“I don’t want to fight, Kate. That’s why I’m here. I want to play.” He lifted a brow that could’ve earned him a PG-13 in life. He leaned down, his arms surrounding her, and kissed her softly. The kiss might be defined as innocent, but it sizzled. He pulled back just an inch from her lips “With you.” He returned to her lips and kissed her with passion.
Kate was drugged with the sensation, ready to float into the lithium world of pleasure without consequences. But she was still cognizant enough to regain control. She pushed him away, but he remained seated beside her. “Jack, we can’t do this.”
“Honey, we can. We should. Hell, we do it so well, it’d be a crime if we didn’t.” He leaned down for another kiss, but Kate thwarted his attempt when she sat up.
“I’m serious. What we did . . . I mean . . .” She was blushing. “Well, okay, it was amazing. It was more than amazing.” She turned to him and found him nodding and moving in for another kiss. She stood up and hobbled away. Keeping her distance was the only way she could maintain control when Jack was around. “But that doesn’t mean it was a smart thing to do.”
He leaned back into the couch, crossed his hands behind his head and stretched his long legs out as far as the coffee table allowed. “Kate, Kate, Kate.”
She didn’t like the condescending tone. “Don’t ‘Kate’ me. You may be a man of the world, but Saturday, on the boat . . . that’s not normal for most of the adult population.”
Jack laughed and shook his head. “Did you have fun?”
“That’s not the issue. We have to—”
“Did you have fun?”
She sighed and put her hands on her hips.
“Well, did you?” She didn’t like the smug look on his face.
“Fine,” she said, staring at him, trying to look unmoved. “Yes, I had fun.”
“Good.” He nodded. “We’re getting somewhere.”
Kate threw her hands up and shook her head. “No, we’re not getting anywhere. Just because we had fun doesn’t change the facts.”
“What are the facts?” he continued to goad her.
“Oh, there’s plenty.” She started counting them off on her fingers. “There’s the fact that we work together. That should be enough to make any sane person walk away. And don’t forget that we’re almost strangers. And then there’s also the little bit that you live in another state.” She looked about the room, trying to gather her next point. There’s no way she’d bring up her feelings. “And, and—”
“Before you add to your case, I’d like a chance for a rebuttal.” Jack stood up and began to walk toward her. It was like a panther stalking a doe.
“I hate to break it to you, but we no longer work together. You’ve done your job. Nothing affects the project except the land deal. That argument is null and void.” He was standing right in front of her, but she looked away, unwilling to admit he’d won the point.
“Now, as far as my living in another state—that’s a fact, but I don’t see why that has to affect what we can enjoy this week. Hell, it just makes me want to quit wasting time arguing about it.” He grabbed her arms gently, and she turned to him. “I had a great time with you last week. Sailing with you Saturday was the most fun I’ve had in years. Making love to you . . .” Kate looked down, blushing, but he pulled her chin up. “Was incredible. And there’s no way you can deny that.” Kate couldn’t suppress her smile.
Jack moved his hands up to her shoulders and pulled her in even closer. “You and I both know this can’t be a long-term relationship, but we’re consenting adults. We have fun together. So quit thinking it to death and spend this week with me. I want to be with you.”
Kate looked into his green eyes that were so intoxicating. Their power alone could make her move to Bogotá and smuggle drugs. Could she spend a week in “Vegas” and then walk away? It was crazy. But how could she walk away from a man who made her laugh, brought her ice cream, and gave her orgasms like she’d never experienced? Would there be any downside?
It was just for a week. It’s not as if she’d fall in love. They’d have fun and great sex. No pain. It’d be like going to a spa for the week. When it’s over, it’s over. You go home, have great memories, and look forward to your next visit.
Her heart raced at the thought. Her stomach jumped up to her chest. And in a history-making moment, Kate Livingston jumped in with both feet. “What the hell.”
Jack threw his head back laughing. “You know how to make a man feel special.”
“Oh please,” she said, pushing on his chest. “But listen, we can’t let anyone know about this.”
