Chapter Eight
One hand threaded through her hair, massaging her scalp until her eyelids started to droop.
“Emmaline is in the house.” Her voice broke with huskiness.
“Are you afraid you won’t be able to stay quiet?” He brought his mouth down on hers, stealing her protests. He didn’t force her, just moved slowly and softly, enjoying the gentle exploration. Lily escalated things, lifting her soft hands to his chest and pressing against his bare flesh. She parted her lips and deepened the kiss, answering his every stroke and raising him one better.
He caressed her shoulders, pushing the thin straps of her nightgown down and exposing her round breasts. She gasped as he cupped them, his thumbs brushing over the hardening tips. His lips slid along her jaw and nipped down the length of her neck, the strawberry scent of her shampoo and the silken feel of her hair against his cheek driving him on.
“We shouldn’t do this,” Lily whispered, but she didn’t push him away. She slid her hands to his shoulders, around his back, setting fire to his skin everywhere she touched.
“It feels good, doesn’t it?” He gripped her waist and hoisted her onto the table, sliding one of his thighs between hers before she realized what was happening and tried to squeeze them shut. “This will feel even better.”
With the new alignment, her bare breasts were at the perfect height for him to enjoy fully. His lips closed over one rosy peak, and he sucked gently, tasting her with his tongue. She drew in a breath and arched her back, one hand twining in his hair. He kept on, learning the pressure and movements she liked best by the way she raked her nails at his scalp and by how her thighs relaxed, allowing him to get even closer.
He pulled back and blew across the wet nipple, enjoying the way she shuddered before he turned his attention to her other breast. With one hand, he toyed with the sensitive bud, and the other he used to push up the short skirt of her nightie. He massaged the firm flesh of her outer thigh until she spread her legs a little wider, giving him access to her most sensitive of places. His fingers found the rough lace of her panties and pushed them aside.
She tensed around him, making him wonder if she’d ever allowed herself even this much pleasure from a man. He put the thought away quickly, knowing it didn’t matter. He’d erase anyone who’d tried, teach her everything she needed to know.
She rolled her hips, and an urgent need to take her rushed through him. He’d never been so fiercely excited by a woman, so nearing the point where he lost control. Her hesitant touch only fueled him on, the ache in his groin begging him to sate them both.
But he wouldn’t take her here, or like this. He wanted more than her passionate submission. He needed for her to want him in the same way, to come to him freely and forever. Being with her like this might change the game, but he knew better than to think it would end it.
His hand on her breast trailed to her shoulder, and then eased her back slowly. She gazed at him, her eyes shimmering and intoxicated with lust. Slender fingers reached out to him, and he leaned down, feeling each fingertip against his scalp as his mouth covered hers, the budded tips of her breasts pressing against his chest.
Her fingers stayed with him as he traced the kiss down her neck and between her breasts. He pushed up the silken hem of her nightie until it bunched about her waist. He trailed down the velvet skin of her stomach, dropping to one knee as he pressed slow kisses alongside her rounded hip.
She gave a shocked gasp as he parted the folds of her sex, making him smile at her ingrained resistance. He knew she wanted this. Air she took in as a gasp became a low moan as his mouth touched the swollen lips of her sex.
His tongue stroked at her center, desire unfolding her like a blossoming flower. Deep within him, his own need flared. He held himself in check, pleasuring her until he found her clit and began to work the rigid nub.
Her fingernails ran over his scalp as her thighs began to quiver, breath racing through her body. He fluttered his tongue, and her desire swelled hard and hot. She lifted her hips and twined her fingers in his hair.
“More, Jake,” she said on a breath. “Please.”
Pride coursed within him at having driven her past the point of abandon. While his lips and tongue continued their wicked game, he brought a hand to her core, sliding a finger against her wetness. She pressed against him, and he eased inside her, able to feel every undulation, every shudder that throbbed through her as she melted against him in rapture, her passion cresting on a silent cry.
Jake rested his head on her soft thigh until he caught his breath, fighting to rein in his intense emotions. He rose, fixing the nightie he’d pushed aside in his rush to drive her mad with want. With a hand behind her back, he pulled her up, holding her against his chest, his head resting on her silken hair.
He didn’t want to let her go, but as she regained her senses, she trailed her hand between them, dipping it inside the waistband of his lounge pants. There was only so much he could withstand. He caught her wrist and took a step back, dropping her hand between them.
“Go to bed, Lily. You’ll be able to sleep now.”
“But—” Her eyes gleamed with a wonder that filled his heart.
He shook his head. “Are you on the pill?”
She dropped her gaze, wrapping her arms around her waist.
