Time For Pleasure (4 page)

“Yes, he’s out on the lot showing a couple one of the new Audis we got in last week.” Glen was his sales manager. After three years as his top performer, Ashton promoted him last spring.

“Boss, I was calling to give you some news,” Melani began, then hesitated and an uneasy feeling crept up his spine. “A court date has been scheduled on that Volvo for July tenth.”

Ashton drew a long breath. The woman they had dubbed as “the deranged chick” was dragging him to court. According to her, she bought a car from Platinum Pre-Owned Automotive that turned out to be a buyer’s nightmare. He begged to differ. As the owner and Chief Operating Officer, he prided himself on not only selling gently-used luxury cars in top-notch condition, but he also didn’t believe in games or gimmicks. He had yet to meet the woman, but her claims and accusations threatened his company’s position as one of the best on the east coast, not to mention his integrity.

“Good, the sooner we get this over with the better.”

Ashton discussed a few day-to-day issues with his assistant then ended the call with a heavy breath. He loved his job, but there were days he’d rather drag out his boat and just go fishing. Speaking of fishing… there was one particular beauty he was dying to reel in. With her in mind, he grabbed the clipboard, scribbled some notes and headed back toward the door.

Chapter Four

Okay, I’m losing it.

Kaelyn carried the pan of biscuits over to the table and released a deep breath. Her behavior was beyond an explanation. One would think she had never met a gorgeous man before. Well, maybe not one as sexy as Ashton, but that was still no excuse. And to think she kissed him, or maybe it was him who had been doing the kissing that drugged her senses and made her nipples ache. Either way she was shocked. Not at her behavior, but at the realization that she was tempted to do a whole lot more. In fact, she wouldn’t have thought twice of making love to him right then and there. Kissing him was unlike anything she had ever imagined and now that she had, she wanted so much more. It was crazy, yet for once in her life she wanted to just let go. Do something wild and selfish!

With a frustrated groan, she walked toward the cooler and removed a stick of butter, then carried it over to the small round table near the window. Breakfast was ready and the sooner, the better. Because if she didn’t feed Ashton and send him away there was no telling what she was liable to do.

A voice in her head said,
so what
. And quickly reminded her the move to the east coast was all about starting over, being daring, living life to the fullest so if that was the case, then what was the problem?

Kaelyn blew out an exaggerated sigh. The problem was Sheraton Beach was a small town and the last thing she wanted was a reputation as a woman who was quick to put out, because it was so far from the truth. Typically, she allowed herself a chance to get to know a man first, but with Ashton she didn’t want to wait. He sent her mind spiraling into a naughty direction—hot mind-blowing sex with no strings attached. To her it was insane, utterly crazy to be thinking such things, yet one look in his eyes said he wanted the same. Part of her wanted to drag him back to her bedroom and demand he fuck her, but the sensible side of her warned to tread carefully.

Hearing heavy footsteps moving up the front porch, Kaelyn dragged in a deep breath to calm her jittery nerves. As she put a plate of crisp bacon on the table, she swung around to see Ashton come around the corner.
Damn
. All he had to do was walk into a room and her nipples stood to attention. Kaelyn was suddenly at a loss for words.

“Alright… I need one more thing from you,” he said, eyes dancing with mischief.

She hoped he needed another kiss. “Anything,” she said somewhat breathless and her pussy tightened painfully.

“For starters… I need you to sign the delivery receipt,” he said, yet the look on his face said he was about to say something else, but suddenly thought better of it. Instead Ashton held out the clipboard and a pen.

“Sure, no problem.” Kaelyn quickly scribbled her name on the dotted line and handed it back to him. “Thank you. Now let’s eat,” she murmured as she tried to hide her disappointment.

“Hey…” Ashton began. She looked over and their eyes met and held before he continued. “Don’t forget what I said. We’ll talk after breakfast.”

Her stomach clenched and rolled with erotic thoughts of where that conversation could lead. Nodding, she turned to the stove.

“Do you have any more coffee?” he asked curiously.

“I’m sorry! I forgot to make you a cup.” She stepped backward, hoping for a little distance away from the masculine smell of him and in her haste bumped into the counter, stifling a groan.

While he washed his hands, Kaelyn carried over two cups of coffee, cream and sugar to the kitchen table then took a seat. Ashton pulled out a chair and sat across from her. “Everything looks great,” he said.

“Thank you.” And other than a few stolen glances they were relatively quiet.

While Kaelyn chewed, she tried to think of a safe conversation that wouldn’t have her imagining the two of them screwing like gerbils in her bed.

Ashton was the first to break the silence. “I was listening to you sing and I gotta say your voice is amazing.” He raised his mug and toasted her.

Beaming, she reached for a napkin and wiped her mouth before speaking. “Thank you. Singing is like the highlight of my week.”

“I can see why. Have you ever thought of singing professionally?”

Kaelyn sipped her coffee and shook her head. “I gave up that dream in college when I discovered I had a better chance of becoming a professional photographer.”

“Photography?” Ashton looked first surprised, then impressed. “I would have never guessed you as a photographer?”

“What did you think I do?” There was that flirting again.

“I was thinking singer or sex symbol.”

His response caused nervous laughter and her nipples to harden. “You sure know how to flatter a woman,” she replied, batting her eyelashes shamelessly. “I’ve been shooting pictures for magazines for years.” She named off several popular publications and noticed the way his eyes lit up.

