Chapter Four
Jack’s conversations had never been so odd, or entertaining. While driving his nephew to his parents for the night, he learned all about some kid who’d become a second grade hero.
“He mooned her and everything.” Josh crumpled in laughter, going on and on about butts.
Jack didn’t remember his fascination with all things ass, but then, according to his parents, he’d been a handful while his older brother had been an absolute prince. His parents liked revisionist history, because Jack totally remembered Dan being a royal pain growing up. Nice to see Josh acting like a normal kid.
“Then Joy got mad and kicked him, so Josie and Matthew had to tackle her.”
“Matthew’s the boy you don’t like, right?”
“No, that’s Matthew R. This was Matthew W.”
“Right.” His head hurt trying to keep the kids in order.
“Then Matthew W. did this.” A glance at Josh showed him making an ugly face. “And Josie slapped his back, and we all waited, but Matthew’s face didn’t stay that way.”
“Bummer.”
Josh sighed. “Yeah.”
They pulled into Jack’s parents’ driveway. Before he even turned off the engine, Josh jetted to his grandfather on the porch. Jack joined them.
His dad wore a wide grin. “So, big plans tonight, eh?”
Jack tried to play things casual, but he’d been hard pressed to think about anything but that kiss. Ann Weaver had some kind of mystical hold over him. God knew he couldn’t tell her, because she seemed to have a few hard feelings about the way things ended back in high school. On that he couldn’t exactly blame her—though in all fairness she’d started it.
Yeah, that doesn’t sound immature or anything. He glanced at Josh, blaming his regression on his nephew. “Hey, Dad, make sure Josh tells you the Garrett story.”
Josh turned around, bent over and grabbed his ass. “Meet the Grand Canyon, Grandpa.”
His father guffawed. Okay, it was pretty funny.
His mother didn’t think so. “Joshua Bloom, what are you doing?” she asked as she came out the front door.
Josh straightened up pretty fast. “Oh, um, hi, Grandma.”
The woman had the nerve to glare at Jack.
“What did I do? The kid got that from somebody named Garrett.”
“Hill?” She said the name as if it were synonymous with trouble.
Josh nodded. “Yep. Garrett Hill.” He darted inside and yelled, “Can I have a cookie, Grandma?”
“Boy has a nose like a hound dog.” His father snorted. “Just like his daddy and uncle.”
Jack caught the scent of something sweet when the wind blew. “They do smell good. Thanks for watching him. Wish me luck with Ann.”
His mother smiled. “Be nice to the girl. Remember, she’s a teacher in good standing in the community. Don’t get too pushy on the first date.”
“Sure thing, Ma. I’ll ask her before I try to hold her hand. And if I take her to a dance, I’ll keep a good foot between us. Say, we can even sit together in church. That’ll be swell.”
His father chuckled, then covered with a cough when Laura glared at him. She turned to Jack and smacked his arm. “Don’t be a smartass.”
“Yeah, smartass,” Josh repeated from just inside the house, holding a cookie.
“Joshua Daniel Bloom, I’ll—”
The boy darted inside, laughing.
“Nice mouth, Ma. Dad, witness. When Dan comes home, make sure he knows Josh’s potty mouth came from Grandma, not me.” He raced away before his mother could yell at him. Instead he overheard her scolding his father to stop laughing.
The short drive back to Dan’s place and the subsequent walk to Ann’s gave him time to think. What the hell did he want with her? Inside her pants, obviously. That was number one. But then what?
He knew better than anyone that one couldn’t relive the past. The teenagers they’d once been in high school had long since matured. Well, mostly. He chuckled to himself remembering Josh and his Grand Canyon, then sobered up, trying to puzzle out his feelings for Ann.
He was a man with a man’s needs. Though he’d had his share of sex and relationships, being around his family had started him thinking about more than casual hookups or girlfriends who went nowhere. He wanted more than just companionship. He wanted…
Love—a dreaded emotion that constantly plagued him. Ann had been his first love. Not his last, but certainly his deepest. His other girlfriends through the years had never measured up to who he thought should be by his side. A gentle, easy-going redhead who thought he hung the stars and the moon.
He still didn’t understand why she’d cheated on him with Terry Chapman. Terry had hated him then and probably still did. A rival in sports and with the ladies, he’d always sniffed around Ann, but she’d nicely shut him down. Or so Jack had thought.
Annoyed and hurt all over again, he shoved the door closed on those memories. What was the point of digging them back out? Yeah, his other girlfriends complained he didn’t emote or communicate like he should, but Jesus, did he have to verbalize everything? Some things a guy just knew. Like when to bail on a woman. And some things he didn’t want to know. Like maybe he hadn’t been as good in bed as he should have been. Or that he hadn’t made her feel like he should have.
