by Lori Foster
Lisa and Adam immediately started jumping up and down, squealing and begging.
“That’s enough,” Georgia said. The kids quieted just a bit, but their eyes were still bright and wide with hope.
She stared at Jordan, her face so frozen it hurt, and murmured, “That’s low, even for you.”
He looked guilty for a flash of an instant, then resolve darkened his eyes. “I’m a desperate man. And we did make that bargain—”
“Kids,” she interrupted, “go ahead and get dressed. And Lisa, remember you wanted to brush your teeth twice, okay?”
“Are we going to see Casey?”
Not if she could help it. “I’ll have to think about it, sweetie. There’s a lot I have to get done today.”
The kids trailed out, dragging their feet, their expressions despondent. Damn Jordan for putting her in this position. Her children had so few outings these days, what with her working all the time. She knew how much they’d love a visit to a lake. But the more time she spent with Jordan, the weaker her stand on independence seemed to feel. She had to make it on her own. She had to.
When Georgia heard their footsteps at the top of the creaky stairs, she rounded on Jordan, blasting him with all her fury. “How dare you!”
After one long, silent look, Jordan began carrying dishes to the sink. “You’re just being stubborn, Georgia. Why should the kids be cooped up at the hospital while you’re visiting your mother? They’ll enjoy being in the fresh air, and I already spoke with Casey this morning and he agreed—”
“I didn’t agree.” She left her chair and faced him with her hands on her hips. “They’re my children and I know what’s best for them.”
“True.” Jordan leaned back on the sink and silently studied her. “I’m not questioning your parenting skills, honey. It only took me about two seconds of seeing you with them to know how much you love them, and that they’re crazy about you. But you did agree.” When she stared at him blankly, he added, “Last night? Don’t tell me you don’t remember any of it?”
Her heart lurched at his continued insistence. Last night? So much of it, once he’d touched her feet, was a blur. She’d been so tired, so stressed….
“You told me,” Jordan said calmly, “that taking the kids to Casey would be fine. Sawyer is going to meet me at the hospital, and while you’re visiting, he and I will fetch your car. Afterwards we’ll pick up the kids and I’ll take you all to dinner.”
Georgia felt like a deflated balloon. Surely she hadn’t discussed all that with him? But he looked so positive, so sure of himself. And she had been beyond weary, ready to simply cave in under the exhaustion and worry. It was conceivable that she might have said things she now couldn’t remember.
She just didn’t know.
Her head hurt and she rubbed her fingers through her badly tangled hair. She felt Jordan’s large firm hands settle on her shoulders and pull her close. She tried to resist him and the comfort, the security that he offered. She really did. But he brought her up flush against his strong, solid body and began rubbing her back. The man’s voice wasn’t the only thing magical about him. His fingers were pretty amazing, too.
It had been so, so long since anyone stronger, bigger than she had held her. Her muscles turned liquid at the wondrous feel of it.
Jordan’s whiskery jaw brushed her temple as he spoke. “Just stop being so defensive and think about this logically, okay? We’re not bad people, sweetheart. Casey will enjoy keeping your rugrats entertained for a few hours. He adores children. We all do. And Lisa already adores Casey. He’s responsible. He won’t let anything happen to them.”
“But—”
He tipped up her chin. “But you’re still worried? Please don’t be. Not now. When things get straightened out and your mother is back home, then you can give me hell, okay?”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “I don’t want to give you hell. It’s just that…I don’t understand you.”
“And that worries you?”
With complete honesty, she said, “Yes.”
“Well, I don’t quite understand myself right now, either, so I’m afraid I can’t offer any explanations. I just know I want to help out. Is that so bad?”
She searched his face, looking for answers while confusion swamped her. “We barely know each other, Jordan.”
“But it doesn’t seem to matter, does it?” His gaze warmed and his touch changed. Just like that, he went from comforting to being all male. All interested male. He looked at her mouth and then kept on looking. “I can’t believe how you make me feel.”
