Wrapped In Shadows (7 page)

I watched Michelle worry her lip as she nodded. She knew how passionate I was about my work. “Chances are the police wont figure out it’s you, and if they do, it’s just questions. I—”

“There you are!” A figure appeared in the doorway, cutting off whatever else Michelle was about to say. I donned a smile for the broker who stepped into the room and introduced herself.

“You ready to see the apartment?”

“Yes,” I said, squaring my shoulders. I shot Michelle a despondent gaze and motioned for her to follow as we were led back into the lobby.

Despite Josh’s protests, I decided to ride to Mr. Kotobuki’s party with Michelle and Eddie. I’d worn a simple black cocktail dress with heels and pinned my hair up, letting wispy tendrils fall around my face. As promised, Josh had given me a few days reprieve. The flower deliveries to the office had stopped along with the incessant phone calls and texts. Even my parents had left me alone. I started working on a new fundraising project for children with autism, and was able to become fully absorbed in what I loved doing the most. The fundraiser kept me so busy that memories of
that night
had difficulty intruding. I was more and more determined to put it out of my mind completely. I was convinced that the feeling of pure contentment had been a product of my confused brain. It only existed in fairy tales.

Mr. Kotobutki was renting a house just outside the city, and as the car pulled up, I could hear music coming from the brightly lit house.

“Sounds like a lively party,” I commented as we exited the car.

“It’s supposed to be a traditional Japanese party. Mr. Kotobuki is very old school, from what I hear,” Michelle responded.

“Maybe there’ll be a couple Geisha here to provide entertainment.” Eddie grinned wickedly as he came around the car. He was dressed in a dark suit, his brown hair parted neatly on the side.

“It’s not
that
kind of party.” Michelle rolled her eyes as she elbowed Eddie.

“Anyone here I know?”

“No, don’t think so,” she answered him. “Mostly business associates, I think.”

“So, what you’re saying is I’ll be hanging out with a bunch of old farts tonight.” Eddie looked pained. He stepped aside to allow them to precede him up the walkway.

Michelle rolled her eyes up to the dark sky. “Must you always be entertained?”

I turned as Michelle screeched in surprise. I smiled, watching Eddie kiss Michelle soundly on the lips. “With you, my love, life is always entertaining.”

Michelle rolled her eyes again, but I knew my friend was madly in love with Eddie. I had to admit to an accessional bout of jealously at their easy, drama free relationship.

An attendant greeted us at the door and I was surprised when we were showed into a large side room, instructed to hang our coats on a long metal rack, and take off our shoes. I could see the crowd mingling through the open door, but there was no sign of Josh. I hadn’t been looking forward to tonight. I’d come only because I wanted to help Josh. Even though the party looked in full swing, I hoped the night would proceed quickly. I took off my shoes and settled them at the end of a neat row, then went to hang up my jacket.

The arm of a dark blue coat was sticking out of the crowded garment rack, but something about it caused me to pause. My eyes instantly narrowed and my brows squeezed together. Before I could formulate a thought, my heart started pounding hard, as if already knowing the evolution of thoughts in my brain. It was the sight of the pink smudge on the cuff that fueled the motor in my chest. With hesitant steps I drew closer, feeling the heavy throb of my erratic pulse. The sight of a round button set in a royal crest stopped my heart entirely. There was no mistaking this coat, and my head whipped around, my eyes growing wide with shock and fear.

Oh my God, he was here!
And that scent I’d convinced myself I’d imagined at Michelle’s office…had been real.
How? How was it possible?
He worked for
Sensations
. He’d been doing his job. How could he be associated with Davenport Advertising? And would he recognize me? Confusion weaved a tangled web with my thoughts, causing my breath to come fast and shallow.

Michelle, oblivious to my inner turmoil, motioned me to the other room and my feet obeyed like lead weights. Overhead lights illuminated the room and lively guests socialized in chattering groups, drinking and laughing. A beautiful woman in a Kimono and Japanese headdress approached us, introduced herself as Mr. Kotobuki’s assistant, and drew us further into the room. There was a bar and a row of Hibachi grills set up on one side of the large space with chefs cooking and tossing food into the air in an impressive display. Josh spotted me immediately and wove his way through the crowd toward me.

“You look amazing. Thanks for coming,” he whispered, leaning close to my ear.

I tried to smile, but all I could hear was the rushing of blood in my ears. My gaze flitted around the room, seeking some clue, some form of recognition.
Anything
.

“Are you okay?” Josh inquired. I nodded, but he scanned my face, frowning. “You’re pale. Let me get you a drink.”

