"You've never really made me one." But she did know that his word was his bond. More than one recalcitrant client had been brought around once Jackson entered the boardroom. There was something solid and dependable about him.
He pushed away from his desk and came around it, stopping when only an inch of space separated them. The heat of his body wrapped around her. Nervously she licked her lips and waited.
Why was she waiting? This was her plan. Her seduction. She wasn't letting Jackson Peters take it over now.
She slid half an inch closer. So close that she could smell his totally sexy aftershave and feel each exhalation of his breath against her neck. This was so not fair. He was seducing her without even trying.
"I want something else from you, Krista."
"What?" she asked, trying to pretend the raspy quality of her voice was planned.
"Remember that kiss in the elevator?"
As if she could forget it. They'd both been working late and Jackson had come to her office to make sure she'd left the building when he did so she wouldn't be alone. Then when they'd gotten on the elevator, the lights had flashed out and the car had stopped with a jerk. She'd lurched into him and he'd caught her.
She'd been surprised at how muscular he was under his white dress shirt and tie. She'd tipped her head back and in the strange green-glow of the security light she saw an answering desire in his eyes. He'd lowered his head and kissed her.
She'd closed her eyes for a split second and as soon as she did, he lifted his mouth from hers and set her aside. He'd called security and went back to being all business.
And she'd followed his lead. But forgotten that brief kiss. That brief promise of something exciting and more profound than running quarterly numbers on skis and tents. No way.
"What kiss?"
He laughed, the sound of it catching her off guard. He never laughed. He joked with her sometimes because she refused to leave his office without getting some kind of reaction from him. More than once she'd made him smile, but this was the first laugh.
"I thought I warned you about sassing me."
"You keep assuming that you're charge."
He lifted one hand to the back of her neck. Held her with a light touch, his finger rubbing up and down her neck. "Aren't I?"
She stood on tiptoe, leaned into him, bracing her hands on his shoulders and brought her face close to his. Brushed her lips over his once before pulling back so that she could see him.
"No, you're not."
Then she lowered her head and kissed him.
Chapter Two
Krista's kiss wasn't tentative at all, but then neither was the woman. That energy was part of what made her so exciting to be around. Jackson couldn't think any more. Only feel. She didn't shove her tongue down his throat but tunneled her fingers through his hair and held his head as she just kissed him.
She kept her eyes open, something few women he'd ever kissed did. She tipped her head to the side, sliding her tongue along the seam of his lips. He opened his mouth and tangled his tongue with hers.
She moaned and canted her hips closer to his. But her hands stayed on his head. Jackson pulled her closer, his blood flowed heavier in his veins. Her breasts brushed his chest.
She tilted her head to the side. He angled closer to her, anchoring her to him. Stroking his hands down the column of her neck, he couldn't believe how soft her skin was. She opened her mouth to his thrusting tongue as he pulled her closer to him, felt the soft mounds of her breasts brushing his chest.
She ran her foot up the backside of his calf, sucked his lower lip between her teeth and her eyes drifted closed.
She tasted sweet and felt so right in his arms. This was why he'd resisted her. He didn't give a damn about anything except Krista when she was in his arms.
The kiss deepened until he had to pull away or give into the urge to lift her on his desk, spread her legs and take her now.
"Wow," she said, pushing against his chest and edging back.
He let her ease away from him. He realized that if he didn't get his ass back in his desk chair the chances of him finishing anything work-related tonight were extremely slim.
He'd come over to her to prove something but couldn't remember a damn thing. Couldn't think of anything except him and Krista naked and having hot sex.
Her lips were wet and swollen from his kisses. There was something damned seductive about seeing Krista aroused from his kisses.
Her skin was flushed, her pupils dilated, and she fingered her own mouth for a second before she realized he was watching her. Then she dropped her hand and tipped her head to the side.
"Was that supposed to prove something?" she asked. Her voice was huskier than it had been before. And he didn't for a second believe she wasn't aroused.
"Only that we both want each other." Like he needed that kiss to prove it.
"Did you doubt it, after that kiss in the elevator?"
"What kiss?" he asked, teasing her. Keeping Krista at arm's length was impossible and even though he knew there was no place in his life for her, he wanted to enjoy her.
"How can I trust you to go to dinner with me?" she asked, crossing her arms under her breasts. Her nipples pushed against the thin layer of her silk blouse.
He wished he'd cupped her fullness, caressed her. That kiss was too short. He needed more.
Why had he pulled back?
He saw his framed MBA degree hanging on the wall and remembered the promises he'd made to his parents. Work. Focus. Breathe.
But every breath he took filled his lungs with her scent. Soft, sweet and so damned womanly.
"Jackson?"
He pushed his hands through his hair. She'd asked for his guarantee that he'd honor his end of the blackmail deal.
"I give you my word that if you surrender the report, I'll go to dinner with you."
She nodded and pulled her USB flash drive from her pocket, holding it up to him.
He reached for it but she pulled it back out of his reach. "What's the deal?"
