by Dani Jace
“Just a sudden chill from the beer.” She waved off his concern.
He didn’t buy it.
“Hey you two, let’s do dinner and then drinks.” GiGi’s fingers traced along Dugan’s shoulders in silent invitation.
“Sorry, got an early morning tomorrow. I need to get my car from your place.” Jordan eyed GiGi.
Heath had never tanked with a woman by calling her darling. How could the mere endearment piss her off more than almost nailing her with a football?
Dugan stood. “You sure, Jordan? Thought GiGi and you could show us your favorite spots along the Virginia Beach strip.”
“Some other time.”
Which meant never. Heath rose and offered his hand to Jordan.
After a second of indecision, she accepted.
Heath wrapped her cold fingers in his heated palm. She seemed frightened. Damn. “You okay?”
“Fine.” She loosened her hand from his. “Thanks for the beer.”
Polite. A kiss-off none the less. He’d felt some chemistry between them. A wrong word and he’d been banished.
Chapter 3
Jordan latched her seat belt as GiGi started the car. A perfect beach day and she’d been having a great time. One stupid word shot her into flight mode.
Darling.
Her gut reaction to the endearment proved the Richard fiasco still controlled her life. Damn him. She gritted her teeth, hating how he’d jaded her view of men. If she hadn’t been so gullible, she wouldn’t have become news fodder as a business man’s plaything. She’d lost her self-esteem, ability to trust, and nearly her livelihood.
“What the hell’s gotten into you, Jordan?” GiGi followed the black Jeep to the beach house. “You were into him.”
“Just not ready to go there, G.”
“He’s hot as fuck. They’re new in town. Ride him like a stallion and be done.” She popped the clutch and jerked the car into third gear.
Jordan had worn down the last of GiGi’s patience. “Sorry, I’m not like you.”
“No, you don’t give anyone a chance anymore. The first wrong word and you dismiss people like they’re not good enough.”
Like your mother. Gigi didn’t say it, but the message rang loud and clear. Hiding her fear had turned her into a hardass.
Heath turned into the next driveway. The sleek black four-by-four reminded Jordan of her eldest brother’s ride. She missed rides on the beach down on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Good times. She’d love to return to that simple life.
GiGi stopped the car at the end of their driveway.
Dugan swaggered his beefy self to the driver’s side and leaned on the door.
Enthused with the jock, GiGi chatted him up like a teen.
Heath grabbed the cooler from the back of his vehicle and then glanced her way. “Nice meeting you, Jordan.” Barefoot and shirtless, he waved and turned for the house.
Without an explanation, she’d blown an opportunity with a seemingly nice guy with an amazing body. One man had ruined an endearing word that another’s sexy and southern pronunciation had her shivering with desire.
Take a chance. She might wind up being his vacation playmate, but at least it would be her choice. As long as he wasn’t a liar and deceiver like Richard. Taking GiGi’s advice, Jordan rose from the low sports car and followed him up the driveway. She reached him as he was about to enter the outside shower. “Heath.”
Surprised blue eyes questioned her.
“I’m sorry. I overreacted. Someone used to call me darling.”
His jaw tensed. “Someone who hurt you.”
She studied her flip-flops.
“I know where you’re coming from.” He grasped her hand.
So strong. His closeness unnerved her, yet his magnetic gaze enticed her. Beyond his handsome features, he emanated a protective nature that encouraged her to trust.
Her brothers were the same. They could tease her, but let someone else mess with her. She tightened her fingers around his. “Thanks for understanding.”
Her knuckles tingled against the stroke of his thumb.
The tender touch sent Jordan’s pulse surging. A relationship wasn’t in her cards at the moment, but meeting Heath for a quick meal would merely be hospitable to a visitor. “How about lunch sometime?”
“Sunday brunch?” He arched a questioning brow.
Not leaving their date to chance, either. She admired his determination and mentally hash-marked his effort to the plus side of her teacher grading chart.
