She was frowning at her friends, who were staring at him. Then her gaze turned toward him. Beautiful sea blue eyes. A smile curved his lips and he winked at her.
Her mouth dropped open, then shut abruptly as one of her friends caught her arm. She sat down, then laughed at something the redhead said.
Her laugher was pure sunshine, fresh and inviting. Jake sucked in a breath, trying to prevent parts of his anatomy from embarrassing him. He hadn’t come into the bar tonight to pick anyone up, but now he’d reevaluate his plan.
He’d ask her to dance and see where things went from there. He kept his gaze on the women, and after a few minutes she squirmed, then her head turned and their gazes met head on.
His cock grew taut under her bold gaze. They connected on some elemental way and his dormant libido roared to life and said “let’s play.” Awareness sizzled between them, and then she reached over and picked up the glass he had the waitress deliver.
She raised it up, Jake lifted his beer to her, then each took a slip of their drinks. The music changed from rock to a soft ballad. Setting his beer down, Jake was on his feet and at her table before he even thought about it.
Beth was focused on what Theresa was saying when Carla nudged her in the side. Turning, she gazed up into the most beautiful deep green eyes she’d ever seen.
“Shall we?” asked the hunk, holding his hand out to Beth.
“I’d love to.” With a smile, she placed her hand in his.
A shiver tingled up her spine when his fingers curled around hers. Helping her from the chair, he led her over to the tiny wooden dance floor. Warmth and strength enveloped her when he pulled her into his arms. Every nerve in her body went on full alert. Trying to calm her racing heart, she inhaled, taking in his masculine scent. Spice and leather and…all male.
The song had started and they began dancing. He was easy to follow and it was a slow ballad, but all she wanted to do was melt against his body and let him lead her where ever he wanted.
What was it about him? He had a smooth tone of voice, a bit husky but not rough. And his touch was soft, tender, not grabby like some men could get. Her fingers rested against his shoulders as they danced to the music.
His midnight hair begged to be caressed and she wondered if it was as soft as it looked. Then his hips brushed up against hers and heat flooded her body. She leaned more toward him wanting to feel his hardness against her.
This wasn’t like her. Not at all. She was never this bold, this adventurous. She’d like to blame it on the drinks she had, but wine didn’t affect her. With a soft sigh, she relaxed even more into his embrace.
What was wrong with her wanting one night for herself? One night to feel like a woman in the arms of an incredible man? One night to be totally selfish?
There was nothing wrong with it, and if this man cooperated they could have a very passionate night together. Beth tilted her head back. He grinned and the impact went clear to her toes. This time her sigh was bigger.
“That was an awfully deep sigh,” he whispered, his breath caressing her face.
“I can’t remember the last time I danced like this.” It was the truth, but not what she’d planned on saying.
“Then I’m one lucky man.”
“Are you feeling lucky?” She couldn’t resist, he’d opened the door.
“What man wouldn’t feel lucky dancing with the sexiest woman in the place?”
Her lips tilted upward. “Flirt,” she whispered. “I’m Beth Grant.”
A laugh escaped his mouth. “I guess we should introduce ourselves.” He put a little space between their hips as the song ended. “Nice to meet you Beth, Jake Masters.” He gave a little bow, then guided her back into his arms as the music started once again.
What an old-fashioned thing to do, bowing to her. His actions made her feel special. There was a gentleman lurking behind the carefree persona he presented. She glanced over at her friends, they waved. They were good friends, a little pushy maybe, but still good friends.
“I’d like to keep dancing with you, but I’ll understand if you need to re-join your friends after this song finishes,” he said.
“No.” She winced at the sharpness of her voice. “What I mean is…” Darn it, she didn’t know what she meant. Yes, she did. It was difficult being bold.
“It’s all right.” He tightened his hold on her, drawing her closer to his body, as another couple jostled them. “Let’s enjoy the moment.”
Her arms slid around his neck, her breasts pressed against his chest, their hips brushing lightly as they swayed from side to side. Her pussy tightened with need. If she enjoyed this anymore, she’d be a puddle at his feet.
Sensations cascaded through her body and heat pooled between her legs. All she could think of was satin sheets, sultry jazz and hot sex. For goodness sake, was that all she could think about was sex?
Yep. Her eyes closed when she rested her head against his shoulder. It was time for her to quit questioning what she was doing and go with the flow. She wasn’t like her mother. She would keep her heart safe, no matter what happened. Tonight was for her and her alone.
A surge of pure male satisfaction shot through Jake as he danced with Beth. She fit against him. Hips brushing each other, her cheek resting against his chin. Very few women fit his six foot two height, but Beth did. And she wasn’t wearing super high heels.
His hand rested lightly at the small of her back as they swayed to the music. She really did have the deepest blue eyes he’d ever seen, reminding him of the ocean when he went deep sea fishing. And her hair, brunette didn’t fit, nutmeg was better, so rich was her hair color.
He was being careful not to come on too strong, then she introduced herself and Jake almost lost it. In his twenties he’d gone clubbing and danced with countless women, very few introduced themselves, but Beth had.
