CHAPTER FIVE
“TELL ME THE TRUTH! Did you cancel or did he?”
Josie opened her mouth, but Susan cut her off. “If he canceled, I’ll give him a piece of my mind. That’s what he first told me, you know. That he was the one who’d backed out. But I found that so hard to believe. I mean, he’s so conscientious and he did promise me.”
“I canceled.”
Susan’s frown was fierce. “I don’t suppose I’ll ever know the full truth, will I? You’re both telling such different stories. But never mind that.”
She sat across from Josie and stared her in the eye. Josie almost winced. She knew that sign of determination when she saw it.
“You have to give him a chance, Josie. He’s different from the rest. He’s…wonderful.”
Josie stared at the limp lettuce in her salad. She didn’t have an appetite, hadn’t had one all day. All she could do was think of Bob and miss him and wonder what he was doing right now, what he’d say tomorrow when he learned she wasn’t the woman he thought her to be. She wasn’t exciting and sexy and adventurous. She was dull and respectable; all the things she claimed to disdain.
She could just imagine what a man like Bob would think of her. She wanted to change things; she wanted to go places, be daring and fulfill every fantasy she could conceive. She’d been such a coward, living a narrow life while sinking everything she was, everything she wanted to be, into her business. She’d escaped the grief of losing her parents, of being a burden to her sister, despite Susan’s disclaimers. She’d escaped any risks of being hurt—and any chance of enjoying life. But she wanted to change that, now.
Last night had been an excellent start.
But her sister wouldn’t think so. “I don’t need your help picking my dates, Susan.”
“What dates? You never go out!”
The outfit she’d worn for Bob was the only one like it she owned, and she’d bought it to repel him, not attract him. What would he think of that? What would he think when he saw her in her standard comfortable wardrobe, meant for visiting the elderly and running errands?
She needed to find some middle ground—somewhere between the woman she was and the woman he thought her to be. And she only had until noon tomorrow to do it.
“Are you listening to me?”
Josie pulled her thoughts away from the monumental task she’d set for herself and smiled at her sister. “Yes, Susan, I’m listening. You think Bob is wonderful.” Privately she agreed. More than wonderful. Incredible and sexy and… She sighed. Such a very perfect man—who thought she was a different woman.
“I do. Think he’s wonderful, that is. And you would, too, if you’d just stop being so stubborn. He’s perfect for you, Josie.”
Amen to that. Now if only she could make it come true.
“And handsome—not that it matters in the long run what a man looks like. It’s his integrity and responsible attitude that are important. But he really is an attractive male. Proud, intelligent. Courteous. And a brilliant businessman. He did such a fabulous job on my ads. Business has been pouring in.”
Something in Susan’s tone cut through Josie’s distraction. She shoved her salad aside and contemplated her sister’s expression. Susan had leaned forward on the counter, her own take-out lunch forgotten. She had both hands propped beneath her chin and a starry look in her hazel eyes.
That look was the one normally reserved for expansion plans for the flower shop, or matchmaking. Josie drew a deep, thoughtful breath. The heady scent of flowers and greenery filled her nostrils. The air inside the shop was, by necessity, damp and rich, heavy. As an adolescent, Josie had always loved the shop. It had been a one-room business back then, catering mostly to locals, but with Susan’s hard work and patience, it had grown considerably over the years. This was a special place, where Josie had always felt free to confide in her sister. Many serious talks had occurred at this exact counter.
This time, however, Susan seemed to be the one in need of a chat.
She sighed a long drawn-out sigh, and Josie felt a moment’s worry at the wistful sound. “What are you thinking?”
Susan jumped. Normally her thoughts would be on a new business scheme to implement in the shop, a moneymaker of some sort. Or a way to get Josie’s life headed in the direction Susan deemed appropriate. Not this time. “I was thinking of how apologetic Bob was for how things turned out. He was sorry for making me worry so much.”
Josie was startled. “You talked with him?”
“Of course I did! Haven’t you listened to anything I’ve told you? Bob stopped by earlier and apologized for causing me concern. He admitted he should have called me himself last night, to explain about the change in plans. He’s promised me it won’t happen again. Now, when do you think the two of you can reschedule?”
Josie narrowed her eyes, her thoughts suspended. Bob had been here, talking to Susan? Why would he ask her not to say anything, but then risk calling on Susan himself? It didn’t make any sense. “He told you he would reschedule?”
“Yes. We, um, talked for quite some time as a matter of fact. You know, he has big plans for the advertising agency. Someday he’ll be a very prosperous man, a name to be recognized. You wouldn’t have to continue working if things went well between the two of you.”
