ENTANGLED PURSUITS (MEN OF ACTION Book 1)

by Brenda Jackson

  She couldn’t help but smile. “And were you upset, Drew?”

  He leaned in and placed a kiss on her lips. “Yes, just like you got upset when you saw me with Natalie.”

  She shrugged. “Who said I got upset about Natalie?”

  “Seriously?”

  Ok, so she had gotten upset. “Now that you’ve explained that she hadn’t replaced me as your sex-buddy, I won’t be getting upset anymore.”

  “Nobody could replace you, Toni. And as for you and Muraca, I was pissed, even though you’d told me you wouldn’t go out with anyone I knew. I know how persistent Muraca can be.”

  Toni frowned. “You thought I couldn’t handle him?”

  He also frowned. “A part of me didn’t want you to handle him, Toni. And now that we’re back together, I definitely don’t.”

  Toni didn’t say anything because she wasn’t used to this possessive Drew. She rather liked him. “What do you suggest?”

  “I think we should start dating like regular people. If anyone thinks it’s any of their business, I have no problem letting them know it’s not.”

  Personally, she did not like the sound of that. “I just got here, Drew. I’d rather not become the subject of office gossip.”

  He released a deep sigh. “Okay, then, what do you think we should do?”

  “I think we should take things slow,” she said.

  “How slow are we talking?”

  “During the week, it’ll be strictly business. However, the weekends will belong to us. From Friday night until Monday morning, we can do whatever we want to do.”

  “And if we’re seen?”

  “If we’re seen, we’ll handle it.”

  “Are those your rules? No hanky-panky during the week. Just on the weekend?”

  She nodded. “Those are my rules.”

  Then, she leaned into him and wrapped her arms round his neck. And Toni knew he was in agreement, albeit grudgingly, when he slanted his mouth over hers and slowly eased her back down in the bed.

  “YOUR HOME IS SIMPLY beautiful, Drew.”

  “Thanks. I’ll give you an official tour later. Right now, we need to dig into our pizza before it gets cold.”

  He watched her shed her coat and hang it in the closet off the foyer. Another thing that made him feel good inside was that they were a couple again. After agreeing to restart their affair, they had made love again—a couple more times, in fact. It had been late afternoon before they had gotten out of her bed.

  He had agreed to her rules, although he didn’t particularly like them. It reminded him of how things had been when they’d been sex-buddies, and the weekends had been all they had. Evidently, she had not thought of that. He figured sooner or later Toni would realize what she’d proposed, and when she did, she wouldn’t hesitate to remove the restrictions. Until then, he would play by her rules and get as much out of the weekends as he could.

  Before leaving her place, he had hung the television on the wall and then she had showered while he had taken the empty boxes out. They decided to do takeout and eat at his place. He’d remembered how much she had enjoyed Joe’s Pizza whenever she’d come to town in the past.

  “Who did the decorating for you? Or did you do it yourself?” she asked, following him into his kitchen.

  “I hired someone.”

  “She did a great job. The photos on the wall are beautiful, and everything blends in nicely. It feels and looks like a home. I am proud of you, Drew.”

  Her words meant a lot. “Thanks,” he said over his shoulder while getting plates out the cabinets. He doubted she knew how good he felt now that they had resolved the issues between them.

  “By the way,” he said, when they were seated at his kitchen table with pizza and glasses of wine. “Remember a while back when I mentioned that I would be going to Sheppard Granger’s birthday party in Charlottesville?”

  She nodded.

  “I would like you to come with me. It’s on a Saturday night, Memorial Day weekend. Joy and Stonewall will be there, too, including a number of people you met at their wedding.”

  “Sounds like fun. I’d love to go.”

  He smiled over at her. She had certainly made his day, but then she’d done that from the moment he’d seen her this morning. When he had arrived at her house, he certainly hadn’t expected the day to end like this.

