Showing Jessie Read online

  Jessie.

  Chapter 14

  Jessie pushed her sunglasses up on top of her head and squinted at the watch she’d paused. Six point one miles on the dot. She was pretty happy with her pace, having finished the 10K in just under fifty-seven minutes. Walking in a large circle, she closed her eyes and took deep breaths as she brought her heartbeat down. She was drenched with sweat but she felt really good. Grabbing her water bottle out of its holder in her belt, she sucked down a long swallow.

  She studied the gravel-strewn pavement as she made her way toward the turnoff to the tent-cabin, mindful of slipping or maybe twisting her ankle. Lifting the hem of her tank top, she mopped her face. A low whistle brought her up short. Her head jerked up and she saw Noah leaning against the back of his truck.

  “Noah,” she said, sucking in another breath.

  “Damn, Jessie,” he drawled.

  She blinked, and then looked down at herself. Dropping her tank top back over her abdomen, she ran a hand over her brow.

  “What are you doing out here?” she asked.

  He crossed his arms, and she couldn’t help but notice how nice those arms were. His sleeves were pushed up and his shirt stretched across his chest and shoulders. Her pulse kicked, and she knew it had nothing to do with her run.

  “I drove out here to think, I guess,” he said. “I met with Ben earlier and didn’t need to go back to the green neighborhood.”

  She nodded, at a loss. His gaze ran all over her and she fought the urge to cross her own arms and hide from his eyes. He’d seen her half-naked, after all. He’d touched and kissed her breasts, and more. She shivered.

  “How far did you go?” he asked.

  “Ten K.”

  He nodded. “I run, too. We’ll have to run together sometime.”

  “I don’t think so.” She smiled, taking a sweeping glance at his very long legs. “You’d leave me in the dust.”

  “Maybe.” He straightened away from the truck’s bumper. “What’s your pace?”

  “Around nine minutes today.”

  He grinned. “I think we’d do just fine together, Jessie. In sync.”

  She thought about their couch clutch again, and knew he outpaced her sexually too. She hid her smile now. She’d read up a bit this weekend, hadn’t she? Maybe she could close the gap.

  “What’s your plan for your Monday night, Noah?”

  He shook his head. “Not a thing, Pixie. You?”

  “I’m going to shower. Then sit on my back deck and watch the sunset.”

  His eyes glittered. “Sounds nice.”

  “What to join me?”

  He winked. “In the shower?”

  She laughed. “In your dreams.”

  He ran his gaze over her again. “Most definitely.”

  She dipped her head, feeling a rush of a whole different kind of heat now. “I’ll meet you there.”

  “You don’t want a ride?”

  “I’m a sweaty mess, Noah.”

  “Believe me, I have no problem with that.”

  Shaking her head at him, she turned and started jogging toward home. “I’ll meet you there.”

  “Take your head start, Pixie. I have no problem keeping up.”

  She nearly stumbled over that line. Home was less than half a mile from the turnoff, and she made it up on the front porch as Noah’s truck made its slow-paced way to a spot near the trees bordering the small yard.

  She took the key out of her running belt and unlocked the front door as he stepped out of the truck and walked toward her. “Come on in.”

  He stopped before stepping up on the porch, looking up at her through his lashes. “You sure?”

  She had a moment to consider what was going to happen here tonight. She had no illusions. She and Noah were going to fool around again. Just how far around, she wasn’t as certain.

  “Yes,” she stated.

  That crooked grin curved his delectable mouth. “Thank God. Otherwise I’d have to use your shower after you. Ice cold.”

  Grinning, she went inside and gathered her things for her shower. “Make yourself at home. I won’t be long.”

  Slipping on her rubber boots, she clomped out to the shower. By the time she returned, fresh and still a little damp, Noah was stretched out on her bed. His arms were up and his hands folded beneath his head. His ankles were crossed and his big booted feet hung just over the edge of the mattress. Very big feet. No surprise there.

