Читать книгу Simply Sensual - Carly Phillips - Страница 7

I’D LIKE TO GET TO KNOW YOU, Grace.

Ben smacked his hand against the wall. What the hell had he been thinking, speaking with his gut and not his brain? He’d spent the past five days watching her from a distance, yet he’d underestimated the impact she’d have on him upon meeting her in person. He’d meant to be friendly and begin to gain her trust.

Instead he’d been blown away. Her cocoa-brown eyes had danced with light and life and he’d been captivated on the spot. Adrenaline had kicked in the second he’d heard her soft voice, and surrounded by her fragrant scent of vanilla, his body had come alive. He’d backed off, but not soon enough. Even a cold shower hadn’t lessened the effect of Grace Montgomery.

Small consolation but at least he’d made substantial progress on the assignment, and in less than a week’s time. When Emma called for her daily report—in about five minutes, he noted, glancing at his watch—he’d be able to tell her he’d met her granddaughter.

Ben paced the floor of the apartment. No need for the older woman to know he’d been enchanted and completely caught off guard. The picture hadn’t done Grace justice and Ben knew for certain if he wasn’t careful, he’d fall hard and fast for Emma Montgomery’s free-spirited granddaughter—a woman far out of his league and the subject of his investigation to boot.

Perhaps because of his father’s careless ways, Ben’s work ethic was strong. He worked hard, provided for his mother, saved for the future when he could, and made certain his clients were happy enough with his services to secure a referral for future cases. His work ethic did not include playing around with a client’s granddaughter.

He had to focus on his job and, in fact, he’d made quite a bit of headway. He had Grace’s routine down pat. Not only did he know she had a full-time job at a photography studio uptown, but he knew she spent her lunch hour and weekends frequenting a park that bordered a seedy neighborhood.

Ben knew all about neighborhoods where trouble lurked. He’d grown up in one and knew just how tempting a woman like Grace could be to a guy from the wrong side of the tracks. Hell, he knew how she tempted him now.

He had no problem putting Emma at ease about how Grace was earning money to survive, but he’d hold off before revealing the rest. Ben needed to do some more digging into other areas of Grace’s life to find out why she was hanging around questionable parts of town, camera in hand. The faster he got the information, the faster he could get the hell out…before his rapidly beating heart was broken by a woman who’d undoubtedly grow bored with her new life.

She might be living on her own, and he admired the attempt, but sooner or later, Grace Montgomery would miss the family she’d left behind and desire the easier lifestyle she’d grown up with. The expensive decor of her apartment proved she hadn’t completely left the life behind.

Ben didn’t begrudge her that life. He just had no intention of being a casualty when the novelty of making it on her own wore off.

GRACE STEPPED OUT of the dark subway station. The freedom she felt walking into the fresh air, camera in hand, the breeze warm on her arms and the sun hot on her face, was liberating. She passed by the boarded-up building that once held a restaurant, waved to a bunch of neighborhood kids she saw on her daily trips to the park and rounded the corner leading to the playground she loved.

As usual during lunch hour, the basketball courts were crowded with kids and she paused in front of the wrought-iron gate. Clutching the cold metal in her hands, she peered through the open spaces and watched the games from the sidelines. The smack of the ball against the blacktop mingled with the low strains of male voices. With most of the players in white T-shirts, Grace was hard-pressed to tell them apart…until she caught sight of the guy in gray.

She couldn’t mistake the jet-black hair hitting his shoulders as he ran or the physique she’d memorized the day he’d moved in. But it was the distinctive sound of his voice over the dull roar of the other players that sealed her certainty. She didn’t know what Ben Callahan was doing down here, and she intended to find out. But not until she’d captured this moment on film.

She hadn’t seen him for a week and she had no intention of letting the opportunity to feast on his good looks and masculinity pass her by. She flipped off the lens cap and raised the camera to eye level. At the same moment, play on the court stopped, the guys hitting the benches to take a break—except for Ben and a lone player who remained by the hoop. Though Grace stood in the shade of the buildings’ shadows, Ben stood bracketed by sunlight.

Her week of deprivation was at an end and she paused to revel in the sight.

He wiped a hand over his forehead to remove the sweat and grime from the game—a typically masculine move, but there was nothing typical about Ben. His sexy mannerisms, his powerful stance, the muscles in his legs visible thanks to his nylon shorts, set him apart from the other men in the world. And Grace appreciated it all as she began to capture his movements on film.

His body language mimicked those around them. He spoke to the kids as if he knew their language, as if he were accepted. Yet she’d never seen him here before. Grace wondered who he was and why he’d shown up now. Did he know the neighborhood residents because he worked in the area or did he have family down here? she wondered.

