Ryan refused to let feelings that were trying to emerge for Jessie free. They’d made a pact that this holiday weekend was temporary and purely fun. He had to remember that and not let Jessie get under his skin. Had she always been there, just beneath the surface and he’d clamped it down?
At the stern of the yacht, he saw Mike taking one of two Jet Skis out and followed him. “Can I take one for a ride?” he asked the yacht crew member.
“Sure.”
He was climbing on when Jessie came rushing toward him. “Can I come?”
He had hoped to use the fresh air and speed to help clear his mind of the woman who’d seemed to invade all his senses for the last couple of days, but he couldn’t very well turn her down. “C’mon, hop on.”
Jessie quickly tossed aside her sarong and stepped down to the docking platform to climb onto the Jet Ski. Feeling her snugly settled behind him, her arms held tightly around his waist, was the last thing Ryan needed. “Hold on.”
He started the engine and opened the throttle, sending the Jet Ski skimming over the ocean. It was exhilarating feeling the wind whip around his face, and exactly what he’d needed. Jessie was enjoying it, as well, because she tapped his shoulders to point out several things of interest.
When they returned to the yacht, Ryan felt in control of himself. He had to be. Tomorrow they would be returning to the real world where Jessie wasn’t wholly his anymore and he couldn’t spend every waking minute with her. They would both go back to work, to their own lives. He would return to his quest to be CEO of Black Crescent and turn the small-town hedge fund into a household name. Maybe then he’d feel satisfied with his life and good enough that a woman like Jessie would want to be on his arm.
Would she go back to Hugh?
His anger deepened because Ryan wanted a relationship with Jessie other than sex. Sure, they were sexually compatible in ways he’d never been with another woman, but he wanted more.
She’d indicated a restlessness with her life and her family expectations and being obligated to marry Hugh. But would she really change? Or was being with him just a rebellion against her family? Ryan didn’t know for certain, but one thing he was sure of was that he wouldn’t settle for being second best. Once the weekend was over, he would dismiss her from his life again and focus on his future at Black Crescent.
“What’s wrong?” Jessie frowned as they turned the Jet Ski over to a crew member.
“Nothing.”
She carefully studied him as she put her sarong back on. “Are you sure? You looked angry about something. Didn’t you enjoy the ride?”
Oh yes, Ryan had enjoyed the ride the last few days; he was afraid of what would happen when the weekend was over.
* * *
Jessie couldn’t put her finger on it, but something was definitely bothering Ryan. Since their return from Jet Skiing, he’d been more reserved, even standoffish. The last couple of days, he’d always been by her side with his arm casually wrapped around her. And she hated to admit it, but she kind of liked it. Hugh hated to show public displays of affection. So she’d gotten used to keeping her emotions in check. But with Ryan, he was so warm, so open, she rather liked the way he kissed her in front of his friends. He was unapologetic about his interest in her and she dug that about him.
She would get to the bottom of whatever was troubling him. Although tomorrow loomed, signaling the end of their three-day fling, she didn’t want anything to spoil the perfect weekend they’d shared.
She reached inside the bucket of beer by the bar, pulled one out for him and one for herself, and joined him as he looked out over the water. “Everything okay?” she asked, handing him a beer.
“Thanks.” He tipped his beer to hers. “I’m fine. Why do you ask?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. You seem off today.”
“I was thinking about tomorrow when this all comes to an end.”
She stared up into his brown eyes. “Don’t do that. Don’t let reality seep in yet. We’re supposed to enjoy our time here without a care or worry. Remember?”
“It’s not that easy.”
“Yes. It is. We’ll deal with tomorrow when it comes. Now, c’mon.” She pulled him over to where the rest of his friends were gathered in the hot tub. Jessie threw off her sarong. She knew the tiny gold triangles of material that made up the top of her gold bikini barely covered her breasts.
Jessie had to admit she like how his eyes gleamed when his gaze dropped to the swell of her breasts. Heat surged through her and her nipples puckered. She was glad to be sinking into the hot, bubbling water because then Ryan wouldn’t know the potent effect he had on her. Hugh was dead wrong. She didn’t have a low sex drive. It just took the right man to bring it out of her.
She watched Ryan whip his T-shirt off and set it beside her sarong before joining her in the hot tub. Her eyes were hidden behind her oversize sunglasses so no one could tell what she was thinking. Jessie supposed it was a good thing because it gave her time to think.
Being with Ryan was everything she hadn’t known she wanted and her feelings for him were growing exponentially. He was handsome, strong and kind. When she was with him, she felt herself anchored by his strength in way she’d never been with Hugh. She could learn to let go with other lovers, right? She closed her eyes because the very idea of being with anyone else was repulsive. Yet she had so much more to figure out because her fun in the sun with Ryan in the Hamptons had showed her that she and Hugh would never make it. But could she and Ryan? If he accepted a position with Black Crescent, there was no way they could ever be together.
It was so much to think about. She’d thought sleeping together would ease the tension between them, but instead it had become an ache she couldn’t erase. Her emotions were complicated by the feelings Ryan evoked in her and, once they were back in reality, Jessie was going to have to figure it out one way or another.
