by Sara Orwig
“I’m saving the rest of the money for other charities,” she answered, still shocked to find him here.
The chairman and two other board members came to greet Jake and she couldn’t get away politely. Jake took her arm, standing close beside her, sliding his hand down to her wrist. He could feel her pulse and knew that her anger with him didn’t run deep enough to kill that intense physical response to him.
“Now that we’re all here, we might as well be seated,” the chairwoman said in her high lilting voice.
Jake pulled out a chair for Emily and then sat close beside her. The shelter was a not-for-profit organization. It ran on a shoestring and she wondered what Jake thought of the small conference room.
When the chairwoman got to Jake’s introduction, she gave both Emily and Jake a fervent thank-you for the generous donation to the shelter. “In addition, after the meeting, Mr. Thorne has offered to take the board to lunch, so we’ll all adjourn to Baker’s,” she said, naming a restaurant with excellent cuisine, but more than six miles from the shelter.
Emily met Jake’s gaze. She would be eating lunch with him. She wondered if all this had come about because she had turned him down for dinner tonight.
After the board meeting, Jake managed with polite finesse to see to it that Emily, and only Emily, was in his car for the drive to Baker’s.
As soon as he slid behind the wheel and they drove away, she remarked dryly, “You’ve developed an interest in the shelter.”
“I’m pursuing another interest. You,” he said, glancing at her.
“At least you’re truthful about it. Should I expect to see you at all my charities now?”
One corner of his mouth tugged up. “Is that prospect good or bad?”
Her patience snapped. But instead of flinging the retort she wanted, she leaned over, close to him, taking advantage of the fact that he was driving and had to keep his attention on the road and his hands on the wheel. “Darlin’,” she said in a breathy voice, running her hand along his thigh, “I’m just delighted to have you take all this interest in me and my projects. It’s so flattering, Jake, to know you’d give your time this way.” She leaned closer to kiss his cheek.
He inhaled sharply. “Dammit, Emily, you make me want to ditch lunch and find a hotel room.”
Smiling at him, she sat back, enjoying the effect she had on him when he could do nothing about it. “Sorry, hon,” she said with a stab of vengeful satisfaction, “but we’re not getting a hotel room and we do have to show up for lunch. After all, you offered to buy for the entire board.”
“What about after lunch?”
“I have an appointment at the hairdresser. But you know I wouldn’t go to a hotel room with you, anyway.”
“And you’re busy tonight.”
“That’s right,” she replied sweetly. A muscle worked in his jaw and she felt even better. His presence disturbed her and his light touches stirred desire that she couldn’t combat. But if she was going to be on fire with wanting him, he could suffer a little frustration in return.
Suddenly, inspiration struck, and she knew how to fight Jake’s seduction campaign.
Eight
E mily was certain Jake would appear everywhere she couldn’t protest against his presence publicly. There was no way to avoid him. Not if he was determined to get into her life as much as possible. Between her projects, her family and living under the same roof, she would see him often and he would be his most charming, she was sure.
But at the very least, she could tease him, turn him on and shut him down. And there was nothing he could do about it. He was unaccustomed to frustration, particularly where women were concerned. If he intended to try to seduce her, he could just suffer a little himself.
She couldn’t see any danger he would actually fall in love with her—he was too wound up in himself. But he could get back some of the frustration he was causing her.
Smiling at him, she turned to study him. “It’s nice of you to take the board to lunch. They’ll appreciate it.”
“You know I want to be with you,” he answered.
“That makes my heart race,” she said, placing her hand on his leg lightly.
He glanced at her again. “You’re not angry? I got the feeling that you were unhappy I showed up at the shelter.”
“I just told you, I’m glad to see you take an interest in my projects. It’s very flattering, Jake.”
His eyes narrowed and he studied her briefly before he had to turn his attention back to his driving.
“I heard you invited my entire family to dinner Saturday night—that’s also great. You’ve never taken that much interest in them before, either.”
“I should have, Em,” he said easily. “I enjoyed being with them Saturday night and Sunday. I’ve never had a family like yours. You should be thankful for them.”
“I am. I know I have a great family and I love all of them. And I’m glad two of my siblings live here. I wish they all did. Enjoy them while you can,” she said lightly, looking out the window. They arrived at the restaurant and Jake draped his arm across her shoulders as they walked in.
Again, Jake sat beside her, but he gave his attention to those around him. He had them laughing at his amusing anecdotes, becoming the center of attention.
On the way back to pick up her car, she shifted to face him. “You won all of them over. They think you’re the most delightful person. I bet they want to ask you to join the board.”
“You don’t know that.”
“They told me how much they liked you, each one of them, before we left. They all appreciated the lunch.”
“I was glad to do it. Nice people, Emily. I have to admit I was surprised by how few kids they’ve been able to keep there.”
“With your money, they’ll be able to double the number of children and hire more qualified staff. The money is truly wonderful, Jake. That’s twenty little kids we’re getting off the street.”
A muscle worked in Jake’s jaw. She wondered if she should have been telling him more about her projects all along. Yet she knew that earlier, he probably wouldn’t really have listened to her or thought about what she was telling him.
