London Calling (4 page)

She giggled. “I bet you could add to that collection quite a
bit while you’re here. Manhattan is full of tourists.”

“I’m always the photographer. Gavin’s the extrovert.”

“I can see that. He’s handsome too.”

“Yes, most women think so. Annoyed the hell out of me when
we were younger. All the girls gravitated toward him and he wanted nothing to
do with them.”

“My brother was the same way. He was a total chick magnet.
Waitresses would hit on him at restaurants when he was only fifteen. My dad
thought it was awesome. Made it all the more shocking for the bastard when
Ethan came out.”

The hurt was evident in her voice when she mentioned her
father. He reached out and stroked her hand and her fingers curved around his,
creating a tug deep within his belly.

She clicked his phone back to the main page. “Oh wow, I
didn’t realize how late it is. I need to be at the café at five. I’m opening.”

Disappointment coursed through him. “I’ll walk you home.” The
last thing he wanted to do was let her go, but he was already looking forward
to the good-night kiss.

He stood, hoping he wouldn’t embarrass himself too much with
the uncomfortable bulge in his pants. Jenna started folding the takeout cartons
shut. On her knees, she was waist level, right in front of him. He quickly bent
and began packing the food back into the bag, trying to distract himself in any
way possible. “Here,” he handed her the rest of the fortune cookies. “You
should have these, in case you can’t sleep. Will give you ideas of what to do
in bed.”

The giggle that purred out of her carried through him from head
to toe.
Right. I need to go put the food away so I can stand in front of the
open fridge for a moment.

Even though they were still together, Jenna was riddled with
disappointment. Kissing Tim had been incredible, but it only left her wanting
more. The doubts and questions stewed in her brain as he walked her home.
He
stopped the kiss
.
What guy does that? He must not like me.

They reached the corner and a cab sped away from the curb,
causing them both to freeze. He grasped her hand and stepped off the curb,
leading her across St. Marks Place. He did it with total confidence, as if he’d
been a New Yorker all his life. It was more than a little bit of a turn-on.

His hand enveloped hers, warm and protective, but the
continuous loop of questions returned to Jenna’s head and kept her from
enjoying the sensation

When they reached Jenna’s building, they stood in silence, holding
hands for a moment as though neither one of them wanted to be the first to
begin the conclusion of their evening. The wind picked up and swirled around
them, coursing through Tim’s hair and pulling Jenna’s across her face. She
shook it away to see him. He took her other hand and lowered his head.

He pressed his lips against hers with a new urgency, seeming
hungry for her. All she could think was how badly she wanted him. Their noses
knocked into each other, tongues tangled, eager for more. She popped up on to
her tiptoes and strained to be closer to him, grasping his shoulders. She
shuffled a few paces backward, pulling him along as they kissed, and stepped up
onto the bottom stair leading to her door.

Tim laughed quietly, his mouth still against hers.

“This is better,” she muttered.

“Much.” He smoothed his hands around her waist and under her
jacket, tugging her closer.

Jenna wrapped her arms around him, circling a finger into
the thick hair at the nape of his neck. A soft moan escaped her throat as he
sucked her lower lip into his mouth. He gripped her rib cage and his thumb
rubbed the side of her breast. Heat surged through her, heightening the
sensation. Everything he did was driving her crazy, in the best possible way.

Her heart beat a driving rhythm in her chest. She wanted to
be consumed by him—she cursed her job, her roommate, the notion of a body
needing sleep. It was all keeping her away from him. She rocked her hips into
him and although he was already hard, it felt as if he swelled against her. Her
remaining question faded.
Oh yeah. He likes me.

Tim slowed their kisses and pulled away, resting his
forehead on top of her head. “We have to stop or they’re going to have us both
arrested for lewd behavior.”

The heat rose in Jenna’s cheeks and she nestled her face
into Tim’s neck. “You’re so warm. It’s freezing out here.” She huddled against
him, protected by his arms.

“I hadn’t noticed.”

“Right. Your new coat.”

“Uh, the coat is great, but it’s not that.”

She smiled.

“Please tell me I get to see you tomorrow,” he said. “Would
you like to come and watch me entertain the upper crust of New York?”

Her heart sank to her stomach. “I promised Natalie I’d do
something with her. We’re both always canceling on each other.”

“Perhaps she’d join you. Drinks are on me.”

Jenna looked up into his eyes. “Natalie’s been known to down
her fair share of ten-dollar cosmos.”

