She grinned to herself as she left her bedroom and headed into the small living room in the house she’d bought on her own a few years ago. The two-bedroom one-story wasn’t much, but it was hers and no one could take it away. She’d always have somewhere to live, and it gave her a sense of security because she knew all too well what it was like not to have a place to call home. She’d vowed long ago she’d never let that happen to her again.
The doorbell chimed right on time, and when she opened the door and saw Jackson standing there looking so devastatingly gorgeous, the giddy sensation rippling through her intensified. He was wearing black jeans and a dark purple collared shirt, but it was the seductive smile on his lips and the heat glimmering in his dark brown eyes as he looked at her with a slow, appraising look that had a warm flush of delight sweeping across her cheeks.
“Hi, beautiful,” he murmured, his voice a low, husky rumble that did crazy things to her insides.
“Hi yourself, handsome.” She sounded breathless and besotted—exactly how he made her feel. “Let me grab my purse and I’m good to go.”
She didn’t invite him in because she anticipated leaving right away. But Jackson clearly had other ideas. He entered on his own, closed the door, and closed the distance between them. Without hesitating, as if she already belonged to him, he walked right up to her and cupped her face in his big hands, gently pulling her toward him. She went willingly, mesmerized by the sudden hunger blazing in his eyes.
His thumb skimmed along her bottom lip, tugging the plump flesh so her mouth parted and opened for him on a soft, needy moan. “Three days without kissing you is too fucking long,” he growled as he slid all ten fingers into her hair and tugged her head farther back.
The hands gripping her hair were firm and unrelenting, his confidence in taking what he wanted so damn arousing she was already beginning to melt. “I agree.”
“I need a taste to hold me over until later tonight.” He lowered his head, his teeth nipping softly, his tongue teasing flirtatiously, before he finally claimed her mouth completely.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding on to him as her soft lips melded to his firmer, more insistent ones, and all playfulness fled and hot, intense passion took over. His tongue pushed inside, swirling deep, not just tasting but exploring and feasting greedily. One hand untangled from her hair and glided down her side, along the curve of her waist, then smoothed over her jean-clad bottom. He squeezed her ass and drew her hips to his, making sure she felt how badly he wanted her—and there was no mistaking the thick column of flesh pressing relentlessly against her lower belly.
Her nipples tightened into hard points, and her entire body ached with wet, pulsing need. Every touch, every stroke swept her senses into overload and made her crave more of everything. More of him. And God, the man knew how to kiss. His lips were like magic, his delicious, decadent mouth an aphrodisiac she could easily get accustomed to. Or maybe she was already addicted, because as soon as he dragged his lips from hers, she went straight into withdrawal.
The hand clutching her ass slid upward, and he secured a strong arm around her waist, still holding her close. The fingers still in her hair tipped her head to the side, and she shivered as his damp lips slid down the side of her neck, exposed from where her top bared one shoulder.
“Are you sure I can’t convince you to skip the party and finish what we just started?” he asked as he gently nuzzled the sensitive patch of skin below her lobe.
She moaned as his tongue traced a delectable pattern on her skin, making her imagine how it would feel between her legs, along her pulsing clit. The lust coursing through her veins sizzled and spread. How bad was it that she was seriously considering his suggestion?
She struggled to keep from slipping completely under his provocative spell, and it wasn’t an easy feat. “You’re such a bad influence.”
Lifting his head, he captured her gaze as a wicked grin curved his seductive lips. “Is that a yes?” The rogue had the devilish nerve to look hopeful.
She laughed as she stepped out of his embrace, even though it was the last thing she wanted. With a reluctant sigh, he let her go.
“It would be rude for the guest of honor to not show up to her own celebration,” she said, trying to keep her voice, and her own convictions, from wavering.
