Make That Man Mine

by Shelley Munro

  “George wants you to help me with my case.”

  Emma jumped to her feet and pumped her fist in the air. “Yes!” She did an impromptu jig before noticing his gaze on her bouncing breasts. Emma froze then dropped into her chair, striving to keep embarrassment from crawling across her face. She must work on maintaining her cool.

  “Don’t get too excited,” Jack growled. “You’re along on a trial basis only. You help out with the grunt work. Do what I say, when I say with no questions asked. Is that clear?”

  “No problem,” Emma said, restraining a celebratory grin and the need to give him a cheeky salute. Hot damn. She was going to be a private dick. “What’s the case?”

  “We’re investigating at the Mahoney Resort over on Waiheke Island. We think there’s a drug ring running out of the resort. Sports-enhancing drugs.”

  “Sounds great. Are we going for the day? When are we going?” Emma wanted to jump and dance around the room in celebration. She was finding it difficult to sit still. Her first case and closer contact with Jack all in one hit. Life couldn’t get much better than this.

  Jack scowled, a fierce frown, no doubt in an attempt to burst her bubble of enthusiasm. “We’re going for a week. You’ll need to pack tonight since we leave for Waiheke tomorrow. Here’s the file. Read through it carefully and let me know if you have any questions.”

  Emma nodded eagerly and accepted the file. Their hands brushed during the transfer and a frisson of pleasure zapped down her arm. Surprised, she jerked away, almost dropping the file in her haste. “I’ll read it,” she promised, trying to ignore the way her stomach swooped and plunged like a jumper on a bungee cord. She hurried into speech. “What time do we leave?”

  “The ferry leaves at ten tomorrow morning. I’ll pick you up from home at nine thirty.”

  “I live at—”

  “I know where you live. Don’t be late.”

  Chapter Two

  Excitement heated her cheeks and danced through her stomach like a swarm of giddy butterflies as they joined the queue to board the ferry to Mahoney’s island resort. It was happening. She was actually taking part in an investigation. Emma shuffled from foot to foot, picking up her bag then putting it back down while she tried to take in everything and quell her impatience to get started. She glanced at Jack. Calm. Uninterested even. How could he act so unaffected when everyone else was so excited?

  Loud, animated chatter filled the covered walkway where they waited to board. A hostess dressed in black shorts and a tight pale blue T-shirt emblazoned with the word Mahoney’s in navy blue over her left breast, checked people off on her list then allowed them to board. Couples of all ages and sizes lined up, shuffling hand luggage and making friends with the strangers in the queue.

  No one talked to them.

  Not that Emma could blame them. Jack could look scary to the uninitiated with his unruly dark hair and the serpent tattoo that wound around his left biceps.

  Of course there were some who saw past the tough-guy disguise. Emma knew that he gave up his time to help out at a local foster home. She knew there was gentleness beneath the grumpy outer exterior. But he kept it well hidden.

  Deep in thought, she leapt in fright when a masculine arm curved around her waist.

  “You’re gonna have to cure the jumpiness around me. We’re meant to be lovers.”

  Emma’s gaze shot up to meet dark chocolate brown eyes. Sinful eyes, she thought with an inward sigh. Those eyes could certainly lead her into sin.

  Anytime.

  “Sure, honey,” Emma said, miffed for almost giving them away. Yet she was angry with Jack too because she thought he was doing his best to show her up. He’d certainly tried hard enough to talk her out of the assignment. Emma wanted to glare but it wasn’t loverlike. Most of all she wanted to needle him. Yes, she felt like poking the man with a sharp stick to see if she could rattle him.

  “How long before we get to our room?” she cooed, fluttering her lashes at him. “I need your cock inside me.” Part of Emma was shocked at her words, but the couple standing in front of them grinned at her in sympathy.

  “Have you seen the contents of those goody bags the hostess is giving out?” the young woman said. A theatrical shiver jiggled her pert, braless breasts.

  “No, what?” Emma asked, her fertile imagination creating all sorts of pictures. Handcuffs? Powerful aphrodisiacs? Torturous sex toys?

