London Calling (6 page)

Jenna collapsed onto Tim’s heaving chest. He wrapped his
arms around her, kissing her forehead, nose and cheeks. Her mouth found his and
they shared a tender kiss, his lips full and hot against hers. She curled into
him, feeling warm and protected.

He caressed her hip. “I’m going to run to the loo. Need
anything?”

“Seems to me like you took care of everything.”

He laughed and returned moments later with two glasses of
water and an enormous bag of Pretzel M&M’s.

“You weren’t kidding when you said you like those,” she
said, sitting up and pulling the sheet over her chest.

“You’ve got me addicted.” He climbed in next to her and tore
open the bag. He took a single piece and held it to Jenna’s waiting lips. She
parted them, feeling lightheaded as he followed the candy with a kiss. Several
pieces tumbled into his hand and he gave her the bag. His fingers curled over
the top edge of the sheet. “You’re hiding from me.”

She sat up further, allowing the sheet to fall from her
breasts. The brush of cool fabric made her nipples hard. “Better?”

He stretched out on his side. “Perfect.”

They stayed up much of the night, snuggling, talking and
laughing. Tim told stories from his childhood, about his mum, his sisters and Gavin.
Jenna soaked up every word, trying to imagine a younger version of Tim. She wished
she had such stories. Aside from the stretch every summer when she and her
brother stayed with their grandmother, there weren’t many happy memories.

* * * * *

The alarm on Jenna’s phone sounded at five. Tim’s breathing
remained steady and heavy, his arm draped over her waist. She wished the room
wasn’t so dark so she could see his face clearer as he slept.

Lifting his arm gently, she inched out of his embrace. She
tiptoed to the bathroom and dressed, surprisingly energized from what couldn’t
have been more than two hours of sleep.

“Tim,” she whispered, but there was no response. “Tim.” She
leaned down and kissed his cheek. She hated leaving, hated the thought of the
next several hours at work. All she really wanted to do was slide into bed and
give him a very pleasant and drawn-out wake-up call.

It was chilly outside and Jenna decided to splurge on a cab
home so she could change before she headed to work. Watching as the eerily
quiet city streets zipped by, she thought about chance, about what she might be
doing if Tim had never stumbled across the café. It would be just another day. Instead,
she felt warm and tingly just thinking about him. She grinned and rested her
forehead against the window.

Jenna’s fondness for Tim was undeniable. She knew her
feelings were foolish, just like her to go overboard. There had been only a few
dates and already she didn’t want to spend a minute without him. She’d probably
slept with him too soon. She went over it in her head, arguing that she could
have wasted an entire week playing hard-to-get when she didn’t have that kind
of time with him.

She was nearly fifteen minutes late by the time she arrived
at the café. She whipped off her coat and hung it up before rushing to the sink
to wash her hands.

“Nat, I’m so sorry.” She transferred pastries to a tray at
lightning speed.

Natalie winked. “No problem. I hope he was worth it.”

Her face flushed. She was glad this hadn’t come up when she
was trying to wait on customers. “He was.”

The morning rush was hectic, as always, but Jenna couldn’t
get her mind off Tim. When the first wave subsided, Jenna took the opportunity
to froth some milk for the next influx. Natalie brought a tray of muffins from
the back.

“What’s wrong?” Natalie asked. “You look worried.”

“Do you think I messed up by sleeping with him so soon? What
if he bails?”

The bell on the door jingled again and Jenna wiped her brow
with the back of her forearm.
More customers. Great.

Natalie elbowed her, nodding toward the door. “I don’t think
you have anything to worry about.”

Jenna looked up and her heart skipped several beats.
He’s
here.

Chapter Five

Tim reached for Jenna but found her side of the bed empty. He
opened his eyes, still half asleep. Her scent was everywhere—the sheets,
the pillow, him, but she was nowhere in sight. He sat up, craning his neck to
look toward the bathroom, then he remembered she needed to be at the café to
open.

