As he tensed in her hands and mouth, she knew he was close. She upped her strokes, wanting to bring him the same mind blowing release he’d just given her. Within seconds, he let out a rough groan and his fingers tightened in her hair. He was right on the edge. She took him in to the hilt, stroked underneath and his muscles spasmed as he came hard, her name another rough groan on his lips.
When she felt him relax, she sat back, but not for long. He reached down and pulled her onto his lap as he continued to drag in air. She settled against him, mesmerized by the sound of his rapid heartbeats slowing down beneath her ear.
“That was incredible,” he said, placing a kiss to her temple.
She smiled at the roughness still coating his voice and tipped her head to nip at his jaw. “Yes, you were.”
His chuckle vibrated through her. “If I could feel my legs, I’d show just how incredible, but as it is, I’m not sure where my bones went.”
She opened her mouth to reply, but he cupped her face and kissed her long and deep in a lazy, satiated way. But when his hands caressed her breasts, thumbs scraping her nipples all thoughts of lazy flew out the window. She moaned and snuggled closer.
“Two minute warning, sir,” Rodriguez’s voice cut through the speaker, breaking them apart and bringing them back to reality.
TV.
Jack’s forehead met hers as he dropped a hand to her hip while the other traced circles on her back. Her body was willing to give him all night to stop.
She sighed and nodded toward the front of the limo. “You have a good man, there.”
“I know,” he agreed, his warm hand continuing to send shivers down her spine. “Should I tell him to drive around the block a few times?”
Oh, could he?
“Mmm….” She kissed his jaw, really, really loving the way the calluses on his hand lightly scraped her skin. “I like the sound of that,” she said, drawing back. “But this is not a good time. I know you need to get to those interrogations.”
She felt him stiffen before he scrubbed a hand over his face.
“I completely forgot about them. Someone had my mind in an entirely different zone.”
“Yeah, me, too.” She scrambled off him to quickly pull on her bra and T-shirt, then stared back and smiled. “You are very distracting, Jack.”
He had his jeans done up and was just dragging his shirt over his head when he glanced at her and stilled. “God, look at you. You’re so gorgeous.”
Gorgeous? She glanced down and shrugged. Not hardly. She was kneeling there buck naked from the waist down. “If you say so.”
“I say so,” he said, and made to reach for her, but she knew there wasn’t time.
Shaking her head, she watched him sigh, his gaze lingering on her lower extremities. Heat funneled through her tummy and headed south. Cripes. She was such a slut where he was concerned. Knowing their time was just about up, she grabbed the rest of her clothes off the floor.
“What is it with you?” She held up her ripped thong before throwing the damaged lace at him. “You, Jack Dodger Anderson, are hard on my underwear.”
Forced to go commando, she quickly slipped into her shorts, then smoothed her hair. With luck, she wouldn’t look as ruffled as she felt. Who was she kidding? She didn’t feel ruffled. She felt completely and utterly satisfied.
Grinning, he shoved her panties into his pocket. “It’s your fault. I can’t seem to get you naked fast enough. But don’t worry. I’ll buy you more.”
A sharp thrill shot through her body at the thought of Jack shopping for intimate apparel with her in mind. And this time, when he pulled her close, she didn’t move away. In fact, she pushed him back and straddled him, covering his mouth with hers, kissing him long and deep, uncaring that the limo slowly came to a stop.
Okay, not true. She did care, but dammit, he tasted so good, and it had already been several minutes since she’d brushed against his hard muscles.
“Guess we’d better stop.” He was the first to draw back, reluctance ruling his voice.
“Yeah.”
A smile tugged at his lips, but then disappeared as his gaze searched hers. “What am I going to do with you?”
She had a suggestion. Several, in fact. But they all died in her throat at the serious expression crossing his face.
“You make me feel things, Brielle. Things I’m not used to feeling,” he said, using the pad of his finger to brush a strand of hair off her face and tuck it behind her ear.
Before that shocking statement even had a chance to sink in, he moved her off him, then grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the limo door as it began to swing open.
