Her Sexiest Mistake

Chapter 19

A few minutes later, Mia came to a standstill in traffic and felt her brain matter begin to boil. Never going to get there in time.

Why hadn't she just told Kevin? Now she had to call again.

The same sullen teen answered the teen center as before, and she strove for casual. "Hi. Can I talk to Kevin again, please?"

She waited longer this time. Finally he picked up. "McKnight."

She let out a low breath and tried not to react to the way he said his name, as if he had all the confidence in the world, as if everything was as it should be, no doubts, no stress, nothing. "It's me."

He said nothing and she let out a breath. "Again." She winced. "I, um…" Lost in the desire to get him to soften toward her, she actually forgot what she'd wanted to say.

"You lose your nerve?" he asked.

"No. I just…"

"Just what? Why can't you say it? That you hated the way we got off the phone just now. That you care about what I think. That you want us to be more than fuck buddies."

"Actually, I called to tell you I'm running late." At his silence, she pressed the phone to her forehead, then brought it back to her ear. "Okay, yes. And I hated the way we got off the phone just now. All right? Happy?"

"Jumping for joy."

"Look, I really am going to be a few minutes late. I didn't know the protocol."

"I can take Hope home so you don't worry about it while you're navigating traffic."

"I can multitask. Worrying and navigating are no problem fine."

"Then multitask this-drive carefully while thinking about what I'm going to do to you tonight."

Her thighs quivered at the threat/promise, so silkily uttered she got goose bumps. "There's, uh, going to be a tonight?"

"Oh, there's going to be a tonight. My way."

She swallowed hard.

"Drive safe," he said again.

It wasn't often someone wanted to do something for her, and she squirmed for a moment, fighting with that age-old nemesis-her pride.

"This is where you say, 'Okay, Kevin, thanks.'"

In spite of herself, she had to smile. "Yeah. Thanks."

"Well, look at that," he said softly. "You didn't choke on it." Before she could process that, he said, "You can bring dinner. Pizza? The works would be great."

"I hadn't been planning on-" But she was talking to herself, because he'd disconnected. He had no idea, of course, that she didn't have time for that.

She had work to do, a teen to watch, a house to pack up, a hotel to find-

Ah, hell. She dialed information for the number of the local pizza joint.

And then did as he asked: drove while thinking about what he was going to do to her tonight.

Mia arrived at home half an hour later still wondering about what Kevin intended. She hadn't even gotten out of her car before she heard the wild cheering and screaming. Hoisting two pizzas and her briefcase, she followed the noise to the basketball court and stopped in surprise. From what she could gather, it was Kevin and Hope against Mike and Tess.

Tess, who'd never followed, much less played, a competitive game or sport in her life. Unlike the others, Tess wasn't wearing shorts, but a denim skirt, which made Mia laugh. Even she'd change out of her designer wear for a game.

Kevin was in a damp T-shirt stuck to his chest that read repeat after me: i will not sleep through my education and big, baggy basketball shorts hanging to his knees, with athletic shoes that should have been retired in the previous millennium.

He looked good enough to lap up with her tongue.

Mike snagged the ball from him, giving his brother a nice elbow to the gut as he did. Kevin bent over, and Mike tossed the ball to Tess.

Tess looked at the ball in her hands.

Mike waved his hands at her, gesturing that she should run and make a basket.

"Right!" Tess whirled and ran with the ball.

Without dribbling.

Mia rolled her eyes. "Tess, dribble!" she yelled from the sidelines.

Tess stopped and looked at her. "Huh?"

"Bounce the ball!"

Kevin straightened and started laughing out loud. "Travel!"

Mike elbowed him again, and Tess got to the basket before Hope caught up with her.

"Now what?" Tess called to Mia.

"You shoot!"

"Hope! You're supposed to stop her!" Kevin called out, planting a hand in Mike's face, holding him off from delivering another elbow blow. "Grab the ball from her!"

But Hope didn't. She and Tess were talking.

"I'm not very good at this," Tess was saying.

"It's okay. Here." Hope showed her how to shoot with just one hand beneath the ball, the other merely a guide. "Keep your elbow in," she said. "I heard Kevin say that earlier."

Tess shot. The ball went too far to the left.

Hope grabbed it and handed it back to Tess. "Try again."

Kevin flopped to the floor dramatically and groaned. "This is not basketball." He turned his head and leveled that dark gaze right on Mia, still standing at the fence. "Do you see how she is? Completely disloyal."

Hope laughed.

Laughed.

