Branded

BRANDED An Ellora’s Cave publication written by

MARILYN LEE Warning: The following material contains strong sexual content meant for mature readers. BRANDED has been rated NC17, erotic, by three individual reviewers. We strongly suggest storing this electronic file in a place where young readers not meant to view this ebook are unlikely to happen upon it. That said, enjoy…

Chapter One

She sprawled naked on the bed, her long, dark hair spread around her on the furs beneath her head, the breath catching in her throat. She changed positions, turning onto her back and bending her legs at the knees, parting them. Her lord and master had returned from his latest raiding conquest. She could hear his heavy boots striking the floor as he moved along the high, wide passage of the long house leading to the room where she waited. When he swept the heavy draperies at the entrance back and strolled into the room lit with the multitude of candles, he would see her on the furs. And know of her willingness to provide for his immediate pleasure. He brought in a gust of cold air with him when he paused in the doorway. As usual, the first sight of him left her stunned by her good fortune. How had this big, strong son of Odin with his long red-gold hair and striking blue eyes chosen her of the modest countenance as one of his bed wenches? A smile lit his handsome face as he stood looking at her. His blue eyes burned with tiny fires of desire. Her body flamed with yearning everywhere he allowed his eyes to alight on her. Her face, her breasts, her stomach, her thighs, and finally, the dark, hair covered mound between her suddenly trembling legs. Neither of them spoke. He strolled into the room and quickly began to disrobe. She turned onto her side to watch him. He revealed his chest first. It was deep and covered with a fine mass of red-gold curls. His shoulders were wide, his waist narrow. He kicked off his heavy boots. His bottom clothes followed. When he straightened, he was naked. She licked her lips and felt the ready dampness between her legs as he slowly crossed the room, allowing time for her anticipation to build. He was so beautiful with his big, muscular body, and his thick, shining hair falling onto his shoulders. He climbed onto the bed and lay beside her. The tenderness in his big hands as he caressed her brought tears to her eyes and sent flames flickering through her veins. His

lips, although demanding, also asked for her permission. She gave it wholeheartedly, linking her arms around his neck. Keeping his warm, hungry mouth against hers, he eased her onto her back and slid his big body over hers. She loved the feel of his chest muscles crushing her breasts. His fingers probed the tender flesh between her legs, sending a nice jolt through her. His hips lifted, he gripped his cock in one hand and slowly rubbed it against the outer lips of her channel. A fresh flood of moisture filled her passage. She was more than ready when he pressed his warm, pulsing shaft inside her waiting body. He cupped her rear end in his hands and lifted her body tight against his as he repeatedly thrust into her, driving his hard, hot shaft ever deeper into her quivering passage. She knew she would bear the marks of his loving for many days to come, but she reveled in his rough possession of her body. His eager mouth on her small breasts gave both pain and delight. When he shuddered and came, she cried out with pleasure and closed her fingers over his hard, clenching behind. He filled her with his seed and slowly drew his big, still hard cock out of her. She sighed with both regret and resignation as she felt his fingers brushing against her lips. She knew what he wanted. What he always wanted… what she wanted to give him, even though it brought her little pleasure. It pleased him and she lived to please him. She opened her eyes as he moved his body up over hers and pressed his hot length against her mouth. She slowly licked the tip of his still leaking shaft. She kissed him and parted her lips in open invitation. He pressed forward. She closed her eyes as her mouth and throat were filled with the taste, smell, and heat of her adored lord and master. She began to suck him slowly, then more quickly as he encouraged her with soft commands and a big hand against the back of her head. He came quickly, blasting her throat full of his seed. She eagerly swallowed, fondling his warm balls as she did. He drew out of her mouth and lay his body against hers, rubbing his shaft against her mound. “Have you missed me, my little one?” he asked confidently, sucking on her small breasts. “Oh, yes, my lord.” His big fingers delved into her channel. “Show me how much you’ve missed me, my little one.” As he was wont to do, he caught both of her small wrists in one big hand. Holding them over her head, he thrust his shaft back into her with one quick, hard movement. He took her roughly, keeping her hands imprisoned over her head as her body trembled and shuddered with the unbearable pleasure his shaft cleaving through her channel and deep into her body always brought her. She sobbed, whimpered, and exploded in a series of helpless, mindless tremors. He always returned from his conquests with an almost insatiable appetite for her. He took her several more times. There was no tenderness in him, but she gladly matched his voracious demand for sex. When his appetite had been satisfied, he gave her a tender kiss, curled his big body against her back, and pulled the furs up over them . “Thank you, my little one,” he murmured softly. “I live to serve and please you, my lord.”

Long after he slept, she lay within the circle of his strong arms, tears streaming down her cheeks, the small golden half of the hammer he had given her clutched against her palm. He’d told her as long as she had it he would always come back to her. Even after he wed his lady Sif. The most she could ever be was his bed wench, but by Odin’s might, it was enough.

***** Leigh Temple opened her eyes as she released her grip on yet another lovely daydream. With her hand closed over the small golden charm she had cherished since she had discovered it at a garage sale as a teenager, she pushed the covers back and got out of bed. Aware that her panties were damp from her early morning erotic dream, she headed towards the bathroom. Staring at her reflection in the mirror after her shower, her face flushed. She was really going to have to stop getting her jollies from sexy dreams about a non-existent lover. All the wishing in the world wouldn’t change the fact that her ordinary face would never be enough to attract a man like her fantasy lover in the real world. “So get with the program and settle for what you can get,” she told her reflection and turned away from the mirror. As she dressed for work, she fingered the small golden charm in the shape of a half hammer hanging around her neck. If she put it away, maybe she wouldn’t be so inclined to lose herself in shameless erotic fantasies. She shook her head. She’d worn the charm for so long that now she’d be lost without it. Nevertheless, it was time she put it way. She was spending entirely too much time in her dream world with her mythical God of Thunder, Thor. She grimaced. The charm had to go. Steeling herself, she decided she would remove it when she dressed for the party that night. Party? Considering what was at stake, the term battle might be more appropriate terminology.

***** “What do you think?” “Can you say yummy?” Leigh glanced down at the dark, sleeveless dress she wore. It had spaghetti straps and cupped her breasts and ribs before falling into graceful folds just above her knees. With her back and arms bare, not to mention so much of her breasts exposed, she felt half-naked. She glanced at the woman lounging on the big brass bed in front of her. As usual, Cath looked as comfortable in Leigh’s floral print bedroom as she did in her ultra modern black lacquer one down the hall in the two-bedroom apartment they shared. “Are you sure this isn’t too much?” Cath looked incredulous. “Too much? No way, Jose! Trust me.” She blew on her bent fingers. “You are sizzling. That dress shows off everything you’ve got. And girl, you’ve got plenty.” She frowned. Looking like she had “plenty” wasn’t the effect she’d been aiming for. “In the store you said it made me look as if I could handle anything.” “And so it does. Trust me. A woman who looks her best can always handle anything.”

By anything, Leigh knew Cath meant a man. “Well,” she began doubtfully, “if it helps to level the playing field, I guess that’s the bottom line.” Cath winked. “It’ll level it all right and you want to look your best for all the interesting men you’ll meet tonight.” She smiled, shaking her head. “You are incorrigible, Cath. You have at least two men in hot pursuit and you’re always in the market to have a few more join the chase.” Cath laughed and lifted her right hand, palm outward. “Guilty. Men can be very nice to have around.” Leigh’s smile vanished. “As long as you give them what they want. Don’t, and look out. I’m fine just as I am.” “Come on. You must want an occasional shot.” Thoughts of her erotic daydream that morning left her hard-pressed not to blush. “If you mean do I feel like I need a lover, then the answer’s no! No! Okay? Not all women feel a pressing need for a lover!” “No need to take my head off or to imply that there’s something wrong with those of us who do feel such a banal need for the male of the species.” Cath leered. “Face it, there ’s nothing quite as deliciously intoxicating as a naked and fully aroused male animal eager to slip his big, hard weapon way deep into your greedy little kitty!” “And what if his weapon isn’t so big or so hard?” She’d never had the pleasure of meeting a man commanding such a treasure and suspected such delights were rare outside of fantasies and porn films. Cath shuddered. “God forbid. Trust me, the only cock worth having is big, thick, and hard.” The mock-evil look on Cath’s face was too much. She laughed. “Okay. Okay. I guess I do sometimes pour it on a little thick.” “Just a tiny bit, but hey, no problemo,” Cath said. “On to new business. Why can’t you just enjoy this party?” She moved across the room to stare out her bedroom window. It was nearly dark, and there wasn’t much left of the late May evening to see beyond the tall rooftops of the adjacent Philadelphia Society Hill high-rises, but she took a moment to gather her thoughts. “This isn’t really a social occasion.” She turned to face Cath. “But I’m only guessing, of course, because Mike insists on trying to shield me from life.” “And that’s bad because… ?” Perhaps if she were a tiny, perfectly proportioned, blue-eyed, blonde beauty like Cath instead of a tall brunette with no pretensions to beauty, she might like it too. But she doubted that. She’d seen what too much reliance and belief in a man had done to her mother. “That’s fine for you, Cath.” She paused. Did that sound superior? “I can take care of myself.” “Hey, so can I,” Cath protested. “But I am a woman and I like a man to be a man. When I’m in love, I love the feel of my own particular naked, aroused man screwing inside me. Hell, I like a big cock even when I’m not in love. Does that make me a traitor to my sex?”

She smiled, shaking her head. She knew she was the one with the problem. “Sorry. Here, let me get off my soapbox.” She went through the motions of stepping off an imaginary box. “But anyway, Mike will be here soon.” She lifted her arms from her sides. “Are you sure this isn’t too… much? I want to be taken seriously, not viewed as a sex object.” Cath arched a brow. “News flash, girl. You can be both. So what’s the problem?” Was she that transparent? “I’m not exactly looking forward to meeting Jake Thornton.” “Why not? I hear he’s built like former Decathlon champ Dan O’Brien, has Kurt Russell-gorgeous blue eyes, and all the charm and sex appeal of Mel Gibson. And to top it off, he’s absolutely mouth-wateringly gorgeous. Throw in a big boner, and you’ve got a man with the complete package.” “And what if he doesn’t have a big boner?” “Don’t be ridiculous, Leigh. It would be a crime against nature for a man that good looking not to have a big boner. Trust me, he’s packing a whopper.” She frowned. Cath worked in a photographer’s studio, so she wasn’t sure where she would have heard talk of Jake Thornton. Unless her studio had done the photo layout for his profile in Tri-State Architectural Digest, which she herself had yet to read. “Where did you hear that?” Cath smiled enigmatically. “Well, you know. I have my sources.” “Yeah? Well, they don’t sound very reliable,” she said doubtfully. “I understand he’ s an arrogant womanizer with little time for people he considers his social inferiors. And it seems that most people he meets fall into that class.” “Whoa! Hold on there, Quick Draw. Isn’t that opinion a little on the harsh side for someone you haven’t met?” She smiled a little shamefacedly. “You’re right. Jake Thornton is probably a lamb.” “Well now, I wouldn’t go that far,” Cath objected. “He’s accomplished too much in a very short time to be your average nice guy next door type. But I have a feeling he’s going to knock your socks right off.” Leigh arched a brow. “I can assure you that my socks are going to stay firmly on my feet.” “Famous last words. Besides, a man that good looking can’t be all bad.” She cast her eyes ceiling ward. “Cath! You can’t judge a man’s character by how he looks.” Cath grinned. “You use your yardstick and let me use mine.”

***** Jake Thornton paused in the doorway of his large living room and surveyed the scene before him. There were approximately twenty people in the room. Some of his guests were quietly talking, some drinking, some dancing. He smiled. Things were going well, and would only get better once he’d had a chance to meet Mike Hamlin. Acquiring Hamlin Construction would be the beginning of his long-term plans for Thornton Associates P C. If things went as he planned, and they usually did, it wouldn’t be long before he had a hand in nearly every phase of the construction business in

Pennsylvania, then the east coast, and finally the entire country. Then all that would be left to accomplish would be the one goal which had so far eluded him, a special woman with whom to share his success. He frowned. Of course, Sharon would have to go first, but… “Jake! You’ve forgotten me again.” He looked down at the woman clinging to his arm. “No I haven’t.” She didn’t look convinced. “I would have bet I was the last thing on your mind.” “Not true, Sharon,” he said smoothly. “I was only just now thinking about you.” “Yeah?” When he nodded firmly, she visually relaxed. He sometimes found it hard to believe she was the same woman who’d pulled one of the dirtiest tricks on him a woman could pull on a man. What was harder to believe is how easily he’d forgiven her. Still, soon it wouldn’t matter in the least. She smiled up at him. “Good. A slow song’s about to come on. Can we dance now?” “Sure.” He swung her into his arms, into the living room, and into a slow dance. As they danced, she wrapped her arms around his body, but he was careful not to hold her too close. Slow dancing with her was probably not the wisest thing he could do. But for all her plotting and conniving, she was surprisingly old-fashioned. In any case, he’d be completely free soon enough. Until then, he could be patient with her.

***** The Thornton house was in the Philadelphia suburb of Bryn Mawr. The house was a big, two-story gray stone, surrounded by well-kept grounds and cleverly designed gardens that spoke volumes of Jake Thornton’s affluence. Light shone from every window on the ground floor and the muted sound of soft jazz hung in the air. Leigh slipped her arm through Mike’s as they walked down the drive to the big, solid oak front door with the brass knocker. She studied Mike’s profile as they waited for someone to answer the door. His gray eyes had lost some of their sparkle, and strands of silver had almost completely overrun his once-blond locks. And he’d lost a good twenty pounds in the last three months, which made his six-foot frame seem too lean and gaunt. Lately, he was looking every day of his fifty-nine years. He definitely didn’t look up to doing battle with a man like Jake Thornton. Well, he wouldn’t have to, she decided. Before the night was over, she’d make sure Jake Thornton knew that Hamlin Construction was off limits. “What do you think, Leigh?” Mike nodded toward the door. “Looks rather impressive, doesn’t it?” “Obviously Jake Thornton believes if you have it, you should flaunt it.” “Actually, I think it’s a masterstroke of understated elegance.” “If you say so.” “Refuse to be impressed, huh?” She nodded. “Yes.” He arched a brow. “Do I detect a hint of disapproval in your voice?” “Maybe a little,” she admitted.

“I thought you said you hadn’t met him?” “I haven’t.” “It’s not like you to prejudge people.” “I know, but part of me just knows that this guy is bad news, Mike. Nice guys don’t go from being one of many architects in the corporate stable to being CEO in ten years without stepping on a lot of people along the way. He’s what? Thirty-five or six? His reputation—” “May or may not be deserved,” he reminded her. “And just maybe he’s good enough to have achieved everything he has with good old-fashioned hard work and drive. Besides, I have a feeling your attitude will change once you meet him. He’s quite a hit with the ladies, you know.” “Well, he won’t be a hit with this one!” she retorted as one of the most attractive men she had ever seen opened the door. He had very light blue eyes, short curly blond hair, and almost perfect features. She felt an unwanted quickening of her heartbeat as she looked up at him. “Ah, Mr. Hamlin, I’m Joe Thornton. I believe we met at the Tri-State Builders Conference last year.” Mike nodded. “I remember. Nice to see you again, Joe.” The two men shook hands and Mike turned to smile at her. “This is Leigh Temple, my Project Construction Manager.” Here was a man that made a female happy to be a woman, she thought, suddenly glad she wore a dress that emphasized what Cath called all her considerable assets. He smiled down at her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Temple.” She smiled, certain that she would like at least one of the Thornton brothers. “Same here.” “Please come in.” He stepped back into the house. Once inside, she allowed herself a quick glance around the two-story high foyer. To the right of the wide, spiral staircase was a beautiful handmade Waterford crystal chandelier that cast a charming glow over the hallway with its oak walls and white tiled floors. The combination coalesced nicely to make the house look elegant, but lived in. Joe looked at her. “May I?” She nodded silently and he cupped a palm against her elbow. “This way.” He directed them down the hallway into a large, superb living room furnished with deep earth tones and richly upholstered chairs. Leigh tried to ignore the attraction she felt for the man standing by her side and concentrated instead on the exquisitely crafted centerpiece of the room—a beautiful brick fireplace with a large, cherry wood mantle attached. “You have a very beautiful home,” she said. He smiled. “Glad you like it, but all the credit for it goes to my brother Jake.” “No, I didn’t mean the design only. I meant the interior also.” “So did I. Both are Jake’s handiwork.” “Oh.” “Let me introduce you to some of our other guests,” he said. He secured drinks for

them from the bar in one corner of the room before leading them from group to group, making introductions where necessary. Most of the people there were very influential, she noticed. There were well-known architects and builders from all over the tri-state area. She was wondering how to broach the subject of her desire to meet Thornton when she noticed a striking couple standing near the patio doors in the lushly furnished living room. The woman was small with masses of thick, flowing hair, big, dark eyes, and a breathtakingly beautiful face. The blond-haired man at her side was tall, at least 6’ 4”, well-built, and immaculately dressed in what looked like a tailor-made suit. Although she only saw him in profile, with a body like that she knew he was the stuff of which feminine erotic dreams were made. Just looking at him almost took her breath away. She thought briefly of attractive, movie stars or athletes to compare him to, but gave up the effort. It was useless. This man was in a class by himself—even more breathtaking than the blue-eyed Adonis at her side. She was about to force herself to look away when he turned his head suddenly and looked straight at her. A jolt of pure desire, shock, and delight sizzled though her. She licked her lips. Except for his hair, which was short and blond rather than long and red-gold, he was the Thor of her erotic fantasies. In the glorious, breath stealing flesh. My Lord. At last! You’ve found me. Her hand clutched at her neck. When her fingers failed to make contact with the half hammer charm, she blinked, and forced herself to focus on reality. This man was not Thor. And even if he were… she was not his favorite bed wench. The man continued to stare at her with a quizzical look in his eyes—eyes blue like a storm-tossed ocean. Was that a look of familiarity in his gaze? She sucked in a breath. Surely he wasn’t… “There’s Jake now,” Joe said. “Come meet him and Sharon.” Filled with a reluctance she couldn’t explain, she moved across the room toward Jake Thornton. Even at a distance, there was something about him that made her feel unsure of herself. “Leigh Temple, this is my sister-in-law, Sharon and my brother, Jake Thornton,” Joe said. His sister-in-law? Leigh had difficulty concealing her surprise. She recalled all the stories she’d heard about Jake’s womanizing. How could a man with such a knockout wife look elsewhere for physical pleasure? And from somewhere deep inside her, a small, anguished voice cried out, No, my lord. Not again! You cannot be wed to another again! Leigh felt the centuries old pain as though it were her own and struggled to deal with it. There had to be an explanation. He wouldn’t have hurt her again. She bit her lip. Maybe they weren’t married. She cast a surreptitious look at Jake Thornton’s left hand— bare. But the exquisite woman standing next to him wore a huge diamond that dominated her small, delicate left hand and completely overshadowed the simple golden band resting in front of it. Then there was a definite air of possession in the way she clung to his arm. Oh, they were married all right. Poor woman, said her mind. Lucky girl, countered her heart. She smiled at Sharon

Thornton. “Nice to meet you...Mrs. Thornton?” “Oh, call me Sharon,” the woman said in a low, sultry voice. She glanced up at the man standing silently at her side. “Jake and I… well… there’s no need or reason to call me Mrs. Thornton. Call me Sharon, please.” There was no need or reason to call her Mrs. Thornton? What did that mean? Weren’ t they married after all? She felt a hope well within her that she knew belonged to Tianna. “Sharon,” she repeated before turning to nod in Jake Thornton’s direction. “Mr. Thornton.” “Ms. Temple.” There was no warmth in his greeting and she decided that he was probably even worse than she had given him credit for being.

Chapter Two

Jake Thornton overcame an impulsive urge to sweep the woman with the golden gaze into his arms. It had been such a long time since he’d last made love to her. Leigh Temple. The name wasn’t familiar. Still...”Have we met, Ms. Temple?” He knew the answer even before she shook her head. While she wasn’t pretty, she was tall and shapely. He liked the way she wore her thick, dark hair pulled into an elegant French chignon and the fact that her face wasn’t hidden under layers of makeup. He had little time for or interest in women who tried to tempt a man beyond caution with charms that weren’t their own. He sensed something in this Leigh Temple that he suspected would prove far more exciting than a pretty face. While he appreciated beautiful women as much as the next man, he’d learned that qualities such as honesty and determination were just as or even more important in a woman. He wouldn’t have forgotten her if they’d met. So, why was she regarding him with an open wariness? That wasn’t the reaction he was accustomed to inspiring in women. More to the point, why did he feel so drawn to her? He turned to Joe. “I’d like to introduce Mike to a few people. I’m sure we can leave Ms. Temple in your capable hands for a while.” “You got that right, Jake, my boy.” He watched Joe and Leigh Temple exchange warm smiles and frowned. Obviously, Joe wasn’t any more averse to getting to know her than he was. Another time, he would have taken Joe aside and staked out a claim on Leigh Temple, but not tonight. He glanced at Mike Hamlin. Business first. He allowed his glance to swing back to Leigh Temple. Then pleasure. Maybe. If there was time. His gaze flickered briefly over her face, lingered on her rather full lips and voluptuous breasts before quickly surveying the rest of her. Maybe it’d be worth his while to make time for pleasure. “Jake?” He felt Sharon’s hand tighten on his arm and barely controlled a frown of annoyance.

“Yes?” “We’ll dance later?” He nodded impatiently and watched her walk away before schooling his features into a polite expression as he turned to Leigh Temple. “I hope we’ll have the opportunity to get to know each other later, Ms. Temple.” She flashed a meaningless, social smile at him. “I look forward to that… pleasure, Mr. Thornton.” “Until later,” he said and reluctantly left her with Joe.

***** Leigh watched him walk away, her heart hammering in her chest. The look in Jake Thornton’s blue eyes had seemed to hold a glimmer of interest and recognition for a moment. However, a blank expression replaced the other look so quickly, she decided she had imagined it. She was painfully aware that next to Sharon Thornton, she was downright plain. Even Cath would suffer in a comparison with the stunning Sharon Thornton. Nevertheless, Leigh herself had managed to garner her share of second glances from one or two admirers who took the time to look beneath the surface. Dare she expect that from Jake Thornton? “So, shall we make it Joe and Leigh?” Joe’s voice interrupted her thoughts. She nodded. “Yes. Let’s.” “Good.” He gestured toward the patio and the garden beyond. “Can I interest you in a walk in the moonlight?” He was one of the most striking men she’d ever seen. She smiled. “Yes, you can.” After a stroll around the extensive grounds, she and Joe had dinner on the patio at a small table near the patio doors. “Tell me something about yourself,” he suggested as they sat over coffee. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” “I’m an only child.” She sighed. “Both my parents are dead.” “Mine are dead as well and Jake’s my only sibling.” He glanced at her ringless fingers. “You are single-I presume-I hope?” She nodded. “Very.” He grinned. “Good. Have you reached the age when you won’t tell it? Or shouldn’t I even ask?” She laughed. “Since you ask so delicately, I’m twenty-six.” “And I’m thirty.” “Single?” “Yes.” “Good!” she said and they both laughed. “How long have you worked for Mike?” She hesitated. She didn’t like talking about herself, but she instinctively liked Joe Thornton. “I started working for him as a typist when I was fifteen. The job was supposed to be just for that summer, but we hit it off and I continued to work for him

part time after school in September. We kept the same arrangement all through high school and college. When I graduated with a degree in construction technology five years ago, he took me on full time.” “And now you’re his right hand.” “I oversee all the construction projects,” she said slowly. “Mike handles everything else himself.” “Everything? That’s a lot of handling.” She nodded. “It is, but he’s very resourceful and he’s worked very hard for everything he has.” “I’m sure he has, but that sounds rather more personal than an employee talking about a boss.” “He’s been like a father to me since we met.” “I see. Well, let’s get back to the really important subject of you. Any romantic ties?” Smiling, she tilted her head to one side. “Why do I get the feeling that this is the third degree?” “Because it is,” he admitted. She thought briefly of Cliff. “No, I don’t have any close or serious ties. I’m not the clinging vine type.” “No? That’s too bad. I can’t imagine a man minding being clung to by you.” Oh, he was handsome and smooth. “Thanks, but it’s not my style,” she spoke dryly. “The liberated woman?” She hesitated, not sure she liked his tone or the implication of his question. “I’m not a member of a feminist organization,” she said carefully. “But I do support many of their ideals.” “Such as?” “Such as comparable pay for women doing jobs usually dominated by men. And fair treatment in moral areas.” “I wholeheartedly agree that equal work should be rewarded with equal pay. But fair treatment in moral areas.” His blue gaze caught and held hers. “Now that sounds...interesting. What exactly do you mean by it?” “I mean if two people have an affair, the woman shouldn’t be singled out as promiscuous while the man is lauded as a lover. In fact, if a woman wants to be as sexually active as most men, she should be allowed to be without being considered a tramp or whatever the current derogatory term is.” “So your attitude toward sex is liberal?” On the point of denying that was what she meant, she became aware that Jake Thornton stood near the patio doors, making no effort to hide the fact that he was openly listening to their conversation. His blue gaze held a hint of something she couldn’t quite put her hands on. A look of recognition? As if they’d met before? She gave herself a mental shake. She had to get a grip. They had not met before. He was not the Thor of her dreams and he certainly had not spent centuries looking for her.

She turned back to Joe with a provocative smile on her lips. “Now, you can’t really expect me to divulge all my secrets.” “No? And why not?” “Because it’ll be more exciting for you to ferret out the answers on your own,” she teased. He grinned. “Now that’s an invitation I’m not about to refuse. In the meantime, how about a couple of passes around the patio?” “I’d like that,” she admitted, getting to her feet. She was aware that Jake Thornton still watched them. Maybe that accounted for the quick kiss she pressed against Joe’s cheek as she slipped into his arms. He tightened his arms around her waist. “That was nice, but what did I do to deserve it?” “For being so nice,” she said, aware that her heartbeat had increased. She wasn’t sure if it was because Joe held her close or if it was because Jake Thornton still watched them, or more correctly her. “You’re very easy to be nice to.” She smiled up at him. “And you do it so well.” “Now there’s an incentive to be nice if ever a man needed one,” he said and bending his head, he brushed his mouth against hers. Oh. That was… beyond nice. She closed her eyes and half smiled as she thought of Cath’s surprise if she could see her wrapped in the arms of a man she’d just met, returning his kisses without the slightest hint of shyness or reserve. After several kisses, Joe’s lips left hers to move across her cheek and she released a deep breath and decided she’d worry about where her shame was later. Right now she was just going to enjoy dancing with Joe Thornton. And, of course, kissing him. And she did, until she became conscious of Jake and Sharon Thornton dancing close together just a few feet away. The Thorntons were such a striking couple that it was difficult not to notice the way Sharon looked up at Jake or the way he cradled her in his arms. They must be very much in love. The displeasure the thought created surprised her . Suddenly Joe was forgotten and she wondered what it would be like to be in Jake Thornton’s arms. What would it be like to feel his big body pressed against hers as he did in her beautiful daydreams? She longed to feel his sensual, chiseled lips clinging to hers and to see desire mirror in those beautiful, Norse features. How would he stack up against her fantasy lover? Her thoughts, and the yearning they generated, dismayed her. She closed her eyes to blot out the sight of him. If she was suddenly going to have the hots for a man, he should at least be available. Like Joe. He was well built with blond hair, blue eyes, and chiseled features, too. She pressed closer to him and lifted her face in silent appeal. He obliged by kissing her quickly, but even as she responded and parted her lips to allow his tongue entry in her mouth, she had to fight hard not to think of Jake.

*****

Jake was annoyed. Things were no longer going as planned. Instead of channeling all his energies on Mike Hamlin, he found it difficult to concentrate. Leigh Temple and Joe were not only dancing, but also exchanging kisses as if they were long lost lovers, instead of two people who had met for the first time that night. “They’re kissing again,” Sharon whispered. “Oh, Jake, isn’t it wonderful to see Joe enjoying himself?” He swung her around and danced her off the patio, through the doors and into the living room. “Never mind them.” It wasn’t like Joe to go around kissing women he barely knew in front of everyone. He must really like her. And, like Sharon, he should be pleased for Joe. But that’s not what he felt as he suffered through two more dances with Sharon. “Jake, what’s wrong?” “Nothing.” With an effort, he managed to keep his gaze from moving across the living room to where Joe and Leigh now danced. “Then why are you so snappy?” “I’m not snappy!” he retorted angrily before he could stop himself. “I’m glad you think so.” He stared coolly down at her. If she were waiting for an apology, she’d have a long wait. “Well, I think I’ll go find someone who actually wants to dance with me!” “You do whatever makes you happy, Sharon,” he said, making an effort to keep his voice down. No need to provide ad-lib entertainment for the couples dancing nearby. Her face flushed. “That’s mean.” “Is it?” Too damn bad. He watched her walk away before he glanced around the living room, intent on finding Leigh Temple. Where was she? He spotted Joe by the grand piano talking to several women and managed to catch his gaze. He arched a brow and quickly glanced around the room before looking at Joe again. Joe smiled lazily and pretended not to understand for several moments before he finally mouthed the words, “powder room.” Jake nodded and strolled into the main hallway in time to see Leigh Temple about to enter the living room through the double doors at the other end of the foyer. The feeling of having met her before, along with another of overwhelming pleasure at finally having found her, seized him. He quickened his pace and was there to put a hand on her shoulder before she could reenter the room. “Ah, Ms. Temple. Just the person I was looking for.” She spun around to face him. “Oh! You startled me!” “I beg your pardon.” “Fine. You’re excused,” she said shortly and started to move away. The undisguised hostility behind her words momentarily startled him. Still, when she began to move past him, he put out a hand to stop her. As his fingers brushed against her bare skin, a jolt of electricity shot up his arm. Her small gasp assured him she felt it too.

As they stared at each other in a stunned silence, Jake saw his own dismay mirrored in her sexy, golden gaze. Several moments passed before he realized he was gawking at her like an inexperienced schoolboy trying to make his first score. He’d had his fair share of lovers. And he’d enjoyed very satisfying physical relationships with several of them. But, not until that very moment had touching a woman ever given him a literal physical charge. “Being excused isn’t what I had in mind,” he told her smoothly, smiling directly into her wide, beautiful gaze. It was a nice change not to have to bend almost double to look into her eyes. “What did you have in mind, Mr. Thornton?” He ignored his own annoyance at the obvious edge in her voice. “Nothing too demanding. Dance with me.” “Thanks, but no thanks.” “Why not?” He allowed his gaze to linger on her flushed face before it slid deliberately over her body. “You seem to dislike me. Why?” She stared at him. “I don’t know you, Mr. Thornton.” She sounded almost as if she were trying to convince herself of that fact. He nodded. “Exactly. Dance with me and get to know me. You might actually like me.” “Thanks, but I’ll pass.” She moved toward the living room door. He slipped his body in front of her. “Why? What are you afraid of?” He watched in amusement as her head shot up and her chin jerked in the air. “I’m not afraid of anything, Mr. Thornton.” She threw him a look cold enough to freeze the Delaware River in August. Ah. His lips twitched. He loved a woman capable of giving as good as she got. “Prove it to me, Ms. Temple. Dance with me.” “And why should I try to prove anything to you?” He stared down into her eyes, still smiling. “Sounds like fear to me.” He taunted her with a soft tone. “I wonder why? What do you imagine you have that I want? Let me guess. You’re afraid that I’ll expect you to kiss me like you kissed Joe.” Her cheeks reddened, but she maintained his gaze. “That’s none of your concern.” “Which means what? That you are afraid of me, but are unwilling to admit it? Or that you weren’t shamelessly kissing my brother less than fifteen minutes ago?” “What it means, Mr. Thornton, is I don’t owe you any explanations, nor should you overestimate your charms.” “Ah, then you admit you find me charming,” he said. “If you want to charm someone, try charming your wife.” He narrowed his gaze. He supposed he should explain about Sharon so she wouldn’ t think he was cheating. But like her, he didn’t feel he owed her any explanations. She could think what the hell she liked. “Is that your way of backing out of a dance you’re afraid of, Ms. Temple?” She lifted her chin, her dark eyes glinting with angry lights. “I’ll dance with you, but I will not enjoy the experience.” He laughed. What a pompous little speech. It seemed that despite her behavior with Joe, Ms. Leigh Temple was a little uptight. He had a feeling he’d enjoy teaching her to

unwind. “We’ll see about that, Ms. Temple.” He offered her his arm. She hesitated, and he knew she, like he, was remembering the effect of their first physical contact. Then she bit her lip, took a quick breath, and slipped her arm through his. He was almost disappointed that lightning didn’t strike a second time. “Yes, we will,” she shot back. He resisted the urge to squeeze her hand against his body as he led her into the living room. He glanced down at her unsmiling face. She was clearly not in the mood to be flirted with. At least not by him. He’d seen what a warm, willing woman she could be. He found that he wanted some of that warmth for himself.

Chapter Three

With her hand on Jake’s arm, Leigh knew she was the envy of most of the women in the room. She threw a sidelong glance in his direction. Like the Thor of her daydreams, he was gorgeous with a capital G. He was what Cath would call the quintessential stud muffin. The kind of man most women could only dream about having romance them. She should probably be flattered by his obvious interest. Not that he was going to romance her, she reminded herself as he stopped just inside the doors and turned to draw her into his arms. Even if he were inclined to try, she wouldn’t allow it. Still she had a hard time suppressing a sigh. Even more effort was required to resist the desire to link her arms around his neck and press herself deep into his embrace. It had been such a long time. She’d made a mistake by having more than two drinks. First she’d practically thrown herself at Joe, now she felt the need to do the same with Jake. With his hands pressed against her bare back and his cheek resting against the top of her head, it was almost impossible to think clearly...and remind herself yet again that he was not her Thor. Their slow movement around the room only served to heighten her awareness of him. She found herself thinking of the lyrics of a song her mother used to sing about an enchanting evening. You may see a stranger across a crowded room. As she’d seen Jake Thornton. She had to keep reminding herself that not only was he married, but his wife was there, probably watching every slow, sensuous move they made. Besides which, she suspected he was out to take over the company Mike had worked so long to make successful. Otherwise it would have been too easy to relax her tense body and just enjoy being woman to his man, his willing and captive slave. Branded by both his touch and her eternal need for him. But in the end, she couldn’t help it. The drinks she’d consumed, the soothing music, and the feel of his arms cradling her, combined with her desire for him, proved too great an obstacle to overcome.