Josie couldn’t help but grind her teeth. Bob had told her he wasn’t all that interested in expanding the company. Had he lied, or had Susan misunderstood? She felt buried in confusion and conflicting emotions. “I like my work, Susan, and I’m not ever going to give it up.”
“Josie, you know how proud I am of you. I think it’s incredible all that you’ve accomplished. And I love you for all your hard work and dedication.” Susan patted her hand. “But it’s a terrible job for a young single woman. You never have an entire weekend free, and I can’t remember the last time you took a vacation. It’s no wonder you never meet any nice men.”
“Like Bob?” Josie whispered.
“Exactly!” Susan looked flushed again, and she averted her gaze. “We discussed the problem of your work, how you can’t keep any regular hours, and Bob suggested that he wouldn’t mind if his wife had a job like my own, running her own shop, meeting new people. A nice nine-to-five job where you’d be home in the evening to share dinner with him, and be there on the weekends to spend time with the kids. Maybe he could help you hire someone, so you wouldn’t have the full load yourself….”
Susan’s words trailed off as Josie jerked to her feet, hitting the fronds of a large fern with her elbow and almost smacking the top of her head on a hanging philodendron. She cursed, surprising both herself and Susan.
How dare Bob discuss her life with her sister? He had no right to make plans for her behind her back, or to even think of trying to rearrange her life.
She felt as though Bob had betrayed her, and it hurt. Damn it, it hurt much more than it should have. It took two deep breaths to calm herself enough to speak. “Susan, I appreciate your concern, you know that. But you’re meddling in my life and you just can’t do it anymore. I’m a grown woman. I like what I do, and it’s important to me. I’m not giving up my work for anyone, Bob included.”
“Well.” Susan looked subdued, but just for a moment. “We were only thinking of the future, wondering how you’re going to fit a family into that hectic schedule of yours.”
Josie growled, appalled at Bob’s arrogance. Just because she’d slept with him, he thought he had the right to start rearranging her life? “Family! I’ve barely gotten started on the dating.”
“Not for lack of trying on my part!”
“Susan.” She said it as a warning, long and drawn out. Having her sister fuss over her was one thing; she loved Susan, so she could tolerate the intrusion. But Josie couldn’t have Susan discussing her, planning her life, with every man she deemed marriage material.
“All right. I can take a hint.” Susan made a face, acting much aggrieved. “But I hope you’ll agree it’s worth your time to pursue this association.”
“Relationship. Time spent between a man and woman, outside of business, is called a relationship, not an association.”
Susan waved a dismissive hand. “The point is, you need to compromise a little, Josie, if you ever hope to marry a man as perfect as Bob. He has his life all planned out, down to the last detail. All his business expansions, the house he’ll build, even the names he’d like to give his children. Believe me, he’s worth your efforts.”
Josie straightened her shoulders and stared at Susan, shocked. Realization slowly dawned. For the first time in memory, Susan seemed genuinely attracted to a man. And not just attracted, but totally enthralled. Maybe even in love. Josie swallowed, trying to sort through her own muddled feelings to see the situation clearly.
“Did you ever stop to think, Susan, that Bob might be worth your effort?”
Blinking owlishly, as if she’d never heard anything so preposterous, Susan stood and began clearing away their half-eaten salads. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Why not?” Josie summoned the necessary words past the lump in her throat. “It seems to me you admire him a great deal. Admit it, you want him for yourself.” She wouldn’t think of Bob, of what they’d shared last night. She couldn’t.
Josie drew a deep breath. “Since I…don’t want him, there’s no reason for you to deny yourself.” She went to Susan and took her hands. “I love you, Susan, you know that. But you have the most irritating habit in the world of thinking I deserve the very best of everything—even if it’s something you want for yourself. You’ve been doing it since the day Mom and Dad died, putting my needs before your own. You sold the house, then used all the money for me to go to college while you dropped out. You bought me a car when I graduated, when you had to take the bus.”
Susan looked away, embarrassed, but Josie only continued in her praise. Susan deserved it—and much more. “You’ve been the very best of sisters. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all you’ve done for me, for being there when I didn’t have anyone else, for being my best friend and my mother as well as my big sister.” Josie swallowed back her tears, and ignored the wrenching heartache.
She squeezed Susan’s hands, her gaze unwavering. “You don’t have to do it anymore. I can take care of myself now. If you’re attracted to a man, to…” She swallowed, then forced the words out. “If you’re attracted to Bob, let him know. You deserve to give it your best shot.”
Before Susan could respond, the bell over the door jingled and a man walked in carrying a fancy wrapped package. “For Miss Susan Jackson?”
