Jack leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. “I wouldn’t have said it if it wasn’t true.” His smile was so damn captivating. “You’re a talented woman, Kate.”
She scanned the blur of files on her desk, desperate to break his spell. She tapped them on each side so that all their edges were even.
“Hey, Jack!” Dean stopped in the doorway of the cubicle. “What are you doing here? I thought the project was wrapped.”
“It is . . . for now. I just stopped by for a few things.”
Dean walked in and propped a hip on Kate’s desk. “You’re headed to India next week, right?”
“The week after next,” Jack corrected. “I’m staying another week in Austin for some R and R.”
Kate dropped the folders. Dean leaned down to pick them up, but she stayed in her seat, staring at Jack. “I thought you were headed back to San Francisco.” She hoped her voice didn’t sound as alarmed as the thoughts in her head.
Jack gave her a sly smile. “I changed my plans.” He looked like the Big, Bad Wolf, ready to pounce. “I’ll work some. I need to see my dad. Hope to spend most of my time sailing.”
What was the big deal? It’s not as if they’d run into one another. Or could they? Another jolt in her chest. Maybe it wasn’t nerves but a real heart attack. She’d find out when Jack left.
Dean jumped up. “You should come out with us tonight. It’s my birthday.”
Jack stood up and shook his hand. “Happy birthday, man.”
“Seriously,” Dean continued. “Come with us. It’s just Kate, Sue, and me. It’d be nice to have another guy to equal out the sides. And you wouldn’t believe the place we’re going.”
Jack raised his brows.
“You’ll love it. I promise.”
Jack looked over at Kate, as if to seek her input on the invitation. She tried not to look as anxious as she felt. Okay, so she wanted him to go, but the idea was making her a nervous wreck. Her defenses slipped a little more each time she was with him. She didn’t need to feel this way about any man, let alone a client. It was ridiculous to even think about it.
“The place is really different.” That was the safest answer she could give.
“Oh, admit it, Kate. You love it.” He winked at Jack. “Little Momma can be a wild woman when she wants.”
“Who’s a wild woman?” Sue stopped at the cubicle.
Dean turned to her. “Kate. When we take her to The Limit.”
Sue inspected Kate up and down, then turned to Jack. “Believe it or not, it’s true. We should send her there for summer camp. Might get all the uptight out of her.”
Jack looked at Kate, a curious gleam in his eyes. “Maybe I should go, just to check this out.”
“That would be great,” Sue enthused. “You’re going to love it. It’s like an all-inclusive club set in Sodom and Gomorrah.”
“What do you say, Kate?” Jack asked.
Was he taunting her? She pasted on a smile and lied. “Great. It’ll be great.”
Chapter 13
Jack stared into Dante’s Inferno, at least that’s what it should’ve been called. The entrance to the club was dark, illuminated only by pulsating lights of purples and blues and an occasional outburst of a strobe light. Deafening music from the rest of the club was leeching in; too many different songs, too many beats, creating a sound that could only be described as wretched.
Dean had told him The Limit was much more than a nightclub. The place had four different dance areas, playing anything from hip-hop to country western. There was a room with girls dancing on the bar, and in the center was a room for karaoke.
Jack would’ve never selected such a place. Then again, he would’ve never thought he’d spend another week in Austin. Kate Livingston had pushed his common sense out the window.
She scanned the club, looking a little lost. This didn’t seem like her kind of place, even the Kate he’d seen cut loose last Saturday. Men and women, mostly in their twenties, strutted around like birds in the wild, pluming their feathers. They didn’t attempt to hide their interest in hooking up.
Kate was the best-looking woman in the place. Tonight she wore snug Levi’s, cowboy boots, and a black shirt that was buttoned a little too high for his taste, but it hugged her breasts like he wished he could. He’d been surprised that she’d selected something so sexy, but in the cab, Sue shared that she’d picked out Kate’s clothes. He liked Sue.
Dean, who was leading the party into the den of sin, turned and yelled, “Kate, let’s sing!” He was like a child pulling his parents toward Space Mountain. He dragged Kate into the karaoke lounge, with Sue and Jack following.
