Only in Time

by Kelli McCracken

  She wanted to deny the truth in his question, though she knew she couldn’t. Not if they wanted to rebuild an honest friendship.

  Taking in the bold scent of his cologne, she stepped from the window to face him. “I don’t know what I expected, Jonah.”

  Her eyes fell to the floor. She didn’t want to dredge up the past. Their evening had been too enjoyable to walk down this road. One that would require total honesty on her part. Honesty he may not want to know.

  She started to step away, until the warmth of his hand swept across hers. Her eyes darted back to his. The playful spark they once contained had switched to smoldering heat. Then he stroked her palm with his fingers.

  Snapping her lids shut, she prayed her eyes would stop stinging. She couldn’t let Jonah see this side of her. Not when she didn’t know what his intentions were.

  “Look at me, Ally.” The heat of his hands caressed her face as he cupped it. Her eyes flew open, locking with his bright ones. “I know our last moment together didn’t end well. I saw the pain in your eyes that day. Believe me. It wasn’t one-sided. A day hasn’t gone by that I haven’t thought of you.”

  Tears welled in her eyes, clouding her vision. One blink sent a warm stream down her face.

  “God, Ally, don’t cry.” Jonah pulled her close, the warmth of his arms encircling hers. His cheek pressed against the top of her head as he released a sigh. “What did I say?”

  Pulling back from his embrace, she swiped at her cheek. “The day I left, I wasn’t honest with you about a few things.”

  “Like what?”

  She stared at his chest, the rest of the images in the suite a blur. Her eyes traced each groove of his muscles, admiring the way his t-shirt accentuated them. “Do you remember the day we went to Tybee Island? Near the lighthouse.”

  “Yes. It’s right after you found your dad’s dog tags. I took you there to get your mind off things. Even played a song for you.”

  Nodding, she inhaled a deep breath, hoping to steady her voice. “Things changed for me that day. The way I looked at you. The way I thought of you. I…”

  She tried to push away from him. Wanted to put some distance between them, but he refused to release her. “What changed, Ally?”

  Meeting his eyes once more, her lower lip began to tremble. She’d hate herself in the morning, but she had to do this. “My feelings for you changed, Jonah. I fell in love with you that day.”

  Each second they stood in silence, Ally’s heart vibrated. Through her chest. Across her skin. Between her thighs. Jonah’s eyes danced over her face, dropping to her lips every so often. Then he wet his lips, sending a fruity scented breath to her nose.

  “I know, Ally. At least, I had a suspicion. Part of me refused to believe it.”

  The knot in Ally’s belly twisted. So Jonah suspected her feelings for him, yet chose to ignore it. Great. That meant he couldn’t reciprocate the feelings. God, she was an idiot.

  Fighting to hold back the tears, she wanted to run away. Then Jonah stroked her cheek with his thumb. “Ally…”

  Her name was no more than a whisper on his lips. He drew her face closer, still holding it in both hands. His breath beat against her skin, making her heart race. Then he parted his lips.

  Stuck in the moment, she struggled for a breath. He needed to say what was on his mind. Or else she’d lose hers. Even if he rejected her, it would end the ache of not knowing what she meant to him.

  Jonah’s eyes burned into her, but only for a moment. Then his lips pressed to her lips. They were warm. Sweet. Softer than she ever imagined. He eased back, just enough to meet her eyes. He wanted proof that she didn’t object. The way his brow creased hinted as much.

  She didn’t object. Showed him as much when she leaned in and molded her mouth to his. Working his lips faster, he parted his mouth. A moan echoed between them, sending a vibration across her tongue and Jonah’s. He pulled her closer, moving one hand into her hair. The other cupped her lower back, pulling her further into him.

  His heart raced with such force each beat thumped against her chest. She never thought she could have this effect on him. Hell, maybe it was a typical male response. She didn’t care at this point. Only cared about the way his hands moved to her hips. His fingers worked down the sides, squeezing and tugging at her skirt. Then scorching hands slid under her blouse.