Susan stepped forward, eyes wide, one had splayed over her chest. “For me? Oh my goodness, who’s it from?”
Josie tipped the delivery man and then peered over Susan’s shoulder while she fumbled with her package.
“It’s chocolates!” Susan peered at the box, holding it at arm’s length. “I can’t imagine who it’s from.”
Josie had a sick feeling she knew exactly who had sent the extravagant gift. Her knees felt watery and she perched on a stool. “Read the card.”
Looking like a toddler on Christmas Day, Susan tore the small envelope open with trembling fingers. She read the card silently, her lips moving. When she turned to Josie, she bit her lip in indecision.
“Well?” Josie urged.
“It says…” Susan cleared her throat, and her cheeks turned pink. “It says, ‘With all my regard, Bob.’”
How…prosaic. Josie would have thought Bob could do better than that.
Susan halted, her smile frozen. “It doesn’t mean anything, Josie.”
Very gently Josie said, “Of course it does.”
“No. He knew I was worried about you last night and this is his way of showing me he understands.”
“I think it’s his way of showing you he’s as interested as you are.”
“No! Don’t be silly. He’s simply a very considerate, kind man. He’s always thinking of others, even that disreputable partner of his, Nick something-or-other. Now, there’s a man who can’t be trusted! I could tell just by looking at him, he’s entirely too used to getting his own way. But Bob is different. He’s scrupulous and…”
While Susan droned on and on, trying to convince Josie while simultaneously pulling open the silver ribbon on the box, Josie did her best to keep her smile in place. Her stomach cramped and her temples pounded. She’d made such a colossal fool of herself, and possibly damaged something very precious to her sister. The problem now was how to fix things.
Susan went in the back room to put the chocolates in the refrigerator and Josie did the only thing she could think of to do. She grabbed up one of the little blank cards in the rotating stand by the cash register and filled it out. It would be easier to write the words than to face Bob and say them out loud. In fact, if she had her way, it’d be a long, long time before she had to lay eyes on him again.
She added Bob’s name to the outside and attached the card to a basket of dieffenbachia and English ivy, spiked with colorful tigridias. The plants were supposed to help filter the air of chemicals, and right now, she thought the air needed a little cleaning. She stuck a large bow wrapped with a wire into the middle of the thing along with the yellow address copy from an order form. She shoved it up next to the other plants due to be sent out in the next half hour.
After dusting off her hands in a show of finality, she reseated herself. She didn’t really feel any better for having made the break clean, but at least it was over. If her conscience wasn’t clear, at least it was somewhat relieved.
The hard part would be trying to forget what it had been like, being with him, feeling his heat and breathing his scent and… No. She wouldn’t think about it. Not at all.
When Susan came out humming, looking for all the world like a young girl again, Josie lost her composure.
Self-recrimination was all well and good, and probably deserved. But what she’d done, she’d done unknowingly. Bob should have said something. So she’d more or less thrown herself at him? With his looks and body and charm, it probably happened to him all the time. He could have resisted her, could have been gentleman enough to tell her the truth, to explain that her own sister was interested in him. Susan certainly deserved better treatment than that. And not for a moment did she imagine Bob to be oblivious to Susan’s interest. The man wasn’t naive, and he had to have firsthand knowledge of female adoration.
As to that, why was he even accepting blind dates? He surely had his pick of women.
She thought about everything now and saw things in a different light. He’d said, several times, that they needed to talk. But she’d kept putting him off. Had he intended to tell her that what they’d shared had been no more than a wild fling for him? Just as she’d cut loose for once, maybe he had, too. Could she really fault him for that, when she knew firsthand how difficult it was always to be circumspect and conservative? Perhaps he’d even planned to explain the truth to her tomorrow. She hoped so, for Susan’s sake. With all she knew now, she realized how ideally suited Bob and Susan were for each other.
When the delivery truck pulled up to collect all the flowers, Josie decided it was time to go home. Susan never noticed the extra basket. She merely signed the inventory form, moving in a fog as she made repeated trips to the back room for more chocolate in between singing Bob’s praises. Josie gave the deliveryman an extra ten to make certain Bob’s basket got delivered right away. She hoped he was still at the office, as Susan assumed, because she wanted him to get the thing today.
Susan stood staring out the front window, a small smile on her face. Josie couldn’t help but smile, too. As heartsick and disillusioned as she felt, she was glad for her sister. Susan deserved a little happiness, regardless of the cost. “Hey, sis? Anyone home in there?”
Susan turned to her, one brow raised. “I’m sorry. I was thinking.”
“Gee, I wonder about what.”