But first…with the easy adjustment of her zoom lens, she zeroed in. With each click of the shutter, she became one with Ben, and as she seized his every nuance, every undercurrent on film, she began to feel. Her heart raced as if she’d run the court and her pulse pounded in time to the dribble of the ball smacking the ground.

As he gestured and moved, explaining something to the youth beside him, she couldn’t draw her gaze from the ripple of muscle in his arms and the strength in his calves and thighs. Thanks to the sun’s strong rays and his hard play, damp stains darkened his T-shirt. She snapped the shutter automatically, not missing a beat, but her body continued a rampage of its own. Her back grew damp and her shirt stuck to her skin, while a fine sheen of perspiration dotted her face. She lowered the camera and inhaled deep, drawing an unsteady breath.

Grace had been searching for clues to what kind of woman lay inside the polite female created by her judge father and well-bred mother. Now she knew seething sensuality lay dormant inside her, just waiting to be unleashed. And Ben was the man to take her on the next part of her journey of self-discovery.

Everything he made her feel was honest and real, so opposite to the artificial world she’d grown up in—a world where people hid their feelings, married for show, cared little for their children, and worst of all repressed their sexuality—unless they were cheating on a spouse. Except for her brother Logan, who’d defied the family political tradition and had also married for love, the Montgomery world was a phony one.

The opposite of the real world Ben inhabited.

She could only imagine the strength and beauty of the photos she’d just taken—photos for her personal album, not a stepping stone in her career.

Another glance at the court, and she saw Ben once more, hand on the kid’s shoulder, apparently explaining the finer points of the game. Not many men cared enough to work with the kids in this neighborhood, kids who needed guidance. Grace admired not just Ben’s physique but the obvious goodness he possessed inside.

She headed around the gate and came up behind him. “Hey there, neighbor.”

“Grace?” He turned toward her, surprise in his voice, disbelief in his gaze.

“The one and only.” She sprinted onto the court to join him.

He tossed the ball to the young boy. “Get to work on those jump shots. I’ll be with you in a second.” He pivoted back to her. “What are you doing here?”

Was that anger she heard in his tone? She raised an eyebrow in question. “Well, hello to you, too. And I could ask you the same thing. It just so happens I’m a regular around here. How about you?”

“What’s with the camera?” he asked without bothering to answer her question.

She lifted her prized piece of equipment before letting it fall back around her neck. “I’m working. What’s your excuse? Because if you don’t mind my saying so, it seems awfully coincidental that we’d both end up in the same neighborhood.”

He met her gaze, which was a good sign that he wasn’t hiding anything, but she didn’t know him well enough to read him…yet.

“Don’t get yourself worked up, Gracie.” His voice softened and she couldn’t help melting like ice cream on the hot sidewalk. “I was just concerned to find you hanging in a neighborhood like this.” His arm swept the air around him.

She figured that was as much of an apology as she would get from the man. “Well, I admit it’s not as fine as most, but the people here are real.” Considering concern was behind his attitude, she didn’t mind explaining. “And they deserve the same little joys in life the rest of us have.”

She waved the camera. “That’s what these pictures are for, to help raise money on behalf of the kids in this neighborhood—and the mothers love them. Pictures of their kids are the least I can give back.” She silently cursed the insecurity she hadn’t meant to reveal.

He stepped forward. “And why is that?” His soft voice wrapped around her like a warm caress. “Is your background more privileged than most?”

“How’d you guess?” she asked, suddenly wary. Because they’d met once and she’d never revealed her background to her neighbor. Of course her apartment decor reeked of wealth, but his tone held more than a hint of certainty that he knew her well.

He lifted her chin with his hand, holding her face up to daylight. Heat having nothing to do with the sun skittered across her skin. “That cultured voice is a dead giveaway. And besides those sculpted cheekbones speak for themselves.”

So he’d pegged her from day one. But to Ben, she didn’t want to be the spoiled rich girl, she wanted to be just Grace. And she believed she still had that chance.

She inhaled deep. The air held Ben’s raw scent and if Grace thought she’d been swept away by the sight of him before, she was on fire now. “What makes you such a good judge of people?”

“In my line of work, being observant is second nature.”

She shot him a questioning look.

“Private investigator,” he explained.

His occupation surprised her, but she appreciated the insight. “Is that what you’re doing down here? Working on a case?”

She glanced over her shoulder, hoping the kid Ben had been coaching wasn’t the subject of some undercover investigation that would get him in trouble. Drugs, the illegal sale of fake merchandise—she saw too many kids in danger and hoped the money from CHANCES would help kids like these. Not only would it open the door to her career, but she’d ease the guilt she felt for having so much when others had so little.