  “Um, I have to get dressed,” she said, holding her towel clasped between her breasts.

  “Not on my account, you don’t.”

  A flush spread from her chest up over her face. “Never mind.” She pointed a finger at the little fridge. “As comfortable as you look laying on my bed, why don’t you open the wine?”

  He swung his legs around and stood in one smooth motion. “You got it. White?”

  “Tonight, yes. I’m making a cold crab salad.”

  He made a soft growling sound as he crossed to the fridge. “That sounds just right.”

  She walked around the bed to her dresser and withdrew some comfy clothes. After slipping on her panties and executing some fancy moves to put on her bra, she peeked over her shoulder as she finished getting dressed. Noah was pouring the wine, his back to her. Oh, he looked really good filling up her space.

  Shaking her head in an effort to focus, she stepped into yoga pants and a long-sleeved ribbed top. Both were in varying shades of purple, and among her favorite just-hanging-around clothes. She slipped on a pair of flip flops, and then peered into the small mirror above the dresser. She toweled and finger-combed her hair before turning back to her guest.

  “I could use that,” she said, coming up to him.

  He handed her one glass, tapping it with his. “This is pretty good.”

  “It’s made up in Lake County,” she said.

  “You go up to the winery in Lake County?”

  “No way. That’s all the way on the other side of Orlando. The town market carries it.”

  He took a sip and nodded. “I guess I’m going to have to get used to living and shopping right where I work.”

  “Funny, that’s one of my favorite things.” She took a sip and set the glass down on the small table. “Let me get started.”

  “Wait a sec.” He took her hand and tugged her closer. He kissed her, sweet and hot and lingering. Pulling back, he shrugged. “I had to do that.”

  ***

  “I’m not complaining,” Jessie said, her lips parted and glistening.

  He smiled down at her before releasing her. “What do you want me to do?”

  She arched a brow. “You’re going to cook in my house, now?”

  He raised his eyes to the canvas roof and wood walls. “Not exactly a house, Jessie. And I know what I’m talking about. I’m a builder, you see.”

  She smirked. “So I’ve heard. There’s nothing to help me with, really. Maybe slice the bread?”

  He went over to the shelf set beside the sink and found a loaf of crusty bread. To say the kitchen was compact would be high praise. Everything was Jessie-sized, but it was still comfortable to work in her space. She was mixing something in a bowl over on the table while he used the bread knife he’d found tucked into the one drawer of utensils. A couple of cutting boards were set on their sides up against some stacked pans, so he chose the wooden one and got to work.

  “Thick, thin?” he asked. “What would you like?”

  She glanced over her shoulder, biting her lip. “How about thick enough for a sandwich.”

  He nodded and cut, spreading the slices on a plate. By the time he brought the plate to the table, she had it set for two. In the center was a bowl of crab salad and some big lettuce leaves. The salad smelled fresh and a little briny, and made his mouth water.

  “You’re too good to me, Jessie.”

  She shrugged. “I always make too much.” She assembled a sandwich with plenty of the crab mixture and several lettuce leaves and then set it on
the plate in front of him. “Oliver will be bummed. I usually bring him any leftovers.”

  “His loss.” He sat and lifted his glass of wine. “To my personal chef.”

  She shook her head at him as she took her seat. “Don’t get used to this, buddy. I only make dinner a couple of nights a week. Otherwise, it’s me and the Town Tavern all the way.”

  He waited until she served herself and then took a bite of his sandwich. Moaning softly, he chewed and swallowed. “This is the best crab salad sandwich I’ve ever tasted. And I grew up on the coast.”

  She took a dainty bite and nodded. “Fresh.”

  They ate and drank, and by the time he was helping her clean up in the tiny sink the open flaps set in the tent-cabin’s gables showed it was nearly sunset.

  “More wine?” she asked him.

  “Sure.”

  They took their glasses out on the back deck, settling into the Adirondack chairs. She kicked off her flip flops and sat cross-legged on hers, cradling her wine glass in both hands. Her hair had dried since her shower, and now fell in a soft fringe around her face. She tucked a strand of it behind one perfect shell ear, and he was tempted to kiss the spot right beneath it.

