Body Heat

She licked her lips, and his gaze followed her enticing and distinct reminder of what had just passed between them. But Jake sensed her action was more a nervous reaction than a deliberately seductive move.

“Good.” Without warning she rose. “I think we both need to get some sleep.”

She was back in protective mode. He respected this side of her as much as he admired her softer, more vulnerable side. He loved learning all facets of this woman, and she obviously had many.

“As long as you don’t change your mind come morning.”

“I won’t.” She looked at him, all seriousness, but it was the barest hint of vulnerability in her eyes that reached out to him and made him care more than was prudent.

“Me, neither.”

She gave him a hesitant smile before disappearing out the door.

Long after she’d turned in for the night, Jake pondered the wisdom of his bargain, wondering if he’d solved his dilemma or merely complicated his life.

BRIANNE PACED outside Victoria’s Secret on Fifth Avenue, wondering what had possessed her to ask Kellie to meet her here, of all places. She shook her head. She knew exactly what possessed her. Jake.

Or rather Jake’s bargain. Her rapidly beating heart had warned her she was playing with fire by getting involved with the man on any level other than the professional. His kiss, the effects of which she still felt, had proven her right. And what a kiss it had been. Slow, seductive and persuasive, it had quickly flared into much more. The attraction had been obvious from day one, but she hadn’t been prepared for the heat they generated each time they came together. And next time, she felt certain, they wouldn’t stop with a kiss.

Warmth still suffused her stomach and a pulsing excitement rippled through her veins and settled between her legs, leaving her empty and wanting. Wanting Jake. She’d put her life on hold for so long, and suddenly things had changed. She’d be embarking on an affair, she thought, amazed. And she was completely unprepared.

Last night, Jake hadn’t been thrilled when she’d abruptly turned in for the evening, but Brianne had needed time. Not only had his proposition and her own acceptance caught her off guard, but she’d never felt less attractive than she had in her workout clothes and disheveled hair. She wanted Jake to see her as an attractive woman, and she needed to feel like one, and so she’d promised to begin their…liaison-for want of a better word-tomorrow night instead.

And today, she’d taken her first personal time off in ages to prepare. She’d head on back to work this afternoon, but this morning she’d devote herself to the task. And she’d begin by buying sexy underwear.

Brianne glanced at her watch. Although she could handle shopping on her own, she desired feminine advice and company, and for that Kellie ought to be here any minute. Brianne wiped her hand across her damp forehead. The heat outside was getting to her and, after another glance at her watch, she drew a deep breath and entered the store alone. The distinct scent of lavender drifted around her as she surveyed the racks of lace and silk garments dangling temptingly from plush-looking hangers.

The store was a feast for all the senses, making her wonder why she’d never ventured in here before. The obvious answers were money and time, two things she’d never had in abundance. But she did now, and she took in the selection of garments around her. The beautiful matched sets and vibrant colors put her utilitarian cotton panties to shame. She fingered a violet-colored teddy, cut low, and high, in all the right places. The silk slid between her fingertips, soft and sensual, like Jake’s touch. She trembled, realizing just what was in store should she be willing to release all her inhibitions.

Slow and easy, he’d said. Seductively. He was letting her know she could set the pace, and here she was taking the plunge. The fire in her cheeks matched the heat outdoors, but she’d come too far to turn back now. When the bells on the door tinkled and her exuberant friend walked inside, Brianne knew her fate had just been sealed. Kellie wouldn’t let her back out even if she wanted to. She didn’t.

Kellie waved, the silver bracelets on her hand jingling aloud. Kellie was a classic blond beauty with huge, blue eyes, a porcelain complexion and a body only every day in a gym would provide. No matter what she wore, men turned their heads and looked twice. Today she had on black jeans and a white fitted T, held together by a row of hooks up the center. It was time Brianne, too, acted more like a woman who intended to make an impression.

“Getting started without me?” Kellie gave Brianne a brief squeeze hello. “It’s only been one night, but the place isn’t the same without you.”

Brianne grinned. “I can’t say I miss the long hours on my feet, but I did miss you, too.”

“As if you even gave me a thought, with you and the new guy living under the same roof.” Kellie rolled her eyes and laughed, obviously not the least bit offended. “So what’d you find so far?” She spread her arms, gesturing to the undergarments around them.

“I just walked in.”

“Okay, then, what’s this guy’s taste run to? The classic or the kinky?” Kellie shook her head. “Never mind. If he’s fallen for you, it’s classic.”

“Are you calling me boring?” Brianne asked, feigning insult.

Her friend shook her head. “You’re gorgeous. You just don’t take the time to make the most of it. Maybe this new job will give you more time for yourself.”

“That’s the idea.” The money would pay off her brother’s tuition, and when the summer was over, her free hours would belong to her alone. There’d never been a time in her adult life when she’d had the luxury of sitting down, taking a breath and saying, What do I want to do now?

“The first rule of thumb is if you wear sexy, you’ll feel sexy. So what do you have beneath those jeans?”

“Underwear, of course.”

“White, I suppose?” She didn’t wait for Brianne to answer. “High-cut and basic? I won’t even ask about the bra.” She let out an exaggerated sigh. “Looks like I’ve got my work cut out for me.” She grabbed Brianne’s hand. “Come on.”

An hour later, Brianne had splurged on the kind of lacy, racy undergarments she had never before given a thought to wearing. She’d even left a set on beneath her clothing when she’d walked out of the store. Practice, she’d decided.

And the idea had worked. With the silk brushing her skin as she walked and the knowledge that she wore sheer, sexy panties and a matching bra, Brianne noticed she felt more feminine and attractive. Her stride quickened and she lifted her head, glancing around as she walked. Men met her gaze. One leered, his lascivious stare lingering long enough to make her uncomfortable.

But long after they’d left Bloomingdale’s behind-bathing suits and a couple of sexy, on-sale outfits bagged and ready to go-Brianne held her shoulders back a bit more, her confidence boosted. All things she could thank Jake for calling her attention to. Not that she’d tell him. The man’s ego was healthy enough. But she had to admit, freedom felt good.

“Have time to grab an iced latte?” Kellie asked.

Brianne’s throat was parched from the heat and all the walking they’d done. “Sounds great.”

“Good.” Kellie nodded approvingly, and they walked in silence the few blocks to the nearest Starbucks. In the doorway, Kellie grabbed Brianne’s hand and turned toward her. “Clothing and underwear were the hard part. Now we can sit down and talk about sex.”

Brianne started to cough, but instead forced a casual shrug. What the heck? she thought. It had been so long since she’d had any, she could probably use all the advice she could get. Her sexual history was minimal. A lukewarm relationship in college squeezed in between her classes and work, and a couple of other guys who’d given up when they realized her brother and her jobs had to come first-and that was it. None of those men had left a lasting or lingering impression. None had eased the loneliness.

But the idea of sex with Jake aroused every nerve ending in her body. Her nipples puckered beneath the new silk, a warm heaviness settled in the pit of her stomach and desire dampened her panties. Though no one could look and know what she was feeling, she knew. The intimate, illicit longings were unfamiliar to a woman used to being consumed with work and worries. Being consumed with Jake was a novelty she intended to enjoy.

She shivered in the air-conditioning, but the tremor had nothing to do with the recycled air. Shaking off the sensation, Brianne placed their order while Kellie found a table by the window where they could look out on the nearly empty streets of New York. As it wasn’t yet lunchtime, most smart people were inside, away from the