Читать книгу The Business of Sex - Rhonda Leah - Страница 5

Chapter 1

“Let’s mark these down for quick sale.” Laurel handed a box of candy cane condoms to Amanda, her assistant and best friend.

“You don’t think they’ll fly off the shelves with Valentine’s Day around the corner?” Amanda asked.

“Those might, but the Rudolph ones won’t. Slash the price and put them by the register.” She pointed to the antique oak sales counter. A modern cash register sat on one end, and beside it, a stack of new mail.

“Drat, I missed the hunk-a-luscious mail guy,” Amanda said, tossing the condoms into a white wicker clearance basket. She picked up the mail and flipped through the stack, stopping at a card-sized envelope. “Cherry Laurel? Is this for you?”

Hearing her childhood nickname for the first time in years, Laurel looked up. Her cousin Beau had tagged her with that name back in Madison Creek, the small town where she’d spent summers with her grandparents.

She took the envelope from Amanda to examine the postmark. Local New Orleans sender, but no return address. It could be from Beau, though she didn’t think he’d been in town recently.

“Must be from someone I know.” She shrugged. “If you’re finished with the mail I’ll take it to my office. I’ve got to get some paperwork done this afternoon. I want a free weekend.”

Laurel went to tackle her least favorite part of business ownership: the paperwork. The phone rang as soon as she sat down, and a half hour passed before she turned her attention back to the mail.

She examined the envelope again. The computer-generated black text looked generic, and gave no hint of who might have sent it. Her curiosity piqued, she slipped a letter opener under the seal and sliced it open.

Inside, she found a note on plain beige cardstock.

The Rubber Tree is hung full of protection. Can it protect you?

The eerie words were in the same generic font, centered on the card. A shiver snaked down Laurel’s spine. Taking a deep breath, she pushed away from the desk.

As she stalked to the sales floor, her temperature rose. Cripes. She thought the lewd comments had ceased. Granted, when The Rubber Tree opened two years ago it had stirred remarks from all types. Even a French Quarter location couldn’t guarantee acceptance for some business ventures.

Finding Amanda still straightening displays, she handed the card over. “Get a load of this.”

Amanda read, pursing her lips. “Uh... That’s original. Any idea who might have sent it?”

“No. It’s odd, though. No one calls me Cherry Laurel except for people in Madison Creek.”

“Weird nickname. How’d you get it?”

“My cousin nicknamed me Cherry Laurel as a kid. I love cherries, and the Cherry Laurel is a type of tree. It sort of stuck. But not many people know.”

“Maybe it’s a coincidence. Have any customers been hitting on you lately?”

She thought a minute. “No more than usual.”

“Are you sure? We get all types in here,” Amanda said, examining the card again. “Maybe you should call the police. You know, to be safe.”

“You’ve got to be kidding. Don’t you remember how supportive they were when we opened?”

Amanda snorted, but the phone interrupted what promised to be a spectacularly sarcastic comment.

Laurel grabbed the card from her hand and stepped behind the counter to answer the phone, a supplier calling with questions about an order. Knowing she’d never get out of here until he was dealt with, she slid a long file box from beneath the sales counter and settled herself on the floor to dig through purchase orders.

With February quickly approaching, they would need the extra massage oils, body butters and the assortment of sex games she’d ordered. She was still digging for her copy when the bell chimed over the door, signaling a new arrival.

A moment later, she heard Amanda ask, “Can I help you?”

“I hope so.”

Laurel frowned. There was something familiar about the voice. The tone. She was just about to have a peek at the customer when her caller began spewing out the numbers she needed. Laurel finished the call and was stowing away the purchase order box when Amanda came behind the counter, almost stepping on her.

She swatted Amanda’s leg as the customer with the familiar voice said, “I’m looking for someone. Maybe you can help?”

“Possibly. Big city,” Amanda said.

“Look, I’m trying to find an old friend. Laurel Delacroix. Do you know her?”

She exhaled. She would know that voice anywhere. He was the man she’d been head over heels in love with, the man she had wanted above all others. And the man who was serious about everything in life...except her. What the hell was Lee Carter doing here? In New Orleans? In her shop?

