Page 52

JEN

I STOOD STARINGat my choice of outfits on my bed, surrounded by a pile of clothes on the floor. What was the proper attire to wear to meet Daddy Dearest and his Mama Cougar, as I’d dubbed them both? Finally, I decided on a light purple patterned silk blouse that flared at the waist and just below the elbows. It was sophisticated but clung to my curves just enough to be sexy. I paired it with a pair of white linen pants and sling-back heels. It would have to do; a glance at my watch told me I was out of time.

After our emotional morning followed by a spectacular afternoon in bed, Tyler asked if I would mind if he went for a workout at the gym for a couple hours. I used the time to come back to my apartment to find something to wear since I’d only brought a couple changes of casual clothes and work clothes to Tyler’s. Stepping into the stifling apartment, I was truly grateful Tyler had talked me into staying with him. Taped to my door was a letter from management saying it was going to take longer than expected to fix the air conditioning because they had to wait for a part that was on back order. Guess that meant I should grab some other clothes, too. I paused when I reached into the drawer that held my underwear. Normally, I would grab whatever was on top, knowing it would be silky and pretty because that was just my style. But now I looked deeper, looking for something that would be sure to blow Tyler’s mind. Finding what I wanted, I scooped up all my choices off the bed, threw the casual wear in a bag, and draped the dressier clothes over my arm.

As I walked back to my car, my phone rang. “Hi, baby. I’m coming.”

“You should know it does things to me when you say that,” a deep voice responded.

“What kind of things?”

“The kind that makes me hard.”

His bluntness caused me to have a situation between my own legs. “Maybe you should see someone about that, Doc,” I answered.

“I’m hoping I can set up some after-hours care with a certain respiratory therapist that I know. Do you think she’d be up to that?”

“Hmm, up, down, and all around, I think.” My voice was husky as I answered. I was glad I’d made it into my car and could crank up the air conditioning. I needed some cooling off.

“Jen,” he growled. “It’s a damn good thing I’ve still got on loose gym shorts. You’re driving me crazy right now. Maybe we should just skip dinner tonight.”

“Uh uh uh,” I sang. “We committed to this event, so we’re going to do it. I’m anxious to meet the Step Cougar.”

A moment of silence ensued, followed by a slight snicker. “Well, bringing her up was a good way to abort the launch sequence you started. Thanks, babe. I’ll be home soon.”

“I’ll see you there.”

It wasn’t until a few minutes later that I realized that when he said ‘home,’ I thought of it as completely natural. It startled me that it had only been two days, and already I knew returning to my apartment was going to leave an emptiness inside me. I tried to swallow the lump that lodged in my throat and ignored the pit in my stomach. I was developing strong feelings for Tyler that weren’t limited to friendship. And while it was thrilling, it also scared the hell out of me. How much would I have to give up to be a part of his life? Reeling from two such conflicting but entwined emotions, I pulled into Tyler’s driveway.

Home.

The word hit me again. That’s definitely what this place felt like. A rumble up the driveway alerted me that Tyler had also reached home. There was enough going on tonight, and I needed to be there for him, so I shoved aside my turmoil. He opened my door for me and kissed me as I stepped out. He threw his gym bag over one shoulder and wrapped his other around my waist, pulling me to his side as we walked into the house. Somehow, just his touch made me feel better.

“How was your day, dear?” I teased.

“Busy. I was looking forward to coming home, knowing I wouldn’t be walking into an empty house.” He dropped his gym bag on the floor and turned to me, enclosing me within the circle of his arms. “I need to grab a shower before we go. I don’t suppose you’d want to take one with me?” His charming smile, flirtatious wink, and overall happiness that shone from his eyes intensified my emotions. I blinked hard, hating myself for not being able to just let go of my fears like a normal person.

I stretched to kiss him but pulled back when I felt him want to intensify the moment. “If we do that, we’ll never make it to this little performance that we have to put on tonight.”

“Right,” he said wryly. “Good description.” He laced his fingers with mine and grabbed my bag with the other. “Let’s get ready and get this over with.” He pulled me up the stairs and into his room, depositing my gear on his bed. Not giving me a chance to realize his intentions, he drew me close and kissed me. His mouth moved hungrily over mine. I responded with equal passion, anything else in my mind completely erased by his touch except how much I wanted him. His mouth trailed kisses down my throat while one hand cupped my breast.

“Your pulse is racing,” he murmured against my throat.

“Mmmhmm,” I groaned. I took a step toward the bed and tried to fall backward and pull him with me. His arms banded behind me and prevented my efforts.

“Uh uh uh,” he mimicked. “No time for that.”

“Yes,” I begged. I brought my mouth back to his and pulled on his shorts. He growled and this time it was him who pushed me down on the bed, his fingers urgent as they pulled off my shorts and then his own. I gasped as hot skin met hot skin. His knee parted my legs and then he was there, poised above me.

“Jen,” he paused. His eyes looked feverish as he rasped my name. This man was completely my undoing. He was primed to go, yet still made sure I was okay with this. And I so was. My hands grabbed his ass cheeks and pulled him into me. I gasped at the fullness. Every part of my body felt full, including my heart.

“Fuck,” he hissed. He began to move. I couldn’t even keep up. I just let him take me along as he rocked into me over and over. Without words, our bodies reminded us how much we needed each other as we held nothing back. He chanted in my ear how beautiful I was and how good I felt around him. His words along with his movements had me screaming his name. One final thrust and he shuddered inside me.

He collapsed on top of me, semi-clothed and still intimately connected. “You are absolutely beautiful, sweet Jen,” he murmured in between kisses. “That was . . .” He seemed to be afraid to say more. This was new to both of us.

“I know.” And I did. I knew exactly what this was.

Home.