He bent down to kiss my lips and I turned my head, so his lips instead connected with my cheek. I didn’t want him to think that my presence here meant I was taking him back. I was still conflicted about our relationship, still trying to piece together what I’d seen in his apartment.

I scanned the room again, trying to keep my hands from shaking.
Where was he? Who was he? Was he staring at me now? Did he know who I was?
That room had been pitch black. There was no way he would be able to recognize me.

“Relax, beautiful…” The voice came from behind me and I swiveled so quickly I almost fell over.

Bruce was staring down at me, a tilted grin on his lips. He reached a hand out to steady my elbow.

I stared up at the tall muscular figure, my eyes taking inventory and my heart slamming hard against my bosom.

“Wh—what did you say?” I couldn’t shake the quiver from my voice.

“I said relax. You look like you are about to pass out. Are you okay?”

I peered into his intensely blue eyes.
Oh, God, was it him? Had I had sex with this man?
I didn’t recognize the voice, but almost every word that night had been whispered. He was staring at me, his eyes slowly absorbing my face in a way that made me uncomfortable. I took a deep breath, trying to calm down, but my hands kept shaking and my stomach was doing somersaults. The pungent scents coming from the Hibachi grills were filling my lungs, making me nauseous. I had to get out of there.

Just then Josh emerged from the crowd carrying two martinis. A dark scowl moved over his face as he approached.

“Step the fuck off, Bruce. She’s mine.”

The taller man dropped his hand from my elbow, but his lips turned up in an irreverent grin.

“I don’t see a sign on her.”

His words seems to irritate Josh further and Josh’s lips thinned with a surge of anger. I recognized the storm coming and took a step back.

“I said step off,
douchebag!
” Josh pulled back his shoulders, arching to his full height.

“Josh…he was just making sure I was okay. It’s no big deal.” I grabbed his arm and nudged him aside, but he continued to track Bruce with a menacing gaze.

“You’re a fucking prick! Wanna step outside,
douchebag?
” Josh yelled again, causing a few nearby guests to stop conversing and stare.

I swallowed hard, not believing this was happening. “Josh—Mr. Kotobuki,” I reminded in a harsh whisper.

At that, his temper simmered mildly. He glanced quickly around the room then brought his gaze back to my face.

“Josh. I have to go. This was a bad idea. I’m sorry.” I felt like I wanted to throw up.

“No. Please, you can’t leave.”

“I can’t—”

“Is everything okay over here?” I turned to see Mr. Davenport standing behind us. His broad frame was stiff and his face was a steel mask of anger. Josh’s boss had obviously seen the exchange with Bruce. I heard Josh curse under his breath and I lowered my gaze, embarrassment coloring my cheeks.

“That fucking asshole was coming on to my fiancé,” Josh growled, jerking his chin toward Bruce. “He—”

“That’s enough, Wilkinson!” Mr. Davenport hissed low. “This is not the time or place for this nonsense!”

Josh nodded and apologized, but I could see the fury seeping from him. Mr. Davenport’s gaze was now burning into me, seeming to accuse me of causing this disruption. I inhaled deeply, my only thought to escape this escalating nightmare. I glanced over at Bruce, who was still quietly studying me from the sidelines.
Oh, God! It was him! He was the one!
I didn’t know how fate could have construed such horrible irony, but the man I’d slept with was Josh’s co-worker. A man he despised. I needed to leave.
Now
.

“I—I’m not feeling well,” I said to Josh. “I’m leaving. I’ll call a cab and wait outside. Just tell Michelle that I’ve left.”

Josh opened his mouth, about to say something, but just then a Japanese man who looked to be in his late fifties came over, his arms outstretched and a smile on his face.

“Is there a problem? I hope you are all enjoying the party!”

Bruce mumbled some compliment about the food and bowed. Mr. Davenport’s face transitioned to a charming grin, and Josh stepped forward to talk to the man I assumed was Mr. Kotobuki.

I took the opportunity to scoot away. In my haste, I collided with Steven as he was coming out of the coat room. His hands shot out to steady me when I almost fell over. I looked into his concerned face and mumbled an apology, then broke away and ran into the room behind him. My bare feet made their way down an aisle of neatly lined footwear, my eyes determined to avoid the coat that was pulling me like a powerful magnet. I sighed in relief when I found my heels and bent to pick them up. My hand suddenly flew to my mouth, choking down a startled cry. Inside one of my slippers was my grandmother’s white, perfectly round, gleaming pearl earring.

