Jake reluctantly broke the kiss and released his hold on her. She stumbled. Reached out to grab hold of his truck, training her gaze on him. Her sky blue eyes were hazy, unfocused and a surge of male pride filled him at the sight. Knowing that he did that to her, rattled her like he’d been so keen to do.
“Um, okay.” She cleared her throat, her fingers playing with the cotton strap that wound up and around her neck. Tied in a perfect bow, she looked like a pretty package and he was dying to unwrap her.
Later, bro. Settle down.
“Should I apologize?” Was that the wrong move? Maybe, but he wasn’t about to regret it.
“N—no.” She shook her head, pressed the tips of her fingers to her lips. His still tingled from that mind blowing kiss. He wondered if hers felt the same. “It was just—totally unexpected.”
“I couldn’t resist.” He reached for her, unable to stop himself. Trailing his fingers along the delicate line of her jaw, he felt her tremble. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. We’re gonna make this work. Trust me.”
A little smile curled her lips and she leaned into his touch. As if she wanted more of it. “Then let’s get this over with.”
He took her hand as she led him to through an open gate and into the backyard. His fingers threaded with hers, palms clasped. A united front, he hoped they made that impression on everyone. She still looked a little scattered, her gaze dreamy, but at least she didn’t seem so panicked. Her body language wasn’t tense but loose and languid. He wondered if he’d kissed the tension right out of her.
Hell, he hoped. That had been his intention all along.
A woman appeared out of nowhere with a wide, insincere smile on her face. Gleaming, too perfect teeth shone, framed by her deep red-stained mouth. If he thought Mia immaculate then this woman was downright plastic. Perfectly curled and unnaturally vibrant red hair, her face was pulled tight and nary a wrinkle in sight. She was most likely in her forties but preserved via a plastic surgeon’s care.
It was disconcerting, her face. It barely moved when she spoke.
“Mia, so good to see you. When Larry said you were coming I didn’t believe him but look at you. Pretty as a picture in your simple green dress.” The woman made simple green dress sound like an insult as she drew Mia into a hug, though she really didn’t touch her. Her gaze shot in his direction and she eyed him hungrily with a narrowed gaze. “Who is this? Don’t tell me it’s your mysterious boyfriend.”
Jake grabbed Mia’s hand and yanked her back to his side. His hackles already went up at her remark about Mia’s dress and the predatory way she watched him. “I’m most definitely the mystery boyfriend.” He offered a hand to the woman. Even though she set him on edge his mama did raise him right. “Jake Miller.”
“Antonia Britton. I’m Larry’s wife.” She shook his hand, her grip soft, her fingers skidding across his palm when he released her hand. “So very nice to meet you,” she practically purred.
Jake frowned. What the hell was wrong with these people? Why was Mia’s boss’s wife flirting with him? Freaking strange.
“Nice to meet you too,” he mumbled, his gaze going to Mia. She watched both of them silently, her expression wary. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“And please, call me Toni. All of my special friends do.” Emphasizing the word special, she tipped her head back. Her gaze zeroed in on him with unabashed interest. “So, so glad you could make it.”
“Likewise.” He needed to get away from this woman and quick. Were they serving alcohol? He could go for a beer right about now.
“Let’s go to the bar.” Mia waved a hand in the direction of a makeshift bar sitting on the opposite side of the wide expanse of emerald green lawn. “I’m really thirsty.”
“Yes, do grab something to drink. There’s a variety to choose from.” Toni took a step back, letting them walk past her. “We’ll catch up later okay, Mia? Maybe I can get to know your—friend better.”
They walked away together, Mia clutching his hand so tight it almost hurt. Her expression was pained, lips tight. She looked mad.
“I apologize,” she said, her voice low, strained. “I can’t believe she came onto you like that.”
“What’s going on with these two?” He glanced about the crowded backyard, trying to figure out which one was Mia’s boss. “I feel like I stepped into a really bad made-for-TV movie.”
