Alexander, Kortny - Love, Interrupted (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 4

  “If you eat all of your salad, you can have dessert.”

  “You’ve got yourself a challenge, mister.” Hitomi managed to calm her stomach. She was definitely hungry. Plus, she loved dessert. Hell, if she could she’d eat the dessert first. She stared back up at Raiden. “Thank you. I haven’t felt this special in a long time.” Lowering her head, she felt her eyes begin to water. That was true but not the whole truth. She knew she would never allow anyone to get this close in order to make her feel special. Sitting on the blanket eating lunch with Raiden, she realized this is just one of many things she had missed out on.

  Raiden brought his hand to her chin and lifted it back up so he could look into her eyes. “You are my silver-eyed beauty, Hi. I would do any and everything to see you smile.” He swiped a stray tear from her cheek. “I was excited to see you again. I couldn’t wait and I thought it would be great to have another relaxed setting. Restaurants are nice, but this is better. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Can I be honest with you, Raiden?”

  “Please.”

  “Seeing you yesterday did something…something to me. I am enjoying the time we are spending together, considering I couldn’t get you out of my head last night.” Crap! Share much? Her cheeks blazed from embarrassment.

  “I will remember that.”

  The blazing look in his eyes sent a heated wave of desire straight to her pussy. She felt the moisture coating her folds as she squirmed on the blanket for a more comfortable position. She imagined him laying her down and caressing and exploring her body all over right there in the park. That thought would be saved for another day…hopefully. After they wolfed down their salads, Hitomi squealed when Raiden pulled out a slice of lemon crème cake big enough for two and one spoon. She didn’t hesitate when he scooped up the first piece and fed it to her.

  “Mmmm.” It was a lemony taste of heaven. The way Raiden watched her lips when she took the spoon in and out of her mouth was enticing. She had never mastered the art of seduction, but it didn’t seem to bother Raiden. His eyes were burning a hole in her lips. She was well aware of the fact her body was in a constant state of arousal when Raiden was near. As if being pulled, Hitomi leaned over and gently kissed him.

  Kissing him probably wasn’t the smartest decision. Her nipples pebbled, and her body tingled for his touch. Hitomi knew her head was going to be filled with wicked thoughts of Raiden when she returned to the office.

  There were no reservations about Raiden or any ulterior motives. He demanded nothing from her. It was as if they had been together, kissing each other for years. And Hitomi loved it. Craved it. Wanted more of it and him, but it was time to go back to work.

  Walking back into her office, Hitomi watched as Raiden slipped a small Styrofoam box onto Heather’s desk. She could only assume he saved a piece of cake for her. If he did, he had just won a lifetime friend with that sinfully delicious slice of cake.

  Closing the door quietly behind him and taking only a few strides to reach her, Raiden grabbed Hitomi’s small wrists in his large hands and pulled her into his embrace. They were standing so close to each other, she could feel his heart beating…racing. She was just as excited as he was. He leaned his forehead downward until his was touching hers. He whispered, “Baby, you do not realize the effects you are having on my mind, my body. Hell, my heart. Dammit, Hitomi.” They stood like that, inhaling each other’s scent. Their eyes were locked in a tight embrace and neither would be the first to look away. Hitomi felt the instant awakening of Raiden’s cock on her stomach and smiled to herself because he was having the same effect on her. The heat he emanated bored a hole in her chest and spread throughout her body. She rose on her tiptoes, grazed her hands up his tight, muscular arms, threaded her fingers through his hair, and brought her lips up to meet his in what had to be the most beautiful ending to a fantastic lunch. It was gentle and passionate and tasted so sweet.

  Raiden couldn’t seem to contain the guttural moans that slipped out. The sound made her body tremble. When he dragged the tip of his tongue across her lips, she pressed her body into his and parted her lips. He slid his tongue past her lips and fully explored her mouth. Their tongues tangled tenderly as he tightened his grip on her waist. She had a feeling that if they continued at this rate, they would be naked in no time.

  Reluctantly easing away from Hitomi’s delicious lips, Raiden continued to hold her close. “I can’t promise to stay away until Kimi’s game.”