I felt my heart lag and draw out its beats, slowing to match the labored breaths pushing up from my lungs.
Oh, God! Bruce knew!
He knew it was me. And he was toying with me. Why else would he leave my lost earring here like this? Why else would he have approached me with those words? Without taking the time to put on my shoes, I grabbed them and quickly slipped barefoot through the front door, leaving the roar of the party behind.

I started walking, my thoughts jumbled and chaotic. I couldn’t believe how fucked up my life had become. How could I have gotten into this mess? I wiped at the tears rolling down my face. I never should have come tonight. I knew it was a bad idea, but I’d wanted to help Josh. After everything he’d done—
possibly
done—I’d still wanted to help him. And my
shadow
man, the man who’d played a starring role in my erotic dreams for the past two weeks, had been at the party.
What the fuck?

I was two streets away when I realized I’d forgotten my coat. It was an unusually warm night for early December, but still too cold to go without a jacket. A strong gust of wind twirled the skirt of my dress around my knees and I hugged my torso, starting to shiver. I stopped and looked around the dark street, barely making out the row of large colonial homes. I had no idea where I was and the street light was stingy with its illumination. My cell phone was in my purse and I fumbled inside, intending to call a cab.

“You shouldn’t be out in the darkness, beautiful.” The voice came from behind me, barely a whisper.

I jerked around in surprise, my scream silenced in the tight grip of my throat. I swallowed hard as a large figure separated from the shadows and materialized before me. Now that I was away from the noise of the party and the pungent scents from the Hibachi grills, a faint sandalwood teased my nose. Instantly my body responded, my insides liquefying.

“
You!
” I whispered, staring up in shock. “
Oh, God, it was you that night!
”

CHAPTER THREE

I stared into the bottle green eyes of Luke Davenport. They were swirling with chips of soft yellow from the street light and the effect was almost hypnotic. I had to blink a few times to cast off my dull haze.

“You shouldn’t be out here by yourself,” Luke said, his voice almost admonishing. “It’s dark and cold.”

I shook my head, still in disbelief that he’d been the man I’d slept with. “I—I don’t understand.”

“Well, in the winter it gets cold, and at night it gets dark. Hence dark and cold.”

I saw a smile tilt his lips and a small dimple appeared at the side of his shapely mouth. I blinked again and looked away.
God!
I’d devoured that mouth, and that mouth had devoured me…
everywhere
. In one fluid motion he shrugged out of his coat and wrapped it around my shoulders, and I couldn’t help but inhale deeply.

Sandalwood.

I glanced down then looked up at him through my lashes, still distracted. “I thought you worked there.”

My words produced a soft chuckle. That rumbling sound jostled my insides. “Oh, no. Why would you think that?”

Because you are an amazing lover….

I caught my bottom lip between my teeth and my gaze skittered away, afraid he’d read my unbidden thought.

“It was actually my first time there too.”

My head swung back at him and my gaze had to travel to reach his face. He was a tall man, taller than Josh by a few inches, I imagined. He had a strange look on his face, a distant expression I couldn’t read.

“How do you know it was my first time?”

That dimple appeared again and his gaze latched on to mine, holding it captive. “I could tell.”

I felt my cheeks heat and was glad for the darkness. My body still quivered under the coat and I knew it wasn’t from the cold.

“Not for any reason other than the fact that you were nervous,” he added. He seemed about to say more, but then decided against it.

I took a deep breath. “How did you know it was me? It was so dark in there.”

He was quiet for a long moment and I thought he wouldn’t answer.

“I’d know you anywhere,” he responded at length. I sucked air into my lungs and forced myself to look away. He continued, “Did you know it was me?”

“No. I…I thought it was Bruce.”

“Disappointed?”

“No…
yes!
I mean
Oh God, this is so…
” I gulped, still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that I was here, talking to him. He was supposed to be a pleasurable indulgence, a man I’d never see again. A temporary fix for my aching heart.

“Awkward?”

“To say the least. I um… recognized your coat at the party.”

His eyebrow quirked.

“You have a pink smudge on the cuff.”

He tilted his head and smiled slightly, causing the dimple to reappear. “I had been finger painting.”

I frowned and gave him a quizzical look, but decided not to pursue my curiosity. The less I knew about him, the better.
Fuck, he was Josh’s boss!

He held my gaze. “I see I’m not the only one who pays attention to detail.”

I felt my throat go dry. I swallowed and looked away, trying to ignore the sudden buzz in my body as the moment dragged uncomfortably.

He scrubbed a hand across his jaw and glanced around. “Listen, it’s late. I’ll drive you home.”

I shook my head. “No, thanks. You don’t have to. I can take a cab.”

