FOREVER MINE(29)

Kimara nodded. She liked this side of Kyle. There was a certain playfulness about him. He seemed more relaxed than he had been during earlier times, and she was glad of that. It was important to her that they get to know each other better, if for no other reason than for the sake of the child they would one day share.

As they continued walking, he told her more about himself, things she hadn’t known about like his special appointment by the President to be a part of a task force of businessmen concerned with the juvenile crime problem in his country. As far as she was concerned, the news media had really done him an injustice by letting their interest in his personal life be their main focus of concern. After listening to him, it was apparent she had not known him at all. Over the past year he’d spent most of his time working hard to keep the New York office of Garwood Industries on top. Now with Poppa Garwood’s death, he’d be working even harder to keep Garwood Industries a Fortune 500 company. She couldn’t help but admire him and all he had accomplished.

After their walk they returned to the cabin and had soup and sandwiches for lunch. During that time she told Kyle about the different charities she was involved with and how she wished she could do more. “I wish there were more money around for sickle-cell anemia research. If only everyone would contribute more. But most people don’t feel connected because they themselves nor anyone they know has the disease.”

There was a long pause of silence in the room, and Kimara looked up from her meal. Her gaze locked with Kyle’s warm stare. She eyed him warily. “What’s wrong?”

A lazy smile lighted his face. “I was just thinking about how devoted you are to so many causes. It’s really remarkable.”

She almost became lost in his smile. “There’s nothing remarkable about it. Some people tend to forget where they came from. I’m not one of them.”

Kyle chuckled. “It’s funny that you of all people should feel that way. Especially when you’re one of the few blacks that was actually born with a silver spoon in your mouth.”

Kimara nodded. “And so are you. But that doesn’t exempt us, or any other well-off person, from wanting to help others, those less fortunate.”

“I agree.”

After lunch they played cards well into the afternoon. Dinner was simple- grilled steaks, baked potatoes, and tossed salad.

That first day established a pattern of how they spent their time together for the next few days, getting to know each other better.

Kyle kept his promise about giving her more time. As a result, she felt more at ease around him. Although she was fully aware of his eyes on her constantly, he was the perfect gentleman. Only once had things gotten almost too heated for her; and that was on the fourth night. She had changed into a blue silk jump suit for dinner. He had been quiet during the meal, and it was only after they’d cleared the table and washed the dishes that he told her what was on his mind.

“Do me a favor,” he said softly, leaning against the kitchen counter.

“What?” she whispered, not able to ignore the sensual heat in the depths of his dark eyes and the deep huskiness in his voice.

“Don’t ever wear that outfit around me again unless you’re prepared for me to take it off you.”

A heat had settled in the pit of her stomach upon realizing he was dead serious. She nodded in understanding. She herself had had identical thoughts that morning when she had seen him dressed in body hugging jeans, a pair of logger boots, and a hooded sweatshirt that placed emphasis on his muscles. Not knowing what else to say she had assured him she wouldn’t before quickly retiring for bed. She had a hard time sleeping that night, tossing and turning most of the time. It was only after she admitted something to herself was she finally able to find peace. She loved Kyle. She always had and always would. She had loved him as a young girl, and she still loved him as a woman.

* * *



“The last few days have been simply wonderful, Kyle,” Kimara said, coming down the stairs after taking a shower.

Kyle stood leaning against the fireplace. He had taken his shower earlier and was dressed in a pair of slacks and a white shirt. He watched as Kimara descended the stairs. Her feet were bare, and as she walked, the front of her robe would open and show a glimpse of beautiful legs.

He was glad she had enjoyed their days together as much as he had. He had felt comfortable enough to talk to her about his future dreams for Garwood Industries, and she had listened. Without saying a word, she showed she understood everything he’d told her. He also found her to be highly intelligent, and sincere in everything she did, especially the charities she was involved with.

