by Anthology
Seeing Jamie’s smug grin as he looked over at me, and the way he puffed his chest out almost had me wishing I’d left him to her.
“We have a last minute bidder, folks! One thousand dollars! Seems there are a few women interested in seeing what tricks the new guy has up his sleeve. Let’s hear it, ladies! Anyone want to enjoy an evening out with this fine gentleman for eleven hundred dollars?”
The MC couldn’t be serious. Surely no one would bid more than that.
As soon as the thought popped into my brain, the blonde bitch called out, “Eleven hundred!”
“Twelve hundred!” I shot back, surprising myself and everyone in the room.
“Thirteen hundred.” She locked a lethal stare on me.
Two could play at this game. “Fourteen hundred.” It was just the two us now, staring each other down in a death match to see who would back down first.
If possible, her eyes narrowed even more. “Fifteen hundred.”
“Sixteen hundred,” I said back without batting an eye. Obviously she had no idea just how competitive and stubborn I could be.
A few gasps came from the crowd. I’d been going to this fundraiser for years, and I was pretty sure no one had ever bid this high before. I didn’t like it, but it was a charity that was near and dear to my heart so I took some solace in the fact that the money would be going to a good cause—even if I’d be eating Raman noodles for the next month.
She didn’t say anything for a moment, and I knew I had her when she pressed her lips together.
The MC shouted, “Sixteen hundred going once…twice…sold to this fine young lady in the green dress.”
“Oh, my God. I can’t believe you bid that high,” Chloe said, tugging on my arm with one hand, the other on her chest.
I turned to face my best friend. Her eyes were wide in surprise, but the pain of the reminder of what her ex had done to her, and with whom, was all over her face, and I didn’t regret for a minute how much money I’d spent.
I patted her hand with mine, giving her a reassuring look. “I wasn’t about to let that bitch get her claws in him.”
Chloe leaned in and gave me a quick hug.
I hugged her back, then tugged her behind me. “Come on. I’ve gotta go pay for my bid, then let’s get out of here.”
We pushed our way to the back of the crowd as the MC brought the next bachelor out. I handed my credit card info over, perturbed with myself that I no doubt had fed Jamie’s inflated ego, but, at the same time happy the money would be put to good use. Still, I wanted to get out of here before I was forced into a confrontation with him. When I told Chloe as much, her gaze darted behind me and a sly smile crossed her face. I had a good idea who was coming up behind me. I inwardly cringed.
“I’ve gotten mixed signals from women before, but you’ve got to be a world record holder by now,” Jamie chuckled from behind me, coming to stand between me and Chloe.
With a half-hearted gesture, I motioned to him, and then to her. “Chloe, this is Jamie. Jamie, Chloe.”
Jamie stuck his hand out to shake Chloe’s. “Good to meet you.”
“Same here,” Chloe said, grinning. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Is that so?” Jamie arched a brow, amused. “Your friend here would lead me to believe she never thought of me at all.” He glanced over at me, his expression challenging me to deny it.
Chloe’s dark brown eyes darted to me and then back to Jamie. “Don’t listen to her. She’s just obsessed with keeping things uncomplicated.”
“Hello…” I waved my hands in front of me. “Standing right here.”
Jamie turned to face me, pinning an intense gaze on me with those steel-colored eyes. “Uncomplicated, huh?”
I raised my chin, feeling defiant. “I happen to like uncomplicated.”
Chloe cleared her throat. “I’m going to leave you two to talk. I’ll be outside when you’re ready to leave, Jackie.”
I nodded, but neither Jamie nor I removed our gaze from the other.
“So what was all that about?” Jamie crossed his hands over his chest and motioned behind him with his head.
“I wanted to donate to the cause.” I shrugged, feigning nonchalance, unwilling to let him know how riled up I’d been at the thought of the other woman winning him.
He shook his head. “Not buying it. There’s more to it than that.”
