IN HIS ARMS
Romance on the Go ®
Lexie Davis
Copyright © 2017
Chapter One
One would think with a name like Paradise, the small town in Texas offered bliss to all those who visited. Unfortunately, Jessica Miller came back to her hometown to find her life in the pits. She had given up her established career back in New York City, and in doing so, gave up the life she knew. And all for what? Working at the same old diner just like in high school?
Jessica slopped the wet rag on one of the tables, each one pushing her closer and closer to quitting time. The diner closed at nine. Depending on the mess, clean-up usually lasted two hours. Tonight, however, she found the place nearly spotless. After sweeping the floor, tidying the tables, and putting the menus in order—she’d call it a night and be home by ten.
“Jessie!” Annabelle Parker, the owner of Paradise Diner, yelled from the kitchen. “You’ll never guess who’s coming to town.” Annabelle was known for heading the gossip mill. Since Paradise didn’t have media, Annabelle covered that for them, alerting everyone of the latest happenings in Paradise faster than breaking news in New York.
“Who?” Jessica asked
“Alex Gray,” Annabelle said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. She rounded the counter with a washcloth in her hand to help Jessica.
Everyone knew about Jessica’s crush on Alex—except for Alex. Jessica had all but spelled it out for him when they’d been teenagers. Whether she complimented him on his outfit or congratulated him on an accomplishment, Alex had never noticed her keen interest. He always saw them as friends; something she realized was all they’d ever be.
Now Alex worked in advertising out in L.A. with the big dogs, and from what Jessica heard, was making the big bucks too. She’d been back only a year, but why would he come back to Paradise?
“You remember that crush you had on him?” Annabelle asked, after knocking two more tables off Jessica’s list.
“Yeah, what about it?” Jessica really didn’t want to think about Alex, or what he’s done in the past eight years he’d been gone.
“This could be your chance, girl.” Annabelle’s eyes glittered with mischief.
After the whole ordeal with Justin back in New York, Jessie wasn’t sure if she should get on the love boat again and have some guy sail away with her heart. She’d played with that fire and had the burn scars to prove it.
“Annie, I know what you’re thinking, but please stop. I’ve got more important things going on than dealing with my blast from the past.” Jessica switched tables while Annabelle continued.
“Jessie, you need to move on with your life. You came home for a fresh chance. Think of Alex as a fresh chance at love.” Annabelle smiled and rearranged the salt and pepper shakers. “Besides, he’s cute. If I weren’t old enough to be his mother, you might have a little competition.”
Jessica laughed. Never a dull moment with Annabelle around. No matter what had Jessica down—failing tests in high school after studying all night at the diner, or current problems with men in her life—Annabelle made Jessica laugh. Despite the ten-year age difference, Annabelle was one of Jessica’s dearest friends in Paradise. With an uncanny sixth sense, Annabelle knew Jessica’s thoughts—a uniqueness that started at the beginning of their friendship.
“Maybe you’d have a better shot at it than me,” Jessica said. “After all the ridiculous things I’ve done to try to get him to ask me out, the lug head never did. I really don’t think he likes me that way, Annie. So I’m just going to leave it at that.”
Annabelle tsked. “You don’t get what you want by sitting on the sidelines.”
Jessica narrowed her eyes. “Who said I want Alex now?”
Annabelle turned, but not before Jessica could see her smile. “I could tell by the way your eyes lit up when you said his name.”
“Whose name?” The deep baritone washed over Jessica’s senses. It’d been so long since she heard Alex’s voice.
Annabelle gave Jessica a satisfied nod. “Oh, never you mind. What are you doing here, boy?”
Annabelle pulled Alex into her embrace. Jessica debated whether she should ignore Alex and continue her job, or spare a few minutes to chat with a friend. She knew Alex’s reason for stopping by was to con food from Annabelle. Normally, Annie would refuse, but something told Jessica if Alex asked, Annabelle would keep him there just to annoy her.
