Business Pleasures (Pleasures of the Heart) (5 page)

It was so unnecessary. She’d been through this before and lived.

“What are you doing?” he asked as he carried in a large tray.

“I need to pee.”

His lips twitched and she would had laughed if it didn’t hurt too damn much. Setting the tray down on a fold out table he moved in the room the night he brought her to heal, he moved to the bed and held out his hand. “I’ll help you to the restroom.”

Damn. She was hoping to avoid this part. “I’m not a child. I can walk.”

She pushed herself to her legs and immediately grabbed his arm. Her whole body ached, reminding her that Roger didn’t only burse her ribs but her sides, hips, legs, and back. The bastard would pay as soon as she was well enough. This time there would be no jail time…

“Are you okay?”

Nodding, she pushed away the raging anger that surfaced when the bastard’s name came to mind. “I guess I do need help. But you must start letting me do things on my own.”

“Of course.”

She made a noise in her throat, not believing him for a minute. In the past few days she learned that Kenton was stubborn, honest, and compassionate. He cared for her like no other outside her family. That melted her heart and made her want things she wasn’t sure she deserved.

“Somehow I don’t believe you,” she teased.

When he smiled, she melted even more. “I will. When I feel you are well enough. Until then, you’ll have to do as I say.”

His husky, teasing tone kept her from turning away from him and rejecting his help. Well, that and the fact that he made her feel safe, and cared for. She could so get used to being pampered by this man.

“Be careful, you’ll spoil me and I’ll never want to leave.”

Gently, he drew her closer so she faced him and wrapped his arms around her. “That’s my master plan.” Then kissed her forehead.

Butterflies took up residence in her belly, fluttering every time he touched her, spoke to her, and promised her things. She should have Grace come get her and take her to Sam’s. Dreams and promises could be shattered. Kenton meant those things in the moment, but what would happened in a month, a year from now?

“I still have to go to the bathroom,” she reminded him.

He released her waist and guided her to the bathroom. “I’ll be right out here if you need me.”

Laughing at the thought of him walking in while she was doing her business, she pushed at him playfully and shut herself inside the bathroom. With a sigh, she pressed her forehead to the door and wondered when she’d become so comfortable around him.

****

Kenton shook his head as he picked up the tray and carried it to the bed. Aimee surprised him every moment they were together. Her strength and love for life was no doubt the source of her survival during her marriage.

He fisted his hands. The police were working hard to locate her bastard ex, but Kenton wished there was a faster way without putting Aimee in harm’s way. Unfortunately, there wasn’t and they’d have to wait for Roger to make a mistake.

The bathroom door opened, drawing his attention. With small, slow steps Aimee exited then met his gaze. She narrowed her eyes slightly as if challenging him to not assist her. He waited and gave her the space he knew she craved. The need to be independent was something he understood. So he would give her that, as long as she wouldn’t get hurt in the meantime.

Seeing her beaten and scared cut him deeper than he thought possible. He never wanted to live through those emotions again.

“I thought I’d let you choose the evening activity.”

Her eyes brightened. “Can we sit on the balcony and enjoy the ocean view?”

He turned to look at the French doors that lead to the balcony more out of reflex than anything. In fact, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been out there. He wasn’t even sure what the shape the furniture was in. “Give me a minute to check.”

When he opened the doors, he froze. It was clean. The whole area, including the furniture had been cleaned. He glanced over his shoulder at Aimee. Even though it annoyed him that she went against his wishes to rest and relax, he wasn’t surprised. “When did you clean it?”

Chewing her bottom lip, she averted her gaze. “This morning while you were working. I used one of the cleaning cloths in the bathroom linen closet and hot water.”

He stared at her for a moment and when she glanced back up at him, he dropped his shoulders and smiled at her. “I wish you called me. I would have done it.”

“I wanted to. I’m going crazy not having something to do. Besides the chairs and table weren’t that bad. Just some sand.” She padded over to him, her movement much better than when he came into the room.

“How are you feeling?” He held out his hand to her.

She took it and shrugged. “Better than yesterday.”

