by Lori Foster
“Jessica, you’re staring.”
The black briefs now looked like a mere shadow on him, and she’d never seen anything so enticing.
“If you continue to stare, I won’t be responsible for what happens.”
She swallowed hard and tried to get her gaze to move, but the effort proved more than she could manage. The man was all but naked. Surely no sane woman would look away.
“It’s a perfectly natural response, you understand, when a sexy woman stares at a man like she wants him.”
That got her attention. Her gaze shot to his face. “Sexy woman?”
He didn’t move, except to frown slightly. “You.”
“I’m not—”
“Yes, you are.” He sounded very positive and his eyes glowed hotly. “Very sexy. Just about as sexy as a woman can possibly get.” When she gave him a blank stare, his expression turned tender. “You didn’t know?”
“But…that’s ridiculous.”
“Afraid not.”
“You never paid a bit of attention to me,” she said in near desperation.
He started forward, prompting her to back up. But at least he was moving away from the light, and his briefs were once again opaque. The relief afforded her a modicum of sensibility.
“Mack, we were in the same class for two semesters. Other than a few smiles tossed my way, you ignored me.”
“That’s not the way I remember it. And I bet if you think real hard, it’s not even the way you remember it.” He kept moving forward until he stood a mere foot in front of her. Her searched her face, his gaze lingering on her lips. “Jessica, you always fascinated me. I tried my damnedest to get your attention, but all you ever did was turn your nose up at me.”
She’d backed up so far, her bottom was pressed to the edge of the table. She reached back and gripped the table for support. “You had about a million girlfriends. All young and silly and—”
“They were friends, honey. That’s all.”
She snorted as rudely as Chase ever had. “You expect me to believe that?” Before he could answer, she added, “Not that it matters, anyway! You could have slept with the instructor and I wouldn’t care.”
“I think you do care.”
“Well, you’re wrong.”
“Jessica, I have a lot of friends, a lot of female friends. That doesn’t mean I’m sleeping with them all. And that doesn’t mean I react to them all the way I’m reacting to you, the way I’ve always reacted to you.”
Her heart rapped up against her breastbone and she trembled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
One side of his mouth kicked up in a very boyish grin. “I have an erection, honey. In these stupid flesh-hugging briefs, it’s not really something I can hide.”
Of course she looked, just as he knew she would.
He chuckled softly. “Your staring is what caused that in the first place. If you hope to take any more pictures today, I think we need to cool things down a bit.”
He wanted her? The truth of that hit her like a thunderclap. Her hands shook, and she curled them into fists. Her breathing became shallow, her skin too warm. She drew in a slow, uneven breath, but it didn’t help.
“Then again,” he said, his voice a low, rough rasp, as he watched the signs of arousal blooming in her features. “maybe not.”
She felt the heat pouring off him, felt his sexual tension. She looked up, and it was her undoing. His eyes had darkened, narrowed intently. His cheekbones were flushed. He touched her chin with the edge of his hand, raising her face more. Then slowly, giving her a chance to pull away, he leaned down.
She didn’t want to pull away. It had been so long since she’d been with a man, long before the divorce became final. Though she did her best to deny it, there were times when her body ached with need. But never so much as it did right now. Mack affected her in a way she hadn’t even known was possible; every nerve ending felt acutely alive and needy.
His mouth barely touched hers, moved away, came back. The kiss was tentative, exploring. He skimmed her lips, teasing, moving over her jaw, the tip of her nose, her chin. She panted, following his mouth, hungry for it. She went on tiptoe to bring his mouth closer.
He only touched her with that one hand, holding her face up, keeping her expectant. Rational thought was nonexistent. She stepped away from the table to get closer to him.
Their bodies brushed together, and he groaned. “Damn, I’ve dreamed about this.”
“Mack…”
He settled his mouth against hers, and she felt drowned in the moist heat, the delicious taste of him. His hand opened, his calloused fingertips sliding over her jaw and into her hair. His hand curled around her head, tilting it slightly. His mouth moved, urging her lips to part for his tongue.
Her hands were still fisted at her sides, and she realized he wouldn’t come closer until she invited him to do so. In a near daze, mindless with heat and lust and desperation, she raised her arms. His shoulders were hard, his flesh incredibly hot and smooth under her palms, and she felt him, greedy for more. She stepped closer still, pressing her breasts into the hard wall of his chest. The low, harsh sound he made sent goose bumps dancing up her spine. She clutched at him, and he wrapped one muscled arm around her waist, practically lifting her off her feet.
His erection throbbed against her belly.
“Mack…” She pulled her mouth away, gasping.
In between kissing her throat, her shoulder, he whispered, “I love hearing you say my name.” He pressed his forehead to hers and sighed. “Am I moving too fast, Jessica?”
She could only groan, which he evidently took as encouragement. Kissing her again, he slid one hand down her back to her bottom, then urged her closer, moved her against him. She felt his fingers caressing, cuddling, squeezing. His hand was so large, and she could feel the heat of his palm even through her jeans. He lightly bit her bottom lip. “God, I’m about a hair away from losing control. You feel so good, so sexy and soft.”
