“Thank you so much for this special treat.” Her eyes were brimming with tears. “This is amazing!”
“You’re welcome.”
They landed at the Southampton Heliport located on the western end of the Meadow Lane peninsula in thirty minutes after taking off from Manhattan.
“I can’t believe we flew here,” Jessie said once they’d landed and taken off their earphones. “I feel like one of the rich and famous traveling to one of our summer homes.”
“Glad I could oblige,” Ryan said once he’d hopped out. Given she was wearing a dress and it was quite windy out, Ryan offered his hand so Jessie could hold onto her dress and avoid becoming Marilyn Monroe.
Unfortunately, she lost her footing. But Ryan was there to catch her. His heart raced triple-time as he held her in his arms. When she looked up at him, all Ryan thought about was kissing her pink and delectable lips, but he didn’t go for it.
He’d promised himself three months ago that he was done waiting for her to come around to see that he was the man for her. One way or another, this weekend would either turn out to be a torture for him to stay away or a temptation he couldn’t deny. Regardless, in the end, he would find out where he stood with Jessie.
Four
“Uh, thank you.” Jessie’s words came out in short, ragged pants. She could hardly think with the feel of Ryan’s muscular body pressed so tightly against her own. It made her want to feel all of him. Squeezing her eyes shut, she counted to ten and then slowly disengaged herself. “I didn’t realize ‘knight in shining armor’ was on your résumé.”
She tried to make light of the sexual tension coming off Ryan in droves. Jessie was certain if she hadn’t pulled away, he would have kissed her.
“Just one of many skills I have you’re not privy to.”
“Perhaps I’ll learn more of them this weekend?” she purred.
Ryan grinned and Jessie realized she was flirting with him. Her friend. It seemed strange, yet crazy, sexy cool at the same time.
“Our ride is here.” Ryan indicated the black SUV parked nearby, its door being held open. “After you.”
Jessie moved toward the vehicle, marveling at how Ryan managed to afford all of this. She’d underestimated how successful he was. Ryan didn’t automatically brag to make himself look better, unlike Hugh, who was always quick to tell her about his latest deal and how much money he made. Jessie knew she shouldn’t compare the two men, but they were the most important people in her life other than her family.
Speaking of family, she reached inside her purse and shot off a quick text to her mother, advising she’d arrived safely. The next was to Becca, along with a picture of them in front of the helicopter with the line, “Our ride to the Hamptons.”
Becca was going to be green with envy.
“Everything okay?” Ryan asked from his side in the SUV.
“Oh, yes.” Jessie put her phone away. “I was letting everyone know we arrived. My mother isn’t too happy with me.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m not spending the holiday weekend with them.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I should have realized. I know you don’t get to go home often when you work so hard.”
“Do you?”
“Oh, I do,” Ryan chuckled. “But probably not nearly as much as I should. There’s something about sleeping in your old room with all your teenage posters that feels kind of wrong.”
“Your parents haven’t changed it?”
He laughed. “No, and I’ve no idea why. Maybe Mom thinks if she keeps them long enough, my brothers and I will revert back to children.”
“I miss your mom,” Jessie said. Marilyn Hathaway was an amazing woman. Jessie had always looked up to her because, not only was she a principal, but a mother of three boys. Mrs. Hathaway made the “being a working mother thing” look easy and had convinced Jessie that one day she, too, could have it all.
“You know you can call her or stop by anytime. Mom has an open-door policy.”
“Thank you. I might have to do that.”
“Here we are,” Ryan said as the SUV drove up a cul-de-sac to the wide gravel driveway of a big, classic, shingle-sided home with a large wraparound front porch. Several cars were already parked on the drive, she noticed as Ryan exited first and helped her out.
Seconds later, the grand front door opened almost instantaneously and a tall man with dark hair and a wide smile, wearing board shorts and a Columbia University T-shirt, wrapped Ryan in a big hug. Jessie remembered Adam; he’d been Ryan’s roommate in college. But given they’d been at separate universities, her and Adam’s paths hadn’t crossed much. Jessie regretted that. “It’s good to see you, man,” Adam said to Ryan.
