by Raine Miller
He snatched her gaze. “That’s only because I said it in the light of day. On a pillow at night with two sweaty bodies, it’s sexy as hell.”
“I’m not looking for sex, Mr. Harrison.”
“I’m not either. I asked you for dinner. Good food and conversation with no attachments. You took the implication further.” He’d tossed out a dare, and his bet was she’d run like a scared rabbit. But she wasn’t scared. The only thing scaring her was the fear that she just might let herself go again. Have fun. Do the unexpected. A repeat of Vegas, maybe.
Her mystical eyes narrowed. Oh, she’d taken the bait. He could practically see her mind turning over the idea of them being together and keeping their clothes on. A good politician never backed away from a good fight.
“I think dinner would be fun.” She raised her finger. “Only dinner. No sex.”
“Why don’t we play it by ear and see how it goes.” He laughed. “No need to put restrictions on the evening.”
She leaned over and put her palms on his desk. “You just want to fuck me again, don’t you?”
He leveled his face close to hers. “What shocking language, Ms. Ryan.” He grinned. “You can bet your sweet ass I want to fuck you. But, that’s not all I want.”
“You’re lying.” She blinked and retreated a step.
He raised a brow. “Am I?” Gazes still locked, he opened the top drawer of his desk and pulled the red and black teddy. Straightening, he lifted it in the air and dangled it from his index finger.
Her gasp and shocked expression were priceless. After a moment, her eyes shifted to the lingerie, and her face reddened. Hiding a grin, he tucked the piece of sex back into the drawer.
Her nostrils flared. “Are you keeping that?”
“Oh, yeah. I’d be hard pressed to let go of it.”
“In other words, it’s going to cost me.”
He didn’t want to incite her anger, so he remained quiet.
“This is crazy.” She held her hands out palms toward him, as if she wanted to push him away but was afraid to make physical contact. “We could never go to being just a casual couple. Not after our night in Las Vegas.”
“I’ll make you a little bet. I have a lake house nearby. Let’s go spend the weekend together. I promise you there will be no sex.” He held up his hands. “Even if you beg.”
She straightened and relaxed her shoulders. “You think we can spend the entire weekend together and not end up in bed with each other?”
“I guarantee it.”
“What if we don’t make it the whole weekend?”
“Then I’ll be a major contributor to your reelection campaign. You might be surprised at the influential friends I have.”
She tapped her finger to her lips. “Very tempting. I’ll call you later and let you know.”
He nodded, took out a business card, and handed it to her. “I look forward to your call, Representative Ryan.”
“Lexi, my friends call me Lexi.”
CHAPTER 6
Lexi left more confused than when she’d entered the building in downtown Dallas. To say he had a successful company was like saying Jerry Jones liked football.
In Las Vegas, she’d known he was devastatingly handsome, but seeing him this morning confirmed what she already knew. Dark, mysterious, yet those eyes held a hint of mischief. He was a man who smiled often and laughed with genuine humor.
Cleverly, he’d tossed out a challenged. Yet at the same time, he’d assured her he wanted more than sex. Sliding behind the wheel of her car, Lexi checked her mirror to see if the heat in her face still beamed. She didn’t know if she was more excited or terrified out of her mind.
While he’d talked, all she’d thought about was his naked body on top of hers. Bringing her to doubt if she could keep her hands off him. What if she just wanted to eat him up?
He’d promised no sex, but was that what she wanted? Instinct told her she’d be a fool to not want to sleep with Jack Harrison. Her body actually craved him in a wild, savage way. And she knew how this man could pleasure a woman. Just the thought made her panties wet.
So, what was her hang up? Did she want him to fall in love with her or just enjoy the ride? She laughed out loud. What were the odds he’d fall for her.
Could she trust him? It all was too exhausting to keep rambling around in her head. Either she would say yes or no. That’s what it came down to. No love, no forever, and no regrets.
She reached down and picked up her phone. At the first red light, she took out his card and dialed his number. The receptionist answered and transferred her to Jack’s office.
“Hello,” he said. “Looks like you’re a woman who can make up her mind.”
“I think I’d like both.”
His voice lowered when he said, “Sex and a weekend?”
“No.” She smiled. “I’m thinking I’d like dinner and a weekend.”
His laughter sent calming waves of happiness over her body and into her heart. She was right. He had a sense of humor.
“Okay, when and where?”
“Soon, because this coming weekend is the only time I have a full Saturday and Sunday available.”
“Tomorrow night?”
“You’re on.”
“Can I pick you up?”
“No, I’ll meet you at Kirby’s Steakhouse at seven o’clock.”
“I’ll be there.”
Excitement zinged through her body after she hung up. It was a mystery to her why she’d agreed to spend time with him, but she wasn’t going to question her intuition. And it was screaming to go for him.
By the following evening, she was a bundle of nerves. Work had been a beast, and the traffic getting home brutal. She barely had time to shower, find the perfect dress, and get to the restaurant on time.
And he stood there, waiting for her like the perfect gentlemen. A delightful sense of ease settled in the pit of her stomach as she reminded herself that they were just having dinner.
