More Than One Night

by Tuhart, Marie

  “I want to please you, oh so much.” His hips shifted allowing her to feel his erection. Her pussy creamed and her legs parted ever so slightly. Oh, God she wanted him in her again, hard and fast.

  Her stomach fluttered. One part of her wanted to let him take her back to the ecstasy they’d shared Friday night. The other part of her reminded her that he was a rich and powerful man. A man who could break her heart into a million pieces.

  She couldn’t allow that to happen. When she gazed up at him, his green gaze filled with desire, desire for her, but desire faded and his would. And when it did, she’d be left alone again. Even with her lips aching for his kisses, she had to stop. She was giving him all the wrong signals. A cloud of depression settled upon her when she thought about never seeing Jake again. But that’s how it needed to be.

  “You need to let me go.” His hands were still tangled in her hair.

  “You first.”

  Hell, when had she pushed her fingers into his hair, clinging to him like she never wanted to let him go? She forced her limp muscles to move, causing her arms to rest at her sides.

  Jake released her and stepped back. Beth moved sideways to slide around him and out the door. But her knees warned her that if she moved too fast, she’d end up as a heap at his feet. It was just one damn kiss. Her blood thrummed with unfulfilled desire, reminding her she was a woman, with a woman’s desires.

  Using the wall as a crutch, she made her way to the door, turned the knob and pulled. “You locked the door.” She glared at him.

  “I didn’t want us to be disturbed.” While he was unapologetic about it, he did have the good grace to look sheepish.

  Her fingers closed over the lock, when his hand stopped her. “I want to see you again.” His breath ruffled her hair when he spoke into her ear.

  “Not a good idea.” She fought against the chill of anticipation he words created in her. No matter how much her body wanted him or desired to spend more than a single night with him, she couldn’t do it. Her past had taught her too well. A sigh escaped her.

  “That was a deep sigh. What are you thinking?” He nudged her hair out of the way, his moist breath now caressing her neck.

  A past which was now crowding into her mind, a past that reminded her that men couldn’t be trusted. That men walked away when things got tough—her father had, her mother’s lovers had, her ex-boyfriends had. Men were damn fickle creatures.

  And though her heart cried out that Jake was different, she couldn’t accept it. Even now as his heat invaded her body, she could barely think. But men with money didn’t have girlfriends like her. Just like an old fashion movie, he was the rich man and she was the chauffeur’s daughter. Okay for a tumble or two, but not to take home to daddy.

  “You’re caviar and fine wine. I’m peanuts and beer.” She wanted him to understand it wasn’t him as a person, it was who he was. A man in his position couldn’t afford a woman like her in his life. And she had more pride than to prostitute herself that way. She wouldn’t be like her mother.

  “What’s given you that impression?” There was curiosity in his voice.

  “The way you dress.” She was grasping at straws, but she had to do something to get him to back away.

  “I can go naked.” He nipped at her ear lobe. “But only when we’re alone. Doing so in public would get me arrested.”

  She pressed her forehead against the wooden door. “I’m trying to be serious here.”

  “And I’m not?”

  A moan escaped her lips when his tongue traced the shell of her ear. Why could such a simple gesture melt her heart? She closed her eyes fighting to concentrate. “Your apartment rent is probably more than I make in a year.”

  “Since I own it, that’s a moot point.”

  His lips now trailed over her jaw, his free hand tilting her head back to rest against his shoulder.

  “According to Carla, you’re one of the most eligible bachelors in San Francisco.”

  “That doesn’t mean I’m not a nice guy.” He nuzzled her neck and she fought not to melt into his touch. “Normally I have women tripping over their feet because of my money. So am I getting this right, you’re pushing me away because I’m rich?”

  She wanted to laugh at his incredulous tone, but somehow she didn’t think that would help matters.

  “Yes.”

  “You’re a reverse snob.” His lips disappeared and suddenly she was being turned.

  “I am not.” Her chin came up. Just because she didn’t want to get into a relationship with a man who could shatter her heart didn’t make her a snob. Cautious, yes.

