Текст книги "The Heat of the Moment"
Автор книги: Katie Rose
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Текущая страница: 10 (всего у книги 15 страниц)
Chapter 23
Gavin got Kristin’s message as soon as he arrived home.
He hadn’t realized at first that she had called. He was probably in the PT room and didn’t hear the cellphone ring. But as he walked into the townhouse and tossed his keys on the counter, he turned on the speakerphone and hit voicemail.
“…Just want you to know I’m thinking of you.”
He couldn’t believe it. Her voice sounded as if nothing had changed, as if she hadn’t cheated, and made it abundantly clear that their relationship was over. What the hell did she want from him now?
Disbelief was replaced by annoyance. He wandered to the fridge and poured himself a beer.
It wasn’t that his ex-girlfriend was awful; it was more that he hadn’t known before that there was something so much better out there. Even his friendship with Jessica was more meaningful than what he had shared with Kristin. It was as if he had been vacationing every year at the same little shore town, and then suddenly found himself on the French Riviera.
And he had no intention of ever going back. He could admit it now; he was relieved to be out of their relationship and rid of her.
Without thinking twice, he deleted the message.
–
It was Saturday, and Jessica had a day off. But it didn’t feel like one.
Terrell had dragged her from store to store in Princeton, insisting that she try on everything. Dresses and skirts, pants with a leather panel down the side that accentuated her lean figure. Blouses of soft silk in shades of gold, green, and rust, all meant to flatter her coloring. Some of the tops were very low-cut, and before she could reject them he insisted that she try them on with a push-up bra. The results were astonishing.
As she viewed herself in a three-way mirror, even the salesclerk gushed in admiration. “This is so much fun! It’s like fitting a model.”
“I have to admit, I am surprised,” Jessica admitted. “I wouldn’t have picked out most of this stuff.”
“Well, buying new yoga pants does not a wardrobe make.” Terrell clicked his tongue. “I’m not going to say ‘I told you so,’ girlfriend. But I told you so. Now try on the Fürstenberg wrap dress.”
“Oh, for God’s sake. Where would I ever wear something like that?” But she admired the pretty print, which looked feminine and sexy all at once.
“Anywhere,” her neighbor said, exasperated. “It’s all about the styling. You can wear this to lunch with friends with boots and tights. And it can take you out to dinner, with some good jewelry and a metallic clutch. Are you starting to get it?”
“Yeah.” She gazed at the dress and saw the difference as the salesclerk switched out the accessories. The outfit looked completely new when she added a chunky necklace, kitten heels, and an elegant wrap.
Her gaze shifted to Terrell. He was wearing a black tee shirt and jeans. Simple enough, but there was not a wrinkle to be seen, and his clothes fit him perfectly. She now noticed that the leather belt he wore was obviously good quality and expensive, as were his shoes.
She had to hand it to him. Girlfriend knew what he was doing.
“Good. Now try this.”
She grimaced as he handed her a form-fitting leopard-print top. “What? That’s not my style.”
“Exactly the problem,” he said firmly. “You don’t have one. That’s what we are trying to establish here. You’ve got that great body, and that amazing hair.” He released it from its knot, letting it fall around her shoulders as he held the blouse beneath her chin. “The dark browns really accentuate your green eyes. Didn’t you say you were going to a bridal shower? And it’s sort of a combination bachelorette party and the gift-giving thing. Right?”
“Yes, but—”
“No buts. You can’t wear workout clothes for that. This will be perfect.”
But she couldn’t keep resisting when she saw that the top looked really cute. Especially paired with a brown leather motorcycle jacket, tight jeans, and boots. Terrell chose simple gold hoop earrings and a bag to complete the look, and once again Jessica was shocked at the difference a few well-chosen accessories could make.
“I’ll take them. All of them.” As the salesclerk rushed off in search of tissue and bags, Jessica shot Terrell a look. “There goes my paycheck.”
“Well, it’s about time. When you consider you haven’t bought yourself anything except yoga pants in what, five years? I think you’re overdue.”
She couldn’t argue. The man was right.
Chapter 24
“So you are sure this is okay?”
Jessica frowned as she turned to the mirror in her bedroom, casting a critical eye over her outfit. It wasn’t that it didn’t appear fashion forward; it was just so different, something she could never have envisioned.
