A Brother's Honor

by Brenda Jackson

  And why now, when she should demand that he back off, was she standing there, willing him to bring it on?

  Jace’s gaze was trained on Shana’s face, and he liked what he saw while wondering what she was thinking. He knew the thoughts going through his own mind and figured if she had a clue, she wouldn’t appreciate them.

  “Is there a reason for this?” she asked in an irritated tone.

  Yes there was. “I think we acknowledged my testosterone and your hormones have a tendency to get a little crazy around each other,” he said. “We agreed to try to keep the craziness at bay. That would have worked for me if you didn’t turn me on each and every time I see you. And I think there’s something about me that heats you up, as well. Am I on the right road?”

  Yes, not only was he on the right road, he was driving on that road masterfully. “And what of it?”

  His smile sent her pulse racing. “Yesterday, you said we were trying, and I agreed,” he said. “You said we had to try harder, and I agree with that, too. I also know this craziness is not only unwise but it would be a bad move on our parts to do anything about it. Get crazier. Follow me?”

  Unfortunately, she did. “Get to the point, Jace. I have work to do.”

  So did he, he thought, mesmerized by that mouth of hers. And her scent was getting to him like it always did. “My point is that I want you.”

  At the glare that flared in her eyes, he quickly added, “And I know it’s wasted longing on my part since you’ve made it clear there can’t be an involvement between us. But there is something, this one thing that I have to do, and I hope doing so will get you out of my system. I believe it will, and when I’m done, I’ll be okay.”

  Shana drew in a slow breath, wondering if he’d considered his words. Just in case he hadn’t, she decided to reemphasize. “When you’re done, you’ll be okay?”

  “Yes.”

  And as if he belatedly knew her thoughts, he smiled and said, “I’m convinced that you’ll be okay, as well.”

  And then he lowered his mouth to hers.

  * * *

  It was as if a sharp bolt of lightning hit the confines of the elevator and sent shock waves all through Shana. She closed her eyes, knowing she would remember every movement of his tongue inside her mouth and how diligently it was mating with hers and causing her to sink against the solidness of his chest. Primitive urges she hadn’t encountered for years seemed to seep into her bones, building a fire that was spreading all through her.

  His kiss was way too intimate, and she reveled in the feel of his hands that had moved from her waist to boldly cup her buttocks. No man had ever claimed her mouth like this, with a tongue probing in places that made her shiver inside.

  And then suddenly, he began eating away at her mouth with a hunger that elicited passion so aggressive she heard herself moan as her hands began traveling up his chest. Sensuous currents were taking her over, ripping away at her common sense with an intensity that was astounding.

  Sensuous flutters were going up and down her spine, and automatically, her body pressed closer to him as his mouth continued to devour hers and send blood rushing through her as the craziness she’d tried to avoid was taking over.

  Shana felt the thick muscles of his thighs, and the strength in them had her trembling with desire. This kiss was going way beyond her expectations, and her body was reacting in kind, as if it had been years since it had been satisfied with this kind of need. She then recalled that it had been years, which was probably why her insides were a curling mass of desire. She felt her feet move, and then her back was pressed up against the wall. His mouth was hot and had her sizzling at degrees that had her melting.

  Suddenly, the buzzer sounded. Jace pulled his mouth away, and she automatically slumped against him, and his arms tightened around her. She could feel his fingers in her hair, caressing her scalp, while her breath was released in short, ragged pants.

  His breathing was choppy, and the warmth of his breath was on her neck. It would be easy to ask him to take her in his office or hers and finish what they started, she thought as she sank deeper into his chest. But it would also be foolish.

  “Come on, let’s get out of here before a mechanic shows up,” he whispered in a deep, husky voice close to her ear.

  She heard the elevator opening and drew in a deep breath as she glanced up at him. Smoldering fire was still there in his eyes, and she could just imagine what he was seeing in hers. Pushing herself out of his arms, she knew she needed a reality check and would get one in the privacy of her office.

