“But the year after my mom died, my dad gave me a camera for my birthday. It was the greatest present he could have given a shy girl because it gave me a way to communicate with people without having to make conversation. I could hide behind the lens, but still be sociable. It enabled me to fit in at school, where I joined the yearbook and newspaper staffs and photography club.”
“A camera… that’s a great idea. One I never would have thought of. Sophie isn’t shy with people she knows, but she doesn’t like crowds. It took her a long time to adjust to preschool. I’m going to look into a kid version of a camera for her. You didn’t want to make photography your career?”
She shook her head. “I’m too practical to contemplate being a starving artist. Photography’s a passion, but it’s just my hobby.”
His gaze skimmed over her with such unmistakable male appreciation it was all she could do not to fan herself with a cocktail napkin. “And your collection of sexy lingerie… is that a passion as well?”
“More of a weakness.”
He shifted closer and her knee brushed against his hard thigh. “Any other weaknesses?”
Yes. Apparently tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed men. “Rocky road ice cream. Lemon meringue pie. Spicy salsa.” Good lord, was that breathless sound her voice? “Not all at the same time.”
He chuckled. “That’s a relief. That combo wouldn’t be good for the arteries or the soul.”
“Or the stomach.”
He casually took her hand and lightly played with her fingers. Soft strokes of his fingers over hers that made her catch her breath. “You never answered my question,” he said softly.
“Question?” If he was going to keep touching her like that, he’d never get an answer. Especially since she couldn’t even recall what he’d asked her.
“Why are you looking for a one-nighter? No boyfriend to take the edge off?”
Pride made her ease her hand away, and she immediately missed the sensation of his fingers on hers. “If I had a boyfriend, I wouldn’t be here,” she said stiffly. “You might think me a nit-picking micromanager-an assessment I disagree with by the way-but I don’t cheat. I’ve had an unfaithful boyfriend and it’s not a pain or humiliation I would subject anyone else to.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to imply you were stepping out on someone.” He cleared his throat. “Your Honor, I’d like my last remark stricken from the record and I’d like to rephrase my poorly worded question.”
She relaxed and gave a solemn nod. “Permission granted.”
He nodded his thanks. “So why don’t you have a boyfriend?”
“My last few relationships were with men who proved to be lacking in either morals, integrity, honesty, or all three. My last few first dates proved to be awkward or boring. A few months ago, I got disgusted with the games and grind of dating and basically threw in the towel.”
Understanding and unmistakable interest flared in his eyes. “I see. After a few months alone, you’re feeling… lonely. Not enough to take on a relationship with another man who’ll probably just disappoint you, but enough to want a one-nighter to take the edge off the sexual frustration.”
She could try to deny it, but doubted if she’d be convincing, especially when he’d nailed it so exactly. “Do you read minds?”
“No. I just guessed that’s how you’d feel because it’s exactly how I feel. How many months has it been for you?”
She debated lying, but in the end told the truth. “Six months. Six months, seventeen days, fourteen hours, and”-she consulted her watch-“nine minutes. Not that I’m counting.”
“Well, it’s been eight months, five days, twelve hours, and…” He lightly clasped her wrist, sending her pulse into overdrive. After checking her watch, he added, “And four minutes for me. Not that I’m counting.”
Maddie opened her mouth to dispute his claim, but one look at his face, at the intensity in his eyes and the words died on her lips. Unless Jack was giving an Academy Award-caliber performance, he was telling the truth. His sexual drought was even longer than hers. Considering the fact that she felt as if her skin were too small, she had to wonder how he was faring. She moistened her suddenly dry lips. “That’s a long time.”
“A damn long time.” He clasped her hand and lifted it to his mouth. With his gaze steady on hers, he pressed his lips against her palm. She pulled in a quick breath. His mouth looked and felt positively sinful against her skin, and oh, God, was that his tongue that just brushed over the pad of her thumb?
“I think we should fix that, Maddie,” he said, his warm breath teasing the sensitive skin of her inner wrist.
The way he said her name, in that soft, deep, intimate tone, struck a chord deep inside her. One that hadn’t been played in a very long time. “What do you suggest?”
He lowered her hand to his chest. The heat of him seeped into her fingers and his heartbeat thumped hard and fast against her palm. His heart was beating nearly as fast as hers. He leaned in and nuzzled her neck with his warm lips. She actually felt her eyes glaze over.
“You’re looking for a one-night stand, and I’ve been out of commission even longer than you have,” he whispered against her ear. He straightened and looked into her eyes. The fire burning in the depths of his scorched her. “I suggest we be each other’s one-nighter.”
Seven
Jack watched the myriad of emotions that flitted across Maddie’s face. Surprise. Doubt. Confusion. Interest.
Desire.
He nearly groaned with relief when he saw that unmistakable spark in her eyes. Thank God it wasn’t just him. He certainly couldn’t blame her for being surprised. He sure as hell was. If anyone had told him even a few hours ago that the mere sight of Mad Dog Price would render him hard as a rock and that he’d be all but panting to get naked with her, he would have laughed himself into a seizure.
But here she was-with her hair all loose and sexy, her chocolate brown eyes lined with something smoky, her curves encased in body-hugging fire-engine red, killer heels making her legs appear three miles long, her full lips looking incredibly kissable, and smelling so much like cookies he just wanted to take a big bite. And here he was-rock hard and all but panting.
No doubt the fact that he hadn’t had a woman in eight months, five days, twelve hours, and he didn’t know how the hell many minutes contributed to his current overwhelming desire for her. And his suggestion that they share a one-night stand.
There were reasons, lots of reasons, why it wasn’t a good idea, but damned if could remember any of them. Whatever they were, he just didn’t care. Right now all he cared about was her and him and putting out this damn fire she and her lingerie and her dress had lit inside him. She wanted a one-night stand? He was more than happy to oblige. The thought of that blond guy-or any other guy in the room for that matter-spending the night with her put his teeth on edge. And if she didn’t give him an answer in the next three seconds he was going to explode. He leaned forward, until only a paper-thin space separated their faces.
“Jack, I think-”
“Don’t think,” he whispered against her lips. Then he brushed his mouth over hers, once, twice. Her breath caught and she parted her lips. He settled his mouth on hers and in a heartbeat he was lost. She tasted so damn good. Like good wine and warm, soft woman. Their tongues tangled and he slid one hand into her silky hair, dragging her head closer. A growl of pure want vibrated in his throat and he deepened the kiss, sinking farther into the velvety heat of her mouth. He moved closer to her, pressing his erection against her thigh. She shifted her leg, and his rapidly diminishing control slipped another notch.