Can't Get Enough of You (22 page)

“Fair enough, except I don't have any transportation.”

“That's one problem I can't help you with.”

“You could always ask your man. A rich guy like Scott, I'm sure he has more than one car.”

Jenna shook her head. “It doesn't matter. I'm not asking.”

“Why not?”

“It's not his problem. Maybe you can call your friend Neal Dunn,” Jenna said. She had no idea what had happened between the two of them. After the club opening, Leah hadn't mentioned the man's name. “Maybe he will loan you one of his cars?”

“Not likely. The man was interested in one thing. Once he got that, he moved on,” Leah said dryly.

Jenna covered a yawn. “I'm beat. Good night, Sis.” She changed direction, heading toward her bedroom. “See you in the morning. Sleep well.”

F
uming, Leah made her way into the kitchen. Retrieving a bottle of sauvignon blanc cooling in the refrigerator, she lifted a brow at the costly label, then expertly uncorked it. After pouring a generous portion, she made herself comfortable in the living room.

Everywhere she looked showed the expert care and attention to detail her twin had put into making her home a showplace. Not even a throw pillow was out of place. From the paint colors and drapes to the furnishings, rugs, and accessories, all was meant to impress. The house might have been modest, but it was beautiful. Nothing had been left to chance. It was just like her big sister . . . perfect.

Had the girl ever taken a wrong step in her entire life? From what Leah had observed, it was highly unlikely. Jenna had worked her way through college. Little Miss Perfect hadn't stopped there. Despite the odds, she had made it through graduate school with top grades, all the while holding a job on Wall Street. When she'd graduated, she'd gotten her dream job and bought her own home. She might have had an old car, but she had expensive clothes. Her good luck hadn't stopped there. Hell, no!

Jenna had reunited with her lost love, who just happened to be a very rich and good-looking pro athlete that still adored her. Little Ms. Perfect had it all . . . the house, the job, and the man. Damn her! She'd even replaced her own family with those goody-goody foster sisters.

Who gave her the right to pass judgment on her own flesh and blood? She was just plain wrong to embarrass her own sister in front of her high-class friends, who thought they were better than ordinary folk.

“It's wrong!” Leah grumbled aloud as she drained her glass. Resentment bubbled inside of her.

Every room in this place pointed to her twin's success. To make matters worse, whenever Leah looked into the mirror, she didn't see herself. She saw Jenna mocking her and pointing out her failures. Jenna had big plans for Leah to go to college, make a new life for herself. If left up to her twin, she wouldn't be satisfied until Leah was exactly like her.

“It's not fair,” Leah grumbled unhappily. She was the one who had been adopted. She was the one who was supposed to have the advantages, not the other way around.

While Jenna had grown up with two best friends, Leah had been alone. There had been no one to turn to, no one to talk to, and no one to understand what she'd gone through growing up in that cold, strict home. The Bennetts hadn't loved her. They'd wanted to control her, had ruled her every waking hour. When she hadn't been in school, she'd been in church. Every minute of the day had been supervised and monitored. It had been horrible.

She hadn't been allowed to talk on the phone. She hadn't been able to choose her own friends or pick out her own clothes. Every aspect of her life had had to meet with her adopted parents' approval. By the time Leah was sixteen, all she'd wanted was out. They'd offered to send her to college if she'd lived at home with them. Leah shuddered at the memory.

When she was eighteen, she took every dime she'd saved, packed her clothes, and bought a bus ticket out of town. She'd run as far and as fast as she'd been able, promising herself she'd never go back.

Only Leah hadn't ended up in the cushy life, like her twin. She'd gone to L.A., determined to have all the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood lifestyle she'd dreamed about as a kid. After years of trying to break into the business, Leah had nothing to show for it but a few commercials and sore feet from waiting tables to keep a roof over her head.

She'd met John in a club. He had talked her into dancing for a living, insisting she'd be seen by the movie producers and television moguls, but that hadn't panned out.

Las Vegas had turned out to be one disappointment after another. Leah had landed jobs, but not on the Strip or in one of the big hotel chorus lines, as she'd planned. Each new club had been further from the Strip and sleazier than the last.

The stripping had been another of John's moneymaking schemes. It might have been worth it if she could have snagged one of the high rollers that frequented the top casinos. Instead of attracting the rich, young, sports figures, rap stars, or even older corporate heads, she had fallen in love with a man who'd been out for what she'd been able to do for him.

