by Wendy Smith
Bending, he plants a soft kiss on my lips. His lips are soft, sweet, and there’s this tantalizing promise of more that has me running my fingers down his beard. A second later, I pull away. “We should go. Unless you’re planning on making out with me in public.”
Jackson shrugs, stepping back. “I have no problem with that. But you’re still shivering, and it’s time to go home.”
He opens the passenger door and waits until I’m seated before closing it and rounding the car. I’m not shivering because of the cold. His jacket’s keeping me nice and warm.
I buckle the seatbelt, and he does the same and starts the car.
We pull away, and I sigh as we leave the site of Molly’s wedding.
“Have you seen much of Nettle Downs?” he asks.
“Not much. Just the area between the airport, the motel, and Molly’s place. And then Molly’s place and your bar.”
“You should check it out. I’d be happy to show you.”
“I’d like that sometime.”
It’s not a long drive, and soon he’s pulling in behind the bar. I follow him out of the car and through the back door. To the left, he unlocks and opens another door, and we step into his living room.
“This is your place?”
He smiles. “When I took over the place after Dad died, I moved in here. We never really used it before, but it seemed right to be close to the bar.”
I nod. “It’s cozy.”
“If that’s your way of saying it’s small, it is. But I don’t need much space.”
I turn, placing my palms on his chest. “I’d argue that.”
His smile grows. “All I need is a kitchen, a living room, a bathroom . . .” He pauses. “And a bedroom.”
My mouth grows dry from the heat in his gaze.
“Maybe you should show me the bedroom?” I croak, trying to sound seductive but sounding more like a frog.
His eyebrows rise. “Are you ready for that?”
“I thought you were.” Uncertainty creeps in, and I drop my hands.
“I’m more than ready. I could show you how ready, but I want to make sure we’re on the same page.”
I can’t help but smile. “Oh, we’re on the same—”
He cuts me short when his mouth closes down on mine. We go from zero to sixty in a millisecond, his tongue battling with mine as he wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me close.
The man can kiss. He steals my breath and leaves me weak at the knees when we finally pull apart.
“I’m not looking for a relationship,” I say, searching his eyes for some hint of how he’s feeling.
“Neither am I.” He never drops his gaze for a second.
He takes my hand in his and leads me into his bedroom. The lighting’s so soft when he turns it on, and I smirk at the sight of the huge bed.
I turn around. “Help me out of this dress?”
“I thought you’d never ask.” He chuckles as he slowly drops the zip down to my waist. His hands are warm as he peels the dress from my body and the soft fabric pools on the floor.
“Beautiful,” he whispers. “But you’re still wearing too much clothing.”
“So are you.”
He nods. “Touché”
I reach for his tie. The knot comes undone in my fingers, and I throw it on the bed.
His eyes scan my face as I unbutton his shirt. “Miranda?”
“Yes?” I push his shirt back and he unbuttons the cuffs so I can push it off his shoulders.
“What is this?”
I cock my head, pressing my palms to his warm chest. “What do you mean?”
“We’re attracted to each other. If you’re not looking for a relationship, what are you looking for?”
“Not anything serious.”
He swallows hard. “A one-night stand?”
“I can’t commit to anything more than that. Not right now.” I pause for a moment. “You still want to do this?”
He nods. “I want this no matter what. I want you.”
As he claims my mouth with his again, I wonder how long my resolve will actually last when he kisses me with this need that surges through both of us.
I reach back and unclip my bra. Jackson takes over, sliding it down my arms and throwing it to the ground.
In an instant, I’m back in his arms, my breasts pressed against that solid chest of his. His hand grips my hair, and I gasp when he runs his tongue up my neck to just below my ear.
“I want every little piece of you tonight,” he murmurs.
I’m ready to give him anything he wants as he cups one breast in his hand and flicks the nipple with his thumb. He kisses me again as he fondles it, my nipple forming into a hard peak. Anticipation builds at his expert touch. Jackson knows exactly what he’s doing and how to get it out of me.
I fumble with his belt, then pull it open and unbutton his pants. The zip comes apart easily, and I match his touch by stroking his length through his boxers.
“Darlin’,” he whispers. “Let’s get to bed.”
He pulls back the top blanket and drops his pants to the floor as I climb in. Before he gets in beside me, he slides his boxers down his legs, and I take in the sight of naked Jackson Booth. The man’s big all over.
“Like what you see?” He chuckles as he slides between the sheets. “You’re still wearing panties.”
“Maybe I’m waiting for you to take them off?”
“Come here, and I’ll sort that out.”
He opens up his arms, and embraces me. His hands seem everywhere, touching my bare skin as his mouth explores my breasts.
I sigh when he flicks his tongue over my nipples, one by one.
“You’re so fucking gorgeous,” he says.
“You’re not so bad yourself.” I smile.
“I knew I wanted you the moment I saw you. I’m not sure if I can believe you’re here with me.” His eyes are so full of warmth.
“Well, I am, and this wasn’t exactly how I saw my weekend going either.”
