Midnight Kiss (9 page)

T
HE COUNTRY-WESTERN
bar where Will let himself be dragged after work several days later was one frequented by an odd mix of cowboys, construction workers and white-collar types who liked to kick back a few and dance. With its live music and core crowd of regulars, it was, in some ways, as close to the little pub in his village as he’d encountered in the States.

For some of the guys from David’s jobsite, this was their usual after-work stop, and Will found himself not averse to indulging in a beer on this day. Even if he’d sell his soul for a good Guinness.

Uncharacteristically, David had accompanied them. Will sat beside him at the bar, raised his glass of the brew they had on tap and studied it. “There is much I like about this country,” he mused aloud. “But what passes for beer cannot be counted among that company.” He shook his head. “Swill, pure swill.”

“Hey, now,” complained the man next to him.

“Maybe you should open your own bar,” David suggested, staring down into his drink. “You like to gab enough. You’d make a good bartender.”

“Possibly, but I need the fresh air and sunshine.” Will glanced over. “You know, I can’t recall ever seeing you accompany the men before.”

David continued to stare morosely. “I usually go
home after work. I like doing that.” He rested his head on one fist. “You don’t join them often, either.”

“I’m remodeling a house in my spare time,” Will reminded him.

“You’d have an easier go of it if you leveled the place and started from scratch.”

Will smiled. “But where would be the challenge in that?”

“You do seem to like a test.” He paused, then spoke again. “Speaking of adversity, let me give you a friendly word of warning—stay away from Jordan. I saw you together at our place. She’s bad news.”

“What makes you say that?” Not that he disagreed.

“I’ve spent a good ten years watching her discard men like used tissues. A man-eater, that one. I have no idea why she and Marly are friends.” David fastened his eyes on the bar. “But then, I’m not sure I know any thing about Marly these days.”

Will was honestly shocked. “Your wife is an angel.”

David shrugged. “She is. But something’s bothering her, and she’s not sharing it with me.”

“Women have their secrets.”

“Not Marly. We’ve been together forever. I know her mind like I know my own.” He shook his head. “At least, I thought I did.”

“Could her friends help you?”

“I would have said no, that Marly confides everything in me, but…” He sighed. “I could ask Fiona, I guess.”

“What about talking to Jordan?”

David snorted. “She’s the last person I’d take advice from when it comes to human relationships.”

Again, Will couldn’t argue.

“I mean, she’s sexy as hell, no question, and if you want a roll in the hay, I have no doubt she’s very talented. She always has a string of men ready to do the honors.”

Will frowned. “I thought she was a good friend. Your kids like her.”

David’s jaw flexed. “I used to like her fine, too, but lately I wonder about her influence. Maybe Marly’s regretting what she missed because we married so young and started having children right away. Jordan’s life probably looks very attractive to her, no responsibilities, nothing to tie her down.”

“I wonder. I have a sense that Jordan might be lonely.”

A bark of laughter. “Jordan? Get real.” David glanced in the mirror behind the bar, and his brow wrinkled. “Speak of the devil…she does get around, doesn’t she?”

Will followed his stare and spotted Jordan striding across to the bar on those long, long legs, her lithe figure showcased in a tight black pinstriped skirt and severely tailored red silk blouse. Work clothes, he supposed, but with the addition of red stilettos, she looked anything but buttoned-up.

She was quickly welcomed by the bartender and offered a stool by one of the regulars. She gave each man around her a smile that seemed genuine, bantering with them and making every man near her vie for her attention.
Man-eater
was not the right description for her; Jordan Parrish was a siren, yes, but with a
surprising dash of friendly chum mixed in. In no time she had her audience eating from her hand.

“I’d better shove off.” David signaled the bartender to bring his check. “I’ll be late for Joseph’s game if I don’t get cracking.”

Just then Jordan glanced into the mirror, and her gaze fastened on Will’s. He felt a visceral and very unwelcome punch, but he carefully kept his face neutral and merely lifted his beer in salute.

She arched one eyebrow, then pointedly turned away.

Friendly perhaps, but not to him. And didn’t that just stir the competitor in him?

David rose and clapped his hand on Will’s shoulder. “Look, I didn’t mean to talk out of school about Marly. We’ll be fine.”

