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  “I’m fine. It’s that time of the month, I think.” That wasn’t a lie. My cycle was erratic at best and had been for years. I’d tried regulating it with the pill, but my blood pressure had rocketed to dangerous levels, and my GP warned me to stay away from hormone-based contraception. Rob might not like using condoms, but he didn’t grumble too much.

  “Aw, dumpling. The sooner we get out of this flat and have a place of our own, the sooner you can have a baby. That’ll help.”

  I managed a weak smile and a swift change of subject. “Any plans for the weekend?”

  “Yes, for once.” Rob grinned at me as he drove. “Malcolm’s invited us to his house again, seeing as you couldn’t make it last time.”

  “That’s nice. When?”

  “Tomorrow night, for dinner.” He reached over and squeezed my knee. “I’ve got a good feeling about this.”

  He was in such a great mood, maybe now was the time to break the news about Cade. Or not. It’d spoil things. I’d wait for a better opportunity. Perhaps tomorrow night? Rob would have to keep his temper in check, in front of his boss.

  As plans went, it was weak but the best I had.

  Chapter 8

  8.1 Jordan

  The street was cool and quiet, after the noisy bustle of the tapas restaurant. Kate’s hand felt good in mine, but I wanted more contact. I let go and slipped my arm around her waist. After a moment’s hesitation, she snuggled against me. Ending the evening here wouldn’t be good, but I didn’t want to push my luck.

  “You okay?” I dropped a soft kiss on her hair.

  “Mmm huh. Tired, I think.”

  My heart sank. “Do you have plans for the weekend?”

  “Sorry. I’m out tomorrow.”

  I figured it was time to admit defeat—for tonight, at any rate. “Dinner when you get back?” I asked. “It’ll be late. I’m going to visit Gran.” She stopped and turned to face me. Was this the brush-off? “I don’t have to go home tonight, though.” A smile played on her lips, her eyes wide and dark under the artificial streetlights.

  Her words sank in. My cock, half-hard all evening, woke up fully. Inside my head, I punched the air in triumph.

  “What are we waiting for?” I swung her up in my arms and crushed her to my chest, before stealing a heated kiss. “I’m gonna tie you to the damned bed this time, if I have to. I don’t want you running out on me again.”

  Suddenly we were kissing. I relaxed my hold, and she found her footing, our lips locked. The world seemed to stop spinning for a moment. Her perfume wrapped around me, reminding me of the night we’d spent together.

  I couldn’t hold back my groan. “Kate, if I don’t take my hands off you right now, I’m gonna to be making love to you here in this doorway.”

  Thank God it was a short walk to the hotel. Ten minutes later, she followed me into my room and leaned against the door. Was she nervous again? I was hungry for her. The fantasy of falling onto the bed with her, ripping off our clothes, was tempting, but not when she looked uncomfortable.

  I’d give her a minute to gather herself. I dimmed the lights to a soft glow, took off my shoes, and draped my suit jacket over the back of a chair. With luck, she wouldn’t notice my rampant hard-on.

  I glanced at her. “Drink? I can order champagne if you’d like?”

  Her mouth curved up at the corners, and she took a step toward me. She nibbled on her lower lip and made me want to do the same. “I was drunk last time. I want to be sober tonight. I’d like to take things more slowly this time.”

  Okay. She wanted to take it slow? I could do slow. Maybe.

  I’d only been waiting a couple weeks to see her, half crazy at the prospect of being rejected again. What I wanted was to bury myself in her and never come out again.

  But I’d try. For Kate, I’d try anything.

  I started with slow butterfly kisses across her face and gentle nibbles along the back of her neck. She trembled, dropping her head forward, as I grazed the skin with my teeth. Yes, she liked that.

  I undressed her piece by piece, not allowing her to touch me. If she did, it’d be game over, and that wasn’t an option.

  “My turn first,” I whispered. “I feel like it’s Christmas morning and I’m unwrapping my presents.” The silky top made a soft noise when I dropped it on a chair. The zipper of her skirt was loud in the quiet room. I unfastened it slowly, before helping her step out of the puddle of fabric.

