Guilty Pleasures Read online

  The two brothers sat staring at her, waiting for an answer. She blew a soft sigh before lifting her gaze. “I think . . . I think they were in love once.”

  “How do you know that?” Alexander asked.

  Sarai smiled. “Because when my mother would talk about your father she would get the same look in her eyes that your Mama Lynn gets when she talks about him now.”

  The two brothers exchanged a look, both reflecting for a brief moment on her comment.

  “Pop was a playa!” Zachary suddenly laughed, his tone teasing.

  Alexander laughed with him. “I think Pop put the p in playa!”

  Sarai shook her head at the two of them.

  Minutes later exhaustion settled over the three of them with a vengeance.

  “I need to go get some sleep,” Zachary said as he tossed a twenty-dollar bill onto the table. He yawned, throwing his whole body into the gesture.

  Alexander added additional currency to the pile. “Yeah, we’re starting bright and early,” he said. “We need to get right to work on your training program.”

  He extended a hand toward his brother as both men stood up. Zachary shook it gladly. The gesture led to a shoulder bump, and then the moment turned awkward as they stood staring at each other.

  “Thanks, A!” Zachary said, his voice dropping to a loud whisper. “I appreciate you giving me a second chance.”

  Alexander nodded. “It’s cool, Z. We’re good.”

  Sarai smiled, the endearing moment making her teary.

  Zach met her stare. “Are you riding home with me, or what?” He cut an eye at Alexander, then shifted his eyes back toward her.

  A blush of color tinted her cheeks a shade of crimson. Her eyes widened, annoyance creasing her brow.

  Zach lifted his hands as if he were surrendering. “I had to check. You never know these days. I don’t know what’s going on with you two, so I didn’t want to make any assumptions.”

  “You are such an idiot,” Sarai said, biting back the curses she really wanted to bless him with.

  She dropped a warm hand against Alexander’s forearm and leaned to kiss his cheek. Her touch was heated, and the kiss ignited a flicker of current between them. He took a swift inhale of air and held it.

  “Thank you,” Sarai whispered softly. “I had a very nice time.”

  He blew out that breath as she eased out of the booth. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and hugged her gently. The scent of jasmine and lavender perfumed the air around her, the subtle aroma teasing. “Dinner tomorrow?” he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper meant only for her ears.

  She nodded her head yes. “I’d like that.”

  “Can I come?” Zachary asked, interrupting the moment. He looked at his brother, then her, and back.

  The couple exchanged a look, delight dancing in both their stares. Sarai and Alexander both answered at the same time. A resounding “No!” echoed through the room.

  * * *

  “How do I look?”

  Sarai spun herself in a slow circle, looking for Zachary’s approval.

  “You look fine,” he muttered, never once looking up from the video he was watching.

  Sarai dropped a hand to her hip. She stood staring at the big-screen television for a good minute or two. “What are you watching?” she questioned, cutting her eyes in his direction.

  “My opponent’s last fight. Alex told me to study it. This kid’s got a mean roundhouse kick! You have to watch that elbow of his, too. He also likes to attack from the left and that’s my blind side.” He rubbed a heavy hand across his face, something like fear piercing his eyes. “I don’t know if I can beat this kid,” he said, looking up at her for the first time since she’d entered the room. Meeting the look she was giving him, he pushed the PAUSE button on the remote he’d been holding in his hand.

  “Then you’ve already lost,” she said matter-of-factly. “You might as well give up now if you plan to have a defeatist attitude. If you want the win, then claim the win. Isn’t that what you tell the guys you train?”

  His gaze tripped up and down her body, taking in the low-slung denim jeans and white tank top that she’d paired with thigh-high black leather boots and a black leather bomber jacket.

  He changed the subject. “You look really good,” he said. “Where are you going?”

  “Out to dinner, remember? Your brother told me to dress casually.”

  Zachary gave her a thumbs-up. “I remember now.”

  The two stared at each other for a brief moment before either said another word. Something in the air suddenly felt awkward between them, and Sarai found it disconcerting.

  “Are you going to be okay?” she asked, concern washing over her expression.

  Zachary shrugged his broad shoulders. “Yeah. I’m good! I’m going to finish these tapes, then I plan to go for a run. After that I will eat that meal my brother had delivered. I’ll probably be in bed when you get back. We’re starting before daybreak tomorrow.”

  “Alex had food delivered?”

  “Yeah, some food service company that’s going to prep all my meals for me. They deliver every two days or something like that.”

  “So things are good with you two?”

  Zachary took a quick moment to reflect on her question. The day had started well. He and his brother had met earlier that morning. Alexander had gone right to laying out a game plan for working him back into shape. He’d been the epitome of professional, his straightforward, no-nonsense demeanor everything Zachary knew he needed. Alexander had made it crystal clear that if they were going to work together, Zachary would have to abide by every one of his rules—and the list had been lengthy. Those few hours had reminded them both of their best days together, and it had felt good, Zachary feeling as if they were once again in sync.

  “I think so,” he finally answered. “I think Alex and I are off to a good start. We actually had a conversation today that didn’t feel hostile.”

