by Tawny Weber
“Lovely enough to justify the rent on the storefront?”
She slanted him a look. Neither of them had grown up with the wealth that Conner had, but they hadn’t been poor, either. In the past, Jason’s attitude toward money had always been “easy come, easy go.” When had he started worrying about cost-effectiveness?
“I’m not an expert, but based on the other Cartright holdings and the luxury of the areas I toured, this will be a four-star hotel.”
They stepped through the archway and into the long marble hall lined with upscale boutiques on both sides and planters overflowing with lush flowers, cushioned benches and romantic statuary in the center.
“Between the clientele, the caliber of the other stores already renting space here and the incredible promotion package Cartright is offering, the rent is a steal,” she added as they passed stores that, while empty, displayed well-known names. Tiffany’s, La Perla, MAC. “From what I understand, there’s a waiting list for storefront openings. The only reason we’re even being considered is that Conner wanted to bring in local merchants.”
Why the hell was she trying to convince her competition of the worthiness of the prize?
“It sounds like you’ve done your homework” was all he said, though.
Stopping between a shop with a sign promising Godiva Chocolates and the storefront where she’d set up her display, she studied Jason’s face. Why did he really want this space? It wasn’t his style, nor would it lend itself to his business.
So what was he up to?
Before she could ask, he stepped forward to get the full effect of the window display she’d set up. Conner had left the doors open in welcome, and even though the space was virtually empty beyond that door, the effect was still warm and welcoming.
And, she thought with a soft sigh as she eyed the display, so very romantic. A pair of high-heeled ladies slippers were tucked alongside a stack of romance novels, topped with an antique blown glass perfume atomizer. A bouquet of roses tumbled in colorful profusion from a sterling silver vase and a handful of DVDs were splayed, like magazines, just beneath it.
From where they were standing, the display Larissa had set up on the checkout counter beckoned them, like a little finger wave, into the store. She knew she couldn’t compete with Godiva, so she’d gone for the healthier romance treats. A cut glass bowl of strawberries, a bottle of champagne and an array of imported cheeses and crackers, all still in their wrappers. The effect, along with the rest of the merchandise, made her think of a romantic weekend tryst.
She just hoped it’d make Conner’s partners think that way, too. Larissa nibbled on her thumbnail, nerves dancing up and down her spine again as she squinted, wondering if she should have left the ivory cashmere throw on the counter instead of moving it to the settee.
“Wow. This is…” Jason trailed off, taking a step back and crossing his arms over his chest to stare at the display in the window. “This is great. It’s definitely not what I expected.”
“You expected my display to suck?” she asked, giving him a frown.
Did it suck? Her eyes sped from item to item. Maybe she should have used her cell phone to take a picture and send to Chloe for a second opinion before she’d told the partners it was finished.
“No. I expect everything you do to be great,” Jason said, interrupting her neurotic obsessing. His words were so off-hand she knew he really meant them. Her shoulders softened. She wished she had half the faith in herself that he’d always shown.
Argh. Larissa’s hands were halfway to her hair to tug at the curls. It was only the very real fear that if she did, her hair would frizz out and she’d look like Bozo the clown that kept her from grabbing hold and pulling.
She had to stop this. Every time Jason said something sweet, or gave her one of those sexy looks of his, she melted. Her mind was so filled with images of wrapping herself around his naked body that she forgot all the reasons why they’d split up.
He was bad for her. Like a chocolate fountain and bowl of strawberries were to a sugar addict, he was pure temptation. A temptation she needed to resist at all costs.
“I’m going to pack up,” she muttered, hurrying through the mostly empty store toward the back room where she’d stashed her box. The sooner she got away from him, the better. First she had to go home. Then she had to call Conner and make sure she got this space. She’d even date Ben or add the sexy merchandise Franklin wanted if it meant she could seal the deal.
Not just because she wanted the space, although she did, so, so badly. She’d do anything—everything—in her power to make sure Jason didn’t move back to town.
She had to.
AMUSED AT HOW FLUSTERED Larissa seemed, Jason sauntered along behind her. He poked at a candle, flicked a crystal teardrop on the wall sconce. Even though he knew it was rude, he smirked a little.
She’d practically melted at his feet in that elevator. Now she was rushing around like the devil was chasing her. Since he knew who she’d consigned horns, he figured he might as well enjoy the role.
“What are you doing here, a sort of general store? I thought you’d have a bookstore, to tell you the truth. I mean, you read incessantly,” he called to her, as she scurried through a doorway in the back of the store. “Hell, you could have turned your apartment into a bookstore, what with every wall a bookcase and the stacks teetering on the floors and tables.”
“It’ll be a bookstore,” she said as she came back into the room with a cardboard box held in her arms like a shield between them. “It’ll just stock other things, too.”
Jason frowned at the defensive note in her voice. What was up with that? He looked around, trying to see what it was about this stuff that’d embarrass her. He picked up a candle in a frosted glass jar, giving it a sniff. Nice. Flowery but not nauseating. He rubbed his fingers over a soft, fluffy blanket she’d thrown on the couch. Books, DVDs and CDs were stacked everywhere, along with some pretty statues and other girly things.
