Strictly Business Page 16

  “Yeah, work. I’m pretty good with my hands. I built that barn we have over there, helped my dad with the stables. Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

  “Why?”

  “I just need to. It’s my house anyway. Just tell me what you want me to do, damn it.” Jake ran his hands through his hair, the frustration finally sneaking out despite his best efforts.

  After a long pause, which Jake knew Mike was using to try and size up the situation, he finally got an answer.

  “Yeah, sure. We can always use a strong back. They’re inside, facing your fireplace right now. Or, you can work on the deck off the master suite. We're getting ready to knock off though. It is Saturday.”

  Jake wanted to ask where Jess was, but wasn’t sure whether he would go find her or run the other way. “I’ll do the deck.” He figured Jess was probably working on the fireplace, doing the more detailed work, not the heavy construction. He headed into the house without even looking back at Mike.

  When Jake walked out onto the beginning of the deck, he saw her immediately. She was wearing a tank top and shorts, with a tool belt around her waist. She was currently swinging a hammer with three more nails in her mouth. And she didn’t look like an amateur. She did, however, look incredibly sexy. She didn’t see him right away, so he took the opportunity to watch her. His heart raced, his body ached. He wanted her more now than he had before they’d made love. So much for getting her out of his system. He cleared his throat.

  She looked up, and the look of concentration changed, flashing first to pain and then to anger. “Did you need something? Mike can take you through the house if you want to look.”

  He could feel the temperature drop a few degrees from the ice in her voice. “Nope, I’m here to work. What can I do to help?”

  “Leave?” She shrugged her shoulder, then turned back to her work.

  All of a sudden Jake was furious. What the hell was wrong with her? He’d walked her to her room, he’d hugged her. It had taken everything in him to let go. He was trying to give her space, a chance to recover. He had been trying to do everything right, for fuck's sake!

  “Nope, I’m here to stay. I live here, remember?”

  “Yeah, I remember. I also remember you basically avoiding me for the last two days. Sure, you've been nice enough, but you're treating me like a stranger, or worse yet, a friend. In fact, other than your minor lapse in judgment, which I’m attributing to the storm, you’ve been mostly avoiding me for over a week! So, why don’t you just stay true to your behavior and get the hell out of here!”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” He had spent the week trying to be pleasant, trying to make her see how easy he was to be with. Trying to make her stay.

  She spun around, dropping her tools. “I’m talking about last week, about you trying to slide me into the ‘friend’ category. Agreeing with everything I said, holding my hand, patting my head like I was a good puppy! Why don’t you just spit it out, Jake? Why don’t you just tell me you don’t want me anymore? And why, why did you have sex with me if you want to break up? Was it just to make sure I wasn’t a virgin anymore? Some sort of a pity party?”

  She’d been walking toward him the whole time she’d been yelling and now she was standing toe to toe with him. If she’d been taller, they would have been nose to nose.

  Jake was so pissed he couldn’t even think, he couldn’t process what she was saying, he couldn’t hear the pain behind her words. All he could hear was her saying he didn’t want her. Nothing else registered.

  “Are you out of your fucking mind?” He yelled right back, heedless of anyone that might hear. “I was doing everything I could to keep my hands off you. And you think that I don’t want you? I’ve been hard since you walked into my office with your ugly suit and your prissy little attitude. Pity party, my ass. I have never, never needed anyone as much as I need you."

  “What?”

  “I need you!” He shoved his hands through his hair, trying to make the words come out a little calmer. “God, you idiot, I’m so in love with you I can’t even remember my own name.”

  “You what?”

  The words came out on a whisper. She was staring at him, her eyes round as saucers, her mouth slightly parted, the lower lip trembled slightly. Jake took a deep breath, making his hands into fists to keep from grabbing her.

  “I love you.” There was so much more to say but he stopped, leaving the words hanging there, almost a tangible entity in themselves.

  He had handed her his heart, now he waited to see what she would say. She didn't say anything. Instead, she jumped, wrapping her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist. She pressed her mouth against his.