“Your money will be fabulous for them. For Dad’s church, as well. A lot of it will go to mission trips and help people all over the world.”
“You have a big heart, Em,” he said.
She took his hand and brushed his knuckles with her lips. “Thanks to you and your generosity.”
He inhaled and shot her a quick glance. “Go out to dinner with me Friday night.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to refuse, but then she recalled her intentions to torment him. “Actually, my plans have changed. I can go tonight,” she said.
He gave her another quick surprised glance and she was glad to see that he was puzzled by her change of heart. “Excellent! How’s seven?”
“Fine with me,” she said softly. “As you said, we both need to eat. I’m going to dinner with you, but no dancing. Make no mistake—nothing changes about our agreement.”
He nodded and this time his expression was shuttered, the questioning expression gone. “Fine. I do understand. As long as that’s what you want, I’ll stick with it.”
He dropped her at the shelter, where she picked up her car and left for her appointment at the hairdresser’s. Then she intended to buy a new dress to wear tonight.
At ten minutes before seven, she took one last long look in the mirror. Her hair was swept back from both sides of her face and pinned to fall freely at the back of her head.
She had on a bit more makeup than usual and wore the diamond-and-sapphire necklace Jake had given her. It caught the light and sparkled. Her perfume was new, a slightly less-sweet scent than she usually wore.
And then there was her dress. The red charmeuse dress was sleeveless, with a low-cut back and draped neckline. It ended just below her knees and the fabric clung to her figure. Her feet were in high-heeled red sandals.
&nbs
p; Deciding she was ready to join Jake, she picked up her purse and went downstairs.
She found him in the conservatory, talking on his cell phone. He turned to look at her as he hung up. He gave her a thorough perusal.
As he crossed the room to her, she smiled. “I’m ready to go.”
“You look fantastic, Em,” he said in a raspy voice. “Beautiful!”
“Thank you. You look nice yourself.”
He placed warm hands on her shoulders, making her heart flutter. “What’s brought about the thaw in our relationship? You’re not burning with fury like you were.”
“I’ve adjusted to the situation,” she replied with a shrug. “You’ve given me a sizable amount to spend on my projects and you seem interested in them. There’s no point in holding a grudge. Maybe I’ve lived with you long enough to catch your optimism.”
“It’s great, but I’m surprised. You never cease to surprise me. I can’t take anything for granted with you.”
“Some things you can. I’ll stick by what I’ve agreed,” she said.
He nodded, but she noticed tiny beads of perspiration on his brow. She wanted to laugh with satisfaction, yet she knew better than to think she’d gotten the best of Jake. He had far more practice at being shrewd and cunning than she had.
“Any time you change your mind, just say the word. I want you in the worst way.” His voice was almost a whisper.
“You do make me feel desired, Jake. And important to you beyond your need to become a father. But I know that’s the only reason.”
“No, it’s not,” he said. He reached out to caress her arm, a feathery touch that increased the tension.
“Shall we go?” she said. “It’s been a long time since lunch.”
He continued to study her, reaching up to twirl a long lock of hair around his finger while he caressed her nape with his other hand. Tingles spiraled and need mushroomed, but she didn’t want to let him know, so she stood still, watching him, her heart pounding as his gaze drifted to her mouth.
“Yes, let’s go,” he agreed, taking her arm.
He escorted her to the car and opened the door for her, stepping back to let her to climb in.
“Em,” he said, his voice raspy again.
Turning to look at him, she saw the scalding heat in his eyes. Once again, he grasped her shoulders lightly and turned her away from him. He ran his finger down her bare back, sending sizzles streaking through her system that heated her and fueled hungry longing for Jake’s lovemaking.
“Jake,” she cautioned, facing him quickly and wishing she could squelch the heat.
“That dress isn’t like you,” he said gruffly. “It screams seduction.”
“It does no such thing,” she said, hoping she sounded matter-of-fact and hating the breathlessness she detected in her reply. “It’s expensive. I liked the way it fit.”
“I’m not complaining,” he said, studying her intently now. Her heart thudded. Had she gone too far too quickly? Well, if she disturbed him too much, Jake could leave her at home and go eat alone.
“Fine,” she answered blithely. “Let’s go get dinner.” She sat in the car and looked up expectantly. He closed the door and went around the car, and again, she knew she was walking a tightrope and could come tumbling down at any moment. Jake was a master of seduction. Charismatic and mesmerizing, he could weave a web of magic that made her will melt. She stared straight ahead, waiting for her racing heart to slow and for erotic images to stop tormenting her.
As long as she flirted and toyed with him, she’d also have to struggle to resist him.
“Penny for your thoughts,” he said, taking her hand and winding his fingers through hers.
She moved both of their hands to his warm thigh, placing her hand against him and watching his chest expand as he inhaled.
“You and I can arouse each other so easily. We’d do better if we didn’t spend time together,” she said.
He shook his head. “I like to be with you. You’re still my wife. Torment or not, things are better when we’re together.”
“Fine. I’m glad we can be civil to each other.”