So, what was the problem?
“Is this a secondary location you’re hoping to open here?” he probed.
“No.”
His frown turned into a scowl. She’d already started planning for her bookstore when they’d been engaged. So what’d happened? Had it failed? Was that why she was so touchy?
“So, what’ve you been doing if not running your own store?”
“Working, of course.” She shifted, her hair falling in a cloud of curls to hide her face. But he’d seen the color on her cheeks.
He narrowed his eyes.
“Working where?”
“At the bookstore, not that it’s any of your business.” Her chilly tone was at odds with the heat he could almost feel radiating off her face. It only took him a second to figure out why.
Shock zapped through Jason like a lightning bolt. She’d been so big on following her dream and had tried to lure him into that dreaming of the future thing, too. For a little while, he’d actually believed they could make things work, even though he’d known better. Half the reason they’d broken up was her need to be landlocked to a bookstore she swore would take all of her attention to make a success.
Well, maybe that was the half of the reason he hadn’t told her. He was pretty sure she’d say the entire reason they’d broken up was that he was an insecure commitment-phobic asshole who couldn’t make the long haul.
But they were focusing on her issues. Not his.
“You’re still at old man Murphy’s, aren’t you? Working his bookstore? Same place you’ve been since high school?” he growled. “You never went out on your own? You never opened your own store? You’re kidding, right?”
She’d always wanted to open her own bookstore. She’d always known that while her aunt loved her, the older woman had planned to leave her estate to her beloved cat charities. And Larissa was fine with that. She’d been determined to make her own way. She’d saved for years, stocking away part of her income and all of the insurance money she’d gotten
when her parents had died. Having her own business was all she’d ever talked about.
He stared at the top of her forehead, the only part of her face he could see through the cloud of hair. She ignored him as she carefully wrapped a heart-shaped crystal dish in bubble wrap, then in paper.
Jason wanted to demand that she explain herself. He wanted to know why she hadn’t grabbed her dreams before this.
But…what was the point?
They’d finished years ago. And just as soon as she got her stuff packed up, they’d be finished again.
He ignored the burning in his gut at that thought and shoved his hands into his pockets.
“Look, I’ve got things to do. You have Conner’s keys with you, right? You can lock up after you’ve finished gathering your stuff.”
Her head came up so fast, her hair practically floated around her shoulders. Brown eyes widened. Pale, full lips parted, then she pressed them tight together and sighed. Probably in relief.
“That’s a great idea.”
The overhead lights flickered. Jason glanced into the open space, then up at the skylight centered over the hotel’s mini-mall. No storm. He stepped out of the store and looked up and down the bank of stores. Weird.
The lights flared bright. Then the entire mall dove into blackness.
“What the hell…”
The loud crash of metal hitting marble screeched through the mall as the security bars slammed down to close off the entrance between the mall and the hotel.
Larissa screamed and jumped toward him, her hand clutching his arm. It was only instinct, he was sure. Still, he wrapped one arm around her shoulder to reassure her. And to keep her from stomping on his toes with those killer heels of hers.
The darkness wrapped around them, terrifyingly heavy and dense. For just a second, she leaned into him. He felt her softly tremble. He loved the feel of having her in his arms again. Jason closed his eyes, reveling in her delicious scent. Before he could pull her closer, she stepped away and wrapped her arms around herself.
He had no reason to feel hurt. He wouldn’t be upset if a woman he’d just met didn’t want him giving her a comfort hug, would he? And Larissa had said it herself earlier. They were practically strangers.
His eyes started to adjust to the change in light. Which meant Larissa’s were, too. Needing to hide the pathetically bereft look on his face, he strode over to a wall by the entrance to the store and flipped the light switch a couple times.
Nothing.
“Looks like the power’s out,” he said needlessly.
“What do you think happened?” she asked.
He could tell she was trying to sound calm, but there was a layer of panic in Larissa’s voice. Why? She wasn’t claustrophobic, so why was she so freaked about being stuck in here?
Or was it the company she was freaked about? Despite his irritation, he grinned. It was gratifying to know he still had such an effect on her. Especially since she seemed so determined to ignore her effect on him. He hadn’t exactly been a monk in the last few years, but it’d been a long time since he’d made a woman nervous. Most of the gals he spent time with, in and out of bed, were a little harder, a little cooler. They knew the score and liked to play.
Then again, as he recalled, Larissa was pretty good with the game playing. Even with his ring on her finger, she’d kept her fingers in the dating pool. Peter had warned him that no pretty girl would sit around at home reading a book while her guy was off playing in the jungle. And hey, big brother had been right. Jason had come home from a trip and she’d been off yachting for the weekend. When he’d accused her of getting too friendly with Conner, a guy who they both knew damned well had a thing for her, she’d refused to deny it. Instead, she’d tossed his ring back in his face.
Gut burning, Jason tried to shake off the bitterness of the past. He needed to get out of here. Being around Larissa, all the memories and the temptation, felt like a punch to the gut.
