by Amii Lorin
"Then come to the bar and have a drink with me," he ordered smoothly. "Then after your dinner settles…we'll dance."
For several seconds Jen stared at him in amazement. Is this guy for real? And was she actually supposed to be impressed by his takeover attitude? Biting back the scornful laugh that rose to her lips, she began softly, "I don't want—"
"Of course you do," he smiled insinuatingly, taking a step closer to her.
Fighting the urge to step back, Jen held her ground, lifted her chin, and insisted firmly, "No, thank you, I—" The words dried on her lips and her body stiffened as a hand curved around her waist from behind. The stiffness drained out of her with a warm rush of relief at the quiet yet commanding sound of Adam's voice.
"Back off, fella."
Larry's eyes flickered, and he did take one backward step before he caught himself in retreat and straightened with a fatalistic shrug.
"Sorry, man," he grinned knowingly. "Didn't mean to cut into your time." He started forward, and Jen turned aside to allow him to pass. As he did his arm deliberately brushed her breast, and he whispered, "Later, honey."
Not wanting to create a scene, Jen, swallowing the furious gasp that rose in her throat, glanced at Adam to see if he'd heard Larry's whispered gibe. It was more than obvious that he had, for his face was set in lines of cold rage and his eyes glittered dangerously from behind narrowed lids.
"That son-of-a—"
"Ignore him." Jen cut swiftly across his softly growled words. "Adam, please," she added urgently as his hand dropped from her waist, and he made a move to follow Larry. It was only when she shifted to stand in front of him that she saw he was holding a bar tray in his other hand. On the tray was a carafe of white wine and four stemmed glasses. The glasses shivered on the tray, alerting Jen to the intensity of the anger rippling through Adam's body.
"Adam—"
It was a whispered plea, and with a sigh of relief Jen saw the glasses become still an instant before he tore his fierce gaze from Larry's back and focused on her upturned face.
"Ted and Liz are waiting for their wine," she said softly.
"If he touches you again, I'll—"
"He's not worth getting worked up over." Again she deliberately cut into his harsh tone. "And we're beginning to look conspicuous standing here." She laughed. "Don't you think we should join Ted and Liz?"
"Okay," he sighed, an answering smile twitching his lips.
Ted and Liz were ensconced at one end of the sofa, so deep in conversation they had apparently not even noticed Jen's delay in reaching them.
"Your wine, sir," Adam murmured deferentially as he came to a stop in front of Ted. All evidence of his anger had disappeared, and a teasing light danced in his eyes. "Will there be anything else, sir?" he added with exaggeratedly raised brows.
"Not at the moment," Ted replied seriously, joining in Adam's nonsense.
"Then do I have your permission to escort this maid onto yon dance floor?"
"Yes—begone." Ted waved his hand impatiently. "And let me get back to the business of seducing this lovely lady."
Adam's soft laughter covered Jen's small gasp of surprise. Expecting some caustic comment, Jen glanced at Liz. But although her cheeks flushed becomingly pink, Liz lowered her eyes and remained silent.
Shrugging off the cloak of obsequiousness, Adam grasped Jen's hand and pulled her with him as he started to walk away.
"Each to his own method," he drawled sardonically. "Have at it, the couch is all yours."
Ted's laughter followed them as they made their way to the dance floor. Their progress was slow as the room was crowded. Every table was occupied, and the throng at the bar was now three deep. And over all a holiday atmosphere prevailed.
The area designated for dancing was even more dimly lit than the rest of the large room. The faces of the couples, moving slowly to a ballad, were barely discernible.
As they stepped onto the dance floor Adam released her hand and slid his arms around her waist. After a moment's hesitation, Jen placed her hands on his shoulders, ignoring the amused expression that crossed his face at her reluctance to encircle his neck with her arms.
They had taken no more then a few steps when the record ended, and yet it had been enough time for Jen to pick up his style. His hands holding her firmly at the waist, Adam waited until the next record was dropped onto the turntable. When the raspy voice of Bob Seger, singing something about his lady, came from the speakers, Adam's hands moved up her sides to her shoulders, then along her arms to grasp her wrists and draw them up and around his neck.