She closed her eyes and drifted where he led. She could have remained contentedly in the warm circle of his arms all night with the heady scent of his cologne filling her nostrils and intoxicating her senses, making an unrelenting assault on the emotional walls she’d built around her desires and her heart. God help her, but she wanted him… had to have him… now. “Who is Leigh Temple?” Your slave, my lord...always and forever. “Why do I feel as if we’ve met before when I know we haven’t?” The sound of his voice, low and husky, just about her ear, roused her. With a feeling of dismay, she realized that the music had stopped. When, she didn’t know. Her cheek was pressed against his shoulder. And somehow, her arms had found their way under his jacket and around his waist. He was holding her so closely that she was certain she’d have palm and fingerprints branded on her bare back from the pressure of his big, hot hands. “I...I don’t know.” “You must know...you must feel it too.” Big time. She lifted her head from his shoulder and attempted to pull away from him. He made no move to release her. Without his help, she was unable to break contact with his hard, very male body. She struggled briefly—until she became aware of the effects her efforts to be free were having on him. She froze. He was aroused! She could feel his cock pulsing against her. And he made no effort to hide the fact from her. Her first impulse, to slap his face until his ears rang, was quickly overshadowed by other, more carnal feelings and desires. For one deliciously wicked moment she toyed with the idea of slipping her hand between their bodies so she could touch him. She longed to caress his cock through his pants. Lord it would be so nice to cup him… just to feel how much bigger and harder he would get. Although he was plenty big and hard already. It wasn’t really his fault that she knew he was aroused. It would have been difficult for him to hide an erection of that magnitude, she thought with a completely wanton thrill. Horrified by her promiscuous thoughts, she bit the inside of her lip—hard and glared up at him. “You....just what do you think you’re doing?” There was unmistakable desire in the blue eyes that stared down into hers. And not the smallest hint of shame or embarrassment. “Trying to get you hot. How am I doing?” She gasped. “Have you no shame? This is indecent.” “It’s natural and timeless,” he countered. “And let’s face it, we both know you want some cock. Been a while for you, has it? It sure has been for me.” His frank and accurate assessment of her needs stunned and annoyed her. “Your behavior is disgusting.” “Oh? Is that why you’re trembling? Because you’re disgusted rather than aroused?” “I’m trembling because I can’t believe how disgracefully you’re behaving. Now let me go.” “You’re mistaken, Ms. Temple,” he said in a low, barely controlled voice, placing a noticeable emphasis on the word Ms. “If I had hold of you, you wouldn’t be begging. At

least not for your freedom.” There was no mistaking his meaning. Her agitation quickly turned to anger. She didn’t let the fact that he was right keep her from showing her displeasure. “You are the most insolent man I’ve ever met!” she hissed. She could still feel him against her, making her wet. God, but he must be packing a whopper. She bit her lip. “Release me.” “Fine, but count on seeing me again. Maybe for dinner?” “In your dreams!” The music started again and he laughed and drew her closer as the other couples on the dance floor began moving around them. “Oh, I have very little doubt you’ll be in my dreams and fantasies. Will I be in yours?” Leigh could feel her wanting to surrender completely to him. Tianna might have a slave mentality, but she did not. She clenched her hands into fists against his chest to conceal how they shook. “No, you will not! And I would not go out with you if you were the last man on earth!” He grinned. “Now why don’t I believe that?” Probably because it wasn’t true. “You are mistaken if you think I could ever be induced to go out with you. Your reputation precedes you to your great disadvantage, Mr. Thornton.” “My reputation doesn’t seem much of a disadvantage now as we’re dancing.” He tightened his arms, drawing her closer. “And I wouldn’t believe everything I heard if I were you, Ms. Temple.” His cock seemed to get harder and bigger with each passing second. Fighting a desire to press closer, she shivered helplessly in his arms. “You feel it too.” His warm lips caressed her ear. “I know you do. You want to make love to me as much as I want to make love to you.” She shoved at his shoulders. “I wouldn’t go to bed with you for a million bucks!” “It’s not money that’ll get you in my bed. It’s the irresistible desire we share,” he countered. “I can feel your hips jerking against mine, so don’t bother saying you’re not interested.” She sucked in an angry breath. Damn, but he got under her skin. “You arrogant bastard! You’re the last man I’d ever allow to touch me!” He urged her chin up with a long finger so he could look directly into her gaze. “Your beautiful brown eyes are gleaming with lustfor my cock, darlin’,” he drawled. “None of your denials will change that. But it’s all right because I would give anything to slide into your tight, warm pussy again.” Her face burned. “How dare you talk to me like that!” The corners of his mouth tightened. “I usually don’t talk like this to women I’ve just met,” he admitted. “But for some strange reason, I feel as if we have met before and as if I can talk this way to you.” “Well we haven’t met and I resent the tone of this conversation!” Tiny lights swirled deep in his gaze. “I meant no offense.” “Well, plenty was taken.” Even as she spoke, her whole body was on fire with need and lust for him. His lips parted and she knew he was about to apologize. Instead, he shrugged. “No,

it wasn’t. But not to worry, darlin’.” He softened his tone. “This is not the time or the place for us to become reacquainted. But trust me, sugar, that time is very close at hand.” He finally released her and walked away. She stood in the middle of the floor, utterly shaken. The lights were low, so hopefully, no one had seen her rubbing her aching body against the beguiling bulge of his cock. After a quick glance around the room, she saw with relief that Sharon Thornton was nowhere in sight. She took several deep breaths and went to find Mike, who stood at the other end of the large room. He was talking to two owners of smaller construction companies. She forgot about her own discomfort when she saw him. Though he smiled at her, she was quick to notice the tension in his face and the weariness in his eyes. She exchanged greetings with the other two men before slipping her arm through his. “Mike, could we possibly say our good nights?” She knew she’d read his mood correctly when he nodded quickly. “I’ll make our excuses to Jake Thornton while you get your jacket.” She squeezed his arm. “I won’t be a moment.” Casting a quick glance around the room to make sure Jake Thornton wasn’t in the area, she made her way down the hall to the small room where the maid had taken her wrap earlier. She wanted to say good-bye to Joe, but she didn’t want to risk running into Jake until she was prepared to present a cool, detached front to him. Right now she was too shaken by that erotic dance to want to do anything except welcome him back into her arms. On second thought, she wasn’t that anxious to see Joe again either. His opinion of her couldn’t be any better than his brother’s. She’d allowed Joe to grope her and Jake to grind against her. What must they think of her? She turned from the bed where her wrap lay and gasped. Jake leaned against the closed door, blocking the only exit with his big body. It took a huge effort to keep her gaze focused on his face and away from his lower body. “Leaving so soon?” “Yes.” He frowned. “Surely you weren’t thinking of leaving without saying good-bye.” “Do you always creep around this way, frightening your guests?” she demanded. The smile he turned on her was so sexy and intimate that she felt her heart beat quicken in response. “Only with you, sugar. It seems you bring out the really bad boy in me.” She again felt her urging complete submission to him. “Oh, yes? Well, learn to cope. And while you’re at it, please don’t call me sugar or darling! Please move away from the door. I don’t have the time or the inclination to play games with you, Mr. Thornton.” He smiled again, this time giving her a clear view of his teeth. They were straight and white-perfect, like the rest of him. Didn’t the hellish man have any physical flaws? “Now, let me see if I understand what you want from me,” he drawled. “I don’t want anything from you,” she lied. “But your wife might.” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “About Sharon… ”

“What about her?” “You obviously have the wrong idea.” “Do I? Isn’t she your wife?” “She and I… things between us are… she and I don’t… share a bed. We… she’s not my wife in the conventional sense. I know this looks bad, but it’s not what it seems. I don’t cheat.” She looked into his eyes and believed him. She felt a sense of joy deep. Oh, my lord! I knew it! I knew you would not wed another! “Don’t you?” “No, but you already know that. You can deny it if you like, but we both know it’s true. And furthermore, Sharon and I understand each other perfectly. If you don’t believe me, you can ask her yourself.” She stared at him silently. Remembering Sharon’s comment about there being no need to call her Mrs. Thornton, she nodded slowly, almost instinctively. “So you and she are...” “Not obligated to each other in any way.” “Which means...what?” “That you and I are free to get reacquainted.” She shook her head. “We...we’ve never met.” His electric-blue gaze rested briefly on her lips before locking with hers. “I don’t know how or when, but we have definitely met. The only question now is what are we going to do about it?” She knew what she wanted to do about it, but she could not allow herself to be drawn into his seductive gaze. “Please... move away from the door. I don’t have time for this.” He reached a hand behind his body and she sucked in a breath at the unmistakable sound of the door being locked. “Why don’t we make time?” he suggested, pushing himself away from the door. Her heart thumped in her chest when he advanced across the room to her. “Surely you can spare me a few moments.” He stopped just in front of her. “And one or two of those kisses you dispense so freely.” The muscles in her stomach contracted painfully. She shook her head and stepped back. Oh, God, she prayed silently, please make him go away. His gaze lingered on her lips and she half expected him to pull her into his arms and kiss her. Half expected and fully wanted. When he suddenly put his hands on her waist and urged her closer, she found she couldn’t resist. She had waited too long to experience this moment with him again. She would gladly die a thousand deaths for just a few minutes alone with him like this. He put his arms around her and she felt the unmistakable bulge of his cock against her. She shivered and closed her eyes. Oh, yes. Please, my lord. A tiny corner of her mind screamed that this was wrong and she had to stop him. But she couldn’t. She had never been able to deny him anything. Surely the Gods had reunited them for just this reason. His warm lips touched her neck as he slipped the zip of her dress down and let it fall at her feet. He moved his lips along her neck and shoulders, causing ripples of

desire and need to flow all through her body. With one hand spanning her waist, he slipped his other hand into her pantyhose and into her panties. His thumb touched her clit, while he slipped a finger into her suddenly aching pussy. She shuddered and bit her lip to silence the moan of pleasure she felt. God, if his hand felt this good, his cock would bring her incredible pleasure, just as it did in her fantasies… no… not fantasies. Her memories of a love and desire that spanned the centuries and survived even death. Raining heated kisses along her neck and cleavage, he inserted a second finger and began a quick, hard thrusting into her, all the while, rubbing her clit. Waves of pleasure hit her, rocking her whole body. She moaned and buried her face against his shoulder as her pussy suddenly exploded around his fingers. She had to bite into his shoulder to silence the scream of bliss that danced through her. Her legs shook and he wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her. He put his mouth on her neck and began to suck her skin. “No!” she moaned, pushing at his shoulder. “Please. You’ll leave a mark.” He lifted his head and looked down at her. “That’s the idea… to mark… to brand you as mine.” Just as Thor had branded Tianna so long ago, not with a physical mark, but with an emotional tie that would live forever. “No!” “It only seems fair. You got your jollies. Don’t I even get to give you a hickey?” “No! Everyone will know!” He brushed the back of his hand against her cheek. “So? Then they’ll know what we already know… that you are mine.” Always have been and always will be, my lord. No! She had to keep a grip on reality. “No!” She said again. “Then how about I give you one where no one can see it?” Without waiting for her response, he bent his head, lifted her breasts out of her bra and took turns sucking them. Her pussy came to life again. She moaned and clutched his shoulders, her body and her senses aflame with desire and need. Finally, he groaned and lifted his head. “God, I’d better go before I completely forget that there’s a houseful of people here and take you to bed.” He calmly pushed her breasts back into her bra, and pulled her dress back up her body. He pressed a surprisingly tender kiss against her cheek as he zipped her dress before stepping away from her. She started at him silently, her heart thumping, her face flushed. God help her, she’d just allowed a married man to finger fuck her! He touched her cheek and smiled, revealing a dimple in his left cheek. “Please don’t look like that. What I said about my relationship with Sharon is true. I didn’t just say it to… we don’t sleep together. You can ask her. She’ll tell you what just happened between us was not cheating. Please don’t think that of me.” How could she think anything less? She had only his word that he and Sharon didn’t sleep together. And yet Tianna believed him. She wasn’t so sure she did. He sighed. “I see you’re not convinced. Ask Sharon. She’ll tell you. When she has, we’ll pick up where we left off.”

He flashed her another quick smile and left the room as quietly as he’d entered it. She stumbled across the room and relocked the door before sinking down on the edge of the bed. Oh, God! How could she have allowed him to touch her that way? What had possessed her? Her right hand clutched at her neck. Bare. But she took solace in the certainty that the charm was somehow influencing her. That had to be the explanation. There was no way she would ever knowingly become involved with a married man. Still, what had happened between them left her shaken and ashamed. She spent several moments taking long, deep breaths before she felt steady enough to leave the room. To her dismay, she found Jake waiting in the foyer along with Mike, Joe, and Sharon. “Ah, Ms. Temple, I hear you’re not feeling well.” He spoke in a smooth and impersonal tone and extended his hand. No one looking on would know he’d recently finger fucked her and sucked her breasts until her pussy gushed. And that’s the whole idea, silly. You don’t want anyone to know. Act normal . She extended her hand. “It’s nothing serious.” “I’m very glad to hear that.” A delicious shiver of desire danced down her spine as he deliberately rubbed his big palms across her slender fingers. “And I look forward to seeing you again, Ms. Temple. Very soon.” She nodded noncommittally and turned to smile hesitantly at Joe. His smile, warm and devoid of innuendoes, immediately put her at ease. He took her hand and briefly clasped it between both of his. When he bent his head, she hesitated then lifted her face. His lips, warm and sweet brushed against hers, sending a pleasing shock through her. “It was a pleasure, Leigh.” “For me too,” she admitted. “We’ll have to do it again.” “Yes,” she said, aware of mixed feelings. While part of her wanted to see him again, another part thought only of seeing Jake again, of dancing with him and feeling his cock slowly hardening against her. Sharon smiled. “Thank you both so much for coming.” She turned to look at Leigh. “I hope you and I will see each other again.” Leigh blinked. “You do?” She nodded. “Oh, yes. Jake tells me you and I need to get to know each other and have a heart to heart talk, Leigh.” She bit her lip and willed herself not to blush. Surely if he’d told Sharon that, he must have told Leigh the truth about his relationship with Sharon. Still, it seemed in poor taste to appear too eager to ask a woman if she and her husband were lovers. “Oh...aren’t you two married?” “Not really...no.” She glanced briefly at Jake before looking away. “I see.” Sharon smiled. “Good.” “I’ll see you Monday around twelve, Mike. And you as well, Leigh.” His voice was terse and she cast a quick glance at him to find him staring at her with a cold expression in his eyes. His glanced flickered to Joe and then back to her face.

You are mine and I do not share what is mine! Leigh blinked. The words had been projected directly into her mind. But had they come from Jake or Thor? She wasn’t sure. “Monday at twelve,” Mike agreed coolly. He nodded at both Thornton brothers and gestured for her to precede him out the door. As she did, she made a silent promise not to be in the office on Monday when he arrived. “Well, what did you think of Jake Thornton?” Mike asked when they were in the car heading back to Philadelphia. She sighed. There wasn’t much point in denying she found him attractive. “My opinion of him hasn’t changed,” she said. “Besides, his brother is just as attractive and much nicer.” “Nicer? Wasn’t he nice to you? You seemed to enjoy dancing with him.” She closed her eyes and averted her flushed face. “Well, he’s a great dancer,” she said. “But that doesn’t change the fact that he wants your company. That is what he wants. Isn’t it?” She opened her eyes as his hand left the wheel to brush quickly against her shoulder. “Don’t worry, honey. I can handle Jake Thornton.” At his best, she had no doubt that Mike would have been a match for anyone. But he hadn’t been at his best for some time. Left unchecked, she had no doubt Jake would roll over Mike like a steamroller. She clenched her hands into fists. But he’d have to go through her first to get to Mike.

***** Jake stared at the cream colored tiles as the cool water from the shower massager cascaded over his heated body. He’d never needed a cold shower more. Thoughts of Leigh Temple had him in a perpetual state of arousal. Just what was it about her that turned him on? It certainly wasn’t her looks. She was a far cry from being beautiful. He wasn’t even sure she was pretty. And certainly not his type. He liked his women beautiful with long legs, mounds of red-gold hair, lots of cleavage, and green eyes. Granted Leigh Temple had beautiful hair, ample boobs, and impressive long legs. But he’d met sixteen-year-old girls with more charm and grace. So why had he become so aroused while slow dancing with her? Even now, standing under the steady stream of cold water, he felt an annoying stirring in his groin remembering how good she’d felt in his arms. Her soft curves pressed against his body had aroused him as no other woman ever had. And thoughts of the feel of her moist, heated pussy gripping his fingers wildly as she came, just made his cock hard all over again. He groaned and leaned his forehead against the cool tiles, letting the water pour over his head until his cock begin to deflate. He frowned. If he kept this up, the damned dreams would start again. As a teenager and in college, he’d had a series of dreams of a tiny, plain woman lying waiting for him on animal skins when he returned from Viking missions of plunder and conquest. In the dreams he would fuck the small, dark woman continually, sometimes tenderly, sometimes roughly, all the while ignoring a beautiful, well-endowed woman who was destined to be his wife.

He had never fully understood the dreams or why he would fantasize about a woman who held no attraction for him in reality. The dreams had stopped once he’d stopped wearing the small, gold half hammer charm his father had given him. His father had always said it was a lucky charm, having led him to Jake’s mother, a loving mother and wife, but just this side of plain. But as far as Jake knew, once his father met his mother, he’d never given another woman a second glance. Unlike his father, he was not attracted to plain women. Could it be… was it the charm? He shook his head. That couldn’t be the explanation. First, he hadn’t worn it since his senior year in college. He wasn’t even sure if he still had it. Besides the only thing Leigh Temple had in common with the woman of his young adult fantasies, was her lack of beauty. While the other woman was tiny with a slender body and small breasts, Leigh Temple was tall, shapely, and had a luscious pair of very suckable looking boobs. He shut the water off, grabbed a towel from the heated towel rack and began drying his hair. When he dried his body, he was careful not to touch his dick. For a moment, he considered taking Sharon up on her standing offer to share her bed. She was just across the hall. She’d welcome him and his aching dick. It had been so long since he’d had any pussy. He needed to be with a willing woman! But damn if he’d allow his cock to lead him astray with Sharon again. Besides, he couldn’t very well sleep with her after promising Leigh that he and Sharon had no physical relationship. He wrapped the towel around his waist, stepped out of the shower, and padded into the master bedroom. It was large, but sparsely furnished with just five pieces of rosewood furniture. He stopped in the doorway, at the sight of Joe, wearing only a pair of pajama bottoms, sprawled across the big bed, which dominated the room. “Lost your way?” he asked, dropping the towel and stepping into a pair of pajama bottoms he retrieved from his dresser drawer. “No. Just thought you might like to know I told Sharon it was over between you two.” “Thanks,” he said dryly, going to sprawl across the bed next to Joe. “But I think she already knew that. I think she got her first clue when she got the divorce papers. And her second clue would have come when I asked her to talk to Leigh and tell her the truth about our relationship.” “Ah. Working rather fast, aren’t you? One dance was all it took to knock you off your legendary feet of clay?” He rolled over onto his side and stared at Joe. “What about tonight? I thought it went rather well.” “I saw Sharon watching you dance with Leigh. It was pretty clear she knew she didn’ t stand a chance.” He rolled over onto his stomach and buried his face in his arms. “I’m tired. So make your point and then let the door hit you where the sun don’t shine.” “Leigh Temple.” He tensed. With over five years between them, he and Joe had rarely been interested in the same woman, at least not at the same time. The last thing he needed was for this to be the first time. He waited for Joe to continue. When he didn’t, he reluctantly lifted his head to look

at him. “What about her?” “I didn’t think she was your type.” “Is she yours?” “Maybe. Jake, my boy, she has the sweetest lips and a pair of tits that won’t quit.” Jake felt his face flush. The thought of Joe kissing the lips he’d never kissed and fondling or sucking her breasts, created a rage in him he found difficult to control. He wondered how far she and Joe had gone in the garden. Had she allowed Joe to finger fuck her? He was fairly certainly they hadn’t done any more than that. But even that was too much because she was his! “And you want what? For me to back off?” Joe shrugged. “Well, I am the single, better behaved brother.” “Better behaved?” “Yeah. I, at least know how to slow dance with a lady without getting a raging hard-on.” Damn! Who besides Joe had noticed the effect Leigh Temple had on him? Joe grinned, apparently enjoying his discomfort. “You’re really going to have to learn to control yourself, big brother. For awhile there, I expected you to strip her nude and bang her right there in the middle of the living room floor with everyone watching!” “Then you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that I have no intentions of backing off!” he snapped, annoyed at how accurately Joe had summed up his desires. Joe nodded. “I had a feeling you’d say that. Ah, well, it was just a thought.” “Well perish it,” he said coolly. “Anything else?” “Yes. If you’re interested in Leigh don’t you think you should forget about buying Hamlin Construction?” “No. One thing has nothing to do with the other.” “So you want me to proceed?” “Yes, I want you to proceed.” He longed to add that Leigh was his for the taking. But for the first time in a long time, he wasn’t sure of himself with a woman. Even though she’d allowed him to finger fuck her, he had seen the wariness and distrust in her gaze, heard it in her voice. He had no doubt that she’d allow him to bang her… very soon, but he wondered if she’d ever like him. The certainty that she might not irritated the hell out of him. “Since you’re so bound and determined to keep business and pleasure separate, why don’t you back off?” he suggested. “In your dreams, Jake.” Joe pushed himself off the bed and headed across the floor to the door. Joe pulled the bedroom door open before turning back to face him. “Still if I were you, I’d lock this door. Just in case Sharon decides to make another midnight visit.” He laughed and crawled into bed. “Thanks for the concern, but I’m still capable of handling my own love life.” “Really? Sure you’re not biting off too big a chunk? Think you can handle two women, a hostile takeover bid, and competition at the same time?” He folded his arms behind his head. “A couple of things, Joey boy. First, we don’t

know yet that it will have to be a hostile take over. Second, she’d be the only woman, as you very well know. And lastly, as you should know by now, I can handle whatever needs to be handled, including competition.” “Whoa there big brother. Aren’t you the arrogant one?” “No. I’m the one who’s fully aware of his own abilities.” “Your abilities? With women? Right.” Joe smirked. “Oh, you’re legendary in that department all right.” He felt the blood rush up the back of his neck. “Was there something else you wanted?” “Yes. If you think Sharon and I are just going to step aside and leave the field clear for you, you’re mistaken.” “As both you and she know, Sharon has no say in what I do with my life. Nor do you. I will sleep with whoever the hell I like. Remember that.” “Here’s something for you to remember, I don’t take orders from you concerning my personal life!” “I never said you did.” He shook his head. “But I mean to have her, Joey boy,” he said quietly. “Don’t try to get in my way.” “Fuck it, Jake. I’m not backing off just because you want me to,” Joe said, and slipped out of the room. Sighing, he flicked the light off and rolled onto his stomach, rubbing his aching cock against the mattress. Just thinking of Leigh had him almost completely aroused again. He had to fuck her. Having Sharon still lingering around and Leigh working for Hamlin Construction would complicate matters. Not to mention Joe’s unexpected interest in her. Still, come hell or high water, he was going to be her next lover. In the meantime, there was something he needed… had to do. He turned on his bedroom light and slipped out of bed. Ignoring the voice that urged him to go back to bed, he obeyed the one in his head urging him to walk through the house and down into the basement. An hour later, he went back into his bedroom, his right hand closed over a small, golden charm in the form of a half hammer.

Chapter Four

“You know you’re looking a little green around the gills.” Leigh put her coffee cup down and cast a wary look at Cath across the small kitchen table. That wasn’t surprising considering she had lain awake deep into the night thinking of Jake. When she’d finally fallen asleep, it was only to dream of him repeatedly thrusting what she was sure was a very nice-sized cock into her pussy again and again. Her dreams of him were as graphic and arousing as any she’d had of her mythical God of Thunder. She had awakened that morning to find her panties soaked.

She closed her eyes and bit her lip. What was happening to her? It was one thing to lust after a nearly married man in her Norse fantasies. Doing it while awake with a real man was a whole other ballgame. It galled her to realize that Cath was right. She didn’t feel a need for a relationship, but she sure felt the need for sex. Rather badly too. “Hello? Anyone home in there?” “What! Oh!” Her eyes snapped open and she blushed. “Sorry. What did you say?” “I asked if you’d enjoyed yourself last night.” “Oh. Well, I would have enjoyed it a lot more without Jake Thornton’s presence. He and Mike have a meeting on Monday, which, of course, Mike refuses to discuss with me. But I know this meeting is not good.” “You’re Mike’s right hand. Surely if there was any need for you to worry about your job, he would tell you.” She bit into a piece of buttered wheat toast, shaking her head impatiently. “That is not what I meant. I can take care of myself. It’s Mike I’m worried about.” “Why? He can take care of himself too.” “Normally, yes, but I know he’s not up to fighting off a hostile takeover from Jake Thornton.” Cath paused with a forkful of egg whites halfway to her mouth. “Hostile takeover? Is that what he plans?” She swallowed slowly and shrugged. “You tell me. You read his profile in Tri-State Architectural Digest. You know he’s used to getting what he wants and he wants Hamlin Construction. And the only way he’ll get it is through a hostile takeover. Mike would never willingly give up control of the company. He’s worked too hard for it.” “Can he do that? I mean Jake Thornton. Can he take it?” “I’m afraid he might be able to. There are enough shares of company stock outstanding to make it possible, if improbable.” “Oh.” Cath finally popped the fork into her mouth. She chewed in silence for a time. “You really think he means to run all over Mike?” “Yes, I do.” “So what’s he like?” She shrugged, trying to project an air of nonchalance. “He’s a...piece of work. First, he badgered me into dancing with him, and then he had the gall to imply that I was fascinated by his...his questionable charms.” “Why?” “How should I know? I guess he likes to flatter himself into thinking he’s irresistible.” Cath’s steady gaze made her uncomfortable, but she didn’t immediately look away. “And is he? He has to be if he’s one half as handsome as his picture.” Uncertain what Cath might see in her eyes, she averted her gaze. She had a sudden, vivid picture of bottomless blue eyes, a dimpled smile, classic, sculptured features, short blond hair, and a perfect body that had felt so very unyielding against hers as they’ d danced. He was more than handsome. Just as Sharon Thornton was more than beautiful. “I suppose he’s handsome enough,” she reluctantly admitted. He certainly

appeared as well endowed as Cath had said he would be. “He’s also married.” Cath struggled. “Well, there’s marriage and then there’s marriage. There’s a big difference between the two. I don’t think he’s married in any meaningful way. What’s she like?” “She’s small.” She frowned. “Big men always seem to like tiny women.” “Hey! And what’s wrong with us tiny women?” Cath demanded, feigning a frown. She shook her head. “Nothing. It’s just that he’s so big and she’s so tiny and dark with large eyes and incredibly beautiful. And there he was practically making passes at me under her nose.” Well, he’d done more than make a pass at her and she’d allowed and encouraged it. “Hey! Come on, now. Do not sell yourself short. He obviously appreciates your subtle beauty and sparkling personality,” Cath said with all the loyalty of a close friend. She tossed a mock frown in Cath’s direction. “I know you mean well, but I’m not sure I like the sound of that description. It seems to imply I have a very ordinary face with just one or two redeeming features. And those requiring a connoisseur to appreciate.” Cath bit her lip, clearly trying not to laugh. “Oh, come on! You know I didn’t mean it that way.” The trouble was, it was fairly close to the truth. There was no point in deluding herself into thinking she had a hope of seriously attracting men like the Thornton brothers. “Yes, I know. I wish I could be more trusting, but I can’t.” Cath reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “All men aren’t the same.” She thought of her broken ‘engagement.’ “Maybe not, but I never seem to meet any of the ones that are different, which leads me to doubt that such mythical creatures exist.” Cath sighed and shook her head. “All it takes is just a little trust. In order to find that one perfect man, you’re going to have to open up a little and let him in.” She stared at Cath in amazement. “There is no way I am going to open myself up to be hurt again. No way.” Cath gave her a long look. “When that one special hunk comes along, you’ll forget all about the jerks who hurt you.” She shook her head in denial, but couldn’t vanquish a sudden picture of Jake’s smiling lips and vivid blue eyes from her mind. Men didn’t come any more sensual or perfect than he. Or Joe Thornton for that matter. He was the one she should be thinking of. Or even Cliff. Anyone but Jake. “What’s on tap for today?” Cath smirked at her. “So it’s like that, is it?” She opened her mouth to say she didn’t know what Cath meant, saw her smirk widening, and decided it wasn’t worth it to try to hide her feelings from Cath. “Okay. So he unnerved me a little.” “A little she says?” She sighed. “Cath, I’ve never met a man like him.” Or wanted one more. “That good looking, huh?” Cath asked, her blue eyes wide with obvious envy. “Was he packing a whopper or what?”

She flushed. “Cath!” “Hey, I know you noticed so don’t bother trying to pretend you didn’t. I was right. He has a whopper, doesn’t he?” “Cath! I am not going to discuss the size of his… ” “That big and hard, huh?” “He and his brother look...you remember those comics we used to read...the ones with Thor in them?” “Thor? Oh, yeah. The God of Thunder with the gorgeous strawberry blond locks, beautiful blue eyes, and delicious physique? Of course I remember. We were both going to grow up and marry a man who looked just like him.” She sighed. “Well, last night I met two men who look just like him.” Cath looked horrified. “And they’re both taken?” “Actually, Joe is single.” Cath frowned. “Then what’s the problem? You’ve met Thor and he’s single.” Leigh stared at her silently. “Ouch. You’re not interested in the single Thor. You want the other one.” “I didn’t say that!” “Not with your mouth… but with your eyes.”

***** As soon as Thor and his men entered the camp, he saw the men left to guard their women bleeding on the ground. He pushed the animal skin over his shoulders aside and drew his sword from his scabbard. He scanned the encampment. In the middle of the camp, surrounded by small, wooden shelters was a larger, more reinforced one. Smoke rose from the top of the structure where he had left his most precious possession—his favorite bed wench. Issuing soft voiced orders, he ran towards his shelter. “Tianna!” He kicked the door in and stormed into the small interior. Through light provided by a hole in the roof, he saw that the bed in the center of the room was bare. She was gone. He noted blood on the floor and collapsed to his knees. “Tianna!” He screamed. “Tianna! Where are you, my little one?!” He rose. “Balder!” His second in command appeared in the doorway. “Thor?” “She’s gone! Tianna is gone!” “All our women are gone, my lord.” “I want Tianna back! Get the men ready. We will track those who took our women and slay them.” He turned and strolled out of the shelter, keeping a tight rein on his emotions. He would get her back, even if he had to slay every living soul in this accursed land to accomplish it. And when he found those who had taken her, they would die a slow, painful death. Six months later, weary and heartsick, he and his men returned home at his father, Odin’s, insistence. Making his way through the hall to Odin’s throne room, his thoughts strayed to Tianna, now lost to him forever. He paused outside the big doors and closed his hand over the small half hammer in

his palm. Tianna. By Odin’s lifeblood, I swear I will find you again. No matter how long it takes or where I have to go. I will find you again, my little one. Wait for me. Wait for me. Jake woke from the dream he hadn’t had in years. He sat on the side of the bed and turned on his bedside lamp. His heart felt heavy and grief nearly overwhelmed him. He picked up the small half hammer lying on his nightstand. Would he never recover from the loss of his beloved little one? He frowned and shook his head. What the hell? He threw the charm down and rose to his feet. This was crazy. He’d been a fool for digging it out of the trunk where he’d put it years earlier. He was Jake Thornton, not Thor. He had lost no one. The dreams and the grief were not his. Thor had lost his Tianna. He had lost no one. A picture of Leigh flashed across his memory. He had not lost her because she was not his. She was not Tianna. And if by some quirk of reality, he and Leigh were reincarnations of Thor and his bed wench Tianna, he was not prepared to allow anyone else to live through him. He wanted Leigh because she intrigued him, not because some mythical long dead man could not get over having lost his bed wench. When he bedded Leigh, it would be Jake with Leigh, not Thor finally united with his beloved and never forgotten Tianna.

***** Leigh’s first thoughts upon waking on Monday morning were of Jake. She lay in bed for several minutes remembering everything about him from the way his hair curled against his neck, to his clean, masculine smell, and the feel of his fingers inside her. With her whole body feeling hot and achy for him, she pushed the light cover back and slipped out of bed. Instead of her usual quick shower, she ran a tub of hot water and filled it with bath oil. She sighed happily as she slipped into it. Forty minutes later, instead of the practical jeans and flannel shirt she should have worn, she reached for a dark, two-piece suit that she knew showed off her long legs to their best advantage. She added a white silk blouse and a pair of navy, three-inch sling back heels. “You look great,” Cath said when she appeared in the kitchen. “That touch of eye shadow looks great.” “Thanks.” She gulped down a quick cup of coffee. She hoped Cath wouldn’t ask why she’d chosen that day to give herself more than a cursory makeover. “Ah...any plans for tonight?” She nodded. “I’m going out straight from work. Don’t wait up for me.” She winked. “I will be very late.” She laughed. “Oh, Cath.” “And what about you? And please don’t tell me you’re going to have a quiet evening at home with one of your red hot romance novels. You’ve had entirely too many such evenings since Jan left for college.” She sighed. Jan had been her little sister for two years before she headed for college and Leigh still missed her. Being a part of the Females Helping Females organization had filled a vital need in her. “I read nonfiction too,” she said defensively. “Hmm. But you know, it wouldn’t hurt you to spend a couple of evenings with a real flesh and blood man occasionally. Maybe with a single Norse godlike hunk?” She sighed. “He hasn’t asked me out,” she pointed out. “Maybe you didn’t give him enough encouragement.”

How likely was that when he’d French kissed her and fondled her breasts? How much more encouragement did the man need? “What’s he packing by the way?” Leigh blinked. Unlike Jake, he had not become aroused as they’d danced… even when they’d kissed. “I have no idea.” Cath waved a hand in dismissal. “Too bad.” She shook her head. “Never mind the Thorntons. Speaking of flesh and blood men, what do you call Cliff? You have to admit he’s a good catch.” “Why? Because he’s ‘cute’, has a ‘good job,’ and keeps his hands to himself?” Cath rolled her eyes. “Give me a break. You’d think that after a year, he’d have at least tried to bang you. Face it Leigh, he’s not the type of man to make you go weak in the knees and damp in other places.” Admittedly Cliff was no blond Norseman, but he had his moments. “Speak for yourself,” she said, trying to infuse her voice with warmth and enthusiasm. Cath arched a knowing brow, but all she said was, “I gotta go. See you tomorrow.” After Cath left, she hesitated, then went back to her bedroom. She crossed the room to her vanity where the charm she’d worn for so many years lay. She felt half dressed without it. She stretched out a hand for it, then snatched it back. If not for its influence, she would not have allowed Jake to finger fuck her. The charm had caused her enough problems. She clenched her hand into a fist and quickly left the room.

***** “Morning, Leigh.” She smiled at the receptionist as she entered Hamlin Construction’s outer office. “Good morning, Pauline.” “Mike wants to see you when you’ve had your coffee.” “Right. Thanks.” She opened the door behind the receptionist’s desk and walked down the corridor that led into her small, but comfortable office. She took off her suit jacket and hung it on the coat rack to the right of her desk. She checked her makeup in the small powder room behind her desk. She almost didn’t recognize the face that stared back at her through the mascara and eye shadow. And all this for Jake Thornton. Not liking what she saw, she turned away from her reflection and walked down the hall to Mike’s office. His office was only slightly bigger than Leigh’s. Mike got to his feet and came to meet her, taking both of her hands in his. “Good morning.” His gray gaze flicked quickly over her. “I thought you were going out to the hotel site near the airport today.” “I was...I mean I am, but I have a meeting today,” she said quickly. If he remembered all the times she’d gone to meetings in her jeans and a hard hat in the past, he didn’t mention it as he resumed his seat. She sank down in the leather chair in front of his desk. “You wanted to see me.” He smiled. “I just wanted to say hello and see how you were doing.” “I’m fine.”

“Also, I was wondered if you’ve heard from Thornton.” She shook her head. “That brother of his probably keeps him too busy.” “Brother of his? Who are you talking about?” “Joe Thornton. Who are you talking about?” “Jake Thornton.” Her cheeks burned. “Why should I have heard from him? He’s… married.” “If that’s what you want to call their relationship. I mean he didn’t seem very married at the party now, did he?Besides, he didn’t exactly strike me as the kind of man to let a little thing like marriage stand in the way of what he wants.” She bit back the defensive urge to say he and his wife had an ‘understanding’. She shrugged. “Maybe not, but why are you assuming he wants me? I mean it’s not as if...” It wasn’t as if Mike knew what liberties she had allowed Jake. “I think that’s a fair assumption after the way I saw him dancing with you,” he said quietly. She wanted to assure him she wouldn’t succumb to Jake Thornton and engage in a full-blown affair, but the words wouldn’t come. She could dissemble to a certain extent with Cath, but it was so much harder with Mike. She’d never quite figured out why. “Leigh, you be careful with him.” “I’ll be fine. Mike. Please don’t worry.” She rose. “Now I’d better get to work. Oh, I noticed that Dawn isn’t in yet,” she said of his secretary. “She’s out sick. Just when I need to dictate several letters.” “I’ll sit at the front desk and send Pauline in,” she said and thankfully escaped from the office. At the front desk, she read through several reports that were begging for her attention. Pulling a pad toward her, she became involved in her work, making notes and her responses in longhand. A short time later Mike and Pauline emerged from his office. “Leigh, I need to make a quick stop and Pauline needs a short break.” She nodded. “Fine. I’ll be here. Take your time,” she told Pauline. She was writing a reply to a report from a city construction technician when the front office door opened. Her nostrils were suddenly filled with the intoxicating scent of an enticing cologne. Even before she looked up, she knew who she would see standing in front of the desk. She remembered how deliciously he’d fingered her and felt her cheeks burn. “Ah...good morning.” She looked up and up at him. No good. Seated, she was at a definite disadvantage. She rose. “It is now.” He smiled “It’s nice to see you again, Leigh.” She tugged at her right ear. “Ah, Mike had to go out unexpectedly.” She looked at the slender gold watch on her wrist. “Of course he knows you’re coming, so he should be back shortly. Ah… if you’ll follow me to his office?” He nodded. In Mike’s office, he stood watching her. “Would you like anything?” “That depends on what you’re offering.” He slipped his hands into the pockets of

his pants and smiled at her. She narrowed her gaze. “What I am offering, Mr. Thornton, is coffee or tea.” “Now that’s too bad. I was kind of hoping for something a little more...personal, shall we say.” She forced herself not to blush. “Would you or would you not like coffee or tea?” He studied her, an amused smile on his handsome face. “Prepared with your own little hands?” She glared silently at him. “Hmm. Tempting, but I think I’d better pass. You look as if you’d take great delight in accidentally pouring something very hot into my lap.” Yeah. Like her wayward body. Just the thought of sitting in his lap made her feel languid. What was with her anyway? Married men were off limits. But he is not really married, the small inner voice reminded her. She took a long, deep breath and wrestled herself back under control. “I was about to leave the office for a meeting. So I’d better go.” Not that she could leave before Pauline returned. “Before you do, Joe asked me to get your phone number. He’d like to call you.” She stared at him in surprise. Dressed in that expensive suit with the silk tie and hand made leather shoes, he looked confident, successful, and ultra sensual. Not the type of man to take messages for anyone—his brother included. “Am I to infer from your silence that you’d rather he didn’t call you?” “There’s no need for you to make inferences from anything I do or don’t say, Mr. Thornton,” she said coolly. “I’m perfectly capable of saying exactly that I mean in terms that don’t require you to make any inferences.” His lips twitched and she suspected she’d amused him. “Well, good for you, darlin’ .” “I’d be delighted to see Joe again,” she said, aware that her tone implied that she had no such wish regarding Jake himself. He turned that killer smile of his on her and she knew he’d received her message. He produced a PDA from his inside jacket pocket. “Your number?” She gave it to him. Then, instead of leaving the room, she stood rooted to the spot, staring at him. Lord, but he was gorgeous. He kept his gaze on her face, his blue eyes like deep pools that she longed to lose herself in. She felt the breath catch in her throat. Why couldn’t she look away from him? Why was she allowing him to pull her into the depths of those bottomless eyes of his? Granted he was the best looking man she’d ever seen, let alone met. But she met lots of men. A few of them were even super sexy, like Joe Thornton. Yeah, but how many of them had become so gloriously aroused while dancing with her? Including Joe, the answer was a resounding zero. While Joe’s kisses had been warm and made her tingle, he hadn’t responded to her with the same level of luscious intimacy as had Jake. During their one dance, Jake’s desire for her had almost been palpable. And what had happened in the room as she was going to leave… To her shame, she wanted that and more to happen. She moved over to the wide window behind Mike’s desk to stare unseeingly out at the view of Independence Mall.

She felt that delicious tingling sensation along the back of her neck and knew he was about to put his big, hot hands on her and take her. Unless she got out of there immediately. She didn’t move. “Nice view,” he said. She swung around, intending to berate him. For what? Not suffering from the same nervous tension that plagued her whenever he was near? She encountered the hot, ravenous look in his eyes that left her feeling weak. He was far from unmoved. “I should go.” “Stay.” With a great effort, she dragged her gaze away from his. Only to have it settle on his mouth, fascinated once more. His mouth was firm, sensual, and well formed. She could see the tip of his tongue through his slightly parted, exquisitely shaped lips. She knew that they would feel so much hotter and more demanding than Joe’s. “I...should go,” she gasped. “No you shouldn’t,” he countered softly. Decency demanded she leave while she was still able. “What… what do you want from me?” He stared down at her for several moments before smiling and taking several steps away from her. “For you to take off your clothes.” “I… I… can’t.” “Yes. You can. Take them off… now.” She should have slapped his face and stormed out of the office. Instead, she stood staring at him. Lord help, her but she wanted him. It had been so long and she needed him. “Take them off,” he said again, his voice a soft command. She had never been able to disobey him. She couldn’t now. With her heart thumping and her pussy going damp, she locked the door, and turned to face him. He closed the blinds and unzipped his pants. He moved across the floor to her. “Take your clothes off… or at least, remove your skirt.” With trembling hands, she removed her skirt, panty hose, panties and shoes. She leaned back against the door, her whole body feeling hot and achy. He drew his hand from within his pants and exposed his cock, already hard and erect. She gasped and licked her lips. It was everything she’d imagined it would be, big and thick with an angry looking helmeted pink head. Lord, but he would spear her good with that big piece of delight—as he had so many centuries earlier. He moved closer and pressed against her. Reaching blindly for his cock, she closed her eyes. She clutched him in both hands and eagerly rubbed the big head of his dick along the length of her pussy. Liquid fire spread through her entire body. Lord help her, but she had to feel him inside her. He bent his head and kissed her hungrily on her mouth, urging her lips apart. As she moaned, he pressed closer and she felt the big head of his cock slide into the entrance of her pussy. She lost it. She shuddered and came, covering his cock with her cream. “Oh, my lord! Please!” she begged, gripping his hips and shoving hers forward. He groaned and

pushed back at her and several inches of his hot cock slipped up into her hungry channel. She bit her lip and dug her fingers into his buns as he rotated his powerful hips and shoved forward. The rest of his dick shot forward and he was balls deep in her pussy— where he belonged. She felt so full of cock she couldn’t move, could barely breathe. She’d never felt anything as wonderful as the feelings radiating out from her stuffed pussy to set her entire body tingling and burning with need, love, and centuries old lust. Finally. He was with her and in her again. All the long, empty centuries longing for him melted away and she sobbed quietly with joy and pleasure. He took her quickly, baring and sucking her breasts and stroking his big hands down the sides of her legs as he thrust into her. She stood against the back of the door, clinging to his shoulders, her eyes closed, and her head thrown back, completely surrendering to the feelings overwhelming her. In a matter of minutes, she gasped, cried out, and felt all the tension explode in her pussy and spread all through her entire being. He wrapped his arms around her waist and repeatedly shot his cock into her, piston fashion, until he groaned, bit gently into her breast, and blew his load in her. After he had, he dropped his head against her shoulder, his breathing deep and erratic. “Oh, damn.” He licked the side of her neck. “That was just as good as I knew it would be and I needed it so badly. It’s been so long since I’ve been with a woman.” As she had needed him. She stroked her fingers through his hair. “We… we had better get decent. Mike will be back any minute.” He lifted his head and looked down at her. He was still hard and in her. “One more time.” “No.” He gave a leisurely thrust into her. She shuddered and grabbed his hips. “Oh, Jake, please don’t do that. We have to stop.” She pushed at his shoulders. “Please.” He ran the side of his tongue around her nipples. “We’ll be really quick this time.” “There isn’t time!” He propelled his hips forward again. A jolt shook her body and she bit her lip to silence a moan. “Just once more.” “No! Mike will walk in on us!” “I suppose you’re right.” He sighed and to her relief, slowly pulled out of her. When he had, he grasped his cock and teased the big, helmeted head against her clit. Fresh dampness inflamed her still hungry pussy. She moaned and forced herself to shove against his shoulders. “No, Jake!” “Maybe not now… but we’re going to have to do this again… often and frequently,” he told her and finally stepped away from her. Their gazes met and locked and Leigh saw a tall, bronzed warrior with long red-gold hair walking towards her holding his erect cock in his hand. His blues eyes held a look of hunger and desire… for her alone. Her lord and master… the man she

lived to love and please. Thor. Her master… her lover… her reason for living. “What is it?” he asked softly, touching her cheek. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?” “No.” She shook her head and looked away. “No. It was just a mem—we have to get dressed.” They had just finished cleaning up and straightening their clothes when the door opened and Mike came in. “Mike!” She bit her lip, wondering if she sounded as guilty as she felt. “Leigh? What’s wrong?” he asked, following her gaze as she glanced over her shoulder. She willed herself not to blush. “Nothing! You’re just in time. I’m on my way out of the office and Jake Thornton’s here.” She saw Mike’s eyes darken. “He didn’t touch you?” “No,” she lied and slipped passed him.

