“That is hard to believe, you’re right.” She trailed her fingers down the middle of his six-pack.
“Would you ever paint in the nude in front of someone if there was no money involved?” he asked.
A thrill arrested her. She ran her lips along his strong jaw. “No. I would expect you to pay me.”
His breath hitched. A bump rose in the sheets.
She reached down and grabbed his hardening cock. “And then I would expect you to fuck me.”
Seventeen
You still coming over for dinner tonight?
Dave looked away from Colton’s text message. It was Friday, and Colton had been trying to get Dave over there all week. If not for his mother and a couple of modeling sessions, he would’ve gone, especially since Janie had spent nearly all her time there since their night together.
Shivers ran the length of his body as he waited just outside of his mother’s hospital room. The papers were on the way to release her, and then they would go straight to rehab.
Made love.
There was no denying he still thought of it that way. After a quick break, he’d given her the oral he’d promised—after cleaning up the area a little. Then he’d made love to her again, the second time slow and deep. It was that second time that he’d felt her skirt her imaginary defensive line. She’d gotten close to the edge, tensed up, and then emotionally pulled away. He’d been that in tune with her to feel it. And that in tune for it to manifest like a physical blow.
Granted, he’d been firmly in his head the whole time. Firmly in control. He’d wanted to make sure she reached climax. Girls could be tricky, and the last thing he wanted was for Janie to fake it. But maybe he just needed to let go himself, inviting her to come along.
But what if she didn’t?
Dave would be left hanging like a fool, that was what.
Then again, she’d already seen his vulnerabilities—the side of himself he tried to keep hidden—and she hadn’t turned away yet. In fact, she’d turned toward him. She’d put herself out there for him.
Would she do it again?
He blew out a breath as he spied the doctor down the hall. Finally.
Three hours later, after he’d endured his mother’s teary goodbye and checked her into the run-down rehab establishment she’d chosen, he pulled up in front of Colton’s house with a heavy heart.
Now there was a man who had it all. The huge house, his dream girl, somewhat normal parents, a fun family, and his ideal job within his grasp. Colton had turned his hard work into a rock-star life. Dave had no idea how he’d done it. How he could hope to do the same.
He swung open the door and climbed out, already glancing around for Janie’s car. Gone. She wasn’t there.
He deflated, only then noticing a different car.
Crap.
Colton’s parents might be somewhat normal, but they were also a pain in the ass. Why the hell were they there for dinner?
Dave shot a longing look at his open car door. There was still time to escape. Maybe go back home and hope Janie would return to the apartment. He hadn’t seen her much since they’d spent the night together. He had the distinct impression she was avoiding him. Whatever the reason, he missed her. He wanted to see her again. Chat and laugh with her. They could figure out the rest.
Bing.
A text message from Noah. I see you out there, bro. You better not leave. I don’t want to deal with Colton’s mom alone.
Dave swore under his breath and glanced at the front window. He fired off a message. Is Colton setting us up? Why is she here?
She caught him when he was distracted and invited herself to dinner. Worse, his sister can’t make it.
Dave looked at the sky. The crush he’d had on Colton’s sister when they were kids was long gone, but he still loved hanging out with her. She was a riot, and her husband was good people. More importantly, the pair of them and their kids kept Mrs. Lewis occupied.
Noah texted again. I just told everyone you’ve arrived. Suck on that.
Noah was going to get a fat lip, even if Dave had to sucker-punch him and run.
Another swear word riding the breeze, he slammed the car door and started toward Colton’s house.
Colton’s door swung open and Ethan stood in the threshold, his face grim. “Want a drink?” Noah drifted up beside him.
Dave lifted his eyebrows. “Are you guys desperate to see me, or what?”
“We’re worried that you’ll take off running,” Noah said with a shit-eating grin. “We wouldn’t want you to miss quality time with Martha.”
“What are you boys doing?” It was Martha, Colton’s mother. She moved Noah to the side so she could join. “You’re letting all the flies in.”
