by Lorenz Font
Once inside his luxurious car, Matt chuckled. “I never thought I’d see the day when you felt the heat of being in love.”
Jennifer let his words sit while she pondered Blake’s abrupt mood change.
They arrived at a small Mexican bar and grill.
“They claim to have the best fajita in town.” Matt pointed to the sign outside the establishment.
Seated at a table for four and their food order taken, Matt produced a thick wad of papers from his briefcase and spread them across the table. “I’ve gone through them with a fine-tooth comb, but I still want you to look them over just in case. Everything you asked for has been included.”
Jennifer leafed through each page, reading specifics and skimming over the boilerplate details until she came across one condition from the company that wanted her ready-to-wear creations. “What does working closely with their models mean?”
Matt smiled apologetically. “That is the one nonnegotiable condition.”
“In plain English, please.”
Matt hesitated.
From her experience working with him, this meant trouble.
“Well, given that you’re a new designer, they want you to drop by with your samples to try them on their own models as often as possible.”
“Why can’t they send home a model with me?”
How difficult is it to provide me with one of their precious mannequins?
“We’re talking about live ones, darling.” He laughed when her eyebrows shot up.
“I can’t make that daily commute, Matt. That’s seventy miles, one way.” She shook her head. The I-14 was a long stretch of nothing, and enough to drive a daily commuter to tears.
Matt quoted an exorbitant offer and Jennifer gaped.
When she’d entered this trade, her main focus had been to see her work sold in stores. She had never thought that a large compensation would accompany such an endeavor.
“With their fat offer, you can rent a loft or even a one bedroom apartment and still have enough left to go on vacation every other month.”
The possibility left her reeling. This was her dream coming true.
But what about Blake?
Yeah, what about him?
“What are you worried about?” Matt leaned closer. “Don’t bother answering. I’m going to put my money on Captain Hook.”
She landed a good-natured slap on his shoulder. “No name-calling please.”
“It’s that dude, huh?” He leaned back in his seat and clasped his hands together behind his head.
She sighed. “Should I even attempt to lie?”
“Humor me?” He chuckled.
“Well, he’s a big, bad grouch. He snaps when I offer help. He kisses me to shut me up. It’s a weird relationship so far. I’m not even sure it’s a relationship because we can’t seem to agree on even the simplest things.”
Matt leaned on the table and took her hand. “My dear child. That is what we call foreplay. I’m sure you’ve heard of it?”
Unbelievable.
For some insane reason it was easier to talk to Matt, since Coleen tended to be overly cautious. “It’s tough because he’ll let me in, and just when I think we’re gaining ground, he’ll blast me off.”
“And you let that deter you?”
She shook her head, feeling miserable.
“Good. Because the Jennifer Owens I know doesn’t let anything or anyone stop her.”
The food arrived, giving her a chance to focus on business and weigh the conditions surrounding the contract.
Matt ate while she sipped on her iced tea.
She would be a fool to pass this once-in-a-lifetime chance to make a name for herself in the fashion world. And Blake, well, she shouldn’t hold her breath where the man was concerned. She was certain that this thing between her and Blake would sort itself out when the right time came.
“Give me a pen,” she said in a rush.
Matt stopped mid-bite and grinned. “You don’t waste time, do you?” He put down his fajita, wiped his hands on the napkin, and produced a pen from his suit pocket.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity. I don’t think luck will knock on my door twice.” With trembling fingers, she affixed her signature on the document and shoved it back toward Matt. “Put it away before I change my mind.”
Her phone rang, and Jennifer glanced at a number she didn’t recognize. “Jennifer Owens.”
“Ms. Owens, Officer Cortez here.”
“Oh, hi. I hope you have some good news for me,” she said, gesturing at Matt to wait.
“Actually, I do. The fingerprints we have got from your place matched a set of fingerprints from another breakin at a convenience store in Palmdale. We have the guy in custody. I will call you with more information in the next few days. If your window has been replaced, I think it would be safe for you to go back there.”
“That’s fantastic! Thank you so much.”
Now that she could return home, Jennifer wasn’t sure how to approach Blake with the news. Another potential outburst could be expected.
After the meal, she had Matt drive her to her house where work on the broken window had already started, and Mr. Smith was supervising the workers.
Her good neighbor waved once he spotted her.
“I’ll wait here. I need to call and let them know about your acceptance, anyway.” Matt pulled out his shiny cell phone.
Jennifer bobbed her head, still reeling at the idea of packing up and leaving the place she had called home for years. Los Angeles wasn’t a bad place to live—a tad busy for her liking—but a daily commute was out of the question.
“They should be done soon.” Mr. Smith gestured toward the two men from the window company as she approached. “I also had your locks changed.” He jingled several keys on a ring.
“Thank you.” Jennifer surveyed her property and felt an overwhelming desire to renege on the newly signed contract. “I’m going to close this place up during the week, and will be back on weekends.”
Mr. Smith studied her with his sharp gray eyes. “You landed the contract, didn’t you?”
