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

  He couldn’t tell if she was upset about seeing him, or because she’d figured out that Krissy had played her too. What he didn’t know was what she was doing there. As they walked through the house he asked, “Why are you here?”

  “I thought it was to discuss a new piece to add to their collection. It is possible I misunderstood their invitation,” she replied.

  “Billy did say Krissy was impressed with your art.”

  “And you? Were you impressed?” she asked.

  He turned to her and said, “Does it matter if I am or not?”

  Kenneth almost laughed as Shanda held her head up high and walked past him. “Not in the least.”

  Krissy called out and said, “Oh good, you found the place.” Smiling from ear to ear, she added, “I guess I forgot to tell you that I had invited Kenneth to join us.” Bullshit! He looked over and Billy shrugged. Then Krissy asked, “Did you want to eat first or look at the dining room?”

  Kenneth had a feeling Shanda was going to bolt first chance she got. Who could blame her? The manipulation was as plain as day. Thankfully, Billy answered the question for them.

  “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving. Let’s eat,” Billy said, as he rubbed his hands together, acting as though he hadn’t eaten in days.

  Kenneth shook his head, walked over to Billy and whispered, “Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t you?” Billy just grinned and Kenneth knew Billy was not so innocent in this last-minute gathering. You’re going to lose this bet too, buddy.

  Once they had their plates overflowing with food, Kenneth opted to take the seat opposite of Shanda as they ate. It provided him distance, but also a great view. There was no easy way to eat ribs, but he loved how Shanda would take a few bites, then slowly suck the sauce off her fingers. It was sexy as hell. There was some barbeque sauce on the corner of her mouth, and he was tempted to get up and assist her with that. When she looked in his direction, he pointed to the corner of his mouth. Her tongue slowly reached the drop of sauce, curled, then traced her upper lip.

  Fuck. He wasn’t sure, but for a brief second, he swore he’d seen Shanda watching his reaction as she licked her lips. Was she intentionally torturing him like this? She had a sweet and innocent look, but looks can be deceiving. Doesn’t matter. I’m not interested. He just wished his cock would get that message, as he shifted in his chair to ease the discomfort.

  Although Shanda was dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, she looked anything but relaxed. Krissy was chatting up a storm, which was normal, and he could tell Shanda was trying to listen intently. It wasn’t easy keeping up with Krissy when she started talking, and honestly, Kenneth had stopped paying attention. She tried to hide it, but apparently so had Shanda.

  Eventually dinner was over, and Krissy stopped long enough to take a breath. He soaked in the moment of silence, knowing it wouldn’t last long. He had no idea how someone could talk so much and eat at the same time.

  “Maybe you can take her for a walk in the garden while Billy and I put the leftovers away,” Krissy said.

  “Unless the two of you would rather do the dishes,” Billy offered.

  Shanda instantly said, “I’d be happy to help you.”

  Krissy raised her hand and said, “Oh no you don’t. A bet is a bet Billy and you lost.”

  Billy collected the dirty dishes and mumbled as he took Kenneth’s, “I hope you’re happy.”

  Kenneth smiled. “I am. I’m not doing the dishes,” he joked. And single and loving it.

  Once he was alone with Shanda he asked, “Did you want to take a walk? Krissy is very proud of her flower garden. Just don’t ask me what they are.”

  “I’m not sure,” she replied softly.

  Was she still concerned about being alone with him? “It’s just a walk in the garden.”

  “With flowers,” she said.

  “That’s usually what they have. Or we could just sit here.” But sitting in silence didn’t seem enjoyable either.

  “I’d like to see her garden,” Shanda said.

  “Just don’t get too excited. It’s really not as impressive as she makes it out to be.” To Kenneth, they were just things women liked. His penthouse apartment was set up for a bachelor. No pets and nothing that needed to be watered. He came and went as he pleased with no responsibilities. Life just as he liked it. He hoped Shanda at least would enjoy the walk.

  “It really does smell wonderful here. Lilacs are one of my favorite scents. I even have a wax I melt at home that smells just like these.”