Jack started to speak, but she held her hand up.
“This is important, Jack. I know you think the project is out of the picture, but it would still look very bad. No one on the project can find out. It would ruin my credibility at the state. We’ll have to be discreet.”
Jack studied her face. Perhaps he was wondering if she was serious. After a minute, he seemed to accept her conditions. “Fine. I have no problem sneaking around with you.”
Kate tilted her head, assessing his sincerity.
“I’ll make sure no one finds out.” He hesitated. Kate thought she saw a flash of weariness in his eyes, but it quickly passed. “Kate, this has nothing to do with business. Remember that.”
“All right.” She leaned back on her heels and then rocked forward, a big smile on her face. “Okay. So we’re having an affair. Now what? Do we just stop, drop, and roll?”
“You’re hilarious, woman. This is going to be an interesting week. Fantastic, mind you, but very interesting.” He pushed a curl away from her face and rubbed at a spot on her cheek. “Why don’t you take me to your shower, Cinderella? You can scrub the tile, and I’ll scrub you.”
Her heart was racing with the excitement, but there was one last thread of fear. She needed something safe, something reassuring. “Kiss me.”
He seemed to read her mind because he cradled her face and gave her a tender kiss. He didn’t press any further but stayed close. “It’s going to be great.” As a sense of comfort seeped through her body, she sought the source and returned his kiss. Soon, comfort was no longer needed. Sparks raced through her body. She kissed him with passion, inviting his tongue to parlay with hers. Their bodies pressed closer together as the intensity of their kisses and their heart rates grew.
Finally, when she felt as if her legs would melt like the ill-fated ice cream, she pulled back. She grabbed his hand and headed toward the stairs. At the bottom, she stopped and looked at him. “Cinderella won’t be scrubbing tile today.”
After Jack had washed every part of her body, and they were both to the point of no return, he lifted her up. “Wrap your legs around me.”
As soon as she did, the water turned icy cold. Kate shrieked, and Jack turned off the shower. Still holding her, he stepped out of the shower, then walked into her room and lowered them to the bed.
He gazed over her body. “You’re so beautiful.” He kissed her. “I’m going to pay this temple its proper homage.”
Kate sighed, overcome with the pleasure, overcome with the man. He started with her neck, taking time at her pulse point. Her heart was racing. Could he taste it? He moved down to her breasts. He stroked them ever so lightly with his fingertips, but the reaction jolted down Kate’s body, causing her to moan and arch off the bed. “You like that.” There was no question.
He barely touched her tightened nipple with his tongue, and she breathed a curse and grabbed onto his head. “Do it.”
He laughed just enough for her to feel the vibration against her breast. “Do what?” He licked her nipple again.
She groaned at his touch. “Jack, please. Just . . . please. Now.”
“How could I deny you anything?” He took her nipple in his mouth. She called out his name, then grabbed onto his hair and wrapped her legs around his waist. She thrust up her hips, seeking relief against his erection. Jack’s movements were as intense as hers. No longer were hi
s kisses light and teasing. He was making love to her body with his mouth, spreading the fire across her breasts, ribs, and stomach. He continued the path downward. Kate’s breaths were uneven. “Jack. I need you. Make love to me.”
He groaned, his mouth not leaving her body, but continuing its descent.
“Jack.” Kate pulled his hair. “Jack!” she cried, her voice tense as she pulled on his head.
“God, I know. So beautiful.” He moaned as he moved his lips down to her dark curls.
“Jack. No. Stop!”
Her yell crashed through the room, immediately followed by a painful silence. She rolled over, staring at the wall, too embarrassed to face him.
“Did I hurt you?” he asked, moving up beside her on the bed. He stroked her arm gently. “Did I?” He rolled her over, leaving her no chance to hide.
She shook her head but kept her eyes on the ceiling.
“What is it? I thought you liked what I was doing?” He let out a deep breath while running his hands through his hair. “Obviously, I did something wrong.”
