The Summer of Jake (16 page)

There was a flicker of astonishment in his eyes. He hadn’t expected that. Had he thought I’d sit there and take the jibe?

“Scarlett is fine,” he answered just as politely. “Actually, she’s seeing Artie Campbell. I introduced them at her firm’s dinner.”

“Oh.” The barb hadn’t had the intended impact. All eyes were on me again. “That’s a shame for you.”

The eyes swung to him, awaiting his move. “No great loss.” He was speaking in a deceptively casual voice. “Although, her dress was charming,
thank you
.”

The surveillant eyes widened in unison, and I felt a trace of mischievousness stir in my belly, along with a small rise in my body temperature. “One of our best come-to-bed dresses,
as requested
.”

Three pairs of eyes were dancing with the excitement of the floorshow. One pair, Gerry’s, was starting to look uncomfortable. He cleared his throat. “Jake, haven’t seen you down at the school for a while. You going to drop by again?”

I had no intention of allowing the conversation to end yet. I was extracting too much perverse pleasure from watching Jake squirm.

“Would they be group lessons or personalized lessons you’re giving?” I asked sweetly.

Gerry opened his mouth to answer, but obviously Jake wasn’t ready to let the subject drop, either, because he responded before Gerry had a chance.

“Oh, definitely group lessons. The price for a personalized lesson from the owner of the business is too high for most people to pay.” He held my gaze, his face deadpan.

“Yes, I’ve heard how high that price can be. I’ve also heard some people pay in installments, so over time, they pay and pay and pay.” His jaw dropped ever so slightly, his chest moving a little more with his breath than before, but no one was watching him except me. “I wonder if they think it’s worth it?” I was still using my sweet voice, which was becoming harder to pull off as my body heated at our thrust and parry.

“Absolutely. I’m dedicated to customer satisfaction.” He maintained his poker face, and the eyes returned to me.

“You make sure the customer’s satisfied with the service offered?” I could see out of the corner of my eye that Kelly was stifling a giggle, which gave me the encouragement to go further. “I suppose you are. You have the
trophies
to prove it.”

Bull’s-eye. That Jake broke eye contact let me know he understood my double meaning. For a moment, I felt a little mean. Until I heard him speak again.

“So, Annalise, have you been in to see your designs yet?” he drawled.

Low blow. The eyes were back to me. “I still haven’t had a chance,” I conceded.

“What about this week? Do you have time to come see them?”

My move. “I’ll have to see. I’m going to be busy tracking down some flower information for my father. You don’t happen to know which flower means ‘you’re pushing it’ do you?”

I could see he was trying to suppress a grin and remain formal in front of our audience, which only made me want to grin back. I tried not to give in—I was supposed to be annoyed with him—but I failed. Luckily, the eyes were still on him, so Jake was the only one who saw. “Try Blooming Lovely in North Sydney, they seem to know a lot. But why would your father want to—”

Jake’s mother cut him off. “Maybe lilac or hyacinth?”

Jake and I spoke at the same time.

“No, not the hyacinth.”

“Definitely not.”

The eyes were swinging between us, undecided on who to fix on.

Jake bit his lip but held my gaze. Finally, we both looked away, trying to hide grins.

Jake was the first to speak. “Here, Kel, I’ll help you clear these plates away.”

“No, you don’t have to.” Kelly was still watching me as she responded, clearly wanting the interplay to continue.

“Oh, but I want to,” he replied. “I never miss an opportunity to be in the kitchen. It’s become one of my favorite rooms.”

This time I was fighting to suppress a blush. My pulse was already racing from the interplay in front of our audience, but now I was assailed by memories of sitting on my kitchen counter, more turned on than I’d ever been in my life, and Jake pressed hard against me as he kissed me like his life depended on it.

Though my manners compelled me to offer to help, I stayed in my chair, needing a minute to catch my breath.

As Jake bent to pick up my plate, he whispered in my ear, “Friends?”

His breath was warm on my ear, and a delicious shiver raced up my spine.