  “Then don’t.”

  * * * *

  Crossing the parking lot to the soft, grassy soccer field where Kimi’s game was being held, Hitomi could not stop giggling to herself. She was still buzzing from the fact that she and Raiden had lunch together every day during the past week. Nor could she believe that she was this excited to go to an eight-year-old’s soccer game. Of course any opportunity to see Raiden was an added bonus. He told her that Kimi was excited to meet her. This reassured Hitomi about her decision to attend.

  She didn’t realize how many games took place at the same time in what turned out to be a massive field. There were so many children at the soccer field, she had gotten turned around and could not find Raiden. Apparently, it was one huge field, and they simply divided it up with the soccer goals allowing for more teams of small children to play at the same time. Hitomi had to call Raiden again for their location because she didn’t want to miss a minute of the game. She was excited and ready to cheer with the rest of them.

  Hitomi finally spotted the coed team that wore red and white. The teams were already warming up. They looked so cute in their soccer gear running around with smiles on their small faces. Some of the parents were sitting, and some were standing as they pulled out water bottles and snacks for their children. It was a beautiful day, and Hitomi was bursting with excitement.

  Scanning for Raiden, she noticed the groups of twins and triplets holding their signs to their sides. It was impossible to miss them. She shook her head and smiled. The Lacoste gang was in full effect today. Spotting Raiden, she felt her cheeks burn when she realized he was already staring at her. He provoked feelings inside of her she thought were dead and buried. Damn, that man was sexy.

  Raiden and the Lacostes all sported matching red and white shirts like the other parents on the team, but they all had “Kimi’s Krew” on the back. That is so cool. Hitomi could not contain her laughter. This little girl was loved. As she got closer, her stomach flipped and butterflies fluttered as she admired the little girl. She loved her already.

  * * * *

  When Raiden spotted Hitomi, his heart stopped. Only Hitomi could manage to look mouthwatering without even trying. Wearing a white T-shirt, khaki shorts, tennis shoes, and a simple ponytail, Hitomi was gorgeous. He was elated she had decided to come. Kimi was the most important person in his life, and for Hitomi to not give it a second thought about coming to her game was special as well as a turn-on.

  He wasn’t sure what made Duran look him up, but he was grateful that he had. He had given up on keeping tabs on Hitomi once she ran from her feelings for him and broke his heart. He knew after graduation, Hitomi went to Japan for an extended stay and began on-the-job training with her godfather’s company. But Raiden knew she was hiding instead of giving him a chance to make her happy and it had hurt. He also knew that dodging the mutual friends they shared was wrong, but every time he saw them, it reminded him of the love of his life: Hitomi.

  After a few dinners with Duran, Raiden knew his sneaky friend was up to something and was happy the opportunity was there given the circumstances for why he also wanted assistance from his financial company. Unhappy with his current representation, Raiden had been looking for a trustworthy financial company to consult with, and the only person he wanted to do business with was Hitomi. And now she was here at his daughter’s game. He wanted to spend as much time with her for however long she would allow it. Regardless of if he got hurt.

  Slow down, buddy. One step at a time. Just because she came to
the game doesn’t mean she’s interested in something serious.

  “Hey everyone, Hitomi made it,” Raiden said to the fan club as he unthinkingly put his arm around her waist, and Hitomi didn’t move away. He reveled in the trust she had in him. His extended family all turned and welcomed her. One of the sisters handed her a sign she had made for her. Hitomi blushed and thanked her. It made her feel part of the group, and she liked that. Raiden gave her a quick hug and motioned for Kimi to come over.

  Kimi ran full speed into her father. She looked up at Raiden with excitement in her eyes. Raiden quickly introduced the two. “Kimi thought it would be nice if you were part of the ‘Kimi’s Krew,’ and I agreed with her.” Hitomi blushed and pressed her hands to her chest in pure astonishment. Kimi pulled out a red-and-white shirt that matched Raiden’s and handed it to her.

