Business Not As Usual, page 14
Dreamy gripped the door of the car and stumbled out. Karter had just enough time to reach out and grab her hand before she fell to the ground.
“This is so bad,” she repeated as she examined the side of the dress.
The belt or sash thing was practically ripped off, and Karter could see that the whole right side of the dress was open. Dreamy feverishly tried to pull it together, but it was no use. She couldn’t close it up, and she was probably showing way more skin than she wanted to.
Karter’s brain still wasn’t working on all cylinders now that he had a better view of her legs and a glimpse of black lace between her thighs. His body responded, tightening to a point where if he didn’t get his head on straight, Dreamy was going to know exactly how much she was turning him on. He was as bad as a middle school kid seeing a woman’s sexy underwear for the first time.
What the hell, man? Pull yourself together. He had definitely gone too long without the company of a woman if his mind was conjuring up that type of craziness.
“I can’t go anywhere like this!” she shrieked. Her voice was still about ten octaves higher than normal. “I can’t even go home, because if I do, tonight will be the last time you see me. Hell, it’ll be the last time anyone sees me, because I’m not kidding when I say Jordyn is going to kill me! You’re going to see me on the cover of the LA Times with the headline ‘Death by Dress’ in big bold letters. What am I going to do?”
“Okay, first, let’s calm down.”
“Did you not hear me when I said my life is about to end? Jordyn hasn’t even worn the dress yet, and . . . and I’ve ruined it. God, I can’t believe I destroyed her dress. Why does crap like this always happen to me?”
She slumped against the car, and tears filled her eyes, but thankfully none fell. Karter didn’t know a damn thing about dresses or fixing them, but he knew someone who did.
He cupped Dreamy’s face, and the sadness in her eyes made his heart practically split in two. “This is my fault, and I’ll fix it.”
He’d been so thrown by their kiss at the pier that when he closed the car door, he hadn’t been paying attention. Otherwise, he would’ve noticed that the dress was caught.
A rogue tear slipped down her cheek, and she quickly brushed it away.
“I promise you. We’ll fix this, and if we don’t, you can blame the mishap on me.”
Dreamy sniffed and released a humorless laugh. “You don’t know Jordyn. She’s a law student who is planning to be a defense attorney. Do you have any idea how much she’s looking forward to ripping people apart? It doesn’t matter if it’s with her words or her hands. She’s going to be out for blood.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
Dreamy flashed him a half-hearted smile before it slipped from her lips. “It’s not just about ruining the dress. Karter, she trusted me. She planned to wear this to an event at the governor’s mansion in a couple of weeks.
“For a person who rarely goes out on the town and favors jeans and T-shirts over anything dressy, it would’ve been nice to see her in this one. That’s not going to happen now,” she mumbled, and glanced down at the garment. “I’ve ruined it, and, knowing my cousin, it was probably also going to be the dress she wore to graduation. You have no idea how big of a deal it is that she’s graduating with a law degree. It’s huge for our family, and—”
“Sweetheart, I’ll fix this. I’ll fix everything,” Karter promised again.
Unable to help himself, he lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. What was intended to be a light peck quickly turned into something more. He took what he wanted as their tongues tangled, and Dreamy kissed him with a passion he hadn’t felt in forever.
She slid her hands up his torso and tightly gripped the lapels of his jacket. She pulled him closer and he deepened the kiss. Karter was vaguely aware of vehicles passing, car doors slamming, and people talking in the distance. Yet he couldn’t let her go. A protectiveness that he hadn’t felt for anyone in a long time gripped him. At that moment, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for this woman, even face off with her bloodthirsty cousin.
Chapter Seventeen
Dreamy stared out the passenger-side window of Karter’s car, watching as the landscape went by in a blur. Neither of them said much after leaving the gas station and, unlike her, Karter apparently preferred driving without music. Normally, she blasted her radio, which was the best working part on her car.
Sighing, she reflected on the night. It had evoked a mix of emotions, and at the moment, she wasn’t sure what to feel. Part of her wanted nothing more than to spend more time with Karter. While the other part of her just wanted to get her cousin’s dress repaired.
Dreamy glanced down at the outfit again, then tightened Karter’s suit jacket around herself, grateful that it was big enough to cover the damage. They didn’t swap clothes often, mainly because Jordyn didn’t have much outside of business suits, T-shirts, and jeans. The one beautiful dress she owned, Dreamy had just ruined.
I should’ve been more careful. No, I shouldn’t have worn it in the first place.
Right after they’d pulled away from the gas station, Jordyn had texted her. She was just checking in to see how things were going. It was as if her cousin already knew. Not accustomed to lying, Dreamy texted back saying everything was great.
Actually, that hadn’t been a total lie. Dinner was fun despite the number of mishaps, but that kiss at the pier? Had been a total, but welcome, surprise. Who knew the man was so skillful with his tongue? She wondered what else he could do with it.
Wait. Don’t go there.
They were going to his house to see if his sister, Morgan, could repair the dress, and that was it. There wouldn’t be any rolling around in his bed, or sex against a bathroom wall. All they were going to do was see about getting the dress fixed. Then Karter would take Dreamy home, and maybe they’d plan that second date.
