Lost in a Stallion's Arms (Kimani Romance) (3 page)

L
uke heard them before he saw them, hushed giggles and laughter coming from the darkened room. He shook his head slowly as he made his way into the kitchen, switching on the room’s bright lights as he did. He didn’t bother to look in the direction from where all the noise was coming. He knew clearly what he would or wouldn’t see, having interrupted his brother and new sister-in-law more times than he cared to count. It amazed him that the two couldn’t be in the same room together for five minutes before they were wrapped around each other like bark on a cedar elm tree.

Luke moved to the refrigerator, opening the stainless-steel door to peer inside the cold cavity. His name was written on a yellow sticky note affixed to a large plate of food wrapped in aluminum foil. Lifting up the foil edge he peered inside, fried chicken and macaroni and cheese awaiting his attention.

“Who fried chicken?” Luke asked, addressing the couple cuddled against the pantry door.

“You know the only cooking I do is takeout,” Michelle said with a soft chuckle. “Engines are my specialty. I don’t do cakes.”

“Aunt Juanita was here,” Mark responded, his answer muffled in his wife’s neck.

Michelle giggled softly as she nuzzled her husband back.

“They have hotel rooms for that kind of nonsense,” Luke said nonchalantly, moving himself and his plate from the refrigerator to the microwave oven. “You two should give it a try sometime.”

Mark laughed loudly as Michelle leaned her back against his chest, her husband’s arms wrapping warmly around her. The two of them turned to stare at the younger man. “Luke’s got jokes. My little brother thinks he’s funny!”

Luke shrugged, a wry smile pulling at his mouth. “Your little brother doesn’t want to keep walking in on the two of you making out all over the house like you don’t know what a bed is for. It’s creepy!” Luke cringed, skewing his face like a five-year-old might. “And it’s starting to seriously warp my psyche.”

Michelle laughed. “No date tonight, Luke?”

Luke crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned back against the center island. “Rub it in, why don’t you. Just add salt to my wound. I don’t have a date, and you two keep going at it like rabbits.”

Michelle moved to Luke’s side, rubbing the palm of her hand against his forearm. “You should talk to Eden and Marah. I’m sure those two would be thrilled to fix you up with someone.”

Luke rolled his eyes. “Heaven help me. I don’t know which is scarier—those two playing matchmaker or me constantly walking in on you and him naked.” Luke cringed.

Michelle gave him a light punch to his shoulder, her cheeks heating with color. “You were supposed to be gone that night. You should have warned us.”

“No, you should have warned me,” Luke said with a hearty laugh. “I’m so scarred that I’m ready to go spill my guts to Oprah.” He pulled his freshly heated meal from the microwave oven, inhaling the decadent aroma rising from the plate.

“So, do you have any plans for tonight?” Mark asked.

Luke chuckled, pulling a spoonful of macaroni to his mouth. “Don’t act like you’re interested in my plans, Mark. I’ll be out of your way in a few minutes. Then you two can go back to doing what you were doing.”

“What?” Mark feigned innocence, pretending to be hurt by his brother’s insinuation. “You act like I don’t have your best interests at heart.”

Luke laughed. “I am not stupid, big brother. The only thing you’re interested in right now is Mitch.” His sister-in-law’s childhood nickname rolled off his tongue as he met her amused gaze. “Ain’t that right, Mrs. Stallion?”

Michelle laughed with him, moving back to her husband’s side. “You two need to stop.” She leaned up to kiss Mark’s mouth. “But since you brought the subject up, we’ll just head upstairs and get out of your way,” she said, eyeing her husband suggestively.

Mark broke out into a full grin, following behind Michelle as she pulled him from where he stood and headed in the direction of the door. Behind them Luke rolled his eyes skyward, the trio still sharing a warm laugh with each other as the couple made their exit.

Watching them, Luke couldn’t help but smile. He’d been responsible for introducing his brother to one of his dearest friends. The wild child of the family, Mark had been headed out on one of his cross-country jaunts to the annual black bike festival in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Luke had recommended Michelle, the best mechanic he knew, to get his brother’s bike travel-ready. Before anyone knew what had happened, Michelle had tamed the once wild Stallion and Mark had fallen in love with a woman who was headstrong and beautiful.

Minutes later the house was quiet, only the sound of the large grandfather clock in the center hall ticking in the background. As Luke sat finishing his evening meal, he couldn’t stop himself from thinking about the woman he’d met earlier.

With her enigmatic personality, Joanne Lake had lit up the room, commanding his full and undivided attention. Luke couldn’t remember the last time he’d met a woman with the wealth of confidence Joanne had exuded. Joanne could easily have been the poster child for women who were not a size 6 but loved every curve and dip of their bodies. With her understated style and poise, she’d tempted every one of his senses, and he found himself completely intrigued by her.

