lost themselves in each other. Jack trailed kisses over her forehead, down her nose, her cheek and jaw, and down her neck. She gripped her hands in his hair, holding him to her. Her body pressed against his.
Jack mumbled against her throat, “Ever since I saw you get out of that car wearing this dress, I’ve wanted to get my hands on you. You’re so beautiful.”
“Summer and Caleb are waiting for us.”
Silencing her attempts to stop him, he crushed his mouth to hers. Sliding his tongue over hers, savoring the taste of her.
Jack slowed the kisses and they ended on a long slow steady joining of lips. A breath away from his face, her eyes slowly opened. He pressed his forehead to hers and gazed into those green eyes that haunted him. “I missed you today,” he admitted.
The longer he knew her, the more intense the feelings inside him grew. The easier it was to tell her how he felt. Open and honest, she made it easy to be with her. No games. No pretenses. Maybe because he’d taken care of her when she was most vulnerable, they both felt they could let down their guard and just be themselves with each other. Something inside him acknowledged what a rare gift that was. She was a rare gift.
They started back to the house, Jack holding her hand. “Do I get to see anything on you from the Victoria’s Secret bags?”
“Everything. Later.” She gave him a wicked grin and winked.
“God, you’re killing me.” Jack put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close to his side and kissed the side of her head. “I’m glad you’re home.”
“Me, too.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
* * *
DAVID SAT AT the center of the table, his grandfather and parents to his right, his fiancé on his left with her immediate family. Colleagues and close friends filled the rest of the long table. The restaurant was crowded, everyone’s eyes on the newly engaged couple.
The diamond solitaire sparkled on Patricia’s hand, mocking him. He brought her fingers to his lips, kissing her knuckles above the offending ring.
“You look beautiful tonight, darling, though I prefer the blue dress to this green.” He traced his finger along her cheek. “The blue matches your eyes.”
Patricia’s pout at his first comment turned into a shy smile with the last. She’d learn how to please him in time. He’d make sure of it.
Seeing Patricia in green reminded him of Jenna’s eyes, the pale shade so soft and unique. His family may have believed he was moving on, but he had no intention of giving up his true wife.
“Are you enjoying the dinner?” Her eyes pleaded with him to say he was pleased with the small party she’d put together to surprise him. He hated surprises.
“I’m looking forward to enjoying you later.” Her eyes darkened with anticipation and a touch of apprehension. She wanted to be romanced and made love to in the bedroom. Maybe he’d take her on the living room floor from behind. Tonight, he’d continue to teach her to bend to his will and demands when he wanted her. Wherever and however he wanted her.
The guests tapped their utensils against their wine glasses, signaling the couple to kiss. David leaned in, pressed his lips to Patricia’s, and thought of nothing but kissing Jenna.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
* * *
DINNER WAS A ruckus family affair with lots of laughing and joking. Jack tucked away the memories they made tonight. He loved having his family around, but adding Jenna into the mix made the night that much more special. She fit. With him. With his family. In his life. He’d have to give some serious thought about how comfortable and easy it was to have her living with him and what that meant for his future. Their future.
Everyone moved into the Great Room after dinner, some entertainment news program playing on the TV. The coffee table and carpet were littered with boxes, plastic, tie wraps, and toys. Caleb and he had already put Lily’s Jeep together. Lily couldn’t wait to try it out, so she’d been driving it around the Great Room before and after dinner.
Expectations ran high as they waited for Jenna to join them and explain who she was, and reveal her ex-husband’s name.
“Look, that’s David Merrick. He’s one good-looking man. Rich. Runs some huge company.” Summer watched the TV from the sofa along with Caleb, Jack next to them on the love seat.