Crazy Little Thing Called Matchmaking

by Maggie Van Well

  Jake’s brow shot up, but he held in his laugh this time. “I guess I provoked you.”

  “What kind of people are they? I mean, who does that to a friend?”

  “I don’t blame them too much. Carol plays the innocent victim really well. People were forced to choose sides. They chose hers.”

  Kate flopped back down, grabbing his hand. “Forget about them. You have friends here who really care about you. One day you’re going to get married again and start a family—”

  “Maybe.” He tugged his hand and eyes away from her. A familiar sponge-like knot growing in his lungs, denying him air.

  “Please don’t tell me you’re going to let one bad marriage stop you from trying again.”

  “It’s not as simple as that.” The knot grew so big, so fast he wanted to shout for her to stop pushing, but he lacked the breath to do it.

  “Yes, it is. I know how much you want children of your own, and-–”

  “Kate, I can’t have children.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  KATE LAID A HAND against her pounding heart, her brain unable or unwilling to comprehend what he’d just told her.

  “Good, God, Jake. How much bad news could one person take?”

  “Are you referring to me or you?” He didn’t face her, but stared into space. The only sign of his inner turmoil was his bouncing leg.

  “Both, I guess.” She wrapped her arms around her middle. “And here I was whining about money and bills… I’m so sorry.”

  Lowering his chin to his chest, he shook his head. “Don’t do that. Don’t compare tragedies. In the end, we all have our crosses to bear.”

  “I know, but still. I—” She clamped her lips together, hating that she couldn’t find the words to comfort him.

  “If it makes you feel any better, I’m loaded.”

  Her eyes shifted to his empty wine glass. On one glass of wine? Sheesh, what a lightweight.

  His gaze followed hers, and his mouth twisted in annoyance. “I don’t mean drunk. I mean wealthy. My father was a famous neo-natal surgeon. I inherited everything.”

  “Money can’t hold you when you’re lonely.”

  He stared off again, rubbing shaky hands up and down his thighs. “No, but we don’t get to pick and choose which tragedy we prefer.”

  She wrapped one of his hands in hers, wanting to help make his pain go away, but leery of getting too close. “I know it might be difficult, but you could still marry again.”

  “That’s what I’m hoping.” He studied their entwined fingers. “But there aren’t many women who’d want to be stuck with a man who suffers from infertility. Trust me. I’ve been looking.”

  “Then you’re looking in the wrong places.” Kate would have done anything to reassure him, but how? “Is it hopeless?”

  “No, I’m not sterile. But low count and low motility usually means it would take an act of God for me to father a child the old-fashioned way.”

  “Aren’t all babies created by an act of God?”

  “Yeah, but in my case, He’d have more to do with it than I would.” He pulled in a deep breath. “But I believe the woman for me is out there somewhere. I just have to find her.”

  Seeing him so serious made her worry for him. Time to bring the innocent boy back. “I hope you’re having some fun while you’re searching.”

  His eyes grew wide. Within seconds, his face flamed.

  Ah, yes, there he is.

  “I-I’ve dated a few women, but I…”

  “Haven’t slept with any of them?”

  “She has to mean something to me before I think about sex.” He glanced at her. “As silly as that may seem.”

  On the contrary, Kate found it incredibly sweet. “Not so silly. I’ve only been with William.”

  The smoldering gaze he gave her made her feel like she was breathing through a mask. “Maybe it’s time for both of us to—consider it.”

  No, no, no! This was not the direction the conversation was meant to go. Her question was supposed to shock him and make him laugh. An attempt to get a smile as he inched away from her.

  It for sure was not supposed to make him gaze at her like he was already making love to her in his mind.

  “No other man has ever tempted me.”

  Until about six weeks ago.

  She picked up her glass and downed the last of her wine. This subject was way too dangerous to linger on. “It must’ve been hard to face this issue. And then to have your wife leave.”

