“You’re so mean for reminding me of that, Monica.”
“Just keeping it real.”
“Unfortunately, Kelly said, “I won’t be able to forget the way he looked at me that night, when I was the one wearing next to nothing at all.”
A part of her wondered if there was something else that she could have done to make him want her. But then, she’d seen for herself that hehadwanted her. An erection as big as the one he’d had couldn’t lie. But his desire hadn’t been enough.
“Then that’s something I suggest that you work on, Kelly,” Monica said, intruding into her thoughts. “You went out of your way to avoid him at Bree’s wedding, but it seems you won’t be able to do that this time. Winning the Masters Unlimited contract is a big deal for your agency--I know you won’t let a personal matter with Colton keep you from doing a good job.”
“Of course not.”
“Then act like it. Unless…”
“Unless what?” Kelly asked.
“Unless you feel more for Colton than just lust. I could easily see you falling head over heels in love with him, Kelly. Have you?”
“No! All I feel for Colton is an intense sexual ache, one I could have appeased with him two years ago.”
“But you didn’t. So it’s time to move on.”
Kelly nibbled at her bottom lip. She was the oldest--even if it was only by two days. However, lately, it has been Monica dishing out advice and not the other way around. Still, regardless of whether she liked her sister’s advice or not, Kelly knew she was right.
“Rejection hurts, Monica.” She tried keeping the hurt from her voice but failed miserably.
“And I’ve told you a thousand times, Colton didn’t reject you, Kelly. He just refused to use you. If you wanted just a one-night stand, and nothing more, you chose the wrong brother. Everybody knows Cobra is the one-and-done Masters.”
Kelly sighed. “Although Cobra is handsome, too, I’m not sexually attracted to him. Colton is the one I’ve wanted from the moment I saw him.”
“Then maybe you went about things the wrong way,” Monica said. “You knew from the start he wasn’t into one-nighters.”
“Yes, I knew. But I was hoping his desire for me would be strong enough that he’d make me an exception. Boy, I was wrong.”
“I honestly don’t think you were, Kelly. I’ve been watching the two of you when you’re in the same place--at the double wedding, our family reunion and at my wedding. The attraction isn’t one-sided. However, from what I hear, those Masters men are resolved once they’ve made up their mind. Victoria will attest to that.” Monica paused and then asked, “So, what are you going to do, since the thought of seeing Colton again has you in such a tizzy?”
Kelly didn’t say anything for a moment. Then she sighed. “I shouldn’t allow it to bother me so much. He’s just another man. Getting that deal with Masters Unlimited means everything to me.”
“And?”
Kelly squared her shoulders. “And since I won’t be spending a lot of time in Boston, I shouldn’t let the thought of seeing him affect me.”
“No, you shouldn’t. But be careful. The chemistry between you and Colton is like spontaneous combustion. It won’t takemuch to explode. You’ll have to work really hard to control your sexual urges. Remember, this is strictly business.”
Kelly frowned. “What makes you think I’ll have sexual urges. I’m over him.”
“If that’s the case, what was this ‘woe is me’ phone call about?”
“I merely find the thought of meeting with him after all this time uncomfortable. Although I saw him at Bree’s wedding, I deliberately kept my distance. The last time we exchanged words was when he was walking out that hotel room two years ago.”
“If you’re truly over him, Kelly, there’s no reason for you to be uncomfortable. Like you said earlier, he’s just another man. When do you leave for Boston?”
“Sunday. I have a meeting with Colton on Monday morning. While I’m in Boston, I’ll be staying in Masters Unlimited’s private quarters in the St. Laurent. I heard it’s gorgeous.”
“It is. I took a trip there with Aunt Brandy a few years ago.”
Wanting to change the subject, Kelly asked, “How’s school going?”
Monica was working on her PhD. Like Kelly, she had entered the program with a master’s degree in the same field of study. With fewer coursework requirements, the overall time to obtain the degree was shortened from four to three years. Her sister had another year to go. That timing worked out great for Monica, since she intended to make Landon, who would be thirty-eight in December, a father before his fortieth birthday.
