Questing (Cosmis Connections, Book One) (2 page)

“No problem. Which game do you need the tickets for?”

“Oh no, I couldn’t let you get them.” Kiley stepped back slightly but not so far that he had to release her hand. “All I want to know is who I should go to.”

“You’re sure? I don’t mind,” Jordan offered before she nodded. “All right, I’ll give you the number but when you call, be sure you say that you got it from me and that I told you to call him as soon as he answers. Otherwise he’ll hang up.”

“Jordan?” Kiley hated it when he let go of her hand to write it down for her.

“It’s okay, Kiley. Trust me. You just tell him what game you want and that I said I’d appreciate it if he has someone drop the tickets off for you.” Jordan must have seen the doubt on her face because he shrugged. “He owes me a favor.”

“You didn’t do anything illegal for him, did you?” she blurted before she could stop herself.

“No,” he laughed. “It’s nothing, really.”

“Oh, okay.” Kiley felt her face flush. “I didn’t mean…”

“You have the prettiest blush,” Jordan observed. “It makes your eyes sparkle even more than they usually do.”

“No, that’s from you,” she gasped. “Oh!”

“Hmm, I think I like the sound of that.” He reclaimed her hand.

“I like the sound of you.” She groaned, horrified by her lack of self-control. How had this gone downhill so quickly? She had actually been conversing like a normal person until she turned back into an idiot. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” He waited until she met his eyes. “You saying that gives me hope.”

“Hope?” What was wrong with her? Why did she always react like this around him? Kiley heard Alyssa in her mind. Her cousin was right. She did want him. Bad, just like Alyssa had said the other night.

“Sure. If you like how I sound maybe we’ll talk again sometime. Maybe away from here.” He paused. “Kiley, I’m very attracted to you. I’d like to get to know you better.”

“Me? Better?” Kiley felt the cloud of his voice surround her and lost her ability to think.

“Yes, you.” Again, Jordan ignored her lack of response. “Here, let me give you my number. I’d like you to call me after you make arrangements for the tickets. I’m sure you’ll be treated properly but I’d still like to know on the off chance that he doesn’t have any for that game and I need to give you another source.”

“Call you?” Kiley was stunned. Imagine, talking to Jordan on the phone. She couldn’t decide if it would be easier than it was in person because she wouldn’t be distracted by his incredible smile or if having his voice concentrated solely on her would make it even harder.

“I’d appreciate it tremendously.” Jordan’s hand touched her cheek again. “Besides, I’ll worry about you all night if you don’t.”

“Worry?” Kiley felt herself sway toward him. “About me?”

“Mm, Dee told me you live alone,” Jordan said smoothly. “I always worry if you’ve gotten home safely, even though I can tell that you’re perfectly capable of taking care of yourself. Promise you’ll call me tonight about the tickets. It’ll give us a chance to chat again.”

She couldn’t believe she agreed although with him standing that close, holding her hand, talking like he was, she’d probably agree to anything he suggested. And yes, she had some suggestions of her own to add!

The moment ended when another customer came in but before Kiley could pull away, Jordan leaned closer and brushed her cheek with a light kiss. “Thank you, Kiley. And happy birthday again. Now I think I better go get Brett and Dee out of that plant they’re hiding in before they fall through it.”

Kiley stared, stunned when she realized that he meant they’d been spying the whole time. As she turned to greet the new arrival, she felt the flush creep up her neck and knew her face was bright red.

* * * * *

During the afternoon lull, Kiley closed herself in her boss’s office to call the scalper. As she stared at the number Jordan had given her, she replayed their conversation. She could almost feel his hand on hers as it had been. He had wanted to celebrate her birthday with her. He thought she was pretty. He was attracted to her and was interested in getting to know her better. He said he worried about her safety at night, which meant he thought about her away from the restaurant. He’d been so quick to offer to help her. And he hadn’t been offended when she implied that he was a criminal. What a ninny she was to think such a thing! Jordan McKade was a decent man. Just because people said he made money hand over fist it didn’t mean he did it illegally as some assumed. Not when so many others firmly believed he was so successful because he was a true financial genius. Still, he was able to produce a scalper’s number instantly. Then again, Brett had once commented that Jordan always remembered anything having to do with numbers. And it was Will who suggested she go to him for help. With the way he and Dee always fussed over her, he certainly wouldn’t have her do that if he didn’t trust Jordan.