I nodded quickly and turned to speak to Eden.

…

Jake

I put the plates on the kitchen counter before rubbing my hands over my face. What just happened?

For some reason, Annalise had seemed angry when I mentioned she’d helped me pick out the shirt. Then the conversation had degenerated into point scoring, yet somehow ended with making peace. But I had no idea
how
it’d happened. All I knew was she had a way of getting under my skin like no one else. A way of making me want her, like I did right now. Badly.

I heard footsteps.

“What was that about?” Kelly put her hands on her hips.

“Would you believe I don’t know?” I gave a weak smile.

Kelly narrowed her eyes and searched my face. “Hmph. Actually, I would believe it. Here, help me with dessert.”

Grateful for something to occupy my mind, I carried the chocolate cheesecake out to the table.

Once I was sitting again, I tried to engage Adam in conversation, but I was only half paying attention. My eyes kept wandering over to Annalise, my heart stopping every time my gaze snagged on hers. What was going on in her mind? Had she really shivered when I’d whispered in her ear? It had taken all my self-control not to turn my head a fraction and find her lips. Kissing her was like nothing else, and no matter how much I’d been trying to deny it to myself, I wanted to do it again. So much that my skin was burning with need.

I gave myself a shake and returned my focus to Adam. He was talking about… Actually, I had no idea what he was talking about, so I just nodded and looked concerned in what I hoped were the right places.

Even when I wasn’t looking at Annalise, an awareness of her seeped through my consciousness. I knew exactly when she picked up her fork, spoke to someone, chewed her food. Even though I still hadn’t a clue what Adam was talking about.

I nodded again to Adam then allowed myself a glimpse of Annalise. She was looking at me under her lashes, probably thinking no one could tell what she was doing. I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Friends? What a joke. I was having disgustingly, wickedly un-friend-like feelings right now.

I wanted to kiss her again and feel her body against mine. I wanted to make her moan with wanting,
needing
me.

Perhaps Annalise read something in my eyes, because her expression changed. She looked up at me fully, and, for a moment, I saw the same desire reflected there. The skin of her face, and down to the neckline of her top, was flushed. She wasn’t just blushing, she was as turned on as I was. The thought made me harder, and I had to struggle to fill my lungs. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips, and I had to remember where I was so I didn’t groan out loud. Then she looked away.

I continued to stare, willing her to look back. She didn’t, and I felt a physical pain in my gut—of loss, but mostly of wanting.

“Jake, have you heard a word I’ve said?” Adam asked with exasperated humor.

“Sorry, I think I missed the last bit. I’m just going to clear these plates.”

“You don’t have to do that.” Adam seemed a little surprised, but I was already up, collecting the dessert plates from each person, until I was beside Annalise.

I leaned in to whisper in her ear, “Want to get out of here?”

She nodded, and, as I left the room, I heard her announce, “Sorry, everyone, I have to work early tomorrow, so I need to get going.”

By the time I’d finished dumping the plates and got back to the table, Annalise was at the door saying her good-byes. Good.

“You know, I think I should make tracks, too. Thanks for a great night.” In record time, I collected my keys and phone and met her at the door.

I had to endure the hugs and affectionate murmurings of my mother and sister and realized our audience was poised to witness our escape. I turned my back to the house on my way to my Jeep and caught Annalise’s eye as she waved to the group.

I mouthed, “Follow me,” and she signaled with her eyes that she understood.

Chapter Fifteen

Jake

I jumped in my car and took off down the street with no idea where I was headed. Going back to my house was too cliché—I wanted somewhere special with Annalise, somewhere I’d never taken a girl before.

The boat. That was it. I headed toward Watson’s Bay where my boat was moored.

I checked my rear vision mirror. Annalise was still following in the Volvo, thank God. I couldn’t see inside the car, only the bright headlights, so I had no idea how she was feeling now about our plan.

What was she thinking? Actually…why
was
she following me? She wanted me tonight, I was sure of it. But she’d also wanted me in her kitchen and in my mother’s garden. Why come with me now?