But her weak mind still went back to their tongue aerobics. She hadn’t been lying when she told him he was a good kisser. Hell, Mr. Karter Redford was probably great at everything he did. He seemed like the type who wouldn’t do anything half-assed, and tonight, she really appreciated that.
Dreamy wasn’t sure what she had expected to come out of their date, but definitely not everything that had happened in the last few hours. Their connection had already been undeniable, but after the first kiss and then the last one, she wanted more.
And after the dress fiasco, he’d been so amazing. When he promised to fix the situation, she thought it impossible, but there was a part of her that knew he achieved whatever he set out to do.
Dreamy had hoped to one day meet his family, but not like this. Not when she was half-dressed and needed a huge favor.
Karter made a few turns before they started their incline up the hill. They entered the Oaks neighborhood, an affluent area where several celebrities lived, and apparently Karter too.
“This is a pretty area,” Dreamy said after entering the gated community. Though there were a lot of lights on the streets, one huge home after another had large front yards with floodlights showcasing the homes.
“Yeah, it’s nice, but you can’t really see much now. The homes are unique and grand. I’ll have to bring you here during the daylight.”
He pulled his car onto a stamped concrete driveway that curved in front of a home that was at least twenty times larger than what she lived in.
“This is your house?” she asked, unable to keep the awe out of her voice. The two-story Spanish-inspired home with a clay roof, tons of windows, and a huge orange front door was absolutely stunning. “This is beautiful . . . and a lot.”
Karter chuckled. “It can be a bit much sometimes, but after a grueling day, I can’t think of a better place to regroup.”
He pulled up to a four-car attached garage. There was another garage, a freestanding three-car one, a few feet away.
The overhead door on the far left lifted, and Karter pulled inside and parked. To Dreamy’s right were three other vehicles. A Range Rover, some type of sports car, and a modest SUV.
Why one person needed so many vehicles was a mystery to her, but then she remembered that he wasn’t the only one who lived in the home.
That thought brought a whole new wave of anxiousness. Again, she hated the idea of meeting his family under these conditions, especially his sister. She’d probably think that Dreamy planned this fiasco in order to get a peek at how Karter lived. Or that she was trying to get him into bed. Actually, that last thought wouldn’t be all that bad an idea, but . . . not like this. Not on the first date, and definitely not while she was wearing a raggedy dress.
God, why me? Why do I always end up in messes like these?
Karter opened her car door and extended his hand to her. She grabbed hold, and with her free hand, clamped his jacket closed and walked with him to the door.
“One good thing that’s come out of this evening,” he said, and lifted the bag that was in his hand, “we still have cake.”
Dreamy smiled, grateful for his good attitude. “If I forget to tell you, thanks for tonight. Despite some of our mishaps, I’ve had a wonderful time with you.”
He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. “The night isn’t over yet,” he said just before kissing her.
Dreamy melted against him, reveling in how good his lips felt against hers. He made it so easy to forget everything else whenever their mouths connected.
A dog barking on the other side of the door snagged her attention when the kiss ended, and she perked up.
“I didn’t know you have a dog.” She had always wanted a pet, but when she was younger, her grandparents couldn’t afford one. Now, with school and work, she didn’t have the time to commit to one.
“Yeah, Morgan sprung him on me a few weeks ago. His name is Melvin.”
“Aww, what a cute name. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“Well, brace yourself. He’s a ball of energy.”
Before Karter could unlock the door to the house, it swung open and the cutest puppy greeted Dreamy.
“Oh, my goodness.” She bent down to rub the dog. “You have to be the cutest little guy I’ve ever seen. Hi, baby.”
Dreamy hugged the overzealous puppy, whose tail wagged a mile a minute as he jumped up and tried licking her face. She giggled at his antics, and all of the stress of the day melted away.
“See now, Karter, that’s how you greet a dog.”
So caught up with Melvin, Dreamy had failed to speak to the woman who had opened the door. She gave the dog one more rub behind his ear before standing.
“You must be Dreamy,” the woman, who had to be Karter’s sister, said. Though her eyes were a dark brown, instead of light brown like Karter’s, she had his same sepia-brown skin tone and slightly crooked grin.
“Yes, and I assume you’re Morgan,” Dreamy said. She started to extend her hand, but the woman lunged forward and pulled her into a tight hug.
“I should’ve warned you that she’s a hugger,” Karter murmured.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Morgan said, as if her brother hadn’t spoken. “Come on in. I heard you had a little mishap.”
“I wish it was little.” Dreamy followed her inside with Melvin walking alongside her, and Karter pulling up the rear.
They strolled through a mudroom that led to a kitchen that was a cook’s paradise. Dreamy had to keep herself from gawking, since she wanted to act like she was accustomed to nice things, but the kitchen was massive and gorgeous. Like something right out of House Beautiful magazine.
She might not be much of a cook, but even she could appreciate having top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and white cabinets. The center island was the size of Punta Cana, and there was also a bar that had a least five bar stools.