  He knew her skin was soft and sweet. Hell, everything about her was sweet. Not as soft as he’d thought, though. Her body was rocking hot, which he’d suspected but was completely confirmed when he saw her in her running clothes. Even now, in her stretchy purple clothes, she was sexy as hell.

  “Here it comes,” she whispered, her gaze fixed on the lake.

  He turned his attention in that direction and nearly lost his breath. Pinks and oranges flickered over the lake’s surface, sparkling on the ripples and spreading toward them. The cypress and live oaks framed the view, the Spanish moss hanging down looking like black lace as the sunset lit behind it.

  “That, Noah,” she said. “Makes all of it worth it.”

  “Worth what?” he had to know.

  She flicked her gaze to him, her mouth thinned. “Deciding to make this move. Leaving St. Cloud and the life I had there.”

  He guessed she’d left more than just an apartment behind. A guy, maybe? The one who had scared her? Forced her?

  “The sunset, the lake, all of it,” he began. “It looks good on you, Jessie.”

  She smiled, her face turned to the lake again. “It feels good. Really good.”

  As the sun made its final descent, they both grew silent. Sipping his wine, sitting next to Jessie, was probably the nicest way he’d spent an evening since coming to Cypress.

  What felt like just a few minutes later, the sky was dark. Sunset was a memory, but the sounds of the lake lapping against the reedy shore made up for its absence.

  Noah set his glass on the deck and sank back in his chair.

  “Thanks, Jessie. For dinner and for sharing this with me.”

  When she turned to him, her eyes were wide and shining. “It’s nice to have someone out here, Noah. It’s nice sitting here with you.”

  She sounded like she was surprised, and he couldn’t blame her there. He didn’t know what was between them, but friendship and heat were all twisted together.

  “Why didn’t you come by Saturday?” he asked her.

  Her fair brows rose a notch. “I didn’t want to intrude.”

  He shook his head. “I’m not buying it. Ben and Tammy are your friends, too. You hung out with me and Max Friday. Why didn’t you come?”

  “I didn’t want to assume anything, Noah. Not after Friday night dinner and definitely not after what we shared Wednesday night.”

  The light above the porch flicked on. It must be on a timer as well as motion-sensitive. Her skin picked up the light, looking soft and smooth. Reaching out, he trailed a finger over her arm.

  “I don’t know what this is, Jessie,” he began. “I like being with you. Hell, I like kissing you. Loving you.”

  Her pupils dilated at his words and she sucked in a breath. “What are you saying, Noah? This is just convenient?”

  He let out a short laugh. “This isn’t convenient. It’s complicated as hell.”

  She put her feet on the decking and turned her body toward him. “Why?”

  He stared into her beautiful face, seeing confusion and worry there. “We work here, Jessie. We live here. We have lots of friends in common.”

  “Those don’t sound like complications.” She shrugged, a sweet smile on her lips. “No one needs to know. I can keep a secret if you can.”

  A rush of heat ran straight to his groin at her words. “You’re not the kind of girl a guy keeps secret,” he told her.

  She touched his hand, which was still stroking her arm, and grasped it. “Come on.”

  He let her lead him back inside, and to his surprise she urged him toward the bed. “Jessie, what are you up to?”

  She pressed close against him, running her hands up and down his arms now. Her mouth opened and he drove his tongue inside, and it made his blood pound. Damn, he’d never gotten so hard so fast.

  She pulled a hairsbreadth away. “Take off your shirt,” she said, slipping her hands up underneath to urge it upward.

  He obliged her, lifting his arms and letting her push his shirt up and over his head. She studied him, trailing her fingers over his abs and up to his chest. Her touch was light. Teasing. Her eyes were intent as she seemed to take in every bit of him. She got up on the bed and knelt to face him, coming up as he bent down to keep kissing her.

