Business and Pleasure (Lavender Lace, Book One) (10 page)

She nodded. “Sleep would be good.”

He helped her slip between the sheets before he got up and turned off the lamps. Climbing into bed beside her, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back against his chest. “Good night.”

* * * * *

The last bit of Marci’s dream disappeared as she came fully awake. She remembered something about passionate kisses and deep thrusts. Her pussy clenched when she realized she’d been dreaming of Keefe’s incredible lovemaking.

Eyes still closed, she rolled to her back and stretched. Once she felt more awake, she turned her head on the pillow and opened her eyes.

Instead of seeing Keefe peacefully sleeping next to her, she saw a note on his pillow. She propped up on one elbow and picked up the piece of paper.

You’re beautiful when you sleep.

I had to go to the grocery store. I promised you breakfast in bed and I always keep my promises.

There’s a robe and slippers in my closet. The shoes will be too big for you, but they’ll keep your feet warm.

Back soon.

P.S. Don’t shower without me!

P.S. #2 Coffeemaker’s all set. Just push the button to start it.

Marci reread the first line. She wondered how long he’d watched her sleep, and why he didn’t wake her. Morning sex sounded perfect to her. For now, she’d have to settle for coffee.

Not exactly a perfect substitution.

She made use of the bathroom, then went in search of his robe and shoes. She stepped into a closet that was larger than her bedroom. Shelves and drawers filled one end. Railings ran down the full length on both sides. Keefe had hung his clothes on one side, what few clothes were there. Either he wore basically the same thing over and over or the rest of his clothes were boxed up in the garage.

The robe hung on a hook on the back of the door. Marci slipped into it and tied the belt, then began to explore. She found briefs and socks in two of the drawers, sweatshirts and sweatpants on one of the shelves. A pair of slippers sat next to beat-up running shoes, and those sat next to black patent leather formal shoes. Definitely from one extreme to the other.

She found nothing else in any of the drawers or on the shelves, and she checked all of them.

“Find anything interesting?” Keefe asked behind her.

Startled, Marci screamed and whirled around. Keefe leaned against the doorjamb of the closet, ankles crossed and a grin on his lips.

“You have to stop scaring me.”

“I wouldn’t have scared you if you hadn’t been snooping.”

He had her there. Marci bit her bottom lip as warmth seeped into her cheeks. “I came in for the robe and slippers.”

“I see you found the robe.” His gaze slowly raked over her body. “You look good in it.” He tugged on the knot in the belt. Once it was loose, he parted the lapels. A wicked gleam filled his eyes. “You look even better out of it.”

Marci sucked in a breath when he brushed his thumbs over her nipples. If he wanted to take her right here in the closet, she’d say yes.

He cradled her breasts in his palms and brushed her nipples again. “If I start something now, I won’t stop.”

“Okay.”

Keefe chuckled. “I like a woman who’s horny all the time.”

She looked at his fly, where she could clearly see the outline of his cock. “I’m not the only one who’s horny.”

“True.” He released her breasts and closed the robe. “I’d better hide temptation or I’ll forget about cooking breakfast.”

“I don’t mind having breakfast later.”

“Breakfast now. Lovemaking later.” Tilting up her chin, he dropped a soft kiss on her lips. “Keep me company while I cook.”

Marci stepped into Keefe’s slippers and followed him to the kitchen. The scent of brewing coffee greeted her as soon as she stepped into the room. She inhaled deeply of the delicious aroma.

“The coffee smells wonderful.”

“I turned on the coffeemaker as soon as I got back. Sit down at the island and I’ll get you a cup.”

She could get used to all this service. Keefe had been wonderful so far, and not just in bed.

He set a thick mug full of coffee before her, as well as a spoon and container of liquid creamer. She’d had cream in her coffee last night and he must have remembered. “Thank you.”

He winked at her, then began unloading the grocery sacks. “Can I help?” she asked.

“Nope. Just enjoy your coffee and talk to me.”

“Any subject?”

“I’d like to hear more about you. Tell me your life story.”

Marci laughed. “How boring.”

“I doubt that.” He took a knife from a drawer and chose three large potatoes to peel. “Did you grow up in Seattle?”

“No. I grew up in a small town outside Salem, Oregon.”

“What brought you to Seattle?”

“My job. I started at Marshall Media a few months after I graduated from college.”

She watched his arm and shoulder bunch as he grated the potatoes. She sighed. She didn’t think she’d ever tire of looking at him.

“So you started at Marshall Media, determined to become president someday.”

“Close. I started with the company when I was twenty-five. I had my sights set on a vice presidency before I turned thirty. I was sure I’d take over the company and make it the most successful corporation ever.”

“And were you?” He picked up an onion and peeled off the outer layer. “VP before you turned thirty?”

“Nope. Didn’t make it until I was thirty-two.”

“And president two years ago.”

“Yes.” She sipped her coffee. “You did your homework.”

He picked up a green pepper, but put it back on the counter when Marci wrinkled her nose. She hated green peppers. “I was going to change my whole life. Yeah, I did my homework on the company. I wouldn’t have applied for the job if I had any doubts about Marshall Media. Plus I have friends here. That made the move easier.”