“I’ll take my chances.” He stepped back and held her hand.
“I’m just going to kiss you good night on the cheek. Otherwise, I’ll never
leave.” He brushed his warm lips against the side of her face.

Even that was titillating. She took a deep breath. “Good
night. Thank you for dinner.”

“Good night, Jenna.”

She sighed as she watched him walk away. She saw his strong
profile as he turned to look for traffic before he crossed the street. Her
heart fluttered.
He likes me.
She hurried inside and up to the second
floor, relieved that Rachel was in her room. Jenna brushed with the new
toothbrush that she now carried wherever she went, and closed the door to her
bedroom, pressing the lock.

Sleep seemed unimportant if not impossible. There were so
many details of the night to obsess about—his smell, his hair, his mouth.
Every word he’d said to her was fresh in her brain and she began to replay each
wonderful scene as she went to her closet. She smiled, shook her head and
giggled quietly, flipping through the hangers. Chewing on her pinky, she
wondered how she would ever pick the perfect thing to wear for tomorrow night.
She knew it had to be good.

Tim couldn’t get Jenna off his mind. Although the air was
just as chilly as it had been the night before, he was anything but cold. He
was revved up and overheated. He walked home briskly, making a quick stop at
Duane Reade to buy a drink and some shaving cream. While he was at the store he
grabbed a box of condoms, just in case.
Wishful thinking? I hope not.

The flat seemed strangely empty without her in it. He tossed
the condoms into the small drawer of the bedside table and flopped onto the
bed. It was nearly midnight and he was totally wired.
Now what?
His cock
answered with a drum-like beat. He struggled out of his jeans, dropped them off
the edge the bed and stroked himself through the smooth fabric of his boxers.
His eyes closed as he imagined it was Jenna’s hand.

Kissing her had been even better than he’d imagined. Sweet
and delicate but with unmistakable passion, as though a fire burned deep within
her. The thought of being inside her made him groan and he stripped away his
shorts.

Finally free from the confines of clothing, his cock
pulsated, begging for release. He could still feel Jenna’s lips on his, gentle
but insisting, her fingers working through his hair. Pulses of electricity
zipped through him, his balls drawing up tight as the pressure built.

Just as he reached for his cock, his phone buzzed, vibrating
across the hardwood floor.
Dammit
.
Gavin.
He leaned over the edge
of the bed, fumbling through the pockets of his jeans. Two missed texts.

Still with the girl or busy wanking?

How does he do that?
Gavin had some sort of sixth
sense and somehow managed to interrupt whenever Tim was having quality alone
time. He’d long ago given up denial and embarrassment.

Either way, call me, it’s important.

Knowing Gavin would text again within minutes, Tim called
him.

Gavin answered on the first ring. “Took you long enough.”

“I…never mind.” Tim massaged his forehead and lay back
against the pillows, feeling more than a little frustrated.

“Is she there?”

“No.”

“Aww, struck out, eh?”

“What? No. I walked her home. Like a gentleman.”

“Isn’t it customary to let them stay the night, you know
after…”

“There was no after.” Tim scrubbed his hand through his
hair. “All we did was kiss.”

“Bad kiss, then?”

Tim smiled, recalling the feel of her lips. “Not at all,
she’s quite lovely.”

“I meant you.”

“Funny. No. She seemed right pleased. I’m just trying to
take things slow.” He paused, an unfamiliar sensation tugging in his stomach.
“I like her.”

“Well, just remember, when you do win her over with your
charms, use protection.”

“Did you call to discuss my dick?”

“Don’t flatter yourself. We’ve hit a snag with the
adoption.”

Tim heard the change in Gavin’s voice, the joking gone. “What
happened?”

“Seems the agency isn’t certain where our child has been
placed. Something about government funding causing some centers to close and
children getting shuffled about. They’ve misplaced our baby.”

“Christ. Sorry. They’ll sort this out, I’m sure.”
How do
you lose an infant?

“I suppose. Just bloody aggravating.” Tim could hear frantic
typing. He imagined Gavin must be sending off some heated emails. “Speaking of
babies, I ran into Jane.”

Tim’s ears perked up. “Really? How’d she look?”

“Fabulous. Positively glowing. And her tum’s getting nice
and round.”

Tim let out a slow breath. “Good. Really hope she doesn’t
have any problems this time. Arthur’s traveling so much and she’s got so much
to do taking care of Lucy. I worry about her. Don’t think she could handle
another miscarriage.”

“Don’t worry, mate, I’ll pop in on her from time to time.
She knows she can always ring me or Phillip if she needs something.”

