More Than a Billionaire

“MR. SHERBROOKE, we’ll be landing in a moment.”

About time something went right today. Gray Sherbrooke glanced up from his magazine. “Thank you, Becky.”

His personal flight attendant smiled and walked away, once again leaving Gray alone with his thoughts. Opening his briefcase, he tossed the magazine inside and wished he could toss his guilt inside, too.

Arriving in town mere hours before his brother’s wedding hadn’t been the plan. No, he’d intended to arrive in Rhode Island two weeks ago for the bachelor party. Then, he’d assumed he’d visit with his family and indulge himself with some of Mathieu’s, his father’s chef, meals until the wedding. Maybe while there, he’d drive out to Connecticut and meet the newest member of the Sherbrooke clan. His cousin Callie’s son had been born that September, but he’d yet to see the baby, although he had spoken with Callie and her husband right after James was born.

Unfortunately, as often happened these days, his personal wants had gone on the back burner. In fact, in the past year, work had forced him to miss not only his brother’s bachelor party, but also his cousin Sara’s engagement party, the family’s annual New Year’s Eve bash in Newport, and Christmas. He missed Thanksgiving, too, but the flu caused that.

Work, however, had kept him from meeting Trent’s fiancée, the woman his brother was marrying in a matter of hours.

The plane’s wheels hit the runway with a thud, and Gray grabbed his tuxedo jacket and wool overcoat. He’d changed into the tux during the flight to save time. Even so, he was fully expecting the classic expression of disappointment his father had perfected over the years when he arrived at Trent’s apartment, the one Dad pulled out whenever one of his five children did something he didn’t approve of. Growing up, Trent had received that look the most. However, as of late, both he and Derek had received their fair share. Somehow, Alec and Allison escaped it most of the time.

Gray waited near the plane’s exit as it rolled to a stop. He took a step forward, prepared to open the door, but Becky beat him to it. A blast of cold air hit him head on, and he pulled on his overcoat, wishing his brother had picked June instead of January for his wedding.

“The weather channel said an arctic cold front moved into the area. Looks like they got that right.” Becky took a step away from the door.

“Looks like it.” Gray glanced outside. Snow from a recent storm remained on the ground, and icicles hung from the airport’s roof. Had it only been that morning he’d left his hotel under a sun filled sky while people in shorts walked by? Mexico wasn’t one of his favorite places, but he’d take its weather over this any day.

“If my plans change, I’ll let you know, but otherwise, I’ll fly home on Friday.” He had no pressing matters at work, so he hoped to squeeze in a short visit with his family before returning to New York.

Becky took another step away from the door as a gust of wind whipped around him. “Enjoy the wedding.”

He planned to. He also planned to enjoy his visit with his dad and Abby, his stepmother, in Barrington. Perhaps if he was lucky, Mathieu would prepare some of his favorite dishes while he visited. The long-time chef, who, in many ways, was a part of the family, made sure each member got their favorite meals when home. He’d started the habit when Trent had first left for boarding school, and it continued to this day.

Gray pulled up his collar. The car he’d arranged to pick him up sat idling, the driver standing near the back door. So far today, he was two-for-two. He hoped his luck held, and he didn’t hit any traffic into Providence.

Even before Gray reached the car, the driver opened the back passenger door.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Sherbrooke. As soon as I get your luggage, we’ll be on our way.”

“I only have one suitcase today.” Gray ducked into the car, grateful for the heat blasting inside.

On a good day, and perhaps any other day except his brother’s wedding day, the trip from the airport in Warwick to his brother’s penthouse took ten minutes. Of course, since he’d already had a few things go his way today, a short trip to the city was too much to ask for.

They got as far as the exit for the zoo before coming to a halt. In the distance, he heard sirens, and within moments, a police cruiser sped by, followed by an ambulance and a fire truck. Several moments later, two more ambulances and another State Police cruiser passed by.

The driver glanced back at him. “It looks like a bad accident. I don’t think we’ll be moving again for some time.”

Gray pulled out his cell phone. What were the chances his brother or father had their phones turned on? At this point, all he could do was try everyone until someone answered—though, a phone call wouldn’t do anything if he missed the wedding. On the up side, if he did arrive late, it wouldn’t shock his family. He hadn’t been Mr. Reliable the past few years when it came to the family.

Twenty minutes later, Gray walked into The Hillcrest and passed through the lobby, stopping at the security desk. He’d only visited the place once before, but the security guard took one look at him and punched in the code for Trent’s private elevator. There were some upsides to sharing such a strong family resemblance.

Once off the elevator, Gray knocked on his brother’s apartment door and waited.

“Look who decided to show up.” His younger brother, Derek, opened the door, shaking his head. “Looks like you two won that bet.”

“Nice to see you, too.” Gray stepped around his brother into the apartment. Even without asking, he had a good idea of what they’d been betting on.

The fact that his own brother didn’t have enough confidence in him to know he’d never miss Trent’s wedding stung almost as much as the fact that Trent had asked their cousin, Jake, to be his best man. When Trent had dropped the news, it hadn’t shocked him. Trent and Jake had been close all their lives. They were only months apart in age and acted more like brothers than mere cousins. Still, a tiny part of Gray resented the fact that his older brother had chosen Jake over him. If he stayed honest with himself, however, he had to admit that Jake was a better choice.

“Derek, I told you and Alec not to bet against Jake and me.” Trent walked over and slugged Gray in the arm.

Derek shrugged. “You both got lucky.”

“I can’t believe the four of you were betting on whether or not I’d show today.”

“Nay, we took bets on whether you’d get here in time for the ceremony. Alec and Derek figured I’d have to call Curt to ask him to take your place.” Trent handed him a drink. “I knew you’d get here.”

A fantastic insult sat on Gray’s tongue, but he held it back. If just his brothers and cousin were there, he would have let it fly, but their father was there as well as man he assumed was Addison’s brother, and a photographer, too.

“So who was it this time? A pretty blonde beach babe or that bikini model you were seen with last month?” Derek asked with a knowing wink.

Gray took a sip from his drink and resisted the urge to wipe the smile from his brother’s face. Something else he couldn’t do with his father in the room. If his brothers and cousin knew what he’d been doing a few hours before, they wouldn’t have joked, but he had to keep that part of his life private, even from his family.

“I was in Mexico for work, not pleasure.”

“Since when don’t you mix the two? It’s amazing how Sherbrooke Enterprises needs you to go to all the exotic locations in the world.”

Most days, Derek’s comments rolled off his back. Derek excelled at giving him a hard time. He always had. Today, his brother’s comments sent his already foul mood farther south.

“I told them all you’d be here.” Gray’s dad gave him a hug and a thump on the back. “I hope you plan to visit for a little while.”

Gray chose to ignore Derek and his comments. “At least for a few days.”

His father stepped away. “Good. Abby will be pleased.”

“Gray, I’d like you to meet Addie’s brother, Rock.” Trent dropped a hand on his future brother in-law’s shoulder.

Gray didn’t know a lot about Trent’s fiancée, but he did know she had four older brothers all of whom were in the military. “It’s nice to meet you.” Gray extended his hand toward the man. He didn’t know the how or why behind the name Rock, but it certainly fit the guy well. He was built like a giant boulder.

“You, too.” Rock shook his hand, but didn’t crack a smile.

“Okay, gentlemen, now that you’re all here, I’d like to get a few more shots before we head to the church.” The photographer stepped forward, interrupting the family reunion.