I slowed down as I turned onto the marina’s access road and watched to see Annalise make the turn behind me.

Unease seeped into my bones. This wasn’t the right thing to do. She might think so now, but when would she change her mind
this
time? After I’d kissed her? When I was inside her? After we’d made love? Then it’d be too late, and I’d have to live with myself, seeing her year after year at Kelly’s.

I parked the car and got out, watching Annalise pull up in the next bay. She stepped out and locked the car then turned to me and said, “Show me your boat.”

And, like a robot, I did. We walked along the marina in silence until we reached my berth. I followed her eyes as she appraised it, wondering what she thought of the size. At five meters long, it was much smaller than the glamour boats surrounding it, but I’d never seen the point of a boat so big you didn’t realize you were on the water. When I was out there, I wanted to be as close to the ocean as I could, and a smaller boat did that better.

“Nice boat, Maxwell. Let’s go.”

I wanted to discuss my misgivings, but she was already stepping onto the boat. Well, we could have a nice leisurely cruise then go home, couldn’t we?

Not likely
, every drop of testosterone in my body replied.

Sure, all I had to do was remember that I’d have to see her year after year as our godchild grew. Easy.

“Start the boat.”

As if on testosterone-pilot, I undid the mooring lines, stepped onto the boat behind her, and set up to cast off. Annalise was making herself comfortable, testing the softness of the seat cushions around her and slipping off her shoes.

Oh, sweet Jesus, I was a goner.

Okay, I’m in a cold shower. It’s icy cold.

I started the engine and steered the boat out onto the harbor. I couldn’t let myself look at Annalise or I’d run into something. Once we’d cleared the shipping channels and turned toward the coast, Annalise called, “This will do. Drop the anchor.” Guess it wouldn’t be a quick cruise then.

Yep, standing in icy cold water. No, glacial!

I shook my head at myself for going along with the stupid suggestion, even as I cut the engine and dropped the anchor. Then I moved down the boat and sat as far away from her as I could on the wide bench seat. I’d need the distance if I was going to make it through the night without ravishing her completely.

You’re in denial, Maxwell
, my testosterone said.
There’s not enough distance in this whole city that’ll stop you from making love to this woman tonight. And you know it’ll be mind-blowing.
I gripped the wooden seat to keep myself from lunging at her.

I’m in the arctic snow. Yep, cold, cold, cold.

“Annalise, I know this was my idea, but I’m having second thoughts.”

Her gaze fixed on mine, and she shrugged. “Too late. I’ve made a decision. If we’re not going to end up together, fine. But just once, I want to be with you.” She edged over closer, and, against my will, my body leaned into her.

“Jake,” she said, putting a hand on my chest. “Make love to me.”

I looked down into her ocean-green eyes sparkling in the moonlight, and groaned. “Lord, give me strength,” I rasped and edged farther away. “Annalise, this is not what you want.”

“Yes it is.” She unbuttoned her blouse, exposing creamy skin and a white lacy bra.

I clenched my fists. “You’ve told me several times this isn’t what you want. And you accused me of being cruel last time I kissed you, remember? You told me to stay away.”

She slid her arms from the blouse and discarded it with a flick. “This is different. This time, I’m asking.”

It was hard to think, what with all the blood draining from my head and heading south. “You said you’d get hurt.”

She stilled and looked down at her blouse on the boat floor. “Okay, let’s put some conditions on it then. We’re going to keep bumping into each other—knowing Kelly, she’ll organize birthdays and other events for our godchild and expect us both to attend.” She held up her index finger. “Number one, no regrets.” She held a second finger. “Number two, we never mention this again.” She held a third finger. “Number three, we act like nothing’s happened afterwards and forever. Agreed?” She nodded and started unbuttoning my shirt.

Had I just agreed? I didn’t remember agreeing, but then, I
was
having that thinking problem. And a breathing problem. Which couldn’t be a good thing. I captured her hands. “Annalise, I really don’t think this is a good idea.”

