Yes, hed kissed her. But the heavens hadnt opened and the angels hadnt sung. All right, a small chorus had made an appearance. After all, shed have to be made of ice not to react.
As she started to shovel, she remembered the desire that had bubbled up inside of her the moment his lips touched hers. Caley had wanted him to continue, to make the kiss a beginning rather than an end. Shed longed for him to brush aside her clothes and kiss her naked skin, to pull her back to the bed and seduce her until she trembled at his touch.
Shed once fantasized that Jake was her Prince Charming, pure and noble. Now, she saw him as a man with a killer smile and an incredible body and a way of looking at her that made her tingle all over.
She stepped back from her task and drew a deep breath, trying to calm her racing pulse. It probably wouldnt be difficult to let nature take its course. Jake had clearly seemed interested that morningmore than interested, if what was going on beneath his boxers was any indication. And it wasnt as though shed be seducing a complete stranger. Shed been so curious for so long, now why not enjoy Jake while she could?
Shed left New York with her life in turmoil, searching for the key to her happiness. Sleeping with Jake might make her happy for the short term. Though shed insulted his prowess in bed, Caley suspected that shed thoroughly enjoy being seduced by him. He was different now. A shiver skittered down her spine. He was definitely a mana very sexy, handsome, powerful man.
She sighed, her breath clouding in front of her face. Her rational mind told her she didnt need to add any more complications to her life. But sleeping with Jake might not be complicated so much as exciting and dangerous and wildly satisfying. Closing her eyes, she took another deep breath. Was it really Jake that she wanted or just someoneanyonewho made her feel better about her life?
Caley had nearly cleared one wheel of the car when Jake pulled up in an SUV. He beeped the horn at her, then rolled down the window and grinned. Get in, he said. Ill take you to town. Youll never get that car dug out by yourself.
Caley held her breath as she stared at him. Hed looked handsome that morning, dressed in only his boxers, his hair mussed by sleep and a scruffy day-old beard darkening his jaw. Now, he looked almost irresistible. Her gaze dropped to his mouth and she wondered when shed kiss him next. Caley turned back to her shoveling, afraid that she hadnt the power to resist him. II can drive myself.
Come on, Caley. Youre not going to get the car out in any kind of reasonable time.
She glanced over her shoulder, ready to concede defeat on both the car and her immunity to his charm. Jake jumped out of the SUV, grabbed the shovel, stuck it into a snowdrift and held out his hand. Come on.
Caley stared down at his fingers, long and tapered. A memory drifted through her mind, hazy but real. Hed touched her that morning. It hadnt been part of her dream. His fingers had danced over her skin and his touch had made her body come alive.
Hesitantly, she placed her hand in his and he led her to his SUV. He opened the passenger-side door and helped her inside, then circled around to get in behind the wheel. In the end, she really didnt want to drive into town on her own, especially along curvy West Shore Road. All it would take was a skid into the ditch and shed have to listen to Jakes repeated I told you so.
Buckle up, he said.
Caley turned to him. I think we need to get one thing clear. Im not in love with you anymore. Any crush I might have had as a teenager is long gone. So dont act like you have me wrapped around your little finger, because you dont.
Caley turned to stare out the window, embarrassed by her sudden outburst. She was usually so careful about her choice of words. What was it about Jake that made her act like a petulant teenager? Why did he always have to challenge her?
Jake threw the truck into gear and headed up the hill to the end of the driveway. The SUV easily handled the deep drifts and the slippery conditions. But she wasnt about to give Jake the satisfaction of being right.
You were in love with me? he asked. When exactly was that?
Years ago, she murmured. For about a week. Its all a very vague memory.
So you arent even slightly attracted to me now? A grin quirked at the corners of his mouth.
No, she lied.
He considered her answer for a long moment. Too bad. Because Im still kind of attracted to you. Yeah, I know. Surprising, right?
Still? Caley asked, stunned by his admission.
Yeah, still. Hey, I always thought you were hot.
Caley laughed out loud at the audacity of his comment. Please, she said.
No, I did. I do. Come on, Caley, look at yourself. A guy would have to be crazy to think otherwise. Youre beautiful and sophisticated and smart.
