Do Not Disturb Until Christmas Read online

  Code rose from the bed and the sunlight streaming in circled his naked body like a spotlight. She’d touched and kissed every inch of him, yet she still marveled at the inspiring male specimen that stood before her. He smiled her way for a quick second, catching her raised brows, and searing heat warmed her cheeks. After the night they’d spent, nothing should embarrass her.

  “I’ll shower at my place,” he said, gathering up his strewn clothes and putting them on.

  Sarah watched his fluid, efficient movements and recalled how talented a lover he was. She’d never had a more satisfying night in her life.

  Every bone in her body was sated, her limbs melting, her insides humming with satisfaction.

  After putting on his shoes but not bothering to button his shirt all the way, he walked to the bed, and, with a gentle yank, pulled the sheets away from her.

  She gasped. Naked to him in broad daylight, he stared down at her, raking her over with a powerful blue gaze. His hand came down and he stroked her between the thighs, a finger teasing the very tip of her womanhood. She flinched inside and heat flared. He caressed further up her belly, circling her navel, running his palm over her torso and then higher, sending a slight feathery touch over her breast that pebbled both nipples until finally his hand worked over her shoulder and throat to cup her face. His thumb slid over her lips and he parted them with mild pressure. He bent and kissed her lightly on the mouth.

  “Goodbye, Sarah.”

  Sarah blinked. And blinked again. Before Code was out the door, she hinged her body up in bed, dragging the sheet over her breasts. “Cody?”

  “No one calls me Cody anymore,” he said, a finger hooking his sleek black jacket over his shoulder.

  “I do,” she said, lifting her chin.

  “Yeah.” He looked toward the door.

  “What now?” she asked.

  Code didn’t pretend not to know what she meant. Instead he focused his gaze on her and shook his head. “I don’t know, Sarah.”

  But she knew. The truth stared back at her with clarity as she looked into his eyes. No regrets. No commitments. That’s all Code wanted.

  She wouldn’t let her pride take a beating. She’d agreed to his terms last night. Sarah smiled wide with a nonchalance that could earn her an Academy Award. “Well, then. Goodbye.”

  He nodded sharply, then he was gone.

  “Okay, that’s it,” Sarah said to her band members, yanking her in-ear monitors out and lifting her guitar strap over her head. “I’m through for the day.”

  Betsy McKnight, one of her three backup singers and the girl closest to Sarah’s own age, stepped down from the riser and crossed the Harmony stage to take the guitar out of Sarah’s hands. “You okay, Sarah? You’re looking a little worn out today.”

  “I’m fine. Just a little tired, Bets.”

  “It’s not like you to cut the rehearsal short.”

  She’d had a grueling day, but Sarah was used to long hours on the road. Today, she felt especially tired though and wondered if it had to do with the sexual workout she’d had with Code last night. “We’ve all been working too hard. We know this stuff upside down and backwards.” She turned to her six band members, who were packing up the back line, efficiently stowing their gear away. “Take tomorrow off, guys. Do some sightseeing. Spend your money in town,” she said, with a chuckle. “No rehearsal tomorrow. We’re good to go.”

  Betsy eyed her with suspicion as she set the guitar in the case and handed it off to Brad, their bass guitarist. “Sarah, what’s really up?”

  She shrugged a shoulder. “I don’t know. Sometimes it all gets to me. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live a normal life. You know, where I could go out and not be recognized. A house in the suburbs, kids. I may have grown up poor, but my mama always instilled in us a sense of family. We always had love in our house, even after my daddy took off and abandoned us.”

  “Man, I’ve never seen you so…melancholy. At least, not since that time…” Betsy held up on her thought and Sarah appreciated her consideration. Betsy had been the one person Sarah had trusted to confide in when newspaper tabloids had splashed a scandalous story about Sarah and a celebrated baseball player—a married man.

  None of it had been true, but nonetheless, Sarah’s name had been dragged through some pretty deep mud, putting a dull tarnish on her very polished reputation. Yet, she’d had record sales that year and found herself very much in demand.