* * * *
With a date set, Heath headed into the shower and latched the plywood door. A horn toot signaled the girls had left.
Beneath the steam, he lathered his skin. Since he’d arrived in Virginia, sex hadn’t made it into his playbook. He’d spent his free time practicing, learning the team’s plays, and recharging his body.
Jordan reminded him he missed women. His thickening cock refused to be ignored. Hot water sluiced between his ass cheeks. The sensation tightened his balls as he took his shaft in hand.
Heat flooded his groin. Bracing a hand against the wall in front of him, he envisioned her pert and full breasts. How would they taste? He’d love to make her moan as he buried himself to the hilt between her toned thighs.
A familiar tightening gathered in his sac as he erupted in thick streams. He closed his eyes and let the release take him. Leaning against the shower wall, he exhaled as his muscles relaxed. Calm washed over him.
It seemed like forever ago that he felt a true connection with a woman. Of course with his luck, he’d clicked with someone who’d been burned and was twice shy. What asshole had screwed her over? The dick and his ex, Sandy, should team up.
* * * *
Jordan parked in front of the Centerville Café, a place she’d frequented most of her life. She retrieved her cell phone from her bag. No sign of Heath’s jeep. Cursing her promptness, she checked her reflection in the rearview mirror. Her clingy top felt too snug and her shorts too short.
Would he show? Probably wondering which personality she’d have today after her freak show on the beach. The guys who had shown interest in her since Richard, she hadn’t given a second thought. Heath’s romantic effect on Jordan had her stumped. She never went for jocks.
A blaring rock tune vibrated from a vehicle pulling into the space next to her.
Heath’s mouth moved in sync to the Shinedown song.
One of her favorite bands.
If she hadn’t known better, she might have thought he chanted a mantra. He definitely wasn’t singing. On the crescendo of the last notes, she stepped out of her car.
He slid from his Jeep and jerked his head in her direction. “Hey, didn’t see you there.”
“We have similar taste in music.” She smiled. His pecs and biceps bulged beneath his Tidewater Tritons football t-shirt. A football fan and obviously already aware of the area’s new team.
“You like Nickelback, too?” He shoved his keys in his shorts pocket.
“Chad’s voice is like sex.”
Heath swallowed. “Noted. Ready to eat? Uh, I mean…”
Jordan giggled.
“Bad girl, you’re taking that the wrong way. Trying to get me all riled up?” He offered his arm.
“Not intentionally.” Impressed by his manners, she clasped his rock-hard bicep.
He blushed through his tan. After opening the door, he followed her inside.
The staff would probably be shocked to see her with a date instead of her parents or GiGi.
* * * *
He followed the hostess and Jordan to a gingham-covered table next to a window.
Homey. He held out Jordan’s chair. Her clean linen scent reminded him of helping his mother hang clothes on the line when he was young. Jordan’s hair had the same copper tints as his mom’s. He sat beside her.
The hostess took their drink orders.
Not sure what to say, he
fiddled with the cloth napkin. “Glad you didn’t change your mind.”
“I don’t go back on promises.” Her face brightened in the morning sunlight.
A stocky, black man wearing a chef’s coat approached and smiled. “Jordan, who is your new friend?”
“Heath Lancaster.” He stood and extended his hand.
“Heath, this is Reggie. He’s the owner.”
The man offered a firm handshake. “Your name sounds familiar.”
“I’m new to the area.” Not a lie, but not the whole truth either.
“Yep. And the same face I’ve seen on the Tidewater Tritons’ website. Just read they have you practicing as tight end.” He grinned.
Round-eyed, Jordan leaned forward in her seat.
A second strike five minutes into their meal. He took his seat hoping she’d allow him to explain. “A fan of the team already?”
“I’ve got season tickets,” Reggie said. “And with the big boys on strike, you guys might be the only football we’ll get this season. Enjoy your meal and good luck to you, Heath.” He nodded. “Jordan, thanks for bringing your new friend.”