  Tiny cream lace panties outlined her slim hips, and a matching bra clung to her breasts. She was pure, unadulterated sex on legs. A prim, demure business suit with an angelic body underneath.

  Remembering how she enjoyed me going down on her last time, I led her to the sofa and encouraged her to lie down. I tugged down her panties, parted her legs, and kissed her there again, pushing my tongue inside her wetness. God, she tasted good, slick and wet with desire. She just about blew my mind. I followed with my fingers, pressing and circling, finding the exact point where she whimpered helplessly and convulsed beneath me.

  It was more than I could cope with. My cock ached and pushed against my slacks, demanding to be let out. I rose to her mouth and kissed her hard, planning to guide her to the bed.

  Kate nipped my lower lip, and her brown eyes flashed, as she whispered, “My turn now.”

  As long as her turn involved me getting naked, I was happy. And it did. She dragged at my slacks and boxers and dropped them to the floor, to join the random pile of discarded clothing.

  I found myself pushed back against the sofa, with Kate sitting in my lap, her oh-so-pert breasts in my face while she tugged and struggled with my shirt buttons. It was easier for me to take it off. At last. I closed my mouth around one breast, then the other, alternating my teasing. Her nipples were firm under my tongue, and I worshipped them with the devotion they deserved.

  Kate dragged her fingers through my hair, the tips of her nails catching my scalp. “Condoms?” She gasped the word and brought me back to reality for a moment.

  “My wallet.” I was prepared tonight. I nodded at the little side table and watched as she reached across, to curl her fingers around the leather folds. Moments later, I was covered and ready for her. There was a blissful feeling of anticipation, then the sensation of her pushing hard down onto my cock and taking me inside.

  She made little noises, her eyes half closed as she rode me. This time she set the pace, and I responded, driving into her as hard as she let me. Christ and all the saints, I was going to explode. I had to concentrate on something other than Kate, her breasts in my face, her wetness surrounding me. I focused on business for a minute—conjured up an image of the invoices awaiting my approval, the papers I needed to review—but it was no good.

  Her head swayed left and right, and her hands made little fists on my shoulders. Her muscles tightened and squeezed me, and… fuck. I was close. Just before I came, she groaned and shattered in my arms. Sweet Jesus, she was beautiful. I couldn’t stop. Kissing her hard to muffle my cries, I burst into her, shuddering and panting, unable to think of anything but the unbelievable delight of her body.

  There was sex. And then there was sex with Kate.

  8.2 Kate

  We spent the night playing in bed, learning each other’s pleasure points and preferences. There was little sleep in the early hours, our bodies hot and damp, tangled in the sheets.

  This time, there was no embarrassment in the morning. I yawned and stretched, still entwined in Jordan’s arms, and he sleepily pulled me onto his chest for a kiss.

  “Is it morning? What day is it?” His voice was gruff and sleep filled.

  “Yes. It’s morning. And it’s Saturday.”

  “Thought so.” He rolled me over, to pin me to the bed, before running his fingers through my mussed hair. “We need to go shopping today.”

  I blinked. I didn’t expect that.

  He grinned at my surprise. “Unless you’ve got more condoms in your purse? I only have one left.” He nudged my hip, hard a
gain.

  I was very tempted. “I have to go soon.” His fingers paused, waited a moment, then continued stroking my hair. “Jordan. Really, I’m busy today.”

  Now he stopped and paid attention. “I was kinda hoping we could be busy together.”

  “I can’t. I’m going to visit Gran in Bristol. I promised my sister we’d go.”

  “I could take you.”

  The double meaning was clear, and I laughed at his persistence. “You already have taken me. Three times, I think.”

  “Only three? I’m slipping.”

  “Let’s shower.” I climbed out of bed and tugged on his hand. “We can use that last condom.” He didn’t need me to tell him twice.

  * * * *

  We had a lazy room-service breakfast in bed, and I reminded myself I needed to leave.

  “So,” said Jordan. “Any plans for tomorrow?”

  “None at all, apart from catching up on some work email.”

  “You work at the weekend?”