“Jordan?” Her lips trembled. Her entire body trembled. Nothing should feel like this, so good and so scary and so…right.
He bent toward her. His breath teased her lips as he whispered, “What you do to me should be illegal.”
Oh, the way he said that! He’d turned the full power of his bewitching voice on her and, combined with the memory of that sensuous foot rub of the night before, she was a goner. “Oh, my…”
He stole her breathy exclamation with his mouth as he kissed her. Knowing that she should resist, and being able to resist, were two entirely different things. His mouth was hot, incredibly hungry, and damp. She kissed him back, unable not to. His taste was indescribable. Hot and feverish. His hands were gentle on her face, a stark contrast to the consuming carnality of the kiss, eating at her, nipping with his teeth, sucking at her tongue as he groaned low in his throat and kissed her again and again.
Her hands curved around his shoulders and the feel of him, of solid muscle, bone and sinew flexing against her palms made her insides curl with raw desire. He arched her into his body and gave her his own tongue, tasting her deeply, pressing the hard planes of his body into her softness. Her breasts throbbed and ached, their galloping heartbeats mingled, and between her thighs….
Somehow she found herself backed up to the cabinets. With no effort at all, Jordan lifted her and the second she was balanced on the edge of the counter, he stepped between her thighs. She could feel the long, hard ridge of his erection, throbbing against her. His hand curved up her side and then over her breast, and it was so wonderful she cried out.
Jordan cursed as he kissed his way to her throat, to the sensitive skin beneath her ear. “I want you.”
She wanted him, too. She held on to him, unable to think beyond the need. He was between her legs, leaving her open and vulnerable and she liked it. She liked the way he moved against her, stroking her with a tantalizing touch that brought her so close to completion even though they were both completely dressed and for the most part standing. She’d never realized that such a thing was possible, but she felt her muscles tightening, felt the spiral of delicious heat curling in her belly and below.
His fingertips brushed over her aching nipple, then pinched lightly and she almost lost it, almost came right there in her kitchen with a man who was hardly more than a stranger, a man who had no compunction about taking over her life. And she simply didn’t care.
The kids started to argue upstairs and Jordan lifted his mouth. He was panting hard, his body shaking. His high cheekbones were slashed with aroused color, his emerald eyes burning. Heat poured off him.
In guttural tones that turned her limbs to butter, he growled, “I’m so damn hard right now, one touch and I’d be in oblivion.” He squeezed her tighter, pressed his erection hard against her. “One touch, Georgia.”
It appeared he expected a reply to that. But she could barely think clearly enough to stay upright on the countertop, much less know what to say. She stared at his mouth, her own open in mute surprise at all she’d felt, at how incredible a kiss and a few simple touches could be. She’d been married nearly seven years, but she hadn’t known, hadn’t guessed….
He muttered a raw curse. “Don’t look at me like that. You’re killing me.”
She sucked in air and tried to think.
“Say something, damn it.”
Nodding, Georgia looked around her kitchen, a
t all he’d done, at all he still apparently expected to do. Not just to the house, but to her as well. She knew as soon as her thoughts cleared, she’d be mortified. She’d broken her own rules, she’d breached propriety. She’d shamed herself this time more than ever before.
She met his gaze and swallowed. “I’m supposed to work tonight. I…I can’t go to dinner.”
HE SHOULDN’T have been so angry, but his emotions had been in a whirlwind since the first moment he saw her, and he hadn’t gotten a firm handle on them yet. How could he have done something so stupid as to practically take her in her own damn kitchen, with her kids upstairs? Not only was he disgusted with his own lack of restraint, but he was madder than hell at himself for upsetting her.
Once she’d really had a chance to settle down and get her wits together, she’d looked devastated. Jordan could tell she didn’t blame him. No, Georgia blamed herself, and he couldn’t stand it. He’d wanted to lighten her physical load, and instead, he had added to her emotional one. He could only imagine what she was thinking, but she wouldn’t look at him, and that pretty much told it all.
