It was his turn to flush and try to hide it behind the big bouquet of multi-colored tulips, and I took advantage of the moment to study him. Jase was a good looking man, had been since he’d first starting showing signs of becoming a man at age fifteen but today, in jeans and a green and brown shirt that stretched across his chest like a lover, sprawled in post-coital bliss. His eyes glitter like emeralds, so bright and shiny and beautiful. “I don’t think I’ll have any complaints about the view tonight either.”
His cheeks turned pink again and I laughed before turning to grab my shoes and the tiniest purse I’d ever seen, courtesy of Mikki, while Jase busied himself with…something. “I brought them in a vase ‘cause I wasn’t sure if you had one.”
I didn’t and we both knew it. “Thanks. Ready?” I stood by the door, waiting. Expectantly. But Jase stood in the hall about five feet from me, staring. Again. “Eyes in your head playboy.”
He snickered. “Oh they’re in my head, all right. You have no idea.” His tone said he was thinking about something he shouldn’t, but then again this was supposed to be a date which meant she should absolutely be thinking about doing dirty things to me. Right?
“I might have some,” I said quietly as he handed me into the passenger seat of his SUV and watched him jog around the front, admiring his long wide frame. “So where are we going?”
A slow grin spread from ear to ear as he slid a quick glance my way before turning back to focus on the road ahead. He still hadn’t answered my question but I knew by the way his lips quirked that he was trying to keep a secret. “I know you’re not a fan of being the center of attention,” he began, hands moving swiftly over the steering wheel as he navigated the long path that led from my cabin to the road into Tulip.
“That would be a massive understatement.” I’d been the center of attention plenty growing up, thanks to dear old dad and his love of the bottle. I was thirteen the first time I’d gotten the call that he was too blasted to drive, as if there was anything I could do about it from the ranch. After that, I spent hours after school teaching myself to drive with the help of Jase. “I’ve had more than my fair share of the spotlight, thanks.”
“I know and in that dress no one would ever be able to take their eyes off you. So I have something special planned.” His hand went to my knee when I froze at his words. “Stop worrying, you’ll like it. I promise.”
I relaxed at his words because Jase was one of the few people I did trust, and turned my attention to the world outside. “I’ll withhold judgment until I see where we’re going.”
He barked out a laugh, letting the steering wheel run through his fingertips swiftly and smoothly. “That’s one of the things I love about you, Bo, your ability to find a reason to mistrust everything.”
“It’s not mistrust, just consider it a healthy dose of skepticism. That’s all. Besides, I’m not worried because if dinner sucks I have a big box of Turtles waiting for me at home.”
“As if there’s even a remote chance this date will suck.” He emphasized the word as a not-so-subtle reminder that this wasn’t just two friends having dinner.
As if I could ever forget that. “Why does this date need to be special?” Maybe this was something Jase did for all of his dates and I really shouldn’t get all worked up about it.
Jase sighed and turned to those green eyes on me at a stop sign. “Why? Because I want to make sure you remembered this date, and so that you know I’m serious about what I said about us.”
Us. There was that word again. Us. It was a loaded word that signified something like togetherness and that was a little too close to family. To partners. I didn’t have any of that. I had friends, sure, but my circle was small, tiny even. But the idea of me and Jase being an us did have a certain appeal because I trusted him. I liked him. Hell, he was one of the few people I gave a damn about. I loved.
“We’re here.”
Here, was Jase’s house. It was the same red and white duplex where he’d grown up, only now Jase occupied the first level and Nate the second. “You cooked?”
He barked out a laugh. “I guess a trip to the emergency room would be memorable, but no. I like you too much to cook for you, Bo. Don’t move.”
I snorted at that sort of compliment and order as Jase walked around the car to open my door. “Yeah right, you like me because there’s always food at my house.”
He frowned and took my hand. “There’s always food at my house too, it just usually comes in fast food containers.”
“I’m down with fast food,” I told him honestly and wrapped a hand around his bicep, letting him lead me up the wooden porch steps and into the dragon’s lair.
