by Scott, D. D.
‘Course he could still chicken out of actually going to the showing. But he was just looking. Just looking, he reminded himself again. So what did that hurt? It wasn’t as if he were signing a purchase agreement.
He looked at his watch. Perfect. He’d be at Jules a tad late. Good. He wouldn’t want to bust his tardy, bad boy image.
He kind of liked getting her riled up. She was a hoot to get going. The woman made him laugh and enjoy life like he’d never done before. She provided a welcome relief from the doldrums of everyday life with her bursts of unbridled energy.
Jules was the proverbial bull in a china shop. Nothing was safe if it was in her way, especially not Cody’s heart.
He’d sat in gift shops with his mom when he was a little boy, constantly being reminded of the signs on the shelves stating if you broke it, you bought it.
Wonder if that applied to hearts? If Jules broke his heart, what would it cost him?
After Sienna’s stabs, Cody couldn’t take another puncture wound. And with Jules, his heart would be more than broken. It would be shattered beyond repair.
Cody pulled into Jules’ driveway.
Shit.
He damn near forgot to hit his brakes.
There Jules stood in her garage in the tightest, black leather jeans and matching halter top Cody had ever seen. Her ample cleavage pushed up in perfect swells over the sinful top’s leather edges.
Taking in her knee-high, lace-up riding boots, Cody’s heart skipped a beat.
He pounded his chest, reminding the damn thing what it was supposed to be doing.
Forgetting next where the parking gear was, he kept his foot on the brakes letting the truck engine idle while his own engine revved.
“You gonna shut that thing off and help me or are you gonna stare at me all night?”
Jules tucked a couple of perfect curls behind her ears as the rest of her dark mane dangled from a wild patterned cotton candy-colored pink and black skull cap.
She rested her arms on his driver’s-side window ledge. The powdery smell of her perfume and the way her chest tumbled over the rubber strip at the base of his window damn near did another number on Cody’s cardiac capabilities.
“Just give me a minute. Can’t a man bask in the moment?”
Cody sucked in his stomach, afraid to breathe for fear she’d see how badly she’d unnerved him.
The bull in the china shop didn’t need to see how much of a wimp he was. How could he go after her when he couldn’t even get his lame ass out of his truck?
Suddenly remembering he had a prop to stimulate conversation while he de-stimulated his groin, he reached for his mom’s helmet. “Here. You’ll need this.”
“I’m not wearing that. I’ve been dying to wear this skull cap, and it looks terrific.”
“Suit yourself. But if you don’t wear this helmet, you’re not riding. Well not with me, at least.”
As soon as the words left Cody’s mouth he wished he could have caught them and stuffed them back in.
Cancelling their riding lesson was the last thing he wanted to do. He couldn’t stand the thought of her legs wrapped around some other guy on a bike. The idea of her with anyone else period, regardless of where her legs were in relation to the person, was enough to spur Cody into action.
He put the truck in park and turned off the motor, though he’d given up on shutting off his own engine.
He grabbed his helmet, using it as a shield for the bulging muscle between his legs then motioned for Jules to move so he could get out of the truck.
She took off in front of him toward the garage, so excited she couldn’t even walk straight. She practically bounced out of her boots. She had the unbridled passion of a fifth-grade girl doing whatever fifth-grade girls do to drive fifth-grade boys nuts.
But she created an image Cody could follow forever. Her swaying hips and delicious hind-end mesmerized his mind, while her over-joyous spirit captured his heart.
“Okay, what do we do first?” She looked at him, her eyes dancing with possibilities he couldn’t wait to explore.
Cody took the helmet out of her hands and undid the strap.
“Let’s get you in that helmet and onto this beauty. Then we’ll take a long ride so you can get a feel for the bike. Sound good?”
“But I want to drive,” Jules said, the playful pout cute but not even close to changing Cody’s mind where her safety was concerned.
“You drive me nuts. Isn’t that enough?”
“Funny,” she said, a sarcastic edge she couldn’t quite pull off lining the smile pulling at her sinful lips.
Cody put his mom’s helmet over Jules’ skull cap, amazed how a woman so bull-headed could have such a tiny head. Not liking that the helmet was a bit loose, he made a mental note to take her to the bike shop and have her fit for a different style.
“Okay. Now what do I do?” Jules stuffed the leather studded jacket, once hanging from the bitch bar, inside one of the saddle bags.
Cody took his place on the bike, more than ready to get Jules seated behind him.
“We’re going to get you on this thing. Step onto the foot peg and throw your other leg over the seat.”
Glad he had something between his legs to keep his groin entertained, Cody straddled the bike.
Jules did as Cody said.
His stomach tightened into rock hard knots as her thighs settled in around him. He sucked in the expectancy of having her that close and so dependent upon him for a good ride.
“Are you comfortable?”
He sure as hell was.
“Yeah. This is great. Now what do I do with my arms and hands?”
She held them out from her sides as if she wasn’t sure where to put them. Although the ornery twinkle in her eyes indicated she knew damn well what to do with them.
Cody played along. He didn’t want to be the cause of Jules’ mischievous schoolgirl smile fading into a forgotten frown.