“Well,” he paused and looked toward Jessica, who quickly turned her back to him, “I was hoping to catch you before closing for a small bite to eat.” He added sheepishly, “Please?”
Annabelle gave a playful sigh. “Have a seat. I’ll fire up the grill.” She threw some burgers on, holding a spatula up while she talked. “You tell anyone about this, though, we’re going to have rounds.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Jessica glanced over, noticed his heated stare, and tried her best to calm her heart. His stunning blue eyes entranced her, while his sexy grin melted her every time. What was a girl to do?
“Cat got your tongue, Jessie?” he asked. She walked past him through the small cut-out in the counter.
I’d rather you have my tongue. She bit her bottom lip to keep her comment to herself. “Maybe,” she replied. “How’ve you been, Alex?”
He smiled again, and her knees grew weak. What was it about this man that had her whole body reacting to his charm when he had yet to even touch her? She leaned against the counter, glancing back at Annabelle, who conveniently leaned inward so she could hear every word.
“I’m good. Business is good, and the company is really taking off.” He loosened his tie. “How come you’re back here and not in New York?”
Jessica wasn’t going there. “Missed my Pops.”
“Liar,” Annabelle’s voice sounded shortly before she busted through the swinging kitchen doors carrying two plates of food. Annabelle placed one in front of Alex and the other in front of Jessica. Meeting Jessica’s eyes she said, “Eat.”
Alex smiled. “Did I miss something?”
Annabelle grabbed her purse and Jessica narrowed her eyes. She was going to leave them alone in the diner.
“No. Jessie came home because her high profile boyfriend humiliated her in New York. She claims she can’t go back, but by Johnny Brown, if it had been me, I would have gone back to give him a boot in the caboose if nothing else.”
“Really. What did he do to her?” Amused, Alex took a bite of his burger.
Jessica groaned loudly in an effort to stop their chatter about her and her old life.
“Well, that she hasn’t told anyone. Not even her mother. Maybe she’ll tell you.” She winked. “Ta-ta for now. Jessie, make sure you lock up when you leave.”
Annabelle closed the door. Jessica looked at Alex’s piercing eyes and quickly turned to gather them some drinks. Tea for both, like when they were kids. She scooted the glass toward him, knowing he carefully watched her every move.
“What?” she asked, tired of being analyzed by everyone in town.
“Relax.” He sipped his tea. “You look good, Jessie.”
She walked around the counter and sat in her seat. “I seriously doubt that, but thanks for the compliment.”
They ate in silence a few moments before he leaned toward her. “I could kick his ass for you. Tell me who and where. I’ll make it happen.”
She glanced over at him. The smile on his face hinted at his teasing. He knew how to make her comfortable, like days had past since the last time they saw each other instead of years.
“Why haven’t you talked to anyone about it?”
“Because it’s embarrassing, and I’d rather not relive it.” She took a bite of her hamburger, thankful she didn’t have to cook tonight.
“You’re not even going to tell me?”
She rolled her eyes when he looked up at her.
“You used to tell me everything.” He took a bite of his food, keeping his attention on her.
“Things change.” There was no way on earth he was going to coax that information out of her. He’d have to get truth serum before she’d even consider. “Let’s talk about why you’re here.”
“I came to help a friend promote his woodcarving business. Not to mention I do own a house here. Don’t change the subject.”
Jessica bit into her burger, knowing he was talking about Mr. Winters who carved the famous Nativity Scene that sat in the town’s small square every year at Christmas. The man had more skill than he knew what to do with, and it appeared that Alex was here to help him develop some knowledge of the business side.
“What do you want to know?” Jessica avoided his eyes. “I’m not telling you about Justin, so you can cross that off your list.”
“Ah, he has a name.”
After Alex cleaned his plate, he leaned back in his seat watching Jessica with intent eyes. “You’re still spunky.”
“Yes. I am,” she agreed, finishing off her own burger. “And you’re still stubborn.”
He smiled at her comment. “You still love me. That’s all that counts.”