“I didn’t plan this, and I won’t trap you.” He swallowed hard, his mind making excuses, a laundry list of reasons why he could indulge himself right now.
“But we could…” She looked from his face down his body until her cheeks pinked in embarrassment.
He helped her down from the table, and with a hand on the small of her back, ushered her toward the door. “Go to bed, Lily. Sweet dreams.”
…
Lily had lost focus on the evolving definition of love in the works of Jane Austen. Not a great idea when she had two months to finish her thesis. Maybe the texture of irony would work better. Or the new wave of Jane Austen apocrypha. She scribbled furiously in her notebook, outlining a class featuring the books and movies based on Jane Austen’s characters. A class she’d never teach if she didn’t finish her thesis.
The entire weekend had been spent on her class work. She told herself she wanted to get ahead since she was working, but really, she didn’t want to fall asleep. Sleep brought dreams of Jake. She hadn’t spoken to him since the night in the kitchen. Her cheeks heated just thinking about it. Not a word from him all weekend, and this morning at the office, she’d learned he was off scouting projects throughout the country. Great to know what they’d done meant so much to him. Everything she tried to think about all circled back to Jake Tolliver.
She groaned in frustration, looking out the window of the cozy bistro. No more thinking about Jake. He was gone, and she had better things to think about. Like focusing on her thesis. She turned back to her notebook, but her gaze snagged on the slim man walking through the door. Her first instinct was to smile as she recognized Ian Landon. They’d dated for a while before he’d transferred to a different accounting firm in Florida. But since he’d been away, she didn’t know if he’d heard the news about her father. She didn’t want to be snubbed, and she didn’t want to have to explain, so instead of making eye contact she opened the copy of Pride and Prejudice.
“Lily, how have you been?” A warm voice wrapped around her.
She looked up and smiled. “Hello, Ian.”
“Are you waiting for someone, or can I join you?” He pulled out the chair opposite her and sat, not waiting for a response. “I heard about your father. I am sorry.” He reached for her hand, and she let him take it, needing him to be sincere. She needed for someone to remember she was a person underneath the veneer, not a student more number than name, or a doll learning about an architecture firm by rote.
She nodded her thanks. “What are you doing in town?”
“I’m on an assignment here. I’ll be in the city for six weeks. And what have you been up to?”
“Finishing my thesis. Only a few more months until I graduate.”
“Are you still playing at that? I thought you would have given it up by now.”
She clenched her teeth against explaining she was getting a graduate degree. She didn’t need to argue with him. “I’m also working at the firm my father owned.”
“You have a job?” He grimaced in mock disgust. “How awful for you.”
“Actually, it’s quite nice. I’m learning about the business, about why my father cared so much about it.” She meant every word. She might not like having to avoid Jake’s scrutiny, but she did enjoy learning what the company was all about.
Ian stared at her blankly, reminding Lily of how so many of the people in that social set looked at her. They’d all thought she wasted her energy studying for a degree, energy better spent in day spas and shopping malls.
“What have you been up to, Ian? Tell me about Florida. I can see you enjoy the sun.”
He raked a hand through his sun-streaked hair and rubbed on his tanned chin. He told her about beaches and clubs, about clients and golf courses, until she had to tense her jaw to keep from yawning. Her mind was wandering, and she had the distinct impression she was being watched. Wary of the reporters she’d so far eluded, she looked around.
Her heart stalled as she spied Jake’s dark gaze on her. Seated across from him was Dee Gibson who smiled at her while shaking her head slightly. Lily turned her attention back to Ian but didn’t hear a word.
How long had they been in the restaurant? When she’d come in she’d been so focused on eating and reading she hadn’t noticed anyone else. Had they been watching her as she sat alone?
“Who are you looking at?” Ian turned, but Lily couldn’t watch. “Tolliver. Does he still follow you with his eyes everywhere he goes? It was damned unnerving.”
“Why?” she asked, taking a drink from her ice water.
“He was always so blatant about it, looking after you as if I meant to run off with you. Your father must have put him up to it.”
He had no idea. “I should be getting back to work.”
“Of course. You know, I’d like to see you again while I’m in town. Give us a chance to catch up properly.”
“That’s sweet of you, but between school and work, I’m really busy.”
Ian grinned. “Same Lily, always politely keeping people from getting too close. Let me take you out some time, just as a break from the toil your life has become.”
She would have said no, wanted to, but she felt Jake’s stare heavily on her. He had no right, especially as he sat there with another woman. Lily smiled at Ian to show Jake he couldn’t intimidate her.
