He grinned. “And your hot little body. Happy now?”
She mumbled something that sounded like “I will be,” though that could have been wishful thinking on his part.
“How about dinner?” Time to start his grand seduction. First food and good company, then he’d bring her to orgasm so many times she’d lose count. She’d be putty in his hands, so when he figured out what the hell he really wanted from her, she wouldn’t be able to say no.
Ann watched him, trying to figure out Jack’s game. If he’d only wanted her in bed, he could have continued that kiss. God, the man had a mouth made for sin.
When he kissed, he used everything—lips, teeth and tongue. He stroked her as if he made love to her whole body, and even now she was slick, her body ready for him even if her heart and head demanded she stick to the plan.
The problem was he charmed her without trying. That smile in his eyes, the quirk of his full lips. Even the firm jaw, now looking a bit shadowy, added to his appeal. Jack was a man’s man. As a teenager, he’d loved just being with her and holding hands, but she’d never mistaken him for a boy she could bend to her will.
A lot like now. He kept her on her toes, taking charge of the date. His house?Please.As if she didn’t know what would follow dinner. Some wine, dessert. Then he’d suggest they go upstairs where he’d bang her brains out, which was fine by her. She’d never had any qualms with his skills in bed.
She squirmed behind him, wanting to feel him inside her again. It had been a long time since she’d had any satisfaction from a partner who didn’t use batteries. Not that she didn’t love Mr. Vibe, but he could only do so much.
“Can I get you something to drink?” he asked.
She followed him into a spacious kitchen. Stainless steel appliances, mahogany cabinetry, and simple dark blue accents made the place shine. A terrific granite island, complete with a stovetop, prep sink and seating for four drew her attention. She noted the bottles of wine on the counter and pointed to the red.
He poured her a glass and took a beer from the fridge for himself. After putting the steaks in the broiler, he took a sip from his bottle. “So rumor has it you’re not seeing anyone.”
She sipped her wine, liking the smooth finish. Jack, or more likely Dan and Julie, had good taste. “That would be correct.”
“Right. I mean, you’re here with me. The Ann I know—or knew, I should say—would never step out on a guy.”
She thought she heard something off in his voice. “You’re right. I would never do that.”Unlike some, went unsaid. She wondered how long he’d been seeing Selena behind her back before he’d broken it off with her.
“It’s a pretty immature thing to do, but it takes a while for some of us to grow up.”
A lame-assed attempt at an apology? A touch of guilt hit her. Should she take this opportunity to just ask him why he’d been so mean to her back then? Clear the air and forget about her revenge?
“Good thing we’re all grown up then,” she said, waiting to see how he’d respond.
He turned his head to grin at her. “Some of us are better grown than others. You sure filled out nice, Ann.”
Still no apology. She wanted—deserved—an “I’m sorry” at the very least.
Instead of demanding his admission of guilt, she teased, “Back at ya.”
“I know.” He hadn’t grown out of that charming arrogance of his. “You should see me wield a spatula…among other things.” After he fiddled with a pot of vegetables on the stove, he asked, “Do you still like the same things? How about cooking? Gardening?”
“I’m pretty much the same. I like to garden in the summertime. Small pots, flowers, maybe a tomato plant. Not too much. But cooking?” She scrunched her nose. “Not my forte.”
“Good thing I offered then. We won’t starve.”
The tiny dig stung, which was stupid because she’d just admitted she hated cooking. But Jack seemed so sure of himself. So confident in the kitchen, with a kiss, just breathing. It was imperative she take back some control in this weird relationship.
“What are you making?”
He nodded at the pot. “Just boiling some beets. I like ’em fresh, not canned. The steak will be another ten minutes, I’m thinking. You like it medium rare, right?” Turning to the fridge, he pulled out the makings for a salad.
“Medium rare, yeah.” Did the guy have to have a memory like an elephant? Whatcouldn’the do well? “So, why aren’t you married with three kids already?”
He almost dropped the head of lettuce he’d been holding. “What?”
“You heard me. Do you have commitment issues?” She liked the thought of a weakness.
“Nope. Just haven’t met Miss Right yet.”
