If You Only Knew (Lovestruck #3) Read online

  “Shit. I don’t need this, tonight of all nights!” Stella wiped her palms down the front of her blouse that surprisingly wasn’t too wrinkled.

  “You don’t look like you’ve been fucked. Go take care of whatever is happening.” She squeezed her knees together to stop the ache inside her.

  Stella nodded and rolled back her shoulders. Gone was the happily ravished lover. Replaced was an astute woman intent on taking control of whatever situation had arisen.

  She was caught by surprise when Stella gave her a warm, enthusiastic kiss. She sighed, ready to pull her down on her lap, but Stella broke away, licked her lips, and gave her a pacified stare.

  “I’ll be right back. Stay here.”

  Kristi didn’t watch her leave the room. When the door slammed shut, she dropped her head in her hands and released a dry chuckle. The scent of stale sex was on her hands. The electrifying moment for her had now come to an end.

  Standing on shaking legs, she bent down, gathered her clothes, and got dressed. When another loud shout echoed, she opened the door and stepped on the landing to watch the scene below.

  Stella marched into the fray. One of the security men had another man in a head lock against the wall. Too bad. It’s going to be a while before she returns. With that in mind, she’d grab her things and leave.

  Maybe, in another time or another place, they would meet again, and she’d be on the receiving end, screaming out her release for all to hear.

  * * *

  Stella almost slipped in a puddle of wine on the floor while making her way through the crowd. The music had stopped, and people stared at Hadley’s partner, Adam, who had a man up against the wall. Preston glowered in annoyance, holding the arm of a flustered-looking Kyle. “What happened?” she asked Hadley.

  Before he answered, Adam glanced at her over his shoulder. “This man wasn’t on the guest list. He was harassing Mr. James.”

  She tapped Adam on the shoulder. “You can release him.” She didn’t bother to hide the disgust in her voice.

  He released the man who smoothed out his gray blazer.

  “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Stella.” He waved with great flair, more than pleased with all the drama he’d caused.

  “Craig.” She gritted her teeth and crossed her arms. “What have you done now?”

  “I was minding my own business, checking out this wonderful exhibit, when I spotted Mr. James and Mr. Kale, looking very cozy together, I may add. I asked if they had a special relationship that extended to either one of their bedrooms.” He sent her a sly wink.

  The crowd gasped. “Hadley, can you and Adam escort Mr. Hampton out?” She took a step toward a satisfied-looking Craig. “You’re banned from my gallery. If I see you here again or near my family, or any of my friends, I’ll place a restraining order on you.”

  “That’s big talk, Ms. Jennings.” Craig knelt down to grab his camera and notepad.

  Adam stepped forward, but she shook her head at him. “Please be respectful of Mr. Hampton and his materials. We wouldn’t want him to accuse us of assault.”

  Craig looked disappointed, and, without waiting for Adam to escort him outside, he turned and started to back away.

  “Thanks for a great night. Be sure to pick up the mid-afternoon edition of the Metro tomorrow for a review of tonight’s event!” Craig saluted the room, winked at her, and strolled outside as if nothing was wrong.

  The room remained silent for a few more seconds until the DJ in the back corner turned up the music again. People dispersed, and soon conversation filled the room.

  She pressed her hand to her forehead. Hadley patted her back. “I apologize. This shouldn’t have happened.”

  “Explain to me what did happen,” she said in frustration.

  Adam came back to the two women. His face didn’t betray any emotion, but his eyes told a different story. His throat moved slowly as he swallowed. “Mr. Hampton wore a disguise. He had a fake moustache and a hair piece. That’s why we couldn’t identify him. He also had a phony ID, and it matched the guest list as a member of the press. We’re not sure how it happened, but we will investigate and get to the bottom of this.”

  “What type of accusations did Craig throw at Kyle to make him upset?” she asked.

