“Hold the elevator, please!” Shana called, her movements purposeful and swift as she quickly strolled toward the bank of elevators and stepped on. “Thanks.”
“No problem.”
She froze at the sound of that voice. And then she glanced over her shoulder at the only other person in the elevator and her breath caught. Impeccably dressed, he looked good as always. “Good morning, Jace.”
“Shana. You’re eager to get started this morning.”
“Yes, I am.”
What she was really eager about was the weekend and couldn’t wait for it to begin...although she had nothing planned. Jules wanted her to go grocery shopping with their father to meet the mysterious Mona. If she did, then that would be the only thing on her “to do” list. All she wanted to do was rest and relax. It had been one vigorous week, and there was still work to be done. She could handle that. But what she couldn’t handle was the way her thoughts would shift throughout the day to begin focusing on the CEO instead of the company. She’d been doing that a lot lately. Too much for her peace of mind.
“Ready for the weekend?” he asked her, and she thought she heard him shift positions behind her but refused to look back to see.
“Yes, what about you?” she countered, frowning. Did she hear him move again? She was tempted to glance over her shoulder to verify that he hadn’t.
“Looking forward to it,” Jace said.
She could imagine. Men who looked like him had dates lined up aplenty. The fact that he’d returned to town less than a month ago meant nothing. Men were known to act fast, and he was a divorcé. No reason for him not to date. “Big plans?” she asked, telling herself it was merely for conversational purposes and not because she really wanted to know.
“Yes. My brothers and I are going to visit my father.”
“Oh.” Not what she’d expected, and for some reason something within her swelled. “That’s nice,” she said, glancing over her shoulder, and for the second time that morning she froze. Jace was no longer standing back against the panel wall but was there, close to her back. Too close. All at once, she was aware of every aspect of him—the strength of his shoulders beneath his jacket, and especially the rippling muscles in a chest that was too close to her back for comfort. All she would have to do was lean back a tad and she could be pressed against him, like she had been in her dreams so many times.
Smothering a groan, she turned toward him, lifted her chin and met his gaze. Like last night, it was intense, filled with a flickering fire that was heating her in places it shouldn’t. Annoyed with herself and irritated with him, she said, “Why are you standing so close to me?”
Instead of answering, he said, “You look good. You always look good. Even in your business suits, panty hose and pumps. You have the ability to turn dressing conservatively into a sensuous thing, a damn sexy thing.”
Shana tightened her hands on her purse and tried to stop them from trembling. She didn’t want his compliment to get to her, nor did she want the male rawness of him in a business suit to wear down on her senses.
The elevator door swooshed open, and he quickly reached out and pressed a button to close it back. Then he pressed another button to keep it from moving to another floor. “What do you think you’re doing?” she asked, going from irritated to incensed.
He stepped closer. “Melissa is taking the day off, and my brothers won’t be coming in until noon, which means it’s just the two of us up here. To answer your question, what I think I’m doing is what I should have done yesterday when I had the chance.”
She had an idea of what he intended to do, especially when he reached out and placed his arms at her waist. It would be so easy to use one of her martial arts moves on him, but she didn’t. It wasn’t that she was easy, either, because she wasn’t. But she was curious. She needed to know why thoughts of him found their way into her mind during the day and in her dreams at night. And why did the scent of him arouse her to the point that the area between her legs throbbed mercilessly?
And why now, when she should demand that he back off, was she standing there, willing him to bring it on?
Jace’s gaze was trained on Shana’s face, and he liked what he saw while wondering what she was thinking. He knew the thoughts going through his own mind and figured if she had a clue, she wouldn’t appreciate them.
“Is there a reason for this?” she asked in an irritated tone.
Yes there was. “I think we acknowledged my testosterone and your hormones have a tendency to get a little crazy around each other,” he said. “We agreed to try to keep the craziness at bay. That would have worked for me if you didn’t turn me on each and every time I see you. And I think there’s something about me that heats you up, as well. Am I on the right road?”
Yes, not only was he on the right road, he was driving on that road masterfully. “And what of it?”
His smile sent her pulse racing. “Yesterday, you said we were trying, and I agreed,” he said. “You said we had to try harder, and I agree with that, too. I also know this craziness is not only unwise but it would be a bad move on our parts to do anything about it. Get crazier. Follow me?”
Unfortunately, she did. “Get to the point, Jace. I have work to do.”
So did he, he thought, mesmerized by that mouth of hers. And her scent was getting to him like it always did. “My point is that I want you.”
At the glare that flared in her eyes, he quickly added, “And I know it’s wasted longing on my part since you’ve made it clear there can’t be an involvement between us. But there is something, this one thing that I have to do, and I hope doing so will get you out of my system. I believe it will, and when I’m done, I’ll be okay.”
Shana drew in a slow breath, wondering if he’d considered his words. Just in case he hadn’t, she decided to reemphasize. “When you’re done, you’ll be okay?”
“Yes.”
And as if he belatedly knew her thoughts, he smiled and said, “I’m convinced that you’ll be okay, as well.”
