You Only (Cameron Farms Book 1) - Melanie Jayne Page 0,17
local food pantries.”
“I didn’t get an invitation so I guess I don’t have to worry about that.”
“Wrong, I have it in my purse. Bitsy Siegel wanted to deliver it, but I told her that you weren’t up to visitors yet. You can thank me later for that. Bitsy is a bitch.”
“She still goes by Bitsy? Yikes!”
“Plus, she considers herself to be a leader of local society.” Jasmine nodded her head slowly as the meaning of words sunk in.
“What does Poppy have to say about that?” Jasmine’s mother had ruled Hale County for years and didn’t seem to be slowing down.
“Humph, she tolerates her, but Mama is still the queen. Watch out for Bitsy, she’s been talking about you.”
“She was ahead of us in school so it’s not like we were friends.” Great, now she was going to have to face the people who had decided that they didn’t like her despite not knowing her.
“She doesn’t talk in front of me, but I hear about it or Mama does. I imagine that she feels that you are going to come in and challenge her position.”
“Oh Lord, like that is at the top of my ‘To Do’ list.” Hale would set her straight right away. She had zero aspirations to rule anything.
“I know! You are such a social climber and all. Just watch her.”
“OK, I will. Can I send a check and not go to the party?” Hale felt like ice-cold fingers were brushing up and down her spine as her shoulders stiffened. I’m scared to go.
“You could, but you know that you’re going to have to make appearances sometime.”
“Yeah, but I don’t know that I want to go to a party where the organizer is already against me.” The nerves were already there.
“Well, she wants Finn. She has been chasing him for years.”
“That doesn’t concern me. She can have him.” There, she’d said it and she sounded strong. Way to go.
Jasmine stared at her friend.
“No really, I don’t care.” Hale shook her head negatively.
Jasmine continued to stare. She didn’t have to say “liar” for Hale to hear it.
Hale fidgeted in her chair. “OK, now don’t make a big deal over this, but there was this one weird moment at the door with him. But it doesn’t mean anything.” Her cheeks reddened.
“A moment? What moment? You didn’t say anything about a moment.” Jasmine was all over that comment.
“Christ, I feel like we are teenagers.” She could feel the heat spread from her cheeks down to her chest. “I felt a little zing when he was right in front of me. He was kind of standing over me, but it was nothing.” She felt silly even saying it.
“What kind of zing?”
“It was nothing. I mean, he is handsome. I would be stupid not to notice.”
Jasmine stared at Hale as if she was measuring the truth to her statement. “You find Finn handsome?”
“Um, err…yeah. He looks good.” She rushed to add, “But so what?” She shifted in her seat, wishing this conversation would end.
“OK, sweetie.” Jasmine gave her a saucy wink.
This had to stop; she couldn’t still want him or feel that attraction. She cursed her body for noticing how hot he was. Hopefully, Jasmine would leave her admission alone. God, I hope she doesn’t tell him. She would have to be more careful around Jazz. This was going to be tricky; her friend would be so excited if she thought there was even a small chance that she and Finn could have something again.
****
Finn leaned into her body, pressing her against her office door. She could feel the heat radiating from him, the strength of his hands as he pushed her arms above her head, holding her wrists with one hand. He let out a low growl as his other hand held her chin roughly, his fingers biting into the soft flesh under her jaw. His head moved closer, his lips were almost touching hers, and he whispered, “This is how it should be.” His lips met hers, hard and demanding.
She moaned as he forced his tongue through her lips. He tilted his head so sharply that she had to loosen her jaw to open more, and his tongue took possession of hers. Her arms fought to break free of his hold, but only so she could sink her nails into his shoulders.
His other hand dropped from her chin and moved to her breast, kneading it roughly. He pushed his erection against her belly. She immediately rubbed against him, surrendering.