Questing (Cosmis Connections, Book One) Read online

  Kiley pulled on her comfy sweats after debating over a pair of tidy khakis and a sweater. She was only going to call the man. There was absolutely no reason to get dressed up to do so since she’d rejected the idea of asking him to meet her. Perhaps she’d reconsider that option if she actually survived the telephone conversation. Reaching for the phone, Kiley decided she was as ready as she ever would be and dialed.

  Jordan was pacing. He knew Kiley had the tickets. Brett called him hours earlier to say the mission was accomplished. When she hadn’t called soon after, Jordan guessed she was waiting until she got home. Hopefully, that was a good sign. But it was already past the time he expected to hear from her. It wasn’t her night to visit the nursing home and she rarely made any other stops after work so where was she? What was she waiting for? Maybe she was ignoring her promise and had decided against calling him at all.

  When his private line rang, he stopped himself from diving to grab it on the first ring. Instead, he took a deep breath. He had to appear casual, not anxious. If he sounded impatient like he’d been waiting for her, she would get flustered again. He was hoping to put her at ease and spend some time having a harmless, relaxed chat. He wanted to make her comfortable enough to get beyond the nervousness that came out around him. He was sure she wasn’t afraid of him. He knew they connected on a level he’d never experienced before. He’d accepted the situation the instant they met. In the universal cosmic plan, Kiley was destined to be his future. She just didn’t know it yet. Jordan wondered how he could make her see the reality that their lives were meant to be joined when they still hadn’t managed five minutes without her getting jumpier than a puppy on the Fourth of July.

  “Hello,” Jordan answered, trying to sound as if he thought it could be anyone on the other end of the line.

  “Jordan, it’s Kiley,” she began tentatively.

  “Kiley, hi. How was the rest of your day?” He hoped to sound friendly and unassuming when what he really wanted was to ask if he could join her and spend the rest of the night making passionate love to her. If he ever had the opportunity, he’d gladly devote hours to worshipping every inch of her. Then again, he’d be equally happy sitting across from her in the nearest Starbucks, drinking coffee and sharing inane chatter. Well, maybe not equally happy…

  “All right. We were a little slow so I had time to call about the tickets.”

  “Any problems?”

  “Not after I mentioned your name.”

  “I’m pleased he could help you.” When she didn’t comment, he continued, “Do you like hockey or are you just doing this for your cousin?”

  “Both I guess,” Kiley responded. “It’s Alyssa’s birthday so she gets to choose what we do. Within reason, that is. But I’ve been to a few games and always had fun.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. It’s nice she picked something you’ll both enjoy.”

  “Well, that’s only part of the plan,” Kiley admitted. “Alyssa wants us to go out for drinks afterward too.”

  Although Jordan already knew about it, he still felt a flash of possessiveness. No way was she going bar hopping without him. "You don’t sound overly excited by that prospect.”

  “It’s okay. Alyssa’s more comfortable with that atmosphere than I am.”

  “That’s surprising,” Jordan stated. “You seem to adjust smoothly to everyone who walks into Mr. Paul’s.”

  “Except you,” she blurted. “Oh no,” she groaned in horror.

  “It’s all right, Kiley. I’ve noticed I make you a little nervous. I’d rather have you say whatever comes to mind than hide your thoughts from me.”

  “Why are you so kind to me, Jordan?”

  “Simple. I like you. A lot. You have the same affect on me. I just cover it up better than you do.”

  “Jordan,” she actually giggled. “You don’t have to say things to make me feel better.”

  “I’m not. Honestly, Kiley. Every day when it gets close to lunchtime, I can barely wait to see you again. I rush to get there and then I hesitate at the door. Sometimes, I can see you from outside, double-checking things or talking to someone and I just stop and watch you.”

  “I can tell you’re there even before I actually see you,” Kiley confessed.

  “So you feel the connection between us too.” It was a statement, not a question.

  “Yes,” she sighed. “I’m sorry I’m such a jerk around you.”

  “You have never been a jerk,” he said sincerely. “Frankly, I’m very flattered.”

  “Flattered?”

  “Absolutely. A beautiful woman like you could snap your fingers and have anyone at your beck and call but for some reason you’re interested in me.”

  “Stop exaggerating,” she said as if she assumed he was being outrageous just to help her relax.

  “I’m not,” he insisted. “I don’t think you realize the way you affect people. You—”

  “Please, let’s talk about something else,” Kiley interrupted.

  “Okay,” he agreed pleasantly. “Your topic or mine?”

  “Mine,” she said quickly. “I like listening to you talk. Tell me where you guys used to have lunch.”

  “You mean, before I decided that I needed to see you as often as possible to survive?” She laughed. “Hey, you don’t know how many times I’ve forced myself to resist the urge to come back for dinner. I was afraid I’d be too obvious if I was there more than once a day.”

  “You think you’re not obvious, having lunch every day for months?” she teased in return. “Come on. Tell me where you used to go.”

  “All right. Brett and I ate at a variety of places but I think we went to Bruno’s more than anywhere else.”

  “I love Bruno’s! What’s your favorite?”

  “I’d have to say the eggplant parmesan. It’s a little heavy for lunch but it’s too good to resist.”