“Sorry, Mrs. Lewis.” Ethan gave her a tight smile. Everyone knew better than to try and charm Martha. Even Dave. She could see right through those shenanigans.
“Ethan, call me Martha. You know better. Dave, my goodness.” She tsked as she stepped out in order to smooth Dave’s wrinkled shirt. “Where did you come from, a cage in the zoo?”
“I had to check my mother into rehab again.” Dave let his face fall for effect. Ethan and Noah’s expressions darkened. They knew what he was doing, and wouldn’t be able to compete.
“Oh my goodness, you poor thing. Oh no. Come in here. Come in. I’ll get you something to eat. Oh, you must be heartbroken.” She tried to usher him into the house. Before she crossed the threshold, she paused, and her gaze snagged on something down the street. “Maddie’s little friend is here again. Have you met her? Such a pretty thing. She has absolutely ruined her clothes. The way she carries on with those paints.” She tsked again. “I haven’t seen any of them myself. She’s keeping them to herself. I have an eye for artistry, too. I could probably help in some way. Ethan, have you seen any of her work? I know you know something about art. Your mother, God rest her soul, doodled with watercolors or something, didn’t she?”
“Charcoal, ma’am.”
“Why he insists on using my last name and calling me ma’am, I do not know,” she muttered, and tried to usher Dave farther into the house. He stayed where he was, watching Janie exit her car down the street. “It makes me feel old. Anyway, do you know her? Maddie’s pretty little friend? C’mon inside.”
“I better go help her—”
“I got it,” Noah said in a hurry.
Something hot and sharp pierced Dave’s middle. Jealousy rose without warning, threatening to strangle him. He clenched his fists and body, trying to regain control.
“Dave does know her, don’t you, Dave?” Ethan slapped Dave on the back and pushed him forward. “And yes, I have seen her work. I peeked before she told us not to.”
“Oh, is that so?” Martha tugged on Dave’s arm. “Well, is she any good? She is certainly dedicated. But you know how art goes. All the effort in the world can’t compete with natural talent.”
Colton turned from the stove as Dave and his entourage walked into the kitchen. His eyes held an apology, undoubtedly because he hadn’t fessed up about his mother coming to dinner.
“Colton, how is it looking? And Maddie’s friend is back.” Martha bustled in and checked the oven. Colton was an excellent chef and capable host, but in Martha’s eyes, men did not belong in the kitchen. She’d just as soon all the males got lost.
Madison, who sat at the island with tight eyes, would kill them all if they left her alone in the kitchen with Martha. She actually didn’t like it when anyone except Colton used the nickname Maddie, but due to a mix-up when she and Colton had first faced the family together, the name had stuck. Martha wouldn’t change now.
“How’s your mom?” Madison asked, slipping off the stool.
“I just checked her into rehab. She really wants to stay on the straight and narrow this time.” Dave accepted a beer from Ethan.
Madison nodded. “She will. You’ve got an ace in the hole this time. Trust me, it’ll work out. It always does when Janie puts her mind to s
omething. That’s why I’m so glad she’s decided to pour herself into her painting. She’ll kill it, just as soon as she finally gets over her recent obsession.”
Dave frowned. “Recent obsession?”
Eighteen
“Just out here is fine.” Janie gestured for Noah to put the blank canvases by the door to her painting room. “I’ll take them in.”
“You’re not going to let me see?” Noah hesitated in setting down the canvases.
Janie dropped her bag of painting supplies next to the door. “Not a chance. I have to get rid of a few before I let people wander through. But I’ve managed to hit my stride, finally. So at least now I’m working toward something.”
“Martha has been clamoring to have a look. She said she could be of assistance to you.”
Janie led the way down the hall despite the fact that she really should get to work. She was on a roll. The paintings were turning out exactly how she wanted them to. Another couple weeks to get everything perfect and she could start touting her work.
In other words, in another couple weeks, the hard part would start.