  Jake caught her, wrapping one arm around her waist, the other under her ass, pulling her to him. His mouth was on hers in what was almost a battle of wills. As the pain and fear of loss rushed out of him, desire, raw and hungry, rushed in, clawing at him, driving him to take her here and now. He pulled his lips off hers, trying to calm his body long enough to get her home.

  One deep breath, then another. He made the mistake of glancing down at Jess. Her eyes closed, lips parted and swollen from his kisses, had his already hard cock surging against his zipper. Remembering gratefully that Mike had said they were calling it quits for the day, Jake took a quick glance around to make sure they were alone. No one was around and there was no more construction noise coming from the house. Thank God.

  He dropped down onto his knees, never letting go of her, he simply lowered her onto the deck. As soon as she was lying down, he yanked off the tool belt, throwing it behind him, hearing nails spill onto the deck. He grabbed the waistband of her shorts, yanking them and her panties down and off. Then he went back to ravaging her mouth.

  She reached between them, unzipping his jeans and shoving them and his boxers down before he could even react. Jake felt the air against his pulsing cock, felt her cool hand wrap around him. He couldn't stop the groan when he felt her wet heat graze the tip. All thought fled as he plunged into her, one long thrust. He heard her cry out and prayed he hadn’t hurt her again. There was no way he could stop. He was beyond that capability, beyond reason. When he felt her hips push against him, he slid back and thrust again, harder, faster. Harder still. He felt her nails scraping down his back, heard her cries and knew she was with him, feeling the same hunger he felt. She met him thrust for thrust. He felt her teeth sink into his shoulder as she climaxed and he followed her into heaven.

  * * * * *

  Jess had no idea how long they lay there. It could have been minutes or days. When she finally surfaced, she opened her eyes trying to see his face. This was what she'd been hoping for, been wanting.

  Jake lifted his head, rolled off her, propped up on one elbow. “God, Jess, I’m sorry. I did it again. Did I hurt you?”

  He looked truly worried. “Did what again?”

  “Attacked you. I didn’t even get my pants off this time. And we’re outside. Again!” He ran his hand through his hair.

  “Wait, is that why you were so weird last time? Because we were outside?” She felt the laugh beginning to bubble up.

  “Well, yes, no…not exactly.”

  Now she did laugh, softly. “I never would have guessed that you were a prude. Especially not growing up on a ranch.”

  He looked utterly indignant. “I’m not a prude. I have no problem being outside, I just…it was your first time. I couldn’t even wait to get you to a bed. And I was…a little…rough. So, did I hurt you?”

  She rolled over, climbing on top of him, straddling his hips.

  He could feel her, pressing against his still hard shaft. He groaned when she twisted a little, rubbing against him. She leaned up to kiss him, whispering against his mouth, “You didn’t hurt me. I wanted to be out in the storm, Jake. I wanted you there, with the rain all around us. Just like I wanted you here, needed you here. Just like I want you again right now.” She pressed backwards, feeling him slide into her. She sat u
p, taking him deeper. “In case you can’t tell, I love you too.”

  Chapter 25

  It was a couple of hours before they made it back to the house. They walked in, holding hands just as everyone sat down to lunch. Jess glanced over to see Mike smirking and felt her face get hot. She had no idea how much he’d heard before he left the house. She smiled back at him, looking a bit chagrined. He kicked out the chair next to him, silently indicating she should sit down.

  After she grabbed some food, she sat next to Mike, waiting for the expected ribbing to begin. When he merely leaned over and whispered, “I sent everyone home,” she glanced back, startled.

  He smiled at her. “When the arguing escalated, I kicked everyone out. Immediately. We were all cleaning up anyway. You were alone.”

  She smiled at him and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

  Jake sat down next to Jess. “Hey, I get the kisses, not him.” He was obviously teasing, not acting like a jealous ass. Going with the flow, Jess leaned over, planting a noisy kiss on Jake’s cheek as well.

