Hurricane (7 page)

Julianne’s hair was swept up, away from her face, with two curls on either side framing her captivating features and there was a welcoming smile on her lips. He lowered his head. The deep red V-neck shirt with black designs of some sort of flower on one side showcased the top of her full bosom. It fell around her body to mid-thigh and had a jagged hem. Black jeans enveloped her legs, and matching red high-heeled sandals showcased her beige-coloured toenails. Keenan gulped for air, clearing his throat before he spoke.

“Julianne, you take my breath away.”

“Ditto.” She smiled, lowering her lids over her golden eyes.

“We’d better get going. May I say hello to Rissa?”

“She’s not here. Noelle and her husband Pierce are watching her for me.”

“The interior designer, right?”

“Yes. Come in while I get my purse.”

“I better not. I don’t know if I can resist kissing you.” Keenan lowered his tone.

“Why would you have to resist? I want to taste you, Keenan.” Julianne smiled, a wicked curve of her lips.

“And I want a taste too but if I do we won’t be getting out of this house.” Keenan stated.

The look on her face clearly showed she had no problem with that idea. “I don’t see anything wrong with that.”

Julianne’s pink tongue darted out from between her closed mouth and she licked from left to right. Keenan followed the movement, fists clenching at his side. His half-hard erection filled, pushing against his zipper. He shifted in place, trying to not take that step and back her against the nearest wall. Julianne opened her lips and let out a wanton chuckle. She knew exactly what she was doing to him. Julianne’s gaze dropped and the tip of her tongue came out again as she wet the edges once more. Keenan’s mind flashed to the fantasy he had that first night of meeting her. It would be so easy to open his pants, free his cock and she could go to her knees, taking him in.

Keenan stifled a groan, then spoke, “I’m being a gentleman.”

“I think I’d rather you be a sort of gentleman.” Julianne pursed her lips.

Keenan wanted to kiss her full, soft looking, plump flesh of her mouth. She didn’t seem to have on any makeup, or, if she did, it was so minimal he couldn’t tell. Her bottom lip was deep pink, which didn’t seem to be from lipstick. Julianne turned, leaving him and going back into the house. She returned in moments and stepped outside to join him on the stoop. Keenan waited while she locked her door, then guided her down the steps. The softness of her shirt and her heated skin filled his palm. At his truck, he helped her in and looped around the hood to the driver’s side. After getting in the vehicle, he started up and got them on their way.

“Another interesting set-up here, I see.”

Julianne laughed. “Yes. It’s like Kindred Place. This was actually what gave us the idea of how we wanted it set up. Before you set off on another interrogation about me—yes, all my siblings live here in Locke Estate Four. Locke Estate One is our parents and two aunts and uncles. Locke Estate Two is one set of my cousins. Nine to be exact. Locke Estate Three is our other set of cousins, and there are eight of them.”

Keenan did the math. “So between your parents, aunts, and uncles, they had twenty-four children. Talk about procreating.”

“Yes.”

“When you said earlier about living on the family estate, I had no clue this is what you meant. Doesn’t being so close to each other wear on you? Especially when you aren’t getting along.” Keenan reached the exit and made a left back onto Burrows Place.

“There’s more than enough space between our homes that we don’t have to see each other if we are on the outs. It’s like Kindred Place in that way—close but not on top of each other. Although, it’s even more like that here since there’s much more acreage between the homes.”

Keenan nodded. He had noticed the roads leading to the other houses were farther apart than at Kindred Place. From what he saw, the property seemed to be vast. As they drove past the other Locke Estates, he wondered how large the land actually was.

“Do all the estates connect to each other?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t press her for how. Keenan was still working out that Julianne’s family seemed to not only be close-knit, but also had money.

“Before you get it in your head I’m some sort of rich princess or some shit, I’m not. I worked hard to be where I am. All of my family has. Our parents taught us to work for what we want. They didn’t, and still don’t, believe in just giving us things.” She sounded defensive.

Keenan glanced at her briefly. She was frowning, with her arms crossed over her chest. He couldn’t deny that his thoughts had gone that way, but, even if she was, he wasn’t about to walk away. The woman she was, and not what she had, fascinated him. Taking his hand off the wheel, he put it on her upper thigh, squeezing gently.

