Page 4

A smile played at the edges of Carla’s mouth.

“Hey, Tina, what’s going on, girl?”

“I’m calling to see if you’re coming to our show tonight. We could use the support, you know.”

Carla smirked. Tina Braddon was the lead singer in the local Chicago group Genesis Rising. She, Chelsea Bellamy, and Lisa Sharpton were three of Carla’s closest friends. Usually, Carla would be at most of their shows, but tonight, she wasn’t feeling particularly up to it.

“I know, and I just got out of the shower, but I also know, with the way the group’s popularity has grown, that you’ve probably got a packed house.”

“That is beside the point,” Tina whisper-shouted. “And besides needing your support, it’s New Year’s Eve. You can’t celebrate alone at that house. Come out, bring in the New Year with us.”

Carla laughed. “Okay, fine, I’ll be there as soon as I can get myself together.”

Carla’s line beeped just then, and taking her eyes to the screen, her heart did a jig behind her breasts. Jacob’s mesmerizing gaze stared back at her, and she almost hung up in Tina’s face.

“Okay, talk to you soon!” She clicked over. “Hello?” she crooned, her voice coming out sultrily.

“Bellissima, I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.”

Chapter Two

“It depends. Who am I speaking with?”

The pause on the line was so extensive Carla feared he’d hung up.

“Hello, Jacob?”

A chuckle cruised through the line.

“I thought you didn’t know who I was?”

Busted.

“I… um, was just playing with you.”

“Is that a fact?”

“It is.”

“Hmmm.”

“It’s been a while, Jacob. To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?”

She could hear him suck off his teeth.

“Well, to be honest, Carla, you’ve been jogging around in my thoughts, and I would still like to have dinner with you if your schedule permits.”

“Dinner?”

“Or breakfast or lunch.”

She cleared her throat, trying to focus on the conversation without being distracted by his baritone.

“When?”

“Tomorrow.”

A shiver slipped down her body. Close proximity with Jacob Alexander Rose would surely drive her pussy crazy. As she stood there with the phone to her ear, warmth covered her body, and it for sure wasn’t the damn towel.