KISS

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  Resplendence Publishing, LLC

  www.resplendencepublishing.com

  Copyright ©2007 by Catherine Chernow

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  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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  CONTENTS

  KISS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  About the Author

  Also Available from Resplendence Publishing:

  More than Words by Kelly Kirch

  Project Seduction by Tatiana March:

  Secrets of the Heart by Jannifer Hoffman

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  KISS

  By

  Catherine Chernow

  Copyright © 2007, Catherine Chernow

  First Edition published by Triskelion Publishing, 2007

  Second Edition Published October 2008

  by

  Resplendence Publishing, LLC

  Edgewater, Florida

  All rights reserved

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and occurrences are a product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places, or occurrences, is purely coincidental.

  ** Note, KISS was originally published in 2007 by Triskellion Publishing. Resplendence Publishing is pleased to present this expanded version for your reading pleasure.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Dedicated to the memory of Ingrid and Maura, and for all the women in my life battling Breast Cancer.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter One

  "I'm scared, Kat."

  Kat Sullivan gazed at the older woman who had been her mother's friend and a second mother to Kat. “You are a desirable woman, Aunt Doris."

  Soft light streamed down from the ceiling, surrounding Doris, outlining her still-trim figure. Power track lighting had almost emptied Kat's bank account when she had first opened KISS, but it was worth every penny. Doris’ faced glowed, her body shimmered in the muted light of the dressing room.

  "I hope Harvey likes the new ‘me.'” Doris tied a silk robe over an exquisitely detailed nightgown of champagne silk and French lace. Her fingers shook as she knotted the sash. “We haven't, you know, since my surgery...” her hands fluttered to her chest. Perspiration dotted her forehead.

  "Wait ‘til he sees you in that.” Kat patted her shoulder. She knew that Doris’ illness and surgery had robbed the couple of the intimacy they once shared. “Just look at yourself.” Kat untied the knot on the sash and let the robe fall open. She grabbed Doris’ shoulders gently and turned her so she faced the full-length mirror. “That champagne color highlights your hair and accentuates your skin tone."

  Doris grabbed the lapels of the robe and pulled it over her chest.

  "No, don't cover yourself. Just look.” Kat raised Doris’ chin with the tip of her index finger. Doris’ eyes met Kat's in the mirror. “You're beautiful in that,” Kat told her.

  Kat turned her so that Doris could see in the mirror behind them, giving her a view of the French Calais lace that ran diagonally across the back of the gown. “I am beautiful,” Doris murmured. She smiled, the corners of her lips trembling. Her eyes misted, and she wiped the tears pooling in the corners.

  "You're one of the most beautiful women I know, inside and out,” Kat replied.

  "You're a good person, Kat."

  Kat's eyes misted, too. She owed Doris so much. When Kat returned to Summerville after her marriage broke up, Doris Leland became a bulwark of support. This was the least she could do for her “Aunt” Doris—help her gain her sense of self and reclaim her femininity.

  Just then, the bell over the door to KISS jangled. “Let me go see who that is. I'll be out front when you're ready.” Kat kissed Doris’ wrinkled cheek and walked out of the dressing room. As Kat made her way to the front of the store, she spotted a tall man gazing at her merchandise. Not recognizing him, she assumed he was another tourist or East Ender passing through Summerville on his way to the Hamptons. Most people stopped into visit the quaint town, lured by the historic buildings and the unique boutiques lining Summerville's Main Street. KISS’ reputation in the lingerie industry had grown over the years. The rich patrons Kat garnered had homes in Long Island's wealthiest East End towns. They loved her designs ... and her. Often, wealthy husbands came into KISS to buy their wives a birthday or anniversary gift, leaving the selection entirely up to Kat.

  "Welcome to Kat's Incredibly Special Store."

  The man turned his head. Kat smiled at her reflection in the mirrored finish of his aviator-style sunglasses. She wished she could see his eyes behind those shades. Her blood heated as he fingered the lace on a black satin and sheer gown hanging near the entrance. He caressed the bodice with the back of his hand then he rolled the lace between his thumb and forefinger. Her breasts grew heavy watching him.

  "I'm looking for the owner.” His deep voice shot through her down to her toes.

  "That's me,” she managed. Kat stuck out her hand. “I'm Kat Sullivan."

  "Then perhaps you can explain this.” He shoved a newspaper article at her.

  Kat reached for it and read aloud. “'I'm tired of people like Jared Martin assuming they know what's best for Summerville. He and his ‘MegaMart’ store cannot ruin the face of America's small towns. I wish he would come to Summerville so I can personally tell him what I think of his plan to take over our retail district.'” She shrugged her shoulders. “It seems pretty clear to me, what didn't you understand?"

  "Did you write that?” he asked his voice tight.

  "Yes,” she replied, handing the article back to him.

  He snatched it out of her hands.

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “Look, I'm running a business here, I don't have time to..."

  "You have no idea who I am?"

  She sighed. “Okay, enlighten me. Who are you?"