Will jolted and blinked. “I imagine you will. You’re not a stupid man, and your lady is a queen among women.”

David grinned. “That she is.” Then he followed Will’s gaze and frowned. “I wouldn’t, my friend.”

“Wouldn’t what?” Will dissembled.

David shook his head. “Your funeral. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Will touched his forehead in salute. “Forewarned is forearmed.”

“You’d need some serious armor with that one. Well, see you.” He turned away, then back. “Oh—I’m supposed to find out if you’ll be around for Christmas.”

“That’s family time,” Will responded.

“Are you going home to Ireland?”

“No, not this year. One of my sisters is having a baby in January, so I’ll see them then.”

“Then come be with us. As you might have noticed, Marly has a generous definition of family. You won’t be the only non-Preston in attendance, I assure you.” He winked. “Jordan will probably be there, if you feel like living dangerously.”

“Does she have no family?”

“In name only. Parents are divorced, live on opposite coasts. They specialize in using Jordan as ammunition against each other. She’s usually with us on holidays.” David waved to him. “See you in the morning.”

Will nodded absently. There might be the explanation for Jordan’s behavior. Not that it was any concern of his. He should head out, as well. There was Sheetrock calling his name.

But just then he noticed Jordan on the small dance floor, smiling and flirting outrageously with her current partner.

Will pondered holding Sheetrock…or holding Jordan.

No contest. At any rate, one more encounter with her would surely cure him of this curious fascination. He threw some money down on the bar, and headed her direction.

As he approached, she glanced over her shoulder, then quickly turned her back on him, redoubling her attention on her partner, putting a dangerous sway in those slim hips he wouldn’t mind getting his hands on.

She’s a man-eater. Discards men like tissues.

Hadn’t he had his own taste of her sharp tongue? Indeed, but suddenly Will found himself smiling. She was bad tempered and difficult, but didn’t that add to the challenge she presented? His perfect woman hadn’t
yet made her appearance, and while he was patiently waiting, maybe he would unlock the puzzle of Jordan Parrish. It wasn’t as though his heart would get involved, after all. He was saving that for the woman of his dreams.

Meanwhile, two could play Ms. Parrish’s game.

When Jordan glanced over and narrowed her eyes at him as if to warn him off, he stifled the grin that threatened and instead walked right past her toward a woman sitting with her friends. This woman was definitely more his type with her generous curves and sweet face. “Would you care to dance?”

“Me? I, uh…” She glanced at her friends.

“Only the one dance. I swear my mum would tell you I’m just a wee bit stubborn but on the whole, quite harmless.”

“You’re Irish,” said one of her friends.

“You are, aren’t you?” The first woman smiled. “I love your accent.”

“Ah, but you’re the one with the lovely dulcet tones.”

Her friend grinned. “If you don’t want him, Sue Anne, I do.”

He smiled right back. “Perhaps you two ladies would also favor me with a dance.”

“I’m taken,” said one.

“I’m not,” said the second.

“Get in line,” said Sue Anne.

Will laughed and drew her out on the dance floor where they chatted easily and he never once spared a glance for Jordan.

At the end of that song, he escorted Sue Anne back and claimed her friend. The third woman said
her boyfriend was out of town, so she wanted her turn, too.

“Oh, but I would never nip another man’s woman. My mum would tan my backside.”

“Drat,” sighed the woman. “A gentleman.”

This time Will had a more difficult time ignoring Jordan completely because she somehow wound up right next to them. When he glanced her way, she gave him her best come-hither look, then redoubled her efforts to charm her current dance partner, her movements sinuous and seductive. When the man’s hands slid around to grab the derriere Will had admired, he had to contain a glower.

“Uh-oh,” said his partner. “Lovers’ quarrel?”

“Not a bit.”

“She keeps watching you, you know, when you’re not looking.”

Will bit back a satisfied smile. “You don’t say.”

“Want me to go tell her she’s stupid for doing what ever it is that has you dancing with us instead of her?”

Will laughed heartily and was pleased to see Jordan’s head whip in his direction. “A friend of mine calls her a man-eater.”

The woman glanced over. “She looks like one. Sue Anne’s much nicer.”