  He watched as she leaned closer to them. She raised her hand up and brushed something off the front of her shirt. Then he saw the panic in her eyes right before she pulled her T-shirt up over her head and tossed it on the ground. If that wasn’t shocking enough, she took both hands, grabbed the bottom of her bra and pulled it out away from her. He stood motionless as he watched her large breasts bouncing around until they were free from the fabric.

  In a frantic voice she asked, “Do you see it?”

  Fuck yeah! He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to be looking for, but all he saw were two perfect mounds that he wouldn’t mind burying his face in. “Is there something specific I should be looking for?” I don’t mind looking all night. Hell, you can take off the rest of your clothes and I’ll search every inch of you if you need me to.

  “The bee.”

  “Bee?” he asked.

  Still holding her bra away from her body, her breasts totally exposed, she said, “Yes, it went down my shirt and landed between my breasts. Is it still there?”

  The only thing he noticed was her taut nipples. “I don’t see it,” he said, not taking his eyes off her.

  “Look closer,” she pleaded.

  What the fuck? “I can see from here. There is no bee.” If he got any closer to her, he might not give a fuck that Billy had surveillance cameras set up throughout his property.

  “Please. I’m allergic. I don’t have my EpiPen. Do you see any swelling?” she asked.

  They looked perfect from where he stood. “Nope.”

  “Kenneth, I hate to ask you to do this, but I need you to help me take off my bra.”

  “Why? The bee isn’t there.”

  “The stinger could be and that is just as dangerous. Even a dead bee can kill me,” she said, her hands now trembling.

  Damn it. He walked behind her, unhooked her bra, and she let it drop to the ground. “Thank you. And can you please check my T-shirt and make sure the bee isn’t inside?” she asked as she used her hands to cover her nipples.

  “Sure,” he said, bending over. He shook it vigorously. He saw nothing. Then he pulled out his cell phone, turned on the light, and looked on the ground. There by her feet was a very dead bee. Well, at least you died happy.

  “You don’t have to worry. He’s dead. You’re safe.” And still half naked. “Maybe you want to get dressed again before Billy and Krissy return,” he suggested. There really was no way to explain what had happened.

  “Kenneth, I…I can’t put that shirt back on. I know you said it was dead, but…but I’m still freaked out about it.”

  Chuckling softly, he said, “I guess a gentleman would offer you his shirt.” He pulled off his T-shirt and went to hand it to her. She didn’t move her hands from her breasts and looked at him pleadingly. “Okay. I get it.” He slipped it over her head and then turned around. It wasn’t as though he was going to see any more than he already had.

  “All set. You can turn back around now,” she announced.

  When he did, he noticed the shirt didn’t do anything to hide her hard nipples, and his cock wasn’t doing any hiding of its own either. “Maybe it’s time we left. If you’d like, I can go and make up some excuse and meet you in front of the house with your clothes.”

  She smiled and said, “You’d really do that for me?”

  Right now, he was doing it just as much for himself. The last thing he wanted was to sit back down and have Krissy eyeing the two of them all night
trying to hook them up as a couple. Besides, he had told himself he wasn’t going to see Shanda again. And now, he’d just seen a whole lot more of her. She had haunted his dreams last night, and he had a feeling she was about to do it again tonight.

  “Actually, why don’t you sneak off the property now, and I’ll bring your clothes by the shop tomorrow.”

  “I’m closed on Sunday,” she said.

  “Then I guess we’ll just need to meet up for dinner then. Now go, before Billy comes back and your face gets even redder than it is now,” he said.

  Shanda nodded, grabbed her purse, and headed out by walking around the house where he’d directed her. He couldn’t believe he was sending her away. And fuck, he really couldn’t believe he’d just asked her out to dinner. Since when did he start breaking his own rules?

  It’s just dinner. After tomorrow, I’m not seeing her anymore.

