Page 27 of Hard To Leave

Chapter 9

Jack

I could feelmy blood pumping with each step we took toward my house. My heart drummed erratically in my chest as I slipped the key into the lock and pushed the door open.

“Wow, nice place,” Chloe said as she stepped inside. It was no secret that my family was wealthy. This house was nothing compared to the one my parents owned a few miles away, but it was mine.

She did a full sweep of the room, and I watched her face light up when she noticed the double doors and long windows facing the ocean. My heart did that funny thing that it always seemed to do whenever she smiled. I’ve been around enough beautiful women, but with Chloe, everything was more defined. It felt fresh and new like I was wearing glasses for the first time.

“Would you like something to drink?” I called from the kitchen, swiping a beer from the fridge and trying to get my shit together.

“Yes, please.” She smiled, studying the artwork displayed throughout my home. I’d never really taken the time to admire the beauty of the pictures and always felt that the house was filled with overpriced and unsentimental knickknacks placed here by my mother.Even the decorations seemed more impressive as I noticed how much excitement it brought to my guest.

She flicked her long, dark hair over her shoulder while I poured the wine, and I couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking.

“Here you go.” I handed her the glass of Chardonnay. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I fumbled for the right words to say. It was a first for me.

“This was not what I was expecting. I pictured it looking like a typical bachelor pad with sports memorabilia and velvet paintings of dogs playing pool,” she said, eyeing my white cloth sofa and taking in the light blue throw pillows.

“I wish I could take the credit, but my mom is the one who decorated it. It’s one of the things that she actually does quite well.”

She sipped her wine and smiled.

“Would you like a tour?” I asked, feeling a little jittery. I needed to move around and keep busy. This woman had me feeling out of my element.

“Sure.” She followed me out to the back deck. I could tell that she was dying to take a look around; the view of the ocean was amazing.

“This is my favorite spot,” I said, placing my hands on the railing, just lightly brushing up against hers. I could smell her light-scented perfume as the breeze picked up, and I wasn’t sure how much longer I was going to be able to resist the urge to touch her.

“I can see why,” she said, with her thick hair blowing all around her.I noticed that it was wavy instead of how she usually wore it. I smiled, liking the fact that she put extra attention into her appearance tonight. “The view is incredible.”

“It looks pretty damn good from where I’m standing,”I said, letting my eyes wander over the length of her.I wasn’t even sure where to start first with her.

I couldn’t figure out how she was still single. Why she hasn’t dated. She couldn’t possibly believe that it was because of her kid. Even though that’s what she told me tonight at dinner. She was beautiful and smart and had so much to offer. There had to have been men over the years who have tried to get her attention because she was the kind of woman that any jackass, even like myself, would be lucky to have.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because you’re absolutely stunning.” Her lips parted, and a dozen things floated through my mind. I was so drawn to this woman. She was more than just a challenge to me. This wasn’t just a casual hook up, even though that’s what she thought it was. “I love seeing you here in my house, sharing my space. Probably too much.”

She looked nervous while I struggled with my composure. I wasn’t sure she would be able to handle the things I wanted to do to her. I wanted to kiss a path along her bare skin until she whimpered. I wanted to know if she screamed or moaned when we made love. I wanted to know every single thing about her.

My heart pounded fast, and I felt my cock stir in my pants. I was frustrated and irritated with how much I craved her. I was ready to explode. I plucked her wineglass out of her hand and set it down on the ledge. I took a step toward her as she lifted her face to mine. “I’m trying really hard not to touch you right now.”

She swallowed, her eyes searching mine. “What’s stopping you?”

“I’m afraid once I start, I won’t be able to stop.”

I’ve had my fair share of women—gorgeous women, experienced women, shy women, and everything in-between. Hell, I’ve even been with more than one at a time, but this intense feeling that stirred inside of me was something I had never felt before.

There was no doubt that I wanted her. And there was no denying that I was anxious to get my hands on her.

“That’s interesting,” she said, brushing her palm against my cheek. Her touch was tender and slow, almost hesitant. “Because I’m afraid once you do start, I’m not going to be able to resist you.”

The air between us filled with something thick and nameless. It scared me, and it thrilled me all at once.

“Chloe,” I sighed, feeling my control snap. “I want to take my time with you. I want to appreciate every inch of you.” I brought my hand up to the back of her neck, loving the feel of her skin underneath my fingertips. “I want you,” I said, holding her gaze. “All of you.”

She closed her eyes momentarily as I tenderly caressed her skin. “We have all night, Jack.” Her voice was quiet, almost pained. “And I want to remember everything about tonight in case it’s the only one we have.” She blinked up at me, her eyes blazed with heat. “Give me something to remember.”

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