Whirlwind (15 page)

With a shake, I freed my hair from her hands. “I don’t know. He didn’t tell
me
any stories. I was just trying not to step on him.”
Does she know about his engagement?
“What did you guys talk about last night?”

Beth’s expression turned suspicious. “You know he’s studying to become a doctor, right? In his spare time he plays piano with the symphony. I didn’t know he sang, though.” She paused to check Mitch’s progress and scowled. “How long is he going to stay under there?”

I chewed my lip trying to figure out how to steer her back to Jason. “Maybe until his brother gets married.”

Subtle, Melissa.

“I doubt that,” Beth snorted. “Jason’s going back to
Michigan
tomorrow. He only has a couple of classes left before he graduates. As if being handsome and talented wasn’t enough, the guy’s incredibly smart,” she said. “He’s getting his bachelor’s degree nine months early.”

“Ah.” So no matter what happened, my little jaunt with Jason would be short, assuming it wasn’t over already.

“You’re smart, too, Mel. I wasn’t saying…”

“No, of course not. What else did Jason say?”

Beth looked at me curiously. “What are you fishing for, Mel? What is it you really want to know?”

I pinched my lips together. “Well…” I peeked back at Jason. He couldn’t be that much of a cad, could he?

Mitch finally emerged from Ann’s dress with the garter dangling from his mouth. She looked like she needed a moment…or a cigarette. Jason still stared in my direction, ignoring his brother. I turned back to Beth.

“I heard Jason was engaged,” I said. I tried not to let the betrayal show, choosing instead to crack my knuckles one by one.

I was taken aback when Beth laughed. “Oh, that.” I made a fist under the table, barely repressing the urge to shake the story out of her. “Last night we were talking about how Mitch met Ann, and Mitch started needling his brother about how he needed to get busy and find a wife. Jason said, ‘I already did. I’m engaged, remember?’”

A waiter stopped at our table, interrupting Beth to put down my soda and ask if she’d like something to drink. A cheer went up, but I ignored it.

Finally, the waiter left, and I looked at Beth again. “You were saying,” I coaxed.

Beth looked around for a minute, then back at me. “Where was I? Oh yeah, Jason announced he was engaged. Well, I didn’t think anything of it at first, other than wondering how Mitch could have forgotten something that important. But then he asked, ‘How
is
Sandra?’

“‘She’s due in about a month,’ Jason said, and I about spit my drink on Todd.” Beth waved to someone behind me. “Over here!”

Todd joined us, sporting the garter on his arm. “Look what I got! You know what that means,” he crooned.

“All in good time, sweetheart,” Beth replied. She was adamant about staying single until she became a practicing psychologist, contrary to her boyfriend’s plans. But I didn’t care so much about that at the moment.

“Beth, is Sandra pregnant?” I tried to get her back on topic before Jason returned. I scanned the people around us, but didn’t see him.

“Hmmm? Sandra? Oh yeah, she’s
very
pregnant.” Beth’s head bobbed up for a moment. “She’s over there.”

“She’s here?”
I asked, my voice rising two octaves. Two tables down sat a lovely young woman, obviously in the final weeks of pregnancy. Even with her large belly she was gorgeous, with long black hair and sun-kissed skin. Her huge diamond ring sparkled in the light as she carried on an animated conversation with the man sitting next to her.

No, this can’t be—no one could be that crass. Leaving his pregnant fiancée to feel up a total stranger? No way!

If Jason was that much of an asshole, Mitch would’ve blown a gasket in the garden and beat the crap out of him, brother or not.

But why didn’t Jason deny it? Was there something to the story? In any case, Tricia was somewhere out there, laughing.

If I’m the butt of her joke, what’s the
punchline
?

Before I could glean any more information from Beth, Jason sat down next to me.

“You’re still here. I’ll admit I’m surprised,” he said carefully.

Before I could answer, Beth chimed in. “Jason! I was just telling Melissa the story of how you proposed to Sandra in the third grade. We were still laughing about it this morning.”

And there it is. Cue rim shot.

For the first time, Jason’s stare felt uncomfortable. I licked my teeth and turned away.

“Todd, the photographer wants to see you for pictures with the garter,” Jason said.

I refused to look at him, concentrating instead on swirling the ice in my glass with my straw. Only by amusing myself with images of Tricia’s hair on fire did I keep from beating my head against the table.
I’m an idiot.