With a deep breath, Kiley dialed.

“Yo,” a gruff voice answered.

“Uh, hello?” she began tentatively.

“Speak up, cupcake,” the voice growled.

“Um, hi, I, uh, need some tickets,” she continued.

“Wrong number,” he snapped impatiently.

“Wait. Please. I…um, Jordan gave me this number.” Kiley feared he’d hang up before she could explain.

“McKade?”

“Yes. Jordan McKade.”

“Why didn’t ya say so?” He sounded slightly less annoyed. “Whatcha need, cupcake?”

“Hockey tickets.” She quickly told him which game it was.

“No problem. Ya want ’em dropped?”

“Um, yes. Please. Jordan said I should ask you to do that.” She told him where she worked. “When do I pay you?”

“Pay?”

“Uh, yes. I need to pay you. For the tickets, that is.” Kiley was flustered because the man was laughing so hard.

“You sure McKade gave you this number?”

“Yes. Is something wrong?”

“Not a thing, cupcake.” He was still chuckling. “You must be damn special.”

“What? Why?”

“No reason.” He paused. “Been trying to express my thanks to McKade for his help in a family matter for ’bout a year now. He said he’d give me a shout when he needed something but you call instead. And now you say you’re paying.”

“I have to. They’re a present for my cousin.” Why was she telling a perfect stranger something so stupid? “If you won’t let me pay, then I’m not going to need the tickets after all.”

“Hold on, cupcake.” Brett was having trouble maintaining the voice he was using while he fought to contain his laughter. “Don’t get your panties in a bunch. We’ll compromise. You pay me for your cousin’s ticket and I give you yours.”

“Um…”

“Hey now, come on. I’m willing to give McKade a hell of a lot more than your one ticket but it’s up to you. You can take it or leave it but I tell ya you’d be doing me a big favor if you do it even though it rubs me the wrong way to take a cent from you.”

“Well, okay, um, thanks,” Kiley accepted as she wondered about the family matter he mentioned.

“Good. Someone’ll be there soon.” Brett was gruff again.” McKade’s a good one, cupcake. Make sure you don’t forget it.”

The line clicked before she could respond.

* * * * *

Dee snagged Kiley after she seated an elderly couple. “I know you’re pleased with yourself today and I’m sure you’re looking forward to chatting with Jordan tonight but Kiley, honey you have got to tone down that smile. It’s causing lots of speculation and there’ll be too many questions if you don’t.”

Kiley impulsively hugged her. “I can’t help it, Dee.” She knew she had had a dreamy look on her face all afternoon. “You must think I’m such a ninny. I know I’m acting like a schoolgirl with a crush on the class hottie. I know Jordan only asked me to call to make sure I got the tickets…”

“No, Kiley,” Dee said firmly. “Jordan used those tickets as an excuse. I was there, remember? I saw the way he managed to hold your hand and the way he was looking at you. I heard him say he was attracted to you. He’s eaten here every day for months. The food’s good but we both know it’s not that good. Face it. That man keeps coming in here for you and you alone. I heard Will and Brett talking Saturday. He said that before they used to get together for lunch once or twice a week. And they took turns picking the restaurant and had the deal that whoever chose, paid.”

“Dee! Brett must be so sick of coming here.”

“No, I think he’s so entertained that he doesn’t mind,” Dee paused, deciding how much of Brett’s conversation to repeat. “As we suspected, Brett is a bit of a playboy. For ages, he’s the one who nagged Jordan into going out on the town. He told Will that Jordan has gotten a bit reclusive over the years. That, since he went out on his own, he’s become very involved with his work and that he’d be content never leaving his office. Meeting you has actually helped. According to Brett, you give Jordan something else to concentrate on.

