The Heart - Kate Stewart Page 0,12

as I watched the workers trickle out of the massive building and pack up. Jack’s bike was still there so I knew he must be exhausted, but for some reason, instead of checking the progress on the clinic, I decided to keep the day for myself. I reached into my purse, gripped Jack’s aviators, and walked over to his bike, placing his borrowed shades on his seat. Getting back into my convertible, I reached behind the passenger seat to pull out my new sunglasses and put them on with a smile.

I pulled up to my dimly lit house and listened as the ducks greeted me as they followed me into my driveway. “You guys shit on this one, and we’ll be having duck for dinner tomorrow,” I scolded, knowing it was useless. I put the top up and made my way inside with my bags.

After an hour of looking through everything I’d bought, I decided days like the one I had today were way too expensive. Still, I couldn’t help but linger on a metallic blue bra and panty set I’d purchased on impulse. I may not be ready today or tomorrow to share myself in that way, but when I was, I would look the part. I slipped on the satin and stood back, evaluating the way I looked. What curves I had were accented by the fabric that now felt like a second skin.

Expensive underwear is worth it.

My skin felt amazing from the massage and was glowing slightly from the small amount of sun I’d gotten. My long red hair felt like silk on my shoulders and looked polished and... beautiful. I looked down at my ruby red toes, admiring the day’s handiwork. It was the first time I’d felt beautiful in years. I was glowing, and my reflection confirmed it.

I walked over to my closet and pulled out the only pair of heels I owned and slipped them on, feeling the burn start in my calves as I wondered how women wore them every day. I may never be one of those women, but right then, I felt sexy in my attempt.

Discarding the pumps, I pushed my shoulders back. “I can still do sexy.” I beamed at my reflection, my confidence at a welcomed high.

“Jesus Christ!” I heard a voice boom behind me through my open bedroom door that led to the back patio. Jack stood with palms toward me, fingers spread. “I came to give you the cart keys back. Fuck... I can’t... when I saw you in nothing but your underwear, I didn’t know if I should announce myself or turn back, but I was already halfway to the door and if you saw me leave without saying... You do know that your house is made mostly of windows, right?”

I was slightly shocked but thankful he was so flustered at the sight of me. It felt like it had been one-sided, nervous sexual tension since he showed up. There was no way I would be able to hide the heat in my cheeks, but I didn’t run for cover. I felt too good in my own skin and too high from the day’s events. I grabbed a t-shirt from the bed, slipping it over my lingerie-clad body while I spoke, leaving my legs bare. “Let’s just make peace with this and maybe say you should call or text before you come down to the house, okay? I’m well aware I live in a house made of windows. I designed it. I’m also aware there are almost two miles between me and anything close to resembling civilization.”

Composed now, Jack moved his hands up to hold the door frame, the keys dangling from his fingers, a picture of perfect temptation standing outside my house while somehow still managing to invade my bedroom. He didn’t bother to hide his roaming eyes as he took me in, a sexy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I see more of Seth in you every time you open your mouth.”

“But not when you take a good look, right?” I said coyly.

Are you flirting? You are flirting, Rose!

Walking over with new confidence, I grabbed the keys from his hand, not bothering to mention I had several sets and a spare cart of which I was sure he saw in my driveway. “Goodnight, Jack. I’ll lock up. I can handle it. I’m a big girl, I promise.”

“I have no doubt about that,” he said shamelessly. “Can I ask you a question?”