by Marilyn Lee
“I have no idea where she is nor do I have any immediate interest in fucking her this weekend.” She thought of all the females at the party the previous night. “Just her?”
“No. No one else.”
She nodded, satisfied.
He bent his head and nibbled at her neck.
She shivered before she drew away from him. “Jayvyn!”
He lifted his head and released her. “Before we go, I have a present for you.”
“You do?” She glanced around the room, thinking he’d ordered roses.
“Yes.” He crossed the room to pick up a black velvet jeweler’s box from one of her end tables. He held it up.
“This is for you.”
She crossed the room to stand next to him but made no move to take the box. “What’s in it?”
“Open it and find out.” He placed it in her hands.
After a moment’s hesitation, she obeyed. Inside was a beautiful diamond solitaire necklace in platinum. It looked like a whole carat. She caught her breath.
“Do you like it, sweet?”
She tore her eyes away from it to stare up at him. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.” He caressed her cheek. “So are you.”
A smile spread across her face. There was no doubting his sincerity.
“Try it on.”
She shook her head, closed the box, and placed it back in his hands. There was no way a carpenter could afford to spend several thousand dollars on this necklace. “I’m so touched, Jayvyn, but I can’t accept it.”
“Oh, yes, you can.” He stepped behind her and fastened the necklace around her neck. Then he led her to the mirror in the foyer.
It looked stunning around her throat. She sucked in a breath and then realized she could see him standing behind her. Thank God. She turned to face him. “It’s too expensive and it feels a little like a bribe.”
“I suggest you let me worry about what I can or can’t afford and if it had been intended as a bribe, I would have given it to you before you agreed to come spend the rest of the weekend with me. It’s not a bribe. It’s a gift and you given it to you before you agreed to come spend the rest of the weekend with me. It’s not a bribe. It’s a gift and you are going to accept it.” He leaned down to kiss her neck. “Aren’t you?”
“Yes,” she whispered. Just as she’d accepted his car.
He licked and nibbled at her neck before he lifted his head.
She pressed a finger against the two small wounds she could barely feel. They were healing rapidly. Still, he had made them. But he also had a reflection. So what was he?
He slipped his arm around her shoulders. “Let’s go, sweet.”
She nodded.
He sang love songs to her on the drive back to his family’s mansion. She listened in silence, smiling and frequently touching the necklace she still wore. She knew she wasn’t thinking with her head, but she had her smiling, charming Jayvyn back. At least for the moment, all was right with her world.
“How can you afford to spend and live as you do on a carpenter’s salary?” she asked when he stopped singing.
“I love the necklace, but I can’t see keeping it when you’ll have to spend who knows how long to pay it off. And while we’re on the subject, you have to take the car back.”
“Sure—when hell freezes over.”
“Jay—”
“Let me worry about what I can or can’t afford”
“How can I not worry about your spending beyond your means?”
“I’m not.”
“Are you really a carpenter?”
“It’s clearly time I set your mind at ease. My brothers and I built the house. I am a carpenter, but I also own a very successful building company and a chain of auto repair shops.”
“You do?”
“I do. I have a lot of money and I earn a lot. So you can expect to be showered with gifts.” She blinked. “I can?”
“Yes. There are benefits associated with dating a wealthy man.” She moistened her lips. “We’re not dating.”
He didn’t respond. Several moments later, he merged onto the off-ramp, pulled into a closed gas station, and turned to face her. “Let’s get something straight, Cayenne.”
“What?”
“I’m tired of playing games.”
Who the hell was playing?
“I’ll be happy to romance you and I can wait for sex until you’re ready.”
“But?”
He leaned closer and stared in her eyes. “But we are most definitely dating. And I don’t intend to share you with him. ”
He practically spat the him out. She drew back against her seat. “I made it clear the night we met that I wanted him back and—”
“I don’t care what you made clear then. He’s not getting you back.” They stared at each other in silence. If she challenged that statement, they’d probably end up arguing. That would undoubtedly lead to their spending the night apart. Even though she didn’t want or intend to share any physical intimacy with him, she wanted to spend the rest of the weekend with him.
She looked away without answering.
He turned back in his seat and started the car.
They didn’t talk much during the rest of the drive, but when he reached over to briefly touch her thigh, some of the tension building between them dissipated.
He stopped the car in the oval in front of the mansion and turned to her. “I have a present for you.” She shook her head. “No. Not another one.”
“Yes.” He reached in the glove compartment and took out a small jeweler’s box. He opened it.
Inside were two diamond studs. He brushed the back of his hand along her earlobes. “Wear these for me?” One look into his determined gaze decided her against arguing. Besides, the diamond studs were gorgeous and she wanted them. She nodded.
He reached over to pull the passenger side visor mirror down.
He reached over to pull the passenger side visor mirror down.
Glazing into it, she removed her gold earrings and replaced them with the diamond studs.
He turned her face to study her. “Damn. You’re beautiful.”
She smiled and reached over to kiss the corner of his mouth. “No more presents, Jayvyn. Please.” He brushed his lips against her ear. “I have a lot of money and I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather spend it on.”
