Blue Ribbon Summer (The Baltimore Banners Book 3) (10 page)

So she pressed her hand against her stomach, took a steadying breath and stood a little straighter, then turned and headed for the living room. She had barely walked through the doorway when she stopped, her breath catching in her throat when she caught sight of Ian.

He was standing in the corner, studying the array of photographs hanging on the walls and spread out on her grandmother's old sideboard. The photographs spanned more than eighty years, frozen moments of family history that would mean very little to anyone else. Yet Ian was studying each, a small smile lifting the corner of his mouth.

She studied his strong profile, the sturdiness of his square jaw and chiseled cheekbones, the casual sweep of his hair and the way it curled against the collar of his shirt. His suit jacket must have been tailored to fit him so well, the way it stretched across his broad shoulders and down to his tapered waist and trim hips.

He moved to pick up a framed picture, and must have noticed that she was standing there because he stopped and turned. The smile that had been on his face faltered for a brief second as his gaze trailed over her, the heat in his eyes warming her. His smile broadened, lighting his entire face, and he quickly closed the distance between them. He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze as he leaned down and kissed her, a lingering yet all-too-short meeting of their lips.

"You are so beautiful." Ian's whisper sent a shiver racing across her skin and she offered him a trembling smile, unable to find her voice. His gaze and his words both told her he was being truthful, but standing next to him, she couldn't help but feel a little under-dressed.

Kayli had become so used to seeing him dressed down the last couple of weeks, seeing him in his faded jeans and worn-out t-shirts as he helped with mending fences or hauling bales and bags of feed. She had forgotten that he was used to a different lifestyle, a different living standard. Seeing him dressed as he was now, in a classic cut designer suit with Italian loafers and a gold watch, with his hair casually slicked back, brought the differences between them clearly to her.

And she suddenly felt plain, simple. But before she could say anything, before she could step away, Ian wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, then claimed her lips in a searing kiss that emptied her mind of anything except being with him. Her hands gripped the lapels of his jacket and she melted into him. A sigh escaped her when he pulled away and ran his hand along her cheek and through her hair, his desire clear as his gaze searched hers.

"I want this night to be just for you. But I still cannot wait to show you off." Ian lowered his mouth to hers for another lingering kiss then pulled away. "Which isn't going to happen if we don't leave. You ready?"

Kayli nodded, still having trouble finding her voice. If Ian thought anything of that, he didn't say, he just wrapped his hand around hers and led her out of the room and outside. Kayli paused at the top step of the porch, her mouth hanging open in surprise.

"Oh my God, is that what I think it is?"

"What?" Ian flashed her a grin, and she didn't doubt for a second that he knew exactly what she was talking about.

There, in the driveway, was a completely restored, pristine, vintage blue 1966 Shelby Cobra. The late afternoon sun glinted off the chrome, and even from here she could see the immaculate interior. She snapped her mouth closed and tried not to stare too hard, but couldn't help it. The car was beautiful. And suddenly she didn't care that it was more evidence of how different their backgrounds and lifestyles were--she just wanted to get in and drive around in it.

"Wow. Just...wow. You actually drove that up here?"

Ian shrugged, and she could have sworn that the faintest of blushes tinged his cheeks. He suddenly reminded her of a little kid seeking approval, and she leaned up and gave him a quick kiss.

"You like it?"

"Oh yeah, very cool. I'm definitely impressed."

Ian laughed and led her down the steps, then walked over to the sports car and opened the door for her. She lowered herself into the seat, her gaze taking in the restored instrument panel, her hand running over the buttery soft upholstery. Ian laughed again as he lowered himself into the driver's seat and started the engine. A light glinted in his dark eyes as he watched her studying the interior, and he shook his head as he placed the car in gear.

"If I had known that all it would take to impress you was this, I would have driven it the very first time I came here."

"And put Shelly and Sara where? I don't think so." Kayli laughed, then settled back in the seat and let herself relax as Ian maneuvered the little car onto the country road and sped off, racing her away from all her worries and responsibilities, if only for a little while.

Ian's hand around hers was warm, protective. Possessive even. He flashed the hostess a broad smile then led Kayli deeper into the club. She tried to cover her nervousness by looking around at the wood paneling and expensively framed hunt prints. Leather seating areas were arranged in inviting yet private clusters around the dance floor and along the dark walls. Most of the areas were filled by small groups, people relaxing and talking amongst themselves as Latin music surrounded them. Kayli found herself sneaking glances at the different groups, trying to see if she stuck out at all or if she looked different, like she didn't fit in or belong here.

But everyone seemed to be dressed similarly, and she silently breathed a sigh of relief and hoped that maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

She had been giddy when they finally arrived at the exclusive restaurant for dinner. How could she not be, after the crazy but freeing drive down here to the city? Ian had laughed at her obvious joy riding in the Shelby, but she knew he had experienced the same sense of euphoria and power--probably more, since he was the one driving.

The giddiness had mellowed to relaxation during the dinner. It spread through her, warming her. She enjoyed everything, from the food and drink to the easy and comfortable conversation with Ian and, finally, to the smoldering looks that grew between them. By the time they had finished dessert, Kayli was positive that Ian was ready to go back to his place.

But he surprised her by saying they were going to a club. A mostly private cigar club to meet some of his teammates. She tried to hide both her surprise and her resurrected nervousness, but apparently didn't do a very good job of either one because Ian pulled her close and told her not to worry. And then, standing right there at the front of the restaurant, he kissed her so thoroughly and so deeply that many of the patrons were staring at them.

Kayli didn't miss the looks from some of the women, obviously wishing that they could trade places with her. It made her feel a bit self-conscious--and even a bit powerful to be the subject of such envy.