Mia turned her head and stared at the girl, realizing she'd never heard the sound before. Hope jogged back to Kevin and sat at his side, Indian style. "Don't worry," she said and patted his shoulder. "We still totally won. I made sure of that before I stopped to help."

"Good girl." Weakly, he held up a high five.

She slapped it, then grinned, looking sweet, adorable, and very sixteen. "Did you see that last layup I pulled off?"

"Amazing." Groaning, he rolled over and got up, then offered her a hand up as well, which she took. "You should play high school basketball."

Hope blinked her black-lined eyes. "Really?"

"I'd recruit you. I coach the varsity team during the season."

Hope shot a quick glance at Mia, and her smile faded. "That's cool."

They all knew she'd be long gone by then. The thought brought a pang to Mia, but she smiled and lifted the pizza.

Everyone perked up at that and headed off the court.

"Oh, and here's another adventure," Mia said as they gathered their things. "Hope and I are out of my place by six thirty for the exterminator. We'll have to hotel it for a week. Probably in downtown, though-nothing's available here. I'm thinking the Biltmore… I know, tough life, right?"

Kevin shook his head. "Don't do that. Stay with us."

Mia laughed.

"I'm serious."

Hope jumped up and down. "Yes!"

Mia shook her head. "No." No way. No way in hell. She couldn't even look at his house without wanting to strip down and jump his bones. She couldn't stay there. In such close quarters, it'd be… intensified. Maybe they'd have great sex, like always, and then what? She'd have nowhere to go afterward, nowhere-

"What's the matter?" Kevin asked. "Worried I'll hear you sing in the shower?"

"I'll have you know I have an excellent singing voice."

"Maybe you snore?"

She eyed his amused mug narrowly. "No."

"Ah. You have stinky feet."

"Not that it matters," she said through her teeth. "Since I'm not shacking up with you."

"I have a spare bedroom. You two can share it. That way Hope won't have to miss school. Plus, you'll be close to home so you can bully your terminators. We all know how you like to be in control of every thing."

Mia eyed him. Is that how he saw her? Controlling? True, but not exactly flattering.

"Please, Aunt Mia?" Hope clasped her hands and batted her eyelashes.

"Maybe you missed the part where I said it's for a week," Mia said to Kevin.

"I heard."

Oh, God. "What if I get tired of you?"

He ran a finger over her jaw, an odd light in his eyes. "Is that what you're afraid of? Really? Because I think you're afraid you won't get tired of me."

She stared into his patient but amused eyes. Damn it. Damn him for always reading her mind. Prove him wrong. "I don't cook," she warned.

"I think we can manage."

He sounded amused, the ass. "When you regret this," she said, "you'll have no one but yourself to blame."

His smile, damn him, was slow and sure and took her breath.

Everyone came into Mia's house while she and Hope gathered what they needed for the week. When Mike, Tess, and Hope headed to Kevin's, Mia stood in her living room, taking one last look at her place.

Kevin held the pizzas and came toward her, all long, loose-legged stride. "Do we have the works in here?" he asked very seriously.

She nodded and he smiled, one of those really amazing smiles that said The world is an awesome place, that said I'm always going to think so no matter what happens, that said If you let go just a little you could feel the same way.

She didn't understand what it was about him, but even now she felt a funny tightness in her chest. There was also a flutter deep in her belly, and she'd begun to fear it wouldn't go away no matter how many times she got him naked.

"I'd give my entire bank account to know what you're thinking right now," he said softly.

"Sorry, but you can't afford my thoughts."

Instead of being insulted, he just let out another slow smile.

More than her belly quivered now. A little surprised to find herself reacting so strongly to a mere man, she backed up a step.

He arched a brow.

"Mia?" Hope called from outside. "You guys coming?"

Kevin didn't take his eyes off Mia. "Are you coming?" he asked very softly, silkily.

"God, I hope so," she murmured.

His eyes smoldered as he looked at her so directly, so deeply it also was too much. He touched her cheek. "Right behind you," he called out to Hope, then put his hand on the small of Mia's back to guide her out the door. "Bad day?"

"Yeah." She sighed. "Work sucked."

"Any more trash can fires?"

"No. But I almost strangled a coworker who thinks he's God's gift."

"The one who got Tess fired? The same guy who's trying to step on your toes and take your account?"

She looked at him in surprise.

He shrugged. "Tess told us. You should have seen Hope. She was pretty hot under the collar about your boss."

"Really?" Mia sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Maybe the kid likes me after all."

"You think?" He looked at her for a long moment. "You really do look beat."

"Gee, I want you, too."

