Showing Jessie Read online

  He took a sip of wine and shrugged. “I was driving back from Melbourne and found myself pulling into Cypress again.”

  “Instead of St. Cloud.” It wasn’t a question. “Why here, then?” That was a question, and one she wasn’t going to wait to ask.

  “I’m not sure.”

  The fading sunlight caught the blue of his eyes. Turning from the tempting picture he made, all long legs, broad shoulders and compelling gaze, she forced her eyes to the lake.

  They sat for a few minutes, drinking their wine and sharing the view. It was more comfortable and quiet than she could have imagined, considering that he was such a big guy.

  “Max is adorable,” she said after a while.

  “He’s a good kid,” he said. “I wish I had him for more than the weekends.”

  Jessie nodded. “That must suck.”

  He chuckled at her words. “It does.”

  She shook her head. “I mean, for him. I miss my father every day.”

  Out of the corner of her eye she saw him turned to her. “You lost your father?”

  She nodded, her throat thick. “Five years ago.”

  His eyes grew cloudy. “I’m sorry.”

  As far as responses went, that was a pretty common one. Coming from Noah, though? It felt genuine. It must be those eyes of his. Sincerity, tenderness and heat. How did he manage that expression?

  “Thanks.”

  “What about your mom?”

  She gave a quick shake of her head. “She’s been gone since I was little.” She drank more of her wine and faced him again. “What about your parents?”

  He threw her a smile. “Alive and well, I’m happy to say. They live out in Melbourne, too.”

  “Did you grow up there?”

  “Born practically on the beach,” he said with a grin. “I miss the ocean, but your lake is a nice substitute.”

  “My lake.” She let out a breath. “It does really feel like my lake now.”

  “In just a couple of weeks,” he said. “That’s great.”

  “And now you’re moving to Cypress yourself.”

  “Yep.” He caught her gaze as he drained his glass. “I’m looking forward to making friends here.”

  “Friends.” She could just guess what kind of friends he meant. With benefits, and she wasn’t going to go down that road. “I’m not cutout for the random booty call, Noah.”

  He slowly shook his head. “This isn’t a booty call.” He reached for her hand and stroked a finger over her knuckles. “And it sure as hell isn’t random.”

  She watched his strong fingers playing over her skin and a rush of wanting struck her. “Noah.”

  His finger continued to move, sending sparks all over her body.

  “What are you afraid of, Jessie?”

  She looked up and met his eyes, which sparkled now. What was she afraid of?

  At this second, looking at Noah Brady, she had no idea.

  Chapter 7

  Noah watched as Jessie’s mind worked. Her breath was shallow and quick and her eyes flicked over his face. She nibbled that full lower lip he now knew was as succulent as it looked.

  “You’re a nice guy,” she said.

  He acknowledged that with a nod. “Yep.”

  “You’re friends with my friends.”

  “I guess I am.”

  She licked her lips, her delicate brows drawn together. She was adorable and vulnerable, and sexy as hell. He felt like whatever he did in this moment was very important.

  “It’s been a long time,” she admitted on a breath.

  “Since?” he asked just as softly.

  She reached out and traced one finger over the back of his hand where it rested on hers. Her touch was light. Hot. Perfect.

  “Since I’ve been with a guy.”

  “How long?” he had to know.

  She met his eyes, her eyes glistening. “Five years.”

  He gaped at her. “Why?” When she drew back, he gave a quick shake of his head. “I don’t mean why but, Christ, look at you. You’re freaking gorgeous, and sexy as hell.”

  His words seemed to surprise her. “You think I’m sexy?”

  He ran his gaze over her thin shirt, at her full breasts and pebbled nipples he could just glimpse through the fabric. He let out a low whistle.

  “Jessie, for months now I’ve been imagining what’s under that big ugly sweater of yours. Now that I can see a little bit more of you? Yeah, you’re sexy.”

  “You’ve been thinking about me?”

  He cocked his head to the side. “And you’ve been thinking about me.” He moved his hand up over her thin shirt sleeve, catching the tiny shiver he felt beneath his fingers. “I saw how you looked at me out at the model. You stripped me, baby.”