  “I know what you mean. There must be half a pound of cheese in every dish.”

  “Yeah and I think they put the other half pound on the salad.”

  “Even the garlic bread is perfect.”

  “A woman after my own heart,” Jordan said smoothly.

  “Does Brett like that too?” she asked curiously.

  “Nope, he prefers the veal. He maintains a vegetable isn’t suitable as a main course even at lunchtime.”

  “Ah. Beer or wine?”

  “Definitely wine. As I said, it’s almost too much as it is. A beer on top of that meal would be more than I can handle.”

  “Of course,” she agreed.

  From there, the conversation meandered to various other topics. Jordan was thrilled that Kiley seemed to have overcome her nervousness. Hopefully, the ease of their phone time would transfer over to their next meeting.

  Kiley was amazed when she realized how comfortable she had become with Jordan. After a few awkward gaps that he smoothed over at the beginning, the conversation fell into an easy rhythm. Now it felt as if they always chatted like this.

  “Jordan, I’d like to apologize for earlier today when I asked if you’d done something illegal. I don’t really think you would.”

  “There’s no need to apologize. After all, I’d just given you the number for an unsanctioned ticket procurer and stated that he owed me a favor. It’s perfectly understandable that you’d reach that conclusion,” he said, then paused. “I won’t lie to you, Kiley. I do know some unscrupulous people. I also know some criminals who could be classified as downright dangerous. But I assure you my business dealings are one hundred percent legal. I will never compromise that. Before I accept a client, I thoroughly investigate every aspect of his or her life, both professional and personal. If there’s anything unethical I turn him away, no exceptions. The same with corporations.”

  “You don’t have to tell me this,” Kiley interrupted.

  “Yes, I do. I want to. I’d like to get closer to you and I know that’s not possible unless you trust me. It’s very important to me.”

  “Do yo
u trust me?” Kiley asked, considering what he said.

  “Without a doubt,” he answered instantly.

  “Did you investigate me?”

  “Sure. I’ve asked Dee lots of questions. Some she answered, some she didn’t. Will too. And I spoke with Henry, not that I planned to but once he initiated the conversation I took advantage of the opportunity.”

  “Henry started it?”

  “He wanted to know my intentions toward you.” Kiley groaned. “He’s very protective of you. Of all of you at the restaurant. I appreciate that.”

  “When was this?”

  “About a month after Brett and I started coming in. It was a Friday and there was a group from a convention. We were finished but I didn’t want to leave.”

  “That was the day you went to the bar after Brett went back to work,” she remembered.

  “So you did notice.” His grin was audible. “Henry did too. He gave the bartender a break and we talked.”

  “About your intentions?”

  “Yes, about my intentions. Want to know what I said?”

  “I should say no since Henry obviously was satisfied with whatever you told him.”

  “But you’re curious,” he concluded.

  “Of course. And maybe this would be the right time for me to admit that I had Dee ask Brett some things about you.”

  “I know. He told me.” Another groan. “We’ve been friends since first grade, Kiley. We look out for each other. Brett didn’t tell me right away though. He waited until a particularly frustrating day when you wouldn’t even look in my direction and then mentioned your questions as a way to bolster my spirits.”

  “Oh.” She was amazed.

  “Anyway, back to Henry. He knew why I was reluctant to leave. He assured me anyone working for him was guaranteed his protection. I said I was glad to hear that and expressed my concern for you specifically. So did he in regards to me, so I admitted my personal interest in you. I assured him that I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you. I also stressed I wouldn’t rush things to give you time to get to know me. Afterward, Henry confided that you’d never reacted to anyone the way you do to me. He admires the way you adapt to everyone who comes in, the way you make each of them feel comfortable, in case he never told you.”

  “Everyone except you,” she snorted.

  “So we’re back to that again.”

  “I’m sorry, Jordan. I can’t help it.”

  “Don’t be sorry. I kind of like it. It makes me feel unique, knowing I get to you.” Without hesitation, he continued, “Do you have any idea how much I want you?” In the silence that followed, Jordan realized what he had just said. “God, Kiley, I just blew it, didn’t I? I guess I’m not as in control of my reaction to you as I thought I was.” More silence. “Kiley? Are you there?” He waited as the seconds ticked by.

  “I’m here,” she finally answered in a small voice. She wanted to tell him that it couldn’t be any more that she wanted him but the words wouldn’t come out. Here was the perfect opportunity. He had given her an opening and she let it pass by.

  “Damn.” He sounded frustrated. “I could have sworn I’d actually made a little progress in putting you more at ease with me and then I go and blurt out that.”

  “It’s okay. I pretty much guessed that already anyway. It was just a bit of a shock to hear you say it so directly.”

  “I am so sorry. I—”

  “Wait,” she stopped him. “It’s nice to know that you’re not completely together all the time.”

  At that, Jordan laughed. “That’s hardly the case.”

  “Maybe but you give that impression, like there’s nothing you can’t handle.”

  “Nothing except you.”

  It was Kiley’s turn to laugh. “I think I’d like to hang up now.”

  “You mean quit while I’m behind?”

