“The one and only,” he replied, kissing her again.
“I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to snap at you and make you leave.” Her eyes opened fully, and frown lines etched themselves into her forehead.
“You didn’t make me leave, silly. I was just giving you space to cool off. I figured you could do without me underfoot.” He brushed his fingers across her face and kissed her nose.
Kaylee kissed his cheek. “I didn’t know if you’d come back. I shouldn’t have acted that way.”
Bastian sat beside her. “I’ll always come back, baby.”
“My mother called earlier. She said she fired you.”
Kaylee laid her head in his lap. Her fingers traced the rough fiber of his jeans.
“She tried, except I wasn’t exactly a willing victim. I told her she hadn’t hired me and wasn’t qualified to fire me, either.” Bastian laughed. His hand drifted to her hair, and he absently stroked it.
“Yeah, she mentioned that, too.” Kaylee slipped one arm beneath his knees and wrapped it around them.
Bastian looked down at her. “And what did you tell her?”
“That you were right and I wasn’t about to fire you. I told her she needed to go back to Paris.”
“And did you talk about anything else?” Bastian buried his fingers in the silk of her hair.
Kaylee glared at him. “Do you mean did I tell her I’m dying? No, I didn’t.”
“So you just want her to get a phone call from a doctor telling her what you couldn’t?” Bastian’s hand stopped moving.
“No, that’s not what I want. What I want is to be well. I want to grow old with you. I want to have children. That’s what I want. But nobody asked me.” Kaylee sat up and rested her head in her hands, ignoring the way her hair slipped into her eyes.
“I want that, too, Kaylee. God, how I want that.”
Bastian set his palm on her back and rubbed.
Chapter Thirteen
As morning poured into the room, illuminating the bed, Kaylee opened her eyes to find Bastian sitting beside her, holding a lap tray laden with a plate of French toast, a glass of milk, and a single red rose.
He nodded at the tray. “Your breakfast, m’lady.”
“It’s winter, Bastian. Where did you get this?”
Kaylee picked up the flower and brought it to her nose, closing her eyes and savoring its perfume.
Bastian brushed the bangs from her face. Bending, he kissed her forehead. “I made it, silly. I can cook, you know.”
“Not the breakfast—the flower.” Kaylee opened her eyes and grinned, flushed. She sat up and stacked the pillows behind her back.
“Oh, that. I’ll never tell. A guy has to have some secrets, after all. How about I feed you?” Bastian set the tray in her lap and helped her adjust the pillows. Kaylee leaned back, and he picked up the silverware.
Kaylee watched Bastian cut a bite. “How good are you at aiming a fork?”
“Perfect.” Bastian slipped a bite onto the tines.
“Why not.” She laughed.
“Now open the hanger. Here comes the airplane.” He moved the fork toward her mouth.
Sizing up the bite he planned to feed her, she shook her head and caught his hand. “I can’t eat that much in one bite.”
“Sure you can.” Bastian moved the fork closer to her face. “Be a good girl and open up.”
Kaylee’s lips parted despite her doubts, and Bastian managed to get all but a morsel in her mouth. He watched as it slipped off the fork and down the front of her nightgown.
Kaylee’s eyes widened. “Eww. That feels...slimy. I thought you said you could aim that thing.” She looked at the streak of butter and syrup the toast had left in passing.
“I lied.” He, too, looked at her slick skin and grinned wildly. “Lucky food.” He shrugged and sighed in mock exasperation. “Oh, well. I guess I’ll have to go in after that.” He placed the fork on the plate and set the tray aside as he unbuttoned her nightgown with his teeth. With each newly freed button, he licked the syrup from the freshly exposed skin. The warmth and wetness of his tongue left Kaylee breathless.
Reaching the last button, he found the bite he’d dropped and lifted it into his mouth with his tongue. He tugged open Kaylee’s nightgown, exposing her breasts. Leaning closer, he kissed one taut peak and felt a shudder run through her. His tongue flickered across it, forcing a gasp from her mouth.
“Mmm...nothing like maple syrup--unless it’s maple syrup on you. What a way to start the day.” Bastian laid his head upon her chest and took in her pleasure-glazed expression.
