Fallen For You (Killer Next Door #1) Read online

  The hostess sat them in a circular booth. Neil scooted as close to her as he could. Then, he took her hand again and gently kissed each knuckle like they were a rare delicacy. She felt chills go down her spine and felt heat rise down below. Oh, what those kisses did to her resolve. How was she going to keep her composure tonight?

  “Your waiter will be with you in a moment,” the hostess said as she rushed away.

  “So, do you eat here very often?” she asked. What a stupid question, she chided herself. Dating lessons are a must.

  Neil smiled as if he knew she was nervous. “I’ve eaten here a few times with friends, but I’m not a regular. I thought it’d be a good spot since you work in the mall.”

  “That was very considerate of you.”

  “Well, I’m a considerate guy.”

  “How are you two doing tonight?” the waiter inquired. “Can I start you off with some wine or perhaps a Mai Tai?”

  Neil looked at Kate. “What kind of wine do you like?” he asked.

  “I tend to like the sweeter wines. I love Riesling.”

  “We’ll have a glass of Riesling for the lady, I’ll have a glass of Chardonnay, and we’ll have an order of spring rolls to start.”

  “Excellent choice, sir,” the waiter said, turning away to get their order started.

  Kate opened her menu, hoping to have a distraction from Neil’s intense gaze. “So what’s your favorite thing to eat here?”

  “Everything I’ve tried has been great. I don’t think you can go wrong with any item. We could get the dinner for two. These are the choices,” he said, pointing to the middle of the menu.

  “I love sweet and sour shrimp.”

  “Perfect. I’ll get the orange chicken.”

  Kate, remembering her dating tips from Charlie’s boyfriend Mitch, put her hand on Neil’s arm and began slightly stroking her fingers back and forth. “So were you close with your family growing up?” she asked, looking intently into his eyes.

  Neil let out a slight sigh, closing his eyes briefly. Kate could tell by his expression that he loved the feeling of her fingers gliding up and down his arm. “My parents adopted me when I was three weeks old. My mom wasn’t able to get pregnant and she desperately wanted children. I think my dad indulged her by letting her adopt my sister and me. Somehow I always had the feeling he didn’t care either way if he had a family or not.” He stopped for a moment, but her gaze urged him to continue.

  “I knew from being a very small child I was adopted. Although they were very loving and did their best, I always felt like something was missing. My sister seems to be better adjusted than I am. I’ve been contemplating finding my birth mother for a long time, but I don’t want to hurt my parents’ feelings. I think it’d crush my mom to know I want to find the woman who gave me up.”

  “So growing up you felt your dad really wasn’t into being a family man?”

  “Yeah, he was selfish with his time. He didn’t have any patience with us. My mother gave us much more attention than he did. She went to all of my soccer practices and games, took us to the movies, and planned all of our extra-curricular activities. Sometimes I felt like my dad just tolerated me. He was better with my sister, but she worked a lot harder to please him than I did.”

  “That must have been so hard for you,” she said, her hand now planted firmly atop his.

  “It was, but now as an adult, we have a much better relationship. I work with him at his firm. We see each other every day and go golfing together about once a month. Now, it’s more of a mutual respect for one another.”

  The waiter delivered their wine. After ordering their meal, Neil handed Kate her glass of wine and picked up his. “Here’s to second chances,” he said with his signature devilish grin.

  “To second chances,” she echoed, clinking her glass to his. They each took a sip of wine. “Mm,” she softly moaned. “The wine’s delicious.”

  Kate could feel the heat between them. She decided a moment apart might be a good thing so she could collect herself. “I’m going to go to the ladies’ room,” she said softly, leaning into him, breathing in his scent.

  “Okay,” he said, sighing heavily.

  The love-starved part of her wanted him to follow her in there and lock the door behind them. She knew he was watching her walk away. Her head was working overtime to convince her body to take things slowly. A battle was raging inside of her from sitting next to him.

