The heat and pain assaulting her receded. Her knees buckled and she damn near hit the floor. With speed and grace Jett was behind the counter wrapping his arms around her chest and waist. Pulling her back into his body rocking her gently. “Damn it. I’m so sorry Corrine. I don’t know what came over me.”
They stood fused together. His whispered words of apology repeating over and over in her ear as slowly she recovered from the effects.
“I forget your lineage sometimes.”
“What?”
“You’re from a founding family. I’m guessing you’ve entered into Dewasa and your Blood Legacy must be in full effect.”
“I didn’t mean it to happen. Didn’t know…” he trailed off, confusion and distress evident in his voice. “I hurt you. I was so angry that the door was open. That someone could come in here and do heaven knows what to you.” He sighed; a shudder wracking is body, shaking her as well.
His concern for her safety thrilled her. The fact he used his inherent strength and power, even accidentally, to hurt her, scared the shit out of her. She couldn’t help wondering if he would do it again when she didn’t answer a question right away or to his liking, or when she did something he disapproved of. Her emotions fought a hard battle for dominance, ultimately the fear won out. It was her turn to shudder within the shelter of his arms. He took the reaction to mean something completely different.
“Shhh kitten. I’m here now.” He reached up with one hand stroking her hair. The motion did nothing to comfort her.
She fought hard to keep her nerves under control. Knowing the nervous energy produced a sickly sweet scent and not wanting him to wonder or get upset again. Taking a quick breath, she grabbed his arm still around her waist, pulling it from her and stepping to the side. Immediately missing the feel of him pressed against her but knowing she needed the space.
She cleared her throat quickly. “I’m fine.”
Jett opened his mouth to say something just as a customer walked in. Spinning away she greeted the young woman effectively cutting him off. He walked past her seconds later. The very faint smell of roses drifting through the air in his wake.
Late that night while laying in bed her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID. Jett was right on time. She debated on whether or not to answer. Not sure how she felt about what happened that morning. By the fourth ring she couldn’t stand it anymore.
“Hello,” she said, trying to make it sound like she had been woken from her sleep. It was a coward’s move and she knew it.
She sat in silence as she waited for him to answer back. When nothing came she called is name. “Jett? Are you there?”
Still there was nothing. She waited a couple more seconds then sighed in exasperation.
“Great you must have butt dialed me. Night Jett’s ass.”
Hanging up she put her phone on mute before placing it on the nightstand. Rolling away from it she fell into a fitful sleep.
Thursday morning there were no unlocked doors or mystery smells when Corrine opened up the shop—only a grumpy and tired woman who needed more coffee than usual.
Prep and baking went off without a hitch. When it came time to open the doors to customers MJ offered to go out front but Corrine turned her down.
Opening was one of her favorite things to do. The place was empty and clean. Just waiting for the rush of customers. It was the calm before the storm and her one chance, after a backbreaking morning, to collect her thoughts and re-center for the day. Not that she had been able to do that lately. With Jett showing up the past couple of days and the strange goings-on, her days had been a whirlwind of non-stop action.
There was also the fact she never told MJ that Jett was showing up. MJ appeared to be clueless about everything, not even noticing the blast of energy from yesterday’s incident. As far as Corrine knew, none of the staff had seen the two of them together and the customers that had, well, they really didn’t care.
After filling the morning trays she sat down. Sun on her face she closed her eyes, letting the quiet of the room and the familiar and soothing smells settle around her. She just about dozed off when the door jingled its morning greeting.
With her eyes still closed she took a deep breath. Jett. His spicy scent mingled with the shop’s sweet one. It filled her lungs, making her light-headed. The man had no idea how just the smell of him could turn her on. Goosebumps rose on her arms while a tingling sensation skittered down her spine. Her nipples puckered beneath her shirt.