No man had ever told her such things. Her husband had wanted her in the early part of their marriage, but he hadn’t indulged in much pillow talk. And not long after they were married, he’d gotten bored and started to roam.
Remembering caused her to stiffen. Mack immediately noticed the change. Even as he continued to nuzzle her, he cradled her face in both large palms. After one more light kiss, he looked at her intently. “What is it, babe? What’s wrong?”
It was so difficult to get the words out. He appeared to be consumed with tenderness, with desire. He was on the ragged edge of desire—she could feel his muscles quivering—but he was also concerned. And the dual assault of a man wanting her and caring about her made her vulnerable. She looked away from him so she could gather her wits. She absolutely could not do this. Not again. “This is insane,” she whispered.
His thumb brushed her temple, and he turned her back to meet his gaze. His smile was gentle. “It doesn’t feel insane to me.” He searched her face. “It just feels right.”
“Mack.” She caught his wrists and lowered his hands, then stepped away. Her legs didn’t seem too steady, so she kept one hand braced on the table. “How can it possibly be right when we barely know each other?”
“Jessica…”
“No! You’ve only been here a few hours, and we’re carrying on like…like animals.”
He gently tugged on her braid, and she knew without looking that he was smiling. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
Here she was on fire, and he found the wit to tease. It was just like him, just like the man she knew him to be, and it reinforced her impression of him. Swallowing hard, she said, “You’re just out for a little fun, aren’t you?”
He gave a short, incredulous laugh. “Well, hell. If it wouldn’t be fun, why do it?”
She groaned and covered her face.
“Jessica?” His tone dropped, became more intimate. “You would have fun, sweetheart. I’d make sure of it.”
S
haking her head furiously, more to convince herself than him, she said, “Is that all you think about? Having fun?”
His fingers touched her hair, trailed down the length of her braid next to her breast. “I think about you. I’ve always wanted you.”
She wouldn’t look at him, not when all he wore was a heated look and what amounted to mere decoration. She knew her own limits, and she didn’t want to tempt herself. After a deep, steadying breath, she whispered, “I’m a little embarrassed, if you want the truth. You might be used to women throwing themselves at you, but I swear I’m not usually like this.”
“Which only goes to show that we’re both very aware of each other, because despite what you think, I’m not usually this way either.”
Oh, he was good. Not that she would buy it. He was just so experienced that he knew exactly what to say and when to say it. She bit her lip, then forged onward, searching for a credible explanation, something to defuse the situation.
Nothing, not even the truth, seemed overly redeeming. “It’s…it’s just that it’s been a…a long time for me, and I guess that’s why—”
“How long, honey?” He continued to play with her hair, and it was maddening.
She wanted to step away but couldn’t quite get her feet to move. That overwhelming hot need still pulsed inside her. “Since before the divorce.”
He stared, leaning down to see her face. He looked shocked, but also fascinated. “You’re saying…years?”
She turned her back on him. If he laughed at her, she’d…
He stepped closer, and she could almost feel him touching her back. All her nerve endings seemed to scream, and she wasn’t sure if it was an alarm, or a plea.
“Not that you’ll believe me, but it’s been a damn long time for me too. Not as long as you, but…well, long enough. I didn’t expect this any more than you did. No one in his right mind has indiscriminate sex these days.” She nearly choked over that little truism, prompting him to give her a squeeze. “I know you don’t think much of my morals, but I’m not an idiot.”
“I never said…!”
“You called me the class clown, a goof-off, remember?”
She could feel her bottom lip starting to tremble, but she would have died before she’d cry in front of him. “I didn’t mean to insult you.”
“Well, now, I think you did. And you know why? Because we’re having a little fun together, and that scares you.”
“No.”
“And because you want me.” She could feel his breath on her nape, the touch of his warmth. “You were as aware of me two years ago as I was of you. And you didn’t like it any more then than you do now.”
She turned without thinking. “That’s not true!”
His expression softened. He looked at her face, down the length of her body and up again. Her breasts tingled when his gaze lingered there, and she knew her nipples were stiff, pushing against the sweater. His smile seemed ruthless, when she’d never thought of Mack that way.
“You want me still,” he growled. “Why don’t you admit it and let’s see what happens?”
She felt cornered with him standing there so tall, so strong, his body all but bare. She’d forgotten all the wonderful differences men afforded, the incredible scents, the heat. Or maybe no other man had been like this. Though she’d tried to deny it, there had always been a chemistry between them, a sexual awareness that had taken her by surprise and stormed her senses. When they’d shared the class, she’d been painfully aware of every small move he made. And he was right—that awareness frightened her.
“I think we’re done for the day.”
He sighed. “I’ll go. But promise me you’ll think about what I’ve said, okay?”
“There’s nothing to think about.”
“There’s this.” He bent and kissed her again, a short, quick kiss that curled her toes and made her heart leap. Then he turned and walked away, unconcerned with his near nudity, with the tempting display he made as muscles and sinew shifted under his smooth flesh.