Laurel scrambled to her feet. He looked good, better than he had the right to. His dark hair was longer, his tan darker, and those sexy eyes as serious as ever. “Lee, what are you doing here?”

“Laurel.” His green gaze swung to hers and she could feel her body heat from the intensity. “I uh... We’ve had some staffing problems at the office here, and I transferred to deal with it,” he explained. “When I talked to Beau, he suggested I look you up.”

She sucked in a deep breath. The crown price of Madison Creek, in the flesh. She rolled her shoulders and walked around the counter, throwing her arms around his neck and pressing a kiss on his cheek.

His slightly stunned look told her he was still as uptight as he’d always been.

Damn, she’d missed him. “I’m glad you did. You plan to be in town long?”

“Yeah. Permanently. But I’m looking for a place to live.”

“Ah. Well, great,” she said. “God, it’s good to see you.”

She let him go and stepped back to the counter, grateful for its support. Her stomach dropped to her toes as she drank in the sight of the man she’d spent too many nights fantasizing about—the man she’d used as a measuring guide for all others.

A crazy curl of thick, almost black hair fell onto his forehead. It triggered memories of their last summer together, threatening her concentration. They were no longer in the shelter of Madison Creek. They were in a city where anything was possible. When his lips slid into a familiar long-line smile, her shoulders relaxed.

A movement by the door caught her eye as Tom, one of their regulars, stepped inside. He was dressed in a white button down shirt and black slacks, his normal work-wear as maitre d’ at one of her favorite restaurants.

“Hello, lovelies,” Tom said.

“Hi, Tom. What can we do for you today?” Laurel asked automatically. She had not built her business by ignoring her customers. While Lee’s appearance had her off kilter, she still had a job to do.

Tom’s hand closed on her shoulder, and squeezed. She tried not to cringe. He seemed like a nice enough guy, but he regularly invaded her personal space. She shifted positions, gently knocking off his hand.

“Big night, must gather supplies,” he said, and winked. He knew his way around the store and left her side to collect his loot.

When he returned with an armload, she asked, “Are you on your way to work?”

“I am,” he said, dropping everything onto the counter. She didn’t ask what her customers did with what they bought, and in all honestly she didn’t really care. But some regulars almost frightened her with their never-ending need to restock. These people were certainly having more sex than she was.

“The new night chef does magical things with shrimp. You should drop in. I’ve always got a table with your name on it, sweet Laurel.”

“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll be by soon,” she said, and left Amanda to ring him up.

She rejoined Lee, who was studying a piece of modern art she’d hung above a display case. After taking a deep breath, she asked him, “Would you like to have dinner?”

Lee’s easy smile sent her pulse racing. “Magical shrimp?”

She laughed. “Sounds good, yes?”

“Yes. It’ll give us a chance to catch up. I’d like that.”

She bit the inside of her cheek and nodded. “Me too. I’ll be right back. You’ve got this covered?” she asked Amanda, who nodded, looking high and mighty.

“I’ll be right here, boss.”

Laurel walked into her office and closed the door.

Lee. The deep baritone of his voice still turned her insides to mush. His spicy scent, mixed with the various smells of her store, was soothing, which managed to annoy and put her on edge at the same time. She clenched her legs together in response to the quivering of her feminine muscles. He still had the power to make her dizzy, and that scared the hell out of her.

She jotted a few instructions for Amanda about opening the store in the morning. With plans for a weekend off already in place, having Lee in town would make it more interesting. As a life-long resident of New Orleans, she knew tons of people in the city, but few felt like true friends. Lee was from a small town, a place where people formed friendships that lasted a lifetime, where her family and his went back generations. Having him around would be a little like going back to the place she thought of as her true home.

“Ready?” she asked, emerging from the hallway which led to her office.

“Sure,” he said, pulling his attention from the boxed sex toys next to where he stood.

He stopped, letting her exit the narrow doorway ahead of him. She paused on the sidewalk, waiting for him reach her side. “How long have you been in New Orleans?”