  Hadley raised her hand. “I was chatting with Preston and suddenly Kyle had his hands around the collar of Hampton’s coat, dragging him across the floor. I called Adam over, and he broke them up. Hampton started throwing accusations around and said Kyle and Preston were lovers and he’d announce it to the world via the Metro and his online blog. From what I hear, Hampton was upset Kyle refused to give him an interview, and this was payback.”

  “Oh God, kill me.” She scoped out the room. Surprisingly no one gawked at her, and most were still enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, some were on cell phones and typing on small electronic devices or writing in notepads. Shit. The press is going to have a field day with this.

  “I’d better do some crowd control. I’m going to see how Kyle is doing and then find Mika. He’s probably freaking out.”

  “Why would I freak out? This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me!” Mika scooted over to her side and pulled her in for a hug.

  She gave his back tentative pats. “I’m so embarrassed this happened tonight, of all nights.”

  He rocked her from side to side. “Honey, in the last five minutes, I had eight people come up to me, congratulating me on the sideshow, which they think was planned, and they now want to purchase some of my paintings! It all worked out for the best.”

  She caught Hadley and Adam’s eye. Both appeared uncomfortable. Adam stared at Mika like he was high, and a blush appeared on Hadley’s cheeks.

  “I’m glad you’re happy about these turn of events. It’s given me heartburn,” she said. I need a smoke.

  “If it can put money in our pocket, who cares?” Mika lowered his voice. “I think you should go to the bathroom and look at yourself in the mirror. You have a noticeable bruise on the side of your neck that wasn’t there earlier.” He moved back and gave her a discerning stare.

  She squeaked and covered her throat.

  “I don’t think anyone else noticed, thanks to the recent hubbub,” he said. “We’ll talk later, Stella J.” After another tight hug, he sauntered away.

  Someone shoot me. Now. With her hand still covering her neck, she turned. Hadley talked in her earpiece, and Adam chatted with two men from his security detail.

  Without bothering to excuse herself, she walked across the room, acting the poised businesswoman. Instead of going to the women’s room, she went up the stairs and to her office. The door was wide open, and her mystery woman gone.

  “Damn.” Pens and papers were scattered on the floor. but she didn’t find a note or card with a name or a phone number on her desk. Wait a minute! Didn’t she say her name during—

  Something bright on the seat of the chair caught her eye. It was the scarf the woman who called herself Tea had worn. Lifting it to her face, she licked her lips as the spicy scent of cinnamon filled her nose.

  She landed on her couch and stared at the city skyline. She’d freshen up in her personal bathroom, check to see if Kyle had calmed down and then wrap things up with Mika and see how much he’d sold tonight. Then she’d plan her next step regarding the seductive, tattooed sprite. She wouldn’t let this woman vanish from her life after she’d given her the most incredible orgasm she ever had.

  It was only right she returned the favor.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The paper in front of her made her laugh as she read the article from The Metro Journal. Craig Hampton had nothing but great things to say about Mika and his talent but added a few shocking zingers about the elusive Kyle James and his business associate, Preston Kale, CEO of one of the biggest coffee corporations in the world, including how Hampton was forcibly thrown out of the event.

  The Metro was total trash but she couldn’t get enough of it. Her dad had always been of a fan of the rag. She’d never forget the Sunday mornings they’d spend together having breakfast while reading the paper and commenting on the articles.

  “The Times wrote a good wrap-up of Mika’s showing.” Brooke, her office manager and one of the best artists she had on staff, appeared in her doorway. She placed the paper on the desk and sat in the chair across from her. She lounged in her seat and tugged on her silver hoop nose ring.

  “Mika texted me with happy faces. It was an awesome event, even with the drama toward the end.” She smiled, remembering the way Stella came apart in her mouth. She rubbed the tops of her legs, still on edge even though she had made herself come with her vibrator yesterday morning and before she fell asleep last night.

  “You’re in a better mood than you have been,” Brooke said. “Did Cooper get run over by a taxi?”

  “I’m not that lucky.” She flicked a strand away from her cheek. “I just had a lot of fun at Mika’s exhibit. Met some great people and flirted with the owner of the gallery.”