A wrinkle in her normally smoothed brow, Mandy paced the bachelor’s gathering room for the tenth time in as many minutes. Brielle was surprised there wasn’t a hole in the carpet.
“What do you think Jack is going to ask?”
“I don’t know, Mandy.” Danni shrugged as she sat on one of the three couches. “Maybe he’ll want to know what brand of toothpaste you use.”
“Really?” Mandy stopped to blink at the brunette. “I use—”
“No, not really.” Danni cut her off and sighed. “He’s going to want to know where you were all afternoon.”
Mandy rolled her eyes. “That’s silly. We were with him all day.”
“Not all day.” From her roost in a corner chair, Brielle gained the two contestants' attention. She’d been observing them closely as well as replaying the day’s events in her mind. Well, not all of them. She denied her brain access to anything that had happened in the limo with Jack. Going there would not help her work the case. No. It would definitely hinder. She kept her focus on the women. “We each left the group at one point or another today.”
“Yeah, but…that was to go to the bathroom. Surely, Jack doesn’t think we wrote the note?” Mandy frowned.
“I would,” Danni said, looking at the blonde.
Switching her attention to the teacher, Brielle fell silent again, waiting for the woman to continue.
“You would?” Mandy turned a widened gaze to Danni. “Why would he suspect me? You could’ve written it too, you know.”
“I know.” Danni smiled patiently, treating the blonde like one of her third grade students. Brielle chewed her lower lip and watched. “We all could’ve. That’s why he wants to question us.”
Mandy cocked her head. “Oh.” She frowned, clearly deep in thought. “Okay.”
“I’m glad you all understand.” At the sound of Jack’s voice, Brielle faced the doorway, her pulse leaping to life. Along with Matthew and Rodriguez, he stood on the landing, his body erect, skin taut across his cheekbones. “Since you’re already standing, Mandy, I’ll talk to you first.” He ushered the frowning blonde into the study, his gaze briefly meeting Brielle’s before he closed the door.
Her heart lurched at the fatigue she saw behind his eyes. She needed to solve this case so the only fatigue he’d feel would be from a hot all-nighter. But with fingerprints that could be explained away, dropped notes everyone had opportunity to place and cameras being mysteriously turned off—that was easier said than done. Her fingers sank around the arm of the chair and dug in. Once again, the damn variables she’d warned her uncle about stood in her way.
Danni rose to her feet with a sigh. “I think I’d better use the powder room before it’s my turn.”
Matthew nodded, moving from the door to allow the woman to pass, along with Rodriguez. Brielle’s brows rose. Seriously?
“Jack’s new rules. No one is to be alone.” Matthew ambled down the four steps into the room and headed toward her. “I’m glad we have a few minutes. I wanted to ask you something.”
“Go ahead.” She rose to her feet, rubbing the stiffness from her backside. “Sorry, the boat accident reaffirmed my horse allergy.”
He smiled. “Then I’ll make this quick and try not to neigh.”
She returned his smile. “Well, I wouldn’t want to see you bust a blood vessel.” He
was such a kidder. She sobered and stared into his eyes, “What can I do for you? Have they found something else in the limo?”
“No. Your uncle’s men and Jack’s are still running tests. What I wanted to ask has nothing to do with that.” He focused on his painting, hanging behind her and sighed. “I wanted to ask you if you’d mind going out on tomorrow’s one-on-one date?”
Her brows rose, again. That was the last thing she expected.
Matthew laughed. “Before you say anything, hear me out. I know you have a thing for my brother—which is great by the way—but I have a gallery commitment I can’t get out of, and the showing is tomorrow. So,” he ran a hand through his hair, then gave her a lop-sided grin, “Since you’re the only one who knows my true identity, I’d really appreciate it if you’d accompany me to the gallery tomorrow night. The producers have already okayed it.”
She touched his arm and smiled. “Of course I would. I understand you can’t reveal that part of you to the others just yet.”
