Hidden Depths Read online

  It didn't mean she had any intention of doing anything about it. Not now, not ever. Josh, it seemed, had other ideas.

  If you had asked her two months ago she would have said there was no way he would ever pursue that little spark. She had fully expected that he would bury it, along with everything else he felt. He was on one path and she was on another.

  Then he had walked into her shop and asked for a tattoo. No, demanded a tattoo. And he kissed her. Kissed her with enough passion to ignite a fire in her. A fire she had banked as she pushed him away. Since then, Josh had been anything but predictable. She had always known there was a lot hidden beneath his shiny, polished, lawyer veneer. Now, she was starting to wonder just exactly how much he really buried in that perfect, all American image of his. He seemed so... different, lately. More demanding. Stronger. More controlling. More... dominant.

  And, God help her, she loved it.

  She was clearly a masochist.

  Rolling her eyes at her own thoughts, she tried again to focus on work.

  Epic fail. She couldn't think of anything but his lips, his hands, his kisses... and the next thirty six hours.

  If she was already so ridiculously focused on him, what would happen if she let this go on? If she admitted that she was drawn to him, admitted that it was more than simply unfulfilled desire, would she be able to have a physical relationship with him and still keep her distance? Could she possibly enjoy what he was offering without wanting more?

  It had never been a problem before. She'd had many relationships. Probably more than her fair share, if she were continuing with this honesty crap. And she had always been able to enjoy the relationship, both the physical and companionship aspects, without ever wanting it to be more.

  So, why was she so worried about this one being different? Just because she had known Josh a lot longer, because they had been friends for so many years? Or was it because he was just so different from anyone she'd ever dated before?

  Whatever her issue, she had better figure it out before tomorrow night. Somehow, she didn't think this new, less docile version of Josh was going to let her get away with saying, "Thanks for the fun. See you later, 'gater."

  * * * *

  Josh went home, changed his clothes and headed over to the club. He was supposed to be meeting his parents to play a few matches of tennis. Not exactly top on his list of fun things to do on a Sunday.

  But, he hadn't had any time to see them outside of work since he and Deb had told him it was over. He was hoping that seeing him, alive and well and not moping, would get them off his case about Deb.

  Needing a partner, he had called Kelly and asked her to play with them today. Their families had been friends for generations. Literally. His grandfather had gone to school with hers. When his family had relocated to the west coast, her family had followed a few years later.

  He was actually surprised that his parents had never pushed the issue of him and Kelly becoming an item. Maybe they would have if he hadn't started dating Deb during college. Kelly and Gia had been friends in high school, although Josh still had no idea how they had met. Kelly and Deb had gone to school together, although they hadn't been more than passing acquaintances until college. In fact, Kelly had introduced Josh to both Gia and Deb at a party one evening.

  Josh had been attracted to Gia even then. Even went so far as to flirt a little and test the waters. Unfortunately, he'd already had a girlfriend then, so it was always harmless flirting. They hadn't lasted long, but by the time they'd broken up, Josh had been firmly entrenched in the 'friend' category with Georgia. And that's where he'd stayed.

  Though he had turned to Gia for a few things over the years, like getting her help to pick up his car, there had always been an edge, even to their friendship. They had never been the soft and cuddly, confession type of friends. She had always seemed to delight in riling him up. Making him angry, or pushing him until he admitted something he didn't want to. Something he wanted to keep hidden, even if only from himself.

  She made him crazy. She viewed the world in a whole different way than he did. While he always did what was expected, played the part he was born into, she had always been free. A little wild, a little dangerous, always different and always true to herself. She never seemed to care what anyone thought. For years, he had tried to blame his attraction to her on that very fact. Tried to see it as more envy than attraction. After all, they argued more than they agreed. He convinced himself that he couldn't possibly be attracted to her, not really. Rather, he just wanted the freedom she had, to do as she pleased and damn the consequences.