Chapter Five

Jake watched her go with mixed emotions. Part of him knew that Joe was right. He shouldn’t try to mix business with pleasure. But after seeing her again, he knew he wasn ’t going to be able to leave her alone. Even if he were inclined to try, he was certain the longing he carried within him wouldn’t allow it. He had to have her. “Have a seat.” He turned to see Mike watching him through narrowed lids. Mike clearly didn’t like the way he had looked at Leigh. “Thanks.” He sank down into the chair Mike indicated, and put his briefcase on the floor, near his right foot. He watched Mike take his own seat. “So. Mr. Thornton. I believe you are married to a perfectly beautiful woman.” He briefly considered confiding in Mike on how matters stood between Sharon and himself. If he cared about Leigh as much as Jake suspected he did, it might ease his mind. In the end, he decided against it. He wasn’t eager to have to clue Mike in on what a fool Sharon had made of him. “You met her,” he said flatly. “Your wife is a woman to whom most men would give anything to be married.” Mike’s repeated reference to Sharon as his wife annoyed him. He narrowed his eyes. “I didn’t come here to discuss my personal life, which is just that… personal. If you don’t mind, I’d prefer we stick to business.” “Yes,” Mike agreed. “That is the only reason you’re here, isn’t it? You’re interested in Hamlin Construction as a whole. As a business venture. Not in any of the individual people associated with it? Correct?”

He sat back in his seat and met Mike’s cold gaze head on. There was no mistaking his meaning. He was trying to warn him off. “That was the plan.” Before Leigh Temple bewitched him. “I think you mean that is,” Mike corrected. “That is the plan, Mr. Thornton. I think we need to make sure we understand each other before we proceed.” He decided against contradicting Mike. He didn’t intend to get into a verbal tug of war with him over Leigh. Nothing Mike could say or do would change his plans. He refrained from speaking for several moments, allowing Mike to make what he liked of his silence. “Now that that’s settled, do you mind is we get to the business at hand?” He lifted his briefcase onto his knees and opened it. “I don’t mind at all. In fact I prefer to stick strictly to business, Mr. Thornton.” Jake glanced up at him. The tension had gone out of the other man’s body. Apparently he thought Jake had agreed to stay away from Leigh. Jake saw no need to enlighten him. “As you probably know, I’m interested in expanding into the actual building trade,” he said. “So I’ve heard.” “Joe and I have decided that Hamlin Construction would provide an ideal platform from which to launch our expansion plans.” “You seem to be suffering under the mistaken impression that Hamlin Construction is up for grabs, Jake.” “Before you make up your mind, perhaps your lawyer and financial advisor could meet with mine.” He glanced down at the financial sheets lying on top of his briefcase. “We’re prepared to make a very generous offer.” “I’m sure you are, but as I’ve said, Hamlin Construction is not for sale.” So much for the friendly approach. “I see.” He put the sheets back into his briefcase. “Then I guess there’s no more to be said at the moment.” “Just one thing. I’d count it a personal favor if you’d leave Leigh alone.” “I beg your pardon?” “She’s not the kind of woman that goes out with married men.” It wasn’t Jake’s place or in his best interests to enlighten him. He rose. “Then it would seem you have nothing about which to worry.” He inclined his head. “Thanks for your time.”

***** After that sleazy fuck in Mike’s office, Leigh found sleeping difficult. No matter how she tried to justify her behavior, it distressed her. She was the last woman who should have an affair with a married man who wanted to seize Mike’s company. And yet she knew that given the chance, she’d let him fuck her again. The fact that he had fucked rather than made love to her made it so much worse. At least if they could claim to be in love with each other… it would somehow mitigate her culpability. When he came into the office, she managed to be somewhere else. Still, whenever she had a free moment, she found herself thinking of him. To have such a gorgeous hunk want her so badly he hadn’t been able to control his reaction to her. What an ego booster!

“Keep grinning like that and you’ll split your face clean in two.” “What?” She shook her head and forced her eyes to focus on Mike’s face. He sat at his desk, smiling as he watched her. They’d been discussing their schedules for the week when his phone rang. He’d asked her to stay and she’d promptly begun daydreaming about Jake. “My mind wandered.” “Obviously in very happy places.” Shameless places were more like it. She dropped her gaze to the appointment book, lying in her lap. It was exactly a week since Jake had taken her in Mike’s office. She’d managed not to think about him for nearly thirty, maybe forty minutes of each day since then. Lying in bed at night, she often lost herself in shameless fantasies where her desire for Jake was firmly intertwined with Tianna’s need for Thor. “Leigh? You still with me?” She tugged at her right ear. “Yes...ah...what do you have scheduled for this afternoon?” He frowned. “Jake Thornton and I are having lunch.” She made a point of closing her appointment book slowly before looking up at him. “Again?” He nodded silently, his dark gray gaze on her face. “Mike, what’s going on? Are you really thinking of selling? I know you don’t like me to ask, but it’s not just for myself that I’m asking. Whenever I’m out in the field, the crews are always asking me what’s going to happen. And I don’t know what to tell them.” He spoke after a long pause. “I didn’t want to mention it until I was certain it was what I wanted to do.” “Is he the only person you’re talking to?” “I’m talking informally with several people.” But Jake had made up his mind to buy the company, and he wasn’t the type of man to be sidetracked. She lifted the hair from the back of her neck, let it fall back into place, then tugged at her right ear, nearly dislodging the earring there. “Why are you selling? I didn’t think you’d ever give up control of the company.” He sighed. “Believe me it wasn’t my idea.” She stiffened. “You mean he’s pressuring you into it?” “Who?” “Jake Thornton!” “No, Leigh. My doctor tells me I’m a prime candidate for a heart attack. I’ve been warned to either drastically cut back on work or retire.” She exploded out of her chair and went to stand behind him, laying a hand on his shoulder. “What?! Why didn’t you tell me?” “You have enough to do without worrying about me.” “Mike! I don’t need to be shielded from life and I certainly don’t need or want protection from worrying about you!” He reached back to pat the hand lying on his shoulder. “I know, but it’s not easy to

forget how protective I’ve always felt toward you. If I’d ever had a daughter, I couldn’t have loved her anymore than I do you.” “Oh, Mike!” She put her arms around his neck and pressed her cheek against his. “I wish you’d told me sooner. I’ve been so worried.” He sighed. “I’m sorry, honey. I promise to keep you informed from now on.” “How do you feel?” “Now, Leigh, don’t start imagining I’m half dead because I’m not. The goal is not to get there, which is why I’ve decided to take on a junior partner.” She kissed his cheek before moving back to her chair. She tugged at her right ear for a moment before speaking. “Do you really think Thornton will settle for anything less than a controlling interest?” His eyes narrowed. “I’ve worked too hard to allow anyone else to take the controlling interest. If he’s not interested in what I’m offering, there are others who are.” She opened her appointment book. “I just can’t see Thornton settling for anything less than what he wants.” “Suppose you let me worry about that?” he suggested. “He’s not the first shark I’ve had to deal with.” Maybe not, but she had a feeling he was going to be the deadliest. She forced a smile. “Okay. If I remember correctly, you have a conference with Ray Harris at one-thirty, and you’re due out at the site by three-thirty. So try to keep lunch reasonably short.” “Yes, ma’am.” He saluted her and they both laughed. He sobered first. “Listen, Ray Harris called to invite us to a party on Friday night he’s hosting at the Country Club. Interested?” A sense of excitement filled her. “Yes! I never thought I’d get invited there.” “Why not?” Because ordinary looking women like her weren’t likely to attract the attention of the rich men who made up the membership of the Country Club. But she knew from past experience that Mike saw her through the eyes of a doting father. “We don’t move in those circles,” she pointed out. “Then I’ll accept. Who knows, you might just meet someone special there.” Although both he and Cath seemed to like Cliff, neither one of them thought he was her Mr. Right. She feigned a frown. “By someone you mean a man.” He grinned. “I sure don’t mean a woman.” “I wish you wouldn’t worry about me, Mike. When someone special comes along, fine. For now, I’m happy just as I am.” “I know. One thing, honey. When you finally meet this guy, just make sure he is available.” She felt the blood rising to her neck into her cheeks. It was almost as if he knew of her sleazy behavior with Jake. “I will. Ah, I have some calls to make and letters to answer. So, I’d better get going.” She flashed him a quick, nervous smile and headed for the door. Back in her office, she began opening her mail. Then, because Dawn was still out sick and she didn’t want to leave the reception desk empty, she went out there to dictate

her replies to Pauline. “That’s the last one, Pauline. Thanks.” She rose. “Oh, Leigh. Do you have time to go over your appointments with me?” She nodded and resumed the seat. “Okay, but there really aren’t that many—” She broke off as the door opened and Jake walked in. One look into his intense blue eyes and she drew a mental blank. She heard Pauline clear her throat and glanced at the clock mounted on the wall, just above the door. “You’ re early.” “I was hoping to catch you before you left for lunch.” “Why?” Did he want to go somewhere for a quick, sordid fuck? Considering the way she’d behaved the last two times she saw him, she felt surprisingly unembarrassed. “I wondered if you’d like to join us.” “Oh?” She hoped her voice was much firmer than it sounded to her sensitive ears. “Well, thanks, but I can’t. I’m busy,” she said too quickly. His slow, knowing smile assured her that he knew she was being less than truthful. She almost held her breath, waiting for him to bait her. “Then maybe you could join us for a drink.” “No. I can’t.” His smile widened. “I see. Well, maybe another time then,” he said, amiably. “Is Mike available?” She released an audible breath. “Yes. Please. Go right through.” Without another glance in her direction, he moved through the door leading to the corridor behind the reception area. She turned to find Pauline watching her with a curious look on her face. She would have to learn not to react so openly to him.

***** Jake looked up from his computer. After a brief knock on his office door, Joe entered and flung himself into one of the chairs in front of his desk. He studied Joe’s face, noting the cool look in his eyes and the thinning of his lips. “What’s wrong? Did things go badly with Elizabeth Reed?” He ran a hand through his hair. “I think I can get her to sell her three thousand shares. As long as I’m willing to wine and dine her to get them.” “Are you telling me you’re not willing?” “Oh, you’d like me to spend my time wining and dining a woman old enough to be our mother while you spend yours with Leigh.” “Look, Joe, can we stick to business?” he asked wearily. “I’ll get those shares from Elizabeth Reed, but I am not backing away from Leigh.” “Fine,” he snapped. “Why don’t we concentrate on business now and let Leigh decide which one of us she prefers?” “Fine, Jake!” He knew he should back off, leaving the way clear for Joe. He sighed. There was something about Leigh that made it impossible for him to walk away from her—even for

Joe.

***** Thor looked down at the face of the woman lying under him on the furs, her legs spread, her pussy cradling his spewing cock. Her large, firm breasts pressed against his chest, her soft hands clutched his waist, eager to receive every drop of his seed. Her long, dark hair provided a perfect frame for her flawless face. She was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen. And her appetite for sex with him never waned. He only needed to walk into a room with his hardened cock lying upon the inside of his leg and she’d be disrobed and splayed for him in a trice. She never seemed to tire of confessing her endless desire and love for him. She welcomed him into her arms and pussy whether he was gentle or rough and angry. It seemed not to matter to her how he came to her. She was a prize any man would die to have, passionate, beautiful, and his. This woman… his lady Sif… his wife. Yet, his cock never entered her body without him closing his eyes and pretending the woman who lay under him was tiny, plain, in love and lust with him, and not lost to him forever. His Tianna. Several years had passed since she had been taken from him and still he longed for her. He pulled out of Sif, his heart aching and heavy. He rolled over onto his stomach and lay with his eyes closed. Tianna. My little one. Where are you? I will find you. I swear an oath by Odin’s blood, I will never stop looking for you. Nothing will separate us for an eternity…not even death. I will come for you, my little one. I swear it. “My lord?” He felt soft hands stroke down his body, then he was urged onto his back. He sighed and opened his eyes. Sif, her dark eyes shining with love and desire, rose over him. Fondling him, she straddled his hips and fed his cock into her body. Even as he lifted his hips and thrust up into her soft warmth, he closed his eyes and thought of his lost love. Tianna.

Chapter Six

“Jake, are you busy?” Damn. After nearly two weeks of trying in vain to get Leigh Temple to have lunch with him, Jake found himself fighting a continuing battle not to blow up at everyone around him on the slightest provocation. The thought that she’d let him fuck her, but wouldn’t go out with him, bewildered and angered him. He’d had to apologize to nearly everyone in the office within the last week. He was determined not to add Sharon to his growing list of victims. Exhaling slowly, he extended his arms, lifted the weight bar over his chest and carefully set it in the twin iron forks above his head. Then he sat up, straddling the weight bench before turning to look at Sharon.

She stood in the doorway of the left attic room that he and Joe used to workout. The sleek cream-colored pantsuit she wore clung to her body, highlighting all her charms. Her long dark hair cascaded around her shoulders, providing the perfect frame for her beautiful face. He frowned, realizing for the first time that she rather looked like the beautiful Sif, Thor’s passionate, but unloved wife. “Can we talk?” “About?” “About us.” He stifled a groan. How many times was he going to have to tell her that there was no longer an “us” as far as they were concerned? “I’m listening.” “Can we try again?” He picked up the towel lying near his right foot and wiped the sweat from his face and bare chest before looking at her. “We’ve already talked about this.” “I know, but since neither one of us is seeing anyone else, I thought...maybe—” “I’m sorry, Sharon,” he said gently. “But it’s over.” She bit her bottom lip. “Is it because of her?” He draped the towel around his neck. “No,” he said shortly. Of course he knew who she meant by ‘her.’ “It’s not because of Leigh Temple and you know that, Sharon.” “No, I don’t,” she said quickly. “How can I?” “Because our divorce was already nearly final before she and I even met!” “Okay, but if it is, I think you should know that I don’t mind.” He sighed. “You don’t mind what?” “If you and she...” “If she and I what?” She shrugged and averted her gaze. Even after four years of marriage, she was almost as shy as she’d been the first time they met. “You know.” “Fuck,” he suggested quietly. “Is that what you mean?” He watched her blush as she nodded. “Yes. I won’t make any trouble. I know you...like her...a lot.” Like didn’t begin to describe what he felt when he thought about Leigh. The worst part was he wasn’t sure where Thor’s desire for Tianna ended and his desire for Leigh began. “She has nothing to do with us. I’m fond of you, Sharon. I always have been, and I suspect I always will be.” “But you don’t love me.” “Not the way a man should love his wife.” “Do you love her that way, Jake?” The question surprised him. “Love her? I don’t even know her.” What he wanted from Leigh had everything to do with pure, raw desire, and absolutely nothing to do with love. Unlike Thor, he’d never been in love. He was beginning to think he never would be. “Well, if you don’t love her, why can’t we—” she began eagerly, putting a small hand on his shoulder. “Because we can’t. Sharon, we’ve been all over this long before I even met Leigh. It’s

over between us.” “I know, but what am I going to do without you?” He got up and held a hand out to her. Sighing deeply, she pressed herself in his arms. As he held her, he wondered again how he’d ever seen her as anything other than a sweet innocent. A somewhat conniving innocent, but still an innocent. Not that he’d ever intended to marry her. Hell, he hadn’t even intended to follow through on his occasional lustful thoughts of her with so much as a kiss. He stroked her hair. “I’ll always be there for you, Sharon.”He cupped her face and looked down at her. “Just not as your husband, but as someone you can trust and turn to if you need help.” “So you’re going through with the divorce?” “Sharon, you know that for all intents and purposes that we are already divorced.” “I won’t have to leave here right away, will I?” “No.” He pressed her head back against his shoulder. “You don’t have to leave until you’re ready.” Her arms went around his waist and she reached up to kiss his chin. “Thanks, Jake.” “Well, now, isn’t this touching?” Joe stood in the doorway, watching them, his eyes full of amusement. He wasn’t dressed in sweats or shorts, so he hadn’t come to workout. Which meant he probably wanted to talk. Lately all their conversations centered on which one of them was going to leave Leigh alone. Ignoring Joe, he looked down at Sharon. “All right now?” She nodded and pulled away from him. “Yes.” “Good.” “Are we still having dinner Wednesday night?” He nodded. “Yes.” “Okay.” She leaned up to kiss his chin again. He watched her squeeze past Joe before he lay back on the weight bench. “How was your day?” he asked, as he slowly pressed the weight over his head. “Just dandy, big brother.” Joe straddled the other weight bench. “How about yours?” “Fine.” “Great.” “So what’s wrong?” “Who says anything’s wrong?” He sighed, lifted the weight back into place, and sat up to face Joe. “The tone of your voice. What is it?” Joe ran a hand through his hair. “Jake, I think you should forget about Leigh. It’s not going to work. She’s not the kind of woman who—” He held up a hand. “Please. Joe. Spare me. I know exactly what kind of woman she is—the kind that doesn’t need coddling.” Joe rose. “Fine. Be an idiot!” “An idiot?” He shot to his feet and faced Joe, his eyes narrowing.

“Yes, Jake, an idiot! Do you really think she’s the kind of woman who’s going to get involved with a married man?” “What I think, little brother, is that you’re not thinking with your head,” he said, angrily. “Oh, that’s rich coming from a man who can’t even dance with a decent woman without getting a hard on. If you were able to think with your head when it came to women, you wouldn’t have been foxed into marrying Sharon.” He took several deep breaths in an effort to slow his breathing. The urge to deck Joe was harder to overcome. “This is getting us nowhere. I’ve already told you that I have no intentions of backing off. Do us both a favor and don’t ask me to again.” Joe shrugged. “Fine. Just thought you might want to be a sport for once.” His anger evaporated. “Look, Joe, I know you think I should leave her alone. And to please you, I’d like to.” “But you’re not going to, are you?” “I can’t.” He briefly considered telling Joe of his recurring dreams of another life… of Thor and Tianna, but discarded the idea. Joe would think he’d lost his mind. Hell, maybe he had. After all, Leigh did not look like Tianna, but she turned him on… just as Tianna had done with Thor. Nevertheless, it was Leigh he wanted… not some reincarnation of Tianna. “Why can’t you, Jake? You can have your pick of women.” “So can you. I happen to want her.” “Fine.” He glanced at his watch. “I’d better go. I have a ten o’clock flight tonight. I’m flying to Chicago to meet with a man who owns ten thousand shares of Hamlin Construction stock. I expect to be back by Friday.” He nodded, putting a hand on Joe’s shoulder. “Have a safe flight and a good trip.” Joe’s nodded. “I’ll see you Friday, big brother.”

***** Two nights later, Leigh sat in the lounge of an exclusive Society Hill restaurant, drinking coffee and trying to convince herself that she was glad to be with the man accompanying her. She’d been seeing Cliff for just over a year. He was easy to be with, and he didn’t make every evening out a wrestling match. Until he’d started to hint at marriage, she’d been content with their relationship. He was thirty, a successful CPA, had nice green eyes, thick dark brown hair, a well-developed body, and an attractive face. And he was nice. Her mother would probably have considered him a good catch. She knew she could do a lot worse. A small, rebellious part of her heart whispered she could do better too. Joe Thornton’s kisses had been more thrilling than any of Cliff’s. Still, even his kisses hadn’t been quite enough to turn the world upside down for her. It shamed and depressed her to believe that Jake’s kisses would make her forget any other man existed. She tingled all over whenever he looked at her with those deep sexy eyes of his that promised so many delightfully wicked things without his saying a word. Part of her knew that his kisses would be more than equal to her imagination.

As if she had conjured him up, she looked up to see him and Sharon walking toward the table she shared with Cliff. Sharon’s arm was slipped possessively through his. And why not? She was his wife. She had every right to touch and cling to him as much as she liked. Obviously she liked quite a bit. The term clinging vine came to mind. Leigh dismissed it immediately as mean and vindictive. Jake looked down at her, his smile like a warm caress, his gaze seductive and alluring. Her heart thumped in response. “Leigh. This is a pleasant surprise.” Darlin’. Of course he didn’t say the last word aloud, but he projected it at her. It washed over her with the force of a tidal wave. She flashed him a quick smile. “Mr. Thornton...and Mrs. Thornton. How nice,” she muttered, aware that his gaze had shifted from her face to the table where her hand rested in Cliff’s. “Introduce us,” he suggested, turning his gaze on Cliff as he rose. “This is Jake and Sharon Thornton.” She nodded her head in Cliff’s direction. “And this is Cliff Wallace.” She turned to look directly at Jake. “A very good friend of mine.” Jake’s smile tightened. “I see.” “We were just having coffee.” Cliff rested his gaze on Sharon’s beautiful face. “Please join us.” Leigh looked at Jake, willing him to refuse. He returned her stare. “We’d be delighted to join you. Wouldn’t we, Sharon?” She looked away from Cliff long enough to smile at Jake. “Oh, yes.” “Great,” Cliff said eagerly. “Before she sits down, would you mind if I danced with your wife, Mr. Thornton?” “Be my guest.” He smiled slightly. “I’ll keep Leigh company while you’re gone.” Moments later, Leigh soon found herself sitting opposite him. He’d waved the approaching waiter away. His smile had vanished. “Who is he?” He asked that as if he had a right to know. “Excuse me?” “You heard me.” For a moment, the tone of command rattled her. Then she reminded herself that he was not her lord or master. “Yeah, I heard you. And I think you heard how I introduced him.” “Just how good a friend is he?” “Very good,” she said again. He turned to glance briefly toward the dance floor where Cliff and Sharon danced slow and close together. “Well, your very good friend seems to find Sharon very attractive.” She shrugged. “What man wouldn’t? She’s one of the loveliest women I’ve ever seen.” “I suppose so. If you like all that dark intensity,” he said, shocking her. “You say that as if you don’t.” “Me?” He shrugged. “I prefer brown hair with auburn lights, beautiful brown eyes, and a cool exterior. And the ability to blush occasionally,” he added.

Despite her best efforts, she could feel the warm color sweep up her neck. It was all she could do to keep from putting her hands up to cover her heated cheeks, and she found it impossible to meet his gaze. His laughter, warm and deep, tingled along her nerve endings, making it difficult for her to concentrate. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a girl like you.” She did look at him then. “I am not a girl, Mr. Thornton.” His gaze brushed fleetingly over her breasts and lips before catching and holding hers captive. “No,” he agreed softly. “I can see that you’re not. I didn’t mean that as a put down, so let’s not argue.” “Okay, Mr. Thornton. We won’t argue.” “Good, but don’t you think it’s time you called me Jake?” And risk losing sight of the need to keep as much distance between them as possible? “No, I don’t. Mr. Thornton sounds just about right to me.” “Does that mean you expect me to keep calling you Ms. Temple? That sounds so cool and things between us have warmed considerably.” “Well, you don’t always call me Ms. Temple, now do you, Mr. Thornton?” she pointed out sweetly. “And besides, haven’t you just finished saying I was cool?” “What I said, darlin’, was that you presented a cool exterior.” He leaned across the table to smile intimately into her eyes. “I have rather high hopes for your interior. Every lovely inch of it… now that I know how passionate and giving you can be.” She stared at him in dismay. How dare he talk such nonsense to her with Sharon dancing within a few feet of them? For all he knew, she might be listening to every word. What if she figured out how far they’d gone? She glanced guiltily across the room to where Cliff and Sharon danced. They appeared oblivious to everyone except each other. She turned back to face him. “Why are you doing this?” “Why am I doing what?” “What do you want from me?” His blue eyes glittered with desire. “Oh, I think you know perfectly well what I want from you.” “You’ve already… had it,” she said. “Oh, I need much more of what you gave me in Mike’s office.” A tide of heat burned its way up her neck and into her cheeks. “Please. That was a colossal mistake.” “Not from where I sit. The only real question here is when you’re going to give it to me again.” She should have been shocked, maybe outraged enough to want to slap that confident look off his too handsome face. So why did she feel a knot of desire twisting in her stomach instead? Why was a small, wicked part of her agreeing with him that it really was only a matter of time before she was lying under his big body in some dark room eagerly taking all he had to give? “I’ve heard enough from you,” she said in a ragged voice and started to stand. He reached across the table to capture her hand in an iron like grip. After a moment of futile resistance, she subsided into her seat again, staring angrily at him. “Let me go.”

He loosened his grip slightly. “I will. In a moment. I just don’t want you running away as things are getting interesting.” “You’re imagining things, Mr. Thornton.” He smiled, studying her flushed face. “Oh, I don’t think so, Ms. Temple.” “Please release me.” “I said I would and I will. I do my best to keep my word. Just tell me what you’re afraid of.” “How many times must I tell you I’m not afraid of anything?” She tugged at her hand. Resisting her efforts to pull away, he ran the ball of his thumb across the inside of her wrist, where he allowed it to rest on her pulse beat. “Then why is your pulse racing? Either you’re afraid of me, and I assure you, there’s no need to be, or you’re excited at the thought of spending the night with me. Which is it, darlin’? Tell me. I’m eager to know the affect I have on you.” She felt the hot color again flooding into her cheeks. But now she was angry. “You want to know the affect you have on me? Well, I’ll tell you—you make me sick!” she spat the words at him. “I suppose that’s how you get your jollies, manhandling women.” He dropped her hand as if her fingers were suddenly searing his. “That’s not exactly the response I was hoping for. I...ah...I have no desire to manhandle you or any other woman. God knows I don’t want to make you sick. I’m sorry,” he said quietly. She stared at him. Anger. Arrogance. Indignation. Rage. All that and more she had expected from him. But an apology in that quiet, almost humble voice? It was so unexpected and rather unnerving. But even more upsetting was the way it made her feel —soft and forgiving. “From the first night we met, you looked at me with intense dislike. Why? Why when we’re so good together sexually?” His words rekindled her shame. She had made two huge mistakes with him, but she was not about to compound them by having sex him again. “It’s obvious you’re not only used to every woman you meet falling down at your feet, but you seem to expect it as your natural due.” His eyes narrowed. “I never said that.” “Maybe not in words, but that’s the attitude you project. It’s obviously what you’ve come to expect. Well, I hate to disillusion you, but not every woman finds you irresistible, Mr. Thornton.” “And you’re telling me that you’re one of the ones who don’t?” “That’s exactly what I’m telling you. Don’t be fooled by my purely physical response to you.” She was delighted to see a faint flush cover his handsome face at her words. “As a mater of fact, I like my men on the other side of forty. You must be what...forty-five?” He stared at her for a long time, a bleak look in his eyes. “As a matter of fact, I’m thirty-six, but I guess that’s your rather charming way of telling me I look older.” “I guess it is.” He stood up abruptly. “Then I guess there’s nothing else to say except good night

and good-bye.” Good-bye? She had to bite her lip and clench her hands into fists to keep from reaching out to grab his hand and begging him not to leave her again. She fought back a wave of panic, as she watched him walk across the room to where Sharon and Cliff still danced. He spoke quietly to her, took her arm, and walked her away. At the door, Sharon turned to wave, but he didn’t look around. Cliff came back to the table, looking puzzled. “He came to take her away before we could even finish our dance. What was that all about?” “I have no idea.” “You were talking to him before he went ballistic. He must have given you some clue what was wrong,” he insisted. “Maybe he didn’t like the way you were dancing with his wife,” she pointed out coolly, then felt mean when he blanched. “You don’t mean he thought that I was...interested in her!” That’s exactly what she meant, but what was the point in saying it? Cliff would only deny it and she didn’t really much care if he were interested in Sharon. “I was only teasing.” “That’s not exactly the kind of joke I appreciate, Leigh. What do you take me for? She’s a married woman.” “I told you,” she said wearily. “It was just a joke. And in case she didn’t tell you, they’re not exactly married.” “What’s that supposed to mean? Either they’re married or they’re not.” “It’s what they’ve both told me. I don’t know anymore than that. Now do you mind if we leave too?” He shook his head. “No, we might as well,” he said. She was too wrapped up in her own confused thoughts to wonder at his lack of protest at having their evening end so soon. He made no move to put his hand on her knee as he drove her home, as he usually did. And his good night kiss, which had become especially warm lately, was just a peck on her cheek. He left her at the door without arranging another date, which was something he rarely did.

***** “She’s not the only woman in the world, you know.” Jake’s hands tightened on the steering wheel, but he kept his gaze on the semi-dark highway ahead of him. “What?” “Leigh Temple. She’s not the only woman in the world.” Who cared how many other women there were in the world when the only one he wanted had just given him his walking papers? “I don’t recall saying she was, Sharon,” he said coolly. He felt her fingers brush his arm and barely resisted the urge to jerk away. That scene with Leigh was not of Sharon’s making. “I know you didn’t say it, but...that must be how you feel.”

“Sharon, I don’t want to talk about her.” “Neither do I, but—” “Then why are we having this conversation?” “I don’t see why I have to starve just because she has a boyfriend and isn’t interested in you!” she said with much more spirit than she generally showed. Stung by her assertion that Leigh wasn’t interested in him, the rest of her words were slow to resister. “Starve?! What are you talk...” he trailed off as he realized what he’d done. He’d walked out of the restaurant where they were supposed to have dinner without allowing her to sit down or so much as order an appetizer. Damn! He put on his right turn signal. “I’ll get off at the next exit and head back.” “To Gianni’s?” He frowned. She sounded very excited at the idea of going back. He knew it wasn’t because she was anxious to see Leigh. That left Leigh’s boyfriend, Cliff Wallace. Normally, he would have welcomed Sharon’s interest in another man and willingly gone back. But he was feeling too raw by Leigh rejection. “No. There’s a new Italian place just off of 95. Let’s try that.” “Oh. Okay.” There was no mistaking the disappointment in her voice. He squeezed the hand still resting on his arm. “There’ll be another time, Sharon.” She jerked her hand back. “For what?” “To try to take her boyfriend away from her.” “Do you think she’ll mind?” He didn’t care if she did. “No. Why should she? She’s not exactly devoted to him.” “How do you know that?” An opening in the traffic ahead of him allowed him to expertly merge his SUV onto the off ramp. “You saw the way she kissed Joe at the party. She wouldn’t have behaved that way with him if she really cared about that boyfriend of hers.” Not to mention the intimacies she’d allow him. Not that he’d ever reveal that to anyone. “You know, Jake, I think you’re right. She can’t really want him that much.” “There you go,” he said. Once Sharon had distracted Cliff Wallace, he had a feeling the going would be easier for him. It had to be because he suspected he would not be capable of giving up Leigh.

Chapter Seven

Cath spread butter on a piece of toast and looked across the table at Leigh. “You’re worried that Cliff fell for Jake’s wife last night?” “I know he did. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Not that I blame him. She’s so lovely. It’s hard to understand why Jake Thornton behaves the way he does.” “Maybe she’s cold.”

“Oh, Cath! How can you say that? He’s hardly the type to put up with a non-responsive wife.” “But that’s just it, isn’t it? He doesn’t put up with her. According to you, he has quite a reputation with the ladies and now he’s after you.” “It won’t do him any good!” She felt like a hypocrite, but she just couldn’t admit even to Cath that she’d had sex with him. “He’s not to know that unless he tries, is he?” She thought of his reaction to her attempt to hurt him. “I think he does know it now,” she said, hating the remorse she felt. There was no reason for her to feel badly. She’d only done what needed to be done. “And Cath, I’m not the one who said he had a reputation as a lady’s man.” “Maybe not, but you were sure quick enough to repeat those rumors.” “Well, if you’d only seen the way he behaved, you’d understand.” “He came onto you again, huh?” She nodded. Cath sighed and shook her head. “Oh, Leigh. You are so lucky! Why can’t you appreciate it?” She sighed. “I know neither of them seem to mind the fact that he’s still… married, but he is… even if it’s only a technicality.” “Well, maybe they have an open marriage. Did she seem to mind his flirting with you while she was doing the same with Cliff?” “No, but that doesn’t matter. I don’t think he’ll come onto me again.” “Why not?” “I...I was pretty rough on him.” “You sound almost sad. Are you sure you don’t like him just a little?” “Of course I’m sure! I detest cheating men!” “But if their marriage is over, he’s not a cheating man!” “Cathy, marriage is supposed to be a lifetime commitment. You can’t just tire of each other and decide to abandon your vows.” “Why not if you don’t love each other anymore?” Why not indeed? Sharon’s reaction to Cliff made it clear that she was no more in love with Jake than he was with her. Was she making too much of their being “married?” She just wasn’t sure.

***** On Friday evening, Leigh and Mike arrived early at the Country Club and were seated at a table near the Olympic-sized outdoor pool, sipping cool drinks when she felt a tingling sensation along the back of her neck. Her heart began to pound and her mouth went dry when she looked up to see Jake and Joe Thornton approaching. Both men were wearing swimming briefs under open, short-sleeved shirts. Both looked good, but it was onto Jake’s long, muscular body that she locked her gaze. He had wide shoulders. His deep chest was covered with fine golden hair. His waist was lean, his stomach flat and taunt-his legs long and muscular. She looked quickly away

before her gaze could lock on his groin. She heard Mike swear under his breath, but there was no hint of irritation in his voice when he spoke. “Jake. Joe. What a surprise.” “Mike.” “Hello, Mike.” Mike cast a weary look in her direction. “We didn’t expect to see you here. Join us?” She bit back a sigh of annoyance. But when the brothers stopped by their table, what else could Mike do? She didn’t mind seeing Joe again, but Jake was another story. Just maybe he would have the decency to refuse. She saw her hopes go up in flames when they both accepted and sat down. “Mighty kind of you,” Jake said. “This is a pleasant surprise, Leigh,” Joe said. “I’ve been away for the last week, but I ’ve been meaning to call your office to get your phone number.” “My phone number? Oh, but I ga...” She looked across the table at Jake, who gave her a blank, impersonal look. If he hadn’t asked for her phone number for Joe’s sake, and he obviously hadn’t, he must have asked for it for himself. Yet he hadn’t used it. Not that he would have been likely to after the way they’d last parted. She looked away from him and smiled at Joe. “I hope your trip was successful.” She watched he and Joe exchange startled looks. What was that look all about? She handed Joe a business card. “My home number’s on the back.” Joe smiled. “I’ll treasure it,” he said. “You know all the right things to say and you say them so elegantly.” He looked injured. “But I mean every word I say.” She heard Jake snort. She glanced at him and found him watching her. The blank look had been replaced by a small smirk. He inclined his handsome blond head ever so slightly. “What will you two have to drink?” Mike lifted a hand to summon a waiter. “Gin and tonic,” Joe said. “Bourbon,” Jake said. Joe and Mike began to talk about the general state of the construction trade. Jake didn’t join in and although she didn’t look at him, she could almost feel him watching her. The drinks arrived and Joe took several sips of his before turning to smile at her. “Feel like a swim?” “I’d love one.” Anything to get away from Jake’s relentless, unfriendly gaze. Joe got to his feet and held his hand out to her. She rose and slowly shed her toweling robe. Even though she wore a one-piece suit, it left her legs and shoulders bare. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jake lean back in his chair and stare openly at her. She turned to face him. The look of desire in his blue eyes seemed to sear her suit away and burn into her naked flesh, making her feverish with longing.

“I think I’ll come too.” Keeping his gaze on her flushed face, her rose. “You’ll excuse me, won’t you, Mike?” Mike frowned slowly, inclining his head slightly. She smiled at Mike with a forced cheerfulness before walking to the pool with Jake and Joe on either side of her. Joe dived in first and swam a few yards underwater before coming up for air. “The water feels great. Come on in you two.” Jake looked down at her. “Coming?” “After you.” He smiled suddenly and a feeling of delight engulfed her. “Don’t you trust me?” “No.” “What? Do you think I intend to toss you into the pool?” “You might.” She looked him up and down. “You look like the type who would get a kick out of that sort of juvenile nonsense.” “Never let it be said that I ever disappointed you, darlin’“ he drawled, lunged for her, and caught her up in his strong arms. Just for a moment, he held her clasped against his chest, and she felt his heart beating steadily against her cheek. She stared up at him, longing to slip her arms around his neck. She saw an acknowledgement of her desire in his gaze. Then she gave a little cry as he tossed her into the pool. She sank straight to the bottom, taking in a mouthful of water on the way down. She swam back to the surface coughing and rubbing her burning eyes. There was murder in her heart as she looked around for Jake. He stood on the tiles, well out of her reach. She leveled a hand at him. “I’ll get you for that...you...you big dolt!” “I sincerely hope so. Enjoy yourself now, sugar,” he said and strolled away. Joe swam over to her, a slight smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. “Leigh? You all right?” “Yes. No thanks to your infantile brother!” He looked at her pointedly. “He’s been acting rather strange lately.” “If you ask me, he’s very strange all the time,” she said and swam away. She turned back almost immediately and smiled. “Sorry. Race you.” He grinned. “You’re on.” They swam toward the other end of the pool. He was easily the better and stronger swimmer. He reached the end well before she did and came back to urge her on. “If you were a gentleman, you would have allowed me to win,” she grumbled good-naturedly. “Who said anything about being a gentleman?” He widened his blue eyes. “We Thornton men aren’t noted for our chivalry.” “I can well believe that of your brother, but not you.” To her surprise, he shook his head. “At the risk of helping the competition, I think you misunderstand Jake. He’s a great guy.” “You’ve a very sweet and loyal brother,” she said.

“Hmm.” He pursed his lips and tilted his head to one side. “Sweet and loyal, huh? How many French kisses will that get me?” She laughed. “Oh, Joe! I do like you.” “And I like you, Leigh, but you haven’t answered my question.” “And I’m not going to.” “Ah, well.” He slipped an arm around her shoulders and walked her back to their table. She slipped back into her robe before taking her seat, relieved to see that Mike was still there. Jake pushed a cool drink across the table toward her. She pulled her cap from her head and her hair tumbled onto her bare shoulders. “Thank you,” she said coolly. “Sorry about throwing you into the pool, but you did egg me on,” he told her. “I egged you on?” she demanded. About to hotly deny it, she had a sudden mental picture of how ridiculous she must have looked as she hit the water, kicking and splashing for all she was worth. Her lips twitched with suppressed laughter for several moments before she surrendered to her amusement. When she laughed, the three men joined her. After that, she relaxed. She was still very aware of Jake, but not to the extent that she was sitting on the edge of her seat, expecting—almost wanting him to sweep her up into his arms again. It was as they sat over coffee talking about a popular play that was playing at the Walnut Street Theatre, that Joe offered to take her. “I can get some good seats if you’re interested.” “I am. Let’s do it on a Friday. That way we can spend as much time as we want afterwards without worrying about work the next day.” Joe grinned. “Sounds like a plan to me.” She smiled cheerfully at him. When she turned to look at Jake, she found him watching her with a cool look in his eyes. She smiled at him too. To her surprise, he returned her smile. “Would you like another drink?” he asked. “Thanks. No.” He stood up abruptly and looked down at her. “Would you dance with me?” She felt a warm rush at the remembrance of the only other time they’d danced together and what had followed. Another dance like that with him would ruin her. Still, with him standing over her, his hand extended and the other two men looking on, she told herself she had no choice but to accept. At least that’s how she rationalized her acceptance. She licked her lips as she gave him her hand and allowed him to draw her to her feet. He held her hand in his, his long fingers linked with hers and they walked toward the terrace. She shouldn’t be holding hands with him. Instead of pulling away, she rubbed her palm against his. He responded by gently squeezing her hand. He stopped several feet from the nearest couple and turned to look down at her. “Alone at last,” he said softly.