  A pink flush spread over her heart-shaped face, brightening her eyes now. “I did not.”

  He played it light, pulling his hand back as he settled into his chair. “If you say so.”

  She pushed at his arm, her hand lingering on his bicep. The semi-innocent touch sent heat straight to his dick.

  “You stripped me first,” she said. “You just admitted it.”

  “I couldn’t help myself. I’m a guy.”

  She rolled her eyes and brushed her bangs off her forehead. “That’s a convenient excuse.”

  He smiled at her. “Jessie, that’s not an excuse. It’s a fact.”

  That sent her gaze running all over him, from his chest and down his belly to where he knew he couldn’t hide his reaction through his cargo shorts. He practically built a tent in his crotch.

  “Is this a booty call, Noah?” she asked him flat out this time.

  He gazed at her, seeing the appeal in just giving and taking what they both needed. He sure as hell needed to touch her. To taste her again. And from the heat in her eyes and the way she leaned toward him? She wanted him, too.

  “No,” he finally said, bringing his face to hers. “I wouldn’t use you that way.”

  As he watched, her pupils dilated. “I know.”

  He tugged her out of her chair and onto his lap. Her thighs cradled him and he hissed as he grew harder. He breathed in her scent, slowly letting her fill him as he struggled for control.

  “How do you know?” he asked, his lips on the pulse at the side of her throat.

  She placed her hands on his shoulders, brushing her breasts against his chest. “I’m not sure, but I feel it.”

  He guessed she could feel more than that right now. He was throbbing against her. Cupping her face with both of his hands, he looked into her eyes. “Just let me make you feel good, Jessie. Nothing more.”

  She bit her lip again and gave a tiny nod. He nearly groaned in relief. When she pressed her lips to his, sweet and plump and searching, he pulled her closer. Their tongues tangled as the heat between them ratcheted higher. She straddled him fully now, pressing along the ridge in his pants.

  “Christ, Jessie.” He ran his hands up and under the back of her shirt, her skin soft and silky beneath his touch. “You feel so good.”

  Her hands were all over him too, clutching at him like she had the other night. Tonight, though? They made their way over his belly to cup him through his shorts.

  “You feel hard, Noah.”

  He froze, then chuckled. “You’re a little bit naughty, Pixie.”

  She laughed softly, the sound sexy as hell. He had to touch her. He had to know just what she sounded like when she came. Lifting her shirt higher, he took his first look at her bare breasts. They were round and tipped with pink nipples. Pretty and perfect. Pinching her with his thumb and forefinger, he felt her shiver.

  “Noah.” She arched toward him, rising a little bit. “Oh, that feels good.”

  He slid down low enough to give her other nipple a long lick. “Sweet.” Closing his mouth over her, he suckled.

  Her hands were behind his neck now as she rubbed against his belly. It didn’t take much maneuvering to get his hands down her sleep pants. Her panties were
wet, and when his fingers touched the bare skin beneath he moaned.

  “Jessie.” He moved to the other breast, licking and sucking as he slipped a finger inside of her. “Christ.”

  Her breath hitched as she leaned back. She was close. Hell, he was almost close enough to come in his shorts. He’d make her feel good, though. He’d promised that much.

  When he began to pinch her clit she cried out, so close to release. In the next instant she came, freezing as her body drew tight. Then she collapsed against him, all soft and satisfied.

  “Oh, you made me feel so good,” she breathed against his neck.

  He held her close, willing his dick to stop pounding. He loved how she felt draped over him, her breathing soft now. For a second he thought she’d fallen asleep, until her fingers began to work on his shorts.

  “Jessie.” He kissed her temple, tasting the salty-sweet sweat there. “What are you doing?”

  She nuzzled his neck, nibbling on his skin. “Returning the favor.”

  His breath hitched as she freed him, and when her hand grasped him her touch was perfect. He hadn’t had a hand job since he was a horny teenager rolling around in the sand. But Jessie’s touch was so damn perfect he found himself on the brink in just a few strokes.