He’d lost his virginity to the one girl he’d never forgotten. Was it any wonder he wanted a piece of her now? Then, before he’d barely known what to do with his equipment, she’d rocked his world. And with that kiss in her tiny office no better than a closet, she’d done it again.
He wiped his sweaty palms on his jean-clad thighs. Nerves of steel, Jack. Don’t let her see she’s got leverage over you. His old problem with Ann would no longer be an issue. He knew how to please a woman, and from that kiss at school, she responded to him with the same intensity she had always had.
If only he could keep things physical. But already he was feeling hearts and flowers. He wanted to spend time with her. To walk her home after school and talk about her day, make her dinner, rub her feet, watch movies and television while cuddling on the sofa.
Man, his buddies would crucify him if they knew how much he liked the things women seemed to go for. To Jack, a solid relationship involved more than just fucking. Which explained why he was the one always breaking off his relationships while his girlfriends begged him to take them back. He might not always communicate the deep stuff that well, but he was hell on wheels in bed and did romance just right.
Like his last relationship. He’d wined and dined Beth, brought her flowers, went for midnight strolls under the moonlight. She’d loved it, loved him. But there had been no lasting spark. Once the sexual newness wore off, Beth had become a clingy woman needing constant attention. They had nothing else in common other than lukewarm sex.
Hell, she still called to see how he was doing—and they’d been finished for two months. Thinking about it, he put his cell on mute as he walked up Ann’s steps.
Nothing about Ann had ever been lukewarm. Hot as hell, passionate, angry or loving. But never boring. What would she be like now? Did she still love horror movies? Did she still have a sweet tooth? Did she still read a book’s ending before starting it?
He remembered everything about her. Especially the scent and feel of her. And since that kiss…
With a groan, he tried to get a handle on his stupid emotions and growing erection. Think about Josh. Think about Mom and Dad. There we go. Nothing stiff on me now.
He knocked and waited. She answered quickly, looking amazing in a pair of jeans, boots, and a fuzzy blue sweater that brought out the beauty in her eyes. Like his, they were blue, but much darker. They reminded him of sapphires, he’d once told her, and he still remembered her sweet blush.
“Hey, angel. Lookin’ good.” He smiled and drew her hand to his mouth.
Her lips parted, her cheeks flushed and her breathing grew more rapid. All the right signs. He turned her hand over and kissed the middle of her palm, gratified when she gave a soft sigh.
He winked at her. “Let’s go.”
“Where to?” She pulled on a vest and zipped up, then let him hold her hand as they left the house.
He thanked his lucky stars for getting an agreeable Ann tonight and enjoyed the brisk air outside as they headed back to his place. “We’re going to my house. I mean, Dan and Julie’s.” He waited to see what she made of that, had all his arguments ready to go.
“Okay.”
He blinked. “Okay?”
“Sure. I assume we’re going to eat there, right?”
“Ah, yeah. I have some nice steaks laid out. Salad, some veggies. You’re not off meat or anything are you?” He looked her over. She was so small.
With a laugh, she shook her head. “Nope. I eat healthy most of the time, but I’m a sucker for Riley’s cookies.”
“I heard she opened a bakery a few years back. She always did make the best brownies.”
“I know.” She continued holding his hand through their short walk, and even into the house.
It tempted him, the thought of coming home to Ann—no, not Ann, some faceless woman—and their house. Of seeing his wife with child, a little boy like Josh. More and more he’d been having thoughts of settling down, but it hadn’t hit him until he’d seen Ann again how much he wanted to make that a reality.
Oh boy. Not great thoughts to be having about an ex-girlfriend who pulled his trigger faster than he could say boo.
“Can I take your coat?”
She nodded, and he slid her down vest off her shoulders, encouraged when she smiled at him. After hanging up their coats, he couldn’t hold back any longer.
He stepped right up to her, cupped her face and kissed her.
She seemed to melt into him, and like that, he was hard and ready for her. Dinner could wait. Talk could come later. He needed her now.
Except hadn’t that been his problem all those years ago? Not seeing to his girl the way she needed to be taken care of? Hell, he’d been seventeen and she’d gotten him so hot so fast. But he’d come a long way. Not that you could prove it by devouring her two seconds in the door. He reluctantly pulled back and caressed her cheek.
He deepened his voice to embellish his seduction. “Welcome to my parlor.”
She grinned. “Well done.”
“Yeah, well, we kiss any longer and I will be well done.” To his satisfaction, she blushed when she noted the bulge behind his jeans. “That’s all for you, Ann.”
