Page 19 of Heart's Masquerade

She squealed and slapped his hand away. “You’re bad. How do I know you’re not like your cousin?”

Jaz was on a roll for offending him. She didn’t usually strike out this much. Torrian bristled, but at least he didn’t walk away. “Kenny is hotheaded and irrational.”

“Mm, but Torrian Donnelly is different.”

Torrian’s hand came up in a flash, and he covered her lips with the tips of his fingers. She waited for him to speak, but he switched from a touch to a brush of his thumb over her lips. He confused her with his sudden starts and attitude, but at least he wasn’t boring.

They got their food, and Torrian chose to leave the restaurant rather than stay. They found a quiet room in the center where no one bothered them, and Jaz kicked off her shoes. She encouraged Torrian to do the same and laughed when he appeared so awkward.

“Mm, yours smells good,” she said, leaning over his arm. “Let me try a little?”

He broke off a piece of his sandwich and held it out to her. She took a bite and yelped. Torrian caught a bit of mayo on her lip and licked it from his finger. “Too hot?”

“Seriously hot,” she complained. “How do you have taste buds? I like it a little spicy, but this is crazy. My mouth is burning.”

He grabbed his drink and leaned back. “Come here.”

“Soda isn’t going to fix it.”

He held out his hand. “Trust me.”

She sat on his lap and felt the hardness of his erection. So wrong but so right. “I could get into trouble.”

“A minute,” he whispered against her mouth. They kissed, and Jaz took the soda from him. She set it on the table and wrapped her arms around his neck. The tips of their tongues touched, and she tasted the spicy flavors on his. Even if he was hot, she wanted more. For long moments they kissed, smothering moans, Jaz trying not to wiggle on his lap. When someone laughed down the hall, she jumped to her feet.

“Oh crap, you tempt me too much. I have to eat and get back to work.”

He reached for his sandwich and took a huge bite. When he had chewed and swallowed, he asked, “Can I stay with you?”

She hesitated. “I’m working late tonight. It’ll be boring.”

“I’ll be watching you. I won’t get bored.”

And I’m taking you home! She’d decided then and there.

Chapter Six

“You don’t drive?” Torrian asked.

Jaz offered him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, no. I save more money that way. Plus, I don’t really need a car. My home and work are close enough to each other to get around. It would be a waste.”

He agreed. She hadn’t seen him drive either, but maybe he was ashamed so say he couldn’t afford a car. Or he might have left it at his place. She didn’t judge men on what they had. People were people, good and bad, and what they owned didn’t say which group they belonged to. She had met some amazing homeless folks in her time and some upper-middle class assholes. Vice versa as well.

They drew up to her apartment. “Here we are. Want to come in and warm up?”

“Are you worried I’ll catch a cold again?”

She reached out a hand to lie in the center of his chest. His heart beat strong beneath her palm, and his warmth gave her a feeling of comfort. “It’s not that bad tonight, but no that’s not it.” She moved in close until her breasts came into contact with his body. Shifting a leg, she let her thigh touch his. “I just thought you’d like to have a little fun.”

In the streetlights, his eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

“You’ve been clear about your desire from the start. I’m making it clear about mine. I’m the kind of girl that doesn’t question her needs. I just indulge them. A woman doesn’t have to feel ashamed that she wants to jump a man’s bones when she’s just met him. Why should she when men aren’t ostracized for feeling what comes naturally?”

“I like your reasoning.”

“Oh my goodness, Jaz, is that a new man?” The strident, nasally voice came from overhead, and with reluctance, Jaz looked up to see her neighbor hanging out of her window. “Did you get rid of the last one, sweetie? Or does Allen know you’re stepping out on him?”

Jaz swore under her breath. “I think I can handle my personal life, Glenda. Thanks though.”

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