Gimme an O! by Kayla Perrin Page A

was Kahari speaking from behind them. “And what theme do you want—Caribbean or Mediterranean?”
    “I’ll let the lady decide.”
    “Caribbean or Mediterranean?” Lecia looked at both Kahari and Anthony. “I don’t get it.”
    “Music,” Kahari explained.
    “Oh.”
    “I like to call my backyard my home away from home.” Kahari strolled to a wall between two floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the impressive backyard. Pressing the heel of his hand on one section, the marble popped open. It was a secret compartment, and within it was a compact stereo. “Withthe touch of a button I can have whatever music I’d like in the backyard. So, what do you feel like?”
    “Caribbean,” Lecia told him, shrugging.
    Moments later the upbeat sounds of instrumental reggae came to life. The sound was so crisp and clear, Lecia could easily picture a steel band outside playing on the deck.
    “And could you grab a sandwich for Lecia?” Anthony asked. “She hasn’t had any lunch.”
    “You don’t have to—”
    “It’s no problem,” Kahari told her. “Turkey okay?”
    She did need to eat something, and she realized she probably wouldn’t have time to go somewhere else for food. “Turkey’s fine, thanks. Mustard, no mayo.”
    “Coming right up.”
    As Kahari headed toward the fridge, Anthony opened the sliding patio door and extended a hand, motioning for Lecia to pass him.
    She paused briefly, then walked over the threshold and into the backyard. As she scanned the vast property, she realized the word “backyard” was hardly adequate. The pool was as large as some hotel pools, and besides the lounge chairs, there was a tiki bar and an area with at least five round tables and umbrellas. Behind that, a massive deck boasted two barbecues and a giant-size hot tub.
    This was an entertainment complex. The only thing missing was the attractive bartender tossing bottles into the air and catching them before pouring shots of liquor into huge glasses.
    Instead, Anthony made his way behind the bar. “I make a mean chocolate banana drink, which you can have with banana liqueur or without any alcohol. Or perhaps you would prefer a banana daiquiri?”
    Just thirty minutes ago she had been planning on a large coffee with milk and sugar, and now she had a host of exotic drinks to choose from. This was entirely too surreal.
    “I’d be happy with coffee.”
    “I can make a coffee smoothie.”
    “Whatever’s got caffeine.”
    “Make yourself comfortable.”
    Lecia made her way to one of the tables with the straw umbrellas. No sooner had she sat than Kahari appeared. “Oh, my,” Lecia said. “This is huge.” The turkey sandwich was on thick whole wheat bread, bursting with lettuce and tomatoes. “You didn’t have to go to this trouble.”
    “No trouble at all.”
    Maybe this place was the equivalent of the playboy mansion, but for women. Because here she had two men serving her.
    A girl could get used to this, she thought, a wicked image of barely clad men hanging around the place making her chuckle to herself.
    “Enjoy,” Kahari said simply. Then he quietly walked away and back into the house, leaving Lecia alone outside with Anthony.
    Her fantasy died as a warning bell sounded in her brain.
    I can’t be alone with this man.
    As she watched Anthony pour the blended drink into a large, curvy glass, she pushed her chair back and stood.
    This was bad. Very bad.
    She had to get out of here.

Twelve
    Anthony saw Lecia practically jump out of her chair, and wondered what the heck was going on. He stared at her until she met his eyes. Either some bug had spooked her, or…or she was planning on taking off. Damn, she couldn’t do that before he talked to her.
    “Going somewhere?” he asked nonchalantly.
    “Um…uh, Kahari’s leaving?” Lecia asked.
    “Yeah.” Anthony came around the bar holding the coffee smoothie and a vodka tonic. “He’s giving us privacy.”
    At Lecia’s alarmed look, Anthony added,