What was between them was damn powerful, and neither of them were coming to grips with it very well. Rather than discussing it, though, she’d informed him she had to work. Again.
Jordan put up a good front for the kids, trying to shelter them from his black mood, a mood he was afraid was partially caused by jealousy. He’d never felt it before, so he couldn’t be certain, but he did know that he hated it, hated the way his muscles refused to relax, the way his stomach knotted every time he pictured her on that stage. Hiding his rage wasn’t easy, but he’d take a punch on the chin before deliberately upsetting her again, or making her children uncomfortable.
He must have been somewhat successful, because the kids were subdued, but far from silent. Georgia had explained to them about hospitals, so they were wide-eyed with respect for the sick people, and apparently oblivious to his turmoil.
Despite her near stomping, Georgia’s soft-soled shoes made no sound as they walked the length of the long hospital corridor. He could feel her nervousness and he wanted to protect her. He wanted to devour her.
He didn’t want her blaming herself for the uncontrollable chemistry between them. And he did not want her dancing on that goddamn stage again.
They rounded a corner, the silence between them a living thing, and then they both drew up short as they saw not only Sawyer standing there, but Gabe and Casey as well. Oh, hell. His entire family just had to turn out, didn’t they? If Misty hadn’t been sick, no doubt Morgan would have been here now, too.
They were likely enjoying his predicament. He’d always been different from them. More withdrawn. More self-contained. Though he never doubted their love, he often felt like an outsider; because of his father, there were things he’d never be able to share with them. Like the pride of their male parentage.
Knowing he’d gotten himself mired in an emotional conflict probably had them all rubbing their hands with glee. They just loved it when he fell into the same traps that grabbed them. It happened far too often for Jordan’s peace of mind.
Lisa, being a natural-born flirt, smiled widely at the sight of Casey and took off at a run to see him. Casey grinned and knelt down to catch her. Adam quickly followed suit, but he was a bit more cautious, keeping one eye on Sawyer and Gabe.
Georgia had come to a complete and utter halt. She just stood there frozen, apparently as appalled as he felt. Jordan could have told her it wouldn’t do her any good.
Sawyer started forward with a wide smile and a warm glint in his dark eyes. “Georgia?”
She nodded, staring up at him. Jordan heard her swallow. “Yes?”
Sawyer, damn him, hugged her. He put his arms right around her, as if she were a member of the family or something, and cradled her to his chest with a great show of affection.
Jordan saw red and had to struggle not to huff like a bull. Luckily Sawyer released her right away.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Sawyer said. “Casey has told me quite a bit about you.”
Her eyes were still round, her expression awed. “You’re Casey’s father?”
“Yes.” Sawyer glowed with pride whenever he spoke of Case. “I understand he’ll be doing a spot of baby-sitting today. We’re all looking forward to it. Especially my wife. Now that we have our own little one-six-month-old Shohn—and with Morgan’s daughter Amber, Honey’s finding she really adores children. She’s never had much chance to be around older children, so this’ll be a real treat for her.”
Jordan knew what his brother was doing, making it sound like a damn favor to him if Georgia didn’t hesitate to let him take the kids. He’d told Sawyer on the phone that she hadn’t quite agreed yet. But now, well…Sawyer’s performance should clinch it.
He glanced at Georgia to see how she was reacting to Sawyer’s long-winded introduction. He wasn’t really surprised to see that her mouth was still open as she stared up at him. There was an innate compassion to Sawyer that drew women; they felt safe with him.
Then Gabe sauntered forward and Jordan thought she might faint. He cursed low even as he clasped her arm to steady her. Everyone ignored him.
“Hi, there,” Gabe said, flashing her with his most engaging grin, and Georgia couldn’t even blink. When Gabe waited, still smiling, she managed to lift one hand and flit her fingers in a feeble wave of greeting.
Jordan heaved a disgusted sigh. “Why are you all here?”