Following his steps automatically, Jen felt a shiver zigzag down her spine as his hands retraced their route to her waist. Then the zigzagging shiver splintered and sent stabbing points of excitement all through her body as his hands drew her closer to him. At least two inches still separated them, yet she felt suddenly breathless. Why, she wondered muzzily, did this man have this effect on her? She had danced in exactly this manner many times before, with many different men, yet never had she felt quite like this.
Tall as she was, Adam was several inches taller, and almost afraid to look at him, Jen fastened her eyes on the rolled collar of his sweater. As the music and Seger's sexy voice swirled around and through her, Jen felt Adam lower his head a moment before his warm breath teased the skin at her temple.
"Be brave, Jennifer," he whispered invitingly, his hands moving slowly, caressingly over her back. "Take that one tiny step necessary to bring your body against mine."
Gasping as much from the shaft of near painful longing that shot through her as from his words, Jen lifted startled eyes to his and was suddenly lost in a world of hot brown velvet. Thought suspended, she moved closer, feeling her breath catch again as his arms tightened to mold her softness to the hard contours of his larger frame.
Jen no longer heard the music or was aware of the other dancers around them. Melting warmth seeping through her, she stared in bemused fascination as Adam slowly lowered his head even more. By the time his mouth touched hers, her lips were slightly parted in acceptance.
Adam's kiss was brief in duration and gently experimental in nature. When he lifted his head Jen felt acute disappointment and dissatisfaction. Her feelings left her mind numb with shock. She had not reached the age of twenty-three without being kissed, by several boys and, later, young men. But although she had enjoyed being kissed, she had quickly called a halt to all wandering hands and even the hint of the tip of a potentially probing tongue. Always before, the mere thought of an intimacy beyond a meeting of lips plunged her into a near panic. Yet now she felt perversely cheated by the lack of aggression from a man she did not know. The realization that she had wanted that aggression chilled her mind. Sensing her mental withdrawal, Adam tilted his head back, his eyes narrowing as he studied her pale cheeks.
"Is something wrong?" His tone was soft but rough-edged, and somehow Jen knew he was wondering if she had been offended or turned off by his kiss.
"No, no." She shook her head to add emphasis to her "It's been a long day and I'm tired of dancing." It was a blatant lie. She wasn't in the least tired, merely confused by her out-of-character response to him, and in truth, she could have moved to the musical beat, within the circle of his arms, for hours.
"Okay, let's go see what kind of progress Ted is making in his seduction of Liz." While he was speaking he came to a stop at the edge of the dance floor nearest the bar. His eyes, steady on her face, lit with laughter at the pink tinge his words brought to her cheeks. "I've shocked you?" he asked softly.
Feeling her face grow warmer still, Jen slid her arms from around his neck and lowered them to her sides. Lowering her eyes at the same time, she wet her lips and murmured, "Yes, a little."
"Why?" His one hand left her waist and came up to catch her chin, gently lifting it until she was looking at him again. "Why does the idea of Ted seducing Liz shock you? He has been seducing her with his eyes all evening. Why should saying it out loud shock
you?"
"But they hardly know each other," Jen blurted, suddenly nervous because she felt sure that although he used Ted and Liz's names he was talking about two other people, and she was one of those people. "They only met today."
"And a required amount of time must elapse for a man and woman to conclude they want to make love?" His tone was lightly teasing, but all the laughter was gone from his eyes. "Would you be less shocked if they waited until tomorrow?" he prodded gently. "Or should it take a week or a month or a year?"
Beginning to feel badgered, cornered, Jen stared at him in confusion. Why was he doing this? What had she said to cause the fine, underlying trace of sarcasm that had entered his tone? She had the uncomfortable sensation that she had disappointed him, and she didn't know why. Had she no right to feel a little shocked at the idea of Ted and Liz spending the night together when they'd only met that very morning? Had she no right to her own principles of moral behavior? Anger stirred and she stepped back and away from him.
