Feather Light (Knead Me) (34 page)

He laughed at her playful tone. “Sure. Where’s Kelly?”

“I’m expecting her at the end of the week. So do you want to hear my idea?”

“I’m listening.”

“Here’s your coffee, Ms. Storm. Can I get you something else?” The flight attendant waited for her answer.

Kelly pulled her eyes away from the magazine she’d been flipping through for the last hour and shook her head. The trip had been long, and all she wanted was to get into the tub and soak.
 

Sipping her coffee, she let her mind drift back over the last two months. So much had happened in her life, which had helped her reach a decision. Her choices had been dictated by her failed relationships, especially with Parker, but she felt it was for the better. Kelly needed a change. It was important for her to stay away from him and anything that reminded her of him. He only came to New York once a month, which helped. The logical thing to do would be to buy a place there. They’d be living in different cities. She hated leaving LA, but it would make moving forward much easier. Marcy, her broker, had some good prospects, and the whole week would be devoted to finding the new perfect beginning for her.

Kelly glanced out the window. The sky was turning a subdued orange, and the sun was dipping below the horizon. Without a reason to hide anymore, she planned to shift her focus to her career, the one part of her life that seemed to be working. The Academy nomination had inspired her to devote all her time and energy to her acting.

The pilot’s voice came over the speaker, announcing their landing. Kelly finished off the coffee. Africa had been a welcome refuge and had served to give her a clearer outlook. She’d cleansed her soul, gained some much-needed peace, and for the most part, was well on the road to feeling better about herself. Kelly was moving forward and ready to face whatever the future held for her.

Jessica was waiting for her outside the terminal.
 

“Why can’t I have my regular ride?” Kelly asked as soon as they maneuvered out of the busy airport.

“I’m taking you to look at a house that’s for sale. Marcy’s going to meet us there.”

Kelly glanced at her friend in surprise. “It’s seven o’clock at night, just in case you haven’t noticed. I’m sure Marcy is already off the clock, and the owners won’t appreciate the intrusion either.”
 

“She’s the one who tipped me off about this place, and she’s already made arrangements with the owner. What could be more beautiful than seeing the city at night? Besides, it’s not on the market yet, but it will be in a day or two. Marcy wanted you to get first dibs before the property is listed. She also mentioned the owner is very anxious to sell.”

“Sure, I’m looking to buy, but I’m not desperate enough to look at a property at night,” she protested. “All I want is to get into the tub.”

“You’re going to love this place! I checked it out myself this morning, and the neighborhood is quiet. I think all the neighbors are in their AARP years—old money and they mind their own business.”

Kelly shot Jessica a curious look, not sure where her friend’s enthusiasm was coming from, but then again, Jessica had always been enthusiastic with just about anything. She lay back against the comfortable leather seat and tried to relax.
 

“I cleared up your schedule for the whole week, by the way. You have seven days straight to relax and look for a place. Don’t you just love the way I work miracles?” Jessica laughed.

“Yes, you’re fantastic,” Kelly said.

Time away had done so many positive things for her, but it hadn’t decreased Kelly’s longing for Parker. As soon as she set stepped out of the car, memories of them making love in this city flooded her mind and seduced her body. She hugged her coat closer and groaned, hating each minute he resurfaced in her mind when she was trying so hard to forget him.

“Is everything okay?” Jessica asked, glancing over her shoulder before they climbed the steps.
 

Even in the faint glow of the moonlight, Kelly could tell that the house was spectacular. She couldn’t make out the exact color of the exterior, but she knew it had to be a pastel with white trim.
 

Jessica rang the bell, and the door was answered by a uniformed gentleman.
 

“Ms. Renoir, good evening. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” The man had an impeccable English accent and bent low at the waist. Kelly couldn’t help but grin at his formal greeting. He smiled when their gaze met. “Good evening, Ms. Storm. I see that your flight has delivered you to us safely.”

Kelly smiled, baffled at the man’s comment. “Yes, thank you,” she answered before raising an eyebrow at Jessica, who in turn shrugged at her.
 

“Oh crap! I forgot my cell phone in the car. Kelly, why don’t you go ahead, and I’ll be back in a jiffy.”
 

Jessica excused herself and was out of the door before Kelly even had the chance to respond. She hesitated. It would be impolite to keep the man waiting, but she would rather wait for her friend. As if sensing her reluctance, the man smiled, revealing a set of crooked teeth.
 

“You’re safe here, Ms. Storm.”
 

The butler led the way, ushering her along a tastefully decorated foyer. Everything in the room screamed wealth and elegance. The magnificent artwork adorning the walls absorbed her attention until they reached a small elevator shaft that looked straight out of an old movie. With reluctance, she stepped in.

While the elevator rose, Kelly thought about what she’d seen so far. The house was structured to her liking. When they stopped, she was surprised at what the doors slid open to reveal. She gasped at the uniqueness of the walls, which were stenciled with hands, feathers, and hearts. Her curiosity was piqued. She wanted to see the rest of the house right away. If the price was right, she’d be looking at an impulse buy, not that a house in the city would ever be a dead investment.
 

“This way, please.” The butler preceded her to dimly lit room.
 