“I’m sure. And much more my type.” Will sighed. “But there’s that stubborn part of me my mum would warn you about. I’ll play this hand out.”

“My advice? Get Sue Anne’s phone number first.”

Will chuckled. “Perhaps I shall.” The music stopped, and he escorted her back to their table, pausing long enough to visit for a few minutes, leaving with not one
but two phone numbers even after Sue Anne’s friend told Sue Anne the score.

Will left them, debating simply leaving now.

The band began again, a slow, smoky tune, and he reversed course, snagging Jordan from her current companion. “My turn, mate.”

The man protested, but Will’s expression stopped him. He shrugged and moved off.

Jordan jerked in his grasp. “I didn’t say I wanted to dance with you.”

“Hush.” He drew her into him and began moving.

She remained stiff. “What, you want to give me another lecture?”

He merely held her more snugly against him. “Sh-h. I like this song.”

He saw the mutiny in her eyes along with the confusion. Bit by bit, though, she relented, and he smiled to himself, tucking her head into his shoulder and swinging them around so that she had no choice but to hang on to him.

Soon she quit resisting completely, then swiveled her hips against him in a blatant invitation Will badly—
badly
—wanted to pursue.

Instead, he whirled them again.

And began to sing to her.

Jordan lifted her head, a line forming between her eyebrows, and he could see her working up an argument.

But to his amazement, she subsided and simply danced, their bodies surprisingly attuned to each other. Once in a while, she’d look at him, baffled.

But she didn’t move away.

They danced that dance and two more before the band took a break, exchanging not one word the entire time.

As their bodies separated, Will could see her gearing up again to seduce him, to make him simply one of the many, so he seized the initiative to keep her off balance. “Good evening to you, Jordan. I’ll see you soon.” He kissed her knuckles when he wanted to kiss her beautiful mouth. “Would you be needing a ride home first?”

Her lips parted, her eyes at first confused, then anger reappeared. “Of course not. Anyway, the night’s barely begun.” She studied his reaction with a sideways glance.

I do believe I have your number, Ms. Parrish.
“Tomorrow’s a work day,” he said blithely. “You’ll need your sleep.”

“Bed perhaps,” she all but purred. “I don’t need much sleep.”

He clamped down as every instinct he had prodded him to drag her out of there and seize what she so blatantly offered.

But that would make him forgettable like all the others.

Oh, no, sweetheart. We’ll play this my way.
“I’ll wish you sweet dreams, then.” He turned to go.

“Good night and good riddance.” Vexation filled her tone.

Will didn’t let himself turn back.

But he left with a smile on his face.

S
HE WANTED TO SIT ON HER
windowsill, damn it. Jordan stared in frustration at the cold drizzle that had set in before she arrived home from work the next night. She needed to think, needed more space to prowl. The walls of her loft were closing in. The weather was nasty, but she had to get out of here, away from the silence. CDs didn’t get it; TV was worse. She’d picked up two different books and thrown both of them down in disgust.

Making up her mind quickly, she strode toward her coatrack, but the sharp crack against the window drew her up short. What the—?

There it was again. Pea gravel. Sharp little clicks against her window.

Why didn’t whoever it was just use the buzzer?

When the third shower of stones clinked, Jordan strode across the floor in a huff, jerking the window open.

She leaned out. “Why don’t you use the stupid buzz—?” The words dried up in her throat at the sight of the man on the sidewalk. Will Masterson. Jerk.

Under the hood of his coat, his face creased in a smile. “If you wouldn’t be answering the phone when I call, why should I expect you to answer the buzzer?”

He’d walked out on her the night before, when she wasn’t through with him. And yes, thanks to caller ID, she’d ignored a phone call earlier. “So you threw rocks at my window?”

“Ah, but gently, sweetheart, with exactly the right touch. Just as I’d treat a woman, you see.”

“You probably think that.” She shrugged indifferently. “Men often overrate their performance.” Now he’d be insulted and go away.

But of course he didn’t do that. Instead, he threw back his head and laughed, that deep, rolling sound that reached right past every barrier she could put up.

“Does that work with your usual sort? If so, I’m thinking you’ve not met the right man yet.”

“Are you applying for the position? I’ll warn you I don’t keep anyone around long.”

