Chapter 10

She did not dare hope he would be in bed next to her when she woke up the following day, and she certainly had not expected to be awoken with his mouth on her body.

Her eyes flew open to see him staring down at her, silver eyes alight with passion as his hands wandered over her flat stomach.

"It's about time. I thought I wasn't doing an excellent job." He growled.

Her body was tingling with life, and her heart was racing unsteadily. Lifting a hand, she placed it on his chest, marveling as his muscles flexed in reaction to her touch.

"You are still here." She murmured, not knowing what else to say.

"So, I am. You snore." He whispered, brushing his lips on hers in a potent gesture that had her fingers digging into his flesh.

"I do not."

"How would you know?" he asked teasingly, nibbling at the seams of her lips. "You were sleeping."

"I have never been told that I snored before." Her hands roamed restlessly up and down the furry hairs on his chest.

"Considering that I am the first man you have ever slept with shows that I have the authority to know whether you snore or not." The thrill of that statement of fact sent a fresh surge of lust surging through his unsuspecting body.

He had woken with her in his arms and felt the immediate desire coursing through his body. He could not get a rein on his rampaging passion for her, and he was startled by it.

"I suppose you are right." Her hands crept around his neck as she tried to process the pleasure of him being here in bed with her. She wanted to suggest she moved into his suite but did not want to push it. "There is a function."

"Hmm." He was busy trailing hot kisses at the side of her neck.

"Your mother bought me a ton of clothes." She arched her neck to give him more access.

"She loves to shop."

"I bought you a navy tux." She ventured.

His head reared up at that, his eyes boring into hers. "What the hell for?"

Determined not to be intimidated by his forbidding scowl, she met his gaze. "It's a formal event- "

"And I have no intention of attending."

"I will be. "

"Good for you. The parents and Silas will no doubt be going as well, so you will have company. Next time, consult me before you do anything like that. I don't appreciate being handled."

"I am your wife- "

"Which does not give you the right to try and run my life. I won't have it."

"Harvey- "

"Enough!" Pushing away from her, he swung his legs off the bed, irrationally angry that she had spoiled the moment.

Just when he had decided to stay and enjoy her delectable body, she had gone and- Swearing beneath his breath; he dragged on his discarded clothing. "We broke the damn rules because I cannot keep my hands off you. I am not husband material, and you already know that.

I might be unable to stay away from you, but I am not going to allow you to box me into a corner and make me into a witless husband who runs to do your bidding. Am I clear?"

She nodded, feeling as if her heart was being shattered into pieces. "If you are done destroying my emotions and bullying me, I suggest you get out of my room and let me get ready for work." She told him with quiet dignity.

"Look- "

"Please go, Harvey."

Staring at her for a few pulsing seconds, he turned on his heels and left, slamming the doors shut behind him.

She refused to cry, she thought, biting her lip as she swung her legs off the bed. He was a jerk and certainly did not deserve her love. But oh God! She had fallen in love with him. Rubbing her hands over her face, she scrubbed away the tears and went into the bathroom, determined not to allow him to spoil her day.

Inside his bedroom, Harvey was furiously toweling the water off his skin, his movements jerky. Who the hell does she think she is?

Dropping the towel, he stared down at his sex and realized, to his dismay, that the cold shower had not done anything to fix things. He was still hot for her; his blood was still boiling, and his body was primed to drive itself into her.

She had a kind of power over him that was making him furious. He walked towards his closet to get a clean pair of jeans, stopping short at the three suits lining one of the shelves. Not one, as she had previously told him, but three! He was tempted to hurl them to the floor but decided against it.

She was under the mistaken impression that just because he could not resist her body – just because he had spent hours exploring her delectable curves- he dragged on the jeans just because kissing her was like sipping from a bottle of the finest wine or drinking honey.

He carelessly selected a tan sweater and pulled it over his head. Just because his cock fitted her like a glove- Swearing furiously, he went to get boots and sat down on the padded bench to put them on.

He was not going to allow her to control him. He would make use of her body whenever he needed to do so, and that was that. Nothing else. He was not going to be her bloody trained monkey. Silas could escort her to the damn ball- he stopped as he realized that the idea of his brother being with her was causing knots in the pit of his stomach.

"Damn her!' he whispered furiously as he rose and went to grab his stuff to head on out.

*****

The last thing he expected was that his entire family would have breakfast in the informal dining room. It had been so long since he was here at this time of the morning that he was not the only one to look shocked. All three of them turned to stare at him as he strode into the room to get coffee.

"I- "His voice tailed off as he had no idea what to say next.

"Darling, why don't you come and join us?" Julia finally discovered her voice and hid her surprise at seeing him.

"I am running late." He told her abruptly, wishing God that he had followed his instinct and gone through the front door. It wasn't like they didn't have coffee at the work site. It might not be of this quality, but coffee was coffee.

"There is something I have been meaning to discuss with you." His father had that determined look that said he would have his say.

Avoiding the knowing look on his brother's face, Harvey reluctantly went to take his seat.

"Just coffee and fruit for me, please." He told the maid, who had hurried over.