She allowed herself a quick glimpse around at all the people on the terrace and at the pool before smiling up at him. “Not so very alone after all.” He was still holding her hand. Now he put his free arm around her waist and pulled her close. She was wearing her short toweling robe, but he wore only his swimming briefs. A delicious shudder trembled down her body as their naked thighs touched. Her hands settled on his shoulders after she fought and won the battle to keep them from tangling in the fine hair on his chest. “We could be alone if you’d have dinner with me,” he said softly, pressing his cheek against her hair. “No.” She closed her eyes. If she didn’t look at him, just maybe she wouldn’t feel so vulnerable. But with her eyes closed, she forgot all the reasons she should keep him at arm’s length. She was only aware of how good it was to be held in his arms again, close to his big beautiful body. “Why not?” Her only response was to press closer to him. Breathing deeply, she savored the sweet male scent of him. He was so totally sensual and masculine. Just being with him made her feel sexy and irresistible. What would it hurt to enjoy another slow, intimate dance with him? Once the dance was over, she’d behave properly, she vowed and abandoned herself to the heady feeling of being back in his arms. When he bent his head and she felt his warm, soft lips caress her ear, she pressed closer to him. Her breath caught painfully in her throat when he began to sing to her. He had a deep, mellow, slightly off key voice. Still, she reveled in the words he whispered into her ear. He was gonna make her love him. Oh, yes, he would. As if he hadn’t already done that millennium earlier. She’d been born to love and please him. And please him she would. Her resistance crumbled. What was the use? How could she go on pretending he wasn’t everything she’d ever wanted in a man when her body was already molding itself against his? When her hands itched to stroke and caress his warm bare flesh? He was as attracted to her as she was to him. That’s all that mattered. “Jake...” she whispered his name involuntarily. She lifted her face, an open invitation in her eyes, her lips quivering slowly apart. “Oh, Jake!” With a soft murmur, he palmed her cheek and turned her mouth up to his. At the touch of his lips, hard, hot, and utterly possessive, demanding and getting an eager, helpless response from her, she sighed. Yes! Yes! This was what she wanted. What she needed. From the man she needed it from. The hands she slipped up the warm skin of his chest, trembled. Pausing only long enough to brush against his male nipples, making him shudder against her, she slid her arms around his neck. “Beautiful,” he whispered into her open lips, his hands gently pulling her robe open. He stoked his warm palm slowly down her thighs before he gripped her curved hips, and pulled them forcefully against his. “You are so beautiful.”

She sank her teeth into her bottom lip to keep from crying out at the thrill that quivered down her spine as he pressed her tightly against his throbbing body. He was aroused again, and God help her, so was she. Her lower body quivered and pulsed with need. Clinging helplessly to him, she deliberately rubbed her lower body against the growing bulge in his swimming briefs. He shuddered and she wrapped her arms around his waist, her only thought to keep that beguiling swelling centered between her trembling thighs. The feel of his cock left her longing for more intimate contact without the benefit of their swimming suits. She just wanted to feel him… against her leg… between her thighs… inside her. She pressed hungry little kisses along his jaw line when his mouth finally left hers and wantonly ground her hips against his. The desire to abandon herself to him completely was strong. She felt his fingers sliding the straps of her swimsuit off her shoulders and felt the warm night air brush against her bared breasts, hardening her nipples. She moaned and reluctantly came back to her senses. “No.” She spoke in an almost inaudible voice. She pushed his hands away and repositioned her swimsuit top. “Jake, no.” His warm, persuasive mouth moved insistently against her neck. The feel of his tongue tracing little, tender circles on her skin, threatened to make her dissolve into a helpless bundle of desire in his arms. “No?” he repeated softly. “As in no, lover, please don’t stop? Ever?” She arched her neck helplessly under his sensual onslaught. He kissed a trail of liquid delight up the sensitive column of her neck, while one of his hands left her hip to cup her heaving breasts. “That’s what you mean, isn’t it, sugar?” “No,” she gasped, pushing at his shoulders. “I mean no as in just plain no. No. No.” “Ah, sweetheart. You can’t mean no.” “I do. I do. Please, Jake. Just stop. Now.” “Now? As in this minute?” He lifted his head reluctantly, his eyes burning with desire. “Why?” His low, husky voice made her long to pull his head down against her aching breasts. “Why?” he asked again, pressing several deep, sweet kisses against her slightly swollen lips. Every nerve ending in her body throbbed with desire and she was aware of a sudden dampness between her legs. “You want me as much as I want you. I know you do. I can feel it in the way your body is pressing against mine. I can taste it in the sweetness of your kisses. I can smell it in your body’s response to mine.” She was on fire with the need to have him make love to her. That was bad enough. But to have him stand there with his lower body still pulsing against hers, telling her he could smell her need for him was more than she could handle. With her anger came release from the dictates of her wayward body. “Jake, you’ll stop because I told you to! Isn’t that reason enough?!” Closing her robe, she stepped away from him. As she did, she saw that they were no longer on the terrace, but were at the back of the main building. She had been too wrapped up in him to realize that he’d danced her there. She shuddered with horror when she thought if he hadn’t, they’d have been in full view of Mike and Joe and dozens of other people as they’d kissed with such complete and utter abandon.

Chapter Eight

Jake glared down at her. The woman had clearly lost it. He’d only responded to what she’d started. Now she wanted to leave him high and dry. He was supposed to be a gentleman and take her at her word? After the way she’d responded to his touch? He would—when hell froze over. He curled a hand around her arm and urged her body back against him, shoving his hips forward so she would be sure to feel all of him, hard and throbbing for her… only for her. He wrapped one arm around her waist, and allowed the other hand to cup her firm, rounded butt. As he’d hoped, she moaned softly and impulsively rotated her hips against him, rubbing herself along his aching hard-on. “No, dammit, it’s not reason enough!” he snarled at her, full of frustrated desire that no amount of cold water could alleviate. “It’s the only reason you’re going to get!” she shot back. “I am fed up with being chased by you. I want you to stay away from me.” “The hell you do!” She shoved at his shoulders, trying to draw her lower body away from his. “Jake! Please!” He tightened his grip. “Not until you tell me what the hell is wrong with you. You were enjoying that just as much as I was. Now you expect me to buy this fake outrage of yours? Well, it just doesn’t wash with me!” he raged, his voice low and huskily harsh. “We both know you’ve been around the block a time or two.” Her brown eyes blazed dangerously. “What did you say? Are you telling me you think I’m...I’m easy?” He remained silent, but he made no effort to conceal his feelings as he stared down at her. Even as she was demanding to be released, her body was responding to his. “You stupid, ill mannered brute!” To his utter amazement, she lifted her free hand and slapped him across his lips. He’d never been slapped before. Shocked, he released her, and took a step back, staring at her. She stared back. Several long, tense moments passed while they just stood there, both speechless. Finally, he saw her small white teeth sink into her trembling bottom lip. She reached out a hand to his mouth. Her touch was gentle and it took all of his willpower not to touch his tongue to her hand or to kiss her fingers. “Oh, God! I shouldn’t have hit you! I...I’m so sorry!” she whispered, threw an unhappy look in his direction, and ran around the building, toward the terrace. He stood where he was, wiping the blood from his lower lip with the back of his left hand, taking long, deep breaths. When the shock wore off, he was angry. Why had he

allowed her to get away with slapping him? He should have grabbed her and shaken her until her lovely teeth rattled. Instead he’d stood there like the dolt she’d called him earlier and let her get away scot-free. He put a hand up to his mouth again. He wanted...he needed her. And he was going to get her.

***** Leigh stood in front of the large lighted mirror in the ladies room, staring at her reflection. Her hair didn’t look too bad, but her eyes looked wild. Her lips felt swollen from Jake’s heated kisses. She glanced down at her right hand. It stung from contact with his mouth. She closed her eyes briefly and tugged angrily at her right ear. She shouldn’t have hit him. He had no way of knowing how much his words would hurt. Besides she had been easy with him. She splashed cold water onto her face, ignoring the interested look on the face of the attendant. Anyone looking at her would know she’d been kissed. Oh, God how she’d been kissed. She splashed more water on her face, then rubbed the back of her hand roughly across her mouth. But she knew it would take more than cold water and a hand to make her forget the feel and taste of Jake lips ravishing hers. She closed her eyes with remembered pleasure, as she thought of the rest of him—hard, insistent, and throbbing. And so clearly wanting her, as she wanted and needed him. “Are you all right, ma’am?” She looked in the mirror at the attendant, who stood behind her. She wasn’t, but she couldn’t hide in there all night like a coward. She turned to face the woman. “Yes. Thanks.” Turning back to study her reflection, she sighed. No doubt about it. Anyone looking at her was going to know she had been kissed breathless. If only she hadn’t left her evening bag at the table. Of course, she could ask the attendant to retrieve it for her, but then Mike would be unnecessarily alarmed. Still, the thought of facing Mike and Joe was almost enough to make her insides quake, but she’d have to see them both sooner or later. Sooner was better. She smiled at the attendant and walked from the ladies room. She saw with relief that Mike sat alone at the table when she returned. “Where’s Joe?” she asked quickly, hoping he’d pretend not to notice how rattled she was. “He’s gone for another swim. Are you all right?” She smiled. “Of course. Why shouldn’t I be?” He tried to study her face, but she dropped her head, letting her hair fall forward to cover and hide her hot cheeks. “Leigh? Honey?” She shook her head, without looking up. “I’m all right, Mike.” At least she would be if Jake didn’t come back to the table. She couldn’t sit across from him and pretend nothing had happened.

Mike reached out to cover her hand with his. “I’m ready to go. How about you?” She nodded quickly. They found Ray Harris and expressed their thanks, dressed, and made their way to the main entrance where they met Joe and Sharon. At the sight of Sharon guilt overwhelmed Leigh. How could she keep behaving so badly with Jake and face Sharon? “Are you leaving already?” Joe asked. “Yes.” Mike put an arm around her shoulders. “Leigh and I’ve had such a busy week that we decided to give ourselves an early night.” She couldn’t look at Joe. She was sure he must know what had happened between her and Jake. What must he think of her? “It’s nice to see you again, Leigh,” Sharon said. She bit her lip. “Same here, Sharon,” she murmured. “We never seem to get a chance to talk. Maybe we could have lunch together sometime.” She felt Mike’s fingers squeezing her shoulders gently. She froze. He knew. They probably all knew that she and Jake had come within a breath of having sex again. “Sure,” she muttered. “Well, we’ll be on our way now. Good night,” Mike said and finally led her away. In his car, she sat with her shoulders hunched, her face averted. No wonder Jake had been furious. She’d practically invited the whole incident, then lashed out at him for trying to take what she’d offered. Mike reached over suddenly and brushed a gentle finger against her cheek. “All right, honey?” She shook head. “No.” He sighed. “I could talk to him,” he offered. What good would talking to Jake do when she was the problem? Or rather her desire for him was the problem. He hadn’t exactly had to force himself on her. “Thanks, Mike, but no.” “Do you want to talk about it?” “I can’t.” She just wanted to be alone with her ugly thoughts. It wasn’t everyday a woman with her background was forced to realize she couldn’t stop sleeping with Jake.

***** Jake wasn’t surprised to find Joe waiting up for him when he got home late that night. But he was annoyed. After having gone back to the table to find Leigh had left, he’ d taken Sharon home. He’d then spent at least two hours driving along the dark, winding back roads of Bucks County. He was tired enough to sleep without lying in bed wondering what had gone wrong between he and Leigh. All he wanted was a shot of bourbon, a shower, and bed. But there was Joe coming from the living room, out into the hall to meet him at one in the morning, a determined look on his face. “What?” he asked wearily. “Jake, we need to talk.”

He shook his head and continued down the hall, toward his bedroom. “Tomorrow. Right now I’m going to bed.” “Now, Jake.” Joe stepped into his path. “It won’t take long.” He paused and cast a weary look in Joe’s direction. “What about?” But he knew. “You know about what. About who.” “What do you what from me, Joe?” “I want you to leave her alone, Jake.” He didn’t pretend to misunderstand. He stuffed his hands in his pants pockets and leaned back against the closed living room doors. “It’s none of your business. Stay out of this, Joe.” “I tried to, but you’re not being fair to her or Sharon.” He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t you hand me that bull about being fair to Sharon when you know I’ve been fairer to her than she ever deserved! As for Leigh, she’s a big girl. She can take care of herself.” “You wouldn’t say that if you’d seen her after you were finished with her.” “After I finished with her?” Joe made it sound as if he had manhandled and raped her. “What the hell is that suppose to mean?” He saw Joe’s gaze linger deliberately on his busted lip. He stifled a sigh. Joe had misunderstood what had happened between himself and Leigh. Normally, he would have set Joe straight, but he wasn’t in the mood to be explaining anything to anybody. “You know more about that than I do, Jake. But she was shaking, close to tears, and she couldn’t look anyone in the eye when I saw her just before she left. I’m telling you she is not the kind of woman who has casual affairs.” He shook his head. She obviously had Joe duped. “Look, Joe, I know you’re concerned about her, but believe me, it’s not necessary.” “How do you know that, Jake?” He found himself unwilling to sully her reputation by admitting he’d already had sex with her. “I do know, Joe,” he said wearily. “Trust me. Now if you’ll excuse me.” For a moment he thought Joe was going to press it. But finally he shook his head and stepped aside. “You’re making a mistake, man.” “Like hell I am,” he said and continued down the hall to his bedroom.

***** Tianna pressed her cheek against the furs and clenched her hands into fists. The man lying with his groin against her rear end, parted her nether cheeks and slid his shaft into her body. After five long, lonely years, being taken like an animal no longer distressed her. Her captor’s length was so small and thin, he only achieved pleasure when taking her bottom. Tianna’s only sexual pleasure came when she used her fingers on herself and remembered how wonderful she had felt lying with her master’s long, thick shaft repeatedly plunging into her quivering channel. A warmly remembered delight now lost to her forever.

After being taking in the raid, she had eagerly awaited his arrival to rescue her. When months and then years passed she came to the painful conclusion that he had died. That could be the only explanation for his failure to come for her. Although she did not believe he loved her, she knew he found great pleasure with her. He had told her many times that he would always come to her bed and her arms. He had once whispered to her that he would not even enter Valhalla if it meant leaving her behind. She had taken great comfort in that declaration, for Valhalla was the final resting place of heroes slain in battle. Now he was there without her. And she knew of no way to join him. Now nothing mattered. Without him, she had no reason to care what happened to her. She went on existing, because she knew that’s what he would have expected of her. But life no longer held any pleasure for her. The man lying on top of her reached his peak and slumped onto her, his cheek pressed against hers. “You are a fine wench,” he murmured. She closed her eyes on unshed tears. “Thank you, my lord,” she whispered in the “grateful” tone he had taught her to use to “thank” him for disdaining to take her as his bed wench. She, once the favorite bed wench of Thor, blood son of Odin, was now reduced to spending the rest of her earthly days as the vassal of a man who took her bottom and gave no thought to her pleasure. Surely the gods could not have intended this. She had done nothing worthy of such an existence. By Odin’s blood, somehow she would find a way to be with Thor again...even if she had to die to do it...even if it took an eternity.

***** Leigh was on her way out of the office on Monday morning when Pauline called after her. “Are you available for a call from Joe Thornton?” She smiled. “Yes.” She went through to her office. She sat on the edge of her desk, removed her hard hat, and picked up the phone. “Hello, Joe.” “Hi, Leigh. How are you feeling?” “Great. You?” “I’m great too. I have two tickets to the Walnut Street Theatre for this Friday. Can you make it?” “Sure. What time?” “The show starts at eight. How about if I pick you up for dinner at say...six?” “I’ll look forward to it.” “So will I. Listen, Sharon’s here with me. She’d like to talk to you if you have a moment. If not, she’ll understand.” It was nice of Joe to offer her a way out, but after carrying on with Jake, she owed Sharon as many moments as she wanted. “Of course. Put her on.” “Hi, Leigh.” “Hi, Sharon.” “I’m having a small cocktail party on Wednesday night. I’d like you to come. And

bring Cliff.” Leigh shook her head rapidly. There was no way she was going anywhere near Jake again. “I’m sorry, Sharon, but I already have plans for Wednesday night.” “Oh. Well, I’ll call you sometime so we can have lunch together.” “That… that would be… nice.” “Good. Bye.” “Bye.” She put the phone gently on its cradle. She continued to sit, the heel of her safety boot knocking gently against the bottom of the desk, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip—until she tasted blood in her mouth. She lifted a tissue from her desk to wipe her mouth. She had to get control of herself. She knew from watching her mother what havoc love and desire could wreak on a woman’s life. She refused to waste away over a man the way her mother had over her father. She wasn’t her mother. She was stronger. Her life was her own to control and guide. She would not become a sniveling, helpless, clinging vine over a man. Feeling reinforced, she sprang to her feet and plunked her hard hat down on her head. As she left the office, she was only sublimely aware that she was humming that old Temptation refrain Jake had sang to her at the Country Club. I’m gonna make you love me. As it turned out, Leigh wasn’t free on Wednesday after all. Cath called her that afternoon to ask her to partner a friend of her boyfriend Charlie for the night. “Charlie has four tickets to a show at one of the Casinos down in Atlantic City.” “Cath, you know how I feel about blind dates.” “He’s not blind. He can see just as well as you can,” Cath replied outrageously. She laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, Cath. I don’t think so.” “Oh, come on. A little gambling, a little man watching. It’ll be fun. And we both know that’s something you could use more of. What do you say?” She sighed. “Okay, but if he turns out to be a bore, you’ll be in deep do-do.” “Don’t worry. You’ll love him. Charlie has reservations for dinner at six-thirty and the show starts at eight. They’ll pick us up at four so we can get a jump on rush hour. Can you make it?” “Sure. I’ll see you when I get home.” She put the phone down and went down the hall to Mike’s office. He was on the phone, but he waved her in. She sank in the chair in front of his desk and waited. “How are you, honey?” he asked when he finished. She forced herself to meet his gaze. His good opinion meant a lot to her, and she was afraid she’d lost some of it by her conduct with Jake Thornton on Friday night. “I’m okay, thanks. Ah...Cath just called. She wants me to make a foursome tonight in A.C. If you don’t need me for anything, I thought I’d leave around two.” “No problem. Is it just dinner?” “No. We’re going to see a show too. What about you? What are your plans for tonight?” “I’m having dinner with the Thorntons tonight. As a matter of fact, I kind of thought

you’d come with me.” “And I think it’s time you got yourself a lady friend, Mike, and stopped trying to drag me all over creation. You need someone to take care of you.” “I can take care of myself very well, thank you.” He grinned at her. “Besides, who says I don’t have a lady friend?” He had been divorced for the last five years, having found his wife of ten years in bed with another man. She knew he’d had very few dates in the years since his divorce. Now she stared at him in surprised delight. “No.” He grinned. “Yes.” “You’ve been holding out on me. Who is she?” “I met her a couple of weeks ago.” “Where?” “The produce section of the supermarket.” She laughed. “Really? I never managed to meet anyone in the supermarket. When do I get to meet her?” “I was thinking the three of us could have dinner sometime.” “Name the time and the place.” She sat back in her chair and studied him. He smiled easily and he looked happy. “You like her a lot.” He hesitated. “Four weeks isn’t really a lot of time, but yes. Yes, I do like her, Leigh.” Four weeks was more than enough time. It had only taken one dance for her to realize that Jake was everything she wanted in a man. “What’s she like?” He smiled and his eyes got a far away look. “She’s absolutely wonderful. She’s not a raving beauty or anything, but she has such warmth and charm...she’s perfect.” “Mike, I am so thrilled for you. You deserve to be happy.” “So do you, Leigh. We both do.” “Maybe we both will.” She hoped her lack of conviction was not apparent. She couldn’t see herself being happy or satisfied with any man other than Jake.

***** Charlie’s friend, Alex Harding, was tall, lean, and boyishly attractive. He had an easy smile and warm brown eyes. He came from Houston. Although he wore a lightweight linen suit, Leigh had no trouble picturing him in jeans, boots, and a Stetson. One look at him and she knew she was going to like him. Charlie, who drove, made good time on the North and South Freeway leading into Atlantic City. They arrived early enough to play the slot machines before dinner. Leigh was delighted when she won a hundred dollars. “Let’s all have a drink on me,” she said, slipping her arm through Alex’s and smiling up at him. “Whatever you say, Leigh.” He spoke with a soft twang she found delightful. Now there was a real twang, she thought darkly. Not that phony one Jake used when he called her darlin’. After drinks, they went into dinner laughing and talking easily. Leigh enjoyed

herself. She was sincere when she told Alex to look her up the next time he was in Philly. “I’ll just do that,” he said and bent his head towards her. She accepted his good-bye kiss warmly. That night she slept soundly for the first time since she’d met Jake. She woke feeling ready to take on the world. The feeling lasted all the way to work and through the morning. It only vanished when Pauline buzzed her around 11:40 to tell her Jake was in the outer office. The moment she heard that, she crashed back to earth. She inhaled and exhaled deeply several times before speaking again. “Please send him back, Pauline,” she said, unable to stop herself from patting her hair and moistening her lips. A moment later, there was a tap on her door. She rose quickly. “Come in.” The door opened and Jake Thornton walked into her office, followed by an older man. “Good morning, Mr. Thornton.” She moved from behind her desk to extend her hand. “Ms. Temple.” He barely touched her hand before turning to the man at her side. “This is Tom Lowman, one of my attorneys. Tom, this is Leigh Temple, Mike Hamlin’s Construction Project Manager.” Leigh and Tom Lowman shook hands before she turned to look at Jake without actually meeting his gaze. “Is Mike expecting you?” “We’re a little early, but yes.” She could guess why he’d come early. She waited for him to ask her to join them for lunch. This time she had her excuse ready. But he just stood there looking at her with a detached look on his handsome face until she realized he wasn’t going to ask her to join them. Why would he? What man would want to have a meal with a woman who’d slapped him? Heat warmed her cheeks and she dropped her gaze. “Please. Go through. You know the way.” “Thank you. Tom,” he lifted a hand to point Tom in the right direction, then followed him without looking at her again. She sank down in her seat. No one who had witnessed their meeting would have believed that less than a week ago, he’d been holding and kissing her so passionately. He’d looked at her as if they were only slight acquaintances. “And so we are,” she reminded herself bitterly. She pulled the construction report she’d been working on closer. She would not allow any room in her thoughts for regrets for what could never be between them.

Chapter Nine

Leigh woke with a persistent, throbbing headache on Friday morning. She had a light breakfast, took two aspirins, and went to work. Her headache persisted and she toyed with the idea of calling Joe to cancel their date for the evening until he called. “I may be a little late picking you up, Leigh. Something unexpected has come up.” “If you like we can go another time,” she told him. “No. I know you’re looking forward to seeing this show and I’m looking forward to seeing you… around six-thirtyish?” It wasn’t until she’d hung up that she realized she should have told him about her headache. It would probably have been best for them both to make a rain date. Oh, well. She would take two more aspirins. She spent the majority of the day in the office working on reports and trying to smooth over problems with construction supplies. She arrived home that night just as Cath was leaving for the weekend. “Tell everyone I send my love, Cath.” “Will do. And when you talk to Jan this weekend, give her my regards. See you Sunday night. Bye!” “Bye.” Leigh closed the apartment door and went to her bedroom. She undressed, then walked down the hall to the bathroom. She filled the tub with bath oil. She gave a gusty sigh as she slid her tired body into the warmth. She lay with closed eyes, savoring the hot soak until the water began to cool. She dried herself with a big towel, then lavished her body with lotion and powder. She slipped on skimpy, silk underwear and a half-slip. From her closet, she chose a sleeveless dark blue dress with a scoop back and a front that clung to her breasts. She brushed her hair until it shone. Next she put on a pair of gold earrings and three inch heels. Standing in front of her mirror, she decided that she would do very well. It was just too bad Jake wouldn’t see her. She didn’t reproach herself for that last thought. What was the point? He was well and truly in her blood. And there was nothing she could do to stop thoughts of him from popping into her foolish head. So why try? There was no harm in her fantasies, as long as she didn’t act on her desire. She was sitting in the living room flipping through one of Cath’s fashion magazines when the bell sounded around six twenty. Joe. Smiling, she tossed the magazine onto the coffee table and went to the door. The peephole revealed the back of the head and shoulders of a man who stood looking down the hallway, his face turned away. She caught her breath and bit her lip. She would know that head anywhere. She stepped back from the peephole and opened the door. “Jake! I was expecting Joe.” “I know. I’ll explain. May I come in?” Not a good idea, Leigh. He can explain outside just as well as inside. “Oh, well...okay,” she said and took an unsteady step back to let him in. She hoped he couldn’t hear her heart thumping wildly out of control. “Would you like to sit down?” “No. Thanks.” “Where’s Joe?” she asked, her eyes slowly moving over him. He looked great in the dark, expensive suit he wore.

“A friend of his was badly hurt in a car accident this afternoon. Joe flew to California to be with her. I told him I’d take you out in his place.” “Oh...” She sat down on the edge of the sofa. It was customary to murmur sympathetically. But she couldn’t think straight with him so close. Her inability to think got worse when he sat down beside her and turned to look into her eyes. “Will you come out with me, Leigh?” “Yes.” The word came from deep within her, without her conscious thought. His smile was brief but warm. “I hope that means you’ve forgiven me.” “Me? Forgive you?” She shook her head. “I’m the one who should be asking that. I shouldn’t have hit ...” She rose abruptly. “We should go.” He rose slowly. “There’s no hurry.” “But we have dinner reservations and the show starts at eight,” she protested. “I don’t know how to tell you this, but Joe was so upset that he neglected to give me the tickets.” “You mean we’re not going to see the play?” “Not unless you want to try gate crashing.” “Gate crashing?” A vivid picture of Jake behind the wheel of some fancy foreign car trying to crash through a gate flashed through her mind. Her lips twitched. In a moment, she found herself laughing. She laughed so hard she collapsed onto the sofa and was wiping tears from her eyes before she could stop. Then she sat back against the sofa, staring at Jake, who had resumed his seat beside her. He returned her look, his gaze almost painfully intense. “I am so happy to see you,” he said softly. “Are you?” Her voice was a breathless whisper. “Oh, yes.” He gently stroked a long finger down her cheek. She responded by turning her lips into his palm and kissing it. “Oh,” she said and kissed his hand again. A soft sigh escaped her lips as his fingers trailed down her cheek to cup her chin. He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on her slightly parted lips. “You are so sweet. So beautiful,” he murmured, brushing his lips across her eyelids before lifting his head to look down at her. “So desirable.” She smiled up at him, feeling warm and happy. She knew she wasn’t beautiful, but he had a way of looking at her, which made her feel like the most desirable woman in the world. “Are you really here?” She half turned and slipped her arms around his neck. “Or am I dreaming again?” He gathered her close in his arms, pressing his face against her hair. “Does this feel like a dream?” he asked, his voice husky. Her arms tightened around his neck. “Yes. I must be dreaming because you feel so very good and you couldn’t possibly he here.” “No?” Pressing a warm moist kiss against her neck that made her toes curl, he lifted his head. “Maybe this will convince you.” When he touched his mouth to her already parted lips, all traces of gentleness vanished. His mouth was hard and hot. His slow,

deep kiss scorched the tender skin of her lips, but she accepted it gladly, responding with a depth of feeling that would later shock her. But just then it didn’t matter. She felt as if she had wanted and needed to be with him like this for a long, aching eternity. Her whole life had been spent waiting for this moment with this man. Once, long ago, she had died loving him. Now that they were together again, she would deny him nothing. She didn’t even make a token protest when he pulled her across his hard thighs to be cradled in his arms. Her teeth sank into her bottom lip as he slowly began to unzip her dress, raining moist, heated kisses along her spine as he did so. His lips warmed her skin, drawing a series of soft moans from her, and making her back arch. She pressed her cheek against his shoulder and trembled violently as his big hands slipped inside her dress to go up and around, cupping her heaving breasts in his palms. The feel of his hands on her sensitive nipples were enough to make her whole body ache with need. Her head rolled back against his shoulder as he bent to kiss her again, his tongue, hot and wet, licking at her lips slowly before sliding into the welcoming warmth inside her mouth. Their lips clung together for long, mindless moments. Centuries of longing and despair were washed away. Finally, they were together again. She cupped his face between her palms. “My lord. I knew you would find me,” she sobbed. “I never stopped looking for you, my precious little one.” He sucked on her tongue and fondled her breasts. “Never. Now you will show me how much you missed me.” “Yes, my lord, yes!” They drew slightly away from each other. Their gazes met. They froze. The man staring at her was Jake Thornton. Not Thor. And she was Leigh Temple. Not Tianna, Thor’s favorite bed wench. And yet if that were so, why had he understood her? He had clearly called her his little one...Thor’s pet term of endearment for Tianna. “I...I’m not her,” she whispered. “I don’t care who you are. I want you.” He bent her over his arm and lowered his lips to her breasts...breasts that were much larger and fuller than Tianna’s. His lips and devilishly erotic tongue kissed, licked, and sucked hungrily on each nipple, until they were both hard, aching peaks. Her head buzzed and she felt a rush of uncontrollable wetness between her trembling thighs by the time he lifted his head to kiss her again with an ardor and passion that had her clinging hungrily to him. She wanted much more from him than kisses. She was ready to give him whatever he wanted from her. Moaning softly, she snaked a hand between their bodies to press between his legs. “My lord...please,” she begged. “Take me.” It shamed her later that Jake was the one who finally drew away, gently removing her trembling hand from his groin, leaving her feeling cruelly deprived. With a little moan of protest, she wrapped her arms around his waist and turned her face against his chest. Why had he stopped? She wanted him so badly she was almost sobbing with frustration.

He held her on his lap, gently stroking his hand down her hair, soothing her with soft gentle kisses against her trembling mouth that left her hungry for another taste of his passion. “Why did you stop?” “I’m not him,” he said. “We can’t do this if we don’t know who wants who.” He kissed her hair and stroked her shoulders. “Are you all right?” “No, damn you, I am not!” she muttered, pressing her open mouth and tongue against his neck. Her fingers gripped his shoulders. “I’m on fire.” He laughed softly and dropped a light kiss on the top of her head. “So am I. What do you say we take a shower together? To cool off?” She lifted her face to look at him. “You don’t know how much I’d like that.” “So what’s stopping you?” he demanded softly, lifting a hand to pinch her nipples until they hardened again. He rubbed his palm against the spiked tips, sending a fresh surge of desire rushing between her thighs. Struggling to suppress the fire burning nearly out of control in her belly and between her legs, she put up a hand to pull his away and he allowed it. “You’re right. We can’t.” He lifted a hand and fingered the small charm around her neck. “How long have you had this?” “Since I was a teenager.” She bit her lip. “Do you have the other half?” “Yes.” That explained it then. It wasn’t Jake Thornton who wanted sex with her...it was Thor wanting it with Tianna. “You don’t want me.” “The hell I don’t!” “No!” She rose to her feet. “It’s him wanting her...I don’t think I want to be used any more for his gratification.” He stared silently up at her. Only then did she realize the extent of her state of undress. Her bra was down around her waist, along with the top of her dress. Her large breasts were shamelessly exposed to his voracious gaze. She stared down at herself, horrified. How had she allowed this to happen again? With a strangled cry, she turned to run away. He sprang to his feet and caught her arms, easing her back against his body, his hands resting just below her breasts. She struggled vainly. “Let me go.” “I will, Leigh. I just need to make sure you understand that I didn’t come here with the intention of trying to seduce you. I just wanted to see you.” “Just let me go, Jake,” she pleaded. “I can’t bear this.” He turned her to look at him and cupped her face between his palms. “Let me explain. Please.” She closed her eyes, refusing to look at him. “Please, Jake. Let go.” She felt the gentle caress of his lips against her eyelids. “You won’t hold this against me?”

How could she when she’d invited the whole scene herself? And just maybe, he, like she, could not help himself. Maybe Thor was driving him as Tianna was driving her. “No.” With a sigh, Jake released her. He watched as she ran from the room, with a hand pressed against her mouth to smother her sobs. He longed to rush after her. He wanted to take her into his arms and make everything right for her. But he couldn’t do that because he was part of the problem. The only decent thing to do was to leave her in peace to deal with whatever demons he’d managed to conjure up for her. Instead, he tugged at his tie until he loosened it even more than Leigh’s hands had and sank down on the sofa to wait. He needed to analyze what was wrong with him.He’ d had her in his arms, gasping, trembling, clinging, and full of need. So why, instead of taking what she was finally willing to freely give him, had he pulled back? While he did object to the very real possibility that his actions were being fueled by a centuries old, long dead man who had never forgotten his favorite bed wench, he couldn’t deny that he personally was attracted to Leigh. He hadn’t been able to think of anything other than her since he’d first seen her. And nearly every waking moment was spent wanting and needing her. So why hadn’t he taken her when she’d been so willing? He sighed. Joe’s concern for her had finally gotten to him. Sure it wasn’t something else that made you stop? Like concern for her? A small, irritating voice demanded. Hell no! He didn’t doubt that Thor might have loved his Tianna, but the only thing he felt for Leigh was passion. Granted it was stronger than any desire he’d ever felt for any other woman, but it was passion nonetheless. Pure and simple. There were no gentle finer feelings for her lurking in the background, waiting to break free. “You’re still here.” At the sound of her voice, Jake rose. He smiled, trying to ignore the rush of pleasure he felt. “Do you want me to leave?” “I...well...no.” The clearly unwilling admission warmed him. “I was afraid you might not come back.”

Chapter Ten

Leigh shrugged. “I had to change my dress. The other one was wrinkled,” she deadpanned, staring directly into his eyes, daring him to be difficult. It was hard enough facing him. If he dared to make it any worse than it need be... “I’ve been thinking that we could go to the Ocean View Dinner Theater,” he said of a popular restaurant located on the Delaware River pier. “Don’t we need reservations?”

“The owner is a friend of mine.” He straightened his tie and offered her his arm. After the slightest hesitation, she slipped her arm through his and felt a delicious tingle when he squeezed it against his body. Lying in bed later, she couldn’t remember what show they’d seen or even what she’ d eaten at dinner. All she could remember was the absolute magic of sitting opposite Jake and seeing that warm secret look in his eyes. Even the uncertainty of not knowing if the look was for her alone had not distracted from her joy in the night. They had danced several times too, slow and close together. And each time she had felt a gratifying stirring in his groin. They had talked. She’d told him how lonely she’d felt since Jan went off to Boston for college. “Of course I’m pleased for her, but I miss her. I guess what I need to do is find another little sister.” “You’re a big sister? I’m a big brother. Well, actually I was a big brother. My little brother Jamul is at MIT. He’s going places. One of these days I’m going to be telling people I knew him when.” She heard the pride in his voice and smiled. “You almost sound like a proud papa,” she teased. He grinned. “I almost feel like one. We got together when he was just ten. So we spent eight years together. During that time we played basketball, football, we swam, went skiing, horseback riding. He was and is a very big and important part of my life.” He paused. “Would you like to see a picture of him?” She nodded. He took a picture from his wallet and handed it to her. It was a picture of a handsome young man with smooth ebony skin, dark eyes, and a confident look. “Great looking guy, isn’t he?” Smiling, she nodded and handed the picture back to him. “He sure is.” “He has a very busy schedule, but when we talked last week he said he’s coming home for Thanksgiving. We’ll get together then.” This was a new and intriguing aspect of Jake’s character. They talked about world news, politics, and what television shows they liked. They both loved police and forensic shows. They talked about everything...except the small, golden charms they had in common and the long separated couple trying to live through them. Back at her apartment, they sat together on the sofa in the dark, thighs touching, fingers loosely linked, listening to soft music. It had seemed the most natural thing in the world when he suddenly stretched out full length on the floor and pulled her willing body on top on his. They had lain like that for a long time, occasionally exchanging light, undemanding kisses and caresses until their passions were ignited. She knew just when that happened for him. The fingers stroking down her back took on an urgent quality and his cock hardened. “I need you,” he whispered against her lips. She ground her groin against his. “I’m yours...I always have been...always will be.” He rolled her over onto her back, kneeling at her side. As he bared her breasts, he

lowered his head and gently peppered them with warm, insistent kisses. She moaned softly, clutching his head in her hands. “Oh, Jake! Oh, Jake, that feels so good.” He lifted his head and looked down at her, his eyes dark with passion. “You have beautiful, luscious breasts...made for sucking and kissing.” She stroked her fingers through his hair. “Please. I need you inside me...make love to me...please.” He quickly removed the rest of her clothing. Her heart thumped and she went damp when he rose to his feet. She’d never seen a man strip down to his briefs so quickly. Before she could admire the sizable bulge in his briefs, he stretched his body out on top of hers. He found her mouth and began making love to her. He nibbled sweetly at her lips, fondled and caressed her body, rubbed his chest against her breasts. Everywhere their bodies shared contact, heat and desire burned in her. Her heart thumped, her passage filled with moisture, and she knew she was falling in love. By the time he fumbled to remove his cock through the slit in his briefs, she trembled with need and hunger. She reached between their bodies, cradled his thick dick in her hands. That was nice, but she wanted full access to him. She pushed his pants and briefs over his hips, and fed the big head into her aching, wet pussy. It felt so incredibly good going in...as if she were experiencing her first piece of cock. She clutched his butt in eager hands, pushed up her hips, and gasped with lust and pleasure as his hot shaft torpedoed through her until she felt his pubic hair against hers. “Oh, God! Oh, God!” She moaned and nearly came. She felt stretched to her limits and sublimely happy. “Oh, God! It’s so good...” He lifted his head and looked down at her, tiny blue fires burning in his gaze. “You feel so good, Leigh. Oh, damn, making love has never been better with anyone else.” He made love to her slowly, leisurely sliding his thick dick in and out of her. Each long, languid thrust into the deepest depths of her pussy, elicited a helpless sigh and brought her almost unbearable pleasure. Never had she imagined sex could be this good...this wonderful...this all encompassing. He totally possessed her...mind, body, and soul. He whispered sweet, erotic words of love and lust as he took her. She clung to him, totally oblivious to everything except him and the wonderful dick thrusting her into paradise. Her first orgasm clutched at the pit of her stomach, rushed down her body to her stuffed pussy where it ignited, infusing her entire being with pleasure...pleasure...and more wonderful pleasure. And when he exploded into her, a fresh wave of delight seized her. She held him tightly, whispering how much she loved his cock as he groaned and pumped his way to his own release. When the world righted itself, they were lying together in a tangle of arms and legs in her bed. She didn’t remember walking there, so she supposed he had carried her. A feeling of well being settled over her. She wanted to tell him she loved him, but knew she mustn’t. Although they had just shared one of the most delicious experiences of her life, they had exchanged no words of love—at least none they had intended for each other. They were in no position to do so, she reminded herself, crashing back down to

earth. She balled a hand into a fist and rolled away from him. “It must be very late.” He moved on the bed until she felt his groin pressed against her behind. He lifted one leg and leisurely thrust his cock into her pussy. “Oh!” She gasped and shuddered. He palmed her breasts, which felt tender from all the sucking attention he lavished on them. “Is that your way of telling me you want me to leave?” “Yes.” He brushed his lips against her nape and touched her clit. “I was hoping you’d allow me to spend the night.” “Jake...that’s not a good idea.” She expected him to protest. Instead he sighed softly and rolled away from her. He sat on the side of the bed. “Walk me to the door.” She sat up and looked around for something to slip on. He rose and lifted her off the bed and onto her feet. “You don’t need clothes to walk me to the door.” She looked up at him. “We shouldn’t have done that, Jake.” “It’s a little late to worry about that now.” He linked his fingers through hers and they walked, naked to the living room where their clothes lay scattered on the carpet. She spotted his briefs and a wave of heat washed over her. She reached down and picked them up. “Can I...keep these?” she asked, her face burning. He stared. “You want me to go home with my cock bouncing between my legs?” She’d rather have it banging her pussy, but some things were better left unsaid. “Can I keep them?” “Yes...for a price.” “What price?” He caught her hand in his and led her over to the wall near the door. “Give me a quick fuck for the road.” Without waiting for her response, he held her against the wall and thrust his dick halfway into her. She gasped and pressed a hand against his chest. “Jake, we shouldn’t! Not without a condom!” “But we’re going to. This time I want to come in your pussy,” he told her as he impaled her on his cock. When he was as deep as he could get, he tilted her chin and stared down at her. “Tell me this doesn’t feel as if we were made for each other. Sex has never been this amazing with any other woman. And I’ve had plenty of women to compare you to.” He withdrew all but the heavy head of his cock, which he let throb at her entrance. “This is right...” He eased his hips forward. “It’s good...” More hot, silken cock slid into her. “It’s why we were born...” He shot his hips forward, filling every available centimeter of her pussy with warm, luscious dick. Pleasure sliced through her, numbing her senses. Lord help her, but she would happily die if she could die while he made love to her. She surrendered completely to him. He branded her with his heated words of need, the touch of his hands stroking her

desires, the feel of his eager lips sucking her breasts, and the delicious power of his addictive cock creating and then completely satisfying all her sexual needs and fantasies. After having been loved by him, there could never be another man for her while they both lived. He lifted one of her legs so it extended up between their bodies, then he rotated his hips, and began thrusting his cock deep into her pussy. “Oh! Oh!” She clenched her fingers in his hair and threw her head back against the wall. “Oh, God, yes, Jake! Yes!” He ran the tip of his tongue along one hardened nipple and she melted… then exploded… then gushed over the cock pummeling her pussy. “Oh, God, Jake! Jaaake!” As she came, he drew back slightly, eased her leg from his shoulder and onto the floor. Then he speared her again. Her knees buckled and she would have slid down the wall to the floor in a happy puddle, but for his arms wrapped around her waist and the cock pistoning inside her. She clung helplessly to him as he locked his lips over hers and shuddered to a climax, blasting a torrent of semen into her. I love you. She silently whispered the words against his lips. Almost as if he’d heard her, he lifted his head and looked down at her. “What?” She stroked her fingers through his hair. “We can’t keep doing this.” “Why not?” He lowered his head and flicked his tongue against one of her nipples. “It’s what we both want and need.” But he was married. She bit her lip. Of course after the sex was a fine time to worry about that. She pushed against his chest. “You… should go.” He sighed and looked down at her. “I want to stay.” And she wanted him to stay. He was still inside her and the thought of him pulling out of her left her feeling hollow. But this couldn’t go on. “Jake… please… you can’t.” Still holding her around her waist, he pressed his lips against hers and reluctantly withdrew from her. “Okay… I’ll go… if you’re sure you want me to.” “I… I do.” “Another quickie?” “No, Jake! Please… just go.” He brushed his lips against hers and released her. She shuddered and slid down the wall to sit on the floor with her arms wrapped around her knees. She found she couldn’t look away from him as he picked up his clothes. When he was dressed, he kneeled in front of her and extended his briefs to her. Flushing, she took them and pressed them against her pussy. “Wouldn’t you rather have my cock there?” “You know I would… but you promised to leave, Jake.” He brushed his lips against hers. “Good night.” “Good night.” Ten minutes later, she lay in bed, wearing his briefs and clutching the pillow he had lain on against her breasts. Again she had slept with a married man. Which made her far sadder than her mother had ever been. The man her mother had obsessed over had at least been her own husband.

