Kit And Kisses Read Free Page B

"I saw Dad for what he was — a bully. I stopped trying to please him long before he died. But because of him, I guess, Trent Higgins duped me. For years, I'd looked for the perfect man, one who was kind, considerate, generous, and sociable — all qualities our father had lacked. But Trent's perfection was all a sham. I guess I was just hungry for the affection and attention he offered and couldn't see beyond it."
    "It could happen to anyone."
    "No. It could only happen to someone who was as gullible as I was."
    "Or needing to be loved."
    She faced Grey then, her blue eyes sad. "Yes, only I discovered love does strange things. He was a con man, but I didn't realize that until it was almost too late. My feelings blinded me. That will never happen again."
    "Sworn off relationships?" He needed to know, not stopping to analyze why.
    "I'm just very cautious about who I date. I ask for their life history. I accepted Trent's background without question. I should have known something was fishy when he said he didn't have any family."
    That sadness in her eyes and the sense of disappointment in her voice moved Grey to say, "He hurt you badly, didn't he?"
    Kit's eyes glistened and she again turned away.
    Anger that Grey didn't understand surged through him and he wished he could get his hands on the man who had done this to her. He put his hand on her shoulder and nudged her around. "Everyone makes mistakes." Her gaze met his, and he was overwhelmed by the desire to take her in his arms and hold her until the past hurt went away.
    Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile. "Yes, and I guess I just have to accept that. My pride was hurt most of all. But bringing charges against him helped. And when his two previous wives came out of the woodwork and he was charged with bigamy, too, the little devil inside me jumped for joy. Isn't that terrible?"
    "No. That's justice." Grey nodded toward the answering machine. "Are you going to meet her?"
    "Probably. So she knows she's not alone."
    "You're a brave lady."
    She laughed uncomfortably. "I don't think so. Somebody had to stop him. I did it first, that's all."
    Grey still had his hand on her shoulder. She was close enough to hold, to kiss, looking up at him, waiting as he was. A bee buzzed outside the window. Leaves swished against each other as the breeze brushed through them. Desire had never seemed so strong.
    All he had to do was bend his head...
     

 

     
     

CHAPTER TWO

 

     
     

     
    Before his lips touched hers, Kit's eyelids fluttered and her hands came to rest on Grey's chest. Her touch made him realize this was no fantasy, it was real. And just as Kit had learned her lesson, he'd learned his, too. Letting go of her, he stepped back.
    She blinked, then her cheeks got rosy. But her blue eyes became opaque, shutting away her emotions. Turning to the counter, she picked up the delivery slip and handed it to him. Their fingers didn't brush this time, maybe because they both realized they'd flirted with temptation.
    Without mentioning what had almost happened, Kit led the way to the living room saying, "Thanks for delivering the ladder."
    At her front door, facing her and thinking where a kiss with Kit might have taken them, he said, "Service is one aspect of the store I don't want to change."
    "I'll try to remember that. I'll call you when I get a plan worked up."
    He nodded. There seemed to be something unfinished between them, something they should verbalize. But Kit's expression said she wouldn't, and he didn't want to make them both uncomfortable since they might be working together. Better to let well enough alone. Better not to discuss what had almost happened in the kitchen. Better not to start dreaming again. Better to take the safe route instead of the risky one.
    ***
     
    The Music Box was decorated in black and white and hopping with activity. Sheets of black paneling alternated with white on the club's walls while the shimmering silver curtain on stage pulled