Jessica stepped out of the studio. The room, changed over from a master bedroom and bath, had always seemed immense to her. But with Mack inside, it was almost crowded, and at the moment she needed some space.
She waited by the window in the outer room, watching the ice and sleet fall, hearing it tap against the windowpanes. Confusion swamped her, but also shame, because despite what she knew was right, she didn’t want him to go.
She heard his footsteps come up behind her. As he was pulling on his coat, he asked, “When do you want me again?” She stiffened, then heard his soft laugh. “To finish the shoot, I mean.”
God, she didn’t know. She needed as much as wanted the job. Even with giving Sophie a deal, she’d stand to make a lot of money off this. And adding the catalogue to her portfolio would bring in other commissions, would expand her possibilities. She shook her head, unable to sort through all the ramifications. And then the phone rang.
She felt so tense and edgy, she nearly jumped out of her skin. Mack watched her as she stepped around him and hurried down the hall to the phone. He silently followed.
“Hello?”
“Mom, can you…can you come pick me up?”
She frowned at the strained tone of her daughter’s voice. “Trista? What’s wrong, honey?”
“I just wanna come home now.”
“All right. Hang on, sweetie. I’ll be right there.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Mack looked at her as she laid the receiver back in the cradle. “What is it?”
“Trista.” She headed out of the room to get her coat and keys, and Mack again followed. “Something’s wrong. She sounded about ready to cry. I…I have to go pick her up.”
Mack nodded. He didn’t question her decision to walk out with things still unresolved. He just kept up with her hurried pace, even helping her to slip on her coat. “Do you think it’s anything serious?”
“No.” He opened the door for her and she stepped out into the biting wind. “Jenna’s parents are nice people. It’s probably just an argument with a friend, but…”
“You have to go. I understand.”
“I know we have…unfinished business, but…”
“Jessica.” He squeezed her shoulder. “She’s your daughter. If she needs you, of course you have to go.”
He sounded so sincere, she blinked up at him. “You mean that, don’t you? You don’t think it’s silly for me to rush out to get her?”
He gave her that endearing crooked smile again. “If you say she sounded upset, then I’m sure you’re right. If I had a daughter, I’d do the same thing.”
And he would. Though it amazed her, she could tell he did understand, and a small knot of regret settled in her belly. Maybe she had judged him too quickly. “My husband used to say I spoiled her.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, she gasped. Good grief, she hadn’t meant to share that.
Mack touched her cheek. He kept touching her, as if he couldn’t help himself. “You can’t spoil a child with too much love.”
They had circled to the side lot, and as she neared her car she looked up at him. “Thank you.”
Mack stared at her car with a frown. “Don’t thank me yet. I have a feeling you’re going to need my help.”
Confused, she followed his gaze and saw her car was literally frozen beneath a layer of ice. The old house didn’t have a garage, so her car was at the mercy of the elements. And since she hadn’t driven it in a couple of days, she knew it would take a while to get it ready to go.
Mack held out his arms like a sacrifice. “Behold, your white knight. Or maybe I should say your chauffeur.”
She didn’t want to prolong her time with him, but she was already shivering, and it didn’t make sense to stand out in the cold arguing about it. Especially not when she knew Trista was upset and waiting for her.
Mack stood there, determined to come to her assistance despite what had happened between them. Unlike
most men, who would have stormed away mad over being rebuffed, he wanted to play the gallant. Frost collected on his dark hair and his cheeks turned ruddy. He looked young and strong and capable; she’d almost forgotten what it was like to have a man share her burdens. She’d wanted to forget, to prove herself independent, capable of handling anything alone.
Right now she was simply relieved to have a good excuse to keep him close.
Knowing that her own nose had to be cherry-red, she lifted it anyway and said, “Fine. Let’s go.”
Chapter Three
Since he’d been expecting more stubbornness, Mack was nearly bowled over by her compliance. But only for a moment. He took her arm and quickly ushered her toward his truck. He held her close and said, “Be careful. The pavement’s slick.”
There was a coating of ice on his truck as well, but he easily forced the doors open. Once inside, Jessica huddled into a corner. Her long braid was tucked beneath her coat, and she shivered uncontrollably. He wanted to pull her close, to share his warmth, but she’d already made it clear what she thought of that idea.
It was his own fault for going too fast. Not that he could have helped himself. He’d simply wanted her for too long, dreamed about her too many times, to pass up such an opportunity. She’d looked at him with her soft doe eyes filled with lust, and he’d damn near exploded.
She’d tasted better than he’d expected, felt better than he’d imagined. All the fantasies he’d stored up hadn’t prepared him for the reality. Damn, but she packed one hell of a carnal punch.
Yet for some reason she’d apparently sworn off men. He wouldn’t give up on her. He wanted her too much for that.
Her breath frosted the air between them as she watched him fasten his seat belt, start the truck, and ease out onto the road. She was silent, but he could almost feel her thinking. He glanced her way as she gave him directions, and noticed how cute she looked with a red nose and rosy cheeks.
It was already dark, and the streets were in terrible shape, but they made the few blocks to where Trista was waiting in less than five minutes.