The Sweetheart Game

by Cheryl Ann Smith

  “Except for the one that went down your shirt.”

  “Darn.” She frowned. “Are they multiplying?”

  The tiny arachnids tried to climb out of the jar but the glass kept them at the bottom. Three of the five appeared to be the same kind of spider but none looked particularly dangerous. There was not a large set of fangs between them.

  “If you want me to retrieve it, you’ll have to take off your shirt.” He put his hands on his hips and waited for her to choose.

  Summer stood. She knew she should run for the door and take her chances with that last spider. But for some reason, her brain cells were misfiring and her feet stayed put.

  “Okay, but try not to squish it.”

  “I won’t hurt it. Promise.”

  Used to undressing in front of cheerleaders in unusual places, she didn’t think twice about what she was doing until she felt hands close over hers and slide her shirt up and over her head. It wasn’t until the item was off that her skin chilled and she froze.

  “Careful not to move,” Jason said, his voice low and husky. It was then that her breath caught and she looked down. She was standing before him in her lavender lace bra.

  “Oh, hell.”

  He chuckled. “I’m not complaining.” He turned her shirt inside out while she closed her hands over her chest.

  He found the last spider nestled near her bra strap, dropped it into the jar, and twisted on the lid. “Six spiders in all and not a single one harmed.

  “That’s crazy.”

  “You do have a lot of hair.”

  “We Texans are known for big hair.” Although she liked to keep hers long and straight. “And big personalities.”

  Odd that she was topless in his kitchen talking about Texas stereotypes like it was just a normal evening. What was amusing was Jason trying not to look down at her barely covered breasts. Most of the men who’d crossed paths with her since she was sixteen wouldn’t think twice about openly gaping at her chest.

  “Can I have my shirt back?”

  “Right. Here.” He handed it over. “Do you need help?”

  “I think I’ve got this.” She turned the arms right side out and pulled it over her head. She shook out her hair. He appeared fascinated with the result. “Thank you for cleaning out the spiders and for not acting like a horny teen boy when I flashed you.”

  His sheepish smile went right to her heart. “Don’t give me too much credit. I did look when you had your face covered.”

  She adjusted her top and made a scowly expression. “What is it with men and breasts? If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.”

  The smile changed into a sexy grin. “Darlin’ I’ve seen a lot of breasts, and trust me, some are far superior to others. I’d say that yours are a cut above.”

  * * *

  Damn. He loved her laugh when she was trying not to. It was kind of a snort choke before busting out into a full husky chuckle. He loved seeing her in her bra and wasn’t ashamed of the feeling. He also knew that she’d want to lecture him about how men thought with their little heads and how women should be judged for their brains and not their bodies and all that, but she’d laughed anyway.

  He’d known women who were breath-stealingly beautiful but couldn’t hold a dinner conversation. He’d dated women who were not model material, but who challenged his mind as well as his body. Intelligent women who made him laugh were real beauties.

  Summer was smart, beautiful, and sweet, yet also had a bit of a temper when riled. Right now, he was having a hard time not kissing her full mouth.

  “What is that noise?” she asked then went silent. A strange sound came from the living room.

  “Good question.” He led her out of the kitchen. On the couch, on her back, was Mrs. Kravitz laying on the dent made between two cushions. Her purr was in overdrive.

  Summer covered her mouth to squelch a laugh and whispered, “She’s exhausted from her adventure.”

  “She sounds like she’s choking on a mouse,” he whispered back. Jason had never had a cat before and didn’t consider himself a cat person, but the rotund feline was growing on him.

  “That cat is just adorable.” Summer lifted her eyes to his. “We’re giving it two more weeks then I’m pulling down the flyers.” She sighed wistfully. “I hope no one claims her.”

  “Me, too.” He admitted without thinking. A flicker of sadness came and went in her eyes so fast that he almost didn’t see it. Giving up Mrs. Kravitz would break Summer’s heart.