I clenched my fists at my side. “Think what you want.” I said, irritation ringing in my voice.
Jamie’s gaze ran up and down the length of me and appeared a little glazed over by the time he’d reached my eyes again. “You look really beautiful tonight. The color of your dress brings out the green in your eyes.”
Heat pooled between my thighs from the combination of his words and the way he looked at me with unadulterated lust. “Don’t do that,” I snapped.
“Do what?” His forehead creased.
“Turn a normal conversation into something sexual.” I wasn’t even sure why I was picking a fight with him. He wasn’t the problem. I was irritated with myself, and at the utter lack of control I seemed to have when he was near.
“I was only saying you look nice tonight, not telling you I wanted to feel your lips wrapped around my cock—relax.” He arched a brow, clearly amused with himself. God, he could be such an ass.
He must’ve been able to tell that the mental image of what he’d suggested had flashed through my head because a slow smirk spread across his face.
“There you go again.” I let out a frustrated sigh. “And stop looking at me like that.”
Now he seemed amused. “And how is that exactly?”
“Like I’m dessert.”
He leaned in to speak directly into my ear. I tried to hold my breath so I wouldn’t be forced to inhale his natural scent, the one I’d longed to smell again since I’d kissed him behind the bar. “Oh, but you will be dessert at the end of our date. I can’t wait to taste you.”
I inhaled a sharp breath and momentarily pressed my thighs together. Once I’d regained my composure I shoved into his chest, forcing him back and ignoring how hard his chest muscles were underneath my palms. “You’re impossible.”
He shrugged, not at all fazed by my frustration. “Maybe, but you like it.”
God help me, but a part of me did. “I’ve got to get going. Chloe is waiting.”
“Alright then. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Jackie. I know I will—imagining all the things we’ll be doing on our date,” he said with a cocky grin.
I narrowed my eyes. “Don’t count on it.”
He laughed, his eyes full of mirth. “Oh, Jackie. Haven’t you figured it out yet? We’re a foregone conclusion.”
The truth of his words slammed into me like a Mac truck, and I stumbled back a step, then pivoted on my heel and booked it out of there as fast as my stilettos would allow. No way was I tempting fate and giving myself to a man like Jamie—one that had ‘Caution: Police Line Do Not Cross’ tape all over it.
Chapter Eleven
Jamie
I couldn’t afford to fuck this up. I was more than certain this was my only shot to convince Jackie to start seeing me. If tonight didn’t go well, that would be it. She wouldn’t be giving me another chance. For whatever reason, I’d lucked into our date tonight, and I was going to make good use of it.
I climbed the steps to her house, more anxious than I could remember being in a long time. She’d attempted to give me some bullshit excuse about meeting me at the restaurant rather than having me pick her up. I’d let her know it wasn’t an option. I had, after all, seen her ditch her last date at the bar and I refused to be relegated to the same treatment as that poindexter had gotten. Besides, we weren’t going to a restaurant. I had other plans for us. Plans I was hoping she’d like.
I knocked on the door, and Jackie swung it open, looking even more gorgeous than she usually did. How was that even possible? She was wearing a light blouse that tied just below her belly button. I had no idea
what it was made of, but it was flowy with a V-neck that showed just enough of her cleavage to keep it on your mind all night. Beige dress shorts and strappy gold heels accented her toned legs. Jackie had nice legs. Hell, Jackie had nice everything.
“You look exceptional,” I said, still gawking.
She drew in a deep breath. “Thank you.” She glanced down to the flowers I held in my hand, knocking me out of my trance.
I cleared my throat. “These are for you.” I held them out for her, and she smiled, bringing the cluster forward to sniff them. When her forehead wrinkled in confusion, I knew she’d spotted the note I’d placed in the middle.
She pulled them away from her face and reached for the piece of paper. “What’s this?”
“Take a look.” I nodded toward it.