Seeing Susan blush was a novelty. Normally Josie would have teased her endlessly. Today she just didn’t have it in her. “Will you call him and thank him for the candy?”
Susan’s blush vanished and her brows drew together in that stern look she had. “Of course not. Why don’t you just thank him for me when you reset your date?”
“Susan…”
“Now, Josie, you promised you’d give him another chance. Don’t back out on me now.”
Josie rolled her eyes, trying to cover her discomfort. Susan could be so stubborn once she’d got her mind set. “Just once, why don’t you do what you want instead of thinking about me?”
Susan looked nonplussed. “Why, because you’re my sister, of course. And he’d make you the perfect husband, Josie. I just know it.”
Josie quelled the churning in her belly and smiled. “You can’t dictate love, Susan. It happens when you least expect it.” If her words sounded a little uncertain, a little sad, Susan didn’t notice.
“But you haven’t even given him a chance!”
Josie closed her eyes, not wanting Susan to see the guilt there. She hated lying to her sister.
Susan huffed. “For the life of me I don’t understand your attitude, Josie. He’s a terrific man.”
“I know. Perfect.”
“Well, he is!” Susan crossed her arms over her chest and glared. Josie knew what that meant. “At least go out with him once. Just once. If you’re truly not interested, then I’ll accept it.”
Though she knew it was a mistake, Josie saw no way around it. “And you’ll admit that you’re the one who’s attracted?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Susan.” There was pure warning in Josie’s tone.
Throwing up her arms, Susan conceded. “Oh, all right. If nothing comes of your date, I’ll…consider him for myself. But trust me, Josie, you’ll adore him. It’s just that you don’t know what you’re missing.”
But Josie did know. She only wished she didn’t.
“I’M GLAD YOU DECIDED to come in for a few hours.”
“A few minutes, not hours.” Nick went past Bob, who was lingering in the lobby of the building that housed their offices. Each of them had his own space, connected by a doorway that almost always remained open. They shared access to the numerous pieces of computer and graphic equipment they used. “Do I look like I’m dressed for the office?” he added.
Bob eyed his tan khaki slacks and polo shirt. “Not particularly, but with you I’m never sure.”
Nick thought about being offended, since he always wore a suit to the office, but he didn’t bother. At present, he had other things on his mind. “I’m only going to pick up the Ferguson file. I thought I’d look it over tonight and see if I come up with any ideas.”
Bob trailed behind him, a fresh cup of coffee in his hand. “We don’t have to make a presentation on that job for some time yet.”
“I know, but I have the night free.” Nick caught Bob’s censuring look and shook his head. “Lighten up, Bob. It’s Saturday. The work will still be here come Monday.”
“Actually, I was amazed you have Saturday night free. That’s a rare occurrence, isn’t it?”
Nick shrugged. He had no intention of explaining to Bob what he wasn’t sure he understood himself. Josie hadn’t in any way asked him to restrict his dating habits, but he’d done so anyway. And in the back of his mind lurked the worry that she might not be so considerate. He wasn’t used to worrying about a woman, and he didn’t like it. What pressing business did she have between now and Sunday?
Not that knowing would alter his decision. He didn’t want to see anyone except Josie, and besides, after the day’s activities, he was too tired to go out, but too restless to sleep. And sitting in his house had about driven him crazy. He kept remembering everything about her—her hot scent, the incredible feel of her skin, the way she moaned so sweetly when he—
He jerked open another drawer and shuffled files around. He was damn tired of torturing himself with those memories. He needed a distraction in the worst way and the Ferguson account would have to be it.
With his head buried in a filing drawer, he heard a knock and then Bob opened the outer door to speak to someone. Nick twisted to try to see who had entered, but only managed to get a peek of a large basket of flowers and greenery. He blinked, lifted his head and smacked it hard on the open drawer above him. “Damn it!”
“You okay?”
“I’ll live.” Rubbing the top of his head, he sauntered over to where Bob stood opening a small envelope. “What’s this?”
Bob grinned, still holding the card. “I sent Susan some chocolates. I guess she decided to send me flowers.”
“Flowers, huh?” He looked at the basket with interest. No woman had ever sent him flowers. He fingered a bright green leaf, intrigued and a tad jealous. “Hey, the plants are alive. What do you know?”
“Umm…” Bob hastily stuck the card back in the envelope. “I think these were meant for you.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. The card says Bob, but Josie sent them. I take it you didn’t come clean with her yet?”
Half pleased over the gesture of the plant, and half embarrassed to still be caught in his lie, Nick rolled back on his heels and looked at the ceiling. “I tried. But she didn’t want to do any serious talking. The timing wasn’t right. We decided we’d clear the air tomorrow afternoon. We’re doing lunch and a movie.”
