Free 9781618857958KissMeLikeYouMeanItLeveyNC by Mahalia Levey Page B

restaurant wouldn’t cater to all consumers?”
    Carlie
linked her arm through his and left the store with him. She watched in utter
fascination as he hailed a cab in literally seconds with a sheer whistle.
    “Sorry,
I sent Raul home with your things.” He slipped in next to her.
    New
York City traffic crawled. She kept her eyes on the scenery rather than
stalking her handsome date in such close proximity. “You know so much about my
family, but I barely know of yours.”
    Jackson
turned to her. “You know I came to your house every summer from the time I was
nine to, well after my mom passed for good.”
    Carlie
bit her lip and fidgeted with her skirt. One glance at Jackson told her he
enjoyed her discomfort. “I don’t want to cross a boundary.”
    “Princess,
you crossed the boundary when you became an unknown house guest.” He nudged her
knee with his and clasped his hand on her thigh.
    Ignoring
the arousal spearing through her, she swallowed and turned from his hawkish gaze.
“I’m sorry.”
    “My
dad owns hotels and resorts, my mom’s family and I own French restaurants. Sort
of a family business.” He gestured with his hand. “I guess you could say my mom
had grand ideas of marrying for true love, not a business merger.”
    “Oh.
Wow. Your dad always seemed a bit harsh but—I’m sorry your parents didn’t have
the relationship mine do.”
    “Yeah,
well that’s life.”
    “So
how on Earth did you talk him into letting you join the band?”
    “After
my mom died, he pretty much let me do what I wanted. I was more of an asshole then.
So yeah, music made me feel better.”
    “You
were not an asshole. You were just quieter then, more withdrawn from everyone
else. I’m glad you had my brother and Shea to lean on. I noticed the piano. How
long have you played?”
    “Since
maybe three or four years old. I’d sit with my grams and play half songs with
her.” He had a boyish smile on his face recounting the memory.
    “Oh,
I thought you might have just tinkered with it or something. I didn’t know you
played anything other than guitar.”
    “Princess,
I don’t think I’ve ever…tinkered with anything.”
    “So
here’s the real question. Why do you show the world a womanizing asshole who
does nothing but drink and fuck random chicks?
    “Sir,
we have arrived. Will you be going in through the back or front entrance?”
    “Ah,
saved by the cabbie.”
    “Front
door is good. Thank you.”
    “I’m
a real fan, sir. Love your music,” the cabbie said.
    “Thanks,
I appreciate your support.” He turned to Carlie. “Ready, princess?”
    “Yep,
starving. I still want an answer though.”
    “I’m
sure you do.” He paid the driver and exited the car, pulling Carlie out after
into his arms.

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Five
     
    The
flash of the cameras startled Carlie. Jackson brought the back of her hand to
his mouth and kissed her skin. After opening the restaurant door, he ushered
her quickly inside. “Good evening, Mr. Laurant . Right
this way.” Jackson slipped his arm around her waist and drew her into him.
Carlie sucked in a slight breath with every touch of hip to thigh. The maître d’
led them through the packed house. She peeked at her date who seemed pleased as
punch his place was full of happy customers.
    “This
is beautiful. I’ve never been in a restaurant this nice.” She was impressed by
the warm colors and exquisite décor.
    “This
was my grandma’s pride and joy. The first thing I did with my money was a total
renovation for her, wanted her to love this place even more.” They entered his
private dining room. Jackson pulled her chair out for her, she sat and he
pushed her in.
    “Are
you kidding me?” She grinned as he smoothed down his dress shirt and took a
seat. “This place is fabulous, how could she not?”
    “Well,
we were closed down for six weeks. Four more weeks than she wanted. I was on
tour and had to force her to go on vacation, all the while hearing her rail