"You won't discuss business when we go to dinner," she said.
"You can't keep adding stipulations."
"Sure I can. I have something you want and need."
"Krista, damn it, honey, you have more than one thing I want and need."
For the first time he saw a flash of something other than sass and determination in her eyes. He couldn't identify it. "Really? What would that be?"
"I'll tell you later. Now, give me my info so I can finish my work."
She tossed the flash drive to him and he caught it one-handed and went back around his desk. Seating himself, he concentrated on getting the information he needed but it was hard.
She seated herself in one of his guest chairs, crossing her long legs. She wore a pair of spiky black heels. In his mind he stripped her clothing from her body and saw her standing in his office. He'd take her bra also so he could see her hardened nipples ready for his mouth. Her panties would be black lace.
"Do I have a run in my hose?" she asked, jarring him.
"What?"
"You're staring at my legs."
Good thing she couldn't read his mind. He needed to get her out of his office or he wasn't going to be able to make heads or tails of her information. "You have great legs."
"Thanks. I hoped you'd notice."
"Is that why your skirts have gotten shorter lately?"
"Have they?"
He glanced at his computer screen. Verified the information that he needed was there. You know they have. In fact, I've been thinking of getting HR involved."
"In what?"
He integrated her numbers into his master sheet and then watched the automated formulas calculate.
"In your flaunting of the dress code."
"I haven't broken any rules, I'm dressed professionally."
"You might be, but every man who sees you in that short skirt and those high heels isn't thinking of business."
"Every man? Even
Scrooge?"
"I'm still human, Krista," he said. The information was in the computer and he saved the new file.
Krista left Jackson to close up his office and retreated to hers to touch up her lipstick and regroup. Her palms were sweating. She was more than a little nervous but now that she and Jackson were leaving together she felt … oh, God, don't let this backfire.
His words echoed in her mind and gave her a moment's pause. He was human. He'd made the choices he'd made for a reason. What made her think she had the right to force him out of his comfort zone?
Then she remembered the way he'd kissed her earlier. She wasn't pushing too hard at him. He wanted her. But was there more than lust?
She grabbed her purse and her coat and turned, stumbling into Jackson. "Gotcha."
"I didn't see you," she said, inanely.
"Really, I thought you liked the feel of my arms around you."
"You're such a big strong man," she said, batting her eyes at him.
"Does that sassy mouth ever not get you in trouble?"
"I can handle it."
"I'll bet. So where are we going for dinner?"
He tugged her jacket from her arms and held it up for her. She slipped her arms into the sleeves and he settled his hands on her shoulders, pulling her back against him for a moment.
"Are you sure about this, Jackson?" she asked. Even though she wanted him and believed he wanted her. Even though she was sure that they'd both be happier because of her actions this night. Even though she knew that he was as lonely as she was, she still wanted to have some reassurance from him.
"I thought I didn't have a choice," he said, tugging her hair from under the collar of her coat.
"You don't, but you rattled me."
"How? I need to make a note of what worked so I can use it again."
"Oh, ha. When you reminded me you were human," she said as they walked down the hallway to the elevator.
"Am I really that bad?"
"No, but you are a bit of a bear sometimes. Why is work so important?"
"Why isn't it to everyone else in the office?"
She shrugged. Honestly, she had no issues with Jackson's workaholic tendencies. She spent a good deal of her time at work as well. It was one of the things that had made her notice him.
"Holidays are just a special time of year. I think everyone just feels more relaxed."
"Too relaxed. They are still being paid to work."
"Hey, I'm not trying to start an argument."
The elevator car arrived and they both got on. Jackson pressed the lobby button. "You hit one of my hot buttons."
"I'd rather hit a different one. But you evaded my question."
"Which one?"
"Work—why is it so important to you?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "It just is."
He wasn't going to tell her what she wanted to know but she had other ways of getting the information from him. She'd come back to it later.
When they exited the building a light snow fell and she stopped. "A Christmas snow. I love this. My mom always said that snow on Christmas Eve means that the wishes of your heart will be waiting the next morning."
Jackson said nothing. Stood there waiting in his time-is-money mode. She wasn't budging. "The blackmail starts now, Jackson. You gave me your word you'd cooperate."
"I'm here, aren't I?"
"Yes and no. Tip your face up to the snow and tell me what you feel."
She watched him and saw the moment when he decided to pacify her. He tipped his head back and she slid her hand into his. Laced their fingers together and stood close to him.
In a small voice she told him of the magic of Christmas. Told him the story her mom always shared and wove her spell of peace and desire around him.
After a few minutes he turned to her and she saw something in his eyes she'd never seen before. She couldn't identify this new emotion but she knew it was a strong one.
"Where is your family from, Krista? Why aren't you with them this year?"
"My parents' wedding anniversary is tonight and it's their twenty-fifth, so Dad flew her to Florence."
"So you're alone this year?"
"No, I'm with you."
"Things must be desperate if I'm the only one you could come up with."