He bends his head again and sucks one nipple into his mouth, his other hand splayed on the small of my back. I close my eyes and surrender to the feeling.
With gentle kisses, he makes his way down my stomach before he reaches the waistline of my panties.
Rolling me onto my back, he drags the last of my clothing off and gives me another one of those looks that sets my blood on fire.
I say nothing, but spread my legs for him. My body aches with need. I want his mouth on me; I want him inside me. I just want him.
He pauses a moment, then drops his head, tonguing my clit as I ride his face. I’m not sure if drinking a little has loosened me up, but I’ve never acted so free and unashamed. For his part, Jackson seems to love it, responding to every move I make. His mouth is everywhere, and I come so fast my body shakes violently.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
“Never been better.”
He smiles, coming back up for a kiss. I taste myself on his lips, and rake my fingers through his hair, wanting more of him.
“So needy,” he says as we break apart. “I like that.”
“More.”
I don’t have to say it again as he goes back down on me.
My cheeks flush with heat as he bows his head again and again. His tongue sweeps over me, his grip tightening on my thighs.
“Holy shit,” I cry out as I come again.
He chuckles against my skin. “I’m glad you came home with me, Miranda.”
“So am I.”
Jackson leans back and grabs a condom from the bedside cabinet. I swallow hard, watching him tear it open and roll it down his cock.
“Ready?” he asks.
I nod.
He guides himself to my entrance. His expression tightens as he pushes into me, and when he meets my gaze, all I see in his eyes is the same want I feel.
“You feel so fucking good. I knew you would.”
I spread my legs a little wider so he can drive in dee
per. “I kinda like the way you feel too.”
His eyebrows rise. “Only kinda?”
“Come here.” I pull him down for a kiss. It’s all kinds of tender and sweet, building in intensity as he thrusts inside me. I’m full of Jackson Booth and nothing has ever felt this good.
Our kisses grow deeper as he does. I shift a little, and he moans, opening his eyes to look at me.
There’s a connection here I haven’t shared with anyone else. This is more than just sex, and I think—no, I hope we both know it.
He says nothing, but drops his head to my neck, gently sucking on the skin as I close my eyes. I’m lost in him, floating in a sea of ecstasy as he extracts every bit of pleasure from my body.
I’ve never met anyone like him before.
I laugh when he rolls over, still inside me, and pulls me with him. Repositioning myself, I straddle his hips, and his lips have a mischievous twitch going on.
“Ride me,” he says.
At his words, I jut my hips forward again and again. Jackson grips his pillow, closing his eyes and rising to meet me. The way he seems to be just as lost in this as I am fascinates me. Whereas before there was an overwhelming urge to close my eyes, all I can do now is watch him.
We rise and fall together until he lets out a groan and comes, pulsing deep inside me.
I don’t want this to stop.
It takes a few moments for us to come to a shuddering halt, and when we do, he opens his eyes. His expression is just as heated as it was before we had sex, and something tells me this isn’t the end of our night.
“So. About this one-night stand thing . . .”
I arch an eyebrow. “Yes?”
“I’m not sure one night is enough.”
I meet his gaze. The truth is, neither am I.
Three
Jackson
One night’s not enough.
I’ve had one-night stands before, and this isn’t one, no matter what we both say.
I want more.
Miranda’s curled against my side, and I stroke her arm as she sleeps peacefully. She was exhausted by the time we were finished, but I can’t rest.
I don’t even really know her, but this feels more right than anything ever has before.
She’s beautiful, funny, and intelligent, and the sex was incredible.
I’m not satisfied with just one night.
I want to get to know her better.
I’m glad I had the foresight to take the weekend off work. Maybe Miranda and I can spend a little time together before she goes back to San Jose.
The thought of her leaving town causes my heart to sink.
Miranda shifts in her sleep, snuggling in tighter against me. I love the feel of her naked body beside me.
I raise my hand to her cheek. This is one special woman.
My dad always told me that I’d know the one when she came into my life. That it’d be obvious. I guess that’s what it was like for him and Mom all those years ago.
I want a love like that.
Maybe Miranda’s the key.
She’s still asleep when I wake in the morning.
At least she didn’t run.
That simple fact gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, she’s feeling the same way I do.
I want to go and cook us both breakfast, but I can’t bear to let her go.
She’s sleeping so peacefully. I know she has what must be a high-stress job in Molly’s company. Does she ever just get to relax like this?
I already feel so protective of her.
Her long lashes flutter as her eyes open, and I’m mesmerized by the blue that greets me.
“Good morning,” I say.
“Hi.” She has a blush to her cheeks that’s endearing. Forget anything else. I want to sink into her again.
“I thought about making breakfast, but I didn’t want to disturb you.”
I love that sleepy smile on her face. “Breakfast sounds amazing.”
“Bacon and eggs? Toast? What would you like?”
“Toast and coffee would be great. I like toast with lots of butter.”
I nod. “Toast it is. If I can pull myself away from you.”