  “That’s better,” he said, grinning.

  Mike, being Mike, couldn’t seem resist teasing someone, so he turned to Jake. “So, how’s that deck looking out there? Did you guys make any progress?”

  Jake looked back, smiling unapologetically. “Oh yeah. We definitely made some progress.”

  As Jess listened to the friendly banter between the two men, she couldn't help but smile. When she glanced up, she saw Martha watching them with a grin of her own. She patted Jake on the shoulder, smiling softly at Jess as she walked out of the kitchen. If Jess understood correctly, she had Marsha's approval.

  * * * * *

  That afternoon, Jess helped Jake out in the barn, checking on the new colt, milking cows. He showed her how to do things she was unfamiliar with. Jake found that, in addition to learning quickly, she was willing to work. He was beginning to understand why Mike and the crew respected her as much as they did.

  After dinner they sat on the porch, watching the sunset. Jess’s favorite part of the day. When Jake stood, announcing that he needed a shower, Jess followed him upstairs, heading toward the bathroom she used. Outside his room, Jake tugged her hand, pulled her in after him and shut the door behind her.

  “I was thinking we could shower together. I’ll wash your back if you’ll wash mine.”

  Jess laughed, following him into his bathroom. “It’s always good to save water. Conserve our natural resources.”

  The shower quickly turned into a session of discovery rather than simple cleansing. They each took their time learning the other’s body. Discovering hidden pleasure points along the way. Jake found that Jess reveled in him washing her hair. Her body reacted as if he were making love to her, just from that simple task. She discovered that his ears were super sensitive, sending shivers through his body at the lightest of touches.

  She gently washed his chest, running her hands over the light bruise where she’d bitten him. She apologized, pressing small kisses over the mark. His answer had been a steamy kiss. He didn’t mind the bite at all.

  By the time they stepped out of the shower they couldn’t even take the time to dry off before falling onto each other and into bed.

  Later, as they drifted off to sleep, Jake pulled Jess closer, still half afraid this was a dream. It occurred to him that he hadn’t gotten around to buying that ring yet. He’d have to get out on Monday and get that taken care of. Now that he had her in his bed, there was no way he could let her go.

  * * * * *

  Over the next few weeks they fell into a routine. Jess felt like she was living in a dream. The house was coming along really well. Walls were up, doors in place, windows installed. They were working on the inside now. They did finally get that deck done. The fireplace was done. The walls were being textured and painted. And the cabinetry was being delivered tomorrow. The counter tops would go in by the end of this week. She couldn’t believe how fast time was going. She had to leave in just a few weeks to get home for Dana’s baby. She’d missed the shower, sending a gift and her apologies. Dana had called to say thank you and to tell her she understood. Her mother, on the other hand, had called to tell her what a horrible daughter and sister she was. Her ‘little job’ wasn’t nearly as important as the first grandchild.

  It occurred to her then that her family would never understand her. She wondered why she had spent so long trying to please them. It had taken love and seeing a real home for her to realize that she needed to please herself, not her family. She loved them, she always would, but she was once again making some changes in her life. Their approval was, finally, unnecessary.

  One of those changes had just walked through the door. She turned at the sound of Jake’s voice, her heart melting at the sight of him.

  “Hey you.” She sidled over to him with a sexy little sashay, giving him a big kiss.

  He picked her up, pressing her tighter against him. “Hey you, back at ya,” he said as he set her down.

  * * * * *

  Jake had taken to coming by the house and helping out whenever he could. He was there most days for at least an hour or so. Jess had told him it wasn’t necessary, things were moving along ahead of schedule, but he wanted to be there, wanted to have his hands involved in building their house, their home. He wondered if it had always been their home. If it wasn’t at the start, it definitely was now. He enjoyed seeing her working, building, sweating. Just as he enjoyed putting his own sweat into it.