"The scones are delicious." His mother ventured.

"No thanks. Dad, I have a few- "His body stiffened as he sensed her entering the room. It was her damned perfume, he thought furiously. He could not get the scent of her out of his nostrils.

"Kendra!"

He felt the flurry of anger as his brother jumped up to pull out her chair.

"You are looking adorable today. Another wedding?"

"A breakfast meeting at the civic community center. I started on the decorations yesterday and did not quite finish. Good morning." She beamed at Gregory and Julia and completely ignored Harvey.

"Is that one of the new dresses, my dear?" Julia asked her with a smile, carefully noticing that her elder son was frowning in his cup of coffee and avoiding looking at his wife.

"It is." Turning to Silas, she gave him a warm smile. "I hope I can depend on you to be my date for the event on Saturday."

Darting a glance at his glowering brother, he enquired. "Harvey, you will not be attending?"

"No." Shoving back his chair, he finished the coffee. "I will speak to you later," he told his dad, and without another word, he strode from the room.

"My dear- "Julia began when Kendra shook her head and gave her a serene smile.

"I am fine, really I am."

"Well, I am not," Gregory told her furiously. "He is my son, but sometimes I think I should have taken a strap to him when he was growing up. What the hell is his problem?"

"I think I know exactly what it is." Silas supplied an amused expression on his face as he stared at Kendra. "My brother is furious at himself and jealous. I would be delighted to be your date at the function, Kendra."

"Good, now that's settled."

*****

Kendra went about her day, determined not to allow thoughts of him to interfere with her day. She cried while showering and was determined not to make it a pattern. Her surprise at seeing him at the dining table had quickly disappeared when he deliberately ignored her.

The same man who had tenderly aroused her to peaks of incredible passion and desire had turned into a cold and unattainable stranger in front of his family.

He had ignored her; worse, he had not looked at her as he was leaving. She had been warned of what she would be up against, but even so, she had not been prepared for the obstacle he was placing in front of her—with just a little thing. All she had wanted to do was go out with him, to feel like a married couple.

But the words his mother had said came back to haunt her. He had been abandoned as a child by both parents, and she could not imagine what that must have felt like. The uncertainties and rejection had been part of his life for six years.

Seeing people come in and adopt children and leave him behind breaks her heart just thinking about it. Now that she was in love with him, she wanted to gather him in her arms and shower him with so much love that he was overwhelmed.

"Kendra?" The faintly familiar voice sounded behind her as she was adjusting the vase of flowers on the main table in the room.

Turning around, she stared in surprise at the man walking towards her.

"Michael Addington?"

"So you recognize an old friend." Stretching both hands to her, he gripped hers warmly, a smile wreathing his attractive face. "How have you been?"

"Very well, thank you. You are back in town?"

"I am." He nodded, still holding her hands. "Newly divorced and making a new start."

Turning her left hand over, he stared at the stunning diamond. "And I see I am too late to make a play."

"I am afraid so." She told him with a laugh.

"Who is the lucky fellow?"

"Harvey Blackwood." She laughed again at the stunned look on his face.

"I see I have no chance at trying to compete."

"None whatsoever." Pulling her hands from his, she stepped back. "It's been what? Ten years?"

"More like twelve. When I left here, you were still in high school, and we made a promise that we would hook up after I made my fortune."

"And did you?" she asked in amusement.

"I did. You are looking at the new restaurant owner on Main Street."

"Michael's? That's you?" She asked in surprise.

"Absolutely." Shoving his hands into his dark blue dress pants pockets, he nodded. "And I invite you to come and see what we offer. You and your husband, of course."

"I am afraid Harvey is not the formal dining type."

"Well, there is no harm in coming on your own. I would love to get your opinion on the foods we serve."

Kendra gave him a thoughtful look. "You always loved food and were determined to open your restaurant."

"This is my fourth."

"I am so proud of you."

"That means a lot." He told her solemnly. "I cannot get over how great you look."

"Thank you."

"You were arranging the vase of flowers on the table."

"It's what I do. I own the flower shop a few blocks away."

"A burst of happiness. Your mother- "

"Yes."

He gazed at her with understanding. "I see it's still a sore point."

"It is." Glancing at her watch, she realized she was running late.

"I hope you don't mind me dropping by soon?"

"Not at all." Picking up her jacket, she shrugged into it. "It's good to see you, Michael."

"Likewise," Michael murmured as he watched her leave the room.

*****

"Where is Carter?"

"His wife called in this morning. He is not feeling well."

"Any idea what is going on?"

"Some stomach problem. The man is constantly eating the same thing. Tuna sandwich with pickles and mayonnaise was bound to hurt his gut." Ben said with a grin as he heaved the board off the wall and threw it aside.

"That's not funny," Harvey told him with a frown.

"Oh, come on, Blackwood," Ben protested. "Ever since you got hitched, you have become even more impossible than ever, and that's saying something. Maybe you should take the little lady on a honeymoon and spend some time with her."

"Want to call her ‘the little lady' again?"