“You look fantastic!” Terrell gushed, fingering the motorcycle jacket. “I love, love this outfit! It is so damn cute! And your makeup is divine. That soft brown shadow is perfect, and I adore the red lip.”
“I was afraid this is a little much—”
“That’s because you aren’t used to seeing yourself in anything decent. Tonight you’re going to partayyyy!”
When she still seemed a little doubtful, her neighbor grinned, hearing a knock at the door. “Let’s get another opinion, shall we?”
Dramatically, he flung open the portal, and as she entered the living room, Jessica heard a collective gasp from Nikki and Cara.
“OMG, you look amazing!” Nikki strode into the room, dropped her bag, and caressed the sleeve of her jacket. “Where did you find this? I want one.”
“And that top, those jeans, the boots,” Cara said in awe. “You really clean up nice!”
“I will take all the applause.” Terrell sashayed out the door, giving her a little finger wave. “Have fun, gorgeous.”
“Is he your stylist?” Nikki asked in amazement as he disappeared.
“No.” Jessica laughed. “He’s my neighbor. He just happens to be very good at this sort of thing. I’m sure he’d be happy to help you if you’re interested, but you always look so great.” She openly admired Nikki’s miniskirt, silk top, and sparkly heels.
“And you, too.” She turned to Cara, who had also obviously put some effort into getting glammed up for the evening. With a tight rock-band tee shirt, boots, and jeans, she sported an edgier vibe that suited her personality.
“This old thing?” Cara smirked, hooking her arm through Jessica’s. “Are we ready to have a blast?”
“More than ready,” Nikki said, leading them through the door. “We just have to stop and pick up the other girls, and then Darcy. Then we’re on our way for cocktails and hot men!”
–
“You seem pretty calm for a guy who is getting hitched next month,” Brian said to Chase, smirking at the pitcher’s cool demeanor.
“Two weeks,” Chase corrected him, as he shrugged into a button-down shirt. “And no, I’m not anxious at all. It’s all about the girl.”
“Awww,” Jake said, rolling his eyes with a grin. “You’re done for, pal. You might as well start wearing knee socks and shorts, and smoking a pipe.”
“You should talk, tough guy,” Chase shot back as Gavin grinned. “You and Nikki are just about inseparable. When are you joining the club?”
It was Jake’s turn to smirk. “Soon, I hope. Trying to think of a romantic way to pop the question. I don’t want to do the usual restaurant bit, or the ballpark thing.” He shuddered at the thought. “Nikki deserves better than that. But by this time next year, we will hopefully be planning my party.”
Darcy came out of the bedroom, all dolled up for the event. Jake wolf-whistled and Brian applauded when they saw her outfit, a sexy tuxedo that looked perfect for a night out on the town with the girls.
“One good thing came out of my stint as a house-sitter for Lydia Logan,” she demurred, her cheeks pink with embarrassment. “I learned how to dress. When you are around a rich socialite long enough, some of it rubs off.”
“Well, you are gorgeous.” Chase folded her in his arms and grinned down at her. For a moment, it seemed it was only the two of them in the room, and Gavin knew what they had was the real deal. “Better not fall in love with someone else tonight,” Chase growled, but his voice was teasing.
“No way.” She hooked her hands behind his back and returned his smile. “I know I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”
“Can you guys knock it off?” Brian did an eye roll while Cody gestured to his throat with his finger. “I’m about to barf.”
Before Chase could respond, there was a loud knock on the door. Brian opened it, leaning against it as Nikki entered, followed by Cara and Jessica.
Jake grabbed Nikki, earning a squeal, but everyone else’s eyes were on Jessica.
She was stunning. There was no other word for the transformation. Like a butterfly just emerging from her cocoon, she appeared a little awkward and uncertain, but her beauty was undeniable. Even Chase did a double take, and Brian actually drooled.
“What?” she asked defensively. She addressed the group, including Brian, who wiped his mouth with his sleeve, but her eyes were pinned on Gavin.
“You look…beautiful,” Gavin said, barely aware that her face softened in relief. Gone were the yoga pants and tank tops. Sporting an outfit even Kristin would admire, she looked gorgeous. Her eye makeup was expertly applied and kept to a minimum, which only enhanced her own natural beauty, and her lipstick was perfect.