He looked handsome in his black slacks, expensive sports coat, and light blue shirt with the collar open. He was charming, polite, and irresistibly gorgeous. Her hormones flipped into high gear, and her mouth watered.
He ordered wine, and they both relaxed. Unable to control herself, she watched as he lifted his wine glass and imagined those hands roving over her body and bringing her as much pleasure as every other tool in his sexual arsenal.
The man was remarkable in bed and out.
“I’m surprised you consented to the weekend.”
She leaned forward. “Why?”
“I had you pegged as a lady who takes few, if any chances.”
“Really?” She took a sip of wine. “I’m a politician. I live on the edge.”
“Oh, that’s not what I’m talking about. I kind of assumed with men you pretty much played it safe.” He took her hand. “Like Howard?”
She pulled away from his touch. God! Had he checked out her relationship with Howard? Of course, he did. “You shouldn’t pry into people’s lives without their permission.”
“I rarely do. In my defense, I’d put my team on Howard because he was the only lead I had on you. So, I told them to check him out. I met him at the hotel.”
She groaned and propped her hand against her forehead. “So, you know about the break-up?”
“I know you and he dated for some time then up popped a marriage license to another woman.”
The waiter came and took their order. He had steak and she had seafood.
She took a sip of water. “I learned today the guy at the Gala was arrested for stalking, thanks to you.”
“Glad that’s over.”
Folding her arms, she leaned closer. “I wish I could say that Howard marrying another woman really broke my heart. But it didn’t.” She smiled at him. “I think you were a little help getting me over that tragedy.”
Again with the laugh. “I was more than happy to accommodate, Ms. Ryan. Always at your service.”
Now, he had her laughing. Their salads arrived, and they enjoyed their dinner in comfortable silence.
“So, what made you become a politician? Could I be sitting at the table with the future Madame President?”
She held up her hands. “Oh, no. My term is over next year, and I may go back to practicing law. I only ran for State Representative because I knew I could make a difference, and my father needed another boost to his ego.”
“Apparently, my offer to help your campaign didn’t have any influence to spending the weekend together.”
She pointed at him with her fork. “Not in the least. You have to know you can’t bribe a State Representative.” She winked. “There are laws against that.”
He pressed his hand to his chest and leaned back. “My apologies. I hope I don’t end up in front of Congress.”
She shook her head. “I won’t tell. And since I have no intention of taking you up on the offer, it doesn’t matter.”
“We’re still on for the weekend?”
She tilted her head. “I think so.”
“Did I pass whatever test you mentally set me up to take?”
“I just didn’t want to spend the weekend with a jerk or a serial killer.”
“Oh, wow! How do you know I’m not a killer?”
She smiled. “I have my resources, too.”
After reading the dessert menu, he ordered cheesecake for them to share and two coffees. He’d taken the napkin off his lap when Lexi reached for the cream and over went his water glass. She didn’t know what to do.
“Oh, crap. I’m so sorry.” She tried to stand, but he took her hand and kept her seated. His gaze clashed with hers. One would think his first instinct would be to jump to his feet, but he remained seated and satisfied himself with just brushing the ice off his pants.
Heat flushed her face as disbelief traveled from her chest to her cheeks. She opened her mouth to speak, but it took a few moments for the words to come. “I’m sorry, Jack. I didn’t mean to be so clumsy.”
“It’s all good. I have eight nieces and nephews. I’ve been peed on, pooped on, spit-up on, and puked on. Water is a refreshing option. Besides, that was one way to cool me off.”
“You must consider me a klutz. I can’t believe I just did that.”
“Don’t worry. I’m fine.” He lowered his voice and leaned across the table. “But I know one place where you have perfect coordination.” He wiggled his brows and chuckled.
She obviously couldn’t hold back her mirth any longer. She burst out laughing so hard the entire restaurant turned to stare.
Jack grinned.
“Very well done, Jack. Very well, indeed.”
***
Saturday morning, Jack walked up the steps to Lexi’s house and waited for her to answer the bell. She opened the door with a wide smile, a cute pair of white shorts, a red sleeveless top, and a pair of sandals.
Her hair was loose around her freckled shoulders, and she handed him a small bag. “Ready?”
“I’m looking forward to relaxing.”
Actually, Jack was looking forward to more than that, but he’d keep his word. No sex. Now, if he could just turn off his inner voice and calm his dick then everything would be fine.
Since having dinner with her, he’d slept better, but all he dreamed of was him on top of her, her lips on his, and the touch of her hands dancing on his chest. That made waking up in the middle of the night very uncomfortable.
She stepped in front of him, and his eyes lasered in on her fine looking ass. Inwardly, he groaned. A long weekend of wanting lay ahead for him. Her too, if he was lucky.
A very long weekend.
They made it to his house on Grapevine Lake shortly after nine. He’d made sure the pantry and fridge were stocked and the place cleaned and aired out before their arrival. As a matter of fact, he’d considered being at the lake this weekend with or without Lexi. He loved the open air and the water.
Usually, several guys he knew or worked with would show up and enjoy the weekend. However, he found it more and more uncomfortable being the only single guy in the group.