Leigh turned onto her stomach, pressing her face into her pillow as bitter thoughts chased themselves around in her head. Ever since she was old enough to understand, she had secretly despised her mother for allowing her father’s desertion, when Leigh was just eight, to tear her apart and destroy her world. Janet Temple had died at forty-five when Leigh was just eighteen. She hadn’t understood why her mother didn’t just forget her father and go on with her life. No man was worth all the pain and anguish her poor mother had suffered. She had vowed never to let herself love so much that it could destroy her. No man would ever mean too much to her. She wouldn’t flirt and or give her heart to just any man. He would have to be very special. She met Martin when she was twenty. He was good-looking, fun to be with, and treated her as if he were a queen. He jumped up to open doors for her and flattered her until she really believed she was almost as beautiful as he said she was. She had lived in blissful ignorance until the awful weekend he asked her to drive up to the Pocono Mountains to meet his parents at their summer cabin. Only his parents weren’t there. His plan for the weekend was to become her lover. Shocked and hurt, she told him she wanted to come to him on their wedding night a virgin. He’d turned on her in a fury calling her a silly, frigid bitch. He’d told her if she didn’t give it up, she could forget marriage. She’d reluctantly given it up. After two months of almost endless sex, he’d told her that her pussy wasn’t good enough to tempt him into marriage. For nearly a year, Cath’s older brother, Jim, was the only man Leigh felt safe enough to go out with. But gradually the wounds Martin had inflicted healed sufficiently for her to begin to date again, although she was careful not to fall in love. Two years later she met Richard Stevenson. They quickly began seeing each other exclusively. Within three weeks, he wanted to be her lover. When she refused, still wanting to hold out for marriage, he’d quickly dumped her. Within a week of their breakup, he was sleeping with another woman. She had eventually gone on to take on other lovers, but she never intended to trust her heart to another man. Brrring! Startled out of her memories, Leigh sat up in her darkened bedroom and glanced at her beside clock. It was nearly four am. Her heart thumped. This late it could only be bad news. Her thoughts flew to Cath or Mike. Which one of them was hurt or worst? “Hello?” “Did I wake you?” She cradled the phone in both hands, resting her back against her two pillows and felt her heart beat slowly return to as near normal as it could when she was near or even speaking to him. “Jake! Is something wrong?” “No. I know it’s late, but I couldn’t sleep. Did I wake you?” he asked again. She wanted to say yes so he wouldn’t think she’d been lying awake thinking of him. “No.” “Are you all right, Leigh?” How could she be all right when she couldn’t stop having sex with him? There. She’ d admitted it. She intended to continue sleeping with him. “No,” she confessed, in a

small, barely audible voice. “Oh, Leigh, I’m—” “But I will be,” she said quickly. “So there’s no need for you to be anything.” “I’ve been lying here thinking I had to talk to you. Hear your voice, but now I don’t know what to say to you. Would you mind very much if I just breathed heavily into your ear?” She laughed and sank down on the bed, on her back. “Actually I think I’d like that. I’ m sure you do it beautifully.” “What did you say?” he asked, a quizzical note in his voice. When she’d repeated her remark, “My stock must be rising. That’s the first time you’ve paid me a compliment.” And if she had any decency at all, it’d be the last. “I didn’t think you needed compliments, Jake.” “Normally, I don’t,” he said slowly. “But it’s different with you. Everything’s different since I met you.” “I know the feeling,” she said softly. They talked for half an hour. Or rather he talked and she listened, becoming increasing aroused as he told her how he’d like to make love to her in erotic detail. “You’ve already done that.” “Once wasn’t enough.” “You did it more than once,” she pointed out. “Leigh—” “Jake, please,” she whispered. “No more. I have to get up and take a cool shower.” “God, I’d like to join you.” Just the thought of taking a shower with him was enough to send a surge of fresh heat through her aching body. “Jake!” she complained. “Please.” “Okay,” he promised softly. “I’m going. I need a shower of my own. But, Leigh... dream about me, darlin’.” “There’s not much doubt about that. Good night, Jake.” “Good night, sugar.”

***** Leigh stared at the dozen red roses arranged in a beautiful crystal vase on her desk. A slow smile spread across her face. What a lovely way to start a Monday morning. She removed her hard hat and picked up the small card sticking in the middle of the flowers. Thinking of you. J. T. “Oh, Jake! Don’t do this!” she whispered, sinking into her chair. How was she going to be strong and say no to the affair they both wanted if he was going to start sending her roses and calling her in the middle of a lonely night to tell her he just had to hear her voice? She blushed, recalling the different ways he’d said he’d like to fuck her. She’d never had a man tell her he wanted to kiss and lick her buns and suck her toes. Kiss, lick, and suck her clit. And she had shamelessly listened to every word.

Although she couldn’t shake the feeling that she and Jake belonged together, his marriage to Sharon, although platonic, still bothered her. On an emotional, primitive level, she wanted everyone to know that he belonged to her. Her intercom bbuzzed and she shook her head and flicked a switch to answer. “Yes, Pauline?” “Joe Thornton is on line three.” “Thank you. I’ll take it.” She pushed the appropriate button and lifted the phone to her ear. “Hi, Joe. How are you?” “A little tired, but fine. How are you?” “Good. I’m good. How’s your friend?” He sighed with obvious relief. “It’s going to be a long haul, but the doctors are hopeful she’ll recover.” “I’m so glad. Where are you?” “Home. I just got in half an hour ago. I’m on my way to bed. I was going through my pockets and I found the tickets. I’m sorry, Leigh. I completely forgot them.” “It was completely understandable.” “I feel badly because Sunday was the last show.” “Don’t worry about it. Jake took me to the Ocean View and we saw a very nice show there.” She immediately wished the words unsaid. What if he asked her how the evening went? She couldn’t very well say they’d spent most of the night locked in each other’s arms. “I’m glad the evening wasn’t a total lost. Do I get a rain check?” “Of course.” “How about Wednesday? Would you like to come here and have dinner? We could listen to some music or swim later if you like.” She hesitated. She really didn’t feel equal to facing Jake again so soon. “Just the two of us?” “Yes. Jake and Sharon will be out.” “Okay.” “How about I pick you up from work at five?” “I’ll look forward to it.” “So will I.”

Chapter Eleven

Leigh kept busy for the next two days. Several businessmen interested in buying into the business visited the office. She sat in on all the meetings with Mike and his lawyer, asking questions and taking brief, concise notes. After each meeting, she and Mike sat in his office over a pot of coffee.

She glanced at the figures on her legal pad. “Ray Harris’s offer seems to be the best of the lot.” “Of the four we’ve received in the last two days, yes. But not the best overall offer,” Mike told her. She frowned. “I suppose you mean Jake Thornton.” He nodded, his gray gaze on her face. “But there are a few more people I have to talk to before any serious negotiations begin. Have you any particular preference?” “No. Whatever is best for everyone all around is fine with me.” “Still not ready to talk about it?” he asked gently. What was there to talk about? She was hopelessly in love with Jake Thornton. “No.” He sighed. “If you don’t have any plans for Saturday, I’d like to introduce you to Amy. There’s going to be a restaurant festival down at Penn’s Landing. Amy and I would like you to spend the day there with us.” She smiled warmly at him. She loved seeing his eyes lit up when he talked about his Amy. “A bus load of toddlers couldn’t keep me away.” “Great. Now how about tonight? Feel like keeping an old man company for dinner?” He’d never looked less like an old man, she thought fondly. “I’d love to, but I already have plans. How about tomorrow night?” “I’m having dinner with Amy. Lunch tomorrow?” “You’re on.” She thrust her papers into her briefcase. “But now I have to freshen up for my date.” She saw a cautious look come into his eyes. “A date?” That was his way of asking her who she was going out with. He probably feared she had a date with Jake. She smiled. “Yes, with Joe Thornton.” “Oh.” He looked relieved. “Good. Have a great time.” “Thanks, I will.” She rose, pressed a kiss against his cheek, and headed back to her own office. She was ready and waiting when Joe walked into her office half an hour later. He looked very attractive in a pair of jeans with a white, short-sleeved pullover. What would Jake look like in jeans with his long, muscular legs? The thought came unbidden. She bit her lip. If only she could feel half the desire for Joe she felt for Jake, her life would be so much easier. She got to her feet and met him halfway, smiling. “Hi, Joe.” Taking her hand in his, he lifted it to his lips, and dropped a light kiss on the back. “Hello yourself. You look good enough to eat.” “Thank you, kind sir. You look pretty good yourself.” “Thank you, ma’am.” His affected drawl was so reminiscent of Jake’s that Leigh felt an involuntary tingle. In his car, a late model import, he turned on his stereo and sang every song that came on in a deep, even baritone. His voice was much nicer than Jake’s. Everything about him was much nicer than Jake, which made her preference for Jake so inexplicable.

When they arrived at the Thornton house, Joe took her into a small, cozy room that she hadn’t seen the night of the party and gave her a drink. Sipping her seltzer water, she paused in front of a wall full of portraits. In the center was a huge portrait of a rather plain, tiny, dark-haired woman and a tall, handsome man with red-gold hair and blue eyes. Except for the hair color, she might have been looking at a picture of an older Jake. “My parents,” Joe said, standing behind her. “They’re… you and Jake look so much like your father.” “Yeah… Mom always liked that about us. She said my father was the best looking man she’d ever met.” “He was a handsome man. And man does he look like he’s in love with her.” “He was. My memories of my childhood is full of occasions of walking into rooms and finding them in what my mother charmingly called ‘heated clinches.’ Right up until the day they died, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.” He smiled. “I’ll bet, wherever they are, they’re still locked in a ‘heated clinch.’“ “Do you believe in reincarnation, Joe?” “I’m not sure, but my father did. Why do you ask?” “Well, Jake reminds me a lot of… ” “Thor?” She nodded. “I know it’s ridiculous, but… ” “My father used to believe he had the memories of Thor running around in his head. He used to say Thor couldn’t rest until he found his lost love.” She sucked in a breath. “And was your mother his lost love?” “My mother was my father’s love, but she was not the woman this Thor guy was looking for. She didn’t have any memories of her… Tiara, I think my father said her name was.” “Actually, it was Tianna.” He stared at her. “You… you have her memories?” “I… I… some of them… yes.” He palmed her cheek. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have any of Thor’s memories. They died with my father, but Jake used to have a small charm in the form of half a hammer my father gave him. I haven’t seen it in years so I guess he doesn’t have it anymore. So he probably doesn’t have any of Thor’s memories. Is that what attracts you to him?” “I… he’s an attractive man. Women will be attracted to him for that alone.” He nodded. “Yeah. Ah… would you excuse me while I run upstairs and put on something a little less casual?” “Of course. You’ve given me a lot to think about. Take your time. I’m fine.” “In that case, would you mind if I take a really quick shower first?” She smiled. “Go right ahead. I’ll just listen to some music while you’re gone.” “Mood music, I hope.” He winked and blew a kiss at her. She perched her lips, pretending to catch his air kiss and he left the room laughing. She stood in front of the entertainment center trying to make up her mind which tape

she wanted to hear when she heard footsteps in the hallway. She caught a whiff of a familiar cologne. Her heartbeat quickened and she wasn’t surprised when the door opened and Jake walked into the room singing, I’m gonna make you— He stopped in mid-verse and smiled. “What are you doing here, darlin’?” She bit her lip and told herself she had no reason to feel guilty. “Joe asked me to have dinner with him.” His smiled vanished. “And you agreed?” She nodded. “Yes.” He stuck his hands in the pockets of his dark business suit and leaned back against the wall behind him, several feet away from her. “Where’s Joe?” “Taking a shower. Why are you here?” He smiled slightly, his eyes cooling. “I’m here a lot, darlin’. I live here. Remember?” She shook her head impatiently. “Joe said you’d be out.” “Or you wouldn’t have come?” He suggested softly. She blushed. “Is Sharon here too?” “No. Why do you ask?” She shrugged. “No reason. Just making polite conversation.” “So we’re supposed to be polite to each other?” He shook his head and took a deep breath. “After Friday night?” Friday night had been the most incredible night of her life. But she was not about to admit that to him. She nodded, refusing to meet his gaze head on. “What are you doing with my brother?” She knew what he really meant. Was she going to sleep with Joe as she’d slept with him? “I happen to like being with your brother.” “Since when?” “Since the moment I saw him. He’s charming and very, very attractive.” “And what about me, Leigh? Do you like being with me?” How could he even ask after she’d had sex with him so often? Afraid of giving herself away, she turned away from him. “Does it matter?” She felt his hands clamp down onto her tense shoulders. The sweet heat of his tongue tracing his initials name along her neck sent her senses reeling. She moaned softly and leaned her body back against his hard warmth. Lord, but that was nice. She closed her eyes and felt his arms brush against the sides of her breasts as they slipped around her waist. “It matters more than I can say, sugar,” he whispered, nibbling at her ear. “Can’t you feel how much it matters when we’re together? Like now?” “Oh, Jake! Please!” She turned in his arms so that she faced him. The lifting of her face to offer him her lips was completely involuntary. His mouth, warm and demanding, closed on hers. Her lips parted. With no thought of denying him anything he wanted, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her breasts against his chest. She felt his shudder of response down the entire length of her aching body. “Oh, God, Leigh. You’re so sweet. So beautiful. I want you all to myself,” he

groaned against her mouth, caressing his trembling hands slowly down her spine to her butt. “Oh, sugar, I need to hold your bare rump.” His hands rested there for a few magic moments—shaping and stroking her rear before he parted his legs. With a low, guttural sound, he cupped his hands over her butt and pulled her slowly forward, until she was cradled against his hips. She cried out as a violent shock of pleasure burned through her body as she found that the only thing separating her suddenly damp, aching core and his hard, throbbing erection was the woefully inadequate barrier of her dress and his pants. “You feel so good, darlin’. So good,” he whispered, pressing hungry little kisses along her arched neck. “I can’t stand the thought of another man touching you. Not even Joe.” He lifted his head and stared down into her eyes. Holding her close to his pulsing lower body with one hand, he lifted the other from her hip. He unbuttoned the top three buttons of her blouse and slipped his warm hand inside to close around her one of her breasts. “Is there anyone else?” She was quickly being consumed by her passion for him. The feel of him pressing intimately between her thighs and his caressing hand on her breasts, combined to intoxicate her. She could hardly breathe. Speaking was impossible, but there could never be another man for her. She shook her head silently. “So you’re mine for the taking?” She nodded helplessly, thrusting her breasts up against his questing hand. He obliged her by kneading her aching flesh with the palm of one big hand. “Oh...Jake...” He bent his head and took her mouth in a deep, drugging kiss that started that now familiar rush of feminine dampness. She clung to his arms, her legs buckling. “I’d like to pick you up and carry you off to bed.” “We… we can’t. Joe will be back soon.” “We’ll be very quick and very quiet,” he whispered and drew her down to the carpet with him. “No, Jake! We can’t… he’ll walk in on us.” “I don’t care… I have to have you and it’s time he realized that you are mine!” He slid both their zippers down. Her slacks and panties were pushed down around her ankles. He tilted her hips up and pressed his groin against hers. She sucked in a breath and bit her bottom lip as his cock slid into her, filling her. His mouth covered her lips to muffle her moans as he began fucking her quickly and a little roughly. But she liked the way he pounded her pussy, as if he could never get enough of it to quench his thirst for her. She wrapped her arms around him and undulated her lower body in time with his. His deep, hammering strokes swiftly drove them both to a blistering climax. They clung to each other, kissing and moaning as they rode their orgasms to a shattering conclusion. She longed to have him linger in her, whispering how much he wanted and needed her, but the thought of Joe walking in on them helped bring her back to her senses. Gathering all the strength she could muster, she shoved against his shoulders.

Groaning softly in protest, he reluctantly pulled out of her, and rolled away from her. Breathing hard and fast, she pulled her clothes up and rose. He put a hand on her shoulder. “Leigh?” She shook his hand off, angry with herself for her reckless behavior. There was no excuse to continue having sex in places where they could be easily discovered. “I’m here as Joe’s guest, Jake. Please don’t touch me again.” “Don’t touch you? A little late for that useless piece of advice, isn’t it?” Way too late, but what else could she say? She lifted her chin and stared at him. “And why the hell shouldn’t I touch you? Are you saving yourself for Joe?” He asked, his voice rough with anger. His words stung. “And what’s it to you if I am? At least he’s not married!” “Neither am I, damn it!” “Prove it, Jake. Show me a decree of divorce.” “I don’t have one yet… but I will soon, darlin’. I promise you that in every way that matters, Sharon and I are already divorced.” “I want proof of that, Jake! Get it!” “Or?” “Don’t try to touch me again until you have it.” “Leigh! That could take weeks… or even months!” “Then I suggest you get used to very cold showers, Jake!” She saw the wounded look in his eyes before he stormed across the room and out the door without a word.

***** Jake stood outside the room with his head back against the wall, feeling as if he’d been run over by a Mack truck. How the hell did she think she could just toss him out of her love life after allowing him to make love to her so many times? What was wrong with her anyway? No. The real question was what was wrong with him. He was the one who kept going back for more of whatever she chose to dish out. Sometimes it was one of those rare, sweet smiles of hers. Sometimes it was sex so fantastic that for the sake of it he would have allowed her to reach inside him and yank out all his vital organs. And, as long as he died in her arms, he’d die happy. That realization shocked him to the core. He was in trouble. She had the power to hurt him as no other woman ever had. Like Thor, who had never managed to forget Tianna, he couldn’t see a way out of his desire and need for Leigh. With a muttered oath, he pushed himself away from the wall, and moved down the hall toward the front door before he gave into the urge to storm back into the room and yell at her that she was his and he wasn’t waiting weeks or months to make love to her again. That sure as hell would give her a thrill. Not to mention a sure knowledge of the power she had over him. “Jake!” He looked up to see Joe descending the staircase. Joe’s gaze, touched on his face,

flashed down the hall in the direction of the living room, and back to his face. He tensed and resisted the urge to glance down to make sure there was no semen stains on his pants. Damn, he’d been an idiot to touch her under such circumstances, but she drove him beyond caution. “Jake,” Joe said again. He shook his head and continued down the hall. He was not in the mood for one of Joe’s lectures. He’d reached the front door when Joe called his name again. “Jake!” Something about the way he called his name, made Jake pause. A moment later Joe was behind him. He turned reluctantly to face him. “What is it, Joe?” “Jake...were you...I can see from your face that you saw Leigh.” As long as Joe didn’t know they’d had sex while he showered. He didn’t want Joe to think badly of her. “So?” “You...you didn’t...she...” “Didn’t what, Joe? Touch her? Kiss her? Rape her?” He saw the look of alarm on Joe’ s face and ran a hand through his hair. “When are you going to realize that you’re wrong about her needing protection? She’d be a match for any man. You’d do better to ask if I’ m all right,” he said bitterly. “Now I don’t want to hear another damned word on her behalf from you. Ever.” Ignoring the shocked look on Joe’s face, he turned, opened the door, and left. He walked quickly down the driveway to his SUV. He got in, slamming the door behind him. He sat inside with his head buried against his arms, which rested on the steering wheel. He felt too unsteady to drive away immediately. His hands shook and his insides felt as if they’d been ripped out. Damn her!

***** Leigh sat in the chair, desperately wanting to cry until there were no more tears, but stubbornly fighting off the urge until it subsided somewhat. When Joe returned with a worried look in his eyes, she bit her lip. God, please, don’t let him have heard them having sex on the floor. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Leigh.” She smiled silently. “I met Jake in the hall.” He paused for several moments before going on. “Are you all right?” “I’m...fine. Is...will he be joining us for dinner?” “No. He left already. He’s probably going to pick Sharon up. Do you believe that she can’t drive in this day and age?” He shook his head. “Poor Jake.” “What do you mean poor Jake? Why shouldn’t she depend on him? She’s his responsibility.” “And a heavy one she is too. I know he regrets marrying her. I know I would in his place.” “Joe! That’s no way to talk about your sister-in-law. She seems like a very nice person.”

“And so she is, unless you’re the unfortunate man she happens to have her claws in. If you are, it can be a miserable life. I don’t know why he doesn’t just get her an apartment and leave her to fend for herself.” “Joe! He can’t do that. Doesn’t he care for her at all?” “Of course he does. I’m sure he loves her in his own way. Come to that, so do I. I’m just not willing to put up with all her nonsense.” “She’s very beautiful.” “I suppose so. If you like the type, which I don’t.” Neither apparently, did Jake. “She loves him.” “It’d be hard for her not to. He gives her any and everything she wants. Jake will definitely make some woman a good husband.” Her heartbeat quickened. “He already has a wife!” “Oh, come on, Leigh. Surely you realize by now that they’re not married anymore. I know technically they are, but they haven’t been lovers for over a year. I’m sure Jake must have told you that.” “He… did.” “Then why don’t you believe it?” “Well, gee, Joe, maybe the fact that they’re still living together has something to do with that.” He shrugged. “If you knew Jake better and if you knew Sharon, you’d understand why they still live under the same roof long after their marriage is over. She’s too damned needy and he’s too much of a sap to turn her out to fend for herself.” She turned to face him. She knew it wasn’t right to involve Joe in her mess with Jake, but she needed answers. But he wasn’t going to give them to her. It was there in his eyes even before he began to shake his head. “I’ve already told you too much, Leigh. If you want to know anymore, you’ll have to ask Jake or Sharon. I’ve told you this much so you’ll know he’s not just some bored married guy looking for a cheap fling on the side.” Then what was he looking for? He’d never once hinted that he wanted anything from her other than sex. “I know there’s...that sometimes the two of you don’t...I know you have feelings for each other, but...” Her face flamed, but she didn’t look away from him. “He’s not a bad guy, Leigh. Actually, he’s a great guy.” “Jake’s a great guy?” “Yeah.” “Jake? Your brother Jake? That Jake? He’s a great guy?” His lips twitched. “Okay. I get the picture. I’ll stop the hard sell. I just wanted you to know that...” “He’s not a bad guy.” Despite her mood, she smiled. “Got it.” “Good.” He slipped his arm through hers. “Gilla said dinner was ready. So we can go eat. What do you say? Ready to pig out?” She’d never felt less like eating. “Big time.”

All through their leisurely meal, he told her funny stories about some of his and Jake’s childhood in Texas. “When did you leave Texas?” “When my parents died in a plane crash when I fourteen, Jake was attending Temple University here. We have some distant cousins in Dallas who offered to let me live with them until I was ready for college, but Jake wouldn’t hear of it. He said we belonged together. So he packed me up and bought me to Pennsylvania and became my legal guardian.” “Really?” He nodded. “It was hard for him, trying to get through college while taking care of me. I missed my parents like you wouldn’t believe and I gave him a really rough time, but he did it all by himself. He’s real big on family.” “You almost make him sound like a saint,” she teased. “He’s not a saint. I’m sure you’ve figured that out.” She flushed. “But no matter what you might think, he was a good husband to Sharon. He’s also a good guy and a great brother.” He smiled suddenly. “But enough about big brother Jake. Let’s talk about you. Why aren’t you married?” She sipped her coffee before answering. “I thought I was pretty close, once. But he wasn’t what I needed and I sure wasn’t what he wanted.” Joe shrugged. “His loss.” She smiled at him. “You’re nice.” “I don’t like the sound of that. Nice guys get pecked on the cheek at the end of dates.” “And you have a problem with that?” “Damn straight.” He grinned. “I’m not much of a cheek man myself. Actually I was hoping for something a little more… ” She wet her lips. “A little more what?” He shrugged. “Actually I was hoping to get beyond first base tonight.” Her heart thumped. “I… you mean you… you want to… ” “Yes, I do mean that,” he said when she trailed off. “You mean you expect to… get physical when you take me home?” “Oh, I’d like to get very physical with you.” He tilted her chin and stared down into her eyes. He bent his head. She closed her eyes and felt his lips brush against hers several times before they settled against her mouth. His arms slipped around her and he pulled her close to him. She felt his cock hardening. It was a sizable bulge. It seemed big dicks ran in the family. She sucked in a breath. She knew what she needed to do… to encourage him to take her to bed and fuck Jake right out of her mind and heart. She allowed her lips to part and leaned into him. His lips were warm and sweet, his cock hard and thick against her. It would feel good inside her. She didn’t doubt that for a moment. She should let him stick it in her, but when she closed her eyes, Jake’s handsome face, contorted with passion, crept into her mind. And she knew she couldn’t

sleep with Joe. It would be too much like cheating on Jake. She pressed against his shoulders and dragged her mouth from his. “Joe… I… I’m sorry, but I… I can’t.” “Why not?” His hands stroked over her butt and despite herself, she shivered. He turned her face back towards his and kissed her again. His thick, hard shaft beckoned and she fought off the urge to press closer. She heard his zipper and then felt his bare cock pressing against her. A wave of heat and shame washed over her. “Joe, please!” He took her hand and placed it over his cock. “Touch me.” He felt hot, thick, and pulsing under her fingers. If she closed her eyes she could pretend… but no. There was only one man for her—Jake. She gasped and jerked her hand away. She couldn’t sleep with him or any other man. She belonged exclusively to Jake… always had… always would. “Joe… please… I can’t.” He sighed and whispered against her lips. “It’s Jake. He’s already fucked you, hasn’t he?” She flushed and averted her gaze. He slipped his cock back in his pants and cupped her face between his palms. “There’s no need to be embarrassed, Leigh. He’s been nuts about you since the first time he saw you and obviously you share his feelings—more’s the pity.” He brushed his lips against hers and gave a lusty sigh. “And I was so looking forward to getting to know you in the biblical sense tonight.” “I wish I could… but I… I can’t.” He nodded and caressed her cheek. “It’s okay. Hung up on Jake, aren’t you?” “Yes.” “Ah, well, you can’t blame a man for trying.” “No… actually I’m thrilled that a man as handsome as you would be interested.” He stroked a hand down her cheek. “Don’t sell yourself short, Leigh. So. Can we still be friends?” She nodded slowly. “Yes. Please.” “Good. Now I’d better take you home before I forget my good intentions, wrestle you to the floor, and… pardon my French… fuck you breathless.” She bit her lip, fighting the urge to tell him Jake had already done that. She forced herself not to glance down at the carpet she was sure they had stained as they came. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Thanks for understanding.” He grinned. “Like I have a choice.” He tilted his head to the side. “Are you sure you don’t want to just try me to see if you like me?” “I know sex with you would be wonderful, Joe, but I… can’t.” “Okay. Enough said.” He opened the front door and stood back for her to precede him. She did, only to stop so abruptly at the sight of Jake coming up the driveway, carrying Sharon, that Joe, just behind her, was hard pressed not to bump into her. Leigh stared at them in a stricken silence. Sharon’s arms were around his neck and he cradled her in his arms as if she were the most precious thing in his life. He certainly

did not look like a man eagerly awaiting a final divorce decree. Joe put a hand on her back and urged her gently forward before turning to look at Jake, who’d paused at the bottom of the stairs. “Is something wrong?” Sharon answered. “I’m just tired, so Jake said he’d carry me up to bed,” she said, lifting her head from Jake’s shoulder. “Hello, Leigh. How are you?” “I...me? I… I’m… fine.” She spoke past the tightness at the back of her throat. What a crock. She was far from fine. There was something very wrong with a woman who couldn’t bear the sight of a man holding his wife in his arms. “Jake’s the best.” Sharon tightened her arms around his neck and he obligingly bent his head to be kissed lightly. She slumped against his shoulder. “Good night you two.” Without a word to either of them, Jake continued up the steps and into the house, closing the door with his foot. “You see what I mean? It’s just a matter of getting the final divorce decree and he still waits on her hand and foot. And she loves every minute of it,” Joe commented as they walked to his car. “Well, he didn’t look as if he minded over much,” she replied quietly. In an attempt to make it clear that she didn’t want to talk about Jake and Sharon, she began to talk about the weather. Joe took the hint. They talked about the weather in such detail that they both began to laugh, naturally and spontaneously. After that, they made the rest of the drive in an easy silence. At her apartment door, when he bent to kiss her good night, she flung her arms around his neck and pressed against him. After a moment of returning her desperate kisses, he removed her arms from his neck and stepped away from her. “Now don’t start anything you’re not prepared to finish,” he warned, his eyes dark. She flushed. “I… I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” “I do. It was seeing Jake carrying Sharon, but it didn’t mean anything, Leigh. They’re practically brother and sister these days. Don’t worry.” He bent and pressed a quick kiss against her nose. “Now go before you have to fight to keep me out of your bed.” She nodded, threw him a grateful look, and went inside.

Chapter Twelve

After Sharon went to her room, Jake changed into a pair of shorts and went out to the pool. He turned on the poolside stereo, got a beer, and sat listening to oldies. His thoughts turned to Joe and Leigh—together. He knew Joe had other interests. One woman in particular, but that didn’t seem to stop him from enjoying Leigh’s company. He couldn’t help wondering if Joe had been doing more than just admiring her from a distance. All his instincts told him to forget her. His desire to bed her was getting in the way

of his plans. He needed to concentrate on acquiring Hamlin Construction. If he were still interested in her afterwards, he could go after her. He knew that. But he also knew that he wasn’t going to be able to go that way. He needed to know how much if anything was between her and Joe. He wanted to believe she wouldn’t sleep with Joe after having had sex with him. And surely Joe wouldn’t bed her knowing how… interested he was in her. He had almost fallen asleep when he heard a car in the driveway. He waited long enough to give Joe time to get to his bedroom before he went to his room. He tapped on the bedroom door, then went in without waiting for an invitation. Joe, wearing only the dark trousers he’d worn earlier, glanced over his shoulder at him. “I was hoping I’d be able to shower before you barged in.” In the act of heading for the only chair in Joe’s room, he paused. “You were expecting me?” “Of course.” Joe turned and walked over to his bed and sat on the end. “But it’s late and I’m tired so let’s cut to the chase, shall we?” Jake ran both hands through his hair and slowly sat down. “About tonight.” “What about it?” Joe wasn’t going to make it easy for him. He inspected the nails on both his hands. “About you and Leigh.” “What about us?” Exasperated, he looked up. “You didn’t kiss her, did you?” “Actually, I did… several times. And it was very nice too.” His heart thumped. “Oh, Joe!” “Don’t look at me like that.” “How could you?” “Why shouldn’t I have?” He clenched a hand into a fist. “Joe. Please tell me you’re not...serious about her. You didn’t… fuck her… did you?” “Why?” Jake felt an almost overwhelming urge to shove Joe violently against the nearest wall and warn him to keep far, far away from Leigh. He had to take several deep breaths to overcome the urge. “You haven’t answered my question, Joe.” “I see no reason why I should.” “Stay away from her.” Joe shook his head. “I see no reason why I should step aside. You said yourself that she’s a big girl able to take care of herself.” He blew out a long breath, then bounded to his feet. He circled the room several times, his fists clenched at his sides. “Don’t do this, Joe. Please.” “Do what?” He stopped and turned to stare down at Joe. “Please,” he said again, his voice low and uneven. It was unreasonable to expect Joe to know what he was talking about when he didn’t even know what he felt himself. “Please, Joe.” For a moment, Joe stared up at him, his face unyielding. Finally, he got slowly to his

feet and clasped him on the shoulder. “I wish I could say I had a choice, but when it comes right down to it, she only has eyes for you.” Jake was aware of a great feeling of unbridled relief. “How do you know? Did she tell you that?” He shrugged. “I tried to get her into bed. She said thanks, but no thanks. Isn’t it time you told her how you feel?” He swung around to glare at Joe, stabbing a finger against his chest. “Don’t tell me how I feel!” Joe slapped his finger away with the back of his hand. “Oh, get off it, Jake! No matter how much you deny it, you know damn well that she’s not the one night stand kind of woman.” “I don’t know any such thing,” he said wearily and headed for the door. He yanked it open, then paused. He’d never felt so alienated from Joe. Why? Because he was afraid Leigh might turn to Joe if his divorce didn’t come through quickly enough. But he now knew Joe wouldn’t sleep with her. He leaned his head against the doorjamb. “I’m sorry, Joe.” He didn’t hear Joe cross the room, but he felt his hand on his shoulder. “Just be careful with her, Jake. I think she’s been hurt before.” He nodded. “How much longer before the final decree arrives?” “I’ll check, Jake, and get back to you. But don’t worry… we’ll keep the other guys away until it arrives.” He sighed and nodded. “I… ah… good night.”

***** Leigh slept late Saturday. When she finally stumbled out of bed at ten o’clock, she and Cath shared a lazy breakfast of toast, grapefruit, and coffee on the small balcony just off the living room. “Jim called last night while you were out.” Leigh swallowed a mouthful of coffee and glanced up from the morning paper. “How’s he doing?” “Not so great just now.” She put down the paper. “What’s wrong?” Cath sighed. “He’s in love with a woman who doesn’t love him.” “Oh, no! Poor, Jim!” Cath stared at her. “That came straight from your heart.” “What? Ah! Well...I guess maybe...it did. I know what it’s like to be in love alone.” “You’re not talking about Martin or Richard.” “Of course I...” Leigh began hotly only to trail off. “Well, no, I guess not.” “That leaves Jake Thornton.” Leigh picked up the paper and steadily stared down at it. “We were talking about Jim, not me.” “Oh, Toots!” Cath gave her hand a brief squeeze. “But you’re right. We were talking about Jim. He needs cheering up. I knew you wouldn’t mind if I asked him to spend a

week or so with us. You and I could share your room and he can use mine.” “Of course,” Leigh nodded impatiently. “When is he coming?” “He should be here in an hour or so. What can we do to cheer him up? Oh, but then you need cheering up too.” She looked up. “No. I do not,” she said firmly. “So, okay. I was fool enough to fall for Jake Thornton. I will not let it make me a...I’ll be all right. Listen, I know you and Charlie had planned to spend the day at the shore, so why don’t I take Jim with me? I was going to make a crowd with Mike and his Amy, but Jim will round us off nicely.” “Are you sure? He could come with me and Charlie.” Leigh shook her head. “Being around you two hot and heavy lovers is not what he needs at the moment. He’ll be much better off with me.” Cath laughed. “Okay. You twisted my arm. He’s all yours for the day.” “Good. Then it’s settled.” She jumped when Cath suddenly slapped her palm down on the tabletop. “It’s just not fair, Leigh. Why does he have to be married?” “I’ll be okay, Cath. Really. According to everyone who knows, he’s not so very married after all.” “Which means what?” “Joe says he’s… they’re practically divorced. He says it’s just a matter of getting the final decree.” “So they’re not sleeping together?” “No.” “Then it’s okay for you to lust after him and his whopper.” There was still the little matter of his not being in love with her and wanting to take over Hamlin Construction. “Oh, I don’t know,” she admitted. “But not a word to Jim about Jake. I don’t want him to think he’ll always be picking me up from the dust.” “Not a word.”

