His Kind of Wonderful (Sugar Bay #2) (28 page)

For a year, Anabelle Broussard had held him at arm’s length. Whenever Dani, his pain in the ass little sister, saw Anabelle on the appointment list, she harassed him to no end about his ‘crush’ as she called it. Obsession was more accurate but he let Dani keep it G-rated since she’d been there the day Anabelle stumbled into the studio for the first time and he’d gone from alpha male to a tongue-tied loser in seconds.

Fucking idiot.

At that point, the studio hadn’t been open long. He’d moved from Seattle months earlier to help their sister, Dylan, with her kids after her husband had died. Florida weather had been a strange change and it had taken some time to adjust to the fact it could rain on the front side of his business yet be sunny in the back.

Three o’clock summer storm with forty-five degree rain had rolled in and along with it walked in Anabelle, shaking her umbrella and looking like a wet dream come to life.

Have mercy.

According to Dani, his tongue had rolled out of his head while his eyes bugged out like a cartoon character. Trust Dani to act out his moment of weakness as often as she could for anyone who wanted to watch. She was damn lucky she was family and he couldn’t fire her for insubordination.

He remembered distinctly the sight of Anabelle as she shook out her dark, wet hair as if in slow motion. Air had rushed from his lungs and left him floundering like someone had dropped a load of two by fours on him by mistake.

That was the day he developed a connoisseur’s eye for white silk blouses.

Man.

Anabelle may have chosen her top for its classic lines but damn, add rain, and it turned into a Maxim cover in a flash.

Hell yeah.

The image of twin hard bullets pushed against the front of her wet top demanded his attention and has since featured in many of his fantasies.

It was unfortunate that was the only time she’d been less than polished in his company. For appointments she wore business suits, cardigans or whatever professional dress weather permitted, but there were no more thin, wet or barely there shirts. She remained the ultimate professional, brisk and to the point. She had meticulous taste and was a model client. And each time he held her gaze for longer than conversation required, she’d slide her gaze away, leaving him frustrated.

He hated how elusive she was and he wanted to rattle her perfect façade for a glimpse of the real Anabelle. There was no way the untouched façade she wore could be real since she’d been married but he’d heard the local gossip about her husband and it made him wonder. He shook his head at the stupid ass. A part of him wanted to kick the guy’s ass for hurting her, yet at the same time, he wanted to thank him for leaving the field clear.

The impromptu inspection the other day had been different, almost as if her protective armor had been absent. For one thing, she hadn’t worn her customary business wear, had looked casual even. And they way she’d looked at him, with heat, had shocked the hell out of him. But when he responded, wanting to draw her out, she’d retreated. But now, he knew what was different.

Finally.

Anabelle hadn’t realized he’d been waiting for a signal of interest for the better part of the year. There would be no retreat for her now because he wasn’t about to stop.

He’d been patient. Had waited as Dani had suggested when he’d wanted to pursue her from the beginning but Dani had been adamant that Anabelle needed time. So, reluctantly, he’d adhered to the distinct ‘hands off’ signal she’d given.

But the other day he’d seen a clear green light.

Game on.

Derek studied the object of his obsession. Today she looked like a pin up model from the forties with her black and white polka dotted shirt buttoned and tucked into a tight knee length black skirt. The shirt was almost see-through. He wondered if she realized he could make out the lines of her white bra. She had a preference for lace, which was fast becoming his favorite as well. The outfit wouldn’t normally be considered sexy as it bordered on classic, except for the fuck me heels. Jeez, the dichotomy of her choices kept him up literally and physically, more nights than he preferred to count.

He wiped the sweat off his brow and snuck another glance. She leaned over her desk and argued with Charlie over something, he couldn’t hear but from their whispers and body language, he guessed it was about him. He didn’t care because her position showcased her perfect ass and he worked hard on not swallowing his tongue. He wanted to stop and fully enjoy the view without pretending to work but that would have been too obvious.

He couldn’t make out panty lines, which meant one of two things, either Anabelle had a preference for thongs or she was going commando.

Have mercy.

