“What do you do?”
“Investigate. I do have a degree in accounting.”
Her brow wrinkled. “What do you investigate?”
“Nothing earth shattering.” He gathered the empty containers. “Computer searches. Looking into people and places the Good Magazine Group is interested in featuring. Doing work for Tony’s law firm.”
“What did you learn about me?”
“Actually I didn’t do a search on you. Allie tried your cupcakes and took Tony’s word for your character. She recently married and asked me to have you sign by the time she returns from her honeymoon.”
When the blanket had been folded Jules pulled Grace into his arms. He kissed her and slid down the zipper on her dress. The dress fell from her shoulders.
He stepped back, “I want to go slow but I can’t. I want to see all of you and show you how beautiful you are.”
She reached for his sweater. “I demand equal exposure.” She stepped out of her dress.
Jules swallowed. “Amazing.” The only thing covering her body was the string of the thong. He pulled his sweater over his head and unfastened his trousers.
Grace moved toward him. She ran her hands over his chest. “You’re beautiful, too.”
Jules grinned. “I want to taste every inch of you.” He slung her over his shoulder and strode to the stairs.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“But I am.”
* * *
Grace bit her tongue to keep from laughing as Jules lunged up the stairs. When they reached the landing he grasped the railing and drew deep breaths before continuing. At the top of the steps he slid her to the floor and kissed her with heated desire.
“Into the bedroom. There’s something I need to get from downstairs.”
“And that is?”
“Protection.”
“You’ve never gone without, even when you were a teen?”
He ran a hand down her back. “Not even then. That was the one good lesson my father taught me.”
Grace smiled. His words removed any suspicions Charlene had planted. The bleached blonde had lied about Jules being her son’s father.
As Jules dashed downstairs Grace had time to think. Did she really want to do this? Memories of last night’s shattering climax beneath his caresses arose. Did he realize she’d never done this?
Scenes from the past flooded her thoughts. Her mother’s screams filled her head. The musty odor of the closet blended with the smell of booze and pot. She fought regressing into the emotions of that frightened child.
Last night Jules had been loving but she doubted love was in his thoughts. The waves of fulfillment she’d felt during the climax had been wonderful. She wanted to feel them again. Only with Jules. Her crush of years ago had blossomed into love. He’d been the faceless man of her dreams. How she wished he could be that man in reality.
Not going to happen.
She drew a deep breath. There was no guarantee of the relationship continuing after the wedding. He would flit like a bee seeking new flowers. She wanted him, even needed him enough to accept what he offered. Grace clenched her hands. She wouldn’t beg. She would let him go.
Chapter Five
When Jules entered the bedroom, Grace stared at his face. He dropped some packets on the bedside stand before drawing her into his arms. Her breasts pressed against his muscular chest. As his mouth touched hers she opened to him. Tongues tangled and roused her sleeping desire.
She ran her hands over his back. The feel of his muscles against her fingers brought a memory of last night’s encounter. His erection hardened. Wanting to bring him closer, she raised one of her legs over his hips.
He released her mouth. “Be still, love.” He rolled away and fumbled with something on the bedside stand.
“Must we rush?” she asked.
“Just a precaution. I want to kiss and touch you.”
She watched as he rolled a condom over his erect member. He rolled her to his stomach. He left the bed. “Don’t go.” She hated the plea in her voice.
“I’m not. You’ll see why.”
The mattress sank as he returned. His hands touched her shoulders. She caught the vanilla scent of the lotion Lauren had given her. Jules kneaded her shoulders. She felt knots uncoil. His erection brushed her butt. She wiggled and trued to open her legs but his knees pressed against her thighs.
“Relax,” he said.
“I might fall asleep.”
“Not going to happen.” His hands moved down her back stroking the sides and her spine. He continued until he reached her rear and massaged her cheeks. He slid a finger between her thighs before moving to stroke her thighs and calves.
Words of love she couldn’t speak filled her thoughts. To say them would halt the magical sensations rolling through her body.