"Oh, I want you."

She stared at him, disconcerted by the way he disarmed her. She swallowed hard. "Why do things seem so complicated right now?"

Another long, thoughtful look. "Maybe for tonight, over pizza and beer and laughs, things can get a little uncomplicated."

"Yeah. Maybe." But she didn't believe it. Then, before she knew it, they were in Kevin's kitchen, with Mike pressing a beer in her hand and Tess regaling them with the story of her adventures of getting Cookie Madness on the map. One of Mia's contacts called her after Mia had left her this afternoon-and ordered two hundred pounds.

Over more pizza, they all marveled at that. Then Kevin told them about his hopes of catching his pot-head, thanks to Hope's rigging his gas burners with an alarm. "Tomorrow," he said smiling, "is going to be fun."

Hope laughed again, and Mia looked at her, feeling her chest tighten again. God, she loved that sound, and she put her hand on Hope's arm.

"What?" Hope asked, still smiling.

Mia just shook her head. She'd just wanted to touch her, maybe hug her, but she wasn't sure how to do that. Tess moved around, cleaning up, touching Mike, pushing Kevin, kissing Hope, being so easy and free with her emotions that Mia felt a little lost. A little out of place.

"Hey."

She blinked, and Kevin was standing close, tipping her face up to look deep into her eyes. "Where did you go?"

"I'm right here."

Slowly he shook his head. Then he took her hand in his and led her to the door. "We're going to get more sodas," he told the room in general, grabbing the two helmets on the counter. "Be right back."

He didn't say anything on the walk to his bike or when he handed her a helmet. Or when he straddled the bike and waited for her to join him. She hadn't been prepared to press her body to his, but when she did, some of the odd tension left her.

And a new one gripped her.

He turned his head and looked at her, smiled, and then, with a rev of the engine, they took off. Wind in their faces, the hills whipping by… yeah. This was just what she needed. All too soon, they were stopping at a convenience store for a six-pack of sodas, then heading back.

Dusk arrived and the heat lifted a bit. They parked on the street and sat there for a moment, not moving. Mia could smell the azaleas, could hear the buzz of a lone bee. From far down the street she could hear the normal sounds of traffic.

A world away from where she'd grown up. There the heat would still be thick, too thick to breathe. Dogs would be barking, growling, fighting. Kids screaming. Adults fighting. The smell of meat frying would be overwhelming. And above it all would be the sounds of her momma and Sugar, in their deep, Southern drawls, planning out their big catch at the rec center barbeque.

Mia's universe couldn't be more different. She'd carefully cultivated it to be.

So why wasn't she happy? She'd blame it on the kid, or work, but that wouldn't be honest.

She had the sexiest man on the planet looking at her, making her knees weak without even trying, causing her heart to pitter-patter like a kid's; a man who claimed to want her, a man who wouldn't accept her cool, calm facade she'd always given the world.

And yet she'd hidden herself for so long she didn't know how to reveal herself to him, or-even more unnerving-she didn't know who she really even was.

Kevin remained quiet as he got off the bike and reached for her hand. "Hey."

"Hey."

"Feel any better?"

"Is that what the ride was about?"

"It always works for me, so I hoped-"

"Yeah." She smiled. "It worked. I just got overwhelmed. You know… work, Hope, Tess."

"You mean Mike."

"Maybe him, too. Tess won't admit it, but she's been hurt, too much. Maybe you could tell him to move on now before it's too late. It won't be difficult. All he has to do is smile that smile and another woman will be falling all over herself to snag him."

Kevin smiled grimly. "I've had this conversation with him."

"And?"

"And he wants Tess."

"Damn it, Kevin."

"Look, I've seen him with her. They were here this afternoon with Hope, baking. My brother, the hound dog, measuring sugar and cracking eggs."

"So?" Mia shrugged, unimpressed. "A guy'll do anything to get laid."

Lifting a hand, he stroked a finger over her temple in the guise of tucking a stray strand of hair back. "Only guys?"

She slapped his hand away with a laugh. "Fine. Women do it, too."

"You're upset at all the changes."

"No, I'm-" She broke off, her eyes locked on his. "Okay, maybe. I don't like change."

"Of course you do. Look at your life and how you've changed it to suit yourself. Your job itself is a constant change. What you don't like is when you don't have the reins in your hands. When you're not sure of the outcome. You act all tough, but the truth is you're not much of a gambler if it's not a sure bet."

"You make me sound like a control freak. I'm not."

