All at once he wrapped her in a tight embrace.
“I really, really want to kill those assholes.”
****
“So, Chloe told me about her crazy plan.”
The BBQ tongs in Jason’s hand clattered onto the grill. “What?” His voice cracked. “Ouch. Dammit.” The metal burned his fingers as he picked them up again. “She told you?”
“Yes. And I have to say I’m a bit peeved you agreed to help her.” Danny took a sip of beer.
Peeved? A fairly mild reaction. He’d expected Danny to want to take his head off. At the very least. He flipped the brat. “Look, don’t worry, I’m not really going to—”
“I just wish she would have asked me first. Or that you would have told me about it. I mean, I am her big brother. It’s kind of my job to look out for her.”
Jason couldn’t disagree. However, he was still shocked Chloe had told Danny. Did that mean she was having second thoughts or had decided not to go through with it? What had changed her mind? Had Danny been able to talk some sense into her?
He ruthlessly ignored the tiny, inappropriate stab of disappointment that pricked at him.
“Don’t get me wrong, I guess if it wasn’t me, I’m glad she asked you rather than someone else. But I just wish she had asked me to do it.”
“What?” Jason whirled so fast the burger he’d been in the process of flipping skidded off the grill onto the patio. “Shit.”
Danny raised an eyebrow. “Having trouble with the grill today? Want me to take over?”
“No. What do you mean you wanted to be the one to…help…Chloe?”
“Why do you sound so surprised? Like I said, it just seems like something a big brother should do.” Danny picked up the burger and tossed it in the trash.
In what kind of sick world? “Really?”
“Sure. You don’t have a sister, so I guess you wouldn’t understand.”
“I don’t think not having a sister has anything to do with it. Social norms more like it.”
Danny’s brow furrowed. “What?”
“How exactly were you going to help her with her plan?”
“I would have wanted to be there. To make sure she didn’t get taken advantage of.”
“Be there? Like in the next room?”
“No. Right there beside her.”
Jason choked. Sure some people were voyeurs and liked to watch, but their own sisters? That was just…sick. How the hell had he never known this about Danny? He’d known him for almost his entire life.
“Oh well, maybe next time if she gets another one.”
Wait. Another one? “Exactly what are we talking about here?”
Danny frowned. “Chloe’s tattoo.”
“Her tattoo. Right.”
“What did you think we were talking about?”
Jason waved the tongs. “Nothing. Never mind.”
Chapter Six
“Are you really sure you want to do this?”
Jason walked around the hood of the truck and opened her door before replying. “Sure. Why not?” He held out his hand to help her down.
The old-fashioned chivalrous gesture made her heart go all gushy. “I’m sure you can think of a million things you’d rather be doing than going to a garden party.”
He shrugged. “I wanted to see the results of your labor. I know your work means a lot to you.”
She looked over and had to swallow a rush of emotion before answering. “It does. Thank you for coming.”
He squeezed the hand he still held. “You’re welcome.”
They made their way up the driveway and along the limestone path curving around the side of the house to the backyard. When they rounded the corner, Jason stopped. “Wow.” His gaze swept the area. “You designed all of this?”
“Yep.”
“It’s amazing, Chloe.”
A blush of pride swept through her. “It turned out pretty nice.”
“Pretty nice?” His brow rose over the edge of his sunglasses. “It’s more than nice. It’s spectacular.”
“I—”
“Chloe. There you are.” Nancy Reynolds headed toward them. She walked briskly despite the fitted black tank dress she wore. Her spiked heels tapped on the pavers of the patio. “I’m so glad you could come.” She turned to Jason. “This must be your boyfriend.”
“Oh, no, he’s just—”
“Jason Williams.” Jason cut her off and held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The silver bangles on Nancy’s arm jingled as she placed hers in his. “I’m Nancy Reynolds. Thank you so much for coming.” She nodded out over the yard. “Chloe did a magnificent job, didn’t she?”
Jason put his arm around Chloe’s shoulders. “I was just telling her how amazing it is.”
“Well, why don’t you two get yourselves something to drink, and then Chloe can give you the tour.” She walked away to greet another guest.
Chloe turned to Jason. “Why did you let her think you were my boyfriend?” She ignored the tiny thrill inside her. What if things were different between them? What would it feel like to be Jason’s real girlfriend? Not just the girl he’d promised to sleep with?
She shook her head to clear both tantalizing notions out of her brain.
“Were you really going to explain the whole bucket list thing?”
“Of course not. I was just going to say you were a friend.”
“It’s just easier to let her think what she wants.” He brushed a kiss across her cheek. “Come on, let’s grab something to eat.”
At the buffet table set up along one side of the patio, they filled pates with finger foods: cucumber sandwiches, fresh fruit, bruschetta.
“Why don’t you grab us a table,” Jason said. “I’ll get us a couple of drinks from the bar.
“Okay. I’ll have a—”
“—margarita.” He grinned. “I know what you like.”
She’d bet damn good money he’d also know exactly what she’d like in bed. Which was perfect since she didn’t know herself. If only she could get him there. He sure was taking his own sweet time about it. As always, the half niggle of doubt squeezed in on her, like weeds crowding out the good plants. What if he changed his mind?