When he finished massaging her feet he rolled her to her back. His mouth touched hers. His tongue thrust in movements captured by his body. He caressed her breasts, rolled and pulled her nipples. Each movement sent currents to her core. One hand trailed down and slid between her thighs. Need surged to the surface.
“You’re ready for me.”
“Yes, oh yes.”
He released her mouth and slid her legs over his thighs. He stroked with hands, mouth and tongue. She soared.
“Now,” she cried.
"Just as I planned, love.” He slid into her. “So tight. So slick."
She wrapped her legs around his hips to press him closer. He began a slow retreat and she feared he would stop. She clasped his head and pulled him down until their lips touched. He thrust and she felt a tearing sensation. Soon his rhythm became hers. Discomfort vanished and she matched his pace. She tightened her inner muscles around him and a tidal wave of sensations rolled through her.
Jules thrust once and twice. He roared her name and collapsed.
Grace stroked sweat from his face. She kissed him. “I love you.” She hoped those words were only whispers in her thoughts.
* * *
Jules held Grace while she slept. Though he tried he couldn’t doze. Her whispered words spiraled through his thoughts. Had she meant to say she loved him or had they slipped out at the height of her orgasm? The climax had been so powerful he had almost echoed her words. What a mistake that would have been.
He ran a finger over her face. Words of love rose and roiled in his gut. How often had his parents spoken of their love for him? He had believed and they had betrayed his trust. The day after the second funeral he’d created walls after his emotions.
As Grace sank deeper into sleep her breathing slowed. Jules closed his eyes. A notion tickled his thoughts but he couldn’t pin down what nagged him. He slid his arm from beneath her shoulders. She turned on her side. He left the bed and stopped short.
She’d been so very tight. He’d been afraid to thrust with force until she’d pushed him forward. Was it possible? He reached for the condom he’d dropped in the wastebasket and carried it to the bathroom. He saw blood on the sheath. He muffled a groan. Grace’s remarks about her mother surfaced. Her actions both nights had shown her inexperience but hadn’t announced she was…a virgin.
He wanted to shout a denial. He’d been her first.
Jules fled the bathroom and dashed downstairs nearly crashing into the wall when he made the turn at the landing. He grabbed his clothes and sank on the couch to dress. The intensity of the connection to Grace and the realization of all she’d given to him brought an intensity to his guilt and anger at himself. He was no better than the men who had come home with her mother. He’d betrayed Grace’s trust because he couldn’t offer more than those men had given her mother.
Not money or drugs. He’d brought a contract for a feature in a magazine guaranteed to send her bakery to the top.
I love you. Those whispered words burned like acid. He didn’t know what he felt other than disgust with himself. Grace didn’t play games, now or in the past.
He had to escape. A v
ise gripped his chest. He gulped breaths but the tightness remained. He needed to repair the damage. A half laugh, half groan emerged. There was one way but he wasn’t ready. How could he trust her not to walk away like every other important person in his life?
He pulled on his boots, shoved his arms in his coat and slipped into the night. As he drove away he followed a pattern he’d established.
Walk away first.
When he reached Tony’s he let himself inside. He crept upstairs, grabbed his belongings and jotted a note.
Had to return to the city. Meet and greet done at the bakery and over dinner. Talk to you on Monday.
He had to bow out of the wedding, couldn’t be the best man. Coming up with a way to take that place with Grace no longer seemed possible. He left the note and the house key on the foyer table and walked to the Jeep.
The drive took him along nearly deserted roads where snow clung to the trees. Along the sides of the road the white of yesterday was stained with dark streaks. Just like he’d stained any hopes of a relationship with Grace. As he crossed the GW Bridge and entered the city regret churned his thoughts.
What would he do about Grace? She loved him. Love was a wisp of smoke easily scattered by the winds of everyday living. She attracted him. He enjoyed her company. Their love-making had involved more than sexual release. Memories of being with her would haunt his dreams with wraith-like shadows. Was he as self-centered as his parents? He feared the truth.
