“Come back anytime,” Seth said, his mouth warm on hers.
“In a few days,” Jenna said, straightening, fighting the inclination she had to climb in beside him. Cuddling was not part of their agreement, and she liked what they had. It suited her. “Sleep.”
“Text me when you get home. I can’t help wanting to know you’re safe. Blame Casey—he made me that way,” Seth told her, using his cousin as an excuse.
“Okay,” Jenna said, sighing. “I’m not going to argue over a simple text. Good night, Seth.”
“Good night,” he said, stroking her cheek before dropping his hand.
Minutes later, he heard the distinct click of the front door latch locking into place and knew Jenna had truly gone. He stared wide-eyed and silent at the ceiling until he heard the phone vibrate on the nightstand some twenty minutes later. Seth looked the message and sighed.
Home safe. Sleep now.
He typed back quickly to make sure she would get his text.
Thanks for texting. Good night.
“I love you,” Seth said to the phone, tossing it back on the nightstand in frustration.
The he closed his eyes and let the first relaxed sleep he’d had in a couple of years take him under.
Chapter 8
Jenna was standing at her office window contemplating why in the last two weeks she hadn’t been able to wait more than two days to see Seth, when her boss knocked and came into her office.
“Glad you’re in,” Todd Warren said, smiling smugly at his favorite architect. “It’s not every day I get to make someone’s dreams come true. Today is your lucky day.”
Jenna laughed and walked back to her desk. “Why Todd, you sound almost giddy.”
“Giddy—giddy? Yeah, I guess that’s about right. We just got a new fat contract and you were the reason,” Todd said. “Client wants a six-hundred-thousand-dollar house and has allocated one hundred thousand dollars for the lot, which has to be substantial, have some ground around it. Beyond that his list of stipulations is fairly minor. He said to tell you to design the house you wanted to live in yourself and don’t be stingy with your dreams. Apparently, he’s checked out several things you have done and loves your style.”
“His name isn’t Kaiser or Gallagher or—what’s Jim’s other name now? Simpson! It wasn’t Simpson, was it?” Jenna demanded, unable to believe a client had randomly selected her from the limited amount of other residential designing she had done.
Her work for Todd was primarily commercial. She certainly wasn’t famous, but Jenna thought she did have a unique style that she’d been hoping would catch on in time.
When she pulled herself out of her thoughts, Todd was shaking his head. “There is no name. Client wouldn’t identify himself. Deposit was sent electronically from a local bank, but through escrow. His attorney authorized it and will be authorizing all future draws against the work being done. Strange, sure, but the first check still cashed.”
“So a mystery man or woman—” Jenna began.
“Man,” Todd said confidently. “I talked to the attorney, who wouldn’t give the client’s name, but did refer to the client as he.”
“Okay, so the mystery man wants me to design him the house of my dreams?” Jenna said. “Why?”
“Wrong question. Totally wrong question. This is your chance to do what every architect dreams of doing. Bring your dream house to life and make a design portfolio that will sell your work from here on out,” Todd insisted.
“Don’t you get an odd feeling about this?” Jenna insisted back.
“You did the Nolan house during your internship at Jagardi and made the cover of Architect Digest,” Todd reminded her. “That’s why I hired you. How is this different? This is another break. Some eccentric dude plucked you out of the architecting ether and wants to let you play with his money. You’re going to give him a show-piece afterward and a story to tell people he invites to dinner. That’s what people with his kind of money to burn want.”
Jenna sighed. “I guess you’re right. I’m obviously not going to turn the chance down, Todd. I just got a weird feeling when you told me, that’s all. It’s the whole mystery-man thing. I’m not opposed to surprises, but am not big on secrets.”
Todd smiled at her and laughed.
“What?” she asked, wondering what was up with her boss’s strange gaze on her face.
“That’s the calmest reaction I’ve ever seen you have. Who’s the guy?” Todd asked, narrowing his eyes and studying Jenna’s serene face. For a couple of weeks now, Jenna had come to work looking more peaceful and happy than he’d ever seen her. Restless and irritable were Jenna Ranger’s usual moods. Some guy was putting that smile on her face. Todd would bet money on it.