* * *
The rest of the afternoon was a blur for Ryan. He’d made sure to keep some distance on the yacht between him and Jessie. And when they’d returned home, he hadn’t joined her in the shower—no matter how much he wanted to. Their time was ending and he was preparing himself emotionally as well as physically for when they would no longer be together.
He’d succeeded.
Even after she’d come out of the bathroom, in a sexy romper for the barbecue at a friend of Dean’s that evening, Ryan kept his composure despite the tug of desire in his groin. Instead, he’d slid her arm into the crook of his and led her out of the bedroom.
They joined the rest of the gang downstairs and were driven to the party on the other side of the Hamptons in a party bus big enough for eight so no one would have to drink and drive. This beach house was bigger and more grand than Adam’s. After checking in at the security gate, they’d driven through a compound to an oceanfront estate.
The house was a split-level, but it was the features that stuck out in Jessie’s mind. The soaring ceilings, marble floors, transom windows and coffered ceilings were miles over anything she’d ever seen. Even the O’Malley house. Partygoers were on all levels, milling around with drinks and canapés from a five-star chef in their hand.
“How did you score an invite to this?” Ryan asked Dean.
Dean shrugged. “My firm worked a big case for the owner. Invited the entire firm. Didn’t think he’d mind a few extra guests.”
Ryan laughed. “The more, the merrier.” He tugged Jessie’s hand forward. They mixed and mingled throughout the evening, but Ryan disguised his feelings behind a wall of bravado. He made sure to keep Jessie’s wineglass full, but the lady herself at a distance.
He must have been doing a good job because Adam commented when Jessie went to the ladies’ room, “Everything all right with you and Jessie?”
“Yeah, why do you ask?”
“Because you’ve been decidedly more measured in
your interactions with her today.”
Ryan frowned. He was hoping no one would notice. But Adam had, which meant Jessie had, as well. “I’m taking this for what it is.”
“Which is?”
“Two people having a good time.”
“But that’s not what you want?” Adam asked what Ryan had been trying his best not to.
“Doesn’t matter what I want. Jessie has to figure out what and who she really wants. Not to mention, the Black Crescent job is still on the table. If I were to accept, it would cause Jessie and her family a lot of grief and tear open old wounds. So, if it seems like I’m pulling back a bit, I am. It’s called self-preservation.” He wasn’t going to put himself out there when he wasn’t sure if she felt anything for him.
“I hear you, but perhaps you should talk to her first,” Adam said. “Clear the air? And far as Black Crescent goes, the job isn’t a done deal yet.”
Ryan grinned smugly. “Sure it is.”
“A little cocky, eh?”
“More like confident,” Ryan responded as he left. The first interview had gone well and he would be called for the second any day now.
When she didn’t return immediately to his side, Ryan went in search of her and found Jessie outside on the terrace looking over the beach. Despite the party around her, she seemed a million miles away. “Penny for your thoughts?”
She turned and studied him and then led with a whammy. “Why have you been avoiding me today?”
Oh, she was going straight to the point.
“I haven’t been avoiding you.”
She cocked her head to one side and regarded him with an angry glare. “Did you think I wouldn’t feel you pulling away? Was it something I did? Are you already bored with me now that we’ve slept together?”
Ryan’s eyes filled with horror and he placed his beer on a nearby table. He reached for her, but she stepped away from him. “Of course not. How could you think that?”
“I don’t know what to feel, Ryan,” she said, folding her arms across her chest in a defensive posture. “You’ve kept me at a distance all day.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, for Christ’s sake. Just tell me what’s going on.”
“I don’t know how to do this.” He pointed between them. “You and me.”
Jessie grinned. “I beg to differ. I think you’ve been doing this quite well.”
If he could have blushed, Ryan would have. “I’m not talking about how compatible we are in the bedroom. I’m talking about the fact that you’re my friend and we crossed the line this weekend. And don’t get me wrong, I don’t regret it, Jessie.” He looked into her eyes. “I wanted you. I always have. But I’m also wondering what will happen when we go back to the real world.”
“I thought we were going to take this one day at a time?” Jessie asked.
“We were. I mean we are.”
“I feel like you want an answer from me on what’s going to happen between us after this weekend and, if I’m honest, I can’t give you one. Not yet, Ryan. I’m confused about a lot of things. But what I’m not confused about is my decision to be with you this weekend.”
Ryan released a heavy sigh and looked down at Jessie. The stubborn tilt of her chin as she looked into his eyes made him burn with mortification. He shouldn’t have stayed away from her today. Thinking about the obstacles they faced with his possible job at Black Crescent and her family’s oppressive expectations made him waste time. Plus, his pride had gotten in the way and he’d begun to think about her casting him aside to go back to Hugh. Envy that Hugh would have his woman after sharing such a passionate weekend with him had his stomach churning.
He brushed her cheek with a single finger and tucked a strand of her shoulder-length hair behind her ear. He felt her pulse quicken at his touch, because when they were together that’s all it took. A spark for them to burn bright. His finger continued a path to her mouth and he marauded it back and forth over her lips. When she opened her mouth and took his finger inside and began sucking, Ryan felt his groin harden in response.
