Page 56 of Fairy Tale Lies
“Same here. Excitement and horrification almost overtook me.”
Ouch.
“Damn. You know how to stroke a man’s ego,” he drawled.
She rested a hand on his bicep, sliding her palm under the sleeve of his T-shirt. “Seeing you excited me. Recalling my reactions horrified me.”
He understood because he’d had a similar reaction but couldn’t resist teasing her. “You’re not making it better.”
Worry clouded her gentle hazel eyes, and he was instantly remorseful. He’d learned Greta was an anxious woman filled with self-doubt. He hated being a cause of her disquiet.
Cupping her face in his hands, he brushed his lips against hers. “I’m kidding. I know what you meant.” Taking her hand, he steered from the driveway and to the left, under an old maple tree.
ThreePence had finished setting up and began playing their first song. Jacob wrapped his arms around Greta, and they swayed to the music.
She rested her head on his chest. “I’m no good with words. Let me try again. I was horrified because I didn’t know how I’d control myself around you. When we first met, you were a stranger, yet I couldn’t stay away. When we met again at Swift, your touch was burned into my memories and I craved it, yet was certain I had to stay away. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to, and I’d make a fool of myself. “
Warmth spread through him like a shot of good whiskey. Knowing the pull was strong for her as it was for him, had her burrowing deeper into his heart.
He gently grasped Greta’s chin and lifted it, kissing her. “Your words sound pretty damn good to me.”
They might appear an odd couple yet fit like two puzzle pieces.
Jacob held her tight, having no idea if the songs were fast or slow. All he noticed was her soft body and her heady scent. The combination made him want to bury his nose in the crook of her neck and nibble.
“You should audition as a backup singer,” Greta murmured into his chest.
Jacob opened his eyes and leaned back to peer at her. ThreePence switched to an old Tom Petty classic, and he’d been singing along. “You haven’t heard me hitting the high notes. Think yowling cats.”
“Well, I think it’d be sexy to see you on a stage.”
“Yeah, until crowds ran away, holding their hands over their ears.” He grinned and, after a pause, tilted his head to the side. “You have a thing for musicians? Do I need to keep you away from Tanner?”
“Nope. No plans on becoming a groupie. You’re the only one I want.”
“Good to know.” He dipped her low, running his lips along her neck.
She trembled in his arms and sighed. “I swear, Jacob, your touch…”
Drawing her flush against him again, he whispered, “Let’s go inside where I can touch you properly.”
She peered into his eyes, her gaze full of the same desire coursing through his veins. “Won’t people notice our absence?”
“Na. Everyone’s busy dancing or drinking.”
In truth, he didn’t care if anyone noticed them sneaking off. His need for her overruled everything. Their last time alone was the night at the park, and he craved her like an addiction.
Her heated gaze never left his, and her lips formed a smile sexy enough to melt ice in January. “Why don’t you give me a tour of the house?”
Chapter Twenty-One
“Mrs. Silverstone, Mr. Kingstine is here to see you.” The maid told Greta’s mother.
“Please show him in,” Sophia replied, her voice carrying down the cavernous hallway and back to Blake.
The housekeeper returned and escorted him to the living room. Sophia studied Blake as he entered, taking in the faded bruises. Over a week had passed since the fight. The fading yellowing and purple splotches weren’t pretty.
Thankfully, her good manners forbade her from asking prying questions. She motioned for him to sit. “It has been a while. I hope you are well.” She arched a perfectly shaped blonde eyebrow, indicating her doubt.
