“Jakey, you didn’t say hi and you’re leaving already?” The blonde leaned into him and Amanda could smell the liquor on her.
“Amanda, this is Jeannie.”
“So, you’re Jake’s date?” She turned away not waiting for an answer. “I thought we’d dance again, Jakey. Like last time.”
Jake’s mouth dipped into an even deeper frown. “Who’d you come with?”
Jeannie patted Jake’s chest and smirked at Amanda. “I knew Jake in Dallas. You’re in for a good time tonight.”
“Jeannie, you’re drunk. We need to find your date.” He shrugged. “Be right back, Mandy. Stay right there.” He left her with the bimbo.
Another one of his groupies. And apparently, this girl thought Amanda was just like her -- about to have a one-night stand. What scared Amanda most was she actually would have gone through with it. Then, this walking example of what she could become brought her to her senses. She didn’t like it. It made her sick to think she just about became another notch on his bedpost.
Her ears were ringing as Jake looked around for Jeannie’s escort.
He knew how to charm a lady, and he’d pulled one over her eyes fast. Something amazing happened all right. She’d turned into a little naïve, pathetic teenager again. This little charade had to end.
Nevertheless, when she looked at his concern and determination to find this woman’s date, tenderness entered her heart. Her mind burned with the memory of how he’d stood up for her all those years ago. Her thoughts filtered back to the day he’d beaten up the guy who’d stood her up for Homecoming.
She swallowed hard, her head spinning. She wanted him; she didn’t want him. Uncertainties overwhelmed her to a point that she stepped outside to get away. Once she stood on the deck, she tried to let the air wake her senses more. She had no idea what she would do.
Jake hurried to her side, a little breathless. “Sorry about that. She’s a bit drunk.”
“I could tell.” Amanda replied.
“Jeannie only–”
She held up her hand. “I don’t want to hear it, Jake.”
“Can we ignore what happened?” Jake leaned toward Amanda with his hands in his pockets.
“Easy for you to say.” She hated the feelings she had. The harder she tried to resist him, the more attracted she became.
“We all have a past, Mandy.” He leaned back against the railing. “It sucked meeting that Dominic guy, too.”
“You’re right. I know you’re right, but it’s all too weird.” Her heart hammered like a drum.
“Even though we grew up together, there’s still a past we don’t know about each other.” Jake wrapped his arm around her waist and she let her denial drift away – she was falling for him.
She needed to get her thoughts together.
Jake wouldn’t commit himself to her -- or anyone for that matter. He never did. And she needed commitment.
Besides, she couldn’t be involved with someone and have her dream job. She’d invested too many long hours to join Denalo’s team. Jake was a distraction.
Even with her reasons, she recognized needs that surfaced in the past month - a need to have Jake in her life, and more than an old friend. His attention had flattered her at first, but she sensed a genuine desire from him. His kisses were real. Even if he was a charmer, he kissed her like he meant it.
Now, with Jake standing next to her, not saying anything, she realized that she wanted him. Even with old girlfriends appearing around every corner. She still wanted him.
Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Perhaps she could settle for one night, maybe two -- or a week -- however long he usually dated a woman. Enjoying him in a more intimate way was worth the risk -- even if it was only for a little while.
His gentle voice interrupted her thoughts. “Look, there’s the Statue of Liberty.” He hurtled her back to earth as reality struck. “Amanda, you’re not saying anything. Are you all right?”
She let a smile form on her lips. “I’m fine. The Statue is beautiful at night. All lit up.”
“Not as beautiful as you,” he said.
She floated on top of the water, no boat in between, just her and the river. Jake’s eyes filled with a hopeful glint. “In fact, you’re going to have to leave soon. You’re making the other women look bad.”
Amanda shook her head with laughter. “Which one? Jeannie or Charisse?”
“Forget them.” Jake held onto Amanda’s hands. “What are we going to do?”
Amanda shrugged. “We could dance again, or walk around the veranda. It looks like the pier is close anyway and I’m tired.”
“Let’s dance.”
Bad idea. Then she’d be in his arms again. “All right. Let’s go in.”
“No. Right here.”
Amanda let out a little laugh. “Here on the deck?”
He grabbed her waist and pulled her to his chest. “Here on the deck. We can still hear the music.”
She barely heard it over her heartbeat. One night could be amazing. She could deal with one night.
“This feels so right.” Jake gently rocked her back and forth.
He always knew the right thing to say, probably from all his playboying around. Nope. Not going to let it happen. She was not a one-time woman.
Amanda stopped dancing and moved away from Jake.
He stepped closer. “What happened?”
Amanda shook her head. “The pier is coming up. We should get our coats.”
She left Jake on the deck, in the darkness, as the music stopped and the ship slowed to her port.
Chapter Seven
AMANDA GRABBED THE DOOR handle before the car stopped. She wanted to get inside the safety of her apartment, before she threw herself at Jake.
“Just a minute.” He leaned over and stopped her from opening the door.
Amanda sighed and looked at him. If she sat with him for another minute, she’d give in to the demands of her libido.