“I don’t give a crap. I want to know you, Julianne Locke. And that’s what I plan to do.”

He could tell she was looking at him, but he didn’t look away from the road. Julianne’s hand covered his on her leg and squeezed back.

“You keep surprising me, Keenan. I can’t figure you out. Are you the easy-going guy you portray, or something else?”

“I’m easy-going, but I have a few sides to me. Stop trying to fit me in a category and just get to know me. Just go with it.”

“Okay. I will.”

She kept her hand over his as they continued on their way. He put his hand back on the wheel while he made the turn onto Buchanan Avenue. As he drove down the street, Julianne remained silent. He made the left to the booth to enter. Keenan paid for them both, then drove in and found a parking space not too close to anyone else.

“A drive-in movie. I haven’t been to one in a long time. Used to come to this place when Rissa was younger. What’s showing?” Julianne asked eagerly.

There was no sign listing what movie would be played. It could be a current release or an older movie. Three different movies played each week—Monday to Wednesday, they opened at six o’clock and one movie showed three times before they closed. Thursday to Saturday night a different one showed at the same time slots. Sunday was family day—they were open from noon to midnight and showed various family friendly movies. To find out what was playing any day, you had to call and an automated message would tell you.

He got out and opened Julianne’s door, helping her out before answering, “Wait and see. Now let’s have some dinner while we wait for it to start.”

Keenan opened the back door and grabbed the blankets and picnic basket before leading her to the back of the truck. Once there he lowered the tailgate and, after he quickly spread the cloth, he motioned for her to get in, steadying her as she did. He placed the extra covering beside her in case it got cooler. His cock twitched as he imagined cuddling with her under the quilts. Keenan’s mouth went dry as Julianne kicked off her sandals, showing off her cute bare toes. In moments she sat cross-legged. Placing the basket on the gate, he returned to the back door on the driver’s side, retrieving four comfortable pillows, then shut the door. Shortly after that he placed them in the bed of the truck.

Returning to the open gate, he sat, pushed the basket closer to her, then crawled over to join Julianne—she had already arranged the pillows. Sitting next to her, he spread out his legs and opened the basket. Unpacking some of what he’d brought, Keenan placed it all out quickly, after he pushed the empty basket away from them.

“Not sure what kind of sandwiches you like, so I got a few types. The condiments are on the side. Also, we have chips. There is juice, water, or soda if you prefer. Have some fruit salad for later. And some apple pie for dessert when you’re ready.”

“You thought of everything.”

He shrugged, refusing to blush. He’d been thinking for weeks where he would take her if she called him. He had planned to have more time to prepare the food he would bring. But he didn’t think he’d done too badly on short notice.

“Well, help yourself. We can get popcorn later when the movie starts.”

“And Milk Duds.”

“No doubt. You have to have the Milk Duds. Can’t have popcorn without them.”

“You like popcorn and Milk Duds, too?” Julianne paused with her sandwich halfway to her mouth.

“Who doesn’t?” He snorted.

Julianne nodded and ate her sandwich. They talked as they ate. Keenan laughed as she told him about some antics her siblings had got into that had got them into trouble with their parents. He enjoyed hearing her talk. She used her hands as she did and was animated.

Julianne laughed as Keenan talked about his family. The fondness he had for them showed in his voice. When he mentioned his sister, it was with exasperation, but love. After they’d finished their sandwiches and drinks, he put stuff back in the basket and took out the fruit salad and apple pie, placing it close so he could reach it. Keenan sat back against the pillow next to hers. He held out a hand. Taking it, Julianne shifted until she was between his spread legs with her back pressed against his chest.

“You ready for some fruit?”

His chest vibrated against her back as he spoke.

Julianne cleared her throat, then said, “Sure.”

She reached for the container and pulled off the top. Reaching for the fork, she frowned as Keenan took it from her and put it aside. He picked up a piece of fruit with his fingers. Shrugging, Julianne reached for a piece.

“Uh-uh. Let me feed you.” He squeezed her gently.

