“I like her, Jase,” Noah enthused with a wave as he turned to leave. “She’s a keeper. Don’t screw up!”
“Yeah,” Gwen whispered, leaning close and nipping his bottom lip. “Don’t screw up.”
“I’ll screw anyway you want me to,” he promised when they were alone, then he swept her up and over his shoulder.
She managed to snag her purse and phone before he strode out of the kitchen and toward the stairs. “The kitchen seemed fine earlier.”
“That was before Noah and Seth were here. As much as I want you, I won’t put you in a position where anyone other than me will get the chance to see your delicious body naked.”
“I seriously doubt Noah or Seth want to see me naked.”
“You underestimate your appeal,” Jase warned her.
“You overestimate it,” she countered.
He set her on her feet inside the bedroom door and pushed it shut behind them, flipping the lock once he did. He grabbed his phone, hitting a button then holding it to his ear. It only took her a moment to realize he was leaving a message for his secretary.
“Sybil, I’m going to be out of the office for the rest of the week. Cancel all my appointments and reschedule them for a later date. You can reach Noah if you need anything. Knight’s Watch will be in and out upgrading security, as needed. Make sure they have access to anything they need. Full access. Any questions can be directed to Noah. I’ll see you when I get back.”
He hung up, walking across his room and dropping his phone onto his dresser.
“Get back? Are you planning a trip?”
“The idea of taking you someplace secluded seems like a great idea.”
“You don’t own any private islands with a beach, do you?” she joked, but his serious expression when he nodded sucked the laugher out of her. “You’re kidding.”
“I don’t kid,” he assured her. “We can be there by the end of the day.”
She shook her head. “I can’t leave on a whim, but I appreciate the option.”
“Spend the rest of the week with me then. Here, at the house. There’s a big pool on the patio. We can order in or cook. I’ll even host family dinner here on Sunday instead of going to my parents’ house. Stay with me.”
She fought the automatic yes that wanted to leave her lips but couldn’t force out the no she felt needed to be said. In just a few short days, Jase Hayes had managed to tie her in knots. Lust, she reminded herself, but she had a hard time believing it. Her head moved up and down before she could control the motion. He was across the room, lips on hers, tongue pushing between her lips and rubbing wantonly against hers. His fingers raked through her hair, cupping her head and holding her to him while his other hand palmed her ass and lifted.
By the time he decided to give her a short reprieve from his intoxicating kisses, they were both naked again. He swept her up against his chest and carried her to the bed, laying her gently atop the mattress. She could get used to the way he carried her around. He made her feel dainty and feminine. Not something a woman with her combat skills was accustomed to. What the hell was she doing?
“Falling in love,” Jase whispered, making her realize she’d asked her question aloud. Then he took her under his spell again, showing her exactly how accurate his answer was.
Chapter Six
Jase eyed the empty bed. There should still be a gorgeous woman sprawled naked across it. There had been when he’d headed into the shower, trying to be quiet so he didn’t wake her. His sleeping beauty had been playing possum. While he’d been contemplating a morning lovemaking session, she’d apparently plotted sneaking out. He’d be lying if he tried to convince himself that wasn’t a turn on. Mostly, because now, he’d get to chase her down. And when he caught her…
He growled as he reached down to adjust himself. When he found her, he’d remind her that she was supposed to be sticking close to him. Protecting him. Even though he’d fired her.
Fuck! He knew that would be the first thing she reminded him of.
He grabbed his suit jacket and headed downstairs. Noah waited in the kitchen, coffee freshly poured.
“Did you see her leave?” Jase demanded, snagging the cup Noah held out and taking a long drink.
“She caught a ride with Seth. Said she needed a shower and a fresh change of clothes. For the record, Knight called her in. Conversation lasted about five minutes, and she looked conflicted about leaving. Told me to tell you she’d see you at the office at the end of the day.”
“I canceled all my appointments for the rest of the week. Gwen knows that. Why the hell would she tell me she’d see me at the office?”
“Knight left a message for you also. He wants to meet with us to go over the security upgrades,” Noah informed him.
“End of the day?” Jase was growling again. The woman tied him in knots.