His eyes widened in mock horror. “The poor lads allow you to send them away?”

“I prefer to sleep alone.”

“Well, then, darlin’ Jordan, you’ve clearly not slept with the proper man. A pity, that is.”

“You think you’re him?” Her tone dripped condescension.

“Now, don’t be getting ahead of yourself. I haven’t even decided if I like you yet.” His smile was unrepentant.

She had to grin back. His unfailing good humor made him difficult to stay mad at. “You are too much, Will Masterson. I can’t decide if you’re dumb as a post or the most arrogant man I’ve ever met.”

“While you’re pondering, I’ll be right up. Hit the lock.”

“Wait—I didn’t say you—”

Too late. He’d already disappeared from sight.

Jordan slammed the sticky window down, shivering from the cold air that had filled the room. She should just leave him out there in the rain. It was so bone-deep cold that he’d soon leave.

But until he did, she was trapped in here, the same cage she’d been clawing to escape.

Damn the man. Suddenly, Jordan laughed out loud. What the hell—she’d been wanting entertainment, but she’d never in a million years imagined it being Will. She crossed the floor and punched the button, wondering just when she’d lost control of the situation.

Probably about five seconds after they’d met.

But she’d get it back, and then she’d boot him out, just like the others.

He didn’t knock but instead turned the knob and walked right in, standing in the doorway dripping. “That’s my girl. I knew you wouldn’t leave a poor man to freeze.”

Jordan nodded toward the coatrack on the wall. “Hang up your coat right there.”

He did so, even going so far as to pull off his boots, but his eyes were busy taking in the space around him. She had a sense of all her secrets being bared.

Will took his sweet time, not moving from where he stood, barely less imposing in his socks. He glanced up, and his face wreathed in smiles. “A pressed tin ceiling,” he said in reverent tones. “An interesting jumble, this. There are secrets here to be mined, darlin’ Jordan. A man could spend some time doing it.”

“Don’t get any ideas. I only took pity on a fool who’d stand out in the rain.”

“That you did, sweetheart. And there’ll be stars in
your crown for the doing.” He rubbed his hands together. “You wouldn’t happen to have a wee drop, now, would you?”

Jordan snorted. “I never met a man who sounded like a Pat O’Brien movie before. By that, I guess you mean something alcoholic?”

Blue eyes twinkled. “To be sure, you’ve never met a man like me before, Jordan Parrish. You may not yet be up to the challenge, but I might be willing to take on the task of grooming you for it.”

“You wish.” She shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ve probably got some tequila and limes. We could try body shots.”

He cocked his head. “Hmm, interesting game, that. We never played it in my pub.”

She had to chuckle. “You big faker. Marly told me you’ve been in the country several years.” She walked toward the kitchen area, all too aware of his large frame right behind her. As a tall woman, she wasn’t used to feeling dainty, but that’s exactly how Will made her feel.

“It’s in the blood, Jordan darlin’. Peat fires and the call of the auld sod. A man can’t help what he is, and I’ll thank you not to make sport of me.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Here we go. You can have…” But he’d left her, his concentration already switched to something else.

Her kitchen faucet? She’d never had a man up to her place who’d paid more attention to her loft than her body. Right now, he was turning handles, then using those capable hands to unscrew something on the tip of the faucet.

He shook the metal piece and slapped it against his
palm until a tiny screen fell into his hand. Will held it up to the light, frowning. “This screen needs replacing. And how long has this faucet been dripping?”

“What business is it of yours?”

He glanced around. “I suppose it’s too much to expect that you’d have a toolbox?”

“Of course I do. No twenty-first century woman is without one,” she huffed.

“Lead the way, sweetheart.”

Jordan grabbed for the part. “Give me that. I can take care of my own repairs, thank you very much.”

“Can you now?” Placing the metal whatever-it-was and screen in her hand, he executed a sweeping invitation. “Please. I love to watch a woman work.”

“I’ll do it later.” She slapped the parts on the counter and turned away.

“Oh, but there’s no time like the present, didn’t your mum teach you that?” Will relaxed against the counter, arms crossed, a big smile on his face. “Humor me. I’d so enjoy it. I’m in no hurry.”

“I’m not in the mood.” Jordan walked past him, drinks forgotten.