But if she stood in front of a canvas right now, she knew what would happen. The ache she felt would show up in her painting. It would have to be tossed out with the others that revealed too much of herself. Too much of Dave. Despite her fierce desire to put that other night of unreal passion behind her, and cut out the feelings that were taking on a life of their own, she wanted to see Dave so bad her hands were shaking.
It was so freaking distracting. She didn’t need this right now.
“She could be of assistance with the painting, or with the galleries?” Janie asked, thumping down the stairs.
“No idea, but she would be one to ask about galleries. If you can muster up the courage, that is. She has lady luncheons or whatever all the time. Someone in those circles is bound to have a useful connection.”
Janie heard Dave’s voice before they walked into the kitchen.
“You are saying a lot of words, Madison, but none of them are explaining what this recent obsession is. You are smarter than me, I hear you roar, but you’re a horrible liar. If something is going on that shouldn’t be, I need to know how to help.” Dave stood with his hands crossed over his chest, two feet from the island, staring Madison down. Colton, who would normally rush forward to protect his lady love, was also staring at Madison, his expression flat.
Janie had seen Colton’s look before. He didn’t agree with something Madison had set her mind on, but he knew whatever idea his lady love had latched on to would have to run its course. Madison had a stubborn streak a mile wide.
“What’d I miss?” Janie asked, heading to the fridge. “Also, does anyone need a stiff drink? There is some serious tension in this room.”
“Madison was just telling us that you were stuck on a certain theme of a particularly damaging nature.” Martha took a sip of her drink, her gaze rooted to Janie over the rim of her glass.
Janie didn’t allow the alarm to tense her muscles, or her gaze to veer toward Dave. Instead, she grabbed the ingredients for a very stiff drink and returned to the island. Martha was just like the drug pushers in that trailer park. She’d go whole hog if she smelled weakness.
“It’s not exactly damaging, but it certainly blindsided me. I’m good, though. I’m finally on the right track. Colton only has to endure me wandering around his house for a little longer.” She winked at him, trying to match the ease with which the guys did it. Instead, she could tell her face was scrunching up weirdly. “Anyway, is this a dinner party, or what? I’m officially crashing it.”
Joy crossed Dave’s face before that deep feeling glimmered in his eyes. He uncrossed his arms and slipped his hands in his pockets.
“Dressed like that?” Martha looked at Janie’s clothes. “Maybe Madison has something you can change into. You’ll get paint all over everything.”
Janie glanced behind her. “My backside is clear. I’m good.” She filled the shaker before holding it out for one of the guys to take. This was a dance they’d perfected. She’d pour the drink, and one of the BD guys would shake it, giving her a good show with his bulging muscles.
Dave stepped forward and took it out of her hands. His fingers slid against hers, and her body went taut as though she’d grabbed a live wire. She yanked her hands away and stepped back. Even still, she couldn’t stop looking into his soft brown eyes. Felt the desperate urge to run a hand down his back before stepping closer and gluing herself to his side.
Janie turned away. “What’s Frank up to?”
Ethan’s smile climbed into place. “Ralph.”
“Ralph it is. What’s he drinking?” Janie pointed at Martha, whose brow crumpled. “Anyone?”
“Bud. I got it.” Madison dashed around the island and swung open the fridge. “Did you need help carrying anything upstairs, Janie? Or moving things around?”
“I’d love to see some of your work.” Martha straightened a tray that had been set to the side of the stove. “Maybe you can give us a tour of your collection?”
“They aren’t ready for viewing yet,” Janie said. Madison stopped beside her, not handing over the beer.
“Here you go.” Dave finished shaking the drink, his biceps giving her the show she was after. He poured it into two martini glasses before garnishing with olives. A sexy smile tweaked his lips as he handed one to Janie. “Dirty, just like you like it.”
Heat infused her core. Breathing became difficult. He was right. It was how she liked it, and he was so good at giving her exactly what she wanted. “Martha,” she said, trying to get back on track. “I don’t know about you, but that kind of talk seems awfully cheeky for a family affair.”