  Her fans had remained loyal throughout and she loved them for it, and eventually the general public had forgiven and forgotten. But Sarah cringed at thinking about that time in her life and how much stress the situation had put upon her.

  Now, she felt another unease and it all had to do with Code reappearing in her life.

  “I think I’m more tired than melancholy,” she said to Betsy. “I need a good night’s sleep to catch up. I’ll be in better spirits tomorrow. It’s been a long few days.”

  “Okay, but if you ever need to talk, remember Betsy’s got a good pair of ears and a tight mouth.”

  Sarah chuckled. “I know you do, Bets. And I appreciate that.”

  Betsy’s expression changed from mischievous to somber. “You are going straight to bed, right?”

  “Right. Gosh, that sounds like heaven. I can’t wait to crawl under my sheets and—” She stopped when she noticed Betsy’s attention darting to the far end of the music hall. Sarah followed the path of her gaze.

  Code Landon, dressed in dark clothes, sporting day-old stubble and a determined look stood at the double doors.

  “Oh, my,” Betsy whispered. “Who is that, and can I have one?”

  Sarah groaned silently. The sight of him sped up her heart rate. Images flashed of Code’s body crushed to hers on her silken sheets and the wondrous erotic things they’d done together. “He’s my…uh, in charge of the hotel’s security.”

  “He’s your bodyguard?” Betsy rushed out in a low voice.

  “Not really.” But it seemed Code was taking up that role, regardless. “It’s a long story.”

  “One you’re planning on telling me, right?”

  “Maybe…one day, Bets.” As they approached, Code kept his deep blue eyes firmly set on Sarah. “Just do me a favor. Don’t leave me alone with him, okay?”

  “Are you joking?” But Sarah didn’t smile at Betsy’s jest and then her friend sobered. “Okay, got it.”

  Sarah knew she could rely on Betsy not to cave in. Sarah didn’t trust herself with Code Landon. She didn’t want a repeat of what had happened last night.

  She should have never agreed to Code’s terms. Sarah wasn’t a no commitment kind of girl. She didn’t enjoy casual flings, contrary to what the tabloids had written. She’d found out last night that she and Code weren’t on the same page. The demands he’d made last night hadn’t wavered in the morning as she’d hoped. He wanted hot sex with a onetime love, and she wanted…more.

  She longed for something this older, bitter Code Landon couldn’t give her. It saddened her heart to think so, but nothing spoke more clearly than Code’s cold demeanor and rapid departure this morning.

  “I need to speak with you,” Code said, the second they got within hearing range.

  Sarah narrowed her eyes. She wouldn’t put up with Code’s demands any longer. “It’ll have to wait. Betsy and I have to go over our song sets.”

  Code looked at Betsy and put out his hand. “Code Landon.”

  Betsy took his hand and smiled. “Betsy McKnight.”

  “You have a great voice, Miss McKnight. I enjoyed your rehearsal.”

  Betsy flushed three shades of pink. “Thanks. It’s easy sounding good behind Sarah.”

  He nodded and returned his attention to Sarah. “It’s business, and it can’t wait.”

  “Robert handles all my business. You’ll need to speak with him.”

  Code’s nostrils flared and his facial muscles grew tight. “This involves you, personally.”

  Sarah didn’t
know how much Code was willing to say in front of Betsy, but from the look in his eyes, she couldn’t trust him to be discreet.

  “It’s about the Dream Foundation. I found you a big contributor.”

  Sarah blinked. The Dream Foundation was her weak spot. She had trouble keeping her excitement at bay when all she wanted to do was jump up and down with glee. She turned to Betsy. “We’ll work on those sets another time, okay?”

  Betsy eyed her, as if unsure how to proceed. “Okay?”

  “It is okay, Bets. And thanks for a great rehearsal today. See you in a couple of days.”

  They embraced and she waited until Betsy left the music hall before turning her attention to Code. Thrilled to have another contributor on board, she asked, “Who is it?”

  Code cocked his mouth up, his midnight-blue eyes squared on her. “Me.”

  Three

  “T his is Brock’s place,” Code explained to Sarah as he let her inside the penthouse apartment at the very top of Tempest New Orleans. “I’m staying here while he’s gone.”