  “You like that, Noah,” she said, nibbling on his earlobe. “A lot.”

  “Yeah, I do,” he bit out.

  The touch of her fingers, the press of her body, the scent of arousal, all combined to send him quickly over the edge. He shouted his release, throwing his head back with a growl.

  She brought her mouth to his. “That was fun.”

  “Fun?” He breathed in, his pulse still racing. “Pixie, you killed me.”

  Her lips curved in a smile and her eyes sparkled. She was gorgeous. Sated and pleased with herself, too. The breeze kicked up and he guessed her shiver now was due to the chill in the air. He gently untangled her from his body and helped her stand. Her hair was mussed and her clothes in a tangle. Still, she deserved more than a quick grope out on the deck.

  “Next time we’ll use that big bed I saw in there,” he told her.

  “Next time?” She shook her head. “There won’t be a next time.”

  He couldn’t help but smile at her conviction, since the expression on her face told him something completely different.

  “If you say so,” he said, echoing what he’d said Monday night.

  He came to his feet, tucking himself back into his shorts and doing a little adjusting. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Here?” she squeaked.

  He laughed softly. “No, Jessie. At the Sales Center.”

  “Okay. You won’t tell anyone?”

  “No. It’s nobody’s business but ours.”

  Her shoulders slumped in obvious relief.

  He picked up the two wine glasses and went inside, leaving them on the small table. By the time she came in he was at the front door.

  “Good night, Jessie.”

  She nibbled her lips again, those slightly-swollen lips he’d kissed but good tonight. “Good night, Noah.”

  He walked back to his truck and sat behind the wheel. Running his hands through his hair, he tried to figure out what just happened. Yeah, they’d shared some mutual masturbation. They’d driven each other crazy with little more than their hands. There was something else, though. This girl who hadn’t been with a guy in five years. She needed…something. And not just an orgasm.

  He sure as hell wasn’t the guy to give her what she needed. He thought back to the pleasure he’d wrung from her supple body, and was sure of one thing.

  He could give her what she wanted.

  ***

  Jessie parked her Jeep beside the Sales Center the next morning, wiping her damp palms on her khaki skirt. It was a new one, and more fitted. Her blouse was one of her usual ones, but her sweater was new as well. This cardigan was soft lemon yellow, and the buttons were little white flowers. She felt feminine in this sweater. She snorted. After last night in Noah’s arms, she felt very feminine indeed.

  She stepped out of the Jeep and headed for the coffee shop across the street. She’d already had a cup of coffee out at the tent-cabin but she needed an extra jolt. All night she’d tossed and turned, going over Noah’s strong convictions in her head. He said they’d be together again. He humored her with his agreement to the otherwise, but she’d seen the glint of determination in his eyes.

  She’d be a fool to believe they could stay away from each other. He might find another woman to scratch his itch, but she’d never felt what she had last night with him. She couldn’t give into her desires, though. For sex and for more. She’d be giving him a piece of herself, and she didn’t have any to spare.

  Hurrying into the coffee shop, she queued up in the order line. The morning rush seemed to be over, and she was up at the counter in just a couple of minutes. “Hey, Caro. Medium Caramel Macchiato with almond milk,” she told the woman behind the counter.

  “Sure thing, Jessie,” Caroline said.

  “Why aren’t you at the bakery?” Jessie asked.

  Caro tipped her head toward the skinny red-headed guy near the espresso machine. “Tom needed my help and I baked my heart out this morning so I could get away.”

  She smiled at the pretty baker. Caro was just a little taller than Jessie and wore her dark blond hair back in a curly ponytail. “Those pastries were a big hit yesterday, by the way. Thanks.”

  Caro shrugged. “Just butter, sugar and flour.”

  “And magic.” Jessie smiled. “I couldn’t begin to bake like that.”

  “Not over a campfire.”

  “Huh?”

  “How’s life out in the wilderness?” Caro asked.

  “How did you know?” Jessie stopped, shaking her head. “Lettie.”