Mia laughed, the reaction he was hoping for. “I know, and I’m sorry. You probably had your fill of those when you were recovering.”
She was awfully close to the truth. He’d watched enough crappy TV to last three lifetimes. “Don’t apologize. None of this is your fault.”
“You wouldn’t be here without me,” she pointed out.
“Well, I don’t regret spending time with you.” He drew their clasped hands up, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. Her gaze met his, her expression not so strained anymore. “Don’t let them upset you.”
“I won’t,” she agreed as they approached the bar.
Luckily they had ice cold Coronas, so he grabbed one, took note that Mia had a soda, no alcohol added. Most likely she wanted to stay sober since she was with people she worked with and for.
Not that he could blame her. Though she wouldn’t be one to make a fool of herself, it was the ones hosting the party they needed to watch.
He caught Toni Britton watching him from where she stood on the covered patio, her gaze never wavering from his. As if she didn’t have a problem getting caught ogling him. Sending her a menacing glare, he took a long drink of his beer. Noticed she still didn’t look away, damn it. She looked downright…intrigued.
Shit.
“Mia.” The man’s deep voice sounded from behind them, and they both turned around to find a middle-aged man standing in front of them. Average height, portly build and slightly balding, he didn’t look the least bit intimidating.
Jake knew at once this was the infamous Larry.
“Hi, Larry,” she said, clutching her cup of soda so tight her fingers turned white. “How are you?”
“Great, now that you’re here.” He didn’t even look in Jake’s direction. He only had eyes for his assistant and he pulled her in for a quick embrace, kissing her cheek.
Jake had the sudden urge to punch his face in.
“Thank you so much for inviting us.” Blindly, Mia reached for him, her hand grappling for his and he took it, pulling her close. Forcing her boss to finally see him. “Larry, this is my boyfriend Jake.”
Larry cast him a fleeting glance, his dismissal obvious. “Nice to meet you,” he sniffed.
The man didn’t even offer to shake his hand. Jake merely nodded at him, so pissed he was afraid of what he might say.
They made idle conversation though Jake never felt that included. Toni came over, pretending friendliness, but really he sensed she wanted to check him out further. He felt like a piece of meat under her crawling, suggestive gaze. Both of them creeped him out, and he couldn’t believe Mia worked for this piece of shit.
If he had his way he’d tell her to quit on the spot. Help her find another job so she could get away from this guy. It just didn’t…feel right, and Jake wasn’t one to worry about vibes or bad feelings.
This house, this couple, everything about them made his skin crawl.
They finally got away and ended up sharing a lounge chair that sat on the far side of the opulent swimming pool, close to the waterfall that spilled into the shimmering water. They both sat on the edge, Jake clutching his second beer, Mia nursing her watered down soda. People milled about, most of them associates of Larry’s, she explained. Hardly any of her fellow employees were at this party.
He wondered at that too.
“I’m so glad you came with me,” she finally said, her fingers playing with the rim of her red plastic cup. “I would’ve been really uncomfortable here alone.”
“I’m uncomfortable now, and we have each other for support,” he said, unable to hold back.
> She shot him a knowing smile and bumped her shoulder into his. “It’s pretty awful, isn’t it?”
“Completely awful.” He grew serious, his gaze locked with hers. “Why do you continue to work for him, Mia? From what you’ve told me and from what I’ve observed, he crosses the line. Constantly. You shouldn’t have to deal with this.”
Her eyes dimmed, and she looked away, staring unseeingly at the pool. “The economy’s pretty bad still, you know. It’s hard to find a new job, and this one pays well. It’s a lot of work, but it’s all I have.”
“Someone as skilled, as professional as you shouldn’t have a problem finding another job. You should at least look.”
“But what if it backfires? What if I start somewhere else and then I’m the newest one there? Maybe they’ll need to do cutbacks and then I’m laid off. I couldn’t afford that.”
