Dangerous Curves (14 page)

“
R
emind
me to never invite you to another party.”

Dominique stared at Kevin, stunned. She'd changed into a pair of sweats and had opened her front door, for some reason expecting Ferguson to tell her what a mess she'd made. She hadn't expected Kevin.

Kevin stood there with shadows in his eyes: a mixture of pain and something she wasn't able to read yet. She looked past him at the twenty-something stairs he'd had to climb to reach her door. “What is wrong with you?” she said, although the power of her words were muffled by the icepack she held against her nose. “You should be resting.”

“I'm fine now,” he said, pushing past her.

“With the help of a little white pill?”

He took a seat then smiled at her. “You sound sexy even when you nag.”

“I'm not nagging…wait, what?”

He patted the space beside him. “Let me see.”

“What are you doing here? What about your guests?”

He sighed and stood. “Don't pretend you didn't hear what I just said.”

She turned her face away. “I'm fine. It's nothing.”

He wrapped his hand around her wrist. “I may have a bad leg, but I'm still stronger than you.” He lowered his voice. “Want to try punching me in the gut?”

“She hit me first.”

Kevin flashed a wicked grin. “I know. I saw. For a moment I imagined you mud wrestling.”

“I have the advantage of size,” she said in a sour voice.

His grin widened. “I know that too.” He reached for her ice pack. “Now let me see.”

Dominique removed the pack with exaggerated reluctance, trying to ignore the pounding of her heart.

Kevin inspected her swollen nose then nodded. “At least the bleeding stopped and your nose isn't broken.”

“She caught me by surprise,” Dominique said, setting the ice pack aside. “It's no big deal.”

He sat on her couch. “You should have let it rest.”

“She was hurting you,” Dominique said, looking around her. It had never bothered her before how sparsely furnished the room was. Now she regretted that there was only a couch. She didn't want to sit beside him. She didn't dare to when she couldn't keep her heart under control.

He frowned. “I didn't hire you to be my damn bodyguard.”

“I was trying to help you.” She folded her arms. She'd stand. He wouldn't stay long anyway. “Why do you pretend to be okay when you're not?”

“Because that's what I do,” he said, resting one arm along the back of the couch. “I make people happy.”

Why did he have to look so at home? It was a casual innocuous movement, but it felt like an invitation to join him. Dominique folded her arms tighter. “At your own expense?”

He winked. “If that's what it takes.”

“That's stupid.”

“At least I don't get punched in the face.”

He had her there and for some reason his words and expression reminded her of her grandmother, who'd nearly fainted when as a six-year-old, Dominique had fallen face down into a mud puddle, ruining her new Easter dress. She could just imagine how ridiculous she looked getting knocked out by a woman half her size. She burst into laugh.

Kevin stared at her open mouthed. “You think this is funny?”

His surprise made her laugh harder. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Are you laughing at you or at me?”

She pointed to herself then gasped. “I must…have looked…like such an idiot,” she said. “Oh my God.” She fell onto the couch before her legs gave way and covered her face. “She knocked me down with one punch.” Dominique looked up at him and wiggled her fingers. “And didn't even break a nail. It's like some warped comedy sketch.”

Kevin shook his head. “You're a strange woman,” he said, but she heard laughter in his voice.

She wiped her eyes and nodded. “I know. But you're right, never invite me to parties. They're always disasters for me.”

“Always?”

“Always. I remember my prom…” She stopped.

Kevin leaned forward. “What?”

Dominique slid away from him. “I keep forgetting how you are. You're too easy to talk to. You don't want to hear this.”

He slid over closing the gap between them. “Yes, I do. Go on.”

She shook her head. “I can't focus when you're this close.”

He slid back. “Better?”

“Yes.” She clasped her hands together ready to share her story. “Okay, it was my prom night. I had on this beautiful dress—”

Kevin lifted a brow, doubtful. “Better than the one you had on tonight?”

“Of course. It was silver and gorgeous.”

“I guess I'll have to take your word for it.”

“It was. And it had a long skirt that brushed against the ground and made me look as if I were floating. I loved it. Well, it got caught in the door as I was getting out of the limo. But I didn't know it and neither did the limo driver.”

“Oh no,” Kevin said, guessing the outcome.

“Oh yes. I went one direction and the limo went the other, taking my skirt down the block. I wanted to die.”

“What did you do?”

“I ran after the limo of course.” She pressed her hands against her cheeks. “What a sight that must have been,” she said with a giggle. “But I didn't know what else to do. I'm sure you can see my humiliation online somewhere.”

A sly smile touched his mouth. “I may have to do a search.”

“Just don't tell me about it. Ever.”

“What happened?”

“I was able to catch up with the limo at a stop sign, but let's just say the evening was ruined.” She looked down at her lap, amusement making room for embarrassment. “I'm really sorry I ruined your party.”

“You didn't ruin anything. She'd had too much to drink.”

“She wasn't drunk.”

“I was trying to make you feel better.”

Dominique shook her head. “Sorry, Kevin, your smooth moves won't work on me tonight.”

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Kevin?”