Luke’s hand tightened around the glass of tart lemonade he’d been drinking. He was thinking about the easy lift to Joanne’s mouth, her gentle smile sending waves of heat through every nerve ending in his body. When she’d laughed, the sensuous sound had been like lighter fluid tossed on an already raging flame. The wealth of it had left him breathless. Luke shifted in his seat, the pressure building deep inside of him threatening to take full control of his senses.

Luke sensed that given some time he and Joanne could become fast friends. He imagined that having a woman like her for a friend wouldn’t be a bad thing at all. After all, he had many female friends. Most were just casual companions that he would spend some recreational time with. Rarely did it have anything to do with any serious boyfriend-girlfriend expectations. Luke imagined that he would enjoy just hanging out with Joanne, the two of them enjoying the camaraderie of each other’s company, neither having any expectations whatsoever.

And then again, he thought, mulling over the details of their afternoon one more time, Joanne’s self-confidence had been sexy as hell, seriously inciting some testosterone-fueled male curiosity. As images of her shot through his mind, an unexpected quiver of heat suddenly radiated through his groin. Maybe having Joanne for a friend might actually become more of a problem than not, he mused.

For a brief second, before they’d parted company, he had thought of asking her to dinner. And then he’d hesitated, unable to form a complete thought about where, what or when. The moment had been interrupted as Joanne had been called away to the telephone, leaving him tongue-tied while another volunteer showed him to the exit door. Standing on the sidewalk outside the center, the first waves of nightfall beginning to sweep dark and full across the sky had found him flustered, his own confidence suddenly challenged.

Luke pushed his empty plate away from him, shaking his head as he replayed the experience over and over again in his head. The two could hardly become friends if he did that again.

The next time, he thought suddenly, he would take full advantage of any opportunity he had to spend time with Ms. Lake and get to know her better. And he was determined that there would definitely be another opportunity. He’d be better prepared when that moment took place. Better prepared to discover all he could about Ms. Lake and hopefully intrigue her enough to want to know more about him. Fast friends and a solid friendship needed to start somewhere.

O
n Monday morning, one whole hour before the community center’s doors were officially unlocked for the day, Luke sat outside on the steps in wait. He was anxious to speak with the center’s director and even more excited with the prospect of seeing Joanne again. Joanne Lake had been on his mind all weekend, thoughts of the woman sneaking in when he least expected them. He’d shrugged it off at first, and then she’d snuck into his dreams, disrupting his sleep, and his curiosity had kicked into overdrive.

Stopping by his office first to handle some necessary paperwork, his morning had started bright and early. As he sat watching children being hurried off to school and parents rushing to work, he was grateful for the brief respite of quiet to collect his thoughts and formulate a game plan for the rest of his day.

Both John and Matthew had beat him to the office that morning, the two men huddled together in deep discussion when Luke had entered the luxury office space. The duo had reiterated the importance of the rejuvenation project, and Luke had to admit that he was already feeling some pressure. Add to that his sudden preoccupation with a woman he’d only met briefly and he knew he had to have a solid course of action to follow before he lost control of both situations. John and Matthew both had reminded him that a man with distractions was a man who made mistakes. Luke didn’t have room for any mistakes, and he had no intentions of losing control.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted, a soft voice murmuring behind him.

“Hey, money! What ’chu doin’ here?”

Luke turned to see the young woman from his previous visit eyeing him eagerly. His full lips bent into an easy smile. “Good morning. It’s Brenda, right?”

She nodded enthusiastically, her gaze sweeping over the denim jeans, denim shirt and bright white sneakers that he was dressed in. “So, you come back to see me?” she asked coyly, fingering the ribbon that held her shirt closed at her neck.

Luke chuckled. “I came to see Ms. Lake.”

Brenda rolled her eyes and scowled. “What ’chu want her fo’?”

“It’s business,” Luke responded, rising to his feet and taking a step back as Brenda eased herself closer to him. “So, are you headed off to school?”

The girl scowled, shrugging her narrow shoulders skyward. “I guess. You gon’ be here when I get back?” she asked, her tone hopeful.

“Probably not,” Luke answered, crossing his arms over his chest. “But you have a good day, okay?”

The girl angled her head. “Come back soon, you hear!” she exclaimed as she walked away, moving to join a gathering of teens who were watching them closely. She turned, tossing him a brash wink. “I know Miss Lake can’t handle a man like you. But I’ll be here if you want some real fun!”

Brenda laughed, her friends snickering with her, and Luke suddenly felt like he was the punch line at the end of a very bad joke. He frowned, his mood shifting ever so slightly. “Goodbye, Brenda,” he said, no hint of playfulness in his tone.

Joanne was standing inside the center’s reception area when Luke entered the building. His grin was full and wide, his excitement shining in his eyes when he saw her. “Good morning, Ms. Lake,” he said, tipping his head in greeting.