But it was her hair that undid him. Long and loose, it flowed around her shoulders and down her back like a flickering flame. The coppery curls glistened in the dim light, framing her face, and made her eyes appear like twinkling emeralds.
Jake interrupted his thoughts as he spoke to Nikki. “So I hear you girls have quite a night planned,” he said, giving her a menacing look. “There’d better not be any strippers on the itinerary.”
“Now, would I do that?” Nikki sent Chase a wink. “We just have your typical, run-of-the-mill Jersey bridal shower going on. Not like you guys. I know you will be hitting up the gentlemen’s club.” She returned the threatening look. “I have friends in the business, you know. I’d better not have to come after you.”
“Not on your life.” Jake grinned, crossing his heart like a Boy Scout.
“Can we get going?” Cara complained. “My shoes are starting to hurt. Besides, watching all you young lovers is making me jealous.”
Chase let Darcy go, and she was joined by the other women. Jessica was the last to leave, and when the door closed behind her, Gavin found himself fighting the urge to go after her, to claim her as his own.
When he looked up, he saw that Jake was watching him sympathetically. “I know how that feels, pal. And there is only one cure.”
When Gavin lifted his brows, Jake grinned in response. “Beer. And lots of it. Let’s get going.”
–
The car took them to Atlantic City, where Jake had arranged for a private party at Stiletto. It was a great place, and a perfect night. The music was loud, the dancers were gorgeous, and the beer was flowing. The Sonics didn’t hesitate to dive right in, availing themselves of the free-flowing liquor, the cigars, and the girls.
But for Gavin, something was off. A beautiful blond stripper gyrated on the bar, wearing only pasties and a G-string along with a red feather boa. The ballplayers all applauded as she teased Chase mercilessly, while their ace pitcher simply sat back with a grin, enjoying the attention.
“Ooooh, honey, you are a cutie! I think I’m going to take you home with me.” She draped the boa seductively around Chase’s neck, tickling him with the feathers as she inched closer, straddling his lap. Leaning forward, she squeezed her breasts together, forming a valley beneath his chin to the roaring approval of the team.
When one of the girls approached him, Gavin obliged her by stuffing a couple of dollars into her garter belt, but when she tried to interest him in a lap dance, he quickly declined and ordered another beer. He just couldn’t get into the spirit of the thing, not with his thoughts all twisted up with a beautiful redhead.
“Hey, what’s up with you?” Roger asked. Two girls hung all over him as he decorated them with money, and he peered at Gavin beneath entwined limbs. “Not into brunettes?” He indicated the stripper, who, disappointed, was now working another player.
“He’s still mooning over Jessica,” Brian said knowingly. He grinned at the dancer on his lap, who was cooing and rubbing her bottom on his knees. “She’s out with the girls tonight. She showed up at Chase’s place in this leather jacket and looked really hot.”
“Ah. Jessica Heartless. Dream on, pal,” Roger said knowingly, smirking at Gavin. “You don’t have a prayer of hitting that. You know,” he said, aware that the other ballplayer had been sweet on her for quite a while, “I bet her pussy is as red as her hair…”
The anger building inside Gavin exploded and without thought of the consequences, he smashed his fist into his tormentor’s chin.
The two girls tumbled to the floor, and beer spilled everywhere. Immediately, a bouncer appeared and grabbed Gavin, while Chase yanked Roger away from him. The outfielder shook his fist threateningly as Gavin struggled to break free to finish him off.
“Sorry, but you’re out of here,” the bouncer said, escorting him to the door while the team restrained Roger, who was protesting that he’d been cold-cocked.
Outside, there was a definite chill in the air, and Gavin took a seat on the bench near the curb. His heart was pounding, and the urge to take it out on Roger was overwhelming. If he had to be honest, he could admit to himself that the outfielder was simply the straw that broke his back.
Jake appeared a moment later and came to sit beside him.
“You okay?”
“Yeah,” Gavin responded, rubbing his hand. “It was my fault. I overreacted. It’s just sometimes he can be such an…”
“Asshole,” Jake completed the sentence for him.
“That’s the word.” But he smiled at the shortstop.
“I’m sorry, but your buddy there has to leave.” The manager appeared and spoke to Jake, indicating Gavin. “We can’t have guys starting fights in here.”
