Page 56 of The House on Blueberry Lane

He had to bite down to keep from saying that he took care of what was his. But after what she’d told him about the plates, his actions in the past had shown him that he didn’t have the right to claim her, her time or her attention. To be honest, he didn’t have a right to be sharing a meal with her served on plates intended to be a wedding gift. Their wedding gift. Knowing that made him more determined than ever to prove to her just how much he loved her.

They continued eating and eventually the tension between them eased away...only to be replaced by sexual vibes, which was evident by the heated looks they periodically exchanged with each other. The last thing he wanted on their minds was sex.

How many times in the past had they started a meal but then in the middle of it began tearing off each other’s clothes when the vibes got too hot? It was a fix they didn’t need to be in right now. So, he began telling her about all the plans they had for the new bank in Birmingham. That ploy helped them through the remainder of the meal.

When she stood to clear off the table, he stood as well. When their hands brushed, he heard her sharp intake of breath. Jaye knew it was time to leave or else he would be reverting to his old ways and take her on the table or the nearest wall. “Do you need me to help you?”

“No,” she said rather quickly. “I got this.”

He nodded. It was evident they both needed their space. “Then I think I better go and will see you in the morning.”

Jaye made a move for the front door. He had wanted to kiss her goodbye but knew that wouldn’t be a good idea. Once he pulled her into his arms and tasted her mouth, he would devour it. Then that would lead to other things.

He had nearly made it out of the dining room and headed to the door when she said, “I don’t think going jogging with you is a good idea, Jaye.”

He stopped and turned to her. “Why not?”

“I think you know why.”

He didn’t say anything as he held her gaze. “At any time have I gotten out of line with you, Vel?”

She drew in a deep breath and shook her head. “No, but it doesn’t matter.”

“And why doesn’t it?”

“Because at some point I might get out of line with you. And if I do, will you stop me?”

His answer was quick and honest. “No.”

“That’s what I was afraid of.”

He shoved his hands into the pockets of his slacks. “When it comes to me, Velvet, you shouldn’t be afraid of anything. I’ve told you my position on sex-only relationships.”

“Yet, you’d go back on that position if I wanted you to do so?”

“Yes, but only for you.”

“Why only for me, Jaye?”

More than anything he wanted to tell her it was because he loved her, but he knew she wasn’t ready to hear it. So, he told her what he’d told her weeks ago. “I will give you whatever you want. No matter what it is.”

When she didn’t say anything, he crossed the room and came to a stop in front of her. Drawing in a deep breath, he just stared at her, willing her to read in his gaze what she would not accept in his words. And then he drew her into his arms and kissed her.

Just in case she didn’t get any reading from his eyes, he hoped this kiss would. He knew he should have kept walking and left, but when she’d asked her question and he’d given her his answer, it had undoubtedly left her confused. He had to try to unconfuse her somewhat.

He wasn’t holding back anything, and neither was she. Devouring her, any part of her, had always been his favorite pastime, and when her tongue took charge of his with an intensity he felt in his groin, it made him groan. But he’d also heard her moan. They were both in a bad way and he knew she had an idea of just how bad at the feel of his throbbing erection pressing against her. He was getting that same idea with her scent. Whenever her womanly scent invaded his nostrils, he knew it was time to take her and thrust his body into hers, all the way to the hilt, and then ride her until they were both consumed in pleasure.

When his hands began to twitch with a desire to sweep her off her feet and carry her into her bedroom, he broke off the kiss. Although he wanted her with a passion that had seeped into his every pore, whenever they made love, she would have to be the one who initiated it. He refused to let her think that was still all he wanted from her.

He leaned in and whispered, “I won’t knock on your door in the morning. You know what time I go jogging. You’re always invited to join me, Velvet. I like having you with me and enjoy your company.”

Without saying anything else, he turned and left.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

JAYE SWEPT HER up into his arms and carried her to the bed. It was a good thing he knew his way because their lips were still locked in what had to be the most intimate kiss they’d ever shared. When he placed her on the bed, he joined her there. They were both naked and she made a little protest when their mouths finally separated.

His gaze swept her body and her nipples hardened at the intensity of the desire she saw in his eyes. She knew that he intended to ride her hard, make her come several times and taste her all over. The thought of his plans for her made the area between her thighs throb.

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