Chapter eight

GRACE CHAMBERS

“What do you think about this one?” Stephania asks, holding up a silk blouse from across the store.

I look up and run my eyes over the piece of clothing, ultimately deciding that it’s not her style.

“Too stuffy for you,” I say distractedly, returning my gaze to the sales rack in front of me.

Stephania and I are out shopping to celebrate payday and successfully making it through another work week.

Normally, I’d be absorbed in scoring the best deals but my thoughts are scattered thanks to Jameson.

We’ve talked on the phone every night since our date last Friday and he sends me the most wicked text messages throughout the day.

I’d nearly ruined another pair of panties today when I looked down at my phone during a rather important branch meeting at the credit union.

The man is too much.

But I’m hooked. I don’t know what I’ll do if he ever loses interest. The thought is an unwelcome one but something about this whole thing seems fleeting. Too damn good to be true.

I walk over to Stephania, brooding. I can’t focus on shopping right now.

I need to get laid or I will go absolutely insane.

A deep frown sets in when Stephania sees my empty hands.

“What has gotten into you, girl?” she fusses, reaching up to touch my forehead as if to check for a fever.

I swat her hand away, irritated and make a suggestion.

“Let’s go to that chocolate shop on the other side of the plaza.”

If I can’t have Jameson then decadent, overpriced chocolate will have to do.

“How’s work?” I ask, launching us into a conversation about our respective bosses.

She’s been having some trouble with the administration at her school.

“The principal is a legitimate ass,” she huffs, shifting her shopping bag from one hand to another.

“What’s she done now?” I ask picking up on the ire in her voice.

“So I finally got the field trip approved for my group of seniors. But here’s the kicker — I can only do it if we go at six in the morning on a Saturday!”

“Are you serious?” I ask, shooting her an incredulous look.

“Dead serious,” she sighs. “I originally planned to do it on a Friday morning. But that got shot down. So, I can completely scrap the idea and look like a liar to my kids. Or I can suck it up and go when she says.”

I shake my head, annoyed for her.

“Do you have any idea how hard it’s going to be trying to round up thirty teenagers on a weekend?” she finishes on a groan just as we reach the store.

We decide to split a sundae.

As we sit down at a table for two, Stephania seizes the opportunity to grill me about my mood.

And Jameson.

“How are things going with you two?” she asks sliding a curious glance my way.

Exhaling, I contemplate how to answer that question. What are Jameson and I doing? What are we to each other?

I honestly have no idea what we are to one another and I say as much.

“The man wants you bad, Gracie. I saw the way he was looking at you before your date last week. There’s no denying it. You won’t be on the market much longer,” she predicts.

As much as I love the thought of being claimed by Jameson, I have to be realistic.

“His wanting to fuck me and be in a relationship with me are two very different things,” I reason, dipping my spoon into the cup and taking a generous scoop of the dessert.

Perceptive eyes bore into mine before she asks her next question.

“Wait. Do you even want a relationship with him?”

I shrug, pondering my response.

Jameson is gorgeous as sin and probably incredible in the sack. But that doesn’t mean I should throw caution to the wind and get involved with a man I know so little about. The last time I did that, I’d ended up with my crazy, controlling ex.

“My last serious relationship was a shit show, Steph,” I say honestly. “I don’t know if I’m ready to go down that road.”

She nods but continues to stare at me, allowing me to speak uninterrupted.

“You know I always say I’m not ready to date again but I definitely do feel something for Jameson. Mostly lustful feelings,” I admit.

I sigh, staring out of the window beside our table.

“Maybe a strictly physical relationship wouldn’t be so bad right now.”

*****

Can I see you tonight?

I stare down at the text from Jameson before reaching down to finish applying a top coat of polish to my toes.

The doorbell rings before I have a chance to tap out a reply and I waddle to the front of the apartment.

Before hopping in the shower, Stephania warned me that the pizza she ordered may be arriving before she finished.

As I reach the kitchen, I grab the cash she left on the counter.

“Who is it?” I ask before I even touch the locks.

“Delivery!” a male voice calls through the dense wood.

After undoing the locks, I swing the door open and come face to face with Jameson.

He’s holding a pizza box and greets me with a crooked smile.

“You always answer the door wearing so little, Grace?”

His words make me look down at my outfit selection.

I’m wearing an old midriff-baring tank and a pair of worn-out cotton shorts that barely cover my ass.

His eyes roam my frame from head to toe and I feel naked under his scrutiny.

“Where’s the pizza guy?” I ask instead of answering his question.

“He left after I tipped him. Can I come in, Grace?”

I step back and allow him entry.

Saying thanks, I take the greasy box from his hands to go set it on the kitchen counter. I can feel the heat of his gaze on my behind as I walk away. I place the crumpled twenty dollar bill back in its original place.

“Jameson, what are you doing here?”

“Didn’t you get my text?”

The text had come through less than five minutes ago.

I decide to have some fun at his expense.

“Isn’t it rather presumptuous to show up before I give you an answer? How do you know I don’t have plans?”

Jameson’s eyes darken dangerously and I almost shudder from the intensity.

“Plans doing what? With who?” he asks, all traces of earlier amusement gone.

His territorial tone is so damn sexy, I shift from foot to foot as the pulse between my legs quickens.

“I don’t have any plans,” I give in.

I witness the tension in his shoulders lessen gradually.

“Good, because I want to take you out.”

I stare at him, completely enthralled by his brazen attitude.

“Go get ready, Grace,” he says as I continue to stand there entranced.

I turn and walk to my room, completely confused by the sensations rolling through me at his commanding tone.

I have never been attracted to domineering men in the past, but Jameson’s severe demeanor and impatient words are one hell of a combination.