***** “What have you been doing with yourself?” Leigh kept her eyes on the Center City street as she maneuvered her car in traffic until she and Jim were only two cars behind Mike’s big American luxury car. “It’s really been hectic at work lately. Mike has to slow down, so he’s decided to take on a partner. “ “Where does that leave you?” “Job wise? I haven’t given it much thought. Mike’s considering offers from a number of people. If he accepts the one I think he will, I’ll be leaving the company.” She could almost feel Jim’s surprise. “Leaving the company?” She nodded. There was no way she could work with Jake. “Don’t sound so alarmed,” she said calmly. “I’ll be fine. Mike gave me a fifteen percent interest in the company for my twenty-fifth birthday, so I can take my time to look around for another job. What I really want to know is how you are.” He sighed. “I’ve been better, sweetheart.” He reached over to brush a finger against

her cheek. “And I will be again, so don’t worry too much about me.” “I’ll try. Oh. Mike’s signaling up ahead. He’s found a garage that still has some space,” she said, glad to be changing the subject. “I hope you brought a lot of money, buddy boy, because I am starving,” she told Jim fifteen minutes later. They walked arm in arm down a crowded Center City street, a few feet behind Mike and Amy. “You mean you expect me to feed you?” Jim demanded, feigning dismay. “You invited me and you’re always going on about how independent you are. I was expecting you to pay.” She tightened her arm around his waist and grinned up at him. “I’m independent, not stupid,” she told him sweetly. “If you expect any peace while you’re here, you’ll quietly pay up, Jimbo.” It was a beautiful June afternoon and the eight block festival area was packed with people, and a live band on every fourth corner. Vendors with brightly decorated carts were selling everything from balloons and hot dogs to exotic Middle Eastern dishes. Half a block ahead, Mike and Amy walked arm in arm. “Okay, sweetheart, we’ve made a sweep of all the stalls, now how about deciding what you want to eat,” Jim suggested. Leigh squinted up at him past the brim of the baseball cap he’d bought her. “You’re just annoyed because I won’t let you stand and gawk at the belly dancer,” she told him. “Food, woman. What do you want to eat?” “I don’t know.” She grinned at him. “There’s so much to choose from. I can’t decide if I want Japanese, Greek, or good old American. Give me a moment.” “You’ve had all the moments you’re going to get.” He cupped a hand under her elbow and led her over to an empty bench sitting right under the hot afternoon sun, facing away from the belly dancer. “Wait here and I’ll be back with an assortment to suit even a hard to please woman like yourself.” Smiling, she watched him disappear into the crowds. “Another admirer of yours?” At the sound of Jake’s deep voice, Leigh turned to find him behind the bench. She’d never seen him dressed casually. But he looked as good in the faded jeans and short sleeved pullover shirt as he did in the expressive designer suits he wore with such style and grace. His fair head was bare, but he wore an expensive pair of aviator-style sunglasses that hid his blue eyes. “What are you doing here?” He arched a brow. “The same as you—enjoying myself.” “I didn’t think this sort of event would interest you.” “Didn’t you? But then you don’t really know enough about me to decide what would or wouldn’t interest me. Do you?” She shrugged, looking past him. “Who are you looking for?” he asked. “Where’s Sharon?” “She’s here somewhere. Why do you ask? Are we making polite conversation

again?” She ignored the reference to their last meeting. “I didn’t think she’d be far away.” “Do you mind if I join you?” Without waiting for her reply, he moved around the bench and sat next to her. His gaze lingered on her bare legs. She swallowed quickly. Why hadn’t she worn pants that would cover more of her legs, instead of shorts? She glanced in the direction Jim had taken. Oh, Jim, please, hurry back. “So who is he?” “A friend.” “Just a friend?” She narrowed her gaze and turned to look at him. “No. A very good friend.” “You seem to have a surplus of ‘very good’ male friends. Tell me, darlin’, just what does a man have to do to become one of your ‘very good’ friends? What are the requirements?” What a man! Who else could make the word friend sound like something to be spoken of in whispers in dark alleys? “Suppose you worry about your wife and let me worry about my friends.” As she spoke, she was filled with despair because she wanted desperately to throw her arms around him and tell him he could be as good a friend to her as he wanted. Any time. Any place. Her rudeness didn’t appear to faze him. He stretched his long legs out in front of him and crossed his arms. She reluctantly pulled her gaze away from the bronzed, muscular biceps. No good would come of thinking how she’d like to stroke her hands over them. All over his big hard body. “I suppose that’s my cue to apologize for my behavior the last time we met,” he said suddenly. “Don’t, if it’s too much of a strain on you,” she said wearily. “Oh, come on, darlin’,” he murmured softly. “Give an inch, won’t you? I really am sorry. And I was beginning to think you and I might be friends.” Her temper flared at the outrageous lie. “Being friends isn’t what you want from me at all! So don’t pretend. You’ve made yourself very plain.” “Have I?” he countered, undaunted. “Then what do you say?” “I say leave me alone! I am not going to be your mistress, Jake.” “What do you want? Marriage?” She sucked in a breath. That’s what Tianna had longed for from Thor and what she had longed for when she was younger. She wasn’t sure now if she wanted or believed in it anymore. “Don’t tease me, Jake. You’re hardly in a position to talk about marriage.” He pushed his sunglasses onto the top of his head so he could look into her eyes. “I’ m not teasing you. And I wasn’t implying I wanted to marry you. I was only asking if that’s what you wanted because you know how things stand between me and Sharon.” So he didn’t want to marry her! She’d never really thought he did. So why did she feel like crying because he’d put into words what she’d known all along? She took an aching breath. “Don’t flatter yourself, Jake. You’re the last man I’d ever marry, even if you were free. You’re not exactly a poster boy for marital fidelity, now are you?”

His caught his breath quickly and his liquid blue eyes widened. Just as they had that awful night she slapped him. She was sorry, as she’d been then. “No,” he admitted, in a low, hushed voice that filled her with even more remorse. “I guess I’m not. But there are reasons why I’m not.” “Such as?” He shook his head. “They don’t matter now. All you need to know is that I can’t help how I feel, Leigh. Do you really think I want to want you this way? You slap me down every chance you get. If I could turn off the wanting I would. But I can’t. Sometimes I want you so badly that I can’t think of anything else. “Do you know what that feels like, Leigh? How badly I want you? What I’d do to get you?” Don’t look at him. Don’t answer him. Just get up and walk away. Now. Before it’s too late. But she couldn’t. She turned her head. She looked into his blue eyes lost herself in the sensual verbal picture he painted. “I want to take you in my arms. Slowly undress you. Rain hot kisses all over your beautiful naked body… your eyes, your sweet lips, and your clit. God, I’d like to suck that until you’re all wet and slick with wanting me inside you. Then slowly slide my cock inside your hot pussy and make sweet love to you for hours. You have no idea how I want you! How badly I ache with the need for you.” He stroked a finger down her right cheek. “You want that too, darlin’, don’t you?” She licked her lips, her breath coming in painful gusts. “Yes,” she whispered. “I’m hard just thinking about you. I think of you all the time and want you even more. But I don’t just want you any more. I need you, sugar. Please. Need me.” She stared at him, aware of a delicious ache throbbing deep in her belly. He was a fantastic lover. She’d never felt anything as good or as wonderful as his big cock. He was what she wanted. What she needed. What did a small piece of paper matter? She shouldn’t have to say no to the only man her body as well as her heart loved. Her golden Thunder God who made every fiber of her throb with need and desire. She wouldn’t say no. She couldn’t. Not anymore. “Oh, Jake!” She lifted a hand to caress his face, ready to surrender herself completely to him.

Chapter Thirteen

“Jake! Jake!” Sharon shrieked his name. She threw herself onto his lap, hugging him, apparently unaware of what she’d interrupted. Looking at him over Sharon’s head, Leigh saw from his expression that he knew how close she’d come to giving in to him. She dropped her gaze and got to her feet. “I’d better go find, Jim,” she said weakly. “No!” Jake shot to his feet, sending Sharon nearly tumbling onto her fanny. With a

muttered curse, he righted Sharon quickly and looked at Leigh. “Leigh, wait a minute.” “Jake!” Sharon protested, putting a hand on his arm. He shook it off. “I want to talk to Leigh, alone. Please excuse us.” “Sorry!” she said and pushed her way into the surrounding crowds. “You shouldn’t have spoken to her that way, Jake,” Leigh reproached him. “You’ve hurt her feelings.” “Too damn bad! I have feelings too. That’s what I want to talk to you about—my feelings for you.” “You’ve talked about your feelings far too much already!” she said shortly. “And in far too great detail.” The faint flush on his cheeks amazed her. “If I’ve offended you by being too graphic, I apologize.” It was her turn to blush. “I didn’t say I was offended.” “Then what are you saying?” “I told you, Jake. I want proof of your divorce.” He sighed. “And I told you I’d get it as soon as possible. Why is it so important when you know Sharon and I aren’t lovers?” “It’s important to me, Jake. Now go find her and apologize,” she said. “The hell I will!” “Please, Jake.” His hand slid down her arm to engulf hers. “All right, but do me a favor?” She nodded. “If I can.” “You can… stay away from Joe.” “You can’t really think I want him or any other man, Jake.” He smiled, a slow warm smile that made her long to kiss him. “That’s how I feel too, Leigh.” He sighed and glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll go after Sharon.” She nodded and gave him a tentative smile and settled down to wait for Jim who returned moments later, loaded down with food. After they ate, they walked down Chestnut Street. Leigh pointed out her favorite places to eat in the part of the city known as Olde Philadelphia because of the many surviving buildings from colonial times. At the end of Chestnut Street, the sidewalk merged into a cement walk that curved and stretched down about 200 yards before leveling out onto the actual pier known as Penn’s Landing. At the Market Street end of the pier, there was a live rock band. They strolled past all the crowds and couples lying on the grass to the end of the pier. There an outcrop ended just over the murky water of the Delaware River. A waist high iron railing protected it. She and Jim sat down, their legs hanging over the outcrop. They spent the rest of the afternoon there before having dinner at a bistro just off the pier. After dinner, Leigh and Amy went to the lounge to refresh up. Leigh finished first and was sitting in the outer lounge waiting for Amy when Sharon walked in. “Leigh! Hello!”

She cringed. “Sharon! This is a surprise.” “Yes, isn’t it?” Sharon smiled. “Are you having dinner here too?” “Yes.” “So are we. It’s so casual here that Jake and I didn’t have to worry about going home to change. Will you stop by our table for a moment to speak to Jake?” She shook her head. “No. I can’t.” “Oh. Well, let’s have lunch on Monday.” “I...I can’t. I...I’m busy.” “How about Wednesday? Oh, do say you’re free then. Jake is so fond of you that I’m anxious to get to know you.” She blinked at Sharon, no longer doubting that she and Jake were no longer sleeping together. Still, she felt a little strange with Sharon, but it was time she and Sharon had a heart to heart talk. “Ah, actually I don’t have any plans for lunch on Wednesday,” she admitted. “Oh, good! I’ll call you Tuesday to set the time.”

***** Leigh spent a quiet Sunday morning at home with Cath and Jim before she and Jim headed down to the stadium to watch a baseball game. She arrived at work on Monday morning to find a single red rose on her desk. The accompanying card said simply, “Have a good day. J.T.” She lifted the rose to her nose and savored the sweet fragrance. She put it back in the slender crystal vase and sat back in her seat, smiling. The phone on her desk buzzed as she was having her second cup of coffee. She flicked her intercom. “Yes?” “Mike just called. He’s on his way into the office,” Pauline told her. “He’d like to see you at nine-thirty if you’re available.” “Can do. Thanks.” She finished her coffee, took her feet off her desk, slipped her shoes back on, and opened her appointment book. Other than an hour and a half for lunch, she didn’t have any free time on Wednesday. She penciled in lunch with Sharon and closed the book. “There. I’ve committed myself,” she said softly and got up to go into Mike’s office. He smiled at her. “I’m having a cocktail party Thursday night. I’d like you to come, Leigh. Bring a couple of your friends if you like. Cliff. Jim and Cath Daily.” She hesitated. “Pleasure?” Mike shrugged. “Fifty-fifty. Can you make it?” She nodded. “I’ll ask the others.” “Good. Now. I’m having lunch with Jake Thornton today. Want to sit in?” She shook her head. “No. I’m having lunch with Jim. “ “Okay. I’ll let you know if anything develops.” Having neglected to ask when Jake would arrive, she was sitting in the reception area, staring blankly at the gray wall opposite the door when he walked in. “Oh. Jake!” She scrambled to her feet, her hand automatically going to smooth her

skirt down. He nodded his head slightly, a small smile on his face. “Ms. Temple.” “Ms. Temple?” He shrugged. “This is a business visit,” he told her in a smooth voice, but his eyes slid caressingly over her body before meeting her gaze again. “I see.” She nodded. “Then I won’t thank you for the exquisite rose I received this morning, Mr. Thornton.” “And I won’t say you’re welcome. Now, will you be joining us for lunch today?” “I have plans already.” “Oh? With who?” “That hardly seems very businesslike, Mr. Thornton,” she said, blandly. His blue eyes narrowed. “That doesn’t answer my question. But let me guess. It’s either Jim darling, Joe, or your very good friend Cliff. Or is there someone else I haven’t yet met?” She studied his handsome face. He was clearly annoyed with his eyes narrowed and his firm, sensual lips pressed into an annoyed line. “I didn’t realize you were keeping such close tabs on me, Mr. Thornton.” “No? Well, now you do. I jealously guard my interests. Remember that, Leigh.” “Your interests are none of my concern,” she pointed out sweetly. She bit back a startled cry as his hand shot out and clamped on her wrist. “Don’t be cute, Leigh. It’s not becoming. You just remember what I said and see that whoever you’ re seeing keeps his big paws off you.” She tugged at her wrist. “I’ll consider it, now release me!” He released her immediately, although he continued to gaze at her. “Don’t enjoy yourself too much.” She watched him go through the door behind the reception desk, before resuming her seat. Pauline returned from lunch and she made a quick exit before Jake and Mike emerged from his office. The following morning, Pauline brought a small package in to her. “This just arrived.” “Thanks.” She held the long, flat package in her hands for several moments, trying to decide what it could be. She knew it was from Jake. What would he be sending her now? She sat on the edge of her desk and opened the package. Inside the red flowered paper was a black jeweler’s case. She opened it to reveal a slender gold I.D. bracelet. Her name was on the front in white gold lettering. The I in her name was dotted with a diamond chip. On the back were the words wait for me. Sitting there with his bracelet encircling her wrist like a brand, she feared that she was becoming more like Tianna every day. Like that poor, lost woman, she suspected, she would always belong to Jake. “Oh, Jake!” she said his name in despair. She took the bracelet off and put it back in the case and dialed Jake’s number. His secretary informed her he was not expected in the office until either late this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

So she would have to wait to talk to him.

***** “I envy you.” Leigh reluctantly raised her gaze from the absorbed contemplation of her water glass to glance at Sharon Thornton. Sharon had everything a woman could want— beauty, a lovely home, and she’d had Jake as a husband and lover. “You have no reason to envy me or any other woman, Sharon.” “I envy you because you have a career, you know what you want, men respect you, and treat you as an equal whose opinion matters.” Leigh looked around the small Center City cafe for the waiter. She needed a moment to gather her thoughts. “Don’t you have what you want in life?” “Some of what I want, yes. I’m happy, I guess. I mean have a beautiful place to live and more than enough money to buy what I want, but I don’t have anything to do with my life.” “But you have a perfectly beautiful home.” Leigh smiled. “Your gardens are absolutely lovely. You’ve laid them out so beautifully.” Sharon frowned. “But don’t you see? I didn’t do any of it. Jake designed the house and the gardens. He even did most of the planting himself.” “You mean he supervised the landscaping?” “No. I mean he actually got down on his knees and planted all the flowers and plants and most of the trees with help from our gardeners and Jamul, of course.” She smiled. “Before he went away to school, they were like two peas in a pod. You hardly ever saw one without the other. Jamul still has his room here, you know. Do you know about Jamul?” She nodded, hoping Sharon wouldn’t ask how she knew. “Well, anyway, gardening is a hobby of Jake’s. He says it helps him unwind.” So here was something else they had in common. She thought of her own little garden on her bedroom balcony. The thought of the immaculate Jake Thornton getting down on his hands and knees and tilling the earth was incredibly sexy. “I think he feels the need to unwind a lot lately.” Sharon stared at her. “Since he met you. He really likes you a lot. But I guess you already know that.” Leigh would have been eternally gratefully for an earthquake or some other natural disaster that would have ripped her away from the ugly scene she knew was coming. “Sharon...” She paused. What could she say to her? “Oh, don’t look like that, Leigh!” Sharon reached across the table to squeeze her clenched fist. “There’s no need to be embarrassed. I know what Jake wants from you. And it’s all right. I just want us to be friends.” “Friends?” Leigh repeated, feeling desperate. “Sharon. How can you and I possibly be friends?” Sharon frowned. “Hasn’t Jake told you about us?” “Not really… he told me you two weren’t… intimate, but that’s all.” Sharon paused while the waiter brought their meal. “Well, it’s not a pretty story.”

She chewed a forkful of her salad before continuing. “He doesn’t love me, you know.” “Oh, Sharon! I’m so sorry!” “Why? It’s not your fault. He never loved me. That’s why I had to trick him into marrying me.” Leigh pushed her salad away and leaned back in her chair, her gaze on Sharon’s face. “How? Why?” Sharon shrugged. “I was eighteen when I first met Jake. He and my father were working on a big development in Bucks County. I wanted him the first time I saw him. Of course he didn’t even notice me, no matter how outrageously I flirted with him. He wouldn’t even kiss me. “I was living in New Mexico with my parents then. On the night Jake and my dad finished their project, there was a big party. Jake had a lot to drink. I kept at him until he danced with me. And when I asked him if he thought I was beautiful, he laughed and said very beautiful. He didn’t even push me away when I kissed him while we were dancing.” Sharon smiled. “He’s a great kisser. After that one kiss, I decided I wanted to be his wife. My parents and I were staying with Jake at his house. I waited until he was asleep, then I went to his room, undressed, and got in bed with him. He sleeps in the nude, you know so we were both naked.” Leigh licked her lips. “And he made love to you?” “No. He was asleep. I guess he was more than a little drunk. Anyway, I’d just decided I’d made a mistake. I mean what was I going to say to him when he woke up and found me in his bed? Before I could get out of bed, he turned over and sort of...well, he was lying on top of me, pinning me down. “I didn’t know what to do. I was afraid to cry out. Either he’d wake up or worse, my dad would come running and get the wrong idea.” “What happened?” “I fell asleep waiting for him to move off me. In the morning he woke first and thought he’d made love to me. He was so apologetic and guilty.” Leigh sat forward. “You mean you didn’t tell him the truth?” Sharon bit her lip. “I know I should have, but I wanted him so much. And I knew he’ d marry me if I didn’t. And he did. Three weeks later. Of course he was furious on our wedding night when he found out that I was still a virgin.” She sighed. “I wanted to have a baby, but after our wedding night, he never touched me again without a condom. I think he was afraid that if I got pregnant, he’d have to stay with me. He’s real big on family. But we both knew early in our marriage that we weren’ t going to be staying together.” “You mean because of all his...affairs?” Sharon’s eyes widened. “What affairs?” She flushed. “Sharon, come on. I know it’s a painful subject for you, but surely you must know about them?” “Jake hasn’t had any affairs,” she denied. “Well, there was that woman he met last year when he was in California on business, but that didn’t go pass the kissing stage.” “How do you know that?”

“He told me it didn’t.” “And you believed him?” “Sure. Why wouldn’t I? We’ve never had the type of marriage where we couldn’t be completely honest with each other. I’ve heard the rumors, but they’re not true. He’s a firm believer in fidelity. He does not have affairs. He’s never even wanted to… until now with you. You’re sleeping together, aren’t you?” “I… I… ” “I know you are. I can tell because he’s so much more relaxed lately than he’s been in months. Going without sex always makes him hard to get along with.” Oh, this was just too much. She rose abruptly. “I...excuse me,” she whispered and hurried across the floor toward the ladies’ room. Sharon followed her. “Leigh, Jake and I are practically divorced. He’s free to see whoever he likes and that’s clearly you.” “Sharon, I—” Sharon squeezed her hand. “It’s all right. It was over between us on our wedding night when he found out I’d tricked him. You’re not breaking up anything.” Feeling as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, Leigh pressed her lips together, her eyes filling with tears.

***** Leigh arrived early at Mike’s northeast townhouse, intending to help out, but Amy was already there and had everything nicely organized. “You just sit out on the patio and enjoy yourself.” Amy pushed a drink into Leigh’s hand. “Mike says you work far too hard.” Fifteen minutes later, Cliff arrived and joined her on the patio. As others began to arrive, she and Cliff went back inside. Leigh wore a new outfit, a soft lavender body-skimming two-piece silk slip-dress worn under a matching sheer silk chiffon floater with long sleeves, back buttons, and a coordinated scarf. She was pleased with her appearance until Sharon and Jake arrived. Sharon wore a simple, sleeveless black dress with a scooped back a daring front that emphasized her ample cleavage. Her dark hair was piled into an elegant topknot. Her only jewelry was a pair of gold stud earrings. Watching her with her arm slipped through Jake’s, Leigh felt overdressed. “There’s the Thorntons.” Cliff put his drink down and took her arm. “Let’s go speak to them.” “You mean her, don’t you?” “Don’t be silly, Leigh,” he said, not quite meeting her gaze. “I’m only trying to be civil. Coming?” Civil. Yeah. Right. Sharon wasn’t the type of woman that made a man feel civil. “Of course.” He took her arm and led her across the room to where Jake and Sharon stood talking . Sharon’s gaze lingered on Cliff. “It’s good to see you again, Cliff,” she said, smiling

up at him. “Thank you. Will you dance with me?” “I’d like to, yes.” She turned to smile at Jake. “See you later.” He nodded silently. The moment Sharon and Cliff moved away, he turned to look at Leigh. “How are you?” “Fine. You?” He shrugged. “Fair.” “I have a package to return to you, Jake.” “Why?” “Because I can’t accept it.” He stuffed his hands in his trouser pockets and leaned back against the wall behind him. “Doesn’t it fit properly?” “Jake! I can’t accept it.” “You’ll have to. I don’t know anyone else named Leigh. Besides, I chose it myself. I put a lot of time and effort into it, and I refuse to take it back.” “I am not keeping it.” He straightened. “Fine. If you don’t want it, throw it away.” “I can’t do that.” “Then keep it. In the meantime, dance with me?” He extended his hand. She licked her lips slowly. “I...I shouldn’t.” “Of course you should, darlin,’“ he said softly. “Why deny us both?” Why indeed? She linked her fingers with his and followed him out onto the patio, which they had to themselves. It was a warm starlit night. A night made for making love. His arms slipped around her body, coming to rest in the small of her back. She closed her eyes and allowed her head to settle against his shoulder with a soft sigh. How wonderful to be so close to his hard body, with his strong arms cradling her. Her heart beat so wildly it seemed to drown out all other sounds except the steady drumming of his heart against her hands and her cheek. As they swayed intimately together, she abandoned herself to the joy of being with the man she loved. This was love and burning sexual desire all wrapped up in one intoxicating bundle that made her ache for him! “Leigh...Leigh. Oh, Leigh.” Her name rolled sweet and soft from his lips. The sound of it made her feel warm all over. “Oh, Jake!” “Oh, Leigh! I need this,” he whispered and bent his head. She raised her mouth and their lips met in a deep fusing kiss. Moaning into his mouth, she slipped her arms up his chest, around his neck to tangle in his thick hair. His hands were slipped under her sheer top to caress and press against the bare skin of her back, sending a series of uncontrollable tremors down her spine. “I need you, darlin’,” he murmured, his voice husky with desire. He lifted his mouth far enough away from hers to allow him to trace the shape of her parted lips with the tip of his hot, wet tongue. Then she felt it skimming her teeth before

finally slipping inside the welcoming warmth of her mouth. They kissed with complete abandon, his hands slipping around her body to settle on her aching breasts, making her gasp helplessly into his open mouth. “I want you,” he muttered thickly and sank his teeth into her full bottom lip. “Oh, God! I have to have you.” “I want you too!” she whispered, pulling his tongue into her mouth and sucking hungrily on it. She moved her hands over his chest, tugged at his tie and fumbled with his shirt. When she’d managed to liberate a few buttons, she stretched up and pressed moist, lingering kisses against his warm clean skin. “Oh, Jake! I want you too.” “You can have me, darlin’,” he whispered, his big hands cupping her bottom. “I’m all yours. Anytime you want me.” “That’s always, but Jake, we can’t!” She begged weakly as he lifted her legs in an attempt to wrap them against his waist. “I have to,” he whispered back, pressing against her so intimately that she felt as if he were trying to merge her body with his. Right through their clothes. He was aroused. She could feel him throbbing against her, making her ache with need. Without conscious thought, one of her hands slipped between their bodies to press against the beguiling bulge in his trousers. She struggled with his zipper and made a small angry sound when she couldn’t budge it. “Here. Let me.” He pushed her hand away long enough to slide his zipper down. “Oh!” She slipped her hand inside his trousers to lay her fingers over his briefs until she could feel the hard, throbbing warmth between his legs. “Oh, yes!” He groaned, gripped her hips, and pulled her even closer. “Touch me, sugar. Feel me. Hold me.” He didn’t give her a chance to answer. Instead he was kissing her again. Long, hard, drugging kisses that left her clinging helplessly to him, wanting to feel every hard, naked inch inside her. But first she wanted to feel him pulsing and hardening in her hand. Suiting actions to thought, she slipped her hand into the slit of his briefs. The breath caught in her throat and her heart thundered in her chest as her fingers made that first utterly delicious contact with his throbbing flesh. Although she longed to feel his cock inside her again, she was not about to risk Mike walking out onto the balcony and catching them having sex. She contented herself with fondling his cock and balls until his body tensed and she felt his semen flowing over her hand and fingers. He breathed deeply, resting his forehead against her shoulder. “Oh, sugar, I need to be inside you. We’ll be quick and quiet.” “No! No, Jake! I am not going to have Mike find us out here.” “Oh, baby, I need you.” “No… this is not the time or place.” He sighed. “Oh, shit.” “Jake! Leigh!” At the sound of Sharon’s voice, calling out to them from the house, Jake and Leigh groaned in unison and hurriedly fell away from each other. Jake ran his hand over his hair and quickly straightened his clothes, zipped his

trousers, buttoned his shirt, and tightened his tie. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure that they were still alone on the patio, then he bent and pressed a quick, hard kiss against her mouth. “Stay here. I’ll go meet her.” She reached up to run her tongue along his lips and kissed him quickly. “Oh, Jake!” She cried in frustration. “Kiss me and say my name like that the next time we meet and neither one of us will walk away dissatisfied,” he whispered, kissed her cheek, and spun around to head off Sharon so that she would have time to pull herself together.

Chapter Fourteen

Leigh had plenty of time during the next two days to reproach herself for her latest outrageous behavior with Jake. Still, no matter how ashamed she was, she couldn’t regret it or promise herself it wouldn’t happen again. Even now, her breathing became raspy as she recalled the feel of him against her eager fingers: pulsing and warm. But she had to get a grip on herself. Although she had accepted the fact that his marriage was over, she was still certain he was out to take Hamlin construction with or without Mike’s consent. That was reason enough to despise him. She closed her eyes. The only remedy for the sheer madness that seized her whenever they met was to avoid him. She could never be alone with him again. Having decided that, she felt better. She had lunch at her desk and was preparing to leave the office for the airport construction site when Jake walked in unannounced. She blinked up at him. “Jake! Why didn’t Dawn tell me you were here?” He smiled. “I asked her to allow me to surprise you. On your way out?” She clenched her fists at her sides and got slowly to her feet. As usual he was looking very attractive in a dark gray suit. She, on the other hand, wore a flannel shirt tucked into faded jeans, and a pair of safety boots. Her hair was caught up in a ponytail that hung nearly to her shoulders. Her only make-up was lipstick. She felt singularly unattractive as he studied her thoroughly before smiling at her again. “Yes,” she said shortly, pressing her lips into a tight, firm line. “Mike isn’t here either.” “It’s you I wanted to see.” He slipped his hands into his trouser pockets and leaned back against the wall behind him. “About?” The memory of her outrageous behavior with him at Mike’s house shamed and humiliated her, making her terse. Anyone might have wandered out onto the patio and seen her groping at him like some licentious nymphomaniac! She was angry with herself for her complete lack of self-control and angry with him for being a man she could not resist. He watched her in silence for a moment before he straightened. “Business.” A cool look replaced his smile. “Mike said you wouldn’t mind my tagging along to a site or

two.” It was a perfectly reasonable request. All the other people interested in the company had been out to various construction sites. She had willingly shown them around, but now she found herself feeling furiously angry with him. How dare he stand there staring at her that way! So sure of himself. So sure that he would get his way. “Well, you’re in for a surprise because I do mind. I mind very much.” “That’s too bad because I’m coming anyway.” “You’re going to a construction site dressed in an expensive designer suit and handmade shoes?” She laughed. “Do you have the slightest clue as to how messy a site can be?” She saw the muscles in his jaw tighten. She bit her lip as he stormed across the room to stare into her eyes. “Just who the hell do you think you’re talking to?! I’m an architect, remember? I’ve been on hundreds of sites. You’d be well advised to learn to bridle that acid tongue of yours. Not only is it thoroughly unattractive, but it is not in your best interests either.” A flicker of anxiety gripped her. She’d never seen him angry. He’d certainly never looked at her with such icy contempt. Although she took an involuntary step away from him, she was determined not to be intimidated. “Oh, spare me the lecture, Jake. You’re the last person I expect to look out for my interests. And if you’re hoping to frighten me, you’re out of luck. I’m not afraid of you or anything you think you can do to me,” she said with a forcefulness she didn’t feel. “No? Well, don’t push your luck. And don’t push me any further! I have taken insults from you that I would never have taken from anyone else. But enough is enough. I have had it with your silly little hot-cold act.” “My hot-cold act?” “You heard me. One moment you have your greedy little hand inside my briefs like you’re searching for lost gold and the next you’re acting like I’m some lecherous old man trying to force himself on you. Well let me give you a heads up, you pious little hypocrite! You’d better watch what you say to me from this moment on because I will not be making any more allowances for you.” His dark, cold gaze swept contemptuously over her. “On second thought, I think I’ll pass on visiting the sites—at least in your company. I can find much better things to do with my time than waste it in the company of an abrasive plain Jane!” A blinding fury seized her. She lifted her hands, intending to slap him on both cheeks, but he caught her wrists before she could touch his face. She tugged at her wrists. “Take your big paws off me!” “So you can slap me again? I don’t think so. In addition to all your other failings, you’re a violent little bitch!” “Jake!” “That’s right, I said bitch because that’s what you’re acting like. Things aren’t going your way so you want to slap me.” She stared up at him with wide eyes. She could see in his eyes that she had pushed him too far. “Jake...wait. I… I’m sorry.”

“No.” He stared at her lips and she knew he meant to kiss her. Not the sweet soul-stirring kisses she’d grown used to sharing with him. But hard punishing kisses completely devoid of tenderness. To her shame, the idea excited her. He’d always been rough with her and she’d always loved and welcomed it. He released one of her wrists and slipped a hand in her hair. His fingers closed tight around her ponytail, immobilizing her head. She wanted to shake her head, but she couldn’t move it. “Jake, wait, if you don’t, I won’t forgive you.” “What makes you think I give a damn about your forgiveness?” He demanded with a ruthlessness that shocked her. She blinked up at him. “Jake—” “You talk too damn much!” The force of his mouth crashing down onto hers cut off her words. His lips were bruising and yet sweet. The pressure of his mouth slowly forced her lips apart until he could plunge his tongue into her mouth. She felt his cock hardening against her and went wet. This was so different from the kisses they’d previously shared. She had no chance to refuse or respond. The sole purpose of this was to hurt and humiliate her. And that’s what it did. She should hate him and yet she couldn’t help responding to him. She could feel her willful body gradually yielding and liquefying against his. Her parted lips were now pressing up against his. They softened and clung to his, opening and inviting his continued assault. She touched and caressed his broad shoulders, drawing him closer...wanting him… needing him… aching for him. When he cupped her bottom in his big hands and began lifting her, she happily wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, sliding her fingers into his hair. He released her mouth to bury his face against her breasts. She made soft helpless sounds of pleasure as she felt his teeth nipping the tips of her breasts through her shirt and bra. The feelings washing over her were maddening and wonderful… exhilarating… irresistible. “Oh, Jake! Jake!” The moment he lifted his head, she began running her mouth across his face. She rained small biting kisses on his forehead, his eyes, his nose, and on his chin before settling her lips over his heated mouth. She heard his zipper slide down, then felt him fumbling with the zip of her jeans. He paused and she sucked in a breath, knowing that he didn’t intend to take her by force as she had half feared. He was giving her a last chance to say no. Breathing deeply, he gazed down into her eyes. “Darlin’?” he asked, his voice thick with desire. She had to have him. She gave a little, shamed nod. Still, he hesitated. She slipped her hands into his pants, under his briefs to cup his tight, hard ass. “Fuck me,” she whispered. Moments later, his erect cock slid up into her aching pussy. She shuddered and thrust her hips down, swallowing his thick shaft within her body. “Oh! Yes! Fuck me!” The fuck that followed was just that… a fuck… hard, hot, and devoid of tenderness. He thrust his cock into her with piston-like speed and hunger, cupping her butt in his hands. Clinging to his shoulders and eagerly kissing his lips, she ground her hips

against his and shuddered with delight each time he bottomed out in her. Her pussy caught a fire that seemed to spread to his cock. Still kissing and fucking wildly, they came quickly. He didn’t linger in her pussy as he usually did. When he finally lifted his mouth from hers and allowed her to slowly slide down his body to her feet, she cried out in protest and lifted up on her toes to press a last desperate kiss against his honey sweet lips. The gleam in his eyes forcefully reminded her of what had just happened. She bit back a strangled sob and averted her face away. Although she was tingling from his touch, she felt humiliated. “You had no right to manhandle me, Jake! I won’t forget or forgive you for this,” she told him. “Don’t flatter yourself into thinking I care either way.” His cool tone sliced through her. “And don’t bother pretending it was force. You had a chance to stop it and you didn ’t.” She swung around to stare at him, angry tears filling her eyes. “I hate you! Do you hear me? I hate you, Jake!” “Like hell you do!” “The hell I do is right!” She shot back. “You’ve had enough extramarital affairs to be skilled at seduction, but don’t be fooled by my body’s automatic response to you. It has nothing to do with what I think of you as a person. I am telling you that I detest you, Jake! Never doubt that.” “And never doubt that I don’t give a damn! I was only ever interested in your pussy, darlin’. It’s really very, very good. You were deluding yourself if you thought my interest extended beyond the pussy you surrender so very willingly and so frequently.” She would have given just about anything to slap his face. Instead, she stared at him, her dark eyes bright with angry tears, until, with a subdued look on his face, he spun around and stormed out of her office. She sank down onto her chair. She felt as if she’d been run through a paper shredder. She had never believed him when he’d called her beautiful, but to be called plain and practically be told she was easy by the man she loved! And she had let him fuck her like some tramp he picked up off the street. Hell, she’d enjoyed being treated that way by him!

***** “Jake? Can I talk to you?” Jake lay on a chaise lounge next to the outdoor Jacuzzi located on the patio outside his bedroom. He’d skipped dinner and come right out on the patio as soon as he came home. After that scene earlier with Leigh he just wanted to be alone to lick his wounds. Clearly Sharon had other ideas. He rolled over from his stomach onto his back and watched her as she came onto the patio from her bedroom, across from his. He nodded and sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the chair to make room for her. “What about?” She sat beside him and shifted her body until her back was nestled against his chest. “Cliff.”

“What about him?” “I just wanted you to know that I...” “You’re interested in him?” She nodded, her eyes alight with excitement. “He...he likes me, I think and...” “And what? What does he expect from you? What does he want?” “Does it matter?” “Of course it matters,” he said. “He’s sadly mistaken if he thinks he’s going to engage in a casual affair with you. I won’t have him or any other man hurting you. I think it’s time he and I had a little talk.” “Oh, Jake! You’ve always taken such good care of me. I do love you!” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. His reaction was instinctive. Governed solely by the dictates of his body that couldn’ t seem to get enough sex. His arms went around her and he returned her kiss. Not the gentle sweet salute she’d intended, but a hot, hungry kiss. She stiffened in his arms. But instead of pulling away as he expected her to, her body slowly relaxed, and she began responding to the pressure of his mouth on hers, the feel of his hands, cupping her breasts through her blouse. Her lips parted under his and she leaned forward, allowing her breasts to rest against his chest. She even parted her legs so he could slip a hand into her shorts. Still, her heart wasn’t in it. And although he was aroused, it was Leigh he wanted. He pulled his lips from hers and lay back on the lounger, pulling her with him. “I’m sorry, honey,” he said softly, stroking her hair. She burrowed into his arms and wrapped her arms around his waist. “If you want to...” She lifted her head to look up at him. “I mean, we could make love...if you want to, Jake.” Oh, he wanted to make love all right. But not to her. And he was not going to complicate things between them by following the dictates of his body and sleeping with her. He kissed her cheek before pressing her head back against his shoulder. “I know, honey. Thank you, but I’ll be fine.” They were still lying like that when Joe came out onto the patio twenty minutes later. He took one look at them and shook his head. “You two are amazing. Now that you’re all but divorced, every time I look around I find you two cuddling.” Sharon lifted her head his shoulder. “You look serious. Does this mean I have to go? I’m very comfortable right here with Jake.” “I know, honey, but I do need to talk a little business with Jake.” “Oh. All right.” She pressed a quick kiss against his cheek, then stood up and went back into her bedroom, closing the patio doors behind her. “What’s up?” Joe sank down onto the lounger opposite his. “Jake, I talked to your broker today. The shares we need are yours for the taking.” He sat up. “All of them?” “Enough to give you control of Hamlin Construction with or without Mike Hamlin’s approval. But you might want to rethink going that way.”

He shook his head. “No. Get them. I don’t want to keep talking about this.” “Jake, something has to give. Either you have to leave Leigh alone or back off from acquiring Hamlin Construction this way. You can’t keep trying to mix business with pleasure like this. You must see that.” “The only thing I see is that she’s a damned tease!” He snapped. “A tease?” Something in Joe’s tone made him look up. His gaze narrowed as he saw the open amusement in Joe’s eyes. “She won’t give it up, huh?” They stared at each other. He was annoyed at Joe’s insincere attempts to suppress his obvious amusement. Abruptly, Joe gave up the effort and laughed. Jake felt his own lips twitching. He laughed too. He was surprised at how their shared laughter relaxed him, if only for a moment. He ran both his hands through his hair. “Oh, God, Joe. What am I going to do? I can’t begin to tell you how much I want her. She has this incredible natural smell that drives me wild. Did you know that? When we’re together it overpowers my senses. When we’re not, I can still smell it. I’m never totally free of thoughts of her.” “Maybe you should tell her that, Jake.” “And give her another chance to blast me?” He shook his head. “I don’t think so. Besides, she probably already knows.” “Jake—” “You don’t understand how it is between us, Joe. She accused me of having affairs. She thinks I cheat on Sharon.” Joe shrugged. “How is that any worse than your opinion of her? You’ve implied many times that you think she’s practically a tramp.” He exploded to his feet. “Where the hell do you get off saying that?! I never implied anything such thing!” “I never thought she was, but you always give the impression you think she is.” “If I did, it was unintentional. I don’t think that of her.” He frowned. “I behaved very badly today. She says she hates me.” “And you believe her?” He sighed as he remembered the hurt and anger he’d seen shining in her beautiful brown eyes. And the tears. What the hell had possessed him to call her plain and then coerce her into that sleazy fuck? “Yes,” he said warily. “I believe her.” “Well, I don’t,” Joe said decisively. “Anymore than I believe you when you insist that your interest in her is strictly sexual.” He knew Joe expected him to challenge that assertion. But what was the point? He didn’t just want her anymore. He needed her with an intensity that was threatening to completely overwhelm him. Just as Thor’s need for Tianna had consumed him. “I don’t know what happened between you two today, Jake, but you could try apologizing.” “I would… if I thought it would do any good, but it won’t.” “You don’t know that until you try.”