Kiera glanced around the grand ballroom. How long had it been since she visited Cliff House? She didn’t know, but it looked unchanged. Of course, why would anyone mess with something so magnificent?

“That was such a beautiful ceremony today,” her mom said beside her. “And I haven’t seen Trent look so happy since before his mom passed.”

Not only was her mother, Annette, married to Mark Sherbrooke’s chef, but she was also the head gardener for his estates. Her mom had met Mrs. Sherbrooke when they’d been kids at summer camp years ago. In fact, her Mom was the first employee Donna Sherbrooke hired after she and her husband had built their mansion in Barrington. A lover of plants and flowers, Donna had often worked alongside her mom, and sometimes, their children would accompany them.

As usual, her mom was correct. Everything about the ceremony had been gorgeous, if not a little too traditional for her tastes. Considering Trent’s wife came from a large Italian family, it made sense that they’d gotten married in the Catholic Cathedral on Fenner Street in downtown Providence.

“It was, and I love Addison’s gown.” Kiera looked across the room. “The bridesmaids’ gowns are beautiful, too.”

She watched Trent’s sister dance with a gorgeous man in dress blues. Thanks to the media—and her mother—she knew that the man with Trent’s sister was one of Addison’s older brothers.

“Mark must be thrilled everyone made it today.”

Others might find it odd that her mom called her employer by his first name, but not Kiera. Over the years, the line between employer and employee had blurred between the Sherbrookes and Renaults, which explained their presence at the wedding today. Although still a large reception, only immediate family and close friends filled the ballroom.

“Your dad overheard Mark and Abby the other night. Mark was worried Gray wouldn’t make it. He missed Trent’s bachelor party.”

Kiera looked across the room at Gray, who sat in conversation with his cousin Sara and her fiancée. “Really?”

Trent and Gray had a good sibling relationship, or at least they had growing up. She had seen it first-hand, spending much of her childhood tagging along with the two of them as they explored their parents’ estates in Barrington and on Martha’s Vineyard.

Her mom nodded. “And he never showed up for the New Year’s Eve party, according to your grandfather.”

Despite his advanced years, her grandfather, Henri Renault, still ruled the kitchen of Cliff House, something he’d done for well over thirty years.

“I didn’t think he ever missed that.”

“Your father heard Mark say he’s worried Gray’s taking up where Trent left off with women.” Her mom leaned a little closer. “I’ve always adored Trent, but he was a terrible player, with a different woman on his arm every other week. It drove his father crazy.”

Her mom didn’t have to tell her what a playboy Trent had been before meeting Addison. The media had done a fabulous job documenting his activities. When she’d first heard Trent was getting married, she’d wondered if Mom had gotten it wrong.

Kiera glanced at her mother. “He’s probably just busy.”

She hadn’t spent much time with Gray over the past few years, but she didn’t see him jumping from one woman to the next the way Trent had.

Then again, people changed. Weren’t they, right now, celebrating the marriage of Trent Sherbrooke, a man the world never envisioned married?

“I hope that’s all. I think Trent already gave Mark enough stress.”

Although it shouldn’t matter to her one way or the other, she hoped she was right, too. Kiera’s eyes drifted in Gray’s direction again.

As she watched, Sara said something that caused Gray to shake his head and frown. In the process, their eyes met. Right away, his frown reversed direction, and he waved.

Kiera returned the gesture and expected him to continue his conversation. Instead, he said something to Sara, then headed her way.

Wow, the man rocked a tuxedo. Then again, he’d make a toga look hot. Grayson Sherbrooke, like everyone else in the Sherbrooke family, had hit the jackpot in the gene department. Tall and blessed with an athletic physique, he’d inherited his father’s dirty blond hair and his mother’s light blue eyes. It was no wonder every magazine editorial staff loved to put him on their cover.

“Annette, how are you?” Gray sat down at the table and smiled at her mom. “Is Mathieu here, too?”

“He went to get some drinks.” Her mom patted Gray’s hand. “You’ve been away too long. We’ve all missed you.”

“I know, but now that I’m here, I plan to take advantage of Mathieu’s cooking.”

“If you want something exceptional, Kiera’s the one you want cooking for you.” Her mom looked around as if to make sure her husband wasn’t within hearing. “Her culinary skills surpass even her grandfather’s now.”

Kiera heard the pride in her mom’s voice, and even though she didn’t agree, the praise pleased her.

Gray looked her way. “Doesn’t surprise me.” He paused, then got a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Do you still specialize in chocolate cupcakes?”

“Of course. What else?”

Gray’s comment brought up a long-forgotten memory. She’d been perhaps five or six and had made cupcakes with her dad. Once they’d cooled, he’d let her decorate them on her own. Like any good kid, she found a bag of double chocolate cookies and gummy worms. She’d crushed up the cookies and added them and the worms to the frosting on the cupcakes. Once finished, she’d snatched three and brought them to Trent and Gray’s tree house, only to find that their younger sister, Allison, had followed them that day. None of them had wanted to share the treats, so she convinced Allison that the cupcakes were covered with real worms and dirt. Allison believed her and ran off to find a more suitable snack, leaving the three of them alone to enjoy their cupcakes.

“And now that you mention it, I think I’ll bake some tonight.”

“Any chance I can get a few?”

Kiera patted his hand. “For you, I’ll even add extra worms.”

Gray laughed a deep rich sound that shattered the serious expression she struggled to maintain.

“Perfect. I’ll be by first thing tomorrow to pick them up.” Gray tilted his head toward the dance floor. “How about a dance?”

She lifted each of his hands and examined them. “You’re not holding any snakes, so I guess it’s safe.”

Gray threw back his head and laughed again. “You’re never going to forgive me for that, are you?”

“Nope.” Thanks to Gray and the garter snake he’d dropped on her head one day, she still got uneasy around snakes.

He helped her up. “I promise no snakes. Besides, I’ve learned women prefer to be surprised with jewelry instead.”

Together, they joined the other dancers already on the dance floor.

“I’m warning you, I haven’t danced in a long time.” Kiera rested her palms on his shoulders. Shoulders that were a bit wider than she remembered. Of course, the last time she’d danced with Gray, they’d been about fourteen. His mother had brought a professional dance instructor to the estate so that Trent, Gray, and Allison, could learn to dance properly. Short one female dance partner; Gray’s mom had invited her to join them.

Gray’s hand settled on her waist. “I’ll be careful.”

Like an expert, Gray moved them across the dance floor. When they approached the happy bride and groom, she watched them for a moment or two.

“Trent’s married. Blows the mind.”

A dancer behind them bumped into her, and Gray moved them away from the couple.

“I always thought he’d end up living in a mansion maybe on a private island surrounded by beautiful young women,” she said. “I pictured Jake that way, too.”

“Me, too?”

Kiera looked away from the dancers, so she could see his face and discovered they now stood much closer than before. When had that happened? Had she moved closer or had he pulled her up against him? Either way, they needed space between them because she suddenly found it difficult to think.

“Never.” She met his eyes, an easy feat thanks to the height she’d inherited from her dad, but then she wished she hadn’t because she couldn’t look away.

Gray waited for Kiera’s answer. How she pictured him or anyone else in his family shouldn’t matter, yet it did. A lot.

“Then how do you picture me someday?” The question spilled out and he cursed himself. What a ridiculous question.

“More like your father, I guess.” Kiera tilted her head. “You know, married to someone like your mom or one of your aunts, with a house full of light-haired, blue-eyed children.”