“This isn’t how I want our night to end. What’s wrong?”
“Thanks for the evening. You work with some interesting people.” Play it safe, Amanda. Pull a Nancy Drew, say goodnight and get out of there.
He turned her hand in his and rubbed her palm. “I thought we had something good going on back there.”
“Me too, but I changed my mind.” Amanda pulled her hand from his and stared out the window. She’d been having a good time – maybe too good – but that was before Jessica Rabbit and Bimbo Number Two appeared on the scene.
Jake sighed. “Wait. I’ll get your door.” He got out and ran to her side of the car. As he opened the door for her, he held out his hand.
Amanda ignored him as she got out. I can’t look at him. If I look at him, I’ll melt into his stare. Get out, say goodnight and go home. As the car door closed, she turned and he leaned against the shiny, black fender with his hands in his pockets.
Jake lowered his gaze in confusion. “I hope you had a good time tonight, even though you’re acting like you didn’t.”
Amanda crossed her arms in front of her chest.
Jake took a step closer and shook his head. “You don’t have to be scared of me.”
“I actually don’t trust myself, Jake.”
“Why? You think you’re going to jump me?” He chuckled as he walked up to her. “I wouldn’t mind.” His gaze traveled over her face.
He wanted more. Hell, she did too. But then what?
“So, you think that after I jump you, all this will go away?” She pointed back and forth. “That this attraction will be out of our system and we can continue to be friends? Is that how it works for you?”
He stepped forward and clasped her body tightly to his. “What I know is we’ve passed the line of friendship already, so we should just stop holding back.”
Then he kissed her. Completely. Thoroughly. Long and slow and deep.
She balanced her hands on his chest, and before she was ready for it to end, he’d stepped back and smiled, “See what
I mean?”
Her world swam around her. She tried to speak, but found herself breathing like a lunatic instead. What did he do to her? He was toxic.
“I can’t do this. Goodnight, Jake.” She left him, his mouth wide open, allowing her doorman to direct her to her apartment, because she couldn’t think.
Once inside, she dropped her forehead on the door. Damn him. Looking so sexy.
She slipped off her heels and sighed. Oh, but being with Jake would have been so nice. If the man could kiss like that, imagine what else he could do.
How did Jake see her? He didn’t look at her as a little Squirt anymore, that was for sure, but what did he want? A one-night fling? To add her to the long list of Barbie dolls? Or was he ready to move past that to something more?
Banging at the door startled her and her heart drummed in her chest.
After she took a few deep breaths, she opened the door. Jake stood on the other side.
Neither said a word as they stared at each other. Amanda’s heart raced as a shiver of awareness filled her.
He shook his head, as if in disbelief, and blinked his eyes. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”
His tie hung crooked around his neck and his dark hair was anything but neat. Those deep blue eyes were the same – searching, wanting, and needing.
He straightened when Amanda removed her hand from the doorknob. Dropping his chin to his chest, he smiled and flicked his eyebrows upwards.
The prolonged anticipation was almost unbearable.
She wanted him.
She’d always wanted him.
Amanda yanked Jake’s tie and pulled him in toward her. She forced her lips on his -- like rainfall after the eye of a hurricane -- pounding, fierce, jolting the senses.
The second he leaned into her, Amanda knew she was in trouble.
He placed a hand at the back of her head and pulled her close to deepen the kiss. Jake swept her whole body into his arms and she wound both legs around his waist. He stumbled into the room and used his foot to shut the door behind them.
His tongue slipped past her lips and coaxed a soft noise from her throat. His hands wandered over her back before settling at her waist. She dragged her feet back to the ground as he pulled back for a half a second and dipped his head to press a series of kisses across her throat. He was clearly as aroused as she was and that felt good. He shifted his thigh, rubbed it against her and she let out a needy whimper.
Amanda urgently kissed his neck as she pulled off his tie and unbuttoned the top of his shirt. “Jake, I need –” She fumbled with a button
“Anything.” His mouth slid down her throat and over her collarbone.
A low, throaty laugh fell from her lips. “You. Now.”
He recaptured her lips, more demanding this time. The kiss was hard and searching. He tugged the side zipper on Amanda’s dress and glided his hand inside, trailing circles on her back.
“God, Amanda,” his large hand gently took her face. “I’ve thought about this since we met up again. You’re so goddamn beautiful. You feel so good.” He moved her gently to the wall and pushed into her, his fingers gliding up to her shoulders, loosening the straps.
Hypnotized by his touch, she tingled under his fingertips. She couldn’t speak, could only look at the passion that radiated from his eyes.
When she finally opened her mouth, he touched his finger to her lips. “Tell me what you want, Mandy.” He slid her dress down to her waist and cupped her breast, his thumb rubbing over a nipple. “Do you want this?”
Her head fell back. “Oh, God, yes.”
He leaned down and drew her nipple into his mouth, sucking until she cried out his name. Her hands anchored in his hair and pulled him up. She whipped him around and pushed him against the wall, fumbling at his jacket and slinking it off his shoulders.