Martha’s eyes narrowed. “You are absolutely right, dear. David Miller, just because you are having a hard time in your life right now, that is no reason to use crass double entendres with a young woman, no matter how inappropriately she is dressed for the occasion.”
Dave visibly wrestled the smile off his face, trying to adopt a chastised expression instead. His glimmering eyes gave him away. “I apologize. Where were my manners?”
“Out to lunch, obviously. Not here, at any rate.” Janie sniffed, handed her drink to Madison, and took the one Dave had obviously held back for himself. “Thanks. Enjoy your beer.”
His grin won out, and he chuckled as she turned and followed Madison out of the kitchen.
“So you’ve moved on from painting him?” Madison asked as they moved through the spacious house. In the next room, a fast-talking announcer yelled over the roar of a crowd. The huge TV lined a wall. Ralph sat within the sea of leather, watching the game with the remote in his hand.
“Yes. I’ve homed in on my theme now.”
“Love?”
“Yep. Frank, do—”
“Ralph.”
“Ralph, do you need a beer?” Janie motioned at Madison, who held out the beer. “Wait, what’s all this? Appetizers?” There was a tray laden with cheese and crackers on the coffee table. Another had chips and a creamy sort of dip. She grabbed a deviled egg from a dish on the small table near her.
“Thanks.” Ralph took the beer while turning down the game. “Yeah, my wife puts out all this food, but for who? She knows the boys are going to hang out in the kitchen like a bunch of women.”
“Wow.” Janie sipped her drink. “Well I’m happy to hang out near the food and take the place of a bunch of lazy men that expect to be waited on hand and foot.”
Ralph huffed, not taking his eyes off the game. “Don’t take my place. I’d rather get waited on.”
“I hear ya, Ralph. Go ahead and turn it back up. Madison and I are going to squawk.” She didn’t want to irritate him with chatter. He’d kick them out, and she didn’t want to go back to the kitchen. She did want to see Dave—badly—but she also didn’t, especially not with everyone else around. It was too pressurized.
He nodded, understanding her completely.
She grinned a
t Madison and nodded in his direction. “He’s a trip,” she said in a low tone.
“He goes between funny, crazy, and horribly sexist. So you’re painting love now?” Madison furrowed her brow. “Who is your inspiration?”
“Just the feeling,” Janie said, sitting in the love seat. Madison joined her. “I don’t need an actual person or couple.”
“You did in the beginning. That was why you came here.”
“You tell me this like I have short-term memory loss.”
“It’s just…” Madison took a sip of her drink. “Colton and I have been a bit…at odds lately. I mean, we still love each other, obviously, and our relationship is totally fine, but we are seeing some things differently. We’ve been a little strained.”
“I noticed.”
“Right. Exactly. So how did you suddenly find your inspiration if it wasn’t from us?” Her eyes narrowed. “Did something happen with you and Dave?”
“Dave is every bit the mama’s boy he was, and I am still averse to a fling. I’m not painting him, trust me. But…I turned a corner. I spat out all the angst, so that’s done, and now I’m painting the original idea. I’ve cleared the air. It feels good.”
Madison sighed. “Good. I’m happy to hear it. After the thing with Dave’s mom, Colton is convinced you’d be good for Dave. That Dave would turn around and change his whole life for you. I mean, guys don’t do that.”
“Let me guess, Colton said he did that for you, right?”
“Right. Exactly.” Madison rolled her eyes before getting up for some cheese. She was careful to stay out of Ralph’s way. “But he totally didn’t. He was ready to walk away from…you know, the service, when I showed up. And he had everything aligned to chase his dream. With us, it was all about timing.”
“This certainly isn’t good timing for Dave. I mean, you know, not saying it matters to me, but Dave wants to keep making money hand over fist. Did you see that they all upped their prices? They’re getting three and a half grand for an all-nighter. Over three grand! I’m not sure I’d walk away from that either.”
Blaze (Big D Escort Service Book 2) Page 12