“What guy?” Jenna asked back, turning her gaze to some papers on her desk, which she shuffled.
“The guy who’s got you so mellow you’re not pacing and yelling at me,” Todd told her. “There has to be a guy.”
“That’s a very personal comment, Todd,” Jenna challenged, glaring at him to discourage his poking into her private life. “And a question I don’t have to answer.”
“Says the woman who refused to date me and hooked me up with my wife instead,” Todd said, smiling. “And for which I remain exceedingly grateful. My wife is both hot and the love of my life.”
Charming bastard, Jenna thought, laughing until she snorted at the lovesick look Todd always got talking about his wife Linda. “The guy in my life is no one important. Get off my case, Todd. I’m allowed to have a life outside your company.”
“Well, I had high hopes that my hot-headed, stubborn, artistic-minded architect finally had a healthier way to use that restless energy of hers, but hey—at least clients think she’s talented,” Todd said, frowning and rolling his eyes.
“That’s sexual harassment, Mr. Warren,” Jenna told him, laughing and arching her eyebrow at him.
“Not when I’m hoping you marry the guy and keep that mellow outlook forever. That’s just healthy self-preservation from a boss who values you and the kind of money you’re evidently going to bring to my company.” Todd jumped up and walked to the door. “Hey—bring that smile on your face and the sexy guy to the Vanguard Ball we’re helping sponsor next weekend.”
“Can’t do it,” Jenna said easily, “we’re not dating. I don’t really like the man. We just have a mutual agreement to let nature take its course for a while. I can still get a date though. Don’t worry about me showing up forlorn.”
“I don’t. I’m worried about the sexy guy,” Todd said, grinning. “Even if you didn’t look as stunning as your mother, it’s sad to think you’ll be breaking some poor sap’s heart eventually. That soft smile you have now is going to improve your dating life a thousand fold from here on out. Be grateful to the man, Jenna. Let him down easily when the time comes, and then find another just like him. He’s good for you.”
“Stop worrying about my love life,” Jenna said, frowning. “I’ll build your damn house and spend every dime efficiently. You need to think about giving me a decent bonus if I make the press for your company.”
“Done,” Todd said quickly. “You can have the bonus to spend during the two weeks you take off for your honeymoon. Keep that guy, Jenna. He’s obviously good in bed. You haven’t yelled once since I came in here—no matter what I’ve said.”
“It’s called maturity. Besides, I’m getting too old to yell. From now on, I’m just going to throw things,” Jenna picked up a pencil and threw it at the door that closed too quickly behind the laughing man she had enjoyed working for until today.
She didn’t need anyone pointing out how much Seth had improved her outlook on life. At an average of being with him three to four times a week, it was hard enough just dealing with how much she was becoming used to him.
*** *** ***
“I’m sorry to be asking you so late. I just forgot about not having a maid of honor until Sydney asked me about the dress. It was crazy to think I co
uld get the whole wedding planned in two weeks,” Lauren said, sighing with every delicious bite of ice cream she put into her mouth.
“Are you sure you don’t want Mama or Regina for your maid of honor?” Jenna asked, digging into her ice cream with almost as much gusto as Lauren, who was pregnant.
“No. I want a single woman. You’re the only single friend I have left,” Lauren told her. “I know you’re a lot younger than I am and might not want to do this for an old lady.”
“Okay—stop,” Jenna said, holding up a hand. “I am nothing but flattered that you asked. I’ve only ever been a bridesmaid up to now. I just wanted to know you’d made the choice. Regina didn’t stand with Mama. I figured you would ask her.”
Lauren giggled. “No way. Regina bawls at weddings. Her mascara runs, her makeup melts, and the woman couldn’t care less. Can you imagine the wedding photos? When you even bring up the subject of a wedding, Regina’s all count-me-out before you can ask her anything anyway.”