Kaylee’s eyelids fluttered open. “Maybe I should feed you,” she said in a husky voice.
“Maybe you should. I’m hungry, all right.” Bastian picked up the fork and offered it to her. Despite her trembling hands, Kaylee accepted it and managed to fork bite onto the tines. Lifting the bite to Bastian mouth, she lightly smeared the syrup around his lips.
“Oops,” she said in a sultry whisper. “Maybe I’d better clean you up.” She set the plate on the nightstand, leaned close, and trilled her tongue across the skin, lapping up the syrup. Her tongue teased his lips, parting them until she could thrust her tongue deeply into his mouth.
His arms slipped around her and brought her closer. They tasted each other’s passions as Bastian lowered Kaylee to a prone position. As he touched her velvet skin, he forgot about everything except what it felt like to be one with her.
Long after they’d made love, Kaylee lay in his arms, her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. She enjoyed the reassuring strength of it and relaxed so her own heart rate matched his.
“So what are your plans today?” she asked.
“I thought I’d go down to the studio and try to prepare for next week. Did you have something in mind?” Bastian propped an arm behind his head and shifted slightly under the covers. A draft chilled his toes, and he shifted the comforter to seal the air leak.
Kaylee shook her head. “I was going to visit my mother to see if she’s calmed down.”
Bastian laughed humorlessly. “I can already tell you the answer.”
“I’m sure you’re right, but that doesn’t mean I want to leave things status quo. I don’t appreciate the way she’s judging you.” Kaylee draped her arm around Bastian’s mid-section.
“I don’t mind. It’s not like it matters what she thinks.” He settled his hand over hers.
“I mind. She doesn’t have the right.” Kaylee slowly sat upright and stood, curling her toes in the plush carpet. She walked away from the bed and ended up in front of her open closet, choosing an outfit.
“I know better than to argue with you. You’re more stubborn that I’ve ever dreamed of being.” Bastian sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed.
Bastian walked to the closet and grabbed his jeans and a shirt. He kissed Kaylee’s shoulder in passing and clean clothes in hand, headed toward the guest bathroom. Kaylee waited until she’d heard the water running in the shower before she picked up the telephone and dialed for information.
When the operator answered, Kaylee said, “I need a listing in Trenton for Angie Connelly.” She nodded her head, picked up a pad and pen from the night stand, and scribbled a phone number. “Thanks.”
She hung up the receiver, picked it up again, and punched in the digits she’d just written. After two rings, a woman’s voice answered.
“Hello?”
Kaylee took a deep breath. “May I speak to Angie Connelly?”
“This is she,” a guarded voice replied.
“Angie, my name is Kaylee Renard—”
“I’m not interested in buying anything,” Angie replied.
“That’s good, because I’m not selling anything.” Tension knotted Kaylee’s shoulders. “I’m a friend of Bastian’s.” She twisted the phone cord around her fingers and prayed Angie would listen.
“Is he there?” The words came out so quickly it sounded like a single word wi
th lots of syllables.
“No.” Kaylee shook her head. “He doesn’t even know I’m calling you.”
“Is he all right?”
“He’s fine. Stubborn as hell, but fine.” Kaylee leaned against the headboard. “I’m sure you want to talk to him, and that’s the reason I’m calling.”
“What do you mean?” The guarded tone returned.
“He’s not going to return home for a visit of his own free will, and let’s just say I know what it’s like to feel far away from family. If he’s not going to come to you, the best I can do is try to bring you to him. I mean, I know he’d like an opportunity to talk to you, even if he won’t admit it. He’s too damned stubborn to arrange it without help.”
“What do you suggest?”
“I’d like to invite you to fly here to Chicago for a few days. It would give you a chance to see and talk to him.” She paused, wondering what else she could say. “I know it’s short notice, but if he means as much to you as he does to me, maybe it’s possible.”
“You’re right,” she said slowly. “I miss my brother, and it’s possible. What airport is closest to you?”
“O’Hare,” Kaylee said, untwisting the cord from her fingers.
“I’ll call and get a flight for tomorrow. How can I contact you once the arrangements have been made?”
