Don't Break (The Reluctant Heart Book 1) Read online

  She blushed. “Expecting? No. Hoping? Hell yeah!” she said and reached around and unhooked the red lace bra and tossed it with her shirt.

  Fuck. I think I’m going to learn to like picnics.

  Kenneth stood up and stripped out of his clothes, then knelt down and helped Shanda wiggle out of her jean shorts and matching lace panties. She’d looked so damn sexy he would’ve nibbled right through them to get to her if he had to.

  Every place his hands touched, his lips followed. Shanda began kissing him all over too, her hand gripping him, and in slow motion, stroking his cock. God it felt so fucking good.

  “Oh baby, going slow is not going to be easy,” he muttered against her breast.

  He reached up behind her and found the clip holding her hair up. A mass of long blond hair fell past her shoulder and covered one of her breasts. When he brushed it away, Shanda closed her eyes and arched her back, begging him to take her nipples in his mouth again. But as he did so, he felt her hand on his cock again, stroking him, and driving him fucking crazy. If he didn’t stop her, she was going to jerk him off, and that’s not what he wanted. Kenneth needed to bury himself in her. He wanted to feel her clench around him as she came. Fuck. Even thinking about it got him even more excited. “Baby, what are you trying to do to me?”

  She looked at him hungrily. “Don’t you like my touch?”

  “You know I do. But I won’t be able to hold back and there is so much more I want to enjoy first.” Picking her up into his arms, so her naked breasts pressed against his chest, he said, “I want to make you scream my name. Beg me for more. And come until you don’t know your name.”

  “You’re not going to get an argument from me,” she said, licking her lips, encouraging him to take her.

  Laying her gently on her back, her blonde hair sprawled out on the blanket, she looked more like a goddess than a country girl. He couldn’t resist her even if he tried. “God, Shanda, I can’t . . . too incredible to resist any longer,” Kenneth said before claiming her lips. Slowly at first, he traced her lips with his tongue, teasing and encouraging her to open for him. He felt her body tremble beneath him. He nibbled on her bottom lip then slipped the tip of his tongue past her lips. She opened to him and began to taste him as well. She tasted like the chocolate cake they had shared earlier. He liked sharing it this way much better.

  She responded to every touch, every flick of his tongue. He loved how responsive she was to his touch, to his kiss, but he wanted to give her all of himself. I want all of you in return, Shanda.

  His mouth left hers and trailed kisses down her neck to her collarbone. Grinding his hips and hard cock against her, he continued his descent, first her ribcage then her flat stomach. Kenneth ran his finger through her wet folds and stroked her clit. First, slow and gentle, but as the desire grew he stopped and replaced his fingers, with his tongue. He wanted to taste her as she released.

  Her moans grew louder and she was on the brink. He slid a finger inside and fucked her sending her over the top: her body arched, she cried out his name, and then collapsed again on the blanket.

  He knew her body was still tingling with desire. Kenneth reached for the condom and quickly sheathed himself before adjusting himself again between her legs.

  As he kissed her, she opened her legs wider and he lifted them up so her calves rested on his shoulders. His throbbing cock ached to be inside her. He held back, and with one hand he stroked her clit with the head of his cock. “Open your eyes Shanda. I want you to look at me.”

  She did as he asked. Such raw passion burned within her. He knew it wasn’t just her, as he yearned for her as well.

  In one movement he entered her fully. She moaned with pleasure and her eyes closed again in delight. Each time he entered her faster and deeper, making her toss wildly beneath him. Her response only intensified his own need. Kenneth grabbed her ass and pulled her up higher so her hips were no longer on the blanket. He didn’t want to hurt her, but she pulled at him, begging him for more, deeper, harder.

  Then when he knew she was at the edge, he plunged into her again and again, as he felt her body tighten around him. Her thighs quivered and she screamed his name, “Kenneth. Kenneth. Oh God, Kenneth…”

  “Oh, Shanda.” His body began to shudder against hers as he felt himself erupt deep within her. His body shook, as his release overtook him to the point where he barely could breath.

  Panting, he collapsed, but pulled her so she lay on top of him.

  “That…was…fucking…amazing,” he said, struggling to catch his breath.

  She didn’t say a word, just moaned. He’d left her speechless. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the feeling of her naked body lying against him. Country living wasn’t so bad after all.

  Somewhere along the way, they must’ve drifted off to sleep, because the next sound he heard, startled the hell out of him. There was something very close to them, and he wasn’t sure what the hell it was. When he opened his eyes, he found a black and white cow only feet from where they lay. Its huge brown eyes seemed to be staring at him as it grazed on the grass. What the fuck! Instantly he was standing up and ready to defend Shanda in case it came any closer.

  Out of the corner of his eye, Shanda sat up and said, “What are you doing Kenneth? It’s just a cow.”

  He looked at it and it might be a cow, but he still didn’t like the fact that something about 1,500 pounds had practically been standing on top of them. “You didn’t tell me this was a cow pasture,” he said.

  She giggled. “It’s not. Don’t worry. We didn’t just have sex in the middle of cow pies.”

  He scanned the area anyway to confirm that.

  “Then what is she doing here?” he asked.