Wearing a you-lying-shit glare, she plucked her napkin off the table and flung out the utensils. “When were you going to tell me?”
“Judging by the look I’m getting now?” He leaned back, wondering why his being on the Tritons pissed her off. “Never.”
“So, is Dugan on the team, as well?” She crossed her arms.
Thankfully, their server arrived with drinks.
“Give us a minute, will you, Patty.” She smiled and waited until the waitress turned to the next table. Squinting she said, “That pass of his wasn’t off the mark the other day on the beach, then?”
“In his defense, he’s not a quarterback.”
“But he’s been playing ball long enough to aim and fire without knocking someone silly.”
Heath raised his hands in surrender. “Do you have something against football players?”
“No. Only people who try to hide their real identity.” Her gritty tone could have sanded away his beard stubble.
He sipped his iced tea, guessing that would be the same ass who made her hate being called darling. “I’m not hiding anything. But I’m also not broadcasting or bragging about my place on the team because I could be gone tomorrow. Is it wrong to want to meet people on my own merit?”
She glanced over the menu she probably knew by heart. “I can see your reasoning. So while you’re coming clean, are you married or in a relationship?”
Damn big rat in her past. “Never been married or engaged and it’s not something I’m planning in the near future. Haven’t even been on a date since arriving here a few weeks ago for tryouts,” he said unfolding his napkin. “What about you?”
“What’s a date?” She rolled her eyes.
Probably her choice, but he understood a guy backing away from Jordan. A challenging date thus far, but he was determined not to go down in flames after calling her darlin’ and now for being obscure about his career. “What do you do for a living?”
“Guess.” She brushed her hair back from her shoulder.
He visualized the coppery strands fanned over his white sheets. She played sports and probably worked out regularly. A large canvas bag of organized file folders and papers sat on the back seat of her car. He went for a combo. “Teacher? And the way you catch a football, I’d say a physical education teacher.”
Her amber eyes sparkled with mischief. “What was your clue?”
“Maybe I can read minds.”
Jordan smirked as their server returned for their orders. “Okay, Carnac the Magnificent, tell me what I think of you.” She challenged with a smile.
When he was a kid, he used to watch the old Johnny Carson shows on DVD with his father. He smiled and pressed his hand against the top of his forehand, to mimic the late night comedian’s gesture, minus the turban. Smiling, he said, “You’re wondering if I’m a jerk, or a stalker. But either is better than the stuffy business types you’ve grown tired of.”
She grabbed a sweetener. Very introspective for a—”
“Jock.”
“Tight end.” She stirred her tea slowly. “And a perfect description of yours.”
Whoa, a witty woman. His blood heated. “So, are you interested in any of my other attributes?”
“One body part at a time, Mr. Lancaster.” She batted her eyelashes. “I don’t think either one of us is looking for a relationship.”
Hmm. He drummed his fingers against the table. “Are you suggesting—”
“A game of sorts.” She snagged his hand.
Her fingers felt cool but strong. A woman of determination, but surely she wouldn’t follow through on what she proposed. “Go on.”
“I’m winging this. Can you tell?” She quirked a suggestive smile.
Sunny side up eggs with bacon cooked to perfection landed in front of him. He nabbed a piece of bacon and chewed. “Are there only physical levels in such a non-relationship?”
She arched a brow then peppered her quiche. “No, even sex buddies need a measure of trust.”
He nearly choked. No woman had outright propositioned him as a fuck buddy. Brunch had far surpassed his expectations. But why him? “Oh—kay, what do you need to know?”
She licked her teaspoon. “For starters, what’s your favorite dessert?”
He wished he were her damned spoon. “It’s girly. Tiramisu.”
Jordan giggled. “Maybe, but it’s delicious.”
Just how he imagined her. Layers of sweet making his mouth water. “Next question.”