  “Yes, no, well maybe something like that.” She was still giggling. “This was fun, Jordan. Can I call you again sometime?"

  “Anytime, Kiley. I’d like that. I had fun too.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “Certainly. Will you talk to me?”

  “I’d like to. I do always try. It’s just…”

  “It’s just obvious that I want you and knowing that makes you nervous?”

  “Jordan,” she sighed. “I-I…”

  “I thought maybe if I said that often enough you’ll get used to the idea.”

  “That may take some time, especially with your voice…oh!”

  “You’ll find that I can be very patient. We’ll take all the time you need.”

  “Thank you. Good night, Jordan.”

  “Good night, sweet Kiley. Pleasant dreams.” Jordan heard Kiley sigh just before she hung up. He put down the phone and stretched out his legs, propping them on the coffee table in front of him. He laced his fingers behind his head and relaxed, deciding that all in all it had been an extremely good evening with the possible exception of blurting out how much he wanted her. It was entirely true though much too soon for him to be spouting off about it.

  Thank goodness he hadn’t continued on, ruining his carefully maintained image of being a gentleman with all the patience in the world by confessing how tempted he was to mould himself to her back every day when he walked into the restaurant. More times than he could count he’d imagined slipping in behind her as Kiley stood at her podium. He’d use it to shelter their activity from view as he lifted her skirt. Of course, in his fantasies she wasn’t wearing any panties. He’d wrap his arm around her and slide his hand down to cup her mound while pressing his growing cock against her luscious ass.

  Jordan could hear Kiley’s moan within his mind. He’d risk discovery just to brush his palm over her stiffened nipples. Unfortunately he wouldn’t be able to expose them as he so wanted to. No, he’d have to focus all his attention on her lower body to avoid discovery.

  Kiley would press back against him and widen her stance slightly, inviting him to work his roaming fingers into her slit. She’d already be wet in anticipation of having his cock in front of a roomful of unaware people. It would be a challenge to keep quiet so they wouldn’t be caught. They’d also need to maintain polite expressions in case anyone glanced at them.

  He’d stroke his fingers through her cream, toying with her clit, making sure she was well lubricated with her own juices so he could enter her easily when the time came. He’d tease her, working her stiff clit, pumping her needy pussy until she was right on the edge of climaxing. All the while he’d whisper in her ear about how he could smell her arousal, how he couldn’t wait to have her soft flesh squeezing his hard cock, how this was only the preview to hold them over until they could fuck privately.

  Eventually he wouldn’t be able to wait another second and he’d free his throbbing cock from his pants. He’d bend Kiley slightly over her podium and run his fingers between her cheeks. Then he’d do the same with his shaft, tormenting her into begging softly for what they both wanted. He’d give in and finally penetrate her. They wouldn’t have much time so he’d need to make sure he speared her at just the right angle. No more teasing once they reached that point. No, he’d push his cock in as deep as it would go and then use short, fast strokes with minimum movement while his fingers plucked her clit to provide maximum pleasure for them both. Somehow they’d remain standing after they came without anyone noticing. Then Jordan would straighten their clothes, kiss Kiley on the cheek and go to his usual table.

  Jordan laughed. As much as he’d love to do just that he knew it was pure fantasy. No way would they ever be able to get away with it. Besides when he finally got his cock in Kiley’s pussy he wanted them to have the freedom to enjoy it as much as possible without holding back in any way.

  Chapter Three

  “It was wonderful, Dee!” Kiley couldn’t stop smiling. “We talked for over two hours and I even managed to participate like a normal person. It was hard at first with the way Jordan’s voice was. I couldn’t
believe it but he sounded even sexier than he does in person.”

  “Why not, Kiley?” Dee grinned at her friend. “He was talking to you without an audience for a change. Just think how he’ll sound when he’s seducing you.”

  “Dee!”

  “What? You know that’s where this is heading, don’t you?”

  “Well, yeah but…”

  “But nothing. Just relax and enjoy it,” Dee advised. “Tell me. How did you get Henry to go along with your little plan?”

  “After I finally calmed down, I called him. I explained what I had in mind and I think he was so pleased for me that he said it was okay before he thought about it.”

  “He really is just an old softy. Sometimes I think we’re more his family than his family is.”

  “Yes and no. We’re around and they’re not most of the time. Jordan and Brett will be here soon. Is everything ready?”

  “Yep, just like you ordered. Stop fidgeting and don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything.” Dee went to check on her tables.

  “Hello, Kiley.” Jordan brushed a quick kiss on her cheek. “You look beautiful as always. Did you sleep well?” He had his hand over hers on the reservation book.

  “I guess, um, once I managed to stop thinking about you.” She turned bright red and refused to look at him.

  Jordan tilted her chin with one finger until their eyes met. “I’m sorry to hear that. I prefer to remain in your thoughts.”

  “Stop doing that.”

  “Doing what?” He linked his fingers with hers.

  “Talking like you’re trying to seduce me.”

  “Mm.” Jordan gave her a slow smile as he lowered his voice. “Sweet Kiley, when I seduce you…” He ran one fingertip from her wrist to the inside of her elbow and looked at her with naked desire showing clearly in his eyes.