She leaned back, unclasped her bra, and flashed me a smile. “I’m calling in my favor.”

Tremors assailed my body as I stopped her hands before they could slide the sheer lace any farther. “
What?
”

She tilted her head, and I saw the vulnerability in her eyes. “You said ‘anything’. That you’d deliver.”

I closed my eyes—my last defense against the temptation of her—but they drifted open again. “Are you sure? I haven’t got much control left. This is your last warning before I let go.”

“Let go, Jake,” she whispered, slowly reaching up to take out her hairclip and run her fingers through the silken strands.

I let go.

…

Annalise

The feel of Jake’s mouth landing on mine sent sparks shooting through my body. He pulled me close and again stopped my hands as I tried to slide off my bra.

“If it’s all the same to you,” he said, running a fingertip lightly over my spine and pushing aside the loose edges of elastic, “I’d rather take my time with this.”

Time? The weeks since the kiss in my kitchen had been like one never-ending session of foreplay, and he wanted
time
?

With his slow, sexy smile, he lowered himself back along the cushioned bench seat, lifting me over his knees and settling me in his lap. With a quick tug, he pulled me against him and trailed a finger along my collarbone before hooking it under a delicate strap.

It was all I could do not to demand he get naked and make me scream his name, but I managed to resist as he finally allowed the strap to slide down my arm. Kissing the spot he’d exposed, his fingers did the same on the other side. I trembled. The whole seduction routine had taken all the courage I had, and then some. But, as his lips followed the path his finger had taken, I was oh-so-pleased I’d seen it through.

I felt his hands run first across my back with firm, confident strokes, then along my sides. Wanting to speed things along a little, I sat up, straddling him, and reached to unbutton his shirt. His hands captured mine again to stop me, but, as he looked up, I saw the light teasing disappear in those dark eyes, and his breath caught.

“You’re so beautiful.” The huskiness in his voice was my undoing, and I laid back down over him, feeling the need in his kiss as his mouth reached up to meet me. This was Jake, my Jake, and my soul jumped for joy as he whispered, “God, I want you,” before rolling me underneath him.

His solid weight was glorious, and he leaned down on his elbows and buried his fingers in my hair, kissing me. It wasn’t enough. I wriggled my hands between us, desperate to feel his skin, and, this time, his hands didn’t stop me.

“I want it off,” I said, pushing aside the fabric. I reveled in the heavy heartbeat under my hands, and his breath hitched as I ran my nails across the ridges of his torso.

I strained up to run my tongue along his neck, and he arched farther so I could reach the muscles in his chest. I’d dreamed of this for so long and wasn’t going to miss anything—from his low groan as I circled and tasted, to his fingers, lost in my hair, cupping my neck as I moved, to his loss of control.

I have the power to make Jake lose control.
That realization raged hot and loosened my muscles. Almost subconsciously, I pushed my hips into his, and, as I did, his eyes closed.

He slid down me, kissing as he went, and I felt the cool ocean breeze on my skin as it was bared from the protection of Jake’s body, felt the loss of the fine hairs of his chest against my breasts.

“Have I told you I love this skirt?” His voice was hoarse. “I’ve loved it since that first time in the café.” He pushed the soft material of my lucky tan skirt until it gathered at my waist and ran his fingers along my hip, tracing a line along the lace he’d uncovered as he kissed the sensitive skin of my inner thigh.

From now on, it’d most
definitely
be my favorite skirt. And my favorite underwear. And my favorite…
Oh
. I shivered as his hand kept tracing back and forth along the triangle of fabric, tensing when it teased lower. I arched back, and, for a moment, tried to focus on the stars in the clear night’s sky before closing my eyes when Jake’s fingers slipped inside my panties.

“Jake,” I said on a long breath.

His fingers went deeper, and my hips bucked. He used the opportunity to gain even more access, and one, then two of his fingers pushed inside me. I moaned and dug my fingernails into his shoulders. My entire body was alive with need. With trembling desire.