  Sarah entered and darted her gaze around, un-mindful of the plush masculine accommodations. Code had insisted they speak privately, so for the sake of the Dream Foundation, she’d agreed to come up here with him.

  Wary, unsure, with her guard up, she would have never submitted to this if he hadn’t said the magical words. Sarah was a sucker for her charity, even if it meant Code Landon getting involved. Money was money and they needed much more than she could raise alone here.

  “You were rude to Robert,” she stated. They’d run into her manager in the hallway outside the Harmony Room and he and Code had had a subtle war of words.

  “That guy needs to get a life,” Code said, removing his leather jacket and tossing it onto a high-backed beige leather chair.

  Sarah wrapped her arms around her denim jacket, refusing his offer to remove it in a crazy attempt at self-preservation and a reminder to keep the meeting short. She’d dressed comfortably for the rehearsal in jeans and running shoes but Code had a way of making her uncomfortable no matter what she wore.

  “You told him I was having dinner with you. That’s not true. I plan on hearing you out. Then I’m going to bed.”

  Code raised one brow provocatively, but Sarah didn’t take the bait.

  “We both need to eat, Sarah. Might as well do it together.”

  “I’m not hungry,” she said politely. Her mama’s well-taught manners always her companion, she added. “Thank you, but I don’t want dinner tonight.”

  An amused smile emerged. “Okay, the lady isn’t hungry. Got it. Have a seat. I’ll get us both a drink.”

  “Make mine iced tea.” She eyed the comfy sofa but decided it safer to take a seat on one of the two chairs in the room.

  Sarah wanted to keep her wits about her. She was exhausted. An alcoholic drink or two could send her over the edge and she didn’t want a repeat of last night with Code. Not that the night hadn’t been glorious, but she’d decided it wasn’t worth the hollow feeling she’d awoken to in the morning with Code’s cool and abrupt demeanor.

  She needed to focus on the Dream Foundation and how much Code was willing to help. That’s all that mattered.

  Code fixed himself a shot of bourbon straight up and then emptied a bottle of lemon-flavored iced tea into a tall glass, tossing a few ice cubes in before bringing it over to her.

  “Thanks,” she said, trying to ignore the warming jolt swimming through her as he brushed his fingers over hers. “Now about the Foundation?”

  Code took a seat across from her and leaned back, eyeing the rim of his drink. A second ticked by, then another. When he looked into her eyes, she nearly melted from the sincere depth of emotion she saw on his face. “I’ve made a lot of money over the years. More than I ever imagined. More than I’ll ever need.” Then he leaned forward and braced his arms on his bent knees and stared at her. “The Dream Foundation does good work. There’s a real need here in New Orleans. What would you say if I offered to match the amount of money you raised this Christmas?”

  Sarah held the glass to her lips ready to take a sip. She wouldn’t dare now. The liquid would surely turn to drool as her mouth gaped open. Slowly, she lowered her glass and set it on the beveled glass table beside her. “Do you know how much money we’re talking about here?”

  Code smiled. “I know. Your concerts bring in hundreds of thousands.”

  “And you’re willing to help that much?”

  Calmly, Code sipped his drink again. They spoke like two people who hadn’t been searing up her sheets twenty-four hours ago. It was kind of eerie in a way Sarah couldn’t rightly fathom.

  “I am.”

  Sarah studied him for a moment, puzzling out his intentions. “Why?”

  “I’m community-minded.”

  Her brows shot up in surprise.

  He laughed outright. “Okay. I haven’t been in the past. But my accountants have contributed to many charities on my behalf. This time, I want to take an active part in helping out.”

  Sarah shook her head. “I still don’t get it.”

  Code challenged her with a deep blue-eyed stare. “Are you refusing my help?”

  “Don’t be silly, Code. Even if I hated you personally, I’d still take your money. For the Foundation.”

  “You’re that dedicated?”

  “I am.”

  “Do you…hate me?”

  Sarah took a deep breath and released it slowly. She whispered, “How can you ask me that after last night?”