“This is lovely,” she said, eyeing the interior of the small lake cottage. “Nice getaway.”
“I bought it years ago.”
“Do you own a boat?”
“I used to have a sailboat, but I sold it. Now I have a couple of jet-skis.” He laughed. “Hope I can get one of them started. I haven’t driven them much this summer.”
She tilted her head in that inquisitive manner that mentally asked a question. “Care to elaborate?”
He shrugged and placed her suitcase in the master bedroom. “It’s not as much fun as it used to be. A bunch of the guys I know would come out here with me and party most of the weekend. Now, their wives don’t give them too many partying privileges anymore.”
Before the conversation went in a direction he didn’t want to go, he offered her something cool to drink, and they stepped out onto the patio to watch the lake. “Better do it now, this afternoon will be a scorcher.”
“I usually don’t do much outside in July and August.” She took a sip of tea. “It’s just too hot.”
“Put on your bathing suit, and let’s get in the water.”
“First, should you see if your Skidoo will start?”
“Oh, ye of little faith.”
They went back in the house and she stopped. “Where is the guest room?”
“I put your things in the master.”
She turned and glared at him with an accusing gaze.
He held up his hands. “I’m staying in the guest room.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You better.”
He put his hands on his hips. “You know, you keep talking like I came into your room.” He tapped her on the nose. “And you make it sound like I was the only one having fun.”
She blushed several shades of red before turning and marching away to put on her swimsuit.
Laughing, he went to the guest room and stripped. He made it outside and had the jet-ski in the water before she emerged from the house.
He thought his eyes would pop out and be lost in the lake. His libido instantly kicked in, and nasty thoughts paraded through his mind like the fourth of July.
Yowza!
As she waded into the water, his eyes remained on the tiny belly button charm. “That new?”
She looked down. “No, I just wasn’t wearing it Friday night.”
Jack already felt the metal stud in his mouth, tasted the tangy metallic flavor of it, and thought of all the things his tongue could do to it. For some reason, that was the sexist thing she wore.
Not saying her two piece wasn’t hot, but that tiny piece of jewelry kicked up his heartbeat and made his ears ring. He grew mesmerized by the sun sparkling off of the diamond.
She waved her hand in front of his eyes. “Hellloooo.”
He blinked. “Sorry, I got a little carried away.”
She tossed him a wicked smile that said she’d just read his mind and no secret was safe. Damn, this woman did crazy things to his head.
He helped her into the life jacket, then onto the back of the jet-ski. He slipped into the driver’s seat and gunned the motor. They took off at a nice pace, but the only thing on Jack’s mind was her warm thighs against his hips and her breasts against his back.
Well, there were life vests between them, but he had an imagination. To have her so close against his body did strange and wonderful things to his heart. To smell her spicy perfume that had forever invaded his nostrils and to feel her warmth kept him distracted. He also knew what lay pressed against his rear.
He’d never make it until Sunday night. No way in hell.
They skidded across the lake with her arms wrapped around his waist, her cheek pressed against his back. Him loving the idea of being this close to her.
Jack made a turn and headed back when the wave of a motorboat cut into their turn just as Lexi let go with her right hand to shove her hair off of her face
.
The next thing Jack knew she’d flipped off the back and made a loud splash in the water. He stopped immediately and circled back to pick her up. She bobbed up and down like a cork. As he neared, he turned off the engine and reached out. “Grab my hand.”
She paddled over to him, and he swung her up behind him. To make sure she was okay, he turned to check on her before heading back to the lake house. “Did you get hurt?”
She shook her head. “No, I don’t know what happened. I just landed in the water.”
“Several waves sent out by a boat caused us to have a little turbulence.” He pushed back her wet hair. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, I just swallowed a gallon of lake water.”
He headed back to the shore and stopped for her to get off. “It’s getting a little hot out. Let’s go in and have lunch.”
She removed her vest and laid it across the backseat then treaded water to the shore. The bottom of her blue suit clung to her ass, turning his tongue to dust.
Damn, she was so hot.
CHAPTER 7
Lexi couldn’t imagine what had come over her. She was so klutzy around him. Her normal façade did a good job of keeping her from making a fool of herself, but lately, around Jack, she’d become an accident waiting to happen.
She removed her swimsuit, took a quick rinse in the shower, and dressed. She put her hair into a ponytail and stepped out of the bedroom only to find him already in the kitchen, fixing sandwiches.
He looked up at her. “You okay?”
“I think I’ve been wearing my stupid cap lately.”
He chuckled. “I think you’re nervous around me.”
She spread mayo on two slices of bread and glanced over as he sliced tomatoes. “I don’t know why you say that.”
He put the knife down and slowly turned. Before she could react, he wrapped her in his arms and lowered his lips to hers with a kiss that would be remembered for years to come.
Lips touching, he didn’t demand anything. The coming together of their mouths was soft, inviting, delicious, and stoked with crazy intent.
She dropped the bread, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pressed her body against his. She had arrived home, complete, safe, and welcome. The embrace tightened. Her breathing increased, her stomach pitched, and if she didn’t know better, she’d think she was about to swoon.