Her fingers worked at his shirt, rapidly unbuttoning it. She wanted to feel his chest against hers. Flesh on flesh—heat on heat. When the last button was undone, she pushed the shirt off his shoulders and trailed hot kisses all over his chest.
She heard him suck in his breath. The sound of his excitement turned her on even more. Her hand dropped to his fly, and she would have unzipped him and freed his cock, but he stopped her.
“You did all the work tonight, and now it’s my turn.”
“Oh, yes? What exactly do you have in mind?”
“First a massage. Then I want to run my tongue over every desirable inch of you.”
“Didn’t you have enough to eat?”
His grin was wicked. “Not even close.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Grant flipped Jenna over and slid her panties down her thighs and over her ankles, giving each foot a kiss as he did so. He got rid of his pants and straddled her, his thighs warm against her hips.
He placed his hands on her back, his movements slow and steady, his touch firm. She nearly purred as he stroked her back and shoulders, easing away the tension, making her entire body limp.
His tongue followed his hands, and he traced a line from her shoulder blades, down her spine, to her plump cheeks. He kissed her bottom and then rolled her over, spreading her thighs.
She stared at him as he kissed her inner thighs, and then she closed her eyes in surrender. His tongue found her moist spot, teasing and caressing.
“Grant,” she moaned, “you are so good.”
From somewhere halfway to heaven, she heard his soft chuckle. “I aim to please.”
“Oh, you do. You do.” She bit her bottom lip to stop from whimpering as a delicious wave ran over her. “Come inside me, please?”
He stopped what he was doing long enough to put on a condom, and then he slid inside her, inch by inch. She put her legs around him, her heels in his back. She lifted her hips off the bed to take more of him in.
“Yes.” He pushed harder, then backed off, then pushed again until he was completely enclosed, surrounded by her wet warmth.
They rocked together in silent harmony, and Jenna’s heart opened a crack. He was so perfect, she wanted to cry. She knew she couldn’t have him forever, but she had him for tonight and that would have to be enough.
“Let me get on top,” she whispered, and he rolled over, allowing her to do what she wanted.
She straddled him and he re-entered her. She arched her back and took him deep. His hands were on her breasts, tweaking her hard nipples. She felt a fever inside her grow, a fever that began to peak. “Now,” she told him, as wave after wave rolled over her.
Grant shuddered and released. After a long breathless moment she fell on his chest, and he held her tight.
“That was wonderful,” she murmured. “You are the best.”
He nuzzled her neck. “I’m glad you’re not leaving Florida, Jenna. I haven’t felt this good in years.” His hands ran over her back in a light caress. “You are one special lady.”
“You’re pretty special too.” She kissed his chest and shoulder, reveling in his musky scent, the sight and feel of him.
“How come you never married?” he asked, tilting his head to look at her.
“Never wanted to.” Nobody asked, but she didn’t tell him that—too much information. Their relationship was new, it was exciting and she wanted to keep it that way.
“If you’re going to stay here, you might need a more permanent place to live.”
“I’ll get around to it.” She didn’t want to talk about her living situation; she wanted to enjoy the afterglow of good sex.
“Maybe you could stay here.”
“What?” She pushed him off her and sat up. “What did you say?”
“I was offering you a roof over your head.” His dimple flashed in his cheek. “A bed to sleep in—right here, beside me. I miss having someone to cuddle up with every night. Don’t you?”
“No.” She began wriggling her butt backward, away from him. “We’re just having fun. Don’t go spoiling it.”
Jenna hadn’t married for a very good reason—men always left. Look what happened with her father, and Kevin, and all the men in between. And her mother’s many husbands. They’d all left.
Besides, she didn’t need anyone taking care of her. That was her job, and she did it just fine.
“I’m merely saying…you could stay here for a while. If things worked out, we could make it more permanent.”
“Why? What’s in it for you?”
“I don’t need anything other than your company. If you want to give me something in return, you can feed me every night.” He scooped a hand around her neck and kissed her. Jenna enjoyed the kiss, but then turned her face away. Her breathing was getting all messed up. She felt weird…confused…suffocated.
“My sister still needs me. I’m staying mainly to take care of her.”
“I understand that.” He started kissing her again. She liked kissing him, but it muddled her thinking.
“Grant, let’s not talk about this. Okay?” Her stomach was doing back flips.
She didn’t want to live with him. Probably she’d never be ready to take that step. It would make her vulnerable, and she’d have no control over the situation. She could get hurt. She might fall madly in love with him and then he’d leave. Her heart couldn’t take that.
“Okay. But think about it, won’t you?”
She grabbed the sheet and covered herself. “I’m not sure. I don’t even know you that well.”
He moved away. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No, I’m not kidding.”
He rolled onto his back and closed his eyes. “What’s the problem? I’m not proposing marriage, just a place to stay.”
“You just ruined it, that’s all.”
He watched her grab her clothes and run into his bathroom to dress. He was still sitting there when she came out.
“Jenna, the thought didn’t enter my head until the words popped out. But that’s not to say that I didn’t mean every word. I want you here…with me.”