  But while he was happy, he knew this wouldn’t be that simple. All their years apart had changed them. They were different people, and things between them had to change, too. But the one thing he wanted more than anything was for her to understand that she was the first woman he’d truly wanted to share more of himself with. The only woman he’d enjoyed being with, both in and out of bed.

  “You’re quiet,” she said, watching him.

  Andrew did not have a problem with her watching him, because he definitely enjoyed watching her. He reached out and took her hand. “I’m just glad we’re together.”

  “So am I,” she said, and he saw the truth of her words in her eyes. “I can’t wait to tell my grandparents about you.”

  “You planning to do that?”

  “Yes. Unless you prefer that I didn’t.”

  He shook his head. “No, I’d like to meet them.”

  “And there is no doubt in my mind they will want to meet you. I’ve never taken a guy home before.”

  He lifted a brow. “Never?”

  “No, never. I told you that I’ve never had what anyone would call a serious boyfriend.”

  “This might make me sound like one selfish bastard, but I’m glad.”

  After they finished the pizza and tidied up the kitchen, he invited her to watch a movie with him.

  “Okay, but no cop shows. I’m not in the mood.”

  He chuckled. “I’m never in the mood because all they do is glorify our jobs for the viewers. If they only knew what really goes on behind the crime scenes, they wouldn’t be tuning in to watch it.”

  “That’s true.”

  They settled on watching two movies—an action movie for him, and a chick flick for her—while they sat drinking wine and eating popcorn in his theater room. This was the first time he’d invited a woman to his home because he’d never wanted a female to invade his space, but he would admit it felt wonderful having her there.

  “That was a good movie,” she said, standing and stretching. He liked looking at her body when she did that. He’d noticed she did that a lot at work after sitting at her desk, staring at all her sticky notes for any long period of time.

  “It’s getting late. Past midnight. Are you ready to take me back home now?”

  Andrew honestly wasn’t. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask her to stay tonight, to christen his bed. However, he knew doing that would be a mistake. He had plans to drive to D.C. in the morning to have breakfast with Ryker, and then play a game of golf. Although Ryker was a United States Senator, he still considered the guys he’d met in the slammer his best friends. Ryker wasn’t ashamed of his past, and would be the first to tell anyone how it had helped shape him into the man he was today.

  He also stood. “I’m having breakfast with Ryker in the morning, followed by a game of golf,” he said, in case she was wondering why he wasn’t asking her to stay the night. She’d met Ryker at Stonewall and Joy’s wedding, too. “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

  “It will be a lazy Sunday for me. Thanks to you, I got everything out of the boxes and put up. I think I will sleep late and then watch movies. I could use a day to relax. I don’t know about you, but I needed to step away from the Tindal case to give my mind a rest. I still think there’s something we’re overlooking.”

  “I’m thinking that same thing, but let’s not worry about it this weekend. Do you want to hook back up tomorrow evening when I get back from D.C.?” he asked, reaching out and bringing her body closer to his.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “That would be nice.”

  “I will call you when I get home.” He was
trying to be considerate and not a greedy ass. Otherwise, he would have swept her in his arms and headed to his bedroom so they could try out his bed. The only thing holding him back was the fact they’d spent most of the day in her bed, and he wanted her to believe there was more between them than just sex.

  “Okay, you do that.”

  “Trust me, I will.”

  Then, he leaned down and captured her lips in his. Her nipples were hard, and he felt them pressed against his chest. They were doing a number on each other’s mouths, and he knew if he didn’t pull back, they would end up in his bed, regardless of his best intentions. It was hard but he had to maintain a level of control with Toni.

  “Of all the times we spent in your bedroom today, I didn’t get to taste you all over,” he said, nibbling her mouth.

  “Save that for another day.”

  “Don’t think that I won’t. I’ll be back home tomorrow around five. I’ll fix something quick and easy for dinner.”

  “Sounds nice, but I feel bad because you fed me pizza today.”