Bugger.
He flopped back onto the pillows.
I didn’t
even say goodbye.
It occurred to him they hadn’t set up a future date yet
either. That thought was enough to get him out of bed.

In less than twenty minutes, he was out the door heading for
the café. The morning air was cool as his still-damp hair flopped against his
forehead, but all he could focus on was seeing Jenna again. He caught a glimpse
of her the second he opened the door. Hair pulled back, dark gray t-shirt over
a black thermal, lips a deep crimson that reminded him of how her mouth looked
after their kisses.

He couldn’t keep the grin off his face as he remembered
their night together. It occurred to him that she’d left without a word.
Suppose
she snuck out to avoid an awkward morning together?
His stomach tensed until
he caught her eye. The moment she smiled his whole body relaxed.

Is it my imagination or is she glowing?
He tried not
to stare as he waited for his turn. Natalie popped out of the back with a large
sheet of muffins. “Hey, Piano Man.” She smirked and he knew Jenna must have
mentioned their evening.
Her friend seems pleased with me, that’s got to be
a good sign.

When he finally reached the front of the line, Jenna looked
up at him, eyes wide and innocent. “What can I do for you?”

He felt the grin return as his eyebrows popped high with the
possibilities. “Can I get a large latte with an extra shot? I’m feeling a bit
worn out this morning.”

The corners of her mouth twitched and he could tell she was
trying not to laugh. “See anything else you like?”

“Very much, but for now I’ll just take the coffee.” He
leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “I’m really just here to stare at the
cute counter girl until she can take a break. I’m hoping she’ll come chat me
up.”

“Good luck with that.” Jenna’s eyes twinkled. “That’ll be
$2.49.”

He handed her three dollars and dropped the coins in the tip
jar. “Trying to increase my odds.”

He grabbed a copy of
The Village Voice
and took a
seat to wait.

Natalie came out of the kitchen again and placed a small
plate in front of him. “New scone recipe, maybe you can tell me if I’ve got it
right.” She winked at him and returned to the counter. He took a bite and was
impressed. Perfect texture. Just the right amount of sweetness.

“Well?” she asked, peering at him from over the glass case.

“Spot on.”

“Yes!” She gave a thumbs-up and disappeared back into the
kitchen.

He was just finishing the last bite when Jenna came and sat
down opposite him. “Sorry. Busy morning today.”

“You’re worth the wait.” He reached over and took her hand,
loving the fact that her cheeks colored as soon as he touched her. “You know I
didn’t even hear you leave this morning.”

“You were out cold.”

“You should have woken me. I’d have walked you downstairs,
put you in a cab.”

“I figured you needed your rest.” Laughter danced in her
eyes.

“So when can I see you again? Are you free tonight?” He held
his breath, hoping he didn’t sound too needy but not caring enough to try to
appear cooler.

“Actually tonight I have to do laundry. I mean really have
to. The situation is pretty desperate.”

“Sounds perfect. I was just thinking I needed to track down
a laundry. Particularly since someone got lipstick on one of my dress shirts.”

Her hand flew to her mouth. “Did I? I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I quite enjoyed the process.” He rubbed his thumb
against the impossibly smooth skin of her wrist. “Mind if I come along? I
promise not to look at your unmentionables. Much. Well. Maybe promise is too
strong a word.”

She giggled and the sound sent ripples of pleasure straight
to his groin. “Okay. There’s one that’s kind of halfway between our apartments.
We can meet there. Say six o’clock? It shouldn’t be too crowded then.”

“You want to give me directions?” He held out his palm for
her to write.

She gave him an exaggerated eye roll, which pleased him
immensely. “Here.” She wrote the name and address on the back of an order
ticket and handed it to him. “I need to get back to work now. I have other
customers in desperate need of flirting.”

“By all means, don’t let me get in the way of business.” He
let her get a step away from the table before grabbing her hand. “One more
thing.” He tugged her closer and kissed her, the sweetness of her lips melting
against his tongue.

She looked as breathless as he felt. “Six o’clock.”