“Maybe the electricity is on an automatic timer or something,” he mused, looking around. “Don’t worry about it. There’s still enough light coming through the skylight for you to pack up, right?”
“Right,” she murmured. “I’ll hurry up and finish.”
Neither of them mentioned his earlier intention to leave her to pack up alone. They both knew he wouldn’t abandon her now. No longer carefully wrapping each item in packing paper, she started stacking things in the boxes as quickly as possible.
Jason strode over to the automatic doors that led from the boutique to a parking area. The doors didn’t slide open when he stepped in front of them.
A tiny tendril of panic started winding its way through his gut. Maybe there wasn’t an automatic timer. Jason’s gaze shifted beyond the doors and his stomach sank.
“Shit,” he muttered, staring out the heavy, brass-framed glass.
“What?” Larissa called, the concern in her voice rising to match the concern in his.
The hotel was high atop a hill, with a gorgeous bird’s-eye view. The front of the building, he knew, was landscaped with large trees and flowering bushes, giving it the feel of a secluded oasis. But this side was still under construction.
Jason surveyed the cityscape. It looked deserted, bereft of all life. No color, no movement. Just…blackness. Other than the pale pinkish-orange of the setting sun, there wasn’t a light to be seen.
He grabbed the keys and went through them until he found one that fit. He wiggled the key, then shook the door again. He narrowed his eyes, noting the solid steel bolts coming from the top and bottom of the door into the floor and ceiling. He shook the door again. The bolts held firm.
Shit.
“Jason?”
He rested his head briefly against the cool glass, wondering what he’d done to piss off Fate so much. Then, with a deep breath, he turned to face his ex-fiancée.
“So there’s good news and bad news,” he told her.
“The good?”
“The hotel and boutiques aren’t on a timer.”
She frowned, her gaze shifting over his shoulder to the view of the city. Horror widened her eyes as they met his again.
“Yeah, that’s the bad. It looks like it’s a city-wide blackout. Conner will be pleased to know his security measures work. The doors must’ve bolted shut when the power went off.”
She shook her head, holding that soft fluffy blanket against her chest.
“You have a cell phone?” he asked, trying to remember Conner’s number.
“I left mine in the car,” she confessed. Through the faint light from the glass doors he could see her nibbling at the soft temptation of her bottom lip. Jason almost groaned. “Do you have one?” she asked.
“Dead.”
“But there must be phones in the mall?” she said, looking around desperately.
“On the other side of the security bars,” he remembered. “Nothing in here, though. Daniel said all the stores would be responsible for their own.”
“We’re stuck?” she asked, sounding like they were doomed.
“Yep.”
Doomed might be right. Jason had climbed Mt. Everest in a snowstorm. He’d led a group of Girl Scouts out of the rainforest after an earthquake. He’d broken up a fight in a sleazy bar in Taiwan. But he’d never been this out of his element.
They had no supplies. He hadn’t thought to bring a backpack and field rations to a business meeting. And he doubted, for all its professed powers, that the penis he had in that box was going to be of much help in this situation.
They had no means of communication. It was Friday night and the building was empty. Surely someone would miss them eventually. Conner would probably meet them in the morning to pick up the keys. But that was tomorrow.
At least they had shelter. Maybe there was a vending machine or something around for food. But Larissa had pretty much called it.
They were trapped.
Just the two of them. And the tempting softness of that blanket.
&
nbsp; Jason had no idea what possessed him. He knew better. Hell, hadn’t he lectured himself once already today? But… The devil made him do it, as his mother always said.
He gently pried the blanket from Larissa’s fingers. Holding the whisper-soft fabric in one hand, he swept it around her shoulders, fisting both sides together to trap her in the cloudy white material.
“Guess we’ll be spending tonight together, hmm.” He leaned closer, his lips a hairbreadth from hers and asked, “What do you think we should do to pass the time?”
5
LARISSA KNEW EXACTLY what she was going to do to pass the time until they got out of here.
She was going to panic.
To avoid letting Jason know how freaked out she was and lose any semblance of control, she’d do it quietly. But she’d definitely be doing it.
She could already feel the mean fingers of anxiety grabbing at her, twisting her stomach in knots and making her woozy.
She couldn’t be locked in. She had too much to do. She needed to call Conner and pitch her idea one more time. She had a column due Monday that she’d put aside this evening to write. She’d left spaghetti sauce out on the counter, defrosting. Being stuck here wasn’t an option.
Especially not with Jason. He was kryptonite to her superhero. Chocolate éclairs to her diet. Tequila to her temperance vow. He was everything that tempted her. Every indulgence she secretly wished for, even though she knew he was so bad for her.
And her willpower to hold out against a temptation like him was limited, at best. She’d have been able to wave goodbye if they walked out now. She was sure of it. But after being trapped together? She’d mentally unzipped his pants with her teeth the minute she’d seen him. If they were stuck together, how long would her willpower last?
As if her internal struggle was written across her face, Jason smiled. His hands tightened on the blanket. The warmth of his fingers, where they brushed the delicate fabric of her jacket just over her breasts, seeped into her skin.