  “Thank you for coming! I hope you like your shirt. I told Daddy I didn’t want you to be left out.” Kimi beamed from ear to ear. Hitomi unfolded the shirt and admired it for a moment before slipping it over her head.

  “Perfect,” Hitomi said approvingly.

  Raiden could tell the tears that fell from her eyes surprised her. He distracted her by adjusting her shirt and quickly wiping her eyes.

  “Thank you for thinking of me, Kimi. That was very sweet of you and your dad,” Hitomi said as she looked up at Raiden. Kimi tapped Hitomi’s hand and crooked her index finger, indicating that she wanted her to bend down so she could whisper something in her ear. Hitomi bent down, and Kimi cupped her mouth over her ear.

  “Daddy talked about you nonstop. He likes you….And so do I.”

  She whispered back in Kimi’s ear. “Thanks. I like you, too.” She gave a huge smile to Kimi, rubbed her cheek, and told her to play hard.

  Kimi’s team won the soccer game. She was a very competitive child. Kimi threw elbows and scored like she was at the pro championship game. It was a great game. Hitomi was screaming and cheering like the rest of the parents. When Kimi had come near the sideline where they were standing during the game, Hitomi would give her tips. Apparently Kimi approved because every time Hitomi dished out a tip, Kimi did as instructed. During breaks, Kimi usually ran to her dad then ran down the line of Lacoste siblings and other parents, giving a trail of high fives along with the other team members. At one point, she ran straight to Hitomi and gave a two-handed high five then asked her to tighten her ponytail before she ran to her dad.

  “It seems someone approves of Hitomi,” Cage, Raiden’s best friend and the oldest Lacoste, said. He gave a smug smile and continued, “You are going to have a little competition, my friend. Kimi is smitten with her. Good luck separating those two.”

  “I’m glad Kimi approves. What makes you think I want Hitomi’s attention? We are friends.” Who the hell was Raiden trying to convince? He could not believe he managed to get that amazing lie out of his mouth.

  That statement caused Cage to give Raiden the who-do-you-think-you-are-talking-to stare. “I’ve known you a long time, Raiden. Do you seriously think I don’t see how you look at her? Hitomi is a beautiful woman. You would have to be blind not to notice. Let’s not forget that she is the first and only woman you’ve ever invited to a game. Actually, she’s the first to ever be in the vicinity of Kimi. My sweet little goddaughter shared a bit of crucial information about the constant talk of a certain woman all last week. Plus, you had that goofy look on your face when she first arrived. That’s still there, by the way.”

  “I had lunch with her every day last week. Her assistant has been helping me out a bit with a few surprises for her. We have a lunch date next week. Being around Hi makes me feel great. I’m just going to see how this goes,” Raiden said, smiling uncontrollably.

  Cage nodded approvingly then added, “I just hope she doesn’t run again.”

  Raiden knew he was in trouble the moment he kissed Hitomi on the cheek after their first lunch together. She had him and didn’t even know it yet. But he knew better than to rush things. He was very aware of the fact that during the lunches they shared over the past week, she never once brought up what had happened in her personal life since graduation. He would let her be the first to broach the subject. He had noticed that on several occasions she had managed to bypass any conversations that led to her sharing her past. Had something bad happened to her?

  Patience. Whatever it was, she will tell you when she’s ready.

  * * * *

  Later that night back at her home, Hitomi poured Epsom salt and her favorite cherry blossom bubble bath into her bathwater. The water was piping hot—the perfect temperature—and she pressed the Jacuzzi jets button. She didn’t realize how worn out she would be from just watching a soccer game. Hitomi could not believe how much fun she had. She even walked away with her own team shirt. She felt extremely special to have been brought into Raiden and Kimi’s circle. Hitomi cheered like she was a parent, and even some of the other parents congratulated her on the coaching tips she gave Kimi when she and Raiden were standing on the sidelines. She could tell that Raiden was just as proud of her. He would put his arm around her waist and pull her close to him, and Hitomi loved every minute of it. For the first time, she felt like she belonged, as if this is what she had been missing in her life.