“Geez, Jack. You’re such a classy guy.” She moved deeper into the house. “Nice place Dan and Julie have.”
A two-story Craftsman with twenty-four hundred square feet. Julie had decorated the place in an eclectic style chosen for comfort more than style, or so she’d said. It worked for Jack on every level. Then again, he’d be happy sitting on a piece of cardboard if he had a TV the size of Dan’s. Time to stop dragging his feet and get his own place. He couldn’t live with his brother forever.
“I visited years back, when they were engaged. Didn’t see you then.” He’d wondered if he might, even then.
“When was that?”
“Hmm, back in the winter, when Bend had that big storm seven years ago.”
“Oh right. That was the Christmas break I went with Maya and Riley to Cancun. We had a blast.”
“I’ll bet.” He could just imagine the three sexy young women in Mexico strutting around in bikinis. A treat for any guy with a pulse. “So, what do your friends think of you going out with me?” Why he asked that particular question, he had no idea. Anything to keep his mind off the image of Ann in a tiny bathing suit though. His dick felt hard enough to break off. Not a great way to show restraint.
She grimaced. “Maya thinks I’m an idiot. She doesn’t like you.”
“Yeah, I got that impression the other day in the grocery store.”
“Riley’s reserving judgment.”
“I always liked Riley.”
She snorted. “You and every other guy.”
“Hey, I’m human. It would be a sin not to look at any of you. The funny, smart redhead, the sexy Amazon with attitude and the hot chick who can cook like a dream.” Even back in high school Riley had had a reputation for being a genius in the kitchen. Maya, though gorgeous, radiated hostility to anything resembling authority. And Ann—
“Why are they sexy and hot, and I’m funny and smart?” She looked annoyed. His fairy queen’s grimace was just too cute, but he knew she’d get pissed if he mentioned he had a thing for making her angry, just to see her expression.
“Well, if I’d said hot, I’d be insulting your feminist side demanding I acknowledge you as something other than your looks. I’m trying to tell you I was first drawn to you by your intelligence and humor.”
“Oh.” She sounded disappointed.
He grinned. “And your hot little body. Happy now?”
She mumbled something that sounded like “I will be,” though that could have been wishful thinking on his part.
“How about dinner?” Time to start his grand seduction. First food and good company, then he’d bring her to orgasm so many times she’d lose count. She’d be putty in his hands, so when he figured out what the hell he really wanted from her, she wouldn’t be able to say no.
…
Ann watched him, trying to figure out Jack’s game. If he’d only wanted her in bed, he could have continued that kiss. God, the man had a mouth made for sin.
When he kissed, he used everything—lips, teeth and tongue. He stroked her as if he made love to her whole body, and even now she was slick, her body ready for him even if her heart and head demanded she stick to the plan.
The problem was he charmed her without trying. That smile in his eyes, the quirk of his full lips. Even the firm jaw, now looking a bit shadowy, added to his appeal. Jack was a man’s man. As a teenager, he’d loved just being with her and holding hands, but she’d never mistaken him for a boy she could bend to her will.
A lot like now. He kept her on her toes, taking charge of the date. His house? Please. As if she didn’t know what would follow dinner. Some wine, dessert. Then he’d suggest they go upstairs where he’d bang her brains out, which was fine by her. She’d never had any qualms with his skills in bed.
She squirmed behind him, wanting to feel him inside her again. It had been a long time since she’d had any satisfaction from a partner who didn’t use batteries. Not that she didn’t love Mr. Vibe, but he could only do so much.
“Can I get you something to drink?” he asked.
She followed him into a spacious kitchen. Stainless steel appliances, mahogany cabinetry, and simple dark blue accents made the place shine. A terrific granite island, complete with a stovetop, prep sink and seating for four drew her attention. She noted the bottles of wine on the counter and pointed to the red.
He poured her a glass and took a beer from the fridge for himself. After putting the steaks in the broiler, he took a sip from his bottle. “So rumor has it you’re not seeing anyone.”
She sipped her wine, liking the smooth finish. Jack, or more likely Dan and Julie, had good taste. “That would be correct.”
“Right. I mean, you’re here with me. The Ann I know—or knew, I should say—would never step out on a guy.”
She thought she heard something off in his voice. “You’re right. I would never do that.” Unlike some, went unsaid. She wondered how long he’d been seeing Selena behind her back before he’d broken it off with her.
“It’s a pretty immature thing to do, but it takes a while for some of us to grow up.”
A lame-assed attempt at an apology? A touch of guilt hit her. Should she take this opportunity to just ask him why he’d been so mean to her back then? Clear the air and forget about her revenge?