He chuckled in breathless anticipation. “That’s right.” His warm breath caressed her ear as he reached up and cupped her breasts. His eyes dilated black with a hunger she’d never seen. Her breath hitched and she moved her hips against him.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaned back and raised her hips to his hardness. All she could think about was him feeling her and how he’d feel inside her. When she opened her eyes, their gaze met. “I need you. Now.”
“Put your legs around me.” He helped lift her, cupped her ass and carried her down the hallway.
“Here.” Amanda pulled her lips away from his neck to show Jake to her room.
He kicked open the door and turned on the light.
“Keep the light off.” She said against him, giving soft kisses on his neck.
He shook his head. “I want to see all of you.” Then he placed her on the bed, towering over her. “Everything off.”
She leaned back and he helped pull her dress down, showing her lacy black thong.
“Jesus.” He kneeled above her, but Amanda pushed him back.
“Your turn.” He began to pull off his shirt, but she stopped him. “I want to do it.” Amanda sat up on the bed so they were face to face and moved her fingers under his shirt, feeling his firm muscles. When she finally unbuttoned his shirt, he leaned forward to kiss her, but she held back. “I want to see you, too.”
She looked up into Jake’s eyes as she moved her hands down to his pants and unzipped his trousers. “All of you.” Jake took a quick breath as she pulled them down.
She kissed his chest, and left a trail of kisses to his bellybutton. Slowly, she crept down to his erection and removed his boxers.
Jake’s head fell back and he groaned. “Mandy, you’re killing me.”
Amanda smiled as she looked up at his face, then slid down an inch to lick him.
He was smooth and silky, his hot skin scorching her lips. She ran her tongue around his head and sucked. She reached around to grab the butt she’d thought about since high school.
“Christ.” He tangled his hands in her hair and arched into her.
She took him deeper while he thrust his hips into her. Just the thought of pleasing him sent shivers up and down her body.
“Mandy –” He hauled her up and laid her back on the pillows so he could run slow hands down her shoulders, her neck, and over her breasts. “I don’t want this to end too soon. There’s still so much I want to see.” He slid his hand lower and into her thong, stroking her sweet spot, until she moistened more from his touch.
She squirmed and cried out. Not once did his fingers stop their motions -- not even when he pushed her panties down, pulling them free from her feet. He circled and circled -- until a small tension curled inside her. She would come soon if he kept this up.
As if he knew, he moved up and looked in her eyes. “You’re so beautiful, Mandy.” He lay on his side and covered her hungry mouth with his own.
When he stroked her hard nipples with his thumbs, Amanda squirmed. “Now you’re driving me crazy.”
He ground his body against hers.
“Do you have a condom?”
Jake reached over to the side of the bed and found his wallet in his pants pocket. He pulled a packet out. “Right here.”
She chuckled. “You had no doubts, did you?”
“It was going to happen. You know it.” He kissed her hard and tore open the wrapper.
Even as he put on the condom, she squirmed in anticipation. His mouth finally crushed down on hers and he pushed her back against the bed, pulling her hands above her head. “God, you smell good.” He pressed his nose against her throat and breathed in. “So damn good.” He nipped her ear and kissed a trail all the way down to her collarbone.
When he let her hands go, she reached around him and grabbed his butt – tight and firm under her fingertips – and he caressed her stomach, up to her breasts, her nipples, teasing her until she begged. “Please.”
With a smirk, Jake kissed her again and eased into her.
Pleasure flooded her – so much that she gasped, clutching at his back.
Jake’s dark eyes bore
into her as he buried himself over and over. All the while, his gaze never left her own, letting her see things in him that she never imagined.
A connection.
A true, real-life connection.
It took her over the edge and she cried out his name. Her legs wrapped around him matching his rhythm which grew faster and faster. Her quivering subsided just as he thrust one last time with his own release.
When her breathing calmed, he pulled her next to him. His breathing wasn’t too steady either, and they curled together as their bodies relaxed. He placed his hand around her stomach and pulled her tighter. “Don’t slip away from me. We’re not done yet.”
Holding onto one another, she drifted into a peaceful sleep, comforted by the sound of Jake’s heart against her ear.
Chapter Eight
“YOU LOOK MIGHTY FINE in that towel, Mr. Edwards,” Amanda said, buttering her toast.
He was wearing nothing else. “You would look even finer without that robe, Miss Larson.”
She still couldn’t believe Jake had stayed the night. After all these years of dreaming, he sat next to her in almost nothing -- having spent the entire night displayed in front of her in all his glory.
“Patience, Jake, patience.” She batted her lashes. “If I don’t get something in my stomach, my robe will fall off due to malnutrition.”
His mouth twitched with amusement. “Fine. Gorge yourself. You need more energy for what I have planned for you.”
“If you didn’t keep me up all night, I’d have more energy.”
“Are you complaining?” He held his orange juice midway to his mouth.
“Not at all.” Waking up with Jake thrilled her, but it also scared her. After all, she hadn’t wanted someone in her bed twenty-four hours ago.
He reached under the table for the robe sash and tugged her toward him. “What do you say we head to your room?”
Time Changes Everything Page 7