The fact that sight unseen she knew it was him proved their connection was growing. Don’t get her wrong; she was still ticked at him although not as much as she probably should be. He didn’t intentionally try to hurt her. He was as surprised by the power leaching from him as her. By the end of the day yesterday she had moved from fear to anger about him using his Blood Legacy on her. The butt dialed call didn’t help matters. However, she just couldn’t stay mad or afraid. Deep in her heart she knew he would never use his gift on her intentionally.
She kept her eyes closed. Knew when he was standing in front of her when he blocked out the warmth of the sun. “Good morning Mr. Murphy. How are you this fine day?”
“How did you know it was me? You haven’t opened your eyes once since I came in. I could have been a serial killer.”
“Silly man. Did you stay up late watching murder, death, kill shows or something? I could smell you of course. Oh, by the way, thanks for the butt dial last night. Nice to know your ass was at least thinking about me.” She heard the sarcasm in her voice but really didn’t care. She was too tired to coddle his feelings.
“My ass was thinking about you but I didn’t call. Couldn’t actually. I can’t find my damn cell phone.”
She snorted. Typical man. They can’t keep track of anything. “Check your couch out then. It’s probably in there. That’s where Sam’s usually is.”
She finally opened her eyes. “Is there something I can get you this morning? Scone maybe and a large black coffee? You look like you need it.”
The usual glimmer was missing from his eyes. He looked as fatigued as she felt.
He reached down and pulled her up by her arms. “How about a morning kiss. I slept like shit last night and need something good and sweet to start my day off right.”
She opened her mouth to say the smart-aleck reply on the tip of her tongue but he cut her off.
“And not a scone or muffin or anything like that. I want one of your sweet kisses.”
She hesitated a minute before wrapping her hand round the nape of his neck. She needed it too. Tugging on the back of his head she brought him down to her. Her plan was to give him a gentle, chaste, sweet kiss like he asked for yet the second her lips touched his she was on fire.
She slipped her tongue into his mouth, stroking inside like she wanted him to take her. He groaned, wrapping his arms around her. Locking their bodies together. She could feel his erection pressing against her belly. Hot, hard and insistent. His hand drifted to her ass, palming it roughly before pulling her harder against him.
Too soon he lifted his mouth from hers. She wanted to scream in frustration. Instead she buried her face against his throat and groaned. Lifting her head back a little she licked the juncture of his throat and shoulder. Needing just one more taste. It was hard resisting the urge to bite him and mark him as hers. Instead, she nipped him gently before breaking his hold.
“Is that better?” she asked. Her voice husky with lust.
“Damn,” he breathed. “Hell yeah that’s better.” He glanced at his watch. “Shit, I need to get going. Have a meeting in thirty minutes. Any chance I can get that scone and coffee you offered up?”
She rolled her eyes then walked behind the counter gathering up his order. Handing over the bag she crooked her finger at him. He leaned in, curiosity stamped across his features. Once he was close enough she planted a kiss on his lips, drawing away before he could react.
“Just so you know, I’m irritated with you, but sinc
e you kiss like a devil, I’m thinking about letting it slide.”
He cocked his head to the side clearly confused about what she was talking about.
“Have a good day at work….kitten,” she smirked. Shooing him out the door as couple of other customers came in.
Jett didn’t call that night but then she expected as much. He’d probably have to call out a search party to find his phone. She knew from experience that it would probably take a woman to find it. She fell asleep early with thoughts of Jett and hot kisses in her mind. Hoping to get a more in the morning.
Friday rolled in and out without a word from Jett. He wasn’t the first customer to walk through the doors and, by the end of the day, he never showed up. He didn’t even call and she knew he had her number, at the bakery and her cell.
By Sunday evening, and with still no word from Jett, she thought she finally had the answer to one of her nagging questions. How long would it take for him to lose interest? It seemed not very long.
At one point during the weekend she built up the nerve to call his cell. He never answered. She couldn’t help think he was avoiding her. She was never terribly good at keeping a man around. That is, the few who were interested.