  Raiden and Kimi invited her to tag along to the pizza parlor to have celebratory pizza with the team. It was loud, crazy, and fun. Kimi invited Hitomi to her next game and her ballet and gymnastics practices. Kimi had expressed how much she liked Hitomi coaching to her. They were kindred hearts. During their chat at the pizza parlor, Hitomi constantly caught Raiden staring at the two of them deep in “girl talk.” Hitomi would smile adoringly at him then turn her attention back to Kimi. She felt that wall cracking a little more. By the end of that one single night of pure, innocent fun, Kimi had captured her heart. And if she wasn’t careful, Raiden would accomplish the same thing. But if she would stop and be truly honest with herself, she would admit that in this short amount of time, he already had…again.

  When she finally climbed into bed, her phone rang. It was only nine o’clock, but Hitomi was worn out. Checking the caller ID, she didn’t recognize the number but still answered the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “You sound tired, my sweet Hi.” Raiden chuckled, voice husky and sexy.

  Hitomi wondered how it was possible for a simple laugh to turn her on. She loved when he called her by her nickname. It was something about the way it rolled off of his tongue. “Oh, I am. But it’s a good tired. What’s up?” she answered. Although she was maintaining the calm, cool, and collective façade, she was screaming to say something else.

  Hey Raiden. Hearing your sexy voice before I went to bed is just what I needed. She shook her head because that sounded desperate. It was a good thing she went with a safe response instead. “I wanted to thank you once again for coming to the game and hanging out with us afterward. Kimi and I both enjoyed your company. She’s quite taken with you. Kimi has never warmed up to someone that fast. You know you don’t really have to go to her practices if you don’t want to. She was just excited to have your attention.”

  “You should know, Raiden, I’m taking Kimi up on all of her invitations as much as my schedule will allow. I had the best time today, and I will cherish my team shirt.” Changing the subject, she said, “Are we still having lunch on Monday?”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it. Where would you like to go?” he questioned.

  “Well….would you mind having lunch in my office again? I understand if you don’t. I am beginning to get a little spoiled by our routine.”

  “I would love that, Hi. I will bring the lunch. Okay?”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Okay sleepyhead, I will let you go to sleep. If you plan on hanging with Kimi, you’re going to need it.” He gave a small laugh. “Good night, Hi.”

  She laughed. “Thanks. Good night, Raiden.”

  Chapter 5

  Riva and Natalia were coming over to Hitomi’s for
dinner. She was excited because she couldn’t wait to brag about Kimi to the both of them. Sunday was usually her relaxing day, but she had invited them over and decided to fix something easy. Spaghetti was on the menu tonight.

  When her friends arrived, she could tell they were closely watching her. It was as if they could smell happiness a mile away. Hitomi figured the women found it strange that she had a bounce in her step and a grin that just would not go away. Of course she hadn’t shared any of the events that had taken place with Raiden over the past week, but she would eventually get around to spilling the beans.

  By the end of dinner, the ladies had eaten, drank, and were definitely merry. Hitomi had decided to share the events of the week. When she reached the part about Raiden kissing her on the cheek, she couldn’t stop blushing. And, of course, she bragged about the impromptu picnic lunch they shared.

  “It’s good to see someone has affected you in a way that you blush when referring to getting a kiss on the cheek. I am happy you have decided to give him another chance after all this time,” Natalia said in an admiring way.

  “It sounds like you’ve had an exciting week. I already approve,” Riva chimed in.

  “Slow down, ladies. I haven’t implied anything other than what I’m telling you right now. Don’t read too much into anything…yet,” she said as she blushed. “But I haven’t finished telling you the rest.”

  She went on to tell them about Kimi, the soccer game, and the pizza parlor. Hitomi even retrieved the T-shirt Raiden and Kimi had made for her. Hitomi didn’t miss the looks shared between Natalia and Riva.

  “What? I saw that.” She smirked.

  “I think you already passed the kid test, Hitomi,” Natalia proclaimed. “I may not have children of my own, but being a pediatrician has given me the opportunity to learn all kinds of things when dealing with single parents as well as other topics. Children of single parents are very protective.” Natalia clearly had their attention.