The lounge was relatively quiet since no one was singing. Only the throbbing bass from the other lounges could be heard. They grabbed a table with four barstools, and Jack made sure he was sitting next to Kate.
Dean didn’t bother to sit. “What do you want to sing, Kate?”
“Don’t get your panties in a knot,” Sue ordered. “Let’s get some drinks first.”
On cue, a young woman appeared at their table, standing between Jack and Dean. “Welcome.” She smiled, looking only at the men. “I’m Kimberly. I’ll be taking care of you tonight.” She was wearing a leather vest that molded to ample breasts and showed off deep cleavage. The woman was dressed for tips, he’d give her that, but she had nothing on Kate.
“Ladies, what are we drinking?” Jack asked, forcing Kimberly to acknowledge the rest of the group.
“Cute vest,” Sue said, her voice about as insincere as the waitress’s smile. “Is that pleather?”
Kimberly, her smile still in place, gave Sue an icy glare. Then she raised one hand to her chest, moved it from the top of one breast down to cup it, and turned to Jack. “No, it’s the real thing.”
“Hey, let’s just get the drinks ordered. I feel the stage calling,” Dean interjected. He might be the youngest, but the kid knew how to prevent a catfight.
Sue ordered a Patrón Silver margarita on the rocks. “And I want two slices of lime, not one cut in half.” Sue had obviously never learned that you don’t piss off your waiter.
Kate smiled at Kimberly. “I’ll have the darkest beer on tap.”
Once Kimberly finished taking their orders, Jack leaned into Kate. “Living dangerously, huh? You’re not worried about what you’ll get?”
“Not really.” Kate cocked her head. “I figure, when it comes to beer, I can live on the edge. Besides, at a place like this, I’m guessing there are three beers on tap, and the darkest is Shiner.”
She was much more relaxed than earlier today. They hadn’t discussed the kiss, and he had a feeling Kate was happy to keep it that way. He wondered if, after a few drinks, she’d change her mind.
“Hey, guys, we’re ready to bring more stars up on stage,” a deejay announced. “Come on up and sign in your request. You know you want to.”
Dean jumped up. “I’m going. One of our classics okay, Kate?” He ran off before she had a chance to respond.
“Sure,” she called out after him, shaking her head.
“So you don’t care what he picks out? You’re just going to go up there and wing it?” Jack was having a hard time believing this.
Kate shrugged. “We’ve done this before. He has a repertoire of four songs. Worst case, there’s a screen that shows you the words.” She smiled. “Believe it or not, I like to sing.”
“I seem to recall that.” He winked at her, and she quickly turned to look at Dean. Jack wanted her attention. “You’re not nervous?”
She glanced at him. “I don’t know if I’d call it nerves, more of an adrenaline rush. Gets the heart pumping, but in a safe way.” She flushed and looked to the stage. Hopefully she was remembering that heart-pumping kiss.
“All rigggghhhht,” the deejay interrupted. “We’ve got our first star for this set. Let’s give it up for Bradley. He’s doing a favorite, ‘Wanted Dead or Alive.’”
Bradley walked onstage, and the intro to t
he Bon Jovi hit started. Kate leaned over to Jack. “He’s going to be good.”
“Have you heard him before?” Jack asked, leaning in to hear her, or so he told himself.
“No.”
“Then how do you know?”
“Look how he’s holding the mic,” she said, tilting her head toward the stage. “He’s comfortable with it. He’s not gripping it like a lifeline, and he’s not laughing like he’s got a group of frat brothers that dared him.” Kate looked directly into Jack’s eyes, nodding her head. “I tell you, he’ll deliver.”
Sure enough, Bradley kicked ass. When he finished, Kate looked over at Jack, one brow cocked. “Told you so.”
“Let me know the next time you get a feeling about the stock market.”
The waitress returned with their drinks and leaned over Sue to serve the guys. Jack hoped the tequila in Sue’s margarita would kill off anything that had been added, compliments of Kimberly.
“Let’s bring up Kate and Dean,” the deejay announced.