  “Sometimes one of Mr. Brady’s cows gets free. But don’t worry, it’s almost milking time. She’ll turn around and head back on her own.”

  As though the cow understood what Shanda had said, it stopped eating and started walking away.

  He was glad the cow hadn’t shown up while they were in the middle of having sex. That totally would’ve killed the mood, at least for him. Shanda didn’t seem fazed by any of it.

  Yeah. Maybe a little too country for me.

  Before any other animals decided to pay them a visit, he quickly pulled on his pants. Shanda chucked, but humored him by doing the same.

  As she pulled her T-shirt over her head she said, “Maybe we should go to my place. I think I have another bottle of wine.”

  Not that he was looking forward to it, but he recalled her having other plans for their day together. “I thought you wanted to go boating?” he said.

  “It was a canoe and the way you just rocked my world, I think we’d tip the boat and end up in the lake,” she teased.

  “Oh, don’t worry, I plan on getting you wet without the boat,” he warned as he extended a hand to help her up. And maybe this time we won’t break any furniture.

  Chapter Ten

  When Kenneth had called her earlier that day to tell her he’d be picking her up and they could travel to his parents’ together, she had told him no, because it made no sense. Why would he drive all the way to Hope Valley only to head back towards Boston? But now, as they drove through the heavy wrought-iron gates and she laid eyes on the house, her nerves kicked in majorly. I’m so glad you insisted on picking me up. But then again, if I drove myself, I could say I got lost and not show up.

  This wasn’t a house, it was a mansion. “Kenneth, this can’t be where your parents live.”

  “It is,” he said.

  “This is…massive. Like…” She bit back her words. But this was how billionaires lived. She didn’t even need to go inside to know that her entire house could fit in one of their rooms. Shanda had been happy with where she and Kenneth were in their relationship, not that either had put a label on what they were. But now, she felt the divide, as though they were worlds apart.

  “Are you nervous?” he asked.

  That was an understatement. She f
elt like she was going to be sick. Coming here was a mistake. It also was an eye-opener. “I don’t belong here,” she said.

  “And why is that?” he asked.

  “When your mother called, I somehow pictured dinner at a place more like Billy and Krissy’s home.” Even back at Krissy’s place, she should’ve realize that Kenneth was wealthy, but never imagined this rich. Seeing this now, for some crazy reason, it intimidated her.

  “If you want, I’ll turn the car around and we’ll leave,” he said.

  She looked over at him, thinking he was joking, but his expression showed he was serious. “You’d do that for me?”

  He nodded. “My mother would be disappointed, but she’d get over it.”

  It didn’t change the fact that Kenneth was way out of her league, but she felt much more at ease knowing he was there for her, and willing to stand by her. That was enough for her, at least for now.

  “No. I’d like to meet your parents. It was just a bit of a…shock when I saw their home.”

  “My friends had the same reaction when they came over for a visit too.”

  “You grew up here?” she asked.

  Kenneth pointed to windows on the top floor on the left. “That was my room.”

  She stared at it as though trying to picture Kenneth looking out into this massive courtyard. She couldn’t. To her, he was just Kenneth, not billionaire Kenneth Heart.

  No wonder you freaked out when the cow snuck up on us.

  She chuckled softly.

  “You find that funny?” he asked.

  Shanda shook her head. “Just thinking about yesterday afternoon.”

  Kenneth raised a brow. “I don’t remember you laughing. More like screaming and begging for more,” he teased.

  It figured he only recalled that part of their picnic. In a way, that was a good thing. She smiled at him and said, “Maybe we should change the subject. I know how easily you get distracted.”

  “Me? I believe you’re the one who is causing the distraction,” he stated. “Not that I’m complaining,” he said with a grin. “Why don’t we go inside, have dinner, and then get the hell out?” he said.

  She looked at him, a bit concerned, and said, “Comments like those don’t help to calm my nerves, you know.”

  He laughed. “You can pay me back when I meet your parents.”

  That was a statement in itself. She hadn’t asked him over to her parents’, but he was already preparing himself for it. What would he think of them? They lived like she did. If she started thinking about it now, she’d just add another level of nerves on top of the ones she already had. Best get through tonight and deal with tomorrow when it comes. “Let’s see how this goes first.”

  “I can already tell you what it will be like. Polite and dry conversation.”

  “I’m sure it’s not going to be that bad,” she said. “Your mother was very nice on the phone.”

  “She is nice. Actually, she is a master when it comes to social skills. But…”

  “But what?” she asked. Kenneth usually had no problem speaking what was on his mind.

  “I never brought anyone here. My friends came over, but never a woman.”

  I’m the first? The tension that had begun to ease, spiked again. “Has the offer to run expired?” she half joked.

  He leaned over, “Ready whenever you are.”

  “I think maybe we should go inside before I chicken out. And maybe later you can think of something to help relieve all this stress running through my body.”

  “Now that is something I know I can accommodate,” he said as he opened his door.

  He opened her door and they walked towards the house. Kenneth didn’t normally hold her hand, but she was glad he chose to tonight. She needed something to steady her right now.

  Even before they got to the front door, it opened and a woman said, “I was wondering if you two were going to spend the entire night out there.”