“Do you have siblings?”
“Ashley. She studied pre-law before getting married. I’m the dumb jock.” He cut into his eggs.
She laid aside the utensil that sent his fantasies off and running. “You’re a protector.”
“You think?”
“You were upset when Dugan threw the ball at me. He was only concerned with being noticed. I doubt you’d approach a woman like that. Plus, you apologized when you realized I didn’t like being called darling.”
A woman who liked the good guy? Only after she’d had a spin with a bad one. He smiled. “I might be protective, but he’s better with the ladies.”
“Maybe some ladies.” She glanced about the restaurant.
“So, I’m safe for your game?”
“It’s a seasonal game.”
And temporary. Just what he was looking for. “I’ll probably head back to Texas when the Tritons’ season is done.”
“Thought you were from South Carolina?” Her eyes darkened.
“Last job was there.” At this point, he hoped he’d be called back, but that remained to be seen. No point in going into detail. “My turn.”
“Take a swing.” She relaxed in her chair.
“You love your brothers, but still compete against them. Probably for attention from your dad. I bet mom didn’t want you to play sports or become a PE teacher.”
Her smile bordered on tenuous. “I cheered for a year only because she wanted me to. It epitomized everything I wasn’t. I suppose I compete with my brothers on some level, but it’s more about striving to do my best. And after growing up with them, I usually relate to men better. Most of the time, I don’t wear my emotions on my sleeve.” She glanced out the window. “Your ‘darling’ struck a nerve.”
He didn’t want to make the same mistake, while playing their game. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to. I was surprised you came after me to explain.”
“Me, too.”
“So, you really want my body? Or is this about proving to GiGi that you’re over your ex?”
She frowned. “That’s a failing grade on your evaluation, Mr. Lancaster. I’m a take-me-as-I-am girl. The only people I attempt to impress or to prove my worth is my parents and my employer.”
“Duly noted, professor.”
“Back to your question. The a
nswer is absolutely, but I’m not in any hurry. Anticipation is part of the fun.” She crooked a smile and winked.
Her flirtation lit him on fire. He took her answer as a free pass. “What’s today’s body part?”
“Your lips.” Her tongue glided across her own.
Dead man walking.
Chapter 4
Heath’s baby blues consumed Jordan like the hottest flame. From there, their meal ended quickly.
Maybe it was his southern charm, but he’d put her at ease and stirred the temptress in her. She initiated the body parts game as a tease.
Unlocking her plain sedan, she couldn’t help drooling over his jacked-up four by four with tires almost as tall as her car. Maybe one day she’d have a vehicle that represented her personality. Could she talk him into taking the bad machine down to OBX for a ride on the beach? She’d be willing to do something special for him. Damn, she was getting ahead of herself. They hadn’t even kissed yet.
As she turned to say goodbye, she nearly bumped into him. “Oops, sorry.”
“I’m not.” He snaked a hand around to her lower back, and tenderly brought her against him.
The man smelled like the ocean and felt like a solid wall of muscle. One she’d like to climb up and ride. Eager to taste the day’s body part, she ran a finger along his jaw.
His eyes darkened.
Leaning closer, she rose on her toes and nibbled his mouth. He was like standing next to a mountain.
He cupped the back of her head. “So sweet.”
She melted against him and locked her fingers behind his neck. “Interested in more?”
“Can’t wait.” He chuckled and pressed her against the car.
The bulge against her belly and his hot exploring tongue made her shiver. Her feet left the ground as he continued his sensual assault.
For a year, she’d been in exile, avoiding this. Avoiding men. Heath’s sexy kiss awakened the woman she’d hidden from herself and the world. This man fueled her desire in a bad way.
“Wow, it’d be fun to work a little longer on that part.” He brushed her hair behind her ear.
Her cheeks heated while she tingled all over. Afraid she’d lose control without some contemplation time, she begged off. “I’ll call you. Show you some of the local sights.”