She turned to Karter. “Your home is lovely.” Then her attention went to the woman who was walking toward her in a multicolor caftan. “You must be Nana.”
The woman, with smooth skin and a fair complexion, smiled. As she got closer, Dreamy also noticed a smattering of freckles around her nose and cheeks.
“And you must be Dreamy. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Like Morgan, Nana greeted her with a warm hug. “Come in and make yourself at home.”
“Actually, come with me so I can take a look at your dress,” Morgan said, looping her arm with Dreamy’s.
Dreamy glanced back at Karter, feeling a little weird going through his house without him. “Don’t eat all of my cake,” she said.
He smiled, amusement brimming in his eyes. “I won’t, and holler if you need anything. I’ll be either down here or in my office.”
“Don’t worry. She’s in good hands,” Morgan said over her shoulder and continued guiding Dreamy out of the room, with Melvin trotting behind them.
As Dreamy strolled through the first floor, every room got more impressive. The Spanish style that was the outside spilled a little indoors with wooden support beams on the super-high ceilings, stucco walls, and arches that led from one room to another. The contemporary furnishings were a nice contrast to the building itself.
“This place is huge,” Dreamy said, no longer able to keep the awe out of her voice.
“Yeah, it’s a little overkill in size, but considering I’m kinda squatting here, I can’t complain.”
After giving her a tour of the first-floor living space, as well as a sunroom that overlooked a massive deck and pool, Morgan led Dreamy down a different hallway. “We’ll start in here so I can see what’s going on.” They strolled into an equally impressive bedroom with a huge four-poster bed.
Dreamy was tempted to jump on it and see if it was as comfortable as it looked.
Morgan stood in front of her with her hands on her narrow hips. “Okay, so let’s see the damage.”
Dreamy reluctantly shrugged out of Karter’s suit jacket and laid it across an upholstered chair. Cool air hit her bare skin where the dress had ripped.
“Your brother mentioned that you have a background in fashion design.”
“Yeah, that’s what I went to school for. Well, before I dropped out, but don’t worry. I’m sure I can fix whatever the problem is. Hmm . . .” she said as she examined the dress. “This is cute. It’s a knockoff from Rihanna’s fashion line.”
“It is?” Dreamy asked in shock. She wondered if Jordyn knew, not that it would matter.
“Yeah, and whoever made this one did an okay job, but the way they attached the sash, it’s always going to be problematic.”
“But you can fix it, right?” All Dreamy wanted to do was get the outfit back to Jordyn just like it was before tonight.
“Yup, I can do it. Hopefully, you’re not in a hurry. It’s going to take a while. Oh, and by the way, I’m loving those shoes.” Morgan fingered the gemstones covering Dreamy’s ankle strap. “Remind me to show you my shoe collection before you leave.”
“Oh, sounds like we have a love of shoes in common,” Dreamy said.
“Girl, yes. I might not dress up a lot, but my shoe game is always on point. Now, take off your dress.”
“Um, I don’t have anything to cover up with.” And except for her thong, Dreamy was naked underneath. She had already given Karter an eyeful in the car. She wasn’t about to give his sister whom she just met a peek at all of her goodies.
“Oh, yeah. I guess walking around here in the nude could be a problem. I’ll see if I have something for you to wear.”
Dreamy looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “I doubt I’d be able to get a leg into anything you own.” Morgan had some height on her, but considering how huge Karter was, his sister couldn’t be bigger than a size 4. Whereas Dreamy wavered between an 8 and a 10.
“Good point. I have an idea.” She grinned, and a wicked gleam radiated in her dark eyes.
Dreamy didn’t know what she was up to, but she picked Melvin up and they followed Morgan out of the room and up the stairs. Once they arrived on the second floor, they strolled down a long hallway to the last door at the end.
Dreamy knew the moment they stepped into the room that it was Karter’s domain, and she pulled up short. Her gaze swept the space, taking in the wall-to-wall windows on the opposite side of the room and the recessed lighting that went around the gray-and-black tray ceiling. A sitting area with two comfortable-looking chairs and a small round table was positioned near the windows. The pale gray walls were adorned with colorful abstract art strategically positioned, and then there was the massive bed.
Not even a blind person could miss how huge the bed was. Dreamy didn’t even want to think about how many women he’d probably shared it with. Yet, that’s exactly where her mind went.
What he’s done and with who is none of my business. At least that’s what she told herself. They were just hanging out and getting to know each other. So what if she’d fallen hard for him? She had no real claim over him.
She shook all thoughts of Karter and his bed from her mind. “Are you sure it’s okay to be in here?”
Morgan waved her off and strolled across the room as if she owned the place. She stopped in front of double doors and pulled them open with a flair.
“If you don’t want to walk around in your panties, I suggest you get over here. Oh, but Karter will have a conniption if he finds out Melvin was in here.”
As if understanding Morgan, Melvin started whining and wiggling in Dreamy’s arms.
“Why can’t he be in here? He’s such a sweetheart,” she said, snuggling him close.
“He and Karter don’t really get along yet, especially after Melvin chewed on one of his expensive shoes.”