She stepped back into her entryway and motioned for me to follow before she turned and set the flowers down on a table and pulled the paper out of its envelope. As a sort of joke, and a way to break the ice, I’d purchased a Triple A membership for her. I hated the idea of her being stranded again with no one to help her.
She laughed. “Thank you for this.” She held the paper up in her hand. “Hopefully I won’t need to use it too often.” There was a twinkle in her green eyes, and I think it was the first time she’d ever actually looked at me that way. I’d seen lust and need, irritation and frustration, but never thankfulness or appreciation.
I cleared my throat. “I’d like to start over…on this date tonight. I want to wipe the slate clean and start fresh.”
She twisted her lips for a minute, then nodded. “Okay then.” Picking up the flowers off her entry table, she said, “Let me just put these in some water before we go.”
As she retreated toward the back of the house, I took in my surroundings, curious about the place she called home. It was a cute little bungalow, though the art on the walls was a little bright for my liking. A fireplace sat in the center of the living room, photographs placed strategically on the mantle. There was one of her and the girl I had met at the auction, another of what I guessed was her and her mother, and the largest frame belonged to a portrait of a man in a police dress uniform. The photograph was obviously older based on the coloring. Was that her dad?
“Ready to roll?” Jackie asked as she made her way back up the hall.
“Yep. Nice place you have here,” I complimented.
“Thanks. I haven’t decided whether I’m going to stay here or look for something else to rent when my lease is up in a few months.”
Huh. “Oh, I assumed you owned it.” She had a good job. There was no reason why she’d have to rent.
“No, I like to move around, switch it up, leave my options open.” She shrugged. “I’m not one to get too attached to where I’m staying.”
I found it telling that she’d referred to it as the place she was staying, not living, but I kept that to myself. She appeared to be relaxed in my presence tonight, and I didn’t want anything to fuck that up. I gave her a relaxed smile. “Well, it’s a nice spot anyway.”
She smiled back and grabbed her purse from the table. “Shall we?”
Once we were settled in my truck and pulling away from her house, she turned to face me. “So, where are we going?”
Things were going well so far—Jackie’s attitude toward me was better than I’d ever seen it. I hoped that what came out of my mouth next wouldn’t ruin that. “I thought we could go to my place for dinner. I ordered some food from one of the restaurants on Main Street. We have to swing by there and pick it up.” I shrugged. “I just thought it would be nicer than being in a crowded, noisy restaurant on a Saturday night at the height of tourist season.”
“Jamie…” she said, sounding unsure.
“Listen, I didn’t plan it as some way of trying to get in your pants.” I placed my hand on her shoulder and looked her straight in the eye. “Honestly. I want to get to know you better, that’s all. If you’re more comfortable staying at the restaurant to eat, we can do that.”
Jackie fidgeted in her seat, seeming unsure. “No, no it’s fine. As long as you promise to drive me home whenever I want.”
“Of course. I’ll be a complete gentleman.” I smiled wide, feeling victorious.
She smirked. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”
I shook my head and chuckled softly. “Oh, ye of little faith.”
I meant it, though. Tonight was about getting to know the paradox of a woman that was sitting beside me and ensuring she wanted to spend more time with me in the future.
We arrived at my place a half hour later. When I’d moved to Bar Harbor, I’d bought a place a little outside of town, surrounded by woods. It wasn’t huge, but it was a comfortable size, and I’d been slowly picking away at home renovation projects to make it even more welcoming.
It was a raised bungalow with a wraparound porch that I enjoyed relaxing on with a beer. At the moment, I was enjoying trailing behind Jackie on the stairs because it gave me another fine view of her assets.
We reached the top of the stairs, and I led her across the deck to the door. Using the hand that wasn’t holding the bag of food, I reached in my pocket for the key and unlocked the door, then stepped to the side. “Ladies first.”
“You’re giving me too much credit.” She laughed and walked past me into the house. The slight citrus scent I was beginning to attribute to her wafted past me.