“Wait a minute, now.” Jake fingered a couple of twenties. “There must be some mistake. Gav isn’t the kind of guy to do something like that over nothing. I’m sure he was provoked.”
The man appeared to be reconsidering, but Gavin interrupted. “It’s probably better I go. Roger made a comment about Jessica that got under my skin. Now that he knows that, I’m sure he won’t keep his mouth shut. And I’m not in the mood to deal. Tell Chase congrats, and I’ll catch up with you guys tomorrow.”
“You sure?” Jake asked, not seeming at all surprised to learn the cause of the altercation.
“Yes. And thanks,” Gavin said, as he stepped into the cab that had pulled up to the curb. “See you later.”
–
He went home alone, the cab dropping him off for a cool three hundred bucks. But he didn’t really care about the money; he was glad to be in his own place, away from the noise, the music, and the joviality that he just didn’t feel.
After tossing his jacket aside, he climbed into the shower, grateful for something to do. As he lathered the soap, he found himself wishing that Jessica could be with him, that it was her back he was soaping. And then when she turned around…
His body had responded immediately and he was already hard envisioning how incredible she would look, water splashing around her, rivulets tracing down her ivory skin to the tip of a rosy breast. His fingers would follow the same path, teasing her, arousing her until she begged him to take her. He would turn her around and position her with her hands against the wall, his body shielding her from the spray of the shower. Entering her from behind, he would pound her until she cried out his name in exquisite pleasure…
Swearing, he left the glass shower stall, aware he had done himself no favors by fantasizing. His erection throbbed, and a surge of jealousy went through him as he thought of her out at a bar, looking so damned beautiful. But he reminded himself he was going to see her in less than twenty-four hours at her family’s Memorial Day picnic. He mentally started working on what he would do to win her, knowing how stubborn she could be. Rory had confirmed his suspicions that she wasn’t the flowers-and-candy type. He would need something more special than that.
Gavin smiled dryly. She would be a challenge, but that was something he was good at. That was what drove him to send a ball over four hundred yards when he was healthy, and he’d be damned if he didn’t find a way to convince Jessica Hart to be his.
With that thought, he slept.
Chapter 25
Jessica whirled on the floor, breathlessly pounding to the beat of Lady Gaga. It was amazing the difference a few well-chosen clothes made, and a decent haircut. She was never alone when she wanted to dance, her glass was continually refilled, and she wasn’t at all lacking for male attention.
For a girl who had spent most of her life in the role of a little sister or a gal pal, it was heady to see admiration in the eyes of the men around her, and something else: desire…
Slowly it dawned on her: this must be what women like Kristin experienced every day. And although she enjoyed the attention, it was disconcerting to think it had nothing to do with education, work, or the kind of person she was. Instead, like the Billy Joel song, it was all about looks and fashion.
The guy she danced with was trying to be funny and flirty, but his eyes kept returning to her cleavage. And when she tried to have a conversation with a Wall Street financier, he didn’t seem at all interested in discussing anything more meaningful than what she was doing later, after the party.
So while her ego enjoyed the stroking, and her body, stirred up entirely too much these days because of Gavin, responded to the overtures sent her way, it all seemed a little hollow. And in that context, a lot less thrilling.
When she returned to her seat to catch her breath, a guy she’d met earlier—named Jason?—joined her immediately with a fresh glass of wine.
“You looked so good out there,” he said, his eyes running approvingly over her face and figure. “You really know how to dance.”
“Umm, thanks,” she said, fanning her brow with the bar menu. She knew for a fact she was a terrible dancer, so she hid a grin at his attempt to compliment her.
“Listen, why don’t we go outside for a walk? You could probably use some air.”
Jessica’s eyes shifted to his. Jason was handsome enough, with his blond hair, blue eyes, and buff body. He was a lawyer working for a high-powered firm in Manhattan. She knew that meant he was financially well off, and he was charming to boot. So when he leaned in for a kiss, she let him.
It was pleasant, his lips brushing hers. But when he tried to take it to the next level and pull her into his arms, she stepped back.
It wasn’t working for her. She could blame it on the noise, the smoke, fatigue. But it was more than that. How could she explain he just wasn’t…Gavin?
The notion was infuriating.