He studied her for a moment, then tugged her forward and whispered. “I don’t believe you.”

A laugh burst from her lips and just as quick she gripped her ribs with her arms.

“Shit, I’m sorry.”

Leaning against him, she slapped at his chest. “You should be. It hurts when I laugh.”

Slowly, he lifted her in his arms, carried her out onto the balcony, and set her down on the wicker love seat. “Relax here while I get everything. Do you need your pain meds?”

Shaking her head, she scanned the beach and ocean below. “No. I was hoping for a glass of wine.”

“That can be arranged.” He bent down and kissed her on the lips. “I’ll be right back.”

About thirty minutes later, they’d finished dinner and sat listening to the waves crash on the shore. The sound relaxed him. He’d forgotten how much he loved the ocean. “I bought this unit for the view. It’s closer to the ocean than the others.”

Aimee snuggled into his side. “I love the ocean. It’s so peaceful.”

His heart swelled. “Yes, it is.”

After a moment, she asked, “Tell me about your family.”

“Not much to tell. I come from a family of lawyers. That is with the exception of my uncle, Carl. He’s the Chief of Police. Everyone else is a trial lawyer.” A gust of cool, damp air swirled around them, making Aimee shiver. He pulled the blanket up higher and drew her to him a little more.

“And yet you go into business law,” she teased.

“Yep. For a while I thought I wanted to be a cop.”

“What changed your mind?”

He took a deep breath before answering. “My uncle did, right after he killed a suspect in order to save his partner’s life. Even though he loves what he does, he gave me a lot to think about. That being a police officer isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Sometimes the bad guys get away.”

Aimee fell silent for a few moments. “You can’t change people who don’t want to change. Some think they do no wrong.”

“Yes. That is why I’m in business law. I’d much rather deal with corporations and small business owners than psychos any day.” She let out a small, short laugh. He kissed her forehead. “What about you? Is Grace is your only sibling? What are your parents like?”

“Yep, it’s just me and Grace. Our parents retired and live in Destin, Florida where the beaches are beautiful.”

“What were you like as a child?”

“Out going. I could make friends with anyone I met. That was until I married Roger.” She fell silent and he considered changing the subject, but she continued. “We married right after I graduated. I was seventeen at the time.”

Tightening his hold on her, he pressed his lips to her temple. “They’ll find him.”

“I believe the authorities think so, but you and I both know how to flush Roger out.”

His heart skipped a beat. “No. I can’t allow you to be bait for the psycho. The man is sick and needs to be put out of everyone’s misery.”

She laughed, then sucked in a breath. “Ow…ow…Don’t make me laugh.”

“Sorry sweetheart. I still can’t let you do what you’re thinking of doing.”

“When I’m well. I’m going to have to go back to work. Please don’t take that from me.”

The crack in her voice stabbed him in the heart. He couldn’t deny her of want she wanted. Most of all he couldn’t take her independence from her. He’d hoped she would agree to stay here until they caught the bastard. But of course, she would want to return to work and some kind of normal as quickly as possible.

“You can return to work when you’ve healed, but you will be guarded by a few Long Beach’s finest. That is not negotiable.”

She let out a dramatic sigh, then hugged him tighter. “Deal.”

Chapter Eight

It’d been a little over a week since Aimee’s attack and no one had heard from or seen Roger. That scared her more than anything else. It told her he was hiding until she stepped out into the world again. Waiting to make his move.

A shiver ran down her spine and she closed her eyes to calm her nerves.

“Aimee?” Grace’s voice drifted from Kenton’s laptop in the dining room. They’d been talking via Skype for the past hour.

“I’m here.”

“What are you doing?”

Laughing, she stepped in view of the screen. “I’m fixing dinner.”

Her sister’s brows drew together. “Shouldn’t you be resting?”

“I need to regain my strength. I’m returning to work on Monday.”

The silence that followed made Aimee raise her gaze back to the computer screen. Her sister stared back, lips pressed together. Sighing, Aimee said, “Go ahead and say it.”

“I wish you wouldn’t. They haven’t caught Roger yet.”

“I’m tired of hiding. I need to live my life and stop allowing him to control it.”