“You, too,” Ryan returned. “You remember Jessie.”
Adam walked toward her with open arms and gathered her in a hug. “Jessie, it’s good to see you again. Glad you could make it to my humble abode.”
“Welcome!” said a gorgeous brunette as she bounced down the steps to join them. She had to be nearly six feet, matching Adam in height, and was wearing a bikini top and cut-off jean shorts. She had long, flowing, dark brown hair that Jessie would kill for. “Name’s Tia.”
Jessie accepted her hand for a shake. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“Let’s show our guests where they’ll be staying, honey.” She looked at Adam. “Then a refreshment after traveling.”
“I would love a drink,” Ryan stated, but Jessie wasn’t so sure. Something told her she was going to need to stay on her toes.
* * *
“There’s only one bedroom?” Jessie asked.
After the McKinleys had given them a tour of the house with its double-height foyer, dark polished-wood floors, white interior with moldings, bright, open floor plan with views of the beach, and a chef’s kitchen, they’d led them up the grand staircase to a palatial guest suite with a coffered ceiling. The king-size bed was turquoise and white with starfish and a white shag rag.
“Yes, I’m sorry.” Tia shrugged. “I assumed when Ryan said he was bringing a friend that you were ‘together.’”
She saw Ryan glare at Adam. “Adam, a word outside.”
“I hope this won’t be a problem.” Tia glanced at her husband’s retreating figure and then at Jessie. “I mean...if you guys are platonic, I’m sure Ryan won’t mind sleeping on the couch.”
“We’re friends,” Jessie responded.
“Really?” Tia raised a brow. At Jessie’s nod, she amended, “Why can’t you share a bed?”
Because Jessie was having a hard time keeping her hands to herself. How was she supposed to do that if the object of her affection was lying a few inches away?
* * *
“Adam!” Ryan yelled as he followed his friend downstairs to the kitchen where Adam was headed for a slew of alcoholic beverages on the counter.
“What would you like?” Adam asked, ignoring Ryan’s foul mood. “I’ve got vodka, rum, tequila and a darn good brandy I got from my dad last Christmas after I secured a big deal at the company.”
“Are you going to ignore the elephant in the room?” Ryan knew his friend wasn’t dense. “You knew Jessie and I would need two rooms. Yet you deliberately put us in one.”
Adam pointed his index finger at Ryan. “Don’t look at me like that. I didn’t do it on purpose. Tia wanted to invite another couple, so I figured since the two of you are—” he used his fingers to make quotation marks “—just friends, there really wouldn’t be an issue. You told me you were done.”
Ryan turned to make sure no one was listening and moved closer. “I am, but I don’t need the added temptation of sharing a bed with her.”
“And I’m sorry,” Adam said with a devilish grin, “but all the rooms in the inn are full, my friend. You’re just going to have to suck it up.”
Ryan punched a
fist into his hand and moved toward Adam.
Adam backed away. “Hey, look at it this way. I’m helping your cause. The close quarters will help you determine if you really are done with Jessie as you claim.”
Ryan would have preferred not to chance his luck, but he was out of options. “Fix me a brandy, will you? I think I’m in for a bumpy weekend.”
Ryan stayed downstairs drinking with Adam for half an hour until he thought it was safe to go upstairs.
When he did, he found Jessie in the bathroom with the door closed. Her weekend bag had been unpacked and was tucked away in a corner while the king-size bed loomed in the middle of the room.
He sipped his drink. He didn’t know how he was going to sleep next to Jessie for the next three nights without kissing her, touching her, making love to her. The almost kiss a few months ago and that moment by the helicopter had cracked something open in him. On the one hand, he wanted to explore what they could have. On the other, he knew, like Adam said, he was playing with fire. Downstairs, Adam told him he and Tia had invited a few other singles to their dinner at a local restaurant. Perhaps he should keep his options open and not be too quick to leap into something with Jessie when she’d only given him some knowing glances and looks, but she hadn’t exactly stuck her tongue down his mouth to show him she wanted him.