She shivered. “Grant. I like you a lot…maybe too much. It’s scaring the heck out of me. Let me get back to you, okay? I have too much going on in my head right now. I can’t think straight.”
“Fair enough.”
He got off the bed and walked her to the door. “It’s an open invitation.” He tried to smile. It looked forced, and there was a new sadness in his eyes. “Call me when you decide.”
“I will.” She stood on tip-toe and kissed him. “Good night, Grant.”
He didn’t answer. The door closed behind her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
What the hell is wrong with that woman? Grant stormed into the kitchen and poured himself a Scotch, which he swallowed in one large gulp.
He said aloud, “I don’t want marriage, I don’t want kids. Just a warm body next to me at night. Is that so wrong?”
He poured another ounce into his glass. “Why did she run off? She’s got unresolved issues, that’s for damn sure. Afraid of me…and of relationships in general.”
He dumped the Scotch into the sink. He didn’t like living alone, but he didn’t want to marry again either. He had thought Jenna was the ideal woman—someone who loved her career as much as he did his own.
Someone who enjoyed sex and companionship, but on her own terms—he’d figured that out pretty quick. That might have been part of the initial attraction, but it had skyrocketed from there.
He never should have brought up the idea of living together. It was just that sex with her was so phenomenal. He found her company stimulating, enjoyed her humor, her compassion…and every darn thing about her. If he wasn’t careful he could fall in love with her.
No, not love.
It was simply that he hadn’t met anyone he enjoyed as much since his wife passed away. He knew many women who were willing to share his bed, but they all wanted something
from him. Something he wasn’t willing to give.
Older women wanted marriage with security; younger women wanted marriage, with children. Heaven help me, but the last thing I want is to father a child. He’d done that, and had sucked at it.
He’d meant to protect his son, but instead he’d failed as a parent. And then he had failed as a husband.
Maybe it was selfish of him to want someone to complete his life, when he was not willing to give anything in return. He was just so sick and tired of being lonely, and now he’d pushed Jenna away. Possibly for good.
* * *
Sharon was leaving that day to go back to Daytona and resume her life with her husband. Jenna decided to send her off with a good breakfast. After taking Amy downstairs, giving her a bottle, and putting her in a swing, she prepared a spinach frittata, with a side dish of fruit.
Jenna sat down with her first cup of coffee. Her first thoughts were about Grant’s offer, and her reasons to refuse. She decided that with her mother leaving, she was needed at her sister’s side. She’d been right to turn Grant down.
Cindy entered the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. “Good morning.” She sniffed the air and spotted the pie plate in the oven. “I thought I smelled something awfully good.”
She put her coffee on the table and took Amy out of the swing. “What are you doing home? How come you’re not with your hot doctor friend?”
Jenna made a face. “Do we have to discuss this now?”
Cindy gave her a curious look. “You’re blushing. I have a feeling this is going to be a juicy story. Come on. Tell all.”
“Not much to tell.” She turned away and refilled her own coffee cup. “Oh, by the way, Amy’s seems a little warm and has been pulling at her ears. Maybe an ear infection?”
“Are you changing the subject?” Cindy checked out her baby and then tickled her tiny tummy. “You know I won’t stop until I get the full story. Give it up.”
“It’s not important. Our dinner was very nice. We had a great time, good sex, and then I came home.”
“Okay. Start with the good sex part.”
“I’m not telling you that!” Jenna shook her head, hiding a smile. “Everything was great—but then he asked me something and it spoiled the mood.”
“So, what’d he ask?”
“Long story.”
“Then make it short.” Cindy took a sip of her coffee, watching Jenna. “I’ve got all day.”
“You’re going to force me to tell you. Aren’t you?”
“Of course. You can tell me now, or when Mom comes downstairs. Take your pick.”
Jenna made her mind up quick. She blurted, “He asked me to move in with him. Don’t you think that’s weird? He’s never said he loves me or anything remotely close. I think he’s just lonely since his wife passed away.”
“The man looks like he belongs in Hollywood, or at least on a magazine cover, for heaven’s sake. He’s a respected pediatrician. And he’s crazy about you. Surely you said yes?”
“Uh-no. That’s when I got cold feet.”
“Oh, sis, what am I going to do with you?” Cindy got up and gave her a hug. “I know you had a bad time growing up. Mom and Dad weren’t exactly there for us. You had to do everything—shopping, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of me. You took care of Mom too. I get why you don’t want a family of your own, but you still need to be loved.”
“I don’t know, Cin. I think I like casual, detached relationships best.”
Cindy refilled her coffee cup and sat back down. “I love being married and having someone take care of me. Oh, Jenna, I can’t believe how stupid I was. Rob is probably the best husband in the world, and I didn’t appreciate him enough. I’m going to make it up to him every day for the rest of my life, and that’s a promise.”
Jenna took her sister’s chin in her hand and locked eyes with her. “He loves you so much. Whatever happened before is past. The accident wiped your slate clean, and you can start over now.” She smiled, blinking back tears. “Cindy, don’t beat yourself up too much. Just love them all. Your family is so happy to have you back.”