Miranda chuckles. “I’m not going anywhere yet.”
Her lips are warm and soft as I give her a tender kiss. “Good. I’ll make breakfast and bring it back to bed. How do you take your coffee?”
“Milk, one sugar.”
I’m sure she sighs as I slip out of bed, and I turn to see such a happy expression on her face. It matches the way I’m feeling.
I tug on some boxer shorts, and head out to the kitchen.
While I wait for the toast, I mix the coffee, and, lost in thought, I don’t hear her behind me until she wraps her arms around my waist.
“What are you doing out of bed?”
“I had to use the bathroom, so I thought I’d come and see you.”
When I turn, I give a little growl at the sight of her in one of my T-shirts.
It’s way too long—down to her knees—but underneath the curves of her breasts and hips are visible.
“I hope you don’t mind that I raided your drawer,” she says.
“Hell no. I like you in my shirt.” I grin. “I was thinking. I’ve got today off. We can spend it in bed. And then tonight . . .”
Her expression tells the whole story. She drops her gaze, and her shoulders slump.
“I’m going back to San Jose this afternoon. We all are.”
My heart sinks. “Can’t you stay a bit longer? We just met.”
“Jackson, this was only supposed to be a one-night stand.”
I grip her chin, raising her gaze to meet mine. “Are you sure? It feels like more. Don’t you think?”
She blinks rapidly as if fighting tears. “I do, but the timing’s all wrong. I can’t—”
“Of course you can. You don’t want to for some reason. Am I reading this wrong?” I frown. “Is this just a one-way thing?”
Miranda shakes her head. “You’re not reading anything wrong.”
We fall into an awkward silence for a moment. It’s the most uncomfortable things have been between us since we met.
“Think about it? When you go back. Please, think about the night we spent together and how much it could be. Because I really think there’s something to explore here.” I plead. It’s all I can do. I can’t force her into seeing me again.
“I promise.” She sighs. “I just wish our timing didn’t suck so bad. My life’s so messy right now with what’s going on at work, and this whole company reshuffle, and . . .”
“Maybe you should start thinking about what’s good for you as well as the company.” I smile. “I think I’m good for you.”
Her lips turn up at the ends. “You are good for me. Last night was amazing.”
“That’s a start, right?” I take hold of her hand. “I can’t even begin to describe what last night meant to me. You’re something so special, darlin’.”
“You’re pretty special too.”
“Can we stay in bed until it’s time to drop you at the motel?”
Miranda’s smile grows into a grin. “I like that idea.”
“So do I.”
Four
Miranda
Hours later, we’re still curled around each other.
“I wish I could keep you here a while longer,” Jackson says.
I place my hand to his cheek. “I wish I could stay, but real life is waiting.”
“This is real life.” His longing expression is just too much. It echoes what’s in my heart, and I drop my hand and my gaze.
“Jackson. I’ve had a lovely weekend …”
“But that’s all it is. That’s what you’re telling me.”
I pull my gaze back up, and his expression’s gone flat. “I can’t make any promises based on one night. But I’d like to stay in touch.”
His smile’s small, but I’ll take it. I’m not feeling that easy about leaving things up in the air, b
ut I get the feeling that there’s no resolution to this. I’m not sure what the immediate future could bring. Is it fair to either of us to start a relationship?
“What’s the time?” I ask.
He picks up his phone from beside the bed. “Nearly one.”
I widen my eyes. “I’ve got to get going. We leave at two.”
Jackson captures my mouth with his, and kisses me with so much tenderness I feel it in my soul. It’s hard to pull away.
But it’s time to go.
Reluctantly, I put on my maid-of-honor dress as it’s all I have to wear. Thankfully, it’ll be a short walk from the car to the room as he can park right in front of it.
This has been one of the best weekends of my life.
I hate leaving Jackson’s place.
He’s quiet as he drives me to the motel. I’m not sure one night could never be enough for us.
But maybe it has to be.
The closer we get to our destination, the more the scenery becomes familiar, and the heavier the weight on my chest.
“Which one’s your room?” he asks.
I point toward the door. “Fifteen.”
He nods, and pulls up into the spot outside it.
“How about we swap numbers? You know, maybe we can catch up next time I’m in town.” I give him a smile.
“For a booty call?” His tone doesn’t suggest he’s bitter, but I wouldn’t blame him if he was. I suck at relationships, and I’d just hurt Jackson in the end. He’s too sweet to be hurt. He deserves better.
“I’d like to stay in touch. Besides, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again if your bar is where the Mollab crew are going to drink.”
He nods, reaching for my hand. I grip his fingers tight. “I won’t forget last night in a hurry.”
“Neither will I,” I say. He gives my fingers a squeeze and lets go. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry I can’t stay longer”
Jackson lets out a long breath. “Me too. Thank you for being with me.”
“Thank you for an unforgettable night.”
We exchange numbers, but I’m left with the emptiest feeling as he drives away.
“Did you just get back?” Mark pokes his head out of his room.
“None of your business.” I smile.