“A week, ten days or so.”

She realized she was at a loss, not sure what to talk about. A sales bag swung beside his leg, distracting her. She looked from the bag to his eyes, which were focused on the scenery. Maybe he didn’t know what to say, either.

There were lots of people milling around, as many places had shift changes about this time of day.

“Left next block, first place on the right,” she said loud enough to be heard over the crowd filling the sidewalk.

He nodded and continued at a steady pace, shortening his stride so she could keep up. It was a beautiful evening. Cool air blew off the river as they turned toward the restaurant.

Tom greeted them at the door. “Ah. That was quick.”

“Yes. I must try one of the new shrimp dishes,” she said, watching the two men size each other up. “Tom, this is Lee, an old friend.” The men shook hands.

She could only imagine what they thought of one another. They were completely different, not only in appearance, but in background. Lee was raised in a proper two-parent home. A home his prim and proper mother—who never had a hair out of place— reigned, while Tom’s single mother—also a regular customer—looked more like an aged hippie than Susie Homemaker. She lived in the French Quarter and as far as Laurel knew, her only source of income was tarot reading and fortune telling in Jackson Square.

Tom waved over one of the best servers, and they were seated quickly.

Once their drink orders were placed, Lee said, “The Rubber Tree? I’d have never guessed.”

“Yeah.” She smiled. She loved owning her own store, especially now it was starting to turn a good profit. “What about it?”

A low laugh escaped him. “I’m surprised. Not exactly what I’d envisioned when your grandfather said, ‘Laurel’s got this interesting little shop in the French Quarter.’”

She shifted and settled in her seat. Lee, the king of uptight, didn’t seem to be judging her. “Grandpa said that? Really?”

“Yeah, and needless to say, Beau didn’t offer much information either.”

“He’s probably still in shock over the whole thing. It’s been a couple of years, but I think it’s still hard for him to swallow. We don’t discuss it.”

“I know he’s proud of you, but maybe it’s just hard for him to see his sweet little cousin doing something so bold.”

Laurel hid her smirk. Beau would also be shocked over what his best friend Lee Carter and his sweet little cousin had done ten years ago. But as far as Laurel was concerned, that was none of Beau’s business.

The drinks arrived and Lee ordered a dozen raw oysters. When the waiter was gone she felt more settled than she had since Lee’s surprise appearance. She was on her turf, and had him to herself for the first time in years. Being a curious person, there were so many things she wanted to know, but she wasn’t sure where to start, since she had no idea where any of this might lead.

“So are you moving here? To stay? I guess I find it hard to believe.”

He paused with his water glass halfway to his lips. “I was offered a position I couldn’t pass up. Why is that so hard to believe?”

“I just... You just... New Orleans isn’t where I pictured you. But it’s great. Beau’s mentioned how much you like your work.”

“I do. And right now, New Orleans is looking better and better.”

They fell into an easy banter. Talking had never been a problem for them. He teased her about the store and offered a few lewd comments, but she knew he was only trying to work her nerves.

When the oysters arrived, Lee offered her a sample, but she refused. Watching him expertly devour the delicacy was aphrodisiac enough.

Laurel excused herself and headed to the ladies room. She splashed cool water on her flushed face. Sitting across from Lee already had her wet and needy. How could she have forgotten the way she craved him physically?

Watching her own eyes in the mirror, she admitted she hadn’t forgotten. In fact, last year she’d broken up with her boyfriend Paul because he had nothing like Lee’s potency. Maybe she should have tried harder to make things work with Paul, but if Lee had taught her anything, it was that she sucked at relationships. And now, here she was after a year’s celibacy, flushed to the core just watching the man eat.

It shouldn’t make her crave him, but she damn sure did. He was all male, and her body ached for him. Lee had expertly handled her needs before, her first time. Maybe he’d be willing to handle her needs again from time to time. A convenient non-relationship would suit her just fine. Things didn’t have to get messy unless she was foolish enough to expect more from him this time.

So far he hadn’t mentioned being involved with anyone. Lord knew women were always dropping themselves at his feet. To hear Beau talk, he went through women like water. She’d have to do some fishing.