At that, he tossed back his head and laughed. "Yeah. Okay. You're also not in denial." He stroked a hand up her back and made her want to melt. "It's okay, I've got your number."

She hated how breathless his touch made her. "Think so?"

Leaning in, he kissed right beneath her ear. "Yeah," he said on a soft exhale and made her shiver. Smiling against her skin, he bit her lightly. "Now tell me what's really wrong, since you've danced around it."

Wrapping her hands around him, she cupped his butt and squeezed. "I've got a better idea."

He grabbed her hands in his. "I'm on board with that idea, trust me, but everyone is standing in my kitchen, probably watching us."

"Damn it. Why are there so many people in our lives?"

He laughed again. "I haven't a clue. Come on. Later we'll ditch 'em all and you can have your way with me."

"Promise?"

"If you promise to hang around long enough for me to get my heart rate back to normal afterward."

She stepped back in automatic defense, but he simply pulled her in anyway. "Is that elusive cuddle so terrifying? Really?"

"Is that why you asked us to stay with you?" she demanded.

"Well, all the possibilities did weigh in." He kissed her again, then straightened and smiled at her, and took away her breath. Her chest tightened, too, but she told herself that was just because her life suddenly seemed like it was a runaway train. She stared at him, then put her forehead to his chest. "God, you get to me."

"I'll take that as a compliment," he murmured, stroking a hand down her back. "I know things are changing fast right now. But work has been hard before."

"Not really. I've always loved it so much, it never felt hard. But now with my boss out for blood and Ted out for my accounts, I'm not exactly feeling the love."

"Kick their asses." His thumbs stroked her jaw when she smiled. "Next time anyone's in your face, remember it's not about them, it's about the actual work and how much you enjoy it. Next problem."

"Tess. She's lost her job and she's about to get her heart stomped, and I can't help her with any of it."

"She doesn't seem too worried. She's a big girl, Mia. And she's got it together."

Mia blew out a breath, unable to concentrate with his hands on her. "Yeah."

"Next."

"Hope."

"A great kid."

"But she's not mine. She doesn't belong here with me."

"That explains why she's braced for the other foot to fall."

"Meaning?"

"She's just waiting for you to send her back."

Mia sighed. "Sugar doesn't want her back yet. Damn it. I can't send her back knowing that."

"Because you know how it feels?"

She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. "No, it wasn't like that for me. My mom wanted me around, I just didn't want to be there. I couldn't stand to be there. Pretty rotten of me, huh?"

He smiled and shook his head. "Is it rotten of Mike to want to hear? Is it rotten of me to wish I'd been good enough to play pro basketball? Is it rotten of Tess to dream about her cookie company? Or Hope to want to be you?"

"She doesn't want to be like me."

"Look again."

"Damn it, I am not a good role model. I'm not like you. I don't want to fix people."

He went still. "Is that what you think I do?"

"It is what you do. And I meant it as a compliment."

"Next," he whispered.

"You." This admission passed by her inner editor, and she lifted her head.

His eyes seemed to be deep and full and very warm. "I didn't realize I factored."

"Oh, you factor."

"That is very good to know."

She saw the light of intent in his eyes as he leaned in, and as much as she wanted to lose herself in his kiss, she planted a hand on his chest. "I have no idea what I'm doing here. You know that, right? I'm on this merry-go-round, and I don't know how to get off."

"Just follow your heart."

Could it really be that easy? She decided she'd never know unless she tried. So she slid her hands into his hair and tugged his face down for a kiss. He humored her for a beat, then tried to pull free, but she touched her tongue to his and dragged a low groan from him as he pulled her close and let her deepen the kiss.

Only when they were both breathless did he step back, still holding one of her hands, which he trailed down her arm, linking her fingers with his. He brought their joined hands up to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. Watching her over their fingers, he nodded. "You look better now. Less tense."

She felt her body humming. That kiss was far more potent than she'd expected. "I don't feel less tense."

"Yeah, you do." He ran a finger between her eyes, where there was usually a tight furrow. "You're not frowning. In fact, you're smiling at me. And your eyes are dreamy."

She leaned past him and looked at herself in the reflection of the side-view mirror of his bike. God. It was true.

He laughed. "Don't look so shocked."

She kept staring at herself. He hadn't mentioned the color of her cheeks and the almost giddy expression on her face. "Dessert," she decided.

"Sounds good."

What was good was him. She leaned against his body. "And then…" She pressed against his erection. "This."

"And then…?"

She sighed. "Look, about that whole cuddle thing…"

He laughed and slung an arm around her. "You might like it, you know."

Yeah. She did know.