Relief, or something close to it, seeped through his body. If the media or strangers wanted to believe he was a carefree partier traveling around the world, dating different women, he didn’t care. His family and close friends were another story. Technically, Kiera wasn’t either—at least, not anymore. They hadn’t talked in years. For some reason, though, her opinion still mattered to him.

“That’s a relief.”

Kiera rolled her eyes. “I’m sure you would’ve lost sleep if I had said something else.”

“Perhaps.”

The slow song ended and another started up.

“Wow, your feet survived that whole dance. I guess I remember more from those dance lessons than I thought.” Kiera turned to head to the edge of the dance floor.

“How about another dance, then?” He kept his eyes on her face—the safest place for them. Or, rather, he tried. His eyes had ideas of their own.

He could honestly say he hadn’t thought of Kiera in years. Even still, he knew she’d be the only thing he thought about tonight and perhaps tomorrow.

“You’re feet are the ones in danger, not mine.” She placed her hands back on his shoulders.

Gray pulled her closer, much closer than during their first dance, and a long-suppressed memory floated up—when he’d seen Kiera as a girl rather than a pal who happened to live on his parents’ estate.

“You’re dad must be happy you’re home. Are you staying long?”

Kiera’s question interrupted his pleasant trip down Memory Lane.

“A few days, maybe more. What about you? Are you just visiting?

“I moved back about a year ago. I loved living with my cousins in France, and working in Paris was incredible, but I missed my family here.”

He got the whole missing family thing, though no one would believe that. “There’s no other city quite like Paris.” He’d traveled to cities around the world and Paris remained one of his favorites.

The song ended and a popular Top Forty hit replaced it, bringing their dance to an end—as well as his excuse for having Kiera in his arms.

“Since we’re both around, why don’t we go for dinner one night?” His dinner dates these days involved business. For a change, he’d like an evening out with a friend.

Kiera’s hands dropped to her sides, his cue to let go of her waist.

A cue his brain failed to follow.

“I’d love to, but I can’t. I’m scheduled at work every night this week.”

“Lunch then?” It took some effort, but he peeled one hand off her waist. He left the other on her lower back as he guided her back to her table.

“That I can do.”

“Excellent. I’ll pick you up Monday at noon.”

Kiera gave him her address, which he had just enough time to put into his phone before the damn thing rang.

“It’s work. I’m sorry, but I need to take this. I’ll see you Monday.” He took the call, but didn’t say hello. He didn’t need to; he already knew who it was.

She nodded. “Twelve o’clock.”

Gray walked away, but cast one more glance in Kiera’s direction, wishing he could dance with her again. Unable to do what he wanted he greeted his boss.

Fudge. It couldn’t be eleven-thirty.

Kiera checked the wall clock. Double fudge. It said eleven-thirty, too. Gray was due in thirty minutes, and she hadn’t even stepped in the shower yet. One of these days, she’d learn not to experiment with a new recipe when she had plans.

Kiera pushed away a stray piece of hair. She’d clean the dirty bowls and pans later. Right now, she needed to get the perishable food put away. Thanks to years of practice, it took mere minutes to get food wrapped and put away, leaving her enough time for a hot shower, she hoped.

For the second time that week, only luke-warm water flowed from the showerhead. Actually, luke-warm water in her loft had become the norm over the past month. In fact, on several occasions, she’d driven to her friend’s apartment for a hot shower before work rather than suffer through an unpleasant cold one. Today, she’d have to suffer.

Once showered and dried off, Kiera grabbed a sweater from her drawer, her teeth chattering too much for her to care which one it was, and then she cranked up the thermostat. While the hot water remained temperamental, the heating system worked just fine. Quickly, she pulled on her clothes, which left only one thing to do: tackling the mess on her head that passed for hair.

Most days, she took the extra time required to blow the curly mop out straight. The clock said she didn’t have that luxury today.

“A bun it is,” she said as she pulled it into a high ponytail.

Kiera stabbed a hair stick through her bun, securing it as the intercom near the kitchen beeped. Passing the sink, she cast a glance at the overflowing mess. What she wouldn’t give for an industrial-sized dishwasher. Half the dishes in the sink wouldn’t fit in her tiny dishwasher. She had a lot of scrubbing to do later.

“I’m downstairs,” Gray said after she said hello.

“Come on in.” Kiera pressed the button that unlocked the door as she grabbed her jacket from the closet. Rather than wait for Gray to come up, Kiera shoved her arms into her jacket and walked into the hall and down the stairs.

When she hit the bottom step to the lobby, she stopped, annoyance almost making her groan. Of all the building occupants, why did Gray have to be in a conversation with her? Alexa Merrill, who lived in the loft next door. The one neighbor in the whole building Kiera disliked—and she suspected the feeling was mutual. They’d moved into the building the same day, yet that was about the only thing they had in common. Alexa gave the phrase “party girl” a whole new definition.

“I work Wednesday and Thursday nights at The Red Room,” Alexa told Gray as she leaned against the wall of mailboxes.

Kiera knew what type of place The Red Room was. The club posted huge billboards along the highway, which advertised the upscale strip club.

“If you’re still in town, stop by. You’ll love the show.”

She ought to save Gray from Alexa’s overzealous flirting, but he could probably handle it himself. His expression gave nothing away. A good friend would step in and save him, but she did find Alexa’s ability to come on to anything with a penis fascinating to watch. She, herself, had never mastered even the most basic aspects of flirting. Her neighbor, however, appeared to have a doctorate in it.

“I’m sure the show is great, but I plan to spend most of my time with family on this visit,” Gray answered, a polite smile pasted on his face.

Alexa ran a finger down Gray’s cheek, the bright pink nail polish almost blinding Kiera. “I’m free now if you want to come up. I’ll give you a sneak peek at my dance.”

Kiera ground her teeth together to keep the disgust from escaping. She seriously couldn’t believe men fell for Alexa.

“Actually, I’m having lunch with a friend.” Gray glanced at the stairs. “Hey, Kiera. Ready to go?”

Even with an exotic dancer almost groping him, Gray sounded unaffected, so maybe not all men fell under Alexa’s spell.

“Ready.” She smiled even more when Alexa’s mouth dropped open.

“Great.” Gray took her hand and always the proper gentleman, he looked at Alexa again. “Have a nice day.”

Kiera struggled to keep from looking over her shoulder as they walked out. Alexa’s gaze was on her back, and Kiera feared she’d find burn marks in that spot later on.

“You have some, shall we say, interesting neighbors.” Gray led her to a two-door Mercedes in the parking lot, and opened the door for her.

“I don’t know why you’d say that. She’s well liked by the men in the building. And she must have really liked you. She doesn’t offer free shows to just anyone.”

Gray shot her a dirty look. “She’s not my type.” He closed the door before she could say anything else.

He slid behind the wheel, then pulled out of the parking lot. “Trent told me about a great Indian restaurant near his office. Is that okay for lunch?”

“Sounds good.”

During the car ride from Lincoln to Providence, they talked about the wedding that weekend and the weather, of all things. So far, the winter that year had been brutal. By the time they reached the restaurant, they’d both agreed that they didn’t know why their families didn’t relocate to more tropical locations where the only ice to be found was in the kitchen freezer.

“I don’t remember the last time I had Indian food,” Gray said as a host led them to a table.