  “Time to get to work,” she said, already moving toward the door to her office. Craziness had begun ruling her mind and body, and the sooner she could escape from him, the better.

  She should have known he would not make it easy for her, and when he said her name, she slowed and then turned around. “Yes?”

  “Should I apologize?”

  She wished she could tell him yes, that he should, but to do so wouldn’t be fair or honest. Especially when she was certain she had enjoyed the kiss just as much as he had. Probably had even wanted it as much. “No,” she said in a somewhat shaky breath. “But that doesn’t make things right, Jace. Timing’s lousy, and considering everything, it’s not the best situation for us to be in. You hired me, so technically, I work for you, and I told you my feelings on the matter.”

  “Yet you wanted the kiss.”

  He was going to make her say it. Admit to it. “Yes, I wanted the kiss, but I want my peace of mind even more. I hope I’m out of your system, because it won’t...it can’t happen again.”

  Shana then turned and quickly moved toward her office without looking back.

  * * *

  “So,” Dalton said, glancing over at Jace. “You think throwing a party where everyone comes naked is a good idea, Jace?”

  “Yes, that sounds good.”

  When both Dalton and Caden threw their heads back and burst out laughing, Jace frowned. “What’s so funny?”

  “You are,” Caden said, trying to suppress another laugh. “I don’t know where your mind’s at today, but it’s not on anything Dalton and I have been saying. Your baby brother just asked what you thought about him throwing a nude party, and your response was that it sounded like a good idea.”

  Jace’s frown deepened. Had he really said that? He met his brothers’ gazes, and from their amused looks, apparently he had. “My mind was elsewhere.”

  “We figured as much,” Dalton said, grinning. “So where was it?”

  “Where was what?” Jace asked.

  “Your mind. I hope you’re not getting so wrapped up in this company that you can’t think straight. If you are, Caden and I will force you to come with us to McQueen’s and unwind with a few beers and good food. You’d like it.”

  Jace straightened up in his chair. “I’m sure I will.”

  When a text message on Dalton’s mobile phone came through, he pulled the phone out of his jacket pocket, checked the text and smiled. He glanced over at his brothers. “Sorry, I won’t be able to hang with you guys after work. I got a hot date,” he said, standing. “And I probably won’t be home until late—probably not at all—so don’t wait up.”

  “You do remember we’re going to see Dad tomorrow, right?” Caden spoke up to ask as Dalton quickly headed for the door.

  “Yes, I remember.” And then he was gone.

  When the room got quiet and it was evident that Jace had reverted back to la-la land, concern shadowed Caden’s features. “You sure you’re okay?”

  Jace blinked as if he’d forgotten Caden was there. “Yes, I’m fine.”

  “I wonder.”

  When Jace didn’t say anything, Caden forged ahead. “You’re working long hours, not eating properly, and Hannah’s worried about you. Dalton and I have to hear it when you’re not there, which is most of the time. She wants you to make the company a success but doesn’t want you killing yourself doing so. Of course, Dalton came to your defense yesterd
ay.”

  Jace leaned back in his chair and grasped the back of his neck with the palms of his hands. “Did he?”

  A corner of Caden’s mouth slipped into a smile when he said, “Yes. He told her there’s a woman involved and that you were hanging around hoping you’d eventually score.”

  A muscle quivered in Jace’s jaw. “He said that, did he?”

  “Yes. He said a little bit more, but I won’t bore you with the details.”

  “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t.”

  Jace closed his eyes for a minute and, at the moment, refused to admit that what Dalton said wasn’t far from the truth. Granted, he did have a lot of documents and reports to read, but he could easily do it at home. But there had been something satisfying in knowing he was here and Shana was there. Close by. In the office right next door.

  “Jace?”

  He opened his eyes and looked over at Caden. “Yes?”

  “I asked you something twice, but evidently your mind was rather occupied.”