Kelly adjusted her eyes to the darkness, hoping for more light so she could further appreciate the house.
 

“There’s a cabernet in the decanter for you.” He proceeded to pour her a glass without even asking if she wanted it.

“Where’s Marcy, and what’s taking Jessica so long?” she asked, taking a seat on the sofa. She started to wonder why she was being served wine, and not just any wine, but her favorite red at that.

“Oh, forgive my manners. Ms. Marcy phoned earlier and said she wouldn’t be able to make it tonight—a family emergency. She sent her assistant on her behalf. I will call on him now.”
 

“Wait. Marcy’s not coming?”
 

“No, Ms. Storm, but she wanted me to reassure you that her assistant is very competent.” With a warm smile, he strode out of the room.
 

Soon after, she heard the whir of the elevator, followed by soft murmurs. Since she was now alone, she decided it wouldn’t hurt to look around. Kelly took a sip of wine and crossed the room to switch on the lights.

The first thing that caught her attention was the sound of her own laughter coming from a hidden speaker system.
 

What the hell?
Kelly went on instant alert as goose bumps rose on her neck. When she looked around, all she saw were hundreds of pictures of herself hung on the wall in a neat collage. Every space held an image of her.
 

Was this some sick joke? She was poised to flee when her own voice came over the speaker.
 

“I find myself wanting to be with you every second of the day because I want to feel your touch, hear your voice, and see your smile. The day is not long enough to show you how much you mean to me, even with the short time we’ve known each other. I never thought instant attraction was even possible until I met you. And I believe that I have a good man holding me and keeping me close.”

Kelly stopped, unable to believe what she was hearing. She’d said those words to Parker.
The CD!
Her eyes welled with tears. She couldn’t fathom how or why she was being subjected to such torture. Nobody knew about the disc except her and . . .
 

Running to the sofa, she snatched up her purse and set the glass on the table, spilling the red wine all over it. She groaned, hoping it wouldn’t leave a stain.
 

“Damn it!” She fumbled inside her bag for a tissue. Kelly was attempting to wipe it up when she heard footsteps outside the door, and another noise she couldn’t quite place. She turned around just as Parker walked in the room, and in his hand was a harness connected to a dog.
 

He pointed at the table. “I’m sorry if I can’t help you with that.”

Tongue-tied, she stared at him. She slung her purse on her shoulder and was making a run for the door when he reached out for her. Parker caught her arm and pulled her closer.
 

“No.”
 

“Please, Ann . . .” He hesitated. “Kelly, I want to explain.”
 

Just like that, her body responded to his voice, his touch, betraying her resolve. Still, she hadn’t forgotten what he’d said to her the last time they were together. Kelly braced her palms on his chest and pushed him away.

“If this is your idea of a sick joke, no one’s laughing but you.” She took a step back, hating the burning protest from her hands the moment they left his chest.

Parker released his hold on the harness. “Stay, Sasha.” Kelly couldn’t take her eyes off his face. He seemed calmer, a far cry from the last time she’d seen him.

“Kelly, please. I beg you to give me a moment to explain.” He paused. “Please give me the chance I refused to give you.”
 

Just as she was about to respond, another one of her quotes drifted from the speakers.
 

“What I’m getting at here is the fact that even if you have doubts and all you see are dead ends, your faith will lead you through all the humps and tumbles. I’m asking you to extend that faith to me. I’m not saying this to waste your time. On the contrary, I see a beginning of a relationship between us so unique that our names are already drawn into the sand.”
 

She faltered, and then remembered what her hypnotherapist had told her—self-preservation is the first law of nature.
 

“I’m through hiding my feelings. I refuse to be that unfortunate person you vent your anger on.” Kelly’s voice grew stronger with her conviction. “I’m not going to let you or anybody hurt me again!”

Parker’s face dropped, but he persisted. “What I did to you was unforgivable, but I’m owning up to my mistakes. I’m ashamed of what I’ve said and done. I crossed the line and broke a very important principle of the lifestyle. I was drunk as hell and unfair. I can’t change what happened, but I hope you’ll find it in your heart to give me another chance.”
 

He took a step in her direction, and Kelly froze, remembering the night when he’d stalked her like she was his prey. She braced herself.
 

“I wasn’t expecting this . . . you . . . I can’t do this, Parker.”
 

She turned toward the door, and he followed her movements, turning exactly where she was headed. Then he stopped, his expression defeated.

“I can’t blame you. I’ve been an ass. I just want you to know, despite everything I said before, I never stopped loving you.”
 

“I’m sorry, but I don’t have anything left in me. I have to go. This was a lousy idea, and I don’t like being manipulated.”

Kelly stalked out, her heart thumping hard in her chest, and her eyes stinging from unshed tears. She ran to the elevator. The butler took one good look at her and pressed the doors open without comment. She fought the tears, wishing she could just disappear. Just when she thought she’d put everything behind her, Parker came storming into her life once more, creating havoc with her heart and making her ache for him all over again.
 

She found Jessica sitting inside the car, drumming her fingers on the steering wheel, immersed in a phone conversation. Kelly tapped on the window and glared at her friend, who got that deer-in-a-headlights look. She ended the call and unlocked the door.