“I do know.” Joe shook his head slowly. “You know, Jake, you’re becoming obsessed with her.” “No, I’m not!” “No,” Joe agreed just as shortly. “You’re right. There’s no becoming about it. You’re already there! Do us all a favor and admit it. Everyone around you is going to suffer until you admit how you feel about her.” “Go ahead with the purchase, Joe,” he said and rolled over onto his stomach. “And let’s not talk about Leigh anymore.”

***** During the next two weeks, Jake visited Hamlin Construction frequently, sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of one of his attorneys. Twice he accompanied Leigh and Mike to construction sites. Whenever they met, he was polite, speaking to her only when it was absolutely necessary. Once when the three of them were on the site of an office building, she watched him. He wore jeans and a sleeveless jacket over a flannel shirt, just like the other men, but he looked sexy as hell. He looked up and caught her staring. She blushed hotly as he gave her a blank stare before looking away from her. A week later she was having dinner with Cliff in a cozy Italian restaurant in South Philly when she glanced up to see him come into the dining room, accompanied by an attractive brunette who looked like a supermodel. He looked around the room and their glances met and briefly locked. She held her breath, waiting for him to come over or wave. She bit her lip as he turned away without acknowledging her. She reminded herself that she didn’t care, but she couldn’t have been more devastated at having seen Jake with another woman if he had been her husband.

Chapter Fifteen

“Is he not a child worthy to carry the blood of Odin, my lord?” Kneeling on the furs before the huge fire in the great room, Thor looked down at the child held up for his inspection. Small and pale, but with blue eyes and red-gold fuzz on his head. His son… borne to him by his wife. “He is,” he whispered in a hushed voice. He had longed for many sons. Some of which he knew Sif would bear and some he had hoped Tianna would bear. Although the sons borne by Tianna would have little standing with anyone but he and her, he would have loved them with the same depth of emotion he felt for their mother. Now that she was lost to him, there would be no sons from her. He extended a finger and touched his son’s cheek. “My father will be proud to have

his blood passed through him,” he told Sif. “As am I.” “Then I have pleased you, my lord?” He smiled. “Yes. You always do.” “I will bear you many sons, my lord.” She cradled his son against her bare breasts and reached out a hand to him. “And then… maybe you will learn to love me and stop searching for her?” Asking him to stop his search for Tianna was like asking him to live without breathing. He couldn’t do it. As long as he lived, he would search for her… but in deference to Sif, who was now the mother of his beloved son, he would pretend to forget Tianna. “I will,” he said, feeling as if a knife turned in his heart. Her eyes lit and a warm smile spread across her lovely face. “I will make you happy and fulfill all your needs, my lord. I will become your favorite bed wench as well as your wife. I will make sure you never need to look elsewhere for love or pleasure.” No matter how good sex with anyone else felt, he would always long for and need Tianna. He bent and brushed his lips against hers. “I do not doubt it, my wife.”

***** Instead of feeling relieved that Jake had given up chasing her, Leigh felt almost sick with a sense of loss and pain. She loved him so much. Nothing could change that. “I almost hate to interrupt your thoughts, but you seemed to have forgotten me.” Leigh shook her head and looked across the table she and Joe shared at the Country Club. She smiled. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?” “Nothing much. I was just asking if you’d like to go swimming before we have dinner.” Jake and his supermodel were in the pool. She couldn’t bear to see them together again. “Not unless you want to.” “Then let’s think about eating. Out here or inside?” There would be less chance of running into Jake inside where there were many dining rooms to choose from. “Inside.” “Joe! Hello!” Both Leigh and Joe turned in the direction of the soft, feminine voice. It belonged to the Miss America look-alike. She and Jake were approaching their table. Leigh watched Jake through her lashes. He looked breathtaking in a pair of white swimming trunks that emphasized his long, tanned limbs. Just looking at him filled her with a burning hunger and need that nearly left her breathless. Joe got quickly to his feet. “Betty.” He smiled. “Hello.” “Hello yourself, Golden Boy.” Leigh watched Joe’s smile deepen and knew this woman was important to him. Betty turned to look at Leigh, her eyes narrowed. Finally she turned to look at Jake. “Introduce us.” “Leigh, this is Betty Henderson. Betty, Leigh Temple,” Joe said when Jake made no

attempt to introduce the two women. “Hi, Betty.” Leigh smiled warmly, attempting to show that she wasn’t in competition for Joe. “We were just going to go in to have dinner,” Joe began and Leigh almost held her breath. If he asked Jake and Betty to join them… She could have kissed him when he went on, “So we’ll see you two later.” When he turned to look at her, she saw the disappointment in his eyes. “Ready?” She nodded and got to her feet, not looking at Jake as she moved past him to stand next to Joe. After dinner, she and Joe had coffee in the lounge. She was on her second Fuzzy Navel before she began to relax when Betty again hailed Joe. “We haven’t danced yet, Joe. You were planning to dance with me at least once. Weren’t you?” She stopped next to his chair and rested a hand on his shoulder. Watching, Leigh saw a look of pure pleasure light Joe’s eyes before he lowered his lids and rose to his feet. “Sure.” He frowned and glanced at her. “That is, if you don’t mind, Leigh.” She forced a smile. “Of course not.” Some of her distress must have shown in her voice or eyes because he hesitated. “Leigh?” “Go ahead. I’ll be fine. Really.” “I’ll be right back.” He looked at Jake, who hadn’t said a word, then led Betty away. “Do you mind?” Jake motioned to the seat Joe had vacated. She shook her head silently. He pulled the chair out and sat down. “Can I get you anything?” She shook her head again. “How are you?” “All right.” “Dance with me?” And put herself into a position to be hurt by him? “No.” He smiled slightly. “Don’t feel like talking?” “Not to you.” She saw the muscles in his jaw tense. He turned his head and looked away briefly before looking at her again. “Leigh… please.” Her heart lurched. Was he going to apologize at long last? “What do you mean?” He sighed. “I mean...you know what I mean,” he accused. “No,” she insisted. She knew what she wanted him to mean, but that wasn’t necessarily the same thing. “It’s been a long time and I...I...” “You what?” He made an angry, impatient sound, deep in his throat. The next moment, his right hand sneaked out to cover hers. She didn’t...couldn’t resist when he threaded his fingers through hers.

When he spoke, his voice was rough with emotion. “What do you want me to do? You want me to beg? Go down on my knees? Because if that’s what you want, if that’s what it’ll take, I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever it takes, Leigh. I can’t go on like this. Just tell me what you want and I’ll do it. Anything… no matter what it is. Just tell me.” Her mouth felt so dry. She swallowed several times, then tugged at her hand. “I don’ t want anything from you except to be left alone.” He covered her hand again, this time squeezing it. “That’s the one thing I can’t do. Leigh! Please! I’m so sorry. Forgive me. Please.” She had longed to bring him to his knees for over a month. Now that she had, she was disappointed. It didn’t change anything. Tears rushed to her eyes. She dropped her gaze. “It wasn’t all your fault. I was out of line. You and I...we bring out the worst in each other. That’s why we shouldn’t see each other anymore. I—” “I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he interrupted. “I know I did and I’m so sorry that I did.” He lifted her hand to his face and buried his mouth in her palm. “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.” “For anything,” she whispered. “Oh, thank God!” For a long moment, he sat with his eyes closed, his face pressed against her palm. Then he slowly sat back and looked at her. “Dance with me, darlin’.” “Yes!” A world of longing and desire was wrapped up in that one explosive word. She practically poured herself into his arms. She reveled in the tightness of his embrace, her arms wrapping themselves around his neck. She closed her eyes and drifted where he led. She knew when he guided her outside because she felt the warm night air on her bare arms. But she made no protest. Why would she? This was the man she loved so much she hurt with it. “I’ve missed you, Leigh!” He groaned her name against her ear and swept her up into his arms. She didn’t open her eyes as he began walking quickly away from the sound of the music. He stopped after a time and sank to his knees with her still cradled in his arms. The grass was cool under her body as he stretched her out on her back. She sighed with satisfaction at the wonderful, solid feel of him lying next to her. She turned toward him silently, pressing her face against his shoulder, her eyes still closed. “Leigh. Oh, sweet, sweet, Leigh. You’re driving me out of my mind.” She felt his trembling hands reaching for her, pulling her close to his body. That trembled too. She wanted to tell him that he was doing that and more to her. But she couldn’t find her voice past the lump of emotion in her throat. She just lay with him, waiting for him to make love to her. He stroked his big warm hands down her body, at first gently, then more firmly. All the while he filled her ears with hot, explicit descriptions of what he wanted to do with and to her. Her response to him was urgent and helpless. She trembled with a delicious feeling of anticipation. She somehow felt this time would be more intense than all the times before. She sensed a gentleness in him that both excited her passions and gave her hope. She could feel it in the hands that reached under her blouse. Feel it in the strong, sure strokes of those hands on the bare skin of her midriff. Feel it in the intimacy with which

he cupped her breasts and gently tweaked her nipples. A warm thrill shot through her. It had been so long since they’d been together. “Oh, Jake!” She breathed his name against the strong, pulsing cord of his neck. Her lips pressed hot, biting kisses there, her hands stroking his body frantically. She felt a violent shudder shake his body in response. He put his hands in her hair to bring her mouth back under his. Their lips met in a hungry yet gentle kiss that started a thousand fires raging in her. “Oh, darlin’, I need you,” he groaned in a husky voice. “I’m yours. I’ve always been yours. Take me. Please.” He eased her onto her back. She allowed her lids to flutter shut. He gently rearranged her clothes. In a matter of moments, her skirt and slip were up around her waist. Her panties, and stockings pulled off and flung aside. Her blouse was open and bra pushed up above her breasts. The sound of his zip made her heart thunder with desire. When he lowered his body towards hers, his thick cock throbbed against her leg. An incredible jolt of need sizzled along every nerve ending. Finally, she felt his firm, bare, masculine flesh against her. She licked her lips and shuddered. “Oh, yes!” she cried as he settled his big body on top of her, pushing her deeper into the grass. He tangled his hands in her hair, pressed his tongue, fiery and sweet into her mouth. His legs slipped between her trembling thighs. She felt so hot and weak at the feel of his hard, aroused body lying cradled between her legs. So close. Finally, so obtainable. She could only gasp his name brokenly, her hands pressing against his back, under his shirt. She longed to feel his hard shaft sliding slowly into her body. His lips, warm and moist, descended on one of her already rigid nipples. His teeth and tongue, nipping and teasing, sent indescribable sensations coursing through her. “Oh, please. Please,” she gasped as he practically sucked half of her breast into his hungry mouth. “You want me, my little one?” He lifted his hips and deliberately rubbed his hard shaft against her feminine core, giving her a delicious foretaste of the delights to come once she had him deep inside her aching center. “Yes. Yes, my lord!” she cried, grabbing his shoulders. She fervently wished that her breasts were larger so that their first time together could be more special for him. “Your breasts are perfect,” he whispered, almost as if he’d read her thoughts. To demonstrate his sincerity, he proceeded to show her just how perfectly her breasts fit into his hot, voracious mouth. She couldn’t think after that… just feel… and need… all of him… inside her. All the long, needful weeks and months of wanting him and never daring to dream that she would be chosen as one of his bed wenches was about to be rewarded. “Jake! Make love to me! Please!” Those words were like balm to Jake’s spirit. After his outrageous behavior in her office, he had almost given up ever being forgiven. Now to know that she was his for the taking was sweet beyond words. So what made him pause and lift up to look down at her? Her eyes were closed. Her lips parted. The expression on her face was one of eager anticipation. She wanted him as much as he wanted her.

But was it really her wanting him? Or was it Tianna wanting Thor? At the edge of his consciousness, he could feel Thor, eager to possess his Tianna again. And he could sense that maybe the woman so openly expressing her desire was Tianna and not Leigh. Nevertheless, he wanted her. Clasping her around the waist, he rolled over. He came to rest on his side, with her on hers, facing him. He wanted her more than anything in the world, but maybe it was time he exercised a little caution and waited until he received his finale decree. Then the only thing between them would be the desire they shared. “Maybe we should wait until—” “No!” She wiggled her hips against his, sending an absolute libido arousing thrill shooting through his hard, aching cock. “I need you now!” She shoved at his shoulders. He rolled onto his back. She followed and came to rest on top of him, straddling his hips. She placed her left hand firmly on his chest, as if she expected to hold him down by force if necessary. With her right hand, she reached back and grasped his cock, firmly, confidently, as if she owned it and him. And so she did. There was no getting around it. Leigh Temple was the only woman for him. “I want you now!” She gave his dick a squeeze and tug that drew a huge shudder and strangled sound of pleasure from him. “Now! Deep inside me! Please.” “Oh, God, Leigh!” He groaned. “I can’t think when you do that!” “I don’t want you to think. I want you to love me. Just love me.” She rubbed her lower body against his shaft, allowing just the tip of him to pop inside the folds of her pussy. She felt warm and wet, her body fragrant with her need for him. There was a time for thinking. This sure as hell wasn’t it. With an animal-like growl, he rolled over again, imprisoning her body under his. He kissed her deeply, stabbing his tongue into her mouth. She tried to wrap her arms around him to draw him closer, but he resisted. Still kissing her, he stroked his hands down her thighs and slowly parted her legs. He was so hot and hard now. In such need that he feared he wouldn’t last long once he was inside her. So he had to make sure she was ready for him. Rolling his body slightly off hers, he ran a trembling hand down her taut, flat stomach to cup a hand over the sweet prize nestled below the thick patch of dark hair. Her soft desperate pleas were ample assurance that she was ready for him. But then there was also the ready dampness between her legs. He gently rubbed the ball of his thumb against her clit. She moaned and shuddered, shoving her hips up towards his hand. He caressed her again, then dipped a finger inside her tight, hot body and was rewarded by her gasp of pleasure. “Oh, God, I have to taste you.” “Jake?” He heard the uncertainty in her voice. “Just a taste, I promise, darlin’,” he whispered. Giving in to his desire, he kissed his way down her body until he encountered the dark hair covering her mound. She had closed her legs and he gently parted her long legs and pressed his face against her, breathing in her sweet, musky scent. Then, unable to resist the delight before him, he parted the outer lips of her and

began kissing and licking his way to her clit. When he felt the small warm knob, he slipped a finger inside her. He gently sucked her, loving the taste and aroma of her. She moaned and thrust her hips up against his mouth, tongue, and finger. He obliged by increasing the speed and pressure of all three. Her body shook and convulsed. Moments later, a rush of nectar-like dampness filled his mouth. He lost it then. He eagerly lapped up her juices, slid his body up hers, gripped her still shaking hips, and pushed his hard cock nuts deep in her lush pussy with one greedy thrust. He thought later that he would have given just about anything to be able to take back the wild plunge that had sent him surging so forcefully into her hot, exquisitely tight body but he was tearing through her maiden’s barrier before he could halt his forward motion. “Oh, my little one!” He froze, only halfway inside her and laid his damp forehead against hers. “I did not know.” After the first startled cry of pain, she lay unmoving under him, her body tense, her teeth sank into her bottom lip in an apparent attempt to keep from crying out again. He began to pull out slowly, being as gentle as possible. “No! Do not stop!” She enforced her surprising request by tightening her body around him, sending a surge of lust careening down his stomach to thunder into his ramrod hard erection. “No! No! Do not stop, my lord.” He fought off the urge to shove the rest of his throbbing shaft deep into her honeyed softness. Her tender body felt like a combination of liquid heat and hot silk around him. Her body pulsed and caressed his rod, holding him inside her, inviting him to explore her depths. Of all the wenches he had bedded, this little one of the modest countenance, had the most exquisite pussy. “You are so tight. So tight and so sweet. My cock rages for you, my little one, but I cannot continue without hurting you. I—” Her fingers curled painfully in his hair, pulling his mouth down to hers. “Then hurt me!” she whispered. “Do whatever you want with me. Just do not stop! I want you. All of you. Deep inside me! Take me. Hurt me, my lord! Hurt me!” And that’s exactly what he did. With one quick thrust, he plunged the rest of what he proudly knew was one of the biggest and thickest cocks in the land deep into her soft, quivering pussy. Though she cried out in pain, when he again would have withdrawn, she wrapped her legs around him and dug her fingers into his buttocks. “No! I want it! I want it all, my lord! Give it to me. All of it. Take me. I live only to give you pleasure, my lord.” “I want it too, but I do not wish to hurt you!” he groaned. The pressure on his cock was intense and agonizingly sweet. “Oh. Oh. I want it!” She gasped again, wiggling her slender, almost boyish hips under him. “I want to feel you sliding in and out of me! It hurts, but it is a sweet pain, my lord. Such a sweet, sweet pain.” A part of him was appalled at what he was doing. She was gasping under him, and he was pounding every thick inch of his huge cock deep in her. By Odin’s blood, never had he taken such a delicious, virginal pussy. Despite her obvious pain, he took his pleasure at her expense. And God what pleasure. What sweet, pure, soul destroying

pleasure. Sex had never been like this with anyone else...not even with another virgin. And as Odin’s only blood son, the virgins he had enjoyed were legion. And the things he said to her! He was completely out of control. Explicit, crude language for both their sexual organs and the sex act poured out of his mouth. Language too filthy to be heard even by a lowly bed wench. Amazingly, his language seemed to arouse her. He felt the change in her tiny, slender body. Instead of just tolerating his plunging rod, he felt the delicious tightening of her moist pussy begin. Holding and loving him. Caressing him. Drawing him deeper into her tight, fiery body. Finally enjoying the ravaging of her sweet pussy. Her hips bucked up to meet his downward lunges. Her fingers raked through his hair. Down his thrusting body. Cupping his clenched buttocks. Soon they were kissing deeply and moving together in a sweet, natural rhythm as old as Odin himself. Her soft cries of enjoyment mingled with his deep grunts of pure satisfaction. And finally, to his utter and complete delight, her body began to shudder and spasm out of control and she gasped and sobbed. “My lord… my lord… my lord!” Clenching his teeth, he forced himself to rein in his own desire, as he soothed her through what he determined would be the first of many delights they would share. “It is all right. It is all right, my little one,’“ he whispered, rolling onto his back so he could cradle her body against his. “Let it happen. Do not fight it. Let the pleasure my cock brings you wash over you.” After what seemed an eternity, she quieted down and he unclenched his teeth and slowly rolled her onto her back on the furs. Keeping his cock buried deep in her no longer virginal channel, he rose over her and began wildly thrusting his entire length in and out of her. Moments later, his own orgasm thundered through him, making thought impossible. He shouted out with his release, clutched her slender buttocks in his hands, buried his mouth against the side of her neck, and flooded her sweet pussy with wave after wave of the hot liquid tide of his satisfaction. By the blood of Odin, he had never experienced such a complete and gratifying release. Clutching her under him, he repeatedly pumped into her until his balls felt totally drained and he felt utterly content. He collapsed on top of her, still buried balls deep in her honeyed sweetness, his face against her neck, his arms wrapped around her. He felt her soft hands caressing his back as she repeatedly whispered his name in a quiet, pleased voice. Paradise. It was only when they’d calmed down sufficiently to remember where they were and scrambled to their feet to rearrange their clothes that guilt and shame overwhelmed him. And his senses returned. He was Jake Thornton. Not Thor. And the woman he had just taken was not some tiny virgin who had never known a man’s cock. Lately, she’d become quite accustomed to taking his. “You might have told me,” he said wearily, glancing around to make sure they were still alone. In the distance he could hear the music from the club and see the lights. He felt a tinge of unease. They’d made enough noise to bring everyone outside running to investigate. She had her back to him as she scrambled to step into her panties. Now she turned to stare at him. “Told you what?” “That you wanted to be fucked by Thor and not me.” He knew that blaming her for the incredible fuck they’d just shared was inexcusable. He had thoroughly enjoyed

it… regardless of who had been fucking whom. She shook her head. “You say that as if you didn’t just fuck the virgin right out of Tianna.” “The hell I did!” He looked at the small half hammer on the charm around her neck and longed to snatch it off and toss it away. “Why the hell don’t you get rid of that piece of crap? It’s the reason you can’t remember who the hell is fucking you.” “Oh, Jake! How can you talk like this after what we just shared?” Instead of admitting he was wrong, he made it worse. “Obviously you like sex. How the hell do I know who you’re letting fuck you when we’re not together?” One look in her wide brown eyes and he could have kicked himself. Joe had been right. She’d been hurt before. Badly. Maybe by more than one man. And he’d just added to her pain. The anguish that he felt at that knowledge was the surest indicator that the playing field was no longer level. However much he’d only been interested in becoming her part-time, temporary lover in the beginning, he knew that would no longer satisfy him. He needed so much more than sex from her now. He wasn’t ready to admit yet just how much more he wanted, but he hated that he had just hurt her badly. “Oh, Jake! How can you say that?” With a small, tormented sob, she turned away from him. He caught her shoulders and pulled her, resisting, back against him. “Oh, God, Leigh! I didn’t mean that. I swear I didn’t. Forgive me,” he pleaded, burying his lips in her hair, near her right ear. “Forgive me. Please. I’m confused. It’s getting harder to keep Thor at bay. Please. Forgive me.” “No! No!” “Please… oh, God, please forgive me! I did not mean that!” “Yes, you did! You think I’m some sort of tramp!” “No, I don’t! Oh, baby. Please. Forgive me.” He held her until she allowed her body to relax back against him. “And come home with me.” “How can you ask that?” She pulled away and cast a weary look at him. He shook his head. “I didn’t mean to the house. There’s an apartment in Center City. Spend the night there with me, darlin’.” Her eyes closed briefly. “I can’t.” “Why not?” She shook her head again, and then bit her lip, her eyes moving slowly, caressingly over his body before meeting his gaze again. He knew she was struggling with her conscience. A better man wouldn’t have tried to influence her decision. But he was the man who intended to fall asleep with her cradled in his arms. The man prepared to do whatever it took to accomplish that goal. He leaned down and kissed her slowly on her full, sweet lips, delighting in the knowledge that they were swollen from his kisses. “Please, darlin.’ “ He breathed the words into her mouth, against her teeth. “I need and want you. Please, darlin’.” “Oh, Jake!” With those two words wrung from her, he knew he had her surrender.

He hugged her gently to him, trying to reassure her. “It’s okay, darlin’.” She turned her face into his shoulder. “How can it be? We shouldn’t have—” He pressed a gentle finger against her lips. “There’s an attraction between us that neither of us can resist. I don’t want to resist it. I want to surrender to it and to you. You fulfill a need in me that goes deeper than any I’ve ever felt.” “It’s not just you or me. It’s them, Jake.” He cupped her face between his palms. “I know part of what we feel can be attributed to what they feel for each other, but a larger part is what we feel for each other. I want you.” Later when they lay naked in the darkened bedroom of the Center City apartment he shared with Joe, he would have been content to fall asleep with his head nestled against her breasts. He felt a sense of serene wonder, feeling her body cradled against his. Although he had not been her first lover, that night he felt as if he had been. It didn’t matter that the virginity surrendered had taken place many thousands of years earlier. That night, they had shared the most astonishing experience imaginable. Finally, she was his woman. That knowledge would have been enough—until she turned in his embrace, kissing him and stroking her soft fingers between their bodies to touch his cock. He groaned and gave up all thoughts of sleep. What he needed was to make love to her again. Love? When had he stopped thinking of what he wanted to share with her as sex? He couldn’t remember. Not that anything other than atoning for the pain he’d caused her earlier mattered. Kissing her gently, he rolled her onto her back, and eased his cock into her pussy. For a long moment, they lay motionless, staring into each other eyes with just the head of his dick poised between the outer lips of her mound. Then they both moaned and Jake felt her fingers moving over his back, down to his hips as she parted her thighs and lifted her hips to welcome him back into her body. “Ah. Oh. Oh, yes. Yes, yes. Love me again, Jake.” “Oh, yes, darlin’. Yes. Yes, I’ll love you as often as you like.” He slowly slipped his dick into her body until he was fully seated within her creamy warmth. “I’m yours, Leigh. All yours. For as long as you want me.” “Forever. Forever, my handsome, wonderful, Jake! You’re so beautiful and sexy. Your cock is so much more delicious than Thor’s. I love having you inside me. You feel so good, my sexy, Jake. Oh, please. Love me,” she whispered and sucked his tongue into her mouth. He was amazed and touched that she felt that way about him. Later, he would savor her words. Just for the moment, it was time for making slow, warm love. Midway through, he withdrew from her, rolled her onto her stomach, laid his body on top of hers, and entered her from the back. He lifted her hands above her head in one hand and continued plunging his dick in and out of her. In that position, he got deeper penetration and he made sure his cock rubbed against her clit with each inward thrust into her body. Within moments, her pussy convulsed around him, covering his dick with her liquid satisfaction. Satisfied that he’d pleased her, he allowed his full weight to rest on her body and thrust deeply, repeatedly into her quaking body until he shuddered to his own

mind-numbing climax. Without conscious thought, he pulled out of her, rolled onto his back, lifted her body onto his, and sipped his cock back into her. He hugged her to him. She kissed his chest and slipped her arms around his neck. “Oh, Jake! Every time we have sex… it just keeps getting better,” she whispered. He pulled a blanket over their damp, still joined bodies, and kissed her hair. “I don’ t have the words to explain how I feel,” he admitted. “Jake… did you… sleep with Betty?” she asked suddenly. “No! It’s a long story, but I promise you that I have no interest in her. Do you believe me?” Yes,” she whispered and settled against him with a soft sigh. He fell asleep thinking how great it was to make love to her and then fall asleep still buried deep inside her, feeling their combined juices gently lapping over his shaft.

Chapter Sixteen

Janet Temple had never been able to forget Ron Temple and Leigh had never forgiven her father. Or her mother. Because their mother-daughter relationship had changed after he’d gone away with his lover. Her mother had continued to do all the things mothers did for their little girls. She fed Leigh, washed her clothes, kept a roof over her head, helped her with homework, and played with her. She had even loved her after a fashion. But not with the same sweet, motherly love Leigh had known before. There had been a coldness in her. A dark secret part that she held back from Leigh. Even at eight Leigh had known that her mother’s smile wasn’t as warm, her hugs and kisses not as wholehearted as they had once been. Her father had taken the best part of her mother and destroyed it. Janet Temple had never again been the same mother Leigh had adored and loved. A woman who hadn’t been able to keep her hands off a married man had destroyed the Janet Temple Leigh had loved. How Leigh had hated and despised the nameless woman she never knew. There was something about spending the entire night with Jake that somehow made her feel guilty all over again. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Cath was spending the weekend with Charlie, so she could give free rein to her bitter tears. And when she was done crying, she’d never allow Jake Thornton to touch her again.

***** Jake sat alone on the patio, his coffee and breakfast untouched. He glanced up as Joe joined him. “What’s the hold up?” he demanded, getting to his feet.

Joe didn’t seem to have any trouble following him. Which was just as well because he wasn’t feeling very coherent after waking that morning to find Leigh gone. He’d memorized the chilly note she’d left. Jake, We can’t see each other again. Leigh. “The hold up?” Joe shrugged. “It was your idea to take the divorce slow so Sharon would have a chance to adjust to the idea before it was final.” “Well, I’ve changed my mind! I want it over with!” “Leigh finally put her foot down and refuse to go on sleeping with you without it?” He stiffened. “What?” “Save your righteous indignation. I saw you two together.” He covered his face. What the hell had possessed him to make love to her in a place where Joe had discovered them? How could he have been so stupid and irresponsible? He felt Joe’s hand on his shoulder, but shook it off. “Look, I didn’t know you were taking her to the apartment.” He turned to look at Joe. “You were there?” “Yes. When I spent the night there Thursday, I left some files that I wanted to work on today so Sharon and I decided to pick them up before heading home. I didn’t see any evidence you were there—” “Sharon was with you?” Damn! “I didn’t see your SUV, but well, I sort of had a feeling, so I left her in the car. Don’t look at me like that, Jake. I didn’t even realize you were there until I was on the way down the hall to my bedroom. You didn’t bother to close the bedroom door and you were having a jolly old time.” He glared at Joe. If Leigh knew that Joe had seen and heard them making love! “If you sort of had a feeling, why the hell didn’t you stay out?” he demanded. He knew it wasn’t Joe’s fault, but fairness didn’t seem to be his strong suit lately. But Joe wasn’t in the mood to be dumped on. “Just wait a damn minute, Jake! What the hell have you got to complain about anyway? At least you got to take the woman you wanted to bed. And what did I get? I’ll tell you what I got. I got to take Sharon home, while the woman I wanted left with another man! The woman you were suppose to be baby-sitting for me so that wouldn’t happen.” Jake sighed and ran a hand through his hair. That was the reason he was taking Betty out. To keep other men at bay while Joe tried to make headway with her. Joe had done the same for him with Leigh. Only Joe had done a much better job. “Joe, I’m sorry. I...” “You what? Forgot? What?” He hesitated before telling Joe about the charm and Thor. “Oh, come on, Jake. I know Dad believed in that Thor business, but Mom didn’t. Surely you don’t think he’s in control of you.” “Not exactly in control, but his existence cannot be denied Joe. I have memories that are not mine. Memories of his life and his Tianna. I feel his grief over her loss.” “And you think Leigh is this Tianna?” “No! I know she’s not Tianna and I’m not Thor, but we do share their memories and their longing to be with each other.”

“So that’s why you’re attracted to her?” He shook his head. “No.” “But it’s your excuse for leaving Betty?” “Joe, I’m sorry about that. I didn’t intend to...when Leigh and I were left alone, I...” “Saw a chance to bed her and to hell with me? Thanks a lot, Jake!” He turned away. “Joe! Wait a minute.” Joe glanced back. “What?” “About Betty. I...why did she leave with someone else?” “When it became clear that you weren’t coming back, she assumed that you and I had cooked up a scheme to get her alone with me.” Jake frowned. “Joe, not to put too fine a point on it, she didn’t exactly need an excuse to...what I mean is...well, she’s was fairly...clear about finding you attractive, why should she have minded being left alone with you?” He watched Joe’s eyes narrow. “What the hell’s that remark supposed to mean? Are you implying she’s easy?” “That’s not what I meant. I just meant...” He took another look at Joe’s face and sighed. “Actually, the point I was trying to make escapes me at the moment.” “Yeah. I’m sure it does Jake. While you were getting your jollies let me tell you what happened with me. After Betty said thanks, but no thanks, Sharon arrived in a cab, looking for you. So naturally I not only got to take her home, but got to cover for you too.” “There was no need to cover for me, Joe. Sharon knows what’s going on.” Joe ignored his interruptions. “But hey, Jake. It’s all right as long as you got what you wanted. And you got that, didn’t you? I’m surprised to see you here so early.” Jake took a deep breath and mentally counted to ten. But it didn’t help. He leveled a finger at Joe. “Unless you want to be decked, don’t you ever imply that she’s easy!” Joe’s eyes narrowed and Jake’s heart ached. Joe was going to make a disparaging remark about Leigh that he wasn’t going to be able to ignore. “What the hell are you talking about? I’m never implied any such thing!” His sighed. “Look, I could tell Betty the truth,” he offered. “I think you’ve helped me quite enough, Jake!” He shook Jake’s hand off his arm and walked away. Jake stared after him. Great. Now he was in the doghouse with everyone who mattered to him.

***** “What do you mean you think it would be a good idea if we didn’t see each other again?” Leigh stood at her electric range, staring into the pot of boiling water. She turned to glance over her shoulder at Cliff, who sat at the small oak kitchen table. She still had bruises on her breasts, waist, and buttocks where Jake had held her as he’d repeatedly shot his seed deep into her receptive body. She remembered with a combination of shame and pleasure, feeling the overflow trickle down the inside of her leg. She could never welcome or even tolerate another man’s arms or lips after their night together.

“It’s Jake Thornton, isn’t it? You’ve slept with him!” he said, his voice accusatory. She turned back to the range and stirred the spaghetti silently and vigorously. “What man in his right mind would look at another woman with Sharon for a wife?” She turned to face him. “What you really mean is how can he be interested in me.” His face flushed. “I didn’t mean it like that! You know how much I enjoyed our relationship, but she’s very beautiful.” “And I’m not.” “I’m sure all you care about is the fact that he seems to think you are. I see it in his eyes every time the four of us meet. I always feel that he’s just a heartbeat away from sweeping you into his arms and making off with you.” “Which is what you’d like to do with Sharon!” “She’s married! Not for long and not in the real sense of the word, but unlike your precious Jake, that means something to me.” “Well, they wouldn’t be married if she hadn’t tricked him!” He rose. “I’d better go while we’re still speaking to each other.” “Fine, Cliff, but don’t delude yourself into thinking he’s a wolf and she’s innocent.” He turned briefly at the kitchen door. “I’ve never so much as kissed her and I won’t until they’re divorced and she’s moved out.” He shrugged. “Good bye.”

***** Leigh’s breath caught in her throat and she felt sick the moment she stepped into Mike’s office on Monday afternoon. He sat facing the door. His face looked ashen and his gray eyes haunted. “Mike!” She ran toward him. She shook his shoulder, then sank down to her knees, pressing her cheek against his legs. “What’s wrong?” “Jake Thornton was at the board meeting this morning.” She lifted her head and looked up at him. “And?” “It was a mistake to go public, Leigh.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Thornton now owns a fifty-two percent interest in our company and can take over at the next meeting of the board of directors. He plans to downsize which means laying off several of our crews. He and that brother of his call it streamlining. I call it bad business. But there’s nothing I can do to stop him!” Maybe there was something she could do. She recalled with a tingle the hunger in Jake’s kisses the last time they’d made love just before dawn. He’d wanted her as much then as he had before their first time together. Their intervening lovemaking hadn’t lessened his desire for her one iota. Maybe, if she asked, he’d leave Mike alone. She pressed her cheek against his leg. “Maybe there’s something I can do, Mike.” “No!” He hauled her to her feet to stare down into her eyes. “I’d sooner lose everything than let you sell yourself to him! I won’t have it. Do you hear me?” Her eyes filled with tears. If only she’d exercised more restraint and not slept with Jake. Then if words and reason failed, she could offer him her body. Now all she could do was hope his desire for her was sufficiently strong to make him want to please her. “There’s very little I wouldn’t do for you, Mike, but I wasn’t thinking of selling

myself.” How could she when she’d already given Jake everything he wanted for free? “I only meant maybe I could ask him to let you buy back those shares.” “No.” He hugged her. “No, Leigh. I won’t have you cheapen yourself for me.” She’d already cheapened herself for the sake of lust. Why not for Mike? She pressed her cheek against his shoulder. “It won’t hurt to ask, Mike.” She lifted her head and looked at him. “You’ve done so much for me. Let me finally do something for you. He might say no, but please. Please, Mike, let me at least try.” She knew how much it cost him to nod his head wearily. And it made her that much more determined to get Jake to back off.

***** “Do you understand that by taking this oath, you will substantially shorten your life in the earthly realm, son of Odin?” Thor’s hesitation was brief. Although he loved the four sons Sif had given him and he valued her as a faithful and selfless wife and mother, he could no longer go on pretending that he found life without Tianna bearable. After twenty-two years, he knew he would never forget her. A long earthly life without her held no appeal. “I understand and accept the terms, Ancient One.” “For this enchantment to work, both you and your beloved must find willing vassals who will not only be receptive to being temporary custodians of your memories, but they must also each be in possession of one of the enchanted emblems.” Thor felt as if a heavy anvil had been flung across his shoulders. While his half of the charm was available for enchantment, Tianna’s was not. “I have but one half of the emblem, Ancient One.” The Ancient One frowned and peered into the enchanted fire that continually burned. “Mayhap it will be enough, Odinson.” Thor surrendered his emblem and kneeled in silence in the bitter cold and wind as the Ancient One chanted soft, incomprehensible words. After a time Thor startled as Tianna’s image appeared in the center of a blue flame. She lay on her side, her tiny, slender body curled on a series of rugs. The long dark hair he had so loved covered her countenance, but he read dejection in her body. One small hand clutched her half of the emblem. His heart ached for her. “Do not despair, my little one. By Odin’s blood, I vow we will be together again.” She tensed and bolted into a sitting position, her dark eyes wide. She stared around her. “My lord! Is that you?” Time, he noted had been kind to her. Her countenance was as lovely as he remembered. Her body still lithe and firm. Only her dark eyes revealed how heavily their time apart weighed on her. “Yes, my little one.” A beautiful smile transformed her face into a vision of loveliness. “Oh my lord! I knew if I waited long enough you would come. But...” She looked around again. “Where are you? I cannot see you.” “I am with the Ancient One who formed the emblem you still wear around your

neck. I know you must have many questions, but the time granted us is brief. Listen carefully and quietly, my little one.” He told her of the only way they could spend brief periods together. He could almost feel her disappointment across the miles and time separating them. “Will you not come for me, my lord?” “I do not know where you are and you are not permitted to tell me. But I will never stop seeking you. Until I find you, we can be together only through the graces of others with hearts big enough to share their bodies with us. It is not what I desire and long for, my precious little one, but it is all we may have at present. Will it suffice, my lovely little one?” “It will, my lord. I have hungered for you with an ache that eats away at what’s left of my heart and soul. Only the certain hope that you would one day come for me has sustained me, my lord.” “I will come for you. I know not how much time will pass, but I will come for you.” “My life force will not remain forever, my lord. Must I die still separated from you?” “Fear not death, my Tianna.” “I do not fear it, my lord. I welcome it for a life without you is not one worth living.” He felt a similar emotion but in deference to the four sons he dearly loved, he did not voice his heartfelt agreement. “You are treated well?” “I am treated...well enough, my lord.” He did not dare ask if she had borne children, because he did not want to know that another man had shared that delight with her. “Then do not welcome death, but do not fear it. For even it can not—will not keep us apart forever. I will come for you.” “I will wait, my lord...for eternity if need be.” “The flame becomes a burden, Odinson. It is time to pull away,” the Ancient One told him. He saw the strain and a fine sheen on the Ancient One’s ruddy face. “I must go now, Tianna, but know that wherever I go, I carry your memory with me always. I will find you and we will be together again, my lovely little one. Wait for me.” “Forever, my lord.”

Chapter Seventeen

Jake became aware of the silence in the room. He glanced around and found everyone around the conference room table staring expectantly at him. Damn! He’d lost himself in thoughts of Leigh again. He cleared his throat and sat back in his chair at the head of the big mahogany table. This was a hell of a way to run a meeting. He glanced at Joe, sitting at his right and

arched an eyebrow. Joe gave him a blank look before smiling slightly and speaking. “As I was saying I’ ve taken care of all the legalities involved with the new convention center,” he said. “So what do you think?” He flashed Joe a quick, grateful look before turning back to address the others. “Good.” He pulled the numerous blueprints in front of him closer. “Let’s talk about the designs,” he said confidently. Two hours later he was in his private office, toying with the idea of arriving unannounced at Leigh’s apartment in the hope that she’d see him. True she had refused to talk to him the previous night when he’d called, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t see him. Besides, showing up unannounced had worked once before. Before he could get to his feet, the phone on his desk buzzed. He lifted the receiver. “Yes?” “There’s a Ms. Temple here to see you, Jake,” his secretary said. “Can you—” “Send her in, please.” He rose, stepped from behind his desk, ran a hand through his hair, and straightened his tie just before the door opened and Leigh came in. He sighed. Her eyes were narrowed, her lips pressed into a firm, unyielding line. She definitely wasn’t there to throw herself into his arms and confess her undying love for him. “How are you, Leigh?” “Jake, I need to talk to you.” He nodded and gestured to one of the two black leather chairs in front of his desk. “Have a seat.” “I prefer to stand.” “Fine.” He put his hands in his trouser pockets and leaned back against the wall behind him, studying her face. She had such clear radiant skin… deep beautiful eyes...a cute nose… sweet, lush, kissable lips. She was absolutely perfect—even when she couldn’t decide whether she should be annoyed, uncertain, or just plain angry. “I need to ask a favor.” He felt an undeniable thrill at the thought of doing something to please her. “Ask away.” She’d been standing in the middle of the floor, looking in his direction, but not quite meeting his gaze. Now she moved quickly across the room to stand close enough for him to reach out and take her into his arms. “Don’t do it, Jake. Please.” He hated the way her voice quivered, as if she weren’t sure of herself or him. “Don’t do what?” She pressed her lips together several times. “It would destroy him, Jake.” Damn. He closed his eyes briefly. She would have to ask for the one thing he couldn’ t afford to give her. “He’s a big boy, Leigh. He’ll survive.” She balled a hand into a fist and hit it against his shoulder. “No, he won’t. Please, Jake. Don’t do it.” “It’s already done.”

