More Than One Night (9 page)

His laugher filled the room and all she could do was stare at him. That wasn’t the reaction she pictured. Where was the infamous male ego? Backing away from her, he clenched his stomach trying to fight his laughter.

“I was there, remember?” He took several deep breaths. “You were with me all the way, Beth. You may want to deny it, but your body didn’t lie. I remember the taste of your sweet kisses, the way you tightened against me pulling me into your pussy, the way you obeyed me, and the little cries you gave as I pleasured you. Want to tell me why you’re running scared now?”

Because she was petrified. Friday night was like a dream come true, but it was all a fantasy. One night out of time, and now reality was upon her. She couldn’t risk her heart again. He was the one person who found a chink in her carefully built walls, and she didn’t know how to plug the hole.

And the worse part about it was part of her didn’t want to close off her emotions to him. Instead she wanted to let him in. His fingers found her cheek, caressing her skin so softly she had to fight not to lean into his palm for more contact.

“I’m not scared.” She forced herself away from his touch. “You don’t seem to understand. I don’t want to see you or have any sort of relationship with you.”

“Liar.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

“I’m not lying.” But she was. She knew it. He knew it. Damn it, why couldn’t things go her way for once? Why couldn’t he get the message and leave her alone? A knock sounded at the door.

“Just a second,” she yelled. “I’ve got to go, Jake, or I’ll be fired.”

He nodded but didn’t move. “I’ll back down if you promise to spend the weekend with me.

“What?” She didn’t like the gleam of mischief in his eyes. “No.”

“Twenty-four hours of your time.”

Her stomach turned over, but her blood caught fire at his words.

“I’m asking for one day, Beth. Twenty-four hours to prove to you that I’m more than one night of sex.”

“And what happens at the end of that time?” Was she crazy? Apparently so, since she was actually considering his plan.

“If at the end of our day together, you can honestly, and I mean
honestly
, say you don’t want to see me again, I’ll walk out of your life forever.”

“And if I can’t?”

“Then you give us a real shot at a relationship.”

What was she going to do? If she said yes, she’d risk her heart. If she said no…she stared at Jake. “What happens if I say no?”

“Then I’ll haunt the bar every night until you say yes. I’m not giving up, Beth.”

Damn his sexy hide. He was backing her into a corner and by the twinkle in his eyes he knew it. So be it, if this was the only way to get rid of him, she’d do it. She could keep her emotions and heart in check for twenty-four hours. “I have Saturday off.” She gave him her address.

His grin widened. “I’ll make it a memorable day.”

“Until then, you stay away from the bar. I don’t need the distraction.” Now why the hell did she have to say that?
You just had to give him more ammunition, didn’t you?

His grin grew even bigger as he ran the pad of his thumb over her mouth. “Very well. I’ll see you at eight sharp, Saturday morning. Be ready.” He bent his head until his lips were right above hers. “And pack an overnight bag.”

“But…”

“Twenty-four hours, remember.”

Chapter Six

Beth sat on her bed at seven Saturday morning with her head in her hands. She was nuts, needed to be locked inside a padded room. How could she have agreed to spend twenty-four hours with Jake?

She’d taken leave of her senses that had to be it. What made her think she could spend another night with him and still remain detached?

Oh sure, she was detached until the bouquet of wild flowers was delivered to the bar on Tuesday, with a note saying how much they reminded him of their night together—wild and untamed.

Then Wednesday a small stuffed bear arrived, again a note telling her he was a big teddy bear for her to hold. Thursday, a snow globe with a cable car in it, for all those late night rides through the city they were going to have. And yesterday, a castle sand sculpture, the note telling her the sand represented the beach for the fun they were going to have this weekend.

Each gift chipped away at the ice covering her heart. Deep down she knew Jake was courting her, going back to the beginning and doing all the things that men did. Well, okay, maybe not all men. Her ex-boyfriends had never done this.

Glancing at the clock, she groaned. Seven-thirty, she needed to get her packing done. Surging to her feet, she startled Rosie who was curled up on the floor. Where was he planning on taking her? She hadn’t thought to ask and now she had no idea what to pack.