It was a bonus Anabelle didn’t wear short skirts. He’d yet to see her in one for which he was glad, he wasn’t sure his heart could take the strain.

He tugged his plaid shirt away from his body, fanning it slightly. His nieces had given it to him for his birthday, but now it was wet with sweat. “Would you ladies be offended if I took off my shirt?”

Two wide pairs of eyes snapped to him. “Of course not, Derek,” Charlie said while Anabelle looked horrified.

He shrugged. “Okay…maybe not then.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Charlie elbow Anabelle and winced when she winced. Their sibling like bickering made him smile.

“Go ahead, we don’t mind,” Anabelle said a few minutes later although she didn’t sound certain.

He met her hazel eyes. Today they were more green than brown. She had trouble meeting his eyes and kept glancing away. “Are you sure?”

“Definitely.”

He didn’t think so but between the labor and his lusting after Anabelle, he was hot. Still watching her, he unbuttoned his shirt while her gaze followed his progress. He sucked in a breath and caught her apple lemon scent. He slowed his movements liking how she watched him. Her breathing sounded shallow. Too soon she realized he’d caught her watching him and averted her gaze.

Interesting.

The sight of his chest affected her. He smiled, pleased at the thought and filed away that bit of knowledge.

Anabelle thumbed through Elle Décor, tore out pages of inspiration to use for her presentation. Later, she’d scan them to create a digital board. A rep had left a perfect sample earlier and she pulled it from her library and admired the iridescent glass mosaic. It would be a perfect complement to the capiz shell chevron pattern she’d selected earlier. For the next few minutes, she played with the arrangement, tweaking the finishes and keeping her hands busy so her eyes wouldn’t stray back to Derek.

But as if a magnetic force compelled her, her gaze honed in on Derek’s body as he lifted and screwed. His strong shoulders were well defined but not the scary kind of muscles found on the cover of weight lifting magazines. He twisted, reaching for his drill and she caught a glimpse of his abs. A bead of sweat worked its way down the happy trails of his lower stomach until it disappeared down the front of his jeans, drawing attention to his heft.

Goodness.

He looked up and caught the direction of her gaze. She jerked her eyes up and closed her mouth, surreptitiously she checked for unwanted drool.

Busted.

She could only hope he hadn’t caught the open-mouthed guppy look Charlie had warned her about. A weird energy filled her and Anabelle couldn’t stay still. She stacked her samples, cleared away clutter and straightened her sample bins. “It’s hot in here.”

“Is it?” Charlie glanced between Anabelle and Derek as he worked on the install. She remained in front of the computer where Anabelle presumed she was still on the hunt for a match.

“I think I have a fan in the storage room. I’ll go check,” she said over her shoulders and hurried off.

The storage room was filled with seasonal boxes, client files and miscellaneous crap she couldn’t part with. Most days she avoided the room because it served as a reminder of her failure to fully complete her ‘things to do’ list.

Today, the stuffy room was sanctuary, her hideaway hole from the embarrassment of being caught acting like a hungry cougar.

Anabelle banged her forehead against the wood shelving. Dust motes and the scent of pine filled the air. She palmed her hot cheeks, hating the itchy sensation this fixation with Derek had brought about. To continue with it was madness, her professional mode of operation was in jeopardy and she couldn’t allow it.

She took a deep breath, trying to clear her head. She refused to allow her little crush control over her life. It was time to take charge once more. A strategic maneuvering of boxes and magazine holders revealed a familiar cord.

“Success at last,” she muttered. For a moment she considered staying put and plugging in the fan to cool off so she would no longer resemble a chili pepper.

Maybe it was time for a Cupid’s Match coffee date. KayakLover looked normal or at least relatively normal in that his photos showed a man smiling rather than one with a constipated death glare. The photos were of assorted outdoor activities with friends, which meant he wasn’t an antisocial hermit. A definite possibility and maybe he’d be partial to progressing at a slower pace. She wanted to get laid but she didn’t think her heart could handle an experienced Casanova.

Her phone buzzed.

I have details on your blind date with the doctor. Call me. You’re not getting any younger. Mother.

Good grief.