She returned to the table and for now, concentrated on her company. It was great to have an old friend in town. If nothing else, she and Lee had been friends. Madison Creek was a small town and Lee and Beau were the best of friends, and it had only been natural to hang out with him nearly every day of each summer she’d spent there. They had known each other well, and she’d always enjoyed his company.

He told her about some of the projects he’d headed while living in Lafayette. He had opportunities galore with his financial background. But it was what he said next that knocked her off balance.

“I met the man who runs the grocery store next to my office this afternoon, and his great-nephew. I think I’ve already found the perfect side project. Know anything about the rec center?”

Her breath caught. “Yes, I’ve done everything under the sun to get it re-opened, but nothing has panned out so far.”

The sexy look he sent her made her toes curl. “I got some information from Mr. McGregor, but I’d love to know what you’ve done, who you’ve talked to. I want to help.”

Damn him. Did he have to be such a stand-up man? Did he have to remind her how out-of-her-league he was? How his family was The Family of Madison Creek? Her grandparents might be prominent citizens and direct descendants of the founders of the town, but Madison Creek was Carter Country. They owned the most land, the biggest store, the only pharmacy, and had recently sold the only bank and trust in the area.

She knew he would make it happen with the community center. There was no doubt in her mind—he was so damn serious and businesslike, and had more moneyed contacts than she’d ever dream of. No sense depriving the local kids of their community center just because her last name didn’t quite measure up to Lee’s. “I’ll give you my file, whatever you need.”

“Great. Something we can work on together. I’m liking this more and more,” he said.

They finished eating while chatting about the rec center, giving her no chance to find out if he was attached, and as they left the restaurant, Lee’s smile of contentment made her heart flip-flop.

The courtyard they’d entered was beautiful.

He said, “This definitely isn’t the way we came in.”

“No. No, it’s not. I always get turned around leaving this place.”

He twined his fingers with hers, pulling her toward a lighted fountain. The city was covered in the colorful haze of sunset.

She said, “One of my favorite things.”

“This fountain?”

“No.” She smiled. “The little things like this. This city has so many sides to it.”

“You’re happy here?”

“Yes. I can’t imagine living anyplace else.”

“Funny. I’ve never been able to imagine living here...until now.”

He hitched his hip and sat on the edge of the fountain, looking lost in thought.

She understood about moving. A new city, a new life. It was a lot to take in all at once, and she wondered what he was thinking.

She shifted and his gaze met hers, a quick grin curving his mouth. Reaching out, he touched her face with his fingertips. When he flattened his palm against her cheek, her pulse kicked up a notch. Laurel leaned into his hand, loving the warmth. Tilting her face, she slipped her tongue out to wet her lips then pressed a kiss to his palm.

Night bathed the city; the humid air around them sizzled. Looking into familiar green eyes, she dared him, knowing he’d never been one to pass up a dare.

His mouth pressed against hers. At first he only nibbled at her lower lip, yet her body melted into his touch. His tongue slipped between her lips and her body went weak. She drew him into the silky wetness, tempting and teasing him.

A soft moan escaped her and she pushed her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck. The intense longing inside her belly made her lose focus as he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her and angling her into the V of his legs.

She could feel his arousal while the heated caresses of their mouths drove her on. She rocked her hips and smiled against his lips at his growl of pleasure.

She wanted him. She’d always wanted him. That much hadn’t changed, even though he’d turned her inside out all those years ago—then left her alone. Well, it hadn’t been entirely his fault, since she was the one who’d returned to New Orleans for college. But he could have called, and he hadn’t, proving he’d never been serious about her.

At the clang of the restaurant door they hesitantly parted. He gently brushed a stray hair behind her ear as the faint sounds of music floated around them. She was having too much fun spending time with Lee, and after the kiss, she didn’t want the evening to end.

A sexy smile crossed his face. “Let’s walk.”

She eyed him suspiciously.

“Come on. You know you want to.”

“Maybe. You’ve always been so serious. Have you learned to relax?”

“Only one way find out.”