“But that’s when we play poker. You’ve never missed a Sunday!”
Nick was well acquainted with his own routine; he didn’t need Bob to run it into the ground. “I’ll miss it tomorrow.”
“But…this is unprecedented! You never change your plans for a woman!”
Nick ground his teeth, frustrated with the truth of that. And it wasn’t even Josie who had asked him to change his plans; he’d done so on his own. But he didn’t regret it. And that was the strangest thing of all.
Bob was staring at him, assessing, and Nick forced a shrug, not about to reveal his discomfort. “So tomorrow will be a first.”
It took him a second, and then Bob managed to collect himself. He looked away, and mumbled, “Maybe not. Here, you should probably read this.”
Nick watched Bob hustle out of the room after thrusting the card at him. He discreetly closed the door behind him. Nick looked at the plant again. A live plant with flowers somehow stuck in it. It was pretty and he felt absurdly touched by the gesture.
He opened the envelope and began to read.
Dear Bob,Yesterday I wasn’t myself. If you ever met the real me, you’d understand what I’m telling you. It wouldn’t be right for me to see you ever again. If you truly want a continuing relationship, I suggest you call on Susan.All my best,
Josie
He read it twice, not quite believing the little fool would actually do such a thing, then he cursed. Storming out of the room, he went after Bob. He found him behind his desk, pretending to look over an ad campaign. “You sent Susan candy today, right?”
“Well…”
“And you had them delivered to her at her shop, am I right?”
“Well…”
“And you put your own damn name on it, instead of leaving it as a secret admirer like I suggested. Right?”
“Well…”
“Damn it, Bob, do you know what you’ve done? Do you know what that plant is? I’ll tell you what it is. It’s a damn kiss-off plant. I’m getting dumped because Josie thinks I’m you and she apparently thinks I want Susan!”
Bob shot to his feet. “Well, whose brilliant idea was that? Not mine. I told you to tell her the truth.”
“And you promised me you’d give me a little time. If you’d gone with our original plan and played the secret admirer, none of this would have happened.”
“I’m no good at that stuff and you know it. I’d have been blushing every time I looked at her. It wouldn’t have taken Susan five minutes tops to figure out the candy was from me. Then I’d have looked plain stupid.”
“You would have looked like a romantic.”
“Which I’m not. And I’d have ended up in the very position you’re in right now.”
He had a point. Nick supposed every speck of fault could be laid at his own big feet, but that didn’t help him to figure out what to do next. A sense of panic began to swell around him. He had to do something. “I should go see her.”
“Who, Susan?”
Frustration mounted. “No, not Susan.” He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it on end. “That woman hates me, remember? I meant Josie.”
“Do you know where she lives?”
“I know which condo complex she’s in, but not which condo.” He looked at Bob hopefully. “You could get her exact address for me.”
“Forget it. Susan already thinks I should be interested in Josie, not her. The woman doesn’t understand her own appeal. It took me forever this afternoon to get her to soften up a little, but she’s still determined to get me and Josie together, no matter how I try to divert her. If I start asking for Josie’s address now, she’ll decide her intuition was right, and Susan will never give me the time of day. It’d be like taking three giant steps backward.”
God, what a mess. Nick thumped his fist against the desk. “Think about it, Bob. Susan wants you to pursue Josie, but you want Susan. I want Josie, but she thinks I’m you and courting her sister.” He groaned, his stomach knotting as he thought of how Josie must feel, how hurt she must be right now. Would she think he’d merely used her last night? Hell, she probably hated him, and he couldn’t blame her. He’d been a total ass.
“So how are we going to fix things?”
Nick closed his eyes wearily. “You can’t ask Susan for Josie’s address because she’ll think you’re hung up on Josie. I can’t very well ask her for it, because odds are she wouldn’t give it to me. I suppose I’ll just have to go over there and start knocking on doors.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
Nick glared at him. “No, I’m dead serious. Unless you have a better idea?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. I remember Susan mentioning a woman who heads up the decision committee for the condo. She has a nephew who does the yard work, and she monitors all the problems in the complex. She wanted some advice on inexpensive advertising for a small business she’s recently started. She could probably tell you which condo is Josie’s.”
Nick rubbed his hands together, finally feeling a little of the bizarre panic recede. Things would work out. They had to. No woman had ever thrown him off balance this way, and he wasn’t used to it. He didn’t know how to react, that’s all. He needed just a little more time.
He wanted to make love to her, to touch her. Her effect on him was unique, but considering how explosive they were together, it was understandable. At least to him. Hell, he got hot just thinking about her—yet she’d done the unprecedented and dumped him. “Give me her number.”
