On Thin Ice (The Baltimore Banners Book 8) (16 page)

"You said you were worried about me. Why?"

He reached for the bottle of beer, frowned when he realized it was almost empty. The question didn't surprise him, not really. The problem was, he had no idea how to answer her. Tell her the truth and risk completely destroying the rest of the night? He wouldn't lie to her, and he didn't think she'd let him get away with not answering, not when there was more than simple curiosity on her face.

"I really didn't think we'd spend the night talking about your sister."

"Neither did I. So why?"

"Lauren—" Hell. Did she really want to know? Maybe she did. Or maybe she just wanted an excuse to end the night. It didn't matter. He wasn't going to lie to her. "The other morning…it's just—are you sure you really want to know?"

"Yeah, I do."

Kenny took a deep breath, suddenly wishing he understood the fine art of tact. But that was something he'd never learned, never had to worry about it before. He glanced up, studying the tiled ceiling like he could find answers in the aged squares above them. Screw it. The only thing he could do was tell her the truth then be prepared to ask the waiter for the check when she got pissed.

"Lauren, I like you. I really do. But your sister…there's something off about her. Something I don't trust."

"You can't—"

"You asked. Please, let me finish." He held his breath, waiting for the blow-up, but Lauren merely tightened her lips and nodded for him to continue. "The way she was looking at you, her eyes. They were just…I don't know how to explain it. It was like she was being eaten alive by jealousy and hatred. And when she was talking to you, lying to you…I have a sister, I know all about sibling rivalry, okay? But we outgrew it when we stopped being kids. And even then, it was never like that. Never so…vicious. So deep and chilling."

Kenny paused, waiting for Lauren to say something. She sat across from him, her body stiff and still, her dark eyes watching him without any real expression. No, that was a lie. He glimpsed sorrow in them, a deep sadness that made him want to move next to her and just pull her into his arms. She blinked and looked away, the expression gone. He lowered his gaze to the table, reaching for the fork and rolling it under his fingers just for something to do.

"I don't know your sister, Lauren. I only met her the one time and then only briefly. But the way she talked to you even then—it wasn't right. I would never dream of talking to my sister that way, and neither would she." Kenny paused, cleared his throat in the silence. "When I saw your brother at the rink, I had no idea he was there to meet Randy. I guess my imagination ran away with me because the first thing I thought was that something had happened to you. That maybe…that maybe you and your sister got into a fight or that she…I overreacted. Jumped to conclusions. And then your brother wanted to know why I was worried and I didn't even think, just told him what had happened."

And Christ, now he really needed another drink. For not knowing what the hell to tell her, he sure said one hell of a lot. More than he should have. He pushed his chair back with a heavy sigh. "I'll go get the check."

"Kenny—no. Don't." She didn't reach for him this time. She didn't even move, just sat there, the sorrow clear in her eyes. Another minute went by then she slowly pushed her glass of wine across the table. "Here, looks like you could use this more than me right now."

Her lips moved in what he thought was supposed to be a smile but it died before it even started. He looked down at her slender fingers, still resting on the base of the glass. He didn't think, just reached out and grabbed her hand, threading his fingers with hers and giving them a gentle squeeze. She did smile that time, just a small sad one, there and gone in the space of a heartbeat.

"I just—" Lauren stopped and cleared her throat, the sound rusty and hoarse. "I just want you to know that I'm not usually such a defensive bitch. Honest."

He almost laughed but the sound stuck in his throat, nearly choking him. "Yeah, I didn't think you were. Honest."

"I don't know what to do with her. She's my baby sister and I'll always love her, but I don't know who she is anymore. There are times I look at her and ask myself who that stranger is, you know?"

Lauren looked over at him, her eyes a dark pool of uncertainty. He squeezed her fingers again, not sure what to say. She took a deep breath and let out a little laugh that was nothing more than a rush of air.

"I mean…I know I'm not helping her. I know that. And I know what I need to do. But I can't, because I'm her big sister and I know what's expected of me. And I feel so guilty whenever I think about it because what if I do what needs to be done and it turns out that I could have helped her instead if I just toughed it out a little longer? And that's the first time I've ever said that out loud, ever admitted it, and it just sounds so awful. So…selfish."