  “You mean Stella Jennings?” Brooke asked. She sat forward in her chair and cupped her chin. “She wasn’t too hoity-toity or snobbish?”

  Kristi shook her head. “She’s down to earth, but a little flighty. We had a great conversation, and she has this cute belly button ring. I’m thinking of getting one myself.”

  “Wait one minute.” Brooke lifted her hand, her silver nail polish and rings shining in the overhead light. “She showed you her ring during the event?”

  “I don’t kiss and tell.”

  Brooke’s jaw dropped and she stood, slapping her palms on top of the desk. “You bitch! You can’t announce something like that and not give up the deets. It’s against the rules!”

  “What’s against the rules?”

  Kristi held back a groan when a slim strawberry blonde walked in. Rising from her chair, she gave Brooke a warning with her eyes for her to behave. With a smile still in place, she moved around her desk and bumped her shoulder. Brooke despised Veronica, and if she had a choice, she’d ban her from the shop for life.

  “Hey, Ronnie, it’s been a while. How have you been?” She eyed Veronica’s dark brown leather jacket and matching high-heeled boots.

  “Excellent. I just finished my weekly tanning treatment and had a few hours to kill before my hair appointment, so I thought I’d stop in and see how you’re doing.” Before Kristi could stop her, Veronica hugged her.

  She sneezed at the overpowering scent of mousse and hairspray. A layered strand almost slipped up her nose. She breathed through her mouth while Veronica held her tightly.

  Veronica finally released her and rubbed her arms. Her lips formed a pout. “I heard what that piece of shit Cooper did to you! Why didn’t you call me? I would’ve dropped everything and comforted you.”

  She had experienced the woman’s special type of comforting before and wasn’t interested in doing so again. The pleading in Veronica’s eyes made her twitchy.

  “I’ll leave you two alone. I have an appointment in a few minutes. Brooke gave Kristi’s hip a soft squeeze. Irritation crossed Veronica’s face.

  She probably thinks Brooke is volunteering to comfort me like she wants to. Too bad Brooke is straight as an arrow.

  Holding back a laugh, she returned Brooke’s. “I need coffee. Want to join me in the kitchen where we can talk, Veronica?”

  Veronica smiled brightly and spun on her heel and left the office. Brooke rolled her eyes, and Kristi rolled her eyes.

  They made their way down the hall and near the back. They passed a few rooms with doors that had work in progress signs on them, and walls with framed pictures of clients, both unknowns and celebrities, showing off their tattoos.

  She went to the Keurig while Veronica sat on the couch instead of at the table. Setting her bag on the floor next to her feet, she pulled down her midriff sweater to display a toned and tanned stomach. Her skinny flare jeans showed no curves or bumps, and not even an inkling of an embarrassing camel toe. Back when they had dated in college, she’d been in awe that this rich, beautiful woman, who loved experimenting with both men and women, had chosen her as her lover.

  After the machine poured the two cups of brew, she brought them over and sat down. Veronica took a cup and a sip, licking the rim. “You remember exactly how I like it. Light with no sugar.”

  She took a sip of her own. “How could I forget? We take it the same way.”

  “We’re alike in many ways.” Veronica dropped her palm on Kristi’s knee.

  She glanced down. “Ronnie, you have to stop flirting with me. We’ve been through this before—”

  “I’m a friend, nothing more.” She patted Kristi’s knee and then removed her hand. “I’m sticking with men for now. Daddy keeps pushing me to date these rich stockbrokers and media CEOs he does business with.” She tapped her nails on the side of her mug. “He’s glad I’m over my ‘experimenting phase’ and finally settling down and growing up.”

  Kristi nodded in sympathy at the youngest daughter of a billionaire. The paparazzi loved to take pictures of Veronica at clubs, parties, and other functions. Even with her attraction to both men and women, the press hadn’t been too harsh and embraced her as a spokesperson for many LGBTQ groups. As a party planner, she held fundraisers for equal rights charities, although she didn’t need the money she earned. Daddy Hardwicke paid his darling daughter an allowance.