  “And what exactly did you ask?” Jace asked through stiff lips.

  “I want to know if you’ll have dinner with me at McQueen’s. Share a few beers. You’d love their fries.” A smile then eased onto Caden’s lips. “And just in case there’s even an ounce of truth in what Dalton told Hannah, I suggest we invite Ms. Bradford to join us.”

  Jace’s eyes narrowed. “Are you trying to be funny?”

  Caden tried keeping a straight face. “Absolutely not. I would enjoy her company, so ask her. The worst she can do is tell you no.”

  * * *

  And Shana would tell him no, Jace was convinced of that. So why was he about to knock on her office door at five o’clock on a Friday afternoon? The office was closed, yet she was still here. But then so was he. They were both single, so why didn’t they have dates this weekend or something?

  Speak for yourself, pal, he muttered to himself. For all you know, she might have a date for the weekend. She’s a looker, so don’t assume anything. And then there’s the way she tastes...

  He rubbed a hand down his face, frustrated that he couldn’t get the elevator kiss out of his mind. Christ! Never had a woman’s mouth tasted so damn delectable. He felt a deep stirring in his groin just remembering it. He had drunk the sweetness of her mouth like a starving man, a man whose mouth had felt a surge of electricity the moment their lips had touched.

  And he wasn’t sure just how she felt about it.

  She didn’t appear mad, just resigned...like him. Mainly because, kiss or no kiss, she was not out of his system. If anything, she was deeper into it. And he didn’t know a way to get her out. For him, it was a no-win situation.

  Deciding to knock and get it over with, he did just that. “Come in.”

  Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and found her just as he did most other evenings—buried in stacks of papers that were spread across her desk, with a pair of glasses perched on her nose and her hair spread around her shoulders. Her scent had reached out to him the moment he stepped into the room. The scent was as luscious as how her lips had tasted.

  There was a wary look in her eyes as she gazed up at him. “Yes?”

  “Caden and I are going to McQueen’s. I heard the food is good and the drinks are even better. Nice way to kick-start the weekend. Do you want to join us?” Damn, he’d said a mouthful.

  Shana sat up straight in her chair. This was the first time she’d seen Jace since this morning after that little elevator scene. Mainly because she’d been hiding out here in her office, hoping their paths didn’t cross. Lucky for her, they hadn’t. But was it really lucky for her?

  Ben Bradford was too proud a man to raise a coward, yet that’s just how Shana had been acting today. When did she ever let her interest in a man have her hiding out like an escaped convict?

  Her attraction to Jace was an issue. And it was one she was working on resolving. But the more she thought about it, the more it sort of became a “dog in the gate” syndrome. As a child, Shana walked to school, and every day, she passed by a house with a fence and a dog protecting the yard. She was afraid the dog would somehow get out and attack her the same way a boy in her class had been attacked once. When her fear of the dog grew too great, she intentionally walked an extra block to avoid that house with the dog...until her father found out what she’d been doing.

  He told her that sometimes you had to stand up to your fears, and she needed to prove to the dog that she was in control. The next day, with knees shaking, she had walked past the house. The dog had barked and acted like he was going to jump over the fence, but he hadn’t. She had made it through that day and the days that followed because she believed she was in control. She still had her fears, but she had managed to take charge of them. In the end, once the dog saw she would not weaken, he eventually stopped barking at her.

  She would apply that same analogy to the situation with Jace. She had work to do here for at least another three to four weeks, and she couldn’t spend all that time trying to avoid Jace—being afraid of him and the way he made her feel. There would be days when they would have to meet for long periods of time, so she could not let him be her dog in the yard. He knew her position and knew she would not waver on it. The kiss was...just a kiss. Curiosity. Need. Greed. Those things had fueled it. What she needed to do was go out and have some fun this weekend. Kick back. Indulge in sex...something she hadn’t done in almost a year. Charles Kincaid, a doctor she’d met a few months ago, often called her on the weekends for a date, and she was always quick to turn him down. This weekend when he called, she would handle things differently.

