He was right when he said something happened between them. The minute they saw each other again, a zing lit up her life. She should just be satisfied with her promotion, her busy day job, and her friends. But when Jake was around, she wanted more, and it scared her. He wanted to step it up and see where it would lead.
Yet, she didn’t want to ruin their friendship. But if she was honest with herself, their friendship was different now anyway. Who went around kissing their friends until their knees gave out?
Once Jake phoned her to tell her he waited outside, Amanda calmly went down and strode out of her apartment building.
Jake leaned on a dark, sleek car and she stopped in her steps to take in the view. Handsome as ever. If she could only think about what hid behind those black pants, the feel of his chest, and those hands on her ass again, this friendship definitely had taken a turn. He looked taller in a black suit and his blue eyes appeared larger, more passionate than she remembered.
He stepped closer to her and she didn’t miss his obvious examination and approval. His face split into a wide grin and he held one hand to his heart. “I hope you know CPR, because you take my breath away.”
Amanda wiggled her finger. “Nice line, Jake. I bet you use that with all your dates.”
He grabbed her hand and kissed it.
The butterflies in her stomach fluttered to life. Each time she saw him, he pulled her in deeper. Although she told herself that this was just a friendly date, she couldn’t control the ripple of excitement that engulfed her.
He held out a long-stem red rose. “For you. It matches that great dress of yours.” His eyes traveled from her head all the way down to her red manicured toes. “Shall we go?” Jake placed her hand in the crook of his arm.
“Where are we going?”
He leaned toward her, placed a finger on the tip of her nose and said, “You’ll see.”
Amanda giggled. “I love surprises. Nice car, by the way.” A man in a suit stood by a dark town car and opened the door. “And driver?”
“I hired a car.” Once in the backseat, he sat closer than she expected, his leg brushed against hers, and he took her hand in his.
The intimate atmosphere in the car had her imagining they were a real couple. Although it exhilarated her, she had to remember the truth. They weren’t.
When the car turned the corner, Amanda pointed to a building. A billboard with the new Michael Kors line kept her eyes busy from looking at Jake. “Look at that ad. It’s a new line I got at Macy’s.”
Jake pulled her away from the window. “No work tonight. You’re going to enjoy yourself.”
Amanda rolled her eyes and nodded. “Okay, boss. I can do that.”
“I can’t believe it,” Jake said, shaking his head. “That’s a first.”
“Tonight is full of firsts, isn’t it?”
Jake squeezed her hand. “What do you mean?”
“This is the first time I’ve gotten Jake Edwards’ full attention.”
His gaze met hers and the butterflies in her stomach fluttered again. “You sure do.”
“Come on, Jake. You can’t pretend you didn’t know I had a huge crush on you all through high school.” Amanda’s eyes widened while her lips tightened. Had she really blurted that out?
Jake’s eyebrows shot up and he chuckled. “Really? That’s news to me.”
“Forget I said that.” She avoided direct eye contact.
“This is our first real date.” Jake swirled his thumb in her palm.
Amanda’s heart danced. “And homecoming wasn’t a real date?”
“That was a while ago and unplanned. This is premeditated.”
“Sounds like a crime.” She grinned.
He winked at her. “Others might think it’s a crime.”
She doubted that. Amanda had sworn not to let him get under her skin, but she couldn’t deny her feelings intensified for him. “So, you consider this a real date, then?”
“Definitely.”
A warm glow flew through her at the determination in his voice. Still, she had to let him know her intentions. “I’m not one of your little groupies.”
“No, you’re not.” He let go of her hand, and held her shoulders. “Look, let’s get it out in the open. It’s no secret that we find each other attractive.”
Amanda’s face grew hot. “Well, yes.”
“And we know each other pretty well, considering we grew up together.”
“It’s been a while, but yes.”
Jake shrugged and let go of her shoulders. “More reason to enjoy our time together.”
“I’m for that. But, I want you to know I’m no pushover.”
Jake chuckled. “Believe me, I know that.”
“So, what are your expectations?”