And then he lowered his mouth to hers.
* * *
It was as if a sharp bolt of lightning hit the confines of the elevator and sent shock waves all through Shana. She closed her eyes, knowing she would remember every movement of his tongue inside her mouth and how diligently it was mating with hers and causing her to sink against the solidness of his chest. Primitive urges she hadn’t encountered for years seemed to seep into her bones, building a fire that was spreading all through her.
His kiss was way too intimate, and she reveled in the feel of his hands that had moved from her waist to boldly cup her buttocks. No man had ever claimed her mouth like this, with a tongue probing in places that made her shiver inside.
And then suddenly, he began eating away at her mouth with a hunger that elicited passion so aggressive she heard herself moan as her hands began traveling up his chest. Sensuous currents were taking her over, ripping away at her common sense with an intensity that was astounding.
Sensuous flutters were going up and down her spine, and automatically, her body pressed closer to him as his mouth continued to devour hers and send blood rushing through her as the craziness she’d tried to avoid was taking over.
Shana felt the thick muscles of his thighs, and the strength in them had her trembling with desire. This kiss was going way beyond her expectations, and her body was reacting in kind, as if it had been years since it had been satisfied with this kind of need. She then recalled that it had been years, which was probably why her insides were a curling mass of desire. She felt her feet move, and then her back was pressed up against the wall. His mouth was hot and had her sizzling at degrees that had her melting.
Suddenly, the buzzer sounded. Jace pulled his mouth away, and she automatically slumped against him, and his arms tightened around her. She could feel his fingers in her hair, caressing her scalp, while her breath was released in short, ragged pants.
His breathing was choppy, and the warmth of his breath was on her neck. It would be easy to ask him to take her in his office or hers and finish what they started, she thought as she sank deeper into his chest. But it would also be foolish.
“Come on, let’s get out of here before a mechanic shows up,” he whispered in a deep, husky voice close to her ear.
She heard the elevator opening and drew in a deep breath as she glanced up at him. Smoldering fire was still there in his eyes, and she could just imagine what he was seeing in hers. Pushing herself out of his arms, she knew she needed a reality check and would get one in the privacy of her office.
“Time to get to work,” she said, already moving toward the door to her office. Craziness had begun ruling her mind and body, and the sooner she could escape from him, the better.
She should have known he would not make it easy for her, and when he said her name, she slowed and then turned around. “Yes?”
“Should I apologize?”
She wished she could tell him yes, that he should, but to do so wouldn’t be fair or honest. Especially when she was certain she had enjoyed the kiss just as much as he had. Probably had even wanted it as much. “No,” she said in a somewhat shaky breath. “But that doesn’t make things right, Jace. Timing’s lousy, and considering everything, it’s not the best situation for us to be in. You hired me, so technically, I work for you, and I told you my feelings on the matter.”
“Yet you wanted the kiss.”
He was going to make her say it. Admit to it. “Yes, I wanted the kiss, but I want my peace of mind even more. I hope I’m out of your system, because it won’t...it can’t happen again.”
Shana then turned and quickly moved toward her office without looking back.
* * *
“So,” Dalton said, glancing over at Jace. “You think throwing a party where everyone comes naked is a good idea, Jace?”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
When both Dalton and Caden threw their heads back and burst out laughing, Jace frowned. “What’s so funny?”
“You are,” Caden said, trying to suppress another laugh. “I don’t know where your mind’s at today, but it’s not on anything Dalton and I have been saying. Your baby brother just asked what you thought about him throwing a nude party, and your response was that it sounded like a good idea.”
Jace’s frown deepened. Had he really said that? He met his brothers’ gazes, and from their amused looks, apparently he had. “My mind was elsewhere.”
“We figured as much,” Dalton said, grinning. “So where was it?”
“Where was what?” Jace asked.
“Your mind. I hope you’re not getting so wrapped up in this company that you can’t think straight. If you are, Caden and I will force you to come with us to McQueen’s and unwind with a few beers and good food. You’d like it.”
Jace straightened up in his chair. “I’m sure I will.”
When a text message on Dalton’s mobile phone came through, he pulled the phone out of his jacket pocket, checked the text and smiled. He glanced over at his brothers. “Sorry, I won’t be able to hang with you guys after work. I got a hot date,” he said, standing. “And I probably won’t be home until late—probably not at all—so don’t wait up.”
“You do remember we’re going to see Dad tomorrow, right?” Caden spoke up to ask as Dalton quickly headed for the door.
“Yes, I remember.” And then he was gone.
When the room got quiet and it was evident that Jace had reverted back to la-la land, concern shadowed Caden’s features. “You sure you’re okay?”
Jace blinked as if he’d forgotten Caden was there. “Yes, I’m fine.”
“I wonder.”
When Jace didn’t say anything, Caden forged ahead. “You’re working long hours, not eating properly, and Hannah’s worried about you. Dalton and I have to hear it when you’re not there, which is most of the time. She wants you to make the company a success but doesn’t want you killing yourself doing so. Of course, Dalton came to your defense yesterday.”