If she didn’t get on with Cupid’s Match, her mother would pimp her out. She shuddered at the scary thought.

“Hey.”

She started, she’d been lost in thought and hadn’t heard his entrance.

“Hey there, Derek. What can I do for you?”

She turned and faced him grateful he’d put his shirt back on. The room had shrunk in the span of a moment and he stood close. There wasn’t room to step back since her old drafting table was behind her, her bottom rested against the edge. He moved closer and her temperature soared.

“Wanted to check on you. Thought you might have fallen into a rabbit hole, you’ve been gone for so long. Need any help?”

“I’m ok. I found the fan but got distracted with this mess.”

“Let me help.”

She shook her head. No way did she want to be stuck in here with him. If she didn’t get him out, she couldn’t guarantee his safety. The combined scent of Irish Spring and the essence of Derek hung heavy in the confined quarters. It was too tempting. If he knew he was on the verge of being tackled, he might not be so relaxed.

“Nope. I’m good.” The close distance invited intimacy so she avoided eye contact, choosing instead to stare straight ahead. If she made eye contact, the connection might hypnotize her into doing something idiotic. She could imagine his embarrassment if she gave in to temptation and licked his neck. Poor Derek. He was a nice guy so he’d be embarrassed for her.

The exotic wood carved necklace provided a welcome excuse so she pretended fascination like the big chicken she was. He noticed the direction of her gaze and touched it. “I got this in Thailand last summer after a scuba diving trip with friends.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Thanks. I like their craftsmanship.”

“I hear Thailand is beautiful. I've always wanted to ride an elephant.”

He grinned. “We should go one day. They have great food, friendly people and lots of elephants for you to ride.”

“I couldn't.” She stepped back and bumped her hip against the drafting table. “Ouch.” She’d forgot it was behind her and rubbed the sore spot.

Derek pushed her hand aside and rubbed the spot for her. “You okay?”

She nodded absently because instead of soothing her, he created all sorts of non-relaxing thoughts inside of her.
What was wrong with him?
She was trying to protect him from being mauled by a cougar.

“Why not? It would be a perfect buying excursion for you.”

“I’m too busy.”

“Too busy for Thailand?” He chuckled. “Come on Anabelle, where's your sense of adventure?”

“Missing in action?”

They stood in silence. His eyes searched her face as if she was a puzzle he didn’t quite understand.

Her phone buzzed and broke the connection. Anabelle grabbed it and saw an alert form Cupid’s Match. Someone had winked at her.

“I didn’t know you were on Cupid’s Match.” His smile dripped boyish charm, not apologizing for his nosiness.

She stuck out her chin. “Yes. I opened an account this morning.” It wasn’t how she envisioned meeting the man of her dreams, but it had worked for others, so why not her?

“So you’re ready to date now?”

“Business kept me busy but I think I’m ready now.”

“So when are
we
going out?” He grinned down at her and she gave a nervous laugh.

“Never,” she said, rubbing her neck.

“Why not?” His grin disappeared and a frown appeared in its place.

“It wouldn’t be proper. We work together.”

“You’re assuming it wouldn’t work but what if it did?” He crossed his arms across his chest.

“You’re sweet but I’m older.” She looked away, her face felt hot at that admission.

He tilted her chin back to meet his gaze. “Not by much.”

“By enough.”

He narrowed his eyes as if he wanted to argue but Charlie stuck her head in the room and saved her.

“Good news! You’ve been winked at!”

“I saw,” she said without turning because Derek’s gaze wouldn’t release her. They continued their stare down.

“Yep. Looks like archi439 is interested.” Charlie went on, oblivious to the tension. “I answered for you because he wants to meet!”

“Great,” she said and forced her gaze away from Derek.

“I know, right?” Charlie squealed and did a victory dance, ignoring Anabelle’s lack of enthusiasm. “We’re going to break your dry spell, baby.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Derek stiffen while Charlie vibrated with excitement. “So when will I sit with a perfect stranger and struggle through an hour long conversation?”

“Tonight.”

Derek remained silent since Charlie’s interruption and Charlie punched his shoulder lightly. “Derek, Anabelle might get lucky tonight!”