Jessica’s heart gave a leap. She felt the smile spreading across her mouth.
“That being said,” he went on, dropping his hand to his side, “who knows how long it might take for me to find Marta, or if I ever will? I do not expect you to wait for me. I wish for you to be happy, here and now. So, if you were to meet someone else while I was on this quest, I…well, I would not stand in his way, of course.”
Jessica felt laughter bubbling in her chest at the idea of ever meeting anyone who could compete with Nathan, but she managed to keep it contained. “Okay,” she said, keeping her tone as serious as she could muster, “I’ll make you a deal, then, Nathan. If I happen to meet anyone I like better than you, then sure, I’ll date that guy instead of waiting around for you to be human again.”
He nodded, but she could tell he wasn’t happy about it. In fact, the very notion of her seeing anyone else seemed to make him want to grab the nearest piece of furniture and break it over his knee. Or maybe it was Jessica’s imaginary boyfriend he’d like to rip in half. Either way, she decided it was probably a good idea to let him off the hook.
Leaning closer, she lowered her voice to a stage whisper and said, “But just between you and me? I’m pretty sure that ain’t ever gonna happen, so...” she tapped her finger against his chest, “you can just relax, mister.”
Relief washed into his eyes, and his mouth tipped up again. “As selfish as it is, I hope it does not happen.” He followed this up with a full-throated laugh, and Jessica felt like flipping a cartwheel, the sound made her so incredibly happy. She only felt giddier when he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. A crackle of excitement filtered through her.
Recognizing an opportunity when she saw one, she said, “Um. Do you want to hang around awhile? We could watch a movie or something. It’d make Wilhelmina’s night.”
“Well, as much as I do hate to disappoint Wilhelmina,” he grinned, “I should go. There is a project I am working on for a client, and the deadline draws quite near.”
“Oh. Okay.”
He didn’t let go of her hand, though. Instead, he tugged her in closer and wrapped his arms around her waist. A gasp of surprise escaped her, but she went with it. She laid her hands on his broad chest, enjoying the cool solidity of his pectorals beneath her fingers. She looked up into that devastatingly handsome face, not quite believing the desire she saw blazing in his eyes all of a sudden.
“I should go,” he repeated, his voice a low rumble.
“Yeah. You said that already.” Jessica tweaked his nipple through his t-shirt.
He huffed in surprise, nearly breaking into another laugh, but then he set his jaw and grew serious instead. The fire in his eyes glowed hotter, and he tightened his grip on her, closing the distance between them. He brought his mouth down on hers. Jessica responded quickly and with enthusiasm, opening her lips to taste him. He moaned as their tongues touched, and she felt his hands roaming over her back and sinking into her hair, grabbing it by the fistful. Jessica’s knees went weak, and her blood turned to electricity. It was easily the best kiss of her life, but it ended all too soon. Issuing a soft, carnal groan, he pulled away from her. With his jewel-like eyes still smoldering, he rested his forehead against hers.
“I will find Marta,” he said. “If it’s the last thing I do, I swear I will find her.”
“I hope you do find her,” Jessica said, her breathing rough and her pulse pounding. “And I really hope that’s not the last thing you ever do.”
A laugh rumbled out of Nathan, and then he was letting her go and saying goodbye, disappearing out the door so quickly, she almost convinced herself she’d only imagined what had just happened between them. Only the thud of her own heart and the rubbery feeling in her legs reassured her the kiss had been real. That and the pathetic sight of Wilhelmina sitting on the carpet, staring at the door with a lovesick look on her furry face.
“Come on, Wil,” Jessica laughed, “I feel the same way, but I’m pretty sure he’ll be back.” She yanked her phone from her purse and texted Lucy.
Nathan kissed me! He says he’s going to look for you-know-who. So he can take care of her and we can be together!!
She added a row of smiley faces. When there was no response to this incredible news, Jessica decided her best friend must be off somewhere, preoccupied with Aaron. She sent another text:
LMK when you guys are getting together with the rest of the, uh, hunting gang, k? I want to come to the meeting. I want to do whatever I can to help you guys track down that witch. We need to find her ASAP.
Srsly.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Lucy was preoccupied at the moment, which was why she didn’t notice Jessica’s text messages lighting up her cell phone. In fact, the gadget wasn’t anywhere near her. It was sitting on the glass coffee table inside Aaron’s elegant third floor apartment, while Lucy stood outside on the balcony, surveying the twinkling lights of suburbia spread out below her.
A light breeze blew by, ruffling her hair and catching the hem of her new woolen dress. She’d bought new shoes, too, so she’d look her best on her second official date with Aaron. The outfit must’ve been a hit, because he had invited her back here after