She drew back. “No? What about your special woman touring Africa?” He shrugged. “The only special woman in my life is you.”
“Where does that leave her?”
“It was over between her and me the moment I met you.”
She stared at him. As usual, she believed him. “Does she know that?”
“Not yet.”
“When are you planning to tell her?”
“When she calls to tell me she’s returning. There’s no point in ruining her trip.”
“Is she going to be upset?”
“Probably, but it can’t be helped.”
“Oh, Jayvyn.”
“Don’t lose any sleep over her reaction, sweet. She’s no more in love with me than I am with her.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive. She’ll be pissed but not heart-broken.”
“Maybe not, but she’s still not going to want to lose you.”
“How do you know that?”
She shrugged. “I wouldn’t want to lose you.”
He smiled, a warm look in his blue gaze. “You don’t have to worry about that, sweet. Now leave her to me.
Okay?”
She nodded.
He kissed her quickly before getting out of the car and coming around to open her door.
She slipped out of the car and into his arms.
He embraced her briefly before getting her case from the trunk.
In the foyer, Rayna, Conner, and Desiree waited.
After she and Desiree and Rayna briefly embraced, Conner surprised her by bending his head to kiss her cheek.
“I’
m delighted to see you again, honey.”
“Thanks,” she said.
Brandi and Adrian came out into the foyer.
Brandi smiled and squeezed her hand.
Adrian kissed her and engulfed her in a quick embrace. “Welcome back, honey.”
“Thank you,” she said. Surprised by the warmth of the welcome from his brothers, she looked at Jayvyn.
He smiled and then glanced behind her. “Macarik, come meet Cayenne.”
“My pleasure.”
She turned.
A smiling male with long, dark brown hair and green eyes strolled forward with his hand outstretched.
Cayenne tried not to stare. He was at least 6’ 6”and very well-built. Although he had very green eyes, he had high cheekbones and the same glossy dark brown hair that Jayvyn had.
“Cayenne, this oversized ox is Kristopher Macarik, who masquerades as my best friend. Macarik, this is Cayenne Pepper.”
Cayenne smiled and offered her hand.
Kristopher Macarik clasped it between both of his and bent to kiss her cheek. “Treat him gently honey because no matter how much he denies it, he loves you.”
Feeling her cheeks heat up, she glanced at Jayvyn. From the annoyed look he gave his friend, she knew he had heard the sotto-whisper.
Desiree slipped an arm through hers. “I need to borrow Cay for a little while.” Noting the questioning look she gave Jayvyn, Cayenne compressed her lips. Why was Desiree behaving as if Noting the questioning look she gave Jayvyn, Cayenne compressed her lips. Why was Desiree behaving as if she needed his permission?
He smiled at her before he turned to give Cayenne an amused stare. “I’ll take your suitcase upstairs.” He paused.
She held her breath. If he said anything to make it clear to everyone that she’d be spending the night in his suite, she rip him a new one.
He laughed, almost as if he’d read her mind, and turned to run up the staircase.
“My suite is at your disposal, ladies,” Rayna said. “When you’re ready, come back down to join us either in the dinning or the living room.”
Cayenne nodded before she and Desiree went upstairs. Inside Rayna’s suite, she and Desiree sat in chairs on opposite sides of the room.
“Do you want to talk about what happened between you and Jayvyn last night, Cay?”
“No, but I’m dying to hear how your ride with Conner went.”
“God save me from handsome hunks determined to behave like a perfect gentleman—whether I want them to or not.” Desiree made a face. “I think he’s all show and no go like Jayvyn.” Cayenne shook her head. “Don’t assume that just because you didn’t feel anything. Jayvyn isn’t all show.” Desiree tilted her head. “You found that out last night?”
She nodded. “Believe me, he doesn’t have…he’s not inadequate in any way.”
“Then why did you leave?”
She shrugged. “He was a little rough.”
Desiree stiffened. “When you say rough, you don’t mean force. Do you?”
“No, but he could have been a lot more considerate.”
Desiree’s glance rested on her necklace and earrings. “He sure knows how to make up.” Cayenne blushed. “What about Conner?”
“We sort of spent the night together—on a lounger on the terrace but absolutely nothing happened. Nothing.”
“When you went riding?”
“Still nothing.”
“Did you get around to discussing anything of a personal nature?” Desiree sighed. “He’s charming but brutally honest. He has no interest in developing a real relationship with anyone. All he wants from the women in his life is sex without any strings attached.”
“And that wouldn’t work for you?”
“I would have been perfectly happy for a weekend stand with him, but he wasn’t interested.” Damn. “What about Jayvyn’s friend?”
“He has other interests.” She smiled. “Lucky woman. Can you imagine being the object of his desire?” Cayenne shrugged. “He’s okay, but nothing special compared to Jayvyn.” Desiree arched a brow. “Damn, girl, you have it bad. There’s no doubt Jayvyn is attractive, but I’ll bet if you look in the dictionary under hunk, you’ll find his friend’s picture. Or Conner’s.”
“Conner’s? You can’t seriously think either one of them is more attractive than Jayvyn and still claim to have twenty-twenty vision.”