  “Then go out with me.”

  She shook her head.

  “Give me one good reason why?” He stared at her with those forest green eyes and her heart stuttered.

  Drawing in a shaky breath, she said, “It’s obvious you’re used to getting your way and women always oblige.”

  “I won’t state the obvious, but you didn’t answer my question.”

  “You’re used to playing games with women, both in and out of bed. I’m not good at games.”

  “You haven’t played them with me.” His thumb rubbed over her lips in a brief caress. But she didn’t respond to his words. “I know we skipped a few phases of courtship, but I’m willing to take a step back and start from the beginning.”

  Was he being dense or not listening to her? What could she say to make him angry enough to walk away and forget about her? Her belly turned somersaults as she thought of the one thing guaranteed to make a man run. But he wasn’t giving her a choice. She needed her life back, a life without him in it.

  “I hate to tell you this Jake, umm…you know it wasn’t exactly good for me Friday night.” She was lying from the top of her head to the end of her toenails. Their loving had been scorching hot. Any more torrid and the fire department would still be at his apartment putting out the flames.

  His laugher filled the room and all she could do was stare at him. That wasn’t the reaction she pictured. Where was the infamous male ego? Backing away from her, he clenched his stomach trying to fight his laughter.

  “I was there, remember?” He took several deep breaths. “You were with me all the way, Beth. You may want to deny it, but your body didn’t lie. I remember the taste of your sweet kisses, the way you tightened against me pulling me into your pussy, the way you obeyed me, and the little cries you gave as I pleasured you. Want to tell me why you’re running scared now?”

  Because she was petrified. Friday night was like a dream come true, but it was all a fantasy. One night out of time, and now reality was upon her. She couldn’t risk her heart again. He was the one person who found a chink in her carefully built walls, and she didn’t know how to plug the hole.

  And the worse part about it was part of her didn’t want to close off her emotions to him. Instead she wanted to let him in. His fingers found her cheek, caressing her skin so softly she had to fight not to lean into his palm for more contact.

  “I’m not scared.” She forced herself away from his touch. “You don’t seem to understand. I don’t want to see you or have any sort of relationship with you.”

  “Liar.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

  “I’m not lying.” But she was. She knew it. He knew it. Damn it, why couldn’t things go her way for once? Why couldn’t he get the message and leave her alone? A knock sounded at the door.

  “Just a second,” she yelled. “I’ve got to go, Jake, or I’ll be fired.”

  He nodded but didn’t move. “I’ll back down if you promise to spend the weekend with me.

  “What?” She didn’t like the gleam of mischief in his eyes. “No.”

  “Twenty-four hours of your time.”

  Her stomach turned over, but her blood caught fire at his words.

  “I’m asking for one day, Beth. Twenty-four hours to prove to you that I’m more than one night of sex.”

  “And what happens at the end of that time?” Was she craz
y? Apparently so, since she was actually considering his plan.

  “If at the end of our day together, you can honestly, and I mean honestly, say you don’t want to see me again, I’ll walk out of your life forever.”

  “And if I can’t?”

  “Then you give us a real shot at a relationship.”

  What was she going to do? If she said yes, she’d risk her heart. If she said no…she stared at Jake. “What happens if I say no?”

  “Then I’ll haunt the bar every night until you say yes. I’m not giving up, Beth.”

  Damn his sexy hide. He was backing her into a corner and by the twinkle in his eyes he knew it. So be it, if this was the only way to get rid of him, she’d do it. She could keep her emotions and heart in check for twenty-four hours. “I have Saturday off.” She gave him her address.

  His grin widened. “I’ll make it a memorable day.”

  “Until then, you stay away from the bar. I don’t need the distraction.” Now why the hell did she have to say that? You just had to give him more ammunition, didn’t you?

  His grin grew even bigger as he ran the pad of his thumb over her mouth. “Very well. I’ll see you at eight sharp, Saturday morning. Be ready.” He bent his head until his lips were right above hers. “And pack an overnight bag.”