No, he wouldn’t. He had way too much time invested in her plan to back out now. Plenty of build-up going on. And he was here now. No matter what he said, a garden party wasn’t on any guy’s top ten list of places to be. Certainly he expected something in exchange. Maybe tonight was the night?
Her toes curled as delicious fantasies flitted through her brain.
“Oh my God, Chloe.” Kelly slipped into the chair next to her. “Your boyfriend is hot.”
Following Jason’s lead, she didn’t correct the assumption. He was right. Let people believe what they wanted. It was far easier than explaining. Besides, she liked the tiny thrill that raced through her when those two words were used in conjunction. Jason. Boyfriend.
Nor did she comment, although she concurred, with her assistant’s description. So she just smiled and let her gaze wander to where he stood waiting for their drinks at the bar. Used to seeing him in jeans and casual shirts, his somewhat more formal attire tonight tightened the hitch in her stomach.
Tan slacks encased his long legs. His white shirt was unbuttoned at the collar and worn without a tie. A darker tan blazer of light-weight fabric completed the outfit. Even though ten to one he’d never once in his life attended a garden party, he fit in with the rest of the guests and looked completely at ease with his surroundings.
And he’d come here for her. The fluttery sensation in her stomach moved to her heart. It swelled inside her chest, until it pressed against her ribs. Not in a bad way. In a way that made her feel complete. Right.
As if sensing the weight of her stare, he glanced over and winked. “It was nice of Nancy to invite us.”
Chloe dragged her attention back to Kelly. “Yes, it was.”
“Did you have to bribe Jason
to come?”
“What?”
“Brady wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like this. It’s definitely not his type of thing.”
Chloe shrugged. “Jason said he wanted to come and see what I’ve been working on.”
Kelly sighed. “Well then he’s a keeper. Don’t let him get away.” She looked around. “Speaking of getting away, I’m going to take off, if you don’t mind.”
“No problem. I’ll see you Monday.”
“Did I scare your assistant away?” Jason asked as he set a margarita in front of her.
Chloe dipped her finger into the frozen drink and licked the tart, lemony taste before answering. “No. She was just ready to take off.” She slid her sunglasses onto her head. “Speaking of, whenever you’re ready is fine. I know you probably don’t want to stick around.”
He frowned. “I told you before, I don’t mind being here.”
She lifted a skeptical eyebrow. “Really?”
He shrugged. “I like spending time with you. It doesn’t matter where we are.”
Once again, a squishy, mushy, melting sensation made goo out of her insides. She ignored it. “That’s all well and good, but let’s not lose sight of the reason we’re spending time together.” The reminder was as much for her gooey heart as it was for him.
His lips quirked. “How can I forget when you nag me about it all the time?”
She set her glass down with a thunk. “I don’t nag.”
He chuckled and ran the tip of his finger down her nose. “Have I ever told you how cute you are when you get all indignant?”
She rolled her eyes. “Just imagine how cute I’d be naked. In your bed. Or mine.”
His blue eyes darkened to midnight. He set his water down without taking a sip and leaned closer. “Oh, Chloe, I have imagined that. Way more often than I should.”
He imagined her naked? The idea combined with his husky whisper sent a shiver over her. Through her. She squirmed in the seat.
She stroked a finger down his arm. Beneath the soft cotton, the muscles twitched. “How about we make our excuses and get out of here? We’ll see if the real me lives up to your imagination.” Despite the sultry teasing, her nerves jumped. Could she? When they were naked—she gulped—together, would reality match up to his fantasies? What if he was disappointed?
He shook his head. “Not tonight.”
A tinge of anger replaced the uneasy combination of nerves and arousal flooding her body. “Why not?”
“I have to get up early in the morning.”
She sat back and crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s Friday night, you don’t have to work tomorrow.”
“I’m running a 5K for a school fitness program. Race starts at eight a.m.” He held up his water. “I’m not over-indulging in anything tonight.”
“Hmph. You always have an excuse. We had a verbal agreement, Jason Williams. If you back out I’ll sue you for breach of contract.”
Amusement danced in the depths of his eyes. “Good thing my personal liability insurance is up to date.”
“I’m serious.”
“Oh, I believe you. Know what else I believe?”
“What?”
He leaned closer. The idle hum of background conversation faded. “‘I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last for three days.’”
The pad of his thumb brushed her protruding lower lip.
And just like that her flighty emotions shifted again. Angry frustration morphed into the frustration of want. Need. The powerful urge to be one with this man. For three days. For one great night. Maybe forever.
Whoa. Forever? Time to get this party back on track. “Bull Durham,” she managed.
“Well done.” He winked.
“Maybe we should get—”
“Chloe,” Nancy Reynolds interrupted. “I want to introduce you to my neighbor, Colleen. She’s interested in having some work done on her yard.”
Chloe forced her attention away from Jason and tried to ignore the heat tingling in her limbs. She rose and held out her hand. “Hello, Colleen, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You as well. Nancy can’t stop gushing about how fabulous her place looks, and being here now I can see she wasn’t exaggerating in the least.”