“Yeaahhh!” Dean growled and took a quick drink of his margarita. He rose and grabbed Kate, dragging her up to the stage. Kate looked just as excited.
“They’re going to give us some classic Rolling Stones.”
Jack immediately recognized the guitar strums of “Beast of Burden.” It was one of his favorites, but he was more eager to see Kate perform. He noticed the microphone was loose in her hand.
Kate and Dean were smiling and strutting around the stage. Kate sang the first verse and proved herself worthy. Jack was impressed that she had such attitude when she hadn’t been drinking. Dean jerked around to the music, Mick Jagger in all his glory. Kate kept her moves simple, her cowboy boots easily gliding over the stage, hips swaying with the beat. Jack had never seen her look more comfortable in her skin.
They came together for the chorus, leaning in to join voices like rock stars throughout the ages. Jack was surprised when they started harmonizing, or tried to. It was awful. Jack felt a wave of embarrassment for them until he noticed they were smiling, their voices breaking with laughter. Sue let out a big whoop, encouraging them even more.
The rest of the song played out with Dean and Kate taking turns and coming back to share the chorus. When they sang about the pretty girl, the two stars lowered their bodies with each “pretty.” Kate looked sexy as hell. Jack no longer cared that their harmony skills were subpar.
Their performance ended, and the audience went wild. Kate was radiant. When they returned to the table, Jack and Sue were still clapping and whistling.
Dean raised his drink. “Here’s to great talent and my birthday!”
The rest raised their glasses. “Hear! Hear!”
After one sip, Dean was ready to go again. “Come on, let’s go pick a song,” he said, grabbing Sue’s hand. She made a lame attempt to break free, but then went with him.
Kate took a long drink of her beer. She was thirsty after the song, but more than anything, she needed a little Dutch courage. She felt like she’d been successful in looking calm and collected around Jack, but his mere presence was sending her heart racing. This was the first time they’d been alone today, and she dreaded the idea of talking about their kiss. Had he thought about it as much as she? Had it kept him up? Had he thought it funny that she’d almost fainted from his kiss? She took a few more sips and realized her glass was half empty.
Jack was staring at her, a quizzical look in his eyes. “What?” she asked, setting down her glass.
“I’m just trying to figure you out.”
“What’s there to figure out?” Kate asked, trying to sound blasé. Her nerves weren’t on board. She took another drink.
“Well.” Jack rubbed his chin as if looking for words. He had a sparkle in his eyes and a smile that made her think of a mischievous boy. “In the past week, you’ve had a few . . . missteps.”
“So you think I’m a klutz?” Kate asked, pretending to be insulted but relieved the subject was easy.
“I never said that,” Jack said, holding up his hands in defense.
“Oh please. Don’t even try. Listen, it’s a God-given fact I’m as clumsy as they come. You’re not saying anything I don’t know.”
“But up on that stage, you’re smooth as silk.” He took a drink but kept his eyes on her. There was something about the combo that rattled Kate.
“Go figure.” Trying to regroup, she searched the bar for anyone else who might start singing. She needed a break in conversation and eye contact.
“Kate.”
She turned to find his face inches from hers. Her heart jumped, but it wasn’t because he’d surprised her. “Yes?”
“I think that’s a great combination, charming in fact.” Kate rolled her eyes and looked down at her beer, but Jack continued. “You were amazing up there. Notice how no one else has gone up. You set the bar too high.”
Kate laughed, then shook her head as she rubbed the condensation off her glass. “Enough.”
“You’re a unique woman. Totally relaxed in a situation most would consider terrifying, but then nervous in one that is perfectly normal. Why is that?”
“I’d think that would be pretty obvious,” Kate said, a little irritated. “It all depends on the consequences. If I make a fool of myself on stage, who cares? What’s the worst thing that can happen? People will laugh at me? I’ll be kicked out?” She took another drink, then shook her head while gathering her thoughts.
“But if I mess up at work, jobs could go to another state. If it’s a major mess-up, I could lose my job. Not an option when you’re the sole provider. So yeah, I can be a little uptight. At this point in my life, that’s the way it has to be. Draft beer and karaoke are about as wild as I can get.” Kate stopped and stared into his eyes, needing him to understand.