“You can undo it, if you want.” He glanced down at her. Despair and anger filled her gaze. “I worked very hard to do it. Why would I want to undo it?” She made a fist of her other hand. She hit both his shoulders with her fists. “Do it for me. Please.” “That’s asking an awful lot of me, darlin’.” “Please, Jake. For me.” He shook his head. When she lifted her fists to hit him again, he caught her wrists in his hands and held them away from his body. “Oh, I’d like to please you, darlin’,” he said softly, kissing each of her clenched fists. “What will you do for me in return?” “I hate you!” “Oh, honey, I hate you too,” he whispered, and still holding her wrists, he brushed his mouth against hers. At the contact, she made a small sound of protest, but she didn’t pull away. He increased the pressure of his mouth, drawing her closer, deepening his kiss, trying to show her how he felt about her, without using the words he was still struggling to accept himself. He released her wrists and sighed in satisfaction when she immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her open mouth up against his. The feel of her breasts pressing against his chest left him longing to make love to her again. Feelings of love and adoration overwhelmed his senses, swelled his chest, made remaining silent impossible. “Oh, God, I love you.” “I love you too,” she murmured the sweet words against his mouth. The only sound in the room for several moments was that of their deep breathing between kisses. When she tried to pull away from him, it was anticlimactic. After a moment of resistance, he let her go. With the words of love they’d spoken hanging heavy in the air between them, he crashed back down to earth. It wasn’t her in love with him, it was Tianna in love with Thor. “Please, Jake?” “All right. I’ll allow him to buy back the controlling interest,” he was amazed to hear himself say. A weary look crept over her face. “What do you want in return?” He gently caressed her cheek. “What I’ve wanted from the moment we met. You. Just you. I want you. I need you. In my life, in my arms, and in my bed. Spend the night with me, darlin’. Let me fall asleep with you. No lovemaking. I promise. I just want to fall asleep with you in my arms.” He saw the unmistakable flame of desire flickering in her eyes and felt his heart begin to race at the thought that she would say yes. But she shook her head instead. “No.” “Why not?” “Because I’m asking you to do the right thing with no strings attached, Jake!” From his point of view he was doing the right thing. “I’ve worked very hard for this, Leigh. Why should you expect me to give it up so easily? Ask me anything but this.” “This is what I’m asking, Jake… begging for… if that makes an difference.”

He shook his head slowly. She sucked in a slow breath. “Fine. You go right ahead and destroy Mike, but understand this Jake, if you do, I will never, ever forgive you. Never. And don’t try to tell me that you don’t care about that because I know you do.” “You’re flattering yourself again.” “Then why are you standing here begging?!” He stared down at her. He was angry and hurt that after he’d confessed his love, she could still think so badly of him. That she knew how he felt and was prepared to use his feelings to get what she wanted was even worse. “Leigh, please. Listen to me. This thing with Mike is strictly business, but what’s happening between us is so much more. I know you want proof that it’s over between Sharon and I. I’ll have the final decree in about a week and she’ll be moving soon.” He lifted a hand to caress her cheek. “She and I have spent the last two weekends looking at apartments for her. I’ll be legally free soon. Bear with me until then.” “And when you are? What?” There really wasn’t any question of what he wanted. It was just a question of putting it into words and making her believe him. “We could...ah, well...that is...you could...” “I could what?” He avoided meeting her gaze head on. He shrugged and wet his lips quickly. Why did she have to make him put it into words? Why couldn’t she allow him to keep what little pride he had left intact? “Could what?” she asked again, impatient this time. “You could marry me.” Her brown eyes widened and her lovely mouth formed a small, soundless ‘oh’. “Marry you?” “Yes. Marry me. You said yourself that you didn’t want to be my mistress. So be my wife.” “For how long, Jake?” “How long?” “Yes. You want me now, but for how long?” “You think I’ll ever want another woman? You think it was only sex between us?” “You think it was something more?” Clearly, it has not been Leigh confessing her love for him. He sighed, shaking his head slowly. “I don’t think we have anything else to say to each other.” “Will you allow Mike to buy back the controlling interest?” How could she stand there looking so cool and assured while tearing him into little throw-away pieces? “No, Leigh, I will not! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting.”

***** “Are you going to tell him?” From her position kneeling over the toilet, Leigh wiped her mouth and slowly rose.

Cath stood in the doorway of the bathroom, wearing her short nightshirt, a worried look on her face. Leigh glanced up at the clock over door. It was only five-thirty. Normally Cath didn’ t get up for work until six-thirty. She washed her face before turning to face Cath again. “Did I wake you?” “I heard you vomiting.” “Sorry. I can’t seem to get rid of this—” “It’s not a virus, Leigh,” Cath interrupted her. “It’s morning sickness. Isn’t it?” She sank down onto the closed toilet seat. Her period was just over three weeks late. After three positive pregnancy tests, she was pretty certain that she was pregnant. And although every piece of literature she’d read indicated that morning sickness usually occurred much later in a pregnancy, she seemed to be suffering from it big time. “How did you know?” “You mean besides your suddenly ravenous appetite and the three different pregnancy tests boxes stuffed in the trash can?” That elicited a small smile from her. “We haven’t been best friends for the last ten years for nothing.” Cath came into the bathroom, knelt at her feet and gripped her hands. “Does he know?” “Who?” “Oh, honey, there’s no who.” She shook her head as fresh tears filled her eyes. “No.” “Why not?” “He’s going to take Mike’s company.” “Doesn’t he care about you?” She shrugged. “He sort of suggested marriage.” “Then what’s the problem? You love him, he loves you!” “No. He talked a lot about wanting and needing, but never a single word about love. And if he did love me, he wouldn’t be about to take everything that Mike’s worked so hard for. I begged him not to.” “Come on, Toots, I think you’d better marry him.” “No! Not without love!” “You love him.” “I never said that.” Cath smiled. “You didn’t need to. I know you would not be carrying his baby unless you loved him.” “Cath, I don’t even know how it happened.” Cath arched a brow. “Don’t you? It usually happens when a man comes in you. I suppose he did that at least once.” She flushed. “I… I’m on the pill.” “I know.” She shrugged. “Did he use protection?” She bit her lip. He’d never suggested they use protection and she hadn’t wanted him to. “I thought the precautions I took were enough.”

“Well, you can’t undo what’s done.” Cath squeezed her hands. “Marry him, Leigh.” “He’s already married! How could I accept a proposal from a man who could make love to me while he’s still married? And she’s such...his wife is so sweet.” Cath got to her feet and hugged her. “That’s the real problem, isn’t it? You let him make love to you while he was still legally married? Oh, honey! It’s only because you love him so much. And even his ‘wife’ has admitted their marriage was over long before you two met. Falling in love with him doesn’t make you like the woman who ran away with your father.” She eased away from Cath, stood up, and moved away. She wrapped her arms around her body. “Doesn’t it? My father’s mistress didn’t care what she did to me and my mother. And I didn’t care about Sharon.” Cath closed the distance between them to clasp her hands in hers. “There is a big and important difference between you and your father’s lover. Your mother loved your father and wanted to be married to him. Sharon and Jake Thornton don’t love each other. You told me they never have. He wants you and she wants Cliff. They were divorcing before he met you. It’s not the same, Leigh. “Besides, I think he does love you. Why else would he still want you so much after you’ve been with him since the night you met?” She bit lip. “How do you know that?” Cath shrugged. “You’ve been wearing a perpetually guilty look since then. But my point is, if he still wants you, it must be because he cares.” “Oh Cath. I wish I could believe that.” “I think you can, Leigh.” She shook her head. “I don’t know what to think or believe.” “Are you going to tell him? He has a right to know.” “I know, but if he hurts Mike—” “Leigh, don’t. You can love Jake without being disloyal to Mike.” “Can I?” She sighed. “I need time to think.”

***** A week later, Leigh left work feeling beat. Jake had sent her two dozen roses that morning, which had started her thinking about him and the night they’d spent together. Then there’d been problems with supplies on two construction sites and an irritating city inspector implying that Hamlin Construction wasn’t operating above board. Halfway across the company parking lot, she spotted Jake’s SUV. Before she could head back into the building, he’d hopped out, and closed the distance between them. “Hi, darlin’, how are you?” There was something ironic about him showing up on the very day she’d had confirmation from her doctor that she was pregnant. She longed to throw herself into his arms and tell him about their baby. She bit her lip hard to resist the urge. “I’m fine, Jake. What are you doing here?” She walked past him toward her car. He fell into step beside her. “I needed to see you.” There it was again. Need. Nothing about love. Always need. “Well, you have.”

“Well, I wanted more than to see you.” She knew by the tone of his voice that he was smiling before she glanced at him. “How much more?” “Have dinner with me, Leigh.” She put her key in the car door and glanced at him. “What’s changed?” He shrugged. “Nothing. I want you as much as I ever have.” That much she knew. She could see it in his passion-filled blue eyes. She lowered her lids, afraid he would see her desire and love for him clearly reflected in her gaze. “Enough to sell Mike the shares he needs back?” “If you’ll marry me, I’ll give them to him, Leigh.” “But only if I marry you?” He nodded. “Surely that’s not too much to ask.” She pulled her car door open and slid inside. “Actually, it is. All I ever hear from you is what you want. What you need. What about my needs and wants?” “Oh, Leigh! I’d gladly take care of them all. I’ll be good to you. I promise.” She sucked in her breath. Her resolve was almost undermined by his intensity. “There’s only one thing I need from you, Jake. That’s to be left alone.” “You’re saying no?” He raked a hand through his hair. “Again?” She nodded. “Yes, so I suppose I’ll see you at the board meeting to take Mike’s company from him.” He caught the door in his hand as she was about to close it and bent down to look into the car at her. “Leigh, I’ll give him the damned shares. I’ll give him everything I have in return for your promise to marry me. Before you answer, I want you to know that this is the last time I’ll ask you.” “Good. Then I won’t have to refuse you again,” she said past a lump of emotion in her throat. “Now if you’ll excuse me?” “Excuse you?!” He looked furious. “You silly, little—” “Don’t you dare call me another name, Jake!” She screamed at him. He gulped in several deep breaths. “Please. Don’t do this to me.” “Please, Jake. I’ve given you my answer.” He stared down at her, his eyes full of longing, then he stepped back, and turned away. She slammed the door, started the car, and drove away before she could give into the desire to tell him she’d do anything he wanted her to.

Chapter Eighteen

Bam! Bam! “Coming!” Leigh tossed aside her magazine, unwound her legs, and pushed herself up from

the chair where she’d been reading. Cath was out for the evening and she’d planned a quiet evening at home. She definitely was not in the mood for company. She half expected to find Jake at the door. Sharon stood there instead. “Hi, Leigh! How are you? You look great. Can I come in?” “I...ah...fine. Thank you. Yes. Ah, come in.” “I thought it was time we had another talk.” Leigh backed away from the door to allow Sharon in. She nodded and sank back down in her chair. “Sit down. Ah...you want to talk about...” “Cliff, “ Sharon sat on the edge of the sofa across from Leigh’s big, overstuffed teal chair. “Cliff? But, I thought you were here to talk about Jake.” “Well, I am, in a way. But first I wanted you to understand about Cliff. I didn’t want you to misunderstand about us. He told me you weren’t seeing each other anymore but I...” Leigh ran a hand through her hair and shook her head. “I’m hardly in a position to misunderstand, am I?” “Oh, you mean because of you and Jake?” A painful flush quickly spread over her face. “Sharon, I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. Leigh, Jake and I agreed on a divorce long before he met you. If I hadn’t tricked him into marrying me, he would have been free when he met you. He’s always wanted to marry for love, you know. You know he loves you.” Her heart beat quickened and her head snapped up. “He...he told you that?” “Not in words, no.” Her hopes deflated like a pinpricked balloon. “Then how do you know?” “We’ve been together for four years. I know him.” She shrugged. “Okay. So he wants me.” “It’s more than want. If that was all it was, he could find almost any woman to satisfy him. But he hasn’t because he’s not that kind of man and he loves you.” She stared at Sharon. “Does he know you’re here?” “No and please don’t tell him. He likes to think he doesn’t need anyone, but he needs you. Give him a chance, Leigh. I know you’ll be just as happy as I hope to be with Cliff.” “Cliff’s a great guy.” “So is Jake!” She sounded defensive and Leigh smiled. “Want to trade?” Sharon nodded, giggling. “Oh, yeah!”

***** “He said no, didn’t he?” Leigh nodded and sank down in the chair in front of Mike’s desk. “Yes. I’m sorry.” Mike slowly took a deep breath and released it. “You did what you could. How

could anyone ask any more than that?” “But the board meeting is less than two weeks away. What are we going to do?” “There’s nothing we can do. Maybe this is for the best. I’ll admit that I wasn’t really looking forward to early retirement before I met Amy, but now it’s looking a lot better. We can get married, buy a house down the shore and see where life leads us. “What about you, Leigh?” She shrugged. “I’m not going to work for Jake Thornton. I thought I’d take a couple of months off. I’ve sent out my resumes and I’ve had a few offers from other companies.” “And?” He sat forward in his chair and studied her face. “Leigh? What is it?” Her eyes watered. Lately she cried at the least provocation. “Mike...I’m pregnant.” He slumped in his seat. “Oh, Leigh!” “I know I’ve disappointed you and I know—” She wanted to tell him she’d taken precautions, but she hadn’t taken the biggest one—saying no. “No!” He got to his feet and moved around the desk to pull her forward until her head rested against him. “I’m not disappointed.” He brushed his lips against her hair. “I’ m excited I’m going to be a grandfather, but what kind of father will he be?” “Oh, Mike! I love him so much!” He hugged her. “I know you do, honey. And I shouldn’t have said that. I don’t know him well enough to know what kind of father he’d make.” He tipped her chin up so he could look down into her eyes. “Have you told him yet?” “No.” “Why not?” “I’ll tell him after the board meeting.” “Why not before?” She tried to look away, but he wouldn’t allow it. “Because I want to see if he’ll change his mind.” “And if he doesn’t?” “I don’t know.” “Leigh, I don’t expect you to take sides. I want you to stay out of this.” But how could she remain neutral?

***** Jake glanced at his watch as Joe strolled into his office two days later. “You’re half an hour early for lunch.” “I know.” Joe grinned. He sat in the chair in front of Jake’s desk, stretching his legs out in front of him. “Great news.” He sat back in his chair, flexing his shoulder muscles. “Good. I could use some.” “You are now a free man. The final divorce decree just arrived in my office.” What was the point in being free if Leigh wouldn’t have him? “This is good news. I expected a smile at least, not a stone face.” Joe sighed. “Leigh still refusing to see you?”

He nodded. “You know you could give her what she wants.” He exploded to his feet and pressed his clenched fists against the window frame. “Give me one reason why I should allow her to blackmail me.” “Oh, I don’t know about you but I think the fact that you love her is reason enough. What good is having Hamlin Construction if it costs you the woman you love?” He swung around to face Joe. “I never said I loved her.” “Jake, I know you love her. I’m thinking you probably have right from the start.” He resumed his seat. “How I feel about her is irrelevant because she doesn’t love me.” “I wouldn’t be too sure about that if I were you.” He leaned forward. “Do you know something I don’t?” “No. How could I? I haven’t seen or spoken to her for several weeks.” “Then what the hell are you talking about?” He demanded irritably. “I don’t think she would have slept with you without love.” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Sometimes you can be very naive, Joe. Especially where women are concerned.” Joe arched a brow at him. “Really? Well, I’m not the one who’s eating his heart out for a woman.” “You and Betty okay?” Joe shrugged. “Not really, but I’ve come to terms with that. And we’re talking about you and Leigh. I really believe she slept with you because she loves you.” He sighed. “Joe, I’ve always known I could move her physically, even when she was denying it, but I need her to love me too.” “Maybe if you allow Mike to buy back the shares, she’ll—” “What? She’d allow me to buy her love?” He shook his head. “No thanks. She has to accept me just as I am. If I gave in to her and she married me, I’d never be sure how she really felt about me. I’m not about to enter another loveless marriage, Joe.” “You’d be married to the woman you loved. Wouldn’t that be enough?” “No! She has to love me too.” “Fine.” Joe threw his hands up. “I just hope your principles will keep you warm and happy after you’ve destroyed all your chances with the woman you love.” “Who said I ever had a chance with her?” he asked wearily.

***** Leigh stood on the hotel site, watching Jake walk toward her over the uneven ground. Dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt, he wore safety boots, but was bareheaded. “You look surprised to see me, sugar.” She bit back the urge to ask where his hard hat was. A moment later she was glad as he brought his right hand up and plopped one down on his head. “I am. What are you doing here?” His dark blue gaze slowly surveyed her, seeming to linger on her stomach. She

fought back a panic attack. He didn’t know. He couldn’t know. She wasn’t even showing. “I saw your car as I drove by.” She turned away from him and looked over the scolding rail down into the actual site. “And?” “And I wanted to see you.” She was very aware of him, leaning on the rail next to her. She could feel his eyes on her. “Why?” “I like seeing you, darlin’.” A warm flush rushed through her at the endearment. How had she ever objected to it? She turned her head to find him smiling. She smiled before turning back to gaze down at the site. “I see.” “And I thought you might like to know that Sharon and I are no longer married.” She sucked in her breath. His being legally divorced didn’t change the fact that he was still going to destroy Mike. “Darlin’?” She turned to face him. “I’m very glad for you, Jake.” “Glad enough to have lunch or dinner with me?” She held up a hand, shaking her head. “Jake, I told you—” “That you wouldn’t marry me. You never said you wouldn’t eat with me.” Oh, to sit close to or across from him and see the desire he’d never tried to hide shining in his eyes...to know how much he still wanted her. Maybe as much as Thor still wanted and longed for Tianna. “I can’t.” “Why not? Have you got a date already?” “And if I have? What? You think no other man would want to go out with an abrasive plain Jane like me unless he was after my body?” A look of distress filled his eyes. “I would give anything to be able to take those hateful words back!” He put a hand over hers on the railing. “I never meant them. You know I didn’t. I’ve never made any secret of my attraction to you.” He squeezed her hand. “You know in your heart that I didn’t mean it.” “Okay.” She eased her hand from under his. “I shouldn’t have mentioned that because I do know you didn’t mean it.” “I’m so sorry, sugar.” “So am I. For a lot of things.” “No, sweetheart. I mean it.” She nodded. “I know you do.” She turned back to the site. “Anyway, I’m busy for lunch and dinner.” “Then how about for dessert?” “Dessert? What do you mean?” She glanced at him. But she knew what he meant. It was there in his dazzling blue eyes. “Dessert. With you as the main and only course. Oh, darlin’ I’m aching for you. You can deny it, but I know you want me too.” She was past blushing. “Okay. I do want you too, Jake.”

He turned his bright blue gaze on her and although he wasn’t touching her, she felt as breathless as if he’d taken her into his arms and kissed her as passionately as he did the last time they’d made love… such a long, long time ago. “But nothing’s really changed between us. You and I—” “Oh, sweetheart, think about the endless nights we could spend together. We’d make love to each other until we’re both exhausted and then we’d fall asleep with my cock still buried deep in your sweet hot pussy. I’ll bet you’re getting damp just thinking about it. Do you have any idea how much I love being inside you feeling you climaxing around me? That’s exquisite, but not as wonderful as coming inside you with nothing between us but our desire for each other.” A swell of hunger she could neither deny nor hide, infused her. But he was still only talking about physical desire, so she shook her head. “All we have in common is sex, Jake. It’s wonderful, earth shattering sex. It might even be sex driven by centuries old lusts and passions, but it’s still just sex. I need more.” “Who says there isn’t more between us? And it’s not driven by anything except me needing you, darlin’.” “You’re just like him.” “He loved her.” “Did he?” She shrugged. “He never bothered to tell her.” Not unless one counted the brief confession of love she and Jake had exchanged in his office on Thor and Tianna’ s behalf. “It was difficult for him to admit, knowing he had to marry another woman.” “And so he allowed the woman he loved to think she was just a favorite bed wench instead of the love of his life?” She shook her head. “All you’re thinking about are your physical needs.” “What gives you the right to say that? You don’t know what I want or feel.” She allowed her gaze to rest on his face. “You are the most attractive man I’ve ever met. There are a lot of other women who’ll welcome you as a lover. You don’t need to make a nuisance of yourself with me.” “A nuisance?! Talk to me about a nuisance when I can smell you wanting me and your pussy is full of my cock.” “I’ve already admitted that...okay, you’re a great lover with a big hard cock. But that doesn’t mean I want you in my life or my bed!” “Really? Well, it’s time you had a reality check, sugar. Because I intend to be in your life, in your bed, and in your pussy on a regular basis. No… make that my pussy because it’s not your pussy anymore, Leigh. It’s now mine. So from now on call it my pussy.” The muscles in her stomach churned as she thought of how much she wanted to feel him inside her again. And she sure liked the idea of her pussy belonging exclusively to him. She bit her lip and dismissed her lecherous thoughts. How could she be with the man who destroyed Mike? “I want you to leave me alone, Jake.” He sighed. “Oh, Leigh, you can’t really mean that.” “I do,” she lied. “You do not,” he said, just as firmly.

“For the love of God, Jake, can’t you take no for an answer? There are plenty of women who would love to be fucked by you.” “We’re not talking about fucking! We’re talking about making love.” “Whatever you choose to call it, there are plenty of women who’ll want to do it with you. Leave me alone and go find one of them.” “You go to hell, Leigh!” he snapped and swung around. “I will, if you’ll come with me!” she called angrily after him. He stopped and turned slowly to face her. The smile on his face surprised her. “I’d gladly go anywhere with you, sugar,’“ he drawled softly. “Even hell.” Unable to hide her own smile, she turned away to stare down at the site, her thoughts in turmoil. If only he’d do the right thing by Mike, she could go to him with a clear conscience. She’d never been able to resist him. It was only a matter of time before she surrendered to him again. She thought of his hard cock plowing into her and bit her lip. God, but she wanted him. She tingled and looked up to find him standing next to her again, staring down at her. “Sweetheart?” She looked away. “You were going.” He brushed his shoulder against hers. “I’ve never...had to beg a woman for what I wanted.” She nodded, not looking at him. “I’m sure you only ever needed to smile at a woman to get all the pussy you want. You’re what they call drop dead gorgeous.” “I don’t care what ‘they’ call anything. I only care what you think. It’s all about you, sweetheart.” “I...I’m flattered. The first time I saw you, I wanted you.” “Sweetheart...” She swallowed several times and turned to look at him. “But that admission doesn’t change anything. I still want you to leave me alone.” His eyes darkened and his jaw clenched. “Well, don’t hold your breath waiting for it to happen. At the risk of sounding conceited, you’re not going to be the one who got away. Whetheryou like it or not, you are going to be mine. Dammit. You are mine.” She supposed he expected her to be shocked or outraged. Instead she was pleased that he wanted her so much he was willing to beg for her attention and unwilling to let her get away.

Chapter Nineteen

Leigh spent the morning of the next meeting of the board of directors at the hotel site. She’d offered to go to the meeting with Mike to lend moral support, but had been relieved when he refused.

She headed back to the office around twelve o’clock when she was certain the meeting was over. “Is Mike back yet, Pauline?” Pauline nodded. “He was just asking for you.” “Is he alone?” “Yes.” “Good. Then I’ll just go in.” She walked past Pauline’s desk and headed down the hall to Mike’s office. She paused to take several deep breaths before knocking and walking in. Mike was on the phone, facing the window behind his desk. He turned in his chair, smiled, and waving her in. “Listen, Leigh’s here so I’ll talk to you later. I love you too.” He put the phone down and looked at her. “Sit down.” She sat down on the edge of the nearest chair. “You don’t look...how did it go?” He smiled. “Thanks to you, much better than I’d dared hope.” She tugged at her right ear. “What happened? Was he a no-show?” “He showed up all right, but your Jake is all right, honey. He didn’t say much, but afterwards he came over and offered me an option to buy back the controlling interest.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Thank God!” “He must be very much in love with you.” She wiped at her damp cheeks. “Did he say that?” “He didn’t say much of anything. But why else would he have let me off the hook?” “What reason did he offer?” He smiled. “Why don’t you go ask him why yourself, honey?” She stood up. “Okay. I will.” “And it’s time he knew about the baby.” She nodded. “I just hope he’s not angry.” “Tell him and trust him to do the right thing, honey.”

***** Jake lay on the chaise lounge on the patio outside his bedroom listening to the words of the lovesick country singer coming from the portable stereo across from him. Normally he didn’t like country music, but tonight it suited his mood. The words of the song might have been written just for him. He couldn’t shake his love for Leigh and he couldn’t take not having her. And he still loved her, no matter what he did. Nor could he hide it anymore. Hell, he was even tempted to try to drink his blues away. “Jake.” He groaned. Now in addition to thinking about her all the time, he was starting to hear her too. Soon he’d be a certifiable. “Jake? Are you awake?” His eyes flew open and he turned his head. Leigh stood just inside the living room doors, watching him. “Leigh!” He sat up. She smiled uncertainly and glanced behind her into the living room. “Gilla let me in.

She said it would be okay to come out here.” “Ah! Yeah! Sure.” Lifting the stereo remote, he lowered the volume on the CD player and sat up. He gestured to a lounger opposite his. “Can I get you anything?” “Ah...no.” She seemed as uncertain as he felt. “I just wanted to talk to you.” She glanced down at herself and made a face. She wore jeans, a flannel shirt, and safety boots. “I came straight from work. I should have changed.” She looked downright sexy, no matter what she wore. “You look fine. Sit down.” She sat on the edge of the seat he’d indicated and he resumed his, his eyes on her face. One look at her and he knew he was in love alone. While he’d had little appetite lately, she looked as if she’d gained a couple of pounds. “I just wanted to thank you for allowing Mike to buy back the controlling interest.” He resisted the urge to tell her that she could thank him by marrying him. He nodded curtly. “Fine. I’ll consider myself thanked.” She looked at him expectantly. He didn’t know what she wanted or expected, but he didn’t much care. She’d done what she came to do, so as far as he was concerned, she could leave. Before he gave into the urge to go down on his knees and beg her to marry him. He rose, hoping she would do the same. “Was there something else, Leigh?” She hesitated briefly before nodding. “Why did you do it?” How like a woman. He’d done what she wanted him to and still she wasn’t satisfied. “I let him buy it back. Isn’t that enough?” She rose and gazed at him. “I’d really like to know why.” He swung away from her. “Leave it alone, Leigh.” He felt her hand on his bare arm and trembled. “I want to know why, Jake.” “Why?!” He swung around and spat the word at her. “What do you want me to say? That I did it because I wanted to please you?! Okay. Fine. That’s why I did it. I wanted to please you. Are you pleased? If so, kindly leave me the hell alone!” “Not until you tell me why,” she said relentlessly. “I told you why...to please you.” She reached up to stroke a hand along his clenching jaw. “Why did you want to please me?” Her voice, soft and seductive cajoled him. But he shook his head and glared down at her. The calculating little bitch wouldn’t be satisfied until she’d wrung a full confession from him. And then what? She’d slap him and tell him she didn’t want him for a husband because he couldn’t be trusted to stay faithful! As if there was another woman alive he’d even look at now that he was in love for the first time in his life! “It doesn’t matter why. I did. End of story.” “It matters to me why you did it,” she insisted, pressing her fingers against the tight, angry line of his lips. “Shall I tell you why?” There was no point in arguing with her. She had him right where she wanted him. He nodded wearily. He just wanted her to go and leave him in peace so he could devise a strategy for winning her trust and love. “Because if you did it because you love me, then you might like to know that I...”

Her voice trailed off and she dropped her lids over her beautiful brown eyes. He caught his breath and cupped her face in his hands. “You what?” She shrugged, suddenly looking afraid. “...love you too.” Her voice was so soft and tentative that for a moment he wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly. “Too? Did you say too? As in also? You’re in love with me?” She nodded quickly, gnawing at her lip. “Hot damn, damn!” He reached out with trembling hands to pull her into his arms. She came willingly and he buried his face in the hair against her neck. “Oh, God, I thought I was in love alone.” “What?” She drew back and looked up at him. “You think I go around letting every Tom, Dick, and Thor fuck me every time we’re left alone for two minutes?” “No! I don’t think that.” “You used to think it.” “I used to think a lot of things that no longer make sense to me.” “Good because I fell in love with you the moment I saw you.” He kissed her lightly on her mouth. “Well, I’m glad to hear it because I must have fallen in love with you then too.” Leigh sighed happily and pressed her cheek against his shoulder. Now it was time to come clean and hope he understood. She lifted her head and looked up into his eyes. He was smiling and he looked happy and content. Hmm. “Jake, isn’t there something you want to say to me?” “No,” he murmured and bent his head to kiss her. “No?” She drew her head back before his lips touched her. She glanced down at her left hand. “Does this give you any ideas?” Noting the I D bracelet he’d given her, he smiled. “It makes me want to kiss you,” he whispered and brushed his lips against her cheek. She reached up to kiss his chin before pulling away. “Don’t you think it’s sort of lonely looking? Like it could use some company?” He stared down at her for several moments. Just when she thought she was going to have to spell it out for him, he smiled and went down on one knee. “Does that mean you ’ll marry me after all?” “Are you asking me to?” “No. I’m begging you to.” She laughed and knelt beside him, pressing into his arms. “Oh, Jake. I love you so much.” “Because I remind you of Thor?” “No. Because you’re you. I love you, Jake.” She grinned wickedly at him. “Besides you’re far sexier than Thor ever was. She adored him. I love and adore you.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her slowly and warmly on her lips. “Thank God!” he said with such feeling that she laughed. Now the last straw. She linked her arms around his neck. “They always wanted children together.”

“As do I.” He grinned and kissed her. “What to join me in the Jacuzzi and start trying now?” She glanced toward the house. “Out here? What if one of the maids—” “They know not to disturb me when I’m out here. If something urgent comes up, they’ll buzz me.” He nodded toward a cordless phone on the table at his side. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Then that depends on what you have in mind.” “Oh, it’s not my mind you need to worry about, sugar.” “Ooh,” she said softly. “I like the sound of that. Why don’t you show me what you’ re working with?” “You first. You’re overdressed. Let me help you.” He undressed her slowly, stopping to tenderly kiss each part of her body thus exposed, leaving molten need in the wake of his touch. He lingered a long time over her breasts, his touch and tongue sending currents of electricity all the way down to her toes . “You have such lovely breasts,” he whispered, kissing the tip of each hardened nipple. “That’s so...nice,” she gasped, clutching his head against her breasts. When she was completely nude, he cupped her face in his hands, staring down into her eyes with a look of adoration. “You are so beautiful.” She leaned up and pressed a long heated kiss against his mouth. “You’re pretty good looking yourself. Especially when you take your clothes off,” she said wickedly. “Why so modest?” He was out of his clothes in seconds. Then before she had a chance to fully admire the exquisite symmetry of his muscular body, he took her in his arms. She shuddered and gasped. The hot heavy feel of his thick cock made her wild with longing. “Oh, Jake! I need you.” He slipped into the Jacuzzi and extended both hands to her. “Join me, sweetheart.” She slipped into the Jacuzzi and slowly impaled herself on his hard, smooth flesh, pressing her back against his chest. “Oh. Oh, God, yes. Yes! That feels so good.” “Glad you like it,” he murmured, cupping both hands over her breasts. “Hmm.” She threw her head back against his shoulder. She lifted herself and gently removed his shaft from her body. Then she settled back against him, cupping her hands around him. “What’s not to like? It’s big, thick, hard, and feels so good. It’s totally delicious, like you, my Jake.” He kissed her neck. “It’ll feel better here,” he whispered, palming her mound before slipping a finger inside her. “Yes. You’re right.” She lifted her hips again and turning to face him, she greedily popped the thick head of him between the lips of her sex. “Oh, God! Oh, Jake, that’s so good.” “You like it?” “Oh, yes.” “Then maybe you’d like to marry me.” As he spoke, he tensed his hips then surged

forcefully back into her pussy. “Oh.” She ground her hips down in time with his upward thrust. She clung to him, shuddering with pleasure. Several moments passed before she could speak again. “That depends,” she finally murmured, kissing his lips. “What will you do for me if I do?” “Just what I’m doing now. Loving you. Totally. Until you’re completely satisfied.” “Oh!” She gasped as she felt his thumb stroking and teasing her clit. “Oh, Jake. You’ re such a fantastic lover… so skillful and so handsome.” He lifted his head and looked down at her. “You think so?” “Oh, yes, my Jake. You’re gorgeous. I still can’t believe you’re mine.” “Believe it because I am. And I feel thankful that you’ll have me, my beautiful, brown eyed darlin’.” “Oh, Jake, I’m sorry I ever doubted you.” “I should have told you how I felt… but it was so hard sometimes not knowing which feelings were mine and which were Thor’s. But I love you, Leigh and I’ll never give you cause to doubt it.” “I don’t doubt your love, Jake.” “You won’t need to doubt my fidelity either.” He gripped her hips in his big hands to stop the mindless motion of her hips. “I need you to believe that I never cheated on Sharon while we were sharing a bed. There was... ah...a woman in California, after we started divorce proceedings, but—” “That never went past the kissing stage.” “That’s right, but how do you know that?” “You told Sharon and she believed you. And so do I.” He hugged her. “Thank God because without you everything would be worthless. So what do you say? Will you marry me? You haven’t answered yet.” She closed her eyes and pressed her cheek against his shoulder. “Before I answer, there’s something you should know.” He tensed and the wonderful shiver of sensation the smooth motion of his hips produced as he surged forward into her pussy halted. “Oh?” She lifted her head from his shoulder. “It’s about having kids.” “I told you that I want them. And I do.” “Good because we’ve already started… I’m...pregnant.” “You’re...already pregnant?” He gripped her hips and lifted her off his cock and sat her onto the edge of the Jacuzzi. Despite the warmth of the evening, she shivered. “Exactly when were you planning to tell me, Leigh? Or were you going to tell me? What if I hadn’t allowed Mike to buy back the controlling interest in his company? What were you going to do about the baby?” The anguished look in his eyes left her in no doubt as to what he thought. “Oh, Jake! I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you. There is no way I would have aborted our baby. I never once considered it. Never!” He closed his eyes and leaned his head against hers. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “I wanted to tell you the day I found out, but I didn’t think you loved me.”

He drew back and looked at her. “I had a right to know before now.” “I know you did, Jake, but...I was afraid.” “Of what? For crying out loud, Leigh! Couldn’t you tell how I felt about you when we made love? What was there to fear in telling me?” “I was afraid that if I told you, you might not believe me.” “What? Why wouldn’t I believe you?” “Because of what Sharon did to you.” “You know about that? How? Joe wouldn’t have told you.” “Sharon told me. I was afraid you’d think I was trying to trap you into marriage like she did. I wanted you to marry me for one reason only… because you loved me.” She gasped as his lips brushed against her breasts just before he pulled her gently into the water with him again. “I don’t just love you. I love you madly,” he whispered, kissing her. “You. Only you. For always.” She laughed as happy tears formed in her eyes. “That’s all I need to know, my Jake! I ’ll do my best to keep you happy and satisfied.” “Just marry me and I’ll be both.” “So will I,” she whispered and felt the storm of passion rising as he held her hips in his hands and slowly drove the hard hot length of his shaft inside her. He pushed steadily, relentlessly into her, until she felt his balls brush against her. “Oh, God!” she moaned, shuddering to a mini climax. “Oh, my Jake, love me!” “Oh, I do, my love, I do,” he whispered, drew his hips back, then sent them shooting forward again. She felt his thick cock cleaving through her pussy and the world and everything ceased to matter. There was just Jake, the love of her life, her future husband, and the utterly blissful dick pumping into her piston-like, rocking her world and making her fall deeper in love. They made love several times before he finally drew his cock out of her. She moaned softly and reached down to hold him. “Do you want me to...suck you?” He brushed his lips against hers. “Do you want to?” She hesitated. “It’s okay,” he said. “I know he loved to have her suck his cock.” “Yes,” she acknowledged. “And how did she feel about it?” “She didn’t particularly enjoy it, but she did enjoy giving him pleasure.” “Well, I’m not him.” “Does that mean you don’t want me to suck you?” “I’m not him, Leigh. I only want you to do it, if you really want to. I’m sure if you did, I would love it, but for me, the ultimate trip to paradise is always going to happen when I slide inside your sweet pussy.” She shivered. “You mean that.” He nibbled at her lips. “Yes. I do.” She stroked her fingers through his hair. “I love you, Jake.” He lifted his head and looked into her yes. “Are you sure about that, Leigh? That it’s

me you love and not him?” “Jake! Of course I’m sure. I would have fallen in love with you the first time I saw you, even if I’d never owned my half of the charm.” “How can you be so certain?” “Are you nuts? Have you looked in the mirror lately? You are the most attractive man I’ve ever seen, let alone met. How could I not fall for you? And I’ve learned there’s a lot about you besides your physical appearance to love. I know from Joe that you are very family oriented. From your relationship with Jamul, I know you are a caring and giving person. From your relationship with Sharon, I know you don’t hold grudges and you’re forgiving. And for me, I know you’re warm, passionate, loving, and sweet. You are everything any woman could possibly want in a man and I just feel so… honored that you want me.” “Oh, sugar, you have no idea how much I want, need, and love you. And I feel equally blessed to have you feel the same way about me.” She snuggled against him and smiled when he slipped his arms around her. “Jake? Do you think he found her?” “I don’t know. I hope so. He never stopped loving or grieving over her loss.” “And she never stopped waiting and knowing that someday...somehow he would come for her. I think he did. I hope he did because if it wasn’t for them, you would never have given me a second glance.” He shook his head. “That’s not true.” “Oh, come on! Admit you’d never have given me a second glance without the charm ’s influence.” “I’ll admit no such thing. I was attracted to you the moment I saw you glaring at me across the room. I’m always going to be in love with you.’’ “Just as he was with her. Oh, Jake, I hope they found each other.” He kissed the top of her hair. “I’m sure they did. After all, there was no way I was going to allow you to get away from me. I know he felt or feels the same way about her.” “I never really wanted to get away from you, Jake. The moment I saw you, I felt this overwhelming sorrow because I immediately knew you were the one man I could love forever, but could never have.” “But I’ve been yours since the moment we met,” he told her. “I looked into your eyes and fell head over heels in love with you. It just took me a while to realize and admit it, but it happened the moment I saw you.” She nodded. “I think we were meant to be together, Jake.” “And we will be, sugar… forever.” She glanced up into his eyes and nodded slowly. In some way she didn’t understand, her life and his was bound with Thor and Tianna’s. And just like those two, she knew her and Jake’s love for each other would survive long after their earthly lives ended. “Forever, my Jake,” she echoed. “I will always love you… in this life… and in the next.” “And beyond.” He sealed the promise with his lips on hers and his beloved cock

inside her body where it would always belong and be welcome.

The End. Also at Ellora’s Cave Breathless in Black Carnal Confessions The Talisman

Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc. www.ellorascave.com