The compliment produced a rush of satisfied pleasure. “Thank you.”
“Do you have a card with you? I’d love to be able to get an estimate.”
“Sure.” Chloe fished a card from her small clutch purse and handed it to Colleen. “We can definitely set something up.”
“I’m sorry.” Nancy turned to Jason. “We didn’t mean to interrupt. Colleen, this is Chloe’s boyfriend, Jason.”
He rose and offered his hand. “It’s nice meeting you.”
“You too.” Appreciation gleamed in the older woman’s eyes as her gaze swept over him.
What the hell? Was Chloe wearing her invisible lady disguise again? How many times had another woman come on to Jason while she was standing right there? And this one was practically old enough to be his mother.
But clawing the cougar’s eyes out probably wouldn’t be good for business.
“I was just going to head to the bar. Can I get you a refill? Either of you?” At the last second, Colleen’s glance slid to Chloe to include her in the offer.
“No, thank you.” Chloe looped her arm through Jason’s. “We need to get going, honey. Don’t forget, we have to be up early in the morning.” Take that, Cradle Robber.
He arched a brow, but didn’t comment.
She offered a polite good-bye to her hostess and shot a small smile at Colleen. “Give me a call and we can set up a meeting about your garden.” There. Nice and professional.
Back in the truck, Jason turned to her. His lips quirked. “What was that all about?”
“What?”
“You know darn well what. Honey.”
“Oh.” She gnawed her bottom lip. “Were you interested in her?”
“Who?” He genuinely looked puzzled.
“Colleen.”
His eyes bugged. “The neighbor? Why would you think that? She was like twice my age.”
“Some guys are into older women. And she seemed to think you were fine.” Chloe averted her gaze and looked out the window. The streetlights glowed softly in the encroaching darkness. “Even though Nancy introduced you as my boyfriend,” she added under her breath.
Jason used his index finger to turn her chin. “Are you jealous?”
“No. Of course not. That would be stupid, right? I mean, it’s not like you’re really my boyfriend. Why would I care if she was into you? If you’re into her, too, we can go back. I—”
The warm pressure of his mouth on hers cut off the mumbled ramblings.
“Well, what do you know?” His chuckle vibrated against her lips sending a buzz through her system. “You’re cute when you’re jealous.”
Before she could say anything, he slid his hand around her neck, then speared his fingers in her hair as his mouth returned to hers. His tongue traced the seam of her lips before slipping inside to stroke over hers.
Lightning zigzagged through her hollow tummy.
And as it always did when he kissed her, her focus, her world, narrowed so only the two of them remained. Alone in their own tiny universe. Just the way it should be.
With his free hand, he shoved the dividing consul up. When his hand slid over her hip to her lower back to urge her closer, he met her halfway, so not even two heartbeats could fit in the space between them. To compensate, hers hitched to match the heavy thump of his.
His fingers stroked the narrow strip of skin where her top had ridden up. Never once did his mouth leave hers, even when he slipped his hand beneath the fabric to splay over her abdomen. And then it inched further, until his fingertips rested just below her breast.
Touch me. Not brave enough to say the words out loud, she willed him to move the last millimeter.
Whether he heard the silent plea or whe
ther he was as lost as she was, he cupped her breast in his hand. When he nudged aside her bra and stroked his thumb over the nipple, she lost a little bit of herself as it became his.
Shivers danced through her as he brushed back and forth over the tightened peak. Drizzles of heat spread, then settled lower in her most feminine spot.
The slam of a nearby car door sent her careening back to her surroundings. Jason tore his mouth from hers and buried his face in her neck. His uneven breath was hot against her skin. She held him, unwilling to let go, even though the moment was lost.
When he eased away, loss stabbed into her. “I’m sorry, Chloe. I didn’t mean to get so carried away. In the car. With people around.”
She smoothed her hand down his chest. His breath still wasn’t quite steady. “It’s okay. No one can see us. It’s dark.”
She sensed more than saw his nod. “I should get you home.”
“Okay.”
He kissed her. Just the soft touch of his lips on hers. Then he sighed. “Running’s going to be hell in the morning.”
****
“What the hell, dude?” Danny caught up with Jason after the race. Sweat poured down his reddened face and he panted for breath. “I thought we were going to have a nice, leisurely run. Are you training for the Olympics or something?”
Jason took a chug of lukewarm water. “Sorry.”
Chloe walked over. The thrust of her breasts beneath the clinging cotton of her T-shirt brought to mind how the soft skin filled his hand. How the nipple had peaked beneath the brush of his thumb. Immediately the pent-up adrenaline he’d spent running came rushing back. 5K hadn’t been enough. Hell, a marathon probably wouldn’t be enough. He took another swig of water, wishing it were something a helluva lot stronger.
“Congrats on first place.” She smiled.
“Thanks.”
“So, what was with the sprint?” Danny brought the topic back to his original comment.
Jason shrugged. “I just felt like running full out today.”
One Great Night Page 6