Desiree laughed. “If you say so.”
“So are you staying for the rest of the weekend?”
Desiree nodded. “Yes. I just have to be more realistic. Why would a man with Conner’s looks and resources want to sex me up when he can clearly have his choice of beautiful, skinny minnies?” The hint of dejection in her voice disheartened Cayenne. Generally Desiree held the firm opinion that there was someone for everyone and that if she were patient, she would find love again. Had a night with Conner shaken that resolve and left her doubting herself?
“I have an idea. Why don’t we pack up and go home?”
Desiree shook her head. “Don’t be silly. I’m fine.”
“Are you?”
“Yes. So I’m not going to get laid. That doesn’t mean I can’t still enjoy the weekend.”
“Are you going to spend any more of it with him?”
“No. He’s not interested and being around him isn’t good for my blood pressure.” She laughed. “Who am I
“No. He’s not interested and being around him isn’t good for my blood pressure.” She laughed. “Who am I kidding? If he winks at me again, I’ll spend as much time with him as he likes.”
“Why?”
She shrugged. “I might get lucky and get him drunk enough for me to be able to take shameless advantage of him.”
“Are you sure you feel comfortable enough to stay, Desi?”
“I’m positive.” She glanced at her watch. “I think I’ll go have a drink before lunch. Coming?”
“I want to freshen up first.”
“Okay. I’ll see you downstairs.” Desiree rose and left the suite.
Cayenne went to Jayvyn’s suite to change into a pair of jeans and a pretty cotton blouse before going into the foyer. To her surprise, Conner and Desiree were walking out the front door.
“Is everything okay, Desi?” she asked.
Desiree nodded. “Yes. Conner and I are having lunch out. Want to come with?” Cayenne noted a flash of annoyance on Conner’s face before he smiled at her. What was his game? If he didn’t even want to sleep with Desiree, why the hell didn’t he leave her alone? “I’d love to,” she said.
“The hell you would.”
She turned to find Jayvyn crossing the foyer. When he reached her, he slipped his arm around her shoulders. “I have no interest in having lunch out or in having you anywhere but at my side.” She glanced up at him. “Desi invited me.”
“But I’m sure Conner would rather you didn’t make an unwelcome third, sweet.” She glanced at Conner. “Do you mind?”
He arched a brow. “Three is a crowd, honey.”
Damn him. “Jayvyn can come too,” she pointed out.
He brushed the back of his hand against her cheek. “He wouldn’t be any more welcome than you would be.” He flashed a brief smile before putting a hand in the center of Desiree’s back and guiding her out the door.
Jayvyn reached past her to close the door.
Cayenne turned to look at him. “What is he doing, Jayvyn?”
“Taking her out to lunch.”
“Why? Is she his type?”
“No, but then Brandi wasn’t Adrian’s type either, but I know he wouldn’t trade her for a thousand skinny blondes.”
“So he likes white women?”
He arched a brow. “What’s it to you what kind of women Adrian might have preferred in the past?”
“Does his preference for white women run in the family?”
“Adrian is very happily married to Brandi. Conner is out with your friend and you’ve been enchanting me since the night we m
et. And if you noticed the only white women here this weekend are with white men. So get a grip, sweet. Okay?”
“Fine. Is she going to be all right with him?”
“Of course she will.” He kissed her neck.
She leaned against him.
“The Stoners are here. Rayna took the liberty of telling them about you and giving them a copy of your resume.”
“What?” She didn’t know if she should be annoyed or excited.
“They both read it and they’re eager to meet you. Are you interested?”
“Am I interested? Do you realize they’ve never lost a case?”
“So Rayna tells me.”
“Of course I want to meet them.”
“Great.” He nibbled at her neck. “Let’s go dazzle them.”
Twenty minutes later, she sat on a loveseat sandwiched between two of the three handsome Stoner brothers.
She was stunned and flattered when they offered her a job as a paralegal with a starting salary ten thousand dollars higher than her current one.
“Take a week or so to think about it and then let us know your decision, “Sebastian Stoner told her.
The thought of not having to watch Michael flirt with other women, making more money, and working with The thought of not having to watch Michael flirt with other women, making more money, and working with two lawyers of the Stoner brother’s caliber opened a whole new world of possibilities for her. Part of her wanted to scream an unbridled yes immediately. But she’d been impulsive enough with Jayvyn to last for at least a year.
“Thank you,” she said.
“And now that we have business out of the way, can I have this dance?” Sebastian Stoner rose and extended a hand to her.
“Of course.” She smiled and rose to her feet.
He led her to the middle of the room and took her into his arms.
They’d only taken a few steps on the dance floor before Jayvyn strolled across the room to tap Sebastian on the shoulder. “You’ve had enough of her time, Seb.”
“Who knew you would be such a jealous bastard?” Sebastian said in a good-natured voice as he released her.
“You want to slow dance, get your own woman. This beautiful one’s mine,” Jayvyn said. He drew her into his arms and danced her to an unoccupied spot across the room.
She balled her hands into fists in his shirt and smiled up at him. “They offered me a job making ten thousand more than I make now!”