  Her breath caught when he cupped her breast, rubbing his thumb over her nipple until it hardened. The lace on her bra scratched her sensitive flesh, drawing another moan past her lips.

  Jonah echoed the sound. He fumbled with the buttons on her shirt, stripping it from her arms once the last button loosened. His eyes trailed over her breasts while he removed his t-shirt. Then he had her in his arms again, suckling a warm, wet path up her neck.

  Ally couldn’t move. Couldn’t speak. Couldn’t do anything but give in to Jonah’s advances. She’d waited too long for this moment. Refused to let it go, no matter what consequences might lay ahead. All she needed was one night with him.

  In one swift motion, her feet left the ground as Jonah lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, melding her lips with his once more. She knew they were moving. Perhaps to the bedroom, which only increased the need pulsing through her.

  Rocking her hips into his, he growled against her lips. Then her back greeted a wall as her thighs welcomed the weight of his hips. He slid his hands under her skirt, working his fingers further up her legs until they stroked her panties. A gentle tug had her arching into him.

  And just when she thought she couldn’t take another minute of his torture, Jonah released her legs. Plush carpet teased her toes. Not that she cared when she wanted to know why Jonah had pulled away from their kiss.

  “Ally, I can’t take this any further. Not after what you just confessed.”

  The stark reality of his words ripped at her heart. It was her worst fear come true. His rejection. He didn’t want to be with her. Back then or now. She was foolish to think time had changed that.

  At least she knew where she stood with him.

  “I’m sorry, Jonah. I should have—”

  He pressed his finger to her lips. “Don’t take what I said the wrong way. Believe me, I want you. Would love nothing more than to take you right here on this wall. But I want to set the record straight before this goes any further.”

  She didn’t know how she could have misunderstood him. If not for his lack of interest, why else would he refuse to make love to her or feel the need to straighten any record? He said he didn’t have a girlfriend. Unless he’d lied.

  Jonah called her name again, removing the seeds of doubt before they sprouted. Trailing his finger down her lips, he gripped her chin, leaning in closer. “God, I have so much to tell you. I don’t know where to begin. I hope you don’t hate me.”

  The words bit at her heart. Whatever he planned to tell her wouldn’t be good. Not if he thought she would hate him. She didn’t know how much more of this she could take.

  As the ache continued to build, she stared at Jonah’s lips, watching them press and part. Then he blew out a long breath. This definitely wouldn’t be good if he couldn’t find the courage to say what he needed.

  With the words hanging on his lips, a rap resonated through the suite, widening both their eyes.

  “Shit… That has to be Theo. No one else knows where I’m staying.” The heat of his eyes left hers. They roamed her half-naked body and his. Then a voice sounded from behind the door.

  “Jonah? Let me in, bro. I know you’re in there.”

  Releasing a sigh, Jonah caressed the side of her face. “I need a few minutes to deal with him.”

  “Okay.” She leaned over to grab her blouse, but he beat her to it.

  Handing her the garment, he folded his hand over hers, waiting until she met his gaze. “This conversation is far from over. I owe you some explanations.”

  “Where should I go?”

  “The bathroom is closest.”

 
* * *

  Jonah couldn’t meet his brother’s eyes when he opened the door. Not when a million thoughts of Ally consumed him. The way her breath grew labored each time he touched her body. The sweet sounds passing through her lips. Sounds that he’d evoked within her. He could still taste her lips when he licked his.

  Cherries and chocolate.

  Theo brushed by him, moving past the bar to the center of the sitting area. He gave Jonah a quick look over, before peering around the suite.

  “Took you long enough to answer the door. What were you—” Theo pointed his nose upward, drawing in a few short breaths. “It smells like a woman in here,” he chuckled. “Did you sneak one in, big bro?”

  The more Theo’s laughter taunted him, the more Jonah scrambled for an answer. He didn’t want to reveal Ally’s presence. Then he would never get rid of his brother or finish his conversation with her.

  An awkward amount of silence passed as they stood speechless. Then Theo’s eyes squinted. The smile on his lips fell. “You got a chick in here, Jonah?”

