“Thanks. So, you’re really okay now? Are you seeing someone new?” He silently hoped so. Macy hadn’t been so bad in the beginning of their relationship. Maybe she really was back to her old self.
“Oh I’m not quite ready to see anyone yet though there is a man I’m hoping will be in my life at some point. Right now, I’m still testing out how it feels to be single, making myself more independent and taking care of things on my own. How about you? Are you seeing anyone?”
A nagging in the back of his head told him not to say anything but he ignored it. “Yes, actually I am.” A quick flash of irritation gleamed in her eyes so he backtracked quickly. “It isn’t really serious though. We just started seeing each other and I’m not looking for long-term commitment. It’s more of a no-strings thing, something to scratch the itch once in a while.” The words tumbled out of his mouth as an act of protection, hoping he sounded convincing. By the look on her face he was sure she didn’t believe him.
“Well, like I said earlier I just wanted to so I’m sorry. Maybe we’ll see each other again sometime.”
Macy reached out and enveloped him in a hug. Her rose perfume wrapped around him, making him choke. He swallowed down the cough that was trying to come out. She placed a kiss on his lips before stepping back and walking off. “Bye Jett.”
He cleared his throat. “Bye Macy. Good luck with everything.” Reaching in his pocket he pulled out his keys while unlocking the car. Once inside the vehicle he put the window down, made sure no one was behind him and backed out of his spot before tearing out of the parking lot.
Macy’s attitude change had him on edge though even now. He had a moments panic at the thought of not seeing Corrine. He definitely couldn’t ever imagine getting bored with her and sending her on her way. He couldn’t let Macy know that’s what he felt. The attack on his sister back in college would be nothing compared to what she would do to someone he loved and was his mate.
Seeing Macy brought back all of the bad and painful memories from the past few years; his crazy ex-girlfriend attempting to destroy his life and anyone in it, the easy no-strings attached emotionless hook-ups that left him wanting, the depression and loneliness that plagued him when he walked into his empty apartment after a long day at work, and no one to share his triumphs and failures with.
He had himself convinced for the longest time that he loved his life just how it was. That he was a man living it up, free of any true responsibilities. He was wrong.
How much did he really want to change the status quo of his life? A lot. He was unaccountably drawn to Corrine. She made him feel warmth and comfort, happiness. Made him think of home and family. He wanted it all, with her.
Jett mulled over everything that happened in the past couple of weeks. A week spent at the bakery every day just to see her. Be near her. The late night phone calls just so he could pretend she was next to him before he spent the night dreaming of her body writhing under him. One amazing night cut far too short.
He was driven to see her every morning just so he could have that fresh picture of her in his mind, have her scent imprinted on his clothes and body. He had a bone deep desire to kiss her sweet lips and do nothing more.
Not that the urge wasn’t there. Every day he wanted to drag her back to her house and toss her over or on something and have his way with her. That was a constant. He just found he was content to be with her and not expect more.
The clanging of bottles broke through his thoughts. Sam was talking and he’d apparently missed almost all of it.
“…guess there isn’t a problem then.”
Jett shook his head. “What isn’t a problem?”
Sam snorted. “I said I don’t think the guy is a problem. She said something about this guy just being out for a good time. Corrine was pretty adamant the relationship wasn’t serious on either of their parts and it was over. She said he blew her off this weekend.” He shrugged and walked off to the kitchen. The clink of the empty bottles hitting the bottom of the trashcan propelled him into action.
Jumping up quickly from the couch he swayed a bit before regaining his balance. Shit. How much did I drink?
Thoughts of Corrine sent him to the kitchen in search of Sam. He found him sitting at the small table eating.
“Hey can I borrow your phone?”
Sam cocked his head in his direction. “Why?”
He barely stopped his alcohol-drenched brain from getting him in trouble. “Uh, I don’t know where mine is and I need to talk to her about making a custom cake for one of my co-workers. I volunteered since, you know, your sister bakes.”
“At this time of night?” Sam narrowed his eyes and glanced at his wrist. They both noticed there wasn’t a watch for him to check the time on. “Shit, must have left it out at Corrine’s. Probably in the couch. I swear that thing is a black hole.”
“I just need to talk to her before I forget. It slipped my mind until just now.” Which was true since he spent most of his weekend holed up in his place peeking out the window looking for Macy. Nothing else really crossed his mind.
Jett knew this wasn’t the wisest decision but he couldn’t stop. How could Corrine not think things were serious and that he blew her off? Didn’t she know he didn’t do this kind of thing? Especially with shifters. He never pursued a woman this hard. Spent this much time just being around a woman without even having sex.
Of course, how would she know? It wasn’t like they really talked about that part of his life. Every time he was around her all he could think about was getting a taste to tide him over.
His heart lurched at the idea of them being over. The hollow, pulsing ache that followed wasn’t something he’d felt before. If it meant he couldn’t be without her then he was determined not to feel it again.
He rubbed his hand over his heart. A useless effort to ease the pain.
Sam looked at him a bit confused. “Sure man. You okay?”
Jett blinked a few times. “What? Yeah I’m fine.”