Kenny didn't know what to say. Looking at Lauren, he didn't think she really wanted him to say anything. It was almost like she was talking out loud, working things out in her own mind as she said the words to herself. He squeezed her fingers again and offered her a smile. "Wanting to help your sister isn't selfish."

"It sure feels that way." She looked down at their clasped hands, her brows lowered just enough to crease the delicate skin of her forehead. Kenny stayed quiet, knowing just by watching her that her mind was whirling in a dozen different directions. He didn't know what she was thinking, only knew that she didn't need him disturbing her while she worked through whatever it was she was working through.

A few minutes went by, no longer as tense or uncomfortable as before. Lauren finally took a deep breath and looked up, a small smile on her face. It didn't quite meet her eyes, didn't quite chase away the sorrow, but it was a start. She pulled her hand from his and sat up straighter.

"So. Can we maybe have a do-over to this whole night? Pretend the last half-hour never happened?"

Kenny wasn't sure they could really pretend, but he had no problem just putting it behind them. And if she wanted a do-over, he would certainly do his best to give it to her. "I'm up for it."

"Good." She took another deep breath, her smile growing wider. She reached for the bowl of rice in front of her and spooned some onto her plate. "Just so you know, I love Indian food. And I also know, from experience, that it tastes just as good even when it's not steaming hot."

"Is that so?"

"Yup. So how about you order us two more drinks and then we dig in?"

Kenny smiled, the first real one since they walked into the restaurant, and turned in his chair, signaling for the waiter. Maybe there was hope for tonight after all.

Chapter Twenty

Kenny groaned, the sound raw in the back of his throat. He could die right now and would have no complaints.

No, that wasn't right. If he died right now, he'd never again experience the sweet warmth of Lauren's kisses. Never again feel her body soften and come to life under his touch. Never again hear her soft murmurs, whispered against his mouth as he kissed her, touched her.

And if he didn't stop soon, didn't pull away and harness his self-control, he'd take her right here. In the hallway, against the door of her condo. He slowed the kiss, reluctantly pulled his mouth from hers with another groan. Lauren's lids fluttered open, the brown of her eyes deep, warm, glazed with the same passion that seared his veins. He kissed her again, hard and quick, and stepped away from temptation.

"I should let you get inside." And oh God, what a poor choice of words, when all he wanted to do was just that: get inside. To lose himself in Lauren's heat. Could she read his thoughts? If the small smile and faint blush coloring her cheeks meant anything, then yes, she could. He thought that maybe he should apologize but her smile grew wider as she glanced up at him through her thick lashes.

"I was just going to say the same thing to you."

And shit, there was no mistaking what she meant. Not when she dragged her hand down his chest, past the waistband of his jeans. The heel of her hand barely grazed the hard-on throbbing behind the zipper of his jeans. He inhaled sharply at the light touch, wanting more even as she moved away with a small smile. She turned and unlocked the door, tossing an inviting glance over her shoulder as she held it open. Kenny hesitated then followed her inside, his heart pounding so loud in his chest he was certain even she must hear it. He heard the door close with a soft click, heard the sound of the lock being turned followed by the slide of metal against metal. For a brief second, he wondered why she was throwing the security chain, thought to ask her even though he was sure he knew the answer. And then he stopped thinking altogether because Lauren was in his arms, her mouth hot and wet against his. Searching, seeking. Needy.

He groaned and pulled her tighter against him, cupping her ass as he held her against the length of his erection. Need, hot and urgent, filled him, heating his blood and searing his veins. If they weren't standing in the entranceway of her condo, if they weren't fully clothed, he'd slide between her legs right now. Drive himself deeper, bury himself in her tight heat.

And never leave.

He gave himself a mental shake, pushing the absurd thought and emotion away. This was nothing more than desire, than passion. Untamed and out of control, yes, but still only passion.

And he wanted—needed—her. Now.

He groaned and deepened the kiss, his hands drifting up her sides, up further to her arms. Too many clothes, too many barriers between them. He pushed off her coat, heard it hit the floor with a soft whoosh of nylon. He took a step forward, another and another until Lauren's back was against the wall. He reached for the buttons of her shirt, his fingers trembling as he fumbled with them, slowly popping them one by one.

Lauren groaned, the sound nothing more than a throaty whisper as he slid the shirt from her shoulders. She rolled her hips toward his, rubbing herself against his hard length with another small moan. Their hands tangled together as they each reached for the buttons and zippers of each other's jeans. Kenny pulled back, a grin on his face, his chest heaving with each breath.

