She turned to Wes. “You’d better put your jeans in the dryer if you want to wear anything besides those sweats. And fold the shirts and towels while you’re up there, please.”
Wes sighed but headed upstairs. As soon as he was out of sight, she grabbed Trey’s hand and dragged him into the hallway.
He took the invitation and pulled her into his arms. Or tried to.
“Stop it!” she whispered, pushing him away. “I told you in Tahoe, that ship has sailed. Now just accept it, and let’s move on.”
“Move on?” She couldn’t be serious.
“That’s right. Now, I need to finish getting ready. Thank you for bringing Wes his wallet. I’ll see you later.” She turned and headed back to her bedroom.
And that’s when it hit him. He’d been too distracted by her body to put two and two together. “Hold up,” he said, catching up to her.
“What? I’m in a hurry.”
“You’re going out?”
Fidgeting with her collar, she took a while to answer. “You need to—”
“Don’t tell me it’s with the dick?”
She scowled and rolled her eyes, but the way her shoulders tensed, he knew she wasn’t near as calm as she was trying to play it. “Real mature. Not that it’s any of your damn business, but Richard invited me to this event two weeks ago.”
He locked his jaw tight to keep from yelling out what he thought about the jerk and their plans. No way in hell was this going to happen.
“And don’t even look at me that way,” she said, pointing her finger. “You don’t have a say in my personal life.”
Fuck if he didn’t! Not after last weekend. How the hell could he reach her, especially with her walls up? Nobody got through those damn defenses. Better yet, he wanted to take her and make her forget any other man existed.
“Go home . . . please.” Her eyes were pleading, and damn if it didn’t work.
“Fine.” He nodded slowly, trying to force down his frustration. “For now.”
He went upstairs to say good-bye to Wes. “Give me a call tomorrow if you want to hang out. Maybe we can check out Enchanted Rock.”
“Cool. I went there on—”
“Wes!” Sue yelled. “Can you come down here? I need help with this necklace.”
Wes looked at him and shook his head. “Just be glad you had Patty to do this sh . . . stuff for your mom.”
“It’s okay. I got it.” Trey headed downstairs before Wes had a chance to move. He almost ran over Sue.
“I thought you were leaving,” she said, flustered.
“I was, but I stopped to say good-bye to Wes.” He reached for the necklace in her hand, but she backed away, looking upstairs.
“For God’s sake, Sue. It’s a necklace, not a bra.” She reluctantly gave him the silver chain with the diamond solitaire. She turned around, watching him as long as she could. He moved behind her, closer than necessary, but she stood still. Hell, she didn’t breathe. Interesting.
He waited, taking in her scent, leaning in closer.
She sucked in a breath. A shaky breath. “Will you get on with it? I don’t have all night.”
Oh, I’ll get on with it. “Patience.” He blew the word against the back of her exposed neck, and she shivered. He definitely liked her short hair.
Holding one end of the chain in each hand, he raised the necklace over her head and brought it down, enclosing her in his arms. He felt her tremble, but she didn’t attempt to move.
“This clasp is too damn small. No wonder you can’t do it,” he breathed into her ear. He watched her eyelids fall. “Let me see this.” Trey leaned over her shoulder, moving his face so that it touched hers. While lifting the chain, he softly brushed the sides of her breasts. She gasped, and he watched as her nipples hardened through the light material of her dress. He moved in closer, pressing himself against her backside, wanting to remove all the barriers that lay between them.
She let out a soft moan. “Just do it, Trey.”
The necklace dropped to the floor, and he spun her in a flash, pulling her tight to his body. He took her lips without mercy, feeding the hunger that had been brewing all week. He finally made himself stop so he could check her reaction. Her eyes said it all—need, anger, frustration, and pure desire. With a curse, he took it all, all the fire of this woman.
She ran her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer, but it wasn’t enough. He needed more, needed to be in—
The doorbell rang.
Shit! He held her tight, hoping their chemistry would make her ignore the intrusion. A ridiculous dream. She pushed him away with more force than he thought possible. He could see the pulse in her beautiful neck racing, but when he caught her eyes, all passion was gone. In place was panic, which quickly turned to anger.