“I can do better than that.” Bob rummaged in his drawer and then withdrew a pink business card. He handed it to Nick. “That’s her address in the complex. From what I understood, she knows Josie pretty well. She can tell you which condo Josie lives in.”
Nick snapped the card twice with a finger, then slipped it into his pocket. He felt filled with relief, and iron determination. “If you wouldn’t think ill of me, I’d kiss you.”
Bob pretended horror and ducked away. But Nick still managed to clap him on the shoulder, nearly knocking him into his desk.
Josie Jackson didn’t stand a chance. She might think things were all over—damn her and her ridiculous Dear John plant—but she was in for a rude awakening. She’d started this game with her short sexy skirt and taunting smile and unmistakable come-on. She could damn well finish it. But this time they’d play by his rules. No more holding back, and no more being called by another man’s name. He’d find out exactly why Josie had showed up in the bar looking like an experienced femme fatale, when in truth she was as innocent as a lamb. He’d find out why she’d chosen him, of all men, to be her first lover. And then he’d take over.
That had been his first mistake, giving up control. He’d let her think she was calling the shots and hadn’t been up-front with her. Things had gotten way out of hand. But no more.
He went back to the inner offices, collected his plant with the big bow and colorful flowers and saluted Bob on his way out.
He left the Ferguson file behind.
EVERY NEIGHBOR in the complex had come to stare at him sometime during the day. But he hadn’t buckled under, he simply stared back. They had the advantage, though, because most of them, he figured, had to be myopic—being stared at wasn’t as personal for them, or as unsettling. That’s if they could see him at all. Some of Josie’s neighbors wore thick glasses, most of them had watery eyes of a pale shade.
Not a single one of them was under seventy.
At first he’d loitered around Josie’s door, waiting, wishing he could peek in through a window, but not willing to risk having the neighbors converge on him in righteous indignation. But she hadn’t come home. So he wandered around outside, looking at the neatly kept grounds, the symmetry of each building. He’d drawn too much attention there, so he’d waited for a while in his car. That got too hot, causing his frustration to escalate.
Where the hell was she? Mrs. Wiley, that little old white-haired grandma who wanted to advertise her Golden Goodies home parties for seniors, hadn’t minded in the least if he waited. In fact, she’d wanted him to wait with her while she explained her home-sale ventures. He’d made a red-faced escape, unable to discuss with any dignity the prospects of advertising her product. She’d managed to press a colorful catalog on him before he got out, but he hadn’t really looked at it yet. He couldn’t quite work up the nerve.
Mrs. Wiley had seemed innocent enough, pleasantly plump in a voluptuous sort of way, with neatly styled silver-white hair and a smile that had probably melted many a man in her day. She’d used that damn smile to get him to agree to work on an advertising plan for her. Something simple and cheap, she’d said, and he’d known she was using her age to her advantage, trying to look old and frail. Nick had fallen for the ploy, hook, line and sinker. But how the hell did you advertise seductive novelties for the elderly?
He was sitting on the front stoop, staring out at the sunset and still pondering the issue of Mrs. Wiley’s problem, when Josie finally pulled into the parking lot. He almost didn’t recognize her at first, not in her small dull-brown car, with her hair pinned up and no makeup. She looked like a teenager, young and perky, not hot and sultry. He gawked, knew he gawked, but couldn’t do a damn thing about it. In no way did she resemble the male fantasy that had turned him inside out last night.
He quirked a brow. In many ways, he admitted, she looked even better.
Josie Jackson made one hell of a good-looking frump.
He cleared his throat and stood. She hadn’t yet noticed him. Stepping back from her car in her jeans and white sneakers, her arms filled with grocery bags, she looked like a typical homemaker. Not a sex symbol.
His muscles tightened. “Josie.”
She stopped, but she couldn’t see over the bags. Motionless for several moments, she finally lowered one of the bags enough to glare at him. Her expression didn’t bode well. “What are you doing here?”
“Setting things straight.”
Her cheeks colored and her beautiful eyes narrowed. “Didn’t you get my message?”
His nod was slow and concise. “I got it. But I’m not letting you dump me with a damn plant.”
The bags started to slip out of her arms and he made a grab for them. “Here, let me help you. We need to talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
He took the bags despite her resistance. “Yes, there is. And we might as well do it inside rather than out here entertaining our audience.”
Audience referred to three older women hiding behind some bushes and two men who pretended to be chatting with each other, but were keeping a close watch. Josie didn’t seem to notice any of them. She looked blank-faced and flustered and hostile. After she closed up her car, she lifted one hand to her hair, but curled it into a fist and let it drop to her side. She seemed equal parts confused, angry and embarrassed.