“Now, Grace, are you avoiding the question about your background?” He not-so-subtly turned the subject back to her.

She grinned. Apparently, with their interest in each other running high, neither one was willing to give without receiving in return. “No, Mr. Private Investigator. Let’s just say I’m leveling the playing field. You answer my question, I’ll answer yours.”

He fingered the camera strap between his thumb and forefinger. “I didn’t know this was a game, but I’ll play. Since I’m new to the building, I asked the landlord which areas to avoid and he mentioned this neighborhood. High crime, drug trafficking…kids in need.” He pointed to the game of basketball that had resumed behind them. “So here I am.”

She’d found this neighborhood in much the same way, but she was a permanent resident. Ben was a temporary neighbor, which made his actions that much more generous and giving.

She wondered again what was behind his presence here. “Why, Ben, I’d never have suspected you had an altruistic streak.”

He laughed. “I don’t go around advertising it, but I grew up in a place like this. Whenever I go in to a new neighborhood, I like to go back to my roots. Like you, I give back in return.”

Her chest constricted at the admission. So not only was the man of her dreams sexy, but he had a heart.

“No welching. It’s your turn. Is your background more privileged than most? Is that why you feel the need to hit these areas without backup?”

She laughed. “I don’t think I need backup. Who’d be interested enough to bother with me?”

“Don’t underestimate your worth, Grace.”

She shivered, realizing he’d struck her one weakness with deadly accuracy. Though she hadn’t meant to imply she wasn’t worthy of interest, it was her greatest fear. That her worth lay only in her money and family name.

“I meant who’d give me a second look? I’m dressed in rags.” She pointed to her ripped jeans and paint-splattered T-shirt. “No makeup, no jewelry to attract attention.” She shrugged, hoping she’d covered any hint of insecurity she might have revealed.

“Just a fancy camera worth good money in a pawn shop, for starters. Then there’s those cheekbones I mentioned earlier.” His finger slipped down her face, whisper-soft but with enough electricity to light this neighborhood in a blackout.

“I can take care of myself.”

“I know you believe that, but…”

“I know that.” She grasped his finger in her hand. The desire to feel the rough glide of his skin over her aching breasts was overwhelming. Somehow she found the ability to speak. “I appreciate the concern but I really need to get going. I want to shoot a few pictures before I have to get back to work.”

He stepped backward and the distance gave her breathing room. “You owe me some answers, Gracie.”

She laughed, grateful to be off the hook for now. “That’s okay. I’m not going far.”

Before he could answer, she turned and headed for the playground. Little did Ben know, she wasn’t kidding.

He was the key to her sensual self-discovery and she planned to get very close to him, very soon.

BEN SHOOK HIS HEAD, watching as her behind swayed gracefully in tight denim. Her name suited her perfectly, Ben thought. Which was why Grace had no business being in this neighborhood.

Hell, he didn’t like being back in an exact replica of his old stomping grounds. With little money growing up, the basketball courts had been his escape. The harder he’d pounded the ball, the more he’d thought he would forget that he’d be coming home to an empty apartment. No father, a mother who was working too hard, and neighbors screaming at each other on both sides of the paper-thin walls.

He related to the kids he’d met this morning when he’d stationed himself here to wait for Grace. If Ben could get one in particular, Leon, to keep his focus on the game and not the streets, the kid could get a scholarship and make his way out of the slums. Ben’s time here would be well spent, not to mention that helping the guys was a distraction from Grace—who still hadn’t given him a strong enough reason for hanging out in a place like this. He admired her desire to give back. He respected her for the effort. But he’d hate to see her good deeds rewarded by trouble.

And why did he care? Ben let out a groan. This was exactly what he didn’t want—to get involved in her life. His job was to find the facts for his client. Instead he was thinking about Grace too much, words like admiration and respect coming to mind as he did.

No sense in denying the truth. Far from the detachment he’d promised himself, he was beginning to care. Being around Grace could put his heart at risk and he didn’t like it worth a damn.

Better he focus on the facts of the case—he’d gotten the answers Emma had sought, in record time. He knew Grace’s professional occupation and how she filled her free time. He could see for himself she was indeed happy as Emma wanted for her granddaughter. If her choice in locations wasn’t prime, well, she was a smart woman and an adult—she could take care of herself.

Distance, he reminded himself and turned back to the court. Leon threw him the ball, catching him off guard. Ben began a steady dribble, echoing the word detachment each time the ball smacked the blacktop. He went for a layup at the same moment a feminine, familiar shriek pierced the air, sounding over the raucous voices of the guys in the game.