"No. I just meant- "

"Take a break, Ben, before you put your foot in your mouth again as you seem intent on doing," Calvin told him mildly.

"Sorry," Ben muttered, dropping his tools and hurrying away.

"He's right, however. You give grumpy a whole other meaning."

"Are you here to ride my ass? If that is the case, you can just piss off."

"Worse than I thought." Handing him a cup of coffee, Calvin poured a cup for himself and eyed the younger man. "Lighten up, man. I have been married for ten years and am still a ray of sunshine."

Casting him a feral look, Harvey dropped to the ground and set about drinking his coffee. "Good for you."

"I could give you some advice."

"Please don't."

"I am going to do so anyway. A happy wife is a happy life."

Despite himself, Harvey had to smile. "How profound. Did you come up with that all by yourself?"

Calvin grinned sheepishly. "A bit mundane and tired, but it is true. Keeping the wife happy makes for harmony in the home."

"I will bear that in mind," Harvey told him dryly. Finishing the coffee, he rose. "I have to get back to work."

"Just think about what I said and try it," Calvin called after him.

*****

She wasn't home. That was the last thing he expected, and he was so taken aback that he stood in her bedroom and stared at the bed. Turning around, he returned to his bedroom, showered, and changed before returning downstairs. He had missed dinner as usual and was feeling a little hungry.

He had not stopped on his way upstairs and did not notice his mother was still at the table.

"I thought everyone had eaten already." He murmured as he stepped into the room.

"Your father had a late meeting, and Silas is at the chapel. Along with Kendra."

"Oh?" He selected a plate from the sideboard and helped himself to some lamb and sweet potatoes.

"I think they have a function coming up, and she volunteered to help."

"It's late." He pointed out.

"I am sure they are both okay." Julia put her utensils down and stared at him. "I did not expect you home for dinner."

He shrugged at that and reached for his glass of water. "I wanted a home-cooked meal, so I decided to come home for one. Anything wrong with that?"

"I am thrilled. It allows me to have a conversation with my son."

"If that conversation involves my marriage, I am not in the mood." He warned.

"It involves the function on Saturday- "

"I already said I am not going."

Biting off a sigh, Julia picked up her wineglass and eyed him over the rim. "Won't you at least try?"

Deliberately misunderstanding her, he responded. "You know how I feel about those things."

"You know well that I am talking about you and Kendra."

"And I told you I am not going to talk about that. I mean it, mother, stay out of it."

"How can I?" She asked him softly. "This is a chance for you to find some happiness- "

"I am already happy." Digging into his meal, he wondered furiously why he was not allowed peace and wished he had stayed at the trailer and had the stale mac and cheese in the fridge for more than two weeks. He did not want to talk or think about her, but that's all he had done since seeing her.

"Are you?"

"Yes." He bit out, snagging the wineglass, and took a swallow.

"She is such a lovely young woman- "

"And let me guess-" He said sardonically. "You want a real marriage and see grandkids everywhere you look."

"I do see grandchildren everywhere I look." She continued, undaunted by his forbidding expression. "But more than that, I want to see you settled, and I have a feeling that rests with Kendra."

"How do you figure?" he asked coolly.

"She has a perfect effect on you, and I think she is already half in love with you."

His heart took a swift dive, and for a second, he allowed himself to visualize what that would look like. "I am sure you are wrong," he muttered. I am not husband material."

"Darling- "

"Enough!" He rasped. "I came here for a quiet meal, and you are spoiling that for me."

"Then I will leave you to it then."

Harvey felt the familiar sinking of his heart at the wounded look on her lovely face as she pushed back her chair. Julia Blackwood had the distinct position of making him feel like shit by just looking at him. And he was feeling as low as dirt right now.

"Mother- "

"Enjoy your meal." She told him coolly as he sailed from the room.

"Oh crap." He muttered, feeling his appetite disappearing.

*****

"You are very quiet," Silas said as he joined her on the front bench.

"Just reflecting on the number of things we must get through before the Christmas season."

She murmured lightly. It was late, but she did not want to go home. Her high spirits had been flagging since she started from the store.

"Or it could be the scene with my brother at the breakfast table this morning." Taking her hand in his, he forced her to look at him. "I am aware things have changed between you, Kendra. It's none of my business, and you can tell me to mind my manners- "

"It's fine." She told him softly. "He is a jerk."

Silas grinned at that. "I would put it more strongly, but that sums it up. But the problem is that he is acutely aware of you, which upset him."

"I want to be different." She acknowledged softly.

"Different- "

"I know he has been with lots of women- "

"A few."

She cast him a wry look that had him looking abashed. "I might have been brought up in the church and not in the least bit worldly, but I know your brother's reputation."

"The papers tend to exaggerate when it comes to reporting on people of means." He pointed it out equably.

"I know that as well, but I don't think so in my husband's case. Like I said before, I want to be different, which means not allowing him to walk all over me. And not ignoring me as he is trying to do. I can take care of myself, Silas."

"I know you can." He assured her. "And you are the first woman who ever had him spinning in circles. He has no idea how to treat you, which confuses him."

"Then I will continue doing what I am doing." She assured him.