“Whatever you say.” Sam tossed his phone to Jett.
Jett took off to his room, scrolling through the contacts until he found Corrine’s name. He shut his bedroom door, switched on the bedside lamp and moved to the window before he dialed, staring out into the night. The darkness beckoning him to shift and run.
A movement off to the side caught his attention. As the phone rang in his ear, he narrowed his eyes searching for what it could have been. When the voicemail kicked in he pulled his attention back to the phone, hung up and redialed.
After the third ring Corrine finally picked up. Her sleepy voice washed over the line. “Whoever this is go away, don’t call back.” She hung up before he could say a word.
Not heeding her words he promptly called back.
This time she was a little more awake. The rustling of sheets over the line had him picturing her lush, naked body when she spoke. “I’m sure you have the wrong number. Please don’t call back. I won’t answer.”
He got her name out right as she hung the phone up for the second time.
“Fuck,” he yelled. Frustration infusing his body.
After calling a local cab company he went out front to wait, seeing Sam asleep in the recliner on his way out the front door.
Thirty minutes later he was walking up the drive to Corrine’s house. The buzz from drinking earlier still flowed through him. He felt warm and a little fuzzy.
Again a small voice in his head told him this might not be the best idea. Brushing it aside, he took in the house looming in front of him.
A thin stream of light could be seen from her bedroom window. He might have a chance at not waking MJ and seeing Corrine alone.
He knocked on the front door before stepping back far enough to see her window. He called her number again. Despite her threat not to answer she picked up on the second ring.
He did the talking before she could start in on him. “Corrine kitten, come open the door and let me in. I want to see you.”
; “What?” she whispered harshly. “Who is this? Why do you have my brother’s phone?”
“It’s Jett, sweetheart. Look out your window.” He tipped his head back for a better look, stumbling. It was that moment she peeked through the curtain.
“Jesus, are you drunk?” she sighed.
“Nope. Just feeling good. Come on, honey. It’s chilly out here. Let me in. Warm me up,” he shamelessly pleaded.
The curtain fluttered back in place. Seconds later the front door opened. His beautiful angel stood in the doorway wrapped in her short ivory robe.
Corrine’s mussed hair and sleepy eyes screamed for him to take hold of her and drag her to bed. He wanted to claim her in every way possible. Mark her with his scent so she would never forget whom she belonged to, then curl up around her and never let go. He had no doubt he would sleep like he had never slept ever before.
With determination driving him on, he marched to the door. Just when she was within reach, her hand flew out stopping his forward momentum.
“Just what do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m going to give my girl some love.” He tried stepping around her but was blocked by her other hand coming up. “What’s wrong sugar?” he grumbled.
He knew the alcohol was kicking in. Corrine’s face was getting fuzzier by the second. It always took longer for it to hit a shifters system. Once it did though it hit hard and fast and it would be an hour or two before the affects would wear off.
The warmth that before was slight and comfortable, like a nice cozy blanket, bumped up a couple of notches. Sweat was starting to pop up on his back and chest, his shirt making him unbearably uncomfortable.
Needing to cool down he grabbed the hem, pulling the offending garment over his head letting it dangle from his fingers. A gasp sounded from Corrine but he was too busy focusing on his relief. He sighed as the night air caressed his overheated skin.
“Damn you must be pretty smashed,” Corrine said. “I hope you didn’t drive.”
He narrowed his eyes, attempting to focus. He zeroed in on her pouting lips. “Nope. Took a cab.” He tapped his temple with his index finger. “I’m smart.”
“Not lately,” she mumbled low although he still heard her.
He shifted toward her quickly stumbling into her, breaking past the barrier of her hands. He wrapped his arms around her waist. “Please honey. Let me in. I just want to talk.” He dropped a kiss on her head.
Damn he had missed holding her. Her soft body molded against him, the tension that gripped his body the last few days, slowly seeped out.
He heard her deep sigh and knew he won this round. Too bad he wasn’t in much shape to celebrate. If he could get her on a flat surface, one that didn’t move around so much, things would be a hell of a lot better.
“Come on. Let’s get you inside. I’ll call a cab to take you home. You shouldn’t be here Jett. I’m mad at you and this isn’t making it any better.”
Slowly she wrapped her arm around his waist and shifted to his side, helping him into the dark house. Once inside she turned to the right, opening a door before pulling him into what could pass as an office/spare bedroom. A dim light came off a computer screen casting light onto the bed tucked into the corner of the room.
Shuffling them to the bed she turned him, pushing him down, before he could pull her down with him she skittered off, reaching for the phone on the bedside table.
He didn’t want her to call him a ride. He came here to talk to her, straighten a few things out. Now if only his brain would clear up so he could do that.
Mustering as much clarity as he could, he grabbed her hand, simultaneously knocking the phone down.
Using his strength he pulled her over tumbling her onto the bed. Swiftly he covered her with his body while his head swam with dizziness, his stomach rolling uneasily. He slammed his eyes shut, squeezing them tightly until the nausea passed.
“Damn it Jett. Let me up,” she said through gritted teeth.