  Giving his brother a slight nod, he couldn’t understand the piercing glare Theo gave him. His brother should be proud of him for bringing someone back to his suite. Even if Jonah had no intentions of sleeping with her. Theo didn’t know that. If anything, he would automatically assume Jonah’s intentions.

  “What the hell, man. Why would you go hook up with some girl? I told you I had someone in mind for you. In fact, that’s the reason I’m here.”

  “Theo, I’m not interested.” The only person Jonah wanted stood on the other side of the bathroom door, listening. He couldn’t believe the things he’d revealed to her, tonight. Like how he’d thought about her every day.

  “You don’t even know who I had in mind,” Theo complained. “If you did, you’d bend over and kiss the ground I’m standing on. Trust me. You’ll want this girl.”

  God, he needed to get his brother out of here before Ally thought the worst of him. Especially after the progress they’d made this evening.

  “I appreciate your effort, little bro, but I’m not—”

  “It’s Ally, asshole.” Theo walked back to the bar once Jonah reached it. He shoved his cell phone in Jonah’s face, pointing to the screen. “I started texting Cassie last Saturday, trying to set up a time for the four of us to get together. She’s supposed to talk to Ally. I’m supposed to talk to you.”

  The more Theo’s lips moved the more Jonah’s face burned. Did Ally already know about this setup?

  His thoughts came crashing down as his brother’s voice drifted back to his ears. “I thought you’d want to hook up with her after seeing her at the show. What was it you were saying about her dance moves?”

  Heat bit at Jonah’s cheeks. “Shut up, Theo.”

  The bathroom door came back into his sight, making his heart thump a little harder. The thought of Ally pressing her ear to the door had his gut churning. She’d demand answers after this. Answers he promised her before his brother’s rude interruption.

  “Dude, it’s been six years. Aren’t you the least bit curious if she—”

  “Theo! I’m going to punch you if you don’t shut up.”

  “You’re an idiot.” A smack echoed as Theo’s hands hit the bar top. “You’re passing up a chance with Ally Jacobs. What’s standing in the way this time?”

  Jonah gazed at the top of the bar where his brother’s hands lay. Freaking idiot. Did he think Jonah had been kidding? He really would punch him if he didn’t shut up.

  “Nothing’s standing in my way. If I wanted to be with Ally, I would be. I don’t need your help.”

  “Obviously not since you got some chick here.” Clenching his jaw, Theo raked his fingers through the pile of black curls on his head. “Do you realize you just screwed me? Hooking you up with Ally meant I finally had half a shot with Cassie. You know how long I’ve waited for this. At least you should. It’s as long as you’ve—”

  “Theo!” Jonah’s voiced echoed in the room. “Shut up!” Half a chuckle passed his lips. “Damn it, man. You don’t know when to stop, do you? You’ve always run off at the mouth, speaking before thinking about who your words would affect.”

  His brother’s jaw dropped. He looked as though he wanted to blast Jonah again, but Jonah shook his head, massaging his temples as he exhaled a long breath. “You can come out now, Ally.”

  The click of a door resonated into the sitting area. Then Ally rounded the corner. She didn’t meet Jonah’s gaze, or Theo’s, as she hugged her chest.

  Great. She’d definitely heard their conversation. Now she thought the worst of him. Why else would she avoid his attention?

  God, he wanted to punch Theo. Even tightened his fist at the notion. Then her words filled the air between them. Ones that sent a surge of panic through his heart.

  “I think I better go.”

  CHAPTER 8

  The sound of passing cars drifted from Ally’s ears as she walked into her office building. She made her way to the elevator, stepping inside the empty car before pressing the button for the seventh floor.

  As the doors closed behind her, she stared at the mirror covering the back portion of the car. Puffy bags haunted her eyes, which didn’t surprise her considering she’d spent the entire weekend in tears.

  The more she thought about what happened at Jonah’s suite, the more she wanted to crawl under a rock. He’d seemed sincere when they spoke about the past. Even had her convinced that he’d thought about her over the years. Hell, maybe he had, but not the way she had him.