"I'm with the person I want to be with."
"Why?"
"Because I know you're not the Scrooge you pretend to be."
"Don't kid yourself, honey. What you see is what you get with me."
"I like what I see," she said. She pulled a black scarf from her pocket.
"What's that for?"
"I'm going to blindfold you. I don't want you to have too many details about your blackmailer for the cops."
"Are you still my blackmailer?"
"Oh, yes." She fastened the scarf over his eyes and then took his hand and led him across the snow-covered parking lot to her car.
Chapter Three
Jackson didn't like being blindfolded. The out-of-control feeling was almost overpowering. He stopped walking, forcing Krista to do the same. "What?"
"I'm not really into this role."
"What role?" she asked.
"The submissive one. What do you say we change this entire set-up around?"
"Um, let me think about it. No, thanks."
"Krista—"
"Trust me," she said.
"Why should I?" he asked.
"Because deep inside you know I'm worthy of your trust. Come on. I promise this will be fun and that you won't regret it."
"If you don't deliver, I'm going to come looking for payment on that vow."
"Fair enough. Can we go now?"
He started walking, letting her guide him with her small hand in his. He liked the feel of her hand in his. When she'd slipped her fingers through his and made him look at the falling snow he'd felt almost connected to her. Jeez, one kiss on Christmas Eve and he was getting sappy.
"One day I'm going to get you back for this," he said.
"Really? Will you be blindfolding me and doing something kinky? I'll be waiting. Okay, here's my car."
"You like kinky?"
"Maybe."
He heard her opening the car door, and then she helped him into her car. He hit his head, cursing. "Why am I blindfolded now?"
"Stop whining. You barely bumped your head."
"I don't whine—that's something women and children do. And my head hurts."
"What do you want me to do about it? Pack it in snow?"
"Honey, that's cold. What about kissing it better?" he asked.
He didn't think she'd do it. He knew he was asking and hated himself for it the moment the words left his mouth.
After an awkward few seconds he felt the gentle touch of her fingers against his skin. And then the warmth of her breath before her cold lips brushed over his forehead.
"I'm so sorry you hit your head."
She closed the door before he could respond. A few minutes later she was in the car and they were driving. Her radio of course was tuned to the all-Christmas-tunes station. "Can we please listen to something else?"
"Nah. This is part of your desensitivity training to stop being such a Scrooge."
"This isn't helping," he said. A few minutes later when he heard "Frosty the Snowman" come on, he groaned. "I actually think you're giving me new reasons to not like this time of year."
"Don't like Frosty?"
"Give me one thing that Frosty has to do with Christmas?"
"Snow and Santa. I gave you two because I'm so nice."
"Yeah, tell that to someone who doesn't know you."
"You don't think I'm nice."
"We both know you lean more toward naughty than nice."
"Really?" she asked.
He'd never noticed the cadence in her voice before. But deprived of sight, he realized that she had the faint rhythm of the South in it. He liked to hear her talk. Liked to tease her and see what she came up with next. Liked that he coul
d never predict what she'd do next.
"Really."
She squeezed his shoulder. "Thanks, Jackson. I swear you're the first person to call me naughty."
"You say the strangest things."
"Not really. If you'd spent your entire life having everyone think you were boring—"
"Who has ever called you boring?"
"Well, no one. But being called naughty … I like it!"
He fought the urge to laugh.
"So what's your favorite song of the season… 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch?'"
"No. I don't think I have a favorite."
He felt the car slow and heard her turn on her blinker. Maybe he should have paid better attention to the route they were taking.
"What about when you were a kid? Every kid loves Rudolph."
"I guess," he said, not really wanted to remember his childhood. "Where are you taking me?"
"Dinner. So not Rudolph?"
"Nope."
"The Chipmunks song?" she suggested. "When I was a kid I thought he wanted a hoo-la-hoo, not a hula hoop. Isn't that funny? My brother, Dan, used to make fun of me."
"No, not that song. How many siblings do you have?"
"Just Dan the Mean. Although now he's not so bad. He's an ad exec in New York. He lets me stay at his swanky apartment whenever I visit and sends his car for me at the airport. Who'd have guessed he'd turn out so good?"
Her family sounded close. He analyzed that fact, filing it away for another time. "What about—"
"Nothing commercial. My parents didn't believe in TV or things like Santa or the Easter Bunny. They believed in hard work."
She was quiet and he regretted saying anything.
"What about fun?"
"Work is fun."
"You seriously needed me, didn't you?"
He said nothing. He wasn't admitting another thing to Krista. But not saying it out loud didn't change the fact that he did need her.
"We're here."
Krista parked her car on the corner near the restaurant where they had reservations. She leaned over to untie Jackson's blindfold. She put her hands on the sides of his face, framing it. With the blindfold on he looked different. His square jaw and firm lips were brought into contrast. She never really studied his mouth before because his eyes always fascinated her. And she didn't really want to get caught ogling him at work.
Anthology - The Night Before Christmas Page 19