“You’re right. It might be nice to have someone to meet for lunch.”
Ian walked her out and to the stop where she picked up the streetcar that would take her back to the office. He pulled her close as the car pulled up, pressing a kiss to her lips. “I’ll call you to set something up. Tomorrow even.”
Too shocked to say anything, Lily stepped up onto the car, using the blocks to get her bearings again. She’d gone out with Ian for months, but she’d only kissed him a few times. Did he think they’d be picking up where they’d left off?
She didn’t want to lead Ian on. Maybe lunch wasn’t such a good idea after all. When the streetcar arrived at the building, she got off but didn’t make it but a few steps when someone grabbed her arm and turned her around.
…
Jake tried to tamp down the rage coursing through him, threatening the rigid control he cultivated. He wasn’t sure he was capable of sanity right now. He’d been annoyed when he saw Lily with the twit she used to date, but watching her kiss another man had his blood boiling. Maybe Dee was right, and Lily was playing him for a fool.
“Jake? What are you doing?”
He stopped short, glaring down at her. “Do you want to have this conversation in public? I’ve been trying to keep you out of the papers.”
“You’ve been trying a lot of things,” she said in a harsh whisper. “You have no right to be angry with me.”
He clenched his jaw, wanting so badly to shake some sense into her it scared him. He released his hold, stepped to the car, and held open the back door.
“I have to get back to work.” She pressed her lips into a thin line.
“If you want a job, you get in the car.”
She stared up at him with wide eyes but didn’t object. Once she slid into the seat, he got in beside her and slammed the door to release some of his frustration. It didn’t work.
“What the hell were you doing?”
She moved to the far door, pulling her body away from him. “Me? I was having lunch. If you thought it was more, maybe it was your own guilt echoing back at you.”
“What do I have to be guilty for?” After all he’d done for her, years of devotion, she expected him to be some pathetic cuckolded pushover. “I wasn’t the one kissing people in the street.”
She opened her mouth to say something, but her expression changed from open to angry before she spoke. “You having lunch with Dee is so much more acceptable?”
“We’re not talking about me.”
“Of course not. Because what you do isn’t open for negotiation. It’s me who needs to mold myself into the perfect wife for you. Well, you can take that notion and—”
“I am not trying to mold you into anything.” He ran a hand through his hair, hating that he’d ever let her believe there was something going on between him and Dee. She probably wouldn’t have believed his denial then, and she definitely wouldn’t now. “I don’t want you to change, Lily. But kissing idiots on the sidewalk isn’t like you.”
“How would you know? Oh, that’s right. You’ve been watching me. Studying exactly how to get me to do what you want.”
“I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to.”
“Except marry you and turn the other cheek while you entertain yourself with a collection of other women.”
“I’ve told you before, jealousy doesn’t suit you.”
“And it looks so good on you.”
“I will not be played for a fool. I’ve given you so much. I’m allowing you to play this game with the firm, letting you stay in the home you love, and not pressuring you in any way. But I will not compete for you.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Scared you won’t measure up?”
“You’re trying to distract yourself. If you think that tool will measure up to me, you’ll be sorely disappointed. You want me, and you wish you didn’t. Let’s not drag other people into this. Or I’ll have to make some calls and ship him back beneath the rock he crawled out from.”
She lifted her chin. “Ian doesn’t work for you.”
“How do you think he got his promotion? Lots of people owe me favors. His company has offices in Alaska. Above the Arctic Circle. Is that where you want to go?”
“It would be warmer than being with you.”
A low and sinister laugh escaped him. “You can’t see other people. You will marry me, sooner rather than later, and because you want to. I will wait, but I will not let someone else have you.”
He didn’t stop to analyze the primitive claim, didn’t care that he was acting more animal than man. She’d reduced him to it, which was why he had to get away from her before he did what he swore he wouldn’t and use their mutual attraction to make her give in.
He’d never waited this long for anything he’d set his sights on. But then again, he’d never wanted anything or anyone like he needed Lily. She did more than occupy his mind. She made him consider things he’d never considered before, made him want to be a better man for her. If only she would give them a chance to be everything he knew they could be.
Lily looked up at him, but without the fear or intimidation he’d grown accustomed to. Challenge, pure and simple, and it was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen. He lowered his head and kissed her, claiming erotic rights in a way so primal it would throw men back generations if he were ever to state them out loud.
He savored the taste of her, relished the texture, delighted in the soft floral scent he’d forever recognize as hers. She opened for him without protest, returning his kiss with a fervor she never had before. He kissed her until her fingers gripped the front of his shirt, until she moaned and leaned into him.