He took her to an elegant steakhouse. They sat by a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked one of Dallas’s lakes and she could see sailboats in the distance. Adding to the inviting ambiance was a ballad played softly on a piano across the room.
She ordered her usual water and Jake a martini and then turned her attention to the menu that had been placed in front of her. She took her time, finally closing it and looking around, aware Jake was sipping his drink, watching her.
She smiled at him. “You’ve turned all the women’s heads, as usual. I think I married the most handsome man in Texas.”
“A lot of good it’s doing me. Thanks, anyway,” he said. “I suspect they were looking at your dress in the way women do when they see something they wish they’d bought. It’s gorgeous, Em.”
“Thank you. You said it isn’t typical of me. Perhaps I’m changing—your influence.”
“You’re giving me credit for something I didn’t do. Speaking of influence, I had another practice with the guys this week on Tuesday night.”
“I know. Wednesday night I saw Orlando at church and he told me. He was impressed with your football knowledge. You’re living up to my expectations with them,” she said, smiling over her glass of water.
“That’s surprising, but they all paid attention. Tanek is a decent kicker. He has potential.”
“I’ll count on you to bring out the best in them,” she said cheerfully.
“See, Em, you can count on me. Don’t say you can’t ever trust me. Sometimes I can give you just what you expect.”
“Or much more than I dreamed possible,” she drawled softly, leaning forward over the table. His chest expanded as he stared at her. “Beyond my wildest expectations,” she added in a sultry drawl.
He appeared to gulp for air. “Em, what the hell are you doing? You’re flirting.”
“Is that a complaint, Jake?”
He watched her like a tiger eyeing meat. Suddenly, he smiled. “Could it be you’re fighting fire with fire, and trying to give me some of my own back?”
“Jake! You know me better than that. Maybe your flowers have thawed me a little,” she protested, but her heart thumped, her palms became sweaty, and she realized she shouldn’t have been so blatant in her willingness to be with him.
He grinned. “I’ve decided, in spite of the years since we first met, I don’t know you at all. And the florists’ entire supply of posies wouldn’t thaw you one degree if you were truly angry with me.”
“Make no mistake, here. I am truly angry,” she said quietly. “When we get back to the house, you’ll go your way and I’ll go mine.”
He sipped his martini and looked at her over the rim of his glass. She wondered what he was thinking.
“So I mustn’t flirt with you,” she said, leaning forward once again and smiling at him.
“That’s definitely not what I said, darlin’,” he drawled, leaning forward, too. He reached out to caress her cheek lightly. She tingled and wondered if she had chosen the wrong strategy. Yet it served Jake right and she suspected she was getting to him.
“It’s too bad, Jake. Talk about potential—we had a lot going for us that could have led to a happy marriage.”
“It’s not over yet and all isn’t lost,” he said. “Your eyes are beautiful, Em.” He took her hand, but she pulled it away and sat back in her chair.
“It isn’t over, but it’s definitely lost.”
“I gave you some negotiation advice—which, incidentally, you took to heart. Now I’ll give you some more—don’t give up on an agreement prematurely. Look for the possibilities. Enjoy what works,” he added huskily. “You know there’s one area between us that does satisfy both of us, totally. You might rethink giving it up.”
She smiled. “Even if I go on the pill.”
She saw the brief flicker in his eyes and knew she’d s
cored a direct hit. Jake obviously hadn’t thought about birth control. She watched him keep his iron control while he mulled over the best way to handle this new threat.
“Pill or no pill,” he said, reaching over to take her hand firmly this time. “Since we said our vows, there has never been a time I didn’t want to make love to you. That hasn’t changed.” He raised her palm to his lips to trail kisses across it.
Her temperature climbed. Alarm bells went off in her mind—what had she gotten herself into? An evening of Jake’s total attention with seduction his sole aim. Withdrawing her hand, she gazed at him. “While you tempt me, I won’t run that risk. My emotions are too tied up. When you caress and kiss me all over my body and I kiss you all over yours,” she said in a breathy voice, “you can remain emotionally detached. But my emotions are entangled in every stroke and kiss.”
He stared at her impassively, but she saw tiny beads of perspiration pop out on his forehead and knew she was getting to him.
He smiled slightly, a faint tug of one corner of his mouth. “You’re conjuring up fiery images, Em. Are you trying to ruin my sleep tonight?”
“Imagine what you will. I’m just stating a fact.”
The waiter arrived with their salads and Emily turned her attention to her food, relieved to get even a slight reprieve from their conversation. She was conscious of Jake, though, watching her and wrapped up in his own unfathomable thoughts.
Through dinner and the drive home, they continued flirting with each other. Jake shed his jacket and tie and unbuttoned the neck of his shirt. He looked sexy and approachable and too appealing for her to say good-night and walk away. Yet she knew she was going to have to. And quickly.
Emily’s pulse drummed. She had flirted all evening with Jake. Now she wanted to go to her room and close the door, but she suspected it wouldn’t be that simple. Jake wasn’t accustomed to a woman flirting with him and then brushing him off.
The last part of the drive she grew quiet and he noticed.
“Cat got your tongue?” he asked.
“I suppose. Thank you for a delicious dinner.”