His gut clenched hard. Ball forgotten, he ran toward the sound of Grace’s voice. She was sprawled on the ground where she’d obviously been pushed, and a tall kid in a red sleeveless, hooded sweatshirt pulled on the camera strap around her neck. His strength nearly lifted her off the ground, while Grace, looking petite and out of her league, refused to hand over her precious possession.

“Hey!” At the sound of Ben’s shout, the youth released the strap, causing Grace to fall backward against the pavement. Given a choice between running after the attacker or seeing to the victim, Ben chose Grace.

He knelt down beside her. “You okay?” Long strands of blond hair fell over her face and he brushed them aside with one hand. Ignoring the sensation of silk beneath his fingertips wasn’t easy.

She offered him a smile he had no doubt was forced. “I’m fine as long as you don’t say ‘I told you so.’”

“I don’t have to. You already did.” He held out a hand to help her up.

She placed her palm inside his, wincing as her skin slid against his coarser flesh. Grabbing her wrist, he gently turned her hand over to reveal angry red scrapes on her palm. “Other one?”

She flipped over her right hand. Similar abrasions covered her skin. “It’s nothing some antiseptic won’t take care of.”

“Agreed.” But his insides didn’t feel as calm as his voice. A queasy feeling settled in his stomach at the sight of the bruises, and an uneasiness pricked at him when he thought of what could have happened if he hadn’t been around to scare off her attacker.

She swiped at her eyes. So she wasn’t as brave as she wanted him to believe. Good. In that case he wouldn’t have to worry about her returning here when he was gone. He pushed aside the added grief that thought caused in his gut.

He helped her rise to her feet without putting pressure on her hands. “You weren’t going to hand over the camera, were you?”

“Of course not! That camera cost a bundle. I couldn’t afford to replace it and, besides, he’s not entitled to take what doesn’t belong to him.”

He laughed at the innocent proclamation along with the determined clench of her jaw. “And just how did you plan to stop him?”

“If he’d gotten the camera, I’d have tripped him before he got two feet away. But you saved me the hassle. And besides, I held on to the camera, didn’t I?”

The little minx sounded proud of herself.

“He could have snapped your neck.”

“But he didn’t. See?” She whipped a fall of blond hair off one shoulder, exposing delicate white skin.

But Ben wasn’t fooled and he pulled back on the camera strap, cringing as he saw the damage. “Your neck doesn’t look much better than your hands, Gracie. Ever think of taking a self-defense class?”

“I haven’t had a chance, but I’ll make time—soon.”

Obviously she’d lied to her grandmother about having taken those classes. What else had she lied to Emma about and what else was she doing in this neighborhood?

“Thanks for the help, Ben.” Her shoulders slumped and much of the earlier bravado went with it as a tremor shook her slender frame. Taking him off guard, she turned and walked away.

“Hey.”

“Is for horses,” she called over her shoulder.

Two long strides and he caught up with her. Though he admired her independent streak, he was too worried about her to leave her alone. Hell, he wanted to be with her after what had just happened. Though he was asking for trouble, taking care of Grace came first.

Shoving his hands into his pockets, he walked alongside her. He sensed her need to keep moving, to not think about being attacked. She was probably in shock and he understood. But the numbness would wear off and he planned to be there when the impact set in.

“Where are you off to?” he asked.

“Subway.”

He shook his head. No way he’d let her go alone. The first few times he’d followed her, he’d ducked into a crowded subway car and tailed her at a discreet distance. Today, wanting things to appear coincidental, he’d taken his car.

“Subway’s not safe.”

She stopped in her tracks and turned toward him. Glazed but determined eyes looked up at him. “It’s been safe enough for as long as I’ve been coming here.”

“So was the neighborhood until today. Let me drive you home. My car is around the corner.”

Gratitude flickered in her eyes, but she shook her head. “No, thanks. I can get home myself.”

“I’m sure you can.” Unable to help himself, he reached out and touched her cheek and she turned her face into his open palm, until he cradled her face in his hand.

She was so soft. Her skin, her voice…but not what was inside. Emma knew her granddaughter well. Grace was tough. And as much as she might want to give in, she wouldn’t let herself lean on him.

He admired her strength, even if right now, he wanted to conquer it. “There’s nothing wrong with accepting help every once in a while.”

She smiled. “I know that.”

“Then lean on me now.” He treated her to his most charming grin. “And I promise I’ll let you ditch me later.” And he hoped to hell she did toss him out. Because Ben wasn’t sure he had what it would take to drag himself away from her.