  Reaching out, he cupped her face, brushed her mouth with his thumbs, and looked into her eyes. “She’s our cat for now. Enjoy her while you can. We’ll worry about losing her if the owner calls.”

  A slight tremble of her bottom lip drew his attention. He couldn’t stand the thought of her crying. So he did the only thing he could do to distract her from the cat.

  He kissed her.

  Chapter 12

  Bold, intense, and yummy, those were the three words that went through Summer’s head when his mouth came down on hers. It had been over two years since she’d allowed a man to get close enough to kiss her, and that had been a disaster. How could she have known that the guy had been popping cheese balls in the movie theater before the kiss?

  Apparently, the guy was secretly addicted to processed cheese puffs and ate them like candy. The fact that he didn’t think to pop a Tic Tac before laying one on her was unacceptable and gross.

  This, however, was not gross. At. All. But before her hand advanced up his body to take up residence in his hair, it was over with a male groan.

  She may have released a disappointed whimper when he broke the kiss and leaned back.

  Their eyes locked. “Sorry,” he said, and loosened his hold on her waist. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

  “Yes, you should have. More please.” Was the throaty purr, hers? Or had some alien being taken over her body? She was floating in a foggy haze.

  He took her hands off his chest and stepped back. “No. Seriously. I’m a train wreck. That last thing you need is me kissing you.”

  No. What she needed was more kisses, lengthy foreplay, followed by a screaming orgasm. Or three. It had been so long since she’d been naked with a man that she suspected she’d need a sex book to remind her how to get from A to Z.

  Darn. It wasn’t that she didn’t like sex. She just didn’t like feeling afterward as if she’d been a prize to be won. That’s why she avoided second dates and beyond. If Jason warned her off, there was a reason. He either didn’t find her that attractive or there was something else about her that turned him off. That hurt.

  “You’re right.” She shook off his hands. “No kissing.”

  An uncomfortable moment passed. She walked to Mrs. Kravitz and ran a hand over her exposed belly. “I’ll see you tomorrow, sweetheart. Take care of those babies.”

  Without looking at Jason, she left.

  * * *

  Jason let out a low whistle and closed the door. Summer was mad, and rightfully so. He shouldn’t have kissed her, not when he could promise nothing other than casual no-strings sex. He assumed Summer would want more. She didn’t look like a one-night-stand sort of woman.

  Hell, he was surprised that it took him this long to kiss her. His cock had been locked onto her like a heat-seeking missile since that first day. The rest of him had played catch up since. Every part of him wanted her. It was killing him not to respond.

  After years of growing up watching his father go through woman after woman after his mom died, it wasn’t a complete surprise to anyone who knew him that he sucked at relationships.

  His last girlfriend of five weeks had called him heartless for not wanting to keep a toothbrush at her apartment. She’d thrown a book at his head when he responded with the needing some space comment. So his no-relationships rule stood. He’d just have to get past his Summer infatuation.

  Because if he didn’t get a grip, Summer was his next failed relationship. Having an ex living next d
oor would be a disaster.

  Damn, but she smelled good, she tasted good, and seeing her in her bra had almost finished him off.

  Although he didn’t know her well, he figured she was the kind of woman who wore her bras and panties in matching sets. Thinking of her perfectly rounded butt in lavender lace caused an inappropriate arousal in his boxers. Had he seen those panties up close, well, he couldn’t confirm or deny that he might have spent himself before even getting his jeans off.

  “Stop thinking of her naked,” he said, gritting his teeth. His Pops had told him all about her and how she’d checked up on him when she could. She was sweet and something special and she deserved better.

  He walked over and looked down at the cat. She stared up at him and reached out a pet me paw. He scratched her big belly.

  “Don’t tell Summer, but I hope we can keep you, for her sake.” The cat purred in response. “What do you say we give those kittens a couple of cat treats?”