"I'm sure my views on the subject will have very little bearing on its outcome." Though she managed to keep her tone soft, there was a chill to it that betrayed her anger. She spun away from him but was brought up short by his arm snaking around her waist.
"Where are you going?" The mild demand in Adam's voice irritated her, and she made no attempt to hide it.
"Why, back to Ted and Liz!" she exclaimed nastily. "I wouldn't want to keep you from satisfying your avid curiosity about the progress Ted's making."
Before she could move away from him, his fingers dug into her waist, and with a jerk of his arm he pulled her to him.
"Jennifer"—Adam's soft voice now held a hint of his own anger—"let's have one thing clear. I don't give a damn what Ted and Liz do. And I'm sure as hell not going to pass moral judgment."
"But I haven't—!" Jen began in astonishment.
"Haven't you?" he cut in roughly. As if suddenly realizing where they were he released her and said tersely, "I think we'd better go sit down."
With an angry toss of her fiery head Jen swung away from him. Head high, she made her way through the crowded room, bewildered by the deflated feeling his rebuke had caused. Why in the world should she be hurt by his opinion? Why should she care what he thought? If they could leave tomorrow, she would probably never see him again. Jen had to smother the moan of protest that thought generated.
Eager to escape her confusing thoughts and emotions, Jen smiled brightly at Ted and Liz as she came to a stop in front of them.
"What happened to your dancing partner?"
Ted's mild inquiry startled her. She had assumed Adam was right behind her.
"I—I don't know," she answered faintly, biting her lip in disgust at the tremulous sound of her voice. Her eyes searched the crowded room without success; there was no sign of him. Sinking into a low chair facing the sofa, Jen stared blankly at the braided rug on the floor, unaware of the look that passed between Ted and Liz, or the understanding smile that tugged at the corner of Ted's mouth. For a brief instant Jen's expression had been as transparent as glass and had revealed more to Ted of her feelings than she was as yet ready to admit to herself.
Had Adam been so angry at her he'd gone to his room without even bothering to say good night? But why take his anger out on Ted and Liz? She felt miserable, and suddenly very tired. I may as well go to bed, she thought dejectedly, and leave Ted and Liz to get on with whatever they're going to get on with.
"Lord, this is a thirsty crew."
Jen's head snapped up at the sound of Adam's quietly dry voice. One quick glance was enough to tell her he was either no longer angry or masking it perfectly. He was carrying another carafe of wine in one hand and a large pewter mug filled with ice cubes in the other.
"We were wondering what had happened to you." Ted, in the process of pouring a glass of wine for Jen, lifted the carafe Adam had brought earlier. "I'm glad you decided to brave the bar, though. As you can see, Liz and I have just about killed this. How did you know?"
"Elementary." Adam grinned, setting the wine and mug of ice on the table that separated the sofa from the chair Jen was sitting on. "Every red-blooded male knows the first move in seduction is to get the lady smashed."
"Good thinking." Ted grinned back at him, then laughed out loud at the color that rose in both Liz's and Jen's cheeks.
"Ted, stop it," Liz scolded gently. "You too, Adam," she tacked on as his soft laughter blended with Ted's. "You're embarrassing Jen."
Still laughing softly, Adam dropped to the floor as agilely as an Indian and sat, cross-legged, eyeing Jen wickedly. "Are we embarrassing you, Jennifer?"
Feeling her color deepen under his teasing gaze, Jen gratefully accepted the glass of wine Ted handed to her and took a sip before answering.
"Yes, a little." Although her cheeks were hot, Jen had somehow managed to keep her tone cool. "I've never heard anyone discuss seduction so casually before."
"Casual?" Adam's eyes pierced hers. "Believe me, I'm never casual about seduction."
Jen smothered her gasp inside her glass. She gulped the cool liquid, then nearly choked as Ted concurred.
"No man worth his salt is ever casual about seduction."
Something in Ted's tone made Jen look up questioningly.
"Don't tell me you haven't noticed what's happening here?"
"Happening here?" Jen repeated blankly. "I don't understand."
The motion of Adam's head drew her eyes. His expression was rueful as he shook his head. "Look around, Jennifer," he said exasperatedly. "I mean, really look."