“You’re right. I can’t. Thanks, Brielle.” He patted her hand. “I’ll explain things to Jack, when he’s not so preoccupied, but, I’m supposed to announce my choice before you all leave tonight. Producer’s orders.”
Before she could reply, the study door opened, and Mandy re-entered the room, her face flushed. Oh boy. Apparently, Jack asked her about more than her brand of toothpaste.
He glanced around the room and frowned. “Where’s Danni?”
“She went to the bathroom.” Matthew held up his hand as Jack’s mouth opened and brows knit together. “Hold on, don’t worry, Rodriguez went with her.”
“Eew. I hope you don’t expect me to—”
“No, it’s all right, Mandy,” Matthew rushed to reassure the blonde. “He’s staying outside the bathroom. It’s for everyone’s safety.”
“Oh.”
Jack nodded to Brielle and motioned toward the study, his face a mask of cool, he gave nothing away. “I guess that makes you next.”
Doing her best not to give into the urge to run so she could be alone with him again, to try to smooth the trouble from his brow, Brielle crossed the room at a normal pace. She was feeling far from normal. This man made her scalp sweat. She was falling for him. Big time. A fact that scared the heck out of her and excited her at the same time. Pulse leaping as the door shut behind her, she turned and melted into him.
He cupped her face and searched her eyes. “You’re sure you’re not hurt?” When she shook her head, his hands dropped to glide over her arms while he inspected her up and down.
“I’m fine. Better than fine. You know that. Just a bruise on my knee.” She said, pointing to her leg. “Why?”
He expelled a breath and pressed his forehead to hers. “We got the feed from the park. It didn’t show who did it, but it captured the accident. When I think about what could’ve happened…” His voice trailed off as his grip tightened on her arms.
Her throat grew hot. The intensity of Jack’s emotions touched her deeply, but the tenderness of his kiss as his lips caressed hers took her breath away. She’d never felt more cherished in her life. Hell, she’d never even felt cherished before. Nobody ever made her feel the way Jack did. Yeah, she was definitely falling for this man. Hard.
“I want you to be safe, Brielle.” His mouth lingered a moment before trailing kisses to her temple and back again.
Desire shot through her, sparking a need only Jack could assuage. She rose up on tiptoe, asking him—inviting him—hell, begging him to fill the void between their bodies.
But, he didn’t. Much to her disappointment.
He drew back slowly, his breath washing over her in a final caress. “We need to talk.”
Uh oh. She blinked, an unseen weight slamming down on her shoulders so fast her knees nearly buckled. “Okay.”
Grabbing her hand, he led her to the couch. Her pulse quickened. What did he want? Knees touching, he studied their clasped fingers a moment before he spoke. “Brielle, I have something to ask you.”
They both jumped as the cameraman knocked over the garbage can in his haste to move in closer.
Jack scowled at the man, then squeezed her fingers and gazed into her eyes. “I like you, Brielle. A lot. You’re different from any woman I’ve ever met…or ever likely to meet.”
Velvety blue eyes radiated the same genuine emotion as his smile. Her heart tripped over itself, silently urging him to continue.
“Not counting The Limelight, I know it’s only been nine days since we’ve met, but this connection between us is strong, and unless I’m badly mistaken, you feel it, too.” His eyes searched hers in silent question.
“Yes, very much so.” Her reassurance brought his smile back. “So, what did you want to ask?”
His joy faded along with her heartbeats. “I want you to voluntarily leave the show.”
Holy hell. Her heart slammed hard in her chest. Never in a million years had she expected… “Wh-what?”
He squeezed her hands again. “I know my parents wanted you on here, and that Matthew has kept you because of it, but, you have to understand, your presence is keeping me from doing my job. As I’ve already told you, you’re distracting me, and with my brother’s life at stake, I can’t have that.”
Her pulse hammered out of control. What should she do? They were both caught between a rock and a hard place. And right now, she wanted nothing more than to be caught against a rock-hard Jack. She hated, really hated she was causing him problems.