  It had been total bullshit. He really had no idea how he'd managed to ignore it for so long. And now, he had one chance to get it right. One chance to convince this amazing, beautiful, free-spirited woman that she could be happy in a relationship with a stuffy, uptight lawyer. That was going to be no small task.

  Was he up to the challenge? Two months ago, he would have said no. Now... yeah, maybe he was.

  Something about breaking up with Deb, giving in to impulse and kissing Gia, taking chances he never would have taken before... it seemed to have set something loose inside him. Something he didn't want to put back. Something that seemed like it had been lurking there in the shadows his whole life.

  And he liked it.

  Now, he just had to hope he could put the veneer back in place when necessary. Like now...

  He turned just as Kelly walked up and tapped him on the shoulder.

  "Hey there," she said. "You looked a little lost in thought? Anything you'd like to tell me about?"

  The smirk on her face left little doubt that she was up to something. Or that she knew something he didn't.

  "Nope. Just waiting on you. You ready?"

  She shrugged, the smirk still firmly in place. "Sure. Let's go beat the pants off your parents."

  After tennis, they were all sitting and enjoying a nice lunch. They had played two games, each pair winning one, so the atmosphere was relaxed and everyone was in good humor. Josh included. As lunch was wrapping up, his mom finally asked about his good humor.

  "Josh, it's so nice to see you smiling again," Fanny commented.

  "Thanks, Mom. I feel pretty good. This was fun. I'd forgotten how much I like tennis. The sunshine, the fresh air, and some exercise, all rolled into one."

  "Glad to hear it. And the company was very pleasant as well," Fanny continued. When Kelly just nodded and smiled politely, Fanny kept right on talking. "So, Kelly, it was unexpected to see you here today? Will we be seeing more of you?"

  Again Kelly nodded, apparently oblivious to where Fanny was heading, but Josh wasn't fooled. He thought about butting in, correcting her assumptions, but waited. He wondered just how deeply his mother would pry. And, when Kelly would catch on.

  "Probably. Now that Josh and Deb have broken up, he mentioned he needed a partner for tennis. I know he plays with Blake when it's just the two of them, but that would hardly be a fair team for you guys. Being as Blake played in college and what not."

  "Oh, only for tennis? What a shame. We were hoping we would see more of you socially. Maybe at Sunday night dinners?"

  Kelly looked puzzled for a moment, before the light finally clicked. "Ooohhh... No, we're not... I mean, it's not... well, we don't..."

  Laughing Josh finally came to her rescue. "We're not dating, Mother. Although I admire your subtle attempts at nosiness."

  Now Fanny had the decency to look a little chagrined. "I'm sorry. You just seem so much happier the last few days. I thought at first that you and Deb had managed to patch things up, but then when you brought Kelly, I thought, maybe..."

  "Oh, no Mrs. Taylor. We're just friends. He called me last night specifically to come play tennis this morning. There's nothing like that between us," Kelly said.

  Josh's father, who had remained silent through all of this, finally chimed in. "Fanny, that's enough. Leave them alone. Josh will tell us if he's seeing someone new when there's something to te
ll."

  Josh squinted his eyes, surprised by his father's support. He figured his dad was still upset he'd broken it off with Deb. "Thanks, Dad. Mom, there's nothing to tell."

  "Well, then why the good mood all of a sudden?"

  Josh casually shrugged his shoulders. "Just enjoying the day, that's all. And you're right, it has been good company." Pushing his chair back Josh rose, pulling some cash out to cover lunch. "And on that note, I think it's time Kelly and I hit the road. Thank you for the tennis, and I will see you both this evening for dinner. Alone, in case you're wondering." He winked at Kelly, then smiled at his parents as he helped her from her chair.

  Kelly stayed quiet until they were outside the club, but as Josh walked her to her car, she finally turned and asked, "So, your parents thought we were..."

  "Apparently. I never thought they would go there, not since you and I basically were in diapers together. Sorry if they embarrassed you."