And what amazed him was when he introduced himself, there was no recognition in those blue eyes of her. No eyes widening, no sly smiles, nothing. Was it possible he finally found a woman who didn’t know who he was?
That would be a first. But he did have a code of honor, glancing to his right, he checked out her left hand on his shoulder. No ring. Well at least that meant she wasn’t married. But she could still be involved with someone?
Guilt tugged at him. He had offered to allow her to go back to her friends, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t dancing with him to make someone jealous. “Are you involved with anyone?”
He hadn’t meant to blurt it out. Her head rose and pink tinged her cheeks. “No,” she said the word softly, almost hesitantly, as if she didn’t want to admit it. Before he could stop himself, he ran his finger down her warm cheek and bit back a groan at the silkiness of her skin.
“Good, now I don’t have to worry about another man coming up and trying to lay me flat for dancing with his girl.”
Her lips tightened. “I’m a free woman, no matter who I date. No man owns me.”
“Women aren’t meant to be owned.” His gaze captured hers. “Cherished, taken care of and loved, yes. Owned? No, you own antique furniture, but not another person.”
Love? Oh, yes, he’d love every inch of her body, if she’d let him. He could picture her hair spread out over his pillows, her breasts taut, her body squirming in anticipation for him. His erection jumped beneath his slacks.
How would she look trussed up on his big bed, arms restrained, legs spread wide for him to do whatever he wanted? Need slammed him low in the gut. It had been a long while since he had someone he could let go with.
He leaned down and caught a whiff of cinnamon. Mmm, one of his favorite scents.
Her hand brushed the nape of his neck and his hips shifted. He waited for her to move away, to let him know she wasn’t interested in anything more than a dance. Instead, she leaned into him, her body soft and pliant against his.
The song wound down, but when it ended she didn’t move out of his arms. The music started once again, and as they turned, he s
pied her friends watching them with rapt attention.
“You’re a very beautiful woman.” Where was this corny stuff coming from?
“Thank you. You’re beautiful yourself.”
“Men aren’t beautiful. We’re rugged, handsome, charming, powerful—”
She started laughing. “Are you flirting with me, Jake?”
“Yes, is that okay?” Now he was into the dorky stage, asking permission, but that’s how he was taught to treat a lady.
“Absolutely, flirt away.” She laid her head on his shoulder once again. He was aware of her body against his, with each sway of their hips their groins brushed. His erection was apparent, but she wasn’t pulling away. He took it as a sign she wanted to be with him.
Her breath was warm and moist against his neck. He moved his hand up her back and tunneled beneath her hair, holding her head in place as his lips nudged her hair away from her ear.
“I know what I want from you, but do you know what you want from me?” she asked.
“I want to kiss you,” he said, because he couldn’t have stopped the words from emerging if God himself had clamped his lips shut. “All over. All night long.”
Chapter Two
Beth stumbled at Jake’s words. Kiss her all over? All night long? Oh dear Lord. Breathing became an issue and her brain shut down.
“Are you okay?” he asked, tightening his grip on her as she regained her footing.
“Fine.” She was anything but fine. She never expected this, even if her friends had. A dance was all she thought would happen, but now that Jake voiced the words, she couldn’t get the idea of hot, sweaty sex out of her mind. And she wanted this man.
The music stopped and she gazed up into his incredible forest green eyes. Her insides turned to jelly and her body heated. Never had a man turned her on so fast.
“Shall we sit down and have a drink together or would you rather keep dancing?”
“Can we go some place more private?” If she didn’t get out of here, she’d jump his bones in the middle of the dance floor. And the thought frightened her, that this man could cause such a reaction in her.
No! He wasn’t asking for a life time and neither was she. One night. She could be a modern woman and have a one-night stand and her heart was going to stay blissfully uninvolved. Her mother might fall in love at the drop of a hat, but not her.
“I like your thinking.” Arm around her waist, he guided her back to her table where her friends sat watching with rapt attention.
Reaching down, she plucked her purse off the table. “I’ll talk to you guys on Sunday.” She was surprised at how normal her voice sounded, when her entire body was burning for Jake’s touch.
Her friends’ mouths dropped open and Beth couldn’t help but grin. “Let’s go,” she said to Jake.
He chuckled as he ushered her away from her gaping friends.
“What are you laughing about?” she asked.
“Your friends didn’t expect your announcement, did they?” He pushed open the door of Raven’s and held it for her.
“No, they didn’t.” Beth knew she was acting out of character, but didn’t care. Glancing up at the night sky, she saw the traditional San Francisco fog rolling in. The cool night air kissed her bare arms and she shivered.
Jake stopped at the next building, turning her to face him. “If you don’t want to come with me, Beth, then don’t. I’ll understand.”
He was giving her a way out. And she didn’t want one. She wanted this night, she wanted this man, she wanted everything.
She cupped his cheek. “I want to be with you, Jake.”
Relief filled his green eyes before a smile creased his lips, then his hand was at her chin lifting her face to his.
Warm lips brushed against hers, once, twice, almost as if he was testing to see how she’d react. Letting her arms slide around his neck, she opened her mouth to his.