  Kenneth followed suit and headed back to his vehicle. Once he’d pulled out of the driveway, he sent Billy a text that said he and Shanda had to leave, but thanks for dinner. He didn’t care if Billy thought they’d left together. If Billy looked back at the security footage, he never would’ve believed the truth anyway. Kenneth was going to have to call Billy later and ask him to delete it. Although he knew Billy wouldn’t do anything…inappropriate with it. Kenneth still didn’t want it lingering out there, just in case. It would be embarrassing for Shanda. And the memory of those beautiful breasts is etched in my mind.

  He wasn’t sure what tomorrow was going to bring, but damn, there had been nothing normal about their time together so far. Hopefully they could get through a somewhat normal dinner.

  Kenneth laughed to himself. What fun would that be?

  Chapter Three

  Shanda knew what Sunday morning brunch was going to be like. Her parents asked the same questions every week. Top of the list was how things were going at Home Blown. Next on the list was whether she had met anyone yet. Those were two topics she wanted to avoid. But this morning was different. Her older sister DeeDee had a big announcement.

  “I’m getting married!” DeeDee squealed, and flipped her hand around to show that Larry had indeed ‘put a ring on it.’

  The words echoed throughout the room and from that point on, nothing else seemed to matter. Shanda was happy for DeeDee. She and Larry had been dating for three years and DeeDee had confessed to her she was worried it would never happen. Shanda had her doubts too. Larry was a great guy, but he was far from stable. His idea of a commitment was ordering the same type of pizza every Friday night. But as long as he made her sister happy, then that was all that mattered. From the tears flowing and the smiles, Shanda knew he did.

  When they finally got a minute alone, DeeDee said, “Come out and sit on the porch with me. I want to talk to you about something.”

  Shanda followed her and they took a seat on the antique metal glider. It squeaked with each swing, but it was their favorite spot, a place where they’d sat and shared all their secrets since they were tots. It was sad thinking that soon, all those secrets would be shared with Larry.

  “What did you want to talk about?” Shanda asked. Since they had talked about the wedding for the last few hours, she hoped it wouldn’t be that.

  DeeDee leaned over and said, “You’re not just my sister you know. You’re my best friend.”

  Shanda leaned her head against DeeDee’s and said, “Forever.”

  “Yup. And that is why I’m telling you this, but you can’t tell anyone. Not even Mom and Dad.”

  “Are you pregnant?” she asked.

  DeeDee’s eyes widened. “No. Why, do I look it?”

  She was as slender as always. Shanda shrugged. “It was just a guess. So, what is the big secret?”

  So quietly, to the point Shanda barely could hear, DeeDee whispered, “We’re already married.”

  This time Shanda was shocked. Blinking several times in disbelief she said, “You’re serious?” DeeDee nodded. “When?”

  “A week ago when I went with Larry to Las Vegas on his business trip. We were playing roulette and I made a joke. If it landed on black, we got married that day and if landed on red, we didn’t. Larry pulled out a hundred-dollar bill and put it on red. At first, I was upset because I thought he didn’t want to marry me. The ball landed on black and he was grinning from ear to ear. I asked him why. He’d just lost a hundred dollars. Do you know what he said?” Shanda shook her head and DeeDee’s eyes watered as she said, “He won the jackpot because I was going to be his wife.”

  There was no holding back her tears now. That was totally beautiful and romantic and so…unlike Larry. She wiped away her tears and asked, “Why do you want to keep it a secret?”

  “Because Mom and Dad are going to kill me if they find out. You know they have wanted us girls to get married. I think Mom is more excited about planning it than I am,” DeeDee said. “So promise me, you won’t say a word.”

  “I won’t, but I have a feeling this is going to be hard to keep quiet. So you better get married quick. The last thing you want to do is celebrate your twenty-fifth anniversary on your wedding day,” she teased.

  DeeDee chuckled. “Trust me, I got this covered. I’m going to tell Mom that I want a wedding in the next few months because Larry and I would like to start a family.”

  “And you’re not pregnant right?” Shanda asked again.

  “Really? Back on that?”

  “Be prepared. A lot of people are going to be asking the same question,” she warned.