Aimee fisted her hands and could feel her blood pressure rise. It always did at the thought of her bastard ex-husband. Another reason she decided to return to work was to give Roger the excuse to show himself. When he did, Aimee would be ready.

Her cell buzzed and she glanced at it and smiled. A text from Kenton. Every day since she’d been there, he’d text her as soon as he pulled into his parking space. It might be a little overprotective, but she didn’t mind. She found the gesture sweet and thoughtful. “I hate to cut this short on you, sis, but Kenton’s home.”

Smiling, Grace said, “Goodbye,” and disconnected from Skype.

Five minutes later, Kenton entered the condo, his brows drawn together in a harsh line across his forehead. Frowning, Aimee glided over to him, kissed his lips, and took his briefcase. “Tough day?”

A warm, sensual smile lifted his lips and eased the frown lines. “Not anymore.”

She led him to the living room and set the briefcase on the coffee table. He really needed a small desk, she consider before turning back toward him. He gripped her gently by the hips and tugged her body to his. “I’m glad you are coming back Monday.”

She ran her palms over his pecs and up so she could loosen his tie. “Me too. I miss the office.”

He brought his hand up and brushed her cheek lightly with his fingertips. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

“Yes. The bruises are fading and they don’t hurt anymore.”

His lips lifted in a sinful smile before he dipped his head and claimed her mouth. When their tongues met, she melted into him, her body on fire and panties instantly wet. Kenton wouldn’t make love to her until he was sure she healed enough. In the meantime, Aimee plotted her seduction, because her patience was running thin waiting on the stubborn man.

Breaking the kiss, she drew back to hold his gaze. “Dinner is ready. Go get comfy and I’ll set the table.”

“You are supposed to be resting.” He slid his hands to her ass and gave a gentle, teasing squeeze.

“I’ve been resting for the last week.”

The corners of his mouth lifted. “I could get used to coming home to you.”

Her heart stuttered for several beats. She’d been so fixed on Roger and her fears she hadn’t thought about moving forward. Well, not since last Saturday when the bastard broke into her home and waited for her.

Confusion drifted into her mind. What did Kenton mean by that statement? Pressing her hands to his chest, she pushed so he let go of her and she forced a smile. “Go get ready for dinner.”

He cupped her face in a swift movement she hadn’t expected, making her flinch involuntarily. With brows draw together, he held her face in his hands and kissed her forehead. God, she was so weak. She stepped into him and wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed.

Hugging her back, he kissed the top of her head. “Set the table. I’ll be back in a few moments.”

She nodded and stepped back. Before she turn toward the kitchen, he grabbed her hand, making her look back up at him. “Everything will be okay. He’ll make a mistake and get what he deserves.”

“I know. It’s the waiting that makes me anxious.”

With a gentle tug, she extracted her hand from his and walked to the kitchen. Kenton was right. Roger would make a mistake and Aimee would be there to make sure he never made it again.

****

Kenton changed into a pair of sweats and decided not to bother with a shirt. They didn’t have plans to go out. He didn’t want Aimee out with Roger on the loose anyway, but if she asked, Kenton didn’t have the power to say no.

So dinner in was good.

Stepping into the doorway of the kitchen, he watched her take the lasagna from the oven. Worry lines creased her forehead like so many times when she didn’t know he watched her. It broke his heart that she had to be contained inside his condo out of fear. It pissed him off that the police hadn’t found the SOB.

Aimee turned toward him and jumped. A slight movement, but he caught it. Yeah, Roger was a dead man.

Crossing the room, he wrapped her in hug and kissed her as if it was the most natural thing to him. After their first kiss outside the restaurant last Friday, he knew he’d never be able to let her go. They belonged together.

Damn. He was falling in love.

Raising her lashes to gaze into his eyes, she smiled and tilted her head slightly. “What is it?”

He returned her smile. “You’re beautiful.”

Her cheeks colored and she pushed out of his embrace. “Go sit. I’ll bring our plates out.”

With eyes slightly narrowed and one brow lifted, he studied her for a moment before asking, “Did you take you meds today?”