He pulled into his space in the parking garage and rode the express elevator to the top floor. His plans for obtaining Grace’s signature had worked but success had left him cold.
After checking for messages he paced across the living room to the bedroom and back. The worst scenario caused by his actions might become true. On Monday he would have to tell Allie he’d failed. How could he expect Grace to sign the contract? How could he explain why he had failed?
* * *
Grace stretched and reached for Jules. The sheets where he’d lain were cold. She rolled to her side. Only a faint trace of his scent remained on the pillow. Light filtered from the partially open bathroom door. She tossed the comforter aside. A frown wrinkled her forehead. She heard no sound of running water. She pulled on her robe, checked the empty bathroom and ran downstairs. His clothes were gone. A sinking feeling settled in her gut. What had she done to make him leave?
A few tears fell. She pressed her fingers against her tear ducts to halt the flow. She had no reason to cry. She’d known nothing between Jules and her could last. Anger battled acceptance. The man was a player and she had been played.
She stared at the neatly stacked contract. The urge to tear them into confetti rose. Her hands shook and she lifted the papers. No! After drawing a deep breath she found an envelope. She would show the contract to Tony and sign.
Her shoulders slumped. With a sigh she plodded upstairs. She opened the walk-in closet and stared at the dress, the color of holly berries, Lauren had chosen for her. Could she stand with Jules at the rehearsal and for the ceremony knowing any chance to receive his love had vanished? She clenched her jaw. She could. This time he would be the one to regret walking away.
She heated some of the remains from last night’s dinner and ate. As she planned her day anger pulsed her thoughts. She shook her head. He wouldn’t ruin her day. Like a whirlwind she vacuumed rugs, changed the sheets on the bed, started a load of laundry and cleaned the kitchen and bathrooms. She showered and dressed.
When she left the house she drove to the bakery for the box of cupcakes for the tasting. She stepped into the office and picked up the laptop. Tonight she would work on the books.
After putting the laptop on the floor and the cupcakes on the passenger’s seat she drove to the group home. After parking on the street, she left the van. By the time she rounded the vehicle Charlene had opened the passenger’s door.
“You’re a liar,” Charlene whined. “I knew you had more.”
“Do not touch that box. I’m delivering them for a tasting.” She reached around Charlene and slammed the door and locked the van.
“You almost smashed my fingers,” Charlene spat.
“They were where they didn’t belong.”
“You’re selfish.”
Grace ran up the walk to the kitchen door. “And you’re greedy.” She knocked and opened the door. “Hi,” she called.
Mrs. Paton looked up. “About time you got here. Charlene has good news that calls for one of your chocolate cakes.”
Grace washed her hands. “I can’t stay that long. I have an appointment. Lauren wants a cupcake tower instead of a wedding cake.”
Mrs. Paton scowled. “Is that more important that doing something for me?”
“It’s business.” Grace seasoned the chickens. “You have the recipe for my cake. That’s all you need.”
“She’s selfish,” Charlene said. “Will you bake a cake for my wedding? Cupcakes aren’t sophisticated at all. The man I’m marrying is very rich.”
Grace turned. “Really. Who could that be?”
Charlene ignored her. “Mama, on Monday morning Mr. Grumble is serving him with papers for back child support. More than nine years. I’ll have a lot of money.”
“What if he won’t pay?” Mrs. Paton asked.
“No way he’s wiggling out of this.” Charlene laughed. “If he wants to pay less he’ll marry me. I’ll be out of this dump and living in his New York City penthouse.”
Grace frowned. “What are you talking about? Did Derek rob a bank?”
Charlene’s laughter cut like a wire. “Derek’s a fool. I told you who my baby’s daddy was years ago.”
Grace knew Charlene lied but she kept her mouth shut. How could the bleached blonde forget how Jules had avoided her?