"We should go to your room."

"No. I don't want to wait." She pushed his jeans down to his thighs, his cock springing free between them. Her hand closed over him, stroking. Long, hard strokes, from the base of his cock to the tip. Over and over. Kenny closed his eyes and let his head drop back, sensation washing over him, robbing him of all thought. There was just Lauren, and the slow deliberate touch of her hand.

She grabbed his shoulder with her free hand, turning him around so he was the one against the wall. And then she was on her knees in front of him, her mouth closing over him. Hot. Wet.

He sagged against the wall, his hands tangling in her hair as she sucked him. Licked him. As her hand teased the sensitive flesh of his balls, rolling them in her palm. And holy shit, her mouth felt so good. Like sin and redemption and paradise all at once.

And if she didn't stop, right now, he was going to embarrass himself. He tugged on her hair, pulling her to her feet. She opened her mouth but he didn't give her the chance to speak, just claimed her lips in a deep kiss as her hand continued stroking his hard length.

Kenny turned, trapping her between his body and the wall, his own hands fumbling with her jeans, pushing them down her legs. He broke the kiss, his breathing ragged, watching as she kicked off her shoes and shimmied out of the jeans. He pulled her in for another kiss, one hand reaching into his back pocket as he slid the other between her legs.

"God, you are so wet. So fucking tight." Lauren whimpered, her hips thrusting toward him, her hand closing around his wrist as he slid his finger inside.

"Now Kenny. Please."

That was all he needed. Hell, who was he kidding? That was more than he needed.

He held onto his wallet long enough to find a condom then tossed it to the side. He tore open the packet, his hands shaking with need as he rolled the condom down his cock. Then he grabbed Lauren around the waist, lifting her—

And plunged deep inside her, burying himself with one long stroke.

Her head fell back, her neck pale and fragile in the weak light from the living room. He watched her, mesmerized, as she pulled her lower lip between her teeth, biting down. Each thrust ripped a harsh gasp from her. Faster, sharper. Her nails dug into his shoulders as he gripped her hips, holding her in place as he drove into her. Over and over. Hard. Deep. Losing himself in her heat.

Her legs tightened around him, her inner muscles clenching, stroking. God, he didn't want this to end, didn't ever want to leave her warmth.

He drove into her again. Once more. Felt her body tighten in his arms, tighten around his cock. She sucked in a deep breath and called his name in a whispered scream as she convulsed around him. She lifted her head, her lids fluttering open as she stared straight into his eyes with a look that branded his soul.

"Fuck." The raw cry ripped from his chest. He pumped his hips, driving into her. Hard, deep. Once. Twice. Once more before his own explosion crashed over him, his eyes never leaving hers.

Their harsh breathing echoed in the room around them, matching the frantic pounding of their hearts. Kenny tightened his hold around her and claimed her mouth in a long kiss before pulling away and resting his head against her shoulder. Seconds, maybe minutes, passed, neither of them saying a word.

Neither of them needing to.

Lauren shifted in his arms, took a deep breath. He lifted his head and looked down at her, unable to hide the smile on his face. "You okay?"

"Perfect." She smiled, a soft smile that lit her glazed eyes from within. "I just don't want you to drop me."

The laugh escaped him before he could stop it. He reached around and pinched her ass then pressed a quick kiss against her lips. "I'm not going to drop you.

"You sure about that?"

"Absolutely positive." He murmured the words against her mouth, kissed her again. She wrapped her arms behind his neck and leaned into him, her mouth soft and warm under his tender kiss. He groaned and pulled away. "If you keep that up, I may never let you go."

If Lauren heard the seriousness under the words, she didn't show it. He took a deep breath and said a silent prayer of thanks. What was with him? He'd meant the words as a joke, nothing more than lighthearted banter. But his voice had been too husky, too deep, and the rightness of the words tightened his chest, letting him know that they were so much more than teasing banter.

But Lauren didn't see any of that. She merely tilted her head, a small smile teasing the corners of her mouth. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"I may hold you to that." She kissed him, hard and quick, then eased her legs from around his waist. He swallowed back another groan as her body slid along his, muttered in frustration as she stepped around him with a teasing smile. He followed her with his eyes, his gaze dropping to her firm ass as she bent over and picked up her shoes and jeans and coat.