What kind of nightwear would she take? Should she take the oversized T-shirt she usually wore to bed, or try to find the fancy nightgown and robe Carla had given her at Christmas. Beth rolled her eyes. What did it matter what she slept in? She wasn’t planning on being in Jake’s bed.

Yeah, like that wasn’t going to happen. She hadn’t planned on sleeping with him a week ago. Oh yes, she was most definitely insane.
Breathe,
she reminded herself, when she realized she was holding her breath.

But part of her mind couldn’t get over the issue she was going to spend the next twenty-four hours with a man she barely knew. Memories of those dark days on the streets when her mother was barely functional filtered through her mind. She’d only been eight years old and had to find both her and her mother food and shelter. San Francisco could be a frightening place for an eight year old.

No, she wasn’t that frightened child anymore. After her mother died, Beth promised herself never to rely on a man for anything and she wasn’t going to start now. She could deal with Jake. He might test her resolve and go after her—damn the consequences—but she would find a way to resist him.

Stop wasting time.
Crossing over to her closet, she surveyed her meager wardrobe. Her only clue was in his last note about the beach.

Okay, jeans were a good choice. She pulled out a pair and two shirts. One shirt was made of soft denim-like material, the other white with lacy trim around the neck and collar. Folding them, she placed them into her bag.

Back at the closet, she pushed hangers aside until she found what she was looking for. She drew the dress out. She’d found it years ago at an end-of-year sale. The silky material called to her. The deep green color with a full skirt made it fit for almost any occasion. The neckline wasn’t plunging but it wasn’t modest either.

She laid it on the bed, needing something dressy just in case. Going to her dresser, she pulled out underwear, nylons, and two pairs of shorts. She packed those quickly, then ran to the bathroom gathering what she would need.

The dress she folded carefully and laid it on top, zipping her bag shut and setting it on the floor before flopping on the bed. Rosie jumped up on the mattress and licked her cheek.

“Rosie!” Beth sat up. How could she have forgotten about her dog? It wouldn’t hurt to leave her alone, but she hated to do it. She could call Carla to take care of Rosie for her, but she didn’t want to do that either.

Carla questioned her all week about Jake and his gifts. Beth had bluffed her way through the questions, but if she asked Carla to take care of Rosie, then Carla would question her until she had the whole story. Nope, Carla was out of the question.

Wait a minute, she had the perfect excuse not to spend time with Jake. She couldn’t leave Rosie alone overnight. The doorbell rang and she jumped. Show time. Taking a calming breath, she rubbed her hands down the front of her jeans and marched out of her bedroom to the front door.

The breath rushed out of her lungs when she saw Jake standing on her doorstep. Jake in a suit was one thing, but in casual clothes he was even more devastating. The black knit polo shirt stretched across his broad shoulders, defining his pectorals, and was tucked into a pair of faded black jeans which hugged his hips and thighs.

Forcing her gaze away from his hard, sexy body, her gaze met his. He was grinning like a Cheshire cat. Her heart fluttered. Vulnerability hit her. He made her feel that way and out of control. He stripped her control away, too easily.

“Hi.” She hated the breathless quality to her voice.

“You look fantastic.” He took her hand in his. “That green sweater becomes you.”

Warmth flooded her cheeks, the sweater was one of her favorites and, since the city was shrouded in fog today, it was a wise choice. “Thank you.” A slow smile lifted her lips. “You failed to mention where we were going for the weekend.”

“I want it to be a surprise.”

“You’ve done that already by sending me gifts all week.” Now why did she admit that? Couldn’t she keep these thoughts to herself? But the pleasure lighting up his eyes made the slip up worth it.

“So they arrived safely. Did you like them?”

“Yes. But we have a little problem today.” She stepped back to invite him in when a barking Rosie came flying out of the bedroom.

“Shh, Rosie.” The dog skidded to a stop and stared up at Jake.

“Well, hello there, puppy.” Jake knelt down and held out his hand.

“I wouldn’t…” Her mouth fell open. Rosie was sniffing Jake’s hand and then licked it. She wasn’t growling or nipping at him.

“You’re a cute little thing.” He petted Rosie’s head and the dog pressed closer to Jake. “I think she likes me.” Jake tilted his head back.

