TANTALIZING

by Lori Foster

  He barely ducked the catalog as it came flying past his head. Seconds later, he heard Bob cross the floor to pick it up again.

  It seemed his efforts to bring Susan and Bob together were finally paying off. Maybe Bob could distract Susan from her campaign to marry off Josie. He didn't want Josie married. He didn't want her exploring elsewhere, either.

  He decided he needed to ensure his position, and he could do that by driving her crazy with pleasure. After he finished, marriage and other men would be the farthest things from her mind.

  ~ 7 ~

  "TELL ME IT'S NOT TRUE."

  Josie had barely gotten the door open before Susan wailed out her plea.

  "Uh—"

  Susan pushed her way in and closed the door behind her, then fell against it in a tragic pose. "He's not Bob, Josie. He's not a man meant for a woman like you."

  Josie didn't know if she should laugh at Susan's theatrics or wince at the unwelcome topic. "I take it we're talking about Nick."

  "Yes!" Susan pushed away from the door. "Why didn't you tell me you were seeing him? Oh, this is all Bob's fault! If he hadn't stood you up in the first place, none of this would have happened."

  "Then I'm glad Bob didn't show!"

  They had both resorted to shouting, and that rarely happened. Susan blinked at Josie, then sank onto the edge of the couch. "Oh, God. You're infatuated with him, aren't you?"

  Infatuation didn't come close to describing what she felt. But it wouldn't do to tell Susan that.

  "Josie?"

  Glancing at the clock, Josie realized she only had a little time left to get ready before Nick arrived. She wanted tonight to be special, for both of them.

  She settled herself next to Susan and took her hands. "Susan, I know you mean well. You always do. But I'm not going to stop seeing Nick. At least, not as long as he's willing to see me." Susan shifted, and Josie squeezed her hands, silencing her automatic protest. "And yes, before you say it, I know what I'm getting into. Nick has been very up-front with me. I know he's not the marrying kind, and I can handle that." She would have to handle it; the only other option was to stop seeing him, which was no option at all.

  "Can you?" Susan's smile was solemn. "When he walks away, do you have any idea how you'll feel?"

  She had a pretty darn good idea, but she only smiled. "It'll be worth it. Even you have to admit, Nick is exactly the type of man any red-blooded woman wants to enjoy, with or without a wedding ring. And I plan to do just that, for as long as I possibly can."

  Susan's blush was accompanied by a frown of concern. "You've always lived a sheltered life. You don't know his kind the way I do. They're arrogant and insufferable. They want everything their own way, and they don't care who they hurt in the process."

  "Nick is different."

  Susan snorted, causing Josie to smile.

  "He may not want any permanent ties, but he's the most charming man I've ever met. If you got to know him, you'd probably like him. He's sweet and funny. He listens when I talk and he understands the priorities of my work. He doesn't pressure me, but he's so complimentary and gracious and attentive. He acts like I'm the only woman alive. He's...wonderful."

  "Ha! He's a wolf on the prowl, so of course he's attentive. None of what you've said surprises me. It's just his way of keeping you hooked."

  Josie knew it was true, knew Nick probably behaved exactly the same way with every woman he had an intimate relationship with. But for now she felt special, and almost loved. "Susan..."

  "I don't want you to romanticize him, Josie. You'll only get crushed."

  "That can only happen if I let it. But I know what I'm doing." Josie had at first been torn by mixed emotions. She wanted Nick, the excitement and the romance and the sexual chemistry that seemed to explode between them whenever they got close. It was so thrilling, making her feel alive and sexy and feminine. But she knew she wasn't the type of woman who could ever hold Nick for long. Her life was mundane and placid. She was a very common woman, while he was a wholly uncommon man.

  But at the same time, the very things that made her and her life-style so unsuitable to him were things she wouldn't want to change. The friendship and kindness she received from working with the elderly, knowing she had made a difference in their lives, letting them make a difference in hers. All her life, Susan had been playing the big sister, taking care of her. But with the elderly, Josie got to be the caring one, the one who could give. They welcomed her into their homes and their hearts. They didn't judge her or frown on her conservative life-style. They didn't expect anything she couldn't give.