She’d eaten at the popular Indian restaurant a few times since she’d moved back to Rhode Island. Each time she did, she ordered the same thing, so while Gray studied his menu, she studied him. He resembled his older brother Trent so much that people might confuse the two of them, but Gray’s dirty blond hair was a shade darker and his eyes were a shade lighter than his brother’s Sherbrooke blue.

Man, she’d forgotten just how gorgeous Gray was. Sure, she’d seen pictures of him in the past few years, but the pictures didn’t do him justice.

“Are you ready to order?” a waiter asked, appearing at their table and disrupting her careful examination.

“Did you already decide on something?” Gray looked up from his menu.

“I always get the same meal here.”

“Then I guess we’re ready.” Gray handed over his menu. “For an appetizer, we’ll have the aloo chaat, and for my entrée, I’ll have the chole bhature.”

“Excellent choice, sir.”

Kiera placed her order, and once the waiter walked away, she turned her full attention back to Gray.

“Did you hang around your father’s and gorge yourself on my dad’s cooking yesterday?” She’d known Gray her entire life and had never been uncomfortable around him—at least until this afternoon. She didn’t know why she was now, and she didn’t like it.

The smile Gray gave her before answering didn’t help matters. “Tempting idea, but no. I’m staying at Trent’s apartment since he’s on his honeymoon. I’m stopping at my dad’s for dinner on Thursday and I’m looking forward to it.”

“I can’t get used to the words Trent and married in the same sentence.”

“A few months ago, I would’ve agreed with you, but he seems happy. My family adores Addison and my dad’s excited that he’s about to become a grandfather.”

She hoped her mouth wasn’t hanging open too much. “Trent’s going to be a dad?” Her voice came out louder than she’d intended.

Gray laughed. “Hard to believe, but yes, Addison’s pregnant. They haven’t told many people.”

The short engagement now made more sense. “My lips are sealed. She doesn’t look pregnant.”

“She’s…” Gray frowned “I’m not sure how many months along she is.”

“When’s she due?”

Gray cringed. “I don’t know.”

The Sherbrookes were a tight family despite the distance that separated some of them. “You don’t know when your niece or nephew is due?”

“When Trent told me, I was about to board a plane for Spain. Or maybe it was Greece. I don’t remember.”

She didn’t miss the annoyance in his voice. “Fair enough. So are you still living in New York City?”

“Technically, yes. But I don’t think I’ve slept in my own bed in weeks.”

Kiera should resist the temptation to ask, but he’d made it to easy. “So whose bed have you been sleeping in?”

The question hung in the air, and Kiera wished she’d asked him if he’d seen any good movies recently because who he spent time with wasn’t any of her business.

“Forget I said that, Gray.”

Gray shrugged. “We’ve known each other too long for that question to bother me. Work has kept me from home. I even missed my dad’s Christmas party last year.”

“I know. Everyone missed you.” Her question might not bother him, but she needed to be more careful. She couldn’t ask him every question that popped into her head.

“You went this year?”

Kiera didn’t answer until the waiter set their appetizer on the table.

“Yup and it was great. As always.”

Over the years, she’d attended several of Mark Sherbrooke’s Christmas parties and even a few of the Sherbrookes’ New Year’s Eve parties, but last December’s had been the first one in three years.

“I think the last time I saw you before Saturday night was at a Christmas party.”

Kiera searched her memory. “You’re right. You were with Melanie Franklin.”

“We broke up three years ago.”

“I remember. It was all over the magazines. Every article said some ex-boyfriend of hers came between you two.”

Gray stabbed the potato on his plate. “Not even close. She wanted to get married; I didn’t.”

“That makes more sense. I don’t think any female would pick another guy over you.” Heat climbed up the back of her neck. She shouldn’t have said that. She was without a doubt losing her mind.

Gray laughed. “Strange things do happen. Like my brother getting married.”

Kiera rolled her eyes. “Let’s change the subject. Your ego doesn’t need any more boosting today.”

“Ouch. That hurt, but if you insist…” Gray reached for his fork again “Since you don’t want to talk about me, let’s talk about you.” Gray stabbed another potato his full attention on her.

They spent the rest of lunch catching up and reliving childhood memories, most of which Gray hadn’t thought of in years. The more they talked, the more he realized just how much he’d missed being able to sit down and have an enjoyable lunch with a friend. More and more, it seemed he either spent his time alone or with business associates.

“When will those cupcakes be ready?” Gray pulled into a spot behind Kiera’s building a few hours later.

“Depends. When are you going back to New York City?”

“I’m planning to leave on Friday.”

“Then they’ll be ready on Saturday.”

“Thanks a lot. Some friend you are.”

Kiera smiled at him, then reached for her door handle. “I’m kidding. If you really want cupcakes, I’ll bake some for you. I can drop them off at Trent’s apartment on my way to work one night.”

He almost took her hand in his, but, at the last moment, he stopped himself and squeezed her leg instead. “I was joking, but thank you.” Gray dropped his hand into his lap. Time to get them both out of the car before he made an ass of himself and did something he’d regret later. “Come on. I’ll walk you up.”

Keep your eyes on her bun. Gray repeated the sentence as he followed Kiera upstairs. Unfortunately, his brain kept interpreting the word bun for bum, and his eyes kept dropping to that very attractive part of her body. Jeans had obviously been created with a butt like hers in mind.

“Thanks again for lunch today. It was a lot of fun, but I wish you let me pay for half,” Kiera said as she unlocked her apartment door.

It had been fun, and he wished the afternoon wasn’t about to end. “You can pay next time.”

“Sure. The next time you’re in town, give me a call.”

Judging by her tone, Kiera didn’t expect to see him again anytime soon. He guessed he deserved that kind of response.

“I’d invite you in, but I really need to get ready for work.”

“Don’t worry about it. I understand. I should get back to Trent’s place anyway. Derek is coming by tonight.”

Kiera pushed her apartment door open. “Tell him I said hello.” She took a step forward but didn’t continue inside. Instead, she leaned toward him and placed a sisterly kiss on his cheek. “It was great catching up today. Have a safe trip home.”

The desire to back Kiera into her apartment and kiss her like she’d never been kissed before overtook him. He stepped toward her, just one kiss, and then he’d go.

Down the hall a door opened, and he froze. “Have a nice night.”

It took most of his will power, but Gray made it downstairs and outside without doing anything stupid. Despite the small victory, he couldn’t shake the image of laying Kiera down on the closest flat surface, removing all her clothes and kissing every inch of her.

How could someone he’d rarely thought about in years now hold all his attention? Not to mention, what the thought of her was doing to his body. Gray suspected tonight was going to be one hell of a long night.

GRAY STOPPED in front of his dad’s house and looked around. From the outside, it looked the same. As far as he knew, his dad hadn’t changed the exterior since he and Gray’s mom designed it a year after they married. The same couldn’t be said about the interior.

His mom had preferred a more classic style, much like her husband. His dad’s second wife, a woman Gray suspected his father had never truly loved, had preferred a contemporary look. Mere months after she’d moved in, she redecorated the entire mansion, erasing any hint of Gray’s mom. Thankfully, that marriage had lasted only a year—and everyone was happy when it ended.

Not long after the divorce, his dad had the place redecorated again, so it resembled the home Gray remembered. When his father remarried a third time eight years ago, the whole family had held their breath when Abby decided the place needed a few changes. Much to everyone’s relief, Abby’s changes were minor ones.

However, according to Allison, his stepmother had done some redecorating once again over the summer. He hoped the place didn’t resemble the inside of his father’s downtown office. Trent had told him all about the major changes Abby made there. According to his brother, the office resembled the set of a futuristic movie.

