“Hello?”
“Miranda, hey.”
“Hey…is everything okay?” It was awkward. But of course it was. I’d left him hot and bothered after a steamy make-out.
“Oh yeah, everything’s fine. I was calling because there’s been an abrupt change of plans. I know you weren’t planning on going to the Moore’s for game night, but Jules called and asked if they could actually do the gathering at our house instead.”
Ourhouse?
My heart hurt.
“Jules and Pat have been up all night every night with the girls recently. Jules said their house is a mess and they are too tired to entertain. Jules also said she was desperate for a nightoutinstead of another night in.” He cleared his throat. “I didn’tsay whether they could come or not. I wanted to ask you first…didn’t want you to be uncomfortable.”
“I appreciate that.” It was thoughtful of him. “Of course they should come. Jules should get a night out.”
“I figured you’d say that, but I wanted to be sure. Jules and I are having some food delivered around five-ish. I should be back by then.”
“Okay. I’ll make sure everything is ready.”
“Thank you, Miranda. And hey, please know you’re invited. You don’t have to stay upstairs.” He paused. “I want you with me, if you’re comfortable with it.”
I want you.
Those words were five years too late.
I closed my eyes, remembering the feel of his palms, hungry for my skin. How his weight pressed into me and his open mouth tasted my neck. For the thousandth time, I let my mind imagine what would’ve happened had I gone back downstairs.
He had said,there’s only one person for me.
I shivered. Wanted so badly to believe it.
“Yeah, Jack, of course. I—I might not play games, but I’ll at least be around for some cake.”
My answer pleased him.
Around five o’clock, food was delivered for dinner and the Moores arrived, but Jack was late. I was so uncomfortable opening Jack’s front door. Felt like an actress. Playing a part I was not ready for. Wishing someone was there to feed me my next line.
Sunny, Winter, and Woods were beautiful and charming. Pat was friendly and easy to talk to. Kacey immediately took to him and Sunny. But Jules was cold. She smiled and pretended to tolerate me.
I almost collapsed with relief when Jack returned. After hegreeted his family and Kacey, he turned his eyes on me. They were still flaming with desire and sent my belly into turmoil.
I felt his gaze all night. He watched my every move. The realization made me hot and flushed on more than one occasion. Jack wanted me and was doing nothing to hide it. I was certain everyone could see as plainly as I could. When we made eye contact, his slow smile turned my insides to mush.
I was all too glad when it was time for dessert and volunteered to serve up the plates, knowing the partial kitchen wall would hide me from view for a blessed minute.
But Jack was right behind me.
When I reached the counter, Jack stood behind me, placing his hands low on my waist. He leaned down, whispering. “You didn’t come back last night.” He brushed his lips across my ear, sending a tremor through me.
I said nothing.
His hands splayed on my hips. “I have thought about you all day.” He kissed my temple. “Any chance you want to pick up where we left off last night?”
My stomach clenched. Heat exploded through me.
Yes. Yes, I do.
I nodded, my resolve completely worthless. Powerless to say no to him. His chuckle was gravelly and so very tempting. “Well, cut this cake then. We need to get these people out of here.” Before he let go, he slid his hands to my ribs and leaned down to kiss my neck.