  And there was the fact that Susan would never approve of Nick. But Susan had given up her own life for Josie, without complaint or remorse. She was the only family Josie had left, and she loved Susan dearly.

  "I know this is all temporary, Susan. I won't be taken by surprise when Nick moves on. I have no illusions that I'll overwhelm him with my charms and he'll swear undying love."

  "And why not? Nick Harris would be lucky to have you!"

  Emotion nearly choked her. Though at times Susan could be abrasive, Josie never doubted her loyalty. "I know you can't approve, but will you please try to understand?"

  Her sister's sigh was long and loud. "I do understand. Maybe I wouldn't have before meeting Bob, but now I know what it is to get carried away. Bob is very special to me." She grinned. "I have to admit, I'm glad you didn't settle on him."

  Josie laughed out loud. "So you two are getting along?"

  Susan shook her head. "No, right now I'm furious with him. I do understand how you feel, honey, but I can't help worrying anyway. And I know if Bob hadn't lied to me from the start, if he'd gone to see you himself instead of sending Nick, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

  Though she had promised Nick, Josie thought it was time to clear the air. She made her tone stern while she gave Susan a chiding look. "Do you even know why Bob lied?"

  Susan lifted a brow.

  "Because he cares about you. Bob did everything he could think of to keep you around. He even..." She hesitated, wondering if Susan would understand Bob's motives.

  "He what?"

  With a deep breath, Josie blurted, "He even told you he was the one who created your ads, just because he knew you didn't like Nick."

  Susan's nostrils became pinched and her expression darkened. "Are you telling me Nick Harris is responsible for my advertisements? Are you telling me he's the one I should be grateful to?"

  "Yes, that's what I'm telling you. Rather than let you go, Bob contrived to keep you around. And Nick, whom you seem to think is a total cad, let you revile him even though he could have taken credit all along."

  "You're kidding."

  "Nope. You can ask Bob, though I imagine it would embarrass him to no end."

  Susan jerked to her feet. "I will ask him. But I have no doubt that damn partner of his is behind this somehow! That man is nothing but trouble."

  With that, she stormed out of the condo, and Josie winced in sympathy for Bob. She hoped Susan wouldn't be too hard on him, but she had a feeling it was Nick who would feel the brunt of her anger.

  Josie looked around her apartment, thinking how quiet it seemed without Susan there shaking things up. Her apartment always seemed empty, but somehow lonelier to her now. Before meeting Nick, she'd enjoyed her solitude and independence. But now, too much time alone only served to remind her of how she'd wasted her life, what a coward she'd been. She knew, even though Nick would never love her, she was doing the right thing. Her time with him was precious, and it filled up the holes in her life, the holes she hadn't even realized were there until recently. When he went away, she'd still have the memories. And for now, she had to believe memories would be enough.

  An hour later, when the doorbell rang again, Josie was in front of her mirror, anxiously surveying herself. Knowing it was Nick, she pressed a fist to her pounding heart. She felt so incredibly nervous, this being the first time she and Nick would have extended
time alone since that first night.

  Moreover, it was the first time she'd dared to dress to please him. Though he hadn't said they'd be going anywhere except the boat, she had plans for the night, and her clothing played a part in it all.

  The flowery dress was new, sheer and very daring, ending well above her knee. In the wraparound fashion, it buttoned at the side of her waist on the inside where no one could see. One button, the only thing holding the dress together other than the matching belt in the same material, which she'd loosely tied. Getting the dress off would be a very simple matter.

  She'd left her hair hanging loose the way Nick preferred it. And this time, she had chosen red, strappy sandals with midhigh heels so she could walk without stumbling. She'd even painted her toe nails bright red. She'd set the stage the best she could.

  Beneath the dress, she hadn't bothered with sexy garters or nylons; they would have been superfluous in this case. Other than her panties, she was naked.

  She rubbed her bare arms, gave her image one more quick glance and went to open the door.