  Later that night, he logged onto his computer and went to his favorite site. A few months ago, a thriller-writer friend had suggested that he join a site that hunted criminals. Until recently, he’d been more of a lurker than a participant. Once he’d found his first wanted felon, he’d been hooked.

  Now he had a second reason to log in. Hotsummernites was a draw. Her humor and excitement had caught his attention from the start. She was probably a seventy-year-old woman from Hackensack, but he didn’t care. The fact that she had summer in her game name was also interesting. As if he needed two Summers in his life, especially when both were distractions from his work.

  His editor was already breathing down his neck. Mick was on the edge of death from a bullet wound that skimmed his aorta and he needed saving. The book was due soon and he was not close to finishing.

  “Shit.” Before he passed through the gates into the game, he quickly logged out, and pulled up his latest chapter. Work before women would be his new tag line.

  Six hours later, and with his eyes crossed from staring at the screen, he’d managed an hour of research and two new chapters. The doorbell rang and he saved the work.

  To his surprise, not only was the rising sun turning the sky pink and orange, but he found the across-the-street neighbor standing on his porch with Summer lurking behind him. She’d linked her fingers and had her hands pressed to her mouth. Clearly troubled, he knew the visit wasn’t to welcome him to the neighborhood.

  The man was pale, unwashed, and his clothing wrinkled. His hair was oily and an unnatural orange-brown color.

  “Hi, Mr. Parker. I’m Mel Crosby from over there.” He pointed to the yellow house. “I’m looking for my wife, Mary. She’s been missing since Friday night. Have you seen her?”

  Having only briefly spoken to Mary when she dropped off cookies, Jason could probably pass her at the grocery store and not recognize her. “I have not. Did you file a police report?” he asked. Most people did that right away.

  “Not yet. I’m checking with the neighbors first.” The man passed a hand over his balding head and some of that odd color rubbed off on his hands. “I was out of town and just got home. I tried to call her all weekend and she didn’t answer the landline or her cell phone. I’m worried.”

  Jason glanced at Summer. She was watching him intently. Thankfully, he’d cleared up the whole burial thing, otherwise, she’d have Mr. Crosby shoveling up the garden looking for Mrs. Crosby.

  Still, the way she scanned his face like a human lie detector made it appear as if she wasn’t entirely convinced he was innocent. She couldn’t honestly think he’d done away with their missing neighbor? If anything, the husband was the first and most likely suspect.

  What was with her anyway? Did she have an inherently suspicious nature or was it just vibes that came off him? He did write about crimes and channel killers. Maybe he oozed dark and dangerous?

  Instead, his eyes narrowed and she dropped her stare.

  He pulled out his phone, “I can give you a call if I see her,” Jason said and Mel rattled off his number. “I’d suggest calling the police immediately so they can begin the search.”

  Crosby nodded. “You’re right. If she’s had an accident, or been kidnapped, time is at a premium.”

  He turned and Summer awkwardly patted his shoulder. She stepped back when he went in for a one-arm hug. “I’m sure Mary is fine,” she said without her usual warmth. “Maybe she wandered off. She has been a bit foggy lately. Remember how she accidently parked her car in the Johnson’s driveway last week?”

  Turning Crosby, she ushered him back down to the sidewalk and pointed him toward his house. “Go call the police and make a report.”

  Once Crosby was on his way home, she turned around and walked back to Jason. “I can’t believe Mary is missing. She’s been confused but I can’t imagine she’s too forgetful to remember how to get home.”

  “Does she have dementia?”

  Summer frowned. “I don’t think so. Up until a couple of months ago, she was fine. Then she started getting stomach aches and became scatter-brained. The doctors suspect that she has some sort of intestinal thing she picked up in Mexico in July, but they couldn’t pinpoint what. They treated her but she didn’t get much better.”

  “They do have nasty bugs down there.” Jason made a face. “I can sympathize.” He left the details unsaid.

  Scrunching her nose, she leaned back against the porch post. “I believe she has an appointment at the Mayo Clinic next week for more intensive testing. I can’t imagine she’d miss that.”

