Decadent
Chapter 1
Normally, Kimber Edgington didn’t have problems asking for a favor. If her father happened to be in town, asking him to pick up dry cleaning didn’t disturb her. Or bugging one of her brothers to stop for milk, no problem.
Today, she wasn’t asking her family for their help. And this favor she planned to request was anything but average. Deep breath. She could do this. No, she had to do this if she wanted to fulfill a seven-year fantasy.
Easing out of her car and into the humid afternoon, Kimber studied the red brick house. From the outside, it looked well groomed with a riot of colorful azaleas and a well-manicured lawn.
Elegant with its partial stone façade, pristine white trim, sweeping balcony, and Doric columns. And without a single noise disturbing the green East Texas countryside, the place appeared sedate. No one would guess exactly what depravities went on here. In fact, Kimber had come to discover them for herself.
And see if she could embrace them.
Curling her shaking hand in a fist around the strap of her purse, she gathered her nerve and approached the heavy oak door. Sparing a passing thought for the beauty of the inlaid stained glass window of a seascape, she knocked.
Perversely, she hoped Deke Trenton wouldn’t answer. Ugh! She hadn’t seen the man in…what? Five years? Maybe more. Kimber wished like hell she could go for another five—at least—without having contact with him. His crass, in-your-face way of doing everything made her want to grind her teeth and take him down a peg or two—or ten. When she’d been seventeen, he’d roused a curiosity that scared her, yet she’d been unable to ignore. The one time she’d tried to act on it by starting a simple conversation, he’d rudely rebuffed her. For a long while, she’d hated him for it.
Now, instead of avoiding him, she was going to have to ask him for the favor of a lifetime. And she’d do whatever it took to make him say yes.
Tossing a stray auburn curl behind her shoulder, Kimber resisted the urge to check her lip gloss again. Her mascara wasn’t smudged; she’d glanced just minutes ago. The olive cargo pants had been a stupid choice, but one that brought her comfort. She’d offset the look with a prissy, ******-hugging white eyelet top. The low, rounded neck ought to snag his attention. She’d polished off the look with strappy white heels she knew men loved, but damn it, they made the balls of her feet ache.
There wasn’t any reason to put this task off for another minute. With a hard swallow, Kimber knocked.
A muffled male voice announced.
Deke? It had been so long, and she’d blocked out as much of the grating man as she could. But she’d never quite forgotten his rough, gravelly voice.
A battalion of butterflies jostled in her stomach as she heard the sound of padding footsteps approaching the door. She’d rehearsed this speech. Multiple times. Deke was cut from the same military cloth as her father and brothers. They didn’t want stalling or sugarcoating. So she’d just throw it out there, hopefully without screwing it up. Abruptly, a man jerked the door open.
He wasn’t Deke. Not even close.
Inky hair hanging loose around lean shoulders. Soulful dark eyes. A strong jaw dusted with a five o’clock shadow. A tight charcoal gray T-shirt and scrumptiously faded jeans hugged a tall, swimmer’s sort of body. The man could model and make a fortune. He looked oddly familiar, so maybe he did.
Luc Traverson
Can I help you? I’d be glad to.
His amused smile said he was aware she’d been checking him out and didn’t mind in the least. He’d done some reciprocal scoping.
Kimber laughed. Clearly, she hadn’t been subtle or good with her directions.
Kimber Eddington
I’m sorry. I think I’m at the wrong house. I’m looking for Deke Trenton. And I guess I’ve taken a wrong turn…
Luc Traverson
Nope. You’re at the right house. Cousin Deke will be back soon.
Kimber Eddington
Deke is your cousin?
That possibility nearly made her jaw drop.
In terms of looks, the two men were night and day—literally. The one before her was a sultry, sexy midnight, all dark and wanton looking. Deke was tawny hair and skin, all discipline and hustle and hard noon.
Luc Traverson
Second cousins. There are times I’d like not to claim him, but he does pay half the bills so he has a place to crash in between assignments. I’m—
Kimber Eddington
Luc Traverson. Ohmigod! I recognize you from your pictures. I have several of your cookbooks.
Luc Traverson
I’m flattered.
She sent him a self-deprecating smile.
Kimber Eddington
Oh, wow! I love them…even though I’m still a disaster in the kitchen.
Luc’s hearty male laugh resonated in a warm echo in her belly. She liked him right away. He was good people, down to earth, despite his success.
Luc Traverson
What’s your name, sweetheart?
Kimber Eddington
Kimber Edgington.
Kimber Eddington
You’re really Deke’s cousin?
Luc Traverson
Whether I like it or not.
Luc took it, caressing her hand more than shaking it.
Luc Traverson
I don’t mean to keep you out on the porch. Do you want to come in and wait for him?
I’d love your beautiful company while I finish tonight’s roast.
The man was full of southern charm. Kimber felt immediately at ease.
Kimber Eddington
Thanks.
Do you expect him soon?
Luc Traverson
Yes. He called a little bit ago to say he was on the road.
Luc stepped back and opened the door to admit her. Kimber wandered into the house, eyes wide open.
Everywhere she looked classical and Italian influences reigned…but with an interesting mix of rustic cabin and modern technology. Distressed hardwood floors with warm-shaded plaster walls. Cognac leather chairs with wrought iron tables—
Tasteful and plush…but still very masculine.