“Keep reminding her. She hates asking for help.”

“Yes, your whole family is annoyingly independent. What time
is it there, anyway? Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”

“I might be if my phone hadn’t gone off.”

“Oh, right. Sorry. Not used to having you in a different
time zone.”

“When have you ever stopped to consider what time it is
before you ring me?”

Gavin laughed. “On that note…”

Tim rolled over, his eyelids feeling heavy. His thoughts drifted
straight back to Jenna. Her soft hands, her sweet scent, her laugh. He couldn’t
wait to see her again. To touch her again. His cock eagerly seconded the
thought, throbbing in agreement. He wrapped his fingers around himself,
realizing if he was going to think about Jenna this much he was going to need
to find a laundry, fast.

Chapter Four

“I figure it’s a fifteen-minute walk to the restaurant, so
we don’t have a lot of time to figure out what’s going on with your love life. I
hope you’re ready to spill it.” Natalie wrapped her black trench coat around her.

“Why don’t you buy a coat that fits?” Jenna asked. “You’re
swimming in that thing.”

“If I had five minutes to eat, it might fit better. Now stop
trying to change the subject. I want to hear everything about Brit boy.”

“His name is Tim. And why are you so concerned?”

Natalie smirked. “Jenna, honey. You don’t have the best
record with men. I’m here to point out the warning signs. Somebody’s gotta be
looking out for you.”

Jenna frowned and wrapped her arms around her waist. The
coming scrutiny of Tim made her feel as if the other shoe was about to drop. If
there was something wrong, Natalie always saw it. Jenna picked up her pace. “I
really think you’re going to like him. He’s not like other guys.”

“You always say that. Now let’s get specific. Who paid for
dinner last night? Did he just happen to forget his wallet? Did his credit card
have a mysterious problem with the magnetic stripe?”

“It was his treat and I tried to split it with him. He
wouldn’t let me. He also went to the grocery and bought beer for us while I
waited for the food.”

“One point for Brit boy.”

“Nat, please. Tim.”

“Got it. Tim. How quickly did he try something?”

“He didn’t try anything, all we did was kiss. That’s what
was throwing me. I was going crazy trying to figure out if he liked me.”

Natalie cleared her throat. “Interesting. Maybe we’re
talking cultural differences.” She hitched her purse up on to her shoulder. “That
doesn’t make sense though. The British are obsessed with sex. Okay then,
another point for Tim. I don’t want to say anything, but he’s already running
circles around every other boyfriend you’ve ever had. Not that any of them set
the bar particularly high.”

“He’s not my boyfriend. We’re still getting to know each
other.”

“But you like him. A lot. How long have I known you? Eight
years? I’ve never seen you wear a dress.”

Jenna had stayed up until two in the morning trying on
virtually everything in her closet, looking for the perfect thing to wear. She
had decided on a clingy black wrap dress she’d bought at a designer sample sale
for fifty percent off and it was still expensive. It still had the tags on it. At
the time, she’d figured it would be a good investment, a classic. From the way
her butt and boobs looked in it, she knew she’d been right.

“I’ve worn one around you before.”

“I don’t mean the ten-dollar-vintage-dress-with-tights look.
I mean a real one. A push-me-down-on-the-bed dress.” Natalie stopped and
grabbed Jenna’s arm. “Seriously. One look at you and it’s all over for him. There’s
no way you aren’t getting lucky tonight.”

“He thinks I’m going home with you.”

“Uh huh. That’s not going to happen. That’s why I’m being
such a hard-ass about making sure he’s the right guy for you.”

Jenna smiled, leaned over and pecked Natalie on the cheek. “Love
you.”

“Love you too.” They began to walk again and Natalie
continued. “Okay, did he pout when you put on the brakes last night? Because
you know you probably sent him home with a boner.”

Jenna blushed and a tingle made its way up her spine. “I did.
I felt it against my leg. And he was the one who put on the brakes. He kissed
me good night on the cheek. He said he might not be able to stop if we kept
going. We’re here.” Jenna came to a halt in front of Tim’s new place of
employment.

The street and front of the restaurant were magical at night.
It was exactly what Jenna loved about living in the city. The cool little
places tucked into side streets, the hidden gems. The massive limestone archway
of the restaurant façade stood above a pair of wood carriage doors and black
wrought iron lanterns. Light shined through wavy antique glass.

Natalie started to giggle as Jenna reached for the door. “It
just occurred to me. The name of the restaurant.” She pressed her lips
together.