  At the end of each day, they would shower, usually together, and spend their nights locked together in both passion and in sleep. In just these few weeks he’d gotten used to her sleeping in his arms. He was used to her being there when he woke up in the mornings. They had adjusted their schedules again. She rose earlier, he stayed in bed a bit later. Most mornings they would wake, aroused and ready. He had figured after the first few nights that the intense need would ebb. It hadn’t. He hadn't felt this way in his adult life. Making love to her hadn't taken the edge off at all, it actually seemed to make it worse. Even now, watching her sweating in the summer heat, wiggling cabinets into position, he was aroused.

  He couldn’t believe how lucky he was. He had the most amazing woman in the world. And, if things went well next weekend, she would officially be his. He’d made reservations in Evanston for next Saturday night. He remembered her mentioning a spa weekend, so he’d reserved a room at Hotel Terra. A part of him wanted to propose now, but he wanted it to be special, a romantic weekend for two. And he was leaving town Sunday morning, so it would have to wait a little longer. By Friday afternoon, the cabinets were all in place. The plywood was in and ready for the counter tops. They had paid extra for a Saturday delivery, but Jess really wanted to see this kitchen completed, so Jake didn't mind the cost. Mike had given everyone else the day off tomorrow, so the house would be empty for the delivery. Jess would meet them here at eight, and by early afternoon the kitchen would be all but done.

  She gave Jake a quick squeeze as they headed out of the new house and back to the old house to shower. As they reached his room he started to pull her in, but she shook her head, pulling her hand free.

  “Uh uh. Tonight I want to get dressed alone. I want you to be able to see the completed package, not the process.” He watched as she scooted down the hall, sweaty and grimy, thinking to himself he liked this package just fine.

  * * * * *

  When they walked into Gilroy’s, they were both pleasantly surprised to see Cody already there, along with some of the others from the ranch. The rest would soon follow.

  Jess went over to give Cody a welcome back hug. Cody took the opportunity to whirl her around and kiss her, hard. Instead of ‘hello’ he offered, “Damn girl. You’re sexy as hell!” He turned, slapped Jake on the shoulder. “So, I see you tried being nice to her?”

  Jake cocked an eyebrow and squinted his eyes, making Cody laugh.

  The night was perfect, an atmosphere of celebration flowing through
the bar. Marsha and Ben had been voted the designated drivers, but even they had one glass of champagne. Maybe she had love on the brain, but she thought she saw a little something between those two. She smiled and winked at Ben.

  Jess danced with everyone. Everyone except Jake, that is. They both knew that when he finally claimed his dance they would be leaving shortly afterward. That was fine and well, until she saw him on the dance floor with Bethany plastered against him. She could tell he was uncomfortable, trying to ease himself away, but she was still furious. The audacity of that woman! Jess let her have her dance, waiting until she could catch her alone and speak to her. Besides, she thought it might be fun to see Jake squirm a little too. After all, turnabout’s fair play.

  She grabbed Cody’s arm. “Hey, let’s dance.”

  He was more than willing to comply. As they danced, he took a moment to tell her, “You know I joke around a lot, but I gotta say, Jake really is a lucky man. You take care of him, okay? Treat him right.”

  Jess nodded. “He is lucky. He’s got friends like you. And Marsha, and Ben. Even though his parents don’t live here anymore, he has family right on the ranch.” She smiled up at him with a huge, mischievous grin. “Don’t tell him yet, we want to find the property first, but Sunday morning, when Jake leaves, Mike, Cindy and I are going to look at office buildings. We’ve already started the paperwork to become partners. As soon as we have office space, we’re going into business for ourselves in Evanston.”

  “And you haven’t told Jake?”

  She shook her head. “I was going to tell him, but he’s leaving tomorrow for that auction, so it seemed like it might be a good surprise. Besides, as well as things are going, we haven’t talked about the future or anything permanent. I’m staying, regardless of what happens with him. I like it here. I found something I didn’t even know I was looking for. Me.”

  Cody looked concerned, a slight frown marring his good looks. “Don’t you think he should know, Jess?”