“This is a really nice place.” She spun around to face me with a warm smile. “Nothing at all like the bachelor pad I’ve been picturing.”
I chuckled, moving past her and through the living room into the open concept kitchen. “I’m a little too old for anything like that now.”
“How old are you?” she asked, coming to stand on the opposite side of the center island and leaning forward on her hands. Her emerald eyes were alight with mischief.
“Almost thirty,” I said openly as I pulled the food out of the bags. Turning, I grabbed a couple plates from the cupboard behind me.
“You’re practically an old man.” She grinned and arched a brow.
“Easy there. I’m pretty sure you’re not that far off.” I winked playfully at her.
“Can I help?” Jackie offered as I began removing the lids.
“No, no. You paid good money for this date. You just relax.”
She appeared momentarily embarrassed, then laughed a little. “For the amount of money I paid for this date you’d better be serving lobster and steak.”
“Such high maintenance.” I tsked, shaking my head in an amused way. “You’re close. I opted for the lobster, but not the steak,” I said as I portioned out both of our dinners onto the plates. “Can I get you something to drink? I picked up a good bottle of wine earlier today.”
“Wine sounds great.”
I walked over to the glass-fronted cupboard that held the four wine glasses I owned and grabbed a pair. As I pulled the white wine from the fridge, I reflected on how normal this felt, how comfortable…like we were a real couple. And most surprising—how much I enjoyed the feeling. I’d dated a couple of girls seriously, but the last one had been years prior. I wasn’t used to this sort-of thing, and if I’m honest I hadn’t missed it at all. I was beginning to see what the appeal was.
“Where would you like to eat?” I asked her glancing around my place. “We can sit at the kitchen table or at the breakfast bar…”
Jackie surveyed the surroundings. “Would it be weird if we sat on the floor around the coffee table in the living room?”
I shook my head. “Not at all.”
“Your deck is lovely, but I don’t want to be swatting away all the critters looking for a free meal.”
“Good point.” I smiled at her. “Why don’t you grab the silverware off the counter and I’ll handle the plates.”
A few minutes later, we were settled in—our plates in front of us, along with our wine. I’d turned on some music to help set the mood and, even though it was summer, I turned the fire on for am
biance. I found myself wanting Jackie to be comfortable in my house. I wanted her to want to return.
We each took a few bites of our meal, not saying anything. Jackie picked up her wine glass and took a sip. “Your fireplace is lovely.”
“Thanks. I just finished it a couple weeks ago. I’m no expert, but I’ve been taking on some home renovation projects since I moved in.” My response had been casual, but the truth was that hoisting the reclaimed wood mantle up and setting it overtop of the stone fireplace had been one hell of a job.
Jackie speared some pasta with her fork and wrapped her lips around the tines. “Mmm, this is good.” She held her hand in front of her mouth while she chewed and, when she’d swallowed, asked, “So if you’re from Boston, why don’t I hear an accent?”
I chuckled. “I’m not from there originally.”
“What brought you to Maine then?”
I set my fork down beside my plate, finding the answer to her question did little to inspire my appetite. My discomfort must’ve shown on my face.
“I’m sorry did I say something wrong?” She reached forward and put her hand on top of mine. The physical contact with her was comforting.
I shook my head. “No, not at all. It’s just not a lot of fun to talk about. My dad lives here. He became ill so I moved here to keep an eye on him.” I shrugged and worked to suppress my emotions, not wanting to delve into heavy topics tonight.
Jackie’s expression looked forlorn. “I’m sorry. I’m assuming your mom isn’t around?”
“No,” I frowned. “She passed away some years ago.”
“Geez, I’m just hitting on every happy subject tonight aren’t I?”
I turned my hand over so that I could grasp hers, accepting her comfort. “It was a while ago, and I’ve come to terms with it.” I still missed my mom, but watching her suffer any longer, trying to fight a disease she wasn’t winning the battle with, would have been worse.