Jessica stared, dumbfounded, not knowing whether to take his words to heart. He said she loved him? Her mind fogged over while she tried to process their conversation. She didn’t love him, love him. Not that way at least. What did he mean by that?
“Come on, Jessie, for old time’s sake.” He smiled again, and Jessica gripped the counter to keep herself upright. “Tell me your dirty secrets, and I’ll tell you mine.”
She tried to think of a quick comeback. Her heart beat wildly while her mind remained completely blank. Her body was on fire for him, for his touch, and the flame ignited without any warning. After so many years, how could she still have a crush on him? How could she still have these same responses to him and his charm?
“My dirty little secrets, huh?” She took a drink of her tea, swallowing the last of it in one gulp. “I joined a strip-workout club in New York. Taught me some interesting things I didn’t know a human form could do.”
His eyes darkened. “Interesting. Have you tried those things on a male subject before?”
“What? Are you offering?” Maybe Annabelle was right. Maybe she did need to go with the flow. She grinned, having a little fun with the thought of putting Alex at loss for words.
But he wasn’t. Just like old times he smarted off quick comebacks too.
“Just tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.” He grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief.
“I bet. Typical male answer. What’s your secret?”
“I don’t have secrets.” He scooped up his plate and glass. “I’m an open book.”
He left her in wonder and pushed through the swinging stainless steel double doors. Open book, my foot.
“That’s my job.” She followed him inside the kitchen, amazed that he started running the water for their dishes. Tired, but thankful, she added her dishes to the sudsy water.
“I’ll wash; you dry.” He pulled off his suit coat and tossed it with disregard onto the prep table in the back. He rolled up his sleeves. Inch by inch, he revealed muscular forearms covered with tanned skin and dark hair.
He didn’t have much muscle tone when they’d been in high school, but now—now he was buff and looked strong enough to carry a bus. She would have never guessed, Alex Gray had a rock solid body under the expensive black suit.
“You really don’t have to help me,” she insisted and turned the faucet off. “I do get paid to do this, you know.”
“It’s after hours.” He gripped her shoulders from behind, and a slight shiver of awareness slithered down her spine. His breath fanned against her neck in a hot blast of air while he whispered, “Move over.”
She complied and shifted sideways for him to wash the dishes while she dried them. He chatted about living in L.A., his life, and his work . Listening to him talk made her realize how much she missed working in New York.
“So, you going to tell me why you left the Big Apple?” He pulled the drain plug and turned to face her while she dried off the last of their dishes.
She debated her words. “Things happened, Alex. Justin was a jerk, and I fell victim to his charm.”
“That’s a shame.” He reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face. “You deserve better.”
She dropped the plate she held, sending it crashing to the floor. It shattered at their feet, ceramic scattering every direction. Jessica bent immediately, rushing to gather the pieces. Her cheeks burned with unwelcome warmth for her clumsiness, and she silently noted to herself to pay Annabelle for the dish tomorrow.
Alex bent to help her, a mask of concern on his face while he collected the larger pieces. “Are you okay? You seem jumpy.”
“I’m fine.” She wanted to scream at him that he made her jumpy, but that was immature.
“Jess, you’re bleeding.” She didn’t respond, and he pulled her hand to him. “Stop.”
Small drops of blood spilled from the tips of her fingers in little bubbles of crimson. “Jessie, look at me.”
She slowly lifted her eyes to him. With care and gentleness, he held her injured hand in his while he reached for a paper napkin on the counter. “God, Jessie, your fingers are chopped to pieces.” He lightly dabbed at the cuts. “Didn’t you feel it cut into your skin?”
“They’re fine.” She tried pulling her hand away, but he held it firmly in his warm palm. “Alex, I’m not a child. I can take care of myself.”
“Just shut up for a minute while I get the first aid kit.” He stood, reaching out his hand to help her to her feet.