  “You know her well,” he said.

  “Not really.” She shrugged. “You pick things up living close by. I can’t imagine where she could have gone.”

  Jason caught sight of Mrs. Kravitz making a run for the open door. He caught her before she could get past the threshold. Summer smiled and took her from his arms.

  “You are a naughty girl.” She nuzzled the cat’s head as she looked up at him. “We should get her an outside pen so she can breathe fresh air but also be safe. I heard a coyote was spotted in the city last week. We don’t want her to get eaten. No we don’t, do we, sweet baby girl.”

  She kissed the cat. He had other ideas of what she could do with that mouth. “Why don’t we wait out the two weeks for her owner to pop up before getting too carried away with a kitty jungle gym. Then I’ll make her an outside playpen. Deal?”

  The flyers had been up several days and it seemed unlikely that the cat had another home.

  “Deal.” After a couple more head kisses, Summer handed the feline back over. He put her inside and closed the door. Summer glanced across the street. “I think I should help find Mary.”

  “You aren’t a cop, Summer.”

  “No. I’m a concerned sort of friend and neighbor, right? In times like this, we should stick together.”

  Damn. When she landed those big blue eyes on him, he had a hard time saying no. When she stood there in a frilly red top and snug jeans that did nothing to detract from her curves, he found it impossible to refuse her anything. The cat was proof of that. Yet, he had to try.

  “What do you think you can do? Ann Arbor is a big city and there are a lot of woods and fields and smaller towns around. She could be anywhere.”

  “True.” She bit her bottom lip. His crotch tightened. “It’s just that I’m worried for her and I’m a professional. I like her, and she stops by every now and then to talk. She loves Mel. He’s her life.”

  Having never been married, or deeply in love for that matter, he wouldn’t know what a broken heart felt like. Usually his relationships were either about sex, or quickly ran out of steam and just faded off naturally. Marriage was way out of his orbit.

  “Why don’t you give the police a day or two to see what they find, and for her to return on her own, before you start playing PI? Chances are small that she came to harm.”

  She frowned. “You just don’t want to help.”

  “I never said that.” He felt it, but didn’t say it
. “I just don’t want you to run around half-cocked when she’s probably holed up in a hotel somewhere with a pool boy half her age.”

  “That’s unlikely,” she snapped. “Okay, I’ll wait, but if she isn’t home by Wednesday, we’re launching an investigation.”

  Jason nodded and hoped for Mary’s quick return. “What I want to know is why you don’t like Mel?”

  Surprise lit her eyes. “I don’t dislike him.”

  “I’ve seen more warmth in a penguin sitting on an iceberg than what was passing from you to him. Why?”

  For a moment, he thought she’d brush him off. She was still annoyed with him.

  Instead she said, “If you must know, aside from his staring at my chest when we talk, I don’t think he’s very nice to Mary. In public, yes, but I’ve heard him call her names when he thinks no one is around. He’s a jerk.”

  Well, he didn’t expect that. “I see. Do you think she might have left him?” That would explain everything.

  “I hope so. Men are the reason why only about ten percent of elderly women remarry after they’re widowed. They don’t want the hassle and they can do for themselves. We younger women could learn from their example.”

  Spinning around, she stomped off, her butt swaying back and forth, as his cock swelled to half-mast.

  It was hard to argue with a woman who had statistical answers to every issue. She was likely right about widows and remarriage. So far all of her other info about cats and the like had been correct. He’d checked.

  Then, as her earlier words about the two of them investigating their neighbor’s disappearance sunk into his head, he jogged to the edge of the porch and leaned over the rail in time to see her pull open the front door. “Hold up! What’s this we?”

  Chapter 13

  Although Summer had promised not to bother Jason about Mary for two full days, she was worried. What kept her awake last night were thoughts of Mary kidnapped and chucked over a border into the jungle country, then forced to sweep the hut and make croc casserole for a grizzled and unwashed anti-government rebel leader.