  The woman leaned closer to whisper, “A pair of edible undies.”

  “Both his and hers,” her partner added with a grin.

  “No!” Emma breathed. Good grief. It would probably be like trying to choke down pills. She’d gag and throw up all over the man’s groin. All over Jack’s groin. “I hope they’re chocolate,” Emma said, waggling her brows.

  “Oh, you’re terrible,” the woman said with a giggle.

  So terrible that Jack’s arm tightened around her in silent warning, his fingers digging into the sensitive flesh at her waist. Emma smothered a grin. Perhaps if she kept needling him, she’d forget her nervousness.

  “I’m looking forward to this week,” Emma confided to the young woman. “My honey works so hard. He’s exhausted when he gets home and most nights just falls asleep.” Emma peeked through lowered lashes to gauge Jack’s reaction. Her stomach flipped anxiously when she noticed the tic in his shadowed jaw. He looked as though he might burst while the arm around her waist tensed until it felt like a shackle. But not enough to make her stop goading him. “Too tired for good sex, if you know what I mean.”

  A low growl vibrated through his chest. Emma stilled and the hair on her forearms stood to attention. Slowly her gaze rose from his broad chest and traveled up his neck, across his rigid jaw and collided with eyes the color of onyx.

  “We intend to make up for that, don’t we, sweetheart?” His flashing eyes promised retribution when they were alone. “Can’t have you saying I can’t get it up often enough to keep you satisfied. Wouldn’t want you to wander to greener pastures.”

  Oops. Perhaps she’d pushed a little hard.

  The line moved and Emma nudged her bag forward with her foot. She was very conscious of Jack standing close behind.

  “Hello. Names, please,” the hostess said.

  “Jack Sullivan and Emma Montrose.” Jack stepped up beside her, taking control and smiling at the hostess.

  “Ah yes. Here we go. Here are your goody bags.” The hostess handed one bag to each of them. “Your room assignment and everything you need to know about the resort is in there along with a few surprises.”

  “Thanks,” Emma murmured, accepting the bag. Her hand shook. It was like stepping over an invisible line. A gateway into sin. She glanced at Jack to find him watching her with the inscrutable expression that gave nothing away. Emma’s mouth firmed with determination and her chin shot up into the air. She could do this. She would do this despite Jack’s silent censure. She intended to complete this assignment to the best of her ability. And if she managed to make Jack notice her as a female, a hot sexual being, then so much the better.

  * * * * *

  The woman was going to drive him to drink. In her short red shorts and her figure-hugging shirt, she was a menace to clear thinking. Jack glared at her back as she sashayed down the gangplank to board the ferry. His gaze drifted down to her curvy butt, encased in the tight shorts. With the enhanced hearing all taniwhas had, he could hear the rapid beat of her heart. She wanted him. Suddenly, he had a hard-on to beat all. Deep inside his mind, the serpent clawed for release.

  Sweat beaded on his forehead. His head started to swim in an alarming manner. Hell, he couldn’t shift here. Not now in front of all these people. The demand of the serpent pounded him until he trembled with the desire to change to taniwha form or to fuck a woman. Any woman. In the serpent’s mind, these were the only two alternatives.

  Jack knew better.

  Desperation made his fists bunch and his chest heave as he tried to force oxygen into starved lungs. Concentra
te. Focus on something else. Block.

  In his mind, he pictured his cat—the scrawny stray that should have known better than to seek refuge with a taniwha who wasn’t a vegetarian. The cat had kept coming round anyway. Though damned if he knew when the arrogant black tom had become his cat. Jack snorted under his breath, cursing the taniwha that struggled for dominance. He concentrated hard, forcing his mind to change track. The cat had probably won him over about the time he’d presented Jack with a huge eel in the middle of the night. A gift of the highest magnitude. That had been the defining moment. Jack focused on the scruffy black cat he’d pictured, fighting the serpent that writhed through his body. The serpent roared in displeasure, the sound echoing through his mind. He ached to feel the cool waters of the harbor. Or the explosive release of sex.

  You can’t damn well have sex, Jack shouted silently. Behave, dammit. Shit, no wonder he had a headache.