“Josie?”
Her shoulders stiffened. “You’ve, um, taken me by surprise.”
He grinned. “So I have.” His voice dropped to an intimate level. “I missed you, honey. You look wonderful.”
She snorted at that and started off for the condo at a brisk marching pace. He kept up, enjoying the sight of her backside in tight jeans, her exposed neck and the few stray curls that bounced with her every step. By the time she reached her door, a spot now very familiar to Nick, she had slowed to a crawl. She stood facing the door, not speaking, not looking at him.
His heart thudded and his determination doubled. “Unlock it, Josie.”
Still with her back to him, she muttered, “The thing is, I really don’t want you inside.”
Brushing his lips against her nape, he felt her shiver. “I like your hair up like this. It’s sexy.” He kept his tone soft and convincing, reassuring her. “Of course, you could wear a ski mask and I’d think you were sexy.”
A choked sound escaped her and she stiffened even more. “You’re being ridiculous. I look like a…a…”
“A busy woman? Well, you are. Nothing wrong with that.”
Her shoulders stiffened as she drew a deep breath. “I don’t want to see you again.”
The bottom dropped out of his stomach, but he pressed forward anyway. “I think I can change your mind. Just give me a chance to explain.”
“You’re not going to go away, are you?”
It was his turn to snort.
“Oh, all right.” She jerked out the key and jammed it into the lock. “But don’t say I didn’t try to discourage you.”
He stayed right on her heels in case she tried to slam the door in his face, and almost bumped into her cute little behind as she bent to put her purse on an entry table. He remembered that bottom fondly, petting it, kissing the soft mounds, gripping the silky flesh to hold her close.
He stifled a groan and followed her into the kitchen to put the bags on the counter. Josie stood with her arms crossed, facing him with an admirable show of challenge.
He looked around the condo, then nodded. “Waiting for my reaction, are you?”
She lifted her chin and tightened her mouth.
Her home was interesting. Domestic. Neat and well organized and cute. Everything seemed to be done in miniature. The living room had a love seat and a dainty chair, no sofa. The dinette table was barely big enough for a single plate and there were just two ice-cream parlor chairs, which looked as if they’d collapse under his weight.
The wallpaper design was tiny flowers and all the curtains had starched ruffles. A bright red cookie jar shaped like a giant apple served as a focal point.
“In a way I suppose it suits you.”
Josie rolled her eyes. “You don’t even know who I am, so how can you possibly make that judgment?”
He stepped close until mere inches separated them. Slowly, with the backs of his fingers, he stroked her abdomen. “I know you. Better than any other man.”
Her eyes closed and she trembled. His fingers brushed higher, just under her breast. He was losing his grip, but couldn’t stop. “Josie?”
She bit her lips and then caught his hand. “You have to listen to me, Bob. Yesterday was a mistake.”
“No.”
“Yes, it was.” She waved a hand at the kitchen and beyond. “You see all this, and you think I’m as domestic as Susan, as conservative and contented as she. But I’m not content. I wanted—”
She broke off as he tugged her close, ignoring her frantic surprise. He tilted her chin and kissed her hard, without preamble or warning of his intent. When he thrust his tongue inside, he groaned at the same instant she did. Sliding his hands down her back, he cupped that adorable bottom and squeezed gently, lifting her up to her tiptoes and snuggling her close to his growing erection.
“You feel so good, Josie.” Before she could object, he kissed her again, more leisurely this time—tasting, exploring, seducing her and himself. When he pulled back, she clung to him. “And you taste even better. Sweet and hot.”
Slowly, she opened her eyes, then shook her head as if to clear it. “This will never work.”
He saw the pulse racing in her throat. “It’s already working.”
“No.” She tried to pull away, but he held her fast. “I want freedom, Bob. No ties, no commitments. I have no interest in marriage or settling down or starting a family. I—”
“Neither do I.”
She frowned and her mouth opened, but he cut her short.
“And I’m not Bob, so please don’t call me that again. I hate it.”
Her expression froze for a single heartbeat, and then she jerked away. She stepped around the small table, putting it between them and glared at him in horror. “What are you talking about?”
He decided to take a chance on one of the little chairs. Tugging it out, he straddled it and then smiled at her. “I lied. I’m not Bob, I’m his partner, Nick.”
She blinked, her lips slightly parted, her face pale.
“Thanks for the plant, by the way, but I refuse to get dumped. It’s an experience I hope never to undergo.”
“You’re not Bob?”
