched and her skin prickled and her nipples tightened to hard, achy points.
Slade grasped her hips, moved her forward, and slammed her back down. Once. Twice. Then--
"Slade!" She came hard, and he kept guiding her up and down, extending the orgasm into mini convulsions. He shuddered beneath her and followed, and she ached for the feel of his skin against hers, ached to get rid of the condom and take his seed deep inside her body. She slumped over him, completely boneless, and he stroked her back with soothing strokes.
"Best morning wake-up ever."
She laughed and bit his shoulder. "Hmm, better than my coffee." Two sharp barks made her crane her neck. Robert looked up with endless patience and wide eyes that took in her bare ass. "Oops, sorry, baby. I'll take you out."
"Want me to get him?"
She pressed a kiss on his lips. "Nope, I got him. Be right back." She donned her robe, ignoring his hungry gaze and keeping her distance before she jumped back in bed and Robert had an accident. She took him out, ground the coffee beans, and got the pot started.
"Kibble or wet food this morning?"
Two barks.
"Kibble it is." Kate filled up the bowl, humming under her breath, and turned to a spectacular sight framed in her kitchen doorway.
Slade Montgomery. Buck naked. Thighs braced apart, hands on hips, his impressive erection confirming round five was about to come up. She drank in all that raw male beauty, with his flat stomach, defined pecs, and toasty brown skin. His lazy gaze probed under her robe and stroked her body.
"Thought I was better than your coffee."
She pursed her lips with interest. "I did say that, didn't I?"
He cocked a hip and that's not all that got cocked. "Maybe I need to prove my worth again."
She licked her lips and dropped her gaze. "I think your worth is pretty damn big."
"Flatterer."
She loosened her robe and began to pull it open. "Counselor. I think--"
"Honey, I'm here! Whose car is in the driveway? Oh!"
Her mother stood before them, open-mouthed, staring at Slade with, first, astonishment and then pure appreciation. She closed her mouth and broke into a wide grin. "Oh, honey! You're finally getting some--I'm so happy."
Kate yanked her robe closed and jumped in front of Slade. "Mom, what are you doing here?" She grabbed for the blanket over the couch and thrust it into Slade's hands. He wrapped it around his hips, but the broad, loopy holes in the afghan didn't hide much.
"I haven't seen you since I got back from my sex conference and thought we'd have breakfast together. But I see you've already taken care of breakfast. I must say, it's even better than Wheaties!"
Color flooded her face. Slade studied her mother with a fascination she was used to, as if an exotic, otherworldly creature had just burst through their universe. Madeline wore a canary-yellow top, a cream lace skirt that flirted with her knees, and lace-up sandals. Her floral headband held back her white blond hair, and bangles jingled on her wrists. Robert ran over to say hello, and Kate took the pause to push Slade behind the counter so at least his bottom half wasn't exposed. Madeline watched his retreat with a twinge of disappointment.
"Sex conference?" Slade drawled, glancing back and forth. "How interesting. Forgive Kate for not introducing us. I'm Slade Montgomery."
Madeline marched over and stuck out her hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Slade. I'm Madeline. I do apologize for interrupting, my daughter rarely allows herself to enjoy these opportunities."
Kate groaned. "Thanks, Mom. Umm, maybe you want to call me later?"
Slade steepled his fingers together as if he were in a business meeting. "Nonsense, stay and have coffee with us. We're in no rush."
"I'd love to. Is it those organic beans I bought you, dear?"
This was so not happening. Kate glared at Slade, but his delighted grin told her he was having too much fun. "Yes, I'll get it for you." She stomped over and poured her mother a mug, then slid it over the granite countertop.
"May I ask how the conference was?" Slade asked.
"It was truly wonderful. I'm a sex therapists, so it's important for me to keep up with the new techniques. I learned many ways to unblock a man toward orgasm. Have you ever had problems with
impotence, Slade?"
Kate gave him credit. He didn't even choke on his coffee. "Happy to report that's a negative."
"Hmm, I'm not surprised from what I caught. Still, many men suffer from the condition and it's usually some mental block. They taught us certain moves to go about breaking down barriers."
"What a fascinating job. Kate never told me."
"I'm not surprised. Kate's been blocked for years."
"Mom!"
"So, tell me how you two met."
"I'm a client at Kinnections," he said.
Madeline sucked in her breath. "You're not the divorce lawyer, are you?" she whispered.
Slade hiked a brow. "You know about me? Kate, how sweet. I had no idea you told your mom about us."
Kate squirmed with sheer frustration and shot him a glare. "Look, Mom, let's not talk about this here, okay? I'd like to keep this whole thing private."
"But darling, this is the one you experienced the touch with! You've found a way to make it work, I'm so happy. We'll need to clear a bit of that negative karma, but if you're sleeping together, I'm confident in the outcome."
"Touch?" Slade frowned. "What touch?"
"Nothing."
"Kate didn't tell you?" Madeline chirped. "She has a gift that's run in our family for generations. A sixth sense for matching people. She experiences a jolt of recognition when she meets a couple meant to be together."
Slade stilled. Kate barely breathed, hoping she'd become the guy from The Time Traveler's Wife and disappear through space. "Has she ever experienced the touch for herself? Or is this just for other people?" he asked.
The disaster loomed before her, like a volcano ready to erupt, and she was just as helpless to stop her mother as she was to stop the forces of nature. Madeline laughed as she played with her bangles. "Silly man. It's you, dear. She connected with you--you're her soul mate. I wasn't too thrilled regarding the divorce lawyer thing, but the universe is more powerful than humans, and we must bend to its will. At least you overcame your initial protests. Denying the touch is dangerous. Who would've known what could happen? Your cousin Rose died alone and miserable."
Kate swung her head around. "You said you didn't remember what happened to my cousin! You said it was a family secret never spoken about."