The potatoes and onions sizzled as soon as Keefe slid them into the hot skillet. Their scent made Marci’s mouth water and her stomach growl. She hadn’t realized she was so hungry until now.

He took a carton of eggs from the refrigerator and held it up so Marci could see it. “Eggs okay?”

“Just about everything is okay except green peppers.”

He set the carton on the island, then refilled her coffee mug. “You have family still in Oregon?”

Marci stopped with the mug raised halfway to her lips. It was a simple question, but one she didn’t want to answer. Talking about her family was never easy.

She decided a simple answer would be best. “I have a sister I haven’t seen in a long time. We don’t get along.”

“No parents?”

“They died ten years ago.”

She knew by the curiosity in his eyes that he wanted to ask more questions. To avoid that, she decided to ask him one. “What about your family?”

“Happy and healthy and spread all over the states. My folks live in San Diego. My brother is in L.A., one sister in Florida, and one sister in Texas.”

“You’re the only one who doesn’t live in the South.”

“A fact my mother quickly pointed out when I told her I was moving.” He cracked five eggs into a bowl and whipped them with a whisk. “She cried. My mom is the best and I hated that I made her cry. But she said I had to live my own life and do what I thought best.”

A pang of jealousy tightened Marci’s stomach. She missed the long talks she used to have with her mother. She and her sister should’ve drawn closer together when they lost their parents, instead of fighting and parting with no hope of ever getting back together.

Keefe added chunks of ham to the whipped eggs and poured them into another skillet. “We always get together at Christmas and July 4th, no matter what. We all make it back other times of the year for a visit, but not at the same time. Mom insists she has to have all her ‘babies’ with her at least twice a year.” He chuckled. “I’m thirty-four and the second oldest, but I’m still a baby to her.”

“All children are babies to their mothers.”

“I guess.” He dished up the potatoes and eggs on two plates and added a toasted English muffin. “Your breakfast, m’lady. I can serve you in bed or we can stay here.”

“I vote for here. It’s closer to the coffee.”

Keefe smiled. “I do like the way you think.”

* * * * *

Keefe pulled the afghan up to cover Marci’s shoulders. It was warm and cozy on the couch where she lay on top of him, but he wanted to be sure she didn’t get cold.

“You warm enough?” he asked.

She caressed his bare chest with her fingertips. “I’m great.”

“That’s for sure.”

Marci lifted her head. She arched both eyebrows, but he could see the humor in her eyes. “Are you talking about something other than my warmth?”

He shifted his hips, brushing her mound with his soft cock. “Actually, I like your warmth very much.”

He grinned while she laughed. “I think you and I are talking about different things, Keefe.”

“Are we?” he asked, trying to sound innocent.

She ran one finger over his lips. “You have a one-track mind when it comes to sex.”

“Guilty as charged.” He nipped the end of her finger and pulled it into his mouth. “I know I can’t get enough of you.”

He kissed her while thinking of the last five hours. They’d eaten a leisurely breakfast, then showered together. Keefe had dropped to his knees and brought her to an orgasm with his mouth. She’d made him climax with her hand, letting his cum splash on her belly. After that, he’d had to wash her body again…nice and slow, paying extra attention to her breasts and pussy.

By the time she’d stepped beneath the spray to rinse, he’d been hard again. They’d barely swiped the water from their bodies before he led her back to bed.

They’d talked. Keefe didn’t think he’d ever opened up so easily with a woman. He’d been engaged to Jeania and hadn’t told her some of the things he’d told Marci about his family and his life in California.

Now they lay naked on his couch, weak from making love again. A gentle rain had begun half an hour ago. Keefe could hear the patter of raindrops on the windows. The Seahawks game played in the background. He was warm, comfortable and satisfied.

Life didn’t get any better.

“I probably should go,” Marci said softly.

Keefe tightened his arms around her. He didn’t want to let her go. “Not yet. It’s barely three o’clock.”

“I know, but I have things to do at home.”

“Surely whatever you have to do can wait a few hours. Stay. I’ll give you some of my sweats to wear. We can make popcorn and watch the rest of the game. Then we’ll make love again.” He squeezed her buttocks. “How about it?”

She looked uncertain, so Keefe tried another tactic. He pulled her head closer so he could whisper in her ear. “I’ll make you come with my tongue again.”

She shook her head and chuckled. “You’re terrible.”

“That’s not what you said last night. Or in the shower. Or on my bed. Or here a few minutes ago.”

“Okay, I’ll admit you’re an incredible lover. But I have things to get ready for work tomorrow. Remember, I have a new VP starting in the morning.”

“Damn it. That new VP is messing up my plans.”

Marci kissed him gently. “I’ve had a wonderful time with you. But I need to get back to real life.”

Real life sucked a lot of the time. Here in his living room with Marci in his arms, Keefe could forget about the world outside his house.

“At least stay until the game is over. It won’t take five minutes to make the popcorn. Or I can fix us a sandwich or something if you’re hungry. I make a really good hamburger.”