He raised fruit to her mouth. Opening, Julianne suckled in the sweet piece of pineapple. The taste filled her mouth. Licking, she moaned as the slight calluses on his fingers abraded her tongue. She could imagine how they would feel on her skin. Keenan lowered his fingers. Another piece of fruit came to her lips. She opened and bit down on the mango. It was crisp and delicious. Keenan ran his finger over her lip. Julianne groaned softly. Keenan trying to be a gentleman was going to kill her. She wanted to kiss him so badly.

Why the hell can’t I?
Before the thought could finish, she turned fully to face him, kneeling between his legs. She put down the container of fruit salad. Cupping his face, she closed her lips over his. Keenan opened to her. Stroking her tongue into the hot cavern of his mouth, she pressed against his body, kissing him hungrily. His shiver moved against her body. Groaning, Julianne deepened the kiss. The taste of him was intoxicating. His lips were firm, yet soft, against hers.

Keenan made a rough sound and took over the kiss. He softened it, gently stroking his tongue against hers. Firm hands held her hips, pulling her against his large frame. Slowly, he withdrew, touching every part of the inside her mouth. Blearily, she opened her lids. She didn’t even remember closing her eyes. All her senses seemed muffled. Light green eyes studied her with possessiveness. This time it thrilled her. His fingers stoked along her sides. Suddenly, she became aware that she had straddled his lap. His erection pressed between their clothed bodies. She wanted to strip him bare and have him. She whimpered, putting her forehead against his. They couldn’t. They might be parked a distance away from others, but there were still people around and a chance of being seen.

She moved to get off him.

“You’re fine right here.” Keenan held her in place.

“I…we…can’t. There are people here,” Julianne said in frustration.

“So? I’m not going to strip you and take you. I want to feel you against me, just like this. Think of this as building anticipation.” His dark murmur seemed to go straight to where she wanted him.

“Your control must be better than mine,” Julianne moaned.

“Sometimes. I enjoy extended foreplay. And know that, when I have you, I’m going to want to take my time and explore every inch of your satiny skin. Taste and smell”—he inhaled deeply—“the honeysuckle and peaches scent that clings to you.”

Julianne shuddered. “Oh…God. You’re driving me crazy. I’m not normally like this,” she cried, frustrated.

“I know.”

The surety of his tone surprised her. Julianne looked at him in question.

“You said you didn’t date. Even if you did, I don’t see you as a woman that would be all over any man on the first date, or jump into bed with them.” He shrugged.

“Boy, am I proving you wrong there. Acting like a wanton hussy.” Julianne rolled her eyes.

“No, you’re not. I’m just irresistible.” He smiled wickedly.

“And humble, too.” Julianne laughed.

“On occasion. Seriously, though, I don’t know about you, but the first time I saw you there was an instant attraction…but also this feeling of knowing. Like we’ve known each for a long time. Talking with you, teasing, and just being with you is so easy. I can’t explain.” He sounded befuddled.

Julianne was amazed. He’d said what she couldn’t seem to articulate. It was the same thing she’d felt when she had talked with him in her office, then again when they had been skating. They had fallen into an easy camaraderie of flirting and playful comfortableness with each other. It was strange and baffling. She couldn’t seem to figure him out.

“Glad to know I’m not the only one who’s feeling this,” Julianne said tentatively.

“You’re not.”

“Do you usually…um…express your feelings this easily?”

Keenan had been very open about what he wanted, not playing close to the vest as most men she’d observed.

“Yeah. I don’t like to beat around the bush. Don’t have time or the stomach for it.” He shrugged again.

It was refreshing, but also scary. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to discuss everything so openly.

You need to be careful, girl. This could get serious too quick. You’re not ready for that.

She picked up a piece of fruit and ran it over his lips. “Bite.”

“It’s okay, Julianne. I don’t expect you to share what you’re feeling with me. At least not yet. Just when you’re comfortable…when you’re ready. Okay?”

Keenan’s expression was unnerving, a mix of understanding and infinite patience. Julianne lowered the strawberry and bit her bottom lip. He gently touched it with his finger, releasing it from her teeth. He traced her lips.