  “Are you all right?” A slender hand with pale pink nails touched his forearm. Jack started, his nostrils flaring as her clean floral scent washed over him. The serpent fought briefly then retreated with a snarl.

  “I’m fine. Thinking about the case.” Jack didn’t relax an iota. How could he when he was reminded of innocence every time he set eyes on Emma’s voluptuous body? The scent of lavender and roses backed the innocence up along with the baby pink nail polish she’d painted on her finger and toenails. His gaze drifted up to meet her eyes.

  Whoa, baby. No way was her avid gaze innocent. She puckered her pink lips then her tongue slid out to moisten the plump curves of her mouth. The serpent roared approval, and his cock stirred again with definite interest. Well, hell!

  Emma’s intriguing mix of innocence and pure sex appeal knocked all confidence in his ability to remain detached. This assignment could be the death of him. And the serpent wasn’t about to let him forget her willingness. Perhaps he should have brought the damn cat with him because he was going to be thinking about the furry creature a lot.

  Jack drew Emma up to the bow of the boat. It was crowded at the moment, but when they pulled out of the sheltered harbor and into the Gulf, the cool sea air and brisk wind would send the passengers scurrying for the warmth of the lounge and bar area. He edged her toward the railing and caged her in place with his arms.

  Emma jumped like a nervous schoolgirl.

  “Quit that,” he muttered, speaking close to her ear. “Remember you’re playing the part of my partner.”

  “I hate that word,” Emma muttered, looking over her shoulder at him. “What does that mean? When someone refers to their partner.”

  He crowded her from behind, gritting his teeth as his cock brushed her ass. “Would you prefer lover?” He felt her shiver and satisfaction filled him as she tried to edge away. “Take care. We don’t want people to think we’re arguing.”

  The number of passengers boarding slowed to a trickle then stopped. Finally the deckhands released the moorings and the ferry slipped from the berth. Excited chatter filled the deck area where they stood. Jack scanned faces and bodies. Despite the breeze, most of the women were dressed in a similar manner to Emma—shorts and skimpy T-shirts or thin cotton shirts. Shouldn’t be long before they beat a retreat inside out of the wind.

  “I thought the weather forecast said fine and sunny.” Emma tried to move. “Can we go inside? It’s cold.”

  “I want to discuss the case before we arrive. Work out a plan of attack.” Jack pulled her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her. The taniwha stirred, sighing in pleasure. Jack ruthlessly erected a barrier in his mind, forcing the beast back. Then Jack sighed too pushing away the hum of pleasure as her scent filled his senses. No doubt about it. Emma fit his arms perfectly.

  “Okay, so talk.”

  “Ground rules. This is a job, and that’s all. Don’t get any romantic ideas just because we’re posing as a couple. I’m not interested in anything but getting the job done.” Emma froze in his arms, and he wished he could see her face. Instead, she stared directly ahead at the dormant volcanic island of Rangitoto.

  “Of course, I understand.” Her voice was clear but stiff.

  “Good.” Jack should have experienced relief, but instead he felt like a jerk. However, he’d achieved what he’d set out to do. She wouldn’t suffer from a single romantic illusion about them becoming a real couple.

  * * * * *

  An hour later the hostess led them from the resort reception area to their room. She pushed the door open and stood back to let them enter.

  “There’s only one bed,” Emma blurted.

  The hostess stared at her in bemusement, making Emma realize she’d stumbled at the first hurdle. Of course they’d be expected to share a bed. This was a week for couples and sex. After all, her mind dwelt on sex.

  “He snores dreadfully,” she muttered to the hostess, taking petty revenge for the hurt he’d inflicted on her earlier. Just a job. No romantic ideas, she mocked silently as she detoured around the bags the porter had deposited in the middle of the floor. She didn’t have any romantic ideas. All she wanted was sex. “I suppose I can always pull out the earplugs as a last resort.”

  “I do not—”

  Emma stepped up close to Jack and gave in to the temptation to run her fingers through his hair. The dark locks slithered through her fingers like a piece of fine silk. The strands felt as soft as they looked. “Of course you do, but that’s part of your charm. Too many good points and I’d get bored. I mean you’re good at sex. Very good. Great stamina. What more could I ask of a lover?”

