From across the room she heard Carlos call out. “J-man, it’s good to see you.” He scrubbed his hand over his neatly trimmed goatee as his dark gaze went to Jay, then Laura. With a long, languorous glance, he skimmed Laura’s curves. His strides were determined, sensuous as he strode across the kitchen and stepped into her personal space. In a slick, sexy Italian accent he said to Jay, “And who is this gorgeous lady you have brought for me?”
Laura glanced at his eagle tattoo, then crimped her neck to look in his eyes. Carlos inclined his head and met her gaze straight on. Thick black hair spilled forward over rich, seductive eyes. Testosterone oozed from his pores. Lord, the man had bad boy written all over him.
“Hello there,” he said. His deep masculine voice could curl toes.
In a protective manner, Jay tucked Laura under his arm and grinned. “Stay away from this guy, Laura,” he warned. Even though humor edged his voice, she sensed an underlying possessiveness in his tone. “He’ll get you into trouble every time.” Jay dipped his head and whispered into her hair, “I know firsthand.” His sweet wine-scented breath tickled her neck and seeped into her blood, arousing all her senses, filling her with longing.
Laura shook her arousal-fogged brain and extended her arm. “Nice to meet you, Carlos.” For a moment she wondered if he was Isabella’s son.
As though reading her thoughts, Jay piped in, “Carlos lived two houses down from me.” He gestured with a nod. “This is the guy who was responsible for all the trouble and fights Dino and I got into as teens until Isabella took him under her wing and straightened him out.”
It amazed Laura how these people opened their home and hearts to others. No wonder they had so many chairs around the huge table.
“Isabella has filled me in on some of Jay’s antics, but it sounds like you have a few stories of your own. I’d love to hear them,” she prompted with a smile.
A wicked grin curled his lips. Carlos opened his mouth to speak.
Jay cut him off with a glare. “Forget it, Carlos,” he rushed out, sparing Laura the details.
Goading Jay on, Carlos stepped closer and took her hand in his. Using the pad of his thumb, he caressed her skin and then with a quick tug pulled her away from Jay. “Forget J-man’s specialty, Laura, come sample mine instead,” he teased. His sexy voice was as smooth as spun silk.
Laura took her hand back, angled her chin, and arched a brow. “Yes, Jay. I can see how Carlos could have gotten you into trouble a time or two,” she said, joining in the teasing. She glanced at Jay. “I’m sure you and Dino were simply innocent bystanders,” she added, humoring him.
“Naturally,” he confirmed. Jay crooked his finger for her to come back, his eyes full of teasing warmth. Without taking his gaze off Laura, he said, “How many times have I told you, Carlos? Once a woman has sampled fine dining, she’ll never go back to fast food.”
Carlos roared with laughter. Eyes glistening from their easy banter, Carlos brushed his thumb and forefinger over his mustache and razzed Jay. He gifted Laura with a sexy wink. “And I’ve told you, J-man. Once a woman has sampled a zesty Italian menu”—he paused to tap his chest—“nothing else will ever satisfy her hunger.”
This time Jay roared with laughter.
They held her spellbound as they good-naturedly ribbed one another. Jay slipped his arm around her waist, snatching her back. She stepped into his embrace and snuggled into the circle of his arms. That small affectionate gesture seemed to please him.
Jay chuckled as Isabella swatted Carlos on the backside, shooing him to the other side of the kitchen. “You…” she said. “You got too many ladies to take care of already. Come on, Laura, I’ve cleared a spot on the counter for you and Jay.”
Jay had never found pasta-making an erotic experience before. Then again, he’d never made linguine with a sexy scientist before. Laura was as brilliant in the lab as she was inept in the kitchen. Twenty minutes into the process, she had more flour on her face, her clothes, and in her hair than they had on the counter. But by God, he had to admit, she looked appealing as hell in such a disheveled state.
Standing behind her, Jay watched as she awkwardly squeezed the dough between her fingers like she had a personal vendetta against it. He shook his head and chuckled.
“Laura, you really suck at this.”
She tipped her head back. Her lips puckered. Taking great offense to his words, she cocked her chin indignantly and said, “Excuse me. Did you just say I suck?”
Jay grinned, brushed her long chestnut locks from her face, and tucked them behind her ear. “Yes, I believe that’s the technical term.”
She pinched some flour between her fingers and sprinkled it on him. “Hey, play nice.”
He winked at her. “I always play nice.”
The doubtful expression on her face told him she knew otherwise.
He waved his hand toward the deformed blob on the counter. “What the hell did that dough ever do to you?”
Laura laughed and slanted her head. “You mean it’s not supposed to look all lumpy like this?” Her low, throaty chuckle played down his spine and filled him with warmth.
He stepped closer and stood behind her. “I’m afraid not. It’s all in the kneading. Watch me.” Slipping his hands around her waist, enclosing her in the circle of his arms, he interlaced his fingers through hers and began kneading the dough. With his chest nestled against her back, her cushiony bottom pressed against his groin. The position brought back heated memories of their earlier afternoon activities. He quickly censored his thoughts and curbed