“No need. I’m parked just up the street.” He smiled, ushering me forward.

I hesitated briefly, wondering how sensible it was to allow him to take me home. I was still reeling from this revelation, but I was also stranded and needed a ride. Intuitively I didn’t feel I was in danger. He was the owner of one of the biggest PR agencies in Manhattan, and from what Michelle told me, it was about to get bigger. Plus, it wasn’t as though he was exactly a stranger. I fell into step beside him and he slowed to match my shorter stride.

Pulling the edges of his jacket around me, I huddled inside. I frowned. “Did you know it was me when I was at the office?”

He nodded.

My mind was racing. I had so many questions, but was afraid of the answers. We walked up to a silver Mercedes and he held the door open. I was about to duck into the seat when I stopped.

“My coat…I left it at the party.”

“We’ll drive back to the house and you can grab it.”

I shook my head with a sigh, thinking of Josh. I didn’t want another scene. “I don’t want to go back in there.”

“I’ll get it. Just tell me what it looks like.”

I hesitated briefly, causing him to cock his head and regard me. From this angle, the light bounced around in his eyes. The vivid green was stunning. “I’ll be in and out. No one will even know I’ve been there.”

I cautiously agreed and a minute later we pulled up in front of the house. I described my black coat with the fur-lined collar and he saluted dutifully with the sexiest lop-sided grin I’d ever seen. He then exited the car and I sat in the dark vehicle still in a state of dull shock. I pulled the collar of his jacket to my nose and inhaled again.
Holy shit!
I couldn’t believe it. Images of us having sex swirled in my brain, a smoky vision of sweaty bodies writhing in pleasure. But beyond that was the feeling of utter contentment and euphoria I’d felt in his arms. I choked out a sound and squeezed my eyes shut, scattering the visions and feelings they conjured.
Damn, all my girly parts were already tingling!
And I knew it could only portend disaster.

Another minute slipped by and my nerves were fraying at the edges. What if Josh caught him carrying my coat? What if people stopped him to chat and drew him into the party? I started to anxiously knot my knuckles when Luke slipped back into the driver’s seat.

“Mission accomplished.” He grinned handsomely, placing the jacket on my lap. “And I didn’t even need one of those ropes to suspend me from the ceiling.”

I shot him a brief half-smile, but my fingers were still shaking as I held the coat.

“There was another that looked almost exactly like it, so I hope it’s the right one. There was also a full length mink. Looked very expensive. I can go back and get you that one, if you like.”

Despite myself, I smiled fully. He had an easy way about him, like a man who was accustomed to humor. It warmed me and melted a little of my anxiety…just a little.

“This is mine,” I assured after examining the label. “I’m good with this one, thanks.” I turned to him with a smile and our gazes connected. Something passed between us in that long, silent moment, then awkwardly we both looked away, peering out into the darkness.

He cleared his throat after a minute. “We should get going.”

I nodded and tried to quell the noise in my head and the troubling state of my body that made me hot, then cold, then hot again.

After taking my address, he pulled the Mercedes away from the curb. A thick quiet of unspoken words filled the car, but I for the life of me didn’t know where to start. We came to a stop light and I let my gaze secretly peruse his profiled features. I’d had so many fantasies of him. Now he was flesh and bone, and very…male.
I mean attractive…
like
[email protected]
.
His hair was dark and wavy, and cut short. He had a high forehead and a very strong nose. The only word that came to mind for his lips was…
decadent
. They were full and beautifully curved, softening features that might otherwise be harsh. I recalled how truly decadent those lips could be, and that…that…
tongue
.
God!
I turned to look out the window, chastising myself again for my wayward thoughts. This situation was a disaster! Tonight had been a mistake. I should not be contemplating such things!

“So you’re Wilkinson’s fiancé?”

His quiet question startled me and I took a minute to think.

“It’s complicated.”

He nodded, but didn’t press and we rode in silence a few more minutes.

“What brought you to
Sensations
?” he asked.

Besides the obvious?
I knew he was looking for a different answer. I caught my lip between my teeth and pressed hard, not wanting to get into it.

“It’s complicated.”

He nodded again, but I noticed his fingers tighten on the steering wheel.

“What brought
you
? You said it was your first time.” I couldn’t help but ask. I’d been wondering ever since he confessed that detail.

“I could say it’s complicated, but the long and short of it is that a few friends conspired to give me a present.”

“Present?” I raised a startled brow.

“They thought I needed a little cheering up.”

“I see.” I didn’t really, but was too polite to ask.

He smiled as our gazes met and held. “Best. Gift. Ever.”