  Jack made a choking sound deep in his throat as she trailed a hand across his broad chest. Her fingers tingled while her pulse leapt at her daring.

  “Can I help you with anything before I leave?” the hostess asked, amusement coloring her voice. “Remember, the welcome party starts promptly at midday. We would like you to make an appearance for a short time so we can outline the activities for the week. After that you’re free for the rest of the afternoon to partake in all the facilities we have here at the resort. We want you to be rested for our gala dinner tonight.”

  “Thanks,” Emma murmured, carrying on with her exploration while she had Jack captive and within touching distance. “We have everything we need.”

  The door swung shut with a soft click.

  “That’s enough,” Jack growled. “She’s gone now.”

  Emma drew a sharp breath, gathering up her courage. “You need to kiss me.”

  “What?”

  Was that panic she saw in his dark eyes? “We’re meant to be a couple,” she explained, starting to enjoy herself. “We’ll have to kiss at some stage to make sure we look the part. I think we should practice. We don’t want to give ourselves away.” Her heart thundered loudly and blood heated every inch of skin on her body. She was hyperaware of his strength and masculinity.

  Jack glanced at her mouth and immediately her lips tingled as though he’d touched them. His chest rose as he sucked in an audible breath. Yep, she’d definitely put the fear of God into him. His mouth worked but no words came out, and then before she could take another breath, he grabbed her. Their lips smashed together and parted just as quickly. Jack jerked away from her and they stared at each other, both breathing hard.

  “That was not a kiss,” Emma said, breaking the pregnant silence. Frustration washed through her, leaving her feeling totally cheated. The mission she’d set for herself was going to be trickier than she’d first envisaged.

  Jack scowled. Emma supposed he meant to frighten her like he scared everyone else he came into contact with. It wouldn’t work. She was on to him. “Come here. I want to show you how we should kiss in public.”

  When he didn’t move, she closed the distance between them. She placed her hands on his shoulders. They were tense. Like touching blocks of cold rock except for the dragon tattoo. For some reason that was hot. “You’re very cold.”

  “Get it over with.” Jack’s eyes flashed with enough temper that she knew not to
push him any longer.

  She stood on tiptoes and gingerly pressed her lips against his. He didn’t move but he didn’t cooperate either. Time to move this experiment along. Emma opened her mouth and brushed her tongue across the seam of his mouth. A groan rumbled deep in his chest. Oh yeah! Score one for the home team. Working on pure instinct, Emma moved her lips persuasively against his. She nibbled his bottom lip then soothed the nips she’d inflicted on him with a swathe of her tongue. Jack’s arms came around her without warning, tugging her off-balance so his muscular chest flattened her breasts. He tipped her head back and moved his lips over hers with an expertise that made her toes curl. She gasped, taking in his masculine taste, a hint of mint and the tang of the sea. He tasted so good—better than she’d ever imagined. Then his tongue slid inside her mouth and she was addicted. Her breasts peaked against her bra as their tongues slid together in a sensuous dance. Jack pressed her closer and, to her delight, she found he was interested. A hard-on. With a subtle twitch of her hips, Emma pressed against his sizeable erection. Her eyes fluttered shut to savor both the sensation and her triumph. Emma Montrose had turned on big, bad Jack Sullivan.

  Jack pulled away as abruptly as he’d grabbed her. They stared at each other for a long drawn-out moment. Emma’s tongue snaked out to lick her lips and his dark eyes followed the movement. Game, set and match, bad boy.

  “Right.” He straightened and took a giant step away from her. “We’ve established we can manage a kiss without looking as though we’ve never done it before.” He glared at her, obviously in an attempt to regain control. Emma wasn’t about to let her advantage go, no matter how much he glowered. His body was interested in sex. Sex with her. All she needed to do was push harder until he crumpled. Doubt flittered briefly through her mind. Could she act with sexual aggression? She quashed the negative thought. Nah, men were easy. And damned if she would turn twenty-six without knowing sexual pleasure with Jack.