  “Sorry Mother. We were in the middle of a conversation,” Kenneth said. “This is Shanda Morris.”

  Shanda extended her hand and said, “So nice to meet you, Mrs. Heart.”

  “Please call me Marcy. My husband David is on the phone, but will be joining us shortly. Why don’t we have a seat so I can get to know you better?”

  They followed her inside and Shanda tried not to look around. Even the entrance was like a grand ballroom. “You have a lovely home,” Shanda said.

  “Thank you. Did Kenneth tell you he grew up here?” she asked.

  “Yes, he did,” Shanda replied.

  As they sat down in what she thought was a living room, Marcy said, “Much different from Hope Valley?”

  No comparison. “Much. I can appreciate the differences.”

  “So you like country living?” Marcy asked.

  “I do.” Her answers were so short, but she was afraid of saying the wrong thing. Now she was worried she was going to appear to be rude. “I also love the fact that it’s a day trip to just about anything I want to do. The mountains are just a few hours away, and if you want to attend live theatre, there are so many to choose from.”

  Marcy looked in Kenneth’s direction and Shanda tried to read her expression. There was no hint as to what she might be thinking. Shanda knew if his parents didn’t like her, their chances to make it as a couple, if that was what they were, diminished.

  “Since your family has been in Hope Valley for generations, I assume that is where you want to stay?” Marcy inquired.

  Didn’t know you knew so much about me. “I’m comfortable there, for now.” She knew life was about change. She had no desire to relocate, at least not in the near future.

  “I would think your business would do much better in a city. But then again, maybe it’s just a hobby and not something you take seriously,” Marcy stated.

  Shanda sucked in her breath, wanting to correct her, but Kenneth reached over and covered her hand with his and replied, “It would lose its charm if it moved. And her beautiful artwork might also lose its luster. You actually have to go there to understand.”

  Marcy looked at them both and said, “Maybe your father and I will take a drive there someday.”

  Shanda hoped she would have her manager there when that happened. Or at least Kenneth, so she wasn’t caught off guard. But she knew if Marcy wanted to pay a visit, it would be as much of a surprise as her invitation for dinner.

  “If you let me know when you’d like to come by, I’d love to take you out for dinner. We have a wonderful place not far. It’s by reservation only, but they cater to locals first,” she said. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Like they have any problem getting reservations. Hell, I bet they could get into the White House for dinner with the President if they wanted to.

  “I’ll be sure to call first,” Marcy stated, obviously getting the hint.

  It was a small victory, but she would take it. It wasn’t long before a woman entered the room and announced, “Dinner is ready.”

  “Thank you. Please let Mr. Heart know we’ll be in the dining room when he’s free.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  Shanda’s guess was right. This wasn’t a home-cooked meal, at least not by Marcy’s standards. But thankfully dinner was more relaxed, and the topic turned from her to business. Most of what was discussed had gone over her head. She knew about the stock market and investments, even though she didn’t participate in either. Both were a risk and you needed cash you could afford to lose in order to play.

  By the end of the evening, Shanda was mentally exhausted and she couldn’t wait to get home. Kenneth was quiet most of the ride. She wanted to ask what his thoughts were regarding how it went, but didn’t. A part of her was afraid to hear his answer.

  When they pulled into her driveway she asked, “Did you want to come in?”

  Kenneth shook his head. “I have a meeting in the morning, and it’s already late. Besides, I think you could use a good night’s sleep. You look tired.”

  Was he really just
being considerate or avoiding telling her what she had already figured out? We’re not the match I thought we were. Either way, it didn’t need to happen tonight. He’d tell her eventually and she needed to make sure she was emotionally prepared.

  She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek and said, “Good night Kenneth.”

  “Good night. I’ll call you tomorrow,” he said.

  I hope so. She got out and walked into her house. Once inside, she locked the door behind her. She didn’t even bother turning on any lights as she made her way upstairs to her bedroom. Right now, she wanted to bury her head in her pillow and cry for what she was afraid tomorrow might bring.

  Please don’t break my heart. For the first time ever, Shanda actually thought it was possible. Never before had anyone come even close to making her feel like he did. She felt the hot tears burning her eyes. Damn it. If this is what love feels like, I don’t think I want to love anyone. But was it too late?

  Kenneth saw the hurt in her eyes. Shanda had wanted him to go inside and make love to her, hold her. It’s what he wanted as well, but tonight he just couldn’t. There was so much that he’d buried inside so he didn’t say something that might unintentionally hurt Shanda. She had already been through enough tonight.

  As he pulled out of the driveway, he instantly called Billy. He needed someone to vent to. Billy wasn’t a fan of his parents, so it getting back to his mother was slim, not that he really cared at the moment.

  Billy answered and asked, “How did it go?”

  “How the fuck do you think it went? Mother was…”

  “Her normal uppity self?” Billy asked.

  “Not in an obvious way, but yes.” He wanted to apologize for even bringing her there, but what could he say? That was his family and they weren’t about to change. Money and prestige were important to them. Hell, they were important to him. Maybe that is what pissed him off. He saw himself in his parents. “Shanda hated it.”