  Many times, Veronica had offered to pay for dinner or tickets to some sort of event she invited Cooper and her to attend. She grimaced as she thought about the asshole and took a gulp of her coffee too quickly, burning the roof of her mouth.

  Veronica settled an arm around her shoulder. “Still trying to get over what Coop’s done to you?”

  She shrugged. “It’s going to take some time. That jerk has been in my life for too long. I can’t believe he would be such a prick and do this to me after—”

  “After you left me and decided to be with him? I feel horrible because I was the one who introduced you. I’d never expect him to cheat on you with Danica.” Veronica’s face grew hard, and her lip curled. “The skank has men in and out of her bed on a weekly basis. Coop might end up with some nasty disease thanks to that crack whore.”

  Kristi snickered “Maybe his cock will fall off or the crabs will climb into his brain and gnaw it away.”

  “We can only hope.” Veronica combed through the hair at the back of Kristi’s nape.

  Veronica’s touch lulled her into relaxation. She needed to keep those boundaries up or she’d fall back to old habits. As of now, she didn’t want to be in a relationship because Cooper’s betrayal was too fresh. Plus, she only wanted one partner in her bed, not two or even three, like Veronica sometimes preferred.

  She stood, checking her watch and shaking her head. “I’d love to talk more but my accountant is coming in to go over the bills. I also have two appointments scheduled the afternoon. I’ll call you for a rain check. Maybe we can have dinner next week?”

  A short, unhappy flicker filled Veronica’s eyes but then was replaced with understanding. She rose from the couch with her purse hanging from her wrist. “I’m going to hold you to that.” Her hand came down on Kristi’s shoulder. “I can cheer you up.”

  She arched her eyebrow and pushed her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. “I’m surrounded by more than enough people who can do that job.”

  “But no one like me.” Veronica kissed Kristi. She expected Veronica to increase the pressure of the kiss, but she backed off. Veronica had always been an excellent kisser. Heat built low in her belly, and she shifted to one leg to stop the pressure between her thighs.

  Veronica brushed her finger down Kristi’s chin. “Not so bad, huh? Just a simple kiss between friends.”

  She didn’t believe that for a second but couldn’t complain because the kiss had been nice.

  “Ahem.”

  Brooke stood in the doorway with a peeved expression.

  “While you were taking a break, your next client has arrived. She’s sitting in the front.”

  “I don’t have anyone coming in until two.” She scratched her head in confusion. “Are you sure? I no longer take walk-ins. What’s her name?”

  “How should I know? I didn’t catch her name.” Brooke flounced away.

  “Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.” Kristi shook her head.

  “It looks to me like Brooke isn’t happy we’re such good friends. Maybe she’s jealous.”

  “Jealous?” She gave Veronica an unbelieving look. “Over what?”

  “She’s interested in you and upset you won’t give her a chance.” Veronica put her mug in the sink.

  “Brooke is straight. She likes punk-rock type guys with gravelly voices who wear vintage T-shirts and biker boots.”

  “Whatever you say. I just get this strange vibe from her. Many are still in denial, unlike the two of us.”

  “I can’t deal with this. I have a business to run,” she said and left the room.

  “I have to leave anyway. I’ll call you tomorrow, and we can make dinner plans.” Veronica came up beside her. “You haven’t been to my new condo yet. Why don’t you come over one night this week, and I’ll make you dinner in my new state-of-the-art kitchen?”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  “It’s a date.”

  She ignored the unpleasant twinge in her stomach at Veronica’s use of the word date. “I’ll return the favor and invite you over to my place. My mom would love to see you again.”

  Veronica’s smile remained in place but her eyes became less animated than before. “That would be…nice. Your mother makes a great Bundt cake.”

  Bundt cake? She couldn’t remember if Veronica had ever eaten any of her mother’s homemade desserts. In all the years she’d known her, Veronica had been to her house a handful of times.

  “You like Bundt cake? Isn’t it too fattening for you?” she.

  Veronica twined their fingers together. “For you, I’d eat it and have dinner with your overprotective mother.”