  Nick lounged against the door frame. At least, he did until he saw her. Slowly, he straightened while his gaze traveled on a leisurely path down the length of her body and back up again. Without a word, he stepped forward, forcing her to back up, then kicked the door shut behind him.

  "Damn, you look good enough to eat."

  Her lips parted and heat washed her cheeks. He lifted one hand and traced the low vee of her neckline from one mostly bare shoulder to the other, then his hand cupped her neck and he drew her close. "Such a pretty blush. Whatever are you thinking, Josie?"

  He must not have wanted an answer, because he kissed her, his mouth soft on hers while his tongue slowly explored. Josie gasped and clutched the front of his cotton shirt, almost forgetting what she intended. But she needed to wrest control from him, to play the game her own way before she lost her heart totally. As it was, her feelings for him were far too complicated. And Nick, well used to his effect on women, would recognize what she felt if she didn't take care to hide her emotions behind her strong physical attraction.

  If he thought she was growing lovesick, he'd leave. And she wasn't ready for him to go. Not yet.

  He slanted his head and the kiss deepened. One hand slid inside the top of her dress and when he found her bare breast, he pulled back.

  "Damn." Hot and intent, his gaze moved over her mouth, her throat, the breast he smoothed so gently. "You're naked underneath, aren't you?"

  "No." A mere squeak of sound and she cleared her throat, trying to sound more certain, more provocative – more like the woman who had attracted him in the first place. "No, but too many underthings would have ruined the lines of the dress." She tried a small smile, looking at him through her lashes. "I have on my panties."

  "I'd like to see." No sooner did he say the words than he shook his head and took a step back. "No, we can't. There's not enough time. If I had you lifting your dress we'd never get out the door."

  Josie tried not to gape at him, to accept his outlandish words with as much disregard as he'd given them. The thing to do would be to laugh, to tease. Instead she straightened her dress, covering herself, and tried to find a response.

  Such an assumption he'd made! As if she'd just lift her skirt at his whim. Of course, she probably would. Nick had a way of getting her to do things she'd never considered doing before. It was both unnerving and exhilarating, the power he seemed to have over her. Now she wanted the same power.

  "Are you ready to go? I've made a few plans."

  He'd given up so easily. She hadn't expected that. "What plans?" She crossed to the couch to pick up her purse and her wrap. The September nights were starting to get cool.

  "It's a surprise." He lifted his brows and once again scanned her body. "Not quite as pleasant as your surprise, which almost stopped my heart, by the way."

  Feeling tentative, Josie smoothed the short skirt on the dress and peered at him. "So you like it?"

  "Honey, only a dead man wouldn't. And I swear, I appreciate your efforts. I'll show you how much later, when we get to the boat." He reached for her hand and pulled her to the door. "But right now we're running a little late."

  She had hoped their only destination would be the boat. "Where are we going?"

  He looked uncertain, avoiding her gaze. "I told you, it's a surprise. Trust me."

  She tried not to look too disappointed. "What if I'd had other plans?"

  He smiled as they neared his truck. "It's obvious you did. And we'll get to that before the night is over." He opened the truck door and lifted her onto her seat. His gaze skimmed her legs while she crossed them. "That is, if I can wait that long. You are one hell of a temptation."

  Josie wondered at his mood as he started the truck and pulled away from the parking lot He kept glancing at her, his dark brows lowered slightly as if in thought.

  The sky was overcast and cloudy and she knew a storm would hit before the night was over. She could smell the rain in the air, feel the electric charge on her skin, both from the weather and the anticipation. She welcomed the turbulence of it, took deep breaths and let it flow through her, adding to her bravado.

  She had to follow through, had to make certain she got the most out of this unique situation before her time with him ended. In a low whisper, she said, "I'm not feeling nearly so secretive as you." She turned halfway in the seat to face him, aware that her position had slightly parted the skirt of her dress. "Would you like to know what my plans were?"

  "I have a feeling you're just dying to tell me."

  His smile showed his amusement, but it wasn't a steady smile and seemed a bit forced to Josie. So be it. He wouldn't be laughing at her for long. "I want to have my way with you."

