Page 15 of Big Deal Sweetheart

“Can you play?” she asked Keifer.

“No. You?” he asked, stepping behind to help her shrug out of her coat.

Nova could play pretty well, actually. She sat on the bench and cracked her knuckles. “How about you get us that drink while I warm my hands up?”

“Coming right up. Any requests?” Keifer held both their coats over one arm while working his tie off with the other hand.

“Anything sweet.”

He nodded as if that was all he needed to know. Nova watched him turn away and walk toward the other side of the large entryway. When she realized she was staring, she moved to sit a little on the bench to get into a comfortable position. Her fingers were a little cold and stiff, so she played a few keys, then did a little warm up with a tried and true that every pianist knows.

Her rendition of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy came easily, with her only messing up a couple times.

“Ah, I see you are more than a novice at the piano. While some might think the song you just played is easy because of its simple rhythm, melody, and fingering style, the joy isn’t lost. In fact, I think it’s even more potent because we forget the simple ones.” He handed her a glass of wine.

Nova took a sip, smiling at the sweet tasting goodness. “Ah, I bet the bartender didn’t think you were into fruity wines?”

Keifer looked at his own squat glass with amber liquid. “I think he knew better. Cheers to us and to a night of singing between strangers.”

She lifted her glass in a toast. “May your ears survive.”

Somehow, she found herself in his suite. No, she knew how she did. She had wanted him, so when he suggested they go up there after a half hour of them singing and drinking, the hussy in her was more than happy to follow where he led. The heat in his eyes lit a fire in her that had been on simmer since she’d first seen him storm into the salon. There was only one way to douse the flames, and that was what she hoped was going to happen.

He inserted the key into the door, holding it open for her like the man did with all things, without thought. His manners were impeccable as were everything about him. He obviously had money; she’d known that from the card his daughter had whipped out to pay for her hair, to the clothing they both had worn. Had she not witnessed those things before, she’d have known it when they entered the suite. All their things laying around were telling. High End, top of the line, everything. If they’d met at any other time, she might have been able to introduce herself like someone from the same world. Only he seemed to like that she wasn’t.

Their coats were placed over a chair, then he turned to her, waiting.

“Would you like a drink or—” he trailed off.

She shook her head, then toed off the boots she’d worn.

“Me neither. C’mere.”

Nova didn’t get a chance to do as he’d said. Keifer eliminated the space between them in two strides, taking her face between his palms. “I’ve been dying to see if your skin was as soft as it appears.”

“You have?” she asked lamely.

“Mmhmm,” he murmured.

She opened her mouth to respond. Truly she did. Thoughts scattered under his lips, and tongue. The whiskey he’d drunk was a flavor she’d forever remember as she wrapped her arms around his neck, holding onto him as if her life depended on it.

“God, you taste and feel sweeter than anything I’ve ever had.” His husky voice was punctuated with kisses.

“It’s hot in here.” She was sure it was burning up, or she was. The chunky sweater over pleather leggings were two layers too much when all she wanted was to be skin on skin with this man.

“Are you sure?”

She hadn’t realized she’d spoken her words out loud until he tipped her chin up with his thumbs. “Very.”

Keifer stepped back, his hands sliding down her arms until only one hand was stretched out. “Come with me.”

Nova looked at his large palm, steady and smooth, waiting for her to take it. There was absolutely no doubt what she was going to do. Her much smaller and darker one was swallowed up by his as soon as she settled hers on top of his. It was a moment she would never forget, the slight shiver that he couldn’t hide shook her as well.

The room he took her to was large, with a huge king-sized bed, definitely big enough for two. He kept hold of her hand, shutting and locking the door, a light from the bathroom illuminating the room enough she was able to still make out his features.

“Are you sure Delilah won’t be coming home tonight?” Not that she was planning on staying the entire night. Heck, her Nana would probably send out a search party if she wasn’t home by midnight, but she was sure the people who had seen them together, had probably already sent out a note through the town gossip that she was with Keifer

“I’m positive. Trust me, she’s stayed the night with many people, and never called for me to come get her, or come home because she’s missed me. I don’t think it’s going to be any different this time. Are you having second thoughts?” Keifer moved until he was standing directly in front of her, his hard body close enough she could reach out and touch if she chose.