Free Can't Stop Loving You by Lisa Harrison Jackson Page B

down in buckets. Somehow, he maneuvered the door open and practically tossed Kaycee inside before jumping in behind her. Breathless and drenched, the laughing pair fell against the seats before taking a good look at each other.
    Kendrick’s shirt clung to his body almost like a second skin, while Kaycee looked like a contestant in a wet T-shirt contest with her dress molding against her breasts and thighs, revealing the outline of her feminine curves.
    For a moment, it was as if they were suspended in time. Both were fighting the urge to look away but neither was doing so. Kendrick stared as Kaycee’s mouth parted unconsciously. Her soft, moist lips reminded him of ripe strawberries, making him want to lean over and taste their sweetness. For a moment he almost did that…until he came to his senses.
    Clearing his throat, he turned away and started the engine.
    â€œClearly this night has spiraled well beyond both of our expectations,” he announced.
    His comment came from nowhere and his change in demeanor made her uncomfortable. She crossed her arms protectively before her chest, hiding the tight buds that had formed from the cold rain. Without a word, she turned to look out the passenger window. She didn’t know what was going on or why.
    All she knew was that she had grown quite fond of Kendrick Thompson. She knew that she liked being around him, and frankly, she wanted to know more. Kendrick had ignited flames that were getting harder to extinguish each day.
    She sighed and inhaled the smell of his cologne clinging to her dress. She closed her eyes and leaned back, savoring the physical closeness they had just shared.
    The ride home was silent. It wasn’t until Kendrick turned onto their block that Kaycee looked over at the profile of the man sitting beside her and she shivered from the attraction. He embodied everything that said strong black man .
    â€œKendrick, what did you mean about things spiraling beyond our expectations?”
    Kendrick put the Jeep in Park but kept the engine running. He leaned back with a deep sigh and ran his hand over his head. He remained still for a moment, choosing his words carefully. In order for them to work successfully together their relationship had to remain professional. Their obvious attraction to one another had to diminish.
    â€œKaycee, I appreciate the way you jumped in tonight after Martinique left.”
    â€œNo problem,” she coolly replied and reached for the door handle.
    â€œNo one has ever come through for me like that before. You really helped to make this evening successful and I want to thank you.”
    â€œIt’s okay, Kendrick, I would have done the same for anybody.”
    He shook his head in disagreement. “But the point is that you didn’t have to, yet you did, and I would like to know one thing.”
    â€œWhat’s that?”
    â€œKaycee, would you like to work with me at Jireh?”
    His words sound more like a marriage proposal than a job offer. And her response echoed an acceptance. “You know I’d love to.”
    He hit the steering wheel with the palm of his hand. “Then it’s settled. I’ll see you at ten tomorrow.”
    â€œThat’s it?” she asked.
    â€œThat’s it, unless you have something to say.”
    â€œThank you for the opportunity, Kendrick,” she softly replied. “I promise I won’t let you down.”
    He got out of the Jeep on his side and pulled out his umbrella from the back. Walking around to Kaycee’s side, he opened her door and, like a gentleman, escorted her up the walk.
    Kaycee thought his actions were not necessary but appreciated the chivalrous treatment all the same. It really made her feel special.
    He took her keys from her hands and opened her door.
    â€œI’ll see you tomorrow,” he said and placed the keys in her palm.
    â€œOkay,” she replied, stepping inside.
    As he went down the walk, he