Jenna giggled and polished off the rest of her ice cream in one giant spoonful. Her appetite had greatly improved over the last couple of weeks. She’d always heard great sex could do a lot for a person. She was learning it was true. Her moods had never been better.
“Well, I’m your woman then. I’m single and never cry at weddings. So what’s my primary duty for the next few days?” Jenna asked.
“Keep me from having an emotional breakdown, and make sure I don’t eat so much that I can’t fit my pregnant body into that amazing dress Sydney made for me,” Lauren said, her gaze both serious and laughing.
“It’s only four more days. I think we can handle it even if you eat round the clock,” Jenna said, laughing.
“You’ve obviously not seen me eat lately,” Lauren said, leaning back in her chair and wondering what the harm of seconds on ice cream would be for her.
“No,” Jenna said firmly, laughing openly at the look on Lauren’s face. “You do not need seconds. I saw that look of longing in your eyes. There—how did I do?”
Lauren laughed. “Great—too great in fact. It’s bad enough I have two mind-reading friends. Now you’re doing it too. I’m a weak woman and have no willpower. That’s what got me into this condition.”
“I beg to differ,” Jim said, walking into the kitchen and smiling at the two women perched at his granite topped island. His house was a home now that Lauren was in it every day. “I happen to know for a fact that I’m the cause of your current condition and I’m very proud of it. Just don’t tell Regina how proud I am. She still hasn’t forgiven me.”
Jenna watched Lauren giggle and Jim dip his head to kiss her, laughing against her lips as he did so. She couldn’t help sighing in envy at their loving relationship. One day, she promised herself. One day she would find that same kind of love.
“Well, I’m at least happy my first go at being an MOH is for a woman who is for sure going to be happily married. I watched friends do this for each other and it was horrendous every time. You’re both so sweet. This is going to be a pleasure. So are we doing a bachelorette party and getting a stripper?” Jenna teased the question out, making sure her eyes were enthusiastic as she watched for Jim’s reaction. It had been a long time since she’d felt light-hearted enough to tease anyone.
Jim’s head jerked up from Lauren’s, and he bellowed out, “No. Absolutely no strippers.”
Jenna laughed so hard at Jim’s declaration, she almost fell off the bar stool. “Why, Jim? Don’t you trust the woman you’re going to marry?” Her eyes darted to Lauren, who was laughing behind her hand.
“It’s not about trust. Lauren just doesn’t need the extra—stimulation,” Jim said finally, tugging on his laughing bride-to-be’s hair before stalking out of the room.
“What’s his deal with the stripper?” Jenna asked softly after Jim had exited, whispering the question in case he was still within hearing distance. “Is that about the man Mama kept you from picking up?”
“God no, we got past that long ago,” Lauren said, holding her belly while she laughed. “Let’s just say it doesn’t take much to get me in the mood these days. Jim doesn’t even undress in front me anymore. I hear my libido is revving on baby hormones.”
“Really?” Jenna asked, shocked. Then she laughed again. “Wow. That’s—that’s almost too much information.” Saying this caused her to laugh again.
Lauren shrugged and leaned closer. “When you’re not constantly worried about getting pregnant, the sex is absolutely amazing. Seriously. I can’t believe it myself. I could do it two or three times a day lately. I’m figuring it will slow down when I start to show more.”
Jenna closed her eyes and sighed. “Something to look forward to when my time comes, I suppose. Thanks for telling me. I didn’t mean it when I said it was too much information. I’m just envious.”
Lauren reached out and took one of Jenna’s hands in hers. “Love will find you, honey. When it does, grab it with both hands. And it’s okay to let desire be your guide if that comes first. I think it just works like that for some of us.”
Jenna looked away and swallowed hard. “If I ever find myself in that kind of situation, I’ll keep it in mind.”
Lauren studied Jenna’s face, saw the flicker of something like guilt in her gaze, but she said nothing more even though she badly wanted to pry.
“So I told Sydney about asking you, and he said to send you by for a fitting when you said yes,” Lauren told her, changing the subject and seeing instant relief in Jenna’s eyes. “You can wear any color as long as it’s blue.”