  He rubbed a hand over his mouth and let out a breath. “Actually, getting over her wasn’t that bad. But finding out I probably can’t father children?” He shook his head. “That one beats me up every time I think about it.”

  “You have options.”

  “And I intend to explore every single one once I marry again.” His eyes glazed over. “I want to look at my child and see my mother’s eyes, my dad’s smile. Arthur’s determination.” His voice shook. “Hear my sister’s laugh.”

  A sob forced its way through her carefully erected wall. “Jake, hug me before I lose it altogether.”

  He pulled her into his arms and squeezed. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I never told anyone before, and I needed to. I just… needed to.”

  Kate glanced at him, his face so close she felt the warmth of his breath on her skin, smelled the fruity wine. “Why did you choose me?”

  Jake’s eyes turned from silver to dark pewter as he ran a gentle fingertip across her cheek. “I was hoping you’d tell me.”

  Kate’s gaze lowered to Jake’s mouth as it inched closer. One hand cupped the back of her head. The other burned a path down to her waist, urging her toward him.

  Unable to breathe normally, her lips parted. Her heart pounded a seductive beat. Heat filtered between her thighs. The growing ache begged her to seek release. She hadn’t felt this way since William—

  Kate gasped and turned her head, resting her cheek against Jake’s before his lips could reach hers. “My guess is you knew I’d understand.”

  A slight pause before he eased her away from him. “You’re probably right.”

  Kate snatched up their wine glasses. She stood on trembling legs and headed to the kitchen, placing them in the sink without the offer of a refill. Additional alcohol was the last thing either of them needed.

  From the corner of her eye, she caught Jake rising from the couch, reaching for his jacket. She didn’t know why, but she wasn’t ready for him to leave. “Hey, Jake, have you ever played Mille Bournes?”

  His hand paused over the blazer. “The French card game?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “My parents used to play until all hours of the morning when they had company. It was a lot of fun.”

  “Would you like to play?” She held her breath, trying not to seem too needy, but fearing she wasn’t doing a good job at it.

  With his eyes locked on hers, he sauntered over, stopping within inches of her personal space. Head lowered and gaze roaming her face, he grinned. “I’d like that.”

  The soft, deep timbre of his voice resonated under her skin, setting off another shockwave of tremors. With a nod, she stepped around him and hurried for the hall closet, hoping she didn’t stumble and give away her inner turmoil. “We’ll play in the dining room.” Across the table from him. Far from the masculine woodsy scent and warmth of his body.

  As it turned out, being across the table from him wasn’t nearly enough space. Hell, the next block would still be too close. He was a skilled player and, as she’d learned during their racecar game, didn’t like to lose. But his eyes never lost that sexy, come-hither glint. And that knowing smirk whenever he threw an unwanted card her way... God, what she wouldn’t do to taste that grin.

  “Kate?”

  “Yes?”

  He gave her a lazy smile. “It’s your turn to pick.”

  “Oh, sorry.” She sat forward in her seat and forced herself to focus on the game. She picked her card and threw it in front
of Jake.

  He grinned. “That’s the third time in a row you were able to stop me.”

  She answered his grin with one of her own. “Isn’t that how you play the game?”

  “Yes.” He leaned closer. “But eventually you’re not going to be able to, and then what will you do?”

  Heat rushed over her as his ominous words, their double-meaning not lost on her. The erotic reflection in his eyes made them crystal clear.

  Licking her lips, she fought to find the words that would break the spell he was weaving when she was literally saved by the bell.

  “My sisters are here.” She jumped up. “To pick up their kids.”

  Jake rose, too. “I would’ve guessed that.”

  Seconds later, her front door opened, and Susan and Valerie walked in, followed by their husbands. Rob and Greg hurried up the stairs while her sisters, knowing grins on their faces, joined them in the dining room.

  “Hey, you two,” Valerie said as she entered, rubbing her hands together. “I hope we gave you enough warning before entering so we didn’t interrupt…” She paused and her impish smile melted. “Your card game.”