  “Shana?”

  She held his gaze. “Thanks for the invite, and yes, I’d love to join you and Caden at McQueen’s.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Shana’s exuberant laughter filled their section of the restaurant, and Jace suddenly realized it was the first time he’d heard it, and she was laughing at something Caden had said. His jaw muscles tensed as he thought that the two of them were apparently getting along great.

  He hadn’t expected her to come, and she had surprised the hell out of him when she said she would. And she certainly seemed to be enjoying herself. Tonight, Caden was quite the character, and Jace realized at that moment that he hadn’t heard his brother laugh in a while. So maybe Shana’s joining them tonight was a good thing. Jace wasn’t sure what was going on with Caden but hoped if he ever needed an ear that he knew Jace was available.

  Jace had a hunch that whatever was going on with Caden somehow involved Shiloh Timmons. He wasn’t sure how; he was just certain that it did. That was one of the reasons he had no problem with Caden going away to do those two concerts. His brother needed to get back into his music, and Jace knew how much music relaxed Caden and soothed his ruffled feathers.

  He was not worried about Caden not returning, because he would. And when he got back, Caden would roll up his sleeves to do whatever he needed to do to fulfill their grandfather’s promise. If it were Dalton, Jace would probably worry. If Dalton ever got a chance to defect back to Europe, he would find any and every excuse to stay there, discovering a way to fulfill their grandfather’s wishes from another continent if he could. Even if he had to do so by hologram. Jace couldn’t help chuckling at the thought of that.

  “What’s so funny, Jace? Share it so we can all laugh.”

  Jace glanced over at Caden. He then looked past Caden to Shana. Before leaving the office, she had pulled her hair back in one of those fancy clips, and for some reason, the style brought more emphasis to her eyes and face. He thought this evening that she looked even more beautiful than usual.

  “I’d rather not,” he heard himself say. “Besides, it wasn’t important.”

  Caden nodded. “If you say so.” He then turned his attention to Shana. “What are your plans for the weekend? I bet you have a date.”

  Shana wished Caden hadn’t put her on the spot. It wouldn’t be so bad if Jace wasn’t sitting across from her,
leaning lazily back in his chair while nursing a glass of beer with those deep, brooding and intense eyes leveled on her. Even when the conversation had been between just her and Caden, she had been aware of Jace’s focused gaze.

  “Yes, I do have a date. And it’s one I’m looking forward to.” So she decided to tell a little white lie for now. When Charles called, which she would bet he would, then it wouldn’t be a lie any longer. “My first two weeks at any corporation are usually the toughest and busiest,” she continued by saying, “Granger Aeronautics is no exception. I had a lot of things I had to familiarize myself with. Hundreds of reports I had to read.”

  “And how are things going with that?” Jace decided to ask. He needed to wrap his mind around something other than the fact that she had a date this weekend. Was she seeing someone on a steady basis? Involved in a serious relationship? She didn’t have a ring on her finger—wedding or otherwise.

  A muscle in his jaw twitched. Why did he give a damn about her date when it really wasn’t any of his business what she did this weekend or with whom? He was convinced that regardless of the man she might be spending time with this weekend, that strong attraction between them—the one he’d thought he could kiss out of their systems—was still there, well, alive and kicking...even if it wasn’t anything but a hefty amount of lust.

  “It’s going great, and I think I covered a lot of ground. I should have my first report to you sometime next week,” she said, intruding on his thoughts.

  “So you feel good about Granger making a turnaround?” Caden asked.

  “Yes, I do, as long as the recommended changes are made.”

  Jace noticed that an easy smile always played at the corners of her mouth while talking to Caden, but it was the opposite with him. Case in point, she glanced over at him, and he couldn’t help noticing how her smile faded somewhat. A part of him wanted to think that he was imagining things, but he knew he was not.