She wasnt sure whether he was teasing her or telling the truth. But it did make her feel better. Caley smiled.
All the guys were madly in love with you that summer before you left for college.
Now you are lying. But go on.
I told them you were taken.
She frowned at him. But I wasnt. Why would you tell them that?
They were only looking for one thing and I just didnt want them putting the moves on you. I didnt think you were ready for that. And maybe I felt a little possessive.
You were the reason I left for college a virgin.
Believe me, I would have loved to help you out on that one, but I wasnt sure Id be the right guy for the job. He paused. Id assume you solved that problem a while ago.
Caley giggled. Are you asking if Im a virgin? Im twenty-eight years old.
I was talking about finding the right guy. Teddy mentioned that youre living with some lawyer.
Caley opened her mouth, ready to tell him that Brian was probably moving his stuff out of their apartment as they spoke. But admitting that would leave her with no defense against seduction. Yeah. Weve been together for a couple years. What about you?
Caley didnt want to hear the answer. She wanted to believe that the only woman on his mind was her. But that would be unrealistic. Jake was an attractive, successful man.
No one special, he said. I guess I was saving myself for you.
She bit her bottom lip, focusing on the road ahead. Why did he say things like that? Was he testing her? Jake had always enjoyed teasing her, but this was different. It was as if he was daring her to take his words seriously.
They drove for a long while in silence. She took out her cell phone and began to text another message to her assistant.
Do you take that thing with you everywhere?
I need to be available. People are counting on me.
The rats would continue to race even if you werent running alongside them. Take a break. Youre supposed to be on vacation.
Partners dont ever really go on vacation, she said. Still, she tucked the phone back into her pocket, leaving the message unfinished.
A question nagged at Caleys brain, a question she never thought shed have the nerve or the opportunity to ask. But it needed to be answered. If you were so attracted to me, then why did you turn me down that night?
He smiled, but kept his gaze fixed on the road ahead. Youd just turned eighteen. I was almost twenty. I didnt think it was the right time. It was your first time and I figured that should be perfect. I wasnt sure I would be able to do that for you. He glanced over at her. I did you a big favor, Caley. I didnt want you to regret your first experience.
A question nagged at Caleys brain, a question she never thought shed have the nerve or the opportunity to ask. But it needed to be answered. If you were so attracted to me, then why did you turn me down that night?
He smiled, but kept his gaze fixed on the road ahead. Youd just turned eighteen. I was almost twenty. I didnt think it was the right time. It was your first time and I figured that should be perfect. I wasnt sure I would be able to do that for you. He glanced over at her. I did you a big favor, Caley. I didnt want you to regret your first experience.
Caley sat back in the seat and stared out the window. Though his words did a bit to soothe the memory of her humiliation, she had a hard time believing Jake was that noble. I was devastated, she said.
He reached over and slipped his hand around her nape. Her pulse quickened and Caley felt a rush of desire as his fingers tangled in her hair. Im sorry, he replied, gently forcing her to look at him. But, if it will make you feel better, Id be glad to do the job now.
She saw the wry grin on his face and Caley couldnt help but laugh. Ill let you know.
Hey, Ive been told I do an admirable job in the sack.
Thats because all the women you sleep with are too blinded by your pretty face. Theyd say anything to keep you in their beds.
Jake pulled the truck over to the edge of the road and threw it out of gear. My charm worked pretty well on you this morning.
I was asleep.
You said my name.
She shrugged, trying to maintain a cool facade. It wasnt working. Her hands were trembling and she felt a little light-headed. Well, it wont work anymore. Go ahead. Kiss me. Youll see, I wont have any reaction. It was a feeble challenge and she knew he could see right through it. But she didnt care. She wanted to kiss him again and she couldnt wait any longer.
To her surprise, he accepted her challenge. Before she could even take a breath, he grabbed her face between his hands and kissed her. At first, the kiss was full of frustration. But then, he softened his touch and slipped his tongue between her lips.