  “I’m sure Jake is thrilled, since I’m kicking his butt.”

  He faced her. “I hardly consider two games out of three kicking my butt.”

  His words blurred as Kate glanced over his shoulder at Valerie. Her sister pointed to Jake, mouthed the word “him,” then pointed to Kate, and mimed “you.” Dropping her fisted hands to her waist, she pulled her elbows back and thrust her hips forward in rapid motion.

  Kate felt lightheaded from the sudden lack of air to her lungs.

  Jake grabbed her elbow. “Hey, are you okay?”

  “She’s fine.” Susan put her arm around Kate’s shoulder. “She’s just in a rush for us to leave so she can get back to your little game.” Her sister caught her eye and winked. “Aren’t ya, sis?”

  Starting to feel claustrophobic in the dining room, Kate moved into the foyer. “Don’t be silly. You can stay as long as you want.”

  Rob and Greg returned with the kids. Valerie rushed over to Lisa, sleeping on her dad’s shoulder, and gave her a kiss. Susan helped Rob with Marc and Tony. “No, we’re gonna go. You guys have fun.”

  Susan held the door open for the men while Valerie brought up the rear. She leaned close to Jake. “Play nice… or not.” Then whacked him on the ass as she walked by.

  Moments later, the door was closed, and everyone was gone.

  Jake stared at the door, his face bright red. “Must she do that every time she passes me?”

  “Yeah, kinda.”

  When Jake turned to her, the alarm from her sister’s farewell left his eyes, and the suggestive grin was back. “We have a game to finish.”

  She nodded and walked back into the dining room, pulling her seat out. When she sat, Jake stood behind her chair, placing a hand on each of the arms, and leaned close. His hot breath tickled the hair near her ear. “I think things are about to change in my favor.”

  A shiver rocketed through her from the tone in his voice.

  “Who said anything about being alone?”

  Susan’s words resonated in Kate’s head, but she pushed them aside and tried to focus on her cards.

  In the end, she threw the game for no other reason than to be able to breathe again.

  “Nice job.” Jake’s red-rimmed eyes glanced at his watch. “I better get moving or I’ll fall asleep on the way home.”

  “The pathway shouldn’t be too crowded at this hour of the morning.”

  He chuckled as he stood. “I’ll try to stay focused.”

  Jake followed close behind her as she made her way to the front door. She opened it, then turned to him. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me this evening.”

  He cupped her shoulders, his silver eyes darkening again as his hands trailed up and down her arms. Fingers tightening, he pulled her closer and placed his lips against her forehead. Her toes curled from his lingering kiss. Goosebumps erupted on her flesh.

  “Nor I, you,” he whispered in her ear.

  He stepped back and, with a grin, tweaked the tip of her nose then left. The soft click of the dead latch echoed through the house.

  Kate stared at the closed door, trembling so violently she feared her teeth would chatter. She inhaled as her heart pounded against her ribs.

  This can’t be happening. Her? Feeling lustful?

  After turning off the lights and checking the doors, she headed upstairs. Never in her life had she wished for, or even needed, a cold shower.

  Instead, she followed the usual routine of brushing her teeth and washing her face before changing into a modest nightgown. She switched off the overhead lights, then went over to the window to close the blinds. Her hand paused in reaching for the post when she noticed they were already closed. Jake must’ve done it when he was in here earlier with the kids.

  Jake.

  Just the thought of him sent her hormones soaring again. As if unable to control her own actions, she gripped the dowel between her fingers and twisted the blinds open.

  Across the way, the closed semi-transparent shade blocked out the room, but not the glowing light. Kate held her breath as Jake’s shadow came into view. He couldn’t see her. Would she have moved away if he could?

  The details of the room were unclear, but she could easily make out what he was doing. He removed his shirt and tossed it out of her line of sight. Then his hands moved to his waist, fumbling with his belt, she supposed. She finally released the breath she held as he removed his trousers, only to suck it back in when he followed with his underwear.