  “Just remember what I told you, it might take some time, so baby steps. But it will all work out,” Sarai said confidently.

  Zachary nodded in agreement. “Is Alexander picking you up?”

  Sarai shook her head. “Not this time. I’m meeting him.” She stole a quick glance at the watch on her slim wrist. “I should be going,” she said, “or I’ll be late.”

  “Have fun,” he said, “and I promise to work on that attitude of mine.”

  With a smile, Sarai leaned to kiss his forehead, her hand gently squeezing his shoulder. She turned to leave, excitement leading her steps. There was no missing the eagerness that fueled her spirit. The prospect of seeing Alexander had her brimming with joy.

  As she moved in the direction of the door, Zachary pushed PLAY, the video resuming. On the screen the two martial artists were going at it, arms flailing as both men threw blow after blow. He glanced at the scene briefly, then shifted his eyes back toward her. With a slight wave of her hand, Sarai disappeared down the hall and out the front door. Zachary continued to stare until he heard the entrance close behind her. Turning back to the television, he tried to focus, but failed, consumed instead with processing the feelings of jealousy that had suddenly taken hold of him.

  * * *

  Alexander took one last look around his home, ensuring everything was in place. He studied the table settings on the dining-room table before lighting a display of pillar candles that decorated the room. In his kitchen the aroma of comfort food scented the air, the house smelling like stewed chicken and sweet cake. When everything was to his satisfaction, he moved to the front of the home to peer out the window. He was excited for Sarai’s arrival, and the waiting had him on edge, every one of his nerve endings firing with anticipation.

  Standing in front of the massive bay windows, he was surprised by the anxiety sweeping through him. But he had never invited any woman to his home before, and his desire for everything to be perfect for Sarai was compelling. He took another glance around the luxurious log home. T
he stunning Boulder mountain estate had been designed to showcase the breathtaking views of the city and the awe-inspiring mountains from every room. Before Champs, the sixty-five-hundred-square-foot home had been his single greatest investment, and as he stood staring out at the lights flickering across the city, he had no regrets, hoping she would love his home as much as he did.

  He blew a low sigh as he found himself chewing nervously at his fingernails, something he hadn’t done since he was a teenager, hoping to get laid before senior prom and high-school graduation. Back then, despite his best efforts, he hadn’t been able to convince Cynthia Montgomery to drop her panties, the young girl having taken a vow of chastity until marriage. This time, getting laid wasn’t on his radar, but making a great impression on the beautiful woman was.

  * * *

  Sarai pulled into his driveway at the stroke of seven. The home’s proximity to downtown Boulder had made it easy to find, and she hadn’t had any problems following Alexander’s directions. Stepping out of her car, she took a deep inhale of air to quiet her nerves. The evening air had a hint of chill to it, and the oxygen filling her lungs felt good.

  Since she’d left her home, she hadn’t been able to suppress her excitement, practically jumping out of her skin to get to Alexander. Just the prospect of spending some alone time with him had sent waves of exhilaration through to her core. She took another deep inhale of air, swallowing hard to stop the shaking that had every muscle in her body tense.

  Looking out over the landscape, she was in awe of the view of downtown Boulder. The evening sky had turned a murky shade of silver gray, the early day striations of blue spattered with white clouds disappearing with the setting sun. But the bright lights flickering like abundant stars made the growing darkness look like fantasy land. A smile crept across Sarai’s face as she took it all in.

  Turning toward the house, she stopped abruptly. Alexander stood in the window, watching her. As their gazes connected, the look he was giving caused a ripple of electricity to shoot deep into the pit of her abdomen. She inhaled swiftly, drawing one hand to her stomach as she waved at him with the other. He waved back, his own smile filling his face as he gestured for her to come inside.

  He met her at the entrance, his own enthusiasm merging with hers as he threw the door open. “You found the place!” he cheered, eagerness ringing in his tone.

  “I did,” she answered as she stepped over the threshold. “You gave perfect directions.”

  “Let me take your coat,” he said as he reached to help her take the garment off. His hand brushed against her shoulder, the touch teasing to them both.

  Sarai cut her eye at him, biting down against her bottom lip to halt the quiver of heat as his fingertips grazed her neck and down the length of her arm. “Thank you.”

  She looked around the dramatic two-story foyer that led into an oversized great room. The décor was rustic, everything in place to highlight the large hand-hewn logs. The structure was grand and impressive. “This is beautiful!” she exclaimed.

  He smiled. “Thank you. It’s still a work in progress but it’s my home! It’s my favorite place to be when I’m not down at the gym.”

  “And I bet you also have a gym here, right?”

  “You know I do. I’d love to give you a tour after dinner,” he said as he took her hand and pulled her along beside him. “Right now, though, I hope you’re hungry because I’m starved!”

  “I am. And it smells so good in here. What are we eating?”

  Alexander led her to the dining room, pulling out a chair at the head of the table. “We’re having Tuscan lemon chicken, Spanish rice with roasted tomatoes, and pound cake with mixed berries for dessert.”