Kaylee smiled and mouthed the word, “Yes.” Then she forced her lips into a more neutral line. “E-mail me.” Kaylee waited a few seconds, giving Angie a chance to get a pen, and rattled off her email address.
“I’ll do that. Can I reach you at this number if there is an emergency?”
“Of course, but Bastian is here, and I’m trying to keep this a secret. If he knew what I’m doing, he’d be angry.” Kaylee heard the shower shut off, and she knew her time was up.
“I understand. I’ll e-mail you with my plans and my flight number and time. Please reply so I’ll know where to go from there.”
Kaylee nodded. “Of course. That sounds great. I’m looking forward to meeting you.”
“The feeling is mutual.” Angie paused. “Thank you, Kaylee. I’ve been worried about him.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll reply to your message this evening.” Kaylee smiled and felt a warmth in her cheeks. She wondered how quickly Bastian would dress and return.
“Okay--thanks.”
“Bye.” Kaylee placed the receiver on the hook as Bastian opened the bathroom door down the hall. A moment later, he slipped into the room and looked at Kaylee.
“Are you still in bed, young lady?” He arched an eyebrow and rested his hands on his hips.
“I’m being lazy. And what are you going to do about it?” Kaylee folded her hands behind her head. She sighed contentedly despite the fact that her heart pounded in the wake of the phone call she’d just made.
“What am I going to do about it?” he repeated. “I’m going to tickle the laziness right out of you,” he threatened, quickly swooping upon her and running his fingers down her sides as he kissed her neck. He pinned both her wrists with one hand.
“Stop it. Let me up.” Kaylee bucked her hips and thrashed her legs in protest. She tried to free her hands, but couldn’t budge.
“Not on your life,” he retorted. “I haven’t seen you move like this since...ever. Not to mention how thrilled I am to get to watch those hips bucking. Mmm-mmm good.”
Kaylee continued to struggle, and her hair fluttered in her face, tickling her nose. Bastian finally stopped tormenting her and gently brushed the strands from her eyes.
“You’re so damned beautiful you take my breath away.”
“Do you need CPR?” she asked in a husky voice. As she smiled, dimples appeared in her cheeks, making her look even younger than she was.
He looked in her eyes and whispered, “I just might.”
Kaylee lifted her head and brought her lips to his, caressing them softly, flickering her tongue across them before darting into his mouth. Her hand slid down his side, stroking softly until he groaned.
Kaylee kissed his neck. “You’re never going to make it to the studio at this rate.”
“What studio?” Bastian asked in mock stuptification. His eyes closed.
“The one you’re going to be teaching at next week.”
Bastian’s eyelids fluttered open and he smiled wickedly. “Oh—that studio.” He slid off the bed, dragging Kaylee with him. As his butt hit the floor, she landed on his stomach.
“What did you do that for?” she asked between fits of laughter.
“It got you out of bed, didn’t it?”
Kaylee straddled him. “And I thought you wanted me on top of you.”
“That’s later, darlin’. Right now, I’ve got to figure out which end of the paintbrush touches the canvas, and you’ve got a mother to visit.” Bastian lifted her from atop him.
Kaylee let out an exasperated sigh. “Yeah, there is that. Lucky me and all that jazz.” She wiggled just enough so that he set her back on the ground.
Bastian kissed her neck. “I’m heading out, Kaylee. I’ll see you later, okay?”
She nodded, walked to the bathroom, and turned on the hot water. As steam filled the air, she replayed the conversation with Angie. She leaned against the shower door, panic filling her. Bastian would be furious.
She looked at her pale face in the half-steamed mirror and nodded, telling her reflection, “Maybe he will. Then again, maybe he’ll realize how much I love him.”
Chapter Fourteen
As Kaylee pulled into her mother’s driveway, butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She climbed out of the car, smoothed her black skirt, and strode to the front door. Turning the cold brass knob, Kaylee found the door unlocked, but the monolithic wooden structure hardly exuded a warm welcome.