  The bathroom was empty, to Kate’s relief. Being so close to Neil had set all of her nerve endings on fire. Of course she’d been attracted to David, but he was more of a boy. Neil was all man, and she didn’t think she’d ever been so viscerally attracted to a man. She also found Mark very attractive, but he was a boy too. She loved how Neil had opened up about his childhood and had found herself wanting to know everything about him. His vulnerability gave her the hope that she, too, could open up, share more of herself.

  When she returned to the table, the spring rolls had been delivered, and her mouth watered. It was hard not to feel spoiled, and yes, turned on, when he fed her mouthfuls. Her moans of pleasure became too much for Neil, though.

  “Kate, I can’t take it anymore. If I don’t kiss you now, I’m going to go insane,” he said, taking her head in his hands and pulling her face to his. Before she knew it, he was kissing her passionately. His mouth devoured hers as if he was tasting a delicacy for the first time. His tongue invaded her mouth and captured it, stroking it rapidly. She surrendered to him and met his passion with her own. Then his kisses slowed. She could barely breathe; her heart was racing, and she felt her muscles clench deep below. He slowly pulled away, breathing heavily. He put his forehead to hers.

  The waiter showed up with their food, interrupting their passionate moment. They parted from each other as he put the dishes down on the table.

  Kate was a little relieved their food had arrived. She didn’t want things to go too fast.

  “I’m sorry for being such a brute. I can’t help it. You have bewitched me. You intrigued me from the moment you hung up on me on Wednesday,” he said, taking her hand in his. “I’m not accustomed to women saying ‘no’ to me. I didn’t like it, but at the same time it was a huge turn-on.”

  Suddenly, she wasn’t very hungry for food. She was hungry for him. His honesty was so erotic. “So, what are you accustomed to other women doing?” she asked with a coquettish smile on her face. She couldn’t wait to hear the answer to this.

  “Well, honestly, I expect them to succumb to my charming ways and do what I want,” he said, making no apologies.

  “It sounds like women have spoiled you, Neil Statton. I must inform, you I’m not like some other women.”

  “I’ve gathered that,” he said, taking a bite of his chicken. She liked this playful interaction. She wanted to get to know all of the different sides to this intriguing man.

  “So, tell me about your last boyfriend,” he said. Kate choked a little on her food. Her last boyfriend had been her only boyfriend. David. Did she really want to talk about David just yet?

  “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a boyfriend,” she said, feeling shy about divulging too much too soon.

  “Really? How long?”

  “Almost three years.”

  His eyes widened. “Three years?” he choked out. “How have you managed that?”

  She sunk down a little in her seat. The words of her friends came crashing over her: to be open, enjoy life, take a chance.

  “I was nursing a broken heart. My boyfriend and I met our sophomore year of high school. We dated until our sophomore year of college. Then things ended suddenly.” Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. He doesn’t need to know all of the sordid details.

  “Wait a minute. Are you saying you’ve only had one boyfriend?” he asked. Judging by his raised eyebrows and open mouth, he couldn’t believe it.

  “Yes,” she said, sighing as she took another bite of her food. There, it was out in the open. At least par
t of it. She wasn’t ready to disclose how things had ended. Hopefully, he wouldn’t ask.

  “So, you’ve only been with one guy?” he asked, lowering his head slightly and raising his eyebrows.

  She knew what he meant by the tone in his voice. He meant sexually.

  “Yes,” she mumbled, letting the words waft up to the ceiling. How had the conversation become about her sex life? He sure was inquisitive.

  A look of elation crossed Neil’s face momentarily. “You must have made an art form out of avoiding men.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “I guarantee almost every man in this restaurant wants to have sex with you, but most of them are probably too intimidated to do anything about it.”

  “And you’re not intimidated?” she said, feeling strangely confident. Perhaps it was the wine making her brave.

  “No, like I’ve said, I’m used to getting my way.”