Then his fingers were gone, he was pulling my panties down, and I lifted my hips to help him. He rested his forearms either side of my hips and stilled. I looked down, and his face hovered over the apex of my thighs, but his gaze was locked on mine.

“I can’t tell you how often I’ve dreamed of tasting you,” he said.

Then, while I watched, his mouth dipped. I could barely breathe. As the heat of his tongue touched me, I stopped paying attention to anything else, losing myself in him. He parted my legs, and, with a finger inside me, his tongue made long, slow strokes. I was burning, every cell in my body on fire. I squirmed on the cushions behind me, and Jake used his free hand to hold my hips down for his mouth.

His tongue changed its action, flicking out and circling, taking me to the edge of sanity. My breath was too choppy to get a proper lungful of air, but I didn’t care. As long as he didn’t stop. A second finger pushed inside to join the first, and they began to move in time with his tongue, in and out, around. The tension inside was building until it was almost unbearable.

“Please,” I said, barely recognizing my own voice. “I can’t…Jake…I…”

His tongue pressed flat and down, just as his thumb joined in, and wave after wave of intensity washed over me until the majesty of the stars behind my eyelids eclipsed those above me.

While I lay, still quivering, he moved back up my body, a self-satisfied smile on his face and I reached out to touch him, thrilled in the knowledge that I could. That just for tonight, he was all mine.

“You still have your jeans on, Maxwell.”

He raised a brow. “You want them off?”

“Oh, yeah.” On wobbly knees, I dragged him to standing, then undid his zipper, taking my time, tracing the line of soft hair and smooth muscles down and tugging on the waistband of his boxers. “Black? I was expecting red.”

“A lot of things have changed since I was nineteen.” He grinned.

“I hope your condom habits haven’t, because I don’t have one, and,” I closed my hand around him inside his boxers and open jeans, catching my breath, “I really want you inside me.”

Understatement. I needed that as much as I needed air. Actually, who needed air? With my hand still circling him, I gently stroked down. All I needed was him.
This
. I stroked up again, feeling his body tense in response. His reaction made me greedy for more, wanting to make him as lost as I’d been only minutes ago. Still stroking him, I kissed his collarbone, nipping lightly, then sucking the skin hard. Jake gasped, and I smiled against his skin and moved lower.

His pecs were so solid under my lips, and I couldn’t resist scraping my teeth to test the feel. This man’s body was everything I’d always thought it would be. Again, I moved lower, tasting and testing over his ribs, then his abs. When I reached the waistband of his boxers, I pushed them and the jeans down his thighs, and my gaze locked on his erection. I glanced up to find Jake’s slightly glazed, dark eyes looking at me. Keeping the connection, I wound my fingers around him again then slipped my mouth over the tip. Air hissed out from between his teeth as his fingers slipped into my hair. I ran my tongue down the side, circling, then back to the top to take him in my mouth again.

“God, Annalise,” he said, then grabbed my shoulders and dragged me back to kiss me. “If you keep going, I won’t last. And there’s nothing I want more tonight than to feel myself inside you.”

When he let me go, he kicked off his boxers and jeans and searched through the pockets. I smoothed the muscle of his thigh, unable to break contact until he found a condom in his wallet. “Thank God,” he muttered.

I took the packet from his fingers and opened it, watching as he rested his hands on my shoulders and followed my actions. Extracting the condom, I placed it on his tip then rolled it down the length of his shaft, enjoying the slight quiver as my fingers caressed him.

“Much as I love this skirt,” he said, moving his hands around to the small of my back to find the zipper, “it just has to go.” In one quick movement, he lowered the zipper and let gravity do its job.

For a moment, as we stood together naked on the gently rocking boat, I thought I knew what heaven was like. Then he laid me down on the cushions and covered me with his body, and I forgot my own name.

He lifted my leg, and I wrapped it around his waist, wanting this with a desperation that was entirely new. I’d had sex before, but never like this.