She blinked realizing her faux pas. She'd never called him by his name before. “I mean, sir.”

“Too late. There's no going back.” His eyes glinted with humor. “Besides, I like how you say my name.”

He was making fun of her, but she couldn't blame him. He had a right to laugh at her expense. “I know what happened tonight and I know what I looked like. I'm just glad I didn't stumble against something and break it.”

She expected him to smile, but instead his expression grew serious. “Next time, just let me handle it.”

“I told you there won't be a next time,” she said, startled that the space between them had closed. She hadn't noticed him move. Now the room felt smaller than it was and she couldn't keep her gaze off of his mouth. He had a beautiful mouth when it wasn't hiding pain.

She'd lied. If she wasn't careful, his smooth moves could work. She cleared her throat. “Shouldn't you be at home? Don't you have someone waiting for you to snuggle up with?”

“Are you offering?”

“Go home, Kevin.”

He groaned. “Keep saying my name like that and I won't want to leave.”

She playfully shoved him. “I mean it.”

“Me too. You're trouble for me.”

She tapped her chest. “I'm trouble?”

“Yes. The more you reject me, the more I want you.”

“So it's a challenge?”

“Stop pretending you don't feel it too.” He rested his head on the back of the couch and closed his eyes. “I shouldn't be here. I don't want to be here.” He opened his eyes and lifted his head. “But I am and it's not just because you're beautiful and have more curves than a race track.” He flashed a grin that made her body burn. “Although that helps.” He shook his head. “No, I'm here because you're driving me crazy. I couldn't stop thinking about you after you left the party. And I wanted to. I wanted to forget you and just have a good time. But I couldn't.” His heated gaze fell to her lips. “When I kissed you on the boat, I meant it. Was that part of your act, or did you feel it too?”

Dominique didn't know how to respond. Was he really saying what he was saying? Was he really looking at her with a smoldering brown gaze that made her skin hot? It felt good. Better than good, it felt wonderful to have a man desire her like this. And she wouldn't lie. She wanted him too.

“It wasn't an act,” she said, then kissed him. He kissed her back with a passion that sent waves of excitement through her. His words were real. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. She unbuttoned his shirt and deepened the kiss. He covered her hands when they fell to his trousers.

“I can't.”

She blinked, waking out of her dream. “What?”

He drew away from her, keeping his gaze lowered. “I can't do this.”

“Because of who I am?”

“Yes…no.” He gripped his hands into a fist. “I want you so bad it hurts.”

“You have me,” Dominique said, confused, certain she'd given him all the right signals. “I want to do this.” She stopped as a thought occurred to her. “Oh…is it because we don't have condoms? Do you want to do it at your place?”

“If only that were the problem,” he said with a hollow laugh. He stood and began to button his shirt. “I'm sorry, I really shouldn't have come. It's not fair to you.”

“Is it because of Cassie?”

He briefly looked up at her. “You think I'd put my life on hold because of how I feel about her?” He lowered his gaze and continued to button his shirt. “I'm not that noble.”

“But you haven't been with a woman since--”

“You don't know that.”

“You're right, I'm just your driver. I don't know anything about you. I guess it's just me.'

He tore a button from his shirt. “It's not you,” he said, taking a deep breath.

“Then why--”

“Because I can't!” He threw the button across the room. “After the accident I haven't been able to be with a woman.”

D
ominique stared at him
, trying to process his words. What did he mean he couldn't be with a woman? She had to be delicate with him and very careful. She knew it was hard to admit and she didn't want to embarrass him. “You're not alone,” she said, taking a hesitant step towards him. “A lot of men have…deal with those issues. There are medications. Are you afraid of the side effects?”

He stared at her for a long moment and then a grin toyed with the corner of his mouth. “I don't physically have a problem. I can't…” He sighed. “It's not just my leg that sometimes hurts.” He sighed again, this time with more feeling. “The pills I take help me with major migraines that leave me flat on my back sometimes for days. I get them when I dance or make love. And before you say anything, I have tried everything you can think of. Nothing works.”

Dominique looked at him, feeling as if someone had dumped cold water on her. That's why he'd never taken a woman home with him. His partying had all been a show. A mystery had been solved and it broke her heart. The man she wanted to be with, the man with a reputation for being with women that was legendary, couldn't perform. She felt robbed, and angry then she felt an overwhelming sadness, first for herself and then for him.

Now she understood the pain in his eyes, the shadows. The pleasure he could no longer have. A pleasure he must miss. She felt weighted down by the secret he'd shared with her. A secret he'd been hiding for months.

Kevin regretted telling her the truth as the silence stretched between them. He shouldn't have told her. She'd probably start laughing again. He was prepared for it. He'd taken a risk because he'd wanted to shake things up. He was heading down a road he hated: the friend zone. He'd made that mistake with Cassie, and he wasn't going to do it again. Let her hate him or want him, but he wasn't going to let her see him as anything less than a man.

A man. He wished he could show her how much of a man he was, but he couldn't take that chance. A couple months ago, the challenge would have been fun, but not now. He couldn't let himself be vulnerable and give her that kind of advantage.