Sharon walked in. “Hey. What’s going on? Can I get in on this crying party?”
Cindy mopped her eyes and nodded. “I was saying I’m the luckiest woman alive having this wonderful family. Come. Give me a hug.”
The three women sat at the table, eating breakfast, drinking coffee, and talking about things that mattered—for the first time in years, if ever.
Cindy’s accident had been terrible and had nearly taken her life, but it also had been the catalyst that brought the three of them together.
Jenna knew the healing had begun. It might take some time to peal away the scars of old wounds and bring this crazy family together, but they were well on their way.
* * *
After Sharon left in the late morning, Cindy went to her room to rest.
Amy was still fussing, and Jenna could see she was miserable. She decided to kill two birds with one stone and call Grant.
Her reaction to his offer had been deplorable, and she needed to set things right between them. She had a strong hunch that he didn’t offer his home, or his heart, to just any woman.
Her sister was right. She was missing out on the best things in life—children, a husband, a chance to love and be loved. Grant was the dreamiest guy in the world. She should be so lucky.
She’d always been a wimp, afraid to let herself care. Caring could hurt. Loving someone and losing that person was more pain than she wanted to endure. All her life she’d played it safe. Maybe it was time to crack open that protective shell and see what the future might bring.
She gathered up her nerve and called Grant. “Hi,” she said softly. “You probably don’t want to talk to me right now, but I owe you an apology. I’m sorry I overreacted last night. Can you forgive me?”
“Nothing to forgive.” He cleared his throat. “I thought about it too, and it was somewhat presumptuous of me to think you’d leave your sister and move in with me. As you mentioned, we don’t even know each other that well.”
“I shouldn’t have said that.”
“No, you were right. I jumped the gun, and I’m sorry.”
She gave a nervous laugh. “That’s okay. I’m glad we’ve cleared that up.” Obviously, he’d had second thoughts.
He probably woke up that morning relieved and counting his blessings that she hadn’t jumped at his bedside offer.
“I’m also calling,” she went on, “because Amy has a temperature of 101 and is pulling at her ears. Probably has an ear infection, poor little one. Shall I bring her in?”
“I’m on my way to the hospital. Call the office and make an appointment. Someone should be able to see her right away.”
Jenna didn’t let her disappointment show. “I’ll do that. Oh…and one more thing.”
“Yes?”
“Would it be all right if I came by after you get home from work? I’d like to pick up the dishes I left at your place.”
“Sure. Do that. I’ll give you a call when I’m leaving here.”
They said their good-byes, and Jenna was glad she’d made the call. It had broken the ice, and paved the way back to a more relaxed affair.
Now, they could remain lovers and friends. It was perfect, really—but it rankled too. No man had ever wanted her enough to fight for her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
On Cindy’s request, Jenna took Amy to her regular pediatrician’s office. When they returned Cindy was refreshed, eager to spend time with her daughter.
This gave Jenna an opportunity to research catering business licenses. She discovered that she’d need a separate kitchen for the cooking and storing of the food. After considering the problem from all angles, she came up with a possible solution.
She gave Rob a call and explained the problem, then asked, “I know this is a big imposition, but I wondered if there’d be any chance I could use the restaurant kitchens during off hours?
If I get any customers, of course.”
“Sure, you can. That’s a great idea. We owe you big time for all that you’ve done for this family, and if there’s anything at all that I can do to help, I’ll be all over it. You know that, Jenna.”
“I appreciate it, Rob. You’ve already been helpful.”
Rob had lined up two catering jobs by talking Jenna up to his customers, only to have both hostesses call the following day to cancel. Mrs. Melrose held more power in the community than Jenna had given her credit for.
“I haven’t done anything since the jobs didn’t pan out, but I’m sure we’ll get more.” He added, “As far as using the restaurant kitchen is concerned, you’ll need to be out by ten so as not to get in the way of our own chefs.”
“I’ll be long gone by then, I promise.”
That was one problem solved.
With Catherine Melrose on a personal vendetta, it would be tricky getting work. But it also made Jenna more determined. No way would she be run out of town by the Palm Beach bitch.
She talked to her sister about the situation later that afternoon. Cindy grinned, picking up the morning’s paper. “Look at this.” She handed her the women’s section and pointed at an ad. “It’s a local competition to find a new Top Chef, and it’s for non-professionals like you.”
Jenna went online, as the article suggested, to find further details. She would need to supply a videotape explaining why she thought she should be the area’s new Top Chef, and submit sample recipes. The field would be narrowed to fifteen contestants.
The top prize was ten thousand dollars. She certainly could use the money.
A call to her realtor in New York yesterday to see about leasing her place had produced no takers. She had a hefty mortgage payment, and Plasmic was dragging its heels about sending her the severance package they’d agreed upon.
Jenna had worked for the company for ten years, and had thought the golden handshake would have been more substantial. Still, it was going to be enough to keep her afloat and help with the start-up of a new business—or would be, once she had it in her hands.
ESCAPE INTO ROMANCE- 4 Book Bundle Page 41