“Dammit. Look what you’ve done!” She brought her hands to her face, wiping her lipstick, brushing away the trace of sweat that lay on her brow.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll get rid of him . . . with pleasure.” He headed to the entry, but she grabbed his wrist.
“Like hell!” she hissed. “You’re the only one leaving.”
“What the hell are you—”
Before he could finish, she started for the door, but Trey moved right past her. Wes had already let the man in.
“Hey, Dick.” Trey walked up and extended his hand, grabbing Richard’s in a vise.
“Trey.”
The man had that fake-ass smile plastered on his face, but Trey knew the dick was pissed that he was at the house again. God knows, he was pissed that Dick was here. Again. He hoped there were traces of Sue’s lipstick on his mouth.
She came in, interrupting the fight he wanted. “Hi, Richard.”
The ass didn’t even try to hide how he was checking out her body. “Wow, you look stunning, Sue.”
“Thank you.” She gave the jerk a smile, but it wasn’t dazzling. In fact, it looked a little forced. The fact still didn’t make Trey feel any better.
“So, what are you doing here?” he asked, trying to stop the creep from gawking at his woman. Maybe his tone was a little harsh because Wes looked at him and raised his brows.
“Sue and I are going to The Driskill Hotel.”
He would’ve taken the man down if Sue hadn’t moved in front of him.
“To a fundraiser,” she explained. “We’re going to a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation at the Driskill Hotel.”
With shaky hands, she grabbed her bag off the front table. “We’d better go. I don’t want to miss the silent auction.”
“Wait.” Trey grabbed her arm.
She spun around, searching his eyes, the panic back in her own.
“What about your necklace?”
A flicker of doubt crossed her face, but then she lifted her shoulders and turned to Richard. “I decided not to wear it.”
“You don’t need jewelry,” Richard said, oblivious to his victory. “You’ll be the most beautiful woman there.” He smiled right at Trey. “And I’ll be the lucky man at your side.”
If Trey hadn’t just taken a punch to the gut, the dick would be flat on his ass.
She reached out and squeezed Wes’s hand. “Be good. Don’t do anything stupid.”
Wes sighed and shook his head. “Sure.”
Before they were out the door, she turned to Trey. “I’ll see you . . . around.”
He saw the pleading in her eyes, noticed the slight tilt of her head toward Wes. No, he wouldn’t make a scene, but they would damn well talk later.
“Count on it.”
Chapter 36
As he drove her home, Sue studied Richard’s profile. The streetlights illuminated his face, highlighting his strong jawline and straight nose. He was an ideal man: intelligent, successful, charming, and with the blond hair and broad shoulders, definitely handsome. Based on the kiss they’d shared when they’d left the hotel, the man knew what he was doing. He’d probably have some talent in bed.
So why d
id she feel nada, zippo, nothing? On paper, the man was a ten. She barely felt a two. Maybe she was going through a freakishly early onset of menopause that was mucking up her hormones.
Bullshit. Trey Harrison was the only thing messing with her hormones and her brain. He had from the moment he’d arrived, but now there was the physical connection. One that she couldn’t get out of her thoughts. One that seemed to have a direct link to her heart. How could she have been stupid enough to sleep with him? It was complicated enough between them and Wes. Did she have a secret wish to really screw up their lives?
She needed to focus on Richard. She enjoyed his company, he lived in Austin, and she didn’t have any strong feelings for him. The perfect relationship. That’s why she’d kept her date with him, even after Tahoe. Hell, because of Tahoe.
And that’s why she decided to invite him in when they got to her place. Maybe he could make her toes curl if given the chance. She’d have to make it clear there’d be no sex, but with the aid of a night cap and the comfort of her home, she might be able to relax and enjoy his kisses. God, she hoped so.
When he parked in her driveway, instead of getting out to open her door, he turned to her. “I had a great time tonight.”