Leah swore unhappily. She should have ditched him a long time ago. Sex and good looks did not pay the bills. Never again. She'd learned her lessons with John when he'd left with all her money.

“It's my turn to get what I want,” she mumbled to herself as she refilled her glass.

Well at least she had given her a place to stay until she figured out her next move. The one thing Leah had learned from being around her sister and her uppity friends was that there were wealthy men in the Motor City ripe for the taking. She only needed one.

It was a damn shame she hadn't met Scott first. He'd picked the wrong twin. Jenna didn't appreciate the man. She was too caught up in her precious career. Poor Scott needed a woman who knew how to put him first.

“A woman like me,” Leah said aloud.

Leah could see the mistake Jenna was making with her man. Leah loved her sister, and she'd tried to warn her, pointing out on more than one occasion that Jenna should be living with the man, but her twin wouldn't listen. Jenna was leaving Scott open for another woman to step right in. Leah shook her head. At the very least, Jenna should be making herself available to him. How long did she expect to hold onto a man with his qualities . . . money, good looking, with a hot, gorgeous body?

“She won't. Not for long,” Leah surmised, helping herself to more wine.

Twenty-one

S
cott silently fumed. He was still ticked off over the mix-up that had taken place when he'd arrived at Jenna's earlier that evening. He'd tried to let it go, but it still rankled. As far as he was concerned, the evening had gone downhill from that point on.

As he followed the Gaines twins into the living room, the clock on the mantel confirmed the late hour. But he didn't plan on leaving, not until he had some time alone with his love. Rather than taking a seat on the sofa, as was his custom, he rested a shoulder against the mantel in front of a log-filled grate.

He'd always considered himself to be an easygoing guy. Yet tonight he'd lost his temper and nearly said something he would no doubt regret later. Scott swore silently. He didn't appreciate the trick Leah had played on him, pretending to be Jenna. She'd answered the door in Jenna's purple silk top with jeans. She'd even done her hair and makeup like his lady.

He'd been so hungry for Jenna that he hadn't realized it wasn't her until he'd tightened his arms around her and he'd lowered his head for her kiss. Suddenly, his instincts had kicked in. Her hazel eyes had been hard with intent, not filled with the warmth and humor he'd been expecting. The breathy welcome in Jenna's voice when she said his name also hadn't been there. Thankfully he'd recognized Leah in the knick of time and hadn't done more than brush his lips against hers.

“Would you care for something to drink?” Leah asked playfully, her full lips sporting a provocative smile.

Concealing his annoyance at her attempt to take over Jenna's hostessing duties, Scott muttered a frosty, “No, thanks.” His resentment had been building. He knew he had to gain control over it before Jenna caught on. He didn't dare voice his feelings.

Was nothing off-limits with Leah? Tonight was hardly the first time that Jenna's twin had managed to include herself in their evenings out. To be fair, the blame didn't entirely rest with Leah. Jenna was reluctant to leave her sister on her own, even for a few hours.

Frustrated, Scott craved time alone with his lady. They needed time for just the two of them to be together . . . to finalize their connection. If he was completely honest, he'd admit that he longed to give into selfish needs. He was tired of doing without, fed up with waiting. He wanted to taste every sweet inch of Jenna's curvy frame. It had been too blasted long since he'd been inside her . . . since she'd fit him like a second skin, silky soft, and damp with need. How he missed his sweet love.

The last time they'd slept together he'd done nothing beyond holding her close. He could kick himself for the missed opportunity. Aware that she'd been on an emotional roller-coaster ride the past few weeks, he hadn't wanted to make demands. It was important that he show her they didn't need to make love each and every time they were together. What they had was more than their sexual needs. He'd done everything within his power to make her feel happy, protected, and loved.

Now he felt like a selfish bastard for even entertaining thoughts of wanting more. Jenna deserved the peace and comfort he'd provided that night. He didn't exactly regret not making love to her. As long as he had her, he had enough.

As he walked purposefully toward Jenna, who had just switched on the floor lamp, he knew he had to find a way for them to spend quality time alone. Placing a possessive arm around her waist, he said, “Leah, will you excuse us, please? I'd like to speak to my lady . . . privately.”

“Scott!” Jenna exclaimed.

He quirked a dark brow and tightened his hold on her waist.