“Just because he stopped by your shop and pretended not to know me doesn’t mean he didn’t come to my place for a grand reunion.”
“Didn’t happen.”
“How would you know?”
“He came to the shop to discuss a feature for Good Eatin’. We spent the evening discussing the contract. He talked about the past. Your name never came up.”
Charlene stepped closer. “Stay out of this. Don’t ruin things for my folks and me. You owe us big time.”
Grace bet her tongue. For years she’d believed she owed the Patons for her care. For that reason she came on Sundays to cook. She covered the chickens with foil and put them in the large oven. “A half hour before they’re done, remove the foil so the skin will brown.” She removed the apron.
“Where are you going?” Mrs. Paton asked. “What about the potatoes, gravy and vegetables. You also need to bake the cake.”
Grace fisted her hands. She’d been an easy mark. What had been an act of kindness had become a demanded duty. “I have an appointment. I told Charlene to pass the message along.” Though she would arrive at Lauren’s and Tony’s house early, they wouldn’t mind, especially when she told them about Charlene’s plans.
A sneer curved Charlene’s lips. “Gonna suck up to your soon-to-be rich friend? Lauren knows how to play the game. So do I. Just you wait and see.”
Grace strode to the door. Mrs. Paton followed. “It’s not right you’re running off. Since you came back you always cooked Sunday dinner. Do you envy Charlene for snagging a rich man? I’m glad she finally admitted that Grayson boy gave her Robby.”
Grace ran down the walk to the van. Before Charlene or her mother arrived she pulled away from the curb. Once she’d driven several blocks she pulled over. Rage shook her body. Doubts slithered into her thoughts. Had Jules hasty departure meant he had gone to Charlene?
She thought back to the time they’d all been at the group homes. Jules had avoided Charlene. He said he’d never had sex without using a condom. And Charlene had been a compulsive liar.
Grace made a decision. She had to warn Jules but she had no way to reach him. Tony would know.
She pulled away from the curb and drove. After reaching her
friends’ large house she parked in the circular driveway. With the box of cupcakes in hand she hurried up the walk.
Lauren opened the door. “You’re early.”
“I know. Something came up. I need to talk to Tony and he needs to call Jules.”
“What did he do to you?”
Grace felt her face heat. “It’s not about me.”
Lauren took the box. Grace hung her coat in the hall closet and followed her friend. “Where’s Jamie?”
“In the family room with the sitter.” Lauren paused. “Something happened. Jules crept out during the night. Left a note.”
Grace shrugged. More than he’d left for her. “I have no idea why he bolted but there is something he needs to know. And I have a contract I want Tony to look over.”
“About what?”
“For a feature in Good Eatin’ and something Charlene Paton plans.”
“The witch.”
Grace laughed. “Spell that with a b and you’ve named her perfectly. Her scheme upset me so much I didn’t stay to finish preparing dinner. Mrs. Paton turned nasty.”
“Why you go there every Sunday makes me question your sanity. She uses you.”
“I know.” Grace sighed. “Learned that today. I’ll stop going but I feel sorry for the girls.”
“So do I but I’m glad you’ve finally seen what users the whole family is.” Lauren paused in the doorway of Tony’s office.
He looked up. “Time for the tasting?”
“Not yet,” Lauren said. “She needs your advice.” She carried the box away. “I’ll get things ready.”
“Do not open the box until I’m there,” Grace said. “I know the order.” She walked to Tony’s desk and dropped the envelope. “Look at the contract first. Then…well…Jules has a problem.”
“Sit.” Tony waved to a chair. He slid the pages from the envelope. He studied each page. “Do you have any questions?”
“Just a few. Do you think I’m moving too fast?”
“You aren’t. If you need a stake just ask. Either as a loan or an investment. Think about doing a cookbook featuring some of your recipes and decorating tips.” He handed her a pen. “Sign and I’ll send it to Jules by messenger tomorrow.”
Seducing the Baker (At First Sight) Page 6