“Me, too.” It had been a beautiful event, and she’d enjoyed herself when she wasn’t thinking about Trey.
“You were the most beautiful woman in the room.”
She smiled, but it didn’t feel natural. Come on. He’s a trouble-free guy.
He must have taken her silence as an invitation because he leaned in to kiss her. She jerked back, immediately sorry for her reaction. The surprised, then rejected look on his face forced her to quickly recover. “Why don’t you come in for a drink?”
On a dime, his face flashed into one of hungry anticipation. Yeah, she’d have to set the boundaries real fast. It didn’t take but a minute for him to escort her to the front door. As she put her key in the lock, she fought to quiet the voice that kept nagging, You don’t want to do this. Once inside, she turned on a few lamps, and then some more. He laughed. “Are we going to needlepoint?”
That’s funny. Two points for humor.
She cocked her head. “Oh no, I’d never be so loose, but maybe we can try some cross stitch . . . if you’re lucky.” She winked and pointed to the couch. “Have a seat. Kahlúa okay?”
“Great!” He sounded like he’d just been invited to sit at the popular table.
Don’t show all your cards, dude. Play it cool. An image of Trey and his arrogance when he’d carried her off to bed flashed through her mind, sending a shiver down her body. Stop it!
When she returned with the drinks, he was on the couch, and two of the lamps were turned off. Really? Oh, what the hell. Maybe some mood lighting would help.
He sat in the middle of the couch, leaving her no place to sit but close by him. Smart fellow. She fought her urge to sit in the chair across from him. That would never help with the chemistry building.
“Come here.” Confident words and a sexy smile. That’ll work. She handed him a drink and sat beside him. He tapped his glass to hers. “To cross stitching. Hopefully one day, needlepoint.”
Clever. This could work. She took a sip of the Kahlúa, but then Richard took her drink and set it on the coffee table with his.
“You’re a beautiful woman.” He leaned toward her and traced his fingers down her cheek. All she could think about was how Trey had touched her the same way. She panicked and a choppy breath escaped.
“I know.” Obviously thinking she was aroused, he pulled her in for the kiss.
It was nice. Gentle lips, coaxing, but not aggressive. Slow intro to the tongue. Smooth. A decent kiss. Hell, what was she doing, judging an Olympic event? This was not working.
She placed her hand on his arm to break his hold and end the sham. How could she be so stupid, trying to play mind games with herself and for using a good man in the process? “Richard, I can’t—”
A pounding on the door interrupted her awkward explanation, and she jumped off the couch, heading to the entry. He held her back. “Let me get it.” He looked out the side window, then cursed. He didn’t open the door but turned to her. “It’s Trey. Were you expecting him?”
“No!” There was too much emotion in her voice. Relief, panic, excitement, fear. She moved to the door and opened it a foot. “What are you doing here?”
* * *
Trey looked at Richard, and then back at Sue. “I could ask you the same.” His eyes penetrated hers, and she blushed. Was it embarrassment or guilt? He felt a strange satisfaction, knowing he flustered her, knowing she felt something.
“Trey, Wes isn’t here. He’s staying at Ryan’s, remember?”
“I know. I’m here to fix the leak in the sink.” He pushed past her and stopped in front of Richard. He wanted to punch the man out for kissing his woman and no doubt planning what any man would if given a chance to be alone with Sue Brinkley. What the hell was she doing, inviting another man into her house? After Tahoe?
Dick didn’t back down. “You should come back tomorrow. We’re busy right now.” The jerk had a smirk on his face. He’d give it to the man, he was more assertive than usual. No doubt, eager to get Sue into bed. The thought pissed him off and made him that much more determined to get him out of her house.
“No, Dick. I’m staying. I finally found the part I was looking for. I need to stop the leak, before there’s major damage.”
“All about water conservation, are you?” The dick crossed his arms, staying in place.
Trey laughed. At least the guy was finally growing a pair, but he wouldn’t get them around Sue.
“Doing my part to save the world.” Trey stepped a foot closer. “I protect what’s precious.”
Richard leaned forward. “So do I.”