  She laughed, "Not embarrassed, just surprised. Although, since your mom mentioned it, you do seem to be in a much better mood the last couple of days."

  "I do? Hmmmm, well how about that." Josh smirked at her.

  "Yes, you do. Since Friday night at The Tavern, your mood has improved dramatically. I wonder, could there be a correlation?"

  "Maybe I just needed a few good drinks with friends."

  Now it was Kelly's turn to smirk. "Friends? Or maybe it was seeing ex-girlfriends again? Or dancing. Could it be dancing that has put you in such a happy state?"

  Josh was a little shocked. "Dancing? Now why would you say that?"

  Kelly punched him in the shoulder, laughing at the slightly dumbfounded expression he knew he wore. "I saw you dancing with Gia, doofus. And I know you were supposed to go see her last night."

  He narrowed his eyes, trying to gauge just what she thought of that. "And, so what if I did? Go see her, I mean."

  "You know, she seemed just as hesitant to talk about it as you do. So, let me just lay it out there for you... I can't speak for anyone else, but if you and Gia have something going, and by the way you two were clinging together on that dance floor I would guess you do, then I say go for it."

  Now Josh was floored. He hadn't expected that from Kelly, not knowing how close she and Deb were. He knew she was close to Gia as well, but wasn't there some sort of girl thing, kind of like the 'bro code'?

  "You really wouldn't mind if I started seeing Gia? Even though Deb and I broke up less than two months ago."

  "Nope," she grinned again. "I actually think it would be great. She would be good for you. And there's been something there between you guys for forever. She's the only one that's ever really riled you up. You're always so calm and collected, and yet she has managed to get under your skin for years." She paused a beat, apparently thinking over her next words. "I don't think Deb would mind either, Josh. I can't say for certain, but honestly neither one of you have seemed all that upset about the break up. I think she'd probably be okay with it. At least, that's my opinion."

  With a quick smile, she finally hopped in her car, tossing her stuff in the back of the convertible before starting the engine. On a last quick grin, one that reminded Josh of the Cheshire Cat, she put the car in reverse. "Have fun tonight."

  She pulled out, leaving Josh staring after her.

  It took a couple minutes for the shock to wear off, only to be replaced by his own Cheshire grin. Not only did he get to see Gia tonight, but he actually had the support of at least one of their friends. Maybe, just maybe this would work out. Now, he just had to convince Gia of that possibility.

  Chapter 19

  When Gia closed up shop Sunday night, she was not even remotely surprised to find Josh out front waiting for her. Yet, her heart seemed to skip a beat when she saw him, once again leaning against his Mustang. Tonight he was in a white T-shirt and another pair of jeans. These looked newer, a darker color, and seemed to be a little tighter than the few pair she had previously seen him wear. He had paired it with the old combat boots again.

  Damn he looked good. And, for tonight at least, he was all hers.

  She took a deep breath to slow her racing heart, locked the front door behind her and finally walked over to him. The sinfully slow curve of his lips, settling into the smirk she loved so much, sent her heart thudding against her ribcage again.

  "Hi," she said, a little breathier than she would have liked.

  Her only warning of what was coming was the quick lift of his eyebrow and a little twist of the smirk, before his mouth settled on hers.

  He hooked his hands in the belt loops of her jeans, pulling her flush against him, settling her between his thighs where he rested against the car door. This was no soft kiss of greeting, but a deep kiss, warning her of his intentions. Her mouth opened on a gasp, apparently all the invitation he needed to bring the kiss even deeper, plunging his tongue into her mouth.

  She melted into the kiss, despite her reservations, tangling her hands into his hair. The silky strands teased her fingers, inviting her to twist and tug gently, pulling him even closer.

  A passing car honked, the driver throwing out a wolf whistle, reminding Gia they were standing in the middle of the street... in The Village... where anyone could see them. Including their friends.