  Just then, the waiter showed up to ask what they wanted for dessert. Neil looked over at Kate. “I got some dessert for us back at my place, a red velvet cheesecake,” he said, his eyes overflowing with desire. “That is, if you’d like to come over.”

  Answering all of his questions had made her a little skittish. She looked at the waiter. “I’ll have the Great Wall of Chocolate,” she said.

  “And for you, sir?” the waiter asked.

  “I’ll have the same,” he said flatly.

  “I’m going to go to the ladies’ room again,” she said. Neil nodded. She needed to get a hold of herself. Despite wanting to go back to his place and having him make mad, passionate love to her, he’d indicated he liked a challenge. At least for tonight, she’d hold out and be just that.

  ***

  After dinner, Neil walked Kate out to her car. He put his hands on her waist and pulled her into him. It felt so good to have her body pressed up against his. She could feel his desire for her. His strong arms held her tight. She didn’t know why, but she felt safe with him. His confidence and strength drew her in.

  “Please have dinner with me tomorrow night,” he said, inhaling her essence. “I’d love to cook for you. I’ll be a perfect gentleman. I promise.”

  “Okay,” she said, although agreeing to dinner at his place was against her better judgment. How was she going to withstand his charms? The kiss in the restaurant had nearly done her in. She was in uncharted waters. She’d only had sex a few times with David before—

  “I’ll text you my address with directions,” Neil said. “I live in La Jolla. What time are you working tomorrow?”

  “Nine to five.”

  “Great. Then I’ll expect you between five thirty and six. I can’t wait to make my specialty for you,” he said, his eyes blazing with carnal lust.

  She figured his specialty was him on a stick. “Sounds good. I’ll see you then,” she said a little breathlessly, swallowing hard.

  He let go of her a little and planted a very soft kiss on her lips, keeping to his word of being a perfect gentleman.

  ***

  Climbing the stairs to her apartment, Kate saw Roger’s door was open. He came out onto the landing just as she reached the top step.

  “How was your day?” he asked.

  “Great, but a little tiring.”

  “Oh, well you look really nice. Did you have a date after work?

  “Yes, I did.”

  “How was it?”

  “Really good.”

  “Oh. Is it serious?”

  “Not yet. I just met the guy this week. It was our third date.” She didn’t want to give too much away. It was a balancing act being friendly and guarded at the same time. She wanted to give Roger the benefit of the doubt since she’d met Rose.

  “Well, if you want to come in, I’ll be happy to rub your feet for you. I’m really good at it. At least that’s what Rose says.”

  “Thanks for the offer, but I want to take a shower and go to bed,” she said. What the hell is he thinking? I don’t want him to rub my feet.

  “Well, good night,” he said.

  “Good night.”

  ***

  Roger

  Roger recoiled and returned to his apartment, where he stretched out on the sectional. His disappointment reached the depths of his stomach. Why wouldn’t she let him get close to her? Rose wasn’t spending the night, and some alone time with Kate would do his body good. Obviously, offering to rub her feet was a little too forward. He’d have to come up with a more subtle approach. Giving up wasn’t an option. She was the woman who’d make his life complete. She was perfect for him, even if she couldn’t see it yet.

  Unfortunately, she looked like she’d been on more than a regular date. He could tell by how she was dressed. She had pulled out all the stops to impress the man she was seeing. He clenched his teeth at the thought of her going out with another man. Fucking another man. How could she do this to him? He was going to have to keep wearing her down.

  ***

  Kate

  Charlie and Mitch were curled up on the sofa watching a movie when Kate came in and shut the door behind her.

  “How was your date?” they asked in unison. They looked at each other and laughed. This was a side effect of being together for so long.

  Kate sighed a dreamy sigh as she leaned against the door. “It was wonderful. He’s cooking dinner for me tomorrow night at his place.”

  “Oh,” Mitch said, nodding. He smiled and winked. “Looks like our Katie is going to get some tomorrow night. Good for you.” Kate sat on the oversized loveseat across from them.

  Charlie elbowed Mitch.

