Page 31 of Private Melody
“I remember.” Therin let his eyes trail her bare skin in a blatantly lurid manner. “I’ll bet he really enjoys those conversations.”
Kianti threw her head back and laughed. “You’re crazy! Besides, there’s no chance for a love affair with my drummer friend anyway.”
“Because he’s gay?” Therin’s tone was hopeful.
She smirked. “Because of you.”
“Me?”
Her gaze faltered. “You’ve got a little something to do with it.”
“A little something?” he challenged, bringing his mouth to her ear and beginning a soft nibble of the silky skin beneath it. Kianti tilted her head, offering his mouth more room to roam.
In one smooth, effortless move, Therin clutched her waist and pulled her from the dresser. Keeping her captive between his thighs, he cupped his hands around her neck and propped his thumbs beneath her jaw to bring her chin up for his kiss.
A shuddery moan lilted from deep in her throat when his tongue enticed hers to a wet, passionate romp. Kianti linked her arms about his neck and brushed her firming nipples against his chest.
Therin squeezed her hips, bringing her closer to the part of him that was hung low and hard for her.
Kianti felt the proof of desire below his sleep pants and knew there would be no going anywhere except to bed if she didn’t resist…or at least try to.
“I’ve got to get in the shower now if I intend to get to the club at a decent time.” She groaned when he ignored her and brought his hands round to cup and fondle her breasts. “You’re welcome to share it with me….”
Therin looked at her then as though she had lost her mind. “Do you really intend to keep this date?” he asked, joining in when she laughed.
“These people can get pretty wild, but they’re a great bunch,” Kianti warned Therin as they made their way into Scottie’s through the back entrance.
Therin grimaced playfully while holding open the door for her. “Do you think I’m some kind of stick-in-the-mud because of my profession?”
“Well, these folks aren’t a group of educators,” she drawled and tugged on the sleeve of the black denim jacket he wore.
“Key Law in da house!” a pencil-slim man in a chef’s hat bellowed when he spotted the new arrivals in his kitchen.
“Hey, Nate.” Kianti giggled when the man tugged her into a bear hug. “Nate Eastman, this is Therin Rucker. Nate is Scottie’s head chef and one of the most sought after chefs in California.”
“Cali!” Nate feigned offense. “Hell, the world! What’s up, man?” he said, extending a hand for Therin to shake.
“Havin’ your usual, Key?” Nate’s second in command Anton Sewell asked from his place behind a big stove.
“Yeah, thanks Ant!” Kianti waved toward Therin who was still talking with Nate. “Would you like a salad?” she asked when he looked over. “Scottie’s has the best in town.”
“My kitchen connections are what convinced Cube to come on board as my security,” Kianti told Therin once they were fixed up with huge chef’s salads and on their way out of the kitchen. Their laughter traveled down the winding corridor they took.
The dressing room at Scottie’s was a huge place only sectioned off inside by privacy screens for those who felt the need to use them.
The group was definitely a bawdy one, but they all welcomed Therin like he was one of them. The gang was even more intrigued by the newcomer once Khan announced that Therin was a former ambassador. Drinks and conversation flowed, but Therin took advantage of the time to study the dynamics of Kianti and her crew.
He watched her and Khan discuss what style she’d wear her hair that evening. Therin loved the way the heavy coarse mass cascaded behind her shoulders when Khan raked his fingers through it. He looked on while Winton spoke with her about a license agreement for one of her CDs. A data company was interested in hosting it for distribution to libraries nationwide. Cube fetched her more salad while Brody checked her pulse rate.
Therin couldn’t help but wonder as he regarded the unorthodox family. With all that male presence in her life, did Kianti Lawrence have room for more?
For the next few days, Therin and Kianti set out to add memories to their stolen moments.
They enjoyed everything: morning and moonlit walks along the beach; several firelit dinners were enjoyed there as well. As the waves ebbed, they talked and learned more about one another.
Those conversations steered clear of anything that could bring shadow to their bliss. Taboo topics were of course Kianti’s condition, as well as Therin’s schedule. They avoided that subject especially, knowing the time was right there and bearing down on them. He had to go and it was the last thing either of them wanted.