“So you’d rather suffer.” He leaned in close, caught a whiff of her sweet floral scent. Damn, he was tempted to reach out and touch her. Run his thumb across her lower lip. Trace his finger over the soft curve of her cheek. She was beautiful, and she stared up at him, her gaze filled with longing.
Longing that most likely mirrored his own gaze.
“I told you earlier I don’t really like change.”
“I’m change.” When she frowned at him he continued. “Being with me is new and different, right?”
She nodded. Didn’t say a word when he gave into his urges and touched her. Skimmed his index finger along the line of her jaw, the slight point of her chin. Her skin was so soft and he heard her quick intake of breath. As if his touch unnerved her.
“And you like spending time with me, right?” His finger drifted, drew a slanting line across first one cheek, then the other, then down the straight line of her pert nose. Her lids fluttered, dark blonde lashes casting shadows across her skin and the urge to kiss her was damn near overwhelming.
“Yes, I enjoy spending time with you,” she admitted softly. “You’re the only reason I’m surviving this afternoon.”
“We should leave.” More fingers came into the mix as he cupped her cheek, slid them into the glorious thickness of her hair. His possessive touch cut off whatever protest she’d been about to make. “We’ve made our appearance. Now we can go.”
“It’s not that easy,” she said, her voice shaky as his fingers pressed into her scalp. Her eyes slid closed, lips pursed in dreamy rapture for the briefest moment before they flew open. “He expects a lot out of me.”
“Too much,” Jake said, leaning in closer so their breaths mingled. His gaze locked on her lips, he barely suppressed a groan when she licked at hers quickly with the pink swipe of her tongue. “You said so yourself.”
“I know, but…”
“But what?” Their lips almost touched; he felt hers move when she spoke. Knew she could feel his as well. “If we leave now, I promise you won’t regret it.”
“And how can you promise me that?” Was that a teasing lilt in her voice? Was she falling under the same spell and forgetting her responsibility for once?
“Let me take you back to your place and show you,” he offered, his voice husky, his libido ramped up at all the possibilities.
She blinked, her eyes wide. She was tempted, he could tell and he pressed his mouth to hers. A quick, teasing kiss she returned eagerly.
“That sounds like a promise I can’t resist,” she answered.
“Then let’s get the hell out of here.” He stood, their hands connected as they’d been since they first arrived. Had they even been there an hour? Yeah, he thought so, maybe even two hours. Long enough to put in the requisite time so they could bail.
And they were going to bail. He couldn’t wait to make good on the promise he just gave her. Take her back to her apartment and strip her clothes off. Run his mouth all over her delectable body until he had her gasping with pleasure.
Yeah, it was going to be good between the two of them. One date and he was sucked in.
Jake wondered if she felt the same inexplicable pull.
It was about time he did a little investigating to find out.
Chapter Four
Larry hadn’t looked very pleased when Mia explained they had to go. His gaze slid between her and Jake as she made her excuses, his expression an angry scowl. Almost as if he knew they were leaving to do something illicit in the middle of the afternoon.
Her boss would be right if he was making that assumption. The second they climbed into the truck Jake hauled her to him, his mouth fused with hers. The kiss had been brutal, possessive, delicious, wondrous. Like nothing she’d ever experienced before. She’d returned it with equal enthusiasm, her tongue wrapped around his, her hands buried in his silky soft hair as she held him to her.
Yes, she’d made out with a man she barely knew in her boss’s driveway. She could hardly recognize herself.
After a few lustful minutes they’d finally come to their senses and came up for air. With a quick kiss he pulled away from her and put the truck into gear then tore out of the driveway with a speed that surprised her. She remained silent in the passenger seat, stealing glances in his direction every few minutes. Admired his strong, handsome profile, the sharp angle of his nose and the sweet softness of his lips.
Her mouth still tingled from their fevered kiss. She touched them, noted their swollenness and she looked at him again. Realized the truck had come to a stop at a red light and he was staring at her as if he wanted to devour her whole.
