solutions to your problems.” He nodded toward the boat. “This whole campaign is brilliant.”
Jessica frowned. “That’s it?”
A laugh escaped. “That’s it? I’ve just described an amazing woman.”
“But what about me?”
“I don’t understand.”
She turned, embarrassed by the sudden rush of tears. “I like to think I’m nice. That I have a sense of humor. You know, human things.”
“Oh, Jessica,” he whispered as he pulled her into his arms. “You’re all that. Funny and nice, and so much more. Marla adores you and wants to be just like you. I see how people talk to you, with respect, with ease. You don’t intimidate, you make people feel welcome and comfortable. Even that first time we met, at the bar, you were so willing to dive into my insane scheme. Willing to open yourself to a stranger. Don’t you see how remarkable that is?”
Her head rested on his chest, but she shook it anyway. “I was so mean to you tonight.”
“No you weren’t. You were just honest.”
“It’s not your fault. You’ve never pressured me, or made any demands.”
“Oh, but I have. And I’m going to demand more. I’ve decided we need to go back to our original agreement. I ask you questions, and keep Owen at bay. You answer questions, and you concentrate on getting through this week with all your energy and strength. Whatever I can do to help, I’ll do. If that means leaving you the hell alone, then fine. Just say the word.”
Now she lifted her head to meet his gaze. Amazed, once more, at this odd, beautiful man. Unlike anyone in her experience, and yet she felt as if she’d known him for a long, long time. She rose on her toes, stretched her neck, but she couldn’t reach him. He smiled slowly and leaned down until his lips touched hers.
The shock of his kiss swept through her again, and for once in her life she turned off that part of her brain that analyzed everything, weighed every move. She just kissed him. A boy, a girl, a moonlit night.
A long, sweet, melting kiss.
THEY RODE BACK to the hotel in silence, comfortable, touching.
Dan had meant what he said, that he would step back, not make this more complicated than it needed to be. Jessica had enough on her plate without him adding to it.
There would be time, later, to explore the connection, the desire he felt for her. For now, he would appreciate what he had and not beg for more.
Once inside the suite, he guided her to the bedroom, then shut the door behind her. Knowing she would be a few minutes, he undressed quickly in the bathroom, brushed his teeth and cleared out. She tiptoed past as he made the couch into his bed. Despite his intentions, it wasn’t fun when she waved good-night and closed the bedroom door behind her.
But it was better this way. He needed to figure out what he wanted, and so did she. The sex, while fantastic, made things difficult, confusing.
He turned off the lights and climbed into bed. Putting his hands behind his head, he stared up at the ceiling for a long time, seeing nothing but dark. His thoughts went in circles, always coming back to being inside her. Why was it so unique? She wasn’t shaped differently, she hadn’t come up with some new and wild technique. Yet with her it was…
Shit. He didn’t know what it was. Great wasn’t the half of it. It changed him. How, he couldn’t explain. But it was true nonetheless. If it was still so after this week, then he could take the time to fully explore the reasons. As for now, he had to forget about making love to her. If he could. It was certainly asking a lot.
He closed his eyes, needing to sleep, knowing sleep was going to prove elusive. But he tried.
The moments ticked on, the night grew still and vast. He listened to the sound of his own heartbeat, trying to slow it down, but having no success.
Then he heard a new sound, the bedroom door opening. Whatever progress he’d made with his heart was shot to hell as his hopes rose. She was probably just going to the bathroom, nothing more. Besides, hadn’t he just gone on and on about stepping back? Putting sex aside?
Her footsteps were lost in the thick carpet, and he couldn’t place her in the room. That is, until he saw her shadow on the wall.
He turned his head, and there she was, made somehow silver by the light of the moon. She approached the bed slowly, quiet as a mouse, until she stood not a foot away, right next to the bed.
He could just see her expression. Worried. In fact, she was chewing on her lower lip.
Dan threw back the covers. Jessica sat down, making the slim mattress curve under her weight.
“I couldn’t sleep,” she whispered.
“Lie down.”
“You said you didn’t want to.”
“I know.”
“I said I didn’t want to.”
He smiled, knowing she couldn’t see him. “I know.”
“But here I am.”
He reached out with his hand, grasped hers and squeezed. “Come,” he said.
“Are you sure?”
“No.”
“What if it’s a huge mistake?”
He gave her a little tug. “Then let’s make it together.”
She nodded, then slowly stretched out next to him. He closed his eyes, achingly aware of the softness of her skin, of the way her hip felt against his, of her closeness, her scent.
“You know there’s a basic problem with your project,” she said.
“What’s that?”
“The premise. How can you ever understand women, when we don’t understand ourselves?”
He turned over on his side, and looked down into her shadowy face. “I don’t believe it. I think you understand every mystery in the universe. That you know all the secrets of the heart. You just have to listen to your own wisdom, that’s all.”
Her hand moved up to the back of his neck. “Is this wise?”
He answered her with a kiss.
What Women Really Mean
1. Do what you want-You’ll pay for this later.
2. We need to talk-I need to complain.
3. Sure…go ahead-I don’t want you to.
4. I’m not upset-Of course I’m upset, you moron!
5. You’re certainly attentive tonight-Is sex all you ever think about?
Source: Gallant, Jim “What Women Really Mean”
http://www.galisteao.com/gallant/humor/
16
THE MOMENT THEIR LIPS touched, Jessica’s fears drifted away, and she was right there, right then, and there was nowhere else on earth she’d rather be.
His hand moved to her sash, which he opened effortlessly, then he slipped inside to touch her bare flesh. It felt as if he belonged there, as if without his touch she was incomplete. Everything that had troubled her diminished to insignificance as she explored his mouth, his taste, as he stroked her stomach with infinite care and respect.
As for her, she had her own tasks to complete, getting him naked first on the list. She got hold of his boxers