Quietly letting herself in, Kaylee stepped into the imposing foyer, her shoes clattering against black marble. Thick floor-to-ceiling pillars stood with ivy twined around them like those in a Grecian temple. Kaylee frowned. She’d never liked the pillars. Hastily, she removed her coat and set it on the rack next to the door and proceeded through the foyer into the living room. She grimaced as her heels clicked across the bare tile, but she finally ended up in the sun room, where Denna lay on a wicker couch, holding a hardback mystery novel. A pile of plush velvet pillows supported her head. Although she had probably heard Kaylee enter, she focused on the novel, ignoring her daughter standing in the doorway.
Kaylee walked into the room and perched on a matching wicker chair. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you with your nose in a book. What a novel concept.” She folded her hands in her lap and fought to keep her fingers still.
“Well, if it isn’t my daughter. How nice to see you. Where is your boyfriend? I don’t suppose he found someone else to bother.” Denna flipped the page and peered at Kaylee over the book.
“No, Mother, you couldn’t be that lucky. He’s getting ready for his classes.” She leaned back in the chair.
“It’ll be hard for the students to learn anything from him. I mean, what with his pathetic breeding and all.” Denna laid the open book across her abdomen and set one hand on top of it, her long, perfectly manicured nails tapping the spine. She reached toward the wicker table next to the sofa and lifted a half-empty glass.
“Stop it, Mother. It wouldn’t matter who it was I’d fallen in love with. You’d find a reason not to like him.” Kaylee crossed one leg over the other.
Denna clinked the ice against the glass. “You can’t be serious.”
“Oh, but I am.” Kaylee rocked the raised foot back and forth. “You don’t like Bastian because I love him.”
“If that were true, and it’s not, why couldn’t you at least have found a respectable man for me to dislike? It seems that one would be just as good a painter as the next.” Denna set the glass back on the table and sat up.
“I didn’t go in search of him in the first place. I didn’t go in search of anyone. It just happened.” Kaylee gripped the armrests unti
l her knuckles turned white. A heated flush colored her cheeks, and she closed her eyes, envisioning Bastian’s midnight eyes.
“Really, Kaylee--are you so blind? Can’t you see what a man like that is after?” Denna set the book on the couch and stood, picked up the wine glass, and walked toward the chair where her daughter sat.
“And what kind of a man do you think Bastian is?” Kaylee gritted her teeth to keep certain words in check.
“Poor white trash.” Denna lifted the glass to her lips and took a drink.
Kaylee rose from the chair and stood before Denna. “It’s easy to label him, isn’t it, because it keeps you from ever getting too close. It’s a simple excuse to keep things status quo.”
“He’s only after the money, Kaylee. Men like that feed off women like us.” Denna lowered her glass and swirled the liquor and ice. Denna tried to step past Kaylee, but Kaylee matched her steps.
“I don’t know which I resent more, the fact that you lump Bastian in with that slime mentality or the fact that you lump me in with your materialistic intentions.” She glared at Denna. “I’m not like you, Mother. I never have been, and you never wanted to face it. To you, everything is about money. Do you really think it matters in the long run? Do you really think I care about it?”
“Of course you do. You are a Renard, after all. We take pride in what we have.” A heated crimson filled Denna’s cheeks. She forced her way past Kaylee and downed the rest of the liquor.
Kaylee whirled to follow her mother. “And what about who we are? Where is the pride in being so elitist that we can’t see past our own noses? Damn it, Mother. I would give all the money I have just to be able to talk to you. I’d give it all away for you to stay in the states long enough to remember who I am. You loved me once. I know you must have. I made you happy once. Why can’t I do that anymore? Why can’t you love me for who I am, not who you want me to be?”
“I never stopped loving you,” Denna replied.
“You can’t love me long-distance, Mother. You can’t really talk to me from Europe. You can’t be here for me when I know some damned charity is more important than I have ever been to you. I don’t care how many sick kids there are. I’m right here, right under your nose, and you still can’t find me. The funny thing is, the man you hate the most is the same man who wants me to talk to you, to share things with you because he thinks it’s important, even though you’ve treated him like trash from day one. And you wonder why I love Bastian? He can love me and still want to share me with you. But with you it’s all or nothing. It’s him, or it’s you. More’s the pity because he’s the kind of man you should want for me, if you wanted me to find someone. If you could just see I love you both.”