Jake broke the kiss, leaning his forehead against hers as they both caught their breath, taken aback by how quickly the fire between them could blaze out of control. He felt like a teenager, cornering her in kitchens and the back seats of cars. But if they ever found themselves near a bed, he knew he couldn’t be trusted anymore, and she wouldn’t hold him back.
And that was why he’d decided to go on a tour of all the active projects in the country. Yes, it needed to be done, but he could delegate it. Only he didn’t trust himself to be near Lily.
“I’m going to be gone for a month. Do I need to take you with me so I can keep an eye on you?”
She pulled away from him, smoothing a hand over her hair. “I don’t need you watching me. I’ll be busy with school and work, and we have a deal. By the time you get back, I’ll know even more about the firm.”
Jake shook his head and turned, opened the door, and climbed out. He reached into the car and pulled Lily to her feet. “Stay focused on yourself, angel. This game you’re playing is one we can both win if you play by the rules. Cross me and you won’t be the only one who regrets it.”
He released her, not minding one bit that her confident facade faltered at his threat. He meant every word.
…
In the weeks since Jake had left her weak-kneed on the sidewalk, Lily had only heard from him via email. Which was an amazing relief. It had given her time to school her physical responses and allowed her to focus on finishing her thesis.
She’d been crazy to think about changing it this late in the game. All the research was done, the paper outlined and drafted. So what if she was having personal issues with defining love on a sliding scale? What mattered was making her deadline and keeping a clear head during her review with the examination committee.
She hit send, propelling her work to her advisor. The last step before she revised the final draft and had to face the review committee. Everything was lining up, and she’d never been more exhausted in her life. Between classes, the thesis, and work, she was only managing a few hours of sleep at night.
It was a wonder she even knew what department to report to. Jake had her in a different unit every week. Even though he hadn’t been around, he’d checked in with whoever was training her each week and passed on where she’d go next. She’d learned a lot, but it meant she constantly felt off-balance, never getting her footing in any one area.
When she’d arrived at work today, she’d learned Jake was back. She’d been able to know where he’d been easily enough. His picture had been taken escorting a Hollywood starlet to the launch party for her new restaurant, made the business section in Chicago when he sold the apparel company he’d told her he’d bought, and showed up at a fashion show with Dee Gibson in New York. Not that she’d been Googling him. Much.
When she got his email summoning her from her desk in accounting, she’d thought about ignoring it. It was Monday, and she usually met Ian for lunch. She’d been clear with him that she had too much going on to get involved, but he met her anyway. It made her feel normal to talk with someone from her old life. But knowing Jake’s opinion of her doing anything with Ian, she half thought he’d sent for her so she’d miss the date.
With a sigh of resignation, she signed off her computer and made her way upstairs. There was no one in the reception area of Jake’s office so she knocked on the ajar door to his office and pushed it open.
He sat in command of the glass-and-steel room, the phone tucked between his neck and shoulder as his fingers strummed over the keyboard. He didn’t look up, only acknowledging her with a brusque wave of his hand and pointing at the black leather chair opposite his desk.
She sat, not knowing what else to do. From the conversation, she gathered he was dealing with the project manager of a construction site, which she’d learned from her week in the projects department could take a while. The construction team liked to be listened to.
Glancing around the office, she looked for some sign of life. Everything was cool and clean, not a picture or stray scrap of paper in sight. She wondered if he’d personalized his office upstairs at Tolliver Enterprises more than he had this one at Tolliver-Harris. Or maybe there was nothing personal about the man.
He set down the phone but returned to his computer, typing furiously. She noted how his profile spoke of power and authority, how the set of his chin gave away his stubborn streak. His lips were firm and sensual, even when pursed in concentration. Lily thought she might need to remind him she was in the room when he spoke.
“You’ll need to bring your things up here. You’ll be my PA for the rest of your time with the company. However long you want that to be.”
Lily blinked, unsure if he was talking to her. “But I don’t know anything about being a personal assistant.”
Finally, he turned his body to face hers. “You didn’t know anything about public relations either, and they said you were great. I’m not claiming I’d want you running the payroll department or consulting on design, but you do know the company well enough to coordinate my day. Besides, I need to keep an eye on you.”
“I don’t need babysitting. I think I’m proving I can be useful here, that I can understand the business my father built.” She gave a thin smile, doubting he’d ever let her out of their deal so easily, but hopeful all the same.
“You asked to learn about the firm, not just parts of it. As my assistant, you’ll see how all the different units work together. Besides, Helen went on maternity leave while I was gone. My team upstairs have been picking up the slack, but it’s not good for the autonomy of the firm to have them handle everything.”