  Caro nodded. “She said you took Ty and Cassie’s love shack.” She gave a dramatic shiver. “I love nature, but I wouldn’t think of sleeping out there.”

  “It’s very civilized,” Jessie said. “No campfire. And trust me, having a place of my own is so worth it.”

  Caro looked off for a second. “Must be nice. I still can’t afford to move out of my parents’ place.”

  “Your parents’ place by the main lakeshore, Caro. You forget whom you’re talking to.”

  Caro waved a hand. “Yeah, yeah. The house is huge and I have my own apartment above the garage but still.”

  Jessie handed Caro her card to pay. “I can get you a great deal on your own place, you know.”

  “Ah, spoken like one of Cypress’s number one salespeople.”

  Jessie’s brows rose. “What?”

  “You’re selling the hell out of the green neighborhood, according to Rick Chapman.”

  Jessie felt a flush of pride. “He said that?”

  Caro nodded. “Sure did.”

  The woman behind her cleared her throat and Jessie stepped to the side. “Get back to work, slacker,” Jessie said.

  Caro smiled. “Try a sprinkle of salt on top of your macchiato.” Then she turned her attention to the next customer.

  Jessie stepped over to the side counter to wait for her coffee, mulling over what Caro said. Not about the salt, although the baker must know what she was talking about. What she marveled at was that Rick had spoken of her. That was very cool. Lettie referring to Jessie’s new home as a love shack? Decidedly less cool.

  Tom called her name and she took the drink from him. “Thanks.”

  He nodded, his face flushed. “See you, Jessie.”

  She lifted the lid and sprinkled a dash of salt on the caramel-marked foam and took a cautious sip. Not bad.

  As she walked out of the coffee shop, she realized she was making friends here. Starting to belong. She hadn’t felt like she belonged in years. Not since Dad and not since Mitch. She wondered for a second how Shannon was faring. She wouldn’t let her worries about her sister interfere with the good vibes she had going right now.

  “There she is,” Lettie F
airfax said from her table beneath the crepe myrtle. “My favorite little Pixie.”

  Jessie shook her head as she walked over to Lettie. “Good morning, Lettie.”

  “And a good morning to you, dear.”

  Jessie hadn’t worked in Cypress very long before she learned that Charlotte, Lettie, Fairfax was a fixture in the town center. As usual, the very Southern lady wore a large straw hat, a flower-print smock, denim overalls, and a pair of bright green Crocs. Jessie knew she was in her seventies but she looked closer to fifty. Lettie claimed this was due to healthy living, big hats and the liberal application of sunscreen. She was outrageous and sweet, and knew every bit of gossip that could be found in Cypress. Which explained just how Caro knew Jessie was living out at the far lakeshore.

  “Seed time, am I right?” Jessie asked.

  Lettie waved a hand over the open catalogs spread on the table in front of her. “I do love the spring.” She leveled her blue eyes at Jessie from beneath the fringe of silver bangs brushing over her brow. “You know what they say about spring time, don’t you Jessie?”

  Jessie knew a few things but she couldn’t begin to guess what would come out of Lettie’s mouth. “What’s that?” she asked, knowing that resistance was futile.

  Lettie smiled and dropped a wink. “Why, a young man’s fancy turns to love.”

  Jessie shook her head but she knew she was blushing. Darn her fair skin anyway. “Is that so?”

  “Seems to me you should know that, living out in that love shack like you are.”

  “I’m alone in that ‘love shack,’ Lettie,” Jessie pointed out.

  “True, true,” Lettie said. “But you never know when that can change.”

  A flash of her and Noah all tangled up on the back deck struck her, leaving her breathless. Oh please, she prayed Lettie would never find out about that.

  Jessie tried to channel her inner Tammy, but she’d never have that kind of poise. “I’m not holding my breath,” she said in what she hoped sounded flip and easy.

  “Seems to me you’ve been holding more than that,” Lettie said.

  Jessie nearly swallowed her tongue. Jeez, how did the woman do that?