Page 44 of A Night To Remember

Charlie wiggled off his lap and retrieved her clothes. “You never gave me a chance. You were too busy manhandling me.”

“Don’t give me that shit. You know damn well you wanted me, too.”

“Could you just stop it? Why do you insist on pursing this so-called thing between us? Okay, I admit, you’re attractive. Actually, you’re incredibly good-looking, but you know what, I don’t need the complication of an us in my life. I can’t shirk my responsibilities for something purely physical.

Jake stood up, grabbing his own clothing and putting them back on. His blue gaze bore into her with an intensity that made her shiver. “It’s more than physical, Charlie, and you know it. I don’t know what your deal is, but it’s time you faced reality. What we have is special and I won’t let you pretend anymore,” he warned.

“What exactly do we have other than sex, Jake? Can’t you see I don’t want to get involved with you? Or with anyone for that matter,” she said stubbornly. “I have no choice concerning Kristy, but I do have a say in how I want to run my life, and I can’t have you in it.”

“Why, Charlie?”

“Because…I…I just don’t want to.” She looked away from his probing stare. Why must he persist? Charlie wished he’d just leave well enough alone. She didn’t think she had the strength to love anyone the way she had Paul, and the sooner she made him see it, the better. But how?

Jake looked at her for a long moment before speaking. “You may not want there to be anything between us, but there is. Look, I’m not going to stand here and argue with you about something we both know is true. Tomorrow morning I’m flying out of town for business. I’ll be back on Saturday in time to pick you and Kristy up to take to my parents. I’ll be here about six.” He grabbed her forearm and pulled her against him, then dropped a swift kiss on her lips. Jake stepped back not giving her a chance to protest.

“I wish you wouldn’t kiss me without my permission.”

“Oh, but I had it. Every time you look at me, the way your lips tremble and body quivers, it’s like an open invitation to do whatever I please to you. Why else do you go up in flames when you’re in my arms?”

Why did she indeed? “Goodnight, Jake.” Arguing with him was futile.

“I’ll see you Saturday,” he said, stopping at the threshold.

She nodded, walking him to the door, all while keeping her distance. When he was gone, she flopped onto the recliner with a loud sigh.

Charlie sat there for a long time before moving. Jake had made a fool of her, by exploiting her weaknesses where he was concerned, but she only had herself to blame. He was right about her. She wanted him like mad. If she were being honest with herself, not even Paul had brought her body to the frenzy that Jake did.

Paul had been an excellent lover, considerate and giving, but for some reason, her traitorous body clamored for Jake’s. She wished he didn’t have such a strong hold over her, but he did. Then it came to her. Why keep fighting it when she knew she’d never win? Perhaps if she took charge of the situation, she’d be able to keep her emotions under control. That was it! She’d call the shots from now on.

It was just sex, right? Just because she wanted him physically didn’t mean they had to get involved further than the bedroom. Okay, Mr. Fox, you want my body? Then you can have it, but that’s all you can have.

Chapter Twelve

Charlie had just finished cleaning her house when the doorbell rang. Her heart did a flip-flop when she opened the door to find a casually dressed Jake. She had only ever seen him in business suits so far, but tonight he wore a pair of jeans that clung to his lean hips and tight buns, and indecently outlined the large bulge between his legs. Dark tufts of hair peeked out from the vee of his black crew neck shirt, which served to enhance the masculinity of his sinewy torso. Charlie’s mouth watered.

Jake carried an armful of toys. He gave her a sheepish grin when Charlie raised an eyebrow at his gifts. “I couldn’t help myself. Where is she, by the way?”

“She’s in her playroom, putting the finishing touches on your present.”

“A present for me?”

Charlie didn’t have a chance to answer him.

“Daddy!” Kristy screeched, running to Jake. Kristy had talked non-stop about him seeing him in person again all week. Jake had made a point to call every night to speak to tell Kristy goodnight. It seemed the two had formed an unbreakable bond. Jake’s face lit up when he saw his daughter. He put his armload down in a hurry and lifted the little girl in his arms and twirled her around. Kristy giggled, enjoying her father’s attention. When Jake stopped spinning her, he gave the child a big hug and kiss.

“How’s Daddy’s big girl today?”

“Super! Daddy, I drawed you a picture,” Kristy had been eager to show off her drawing since she’d created it.

“You did? Can I see it?” he asked.

“Sure. Put me down,” she ordered and then ran to her room once she was on her feet again.

“She amazes me every time I see her,” Jake said.

“She’s an amazing kid,” Charlie agreed.

“I suppose her drawing is the present you referred to.”

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