The bathroom door opened and Jessie emerged in the itsy bittiest shorts he’d ever seen and a halter top revealing a smooth expanse of shoulder and a deep V that revealed the swell of her small but round breasts.
Ryan swallowed. “What are you wearing?”
Jessie smiled and Ryan felt his groin swell. “It’s hot out and I wanted to get comfortable. Dinner isn’t for another few hours.” She came toward him, took the tumbler out of his hand, placed it to her generous mouth and took a sip.
“Strong.” She handed it back to him. “I think I need something sweet and fruity.”
What Ryan saw in front of him could certain qualify as both. And if he had his wish, he’d be indulging all weekend.
“Are you coming?”
Ryan blinked and realized Jessie was standing in the doorway. “No, you go ahead. I’ll change, as well.”
“All right. I’ll see you downstairs.”
Ryan breathed a sigh of relief when the door closed. He sat on the accent chair on the opposite side of the room and inhaled deeply. He had to calm himself, because if he didn’t, he’d be hauling Jessie back into the bedroom.
* * *
Jessie was thankful for a few moments to herself while Ryan stayed in the guest room. When he’d been downstairs, she’d taken a moment to gather herself. She’d talked herself off the ledge about sharing a bedroom with Ryan. Like Tia said, they were two adults. Surely they could platonically share a bed together for a few days.
But then Ryan had come into the room and the way his eyes raked hers, Jessie was starting to believe she might be in trouble.
“Jessie, come on over.” Adam caught sight of her in the foyer. “Have a drink.”
Smiling, she walked over to join him and his wife at the bar and slid onto a bar stool. Tia was busy putting out chips and salsa on the countertop.
“What can I get you?” Adam inquired.
Jessie motioned to the pitcher of red liquid with fruit. “Is that sangria?”
“It’s my specialty,” Tia answered. “Would you like some?”
“Would love some,” Jessie replied. “This place is great.” She spun around and looked over the expansive living room with its wood-burning fireplace. She also liked that she could see the hexagon-shaped breakfast room and high-backed chairs that went with the wood table. The kitchen was spectacular, complete with stainless-steel appliances.
“Thank you,” Adam said. “Here’s your sangria.” He handed her a glass and then raised his beer to tip against her glass. “¡Salud!”
“¡Salud!”
The doorbell rang and Adam went to answer it. Another couple came in, waving as Ryan rambled down the stairs. While Adam helped them with their bags, Ryan waved Jessie over to meet them.
“Jessie...” Ryan slid his arm around Jessie’s shoulders. It was a casual but somewhat proprietary gesture. “I’d like you to meet my good friends, Mike and Corinne.”
The couple complemented each other with their pale skin and dark hair. Corinne was tall and willowy with striking gray-blue eyes. Mike had a slim, athletic frame, a bald head and brown eyes. Husband and wife were both casually dressed in shorts and T-shirts for the weekend.
“Great to meet you both,” Jessie said.
“I’ll show you your room,” Adam chimed in. “Follow me.” He led them up the stairs.
“What are you drinking?” Ryan asked.
“Homemade sangria.” Jessie licked her lips and found Ryan watching the movement. She quickly stepped out of his embrace, toward the kitchen where Tia had set out some fruit and cheese. Jessie reached for a cube of cheddar cheese, desperate to do something to escape the sexual tension in the air.
“Great spread,” Ryan commented to Tia, who was busy arranging hummus and veggies on a platter.
“Why, thank you.” Tia smiled. “I love to entertain, but this will tide you over until dinner. Adam made reservations at his favorite spot in town.”
Eventually Adam, Mike and Corinne joined them downstairs, and they all drank and nibbled on the munchies Tia had laid out.