“Expectations? You like to overanalyze a date, don’t you?”
“I know you. I’m not on the lookout for a boyfriend, but I’m not one to screw around with and leave, either.”
“Can’t we just have a good night; let it go in whatever direction it takes us?” Jake let go of her hand, irritation in his tone.
“That’s fine. But, now you know what I don’t expect.”
“Then loosen up.” Jake placed both of his hands on each of her hot cheeks. He slowly moved toward her and she sighed in anticipation. His lips pressed gently against her and she moved closer into him, feeling his hard chest with the palms of her hands. Blood pounded in her head as his teeth grazed her bottom lip. He raised his head from hers. “I’ve wanted to do that since you walked out your door.”
A dizzying current raced through her. “Me too.”
As the car slowed, he looked out the window and pointed toward the waterfront. “There’s the Hudson.” The driver drove up to a pier with a sleek-white yacht behind, Duchess painted on the side. The water glowed around it, and the yacht emerged against the night sky. “There she blows.”
The car parked and the driver opened the door. Soft rhythmic music pulsed from the ship as Jake ushered her out of the car. Other guests stood on the deck, elegantly dressed.
A bubbly laugh exited her lips. “A night cruise?”
“I told you it would be a surprise.”
Amanda stared at Jake. He knew what she expected. But, that kiss, how did he do it? One minute he perturbed her, the next she was putty in his hands. To hell with it. With kisses like that, what could one night as Jake’s real date be like?
She cleared her throat, leaned into his muscular body, and wiped her lipstick off his lips. “Not bad, smooth talker. But, you may be in for a surprise tonight, too.” She walked ahead of him and sashayed her hips more than usual. After a few steps, she stopped, peeked across her shoulder and said, “If you play your cards right.” She heard a growl behind her as she continued toward the boat, feeling Jake’s eyes on her.
****
The yacht overflowed with Jake’s coworkers and clients. He introduced her to everyone. His professional demeanor and powerful presence resonated within the room. Amanda enjoyed his easygoing company, and especially loved the attention she received from him.
After a few rounds of meet-and-greet, they stopped by a window and savored the surroundings. A tall man – rounder than Jake, yet attractive – and a busty woman with narrowed eyes approached them.
“Jake, my man. How are ya?” Jake shook the man’s hand. “And who’s this?” Stretch pointed at Amanda.
“Amanda Larson, this is Ryan Shepard, a friend from the office.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Amanda shook his hand as Ryan eyed her curiously.
Jake pointed to Ryan’s date. “And this is Charisse. She’s Ryan’s assistant.”
Amanda held her hand out, and Charisse took her fingertips and shook. Then she turned her head in another direction, sighing, as if bored.
Ryan patted Jake’s shoulders. “You know, if it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be here tonight with this guy.”
Amanda glanced at Jake and back to Ryan. “Really? And why is
that?”
“We were at Manahatta’s together and I noticed you first.” Ryan winked at her. “Yep. If it wasn’t for me, you two would’ve never met up again.”
“I wouldn’t say that.” Jake’s blue eyes met her green ones as he smiled flirtatiously. “Would you like a drink?”
“Sure. You should know what I like.” Amanda grinned.
Jake leaned in and whispered, “I like the sound of that.”
Her heart stopped as his breath blew in her ear. She smiled slowly and he laughed.
“Come on, lover boy.” Ryan pulled him away.
The men walked across the room to the bar, leaving her alone with the extra-busty assistant. She wasn’t too keen on talking to the woman, so she looked around the room instead. Men in dark suits talked and drank from tall glasses. Women in colorful evening dresses stood at their sides. Music pounded in Amanda’s ears, and a woman laughed nearby. How many of these women had Jake involved himself with? She gazed at the woman who came with Ryan. Surprisingly, Charisse stared back at Amanda over her wine glass.
“So, you’re the flavor of the week.” Her nasal voice echoed in Amanda’s ears. Charisse took another sip of wine.
“We’re childhood friends.” Amanda grinded her teeth and forced a smile.