Jack studied the ice in his margarita, swirling it more than necessary. When he faced her again, his eyes looked weary. “I’m sorry, Kate. I’m sorry for—” He shook his head.
His sincerity was unsettling. He seemed to understand the weight that was parked on her shoulders. The idea that this man could care about her challenges sent warmth into a place in her heart that had set empty for a long time. Maybe too long. She’d forgotten how nice it could feel.
He placed his hand on her arm, sending a shiver through her. “I didn’t mean to upset you.” She heard his apology, but her mind and body were focused on his touch. Had he felt that charge?
Kimberly appeared and asked if they needed anything, just as Sue and Dean returned. Dean ordered a round of tequila shots.
“Oh Lord.” Kate sighed. Then again, something strong might just quiet the battle in her head. Currently, Team This-man-is-something was kicking Be-careful Team’s ass.
“Hey, woman, it’s my birthday, and you promised you were going to live a little this week.”
“Yeah, I know. I just don’t want to die a little tomorrow.”
“Oh, quit being a pussy,” Sue snapped. “The Sisterhood’s closed their doors for the week, remember?”
“Okay.” Kate sighed, accepting the inevitable. “Let’s do it. But make sure it’s Patrón Silver and please bring me extra lime.” Kimberly walked away and Kate pointed to Dean. “We are not doing body shots.”
“Jeez, you’ll never let that one go,” Dean whined. “I told you, I was aiming for your neck. I just tripped.”
“Whatever.” Kate waved her hand but then winked at him.
Jack raised his brows. “You guys do body shots?”
“Not normally.” Kate was quick to explain. “It was just one time.”
“Speak for yourself,” Sue interjected, and took a sip of her margarita. Kate wondered if it was just her imagination or if Sue winced when she swallowed. “I’ve saved myself many a wasted night through the effective use of a body shot.”
“You mean doing body shots has kept you from getting wasted?” Jack asked. “How does that work?”
“I don’t mean wasted in the sense of getting drunk.” Sue sighe
d and then leaned forward as if speaking to a child. “I’m talking about losing valuable hours of my precious time.”
“Please explain.” Jack encouraged. Dean turned to Kate, rolling his eyes. It didn’t get past Sue.
“Don’t go rolling your eyes at me, little shit. If you were smart, you’d listen to what I’m saying. You could learn a lot.”
Despite the matter being irrelevant in the scheme of life, Sue’s insistence on its value seemed to pique Jack’s curiosity. “Go on,” he said. “I want to hear this.”
“Thank God someone at this table is smart enough to seek sage advice.” Sue took another sip of her margarita. This time Kate was positive she saw her friend grimace. Setting her drink down and pushing it away, Sue placed her hands flat on the table and straightened her posture. The presentation was about to begin.
“Without a doubt, body shots are the most effective tool in the dating process. Sure, eHarmony and Match.com are great at what they do. You can find someone with the same religious and political beliefs, someone who’s smart enough to love cats, someone who supposedly makes an income you can accept. But if you really want to save some time and cut through a lot of long lunches and awkward dinners, do the body shot. It tells you all you need to know about a man.” Sue reached for her drink, then stopped and pushed it farther away.
“First of all, if a guy is in a group doing body shots, I know he likes to have fun and cut loose, a mandate in my selection process.”
“It’s true,” Dean added.
“The next qualifier—brand of tequila. Tequila should be treasured for its taste, not as an easy pass to oblivion. If the man orders the house tequila, he’s out. Why waste my time on some tasteless idiot who’s probably a cheap ass?”
Jack nodded as if no one would ever disagree with that fact. Kate and Dean just laughed.
“Now that I’ve eliminated the boring and tasteless tightwads, I have a short list to critique. Note, I’ve probably spent, what, five minutes so far? And it goes without saying, if a man isn’t intelligent, charismatic, impeccably dressed, and fit, he’s not even invited to the audition.”
Then He Showed Up Page 10