  She jumped back as if burned, placing a hand against his chest. She wasn't sure whether or not she was holding him at bay, or simply needed some sort of continued contact while she tried to steady her breathing.

  After a minute, she finally felt like she could speak again. "What the hell was that? A simple hello would have been sufficient."

  He smirked again, his eyes alight with humor. "Not for me," he answered with a shrug.

  "We're in the middle of the damn street, Josh. That was..."

  "Hot? Amazing? A teaser of what's yet to come?"

  She looked at him, forcing herself not to laugh as she schooled her face into a look meant to chastise him. "I was going to say completely inappropriate."

  Another little shrug. "Maybe. But I enjoyed it and so did you. So, you ready to go? I was thinking we can drop your car at your place and head over to mine for the night. I'll bring you back on my way to work tomorrow morning."

  His little plan served to remind her of her pique over his assumption that he could simply spend the night at her house. As good as his idea sounded, and regardless of just how her body responded to that idea, she needed to put a stop to his high handed assumptions before things went any further.

  "And you presume I'll be staying the night with you?"

  He cocked his head to one side, that damn eyebrow shooting up again as his lips settled into a snarky little grin. "Ordinarily, no. However, I only have until tomorrow night and I still have 'work' to do. And since you're the one that set a deadline for this little endeavor, I figured that was the best plan. Would you prefer to go to your house again? Or, if you'd like, we can simply head back inside your shop and I'll see if I can't win this bet here and now."

  As he spoke, he moved closer to her, pushing her to back up until she hit the passenger side of her Jeep. He didn't lift his arms to cage her in this time, instead using his body to trap her. His body heat radiated against her, stirring her blood without even a touch. Damning her reaction to him didn't seem to change the way she responded, her body immediately priming for the pleasure it knew was coming.

  Sucking in a deep breath she decided that anywhere indoors and off the streets was a good idea. "Fine. Your house it is. But, once we get there, we need to talk before this goes any further."

  He nodded, his eyes lighting up at her words. "Perfect. I'll follow you to your house and you can pack an overnight bag. Okay?"

  * * * *

  Josh waited in the car while Gia ran in to grab what she needed. He knew that if he went in with her, there was no way he could stop himself from pinning her against a wall and finishing that kiss they'd started in front of her shop. If he did that, there was no way they would ever make it to his house, and he re
ally wanted to go to his house tonight.

  This was partly his practical side kicking in. He didn't have a suit with him, and he really did have to go to work tomorrow morning. He had a telephone conference with the manager of the Canadian locations. Granted they would have no idea what he was wearing, but somehow he thought his parents would frown on him showing up in jeans and boots.

  The other reason was much more personal.

  On the off chance that Gia decided this thing between them ended tomorrow evening, he wanted to have at least one image, one night, with her in his bed. A memory he could pull out later, if need be. He was hoping this wouldn't be a one-time thing, but he wasn't prepared to count on that just yet.

  So, he waited in his car. And he waited. And he waited.

  Just as he had decided she had changed her mind and was about to go in after her, she walked out the front door.

  His breath caught, his heart skipped a beat, and his dick jumped to throbbing life. She had taken time to change. He took in the sight before him; her black hair with its bright purple streaks was down, the long bangs falling over her eyes, and the shiny length swirling around her shoulders. Her eyes were lined with a darker color, making the green really stand out. Her lips were a deep blood red and curved up to showcase her ridiculously white teeth. And she was wearing one of those skirts he loved so much. This one was a red and black plaid, that she had paired with a simple white T-shirt. The shirt was a little see-through, and even in the dark he could tell she was wearing a darker colored bra beneath it. She had decided to forego her traditional tights or thigh high socks this evening, instead wearing knee high socks and black Doc Martins.

  There was no doubt in his mind that she had dressed specifically to torment him. A teasing glimpse of what he was not allowed to have this evening. Rather than making him angry, it actually made him laugh. Knowing Gia, he would probably find that she had decided to forego the panties as well.