Gray pulled open the front door and stopped. Even after all these years, he sometimes expected his mom to be waiting inside for him. Today, though, like on his last visit, the foyer remained empty, the chandelier casting shadows on the floor.

“Gray, you’re here.” Abby walked into the foyer and smiled at him. “Your dad just got home.” Abby hugged him and kissed his cheek.

He didn’t hesitate to return the gesture. He liked and respected Abby, something he couldn’t say about his father’s second wife. Even more important than the fact that he liked her, was the fact that Abby made his dad happy.

“Allison is here, too,” Abby said as she started walking down the hallway.

He followed his stepmother through the house, a place he hadn’t lived in for years and avoided as much as possible. Not that he didn’t love his family; he adored them all, but being inside the house regardless of its current decorating trend always brought back memories of his mom, a woman who had died fifteen years ago whom he still missed.

He suspected his dad understood that and that was why he didn’t nag him about visiting. Instead, his dad came to see him in New York or saw him when Gray visited Cliff House in Newport.

“I thought we could visit for a little while before dinner.” Abby preceded him into the living room where his dad and sister sat deep in conversation. “Mathieu planned dinner for seven o’clock.”

The mention of Kiera’s dad brought her to the forefront of his mind, something that had occurred several times since his brother’s wedding.

“He promised he’d prepare one of your favorite dishes.” Abby took a seat next to his dad.

Gray sat, listening as his father and sister continued their discussion—or perhaps he should call it a disagreement. While he’d missed the beginning of the conversation, he caught enough to know his sister planned to move to Virginia and start working with their cousin, Jake. His dad wasn’t onboard with that decision. He wanted her to remain at Helping Hands Foundation, one of Sherbrooke Enterprises charitable foundations that was based right there in Providence.

While his dad argued that Helping Hands and their Aunt Marilyn needed her expertise, Gray suspected his dad disagreed with the decision because it would mean his only daughter would move several hours away. Dad might come across as a hard-ass judge in the courtroom, but when it came to family, he was anything but.

As the disagreement continued, Gray sat back and let his mind wander.

“Are you still leaving Friday?” His dad asked and Gray realized the conversation between Allison and his dad had ended.

“I think so.”

The flight crew expected him at the airport tomorrow. The idea of boarding a plane and flying back to New York City excited him about as much as Kiera’s neighbor had on Monday afternoon.

He’d kept busy this week. One afternoon, he’d had lunch with Aunt Marilyn, and another, he’d driven out to Connecticut to visit his cousin. Last night, he went out with his brother Derek, and William, an old college friend who lived in the city. However, his lunch with Kiera had been the highlight of the week. Prior to that lunch date, he hadn’t realized how much he missed her.

Gray had never lacked for friends, yet there had always been something special about his and Kiera’s friendship. Perhaps it was because they’d known each other their entire lives. They’d been born a month apart, and although her parents worked for his, they’d played together from the moment they could crawl.

His mother had loved gardening. She’d enjoyed working in her green house and in her many gardens alongside the gardeners more than she’d liked sipping tea with other wealthy women. Both he and Trent had spent hours outside with her as she worked with Annette Renault. In fact, thanks to his mom and Annette, he now knew more about plants and flowers than any man should.

As children, he, Trent, and Kiera had done everything from climbing trees to digging up worms. At the time, he hadn’t realized how strange it was that Kiera played alongside them. He didn’t view her parents as employees, but more like extended family. Not until he’d started going to friends’ homes did he learn how others interacted with their household staff. By that time, it was too late. His friendship with Kiera had been established.

They stayed close friends right up until the summer after ninth grade. He’d arrived home for the summer and gone looking for his mom in the green house. When he walked inside, rather than finding his mom, a cute ass and legs that went on for miles greeted him. His fifteen-year old body had taken immediate notice of her. Before he could do anything except stare and drool, Annette had walked in and asked the cute backside if she’d finished repotting the flowers. Then, like in a movie, Kiera had straightened up, turned around, and smiled at him.

All the breath had left his body. He’d muttered something that resembled a greeting and beat it. For a solid week after that, he avoided Kiera like the plague, opting to spend his time in the ocean, wondering how she’d changed so much while he’d been away at school.

After a while, he stopped avoiding her and began tossing round the idea of asking her out. A visit by a school friend killed that idea when his buddy so eloquently reminded him that it was okay to screw the help, but not date them.

Not once had he considered asking Kiera out again, and while they remained friends, their friendship changed that summer. He hadn’t intended for that to happen. However, it’d been the only way for him to handle the unwanted desire she evoked every time she came within ten feet of him.

Something she’d once again managed the night of Trent’s wedding and again on Monday afternoon.

“If you change your mind, stop in and visit Richard. He was asking about you over lunch this week. He was disappointed he didn’t get a chance to speak with you at the wedding.”

Richard Marshall had been a friend of his father and Uncle Warren since boarding school. Gray and his siblings considered the man an uncle.

“If I stick around, I’ll try.”

Gray doubted he’d venture even to Richard’s neighborhood unless he knew for certain that Richard’s youngest daughter, Tasha, was far far away. For the longest time, she’d been infatuated with his brother. Then, she’d set her eye on his cousin. After his cousin’s engagement, though, she decided he was the Sherbrooke for her. Much like his brother and cousin, he had no interest in Tasha.

“How long will Trent be gone anyway?” If he did choose to stick around longer, he doubted his brother would want to return from his honeymoon and find him still in his guest bedroom.

“Addie and Trent will be back on the twenty-seventh,” Allison answered. “Trent pressed for a three week honeymoon, but Addie refused. She said she had too many projects to complete before the baby came.”

Good. That gave him more than a week to crash at his brother’s if he wanted.

“I take it she doesn’t let Trent call all the shots.”

“No. She keeps Trent in line better than I ever did.” His dad laughed. “I only wish they’d met sooner. I might have fewer white hairs.”

Since Trent had called and dropped the news on him, he’d wanted to get to know the woman who’d won over his playboy brother. His father’s comment strengthened that desire. Maybe, with a little luck, his work schedule would cooperate over the next few months and he’d get the opportunity.

First thing Friday morning, he called the flight crew and informed them of his change in plans. New York City would still be there in a few days. With that phone call out of the way, he hung around his brother’s apartment, simply enjoying the down time and the quiet—neither of which he got much of anymore. Sometime well after breakfast, he’d showered and headed out, unsure if the destination he had in mind was a good idea or not.

Regardless of his indecision, fifteen minutes later, he found himself knocking on Kiera’s apartment door.

Without so much as a, “Who is it?” first, the door opened.

“Gray.” His name came out as half statement, half question. “What... I thought you were headed home today.”

“Changed my mind.” He feared he’d wake her. Thanks to their conversation earlier that week, he knew she was scheduled to work every night that week. Since she answered the door immediately, and stood before him in well-worn jeans and an oversized sweatshirt, he guessed she’d been awake for some time.

She tilted her head “How did you get in? The people in this building aren’t big on letting strangers inside. Some won’t even let my parents in, and they’ve been visiting me since I moved in last year.”

“It must be my charming personality. I just said hello to the woman walking out and mentioned I was here to see you.”

Kiera rolled her eyes at him and laughed. “You’re not that charming. More likely, they recognized you and figured you were harmless.” She pulled the door open wider. “Come on in before Alexa hears you’re in the building and offers to do a pole dance for you.”

