“I have to gather my things and have a quick shower.”
He caught hold of her hand, grabbed her duffel bag from the floor, and escorted her down the hall. “Go shower.” He held her bag out to her. “And then pack plenty, because until they find the guy who did this, you’re staying with me.”
He neglected to tell her that once he had her there, he didn’t intend to let her go. Tonight he wanted to prove to Laura he wasn’t just some playboy looking to get his hands on her sensuous body. She’d opened his eyes and his heart. He wanted her to be a part of his life.
Chapter 8
Night had closed around them by the time they stepped outside Laura’s apartment and climbed into Jay’s vehicle. Jay shot her a sidelong glance as he maneuvered his car into traffic. She’d changed into a pair of jeans that accentuated her curvy body and a pale yellow, short-sleeved blouse. Staring at the dark road ahead, she gently rubbed her fingers over the bump on her head. He touched her hand with his and gave a tender squeeze, bringing her attention around to him.
He arched one brow. “You sure you don’t want to get that checked out?”
She dropped her hand in her lap and gave a quick shake of her head. “I’m fine, really,” she assured him. “Besides, I don’t feel like sitting at the hospital for hours just to have a doctor tell me I have a lump on my head. I already know that.” She tossed him a genuine smile.
God, when she smiled at him like that his insides turned to mush. How in the hell would he ever be able to take her home, tuck her in his bed, and keep his hands to himself when all he could think about was kissing her, touching her, and finishing what they’d started in the director’s bathroom?
He knew if he wanted her to see him as more than a sex-crazed playboy, more than “Wildman” Jay Cutler, he had to keep his hands to himself and figure out a game plan. Fast. He needed her to start thinking about him in terms of commitment, not just the hot roll in the hay for which he was known.
Christ, this was all so new to him. He’d never played for keeps before and he didn’t want to screw it up. One thing was for certain. As long as she slept in his bed, he had to stay out of it. Hell, if he didn’t, it would take more willpower than he could summon not to roll over and dust kisses over her entire body. To press his hips against her, draw her beaded nipples into his mouth for a thorough taste, spread her legs and sink his tongue into her damp heat. A plethora of fantasies rushed through his mind as he relished the provocative mental image.
Shit, his cock just skyrocketed to life.
He marshaled his thoughts and concentrated on the road ahead. Oh yeah, staying out of his bed was a definite must. No sense in testing temptation.
The sound of her stomach rumbling reached his ears. “Laura, you must be starving.”
She nodded. “A little.” Her stomach growled louder. She chuckled and said, “Okay, a lot.”
“You never did eat that hot dog.”
She glanced at him pointedly. “I got a little sidetracked, Jay. Had some…uh…research to do.”
He returned with an apologetic glance. “Sorry about that.”
“No, you’re not.” A bemused expression crossed her face.
A low chuckle rumbled in his throat. He threw his hands up in surrender. “Okay, I’m not, but I do take full responsibility.”
She tipped her chin, her expression indignant. “I would think so,” she added playfully.
“I know the perfect spot to take you. It’s an authentic Italian restaurant where the recipes are handed down from generation to generation. You’re going to love it.” Suddenly his stomach joined in the chorus.
Laura chuckled, snuggled back in her seat, and said, “Sounds perfect.”
Jay tapped the brakes, and then swung his car around in the opposite direction. They both remained quiet, lost in their thoughts as he drove to the other side of town.
Less than a half an hour later, he pulled up along the curb in front of Isabella’s. He killed the ignition and glanced around at his old stomping grounds.
Laura’s face perked up. She squared her shoulders and sat up in her seat. “I’ve heard of this place, Jay. Don’t we need a reservation?”
He grinned. “Nope. I have connections.”
“You do? How?”
“I used to hang out here as a kid.” He jerked his head forward. “I grew up just around the corner.”
Green eyes opened wide, clearly intrigued. “Really? Are your parents still there?”
He gave a tight shake of his head. “No, my dad left when I was a kid and my mom…well…my mom and I never got along all that great. I guess I reminded her too much of my father.” A pang of sadness fell over him like a heavy blanket. “She died a few years back.”
She touched him with a comforting hand. “I’m sorry, Jay. I can’t imagine what that must have been like. I got along well with my parents growing up. We still have dinner together every Sunday.”
He smiled. Her concern filled him with warmth. He nodded toward the restaurant. “Tony and Isabella treated me like one of their own. I even put myself through college working in the kitchen.” He opened his door. “Come on, let’s go. I’m anxious for you to meet them.”
He circled around the car and closed his large palm over hers. Rays from the streetlight hit the black pavement and spilled out in waves, touching the darkest corners of the streets. Laura shivered from the crispness in the cool evening air. Jay wrapped his arms around her, offering