  “Don’t feel bad. You fed me a great breakfast this morning.” He licked his tongue across her lips. “And trust me, you’ll be feeding me again tomorrow.”

  She lifted a brow. “I will?”

  “Oh yes, yes, you will.” He knew she totally understood just what kind of meal he was looking forward to.

  “Do you need me to bring anything?”

  He smiled down at her. “Maple syrup.”

  • • •

  “There’s one thing about golf, Drew. You have to concentrate on what you’re doing. Otherwise, you’ll play lousy. Like you’re doing today. What’s the problem? One of your cases weighing you down?”

  “No. It’s Toni.”

  Senator Ryker Valentine glanced over at him. “I was wondering if you were going to bring her up. You haven’t mentioned her since you told me she was your new partner.”

  “There was no need to bring her up.”

  “And how are things working out?” Ryker asked, returning his attention back to the golf ball.

  “Things are working out fine.” Then, he added, “And we’re back together.”

  Ryker paused in swinging his club to glance over at him. “If you’re deliberately trying to mess with my game, Drew, then—”

  “Trust me, I’m not. We spent the day together yesterday. I offered to help her unload some heavy boxes and we talked, aired out our grievances and got an understanding of what we want to do.”

  “And what is that?” Ryker asked.

  “Start over.”

  Ryker held his gaze a moment without saying anything. Then, he asked, “Are you sure you really want to do that?”

  Andrew knew why Ryker was asking. After his split from Toni, he’d been in a bad way. He’d gone to work but isolated himself from others. Ryker had been worried, and had showed up one weekend, demanding to know what the hell was going on. That was one of those times he’d wished Sheppard hadn’t made them promise to look out for each other. In the end, over a bottle of scotch, he had told Ryker about the woman he’d been seeing. The woman he’d begun developing feelings for, only to be dropped without a reason.

  He met Ryker’s intense stare. “I don’t have a choice.”

  “Bullshit. There are always choices. You just need to make sure you’re making the right one. You do recall what you told me that night, when you were drowning your sorrows in a bottle of scotch, right?”

  “Yes, I remember.” Even when he’d awakened the next morning with one hell of a hangover, he’d remembered what he’d said. He had sworn up and down that he wouldn’t let another woman get that close to him again. At the time, he’d meant it. “Like I said, we aired our grievances and came to an understanding.”

  Ryker nodded, then turned his attention to hitting the ball. And he did. His shot had been perfect, and the ball had gone straight in the hole. A huge smile touched his face and he raised a fist of victory. “Yes! That’s what happens when you concentrate.”

  “Whatever.”

  Ryker grinned. “I guess that means we won’t be riding together to Shep’s party next month.”

  Andrew nodded. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I’ve asked her to go, too. The three of us can still go in the same car.”

  Ryker chuckled. “Nope. Three’s a crowd, and you need all the time with your lady as you can get. I understand.”

  “I see her every day at work, Ryker.”

  “Yes, but it’s not like having her all to yourself, Drew, and you know it.”

  Drew thought about the plans he had for her this evening and admitted, “You’re right.”

  “I hope things work out for you.”

  “I do, too, Ryker.”

  Two hours later, Andrew was back home. After taking a shower, he slid into a pair of jeans and an old t-shirt from Ryker’s last campaign. He had called Toni the moment he had gotten into his car upon leaving the golf course. She’d sounded sleepy and admitted to falling asleep while watching television, which was in the perfect spot on her bedroom wall, thanks to him.

  He decided to prepare something quick and easy for dinner, as he’d promised. Chicken and waffles sounded good. Using Stonewall’s grandmother’s recipe, he went to work preparing the batter. Toni had eaten his waffles before and said she enjoyed them. This would be the first time he had made waffles in the afternoon instead of for breakfast, but he had a craving for them. Besides, then his reasons for asking her to bring syrup would not be so obvious. Although, he had a feeling she knew his motivations.