  Code flicked a deliberate look over her with so much heat that her skin prickled with awareness, yet he refused her an answer.

  “I could ask the same about you, Code. Do you hate me?”

  “No, I don’t hate you, Sarah,” he answered quietly.

  Sarah sat up straighter in the chair, lifting her chin. He’d answered her question, yet he hadn’t really said what she’d hoped to hear. He’d made no declaration about his feelings for her, whatsoever. She wanted…something from him. They’d made love on two separate occasions, and both times had touched her deeply. It seemed that Code wasn’t a man who revealed his true emotions.

  Exhausted now, she wanted to get back on track and deal with her overwrought feelings another time. They’d gotten off the real subject and that was his contribution to the Dream Foundation for Katrina victims. “So you’re planning on matching my donations for all eight concerts?”

  “I do have a ceiling, Sarah. One million dollars.”

  Sarah nearly stammered out her words. “Y-you’re willing to donate…one million dollars?”

  “Matching your concerts sounded like more fun, but yeah. I’ll donate one million to your cause.”

  Sarah sank down in her seat and blew out a big breath. “I don’t know what to say. The Dream Foundation will appreciate it.”

  Code nodded.

  Filled with both elation and doubt, Sarah wasn’t sure why she’d felt so befuddled except that she was overtired and not entirely immune to Code’s generosity.

  She stood up. “You’re doing a good thing. The victims of the hurricane need as much help as they can get.”

  Code rose from his seat and approached her. “I’ve watched your interviews, Sarah. You’re the perfect spokesperson for the Foundation.”

  Sarah blinked, balking that Code found anything about her perfect. “Th-thank you,” she said, as doubt crept in again. Code could be very charming when he set his mind to it.

  “We can work out the details later.” Sarah turned to leave and when she twisted the knob and opened the door, Code came up behind her, stretching out a hand to shove the door closed.

  “Code, what are you doing?” she asked, feeling foolish speaking toward the door.

  She felt his presence surrounding her, and his rich masculine scent drifted in the air, an erotic reminder of last night. His hands circled her waist and applied pressure on her hips. His breath caressed the back of her neck and he nibbled on her throat. “I’m
saying goodbye to you,” he said, between tiny kisses.

  He had a way of saying goodbye that made her want to stay forever. She closed her eyes and wished he’d stop, but the sensations he aroused created infinite pleasure that buttoned her lips and had her leaning back against him.

  He brought his hands up just under her breasts, holding her from behind causing her immeasurable tremors of heat.

  “You’re in my blood, Sarah Mae Rose.”

  “I don’t want to be,” she said quietly, the truth astoundingly accurate.

  “I don’t want you to be either,” he replied with regret.

  She turned to face him and cocooned in his embrace, she searched the depths of his eyes for a sign of warmth or longing or compassion. When she found none, disappointment registered instantly. Then she was struck with a notion that caused her to lash out. Was the donation a bribe of sorts to secure her a place in his bed? “Is this the terms of your donation?”

  Code stroked his thumb over her lips, outlining her mouth and she was struck with a sharp pang of desire. “One is business and the other is pleasure. They have nothing to do with each other.”

  Oddly, she believed him yet she still issued him a dare. “Then let me go.”

  Code backed away from her and nodded. “You’re an expert at walking away, Sarah. I won’t stop you.”

  He opened the door and she exited, retaining some sense of composure as she headed for the elevator.

  “Next time, you won’t want to leave.”

  She didn’t want to leave now.

  Her skin prickled and she didn’t dare turn around. That last remark put her on shaky ground because she knew if she saw him leaning against the doorjamb, watching her with those melt-your-heart eyes and a charming expression, she’d walk straight back into his arms.

  As exhausted as she was, Sarah couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned and quietly cursed Code Landon for haunting her thoughts. Finally, she punched down her goose feather pillow, flopped onto her back and stared at the ceiling, surrendering to her bout of insomnia.

  And then words flowed in her head, lyrics that wouldn’t go away. Lyrics, that had somehow eluded her for months now came to her with ease. And the music, too, played in her head.