Caley grabbed the front of his jacket and pulled him toward her, until he was sprawled across the console, his hands furrowed through her hair. They couldnt seem to get close enough, tearing at each others clothes, searching for something more to touch. Though she knew she ought to put a stop to it, the taste of him, the feel of his body against hers was exhilarating, like some crazy carnival ride that frightened her and thrilled her all at once.
He slipped his hand under the waist of her pants and clutched her backside, pulling her hips against his. He was aroused and Caley enjoyed the fact that he couldnt resist her any more than she could resist him.
What the hell are you doing to me? he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. You have a boyfriend. Youre living with him.
We broke up, she murmured, nuzzling her face into the curve of his neck.
Jake grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back, staring down into her eyes. Dont play games with me, Caley.
Im not. I swear, we broke up. Its over.
Jake dragged his thumb over her bottom lip. Can we just stop pretending then? Im man enough to admit that I want you. And I think you want me, right?
Maybe, Caley murmured.
Not maybe, he said, shaking his head.
All right. Ill admit that there is an interesting attraction between us.
So what are we going to do about it?
Caley frowned. I dont know. It could be complicated.
He drew back, then grinned. When you figure out what you want, you let me know, he said.
Caley gasped softly. Was that it? Wasnt he supposed to pull her into his arms and kiss away all her doubts? Or seduce her without any regard to her reservations? He wasnt supposed to drop the ball back in her court!
I will, Caley said softly.
Jake straightened, sliding back behind the wheel. We should probably get going.
When they reached the small bridal shop in the village, Jake parked, then hopped out and circled around the front to open her door. The Burton boys had always had impeccable manners.
Watch out, he said, as he grabbed her waist. Its slippery beneath this snow. His hands lingered on her hips as his gaze fell to her mouth.
They stood there for a long moment, frozen in place, their breath clouding between them. Then Caley pushed up on her toes and touched her lips to his. Im not playing games with you, she whispered. I just felt like kissing you again.
I know how that feels, he replied. His arms slipped around her waist and he pulled her body against his. Jake brought his hands up to her face and gently cupped her cheeks as he returned the kiss. But the sound of laughter brought an end to their momentary pleasure. Caley turned to watch two teenage girls in the midst of a snowball fight.
Its no one, he whispered, his breath warm against her ear.
If we do this, we cant let anyone know, she said.
I never kiss and tell, he said.
Im serious. It has to stay just between us. And it has to be just sex. Nothing more.
Friends with benefits? he asked.
She nodded. Ill be right back, she said, glancing over at the bridal shop.
Ill come in and wait, he said.
Is that wise? she asked.
Im not going to seduce you in a public place, he said. And I dont think Miss Belle is going to go running to our parents to tell on us.
He followed her to the door, then pulled it open for her, placing his hand on the small of her back as she stepped inside. It was a simple gesture, but Caley realized that Jake was taking any opportunity offered to touch her.
The owner of the shop, Miss Belle, greeted them both, then drew Caley along to the fitting rooms in the back. She stopped and turned to Jake, motioning to him. Are you coming, too?
Oh, no, Caley said. Hes not mywell, hes just a I dont think hed be interested.
Ill come, Jake said, sending Caley a playful grin. Im very interested.
Caley took the dress into the fitting room and slipped out of her clothes. Though the dress didnt look like much on the hanger, when she put it on it was another story. The silky fabric clung to every curve of her body; the modest neckline plunged to a deep V in the back; the long sleeves fitted to her arms. She slipped out of her bra and then turned to examine the rear view. Emma had gotten the sizing perfect and had chosen a dress that would look stunning for an evening wedding.
Caley pulled open the fitting room door and stepped out. Jake had been sitting on a bench and the moment he saw her, he quickly stood, a tiny gasp slipping from his lips.
Wow, he murmured. Thats some dress.
Caley smoothed her hands over her hips as she turned. It is nice, isnt it?
Are you wearing underwear?
She gave him a stern look. Its too clingy.
So, youre not going to wear underwear. Where the hell am I supposed to put my hands when we dance? he asked. This is going to be a problem.
Are we going to dance?
Youre the maid of honor and Im the best man. I think its a rule than we take at least one turn around the floor.