  “Not usually, but we’re really busy at the moment. Adam’s been hinting at something going on. I’m reviewing our accounts and staff appraisals, as well as doing the day-to-day stuff.”

  “You enjoy it?”

  “Enjoy makes it sound tame.” I poured myself some more coffee and topped up Jordan’s cup. “It absorbs me while I’m at work; I don’t have time to think about anything else.” I took a sip of the hot brew, relishing the feeling as it slid down my throat. “I get a tremendous feeling of satisfaction from making it all work. I set up the Operations Department, I’m working on plans for the new Customer Services Department, and I recruited all my staff. It feels a bit like the big family I never had.”

  He nodded, his gray eyes soft, as he regarded me. “Yeah. You know, a lot of people in management can’t come to grips with that. They think they’re in charge and everyone else should just follow orders.” He could have been talking about Adam.

  “Do you have many people working for you? It’s a family company, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, and yes. My father keeps saying he’s going to retire as soon as he considers me responsible enough to take over.”

  “You seem quite responsible to me.”

  He shrugged. “He doesn’t agree. He has this outdated view of a man only becoming a pillar of the community when he gets married. Anyway”—he was brisk and businesslike—”what are we doing tomorrow?”

  Leaning back, I winked. “Anything you like.”

  “Anything?” He raised one eyebrow, and my pulse galloped.

  “Anything. You choose.”

  “I’ll give it some thought.” His smile was positively sinful.

  I started getting dressed and then Jordan offered me a fresh pair of boxers from his bag. They were large on me but clean, and I thrilled at the intimacy.

  I had to go but didn’t want to leave. Especially not when Jordan only wore a towel around his waist. If he was hot in a business suit, he was scorching out of it. I draped my arms around his neck and stole a kiss. And another. It wasn’t fair to Sophie for me to be late, but a few minutes wouldn’t hurt.

  I gave him my address, and we arranged for him to pick me up on Sunday morning, for us to spend the day together. Still, I lingered. “What are you going to do today? I hate abandoning you.”

  “I may catch up on work email.” There was a twinkle in his eyes when he echoed my words from earlier.

  “Working at the weekend?” The playful banter was fun and gave me another excuse not to leave.

  “It’s not my first choice. You could save me, y’know.”

  So tempting. But I couldn’t stay.

  8.3 Jenny

  I left Rob gazing at the wine selection in the supermarket, while I picked up cream, mascarpone, and sponge fingers, for the Tiramisu he asked me to make. Apparently, his boss loved the trifle I made last week. Did Rob think my baking skills would be enough to swing him a promotion? Who knew?

  “Jen. Hi.” Isobel hugged me from behind. “How are you?”

  I turned to face her, and saw Greg standing beside her, a wire shopping basket in his hands.

  A smile lit her face, as she peered in my cart. “What are you making? Can we come for dinner?”

  “Tiramisu. And no, Rob and I are going to his boss’s place tonight. What are you guys up to?”

  “Clubbing tonight. I persuaded Greg to come to Minx with me.” Isobel slipped her arm through her boyfriend’s. “We’re getting some snacks for afterward.”

  “Bella always gets the munchies after she’s been dancing.” Greg was so good with her, and I loved seeing them together. It reminded me of how I was when I first met Rob. Sweet.

  “I’d better go, before Rob wonders where I’ve got to. Have fun tonight,” I said.

  “You too.” Isobel air-kissed my cheek before walking away. She took a couple of steps, paused, and called to me over her shoulder. “We need to set up those drinks with Kate and Cade.” She giggled. “Sounds so cute like that. See ya.”

  “Kate and Cade?” It was Rob’s turn to sneak up on me. I almost dropped the carton of cream I held.

  Oh, shit. I froze. The breath jammed in my lungs, and I gazed at the dairy shelf, hoping for divine intervention. So much for my plans of telling him tonight, when his boss was there to deflect the flak.

  “Not that fucker, Cade Brisley?”

  Praying he wouldn’t see the shock on my face, I turned slowly and tried to look pleased to see him. “There you are. Did you pick some wine?”

  “Never mind the fucking wine. Why is Isobel inviting you to drinks with Cade?”