  “But…”

  “Twenty-four hours, remember.”

  Chapter Six

  Beth sat on her bed at seven Saturday morning with her head in her hands. She was nuts, needed to be locked inside a padded room. How could she have agreed to spend twenty-four hours with Jake?

  She’d taken leave of her senses that had to be it. What made her think she could spend another night with him and still remain detached?

  Oh sure, she was detached until the bouquet of wild flowers was delivered to the bar on Tuesday, with a note saying how much they reminded him of their night together—wild and untamed.

  Then Wednesday a small stuffed bear arrived, again a note telling her he was a big teddy bear for her to hold. Thursday, a snow globe with a cable car in it, for all those late night rides through the city they were going to have. And yesterday, a castle sand sculpture, the note telling her the sand represented the beach for the fun they were going to have this weekend.

  Each gift chipped away at the ice covering her heart. Deep down she knew Jake was courting her, going back to the beginning and doing all the things that men did. Well, okay, maybe not all men. Her ex-boyfriends had never done this.

  Glancing at the clock, she groaned. Seven-thirty, she needed to get her packing done. Surging to her feet, she startled Rosie who was curled up on the floor. Where was he planning on taking her? She hadn’t thought to ask and now she had no idea what to pack.

  What kind of nightwear would she take? Should she take the oversized T-shirt she usually wore to bed, or try to find the fancy nightgown and robe Carla had given her at Christmas. Beth rolled her eyes. What did it matter what she slept in? She wasn’t planning on being in Jake’s bed.

  Yeah, like that wasn’t going to happen. She hadn’t planned on sleeping with him a week ago. Oh yes, she was most definitely insane. Breathe, she reminded herself, when she realized she was holding her breath.

  But part of her mind couldn’t get over the issue she was going to spend the next twenty-four hours with a man she barely knew. Memories of those dark days on the streets when her mother was barely functional filtered through her mind. She’d only been eight years old and had to find both her and her mother food and shelter. San Francisco could be a frightening place for an eight year old.

  No, she wasn’t that frightened child anymore. After her mother died, Beth promised herself never to rely on a man for anything and she wasn’t going to start now. She could deal with Jake. He might test her resolve and go after her—damn the consequences—but she would find a way to resist him.

  Stop wasting time. Crossing over to her closet, she surveyed her meager wardrobe. Her only clue was in his last note about the beach.

  Okay, jeans were a good choice. She pulled out a pair and two shirts. One shirt was made of soft denim-like material, the other white with lacy trim around the neck and collar. Folding them, she placed them into her bag.

  Back at the closet, she pushed hangers aside until she found what she was looking for. She drew the dress out. She’d found it years ago at an end-of-year sale. The silky material called to her. The deep green color with a full skirt made it fit for almost any occasion. The neckline wasn’t plunging but it wasn’t modest either.

  She laid it on the bed, needing something dressy just in case. Going to her dresser, she pulled out underwear, nylons, and two pairs of shorts. She packed those quickly, then ran to the bathroom gathering what she would need.

  The dress she folded carefully and laid it on top, zipping her bag shut and setting it on the floor before flopping on the bed. Rosie jumped up on the mattress and licked her cheek.

  “Rosie!” Beth sat up. How could she have forgotten about her dog? It wouldn’t hurt to leave her alone, but she hated to do it. She could call Carla to take care of Rosie for her, but she didn’t want to do that either.

  Carla questioned her all week about Jake and his gifts. Beth had bluffed her way through the questions, but if she asked Carla to take care of Rosie, then Carla would question her until she had the whole story. Nope, Carla was out of the question.

  Wait a minute, she had the perfect excuse not to spend time with Jake. She couldn’t leave Rosie alone overnight. The doorbell rang and she jumped. Show time. Taking a calming breath, she rubbed her hands down the front of her jeans and marched out of her bedroom to the front door.