“Sure, honey.” She snickered. “Just take it in stride. All of the women at the office are dying to get at him.”
“I’m not stopping you.” Amanda shrugged and tried not to feel territorial. Why did she say that? She didn’t want this woman by Jake’s side.
“Really? You shouldn’t give up on him so fast.” Charisse let out a laugh.
“Aren’t you here with Ryan?”
“Last minute company. Better than going stag. Besides, he’s my boss.” Charisse looked at Jake, who was returning with two glasses of wine. “He’s the one I want.”
A lump formed in Amanda’s throat. What the hell kind of woman actually talks like that? And like Jake would go out with her … or would he?
Ryan returned to Charisse’s side. “Ladies, should we sit down for an appetizer?”
Jake shrugged. “Guess we have dinner partners.”
Amanda was less than pleased.
“Amanda, tell me what you do?” Ryan asked once they sat at the table overlooking the river. The city twinkled as they passed.
“I work at Macy’s as a buyer.”
“And she’s the head of a big fashion show coming up.” Jake raised his glass in her direction, his eyes gleaming.
“I just love fashion.” Charisse had to get her nose into the conversation. “Don’t you just love this dress, Jake? See this little dip in the front?” She held her hand in the crease of her breasts.
Jake cleared his throat and looked at Ryan who pretended not to notice.
“Looks like a cheap outfit from a discount store in the Bronx.” Amanda said under her breath, and then closed her mouth when Jake turned his head toward her with a smirk. She smiled and loudly spoke to the other woman. “Kind of cold in here, don’t you think, Charisse?”
Charisse folded her arms around her body, thrusting out her breasts, obviously aimed at Jake. “It sure is cold. Gotta get warmed up, right Jake?”
He turned toward Ryan. “So, Ryan, did you catch the game last night?”
Amanda smiled with an air of pleasure.
Charisse gave her the stink-eye, so Amanda leaned back, crossed her legs and held up her wineglass in a mock toast to the woman.
Charisse glared.
When dinner ended, music pulsed from a band in front of the dance floor. Couples stood and began to sway in the middle of the room.
“I love this song.” Charisse blurted out, moving her shoulders round and round to the rhythm.
Amanda had to get rid of this woman. Jake was a gentleman throughout, though. She applauded his ability to be so dedicated.
How could she get alone with Jake again?
An older gentleman stopped at the table and leaned down toward Jake. “Mr. Edwards, could I have a word with you.”
Jake scooted his chair out and put his napkin on the table. “Sure, Mr. Grimes.” He winked at Amanda. “I’ll be right back.”
Great. Now she was alone with two people she barely knew and didn’t really want to get to know.
Charisse stood and said, “I’m going to powder my nose.”
Ryan smiled apologetically. “Sorry about Charisse.” He pulled his chair away from the table. “Would you like to dance?”
Amanda blinked and looked around. Jake stood with a younger woman and two older men, most likely partners. They were in a heated discussion.
Ryan followed her gaze. “That’s Jake’s newest client, Aleksandra Ivanovich, and her father. She’s had some issues with an advertisement from Adidas.”
“I think I’ve seen her play.”
Ryan stood and held out his hand. “Shall we?”
Amanda took Ryan’s hand and he led her to the dance floor. She could do one dance with someone else.
Ryan held Amanda close, while she glanced in Jake’s direction.
Ryan cleared his throat. “You knew Jake way back when, huh?”
“I sure did.”
Ryan smirked. “Sweet. Then I guess you know he has a thing for you now, then.”
A thing? What did that mean?
Amanda looked for Jake, but he wasn’t there. Then, he appeared from the other corner of the room, with Charisse. She looked smug and they were heading to the dance floor. Fury gripped Amanda.
Once Jake and Charisse danced next to her and Ryan, Jake leaned down and whispered at her, “Let’s amuse these two. Then we’ll go discuss those surprises you informed me about.”
Ryan raised his eyebrows and whispered. “It’s just one dance.”
Jake pointed at them. “Just keep your hands in the safety zone. I’m watching.”