“It’s great to finally meet the infamous Jessie,” Mike commented as they stood around in the kitchen. “Ryan has talked about you often, but were beginning to think you were a figment of his imagination.”
The entire group laughed, but Ryan didn’t appear as amused as the rest of his friends. “Oh, I’m very much real,” Jessie replied. “But I admit I’ve been a bit busy trying to get my law career off the ground that I’ve taken this one—” she motioned to Ryan at her side “—for granted. But not anymore.” She winked at him.
And she hoped he knew she meant it. Jessie had recognized that she’d turned her back on her oldest friend, who been there when she’d scraped her knee or fallen off her bike. Or when she’d cried when her parents had made her get braces, even though Ryan had soon been sporting a set, as well. He’d always been by her side and this weekend it was her turn.
“To friendship!” Adam held up his beer bottle and everyone raised their glasses.
Jessie glanced up to find Ryan’s eyes on her and, once again, her insides clenched. She bit down on her lip and forced herself to remain calm. Surely she could handle a few hours in his company at dinner, in a public place surrounded by his friends? Resolution filled her. By the end of the evening, she would have tamped down on her desire for Ryan, otherwise they wouldn’t be able to share a bed together.
* * *
The trendy seafood restaurant they went to later that evening was great and so was the company. Their group of eight consisted of two couples—Adam and Tia, Mike and Corinne—and four singles—Ryan, Jessie, Dean and Lauren. Dean and Lauren had arrived shortly before they’d left the house. They were both blond and blue-eyed—Jessie could see why Tia and Adam were trying to hook the two of them up.
The food was passed family-style across the table and the wine flowed freely. Over dinner, Jessie discovered they’d gone to Columbia with Ryan, which was how they all knew each other. Despite her going to NYU, they didn’t make Jessie feel like the odd woman out. She couldn’t remember a time when she was so relaxed and at ease, but she supposed she’d always felt that way in Ryan’s presence. He had a natural way about him that was reassuring.
Corinne commented on how Jessie and Ryan suited each other. “You say you’re just friends, but you guys finish each other’s sentences and you know what food the other likes.”
Ryan hadn’t even bothered passing the peel-and-eat shrimp appetizer to Jessie because he knew Jessie didn’t care for shrimp, though she’d killed her k
ing crab entrée. And when Tia had given Ryan the sautéed Brussel sprouts with bacon, Jessie commented on how he hated the vegetable.
“They’re like an old married couple,” Mike said from Corinne’s side.
“Was that supposed to be a put-down?” Ryan asked with a laugh, placing his arm along the back of Jessie’s chair, which she seemingly didn’t mind. “I think there’s something to be said for knowing another person, better than they maybe even know themselves.”
Jessie turned to look at Ryan, but she couldn’t read his expression. She glanced around the table and the others were exchanging knowing glances. Did they know something she didn’t? She felt exposed.
“So how did your job interview go with Black Crescent?” Dean suddenly inquired of Ryan.
Jessie rolled her eyes upward. She was thankful that Dean changed the topic—she’d wanted to be off the hot seat—but didn’t like the new focus of conversation.
“I’m surprised you want to man that damaged ship,” Mike said. “I mean didn’t the original owner, Vernon Somebody, run off with everyone in town’s money?”
“Yeah, Vernon Lowell pretty much bankrupted the entire town,” Dean replied. “What gives? Why would you want any part of it?”
Ryan looked at Jessie. Was her face burning because she could feel herself becoming flushed? He had to know she hated to talk about this. “Because I can change everyone’s perception.”
“If anyone can, it’s Ryan,” Adam said from across the table.
Jessie sensed Adam was trying to help by boosting Ryan’s ego, but she didn’t care. Vernon Lowell’s machinations had left her family penniless and they were discussing it over dessert as if it meant nothing. Unsure how much more she could take, Jessie fidgeted in her chair, eager to move on to another topic.
Insatiable Hunger (Dynasties: Seven Sins Book 3) Page 4