I couldn’t return the smile. Instead my gaze escaped out the window and I wondered at the sudden fluttering in my chest.
What must he think of me
?

We rode in silence as we made our way back into the city, and soon the Mercedes was pulling up in front of a sleek skyscraper. Luke parked the car and left the engine running. He came around and opened my door. I shrugged off the jacket, strangely missing its fragrance. He wrapped my coat around my shoulders as I stepped out of the vehicle.

“I’ll walk you in.”

I started to protest, but he shook his head. Acquiescing, I proceeded him through the giant glass doors of my building, giving a slight wave to the doormen and concierges. Turning to say goodbye and to thank him for the ride, I was surprised to find him standing close. He made no attempt to step back. My body quaked as we stood almost touching, facing each other in the massive lobby. The already thick tension between us seemed to congeal, mixing with a trace of sandalwood, and my heart was doing double time.

“I think—”

“It was—”

Our words collided and Luke smiled, nodding to me.

“No, please…you go.” I shook my head, staring at my trembling hands.

Hooking a finger under my chin, he tilted my gaze up to meet his. My lips parted, my skin sizzling where he touched me. My gaze dropped to his sensuous mouth.
Oh God, I really wanted him to kiss me. I wanted to feel the press of his lips and the silky glide of his tongue. I wanted to be wrapped naked in sandalwood.
The realization slammed into me and bloomed a vivid recollection of his touch, the ecstasy of him driving into me and his warm breath on my heated skin. He was such a gorgeous man, and those deep green eyes seemed able to peer through me, to read my thoughts.

“It was amazing, Kay. I think a lot about that night.”

I swallowed hard, his words highlighting my dark memories with splashes of neon color. I also thought about how disastrous it would be if word ever got out. “Pl...please don’t tell anyone.”

“Don’t worry.” He slanted his head and regarded me. “Your secret is safe with me.”

“Thank you,” I whispered as I pulled away, forcing him to drop his hand. I turned and almost ran to the elevator, feeling his dark green gaze dig into my back.

*************************

Luke

I walked into my apartment and did what I usually do when I got home late—made a beeline to Livy’s room. I quietly pushed open the door and walked to her bed. A smile claimed my lips as I gazed down at my sleeping five year old. She was curled into a tight ball with Annie, her favorite rag doll, clutched to her chest. I reached down and pushed the mop of dark curls off her face, then gently kissed her forehead. I tucked the covers under her neck and backed up, lowering my tired body into the rocking chair in the corner.

The nightlight cast a dreamy glow in the room, and I could almost pretend all was well. But all hadn’t been well in my life for many years. Tonight was no exception. My mind kept rewinding the night and replaying my roller-coaster emotions. My heart had bucked with joyful surprise when I’d seen Kay come through the door at the party. I thought I’d imagined her, that I’d confused a different blonde for her. I’d planned on asking Michelle about her friend on Monday, and was glad fate had finally cut me a break and granted a wish. I’d just taken a step toward her when Josh Wilkinson cut across my path, smiling wide, his demeanor almost boastful as he sauntered up to her. I had stopped dead in my tracks, feeling like I’d been sucker punched.

Josh Wilkinson! Josh fucking Wilkinson?
I shook my head. I would never have thought. I remembered a while back there was a rumor about him being engaged, but by the way Josh conducted himself, I thought it was just talk. The irony of the situation didn’t escape me. I’d given Josh his job with Davenport Advertising a few years back as a favor to Josh’s father—to keep Josh out of trouble. Josh was a hot head, and he and his father didn’t get along. His father had cut him out of the family’s lucrative agricultural company, which was now run by his brother.

I had done some work for his family, and impressed, the senior Wilkinson had introduced me to some very influential people who’d helped to push Davenport PR to the forefront of the industry. In turn, he’d asked a favor for his son and I couldn’t say no. Many times I wished he had. Not only did Josh not get along with the people he worked with, he felt entitled to special treatment because of his wealthy, influential family. He was lazy and self-indulgent, and had trouble keeping his clients. The Kotobuki account had been a test, and from what I’d seen tonight, Josh had failed miserably.

How had Kay ended up with Josh?
Engaged?
The thought soured my empty stomach. I frowned. And more so, what the
hell
had she been doing at a sex club if she was engaged?

“
Fuck!
” I swore softy and sagged against the chair. I wished I could wipe my mind clean of the platinum haired beauty with the lost blue eyes. No woman had ruled my thoughts so much in the four years since my wife’s death. Who would have thought when I’d agreed to go along with my friend’s crazy plan that night that this would be the outcome?