“Then we’d better go before I strip you naked and have my way with you.” He raked his hot gaze down the length of her, taking in the stiff nipples still pebbled against the fabric of her gray top before his bold, shameless eyes met hers again. “I don’t think my brothers would appreciate you walking in late to your own party, looking like you’d just been thoroughly fucked.”
That dirty mouth. Those indecent words. She groaned as her body flushed with desire and reckless temptation beckoned.
“We need to go,” she said, attempting to sound stern. “Now.”
His chuckle was warm and deep and unapologetic as he walked toward the entry, and she followed. He opened the door, and as she passed through, he smacked her ass, hard enough for his handprint to sting through the material of her jeans.
She gasped and whirled around, gaping at him in shock, even as the tingling sensation turned into a slow burn of pleasure. “What was that for?”
He winked at her as a pleased, self-satisfied look crossed his gorgeous features. “Just giving you something to think about until we get back later.”
Chapter Seven
Tara cast a sidelong glance at Jackson as they walked side by side up the cobblestone walkway leading to Clay and Samantha’s front porch. They’d left her house in a playful mood, but the closer they’d gotten to Clay’s, the quieter Jackson had become. He was more subdued than she’d ever seen him, and she wanted to be sure that he was okay before they surprised everyone with his presence.
She lightly touched her fingers to the inside of his forearm, just to let him know that he had someone on his side no matter what happened once they entered the house. She wanted to hold his hand in a show of support, but she wasn’t ready to make that kind of bold statement in front of the Kincaid brothers just yet. It was enough that she was surprising them by bringing Jackson. She didn’t need to complicate matters by flaunting the fact that she was dating him.
“Nervous?” she asked as they climbed the four steps leading to the front door.
“No.” If he was lying, his steady voice gave nothing away, nor did his dark brown eyes when they met her gaze. “Are you?”
“Nope. Not even a little.” She gave him a fearless smile that was an authentic and true reflection of her inner confidence. “I’ve known Clay, Mason, and Levi long enough to have learned that their growl is worse than their bite.”
Jackson arched a dubious brow. “I don’t know about that. Mason seemed pretty damn rabid.”
She laughed but couldn’t disagree. “It’s mostly a defense mechanism. They’re very protective when it comes to each other and the people they care about. Mason is just far more vocal about his approach.”
She gave his arm one last squeeze and rang the doorbell, reminding herself that today’s goal was to give all four of them the push they needed to connect beyond the strangers they were. If she accomplished that small task, she’d chalk it up to a victory.
Tara heard Samantha’s feminine voice, along with Katrina’s and Sarah’s laughter as they approached the entry from the other side of the closed door. When it flew open, they all three shouted in unison, “Happy graduation!”
That animated greeting ebbed into silence as three pairs of eyes shifted to Jackson, standing by Tara’s side. Their changing expressions were almost comical as they stared in shock at Clay’s twin. Samantha’s blue eyes were huge, Katrina’s mouth had fallen open as though she couldn’t find the words to speak, and Sarah blinked a few times as if she were seeing a mirage.
Without missing a beat, a charming smile eased across Jackson’s mouth. “Hi, ladies,” he said, amusement lacing his voice despite the reserve Tara detected in
his body language.
His greeting was simple but effective and snapped all three women out of their stupor. Prim and proper Samantha was the first to react.
“Oh, my God, where are my manners!” she exclaimed apologetically as she opened the door wider for them to enter. “You must be Jackson. Come on in, please.”
“Thank you,” he replied with a polite nod, and followed Tara into the living room.
A sliver of relief allowed Tara to relax a bit. The Kincaid men had obviously told their women about their brother and Clay’s twin. She wasn’t sure what else they’d told the girls, but considering how excited they seemed to meet him, Tara was grateful that at least they were friendly and welcoming.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Katrina gushed, shaking his hand with genuine warmth. She was the most eccentric one out of the group, with her purple-tipped hair and sleeve of colorful butterfly tattoos covering one arm.