  “Do you think he expects me to sleep with him?” Kate asked, both shock and hope in her voice.

  Mitch laughed out loud. “Girls are so naïve. Of course he wants to have sex with you. Have you looked in the mirror lately? There aren’t many straight guys who wouldn’t want to take you to bed.”

  “Well, that doesn’t mean I’m going to sleep with him. But he’s the first guy I’ve really wanted since David. Well, with the exception of Mark,” she said, tearing up. Why did thinking of David still bring forth tears?

  Charlie moved over to the loveseat to hug her friend. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Just be true to yourself.”

  Mitch piped in, “Have a good time. And tell him I’ll kick his ass if he does anything to hurt you. You’re the little sister I never had.”

  “Thanks, Mitch. I’ll keep that in mind. Not to change the subject, but you’re not going to believe what Roger offered me,” Kate said.

  “What?” asked Charlie, her brow furrowed.

  “He offered to massage my feet. Don’t you think that’s a little weird?”

  “Well, Roger has been overly friendly since we first met him,” Charlie said.

  “I think he has a crush on you,” Mitch said, laughing. “He’s probably doing whatever he can to get into your pants. That’s how guys are. We have one-track minds.”

  “Well, he has a girlfriend. She happens to be someone I like very much, and I don’t want to hurt her by playing footsy with Roger. Plus, it’s becoming very annoying that his door’s always open and he wants to talk every time I’m on the landing.”

  “I know,” Charlie said. “He has left me alone since he met Mitch. But since he hasn’t seen you with anyone, maybe he thinks he has a chance with you.”

  “Do you really think so? He makes me so uncomfortable. I’ll try not to let him bother me. I’m sure he’s harmless. He’s probably a shameless flirt.”

  “Well, that’s going to change as soon as he sees you have a boyfriend,” Charlie said coyly.

  “That’s a nice thought, but Neil’s not my boyfriend yet.”

  “He will be soon enough,” Mitch said. “You girls seem to get your way when you want to. The poor bastard doesn’t stand a chance.” Gentle affection filled his eyes. “He’ll be one lucky bastard if you become his.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Kate heard the chime of the doorbell as she
waited anxiously for the door to open. She’d been thinking about Neil all day, wondering if he’d keep his promise to be a perfect gentleman, confused about what she wanted from him.

  Neil opened the door and his eyes immediately moved up and down her body. “Wow, Kate. I thought after seeing you last night there was no possible way you could look any more beautiful, but you’ve managed to prove me wrong,” he said.

  She was wearing a white sundress. The bodice had white embroidered flowers on it and the skirt portion had slits up the sides.

  “Thanks, you’re looking mighty fine yourself,” she said.

  He, meanwhile, was sporting jeans and a white button-down shirt that showed off his sun-kissed skin. “Please come in and make yourself comfortable,” he said.

  As she walked in, he offered her a drink. “I picked up a bottle of Riesling. Would you like a glass? Dinner’s almost ready.”

  “Yes, thank you,” she said, making her way toward the living room, taking in the affluent surroundings. “Your condo is incredible.”

  “Thank you. I like it.”

  Neil lived in the penthouse with an ocean view and old-world charm like the cliff-side homes along the Amalfi Coast. She stepped down three steps into the sunken living room. The floors were travertine tile, evoking the sight of wet sand with shards of diamond running through them. An enormous plush area rug grounded the sectional to the room. The walls had been treated with Venetian plaster in warm butterscotch and cream tones. Ivory stone covered the fireplace, and there was a scenic Italian landscape painting above it. She sat down on the chocolate-brown leather sectional and immediately sank into it. Luxurious, she thought, like the man who owns it.

  Concentrating at work had been very difficult, and she knew being in his presence made her feel a little weak in the knees, so she was glad to be sitting. As she gazed at the beautiful painting above the fireplace, Neil came up behind her and started massaging her shoulders. Her head dropped and she became putty in his hands. It felt so good for him to rub her neck and shoulders.