  He hesitated, and his gaze flew to her again. "You care to explain that?"

  Using one finger, she traced the length of his hard thigh. "If you think it's necessary."

  "I believe it is." His voice was deep, already aroused, and she drew strength from that; it took so little to make him want her.

  "Tonight I want to know what you like, what your body reacts to. I want to drive you crazy the way you did me."

  He laughed, the sound suddenly filled with purpose. "Men are embarrassingly obvious in what we like and need, honey. Unlike women, who are fashioned differently, men need very little stimulation to be ready."

  Used to his blunt way of phrasing things, Josie didn't mind his words. But she stiffened when they stopped at a red light and he was able to give her his full attention. His gaze was hot, intense. His hand slid over her knee and then upward and she sucked in a quick startled breath. "And you already make me crazy." He spoke in a low husky whisper, and his cheekbones were flushed. "You're so damn explosive. I've never known another woman who reacted the way you do. There's something called chemistry going on between us, and it works both ways. I've been different, too, if you want the truth."

  "The truth would be nice for a change."

  "Don't be a smart-ass." But now his grim tone had lightened and he relaxed. "We're hot together, Josie. Believe me, you make me lose control, too."

  She'd seen no evidence of that, but she wanted to. It was her goal tonight to make Nick totally lose his head. Exactly how she'd do that, she wasn't sure. For now, though, a different topic would be in order. The present discussion had the very effect he'd predicted. Her pulse raced and she knew her cheeks were flushed. She wanted him, right now, and she was too new to wanting to be able to deal with it nonchalantly. "Do we have much farther to go?"

  "We're two minutes away from where I'm taking you." He gave a strangled laugh. "And the way you affect me, I'm going to need five times that long to make myself presentable."

  She glanced at his lap, knowing exactly what he spoke of. His erection was full, impossible to ignore. And the sight of his need quadrupled her own. She leaned toward him, imploring, letting the thin straps of her dress droop and fall over her shoulders. In low, hopefully seduc
tive tones, she said, "Let's forget your plans. Let's just go to the boat." She reached for him, but he caught her hand and kissed the palm.

  His gaze strayed to her cleavage, now more exposed, and he let out a low curse. "Sorry. But we can't." Incredibly, she saw sweat at his temples and watched as he clenched his jaw. He turned down a long gravel drive that led to a stately old farmhouse. It was a huge, sprawling, absolutely gorgeous home that looked as if it had been around and loved for ages. Josie hadn't been paying any attention to where they were going, but now she realized they were in a rural area and that Nick was taking her to a private residence. Horrified, she stiffened her back and frantically began to remedy the mess she'd made of her dress, smoothing the bodice and straightening the skirt, retightening her belt. "Oh my God, we're meeting people?" She thought of how she was dressed and wanted to disappear.

  He jerked the truck to a stop beneath a large oak tree and turned off the ignition. "Calm down, Josie. It's okay." But he sounded agitated, too.

  She gasped, then swatted at his hands when he reached out to help her straighten the shoulder straps of her dress. "Nick, stop it, don't touch me." She glanced around, afraid someone might see.

  Her words had a startling effect on him. He grabbed her shoulders and yanked her close and when her eyes widened on his face, he growled, "I'm going to touch you, all right. In all the places you want to be touched, in all the ways I know you like best. With my hands and my mouth. Tonight..."

  Her stomach flipped and her toes curled. "Nick—"

  In the next heartbeat he kissed her – hard and hungry and devouring – and she kissed him back the same way, forgetting her embarrassment and where they were.

  He groped for her breast and her moan encouraged him. But before he made contact there was a loud rapping on the driver's door and seconds later it was yanked open. They jumped apart, both looking guilty and abashed. Josie felt her mouth fall open at the sight that greeted her.

  Standing beside the car, his grim countenance and apparent age doing nothing to detract from his air of command, stood a gray-haired man in a flannel shirt and tan slacks with suspenders. His scowl was darker than the blackening sky and his bark reverberated throughout the truck.