images made him more desperate, starving. His dick was rock hard against Em’s belly.
All Jack would have to do was lower himself just a little and then press up, and he’d be right between her sweet thighs.
As if his body had a mind of his own, it did just that, his dick pushing against his jeans and the fabric of her dress between her legs. The dress was in the way. Swallowing Em’s breathy moans in his kiss, Jack fumbled for the material, bunching it in his fist, pulling it upward.
“Jack!” she gasped, breaking the kiss, her hands pressing against his chest.
For a moment he was confused, still lost in the fog of lust.
Then her hands covered his where he was pulling up her dress.
“Not here.”
Realizing he was mauling at this angel like she was a quick dirty fuck in a back alley, Jack stumbled, his stomach feeling sick.
What was he even doing touching her?
Selfish bastard that he was.
He was a selfish fucking bastard and no better than his father.
“Jack?” Em pushed down her dress and fidgeted with her hair as she stared unsurely up at him.
He squeezed his eyes closed, remorse flooding him.
Remorse and anger.
Because she’d never be his, and he was a dick for touching her. Again.
“I’m sorry.” He looked at her now. “I’m so sorry, Em. This won’t happen again.”
Hurt and rejection flashed across her face.
Jack moved to her, but she held up a hand against him.
“You deserve better than me,” he explained. “You deserve a hell of a lot better than me.”
Emery tilted her chin stubbornly. “Isn’t that up to me to decide?”
He smiled at her naivety and couldn’t help but reach out to stroke her cheek. “Not this time.”
“Jack.” She tried to capture his hand, but he withdrew it. “Jack, why won’t you tell me what’s going on with you? What’s been going on for years?”
Just like that, he was ice again.
Because no one he cared about could ever know the truth. It was too dangerous for them. “I’ll walk you home.”
Hearing the chill in his tone, Emery’s expression closed down. “No, thank you. I can see myself home.” She walked out of the lane without a backward glance. Jack followed at a slow pace.
He followed until he saw her disappear along the sand dunes and then watched from a distance as she let herself into her beach house.
Assured she was safely home, Jack retreated.
As he strolled down the boards, he tried to find the numbness that kept him moving through the days.
He struggled.
He struggled because he could still feel Em’s warmth.
And that’s when he knew what he would do.
Jack left the boards in search of Vanessa Hartwell.
He couldn’t let her sell the shares to Bailey’s inn to his father, so he had to control that situation. Had to manipulate her to protect Bailey. If that meant sleeping with Vanessa, then fine. She’d numb him to his bones, just like he needed.
And eventually Em would find out.
And she’d hate him.
Maybe that would crush Jack.
No maybe about it.
It would.
But it would be the best thing for Emery.
That was all that mattered.
11
Emery
One year ago
I’d lied to Bailey. Right to her face.
It happened two days after Jack had scared off a potential suitor on the boardwalk and then proceeded to kiss the life out of me only to turn cold once again. For some inexplicable reason, he’d come into my store while Bailey was there. Remembering our kisses in the alley, I was sure I’d turned redder than a stoplight. I hadn’t wanted to touch or talk to him. I’d just wanted him out of there before Bailey noticed anything unusual between us.
Too late.
She’d pounced on me about Jack. So, I’d lied. I’d pretended Jack and I didn’t even know each other. I’d told her I wouldn’t jeopardize my friendships by pursuing a Devlin. The truth was, however, I wouldn’t jeopardize my sanity by pursuing Jack Devlin.
He was the one man I’d decided to trust in almost a decade, and once again, I’d chosen the wrong man.
I knew that for a fact now.
Jack was sleeping with Vanessa Hartwell. He was using her as part of his father’s manipulations to get his grasping paws on shares of Bailey’s inn.
The thought made me sick.
I tried desperately to not let thoughts of Jack invade during Jessica and Cooper’s wedding, but it was not the easiest of tasks. I was elated for Jess, overjoyed watching her marry the love of her life. And I was so honored to be a bridesmaid with