  "I'm ‘Mr. Ruiner-of-Small-Towns.’ I'm Jared Martin."

  Kat dropped her arms and paled. She took a step back as he moved forward, crowding the small space between them. When she gazed up into his face, she got her earlier wish as he pulled off his sunglasses. Dark eyes met hers. Small swirls of golden light shined in his like the threads of golden cinnamon creamer she poured into her cup of early morning java.

  "Nothing to say now? You seemed to have a lot to say to that newspaper."

  She never thought the enigmatic, greedy owner of America's largest chain of discount stores would appear in hers!
If Mr. Moneybags hoped to rattle her, he was mistaken.

  "If you wanted more money, why didn't you ask?"

  Kat glared at him. “You mean the fifty-thousand dollars you offered me for my store? It wouldn't even cover the loan I had to get to start up."

  "The other store owners want to take what I'm offering."

  He reached up and placed his sunglasses in his shirt pocket. The snow-white color of his shirt highlighted his tanned skin. A smattering of fine, dark hairs covered muscular forearms. The white and gold face of his wristwatch gleamed against the bronzed skin of his wrist. Just under the black leather watchband, Kat got a glimpse of paler skin.

  No, she could not allow her traitorous hormones to influence her opinion of this money-hungry man. He may be nicely packaged, but he had only one thing on his mind—money. Kat had met his kind before.

  "Not everyone's for sale.” Her voice shook. She took a deep, calming breath and noticed that his eyes zeroed in on the rise and fall of her chest. Kat wore one of the push-up bras she designed, making her breasts look rounder ... fuller. Her hand strayed to her chest, and stayed there.

  He glanced at the array of lingerie and intimate apparel on display. Men had been in her store before, but they never viewed her merchandise with the same type of reverence that Jared Martin did. His eyes traveled over each piece. Kat's face colored when his eyes settled on a coral-colored corset with a matching robe. He tore his eyes from the outfit then slid his gaze in her direction. It lingered on her face, traveled down the length of her body. Kat thought for just one crazy second that he was imagining her in such an intimate outfit.

  "I'll make you a deal on your stock,” he told her, his voice gruff.

  "You would sell all this in a MegaMart?” Her eyes widened in shock as she swept her hand out in front of her.

  "Absolutely."

  "Next to the power tools and lawn mowers?"

  "You know, I think you're beginning to see reason."

  "Get out!” she said through gritted teeth.

  Doris came out of the dressing room. “Well, hello.” She smiled at Jared.

  He brushed past Kat and took Doris’ hand in his own. “Jared Martin, ma'am. I'm visiting Summerville."

  Kat noticed how gently he grasped Doris’ older, wrinkled hand. Her heart gave a peculiar twist at the sight.

  "You're going to love it.” Doris beamed at him. “Summerville's citizens are gracious. And there's so much to do here.” Doris eyed him up and down. “You look like an outdoorsy type of man. Are you?"

  He grinned, revealing a mouth full of even, white teeth. “I am. I love all kinds of sports.” He slanted a glance at Kat.

  "Humph,” Kat replied.

  Doris clapped her hands. “Well then, young man, there's plenty of boating and water-skiing that goes on here in the summer. You'll love it. Where are you staying?"

  "Somewhere called the...” he beetled his brows. “The Pink Lady Inn."

  Doris angled her head. “The Pink Lady Inn? Where'd you see that?"

  "It's just outside town, in that development by the harbor."

  Doris grinned. “Oh my, you mean the Pink Lily Inn, don't you?"

  "I, uh ... well, there seems to be so many bed and breakfasts in this area, that I..."

  "A real man-of-the-world, aren't you?” Kat snorted.

  The skin across his cheekbones grew taut. His dark eyes flashed, the small gold flecks burned brightly. “At least I have manners, Ms. Sullivan."

  Kat clenched her hands at her sides. “Of all the nerve ... why you..."

  "Now, now. Kat, he's a visitor after all,” Doris patted Jared Martin's shoulder.

  "A visitor who's going to destroy this town,” Kat muttered under her breath.

  "I heard that,” he leaned down and whispered near her ear.

  Kat turned slightly to see that he grinned but it didn't quite reach the corners of his mouth. “Whatever you've heard about me ... it isn't true. Give me a chance.” His warm breath tickled her ear, making her shiver.

  Kat narrowed her eyes. “I know all I need to know about you."

  He ignored Kat and turned his charm on Doris again. “So I guess I'm staying at the Pink Lily Inn. Is it a nice place?"

  "Oh, yes. It's very pretty and homey. Betty Horan is the owner—she's my friend.” Doris winked at him. “I'll tell her to treat you extra special."

  Kat rolled her eyes.

  Doris exited the store. Immediately after she left, Kat turned the full force of her temper on Jared. “What are you trying to pull? You think you can charm me as you did her?” Her body trembled, and her eyes flashed.

  "I'm not pulling anything. You just got your wish, that's all."