Jenna laughed again. “My favorite color,” she said, leaning over to give Lauren a hug.
*** *** ***
Seth ran a fingertip down Jenna’s belly, stopping to explore her navel. There wasn’t an inch of her he hadn’t explored already. Or an inch he wasn’t wanting to explore again. Each journey over her was a discovery of something new.
“Are you going to Lauren and Jim’s wedding this weekend?” Seth asked.
“Yes, I have to. I’m Lauren’s maid of honor,” Jenna said. “I’ve decided not to take a date. I wouldn’t have time to spend with anyone anyway.”
“I wasn’t planning to take a date either,” Seth said casually, running strands of her hair through his fingers. “I may end up working security with Casey again. Save a dance for me if you can. I promise to behave this time.”
Jenna laughed. “I like not fighting with you Seth.”
“I like not fighting with you too,” Seth said in return, grinning. “Is that a euphemism for sex?”
Jenna snorted at his question.
“Have you told anyone about—us?” she asked. “I never thought to ask, but I’d rather keep this just private—not that I would ask you to lie. If you need to tell Casey I understand, but I’d have to tell my mother, and I would need to do it before Casey did. I don’t want Mama mad at me or hurt.”
“I’m not telling anyone,” Seth said. “As far as I’m concerned, no one needs to know but us. If you decide to tell your mother, let me know. Casey is the only person I care about, and he’d never butt in anyway.”
Jenna studied her hands. “I’m not—I’m not ashamed of what we’re doing. I don’t regret a moment. It’s just I don’t want the pressure that people would put on us to—date—or whatever.”
If her mother, Regina, or Lauren knew, she’d hear endlessly about a potential happily-ever-after. She didn’t want happily-ever-after. She wanted this—just Seth and her—happy in bed together.
Seth rolled over on her and kissed the tops of her breasts. “I feel the same the way. I don’t want any pressure. I just want this.” He kissed his way down between her breasts and across her soft belly. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known, and I don’t think I’ve told you that before now. Still it’s true. You have your mother’s genetics and your father’s nature. It’s an intimidating combination that endlessly turns me on. I bet you get your way in almost everything you set your mind to in
the world.”
“Not everything,” Jenna sighed, enjoying his lips travelling over her, “but I guess I get most things I go after.”
“Let me see you go after something. What do you want from me right now?” Seth asked, his tongue licking down her belly, licking a trail from her navel down and then back up to a breast peaked and waiting for him.
“I seem to want whatever it is you do to me next,” she told him honestly. “Use your imagination. Surprise me.”
“Fine. Spread your legs,” Seth ordered, almost mindless with lust when she did what he asked with no hesitation. The woman gave all every time. He eased inside her, lifting her legs around him as he did.
“Now hold on,” Seth said, his voice taut and sharp with the need to move hard in her clawing at the edges of his sanity.
He rolled them until he had Jenna on top, and then he sat up with her in his arms. He owed Allen Stedman for his new muscles—and more for not taking advantage of Jenna when he had the chance. He would just have to settle that debt some other time.
For now, Seth rocked himself up into Jenna, finding a rhythm that was like making music. Jenna’s legs unwound until her heels hit the bed. She pulled her legs back until her knees rested beside his hips. She rocked down on him returning the favor as he rocked up into her.
“I like this a lot,” Jenna said, rocking down hard on him and watching Seth’s eyes narrow to slits.
“So do I,” Seth said, pushing upward and lifting himself against the front of her as he did. He felt her breasts pushing against him with every stroke.
“Is this your idea of competition?” Jenna asked breathlessly, on the verge of shattering.
“No,” Seth said quietly. “You could stop moving right now and nothing more would happen. This is synchronous. Like dancing—only in bed. It takes two people to get something like this right.”
“Is this right?” Jenna said, bearing down on him and rocking forward and back, forward and back, causing Seth to grit his teeth.
Dating A Metro Man Page 7