Lounging on the couch in the basement she was surprised when MJ strolled downstairs with Sam following.
That relationship was beyond rocky and the sight of them together grabbed Corrine’s attention. Instead of asking what was up, in fear of breaking whatever spell was over them that had them playing nice, she waited–playing it cool.
After ten minutes of her ignoring them and pretending to pay attention to the crime show on TV, Sam finally spoke up.
“So, sis, what’s going on?” Sam fidgeted nervously next to MJ on the other couch.
Corrine let out a grunt. “Nothing.”
“Really? There’s nothing you want to tell us?” he probed.
Corrine glanced at them. Both had serious mom and dad looks on their faces. She rolled her eyes and focused back on the television. “Nope.”
“Are you sure?” he asked. A hint of doubt lacing his voice.
“Oh for god’s sake, Sam.” MJ huffed out drawing her attention. “What the hell is wrong with you, Rini? You’ve been acting strange this whole week, even more so today. And don’t even think of trying to tell me I’m wrong. I’ve seen that flushed look every morning and it wasn’t because of how busy we were. Is it him?”
Corrine was surprised how fast Sam’s head whipped toward MJ. “You told me something was wrong with her. You didn’t say anything about there being a guy. Is there a guy Corrine? What’s his name,” he demanded. His head whipping back over in her direction.
Corrine glared at MJ. “No. There’s no guy. Not one worth mentioning that’s for sure.” She gritted her teeth as the lie came out.
“I call bullshit.” MJ glared back at her.
“Don’t do this Mary Jane,” Corrine stressed.
“Sam doesn’t even know, does he? That’s complete crap.” MJ stood, fists on her hips.
Corrine jumped up from the couch adopting the same stance. “It isn’t Sam’s business. I can do what I want. And I’m telling you right now there’s nothing worth mentioning. Hell, he didn’t even show up Friday and hasn’t bothered to call in four days. I’m fairly certain that means ‘kiss my ass’ in guy speak.”
“Oh my god, that’s why you turned me down when I offered to work up front Thursday? He’s been coming into the shop and you didn’t tell me.”
Sam finally stood up. “So there is a guy,” Sam said. Half asking, half stating.
Corrine and MJ both looked at him and shook their heads. Men were clueless.
“What? It isn’t like you’re having a private conversation. I’m just trying to wrap my head around you hooking up with a guy, Cor.”
Corrine turned her mounting anger on him. “What’s that supposed to mean? I’m so horribly big and ugly no guy would be interested in me? I don’t believe this crap. First off, it isn’t anyone’s business. Second, I can screw a guy if I want. And that’s exactly what it was. A screw. Nothing more—nothing less. He was out for a good time and we had it. Third, and most importantly, we aren’t in a relationship. Won’t ever be in a relationship. So there’s nothing to be concerned about. He was just out for a little fun. Its over.” She threw her hands up in the air exasperated before storming past her bother and best friend. “I’m outta here.”
She made it to her room, locking the door a few seconds before they came charging after her.
“Go away. I’m not speaking to either of you.” She called out, walking to the bathroom to start a bath. Without shifting and running this was the only other way she would be able to relax; hopefully, enough to calm her down so she could get a little sleep before opening the shop tomorrow.
Corrine stripped down. Sinking into the hot fragrant water she let it do its magic. It was time for things to go back to normal. Maybe if she kept repeating it, she would eventually believe it.
CHAPTER NINE
Jett popped the top on yet another beer, downing half of it before taking a breath.
What an utterly shitty couple of days.
Closing his eyes, he tipped his head back resting it on the couch. His mind went blank, blocking all of the negative shit occupying his head. Slowly a vision of Corrine filtered across his mind.
She was standing in the kitchen just like she had been that first Saturday he was at her place, this time though, she was naked except for the apron wrapped around her waist.
Jett groaned and adjusted his thickening cock.
A crash from the front door had Jett lifting his head up. Sam’s scent wafted into the condo followed by the angry stomping man.