“Sure. Good night.” Leah flounced off.

“Finally,” Scott whispered into Jenna's ear.

“That wasn't very nice and certainly not subtle,” she scolded. Then she teased, “You're still angry about that trick Leah pulled on you earlier. Honey, admit it. She fooled you for a moment.”

Ignoring the dig, he sat down with her beside him on the sofa, dropping an arm over her shoulders. “I'm sure Leah understands we wanted to be alone. It hasn't been that long since she had a man,” he said gently.

He wasn't about to voice his belief that her twin had done more than play a joke on him but had indeed gone after him. He was no one's fool. He could handle the flirting and vying for attention. But if he was right about her intentions, it could possibly harm their relationship. It was a risk he was unwilling to take.

He could be wrong. Was Leah simply being thoughtless and wasn't out to do harm? Had he overreacted? Had it only been a childish prank that twins play on each other and unsuspecting family and friends? Perhaps the twins were making up for the innocent fun they'd missed out on growing up apart? Suddenly he wondered if he should give Leah a well-meaning warning. But then he'd run the risk of its getting back to Jenna. His beloved was touchy when it came to her family.

Frustration warred with need and made his kiss rough. Realizing he was bruising her lips, Scott immediately softened, soothing her luscious mouth with a gentle wash of his tongue. Jenna released an encouraging moan deep in her throat. She welcomed his bold thrusts and met each with her own sweetness as she suckled his tongue.

Desire quickly flamed into raging, hot need. With her wonderfully soft breasts pillowed on his chest, he easily lifted and pulled her around until she sat facing him, straddling his thighs, her sex flush against his aching shaft. Scott growled his enjoyment and deepened the kiss until they were both filled with hunger and breathless from lack of air. They sat grinning at each other as if they'd reached some lofty goal.

Chuckling, he said into her ear, “Should I apologize for forgetting and being carried away?” He placed a hot kiss against the sensitive place on her throat.

“Absolutely not.” Jenna shivered, whispering, “I missed being like this with you.”

He didn't say that all she had to do was go home with him. Rather than get into an argument, he pressed his mouth against hers. “It goes without saying how badly I want you.” There was no way of concealing his rock-hard shaft. His entire body pulsed with desire. Resting his forehead against hers, he said, “Let's go away for the weekend. Just the two of us. I'd love to show you Charleston. Say you will come?”

“What about Leah?”

He held back the automatic retort. Instead, he said, “She's a big girl. She can look after herself for two nights. If you'd like, I'll provide limo service for her. She can ride in style while we're gone.”

Jenna shook her head vehemently. “You don't have to do that.”

“Believe me when I say it will be worth it, just to have you to myself for a little while.”

“Honey, I'd love to go, but it's so close to Christmas and the end of the semester. You have as much to do as I have. I plan to make this Christmas the best ever, all about family and friends. If you think the food was good on Thanksgiving, wait until you see my table on Christmas Day.” She rubbed her hands together, a big smile on her face. “Unfortunately, I haven't even come close to finishing shopping. Let's go after Christmas.”

“Please.” He kissed her to silence her protest. “We can still go skiing in Aspen after the holiday. But if we work together now, we can get it all done. I'll help in any way you need. Say yes, babe. We need this time alone now. Charleston is so romantic this time of year. I suppose I could be nice and give us a little time to do a little sightseeing. You're going to love seeing the Avery Research Center, the African-American museum is phenomenal. And the Gullah cuisine can't be missed. Say yes, sweet thing.” He gave her a lingering kiss.

Giggling, she nodded. “I'd love to go. Thank you.”

“Thank you.” After a series of long, sweet kisses, he whispered, “I'd better get out of here before I lose what little control I have.” Cupping her hips, he rose with her to his feet, letting her body slowly slide down his.

“You're welcome to stay the night,” she urged softly.

He shook his head. “You wouldn't be comfortable letting me make love to you with Leah so close. It will have to wait until I have you all to myself. I won't be satisfied until I've made you scream when you come.” He laughed as she blushed.

Jenna said in a whisper, “Hush! Leah might hear you.”

“See what I mean.” With his arm around her waist, they walked to the door.

Turning, Jenna wrapped her arms around his waist, saying softly, “I'm sorry. Leah's move here hasn't turned out the way I expected.”

“That's called life, babe. It doesn't ever go exactly as planned.”