She'd probably quit. That would be good for both of them. He'd continue his inquiries on his own. He didn't need her. He didn't want her.

You're a liar, Jackson
. That's what frustrated him the most. He did want her, more than ever. Not just because she was a challenge, or because he knew there was a soft center under that hard shell, but because she could laugh at herself and he felt more like himself when he was with her. He held her gaze, seeing her surprise, and waited for her response. He silently dared her to laugh or to pity him. He wanted a reason to hate her that would keep him safe.

Safe. He'd never worried about keeping himself safe from a woman before, but he'd never felt this way. Never been this confused. Never wanted to push someone away and hold them close. This wasn't like him. When it came to women, he was always in control; he just let them think he wasn't. But this time it wasn't a game. He was losing his edge, and he could feel it unraveling. Cassie had been his first. He wouldn't make that mistake again. He shoved his hands into his pockets and said, “Now you have the dirt you need to ruin my reputation.”

“It's not funny,” she said.

He paused, surprised to hear tears in her voice. Or was that laughter? He couldn't be sure. He didn't want to care. He turned to the door. “I should go.”

She raced ahead of him and plastered herself against the door like an overzealous coed at a ‘Save the Earth' rally. “No!”

He bit his lip and swore. If he wasn't careful she was going to make him laugh. He cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes, hoping he didn't look amused. “What are you doing?”

She widened her eyes and waved her arms. “Do I need to be any more obvious?”

He spun away and fell back on the couch. He lay on his back and covered his eyes. “Yes, you're definitely driving me crazy.”

Dominique knelt beside his head. “There are other ways we can be together.”

He sent her a pointed look. “Do you like being on your knees?” he asked nodding towards her present position.

She looked thoughtful. “If it will help. Is that all you can do?”

He stared at her amazed. “I haven't tried,” he admitted, then he sat up and shook his head. “No, wait. We're not having this conversation.”

“We don't have to do anything tonight, I just want you to know that we have options.”

“We're not talking about this. Now get up. I can't stand seeing you on your knees.”

Dominique shifted until she was positioned between his legs. She gazed up at him and fluttered her lashes. “Are you sure?”

Kevin crossed his legs. Just the thought made him hard. “I'm sure that you're trouble.”

She rested her chin on his knee. “I won't tell anyone.” She lowered her gaze to his crotch, her look as powerful as a caress. “But I won't pretend that I'm not disappointed.”

He jumped up, causing Dominique to fall to the side. “That's it. I'm gone.”

“Please don't go.” She scrambled to her feet. “I want to be with you.”

His tone hardened. “You've made that very clear even though you know I can't—”

She quickly shook her head. “No, I mean, I like being with you,” she said, looking suddenly shy. “Just as we are. Like this. Together.” She smiled. “You're not only good for one thing.”

Kevin hesitated, unsure of what to make of her words. What did she mean she liked being with him like this? This was new territory; he'd never been abstinent with a woman he wanted. He felt his heart go cold as a thought came to him. “We're
not
going to be friends.”

“What?”

“I don't want to be your friend,” he said slowly, punctuating every word.

“I don't want to be your friend either.”

He felt his tension ebb.

She brushed her lips against his. “But is it okay if I kiss you?”

He nodded, afraid to speak.

She slid her hand down his chest. “And touch you?”

He nodded again.

She wrapped her arms around him. “And hold you?”

“Hmm,” he said, feeling his body respond. It was sweet agony.

“Relax, Kevin, and you'll enjoy this.”

“This is new for me,” he said, feeling awkward. “I don't know what to do.”

“You can start by putting your arms around me too.”

He groaned. “Not unless we're both naked standing under a cold shower.”

Her face fell. “You're not enjoying this?”

He smiled down at her. “It's like asking a hungry man to enjoy a meal the size of a thimble.”

“Oh.” She let her hands fall.

“It's okay.” He lifted her arms and fashioned them around his waist. “I can get used to it. It will take practice.”

Her smile returned. “I like practicing.”

“Until you get bored.”

“I won't get bored,” she said, giving him a light squeeze and resting her head on his chest. “I like being with you.”

She meant it. That was what amazed him the most. She didn't need him to perform either in bed or out.

“We can cuddle in front of the TV with some munchies,” she said.

“I've never cuddled with a woman in my life.”

She looked up at him, surprised, then stepped away from him. “You've never tenderly held a woman in your arms?” She hugged herself to demonstrate.

“Of course I've done that, but I don't call that cuddling.”

She let her arms fall to her side. “Then what do you call it?”

“Foreplay.” He held up his hands. “Don't touch me any more tonight. I've had all the practice I can stand.”

“Okay.”

He took a deep breath. “If you promise not to touch me, I'll stay.”

Dominique scratched her head. “I don't know if I can.” Her gaze dropped to his shirt where it was missing a button.

“Dominique,” he said in warning.

She held her hands together and beamed at him. “Just kidding. I'll go make some popcorn.” She headed for the kitchen. “Don't worry, you're safe from me.”

Kevin watched her, realizing she had no idea how wrong she was.