“I hoped to run into your neighbor while I was here and that does sound entertaining. Which apartment is hers again?”

Kiera pretended to close the door on him. “She lives right next door in apartment twenty-five.”

Gray took a step forward, crossing into her personal space. “Good to know. Maybe I’ll stop over later. Does she really have a pole in her apartment?”

“Men. You’re all the same.” Her tone bordered on annoyance, but the smile he glimpsed before she walked away hinted at amusement.

“You’re not busy, are you?” He followed her into the loft apartment.

“Actually, you’re interrupting my very important date with my DVR.” Kiera plopped onto her sofa. On the television, a woman remained frozen, about to clean up spilled milk.

“Well then, I can always come back after Alexa gives me that private show, if you want.”

Kiera made a great show of considering his words, and then switched off the television. “She’s probably still in bed. She gets home later than me most nights. You might as well stay here and stop by her place before you leave. That would be the considerate thing to do.”

“Always thinking about others.” Gray sat next to her and patted her thigh. “I’m glad that hasn’t changed.”

Kiera pulled her legs up and rested her arms on her knees. “So, how much longer did you decide to stay?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe just a few more days. I haven’t taken time off in a while.”

Kiera snorted. “This is me, Gray. You don’t have to lie. I don’t care how much you do or don’t work. And I’ve seen those party pictures that pop up all over the magazine covers. You seem to have plenty of fun.”

Her comment stung on many levels. Okay, sure, he’d made it a point to cultivate a certain persona since he started his real job. He found that it came in handy if people believed he was a carefree, laid-back, rich guy who did as little work as possible. However, just the opposite was true, but Kiera wouldn’t know that.

“Thanks. I’m glad I know how you really feel.” He hoped his sarcastic tone masked the hurt her words caused.

Kiera’s teasing smile vanished. “I didn’t mean it like that, Gray. You know how I feel about you.”

Actually, no he didn’t. Which was the problem. He assumed she considered him a childhood friend. After all, that was how he’d thought of her for most of his life. Then he’d seen her again at Trent’s wedding, and, well, now he wondered if he couldn’t do now what he’d considered that summer so many years ago.

“But you do seem to travel a lot. And go to a lot of social events.”

Kiera’s voice pushed his wayward thoughts aside.

“Three or four months ago, I read in some magazine that you were spotted in London with some actress. Or maybe she’s a model. I don’t remember. And last month, you were in Mexico according to Trent.”

“That was all for work.”

She didn’t say the word liar, but her expression did.

“All my travel in the past year has been for work.” It just hadn’t all been for Sherbrooke Enterprises. In fact more than half of it had been for the Agency.

“If you say so.” She looked away then back at him again. “Who was the woman with you in London? It’s driving me nuts that I can’t remember her name. She’s a model, right?”

He didn’t want to discuss any of the women he’d been spotted with over the past year. “Neither. But she wants to get into acting. Her father is the new Russian Prime Minister, and her family owns several businesses, including numerous resorts and casinos around the world. We met at one of them. And for the record, Nadia asked me to the movie premier.”

“She’s beautiful.”

He saw no reason to comment on that statement. After all, she was right; Nadia Danilova was gorgeous. Just not his type.

“You’re the first woman I’ve asked out in a while.”

Kiera bit down on her lip, but her smile still escaped. “Too busy?”

“That’s part of it.”

He worked hard, but that didn’t mean he had no social life. Instead, it was more a case of not meeting anyone he cared to get to know better. In fact, the desire he’d experienced dancing Saturday—and again on Monday—had been the first he’d felt in a long time.

“What about you?” They’d discussed many things over lunch, but not once had she mentioned a boyfriend.

“My job isn’t all that conducive to an active social life. I dated someone in Paris for two years, but he didn’t want to move here with me. We’re still friends and text sometimes.”

No guy in her life; he shouldn’t like the sound of that, but he did. A lot.

“Since we both have no social life, do you mind if I hang out here for the afternoon and watch television? I’ll even buy pizza later.”

Both her grandfather and father might be gourmet chefs, but the girl he’d known all his life loved pizza. Especially pepperoni and mushroom.

“You, my friend, have yourself a deal.”

For what seemed like the hundredth time that afternoon, Kiera shot a look at Gray, then looked back at the super heroes on her socks. Man, she wished he’d called rather than just show up. Then she wouldn’t be sitting there in jeans so old they could buy a ticket to a PG-13 movie and socks decorated with super heroes. Okay, maybe her jeans weren’t that old, but they had holes in both the knees and she’d had them since before she’d moved to Paris. Granted, she didn’t have to impress Gray, but that didn’t mean she wanted to look like a slob, either. Especially considering he looked great today as usual.

The jingle for a popular snack food company started up, and Kiera realized the television show had gone to another commercial.

“Does anyone watch commercials anymore?” She hit Fast-Forward.

“Someone in the marketing department could answer you better than me, but that commercial is making me hungry for cake. And someone in this room did promise they’d make me cupcakes if I wanted.”

She’d baked enough that she could whip up cupcakes in her sleep. “So I did. And you promised me pizza.” Kiera switched off the television. “I’ll get started on my end of the bargain if you handle yours.”

“Deal.”

Gray smiled at her and an overwhelming urge to put space between them sent her toward the kitchen.

“There’s a take-out menu in the drawer next to you.”

She liked cooking and experimenting with dishes too much to order take-out often. Still, she pulled out the too-lazy-to-cook card at times and called for delivery. Since she’d moved to Lincoln, she’d tried several different places and the pizza restaurant located on Mendon Road in Cumberland was, by far her favorite or at least her favorite that would deliver.

Kiera measured out flour while Gray placed the order. For several minutes afterward, the entire apartment remained silent. She didn’t know what he was doing, and since he remained almost as far from her as possible in the small apartment, she didn’t turn around to look.

Maybe he was playing a game on his phone or checking his email. Either activity should keep him occupied while she baked and continuously reminded herself that this was Gray Sherbrooke. She shouldn’t be thinking of him as anything but an old friend. She didn’t need to impress him. Well, unless he planned to open a gourmet restaurant somewhere. And if he planned to do that, she better prepare something besides chocolate cupcakes.

“Do you need any help?”

She spun around, her arm clipping the mixing bowl, almost sending it to the floor. Somehow, though, Gray managed to catch it before flour went everywhere.

“Are you okay?” Gray put the bowl back on the counter.

“I forgot you were here.” Yeah, like that would ever happen.

Gray’s mouth dropped open. “I don’t think any woman has ever said that to me before. I think I’ve been insulted.” He crossed his arms. “Maybe I should take my pizzas when they get here and go see your pole-dancing neighbor.”

Kiera tightened her grip on the vanilla. “I just meant that you were so quiet that I got caught up in what I was doing.”

Gray studied her, and she tried not to fidget.

“Joking, Kiera. You do remember what that is, right?” He stepped closer and reached for her hand. “If you hold this any tighter, you’re going to break it.” He pulled her fingers from the bottle. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’re trembling.”

“Caffeine withdrawal. I didn’t have my afternoon cup yet.” The lie flew out of her mouth.

“Gotcha. Happens to me all the time. Tell me where the coffee is and I’ll make us some.”

She doubted he ever suffered from her current aliment, but since he believed her excuse, she’d stick with it.

“Coffee’s in the corner cupboard.”