  This was wrong. Spying on her neighbor, her boss, but she couldn’t look away. She was unable tell if he faced her or not, but it didn’t matter as he turned to the side.

  Kate gripped the rod at the sight of Jake’s clearly aroused silhouette. An almost painful throbbing settled between her legs as he grippedhis erection and slowly stroked. Was he thinking of her while he touched himself so intimately? Yes, he must be. He’d never tried to hide his attraction toward her. And it would be impossible for him to deny the tension engulfing them all evening.

  How would it feel to touch him the same way? To hear him suck in his breath while she caressed and explored... and tasted. Oh, how she wished she could hear him right now. To listen to that deep voice turn from a strong baritone to a breathless whisper.

  Kate allowed her thoughts no boundaries until she realized she mimicked Jake’s movements on the rod in her hand.

  Horrified, she jerked away from the window, ashamed at what she’d been doing. Is this what she’d had come to? Invading her neighbor’s privacy, his most personal moments?

  Furious with herself, Kate threw back her comforter and hopped into bed, lying on her side. Then she flung herself onto her back, only to twist to the other side. Her self-directed anger did nothing to quell the fire burning inside her.

  Staring at the ceiling didn’t help either.

  Every time she moved, her taut nipples brushed against the downy material of her nightgown, making her heart beat faster, her sex throb with need.

  After about twenty minutes, Kate could take no more and finally gave in to her body’s demands. She closed her eyes, her hands wandering over her body before settling between her legs. The image through her window immediately took shape behind her lowered lids. She imagined Jake’s hard body on top of her, crushing her into the sheets. The memories of his spicy scent and sexy voice brought her to heights she hadn’t known since William.

  As she lay panting in her bed, her limbs heavy with contentment, she could think of only one thing.

  How on earth was she going to face him on Monday?

  ***

  The next afternoon, Kate hid in the shadows of her dining room, staring out the window at Jake as he worked in his garden. Kneeling beside his front steps, his upper arms bulged as he gripped a stubborn weed and yanked it from its home. Even though she couldn’t
see them, she had a hunch his abs were straining just as much.

  God!

  She longed to go outside and offer help, just so she could talk to him, but she knew as soon as he laid eyes on her, she would burst into a flaming blush.

  And then he’d know.

  Jake was a smart man. He would be able to tell, just because she wouldn’t meet his gaze, what she was thinking.

  Possibly even what she’d done last night.

  Chills erupted all over her flesh when she remembered how he’d brought her to such an intense orgasm without even being in the room.

  “Hey, Mom—”

  “Nothing!” She jumped back from the window and turned to Alex, his face a mask of confusion. “What?”

  He stared for a moment then shook his head. “I just wanted to make sure you knew Grandma and Grandpa are out front.”

  “They are?” Her embarrassment left quickly as she rushed to the front door and threw it open.

  Alice hurried up the pathway as tall, slender Roger sauntered a few steps behind, staring at the ground.

  “Well, this is an unexpected pleasure!” Kate opened her arms to her mother-in-law.

  “My dear, it’s so good to see you.” Alice squeezed tight.

  “Hi, Grandma.”

  The moment her eyes settled on Alex, they filled with tears. She cupped his face in her hands. “Alex, my sweet boy. You look more and more like your father every day.”

  Her son answered with a hug.

  “Hey, Mom, who’s—Grandma!” Drew burst from his room and threw his arms around Alice. After a tight hug, he stepped back and surveyed her appearance. “Stunning, as always.”

  “You’re such a charmer, just like your father.”

  Kate stayed in the background as her mother-in-law fawned over her grandchildren. But then she noticed every time Roger tried to greet them, Alice stood in his way and monopolized their attention.

  “So what brings you by?” Kate asked, hoping to steer Alice’s focus onto her so Roger could move in.

  No such luck as she put one arm around each of the boys. “We have a surprise for you.”