Ryan laughed and tried to steer Amanda away, but she forced him to stay put by taking the lead. No way would she let Jake and Charisse out of her sight.
“See what I mean.” Ryan smiled.
She liked the possessive Jake and she couldn’t wait to be close to him like this.
She looked over. His jaw clenched and he stopped dancing. He said something to Charisse, but Amanda didn’t hear. Whatever he said, Charisse didn’t take the hint and tried to move closer to him, jutting her breasts against his chest.
Amanda asked, “Is Charisse your girlfriend?”
Ryan laughed. “Hell no. We both just needed a date. She’s too pushy for me.”
Amanda nodded in Jake’s direction. “I can see that.”
Ryan looked at Charisse. She was grinding against Jake while he stood with his arms crossed in front of him.
An awkwardness swept around the dance floor as curses fell from Ryan’s mouth. “Hold on a second.” Ryan led Amanda over to Jake and Charisse, grabbed Charisse’s arm and dragged her away. Charisse glowered at Amanda as if she caused the breakup of their dance.
Jake circled his arms around Amanda. “That was awkward.” He pulled her away to another corner of the dance floor.
“Charisse is a maniac. Do you have to see her every day?” Amanda frowned.
Jake shook his head. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”
As the music drummed out the last notes, another slow song began. “Forget them. Let’s dance.” He pulled her closer. “And think about good surprises.”
Jake tucked her head in the perfect crook under his chin. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest and she almost forgot about the little incident with Charisse and how it made her feel like a lovesick adolescent.
They swayed together to the rhythm of the song.
Everyone and everything around them disappeared as Jake’s breath whispered in her ear. “This really hasn’t gone as planned. Mr. Grimes wants to talk business and I only want to spend my time with you.”
“Now you can.” Amanda looked up into his eyes and smiled.
He held the small of her back with on
e hand and twirled her around.
“Remember when we danced at my homecoming seven years ago? All the girls envied that you were my date. And I was glad your date bailed. It gave me a chance to finally take you out. Plus, there was that kiss afterwards...” He let out a whistle, “it was well worth it.”
“The good ol’ days.” Amanda swayed to the music.
“How about the time – I think I was ten – our parents made us dance at the families’ Christmas gathering.” Jake smiled down at her. “In front of everyone.”
“How could I forget? We were both so mortified. We didn’t even want to touch each other.”
Jake pressed his cheek into hers. “But we certainly aren’t mortified now, are we?”
Perfect.
There were no words. To hell with reason. To hell with sanity.
Jake pulled himself away a little and looked down at her. He raised his eyebrows and glanced at her suggestively, a half smile revealing a dimple in his cheek. What question did he ask with his eyes?
She attempted to change the subject. “Do you usually do this with your dates?”
“You’re special. With other women, I have no past. With you I do.” He lightly touched a loose tendril of hair. “We know each other already. We know our interests, our families, our habits. We’ve even kissed before – several times.” The smile in his eyes held a sensuous flame. “It’s a good thing, don’t you think?” Jake let go of her hair. His fingers caressed her face. “Somehow, you managed to change into this beautiful, sophisticated woman, and at the same time, you’re still my Mandy.”
Amanda’s heart skipped a beat. She lived in a dream. Either he really knew how to charm women, or there was an ounce of honesty in his feelings.
“Jake, I–”
“Hey, you two, the music stopped.” Ryan interrupted them.
They looked around baffled. A few couples smiled in their direction. Amanda’s cheeks burned.
“And Santa’s coming if you want to ask for your Christmas present.” Ryan nudged Jake in the ribs.
“I think my gift’s come early this year.” Jake didn’t take his eyes off Amanda. “Come on. Let’s finish this outside.”
Jake grasped her hand and escorted her toward the doors that led to the deck. His pace quickened, as if he couldn’t wait to continue where they’d left off. But they were cut off again, this time by a pretty blonde who could barely stand. Jake’s eyebrows shot up in surprise when the woman stepped in front of him, but he held Amanda’s hand tighter.
Time Changes Everything Page 6