Hurricane by Taige Crenshaw Page A

a little farther, then slowed. Keenan’s brow furrowed as he spotted the huge sign on his right, which was made of black brick columns on either side of a semi-circle black hued plaque with gold trim along the edge. The writing on the sign, also in gold, stated “Locke Estate 1” with a list of addresses below. On each side of the sign were benches with a small shelter over them.
    Since the address he’d been given didn’t match the numbers listed, he drove on slowly past the turn off where the sign was located. Keenan lifted an eyebrow as he passed not only Locke Estate two but also three, which had a similar sign and a different set of numbers, none of which matched the number he’d been given. He was surprised that there was more than one Locke Estate—when Julianne had given him the address he hadn’t even thought there would be so many. Finally spotting Locke Estate four, he made the turn. From the first sight of the two lanes, one up and the other down as well as directional signs, it reminded him of Kindred Place. He noted his destination was the farthest away from the entrance. Cresting the slight incline, he drove up the driveway, taking in the house.
    It was an architectural dream. Brick, stone and stucco mixed together to create a mosaic look to the front of the house. Huge bay windows and a slanted roof offset it. From outside, it looked like two floors. On the right side of the second floor, extending out, was a balcony with glass curving from the roof and seeming to disappear behind the ornamental railing. If he had to guess, it would be the master bedroom, as the way the balcony was set up would afford privacy. Holding up the second floor platform were columns that went into arches on three sides—across the front and down both sides of the house. The area under it was a porch that led down the side of the house and out of view. He could see flower boxes and hanging plants throughout the area, and a patio table with chairs and other furnishings.
    Manoeuvring his black Dodge Dakota Laramie Crew Cab into the space that seemed designed for parking, he got out. He went up the three steps under the arched stone-faced covering and onto the landing, pressing the doorbell. The door swung open before the musical chimes could stop playing. Keenan’s breath caught. He had promised himself to act like a gentleman and not strip her bare as soon as he saw her. Her clothing was testing his restraint.
    Julianne’s hair was swept up, away from her face, with two curls on either side framing her captivating features and there was a welcoming smile on her lips. He lowered his head. The deep red V-neck shirt with black designs of some sort of flower on one side showcased the top of her full bosom. It fell around her body to mid-thigh and had a jagged hem. Black jeans enveloped her legs, and matching red high-heeled sandals showcased her beige-coloured toenails. Keenan gulped for air, clearing his throat before he spoke.
    “Julianne, you take my breath away.”
    “Ditto.” She smiled, lowering her lids over her golden eyes.
    “We’d better get going. May I say hello to Rissa?”
    “She’s not here. Noelle and her husband Pierce are watching her for me.”
    “The interior designer, right?”
    “Yes. Come in while I get my purse.”
    “I better not. I don’t know if I can resist kissing you.” Keenan lowered his tone.
    “Why would you have to resist? I want to taste you, Keenan.” Julianne smiled, a wicked curve of her lips.
    “And I want a taste too but if I do we won’t be getting out of this house.” Keenan stated.
    The look on her face clearly showed she had no problem with that idea. “I don’t see anything wrong with that.”
    Julianne’s pink tongue darted out from between her closed mouth and she licked from left to right. Keenan followed the movement, fists clenching at his side. His half-hard erection filled, pushing against his zipper. He shifted in place, trying to not take that step and back