“Please, Brielle, leave the show for me. For my sake.” His eyes begged. “Whoever’s making these threats is getting more aggressive and I want you safe. I can’t protect you and Matthew at the same time, and I don’t want to be forced to make a choice.”
Oh God. Closing her eyes, she pulled in a breath, then exhaled. “Jack, please,” she opened her eyes and swallowed hard. “Please don’t ask this of me.”
“I’m sorry. I know it’s a lot to ask, pulling out on national television.” He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. “But I really need you to do this for me.”
Her heart constricted. This wasn’t happening. God, this can’t be happening. How did she get out of this without hurting him? The weight increased on her shoulders, crushing her lungs, making it hard to breathe. “Jack, I would do anything for you, but…I can’t leave.”
In the blink of an eye, all the warmth disappeared from his gaze. “I see.” He dropped her hands and stood.
She shivered and reached for him, but he moved away. Dammit… This wasn’t happening. How could this be happening? Her whole body cringed at his dismissal. Jumping to her feet, she followed. “Jack, hear me out, please.”
He turned around and leaned against the desk. There was no heat, no warmth, no nothing in his expression. Folding his arms across his chest, he nodded. “Go ahead.”
Not exactly encouraging, but she’d take it nonetheless. “You already know I like you. A whole hell of a lot. You know this.” His gaze narrowed but he said nothing so she continued. “My word is important to me, and when I give it, I have to follow things through. No matter what.”
Understanding flashed briefly through his eyes before disappearing behind an aloof façade. “Who have you given your word to? Matthew?”
“Yes.” Hope quickened the beat of her heart. Please let him understand. “Just before I came in here, he asked me to be his date tomorrow night for a one-on-one.”
He jerked back as if slapped. “Forgive me, but didn’t you just tell me I was the one you liked? That you had a connection with me?” Anger tightening his jaw, he cocked his head and stared down at her.
“You know I did. It is you I like, Jack.” She touched his arm, willing him to just please listen.
“Then why would you accept a date with Matthew, huh? What the hell kind of game are you playing?” He brushed her hand away and moved past her.
She twisted around to watch him, pain constricting in bands across her chest. “I’m not playing any game
s, Jack. Matthew asked me to go with him to the gallery because I already know his true identity.”
He swung around and regarded her closely. “You do?”
“Yes. I know he’s Andy Matthews. So, you see? I can’t leave because I already agreed to go with him tomorrow night.” She stared at Jack, hoping her flimsy excuse would hold.
It didn’t.
His unfriendly gaze narrowed. “Yes, I do see, Brielle. You couldn’t pass up the chance to accompany the famous artist to a public showing.” The bitterness in his voice hollowed her stomach.
“No, it’s not like that.” Despite his demeanor, she went to him. “How could you even think that?”
“Very easy, really.” He smiled without mirth. “Tell me, how long have you known my brother’s true identity?”
Her heart sank. He wasn’t going to like her answer. “I figured it out that first night.”
His cold glare chilled her spine. Yep. He didn’t understand. Now he thought she was a gold-digger. Could she really blame him?
A scowl quivered across his face. “So, you thought you’d dally with his brother while you waited for him to pick you.”
“No! That’s not true. Surely you don’t believe that?” She reached out to caress his cheek, but he knocked her hand aside.
“But I do. It's the logical conclusion,” he said, pushing past her again, reaching his desk in three, hard strides. He yank out his chair and sat down.
She strived not to get angry at him. He’s right. Her response to him could seem like a put on. After all, she was a contestant on a show to find his brother a mate. He didn’t know her real reason for being there.
He’s not like Grant. Tell him.
Her chest tightened under the already crushing unseen weight. She had to break her promise to his parents. Keeping him in the dark, now that their feelings were on the line, was a big mistake. If she had to choose between Jack and her job, she was going to choose Jack. She just hoped breaking her word yielded better results than the only other time she’d compromised an assignment. Exhaling, she approached the desk.
She Does Know Jack Page 19