Sawyer shrugged. “I came because you asked me to. Gabe tagged along so you wouldn’t have to leave Georgia here alone. He’ll drive your car and drop me off to get Georgia’s car, then we’ll both be back. Casey is going to go ahead and take the kids to meet Honey, since she’s practically bouncing with excitement.”
Sawyer spoke as if the plans had all been finalized, attempting, no doubt, to head Georgia off at the pass, so to speak.
But at the mention of her offspring, Georgia came out of her stupor. “This is ridiculous. You’re all going to so much trouble—”
“Not at all.” Gabe winked at her, rendering her mute again. He had that effect on all women, it seemed. Even his wife wasn’t yet immune. He’d ask Elizabeth if she’d like mashed potatoes, and the woman would blush scarlet. It was uncanny.
“It’s no problem at all,” Gabe assured her. “And for the record, my wife is anxious to meet the kids, too. We don’t have any of our own yet. Not that I’m above trying, you understand—”
Jordan stepped in front of him. “You know, Georgia, since Sawyer is here anyway, why don’t we let him take a peek at your mother? He’s a damn fine doctor. And that way, if she ever has any other problems, you can just give him a call. They’ll already be acquainted.”
Sawyer nodded. “I still make housecalls, if you can believe the convenience of that! But in Buckhorn, we’re all real neighborly that way.”
Jordan shook his head at the not-so-subtle suggestion that Georgia could be more neighborly herself.
She turned her back on them all, one hand to her head. “This is incredible.” She appeared to be speaking to herself.
“Where did you move from?” Gabe asked.
Distracted, she waved a hand and said, “Milwaukee.”
“Ah, that explains it. We do things differently here.”
She turned back around, her eyes intent. “Are there any other brothers I haven’t met yet?”
They said in unison, “No.”
“Thank God for small favors.” They all grinned at her, making her fall back a step before she caught herself. “All right, I want to see my mother. I won’t really feel reassured until I have. She’s on the third floor.”
Casey spoke up. “I’ll go on and head out. The squirts are anxious to see the lake. That okay?”
Georgia looked harried, but she nodded. “Yes, okay.” She pulled her children close. “You guys be on especially good behavior for Casey, all right?”
“We will!”
“
We’re always good.”
Georgia smiled. “I know. I’m a very lucky mother to have you two.”
The kids smothered her with hugs—quickly because they were anxious to be off—and she kissed each of them. “Jordan and I will be there soon. And be careful around that water!”
Casey put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “They’ll be fine. Don’t worry. We have a rule that no kids are allowed even on the shore without a life preserver on. I won’t let them get hurt. I promise.”
As Casey took both kids by the hand and walked away, Georgia got that shell-shocked look about her again.
Jordan gently maneuvered her into the elevator and pushed the third-floor button. In the crowded confines of the elevator, she stood closer to him than she had all morning. He assumed his brothers intimidated her because she was so damn small by comparison. Her curly golden brown hair would barely brush any of the male chins surrounding her, her shoulders were only half as wide as theirs.
Her petite build really emphasized her full breasts, he noticed. And once he noticed, he couldn’t stop noticing. She wore a tailored yellow blouse buttoned to her throat and tucked into a long, trim denim skirt. There was nothing sexy about the outfit, and in fact, it was quite understated. But it did nothing to mask her appeal. He doubted a burlap sack could have managed that feat.
Jordan was lost in erotic fantasies better left to the privacy of his bedroom than a crowded elevator, when he felt her hand slip into his. He wanted to shout with the pleasure of it. She was warming to him, accepting him, even if reluctantly.
Then he saw that Sawyer had noticed it, too, and was whistling softly. He even nudged Gabe, who lifted both brows.
Jordan scowled at them. He could read their thoughts as clearly as if they were stamped on their foreheads. They liked it that he was exhibiting some male possessiveness. They’d reacted in a similar way when he’d had his first fight, ages ago. A few neighborhood bullies had been picking on an old dog, and when they’d thrown a rock and the dog had yelped, Jordan lost his temper. He’d been a young kid, but not too young to hate injustice and cruelty.