“But I can’t work every day. I have classes.”
“And as much as I’d like to spend all my time designing, I have other businesses to run. Besides, you have half of this week off for Thanksgiving, then three weeks left of classes, and then we’re only two weeks until the wedding.”
Their gazes locked at the mention of the wedding that was never to be. He arched a dark brow as if daring her to disagree but then continued before she had a chance to formulate a response.
“Helen will be back in January.” He turned back to his computer, using the mouse to click his way through something.
Lily might have been flattered that he had bothered to learn her school schedule, but she was too busy trying to think of another reason she couldn’t work so closely with him. It was all so ridiculous. If he’d drop this outlandish marriage scheme, she’d actually be grateful for all he’d done for her. As her mind whirled through excuses, she realized the job might be the best option. She’d learned a lot while working, but nothing easily transferable into a position with another company. However, working as a PA rather than a continual trainee would likely mean she’d have an easier time finding her next job.
The phone rang on Jake’s desk. He placed his hand on it and then looked up at her. “You can put your things in the desk outside. I think Helen has a to-do list out there you can use to get started. And there is always the team upstairs if you have any questions.”
Before she could ask any of him, Jake picked up the phone and started talking. It gave Lily hope that he was planning on ignoring her, just as he had done the last few weeks. As she collected her things, she started to wonder if his whole marriage idea wasn’t waning. Her stomach tightened at the thought of being free of him, but she wouldn’t let herself think too hard on why.
She’d just slid her purse into an empty drawer and started reading over the detailed to-do list on the desk when she heard Jake bellow for her from his office. She gritted her teeth at his tone before marching back to him. She’d do this job as she had all the others, even if it meant being at Jake Tolliver’s beck and call.
“We need to head out to the old school site. There are some problems that have to be taken care of today.”
Lily recalled the project. Tolliver-Harris was reconfiguring an old Catholic boarding school, redesigning it into a destination hotel with a pub, bakery, and with the former gym serving as a movie theater. The firm had done similar projects for the company in the past, jobs she knew her father had worked on.
“Go on, get your coat. We’re leaving.” Jake crossed his office until he was almost next to her and opened the closet by the door.
“But it’s snowing.” And she was wearing open-toed heels. Not the smartest thing to wear in winter, but they matched her dress, and how was she to guess she’d see anything more chilling than the parking garage today?
“Yes, princess, it is. Don’t worry, it’s just a dusting, and you can’t freeze if you keep moving. Bring something to take notes on. Actually, check the desk outside for the tablet Helen used. It should have access to some of the files we might need.”
Lily dashed out of the office, dialing the phone as she searched the drawers. She found the tablet case just as Ian answered. She explained that she had to cancel lunch as quickly as she could.
“Don’t tell me you have a better offer.” His tone was cold and disapproving.
“I have to work. I’m starting a new position, and I can’t get away today.”
“That’s silly. It’s your father’s company.”
It had been, but it wasn’t anymore. “It’s important that I do a good job.”
“But it’s not like what you do there is important. Aren’t you just answering the phone? Surely someone else can do that while you’re at lunch.”
Lily sat up straighter. He hadn’t heard a word she’d said about her job in the last month. “I’m a personal assistant for the head of the company. And I’ll be too busy at one of our project sites to have lunch.”
“Tolliver has you working as his secretary? Oh, come on, Lily. You have to be smarter than that.”
Lily blinked, unable to believe he’d implied she was stupid. Granted their lunches were mostly him talking about himself and about what all her old acquaintances were up to, but she’d told him about her job, her work on her thesis. Yet he was treating her like some bubble-headed twit. She didn’t have the time in her life for that, not anymore. Working had shown her she was more than society parties and academia. She could take care of herself and didn’t need anyone in her life who didn’t agree.
“Ian, I don’t think I’ll be able to have lunch with you again.”
“Come now. I didn’t mean to upset you. But you obviously aren’t thinking about Tolliver’s angle. If he wants you as a personal assistant, the emphasis is on the personal.” She didn’t fail to catch the sarcasm thick in his tone. “You don’t know anything about running someone’s office.”
Anger percolated inside of her. She’d wasted four Monday lunches with this man. She should have stuck to her books. “Don’t worry about me. I hope your project goes well. Have a safe trip back to Florida.”
She hung up, wishing she’d been on the desk phone so she could slam it into the receiver. When she turned to grab her coat, she caught Jake glowering at her from his office doorway. He stared for a minute but didn’t say a word as he stalked toward the elevator.
Lily grabbed her things and tried to keep up with him.