Page 18 of Heart's Masquerade

They worked an hour and a half before Jaz decided hunger was getting the best of her. She had put off lunch to come over to the center. Now that Torrian was here, she was so glad she did. Every now and then as they sorted through clothes, she looked at him. Women must cry with jealousy over his long lashes, and they covered such soulful eyes. His hands were large and strong, and she recalled how he never seemed to be intimidated with Rhashon’s threats, or he was good at hiding his fear. She wanted to get to know him better, but if she was honest with herself, right then, she wanted those hands on her body and to enjoy his kisses again.

* * * *

“So where are we going?” he asked as they huddled against the wind and strode down the street.

Jaz tucked her arm into his and snuggled to his side. The look he gave her made her wink and smile at him. “The shop that makes the best hoagies. Well, at least over here. There’s this place downtown I like better. It’s called These Words. I love that place, especially the owner. She’s down to earth and cool.”

“Kenzie Bridges?”

She gasped. “You’ve heard of her?”

“I’ve met her and her husband.”

“No way. I heard she married a rich guy, doesn’t even need to work, but she keeps the shop because it’s her baby. I admire that. Dang, come to think of it, maybe I should have called her to ask about teaching the class.”

“Am I rejected now?” He pretended to pout, and she punched his arm.

“You gave me excuses. I can’t trust you.”

His expression closed, and she wondered what she had said wrong. “I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Hmm, I like the sound of that.”

A spark lit in his gaze. “Are you thinking of dirty things for me to do?”

“You wish.”

He stopped walking and leaned closer. His big form blocked out some of the chilly air, and she moaned. Torrian captured her chin, raised it, and kissed her lips. “If you make noises like that, I will forget about lunch.”

Jaz broke out his hold. “Wow, somebody’s confident.”

She walked ahead of him, but after a few steps he caught up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to move too fast.”

“Don’t worry. I know how to cool a guy’s heels. So tell me, why are you so mistrustful of people?”

His started in surprise. “I didn’t think I was.”

She waited in silence.

“I question motives.”

“Because you’ve been used? I never expected to get that from a man. Plenty of women feel used by men who just want to get into their panties. My personal opinion is that a man who lies to a woman just to sleep with her is no better than a sexual predator. In fact, he is one.”

Torrian’s jaw dropped.

“Oh, crap, I think I said too much. I’m so damn opinionated.” She tried laughing it off, but they were awkward together as they walked into the restaurant. A line had formed along the counter, and Jaz moved to the end of it. She pretended to focus on the menu, but she only ever ordered the same thing each time she came. Her Italian hoagie came with two kinds of ham, salami prosciutto, and provolone cheese. Then she had them add lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and both hot and sweet peppers. No pickles though because pickles on a sandwich was gross. Oil, salt, and pepper to bring it all

together, and she ate until she was ready to pop. Of course, being with Torrian, she would eat like the lady she was. Maybe.

Jaz moved forward in line and glanced up at Torrian. He stood close, and his gaze met hers. After a moment, he leaned down and whispered, “So if I admit I want you, is that okay?”

She tried to hide a smile and then wrinkled her nose. “Perhaps.”

“What does that mean?” He flattened a palm on her shoulder, fingers teasing her collarbone from behind. Arrows of desire shot down to her pussy, and she reached up to stroke his hand.

“It means you’re on trial, mister.”

“Well, if I’ve got to perform…” His hand slid down her back.

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