Page 45 of A Kiss at Midnight

I whirl around, ready to storm off, but am stopped in my tracks when Blake grabs my arm and begins walking me toward one of the terrace doors. I want to dig in my heels and refuse to accompany him, but I also want to avoid a scene. This entire evening has been a nightmare, and my deepest wish right now is to scurry into some dark corner and hide for a long,longtime while I lick my wounds.

When Blake and I are alone, he pushes me against the balcony railing, his laughter dying as he looks in my eyes. My breath hitches.

“I shouldn’t have laughed, Jewel. I’m actually surprised by it. But I didn’t think twice about Monica being here. I’ve known her since I was ten years old, and she’s my best friend, as well as a trusted colleague. She’s the only woman I trust.”

“That doesn’t mean she’s not also your lover.” I fight the need to squirm.

“Well, considering she’s married to one of the starting linebackers for the Seahawks, it pretty much does mean she’snotmy lover,” Blake says.

It takes a few moments for his words to sink in, and then I feel like an utter fool. But how was I to know they aren’t intimate? I watched them all through dinner, and the two of them shared jokes, laughter, easy touches... just like best friends. And now I’ve shown him I care. Dammit!

He moves closer to me. “I have to admit I like this jealous side of you, even if it’s completely unfounded.”

“I’m not jealous. I simply don’t like feeling like a third wheel.” Why don’t I sound convincing even to myself?

“I think you’re lying. I should punish you for that,” he tells me before leaning down and capturing my lips. It doesn’t take long to forget about my jealousy and to focus solely on the inexplicable effect Blake has on my body.

When he allows me to come up for air, he speaks seriously. “Jewel, you should be careful what you show the world. There are people who can use your emotions against you.”

I go still as I look at him. Who’s he warning me against? Himself? Others? I have no idea.

“I can take care of myself,” I say, though a shiver runs through me.

“I don’t think you can, Jewel. I think you need someone to take care of you. Is that the real reason you came to me?”

I pause, trying to choose my words carefully. Maybe if he thinks this, he’ll drop the subject. It’s odd because he seems to want to climb inside my head more as the sand runs through the hourglass.

“I have my reasons,” I say. “I don’t honestly believe you care. It’s your need to be in control.”

“You’re right, Jewel. Idoneed to be in control. You should remember that, and know I’ll eventually get my way.”

“Warning accepted,” I say as he pulls me against his hard body.

“I don’t think you truly know what that means, Jewel. Right now, I still want you... and I own you.”

“You never let me forget, Blake.”

“I don’t understand, then, why I need to keep reminding you.”

“Maybe because of your own insecurities,” I say bold enough to make him tense in my arms.

“Youwillpush me too far one of these times.”

I have no doubt this is true. What I don’t understand is my sudden desire to go back to his place. There really has to be something wrong with me.

Chapter Review

Chapter Twenty-Six

Jewel

I walk from my bedroomearly in the morning and listen for sounds. I fell asleep with Blake at his place the night before, but woke in the middle of the night and left, making my way back to my own apartment. He can get into my apartment, which he’s done before, but it helps me emotionally pull away from him.

No matter the day of the week, Blake’s up early, and usually gone by the time I rise. It gives me a solid hour of alone time before I head to work. Today’s Saturday, though. I have something to do today, and I can’t let him stop me.

No matter what it takes, I have to see my brother for our weekly visit, and there’s no way anything will stop me. Worry wrinkles my brow when I slip into the kitchen to find a full pot of coffee and a note from Blake. A shiver rushes through me. I pick it up, then let out a sigh of relief as I smile.

Be ready by five. I had an emergency, but when I get back, we’re going out.

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