He opened his eyes, staring down into her aggravated face. Her jaw was clenched, nostrils flared. She was the most beautiful, angry creature he had ever seen. He couldn’t mess this up. He had to make her listen to reason.
“Not until you hear me out. We need to talk about you thinking this is a one off thing—some fun and games. I told you I wanted more so imagine my shock when your brother came home telling me our relationship was over when we haven’t had a chance to really start. Granted, he didn’t know I was the mystery man that screwed his sister then blew her off, but that isn’t the point.”
“We don’t have a relationship Jett. From what I can tell you just like to sneak around kissing me and feeling me up. In my book that does not make us a couple. And you did blow me off. I haven’t heard from you in days.”
He nuzzled her neck and snorted. “You didn’t seem to mind my kisses or groping before.”
She wiggled beneath him, growling. He felt the sharp tips of her tiger claws dig into his arms. Damn she was really pissed.
“The point is you weren’t at all interested in letting anyone know you were at the bakery to see me. Coming in first thing when we opened and knowing no one else would be there. Then the first sign of life from MJ or a customer and you’d bolt out the door. All I could think was that you were ashamed to be seen with me. Then you didn’t show up Friday. No phone call or anything. I haven’t heard from you in days.”
“I called. You just kept hanging up on me.” In his mind it sounded a lot better than when it came out. He thought it would lighten her mood but by the grinding sound of her teeth, it didn’t.
“That’s because it’s close to midnight and I was asleep you idiot.”
“But I called,” he said weakly.
“Four days after the fact. I don’t think that counts since you’re drunk and I don’t want to hear your excuses. You blew me off. I got the message. You’re not interested.”
He looked down into her face, saw the anger get washed away with pain and hurt. It killed him to know he’d hurt her again. His chest ached and his heart dropped into the pit of his stomach.
“Please kitten just hear me out,” he whispered. “I really do have an explanation. I ran into my psycho ex-girlfriend after work Thursday. I freaked out a bit, got a little paranoid. She seemed normal enough but she didn’t used to be. I didn’t know how she would take it if she knew I found someone, so I stayed away.” He dropped kisses onto her cheeks and nose.
Corrine quit squirming beneath him. He was oddly thankful, not sure how much more he could take without the beast in him taking over. With his dick cradled against her core he could feel the heat of her seeping through his jeans. He was stiff and aching, dying to thrust into her welcoming body. She may not know it but was only egging him on with each move she made.
Now with her lying beneath him still as can be, he could concentrate on why he was there. They needed to talk.
“What do you mean, she didn’t used to be normal?”
“Promise me you won’t hop up off this bed the minute I’m off you. I can’t think straight with you under me.” To prove his point he pressed his hips against hers. The erection he’d been ignoring prodded her pelvis. “I want you to know that this thing between us is more than a one night stand.”
Corrine gave a quick nod affirming her agreement. Rolling to his side he propped his head on his hand, keeping the other arm around her middle. He tunneled his finger inside her robe, rubbing circles with his fingertips against the smooth skin of her bare belly.
Damn I hope she’s naked under this thing. The thought rolled through his head before he could stop it. He swallowed hard, gaining a modicum of control.
Staring at the glow of the computer he told her the story of Macy.
“I met Macy when I was growing up. She’s from the Larsen founding family. We’d always been around each other. Sorta pushed together by our parents in hopes of a great family merge.
I was never that interested in her when I was young. I had
better things to do than hang out with a girl. She, on the other hand, said she was madly in love with me since the first time we met and was planning our life together.
We went to the same private schools but never dated. I was into sports and she was Miss Popular.
When it was time to go to college I wanted to break out of my shell. Picked a state university. I was surprised when she followed along. I was sure she was going to take her parents up on their offer of a year in Paris. I was wrong.
At first it was nice having someone I knew around. In a way she reminded me of home. I dated random women off and on the first couple of years at college. That’s where your brother’s stories come in. We definitely did some wild stuff back in the day.”
Jett looked down to see Corrine’s full attention on him. Her hand was on his chest. Just having her touch him of her own free will was comforting, making it easier to talk about his past. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. A small smile tilting her lips.
“My junior year I was buckling down. My parents warned that I needed to stop playing and starting planning. They’d put up with a lot of my free will so I did what they asked. I knew they wanted me to try and make a go of it with Macy so I did. It was easy to fall into a relationship with her. She was around all of the time.
Almost two years into the relationship things started to go bad. I knew it wasn’t going to work. She swore it would.
She was spending every minute of every day with me, completely foregoing her classes and following me around instead. She moved herself into the apartment without invitation, started rifling through my mail, checking my emails and going through my phone to see who I was talking to.
At first I didn’t care. She was always ready for down and dirty sex and having her right there whenever I wanted was handy.”
Jett looked at Corrine when she flinched. “I’m sorry kitten. I just need you to know what happened. Where my head was.”
“I understand. Please go on.” He was surprised when she leaned over and kissed him. Nothing consuming like the kiss in the bakery the other day. The kiss he went to bed reliving every night. This was a sweet, gentle kiss. A show of support and affection.
Craving More Page 10