Sue walked up beside them. “Richard, it’s getting late. You might as well get going.”
Damn right.
“I’m fine. Besides, I can show him what to do.”
Trey laughed. “There’s nothing you could teach me. Besides, I wouldn’t want you to get your fancy clothes ruined.”
She let out an exasperated sigh. “Listen, guys, I’ve got a splitting headache. Richard, good night. I had a lovely evening. I’ll talk to you next week. Trey, fix the damn sink. I’m going to bed.”
The dick scowled at Trey, as if that would make him leave. This was his turf, not the suit’s. Trey fisted his hands as the asshole grabbed her elbow and pulled her toward the front door. Did the man really think he would let him kiss her again?
But she was the one who shut down that plan. She pulled away, opened the door, and said good night one more time. See you, loser. Dick gave him a grim look, then turned to her. “I’ll call you in the morning.”
She stood in the doorway until his car pulled away, then she slammed the door and stormed right up to him. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?! Coming to my house when you know Wes isn’t here . . . interrupting my date.” She stewed for a minute longer. “And that urgent need to fix the leak. That’s such bullshit. There is no leak.”
She walked over to the coffee table and grabbed her drink, taking a long sip. “Do you have any idea how idiotic you two looked with the whole alpha-dog challenge? I’m surprised you didn’t try to mount each other. If he hadn’t left, would you’ve had a pissing match?”
He couldn’t help but laugh at that. Like there was any doubt who was the man in charge. Which reminded him why he was so mad. “What the hell were you doing kissing another man?”
Her face flushed, but then her eyes flashed with anger. “You were watching us? What are you, a stalker?”
He pointed at the windows that had only sheers covering them. “Hell, the whole neighborhood could see. What if Wes had come home?”
She shook her head and groaned, but it was not the sound of ecstasy. “Don’t you ever, ever, come in here and judge me or my parenting. You may be the baby daddy, but you can’t control what I do with my life.”
She turned to walk away, but he grabbed her arm.
“You and I both know I’m a hell of a lot more than Wes’s father. After Tahoe, you can’t deny that. You can say the words, but your body didn’t lie.”
She looked away, but not before he saw her blush. “I know you, Sue. You don’t sleep around casually.”
Turning to face him, she jerked her arm out of his grip. “You don’t know me. You’re thinking about the virgin you dated in high school. Things change. I got knocked up, remember? Kind of eliminates the need for purity.” Her words spit fire, but he saw a flash of fear in her eyes, before she strengthened her fortress.
“I like sex, Trey. It’s as simple as that. I’m old enough to know what I’m doing, who I’m doing it with, and making sure Wes knows nothing about it. Just because I hook up with someone doesn’t mean anything. For us, it was curiosity, that’s all. An itch that needed scratching. I’m sorry if that hurts your ego, but grow up. It didn’t mean anything.”
Her words kicked him in the gut. Rage flared through him. He wanted to shake her, to make her admit she was lying. But then he saw her hand tremble as she raised her drink, and he realized he didn’t need to hear the words. She could play a good game, but he could see right through her forced bravado.
She gathered the other glass and headed to the kitchen, no doubt avoiding him. That wasn’t going to happen. He followed her in, watching her rinse the crystal repeatedly. “You’re good, Sue, but you can’t fool me.”
He heard the glasses clink, and then a moment of silence. She turned, her eyes cold, and looked him up and down. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I think it’s time you go.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.” He took her shoulders and pulled her against his body. He wasn’t going to let her play her way out of this one. “You and I both know that Sunday was more than scratching an itch. You can lie to yourself, but not to me. I was there. I saw your eyes, I felt your body, I heard you cry my name. It might have been fast, but it wasn’t casual, and you know it.”
Her eyes changed from stoic to vulnerable, and she lowered her face, hiding from him. He wanted to take her in his arms and give her comfort, but he knew that would send her running. Instead, he dropped his hands, giving her freedom to move away. But she didn’t. When she looked up, her eyes were pleading.
Then He Came Back (Love From Austin Book 2) Page 20