“Yes, finally,” Sarah added just as enthusiastically. “We were just telling the guys that we all wanted to meet you, and here you are. It was so great of Tara to bring you.”
At the mention of Jackson being her guest, Katrina side-eyed Tara with sudden curiosity. Being out of Jackson’s line of sight, the other woman raised a sassy brow that spoke louder than words, how is it that you know Jackson so well that you’re the one to bring him to the party? And what is going on between the two of you?
Tara just smiled, giving nothing away. She had no doubt that Katrina would corner her later, probably along with Samantha and Sarah, to interrogate her when Jackson wasn’t around.
“I can’t get over how much you look like Clay.” Samantha’s creamy complexion blushed as the comment spilled out, and she absently stroked her hand over the small baby bump outlined beneath the cute top she was wearing. “I mean, I know you’re twins, but it’s just so strange to see . . . well, another Clay.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Katrina said, her tone teasing. “I think Jackson might be a better-looking version of Clay.”
Samantha laughed lightly as she gave Jackson an impish look. “Sorry and no offense, but that’s just not possible.”
Jackson chuckled, looking completely at ease with the women. “No offense taken.”
Sarah shook her head and chimed in as the peacemaker. “You two look identical, so I’d say you’re equally handsome.”
“Is the graduation girl finally here?” Clay’s voice boomed from the kitchen area right before he walked into the living room. “Can’t start the party without the guest of honor—”
His steps slowed, as did Mason’s and Levi’s, who’d been following Clay. All three men stopped and stared at Jackson, and the sudden strain in the room was nearly tangible. The silence was deafening.
What the hell was wrong with these guys? Annoyed with their behavior, Tara spoke up. “Don’t be rude, boys,” she said through gritted teeth, trying to sound pleasant when she was suddenly feeling very protective of Jackson. “Say hello to my guest.”
Samantha gave Clay a pointed look, while Katrina jabbed Mason in the side with her elbow hard enough for him to grunt from the impact. The glare he aimed at Katrina didn’t seem to faze his wife one bit. She was one of the few people who didn’t put up with Mason’s shit and could put him in his place.
Levi finally stepped forward, his demeanor reserved as he offered his hand to Jackson. “Good to see you.” His tone, at least, was cordial.
“Likewise.” The two men shook hands, followed by Clay and Mason, who were just as guarded with their acknowledgment.
Good God. There was no way Tara was going to spend the afternoon and evening with all this tension between the guys. Whatever their issue with Jackson, she was determined to find out. Starting right now.
“Samantha, would you mind taking Jackson out on the deck, get him a beer or something to drink while I talk to these guys?” Tara asked as she hitched her thumb toward the three brothers.
The other woman nodded in understanding. “Absolutely. Come on, Jackson. We want to know all about you.”
Samantha, Katrina, and Sarah were more than happy to usher him outside and keep him busy with questions.
“At least someone has the right idea,” Tara muttered irritably as she turned toward the men left behind. “You three. In the kitchen. Now.”
She marched past them and didn’t miss Mason’s smart-mouthed, mocking comment, “Geez, bossy much?” Oh, he had no idea how bossy she was about to become.
Clay’s kitchen was huge and spacious, completely renovated with state-of-the-art appliances and yards of counter space to cater to Samantha’s love of baking. Evidence of her baking passion was set out on the counter—delicious cupcakes, fancy cookies, and decadent pastries. If Tara didn’t have business to take care of, she would have beelined it straight to Samantha’s desserts and indulged.
Once the four of them were all in the kitchen, she spun around to face them as they stood in a semicircle in front of her. “What the hell is going on with you three?” she asked, finally unleashing her frustration. “You’re acting like complete jerks around Jackson and he doesn’t deserve it.”
“Learning about Jackson and the circumstances of his adoption hasn’t been easy to digest,” Clay said quietly as he moved toward the sink so he could look out the window to the deck and watch the girls and Jackson.