“Naw. Bob is hung up on your sister. That’s why he visited her this afternoon. I’m his evil partner, the no-talent, no-brain reprobate your sister took such an instant dislike to.”
Her mouth fell open, but then instantly snapped shut. “You lied to me deliberately?” Her hands trembled, but it wasn’t embarrassment causing the reaction. “All night last night, you let me believe you were a different man!”
“I hadn’t intended to.” He watched her eyes, fascinated with the way they slanted in anger, how the green seemed to sparkle and snap. Her cheeks were no longer pale, but blooming with outrage, making her freckles more pronounced. Her mouth was pulled into an indignant pout. He wanted to kiss her again; he wanted to devour her.
“Josie, I’d only gone to the bar to break the date for Bob because he wants Susan, not you. But when you showed up, looking so damn hot and sexy, my brain turned to mush and I just went for it. A typical male reaction. I’m sorry. It wasn’t my most sterling moment, but it’s the truth you threw me for a curve.”
She took a menacing step forward. “You lied to me deliberately.”
“Uh, I thought we already established that.” He eyed her approach, wondering what she would do. “I’d like to get to the part about your little deception.”
She came a halt. “My deception?”
“That’s right. You led me to believe you were experienced when you were a virgin.”
“I did no such thing.”
“The way you looked, the way you spoke? No one would have guessed you could be innocent. Then you led me to believe you simply hadn’t had the time to indulge your inclinations. You gave me that long story about being too busy studying and setting up your business.” He looked around the condo again for good measure. “But it seems to me like you’re some sort of Suzy Homemaker. I bet all your towels match and your shoes are lined up neatly in your closet. Am I right?”
The flush had faded from her face. Now she just looked angry. And determined.
Nick settled himself in to learn more about her.
She sent him a wicked smile that made his abdomen tighten in anticipation. “There was no deception, not really. You see, I was busy. Too busy. But I’ve decided to live on the wild side for a time. I want to be free, to date plenty of men, to expound on the realm of sensuality we touched on last night. Yes, I’ve led a quiet life, and it suited me for a while, but that’s over now. I want fun, with no ties.”
He spread his arms, benevolent. “Perfect. My sentiments exactly.”
But Josie slowly shook her head, her smile now taunting. “You were just my starting point, so to speak. The tip of the iceberg.” She tilted her head back, looking at him down her nose. “I intend to branch out.”
He couldn’t tell if she was serious or not, or if she only meant to punish him for lying. Women could be damn inventive in their means of torturing a man. They seemed to take great pleasure in it. He’d learned that little truism early on in life.
When she continued to smile, not backing down, he came to his feet and pushed the chair away. He’d intended to take control, and it was past time he got started. “Like hell.”
“You have no say over it, Nick.”
“Like hell.” He sounded like a damn parrot, but nothing more affirmative came to mind. She was mad and making him pay, and doing a damn good job of it. When he thought of another man touching her, a pounding started in the back of his skull, matching the rush of blood through his temples. It filled him with a black rage. Never in his life had he been jealous over a woman. He didn’t like the feeling one bit.
Then finally salvation descended on him and he developed his own plan. He stared at her, working through the details in his mind, expounding on his idea. He nodded. “I’ll make you a deal.”
“What kind of deal?” She leaned against the counter, the picture of nonchalance—until he started toward her.
Holding her gaze, he stepped close until no space separated them. He could feel her every breath and the heat of her. She might be angry with him, but her body liked him just fine.
With the tips of his fingers he stroked her face, watching her, waiting for her to bolt. But she didn’t even blink. His lips skimmed her forehead, then her jaw. His words were a mere whisper in her ear. “This is the deal, Josie. Are you listening?”
She gave a small nod.
“I’ll show you more excitement, more sensual fun than your sweet little body can handle, honey. Every thrill there is I’ll give to you until you cry mercy.”
His fingers slid over her buttocks, then between, stroking and seeking before he nudged her legs apart and nestled himself between them. He levered his pelvis in, pinning her, pushing his erection against her soft belly in a tantalizing rhythm that made heat pulse beneath his skin and his muscles constrict. “I can do it, Josie. You already know that. I can show you things you haven’t even imagined yet, things we both know you’ll love. I can make you beg, and enjoy doing it.
“But it has to be exclusive. Just me. For as long as we’re involved, for as long as we’re both interested, there’s no other men. You want something, you want to experiment or play, you come to me.”
He held his breath, waiting, his body taut with lust, his mind swirling with a strange need he refused to contemplate. He didn’t share, plain and simple.
She touched his chest, then her hands crept around his neck. With a small moan, she said, “I think we have a deal.”