Ian squeezed her hand and she knew he had sensed her nervousness again. It was both exciting and terrifying, how well he knew her moods and even her thoughts without her ever saying a word. She offered him a smile that resulted in him leaning down and giving her another kiss, this one brief yet no less intense. He moved his hand and placed it low on her back, gently guiding her to a cluster of sofas and chairs near the back corner. Several people were already seated there, talking and laughing. The conversation faded as they approached, and Kayli stopped herself from fidgeting as five sets of eyes turned to look up at them.

"About time you showed up. I didn't think you were going to make it." One of the men stood and stepped closer, grabbing Ian's hand in a quick shake even as his gaze studied her.

"Believe me, I was tempted. Everyone, this is Kayli. Kayli, this is everyone."

The man who had stood offered her his hand, a warm smile on his face. His grip was firm but comforting, and she felt instantly at ease. "I'm Alec, nice to finally meet you."

Kayli looked at him in confusion at the greeting, but he had already turned away and was motioning to the small group, introducing them one by one, ending with the woman he had been sitting next to. "And this is my wife, AJ."

The woman reached out to shake her hand and offered her a broad smile that instantly welcomed Kayli. She motioned for her to take a seat next to her, and Kayli did, grateful she was no longer the center of attention.

Ian and Alec continued talking, their words lost in the resumed conversations that floated around Kayli. She looked around her, trying not to stare at the others in the small group but helpless not to notice them.

The other couple sitting across from her seemed oblivious. The man had a foreign name, something French, she thought. Jean-Pierre, that was it. The woman with him was nearly sitting in his lap, fawning over him even as she kept sliding inviting glances toward the lone man in the group. Randy, she thought his name was. There was something dark about the way he sat there, brooding. Part of the group but still distant. He must have sensed her gaze on him because he looked up at her, his hazel eyes disconcerting, probing. He tossed back the drink in his hand in one gulp and abruptly stood, mumbling something about going to the bar.

"Ignore Randy. He's the team's resident bad boy and he's in a foul mood tonight, which doesn't help." AJ leaned over, her voice a low whisper that couldn't be heard by the others. Kayli looked over at her in surprise, but still smiled. AJ smiled back, and nonchalantly motioned to the other couple. "And JP has no idea that his date has the hots for Randy. And for every other player on the team who isn't married."

"Oh." Kayli shifted and tried not to stare at the woman, and tried really hard not to wonder if that included Ian. AJ must have sensed what she was thinking because she slid closer and shook her head.

"I'm sorry, that came out wrong. And it most definitely didn't include Ian. Trust me, I've known him for a couple years and he's not like that. Most of the guys aren't."

Kayli didn't know how to respond, so she just nodded and tried not to look uncomfortable, all the while trying to figure out what to say. Ian saved her from further discomfort when he came over and handed her a glass of wine, then sat next to her. He placed his arm protectively around her shoulders, pulling her in for a quick kiss. He smiled against her lips but didn't pull away.

"Don't pay too much attention to AJ. She'll try to convince you that I'm a saint. Besides, she's a reporter--you can't believe anything she says."

"I heard that!"

Ian and Alec both laughed, and Kayli relaxed once more amid their obvious camaraderie. The conversation continued around her for several more minutes, and she was surprised at how easily Alec and AJ pulled her into it. They asked her about her brothers and the farm and the animals, even about Lori and the upcoming fair. It was obvious that Ian had talked about her to both of them, which surprised her.

"So how long have you and Ian been seeing each other?" AJ asked her when the two men got up to get more drinks. Kayli pulled her gaze away from Ian's retreating form and looked at the other woman.

"Oh. Um, this is really only our first date. Well, second I guess," she amended, thinking of the bull roast.

"Seriously?" AJ sat back and gazed at her thoughtfully, the disbelief clear on her face. "From the way he's talked about you, I would have sworn you've been dating for a while. He must really be serious about you, then."

Kayli shifted uncomfortably, not knowing what to make of AJ's words. She wanted to ask, but she didn't want to sound too eager. Or too naïve. AJ finally laughed and shook her head.

"I am so sorry. My mouth has always gotten me in trouble, and I never know when to shut up. It's just that Ian never brings a date anywhere. Ever. So for him to bring you here...well, let's just say that this is where the guys come when they want to dress up and feel important."

"Important?"

"Yeah. Stupid, isn't it? Testosterone poisoning." AJ raised her glass toward Kayli until the two wine glasses clinked together, then took a drink. "Well, I hope I see you some more. When we can be real people instead of playing at all this dress-up."

Kayli laughed, she couldn't help it. The other woman had summed up her own feelings so adeptly. Yes, she was having fun and felt different, all dressed up. But she wasn't completely comfortable, because this wasn't her. She was gratified that she wasn't the only one who felt that way.

The two women quickly became engrossed in conversation, talking about everything and anything, but especially about Alec and Ian. Kayli was listening so closely to AJ's story about some fight during an awards ceremony, and laughing, that she didn't notice the two men had returned until she felt a hand settle at the junction of her neck and shoulder. She started then looked behind her.

Ian was standing behind her, leaning over the back of the sofa, his mouth inches from her ear. Heat filled his eyes as he gazed at her, and Kayli felt an answering warmth spread through her at the look.

"Dance with me?" It was a demand that came out as a question, and Kayli nodded, helpless to do anything but agree. Her heart gave a little leap then beat faster at the smile that lit his face, and she knew, without any doubt, that she was very much in trouble. It would be too easy to fall for this man, with his boyish charm and easy-going manner, with his ready smile and soul-piercing kisses.

He led her to the dance floor and pulled her into his arms, a sultry Latin beat pulsing around them. His gaze held hers as surely as his embrace, leading her through the moves of a sensual slow dance.

And Kayli realized it was too late, she was already falling for him. She only hoped that he wouldn't completely shatter her heart in the end.