Somehow, she finished the cupcake batter without once again putting her foot in her mouth. She even thought she got the recipe correct, although it was possible she’d added too much sugar. With Gray in the tiny space that claimed to be a kitchen, she had a little trouble focusing on anything but him.

“These babies are ready for the oven.” Kiera opened the door. “I’ll do the dishes after we eat.”

The pizzas hadn’t arrived, but they should show up soon. At least she hoped so; her stomach kept making the most unladylike sounds.

“Health experts say you shouldn’t eat uncooked batter because of the raw eggs, but I can’t bake cupcakes and not lick the bowl.” Kiera ran her finger along the inside of the bowl and then licked the batter off. “Mmmm, perfect.” If she’d added too much of something or left something out, she couldn’t tell. “Want a taste?” She nodded toward the bowl.

Gray didn’t comment. Instead, he left his seat and approached her, reminding her a bit of a lion stalking his prey.

Why, oh why, did he have to look so sexy? She wanted to lick him the same way she’d licked the batter from her finger.

Without any warning Gray took her hand and used her finger to scoop up the chocolate batter. She watched as he lifted her hand toward his mouth, and about half a second before he closed his lips around her finger, she realized his intent. But by then, it was too late.

His tongue ran along her finger, and then he sucked the remaining batter off. Right away, a mental image of him doing the same thing somewhere else on her body danced before her eyes. Heat spread throughout her, and she swallowed, frozen in place.

He pulled her finger from his mouth. “Delicious.” Gray maintained eye contact as he kissed the top of her hand. His breath traveled over her skin, sending shivers up her arm.

“You, uh, always did love chocolate.” Her voice came out far from casual, but considering the circumstances, that came as no surprise.

He lowered their hands, but didn’t let go. “I didn’t mean the batter.”

Boy, oh, boy did she need a cold drink. “Gray—”

The intercom came to life.

“Pizzas.” Thank God.

Gray nodded. “I’ll get them.”

Alone, Kiera sagged against the counter. The Gray Sherbrooke who’d given her a hug, patted her on the back, and even kissed her on the cheek… that Gray she could handle. But she didn’t know what to make of the man who’d just sucked raw cupcake batter off her finger and kissed her hand. Most women in her shoes would thank their lucky stars, then grab hold of Gray before he changed his mind and went back to giving them friendly pats on the back.

She had no intention of doing that. A safer route would be to sit him down and ask him if he was okay. Maybe he’d bumped his head while in the shower or was, perhaps, having a life crisis.

Yup, when he came back, she’d ask him and get to the bottom of things because some kind of logical explanation had to exist. After all, they’d known each other for almost thirty years and he’d never once hinted that he saw her as anything but a friend.

Sure, she’d wished he saw her as more from time to time, but she’d gotten over the teenage crush a long time ago.

The apartment door opened, and Gray walked in, carrying two pizza boxes as if he did it every day. The aroma of pizza made her stomach rumble.

“I almost ate a slice on my way back up.”

She watched him cross the living room and wished he did do it every day. Move your legs. Do something useful. Kiera gave herself a mental shake and grabbed some plates from the cupboard.

“Go ahead and start without me.” She handed him the plates. “I need a drink. Can I get you anything?”

What she needed was a tub filled with ice, but for now, she’d settle for an extra large glass of water.

“I’ve got water and ginger ale.” She pulled open the refrigerator door more for the cold air than because she needed to see its contents. “Milk and a little cranberry juice.”

“Water, please.” Gray opened a pizza box and placed two slices on each plate. He didn’t start eating, though. Instead, he pulled out a chair and stood behind it. “Those cupcakes smell great. How long until they’re done?”

His mention of cupcakes sent her body temperature up again. She drank half of her water and reconsidered her earlier decision. Maybe the best option was to ignore what had happened earlier. She could pretend it’d never happened. Doing that might not answer her questions, but it would keep her from spontaneously combusting.

“About another fifteen minutes but if you want them frosted they’ll need to cool off.” Something she had no hope of doing anytime soon.

“If I want them frosted? You know me better than that.”

Until five minutes ago, she’d thought she’d known him rather well, but now? Not so much.

“Have a seat.” He gestured toward the chair he’d pulled out.

Right now, she’d rather stay where she was with the table separating them. Gray would never go for that. Each and every Sherbrooke had proper manners drilled into them, and that meant each Sherbrooke male had been raised to pull out chairs for women and only sit once all the women present had done so first. So Kiera did the only thing she could. She sat down.

Gray ate two slices of pizza before he spoke again. “You’re quiet over there.” He grabbed a third slice. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He left the pizza untouched in his plate and waited for her answer.

She’d spent the last several minutes avoiding eye contact. With him expecting an answer, it seemed rude to keep staring at her plate.

Kiera looked up and forced herself to meet his eyes. “Fine. Really.”

Gray remained silent as if considering her words. Then he reached for her. “I don’t believe you.” He squeezed her hand and waited.

Every Sherbrooke shared one particular characteristic: stubbornness. Gray included. If he suspected something bothered her, he wouldn’t give up until he got the truth or she tossed him out.

And she didn’t want to toss him out.

“What’s the matter, Kiera?”

“Before…” She paused and her gaze dropped to his mouth, lingering there for a bit before forcing herself to meet his gaze again. While his eyes were not as unique a shade of blue as many of the Sherbrookes, she found them beautiful.

“You know, when we were in the kitchen.” Kiera bounced her knee under the table and bumped his leg.

“Did I upset you?”

“No. Well, yes.” Kiera heard a growl and realized it came from her. Why did he have to sit so close? He could’ve picked the chair across the table, but no, he picked the one next to her. “Why?”

“Why what?” He moved his hand to her shoulder.

“Why did you do it?”

Gray leaned forward, and his voice became a mere whisper. “Because I couldn’t stop myself. Like now.”

She saw the intent in his eyes, but the press of his lips on hers startled her anyway.

He cradled her face in his hands and kissed her for a few more seconds before pulling his lips away. “Are you free this weekend?”

The kiss had been more gentle than passionate, yet it blew her mind away. “I’m off until Monday.”

“Let’s spend it together.” He brushed the back of his hand against her cheek then slipped it behind her neck. “I don’t know what we’ll do. It’s so damn cold, but I want to be with you.”

She was anything but cold.

“We could go skiing. I haven’t been in a long time. Or what about ice-skating? Or we could see what movies are playing. Whatever you want,” Gray said.

Since he’d made the first move before, she’d take the lead now. Butterflies tickled her insides as she leaned forward and kissed him.

Kiera might have instigated their second kiss, but she didn’t keep control of it. Instead, Gray left her in charge just long enough for her to put her arms over his shoulders. Once she did that, he changed the angle of his mouth, applying more pressure and tugging her into his lap. Heat consumed her when he slipped his tongue between her lips. Lord, the man could kiss.

Gray moved his lips to her ear lobe. “It’ll be fun. I promise. What do you say?” His breath was hot against her skin.

Kiera nodded as Gray switched his attention from her ear to her neck.

“I think I’d like to go ice skating.” She managed to get the words out as she pulled his head back towards hers for another kiss.

She was in Gray’s lap. Kissing him. Heat was coursing through her body. Her teenaged fantasies were coming true, and she didn’t have a clue why.

That wasn’t going to stop her, though. Matter of fact, it wasn’t until the oven timer buzzed that she realized she was still baking the cupcakes.

And it was only the threat of burned cupcakes that could convince Gray to let go.