Damn minx could turn him on with the snap of her fingers. She looked up at him as she sucked his finger deep into her mouth and Ryan knew in that instant that they needed to get out of there, otherwise he would lose his grip.
He pulled away. “We need to go,” he groaned hoarsely.
She nodded her agreement.
It didn’t take long for them to call an Uber and say their goodbyes to the group. The short drive back to the house was fraught with sexual energy as they gave each other hungry looks. Ryan was thankful when the car came to a stop and they rushed through the front door like two randy teenagers. They quickly raced upstairs to their bedroom and began stripping, eager to get naked.
Ryan couldn’t wait to please her in all kinds of ways. And he did. She trusted him to do anything and she enjoyed every minute of it. They were so amorous, they ended up on the floor, but neither of them seemed to care. After putting on protection, he allowed Jessie to sit astride his lap and set the pace.
“Take what you want,” he urged her softly. “Whatever you want.”
She kissed him long and deep, stroking inside his mouth with an intimate exploration. Then she lifted her hips, allowing him to slide through her feminine folds.
“Good...you feel good,” he couldn’t resist murmuring.
“So do you.” She began rocking her hips and he tightened his arms clasping her to his chest. She rode him hard and he pushed up to meet her. Again. Then again and again. Every time she moved, he moved. She gave him everything and he claimed it. He wanted to claim all of her and when he gazed into her eyes, he could see the same sense of wonder, pleasure and need that were mirrored in his.
It wasn’t just sex for her, either.
Those were his last thoughts as she feverishly clutched him, digging her fingernails into his biceps. He roared in satisfaction.
Afterward, a flash of light caught his attention. Ryan realized it was Fourth of July fireworks, but he didn’t need the real-life ones because he and Jessie had made some of their own.
Nine
After a goodbye-lunch with the entire gang the following day, Jessie and Ryan headed back to Manhattan. Rather than take a helicopter to the city, Ryan had a limousine pull up to the beach house.
He was shaking Adam’s hand when Tia whispered in Jessie’s ear, “You’ve got that man around your pinky. Enjoy.”
Jessie laughed as she moved toward the vehicle.
“You like?” Ryan asked.
“A limo?” Her voice rose a pitch. “Pretty fancy.”
“Only the best for you.”
Jessie’s heart kicked over in her chest as Ryan handed her bag to the driver who’d exited the vehicle. Then he helped Jessie into the luxurious comfort of the interior and watched with amusement as she surveyed her surroundings with its plush leather seats and bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket of ice.
“Would you like a glass?” Ryan asked as the limo pulled away from the curb. They waved at the McKinleys as they left.
Jessie turned from staring out of the window. “Yes, please. A limo? Do you do this often?”
Ryan shrugged. “I often take them for business.”
Jessie shook her head. “You continue to surprise me, Ryan Hathaway.”
He laughed as he reached for the bottle of bubbly and popped it open. He quickly poured flutes for him and Jessie. They toasted and Jessie let the champagne course through her veins.
“I think you’re sitting too far away,” Ryan said as he raised the privacy glass between them and driver.
“Oh really?”
“Oh yes.” Ryan took her flute from her hands and placed it next to his on the console. Then he proceeded to show Jessie that after last night and this morning’s lust-filled haze, they were not nearly done w
ith each other yet.
By the time they arrived at Jessie’s brownstone after navigating the NYC traffic, they’d steamed up the windows pretty darn good.
Jessie hated to leave Ryan, but she had an early day tomorrow. She exited the limo first and Ryan joined her, helping take her bags up the stairs to her apartment.
“I had a really great time,” she said awkwardly at her door. She didn’t have the words to express how being with Ryan had changed her life and totally flipped the script on what happened next.
“So did I. I’ll call you later.”
Jessie nodded and watched as he started down the stairs, but then he must have thought better of it because he came running back up. He swooped her into his arms and pressed his mouth to hers. He took full advantage, sliding his tongue deep to taste her, tearing a soft moan from her lips. Jessie wound her arms around his neck and melted against him. Her body softened to accommodate the steel of his.
His mouth ravaged hers. How was it possible they could still be as hungry for each other when they’d just gotten busy in the back of the limo? Jessie couldn’t deny that somehow Ryan had taken hold of not only her body but her soul. He’d unlocked parts of her she hadn’t even been aware of.
Eventually they lifted their heads and pulled away to take in large breaths.
“Get some rest,” Ryan said. “I’ll call you soon.” Seconds later, he was gone.
Once inside her apartment, Jessie found Becca curled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn. “Thought I heard voices outside the door, but then when I looked through the peephole...” Becca began, “all I could see was you and Ryan going at it like rabbits.”
Jessie flushed, lowered her head and began swiftly walking to her room. She could hear Becca’s footsteps behind her as she followed Jessie to her bedroom.
“Don’t you even dare try to hold out on me,” Becca stated, flopping down on Jessie’s bed. “We have seen each other through all kinds of crap. No way are you going to hold out on me that you and Ryan—Ryan, of all people—hooked up over the weekend.”
Insatiable Hunger Page 8