That seemed like an awfully long time to wait for another
kiss, but he knew it would be worth it. He strolled home feeling utterly
content and decided to ring Gavin.

He picked up on the second ring. “Oh God, what’s wrong?”

Tim snorted. “What makes you think something’s wrong?”

“Because I always call you, you never call first.”

Tim was about to argue but he knew it was true. “Oh, right.
Well, nothing’s wrong.”

“How was your first night at work?”

“Excellent. They were very pleased. And Jenna seemed
impressed.”

“Ahhhh. Showing her your fingering skills, eh? Clever boy.
Did you get another date?”

“Two. Last night and again tonight.”

“Nicely done. So, is she as smitten as you?”

“Smitten?” Tim trotted up the steps of his building.

“Oh please. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard you sound more
into a girl. Does she fancy you?”

“Seems to.”

“Well, good. She sounds a right bit better than the ones who
flock ’round you at the clubs. Wouldn’t it be funny if getting sacked caused
you to meet the woman you’re destined to be with?”

“Bit soon for that sort of talk. We’ve only just met.”

“Mmmm. We’ll see.”

Gavin’s words stuck with Tim long after he hung up the
phone. He spent the day playing guitar, getting ready for his studio session.
Every time he looked at the clock his mind went straight to Jenna. He couldn’t
wait to see her again.

Tim bagged up his laundry and began the walk. As he neared
the Laundromat he noticed the sign for Veniero’s. Jenna had told him that was
her favorite bakery, makers of the best cannoli in the city. He had time before
he was due to meet her so he stopped in and bought two, one plain and one
chocolate dipped, not sure which she preferred.

Jenna was nowhere in sight when he arrived so he put his bag
down on a machine with the cannoli box hidden behind it. While he was figuring
out which bills to put into the detergent dispenser, he heard her familiar
voice behind him.

“You come here often?” she asked, her voice low and
seductive, full of teasing.

He turned and saw her, looking adorable in an oversized
sweater and black leggings. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and slide his
hands beneath the sweater, but he settled for a kiss.

“I see you found it. I was wondering if I’d have to go
search for you.” Her eyes twinkled.

“I’m learning my way around pretty well. In fact, I made a
stop on the way here.” He produced the small Veniero’s box and handed it to
her.

“Are you kidding?” She made a happy purr. “What did you
get?”

“Take a look.”

She pulled on the string with one of her dainty hands, then
popped open the lid. “Ooo, I never can decide between the chocolate covered and
the regular.”

“Now you don’t have to.”

“These will be perfect for after dinner.” She started to
close the box.

“Why wait?”

Her hair swooped over her eyes as she stared thoughtfully
into the box. “Excellent question. Let’s start with regular.” She lifted the
plain cannoli out of the box, then licked her lips. Her mouth opened, the long
pastry poised before her, and she sank her teeth into it with a blissful moan.
“So good.”

She hummed as she chewed, eyes closed. As she went for her
second bite her tongue swooped out, curling around a bit of the creamy white
filling and drawing it into her mouth. Tim’s cock pulsed against his thigh.
She’s
killing me.

Jenna turned the cannoli toward him. “Want some?” she licked
a bit of white from her lower lip and his stomach tensed with desire.

He parted his lips and she placed the cannoli between them.
The sweetness filled his mouth as he chewed the crunchy, creamy bite, his eyes
never leaving Jenna. “You know, now that I’ve given it some thought, I don’t
really have to do laundry. What do you say we just go to my place?” He ran his
hand along her arm, resisting the urge to pull her down on the row of hard
plastic chairs and start right there.

Jenna giggled. “You and your cannoli are very tempting, but
I really have to wash some clothes. Come, let’s load the machines.” She hopped
up, licking a fingerful of filling. Tim wasn’t sure he could stand up to follow
her.

She headed straight for the empty row of machines and pulled
a large jingling pouch out of her pocket. Her fingers worked quickly, placing
silver coins in the slots of all four machines. She pushed each coin tray in
and water started spilling into the barrels. “Hot or cold water?” she asked.