I resisted the urge to kick off my shoes the moment my heels dug into the plush carpet in Jase’s living room and looked around, in awe. Jase had outdone himself, really going the extra mile to make tonight memorable and I couldn’t deny the thrill that shot through me at that knowledge. Another step forward and the formal dining area that separated the living room from the kitchen, came into view.
“Oh, Jase.” There were candles all over the dining room and small, squat jars with flowers dotting the table and hutch. A deep red runner went down the length of the table which was piled high with food. Lots and lots of food. “Holy crap, Jase. This is amazing.”
And a really great start to a first date.
Jase
Amazing. She said it was amazing and the date had just gotten started. To say I was feeling good would be an understatement, then again it might have something to do with that ridiculously sexy blue dress she had on. It hugged her curves, every last one of them, in a way that had my mouth watering like a fountain. “Thanks, I tried.”
She turned to me, big blue eyes looking stunning lined with more makeup than I’d ever seen her wear, not that she needed it. “You did damn good, Jase. I’m impressed. So far.”
I laughed because that was typical Bo, slow to show her emotions. But that was all right because I was persistent and the more I thought about me and Bo, together, the more right it felt. “Want to eat first or have drinks?”
“Yes.” Hands clasped in front of her, Bo let her gaze fall on all the details I’d spent most of the day putting in place. The table was set for a romantic dinner for two, at least according to the internet, with ambient lighting, whatever the hell that was. “How’d you even know to do all this?” She was impressed, I could tell, but it was that bemused tone that forced a smile from me.
“Pinterest,” I grunted and as expected, she doubled over in that killer blue dress and laughed her sweet little ass off.
Eventually, after a few minutes, she pulled herself together only to start laughing again at my scowl. “Sorry but it’s funny. And sweet. Consider me suitably impressed.”
That was damn good to hear so I took my chances and placed a hand on her lower back, just a little lower than the dress cut because I wasn’t sure that I could handle the feel of her smooth, warm skin right now. “Good, that’s just what I was going for. Have a seat and I’ll get us drinks.” Surprise flashed in her eyes when I pulled her chair out and motioned for her to sit. “Not that I’m complaining, but if we stand here and stare at each other all night, this delicious food will get cold.”
As I knew she would, Bo dropped down on the chair and—sweet Jesus—crossed her legs. “Fine. Something cold, please.”
Please? I took a big step back at the look in her eyes and the way she slicked her tongue over red lips, beating a quick exit to the kitchen. I needed to get my self under control before I said or did something to embarrass myself. Or worse, ruin my chances with Bo.
The sound of Bo smacking her lips made me smile, and then she spoke. “Sure am gettin’ thirsty in here,” she called out, exaggerating. As always.
I grabbed the bottle of top shelf whiskey, two tumblers and those weird frou-frou reusable ice cubes Bo had bought me for my birthday, along with a bunch of other girly stuff I pretended to hate but secretly found useful. “Can’t hav
e you dying of thirst of my watch, can I? It’d be bad for business. And my reputation.”
“Do you have a reputation for hydration I wasn’t aware of?” One thick brow arched suspiciously and she leaned back, folding her arms so all I could focus on was her cleavage. Bo wasn’t stacked but she had a little more than a handful and right now, those honeyed mounds were drawing my gaze like a magnet.
“Are you kidding? I am known in three different counties for my ability to hydrate.”
She laughed again and shook her head. “I’m not even sure what that means. And neither does my boobs.”
Busted. I couldn’t even feel bad about it so I shrugged. “They are spectacular in that dress so don’t blame me for looking.” I took another look because, I’m a man and it was impossible not to.
“Do you ogle all your dates?” There was no bite to her words so I shrugged and flashed a sensual smile, which she returned, albeit reluctantly.
“When they look that sinful, I do. Is that a problem?”