“No.” Kate turned to him, feeling guilty and embarrassed. She brought her hand to his face. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Before, when you were kissing me, it felt so . . . God, just fantastic.”
“So what happened?”
Kate tried to look away, but he grabbed her chin. “Tell me, Kate. What?”
She took a deep breath and then pressed her lips together. Finally, she spoke. “I didn’t like what you were doing at the end. When you . . .”
“When I was going down on you?”
Kate sucked in a breath and looked at the ceiling. “Yes,” she said as she exhaled.
Jack was silent for a minute. “Okay. This is . . .” He let out a heavy sigh. “A little hard on the ego.” He fell back on his back. This time he was the one staring at the ceiling.
“You don’t understand. It’s me.”
He turned to her, and she shifted her eyes away. “I just don’t like that. It has nothing to do with you.”
Jack lifted up on one elbow. “You’re telling me you don’t like that . . . ever?”
When she finally faced him, she hesitated, then shook her head.
He traced her cheek. “Maybe it’d be different with us.”
Kate shot up. “Stop it! Why do we have to talk about this? Why is it so important to you? Why is that so necessary for men?” She walked to the dresser and turned down a framed picture of the kids.
“It’s not important, but the way you’re reacting is. Does this have to do with Ian?”
Kate pulled the hair back from her face. “No. No, it’s not about Ian. If it’s so important to you, I’ll just tell you . . . I can’t do,” she flipped her hand to the bed, “that. I can’t do that. There. Are you happy now?”
Jack sat up, placing his feet on the floor. He stared at her as if she’d just spoken some never-discovered language.
“That. Going down. I can’t do it. I don’t have an orgasm. I’m frigid.”
“What the hell are you talking about? If you’re frigid, I’m a eunuch. What gave you such an idea?”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s just how it is. If it’s a problem for you, then go find someone else to satisfy you . . . This is crazy. I can’t believe I thought I could do something like this.” She tried her damnedest to appear nonchalant, but when she reached in the closet for her robe, her hands were shaking. Before she had a chance to tie the belt, Jack had her by the waist and turned her to face him.
“This week is just getting started. I don’t know what has gotten into your head, but whatever you like or don’t like, I’m good.” He held her face with both of his hands. “Just tell me.” He caressed her cheek. “And please tell me now so I don’t screw up any more.”
She stared into his eyes, then took a couple of deep breaths. “You didn’t screw up. I just overreacted about eight thousand degrees too much.” She gave him a weak smile.
“Come on.” He dropped his hands and turned away.
“Where?”
He was getting into his clothes. “Get dressed. We’re going for ice cream. Maybe we’ll get some pimento cheese, too.”
“What? Are you serious?”
“Very. I think we need to get out, get some food, and go for a drive.”
She looked at him curiously. “Is this some friendly way to end an affair? Feed the girl her favorite food and then kick her to the proverbial curb?”
“God, you’re cute.” He kissed her, and then patted her butt. “Now get dressed”
Jack parked at the marina where they’d parted the day before. On the way there, they’d stopped at the WAG-A-BAG. Per Kate’s insistence, Jack had parked in the back and they’d entered separately. She’d checked the expiration date on seven pimento cheese sandwiches before selecting two. They’d found ice cream that contained chocolate and nuts. Not exactly mocha almond fudge, but when it came to ice cream, a woman would take any port in a storm.
They’d barely said four words during the car ride. Kate wasn’t eager to talk, and Jack didn’t seem to mind. When they parked, they started with the ice cream and shared the quart with a plastic spoon. Jack was a wise man; he let her take two bites to every one of his.
“You’re cute,” he said.
“Why do you say that?”
“When you eat anything sweet, you make a little moan every time you take a bite.”
“I do not.”
“Yes, you do. I like it.”
They continued to eat the ice cream, and Kate made sure she didn’t make a sound. After a while, she handed the spoon to Jack. “I’m done. You can have the rest.”
Jack took the carton and spoon and continued to eat, looking out at the lake. They sat in silence. He’d been right to get them out of her house.