“Listen, I’m sorry. You seem like a great guy. I just…I need to get going.”
He looked disappointed, but nodded as she walked off to find Nikki. She could feel his eyes on her as she spotted the brunette near the bar, but she couldn’t help it. Her mind was churning, and she just wanted to go home.
“I think we should leave.” Nikki glanced over her shoulder with a grin, and Jessica saw the bride-to-be practically asleep at the bar. “I’d say she’s had enough.”
“I’d say so,” Jessica agreed. “I’ll round up the crew while you take Sleeping Beauty to the car, okay?”
“Good plan.”
She had to admit once they were in the car and on their way back home that she’d had a blast. But she was also relieved to be away from the bar scene, the subtle sense of pressure, and the awareness that she needed to straighten her own head out. So when she entered the door of her apartment and put on her pajamas and fuzzy slippers, she felt as if the limo had turned back into a pumpkin, and all was normal again.
Thank God.
–
Memorial Day was the first truly warm day of the season. Jessica rolled down the windows of her car, enjoying the breeze scented with lilacs as she approached her parents’ home in South Jersey.
Cherry Hill was the definition of suburbia, with dozens of developments that had sprung up everywhere along the major arteries. There was, of course, the mall, along with additional stores strategically placed up and down the highway. There was also a multitude of chain restaurants, and the occasional family-owned BYOB that featured better-than-average food. It all had a very commercial vibe to it, designed to part the consumer from his dollar, but some of the older developments still retained a small-town feel.
Her parents lived in one of those. As she drove down the street, tall chestnut oaks shaded the road. A recently abandoned tricycle lay against the curb, while a group of middle-school kids played ball in the sandlot around the corner. The scent of charcoal grills and outdoor fires filled the air, and as she arrived at the split-level where she had grown up, she realized that very little had changed.
The Fishers still lived across the street, their beleaguered neighbor undoubtedly glad that the Hart kids had grown up and moved out. The lawn, her father’s pride and joy, resembled an emerald-green carpet, and the lilac bushes were heavy with flowers. As she headed around the back, she saw that her dad had opened the pool; the heated water steamed in the cool air, and the screened-in porch was all set up for a party.
Her brothers already had the festivities well underway. Rory was seated with a beer in his hand, the game on TV, appearing relaxed and ready to enjoy himself. Colin and Coulter were behind the pool playing horseshoes, while Liam helped himself to a couple of sandwiches and potato salad.
“Hey, Jess. We were just wondering where you were. Good to see you,” her father said, folding her in his embrace. He was wearing a faded blue sweater and smelled like Old Spice and pipe tobacco, two scents she had always liked and associated with him.
“I know. I meant to get here earlier, but had a late night. I picked up a bottle of wine,” she said when his arms dropped, leaving one hand on her shoulder as she held up the Chardonnay. “Is Mom in the kitchen?”
“I think so. Why don’t you go in and say hello, and then pull up a chair? I’ve got steaks for the grill later.”
Nodding, she ventured into the kitchen, where her mother was tossing a salad. This room had been totally redone with the requisite stainless steel and granite, but she could remember it from when she was young and laminate and wallpaper were all the rage.
Her mother glanced up from the sink and gave her a quick hug. “There is an open bottle in the cooler outside, along with water, soda, and beer. My, don’t you look pretty!”
Jessica glanced down at her clothing. She was wearing jeans and a simple top, but when Terrell chose the outfit, the subtle details made all the difference.
Her mother had always been the ultra-feminine type, and was obviously disappointed to have a daughter who enjoyed roughhousing as much as her five boys did. She had tried in the beginning to dress Jessica in frilly little outfits, but soon gave up when she consistently returned home as tattered and ragged as her brothers.
Even now her mother sported a flowery chiffon top, ankle pants, and stylish flats. She had her hair done religiously every week at the local salon and it looked perfect, as did her makeup and jewelry. She was a model of efficiency as she finished the salad, and then turned to a bag of corn.
“We can do that,” Jessica said, taking the bundle away from her. “Rory, Liam, and Dad are out on the porch. We can shuck the ears while we talk.”
That was something else about her mother that had always baffled her: the way she acted as if the males in the house were helpless when it came to cooking or cleaning. Barbecuing was the exception; she let her husband do the steaks, but that was it. Grabbing a trash bag, Jessica ventured onto the porch with the corn and put it on the coffee table between her siblings.