Following the direction of his waving hand, Jen glanced around the room. During the last hour the festive din of conversation had dropped to a muted hum as couples sat at tables and at the bar, talking softly. At first the significance didn't register. She was on the point of asking someone to explain when the word couples flashed through her mind. There had been very few couples when she'd entered the room. Slowly, carefully, her eyes made another circuit of the room before returning to Adam.
"Talk about casual seduction," he murmured. "This place has an epidemic."
"You really have been missing it, Jen," Liz chimed in softly. "It's like a chess game, every move well thought out and planned." Her pretty mouth curved wryly. "Most of them had never spoken to each other before they came in here tonight."
While Liz was speaking, Jen's shocked eyes watched Terry leave the bar arm in arm with a man. The man was Larry Gordon's complaining companion from the bus. Jen had to fight down the urge to run after Terry and tell her the man was engaged to be married. "What has come over everyone?"
"It's like a fever." Ted answered the question Jen hadn't even realized she'd asked aloud. "A fever that melts inhibitions. Caused by being snowbound."
CHAPTER 4
"But we've only been snowbound for a few hours!" Jen cried incredulously.
"Makes no difference," Ted said quietly, handing Adam a glass of wine before emptying the first carafe by topping off Liz's and his own glasses. "I've been driving these tour buses for over ten years, and it's been an education." He took a long swallow of his wine before continuing. "When away, even for short weekends, some people act completely different than when they're at home. And for some reason being snowbound makes them kick over any remaining traces of inhibition altogether. The first time I was snowbound my reaction was very similar to yours." He smiled gently at Jen. "I've learned a little about human nature since then."
"But—"
Jen's protest was interrupted by the arrival of a flushed, breathless Lisa. Jen was sure the young man with her had not been on the bus.
"Do you think we'll be going on to the lodge tomorrow, Liz?"
Jen frowned at the almost fearful note in Lisa's voice. Unless she had misinterpreted that note, Lisa was hoping Liz would say no. Yet Lisa had been eager to get to the lodge. Obviously the young man with her was the cause of her about-face. Liz's reply did little to relieve Lisa's anxious expression.
"I just don't know, Lisa."
"We'll have to wait until morning and see what condition the roads are in," Ted put in quietly.
"Okay," Lisa sighed. She started to turn away, then glanced at Jen. "Will—" Lisa hesitated before going on rapidly—"will you be going up to the room soon, Jen?"
Jen felt as if a spotlight had been turned on her, and she didn't like the feeling. That Lisa was hoping Jen would say no was as clear as if she had shouted it. Dammit, Jen thought irritably, she's asking me to stay out of the room while they make use of it—and each other. Disgusted anger warred with disbelief inside her mind. Cute, bubbly little Lisa, ready to jump into bed with a man she'd just met? And what about Terry? Had she gone to his room?
Jen had the uncomfortable feeling that by agreeing to stay where she was for a few more hours she'd be condoning the act. And she didn't condone it. On the other hand, she'd already been accused of making moral judgments once that night. What could she say? Adam made the decision for her.
"Jennifer will be here, with me, for some time yet." Adam's face and tone were devoid of expression. "Did you want her for something?"
"No—no," Lisa said hurriedly. "I just wondered."
"Don't wander too far, little lady." Adam laughed. "You may get lost."
Lisa flashed him an interested, impish look before walking away.
Jen was furious, both with Adam for interfering and, strangely, with Lisa for the parting glance she'd thrown him.
"You see what we mean, Jen?" Liz smiled wryly.
"Yes, I see," Jen mumbled around the anger choking her. "I still don't understand, but I certainly do see."
"Don't worry about it," Ted advised softly.
"And take that guilty look off your face," Adam chided.
"What do you mean, guilty look?" Jen bristled. "Why should I look guilty? I haven't done anything wrong."
"That's right, you haven't," Adam retorted. "But for a second there you were actually considering going up to your room just to thwart Lisa's plans. That's why I took the initiative." The mild emphasis he'd placed on his last sentence made it clear to Jen that he was very much aware of her anger, and at least one of her reasons for it.