  Andrew heard the doorbell the moment he put the chicken in the air fryer. Moving quickly to the door, he opened it, and smiled when he saw her. She looked beautiful and refreshed, and he was glad she had taken a nap. That meant she was well rested with plenty of energy for the activities he had planned for them later.

  “Did you have a good nap?” he asked, stepping aside to let her in.

  She smiled up at him. “Yes, I did.”

  He helped her out of her coat, needing to touch her in some way. She was wearing a pullover sweater, a long, flowing skirt, and a pair of black leather boots. The weather had turned cooler, making it one of those cold Virginia afternoons. “I like your outfit,” he said, as his gaze scanned her.

  “Thanks. This is for you,” she said, handing him a bottle of scotch. “It’s a housewarming gift.”

  He smiled. She had remembered that scotch was his favorite drink. “Thanks. I will put it to good use.”

  Then, she passed a bottle of maple syrup. “And here’s this.”

  He took the bottle. “Thanks.” He placed both items aside and pulled her into his arms. “Now, to thank you properly.”

  He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her. He needed to taste her and was overjoyed when she returned his kiss. When he finally lifted his head, he brushed his knuckles against her cheek. “I missed you today.”

  “And I missed you, too, Drew.” She sniffed the air. “Something smells good.”

  “I’m preparing chicken and waffles.”

  “Good thing I brought the syrup.”

  Andrew smiled down at her. “Come on in the kitchen and keep me company. I’m air-frying the chicken, just the way you like it.”

  She followed him into the kitchen and slid onto the barstool at the breakfast counter. “Need my help?”

  He glanced over his shoulder at her. She looked good sitting there. He always liked her hair loose and flowing over her shoulders. “No, I’ve got this. Batter’s already made up.”

  “Then, I’ll go wash up.”

  He watched her slide off the stool and walk toward his half-bath off the hall. He turned back to the waffle iron. Lord knows he was trying to keep his hands off her, but it was hard. When she returned, he put her to work setting the table, since he’d decided to eat in the dining room. In a few moments, both the chicken and waffles had been cooked to a golden brown.

  While they ate, he told her how lousy his golf game
had been today, but didn’t elaborate as to the reason why. “Do you still play tennis, Toni?” He’d taught her how to play while they were together, and she’d picked it up quickly.

  “I haven’t played in a while.”

  “Then, maybe we can get a game or two in when the weather warms up.”

  She chuckled. “And when do you think that will be? I talked to my grandparents earlier today and they were headed for the beach.”

  He smiled, while taking a sip of wine. “You won’t get that kind of weather here in March,” he said. “But you’ll see the blooming of the cherry blossoms in a couple of weeks. Still, anything is possible. A few years ago we had a snowstorm in late March.”

  She shivered. “I can’t stand cold weather.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “And how do you know?” she asked him, grinning.

  He took another sip of wine. “I remember having to adjust the air-conditioner in the hotel room because you would be cold.” He leaned in over the table and smiled. “To be quite honest, I just figured that was your way of letting me know you wanted me to warm you up.”

  She held his gaze over the rim of her wine glass. “You are so astute.” Then, she leaned over the table, too. “So, Andrew Logan, do you want to warm me up now?”

  THE MINUTE DREW HAD opened the door, Toni wanted him. What woman wouldn’t? He had stood there in a pair of jeans that fit his male body to perfection, and a t-shirt that stretched across his broad, muscular chest. And then there was that beard that made him look sexier than ever.

  There was no shame in getting what she wanted. Especially since making love to him again topped the list. She hadn’t been able to sleep last night because her body still yearned for more of what he’d given her yesterday. She definitely wanted more.

  More…

  Why was there always the need for more when it came to him? Drew was still sitting there, watching her with that undeniable intensity, still as a statue and not saying a word. But then he didn’t have to speak. Those eyes were saying it all. He’d heard what she’d said and was now simply observing everything about her. More than likely, he was picking up on the unevenness of her breathing, and there was no way he could miss her hardened nipples pressed against her sweater.