“How about you wrap yourself around my waist then hang on with all you got?”
It’d be fine with him if she never let go.
He was in for the ride of his life, and he couldn’t wait to get on with it.
But he was the one who needed to hold on tight.
• • •
Jules had never felt so free.
Her chest now nuzzled tight against Cody’s farm-tightened back, she buried her head between his shoulder blades, inhaling the subtle power of his leather riding jacket.
The leather mixed with his cologne provided one almost too-hot-to-handle temptation. Her mind raced with her bike and the man in command of the handle bars.
What could Sienna have been thinking when she sold those photos and racy video tape?
Jules had now had a chance to read the gossip mag Cody had given her. According to the story, Sienna had swept away Cody’s dignity with each shutter of the lens and every reel of intimate footage she’d sold.
The woman was beautiful. There was no question about it. And, in the interest of fairness, some of the still shots were gorgeous. True works of art.
How she’d been convinced to take what would have been a special gift for Cody’s eyes only and let the cameras roll until the art disappeared in favor of triple x fantasies was a mystery Jules would discuss with Sienna.
The idea that a woman could do that to the man she professed to love was a clear indication she didn’t have a heart worthy of using the word love.
No wonder Cody couldn’t escape his past, especially now that it had resurfaced on newsstands and computer screens everywhere.
Since Sienna had launched a career from her betrayal, Jules doubted Cody could ever completely put the damage behind him. But she hoped she could help him let go of how hard Sienna had stomped on his heart.
Between Sienna’s expose re-visited and Cody’s dad leaving, Jules had her work cut out for her. But Cody was worth her every effort.
The sun was starting to set making the chill in the impending night air se
ttle deep into Jules’ skin. She needed her jacket. Fortunately Cody was turning into Centennial Park.
Cruising toward the life-size replica of The Parthenon erected in the center of the property, Jules hugged Cody tighter, not wanting to let go. She’d much rather keep warm snuggling against his body heat instead of covering up with her jacket.
Cody turned off the bike and removed his helmet, his skull cap coming off with it. His hair matted against his head looked sexy as hell. Instead of just thinking about it, she’d like to be running her fingers through it. As he scurried to retie the cap into place, she put her hand around his wrist.
“Leave it off, Sweet Man. That way I can see your terrific eyes,” Jules said, not above begging Cody to acquiesce to her wish.
“But my ears — ”
“Are perfectly adorable,” she said, touching the tips of them, wondering if her skin felt as cold as his after being exposed to the crisp autumn air.
“Great. Just what I wanted. Adorable ears. How manly.”
“You’re all the man I need. Even though I don’t want one, mind you. But I definitely don’t think you’re lacking in testosterone. More than likely, you’ve got a bit too much.”
“Well maybe you can lessen my load,” he said.
Jules relaxed against the sissy bar, still not sure why it couldn’t be called something else.
While Cody helped remove her helmet, she wished his fingers would linger against her chin awhile longer. His hands trembled ever so slightly as he finished unhooking the straps.
He must be cold too, she thought, his hands still shaking a bit as he pulled her face toward his then brushed his lips against hers.
She let her pretenses go, concentrating on the feel of his skin against hers, drinking in the moment. She’d never been kissed like he kissed her. And she’d never felt so perfectly complete.
Without any effort or thought, as if she’d found her home, Jules gave back the sweet heated affection springing naturally from her soul.
A raw power exploded deep inside her, as if destiny fought to manifest its vision into reality.
A buzz of energy circulated Jules’ being, sending tingles of joy and anticipation from the center of her body to her fingertips and toes.
Even though the Fourth of July was months gone by, she heard fireworks punctuating the clear, star-filled sky above the Parthenon.
Cody withdrew from her mouth and searched her eyes, for what she didn’t know. But after months of ignoring the ‘what if’s’ pushing her to make their relationship much more than platonic, she was ready to explore the possibilities.
“Did that warm you up?” Cody asked.
“Most definitely. But you’ll want to keep those kisses coming so I don’t lose the heat.” Jules got off the bike and took his hand. “This is a great night, Cody. All of it. Thank you for that.”
“I owed you this much at least after the way I acted this morning.” He turned her towards him and took both of her hands in his. “I’m so sorry for leaving you like that. I’m not sure where my head was. But it won’t happen again.”
“Whoa. Wait a minute. You don’t owe me anything that those smooches just didn’t settle,” Jules said then giggled.
“Nice. Way to ease my conscience.”
Cody shook his head and started walking, one hand stuffed in his jean pocket and one still clasped firmly around hers, their fingers locked in a perfect fit.
“You know I’m teasing you. And with all you’ve been through, I shouldn’t be.”
There wasn’t going to be a ‘right’ time to talk about Sienna so Jules went for broke.
“I read the magazine you gave me. What happened between you and Sienna isn’t funny at all.”
Cody stopped walking and took a huge breath.
His chest appeared heavy as if he were in the gym, bench pressing his max instead of carrying on a conversation on a casual, but romantic walk in a lamp-lit park about to be further illuminated by a gorgeous moon.
