Yes. No. What the hell was he trying to do here?
He took her hand, and mustered every scrap of honor in his disreputable soul. Im a cad and a womanizer, and I can smooth talk my way into or out of just about anything. Like touchdown passes, most things in life come way too easily to me, and I dont appreciate them nearly as much as I should.
Her eyes had softened, and he felt the danger of her compassion right down to his toes.
Is that what your dad told you? she asked.
He was right.
What if he wasnt?
Mitch shook his head. Dont do it, Jenny. Dont convince yourself that Im worthy.
Dont convince yourself that youre not.
Im-
You are a glib smooth talker, Mitch. Youre smart and youre diplomatic, and I know youve been handling me just like you handle everyone else in your life. But theres more to you than that. You just proved it.
Im-
You are a glib smooth talker, Mitch. Youre smart and youre diplomatic, and I know youve been handling me just like you handle everyone else in your life. But theres more to you than that. You just proved it.
Hate me, Jenny.
I cant.
If you could see inside my head right now, youd have no trouble at all.
Tell me whats inside your head.
No way, no how was he going to do that.
But her gaze was steady, and the heated air thickened between them.
You are, he finally said, determined to put an end to this once and for all. It was true that he could talk his way out of anything, and right now he was going to talk his way out of Jenny. And youre naked. On top of me. Your hair is wild, and your breasts are gleaming in the moonlight.
Her eyes went round, and her lips parted.
Youve kissed every inch of my body, and Ive kissed every inch of yours. Youre crying out my name, begging for more, harder, deeper. Your nails dig into my shoulder, but it feels good, because its you. And we come together, and it lasts forever, and its the best freaking sex Ive ever had.
She gave a long, slow blink, her cheeks flushed red, and her shoulders drooping in the still, heated air.
But guess what, Jenny? he spat. Its a one-night stand. The next day I go back on the road, back to the team, back to the parties and the girls, and I leave you far behind.
He let his words drop to cold silence.
Her eyes narrowed, and her lips pressed together. Youre lying.
He gave a harsh chuckle. Thats the bald-faced truth, darlin. Id be lying if I told you anything else.
She straightened and drew away from him.
He hated the suspicion in her eyes, but he knew it was for the best. Youre right to suspect that Im handling you, Jenny. I can talk my way into your pants then out of your life without breaking a sweat. When it comes to sex, dont trust me for an instant.
She rose shakily to her feet, and took a couple of backward steps, staring at him in obvious shock.
It was only then that he realized Emily, Cole and Jeffrey had overheard the tail end of his little speech.
Emily quickly swooped in and put an arm around Jenny, ushering her swiftly toward the front door.
Cole gave Mitch a glare of disgust and followed the two women.
Jeffrey ambled onto the deck and took a seat as the front door slammed firmly behind the trio.
Harsh, Jeffrey observed.
Necessary, Mitch responded, feeling lower than turf grass.
Ive sure never seen you do that before.
She deserves to know the truth.
That wasnt the truth. That was you protecting someone you care about, said Jeffrey. You were trying to scare her off.
Seven
Jenny was still stunned from Mitchs words as she blindly followed Emily and Cole into Coles front foyer. The terra-cotta tiles were smooth and cool under her bare feet. Clearly, there was something wrong with her. Otherwise, she would simply walk away from Mitch and be done with it.
What is the matter with you people? Emily demanded of Cole as he secured the door behind them.
Dont lump me in with him. Cole strode through a plaster archway and into the living room of his large, airy house. He swept an arm toward a curving staircase, looking at Jenny. There are three bedrooms up there. Take whichever one you want. But youre not going anywhere near a hotel tonight or any other night.
Jenny was nearly overcome with gratitude. She just wanted everything to stop for tonight. She was tired, battered and bruised.
He was a colossal jerk, Emily stated, stomping her way behind Cole as he moved farther into the house.
You wont get an argument from me, Cole tossed over his shoulder.
Maybe I should quit my job? Jenny ventured, bringing up the rear, struggling to keep her feelings in some semblance of order. Mitch had hurt her, there was no doubt about that. But hed also outlined the bald truth in no uncertain terms. There was absolutely no future for the two of them.
No, was Emilys quick response.
Youll outlast him, said Cole. Wine, anyone? Whiskey? Beer?
The more Jenny thought about it, the more handing in her resignation made sense. Mitch had made it as plain as possible that he wasnt interested in a relationship. But despite her vows to both herself and Emily, she couldnt seem to get him out of her head. Seeing him every day would only make things worse.
I dont think I can face him, she told Emily.
Its him that shouldnt be able to face you, Emily put in with staunch loyalty.
Maybe that was fair, but it wasnt reality. Do you suppose hed give me a reference?