“Not for me,” she practically purred and took a sip of the whiskey, moaning with her eyes closed and head tilted back. Instantly my mind mingled that image with another one where she wore the same look only this time she was naked and stretched out on my bed, with me nestled between her thighs. “You know, Callahan, just because you don’t say the words doesn’t mean I can’t hear them.”
Crap. Busted again and by the one woman who wouldn’t hesitate to call me out. “Let’s eat.”
“I thought you’d never ask.” She grinned and dug in, smiling as she uncovered each of her favorite dishes. “Jase, seriously? It’s a good thing you weren’t planning on getting lucky with mac & cheese, steak, fried chicken, potato salad and buttery asparagus.” The moan she let out at the first bite of chicken hit me straight in the cock and I was grateful the table was around to hide the effect that moan had on my body.
“You mean you can’t get busy on a full stomach?” The truth was, gettin’ busy tonight with Bo was nowhere on the agenda, because we were friends. This couldn’t be a quick itch scratching, not when I needed it to be a seduction. But now that she brought it up, it was all I could think about.
“Uh, not this full,” she laughed and grabbed some mac & cheese with a giddy grin. “Watch it, Callahan!” She smacked my hand playfully when I went in to take her plate.
“Just checking.” She grinned and we ate, first in companionable silence but slowly as the food disappeared along with the whiskey, we both grew more comfortable with the new turn of our relationship. I hoped so, anyway.
“Dinner was excellent, Jase, and the company wasn’t half bad either.”
“Not half bad? High praise coming from you.” It was no secret Bo didn’t dish out compliments to make you feel better or unnecessarily, but when you got one from her, you knew you’d earned it. And that, felt like a big damn accomplishment.
“What’s next, a nightcap on the sofa maybe?” She was teasing but I wonder what she would say if that was next. “Staring at the stars from the back of Nate’s truck?”
“Nah, the view is much better from your place. Besides, I’m enjoying the view nicely from here.” No star could compare to her tonight but if I told her so, she’d brush it off as cheesy.
“I guess I do look a lot different, huh?” That hint of vulnerability and self-consciousness was enough to tug at my heart and I put a hand over hers.
“Bo you always look beautiful, but the fact that you tried, for me, makes you even more gorgeous in my eyes. That’s all.”
Her shoulders relaxed and a small smile curved her lips. “Thanks. Keep that up and you just might get lucky after all.”
I’m pretty sure my head exploded after that.
Bo
It was the middle of the morning and just like it had been since I woke up with the sun, my mind kept replaying the end of my date with Jase. Dinner was heavenly. Okay, it was beyond heavenly and the fact that he’d put together all of my favorite foods instead of trying to impress me with something fancy or unpronounceable worked in his favor.
And the whiskey, smooth ages Texas silk, definitely helped. Hell, it was the only explanation for what happened when he dropped me off at home and walked me to my door.
“Thanks for tonight, Jase. I had a really good time.” It was more than a good time, it was probably the best time we’d had together in recent years which said a lot and I wondered if it was simply because of the flirting and innuendo or who we were to one another.
His lips spread wide, from ear to ear, as he leaned against the door frame casually as if he had nowhere pressing to be. Green eyes glittered under the yellow illumination of my motion sensor lights and then he licked his lips. He. Licked. His. Lips. “I do too, but I’m glad you did. Relieved too.”
I could see the relief all over him. It was in the way he carried his shoulders, a little less rigid and stiff now that I had said the words to him. Seeing that it mattered to him so much made me relax and gave me a boldness I reserved for things other than men and sex. But now I felt bold and brave as I crossed my arms and smiled. “Want to come in for a nightcap?”
His expression went from surprise to sultry in about three seconds. “I thought you’d never ask.” He pushed off the frame and stepped inside, giving me barely a second to get out of his way or get plowed over. Then again, maybe getting plowed over was what I wanted.
“If you say something dark and ice cold I will hurt you. I promise.”