Today after lunch they had gone to his grandfather’s bedroom and packed up his things. While there, they had come across numerous photo albums containing pictures taken during a number of family gatherings over the years. After dinner he had gone upstairs to take a shower, leaving Kimara reading a journal she’d come across earlier that day in his grandfather’s bedroom. He couldn’t help noticing she had the journal tucked under her arm now.

“I’m glad you’ve enjoyed our time together, and so have I. I thought it would be nice to have a picnic by the lake tomorrow, if you like.”

She smiled, coming to stand before him. “That sounds great. I came down to say good night.”

“It’s still early.”

“I know but I thought I’d go to bed and finish reading your grandfather’s journal.

Are you sure you don’t mind me reading it?”

Kyle shrugged dismissively. “Why should I? You’re a Garwood now, and there aren’t any dark family secrets I’m worried about. Besides, I’m sure my grandfather would have wanted you to read it.”

Kimara nodded. “Did you know he renamed this place the night I was born?”

Kyle lifted a dark brow. “No. I recall him renaming this place years ago, but don’t remember exactly when he did it or why he did it. It used to be called Mountain Lakes.”

“Well according to Poppa Garwood’s journal, the night I was born he renamed it in honor of the two of us. He named it Special K for the first letter of our names. He wrote that we were very special to him and it was his desire that the two of us unite the Garwoods and Staffords through marriage. Can you believe he was contemplating our marriage even then?”

“Yes, sweetheart, I can believe it.”

Kyle’s term of endearment was spoken in a low, throaty voice. Kimara could feel her body pulsing to it. “Well, good night, Kyle.”

“Wait. I have something to give you.” He reached up to the mantel and retrieved two small boxes wrapped in silver paper. He handed them to her. “These are my wedding gifts to you.”

Kimara’s face showed her surprise. “I wasn’t expecting anything. It’s not like we’re really married.”

He grinned. “According to Judge Williams, we are.”

“You know that I mean.”

“Yes, I know. Now open your presents.”

Kimara’s hands shook nervously as she unwrapped her gifts. A beautiful diamond necklace was in one box and matching diamond earrings in the other. “Oh, Kyle, they’re beautiful, but I can’t accept them.”

“Yes, you can. I want you to have them.”

She looked up at him. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Thanks. Well, I guess I’ll go on up to bed now. Good night.” She turned to leave.

He reached out and touched her arm. “Don’t you want a glass of the champagne Granddad gave us before going to bed? We haven’t had a chance to open it yet.”

Kimara turned back around. The mere touch of his hand sent a shiver through her. His masculine presence was driving away everything except her awareness of him. She was attuned to everything about him, especially his touch. And she was deeply moved by the gifts he’d given her. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea after what happened to me on our wedding day,” she said. “I drank enough of the stuff to last a lifetime.”

Kyle’s hand left her arm and moved to her neck. “I’ll make sure you stick to your limit. Besides, I think it’s a wonderful way to end such a beautiful week.”

Kimara didn’t respond. She couldn’t even think. As she gazed into his eyes, her throat constricted, and she tried forcing air past her lungs.

“Come, let’s sit down in front of the fireplace.” His hand was firm under her elbow as she lowered herself to the carpeted floor, tucking her rob underneath her.

Moments later Kyle joined her there. His gaze lowered to the neckline of her robe, where a section of her dark, creamy skin peeped through. She smelled good, he thought, inhaling her scent. It was a sweet smell of magnolias that was exclusively hers.

“Here we are,” he said huskily, expertly opening the champagne bottle. The sound of its loud pop echoed in the room. He filled her glass and handed it to her. Their fingers brushed in the exchange, and the flame that began growing within the pit of Kimara’s stomach matched the one glowing in the fireplace.

Kyle then filled his own glass and raised it to hers. “I want to propose a toast to

Kyle Garwood the Third. A man with a dream, a vision, and a goal. A man determined to get the two of us together, and I appreciate his wisdom in doing so.”