PEPPERY CHICKEN AROMAS ASSAILED RICHMOND’S nostrils as soon as he’d stepped foot inside his home. Closing the garage door behind himself, he entered the kitchen to find Kayla standing over the stove. Stirring a spoon inside a big pot, Kayla glanced back over her shoulder at him. When her sexy mouth pulled into an endearing smile, the tension he’d been feeling since leaving Don’s office tempted to subside. To momentarily fade from his troubled spirit.
Kayla’s eyes were compelling and magnetic as she said, “You’re just in time for dinner. Hope you’re hungry.” Her lips. Her soft looking lips eased into a sensual smile.
He gave her sexy figure a raking gaze, then asked, “Where’s Isabelle?”
“I’m in here, Daddy.” Isabelle burst from out of the kitchen pantry. “Kayla spread a blanket on the floor inside the closet. Do you want to come see my grocery store?”
Something that Don said about Salina clicked in Richmond’s mind. Disturbed, he pulled the chair from beneath the dinette table and sat. “Not right now, Pumpkin. Maybe later.”
Isabelle walked over to her father, held out her hands, and he knew exactly what she wanted—for him to hold her. He lifted his little angel to his lap, then looked at Kayla.
“Your car is ready to be picked up. My helper, Jason, will take you to get your car.”
“Okay. Thanks again for putting the tires on my car.”
“You’re welcome.”
Laying her head on his chest, Isabelle gazed up at her father. “What’s wrong, Daddy? You sad?” Sensing his mood, she poked her bottom lip out.
I think your mother was having an affair. Maybe it was an emotional affair, not a sexual affair. Either one is wrong. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired.”
Isabelle’s light brown eyes spread wide. “Well, go to bed.”
Richmond pinched her chin. “I will. Right after I eat dinner and get you your bath. You didn’t have to cook dinner, Kayla. Your actual duties don’t start until tomorrow.”
“I don’t mind. Isabelle was hungry, and since I didn’t know when you’d be back, I threw together some chicken, vegetables, and noodles. Made some chicken noodle soup.”
Thinking about Salina getting a prepaid cell, humiliation filled him. “It smells delicious.”
She smiled tentatively. “Thanks. Isabelle, can you go wash your hands for me so you can eat dinner?” Isabelle climbed down off her father’s lap and ran toward the guest bathroom across from the den. “No running inside the house, Isabelle.”
Kayla spooned a heaping of the soup into two bowls. Carrying the two bowls, she lowered one in front of Richmond, and the other in front of Isabelle’s seat.
“The princess of the house told me this is her seat.”
“Yes, that’s where she sits.” He eyed the seat beside Isabelle’s. Daydreaming, an image of his wife Salina sitting in the chair across from where he sat came into his mind’s view. They were the perfect family. Well, at least he’d thought so. Now, he wasn’t so sure.
“Is everything okay, Richmond? You seem bothered by something.” Kayla’s soft voice cut into his thoughts.
I’m bothered, all right. My wife allowed a killer to enter our lives, and I have no clue who he is.
He hefted the spoon covered with chunks of chicken and vegetables to his lips. “As I said earlier, I’m fine. You can leave now,” he snapped. He spooned the chicken noodle soup into his mouth. The warm, well-seasoned broth glided down his throat as he chewed. Pretty good.
Towering over him, raw emotion shone in Kayla’s pupils. “I’m sorry for prying. I’ll wait outside on the porch for Jason. Have a good day.” Kayla turned, walked over to the counter, and strapped her purse across her shoulder.
Damn, I’m taking my frustration out on her.
Richmond swiped the napkin over his face, stood, and stalked over to Kayla as she stood by the sink. He’d been so pissed at Salina until he didn’t even notice she’d cleaned the dirt from her face, had brushed the kinks from her straight hair and now had it in a low, long ponytail. Had applied a glossy sheen to her lips.
I wonder if she’s single. “Please accept my apology for snapping at you.”
“It’s okay.” Staring into his eyes, she cupped the ball of his shoulder.
A streak of energy zapped at his insides. It’s been forever since I’ve felt a woman’s hand on me. Made love to a woman. It’s going to stay that way.
Letting go of his shoulder, her hand dropped to her side. “If you ever need a listening ear, just know I’m a good listener.”
Hurt beyond measure, Richmond nodded. “Thanks, Kayla.”
“No, thank you for this wonderful opportunity, and for getting the tires for my car. How long will it be before Jason—”
“Did I hear my name?” Jason emerged inside the kitchen from the living room’s entrance.
Richmond made the introductions. “Kayla, this is Jason. Jason, meet Kayla.”
Jason extended his hand to Kayla, and she shook it. A bright light lit up his blue eyes as he looked into Kayla’s face. Apparent attraction for her beamed on his white, tanned face, causing Richmond to feel discomfort.
“I met you earlier today when you were looking for Richmond’s estate.” Jason smiled.
Kayla tilted her head. “Yes. I remember you. You were riding the horse.”
“Well, I’m ready when you are,” Jason stated.
Richmond cringed at Jason’s obvious lust for Kayla. “Thanks for doing me the favor, Jason. You’re in good hands, Kayla.”
“I’m sure. I know you said it before, but what time should I report to work tomorrow?”
“No later than seven-thirty. I have to be to the equestrian by eight.”
Richmond stood in the doorway, watching Kayla and Jason as they left. “Daddy, is this my food?!” Isabelle yelled from inside the kitchen.
“Yes, Pumpkin!” Richmond exclaimed, unable to tear his gaze from the outdoor occurrences involving Kayla.
Standing next to the driver’s side door of his bright yellow Camaro, Jason glanced over the roof of the car at Kayla. Bedazzling him with a curt smile, she hooked her palm under the passenger side door and slid in. As Jason backed his sports car out of the driveway, many emotions brewed inside Richmond. Closing the door, he hoped like hell that Jason wouldn’t make a hot move on fine ass Kayla.