  "My wish?"

  He quoted from the newspaper article again. “'I wish he would come to Summerville so I can tell him what I think of his plan to take over our retail district.'” Jared bent his tall frame. His nose bumped Kat's.

  "I'm here, Ms. Sullivan, and soon this entire town will be eating out of my hand."

  * * * *

  Jared's cell phone rang just as he entered his room at the bed and breakfast.

  "Hello!” he barked into the phone, flopping down on the bed and loosening his tie. He shut his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, resisting the urge to fall back onto the pillows. He couldn't fall asleep now, he had too much to do.

  "Is that any way to greet your assistant?"

  "Hello, George."

  "That's better. How are things in Smallville?"

  "Summerville."

  "What's the upstart like?"

  "Different ... than what I expected."

  "So, what do you plan to do?"

  A fleeting, niggling doubt entered Jared's mind. He felt the first threads of his plan to buy up Summerville's retail district begin to unravel. He figured KISS to be a “mall store” with mannequins in skimpy underwear, but KISS was classy, with elegantly styled nightwear that left something to the imagination. Jared's imagination wasn't where it belonged as he envisioned the lovely “upstart” in that coral-colored, satin corset he had seen. It would highlight her glorious, fiery-red hair and outline her lush bosom. The lady had a world-class chest. He also noticed that her large sea-green eyes tilted up at the corners. Her nose seemed a trifle too wide, but her mouth ... oh, her wide, generous mouth...

  A mouth she should learn to keep shut, particularly when she didn't know what she was talking about. If she'd only let him talk, heard him out, she'd have seen that his plan was a working, viable one that would boost the sales of every store in Summerville.

  "I'm going with Plan A, George.” He shook his head to clear it of thoughts of Kat Sullivan. This was war, and he had to win the first battle. He had seen Kat's stubborn kind before—people who didn't like change of any kind, even if it were a good thing.

  "Great! Do you need me there?"

  "I'll let you know."

  "The ‘Big M’ wins again!"

  Jared ended the call. He gazed out the window at the lush green lawn surrounding the bed and breakfast. Such a small town, he thought with a pang in his chest. Jared spent his youth in a town like Summerville, but the sunny, idyllic days of his formative years ended when Jared turned twenty-three. Fresh out of college, he had so many plans. Eager to step into his chosen profession, teaching, he accepted a job as a leave replacement in an elementary school. Soon after, Jared's father, the founder, and backbone of the MegaMart Empire, unexpectedly surrendered his reign and stepped down as CEO. No one else could fill the elder Martin's shoes, and Jared's path became clear. Pressure from MegaMart's Board of Directors made Jared set aside his dream of teaching so he could take care of the family business and run MegaMart.

  He had no time for reminiscing. Work came first.

  Jared picked up his cell phone and dialed.

  "Local News Channel Sixteen? Give me your Live at Five producer."

  * * * *

  Kat's friend Lilith raced into KISS the following day.

  "Hurry up,
put on Channel Sixteen!"

  Lilith grabbed Kat by the hand and hurried to the back of the store. Kat hit the power button on the small television in her office. Jared's image appeared.

  "MegaMart Corporation has been people oriented since my father opened the first store back in nineteen-seventy-four,” Jared told the interviewer.

  "'People first,’ that's your motto?” he asked Jared.

  "Exactly. That's why I'm upset with that newspaper article Kat Sullivan wrote. She has no idea of the jobs my stores create, the economic boost they give a small town."

  "You've been accused of questionable hiring practices, Mr. Martin."

  "Let him squirm,” Kat said under her breath.

  "...As well as your stand on letting unions into your stores,” the interviewer continued.

  "My hiring practices are sound,” Jared replied. “I offer all my employees profit sharing. If anyone has a problem, that person can come directly to me. They don't need a representative."

  "Humph!” Kat said to Lilith. “What a phony."

  "Still, allowing MegaMart into Summerville is like allowing fast-food chains. It ruins the look of a town,” the interviewer continued.

  "Our stores fit the town's profile. We do nothing without the civic association. We're community-minded. I intend to prove that MegaMart will be good for Summerville."

  "Well then, good luck, Mr. Martin."

  Kat punched the power button on the television and watched as Jared Martin's image faded from the screen. She couldn't let him win. KISS provided more than just exquisite lingerie to its customers. KISS offered many of Summerville's women hope, women like her Aunt Doris. Explaining that to a man whose sole purpose entailed making money was impossible. She had to find another way to fight him.

  "Do you know that while visiting one of his stores, Jared Martin actually jumped in the path of a moving car in the parking lot to save a little girl's life? He takes this ‘people first’ business seriously,” Lilith stated.

  "I heard it was a publicity stunt,” Kat huffed.

  "He is rather ... attractive. Ever since you split with Arthur, you haven't dated."

  "So?” Kat walked out of the backroom and into the main part of KISS. She pulled a box out from under the counter and slit it open with scissors. “Why is my personal dating life such a concern to you?"