Beth left with Todd, and Jason slid his chair close to mine. His voice carried a hint of disappointment. “You didn’t really believe her, did you?”

I really wanted to say no, but it would’ve been a lie. I took a deep breath. “Yes, I did. The expression on your face seemed to confirm it. You turned white, and when you didn’t say anything, I didn’t know what to think.”

“That was about the last thing I expected you to say. I was about to explain, then Chase showed up…” He put a hand on my knee. “Did you get the whole story from Beth?”

“Yes, and I feel completely stupid. I owe Tricia for that one,” I spat.

“Hey, it’s all right.” Jason traced my jaw with one finger, turning my head to face him. “I’m sorry for the confusion.”

“It’s not your fault, really. I should’ve figured it out when Beth pointed out Sandra sitting over there, ready to pop.”

The corners of his mouth curled into a tentative smile, and we both laughed.

“We have a very open relationship,” he joked, letting his hand creep a little further up my leg. I quickly covered it with my own.

My inner reporter wasn’t quite satisfied. Something about Tricia’s comment had rattled Jason, and not just the unexpectedness of it. “I realize this is a little late in the game, but is there anyone else I should know about?”

This should have been the first question I asked him. ’Course, it should have been over coffee or lunch, not
after
I’d agreed to sleep with him.

Jason picked up my Coke and, with my silent approval, took a drink. “No, there isn’t anyone, unless you count my parents’ next door neighbor. We used to go out to lunch together and split a Happy Meal every—”

“Seriously,” I interrupted.

Jason looked deeply into my eyes, and the smile left his lips. “Seriously, there’s no one. I’ve had girlfriends—and I
did
almost propose to one—but it wasn’t meant to be. I’ve spent my Friday nights with my lab partner for the last six months, and he’s not my type.” His hand inched up a little higher
under mine
, and I didn’t stop it. “And what about you? How many cowboys are sleeping in your barn?” He smiled, but his eyes tightened.

“Truth be told, I’ve never slept with a cowboy—never even dated one. There isn’t anyone tucked away in my apartment, either, and there hasn’t been for quite a while, I’m sorry to report.”

“Why’s that?” he asked, much to my embarrassment.

“Well, other than being pretty much invisible to the male population, I’ve been busy with school. Friendship’s been enough, I guess.”

My lack of romantic relationships hadn’t been a problem, and I was proud to be a self-sufficient, independent woman. Looking at Jason, though, the concept of such a solitary life lost its appeal.

“While I think the rest of the male population are idiots, I’m not complaining,” he said, and planted a kiss on my cheek.

I took a deep breath and decided to let Naughty Melissa have free rein. “Do you think Mitch would mind if we left before he does?” I whispered.

Jason shot a glance at his brother standing across the room, and his grin returned. “No.” Without hesitation, he stood and offered me his hand. “Let’s go.”

Seven

T
he nearest exit was just behind the bar. I squeezed Jason’s hand, ready to make a quick getaway.

When he steered me toward the crowd, rather than the doors, I balked.

“Mitch,” he said. “He’ll kill me if we just disappear.”

“Oh.” I’d already said my farewell to Mitch. Maybe I could meet Jason outside and…

Jason touched my cheek. “No one knows our plans,” he said. “Don’t worry. I won’t embarrass you.”

“Okay,” I said, doing my best to look relaxed and innocent. I’d been the one to suggest our tryst; trusting him with my reputation should be a no-brainer.

His warm, consoling smile did nothing to ease my nerves, however.

The party was starting to wind down, and people were scattered all around the room. I scanned the crowd for the happy couple and swallowed hard when I saw them. Directly between us and Mitch were Jason’s parents. How would he explain me to them?

Thankfully, Jason took a different path, taking us through the corner of the dance floor instead.

All the lights in the room seemed to point at me as we made our way across the room. We were almost to the bride and groom when Beth caught my eye. She gave me a thumbs up, and I about fainted.

She doesn’t know we’re leaving, I told myself, remembering Jason’s promise.
I mirrored the gesture with a weak smile. When Beth went back to dancing, I went back to breathing.

A few feet from our destination an older man stopped Jason, which gave me another coronary. He asked about Jason’s studies, giving me a sideways glance. Ever smooth and diplomatic, Jason kept the conversation short and left the man with a handshake and a smile. He didn’t introduce me, which was just fine.

“Friend of Dad’s,” he murmured. “This way.” Finally the crowd thinned, revealing Mitch and Ann.