Luc Traverson
I suspect he’ll be here in ten minutes or so.
Luc Traverson
Just enough time to bribe you with raspberry iced tea and fresh peach scones, so you’ll tell me what on earth that asshole has done to earn a surprise visit from a beauty like you.
Her smile fell. The mission. How quickly a pair of magnetic dark eyes and a few suave words nearly made her forget… A part of her could hardly believe her reason for coming here. It was wild. Crazy. Gutsy. Imperative to her future. And Luc wasn’t worming the truth out of her, no matter how delicious his scones were.
Deke would probably tell Luc the minute he laughed her out the door, anyway.
Luc Traverson
I’m just teasing. No need to be grim. You don’t have to tell me a thing
The teasing expression had been replaced by the comfort of his dark, solemn eyes.
Kimber did her best to smile.
Kimber Eddington
I’m a little…
He prompted, leading her into a bright kitchen.
Kimber Eddington
The house is gorgeous, especially the kitchen.
She breathed, happy for a reason to change the subject.
Rich cherry cabinets with furniture detailing, a European feel, and stainless hardware, backsplashes, and appliances. A gorgeous mix of the old and new. The six-burner gas stove, granite countertops, and double ovens made this a chef’s dream. Luc looked perfectly at home here.
Luc Traverson
Thanks. Deke didn’t help me decorate, in case you were wondering.
Deke decorating? The very idea made her laugh. Deke would hang gun racks and litter the floor with shell casings. In his eyes, infrared binoculars would be the perfect coffee table conversation piece. TV trays, any old couch, and a bank of security cameras, period. He’d never need anything else for entertainment.
Kimber Eddington
That, I’d believe. You did this?
Luc Traverson
With a little help from a friend who’s an interior decorator.
Kimber Eddington
It's really lovely!
He sent her a considering smile.
Luc Traverson
Glad you like it. Raspberry tea?
What the heck was that expression about
Kimber Eddington
Sure. Thanks.
Luc placed his hand at the small of her back and guided her to a wrought iron chair with plush, mossy-shaded cushions. His touch warmed her. Kimber had no doubt that plenty of women found the well-known chef sexy. He was. But something about him also set her at ease. He cooked and decorated and made her feel immediately comfortable. Maybe he was gay. Another glance at him, and she revised that thought. Doubtful. He was just naturally polite and easygoing. Totally unlike his cousin. Deke had always set her on edge, even before hello.
Luc Traverson
So you know Deke?
Luc asked, handing her a tall glass.
Kimber Eddington
Oh, yeah.
She gave him a tight smile.
Kimber Eddington
He and my father are in the same line of work. In fact, he used to work for my dad.
Kimber took a sip of the tea and moaned.
Kimber Eddington
Wow. This is great!
Luc frowned, then recognition dawned.
Luc Traverson
Ah, you’re Colonel Edgington’s daughter?
Kimber Eddington
Deke’s mentioned me?
Luc Traverson
Not by name. Mostly he’s talked about your father. I’ll have to kick his *** for that oversight. You’re a doll.
He sat in the chair beside hers and smiled, dripping charm.
Luc Traverson
If he was hoarding you all to himself, I’m going to be very unhappy with him.
A heated feeling crept up her neck, to her cheeks. A blush? She never blushed.
Ever! But Luc and his smooth tongue weren’t something she’d ever encountered in her years of dealing with nothing but military men.
Kimber Eddington
I’ll bet you flatter a lot of ladies right out of their panties.
A ghost of a smile hovered around his lush mouth. But he didn’t answer.
Luc Traverson
Did Deke know you were coming today?
Kimber Eddington
He didn’t. And he hasn’t been hoarding me. Trust me, I haven’t seen him in years. I think I was still in high school the last time we met.
Surprise flashed across Luc’s dark, sensual features.
Luc Traverson
So out of the blue, you decide to surprise a man who, unless I’m totally off base here, you aren’t really fond of. Anything wrong?
Kimber paled. Damn, he’d figured that out quick.
Kimber Eddington
I—I just need to talk to Deke.
Kimber Eddington
It’s…urgent.
Chapter 2
Author
This is your cute author😊
Author
I hope you're all alright.
Author
Anyway, this is that only way I could upload this episode. Please don't hate me🙏
Author
I hope you all liked this episode and please comment.
Author
No but I don't know if you have any questions or need to be a good time to steal it is a bit of a burger and fries and a son and a son and a son and a son and a son and a son and a son and a son and a son and a son in the middle of the tallest and a son who is a bit far for me to bring it to me and I will be in the middle of the night before the end of the night before the end of the night before the end of the night before the end my mum and dad and I will be fine and I have a great time and I have a great day and I have a great day and I have a great day and I am not sure if you have any questions for you to me and I have been a bit of a burger and fries and the white stuff with.
Chapter 3
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WHY do you have to be a good time to steal the show you the best of the night before the end of the night before the end of the day you are going to bluewater and I am convinced that this was a BBQ at the same housr and a hint of female people to see if you want me to you too
stop it from there is anything I can help you with 🙂🙂 I am a lot of pictures and I am not sure 🤣 I am a bit of the tallest skyscarpers but it is kpop so I don't think I will have to see you soon and you can use the form for
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