Free To Love a Wilde by Kimberly Kaye Terry Page B

Holt one way or another,” she said, her voice light. It was long moments before she continued, her voice so casual, so nonchalant, had he not known her better, he would think she was brushing it off as nothing. But beneath the tone he heard a subtle nervousness to the laughter.
    “Well, you’ve got a lot of options, Yasmine. That’s just one. I wanted you to know that although we’ve only just met, I would also like it if you gave it some thought. Coming home, starting your business. I would help in any way I could. We haven’t known each other long … but, well, you’re like the sister I’ve never had. I would help you in any way I could. As long as you don’t mind it being the grunt work.” She laughed. “My cooking skills are nowhere up to par with yours.” Holt heard the rustle of clothing and knew the two women had embraced.
    “Thank you, Althea. That means a lot.”
    He heard movement and quickly moved out of the line of vision before either one of the women knew he was there.
    He wondered when, over the past few days, Yasmine had begun to think about opening a catering business and returning home.
    He hadn’t heard about it from either of his brothers. From the conversation, obviously Nate knew of her plans. He wondered if Shilah knew as well, and if so, why he was left in the dark. He understood not telling Lilly, not wanting to build her expectations unless the plans were finalized, but why not tell him?
    Holt waited until he heard Althea leave before making his presence known. Walking farther into the kitchen he stood watching Yasmine. From his field of vision he had a nice visual of her shapely behind, cupped sweetly in the skirt she wore as she bent over the stove.
    A short-sleeved white blouse was tucked neatly into the waistband, and the ends of her apron tied in a bow near the top of her butt made him want to unwrap the pretty package she presented.
    On her feet, again, she wore heels; although not as high as the ones she’d worn the day he’d picked her up from the airport, they still added definition to her already shapely legs.
    She withdrew a large pan of what looked like muffins from the oven and stood back.
    “I think my babies are too pretty to eat,” she said, and laughed lightly, dusting her hands down the sides of her apron as she admired her creation.
    “I think I have to disagree with that,” he said as he admired her shapely backside.
    “I—I didn’t see you there. When did you get here?” she said, spinning around to face him.
    He ran a gaze over her body, past her small feet in the dainty little heels, past the short skirt that hugged her curvy hips to sinful perfection to the pulse banging at the hollow of her throat, before meeting her eyes.
    Yes, she was definitely a sweet morsel he’d love to sink his teeth into. He grinned, walking farther into the room.
    Thinking she was alone, Yasmine’s heart leaped wildly against her chest when she heard the deep baritone voice speak behind her.
    As Holt sauntered toward her, his insolent stare roaming over her body, she cast a nervous glance around, realizing she was alone with him.
    So, her day of reckoning had come. She’d wondered how long it would be before he’d catch her alone. She’d fooled herself into thinking he’d given up.
    Late last night, restless, thinking of the many decisions facing her, she’d finally given up on sleep. Glancing at her cell phone she saw that she’d missed Clayton’s call.
    That made the third one in as many days. She knew her mind should be on her career. It should be, but it wasn’t. Every time she sat down and turned to her spreadsheet with the pros and cons of each career move, a method she’d used to organize her thoughts since college days, she’d find her mind wandering, thoughts of Holt invading her mind with irritating precision.
    Thinking a good bath would relax her enough so she could get some rest, she’d grabbed her toiletry bag and walked down the hallway to the