The closer we got, the weaker my naughty side became. What
would
I say?
Have a nice honeymoon. We’re off to do the horizontal mambo.

I had nothing to be ashamed of; I was an adult capable of making my own decisions. If your mother could see you now, Naughty Melissa taunted. Internally I cringed but marched forward on Jason’s arm.

“Hey, bro,” he called, getting Mitch’s attention. They met with a firm handshake. Mitch’s smile didn’t change—either he’d decided it was okay that Jason and I were seen together, or he was just happy we weren’t sucking face in front of him anymore.

Jason gave Ann a quick hug, chuckling when she whispered in his ear. “We just wanted to wish you a great honeymoon,” he said. “You’ll call when you get back to let us know you survived, right?”

Us?
He didn’t mean US us—as in him and me—did he?

“We will. You taking off?” Mitch asked, glancing at me.

“Yup. I think we’ve gotten all the entertainment we’re going to get out of you,” Jason said, the corner of his mouth quirking up.

Mitch’s stare intensified, his eyebrows rising at the plural “we” his brother used. “Do you have a place to stay, Melissa?”

I don’t know how my face looked, but my stomach dropped to the floor. Mitch grimaced, and I was sure we were busted. “You are
not
driving back to Poly tonight, are you?” His voice carried the same commanding tone Jason had used earlier.

I sighed, relieved he hadn’t guessed the truth, but I
again
resented the child-like treatment.

Naughty Melissa had had enough, too. “No, Mitchell. For your information, I’m going up to your brother’s room to have wild sex. Have a nice honeymoon, okay?” I deadpanned.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Jason’s head snap around, his face the color of paste. I tried to keep my expression blank, unreadable, hoping Mitch didn’t see his brother’s reaction. I didn’t dare look at Ann.

Mitch blinked at me four times and then burst out laughing.

“Mel, you almost had me there. Have fun with the girls.” Without another word, he gave me a quick hug.

Jason leaned over and whispered, “I take back what I said about you being a bad liar. Remind me never to play poker with you.” He could barely keep a straight face as he gave his brother a one-armed man-hug and wished him a safe trip.

Ann seemed less convinced, her eyes darting between me and Jason. She pinched her lips together, like she was trying not to say something.

Afraid she suspected the truth, I hugged her quickly and whispered, “There’s a box covered in cupids in the gift pile. You might want to take it with you tonight.”

“What did you get us?”

“Just a little leather and lace,” I said, releasing her with a wink.

She smiled back wickedly. “Thank you, Melissa, for everything. I hope we’ll see you again after we get back.”

I wish
. “Have a great trip,” I said, my mouth dry. Ann’s well-wishes brought reality into painful focus for me. Tonight would be all there was for me and Jason. Just like his brother, tomorrow he’d be on a plane heading out of
California
and out of my life.

Then you’d better make the most of it.
Naughty Melissa jerked me back to the present.

Jason draped his jacket over my shoulders, followed by his arm. I automatically hooked my arm around his waist, and we strode out the front doors. I wasn’t even tempted to look back.

Seeing the cars in the parking lot, I angled him in that direction. “I need to grab my bag and coat out of the car.”

“Which way?” Jason squeezed me a little tighter as the fog descended, creating a halo around the few street lights. I pointed to the left, and we easily fell into step. As we passed the first row of cars, a
slam
brought me to a halt.

“It won’t start.”

I recognized the oily voice and pulled Jason between two SUVs.

Ron’s still here?

“What is it, Melissa?” Jason said, startled.

I held my finger to my lips.

“Once the limousines are gone, I’ll be happy to call a tow truck for you,” a woman promised. “It shouldn’t be too much longer.”

“Maybe when the party’s over
you
could give me a ride to the gas station.”

Ron’s propositions hadn’t gotten any better, and I shivered, hoping the woman knew better than to go anywhere with him.

“Is that…?” Jason whispered.

I shushed him and nodded.

“It’s against hotel policy for me to leave the property while an event is in progress,” she—the wedding liaison, I realized—replied smoothly.

Thank goodness.

Her heels clicked on the asphalt, coming closer.

Jason pressed me against the SUV, angling his body to shield me from the pair. Peeking over his shoulder, I barely made out Vanessa’s green dress—she’d draped some kind of sparkly scarf or shawl over her shoulders. Ron was a dark blob next to her.