“I know, but I thought I'd do a better job of handling things.”

“What things?”

“Managing our time together. I didn't realize it would be this difficult. The blame rests with me. It's just that I've waited so long to be reunited with her. I'm so glad that she's here. I know I let her get away with too much. I shouldn't have let her play that trick on you. I'm sorry about that. But she honestly didn't mean any harm.” She sighed wearily. “I hate to disappoint her. Sometimes I feel as if I'm being pulled in two directions. Like tonight, I want to go home with you, but I also feel guilty, as if I'd be neglecting my sister.” Biting her trembling bottom lip, she looked up into his eyes, confessing, “I don't want to hurt or lose either one of you.”

“Shush.” He placed a silencing finger against her lips. “You aren't hurting or losing anyone, especially not me. Sweet thing, we're about more than sex. We will work it out. Our weekend away will go a long way toward easing the situation.”

“What about tonight?” She brushed against him, rubbing his erection.

“I can wait. How about you?” he teased.

The sound of her laugh was sweet and welcome. “I have no choice.”

“Neither do I. Just because I have a hard-on doesn't mean I'm not particular. I want only you, Jenna Gaines.” He leaned down, taking a quick, hard kiss. “Pack light. You're not going to need sleepwear. I plan to keep you warm. Night.”

Scott waited until she set the dead bolt and key in the alarm before he made his way down the porch steps and to his car. Jenna had a point. Things hadn't gone as either of them had expected. He had assumed Leah would be like Jenna. He had had no idea that the resemblance would have more to do with their physical appearance than their personalities. He hadn't known Leah long, but from what he observed, she was nothing like his Jenna.

He smiled. “My Jenna . . . my love.” He liked the sound of it so much that he repeated it to himself. He wouldn't stop until there was no doubt that they were a couple and in love.

He didn't mind sharing Jenna with her work, her friends, or even her family, but he did mind having to worry that her twin didn't have her welfare at heart. He also couldn't quietly sit back and let Leah take advantage of or possibly hurt his Jenna.

What if he was wrong? Leah hadn't exactly done anything to Jenna that he knew of. When she'd pretended to be Jenna she hadn't been underhanded about it. Jenna had known about the prank. But then Leah was used to being the center of male attention. Yeah, maybe he was looking for a problem when there really wasn't one.

Scott frowned. Life was unpredictable. His and Jenna's situation was a prime example. They should have been married by now. Their careers would have been on track and they would have been getting around to starting their family. Unfortunately, they hadn't stuck to the plan. He'd chosen the NBA, and she'd chosen her studies. They'd separated and spent so many empty years apart.

On the drive home, he marveled over how fortunate they had been to have found their way back to each other. He wouldn't be satisfied until they had it all back. He'd come to terms with his feelings for Jenna. Despite their separation and time apart, his feelings hadn't changed. He was still very much in love with Jenna, and he wanted her love. For weeks, he'd been working hard to convince her he wasn't the same man who had tossed their love away. He was going to prove to her he was worthy of her love and trust.

Lately, it seemed as if every single time he saw a softening in her, something would happen to throw them off course yet again. He worried that he was losing ground. Naturally self-reliant and on guard, Jenna hadn't been easy to win over. But he'd done it. They were almost back. They just had a few critical steps to make to move forward. And this time they would make it work. Even though she hadn't said the L word, he was encouraged that she was close. She wanted to be with him as much as he wanted to be with her.

Leah had really put a kink in his plans. Instead of concentrating on getting reacquainted with her twin, she was forever flirting with him. Because she made him uncomfortable, he'd done everything he could think of to avoid being alone with her, which meant he saw less of Jenna.

He was a straightforward kind of guy, but his frustration level was off the charts. It was a shame that he couldn't share his concerns with Jenna. In her eyes, Leah could do no wrong. Until he was certain he had Jenna's complete trust, he couldn't tell her what he most feared. Leah was jealous of her twin. Was she capable of hurting Jenna?

Feeling as if his hands were tied, he swore impatiently as he turned into his drive. If he was right, he would have to warn Jenna about her twin. It was the only way to protect his love. But not yet; there was still time for her to enjoy getting to know her sister. It could keep until after Christmas and the special things she was so excited about sharing with family and friends. In the meantime, he had plans of his own. He would turn their getaway into a wildly romantic weekend that neither one of them would soon forget.