  With a calmness that amazed me, I took the two bottles from his hands and placed them carefully in the shopping cart. “Yes,” I replied, busy rearranging items. “She’s talking about Cade Brisley.”

  Inspiration struck.

  “He’s going out with Kate.” I saw the scowl on my husband’s face, the cold glint in his eyes. “It took me by surprise, but you know we all worked together years ago. They’ll be good together.”

  I had to stop rambling. He’d notice I was nervous. Would he see my lie for what it was—a faint attempt at diverting him? I fashioned a smile and gestured to the shopping cart. “I think we’ve got everything now. Shall we go pay?”

  “I’m not happy about you going out drinking with Isobel and Kate. They’re not good for you, dumpling.”

  They were my closest friends. I’d have to work harder at getting him to accept them. “Let’s not talk about it now. I need to start on the Tiramisu.”

  * * * *

  Hours later, while Rob showered, I called Kate. It went straight to voicemail, but I was ready with a message.

  “Hey. It’s me. It’s kinda complicated, but I told Rob you were seeing Cade. Can you please go along with me on this? Just for the moment. Let’s meet for coffee next week, and I’ll explain. I promise. Thank you.”

  I finished packing up the array of food I made for this evening. I thought it was over the top, but Rob insisted. Tiramisu, loaded with coffee liqueur. Homemade fudge. A chocolate cake. It took my entire afternoon, and I barely had time left for a shower.

  My hard work was worth it when Rob walked into the kitchen. He beamed with evident delight. “Well done, Jen. That’s brilliant.” He wrapped his arms around me from behind. “You’re a fucking diva in the kitchen. Where did you learn to make all this?”

  I leaned back against him, delighting in the kiss he pressed on my neck. “My mum. If you think my cooking’s good, you should try hers.”

  He stiffened, and curled his hands into fists. “I’d love to, but you know they don’t like me. I’m not good enough for their precious little girl.”

  “They’ll come around.” I hoped they would. I missed them so badly.

  “Mmm huh.” Hot breath drifted across my throat. “Maybe when we start a family. They’ll want to know their grandchildren.”

  Rob mentioned having children recently, enough that I noticed. I loved the idea in principle, b
ut I wasn’t so sure right now. I couldn’t put my finger on what had changed. It had to be my hormones going crazy.

  8.4 Jordan

  I showered, dressed, and ate breakfast, all by eight on Sunday morning, and I was impatient to see Kate. I tried calling her, but her phone went straight to voicemail, and I didn’t have a landline number. It felt like a good idea to surprise her. I might get her out of bed to answer the door. We might have another shower together… The thought was irresistible, and I set off for Didsbury.

  As I drove along, something niggled at me. I hated surprises, and while Kate handled it pretty well when I turned up at her office without notice, I didn’t have carte blanche to keep doing that.

  We agreed to see each other today, though. It wasn’t my fault she didn’t pick up her phone or that I might be a little earlier than she expected.

  She said she was visiting her grandmother on Saturday. I hated to admit it sounded like a brush-off. Whatever she was doing, she didn’t want to include me, and that was fair.

  For fuck’s sake. I never second-guessed myself. I was here to see Kate, and I’d make the most of it. I pushed my uncertainty to one side and focused on the positives.

  In my pocket, I carried a pretty silver charm bracelet I bought the day before. It held two charms—a tiny red Mini Cooper and an iridescent letter K. She’d love it. On an impulse, I stopped at a florist and bought a big bouquet of summer flowers, and then carefully fastened the bracelet around the tissue-wrapped stalks.

  It was going to be a good day. This thing between us was too new to be defined, but I liked it. Liked the way she made me feel. I hummed to the radio station, a local one Kate had mentioned. This station wasn’t bad at all.

  Her house was easy to find in the long, terraced street, and I snagged a parking space on the road outside. It looked like a nice area, with a clean sidewalk and neat bushes outside some of the houses. A couple of small children rolled past on skateboards, and a teenage girl cycled along, a heavy bag of newspapers slung over her shoulder. A typical, quiet Sunday morning.