She nodded. “I’m torn about living in the city.”
“You’ll be fine. Call me if you need anything.” He placed a weathered hand on her shoulder and patted.
Jennifer looked around the place and felt another pang of sadness.
She and Mr. Smith chatted for a bit while watching the men at work before she returned to the car to find Matt finishing his phone call.
“Okay, they’re ready for you to start next week. Will you be up to working with that foot of yours?” Matt shifted the car into drive and hit the gas pedal.
“The wound is healing, and as long as I walk in flats, I should be fine.” The problem wasn’t her foot, but a certain man who might not take her news lightly. “Thanks, Matt. I’ll call you tonight.”
Matt stopped in front of Blake’s house, and she climbed out of the car.
“Do you need help moving some of your stuff?” he asked.
She shook her head without looking back. The only thing she needed was additional backup in case Blake went berserk.
Blake stared at nothing in particular, still seated in the patio chair long after he heard Pretty Boy’s car speed away.
The bastard kissed her and held her.
This whole green-eyed monster thing was so unlike him. In the past, this type of situation wouldn’t have affected him, but with Matt all he wanted to do was knock him on his ass for even looking at Jennifer.
The trouble was he wasn’t sure he believed she was interested in him, despite her responses to his kisses. Heat suffused his body when the vision of their twined limbs flashed in his mind. The woman had no idea how she affected him. Sex for him was pleasurable, a way to satiate a man’s need, but with Jennifer everything he knew went out the window. This went beyond physical attraction. He wanted to possess not just her body but her heart and soul as well. This shit with Matt had him trying to come to
terms with an overwhelming need to strangle any man who came near her, let alone touched her.
He had made a promise, though. He had to find a way to shove his jealousy aside and keep the monster at bay. He had to keep his end of the bargain.
He decided a cold shower was the answer for not only his hot temper but also the hard-on he’d been sporting more often than not these days.
Blake was grilling the last steak when Drew’s bark alerted him to Jennifer’s arrival. Plastering on a forced smile, he went inside to greet her while trying to hide the uncertainties and insecurities that had his insides tied in a knot.
The grin on Jennifer’s face made him pause, and the image of her and Matt crept through his mind. It took a tremendous amount of restraint not to scowl.
Don’t go there, Connor.
“Hungry?” Blake asked, watching her lithe movement with narrowed eyes.
She’s even walking better.
“Yes. What are we having?”
“I’m grilling some steaks.” He pointed at the papers she’d left on the coffee table. “What are those?”
“The contract I signed.”
“Oh.”
“Need any help?”
“Just the plates and stuff. The steaks are done.”
They had each fixed a plate and settled at the table before Blake gave in to his curiosity.
“Tell me about the contract.”
Jennifer finished chewing and took a big gulp of her soda. “Well, before I do that, let me tell you about my house. Officer Cortez called. The fingerprints they found matched some from breakins in the area. They caught the guy, so he said it should be safe for me to go home, and Mr. Smith has taken care of the window and the locks.”
He couldn’t seem to swallow the big lump in his throat. “What are your plans?”
“I’m going to go back tonight so I can clean up and pack some of my things.”
I knew this was too good to be true.
His gut twisted with dread. “Then what?”
“The contract demands I spend time with the client’s models, and I have to find a place in the city during the week so I don’t have to drive back and forth.”
He didn’t even try to hide his dismay.
Chapter 21
“What?” he asked, clenching his teeth until his jaw shook. He’d heard her, but couldn’t process the ludicrous idea.
“I have to find a place in LA before the week is over.”
And just like that, Jennifer was walking out of his life.
Suddenly, the steak tasted like plastic, and he found it difficult to swallow the darn thing. With disgust, he dropped the fork and knife, and his appetite went AWOL on him. All he could do was stare at her, knowing that he had failed on so many levels. He’d driven her to leave, and now she was moving away. Who knew if Pretty Boy would be warming her bed at night?
Damn it!
Jennifer’s hand wound up on top of his that was clenched on the table. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m not hungry anymore.” He stood up and gathered his plate. Looking at the rare meat, he threw the uneaten scrap to Drew, who gobbled the thick piece with gusto.
“Where are you going?”
“To my room.”
Blake grabbed the dusty tequila bottle from the counter on his way to his room. He pivoted while unscrewing the lid, but Jennifer had followed him and closed her fingers around the bottle, trying to pry it away from his grasp.
“What are you doing?” He flared his nostrils and tugged the glass jug back in his direction.
“You’re not going to drink. You will tell me what’s going on. Just remember the last time you turned to alcohol.”
I wish I could.
“Stop telling me what to do! You’re going to leave, and I’m going to do what I damn well please.”
Jennifer took a step back, pulling the bottle from him. “Where is this coming from, Blake? You can talk to me.”
“What do you want me to say? That I’m fucking jealous? That I don’t want you to go? C’mon, Jennifer, I know damn well you’re going to do what you want, no matter what I say.” He gritted his teeth. This talking shit was not his style.