“I’m impressed. I had no idea my delivery would be both beautiful and talented.”

“You’re flattering me again,” she said and smiled.

He nodded, thoughtfully. “With you, it comes naturally.” He bit into a biscuit and released a soft moan that she felt tingling at her gut. “Oh, these biscuits are just like my grandmother used to bake!”

 
She blushed. “Thank you. I’m glad you like them. I always keep a batch on hand. I’d be happy to make you some whenever you want.”

“You keep talking, I’ll be at your door again tomorrow morning.” Something hot and wicked flashed in his dark eyes and her pussy reacted. “By the way, thanks so much for breakfast,” Ashton managed while chewing his eggs. “I owe you.”

Kaelyn gave a dismissive wave. “Not at all. You did me a favor by offering next day delivery. And as soon as we’re done with breakfast, I’m heading to the grocery store to buy some food.”

“I’m glad I could make your day.”

“Oh you have.”
In more ways than one.
She picked up a biscuit, munching on it. “I’m curious… what did Mackenzie tell you about me?”

“Very little,” he said and lifted a strip of bacon to his lips. “In fact she told me you were new to the area.”

She nodded. “I moved here from Chicago, desperate for a change of pace.”

“Why’s that? I’ve been to Chicago once. There’s a lot to do there.”

“Oh there is. But the crime rate has gotten so bad over the last decade that everyone is moving out to the suburbs where it’s way too expensive,” she explained as she ate her eggs. “I visited Mackenzie a couple of times and really liked it here.”

He nodded in agreement. “Sheraton Beach is one of those places where it’s boring and slow in the winter and overrun with activities and vacationers in the summer.”

“There’s nothing boring about Chicago’s winter.”

He chuckled. “So I’ve heard.”

“But it’s summertime, and I could use a little more excitement in my life.”

While sipping his coffee, Ashton studied her for a long thoughtful moment. “Excitement, huh? What do you do for fun?”

Right now nothing would be more exciting than him drawing her into his arms for another kiss. Quickly, she took a calming breath and brought the cup to her lips before speaking. “If I’m not singing then it’s swimming, golfing, tennis, you name it.”

He winked. “The athletic type? Just the way I like them. No wonder Mackenzie said you were off limits.”

“
Off limits
?” Kaelyn chuckled at the choice of words. “I wonder why she said that.”

Wearing a sideways grin, he admitted, “Probably because she hooked me up with one of her friends before and it was a disaster.”

He had her full attention. “Please, do tell.”

Ashton bit into another buttered biscuit before explaining. “Let’s just say after one date she was already planning a wedding.”

“You’re kidding?”

He took a sip before shaking his head and saying, “I’m afraid not. My aunt called to tell me she had reserved one of the ballrooms at the Beaumont Hotel.”

She couldn’t blame the woman. Something about Ashton made her want to be daring, and unrestrained for once in her life.

 
“How do you know it was for you?” Kaelyn propped her chin against her hand.

“She reserved it under Mr. and Mrs. Ashton Kilmer.”

Her gaze met his eyes, twinkling with suppressed laughter. She giggled and despite the joke was on him, Ashton joined in on the fun. “So that’s why Mackenzie says she’s done matching.”

“Really?” he grinned.
 
“Was that before or after you asked about me?”

“Who said I asked?” She was flirting again.

“I know because you already told me,” he said slowly, then took another sip from his mug before continuing. “So what did my
dear
friend really say?”

“That you’re single and very arrogant.”

Wry humor lifted the corner of his mouth. “She knows me too well.”

Kaelyn slugged him playfully in the arm and cried, “I was kidding!”

“Oh, then I take it all back,” he said, with a chuckle.

“Actually, she told me I needed to find out for myself.” Her eyes narrowed as she met his gaze. “So what are you hiding Ashton Ray Kilmer? Wife? Six kids?” she added with a giggle.

He chuckled. “Wife? Kids? No, nothing like that.”

“Are you seeing anyone?” she dared to ask and her cup clattered clumsily on the table as she put it down.

“Nope. No one at all. What about you?” His hooded eyes drifted to her mouth and unconsciously she licked her lips. “You’re too beautiful to be single.”

Shaking her head, Kaelyn rose from the chair and carried her plate to the sink. “No I’m not seeing anyone… yet,” she added with a saucy grin.
 

“What are you looking for?”

Hot mind-boggling sex
. “To be honest…, I’m not looking for a relationship. Just fun with someone who keeps it honest. I don’t think that’s asking much.”

Ashton leaned back on the seat, his gaze never leaving hers. “Let me ask you a question.”

Her breath quickened. “I’m listening.”

“Are you attracted to me?”

Kaelyn leaned against the counter with her arms crossed. Ashton was sitting there, arms folded across his wide chest, legs spread apart as she remembered the vivid details of her dream. Drawing a deep breath, Kaelyn boldly replied, “Yes.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since I spotted you at the bar.”
There
. She’d said it.

“And I’ve been thinking about you ever since I spotted you on that stage,” Ashton said quietly. “Even now as I look at you standing there, I know what I want.”

Her stomach quivered at his words. “And what is it you want?”

Ashton rose and she swallowed hard, fighting the rush of heat in her cheeks as he crossed the short distance. “I want you.”

Kaelyn couldn’t move and was suddenly aware of how close their bodies were.