He left for the back room, where Annabelle kept the first aid kit, and a few seconds later carried it back with him. Jessica forgot he knew this place well. He stretched his expensive jacket out along the prep table. Next, he pulled her to him, boosting her up on the jacket. He slid between her legs, seemingly unaffected by his position, and began sorting through the kit to find what he needed.
Her breath hitched in her lungs. Her skirt bunched at her waist, revealing her thighs, and the jacket felt smooth against her skin. His scent permeated her senses, a spicy cologne and something all of his own. Hunched over, with his eyes narrowed, he attentively cleaned her small wounds that no longer bled and bandaged them with antibiotic ointment and cloth Band-Aids. Once he had finished, and glanced up at her..
“You want to tell me what that was about?”
His crotch was inches away from hers. How could the man hold a civilized conversation?
“It wasn’t about anything.” She tried shifting away from him, only to wiggle and bring her crotch against his.
They both gasped at the intimate contact. Alex gripped her thighs to hold her in place, and she was pleased at his effort to fight for control. She knew her intentions were treading on thin ice. Once crossing the sex-with-a-friend line, there was no going back. If the relationship didn’t work out, their friendship would disintegrate, leaving her with nothing.
His warm palms slid up her thighs, scorching her skin everywhere they touched. She wanted him, and the ever-increasing bulge pressing into her proclaimed he wanted her too. He opened his eyes, the irises cobalt and shinning with desire.
“Jessie,” he said. He leaned forward—maybe she met him halfway—and kissed her.
His soft, firm lips glided against hers before they parted, and his tongue delved into the moist depths of her mouth. While they kissed, Jessica trailed her hands up his arms, gripping his rock hard biceps for anchorage to the world. It was too good to be true. Alex was standing between her legs kissing her like a starving man eating his first meal.
He pulled away first, smoothing her hair back from her face. “You’re so beautiful, Jessie. I knew you were pretty back in high school, but I never realized how much.”
He stroked her cheek with his knuckles.
“Alex, I’ve had a crush on you since our freshman year.” She blurted it out and giggled nervously at the expression on his face.
“Really?” His smile stole her breath away. “Why am I just finding out about that now?”
“I’m a coward.” She giggled again and leaned toward his soft caresses.
“So if I do this you’re not going to slap me?” He dipped his head, licking a small path up the length of her neck before nibbling lightly beneath her ear, and she tilted her head to give him better access. Jessica’s body went from tepid to inferno in two seconds. His hands coasted underneath her skirt, leaving a hot trail of fire in their wake.
“Alex, I want you.” The pooling moisture in her panties concurred.
Instead of replying, he worked on the buttons of her soft pink button-down uniform, slipping each through the tiny buttonhole until the two halves of the uniform separated. Underneath, she wore a lacy black bra that matched an equally lacy black thong—supposedly guaranteed to make every man’s mouth water at first sight. Jessica, however, was just grateful that she actually put on a matching set this morning.
“Jessie,” he said, his voice roughened with desire. His finger trailed along the line of lace at the top of her bra with a feather-light touch. “You’re perfect. What the hell did that loser do to you?”
“I don’t want to talk about him.” She pulled Alex’s shirt from his pants. She wanted to see him, to feel his warm bare flesh underneath her palm.
His mouth fused to hers while his hands traveled the length of her thighs. He covered the crotch of her panties, stroking her clit through the lacy material. His touch nearly made her come undone on the spot. It had been a long time since a man touched her there, and now that her fantasy man finally was, she couldn’t contain the feelings he aroused in her body.
The tip of his tongue dipped below the lace of her bra, flicking one of her hard nipples. She stopped her own exploration and pulled his head to her, urging him on. Breathless and needy, she never wanted this to end. She wanted his mouth on her, his hands on her, his cock in her. She wanted it all from him and never wanted it to stop.
“Hello?” Dani called from the doorway. “Jessie are you here?”