Jett’s burgeoning erection quickly died away, nothing like the brother of your fantasy woman to kill the mood.
“Grab a beer. Sounds like you need one,” Jett called out.
He heard a grumbling sound from the kitchen. Seemed Sam was already headed there.
Sam emerged with the now nine-pack under his arm. “Damn women,” he growled.
He set the beer on the coffee table, snatched one up and flopped into the recliner next to the couch.
Jett raised an eyebrow in question. “Care to elaborate?”
“Some jackass literally screwed my sister, dumped her and she says it isn’t any of my business. I don’t know whose neck I want to wring first. Hers for hooking up with some asshole of a guy out for a good time or his for fucking and leaving her.” Sam shook his head and twisted the cap off his beer.
Luckily, Jett wasn’t drinking at that moment since he would have choked. What the hell! He cleared his throat. “You mind repeating that? You sister slept with a guy? When?”
“You heard me right—my sister and some guy. It’s just strange beyond words and she’s keeping it a secret from everyone. You know, I couldn’t even get his name out of MJ and I damn well know she knows.”
Jett watched as Sam tipped back his beer guzzling it down. He let out a sound of satisfaction before putting it on the table and grabbing another.
“MJ knows who he is?” he couldn’t help but ask as panic shot through his belly.
“I’d bet the farm on it. Those two tell each other everything.” Jett’s brow furrowed. “The most frustrating part is that MJ didn’t know the guy showed up at the bakery everyday this past week except for Friday I guess, which means it has to be serious. Corrine keeping secrets from MJ about a guy makes me nervous. It isn’t like her at all. Fuck! I don’t want to have to kick some dude’s ass and piss her off even more.”
They sat in silence, each apparently lost in their thoughts.
This whole relationship with Corrine was going to hell before it even really got off the ground. Jett knew he needed to talk to Sam about Corrine; he needed to come clean and tell his friend Corrine was his mate. If he hadn’t been convinced before, he was now.
Four nights of not hearing her voice before bed and he didn’t know why he bothered try
ing to sleep. Friday, when he missed out on seeing her in the morning, he was antsy and ready for a fight, spending most of the day pacing his office and scaring off the other employees. He would have left early to drive out to her place but he had back-to-back meetings that he couldn’t get out of.
If he was honest with himself, he probably could have rescheduled. His biggest reason for not running to her at the first opportunity was his run-in with his ex, Macy, Thursday. He hadn’t even told Sam about that. Too afraid if he gave voice to his worries they would come true.
He was walking to his car after work when he spotted a woman leaning against the diver’s side door. Her long blonde hair was scraped away from her face into a tight ponytail. She wore a figure hugging black dress and a pair of killer heels. She looked like the Macy he knew when they first started dating. She seemed happy, calm and carefree; nothing like his last memory of her. The psychotic woman from his last confrontation seemed to have disappeared completely.
His mind drifted back to his conversation with Macy.
“Macy?” He stopped at the trunk of the car, nervous about getting any closer.
Macy turned her head in his direction, a stunning smile on her lips. “Jett! I wondered if you were ever going to get off work. Its so great to see you.”
Jett quickly glanced around to see if anyone was near. Macy did always hate having people see her when she wasn’t the picture perfect woman. With no one around he was no doubt going to get the crazy bitch show.
She laughed lightly. “Oh Jett. I’m not going to do anything to you. I just wanted to talk. I’ve been thinking over everything while we’ve been apart. I really did get out of control there for a while. I just want to apologize and hoped we could be friends of a sort.”
“Oh, I see.” A whisper of relief shot through him as he tentatively took a couple of steps toward her. Still, there was a part of him that told him to watch out, looks really could be deceiving. “Things did get a bit intense between us,” he joked.
A self-deprecating smile appeared on her lips. “Intense is one way to put it, but I want you to know I’ve moved on with my life. I just want you to be happy.”
Craving More Page 9