“But that’s not the point I’m trying to make. What I was going to say is that when Brett and Jordan went out they were never at a loss for female companionship but Jordan wasn’t ever overly interested in any one in particular. Brett said he’s usually bored a few hours into an evening and rarely sees the same woman more than a handful of times. Now that Jordan’s met you, Brett can’t get him to go out at all anymore except for lunch here. Kiley, that gorgeous man with the incredibly yummy voice obviously wants you. And, from the way you act around him, I’m thinking the feeling’s mutual. So tonight when you’re talking to him, keep that in mind and don’t be in a rush to hang up. You maybe should take him out for a thank you drink since he saved you so much on the tickets.”

Kiley sighed. “How I wish I could. I can feel my face getting red just thinking about it. If I actually managed to make enough sense for him to know what I was asking and he actually said yes, I know it would be a complete disaster. I’d do something awful like spill both our drinks all over him and even he wouldn’t be able to ignore that. Let’s face it, Dee. I’m a real klutz when he’s around. He’s too much for me.”

“Don’t be silly,” Dee scolded. “You need to spend some time with him, is all. Away from here. Who knows? Calling him might do you some good. On the phone, you’ll only hear that spectacular voice. Without the impact of his killer smile, those smoky eyes that keep devouring you and that magnificent body that’s to die for, you might actually be able to have a real conversation for a change. You seemed to be doing almost okay this morning until he held your hand. Uh-oh,” Dee groaned suddenly. “Don’t look now but here comes the weasel.”

Kiley glanced anyway and saw Malcolm Winslow approaching from the bar, drink in hand and pasted on a polite smile. “Good evening, Mr. Winslow. Are you ready for a table now?”

Malcolm watched her closely as Dee scurried away. “I told you before, Kiley, several times, to call me Malcolm.”

When he smiled thinly, Kiley felt a chill run up her spine. She disliked him intensely and hated whenever he came in but always forced herself to keep her feelings hidden. He was a regular customer and he never specifically did or said anything inappropriate. If he had, she would most definitely have gone straight to Henry to report it since he had always insisted on knowing of anything that was out of line in regard to his employees. More than once, she’d witnessed him requesting that a customer leave with the understanding that they were no longer welcome due to their treatment of his staff. In all fairness though, Malcolm had always acted like a gentleman even though he did give her the creeps. “Will someone be joining you tonight, Malcolm?”

“No, alas, I’m on my own this evening.” His attempt at a boyish grin failed, ending up as more of a sneer.

Kiley couldn’t come up with response that wouldn’t offend him so she quickly grabbed a menu and led him to the table she knew he preferred. “All right then. I hope you enjoy your meal,” she said brightly and hurried back to her station.

Malcolm decided something about her was different. He had been dining here for almost two years and still hated it as much as ever. When he walked in the first time and instantly recognized the restaurant’s better than average potential as a location where he was likely to meet lonely women with money he decided the benefits far outweighed his personal preferences. His initial assumption had proven correct many times over and the women’s generosity never ceased to please him but his interest always returned to Kiley whenever he was between companions. He thought it was her shy smile and coyness that kept drawing his attention since, after all, everyone knew it was the quiet ones who were the hottest fucks. Maybe Kiley would even turn out to be a screamer. He intended to find that out very soon because he was almost due to move on to greener pastures.

Tonight, Malcolm decided to time his dinner so he’d be getting to desert just about the time she’d be ready to leave. He was sure she’d jump at the chance to join him as soon as he asked. He’d been watching lately and there didn’t seem to be a boyfriend in the picture because, as far as he could tell, she never got any personal phone calls. And no one ever came to pick her up. She’d probably been creaming her panties for him to make a move the whole time he’d been coming there. That had to be why she was all smiles tonight. She must sense that it was finally her turn for his attention.