“Ian and I were virgins when we met.” She glanced over at Jack, but he didn’t take his eyes off the lake and kept eating the ice cream.
Turning back to the water, she continued, “It took us a while to figure out all the bells and whistles. But we did, except for that. Ian tried. Nothing ever happened, but he said it was okay, he was happy any way we were together.” She knew better now.
Jack continued to look at the lake, not saying anything. He set the ice cream on the dashboard, still silent. Kate panicked that she’d said too much. Why had she?
He leaned in and lifted her chin, his warm, green eyes so accepting. “Thanks for telling me.”
“Is this going to be a problem for you?” Kate asked, nervous to hear his answer.
“Hell, no.” He pushed a curl behind her ear. “There are so many things I want to do to you and with you.” He ran his fingers down her arm, following with his eyes. When he looked back up, she could see his hunger. “Definitely not a problem.”
Kate leaned back into her seat and let out a heavy sigh. As strange and awkward as it was, she felt more comfortable with him now. She was glad she’d told Jack. Perhaps she’d been able to because he was a relative stranger who’d be leaving soon. Kind of like a traveling priest. But a priest who had sex. She smiled at him, a lazy, relaxed smile.
“Come here.” He leaned in to kiss her, but Kate put her hand up.
“Wait. There’s no sense in letting this melt.” She grabbed the ice cream and spoon. Her appetite was back in full swing.
Jack started the car. “You have until we get to Pete’s place. Once we get to my bed, they’ll be no more food and no more talking.”
“Aye, aye, captain.” She tipped the spoon to her forehead in a salute, and then took a bite of the ice cream.
Kate didn’t notice her moan until Jack turned and said, “See?”
Chapter 18
They spent the rest of Monday in bed, occasionally getting up for takeout or Gatorade to support their physical demands. On Tuesday, they gave their bodies a rest, spending the day on the boat. Well, almost. After a tryst below deck, they agreed that a real bed in air conditioning was the way to go. Jack pulled anchor and had them bac
k at his place—and that’s what it had become—within the hour.
In between the soul-shaking lovemaking, Kate was content to lie in his arms and talk about their lives, from the inane to the serious. There was freedom in this secret, temporary world.
On Wednesday, Kate dragged herself out of an empty bed. She’d spent the last two nights with Jack and had discovered he was an early riser. She normally would be, but their long nights helped her to sleep better than she had in years. Kate assumed he was off making calls to the office or, hopefully, trying to contact Mrs. Travis about the property. Stop. This is pleasure, not business.
Earlier in the week, Jack had told her he didn’t want to talk business. In fact, he had stressed that what they shared had nothing to do with the Gridion project. That no matter what happened with the plant, their affair was separate. Kate was surprised at how adamant he was about the situation, but she was in full agreement.
She headed to the kitchen for coffee. Jack had prepped the coffee maker and left a note, “Hey, sleepyhead, knew you’d need a caffeine fix ASAP Just push the brew button. Running some errands. Be back soon.”
As simple as the gesture was, it was a luxury to have someone else set up the coffee. While she waited for it to brew, she walked out on the deck and stretched out on a chaise lounge, enjoying the sun shining on the lake.
Thoughts of Jack and the night before flooded her mind, causing her pulse to race and butterflies to erupt in her belly. She’d explained why he didn’t need to wear a condom and that she believed him about his test results. He’d stared into her eyes for a long time. At first, she’d wondered if he didn’t trust her, but then he’d smiled and kissed her deeply. The lovemaking that followed had been intense, more so than ever before, and she knew it had nothing to do with the missing latex.
Kate sighed at the memory. This life was amazing. When had she been so happy or had so much fun? Had she ever had such great sex? She couldn’t remember. She really didn’t care. She just knew that it was a hell of a ride, and she didn’t want off. Thoughts of the return to reality on Sunday, when he would leave, crept into her mind, but she pushed them away. For this one week, Kate was determined to live for the moment.
Then He Showed Up Page 15
