Bed of Roses Page 0,44

I met your sister when she picked it up," he told Del, and grinned. "She's hot, too. Even when she gives you the deep freeze."

"So . . . Emma didn't pick up her car?"

Mal glanced at Jack. "No, the other one did. Ms. Brown ." He took a hit of his beer. "The one who says

'excuse me' and means 'fuck you.' "

"That would be Parker," Del confirmed.

"Does the car abuser look as good as the other two?"

"They all look good," Jack murmured.

"Sorry I missed her."

"Before I have to punch Mal for thinking lascivious thoughts about my sisters - biological and honorary,"

Del said, "let's play cards."

"Be right there." As the others wandered to the table, Jack pulled out his phone to check his e-mails. I T WAS NEARLY MIDNIGHT WHEN EMMA GOT HOME. ONCE they'd started talking plans and ideas for Mac's wedding, time whizzed.

She all but bounced into the house, energized by the evening, and just a little giddy on champagne. Mac's wedding.

She could already see how utterly perfect the bride would be in her gorgeous gown, a waterfall of flowers in her arms. And she, Parker, and Laurel, triple maids of honor. Russet for her, autumn gold for Parker, pumpkin for Laurel. And oh, the flowers she'd do with that rich palette of fall. It would be a challenge, Emma thought as she started upstairs. Parker had been right to point that out so they could begin to plan how it could and would be done. Running a wedding was one thing. Running it and being part of it was another.

They'd need extra help, more subs, but they'd not only do it, they'd knock it out of the park. Cruising on the mood, she began her nightly ritual. When her bed was turned down, she nodded, smoothed the sheets. There, she'd shown a very mature restraint. An evening with friends - business and pleasure - and no neglecting of her nighttime routine.

It proved she was a sensible adult.

Crossing the fingers of both hands, she dashed from her bedroom to her office to bring up her e-mail.

"There, I knew it."

She clicked open Jack's latest message.

Now you're playing dirty. Thanks.

I like surprises. I especially like unwrapping them, so I look forward to helping you out of your coat. I like to take my time with surprises, build anticipation. So I'm going to unwrap you very slowly. Inch by inch.

"Oh," she said, "my."

And when I have, I'm going to want to take a good, long look. Before I touch. Inch by inch. When, Emma?

"How about right now?"

She closed her eyes and imagined Jack slipping her out of the slick black coat she didn't even own. In a room shimmering with candlelight. Music playing, low and hot - so you felt the bass beat in the blood. His eyes, dangerous as hellsmoke, gliding over her until heat drenched her skin. Then his hands, strong, sure, slow, following that path of heat, easing the velvet on her elbows down until . . .

"That's just silly." She straightened in her chair.

Silly, maybe, she thought, but she'd managed to stir herself up. Or he had. Time to respond in kind.

I like to play, and I don't mind getting dirty.

Surprises are fun, and being the surprise can be even better. When I am, sometimes I like being unwrapped slowly. Fingertips patiently untying the bow, then hands carefully, very carefully, folding back that wrapping to get to what's waiting inside. And other times I want those fingers, those hands, to just rip through the barriers. Fast and greedy, and maybe a little rough.

Soon, Jack.

Not if any longer, she thought.

Just when.

W ITH HER THREE TOPIARIES FINISHED AND TINK DEEP INTO processing another delivery, Emma took a quick look at her notes and sketches.

"Six hand-tied bouquets including the bride's tossing bouquet for Friday's event. Six pedestal arrangements, eighteen centerpieces, white rose ball, garlands, and swags for the pergola." She muttered her way down the list. "I'll need you at least three hours tomorrow. Four would be better."

"I've got a date tonight, and I'm looking to get lucky." Fingers busy, Tink snapped her gum. "I could be here around noon."

"If you can stick till four, that ought to do it. Another four on Thursday. Five if you want it. I've got Tiffany coming in Thursday, and Beach can give me all day Friday. I can use whatever time you can give me Friday morning. We can start dressing for Friday's event at three. Saturday's another twofer. We need to start