“And you think it’s been a piece of cake for him?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “So you’re going to punish him for something your drug-addicted mother did?”
“We’re not trying to punish him,” Levi said, shifting on his feet while Mason stood next to his brother with an obstinate frown on his face.
“It sure as hell feels that way.” Her tone was haughty, and she didn’t care. “You’ve ignored him since he came to the bar to meet you three last week.”
Clay’s gaze was riveted to whatever was going on outside, and he spoke over his shoulder. “We were going to contact him this week and see if he wanted to come by the bar and talk,” he said, the slightest hint of guilt infusing his voice.
“Better late than never, I suppose,” she said sarcastically. “Just keep in mind that there are three of you and one of him. You three have each other, but who does he have?”
“He has a family,” Mason said abruptly. “That’s what Jackson has. We three are the only family we’ve ever had, and it’s not easy to let a virtual stranger in.”
“That’s the problem with the three of you.” Her voice rose angrily as she encompassed all of them with a wild wave of her hand. “You have no idea what his life has been like, how he grew up and how he was treated and what kind of family he had. Are you judging him based on the suit he wore the first time he met you guys? Do you think that defines the man he is and somehow makes him impervious to a shitty childhood? Maybe he had it just as tough as you guys did.”
Clay briefly looked away from the window, his gaze narrowed on Tara. “Why does it sound like you know all about his family and childhood?”
She ignored the slight accusation she heard in his voice. “Because maybe I’ve taken the time to talk to him. To get to know him. Something the three of you should have been doing.”
“Jesus, you’re so defensive,” Mason muttered testily. “What’s going on with you and him, anyway?”
Tara’s heart suddenly beat a whole lot faster, because she knew what she was about to reveal was going to start another heated debate. “I should say that it’s none of your damn business, but I have nothing to hide.” She lifted her chin adamantly. “Jackson and I are dating.”
“Dating?” Levi echoed, dumbfounded by her admission.
Whereas Mason was more vocal in his approach. “You’re fucking dating him?” he asked incredulously.
“Jesus, Tara.” Clay’s lips flattened into a thin line of disapproval. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
She stared at him as if he were an idiot. “Are you seriously asking me that question right now, after the shitty way you’ve acted toward Jackso
n?”
Clay glanced at both of his brothers, a silent message of concern passing between them—one they didn’t seem willing to share with her. When Clay returned his attention to the women out on the deck with Jackson, a worrisome look straining his features, something inside of Tara detonated.
“Stop staring out the window like Jackson is some kind of mass murderer and you’re worried he’s going to slaughter your wife,” she snapped heatedly.
Clay and Mason looked from her to Levi, that silent communication seemingly flowing between the three of them again.
She didn’t like the uneasy vibe settling in the air. “What’s going on?”
Levi scrubbed his hand along his jaw and expelled a deep breath, as if what he was about to tell her was difficult for him. “Tara, there’s something you should know about Jackson. I know you’re not going to be happy about this, but I had a friend run a background check on him, and he was charged with assault a few years back . . .”
She stiffened, feeling as though she’d been jolted with a live wire. Okay, she hadn’t seen that coming. Granted, she and Jackson were in the beginning stages of getting to know one another, but physical violence and aggression didn’t match up to the Jackson she knew.
“Assault for what?” she asked, giving in to her curiosity.
“The charge was dropped, so the reason isn’t on record.” Levi pushed his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, his gaze direct. “But the fact that he might have a temper concerns us.”
Tara stared at Levi in disbelief. This from the brother who was the most sensible and levelheaded of the three. “For God’s sake. Mason has a temper and nobody has shunned him! Have you forgotten that he was the one to beat the shit out of Sarah’s ex?”
“You know what we mean, Tara,” Clay said, trying to be rational.
No, she really didn’t understand. She pursed her lips at Levi. “Did you find anything else on his record that might concern you?”
He hesitated a few seconds before answering. “No.”
Dirty Sexy Sinner Page 9