“So it would seem.” Even her dog wasn’t immune to Jake’s charm. “And there lies the problem.”

“Your dog liking me is a problem?” His forehead creased as he frowned.

“No, not that.” Well, it would have gotten her off the hook if Rosie had hated Jake. She took another step back when he straightened. “I can’t leave Rosie alone.”

“Then bring her with us,” he said without hesitation.

“But…”

His finger touched her lips. “No buts, Beth. Rosie is more than welcome to come with us.”

Rosie let out a bark as if she knew she was the topic of their conversation. Beth glanced down to see her four pound dog dancing around them in a playful mood.

“Rosie isn’t known to be male friendly.” Rose had done nothing but bark and bare her tiny teeth at Don, her last boyfriend. Maybe her dog had better intuition than she did when it came to men.

“I do have a way with women.” His green eyes twinkled. “No more excuses. You promised me today and I intend to collect.”

“Very well. But don’t blame me if Rosie christens your car.” She turned and headed for her bedroom.

“She won’t, will you, girl?”

Beth glanced back to see Rosie cuddling in Jake’s arms. And the little traitor was licking his face, treating him like her new best friend.

Slipping into her bedroom, Beth picked up her bag, then grabbed another one to pack some things for Rosie. When she strode back into the living room, Jake was standing by the small built in bookcase, staring at a picture.

“Your mother?” he asked.

“Yes.” A lump blocked her throat and a familiar pain filled her heart. “She died six months ago.” She glanced down at the floor.

“I’m sorry.” His palm cupped her cheek.

When had he crossed the room? She allowed herself the luxury of resting her cheek against his hand. She wasn’t used to someone caring for her, wanting to comfort her. A lump formed in her throat. She really should be stronger than this. Men didn’t stay around when a woman needed them for emotional support. Hadn’t she learned that yet? Pushing her need away, she straightened before her emotions could get out of control.

“It was for the best. Mom was suffering.” To distract herself, she picked up Rosie’s favorite blanket.

“That doesn’t mean it doesn’t still hurt.” He grasped her arm gently.

She gazed into his forest green eyes. Hurt? Yes, her mother’s passing had hurt, but even when her Mom died, it was more than just the cancer killing her. Her mother was emotionally incomplete without a man by her side. There was only so much a daughter could give.

Her mother had always been so accepting of second place in her lovers’ lives. And Beth vowed then she would never take second place, if she even let a man that close. She could only depend on herself and not a man for anything.

Shaking away her thoughts, she smiled at Jake. “Let me gather a few things for Rosie, and then we can go.”

A mask closed over Beth’s features and Jake swore beneath his breath. She was just starting to open up to him and now the barriers were back. But he’d seen her vulnerability. She’d sustained a great loss in the last year and all he wanted to do was gather her up into his arms and hold her, to comfort her, to let her know he was here for her.

But he didn’t, knowing if he did so, she would only push him further away. Instead he shoved his hands into his jeans pockets, his gaze following her as she moved into her small kitchen.

Her entire apartment would fit into his living room, not that he cared. He’d lived in an apartment similar to this when he worked his way through college. Regardless of what people thought, he wasn’t born into money, and he earned every cent he had.

But he liked the way her apartment had the lived-in feel, it made him feel welcome. When she returned, she was holding a bag.

“Let me take that.” Her fingers were cold when they brushed against his. He bent down and picked up her overnight bag.

“I can carry something.”

“I know.” He put everything into his right hand while he scooped up Rosie with his left. “But for once will you let me be the gentleman my mother raised me to be?”

“Oh, all right.” There was laughter in her voice. “But you’ll have to go down the stairs first. I have to lock up and the landing isn’t quite big enough for us and the stuff you’re carrying.”

“Yes ma’am.” He strode out of her apartment and down the stairs. He wanted Beth to trust him, to realize he was a man of his word and to show her how good things could be between them.

Setting Rosie in the front seat, he tossed her bag and Rosie’s bag in the small trunk of his Jag. He’d planned on leaving the top down, but with Rosie in the car, that wouldn’t be a good idea.