Jase chuckled and flung an arm around my shoulder the same way he always did, only this time my heart fluttered to a stop and then started back up in double time. “I wouldn’t dream of it. I’d like something strong and hot, just like you.” He whispered the words in my ear, probably knowing the effect it would have on me, even though I tried to suppress it.
“Hot? Me? This is the first I’m hearing of this alleged hotness.” I knew what I looked like and it was more or less average. My thick brown hair was impossible to tame and my blue eyes were just…blue. I kept in shape but I’d never look as put together as Mikki or Elka. Or Penny.
“I would’ve told you sooner but I was worried you’d skin me alive, or damage the family jewels.”
“Jewels? Thinking mighty highly of yourself, Callahan.” He burst out laughing but his step never faltered as he followed me into the kitchen where I found a bottle of bourbon.
“You won’t be saying that once you’ve gotten a glimpse of the magic show.” His eyes danced with amusement and I couldn’t help but laugh even as I hoped it didn’t ruin the moment because it was most certainly a moment.
“Magic show? Now that’s just asking for a big letdown.” I smacked my lips playfully and nodded for Jase to grab the tumblers, before kicking off my shoes and stepping out onto the balcony.
He came out behind me and set the glasses down beside the big bottle with the red wax and then he took the spot right behind me, bracketing me between his arms. “It’s so peaceful out here.” His warm breath fanned my neck and I shivered.
“It’s part of what I love most about it.” That much was true though at the moment all I could do was feel, his chest pressed against my back, the way his arms brushed against my bare ones and the feel of his denim against my legs. I turned in his arms and looked up at his handsome face. “Although this is quickly coming in second.”
“Yeah?”
I nodded and smiled, feeling bold when I pressed up on my tiptoes and pressed my lips to his. The kiss was short, just a tentative pressing of lips to see if all the other kisses were anomalies. Just aberrations that meant nothing beyond a little spark of chemistry. “Yeah,” I said breathlessly.
Jase grinned again and pressed his body against mine, recapturing my mouth in a kiss that was hotter and hungrier than any kiss I’d ever participated in my whole life. His lips, smooth and firm, moved against mine with skill and intensity, his big slightly roughened hands slid up my hips and waist before they tangled in my hair with a groan. “Bo,” he moaned and slipped inside
my mouth when I sighed.
The kiss went on and on, right there on my back deck, until Jase lifted me in the air and settled both of us on my favorite lounger. “Oh!” I straddled his hips and felt just how much of an effect I was having on him and I reveled in it, adding a little grind as I took control of the kiss. I felt like I was a little bit crazy, just a hint of madness propelled me forward. It was the only reason to explain why I attacked him, no devoured him the way I had.
It was also why I needed a long cold shower in addition to a nice long session with my vibrator.
“Bo, you’re just the person I was looking for!” Janey stomped into the store like she was being chased.
I blinked away the lingering memories of Jase and that fiery kiss and turned to the whirlwind I was pretty sure was about to wreak havoc on my life. Again. “Then Bo’s General Store is the absolute right place to be.” I flashed a sarcastic smile that she shook off with a shrug.
“I need a favor.” Her big green eyes flashed in earnest and I knew I was in for trouble. “A teensy little favor.”
I let out a loud sigh and pushed away from the counter. “Lay it on me and then I’ll decide.”
“I want to use your property. Just a small patch of it but I’m not sure where yet, until you agree.” Arms folded, she grinned and shook her head. “So what do you say?”
“Why, when and for how long?” Janey had a tendency to go big when it wasn’t necessary so I learned to ask all the pertinent questions before I gave an answer.
“You may have heard of this little calendar I’m doing for the Hometown Heroes? It’s to help repair the Tulip’s Tribute, is it ringing any bells?” I nodded and she exhaled deeply. “I’m not sure when because I need to check with Jase, who I want to photograph. On your property.”
It wasn’t a big ask, not really, and I had no real reason to say no, but Janey took my silence as refusal and pressed on, always determined.
Kissing My Best Friend: A Friends to Lovers Romance Page 8