“Good morning, Mr. Stallion,” Joanne greeted, her own excitement spilling over in her voice.

“We’re being formal with each other again, Ms. Lake. I thought we’d gotten past all that,” Luke said teasingly as he leaned his elbows on the counter.

“You started it.”

Luke laughed. “I guess I did. Joanne.”

She tilted her head. “Luke,” she said, responding with his first name. “So, what brings you back here this morning?”

“I’m still searching for information. I was hoping to meet with your director, of course, and talk to more of your clients.”

Joanne nodded her head. “Well, Daniel’s not here yet, but we expect him shortly.”

Luke nodded, his eyes flitting back and forth across her beautiful face. “So, tell me again, what is it that you do here?”

The woman smiled. “Do you suffer from short-term memory problems, Luke? You don’t seem like a man who’d forget a detail like that so quickly.”

Luke chuckled. “I didn’t. I was just making conversation.” The coy look she gave him sent a shiver up and down his spine.

Joanne studied him momentarily, her gaze racing from the top of his head down to his feet. The man’s stare was unnerving, causing a rise of perspiration to bead across her brow and in the deep valley between her breasts. She fanned a hand before her face, turning quickly to keep him from seeing the expression that crossed it.

“You’re welcome to sit and wait, Mr. Stallion. Daniel shouldn’t be much longer.”

“Will you wait with me?” Luke asked, his tone hopeful. “We could…just…talk,” he said, suddenly stammering.

Joanne shook her head, still refusing to meet his gaze. “I’m sorry. I have to go head downtown to help some of our clients arrange payment plans for their utility bills.” She tossed him a quick glance over her shoulder. He was still looking at her intently. Joanne spun back around to face him. “Perhaps another time,” she said as she took a deep inhale of air and held it.

“I’ll hold you to that,” Luke answered, his deep tone promising. “So, perhaps when you get back?”

Joanne paused, warm breath seeping slowly past her lips. “I may be a while. You’ll probably be gone by the time I get back.”

Luke tossed her a quick wink. “Don’t count on it,” he said huskily. Their eyes met and held for a minute until Joanne broke the connection, turning away from him.

Crossing the room toward the front door, Joanne was acutely aware of him watching her side-to-side sashay with much appreciation. A slight smile pulled at her mouth as she fought to contain the rising anxiety, wanting to pretend not to notice. Behind her, Luke was still staring, unable to take his eyes off her.

Hours later when Joanne walked back through the doors of the center, Luke and Daniel Manchuck, the center’s director, were knee deep in conversation. Joanne peeked into the office where the two men sat, curious about the hearty laughter that echoed down the corridor toward the reception area. The two men sat on opposite sides of an old metal desk, legs and arms crossed comfortably in front of them. Conversation flowed between them like they’d been friends since forever. A leather portfolio sat in Luke’s lap, his large hand wrapped easily around an ink pen as he jotted notes into the margins of a note pad. He was firing questions at the other man as fast as they could be answered, clearly interested in what they were discussing.

The man was drop-dead gorgeous, Joanne thought, admiring the casual styling of his attire. Even with him sitting, it was evident that Luke Stallion was one well-built specimen of maleness. Having been given a sneak peek at what lay beneath his wardrobe only served to fuel some wicked thoughts in the woman’s mind. She closed her eyes briefly, imagining what it might be like to draw her palms across his broad chest and caress the dark chocolate lines of his sculpted back. Joanne gasped softly, her eyes opening quickly to see if anyone had seen her. The two men were still lost in conversation as she resumed staring. Joanne stood eyeing him for some time before either realized she was there.

As he spun around in his chair, Dan’s gaze swept across the doorway. He suddenly took note of her quietly standing in the entrance. Waving his hand in her direction, he gave her a bright smile. “Hey, Joanne! We didn’t see you standing there.”

Luke looked up just as Joanne lifted her hand in greeting, calling out both their names. “Gentlemen, good afternoon. I didn’t want to interrupt. You two looked busy.” A brilliant smile flooded her face. “It’s good to see you again, Luke,” she said directing that smile in his direction.

As if startled, Luke jumped to his feet, spilling half his papers onto the floor as he knocked over the chair behind him. A wave of heat flushed his dark face as he struggled to regain his composure. “Hi,” Luke finally managed to mutter. He knelt down to scoop up the documents that had dropped out of his hands, managing only to drop the balance of them instead.

Joanne laughed out loud at the sight of him looking so bewildered and nervous. “It’s just a hello,” she said giggling softly as she moved to help him pick up his papers.

Only slightly embarrassed, Luke laughed with her. “Not too smooth, huh?” he said, chuckling deeply.

Joanne’s eyes shimmered with amusement. “No. Not smooth at all.” She handed him his documents, her hand brushing gently against his as she did.