  “I’m impressed! You outdid yourself.” She pulled her chair up close to the table. “I didn’t know what to expect when you said you wanted to cook for me. It would seem that you’re a man of many talents, Alex.”

  He chuckled as he poured wine into two crystal goblets. “I have to be honest. I didn’t actually cook the food myself. I had a little help.”

  Sarai laughed with him. “Really?”

  He grinned. “Yeah, Mama Lynn’s been here all afternoon. I didn’t want to risk your running off because the food was bad.”

  “I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” she said, their gazes locking tightly. “I don’t think there’s anything that could run me off.”

  There was a moment of pause. Alexander’s eyes narrowed, his gaze seductive as he reflected on her comment. He grinned brightly. “I should get the food,” he said as he gestured toward the kitchen.

  Sarai laughed warmly. “You should.”

  Minutes later, their plates were filled and the conversation was flowing easily. They talked about everything, no topic left untouched. Sarai found him totally engaging as he told his side of the stories she’d heard from his brother about their exploits when they’d been younger. Together they laughed, and the laughter was like the sweetest balm. By the time they’d finished their cake, licking the last of the berries from their fingers, it felt as if they’d been the best of friends their entire lives.

  “It really was not that funny,” Alexander said. “And we both got a beating for it!”

  “You should have,” Sarai laughed. “It was horrible of you two!”

  “It was only concrete. How did we know we couldn’t make a mold of the toilet without clogging up the plumbing? When you’re seven years old, stupidity actually makes sense!”

  Sarai giggled, her head waving from side to side. She swiped a cloth napkin across her lips. “That was delicious. Thank you and you have to thank your mother for me. She is such a good cook!”

  He nodded. “She’s too good. It’s hard to stay in shape the way she cooks. I keep trying to get her to change her ways but she refuses.”

  “It’s actually a nice reprieve from the salads and greens we constantly eat. Healthy eating is a science and sometimes you just want to enjoy the food for the sake of enjoying the food. When I’m teaching nutrition I try to show people how to balance the two.”

  Alexander nodded but said nothing, suddenly delighting in the light that gleamed from her eyes and the glow that shimmered across her face. Everything about her spirit warmed his. Her openness and honesty were heartfelt, and he found everything about her to be absolutely genuine.

  A pregnant pause grew full and large between them. Sarai stared as his eyes danced with hers. He smiled, and she couldn’t stop herself from smiling with him. But there was something heated in his gaze, temptation weeping from the oceanic orbs. Her breath caught deep in her chest, a light gasp falling past her thin lips. Moisture suddenly puddled in all of her creases. She pressed her knees tightly together to stall the rising desire suddenly sweeping through her with a vengeance.

  Their casual conversation gave way to something else, words that held more meaning to them both as Alex shifted the conversation.

  “I’m really glad you came, Sarai,” he said, reaching across the table for her hand. His touch was gentle as he entwined his fingers between hers. He sat, playing with her fingers, slowly caressing their length as he teased her palm. His eyes were focused on memorizing each dent and dimple. When he lifted his eyes back to hers, she snatched her stare toward the other side of the room, suddenly riddled with anxiety.

  When she finally responded, her voice was a loud whisper. “I am too, but it’s getting late and I know you have a full day tomorrow. I hate to eat and run but I should probably let you get some rest,” she said as she slowly pulled her hand from his, needing to stall the heat rising swiftly between them.

  Alexander tilted his head, drawing her gaze back to his. “But I promised you a tour.” He pushed himself up from the table. “Let me clear the dishes; then I’ll show you around before you take off,” he said as he lifted the dirty plates from where they rested.

  Sarai nodded. “Let me help,” she said as she stood up with him.

  Together, they loaded his dishwasher and seal
ed the leftover food in plastic Tupperware containers. After wiping down the counters and moving the last remnants of their meal to the refrigerator, they stood in the center of the room staring at each other.

  “That wasn’t too bad,” he said.

  “Not bad at all. We work well together.”

  “Yes, we do,” he answered, grinning foolishly. “So, now that you’ve seen my kitchen, how about the rest of that tour that I promised you?”

  Chapter Seven

  “It’s so big!” Sarai exclaimed as they moved from room to room. There were three bedroom suites on the second floor, a third-floor loft area that had been decorated as a reading room, a finished basement complete with a sauna, a fully equipped exercise room, and an enormous recreation space. “Why do you need so much room when it’s just you?” she asked.

  “I wasn’t planning on it always just being me. I planned on having a family and I’d hoped that one day I’d have a wife and we’d have children that we would raise together in this home.”

  “So what happened? Because I’m sure there have been women in your life who would have gladly done just that. Why aren’t you married already?”

  He turned, sauntering slowly toward the other end of the home. Sarai followed behind him. There was an amused smirk lurking across his face.

  “Finding the right woman proved to be more of a challenge than I anticipated,” he answered. “There have been plenty of contenders but none ever measured up.”

  “Well, let’s hope I can change that,” Sarai said smugly, meeting his stare as he tossed her a look over his shoulder.

  He laughed heartily, her daring surprising him. “You’re funny,” he said, his smile wide.