As predicted, her brothers and father did not miss a beat, but began to tear off the husks as they continued talking. She grabbed a beer out of the cooler and turned to join them, and then froze when she saw Gavin walking up the lawn.
He looked good. Damned good. Was there something different about his stride, or maybe it was his carefree manner? He was wearing jeans and a baseball jersey, carrying a box, and appeared ridiculously hot. The flutter in her heart increased as he approached, and she sent Rory daggers as he rose to greet him.
Ignoring her, her brother opened the screen door and stuck out his hand. “Hey, pal. Glad you could make it. You didn’t have to bring anything; we have more than enough food. Gavin, let me introduce you to my dad. And I think you already know Jess.”
Rory handed Jessica the bakery box that Gavin had brought, and her father rose to greet the newcomer. Her nerves were completely on edge, and her stomach knotted with tension. What was wrong with her? It was just Gavin, the guy she had been working with every day for weeks. Why did she suddenly feel like a sixteen-year-old on the night of the prom?
Resolutely, she carried the cake into the kitchen and had almost made up her mind that she would leave early when it occurred to her that she was being ridiculous. After all, this was her house, her family. If anyone should be jittery, it should be him.
“Oh, isn’t that nice!” Her mother opened the box and gazed inside. “Perfect, it’s lemon cake. That was really sweet of your friend.”
“I didn’t invite him—Gavin, that is. Rory did. I mean, not that we aren’t friends…”
She was babbling, and her mother looked at her sympathetically.
That did it. She had to stop acting like an idiot. Just because she had a major-league crush on this guy, that didn’t give her leave to behave like some lovesick twit.
Taking a huge swig of her beer, she forced herself back out onto the porch and into a chair, grateful for the corn-husking job. At least that was something she could focus on as her brother, father, and Gavin made easy conversation. Everything would be fine, a totally normal Memorial Day picnic.
As long as she managed not to throw up.
She saw him glance at her strangely, even while keeping up his end of the conversation with her male relatives. But when she picked up the bundle of corn, intending to move it closer, the bag broke, sending the ears bouncing all over the floor of the porch.
“Dammit!” she swore. Rory and Liam exchanged an amused glance, while Gavin immediately leaned over to help her clean up the mess.
“You okay?”
She looked up into melting, dark liquid eyes that were full of concern. That almost undid her. Remembering that her brothers were in the room and that she would pay for any kind of drama for years to come, she quickly shook her head.
“I’m just a little off my game today. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”
“Why don’t you take Gavin on the tour?” her father suggested helpfully. “He hasn’t met your mother yet, and hasn’t seen the house. And we’ll take a couple more beers for the cooler when you come back.”
Jessica sighed, piled the corn on the table, and then brushed the silk off her pants. “Do you want to see the house?” She did an eye roll as she asked the question.
“Sure,” he said, but he looked at her uncertainly. “After you.”
She had no choice but to take him into the kitchen, where her mother turned into a blushing high school girl when she was introduced to the handsome ballplayer. Jessica, her hands on her hips, watched as Gavin innocently poured on the flattery, and Diana Hart was charmed. Leading him into the family room, she gave him a shrewd look.
“Does that work with all the moms?”
“I’m not going to pretend to know what you mean, or what the hell is going on. Instead you’re going to tell me.”
Before she could protest, he steered her by the elbow out the front porch door, far away from the party. Indignant, she turned on her heel to face him, but he simply boxed her in, holding her against the wall, one arm on either side of her.
“What is wrong?”
She had no choice but to return his stare, and she wondered wildly what she could say. She couldn’t possibly admit the truth: that she realized she was crazy about him, enough so she couldn’t focus on another man. And she was scared to death.
But then she remembered the best defense was a good offense. Deflect. “I met someone last night, and I’m kind of confused. Let’s just leave it at that.”
His hand tightened around her waist. “Are you into this guy?”
“Well, he was from North Jersey,” she babbled nervously. She was so focused on her own roiling emotions she didn’t notice that his eyes had narrowed dangerously. “He was really nice looking, and obviously rich. I enjoyed his company, but when we kissed…”
That was as far she got. With something like a growl, he took her mouth with his, ending further conversation.