Tonight she wanted to let go and have fun. To have no strings sex. She was more than attracted to Jake, there was something about him that made her want to throw caution to the wind and live.
His tongue caressed hers briefly before he pulled away. “My apartment is a few blocks away, if you don’t mind walking. Or I can hail a cab?”
She rested her forehead against his shoulder, trying to catch her breath. Instead she took in his scent of spice and leather. A honking car brought her head up. They were still in public.
“Let’s walk.”
His grin lit up his face, grasping her hand, they continued down the sidewalk.
His apartment. Well, he wasn’t a visiting business man, he lived here. Oh man, what if they frequented the same places? Having a one-night stand might be a little difficult if they ran into each other. San Francisco maybe big, but it could also be very small.
“Do you go to Raven’s a lot?”
“Occasionally. It’s a great place to relax and unwind.”
Well, that meant it was now off limits to her and the girls. They’d just have to find a new place to hang out. But another nagging question forced itself into her brain.
They stopped on the corner waiting for the light to turn green, she glanced down. No wedding ring, but that didn’t mean anything. Most men she knew didn’t wear one. Lord knows none of her mother’s husbands had.
“Jake?” She tried to gather her courage to ask the question.
“Yes?” He gazed down at her and she almost forgot her own name. Damn, he could affect her so easily.
“You’re not…” She swallowed. “Umm, what I’m trying to say is…” She couldn’t get the words out. “Ah…the light’s green.”
Beth stifled a groan, that wasn’t what she wanted to say.
“So it is.” He led her across the street, but then pulled her to a stop once they were on the other side. He turned her to him and captured her gaze once again. “Ask your question.”
She cringed on the inside, but knew she had to make sure. “You’re not married, are you?” The words rushed out before she could lose her nerve.
“No.” Warm fingers tilted her chin. “I’ve never been married.”
Someone jostled her from behind and she realized they weren’t alone. All her concentration had been on Jake and how he made her feel. She’d never noticed the other people out tonight.
“I’m glad.”
“So am I.” His fingers trailed down her throat to meet his other hand at the small of her back, to gather her close. “You can ask me anything you want, but I’d rather we do it in private.”
There was no mistaking the bulge behind his slacks. “Oh my,” she whispered.
He leaned down until his lips rested above her ear. “That’s what you do to me, Beth. I haven’t been this hard since I was a teenager.”
A strange boldness possessed her body and she slipped her hand between them, cupping him through his clothing. His cock pulsed against her palm and she couldn’t resist a bit of mischief.
He groaned as she squeezed his cock.
“I think we better hurry,” she whispered, her lips caressing his cheek. “I don’t think this big boy can wait much longer.”
Was that her talking? It was her voice, but she’d never been this brazen in her life.
“Oh, he’ll wait. He has wonderful staying power.” His hands tightened on her back, then he released her inhaling a deep breath. “Okay, I think I can walk now.”
He slipped his arm around her shoulders and began walking with her at his side. Their hips brushed with each step. Heat and need coiled in her stomach.
Before she realized it, Jake was opening a glass door to one of the high rise apartments. The lobby glowed with blue and gold mosaic tiles, giving it a Mediterranean feel.
She’d read about this building about a week ago. Her stomach dropped to her feet. Who was this man she was with?
“Good evening, Mr. Masters. Ma’am,” said an older male voice.
Beth fought against blushing when she saw the security guard. He probably saw a lot of w
omen coming and going from here.
“Good evening, Sal.” Jake returned the greeting, before guiding her to the open elevator and stepping in with her at his side.
Once inside, he pulled out an electronic pass, pushed it into the slot, then jabbed a series of buttons.
“Nice security.”
“Yes. No one can access any of the floors without a card key.” The doors slid shut and Beth shivered.
“What about a fire?”
“Once the fire alarm goes off the key device is automatically deactivated.” He grinned down at her. “Don’t worry, the fire we create tonight will be kept between us.”
Before Beth could think of a retort, the elevator opened and Jake escorted her to a set of double doors. He unlocked them and flung them open.
“Welcome to my home.” He gestured for her to precede him.
Always a gentleman. “Thank you.” She slid past him, but not before she caught another whiff of his spicy scent. Heat coiled in her belly once again.
“Living room off to your left.”
Beth caught her breath at the sight of the fireplace on one wall, a large black leather sofa, and a chrome coffee table. But her attention was caught by the big bay windows.
She padded across the room and stared out at the city lights, knowing Jake’s living room furniture cost more than she made in six months. Heck, his apartment rent was probably what she made in a year.
Music filled the air and she swallowed, hard. The soft sax and sultry trombone caressed every inch of her body. Images of silk sheets, limbs entwined and hot sex filled her mind. Without thought she began to sway to the music.
“You like jazz?”
“I love it.”
“I’m glad.”
The glass window allowed her to watch him when he strode up to the built-in bar. Her gaze followed his movements. His lean fingers as they moved over the bottles, goose bumps burst out on her skin when she thought about those same fingers playing with her nipples, caressing her to a climax.
Their gazes met and heat flooded her. He picked up a champagne flute filled with rose colored liquid and held it out to her.
More Than One Night Page 2