  “I know. Maybe you can get pregnant instead and they’ll leave me alone,” DeeDee joked. “Oh wait. You might actually have to date someone for that to be believable.”

  “I date,” she stated.

  “Since when?” DeeDee asked.

  “I have one tonight,” it slipped out. It wasn’t a date. Kenneth was just returning her clothes.

  “You’ve got to tell me all about him. Who is he? What does he do? What does he look like?” DeeDee asked quickly.

  “Who are you ladies talking about?” their mother asked as she stepped out onto the porch.

  Oh shit. Why did she say anything? There was no way she was getting off that porch without talking about Kenneth now. Problem was, there wasn’t anything much to tell. At least nothing she should share. Oh I gave him an improper proposition, and I flashed him at a barbeque. That’s about it. Just thinking about it made her dread seeing Kenneth again, let alone telling anyone else about it.

  “Just a guy who came into the shop.” That was a very simple answer. Too simple, apparently.

  “You’re going out with a stranger? That’s not safe. You should take your sister and Larry with you just in case he’s some…”

  “Mom, he’s not a weirdo.” I am. “And besides, he’s not a total stranger. I saw him last night at a mutual friend’s house. So there is nothing to worry about. And besides Mom, I’m old enough to go out without a chaperone, thank you.”

  “Twenty-eight is also old enough to get married,” her mom grumbled. “I hope this guy is nicer than the last one.”

  “Mom, there was nothing wrong with Pete. We just were different people,” she defended. It was true. Pete liked loud music and fast cars and could live watching sports. Shanda didn’t enjoy any of those things.

  “And how about this one? What do you have in common with him?” she pried.

  “Mom, we haven’t even been out to dinner yet. I probably won’t even see him again after tonight,” she stated, knowing that was the truth. They were from two different worlds and she had no more in common with Kenneth than she did with Pete.

  “If that’s how you feel, why bother going?” DeeDee asked.

  Because he has my bra! “I forgot something at the barbeque last night and he is being kind enough to drop it off to me.”

  “A gentleman. Maybe you can have him bring it to you here and we can meet him at the same time,” her mom suggested.

  “No!” she blurted.

  Both DeeDee a
nd her mom crossed their arms, glaring at her questioningly. Damn it. She was so close to having it brushed off. One word and it was all over.

  “So you aren’t involved with him, but you’d like to be,” DeeDee said.

  She shot her sister a warning look. Don’t forget sis: I know your secret. Don’t blow mine. “He’s a customer and you know Granddad’s rules. No mixing business with pleasure.”

  “Which piece did he purchase?” her mom asked.

  Digging this hole even deeper. “I think it was blue. Can’t remember.”

  Her mom shrugged. “Well you can’t blame a mother for hoping that we could plan two weddings instead of one.”

  Both ladies burst out laughing. “Wow, no pressure. Thanks Mom,” Shanda said.

  When her mom went back inside, DeeDee leaned over and asked softly, “So what did you forget? Your panties?” she teased. Shanda blushed and DeeDee said, “You didn’t, did you?”

  Shanda shook her head. “My bra, but it’s not what you’re thinking.”

  “Well we’re not moving from this spot until you tell me every single thing about this stranger.”

  Shanda didn’t need to be forced. She wanted to tell DeeDee. What was a best friend for? But she decided not to share her ‘blowing technique’ story. Although it was funny as hell, she didn’t want DeeDee to think she wasn’t capable of running Home Blown on her own. She had her sister’s love and support and wanted to keep it.

  “The guy could just put your bra in the mail or drop it off at the shop. If he asked you to dinner, it’s because he wants to see you again,” DeeDee said.

  “I don’t know. He doesn’t seem to be a fan of me,” she replied. There was something about the way he looked at her. It was like…he disapproved. Granted, she’d given him several reasons to, but who was he to judge?

  “Shanda, sometimes men look at you funny, not because of you, but because of how they feel around you.”

  She snickered. “You make no sense.”

  DeeDee shrugged. “I’m older and wiser.”

  “Oh God. Married a week and now you think you’re an expert on love,” she teased.