I’m scared. Can’t you tell? I’m scared shitless of losing you, of the things I can’t control.
A smile graced her lips, which only added to his aggravation. “I can’t believe you’re jealous of Matt,” she whispered.
Blake groaned with exasperation and fled to his room, but Jennifer trailed right behind him.
And now you’re laughing at me. Great!
She placed the tequila on top of the nightstand, walked up to him and placed her palms on his chest.
“I think this is what we both need.”
She lifted her mouth to his and caressed his lips.
Confusion battled with desire, and he was powerless to stop himself from the deluge of warmth she elicited. He returned her kiss with fervor and applied pressure on her back to draw her closer.
Jennifer closed her eyes.
Tremors rocked him as her body rubbed against his, prepping him for action.
“I like being close to you.” The words came out rough, sounding shaken.
“Me, too, Blake. Me, too.” Her voice was low and seductive, and she threaded her fingers through his hair while his tongue pushed its way into her parted lips. The warmth of her mouth was inviting.
Mixed with her pleasing feminine scent, his senses were caught in a whirlwind of desire.
Jennifer circled her tongue in his mouth, stroking the insides.
He pressed her body closer to his. Tracing his hand on her thighs, he worked its way up to the curve of her body. He was aching for her.
“I want … to …” She moaned softly and gasped. “… ah, Blake … I want to make love to you.” Jennifer clenched her hand tighter in his hair while she arched her body harder into his.
Blake stiffened. There was nothing more he would rather do at this moment than to make her his.
Can I risk it? Should I?
He couldn’t very well consummate their love fully clothed. This was Jennifer, not some woman that he could just jerk around. He wanted to pleasure her in every way possible, but the thought of revealing his disfigured body to her made him want to run and hide.
She deserves better than me.
He pushed her away and raked his fingers through his hair then turned away to hide his frustration.
“No. Don’t do that! Don’t pull away from me.” She was still breathless from their kisses.
“There’s nothing else I would rather do …” His voice sounded pained and defeated, and pathetic. He faced her. “I want it more than anything in this world, but I—” He couldn’t say the words.
“I don’t understand.” Jennifer furrowed her brows and confusion marred her beautiful face. He longed to smooth the lines away.
“I’m not ready to show …” He gestured to his body. “I can’t.”
“I won’t pretend it doesn’t exist, but it’s not what makes you special, Blake.” She jabbed at his chest. “The beating heart underneath is what’s important to me. Your scars mean one thing to me, that you’re a fighter. Can you trust me enough to share this moment with me?”
The T word was overrated, but the ache between his legs was dictating. If he threw caution to the wind just this once, he’d have the chance to hold the woman he’d loved for so long and a memory to last him a lifetime.
As if sensing the inner battle raging within him, Jennifer rubbed his back with her palm. Even with the layer of clothing that separated them, he felt her warmth.
“We go nice and slow.” The sincerity in her voice encouraged him to hope.
Giving in to his intense need to take a part of her with him, Blake carried her to his bed and ignored the warning signals in his head.
“Promise me you’ll stop me if you can’t bear it. I’ll understand.” His voice was barely more than a whisper. He was still unsure about the whole situati
on, but his self-control was hanging by a thread.
Blake dimmed the lights low, leaving nothing more than a soft glow of Jennifer’s silhouette. He could still see her face in the darkened room, but the less she saw of him, the better off she was.
He walked to the console that housed his CD player, and flicked the power on. “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers” filled the room.
He sighed slowly, still unsure, and while the battle raged within him, Blake eased his body next to Jennifer’s. Tracing his fingertips along the softness of her cheek, he closed his mouth on hers with urgency this time, trying not to think of the outcome.
Jennifer returned his kisses with an enthusiasm that left him believing—in himself, in her, in the possibility of them.
Blake broke the kiss and moved his mouth down her jawline, caressing her neck with his tongue.
She arched her body in response, meeting his languid caress of her skin. She dug her fingers into the small of his back, gently scraping his skin with her fingernails. The sensation of her touch, coupled with the inviting sound of her whimpers, amplified his senses into a spiraling wave of lust.
Blake intensified his tongue’s teasing on her skin, intent on keeping her moaning with pleasure.
Jennifer wrapped her legs around his hips the moment he lowered himself on top, to meld their bodies together.
“I want to see you. All of you.”
Jennifer nodded, and he slid her tank top over her head, exposing a delicate pink bra edged with black lace.
“Can you be any more perfect?” With trembling hands, he proceeded to strip her jeans and reveal a matching bikini that showed off her breathtaking curves. Blake devoured her almost naked figure, running his gaze from her breasts down to the arch of her waistline. He unstrapped her bra, displaying a pair of supple breasts that took his breath away. A primal moan slipped between his lips as he lowered his mouth and caressed her nipple with his tongue.
The surge of pleasure manifested from Jennifer’s response when she curled underneath him, moaning in ecstasy. He let his tongue glide down her body, toward her belly button, while he held her waist with both hands and heaved his body onto hers. He felt her respond to his movement when she curved upward.