Jace leaned back in his chair and grasped the back of his neck with the palms of his hands. “Did he?”
A corner of Caden’s mouth slipped into a smile when he said, “Yes. He told her there’s a woman involved and that you were hanging around hoping you’d eventually score.”
A muscle quivered in Jace’s jaw. “He said that, did he?”
“Yes. He said a little bit more, but I won’t bore you with the details.”
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t.”
Jace closed his eyes for a minute and, at the moment, refused to admit that what Dalton said wasn’t far from the truth. Granted, he did have a lot of documents and reports to read, but he could easily do it at home. But there had been something satisfying in knowing he was here and Shana was there. Close by. In the office right next door.
“Jace?”
He opened his eyes and looked over at Caden. “Yes?”
“I asked you something twice, but evidently your mind was rather occupied.”
“And what exactly did you ask?” Jace asked through stiff lips.
“I want to know if you’ll have dinner with me at McQueen’s. Share a few beers. You’d love their fries.” A smile then eased onto Caden’s lips. “And just in case there’s even an ounce of truth in what Dalton told Hannah, I suggest we invite Ms. Bradford to join us.”
Jace’s eyes narrowed. “Are you trying to be funny?”
Caden tried keeping a straight face. “Absolutely not. I would enjoy her company, so ask her. The worst she can do is tell you no.”
* * *
And Shana would tell him no, Jace was convinced of that. So why was he about to knock on her office door at five o’clock on a Friday afternoon? The office was closed, yet she was still here. But then so was he. They were both single, so why didn’t they have dates this weekend or something?
Speak for yourself, pal, he muttered to himself. For all you know, she might have a date for the weekend. She’s a looker, so don’t assume anything. And then there’s the way she tastes...
He rubbed a hand down his face, frustrated that he couldn’t get the elevator kiss out of his mind. Christ! Never had a woman’s mouth tasted so damn delectable. He felt a deep stirring in his groin just remembering it. He had drunk the sweetness of her mouth like a starving man, a man whose mouth had felt a surge of electricity the moment their lips had touched.
And he wasn’t sure just how she felt about it.
She didn’t appear mad, just resigned...like him. Mainly because, kiss or no kiss, she was not out of his system. If anything, she was deeper into it. And he didn’t know a way to get her out. For him, it was a no-win situation.
Deciding to knock and get it over with, he did just that. “Come in.”
Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and found her just as he did most other evenings—buried in stacks of papers that were spread across her desk, with a pair of glasses perched on her nose and her hair spread around her shoulders. Her scent had reached out to him the moment he stepped into the room. The scent was as luscious as how her lips had tasted.
There was a wary look in her eyes as she gazed up at him. “Yes?”
“Caden and I are going to McQueen’s. I heard the food is good and the drinks are even better. Nice way to kick-start the weekend. Do you want to join us?” Damn, he’d said a mouthful.
Shana sat up straight in her chair. This was the first time she’d seen Jace since this morning after that little elevator scene. Mainly because she’d been hiding out here in her office, hoping their paths didn’t cross. Lucky for her, they hadn’t. But was it really lucky for her?
Ben Bradford was too proud a man to raise a coward, yet that’s just how Shana had been acting today. When did she ever let her interest in a man have her hiding out like an escaped convict?
Her attraction to Jace was an issue. And it was one she was working on resolving. But the more she thought about it, the more it sort of became a “dog in the gate” syndrome. As a child, Shana walked to school, and every day, she passed by a house with a fence and a dog protecting the yard. She was afraid the dog would somehow get out and attack her the same way a boy in her class had been attacked once. When her fear of the dog grew too great, she intentionally walked an extra block to avoid that house with the dog...until her father found out what she’d been doing.
He told her that sometimes you had to stand up to your fears, and she needed to prove to the dog that she was in control. The next day, with knees shaking, she had walked past the house. The dog had barked and acted like he was going to jump over the fence, but he hadn’t. She had made it through that day and the days that followed because she believed she was in control. She still had her fears, but she had managed to take charge of them. In the end, once the dog saw she would not weaken, he eventually stopped barking at her.
She would apply that same analogy to the situation with Jace. She had work to do here for at least another three to four weeks, and she couldn’t spend all that time trying to avoid Jace—being afraid of him and the way he made her feel. There would be days when they would have to meet for long periods of time, so she could not let him be her dog in the yard. He knew her position and knew she would not waver on it. The kiss was...just a kiss. Curiosity. Need. Greed. Those things had fueled it. What she needed to do was go out and have some fun this weekend. Kick back. Indulge in sex...something she hadn’t done in almost a year. Charles Kincaid, a doctor she’d met a few months ago, often called her on the weekends for a date, and she was always quick to turn him down. This weekend when he called, she would handle things differently.
“Shana?”
She held his gaze. “Thanks for the invite, and yes, I’d love to join you and Caden at McQueen’s.”