“Good thing we’re all grown up then,” she said, waiting to see how he’d respond.
He turned his head to grin at her. “Some of us are better grown than others. You sure filled out nice, Ann.”
Still no apology. She wanted—deserved—an “I’m sorry” at the very least.
Instead of demanding his admission of guilt, she teased, “Back at ya.”
“I know.” He hadn’t grown out of that charming arrogance of his. “You should see me wield a spatula…among other things.” After he fiddled with a pot of vegetables on the stove, he asked, “Do you still like the same things? How about cooking? Gardening?”
“I’m pretty much the same. I like to garden in the summertime. Small pots, flowers, maybe a tomato plant. Not too much. But cooking?” She scrunched her nose. “Not my forte.”
“Good thing I offered then. We won’t starve.”
The tiny dig stung, which was stupid because she’d just admitted she hated cooking. But Jack seemed so sure of himself. So confident in the kitchen, with a kiss, just breathing. It was imperative she take back some control in this weird relationship.
“What are you making?”
He nodded at the pot. “Just boiling some beets. I like ’em fresh, not canned. The steak will be another ten minutes, I’m thinking. You like it medium rare, right?” Turning to the fridge, he pulled out the makings for a salad.
“Medium rare, yeah.” Did the guy have to have a memory like an elephant? What couldn’t he do well? “So, why aren’t you married with three kids already?”
He almost dropped the head of lettuce he’d been holding. “What?”
“You heard me. Do you have commitment issues?” She liked the thought of a weakness.
“Nope. Just haven’t met Miss Right yet.”
“You mean Miss Right Now?”
“Funny, but no. And before you ask, no, I don’t have a girlfriend on the side.”
“I wasn’t going to ask that.”
“Yeah, right. I can almost feel your brain poking at mine.” He paused. “You’re still not over high school, are you?”
The accusation made her feel small. Most people would consider it silly to hold onto a twelve-year grudge. Yet he didn’t know the whole of it, and damn it, she deserved some payback. She’d cried. A lot. What had he done but screw Selena Thorpe before throwing her over too?
Resolving to go through with her plans, she shrugged and pretended his suspicion didn’t matter. “Water under the bridge. I thought maybe you were holding onto some feelings though.”
He frowned, his eyes a bright blue. “Feelings?”
She was thrilled to see she’d gotten under his skin. “You know, resentment that we split up. Maybe a little annoyed that I didn’t throw myself into your arms the minute I saw you last week.”
He turned around to wash the lettuce in the sink, giving her his back. “Nope. Not even a little.”
Liar. His shoulders were stiff. She smiled to herself. Finally, a chink in his armor she could exploit. And she knew just how to do it.
Ann walked over to him and saw him tense even more. Perfect. He’d been in charge of everything so far, but not anymore. She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him. He felt like an unmoving block of granite.
“Ann?”
“Just a welcome back hug, Jack. Don’t let me stop you from preparing our dinner. I’m starving.”
He ripped the lettuce and rinsed it under cold water, tossing pieces into a colander while she kept her arms around him. She pretended to accidentally shift and grazed a large bulge below his bellybutton.
“Oops. Sorry.”
“Yeah, right.” His deep growl turned her on even more.
Realizing how much fun it was to pull the tiger’s tail, she went for broke. No longer willing to be the one seduced, it was time to turn up the heat and see what Jack was really made of.
She lowered her hands to his waist and moved them under his sweater, grazing his tight belly. Wow, was he warm.
“What are you doing?” He remained unmoving, but his death grip on the lettuce was telling. “Ann?”
“Shh. Keep working. I’m watching how you do this.”
“How? Can you see through my back?” His voice went deeper as she grazed his navel.
“I’m not so great in the kitchen,” she admitted and dared to unbutton his jeans.
The lettuce, she saw as she peeked around him, was caught in his bloodless fingers. She smiled to herself and slowly parted his fly.
Jack, the great big player, didn’t seem able to breathe. “Ann?”
“Shh. Keep working. I’m learning a lot.”
“Fuck me,” he said in a gravelly voice. “What exactly are you learning?”
“Tsk tsk. Language, Mr. Bloom.”
His chuckle turned to a groan when she palmed him through his underwear. “Jesus, Ann. You’re killing me.”
“I’m trying to learn how to properly wash lettuce. You’re not helping.”
“Y-you’re…” he broke off when she pulled down his underwear and his cock sprang free.
She gripped it, needing both hands to do him justice, and he swore even as he backed away from the sink a bit to give her more room.
He was breathless when he asked again, “What are you doing?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m making salad. Now what should we do next?”