Jules’ heart felt Cody’s pain, and she wanted nothing more than to share the burden. She pulled him down onto the first step leading up to The Parthenon’s grand entrance.
“I’m not sure where Sienna’s head was to go forward with pictures and a tape like that. But it’s painfully clear it wasn’t with your best interests at heart.”
She put her arm around his shoulders, not missing the tremor that shook him or the hit-and-miss in his breathing.
“I’m not sure I’ll ever get over the shock of seeing the video for the first time.” Cody dropped his head between his knees and ran one hand through his hair.
“Sienna showed me the photos at her parent’s home following our rehearsal dinner. She’d asked me to come out to the pool so we could talk then handed me the envelope with the photos, the tape, and the signed contract for the video.”
“So she didn’t see anything wrong with it then?”
Jules kept her arm around Cody’s shoulders and her fingertips caressing his ears, feeling his flesh burn hot against her skin.
“Not really. How crazy is that? She said she’d always wanted a career in the spotlight and this was her big break. Although she admitted she thought a few of the taped scenes were a little much, she said she needed the exposure.”
Cody touched his forehead to Jules’, the tips of their noses brushing together in a sweet Eskimo kiss.
“Well — she definitely got into the spotlights. So what did you do after she told you?”
Cody scuffed his riding boot against the cement step. “I made her choose between me and making good on that contract. Guess we know who came out the loser.”
“I’d hardly consider that losing,” Jules said, shivering, not from the cold but from the despair Sienna caused the man Jules couldn’t imagine hurting.
“I know. And you’re right. But it sure felt like losing at the time. I tried to buy back the tape but there were so many copies unaccounted for I’d never have been able to keep them offline regardless of the price. And every time I’m around her or her family or see her next magazine cover, I feel the pain and anger all over again.”
“I think that’s a natural reaction, Sweet Man. You’re entitled to those feelings. Trust me.”
Jules harrumphed, unsure how any woman if given the opportunity could choose anything over Cody. She sure as hell couldn’t.
“So what did Sienna’s family say about the situation? Surely they understood your position,” Jules said, not sure she believed Cruz and Company would take Cody’s side, and now knowing for certain Diesel the Weasel hadn’t.
The whole lot of them seemed to crave the attention showered on their over-coiffed and couture-clothed bodies. And Jules had the feeling nothing or no one would be more important than spotlights to the Cruz dynasty.
“Oh, no. I didn’t stand a chance. The Cruz’s wouldn’t side with love. No way. Not when money, power, fame and fortune were on the line.”
Cody picked up a small, loose stone and threw it into the grassy knoll beyond the Parthenon’s steps.
“Although they sure as hell had Diesel tell their family, friends and business associates that I was the non-supportive schmuck who broke their daughter’s heart.
“I trusted Sienna and her family. ‘Til then. And trust isn’t something I take lightly,” Cody said and went back to scuffing his boots against the cold stone.
“And you shouldn’t. But you’ve got to move on and not let what she did, they did, have so much power over you. Only you can control someone’s effect on you.”
How well Jules knew the truth of her words, even though she had a tough time making good on that wisdom in her own life.
“Is that how you dealt with Jacques’s betrayal,” Cody asked, as if reading Jules’ insecurities and shortcomings, “and how you dealt with your parents’ death?”
Jules shuddered from the humbling reality of Cody’s questions. They were fair inquiries. But did she know the answers? She’d never been adept at living her own advice.<
br />
“I finally figured out Jacques’s actions only had power over me if I let them. That doesn’t mean he didn’t and doesn’t still make me damn mad. But he doesn’t affect my heart. I don’t let him have that privilege.”
Jules sighed, not because she was having a difficult time discussing Jacques. But she couldn’t figure out how to explain dealing with Cody’s next come-to-Jesus question - her parent’s loss. She’d failed miserably at that feat since the dark day the accident happened.
“With my parents’ death, it hasn’t been that easy. I think a part of me died with them. I can’t get them out of my heart. And don’t want to. But I’m not sure where to let their memories rest to diminish my pain.”
Cody pulled her to his shoulder, wrapping his warm, protective arm around her, enveloping her in a cocoon of care and comfort she’d never felt from a man other than her daddy. For the first time since her father’s death, she felt as safe and loved coddled in Cody’s arms as she had in his.
“Why do you have to let your parents’ memories rest? Why not celebrate the pieces of them you carry with you?”
Not bad for not being raised by a therapist, Jules thought then giggled.
“Did I say something funny?” Cody almost looked hurt that she’d found his words humorous.
“No. No. Don’t get your dander up, Sweet Man. I was just thinking how proud Tulip would be of your therapeutic approach.”
“That makes me feel better, I think,” Cody said then laughed with her.
“You’re right, though. I’ve tried to keep my parents’ love in my heart above all else and anyone else. But I think it’s made me overprotective and unwilling, to a fault, to let people get close to me.”
She slid her boot against the rough edges of a crumbling piece of cement.
“You think?”
Cody continued laughing then bumped Jules’ shoulder with his in a playful barb.
“Perhaps. Maybe. Get back to me in a couple of days,” Jules said, throwing Cody’s favorite no-commitment qualifiers right back at him.
“That’s my line.”