She’d made out with Gray. Talk about a surprise. Kiera started the next show on her DVR but peeked over at Gray. He sat close. Unfortunately, he didn’t show any signs of kissing her again anytime soon which was what she wanted him to do.

Was his behavior now normal? Maybe Gray liked to get a woman all hot and bothered and then act like nothing had happened. Or maybe this was how Gray acted after he decided he shouldn’t have kissed a woman in the first place. If that was the case, why was he still sitting beside her? He sat so close she could smell the soap he’d used that morning.

The current episode of her favorite television show ended, and Kiera stood. “You can put on whatever you want.” She handed him the remote. “I’m going to frost those cupcakes. They’re cool enough now.” She wished she could cool off the way they had. “Do you want chocolate or vanilla frosting?”

“Surprise me.”

That was the word of the day. Kiera headed into the kitchen and grabbed what she needed for chocolate frosting. As she worked, she waited for a new television show to start. Instead, the television beeped as Gray switched it off.

“I might need to take some cupcakes home with me tonight.”

Gray’s voice came from behind her, and, without looking, she knew he stood close to her.

“You can take them all. I don’t need any more junk food hanging around. If I splurge much more this winter, I’m going to need new jeans.”

“Knock it off. You look fantastic and you never go nuts with junk food.” He came to stand next to her. “The only reason you might want new jeans is because those have holes in them.” Gray traced her jaw with his finger.

Kiera attacked the ingredients in the bowl with a spoon. “Gray, this is like the third time you’ve seen me in three years. Maybe I’ve become a junk food junky.” She heard the bite in her tone.

His hand fell away. “Did I do something?”

She shook her head. “I just meant that people change.”

Gray’s hand came down on hers, forcing her to stop mixing the frosting. “You’re beating that frosting to death. If I made you mad, just say so.”

Kiera released her death grip on the spoon. “I’m not mad. Confused a little, that’s all.”

“Because of earlier?”

“No. Because Boston traded their star pitcher to Baltimore.” He had to ask?

Gray smiled, and she imagined his lips pressed against hers again.

“Fair enough. That was a stupid question.” He turned her, so they faced each other. “I didn’t intend to confuse you, but since the wedding, I can’t stop thinking about you.”

His words sent a shiver down her spine. No guy, not even her last boyfriend, had ever said they couldn’t stop thinking about her.

“If you say no, I’ll respect that, but I’d like to see where things go between us.” His hands slid down her arms, and he took her hands.

Oh, man. Why did he have to sound so sincere? She’d been convinced that they would spend time together this weekend, and afterward, he’d jet off to wherever he went when he left town and it’d be another three years before she saw him again.

Now he made it sound as if he had other ideas in mind.

“You already know my two faults, so it’s not like you have to worry about uncovering some strange fetishes or anything.”

Gray had never taken himself too seriously, and it looked like that hadn’t changed.

“Your two faults? I’d say you have more than just two, Mr. I’m-Perfect.”

His forehead wrinkled. “No, I’m sure I only have two.” Gray took a step closer. “But we can spend time together and you can enlighten me on any others.”

One step closer and her breasts would touch his chest. The thought of which sent her pulse racing. Maybe she should take him up on his offer. They had known each other a long time and he’d never lied to her.

“Okay.” She made her decision before she second-guessed herself. “I’ll help you discover the rest of your faults.” Kiera closed the gap between them and kissed him.

She intended to give him a peck on the lips, but Gray had other ideas. Before she could step away, he locked his arms around her and pulled her against him, taking control of their kiss.

After awhile, he ended the kiss and Kiera sighed. Even though her eyes remained closed, Gray’s rapid breathing and the erection she felt pressing against her told her he was affected by their kiss, too.

“Now might be a good time to frost those cupcakes.” His hands traveled lower and slipped into her back pockets.

Kiera couldn’t agree more. She needed some space between them. Opening her eyes, she found him looking at her. “I think you’re right. Do you want to help?”

Gray nodded.

“Then we’re going to need to move. We can’t do anything like this.”

Gray cocked an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t say that.”

Kiera pictured them kissing again. “You know what I mean.” She took a step backward, which forced Gray to pull his hands from her pockets. “If you do a good job, I’ll even let you lick the extra frosting from the bowl.”

She turned back to the counter and gave the frosting one final stir before picking up a cupcake.

“You’re a slave driver.”

“I’m serious when it comes to cupcakes. Now, get to work my friend.”

“Whatever you say.” Gray came up alongside her and kissed her before he accepted the frosting spatula she handed him. “Did Boston really trade Quinn? He was the ace in their pitching rotation.”

As they fell into a rhythm, Kiera shared what she’d heard about the changes Boston had made to their baseball team. While not an overzealous fan who had to watch every game, she, like most New Englanders, was a Red Sox fan.

“Keep doing such a good job, and I’ll let you in my kitchen again.” She stopped working and watched Gray frost the cupcake in his hand.

Gray put down the cupcake he held and put his arm around her. “And what would you have me doing?” He kissed her jaw and then traced a path toward her ear.

Excitement zinged through her as he sucked on her earlobe. “You’ll just have to wait and see.” She could picture them doing so many things in the kitchen, and none of them involved cooking.

“I like the sound of that.”

Kiera left one cupcake behind, but wrapped the rest on the plate. While she loved sweets, she tried to maintain a healthy diet. If the cupcakes stayed with her, they’d only go stale. She doubted that would happen if Gray took them home.

“Here. You can enjoy the rest later.” She handed Gray the plate. He’d spent the entire day at her place, but when she started to fall asleep on the couch, he’d announced it was time for him to go.

Gray zipped up his leather jacket. “Trust me, I plan to.” He accepted the plate, but set it down. “What time should I pick you up tomorrow?” He put his arms around her.

“The rink opens at ten o’clock, but I can meet you there. It doesn’t make much sense for you to drive here just to drive back to Providence later.”

“I have a better idea. How about I pick you up at nine, we grab some breakfast, and then head to the rink?”

If he wanted to go out of his way, that was his business. “I’ll be ready for nine.”

Gray gave her a final kiss, then grabbed his cupcakes, and left.

“Wow.” Kiera leaned against the closed door. She hadn’t kissed a guy like that in forever. She’d shared a few brief kisses with the blind dates her friends set her up with since her return, but nothing like the ice-melting, steam-producing ones she’d shared with Gray today.

And tomorrow there might be more. Hopefully, she wouldn’t evaporate during one of them.

Kiera closed her eyes. The man kissed like someone who’d had way too much practice. She knew Gray liked to party, but she’d never considered him a playboy. That honor belonged to Trent and Jake. Maybe she’d been wrong. Maybe he was both a party animal and a playboy. After all, no one mastered any skill, whether it be playing an instrument or, in this case, kissing, without plenty of practice.

Pushing away from the door, Kiera opened her eyes. If he’d mastered kissing so well, had he also mastered other skills?

An image of Gray, naked in her bed, materialized in her head. She’d never been one to sit and fantasize, but after the afternoon she’d spent with Gray, who could blame her?

“Stop. Right. There.” She forced the image away and walked up the stairs to the loft. After removing her sweatshirt, she pulled on a clean t-shirt.

She was fantasizing about Gray. A guy she’d known her entire life. A man way out of her league. She had a better chance of opening her own chain of restaurants tomorrow than having anything come from this weekend. Besides, they might spend tomorrow together and decide they couldn’t stand each other.

“It’s Gray, you idiot.” She already knew she liked him. She just wasn’t sure how much. Fudge.