Jessica shoved at Alex’s chest. Stunned, she quickly slid from the table, trying her best to button the uniform and failing miserably. He smiled before helping her tackle the buttons and then worked on his own shirt. Now halfway decent and unable to hide the grin from his face, he waved at Dani when she appeared through the swinging double doors.
“There you are.” Her gaze darted from Jessica to Alex. “Um, hey, Alex. What are you guys doing?”
Jessica’s cheeks heated before she blurted, “Well, Annabelle fixed us dinner, so Alex and I decided to clean up. I accidentally broke a plate a second ago, so now I’m cleaning that up. What are you doing?” Jessica smiled, knowing her rambling came out as an admission of guilt.
“Oh.” Dani frowned. “Do you always flush when you’re cleaning?”
Alex chuckled. “It’s a little hot in here.”
“Right.” Dani glanced between the two of them. “Everyone in town is betting on when you two will hook up. If I place my bet for tonight, what are my odds?”
Jessica folded her arms over her chest. “Nobody is hooking up, least of all us.”
Alex’s attention jerked toward her and she ignored him. Dani pursed her lips as she studied Jessica. For a younger girl, she didn’t miss a thing. Alex may not have any trouble with the town gossips, but he was leaving after a few days. She had to live here and she’d never hear the end of it if anything with Alex went further.
“Why are you here, Dani?” Jessica finally asked.
“Annie said that you were here tonight. I needed to pick up my jacket.” She leaned against the table with no intention of leaving. “So what are you doing here so late if you weren’t planning to hook up?”
“Just having dinner.” Jessica glanced toward the clock. “I really need to go, too.”
Dani got the hint and went to the back room to grab her jacket. Coming back, she said, “Thanks, Jess. See ya, Alex.”
They both waved and waited for the door to close. “Damn, that was close,” Alex said with a smile.
“Yeah.” Jessica threw the collected scraps of the plate in the dustpan and dumped them into the large trashcan next to the back door. “We really need to get out of here before someone else decides to stop by.”
“The night’s still young, where do you want to go?” He put the first aid kit together and hung it back on the wall.
“I think I’m going to call it a night.” Though her body protested, she honestly didn’t want a stupid decision to ruin their friendship. And she knew sex with Alex would be stupid. Though a nice guy—her dream guy in fact—long-term commitments weren’t his style. He lived for the now, instead of the forty years from now. A one-time fling didn’t cut it for her, not with him. Sex changed everything.
“Are you okay?” he asked, brushing a fingertip along her forearm. Heat sizzled from the point of contact to every nerve inside her body.
“I’m fine.”
She turned to stack the now dry dishes in the cabinet and hoped he’d leave without any more talk. She didn’t want to analyze anything or talk about their feelings. He already had a look on his face that suggested she’d led him on. She didn’t miss the reaction he had when she told Dani they weren’t hooking up either.
“I’ll see you around then.” Frowning, he grabbed his jacket and left.
Jessica waited until she heard the front door close before leaning forward to cradle her head in her hands. Regret overwhelmed her, more so than shame. Perhaps this was her only chance to sleep with Alex, and stupidly she blew it. She wanted to believe she valued their friendship more than her fantasies, but she longed for him. She wanted him in her life, in her bed. He resided in her thoughts, and, for many years, she’d pictured him more than a friend. Today, he gave her the chance to make her dreams come true. And she passed it up. Now, she had to live with it.
She needed a really long bath and a good book to read to keep her from fantasizing about Alex’s tongue on her breasts or his finger manipulating her clit. She didn’t have to see his erection to know how good it would feel inside her.
She walked to her purple Nissan 240SX and sat behind the wheel, taking in a few deep breaths. The cold night air abraded her hot flesh, and the stickiness between her thighs made her discomfort even worse. Just the thought of him had her hormones in a frenzy.
Forget the hot bath and the good book; she needed her trusty vibrator—though even that couldn’t replace the way Alex felt against her. It might take the edge off, but she wanted his cock inside her. Flustered, she knew the feelings wouldn’t go away until she had him. In the meantime, a girl had to do what a girl had to do.