His arm shot out and wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. “Oh, darlin’, I do enjoy the way you do that.”

She leaned back, all too aware of how well they fit together. “Do what?”

His other hand slid up her back, tunneling into her hair, tilting her head slightly. “Lie with such arrogance.” His head lowered to hers and he growled softly. “You sure you’re not Irish?”

Then it was too late. His mouth covered hers, his big body surrounding her. She could smell wood shavings
on him, pine and cedar and soap…and something else she could only describe as all man.

Faster than she would ever have believed, his kiss swept her mind clean of any thought but him. For one perilous, treacherous moment, she remembered how it felt to dance with him, to have her body tight against his muscled one. A part of her wanted nothing more than to snuggle up in those strong arms, to sink into the comfort of him.

No. Oh, no.
But before she could end the kiss, he did, then set her back on her feet. She stifled a moan.

Regret shone in those blue eyes, and he trailed one finger down her cheek. “I’m thinking there’ll be no more of that until we get something straight between us.”

Jordan bristled and stepped away, fixing him with a baleful stare. “And just what might that be?”

“When you’re ready to tell all those boys you’re finished with them.”

“And why on earth would I do that?”

“Because you’ll be spending your time with me now, Jordan darlin’. And I don’t share.”

She laughed, though it wasn’t as steady as she’d have liked. “You can’t be serious.”

He tapped his chest. “Don’t be listening to your head now. It’s the heart that’s speaking to you.”

“You’re insane. I told you, you’re not my type. Any way, I’m still mad at you for dressing me down at Thanksgiving.”

He shrugged. “You know I was right. A family like that needs supporting, not being sneered at.”

“I wasn’t sneering. I think they’re great.”

“But?”

She turned away. “They’re an anomaly. Marriage isn’t like that.”

“David told me your parents are divorced.” His gaze warmed with sympathy.

“My parents are none of your business.”

“What if I want to make
you
my business?”

“Don’t bother. I’m not interested.”

“Liar.” He approached her again.

She backed away. “We couldn’t be more different. I’m a shark lawyer—and proud of it! I’m very good at what I do. You’re a—”

“Careful now. Wouldn’t want to let your high-and-mighty streak show too much. I’m a simple carpenter and not ashamed of it.”

“I didn’t say you should be. I’m not a snob.”

Pity darkened his eyes. “Oh, but I think you are. Worse, I scare you. I see who you are, beyond the seductress, beyond the woman they call the man-eater.”

Then, to her great surprise, he reversed course and headed for the door, pulling on his boots and sliding his arms into his coat. “I’m not afraid of you, Jordan Parrish. You won’t discard me like the others. I’ll go when I’m ready and not a minute before.”

“First I’d have to get involved with you, and that’s not gonna happen.”

“It will. Get ready for it.”

“It won’t.” But she wrapped her arms around her waist against a sudden shiver.

“I’m not saying it will be easy—God knows you’re anything but, and I’ve surely lost my mind getting involved with you, but that’s as it will be.” He grasped the door handle, then turned back, giving her a long,
soulful look she couldn’t interpret. “I’m not what you think you want, sweetheart, but I’m exactly what you need.”

Then he smiled and gave a tiny salute. “It’s a good thing I’m a patient man, Jordan darlin’. I have a feeling I’m going to have use for all I can muster.” He glanced toward the kitchen. “Just screw the end back on like it was. It will do overnight. I’ll be back with the tools and parts tomorrow.”

Without another word, he was out the door.

Jordan raced after him, grasping the handle with a thought to call him back, to demonstrate her disdain and leave him in no doubt of who had the upper hand.

Instead she let go and leaned back heavily against the wood, pressing trembling fingers to lips that somehow felt different. She swore, but her heart wasn’t really in it. Drawing herself up resolutely, she headed to the kitchen to put her faucet back together and resume the life she liked just fine.

You have a high opinion of yourself, Will Masterson.

Insane. The man was certifiable.

And definitely not her type.

But even though her sample was brief, she knew one sure thing about him.

The man could kiss. Suddenly Jordan laughed out loud.

Certifiable, for sure. Not her type, definitely.

But able to make her toes curl?

Damn the man, yes.

Not that she’d ever tell him.