  Clenching the paper coffee cup in her hand, she inhaled the rich scent of her caramel latte. She needed the extra shot of caffeine if she wanted to make it through the rest of her Monday afternoon. Lord knows she’d zoned out enough this morning.

  As the elevator chimed for her floor, she released the breath she’d been holding. Her heels thumped against the carpet with each step she took. Just a few more hours and she could go home. Could open a bottle of wine and soak in the tub.

  She didn’t make it to her office before her assistant came rushing around her desk. “Thank God you’re finally back.”

  Ally met Heidi’s eyes, noting the way they widened. Fighting back the urge to growl, she hoped her assistant was overreacting. She didn’t need a crisis today. If anything, she’d like to leave early.

  Stealing a glance at her watch, the hands pointed to one o’clock. “I’ve only been out for thirty minutes, Heidi. What’s wrong?”

  “Thirty minutes?” Heidi’s face contorted with a frown. “Sweetie, you’ve been gone for two hours. It’s two-thirty.”

  Ally’s eyes moved past Heidi’s face to the large clock above her desk. She did a double take just to make sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks.

  Stupid watch. She’d forgotten to wind it this morning. Had been too busy moping over Jonah. Now it had cost her two hours of her life. Two hours she’d spent at the park, eyes glued to the water fountain as thoughts of him rolled through her mind.

  “I still don’t understand what’s wrong. I don’t have any clients this afternoon. Why do you look like you’re about to pull out your hair?”

  Heidi rolled her eyes, releasing a heavy breath. “Mr. Taylor’s client showed up a day early. Says he won’t be in town tomorrow and wants to see him, today. Problem is, Mr. Taylor went home early. Guess he’s sick. Mr. Goldman is at a business luncheon, which only leaves you to deal with the client. And he is pissed.”

  What a great way to end the day. Talking down an irate client. Not that she hadn’t succeeded before, but focusing was a challenge today. She’d need every ounce of her wit to work with this client.

  “Where is he?”

  “I put him in your office. Twenty minutes ago.”

  “Okay,” Ally sighed, gazing down at the file in Heidi’s hand. “Hold all my calls and get Mr. Taylor on the phone. See if there are any important details not included in this file.”

  “Right away,” Heidi said as she raced back
to the other side of her desk.

  Once Ally rounded the corner, she stood outside her door, skimming the file for details on the investment. Damn Rich and his sloppy handwriting. She couldn’t make out any of the words stretching across the paper. Why hadn’t his assistant transcribed this information yet?

  Had Ally not known a client was in her office, she would never have seen him. The high-back leather chair hid most of his body. Except for his foot, which shook with force near the armrest. Dealing with this client would be as fun as jumping into an ocean full of sharks. Both would be out for blood.

  Quick steps brought her past the chair. “Good afternoon. I apologize for the wait, Mr.—”

  “McCabe.”

  Had his voice not sent a trail of ice down Ally’s back, his name would have. She gazed up in time to see Jonah staring back.

  “Wha—what are you doing here, Jonah?”

  “I’m supposed to be meeting with Rich Taylor about an investment. But I guess you already know that.” His eyes trailed down her body then back. “I didn’t realize you worked here.”

  Nor had she realized he had the initiative to invest.

  Pulling out her chair, she sat across from him, reopening the file as she placed it on her desk. “I apologize for Rich not being here. He’s out sick today, but I can help you with whatever you need.”

  He looked as though he wanted to refuse her help, but didn’t. Uncrossing his legs, he leaned closer to the desk, resting his elbows on his knees. “Fine. Whatever. At this point, I just want to get things started. This isn’t the first time Rich and I missed each other.”

  “I can’t make out his notes. Would you mind telling me about your investment?”

  Jonah held her gaze a moment before turning his head toward the window. “It’s for a project I started with some musicians I work with. Since music classes are disappearing from a lot of school curriculums, I want to make sure children can still have access to music and have resources to learn about it as well. I couldn’t imagine where I’d be had music not entered my life.”

  Neither could she. He loved playing. Or at least he used to enjoy it. Which is why finding out about his career change surprised her.