“Doesn’t matter.” Laundry was the last thing on his mind, he
was too busy watching Jenna’s bum as she bent to sort through her laundry sack.

“What are you washing? Jeans get cold water, whites get
hot…”

“I usually just dump everything in and turn the machine on.”

Jenna laughed. “That’s a great way to wind up with pink
undies and a bunch of shrunken pants.”

Tim stood and moved over to her, his arms wrapping around
her waist. “Funny you should mention that, it seems my pants have already
shrunk a bit just from sitting here.” He leaned down to kiss her, his hips
rocking into hers. She pressed firmly against him, going up on tiptoes so he
fit more precisely into the curved space at the tops of her legs. He leaned her
back against the gentle vibrations of the machine, his tongue working hers in
slow circles.

She pulled away, breathless. “You know the long cycle runs
forty-five minutes. If we hurry we could make a quick trip to your place and be
back by the time they all need to go in the dryer.”

Tim had renewed energy in regard to the pursuit of clean clothes.
Jenna insisted on sorting through his and tossed his darks in with hers,
leaving his whites free to tumble around with her delicate unmentionables. Even
the idea of their clothing rolling around together was a turn-on. “Ready?” he
asked the second she lowered the lid on the last machine.

She grabbed the Veniero box, looking up at him with dark,
expectant eyes. “Let’s go.”

“Bugger,” Tim mumbled. “I hate this blooming lock.” He
grunted and tried to turn the key. “It always sticks.”

Jenna waited, holding the bakery box, rubbing his back. The
incessant jingle of the keys and the presence of an uneaten cannoli only made
the waiting worse.

The door swung open and he blew out a breath of relief. “Ladies
first.” He motioned her over the threshold and grabbed her the instant she was
inside, kicking the door closed.

He dug his hands into her hair and they smashed their mouths
together, a frenzy of lips and tongues. Tim yanked his jacket off and dropped
it to the floor. Jenna pushed his t-shirt up his torso. He tossed it aside as
she pulled her sweater over her head. They wasted no time stripping off their
remaining clothes. Tim’s eyes flashed hungrily and he reached down and grabbed
her butt, hoisting her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist, coiling her arms
around his neck. He took two long strides and plopped her down on the butcher block
counter.

“Condom,” she said, breathless. “Hurry.”

“Right,” he answered, seeming a bit dazed. He was back in
seconds flat, tearing the pouch on his way.

“Here. Let me.” She took it from his hands and rolled it on
while he watched, steadying himself with a hand on her shoulder.

He groaned and grabbed her behind the knees, tugging her
closer.

“Thought I was too good for the kitchen counter.” Jenna
smirked, loving the perplexed look on his face.

“You’re right. Let’s try the table instead.”

She scrambled down as he pushed a pile of newspapers
to the floor.

“I can’t bloody think,” he said.

Jenna leaned back against the table. “I blame the
cannoli.” She scooted her butt to the very edge, resting back on her hands.

Tim shook his head as he grabbed one of her legs and hooked
it behind his ass. “Actually, I blame you. You’re making me barmy.” He
positioned himself between her legs and teased her folds apart with the tip of
his cock.

Jenna moaned and circled her head back as electricity
prickled through her. She raised her other leg to wrap around him.

He drove inside her, making her eyelids flutter.
God,
he feels good.
Heat rushed through her as he took total control, lifting
her hips off the table and thrusting with an intoxicating tilt of his pelvis. The
sensation of his cock sliding in and out of her sent her racing to the brink. He
picked up his pace and held her with a potent grip. Dipping his head, he sucked
on one of her breasts, playing her with his tongue. The pressure within her
doubled. Fire rose from her hips. Her breath caught as the orgasm thundered
through her and she smiled with pride when he quickly followed. Her muscles
flexed around him in pulses as he thrust, long and slow, sending final ripples
of ecstasy rolling along her spine.