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to wait with you,” Ron said, his voice as cold and clammy as the fog hiding him.

“He’s got some nerve hanging around here,” Jason snarled.

Vanessa said something else, but I couldn’t make it out. When more voices joined hers in the foggy darkness, we emerged from our hiding place. If Ron knew what was good for him, he’d make himself scarce.

We walked the rest of the way to my car in silence. I popped the trunk, thankful I’d cleaned it before I’d left home. With the compartment unobstructed by the normal mishmash of papers and empty fast food bags, my coat took up most of the space. Jason picked up my overstuffed messenger bag.

“Here, take this. You must be getting cold,” I said and slid his jacket off my shoulders. He paused, but then put it on.

“
Mmmm
, pre-warmed, thank you. Allow me.” Like a butler, he held my coat open and helped me into it.

Looping his arm through mine, he took the lead, guiding me up the path to the hotel. The fog thickened, and I snuggled closer. I was almost sad when the hotel appeared in the dense, hazy air and his grip loosened.

I reached for the door, but with a
tsk
, Jason beat me to it. As if he wasn’t perfect enough, his manners were impeccable. His other hand never left my waist. He steered us past the registration desk, dropping the handful of unsolicited cardkeys in the check-out box. The busboy held the elevator for us but didn’t step in. Seeing our reflection in the polished chrome interior, I abruptly realized what I was doing.

I was about to let this stranger—this beautiful, smart, sexy stranger—have his way with me. This wasn’t really me, was it? How could I do this?

Naughty Melissa remained ominously quiet.

By the time the elevator doors opened, my heart was thundering like a stampede of cattle. With a gentle nudge, Jason said, “This way,” and turned us to the right. I tried to swallow, but my throat was closed for business. Here I was, having an anxiety attack while Jason remained completely calm. He kissed the top of my head before stopping us in front of a set of double doors, complete with a doorbell.

Why does a hotel room have a doorbell?

He slid his key into the slot, and the green light on the electronic lock flashed three times. Jason swung the door open with a flourish and a dignified “My lady.”

I crossed the threshold and froze.

What greeted me wasn’t a normal hotel room, but a living room. On the left, a bar—complete with a sink and three stools—stretched across the wall. Where I’d expected the bed to be, two couches cornered a low glass table. The largest plasma TV I’d ever seen hung over a marble fireplace beyond them. The curtains on the wall opposite me had been left partially open, revealing inky black; not even the stars could pierce the thick fog. On a clear day, the view of the Pacific must be stunning.

“Where’s the bed?” I asked stupidly.

Jason raised an eyebrow at me. “Anxious, aren’t we?”

“No…yes…well, aren’t
you?
” My cheeks roasted, and I was only slightly comforted to see the color rise in his face. I stalked over to the windows and stared out at nothing.

With a quiet chuckle, Jason laid his jacket on the back of the couch. As he had in the garden, he engulfed me in his arms, scattering my thoughts. We fit together so naturally. My anxiousness slowly gave way to anticipation.

Using the window as a mirror, I watched him answer the question I hadn’t voiced. “As part of the wedding package, the hotel provided a room for Mitch and Ann. They let me use it since their flight to
Tahiti
is at something awful, like seven in the morning. They’re staying at a hotel near the airport instead.”

“So this is the honeymoon suite?” I squeaked.

“Technically.” He smiled and backed away, catching my hand. “Come on, there’s more.” He led me past the fireplace to another door I hadn’t seen and ushered me through.

I came to a halt in the middle of a thick, white throw rug at the foot of a king-size, four post bed.

“Oh, there it is,” I mumbled. The red satin coverlet had been neatly folded over, revealing a bevy of monstrous white pillows. Balance on the center of one were golden cubes—more chocolate, I guessed. My nerves returned with a vengeance, my hands trembling with the pressure of unspoken expectations. Everything was happening so fast. Could I actually go through with this?

I jumped when the fireplace blazed to life behind me.

“What do you think?” Jason asked softly, his fingers meandering down my arm.

“It’s lovely.” I chewed my lip, trying unsuccessfully to picture myself in the bed with him.

He stepped between me and our sleeping accommodations and waited until my eyes rose to his. “Are you all right?” he asked.

“Just a little nervous.”
Okay, a lot nervous.
“I’ve never done anything like this before.”

His brow creased, then his eyes bugged out of his head. “You’ve never…” his voice trailed off.