  The breath rushed out of her lungs when she saw Jake standing on her doorstep. Jake in a suit was one thing, but in casual clothes he was even more devastating. The black knit polo shirt stretched across his broad shoulders, defining his pectorals, and was tucked into a pair of faded black jeans which hugged his hips and thighs.

  Forcing her gaze away from his hard, sexy body, her gaze met his. He was grinning like a Cheshire cat. Her heart fluttered. Vulnerability hit her. He made her feel that way and out of control. He stripped her control away, too easily.

  “Hi.” She hated the breathless quality to her voice.

  “You look fantastic.” He took her hand in his. “That green sweater becomes you.”

  Warmth flooded her cheeks, the sweater was one of her favorites and, since the city was shrouded in fog today, it was a wise choice. “Thank you.” A slow smile lifted her lips. “You failed to mention where we were going for the weekend.”

  “I want it to be a surprise.”

  “You’ve done that already by sending me gifts all week.” Now why did she admit that? Couldn’t she keep these thoughts to herself? But the pleasure lighting up his eyes made the slip up worth it.

  “So they arrived safely. Did you like them?”

  “Yes. But we have a little problem today.” She stepped back to invite him in when a barking Rosie came flying out of the bedroom.

  “Shh, Rosie.” The dog skidded to a stop and stared up at Jake.

  “Well, hello there, puppy.” Jake knelt down and held out his hand.

  “I wouldn’t…” Her mouth fell open. Rosie was sniffing Jake’s hand and then licked it. She wasn’t growling or nipping at him.

  “You’re a cute little thing.” He petted Rosie’s head and the dog pressed closer to Jake. “I think she likes me.” Jake tilted his head back.

  “So it would seem.” Even her dog wasn’t immune to Jake’s charm. “And there lies the problem.”

  “Your dog liking me is a problem?” His forehead creased as he frowned.

  “No, not that.” Well, it would have gotten her off the hook if Rosie had hated Jake. She took another step back when he straightened. “I can’t leave Rosie alone.”

  “Then bring her with us,” he said without hesitation.

  “But…”

  His finger touched her lips. “No buts, Beth. Rosie is more
than welcome to come with us.”

  Rosie let out a bark as if she knew she was the topic of their conversation. Beth glanced down to see her four pound dog dancing around them in a playful mood.

  “Rosie isn’t known to be male friendly.” Rose had done nothing but bark and bare her tiny teeth at Don, her last boyfriend. Maybe her dog had better intuition than she did when it came to men.

  “I do have a way with women.” His green eyes twinkled. “No more excuses. You promised me today and I intend to collect.”

  “Very well. But don’t blame me if Rosie christens your car.” She turned and headed for her bedroom.

  “She won’t, will you, girl?”

  Beth glanced back to see Rosie cuddling in Jake’s arms. And the little traitor was licking his face, treating him like her new best friend.

  Slipping into her bedroom, Beth picked up her bag, then grabbed another one to pack some things for Rosie. When she strode back into the living room, Jake was standing by the small built in bookcase, staring at a picture.

  “Your mother?” he asked.

  “Yes.” A lump blocked her throat and a familiar pain filled her heart. “She died six months ago.” She glanced down at the floor.

  “I’m sorry.” His palm cupped her cheek.

  When had he crossed the room? She allowed herself the luxury of resting her cheek against his hand. She wasn’t used to someone caring for her, wanting to comfort her. A lump formed in her throat. She really should be stronger than this. Men didn’t stay around when a woman needed them for emotional support. Hadn’t she learned that yet? Pushing her need away, she straightened before her emotions could get out of control.

  “It was for the best. Mom was suffering.” To distract herself, she picked up Rosie’s favorite blanket.

  “That doesn’t mean it doesn’t still hurt.” He grasped her arm gently.

  She gazed into his forest green eyes. Hurt? Yes, her mother’s passing had hurt, but even when her Mom died, it was more than just the cancer killing her. Her mother was emotionally incomplete without a man by her side. There was only so much a daughter could give.