  Leaving his lips again, she began to lick her tongue over his chest. She suckled his nipple, causing him to pull in a breath. Her hands were on his ass now, and before he knew what she was doing she had his fly unbuttoned. With one hand she pulled his boxer briefs aside and held him. He hissed as his cock grew harder.

  “Fuck,” he cursed softly.

  She was studying him again, her brow puckered as she bit her lower lip. “I didn’t know how to do this. The other night.”

  He swallowed as he tried to follow what she was saying. It was tough, with her hands on him and her mouth a fraction away from his dick. “You don’t have to do this if you’re uncomfortable.”

  She threw him a smile. “You know what I’m really good at, Noah?”

  God, he hoped it was this because he was about to burst just watching her. “What?” he managed to ask.

  She licked the head and he nearly howled. “Research.”

  Taking him in her mouth, she began to suck and lick and nibble until he was having trouble standing. Bracing his feet apart, he put his hands gently on her head. He ran his fingers through her silky hair, over her supple back, as she pleased him with her perfect pink mouth.

  He was close to losing it. Close to coming hard as she sucked him. Her hands were on his ass again, tucked inside his briefs as she took all of him. He threw his head back and let out a shout as he came, shuddering for what felt like forever.

  When he opened his eyes he found her beaming up at him, her mouth shiny as she licked her lips.

  “I guess that was all right?” she asked.

  He tried to catch his breath, unable to keep the grin from his face. He brushed her hair back from her face and stared down at her.

  “That was all kinds of all right.” He bent down and kissed her. “Never let it be said that I don’t return a favor.”

  Chapter 15

  After Noah sent her reeling, the two of them cuddled under her quilt. They were both naked now, and his body was strong and warm against hers.

  “I’d say we’re even,” Jessie sighed as she settled against his chest.

  He ran his fingers through her hair again. She’d discovered that he liked touching her, even in this innocent way. True they were naked, but his touch was gentle now. All of that frantic motion and eager passion left a haze of comfort she’d never felt before.

  “So, about that research,” he began, dropping a kiss on her brow. “Do I even want to know?”

  She smiled and ducked her head, her face hot. “Let’s just say I sa
w things that are pretty hard to un-see. Learned enough though, I think.”

  “More than enough, baby.”

  The endearment caused a hitch in her chest. “I figured I had to keep up.”

  A laugh rumbled in his chest beneath her ear. “Mission accomplished.”

  Pride filled her. Not that she’d pleased him, although that was pretty awesome. She was proud that she’d given more of herself without letting apprehension drag her down.

  “You’re so easy to be with, Noah,” she said. “You make me feel safe.”

  He stilled, his breath held for a second. “Why wouldn’t you feel safe, Jessie?”

  She shifted, pillowing her chin on her hands stacked on his chest. His blue eyes were warm, and she took that as the encouragement it was.

  “I had a really bad relationship. About five years ago. He wasn’t good to me.” She shook her head a little. “Or good for me.”

  “Is this the guy who forced you?”

  “He didn’t force me, like you’re thinking. He was abusive, though. Verbally and, sometimes, physically.”

  She felt Noah’s arms flex as he fisted his hands. His brow furrowed and his nostrils flared.

  “How long were you with this guy?”

  “Just about four months.”

  “How did you break away from him?”

  She smiled ruefully. “He broke up with me.”

  He cupped the side of her face, stroking her cheek gently with his thumb. “Not only was he an asshole, he was an idiot.”

  “So that’s my sordid history, I guess,” she said. “What’s yours? I know you have an ex, but what was life like for a beach bum like you?”

  He brushed his hair back from his face, wearing that crooked smile. “I guess I was a beach bum, since I did hang out by the water every chance I got.”

  She bit her lip and then shrugged. “I guess that’s where you met Max’s mother.”

  He shifted to sit up in her bed, bringing her with him. She toyed with the threads in the quilt, suspecting some grand sweeping love story was going to follow. Instead, he shook his head.