Moisture flooded her between her legs and she swallowed hard, tore her gaze from his.
What was happening between them? She’d known him…not quite two days. Their dinner date last night had been fun, the connection between them instant, the conversation easy. Hence, the reason she’d asked him to accompany her today.
But what they were experiencing at this very moment, this all-consuming heat it was…odd. Exhilarating. And undeniably exciting.
“If you don’t want to do this, just say so.” He sounded edgy, upset and she turned to find him staring straight ahead. His jaw rock hard, his hands gripping the steering wheel tight as he waited for the light to turn green.
“Wh—what do you mean?”
“You look upset. I shouldn’t have pushed you.”
“Maybe I pushed you.”
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his brows lowered. “You didn’t push me.”
Mia sighed. “I’m trying to tell you that I wanted this. That I still want this.” She immediately bit her lip, surprised she admitted it.
This was certainly a day for revelation.
His mouth curved into the faintest smile, and he pressed the gas when the light switched to green. “You won’t regret it.” This was a statement, not a question.
“I know I won’t.”
Jake drew in a sharp breath. “You are a constant surprise.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“Very much a good thing,” he murmured. “Come here.”
She frowned, waved at the console between them. “How?”
With a flick of his wrist he tugged on a strap and the console went up, turning it into a bench seat. He patted the empty space next to him. “Sit closer to me.”
Without a word she undid her seatbelt and slid across the seat, nestling herself next to him. She pulled the lap belt across her front and clicked it into the latch, her arm bumping against his. His hand rested on top of her knee, pushing aside the hem of her dress so he could touch her bare flesh.
Her knee jumped at the contact, making him chuckle.
“Your skin is so soft.” He kept his voice pitched low as he stroked her, innocent touches above her knee though she knew his intentions were anything but innocent. Staring straight ahead, he kept his gaze locked on the road, turning with ease onto the ramp that led to the freeway.
As he merged onto the interstate he continued to touch her, his hand sliding up the inside of her thigh, his fingers tickling her skin. She grabbed his wrist,
stopping his ascent and he sent her a questioning look.
“You’re driving,” she explained, ignoring the breathless quality of her voice. “Maybe we should wait.” She didn’t want to wait. She was just being…prudent.
His hand slid up farther, despite her hold on his wrist. It was almost as if she was guiding him to the very heart of her. Which maybe—unconsciously—she was. “Just seeing if you have any panties on under there.”
“Of course I have panties on.” She was shocked at his statement, at the bold move he made. Shocked and aroused because wouldn’t it be fun to wear a dress with no panties on and let him discover on his own when his hands dived beneath her skirt?
She shivered at the delicious thought.
“Hmm, I’m not surprised. Cotton or lace? Or maybe satin?”
His questions as he continued to drive drove her a little crazy. He behaved as if nothing unusual was happening. “Cotton and lace.”
A ragged sigh escaped him and his fingers tickled at the front of her mound. She immediately spread her legs to give him better access. “There’s a good girl,” he encouraged, his hand cupping her fully now.
Her fingers still clasped about his strong wrist, she tugged up, pressing him against her, indicating what she wanted. A low growl of approval sounded from deep within him as he followed her lead. He stroked the front of her drenched panties, his middle finger pressing hard at her clit. Her lids slid closed, and she leaned her head back against the edge of the seat, her entire being focused on that singular spot where he touched her.
As he drove. On the busy freeway in the middle of a Sunday afternoon. It was sinful, what he was doing to her.
And she didn’t want him to stop.
Her skin tingled as his fingers brushed back and forth. Her clit swelled and throbbed, eager for more. She stroked the inside of his wrist with her thumb, wanting him to know that she enjoyed his touch and then his fingers were fumbling with the waistband of her panties. Diving beneath the thin cotton fabric so he could touch her pussy.
“God,” she groaned when his fingers made contact, tangling in her delicate pubic hair.
Baby, Don't Lose My Number Page 4