Cole chose a crystal bottle filled with amber liquid from the bar situated between the two walls of glass that showed off his backyard. Id give you a reference. Hell, Ill give you a job. You just say the word, Jenny. Tell me what kind of career you want, and Ill make it happen.
Jenny couldnt help but smile at Coles generous offer. She felt immeasurably better being around such loyal friends. You know any nice guys, Cole? Are there any nice guys left in the world?
Im a nice guy. Cole splashed some whiskey into a heavy crystal tumbler.
Would you date me?
You bet. But his glance flicked to Emily.
Jenny smiled at the telltale action. Or maybe you have a nice friend? she amended her request. The four of us could double.
Excuse me? Emily put in.
Jenny ignored her. Anybody but Mitch.
Cole grunted at that. You want me to fix you up?
I want you to fix me up.
Dont count me in on this plan, said Emily.
Cole placed the tumbler in her hand, his fingers lingering against hers for a moment. Nobody asked for your opinion.
Youre getting it anyway.
His gaze bore into hers. You pick the time, the date and the location. Well do anything you want.
Emily glared back. Its not the location thats the problem.
Then whats the problem?
Youre the problem, Emily stated bluntly.
You barely know me, Cole countered.
Youre short.
Im taller than you.
Ha.
Im five-eleven. What are you? Five-six? Five-seven?
Five-six, Emily admitted.
There you go. As long as you keep your heels below five inches, were good. Now, where do you want to go?
Nowhere.
Jenny watched the battle of wills with fascination, wondering whod come out on top. Emily was self-assured and very determined, but Cole seemed to be holding his own against her.
He cocked his head toward Jenny. Youd abandon your best friend in her time of need?
Jenny has nothing to do with this.
Im fixing her up, helping mend her broken heart.
My hearts not broken, Jenny felt compelled to add. Bruised, maybe. And definitely the worse for wear. But she wasnt about to let some silly schoolgirl crush incapacitate her.
Her hearts not broken, Emily repeated, staring pointedly into Coles eyes.
She asked me to fix her up.
Her, not me.
She needs moral support. Now, where do you want to go?
She needs moral support. Now, where do you want to go?
Emily pressed her lips mulishly together and, despite everything that had happened over this hellish day, Jenny fought an urge to laugh.
I have tickets to the Longhorn Banquet in Austin next weekend, Cole offered with a sly smile.
Jenny silently awarded him a point for that one. The Longhorn Banquet was the hottest ticket of the year. Held in the state capital, it included the whos who, and celebrated prominent Texas citizens annual accomplishments. The governor would attend, as would business, arts and sports notables from around the state.
Wait til you see my jet, Cole added. And Ive rented a house on Lake Austin. Waterfront, six bedrooms, spa, pool and a full staff. Jenny can stay with us. And, Ill get her a date.
Im in, said Jenny. In her books, anticipating a luxurious weekend away was definitely better than wallowing in self-pity for the next week.
Emily turned to her. Youre not buying this, she exclaimed. Hes bribing us with staff, and a spa, and a private jet. Then her words trailed away.
If Im going to get bribed, Jenny put in philosophically. It might as well be by the best.
Emily stared at Jenny for a long moment. Then her hand went to Coles chest. Shes smiling. You made her smile.
I did. Cole accepted the credit, leaning ever so imperceptibly toward Emily.
Then while Emily crossed the big room to Jenny, Coles hungry gaze stayed glued to her every move.
You really want to do this? Emily asked her. You think itll make you feel better?
I sure dont want to sit on my butt and pine away for Mitch.
Hes a jerk.
He truly is. But even as she voiced her agreement, Jenny couldnt help remembering the expression on his face when hed told her about his father. Shed never have imagined all-American Mitch Hayward was hiding a crappy childhood. They had that in common.
Okay. Emily nodded.
So, its a go? Cole asked hopefully.
Emily shot him a warning glare. This weekend is all about Jenny, not about you.
Yes, maam. Cole grinned. You ladies just tell me what youd like. Meal suggestions for the chef, preferences for floral arrangements, wines, special sheets on the beds? They have chauffeur-driven SUVs, but I can get a stretch limo if youd prefer.
Jenny nudged her friend. How are you not dating this guy already?
Hes too short, said Emily.
Ill buy lifts, Cole put in.
Short is a state of mind.
Its a state in your mind, woman, not mine.
Emily sniffed her disapproval, and Jenny couldnt help but laugh.
Im leaving now, said Emily, and disappointment flickered in Coles blue eyes.
Emily missed it because her attention was focused on Jenny. Im going to grab you some of my clothes and a few personal things. Tomorrow, well stock you up. But Ill be back in an hour with the essentials.