There was no mistaking the sudden current of electricity that passed between them, both pulling back as if they’d been burned. Surprised, Joanne stood quickly, taking a step away from him. Her own cheeks were suddenly bright with color.

Heat warmed Luke’s cheeks as well as he gestured with the papers in his hand. “Thank you,” he said, moving to pick up the chair he’d been occupying. A wide grin spread from ear to ear. “Dan, do you think you can help a brother out here?” he said with a deep chuckle.

“There is no saving you from that smooth move, guy,” Dan said, humor washing over his expression. He looked from one to the other. “Since you two are already acquainted, I’ll dispense with the introductions and get right to business. Joanne, why don’t you come take a seat. We were just discussing some of the new programs you were hoping to initiate here. Luke has some great ideas, as well.”

“Really?” Joanne said, her expression curious as she moved to sit down.

Luke nodded. “I was just telling Dan about Briscoe Ranch. We’ve initiated some great community programs for students to come out and work with the horses. I think a joint program between our two organizations might be beneficial to the kids here.”

Joanne nodded her head as she moved to take the seat beside him. She didn’t miss the stare Luke gave her, his gaze sweeping from her head down to her toes and back again. She was glad for her wardrobe choice that morning, having selected one of her own designs. The dress was a form-fitting wrap in a summer floral that accentuated her full bust line and fuller rear end. The dress draped her nicely, highlighting everything that was feminine about her. She felt herself smiling foolishly as she took in the appreciation that washed over her from Luke’s deep gaze.

Luke couldn’t stop himself from staring. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Everything about her was screaming out for his attention, and she had it, full and undivided. Luke was totally enthralled, feeling as if someone or something had blindsided him with some sort of magic charm. The feelings were unsettling, like nothing he’d ever experienced before and definitely nothing his big brothers had warned him about. The sound of his name suddenly pulled him back into the moment. “Luke?”

“I’m sorry. I lost my train of thought,” Luke said, shaking his head slightly. “Where were we?”

Joanne raised a curious eyebrow. “I asked what Stallion Enterprises would be gaining from any venture between us.”

Luke nodded. “The knowledge that we are serving people in need.”

Dan interrupted. “Before I forget,” he said extending his hand and a small slip of paper toward Joanne. “Luke has made a very nice donation to the center. I’d appreciate it if you’d pass this on to accounting for me. I have a meeting downtown in ten minutes about those permits, and I know I’ll forget it,” he said, glancing down at the watch on his wrist.

Joanne reached for the personal check being passed to her. As she did she cut her eye in Luke’s direction. He was watching her intently. Daniel moved from behind his desk toward the door.

“Luke, I hate to rush off, but I leave you in very capable hands. It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to us talking more.”

Luke shook the hand that had been extended toward him. “The pleasure was all mine, Dan. How about we do lunch next week?”

Dan pointed a finger in Luke’s direction. “I’ll buy.” He turned toward Joanne, leaning as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder in a friendly embrace. “Thanks, Joanne. I’ll call you later and let you know how we made out.”

“Good luck,” Joanne exclaimed as Dan rushed out the door.

As quickly as he was out of sight, silence spread like wildfire in the space between Luke and Joanne. She looked down to the check in her hand, her eyes widening in surprise as she surveyed the amount. “This is quite generous of you,” she said, lifting her gaze to meet his.

Luke smiled. “It’s the least I can do. The center clearly needs all the help it can get.”

Joanne rose from her seat, moving to the other side of the desk to sit in the space Dan had just occupied. Her expression was suddenly serious as she fell into deep thought. Luke sensed that Joanne wasn’t wildly happy about his donation.

“Is something wrong?” he asked, noting the furrows that creased her forehead.

Joanne shrugged, her shoulders lifting toward the wide hoop earrings that adorned her ears. “The center can use as much money as it can get, so I don’t want to sound unappreciative, but have you ever considered giving more?”

“More than that?” Luke queried, not quite understanding her question.

“More than money.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“There are boys and young men here who don’t have a male figure in their lives to emulate and look up to. The center is always looking for mentors. Have you considered donating your time, as well?”

Luke hesitated, suddenly thrown by her tone and the direction the conversation had taken. “Well, I—” Luke started.

Joanne interjected before he could finish his thought. “I didn’t think so. Money is always the answer for you, isn’t it? As long as you can pay for it, then the problem is solved, right?” she said. Her tone was cutting.

Luke bristled. “No, not at all. I have no problems doing what I can when I can.”

Joanne nodded, waving a hand dismissively. “I’m sure. And please, I’m really not trying to be critical. It’s just that I’ve met your type before.”

Luke eyed her curiously, leaning forward in his seat. “And just what is my type?”

“Wealthy men who think flashing that wealth absolves them of any personal responsibility to the social ills that plague our society. Men more concerned with their bank accounts than with their neighbor.”