“One If By Land, Two If By Sea? What’s so funny about that?”
Jenna asked, annoyed. Now that they were so close to seeing Tim, she couldn’t
wait to get inside.

“I think you may give whole new meaning to ‘the British are
coming’.” Her shoulders jerked forward as she cackled, making Jenna roll her
eyes.

The restaurant was exactly what Jenna imagined a classy but
centuries-old British pub might look like. The bar was long, dark wood, and
rustic, old-world chandeliers illuminated the dining room ahead. There were
modern interpretations of royal portraits in crimson and gold.

Jenna and Natalie checked their coats and made their way to
a pair of leather stools at the center of the bar. Waiters in white shirts and bow
ties circulated through the dining room while well-dressed patrons clinked
wineglasses and bustled with conversation.

The baby grand piano sat in the corner, at the transition
from bar to restaurant. Jenna was disappointed there was no sign of Tim. She’d
waited for this moment all day.

“What can I get for you this evening, ladies?” the bartender
asked.

“What’s good tonight?” Natalie asked.

Jenna couldn’t even think about a drink order. Preoccupied
with scanning the room, she chewed on her lip, crossed her leg and bobbed her
foot.

“We’ll have two margaritas on the rocks, with salt.” Natalie
said, turning to Jenna. “He hand squeezes the limes.”

“Great.” Jenna felt a hand on her shoulder and shuddered as
she turned and saw Tim next to her. He was breathtaking in his new black suit
coat, dress shirt, and deep blue tie. “Hi. I was wondering where you were.”

Tim rubbed his hand across her upper back several times and every
part of her became aware of his presence. Her lips twitched at the corners,
excited to see their new playmate again.

Tim extended his hand. “Natalie, nice to see you again.”

Natalie shook his hand and her cheeks became pink. “Nice to
see you as well.” She ogled him, not blinking at all.

So it isn’t just me who can’t stop staring at him.

The bartender set down their drinks. “Would you like to
start a tab?”

“Peter, please,” Tim said, “put it on mine. Thanks, mate.”

“I’m sorry we didn’t get here for the first set.” Jenna took
a sip of her cocktail.

“It’s my fault,” Natalie said. “I was running behind.”

“How did it go?” Jenna asked.

“They didn’t throw tomatoes at me.” Tim reached down and
took Jenna’s hand, his soulful eyes on her. “You look lovely tonight.” He
grinned. “I’d love to chat, but it’s time for me to go on. Wish me luck.”

Jenna felt her insides melt. “Good luck. We’ll be here when
you’re finished.”

Natalie knocked Jenna on the knee with her fist as he walked
to the piano. “If you don’t sleep with him tonight, I will.” She licked the
salt from the rim of her glass and took several big swallows. “Sweet Jesus.”

The next fifty minutes passed like the most enticing dream
Jenna had ever had. The minute Tim began to play, he became like a different
man, and to her amazement, that new man was unbelievably talented. He
mesmerized her as his long fingers floated over the piano keys as though it
took no effort at all, as though he’d been born doing it.
No wonder they
said they’d take him for only two months. He’s incredible.

He directed his sight to her as soon as he finished. Jenna
smiled proudly, sitting up straight and feeling as if her heart was about to
leap out of her chest.
I am in so much trouble and I don’t even care.

Natalie finished her drink and stood, putting her purse over
her shoulder. “I should go,” she whispered to Jenna.

Tim came up behind her. “You aren’t leaving us already, are
you?”

“I am. Congratulations. You were incredible. Very
impressive.” She shook his hand and then turned back to Jenna. “Have a great
night. I’ll see you tomorrow. You can come in at six instead of five. I can
manage by myself until then.”

“Are you sure?” Jenna asked.

Natalie looked at Tim and then at her. “I’m sure.” She
leaned down and kissed Jenna on the cheek before walking away.

“Well? What did you think? You’d tell me if you thought it
was bollocks, wouldn’t you?”

Jenna laughed and felt bold enough to reach for his hand as
he took Natalie’s seat at the bar. “I don’t even know what to say. I’m
speechless. I figured you were talented, I just had no idea you were going to
be so amazing.”

Tim rubbed his thumb across the top of her hand. “Would you
like to go somewhere? I mean, for coffee or something.”

“My place?” she asked. “My roommate is working late
tonight.”

“Smashing. Let’s get your coat.”