"You can use my bathroom to clean up. And then, if you think you're up to it, we could always take a shower." She smiled again, her eyes drifting down to his waist. A small blush colored her cheeks at the obvious evidence that he was definitely up for it.

He followed her down the hallway, her soft laughter floating back to him as he stopped at the bathroom to clean up. Lauren was in her bedroom, her back to him as she searched through her dresser. Disappointment surged through him when he saw that she had put on a pair of sweatpants. He would have liked to watch her bare ass again, especially with the way she was bent over. Kenny leaned against the doorframe and hooked his thumbs into the belt loop of his jeans, just watching her.

What had he been thinking earlier, to say what he did? That he'd never let her go. It had to be momentary insanity, a weak moment spurred by hot, fast, intense sex. He didn't mean it. No way could he have meant it.

Yes, he liked Lauren. A lot, if he was being honest. He liked talking to her, enjoyed spending time with her. Liked knowing that they had some of the same interests and that she was never afraid to speak her mind. They had fun together. Well, except for that uncomfortable half-hour earlier tonight. But that was an exception.

But to say he never wanted to let her go? That was nothing but pure insanity—not to mention a little creepy. They hadn't known each other that long, just over two months. And maybe they talked all the time, but tonight was only the second night they'd been together. For him to even start having insane notions of…of…whatever the hell it was he'd been thinking—no, that was just stupid talk. It had to be because he hadn't really been in a relationship for well over a year. And everything before that had been casual, not serious. He couldn't do serious, didn't have the time for it, not when he had to be focused on his game, on making it work. That was his priority right now, nothing else.

"Wow. Maybe I should rethink that whole shower thing."

"What?" Kenny looked up, surprised to see Lauren standing right in front of him. She pointed to his face.

"That frown. I was only joking about the shower. Mostly. If it upsets you that much, I'm sure we can find something else to do."

"I like the idea of a shower."

"Really? Because your face is saying something completely different."

Kenny gave her a quick smile then pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her ear. "Really. I was just thinking, that's all."

"Uh oh. Words to warm every woman's heart." She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned back, watching him with a frown. "Anything you want to talk about it?"

"Nope. And don't read into it, it's nothing. Really." He leaned forward, ready to distract her with a kiss when a bang and crash sounded from the living room. Lauren jumped, her hands tightening against his shoulders.

"What the hell?" Kenny stepped back, turning around to go check on the noise. Lauren grabbed his arm, a scowl on her face.

"It's probably Lindsay, trying to get in. Let me go get the door—"

"No, I'll go. You don't know if it's really her or not." Kenny headed out to the hall, absently buttoning his jeans as he went. There was another crash, followed by swearing and laughter. Kenny paused, holding his hand out to keep Lauren behind her.

"Just kick the thing open."

"I don't know, Lins. It's probably chained for a reason."

"Who cares? It's just my bitch sister trying to keep me out. Now do it."

"Lins—"

"Just in and out, baby. Long enough to get her credit card and then we'll be gone."

"You don't think she's going to notice?"

"Oh please. She's so fucking naïve. Totally clueless." The voice lowered, filling with promise. "The sooner you get it open, the sooner you can have some of this. And you know how much you want this."

Kenny had heard enough. So had Lauren, judging from the choked gasp he heard behind him. He stormed over to the door and slammed it shut, ignoring the surprised shrieks from the other side. He unhooked the security chain then pulled the door open again, situating his body between Lauren and the staggering couple in the hallway. They'd both been drinking. If the bloodshot eyes and disheveled clothes weren't good enough clues, the reek of stale beer and liquor certainly were.

"Oh. You." Lindsay adjusted her skirt, tugging it down as she rolled her eyes. The guy with her stepped back, his eyes widening in shock as Kenny stepped toward them.

"You didn't say there was anyone else going to be here." He shook his head, a strand of greasy hair clinging to his cheek with the movement. He brushed it away and took another step back. "That wasn't part of the deal. I'm out of here."

"Wait! You can't leave!" Lindsay took a step after him then apparently changed her mind. She turned back around and folded her arms across her chest, anger turning the blue of her eyes to icy fire. "Once again, big sister screws up my night. Whatever."