Jenna felt as if her entire body was on fire as they walked
back to her apartment.
Is this going to happen? Am I imagining this?
She’d
picked up a box of condoms on her way home from work, just in case. She was
ready to throw all caution to the wind. Even with the future uncertain, she
knew one thing about tonight—she wanted Tim, badly.

They took the corner on to her street and Jenna’s jaw
dropped when she saw the lights on in her apartment. Rachel was doing her
interpretive dance bullshit in front of the window.

“She’s supposed to be working.” Jenna pointed up at the
building as she searched Tim’s face. Her shoulders dropped and she groaned.

He glanced up at the window. “You know, I don’t even know
her and I already don’t like her.”

“I’m sorry. I guess I messed up our evening.”

Tim took her other hand and pulled her closer. “That’s not
possible. Even if I had to go straight home, I would still say it was perfect. Especially
after this.”

He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up onto her
tiptoes. Jenna’s back arched in surrender. He kissed her with abandon, showing
far less reserve than last night’s good-night kiss. He stopped and pressed his
nose against hers. “I really don’t want our evening to end. Would you like to
come back to my place? I know it’s a bit of a walk. We don’t have to do
anything more than talk. Whatever you want.”

Jenna was still catching her breath from the kiss. She
grabbed his hand, took several long strides to the curb and thrust her hand up
in the air. “Taxi!”

Tim struggled to get his keys out of his pocket. Jenna had
spent the entire cab ride tracing her silky fingertips back and forth across
his palm, sending shock waves through every nerve in his body. He was so hard
he could barely see straight, let alone undo the multiple locks on the door.

When the last latch clicked open, he breathed a sigh of
relief, sweeping Jenna into a kiss as he maneuvered the two of them through the
doorway. Her arms twined around his neck, her fingers burrowed into his hair.
He couldn’t think of anything other than getting her to the bed.

He shrugged out of his jacket, letting it drop to the
kitchen floor as he walked her backwards toward the bedroom. His heart was
pounding, his senses overloaded. Her tongue worked his in maddening circles.

She paused when they reached the bed. For a moment he
thought she was about to pull away, but instead she peeled off her coat and
stepped out of her shoes. Without the heels she was even tinier, petite and
fragile and ever so appealing. Her hands went to work on his shirt, dragging it
up out of his trousers before starting to unfasten the buttons. She moved
slowly, opening one at a time, brushing her mouth over each new patch of his
chest as soon as it was bared. His cock throbbed in response to each touch of
her lips.

She eased his shirt off his shoulders and he couldn’t wait
any longer. His mouth descended on hers with increased intensity. Her hands ran
down the length of his torso, headed for his belt buckle, which she made quick
work of before stroking her hand firmly against his groin.

The groan that escaped him was far louder than he intended,
echoing in the quiet of the apartment. She giggled and the sound trilled
through him. He ran his hands up her back. “You’re wearing far too many
clothes.”

She pressed her palm against his erection. “So are you.”

He fingered the long tie that seemed to be holding her dress
closed. It released and the dress began to unwrap, as if he was opening a
lovely gift. He eased the loose fabric off her shoulder, watching as each new
inch of her was exposed. His fingers lingered as they passed over her smooth,
warm skin. He gathered her satiny hair in his hand, moving it aside, peppering
her neck with delicate kisses. The sensation of her pulse racing beneath his
lips brought a new level of urgency.

Her hair spilled over her shoulders as he pushed the dress
sleeves farther down her arms. Her skin looked even paler than usual in the
bluish light of the apartment. The black lace of her bra accented her
magnificent curves. He reached behind her to undo the clasp, thankful that he
got it in one try.

She shrugged, causing the thin straps to fall away as the
cups tipped forward, baring her luscious round breasts, which were even fuller
than he’d imagined. He returned his mouth to her neck as his hands moved up her
rib cage, his thumbs grazing the underside of each firm mound, inching upward
toward the tightly puckered flesh of her nipples. She drew in a deep breath the
moment he touched them. He nibbled his way from one to the other, sucking each
into his mouth for just a second, her pleased gasps encouraging him to
continue.

He smoothed his hands over her hips as he kissed his way
back to her mouth. She moved in toward him, her pelvis rocking against his. He
eased her down onto the bed, his hands roaming over her. His fingers traced
under the edge of her waistband. “Can we take these off?”

She hesitated a second and his heart beat its way into his
throat.
Please say yes.
She raised her hips and shimmied the rest of the
dress and her stockings down her long legs. “Now you.” She tugged at his pants
and he wasted no time chucking them.