Hard To Leave (The Hard Series Book 3) Page 6

  “You’re perfect, you know that?”

  She stared at me for a beat too long. She seemed unsure about herself. “I’m far from perfect, Jack.”

  I pulled her toward me. Her words were definitely not going to do, and they certainly weren’t going to stop what happened next.

  I brushed my lips against hers. They were soft and warm, just like her. “You’re perfect for me, and that’s all that matters.”

  When she sighed, I took that as my opening. I could taste the wine on her tongue every time it met mine as she applied the right amount of pressure.

  She brought the pads of her fingers against my cheek. “You’re not so bad your self.”

  My hands slid down her back and along her hips, loving every dip and curve that they discovered.

  “Do you feel that?” I asked against her lips. “The charge between us. The connection.”

  Never in my life have I been brought to so much pleasure from one single kiss. My mouth and my hands were on a journey of their own.

  “Is this what you wanted, Chloe? For me to kiss you like this?”

  “I wasn’t sure what I wanted.” Her lips moved up to my ear as her fingers threaded through my hair. “But now that I’m kissing you, I don’t want to stop.”

  My pulse raced. There wasn’t a chance in hell I was going to fuck this up. My muscles were aching as my mind battled for control. I plowed my tongue deeper into her mouth like it was the first and last time I would ever kiss her again.

  I very carefully slid my fingers to the underside of her breast. Her body jumped at the slightest touch from my hands. “Chloe, how far do you want me to go?”

  My words caused her to go still. It felt like we were sitting in the dark and someone just flicked on the lights.

  She pulled back and rested her hands on my chest. I watched her in silence, afraid to take my eyes away from hers. Whatever doubts she was having, I wanted them gone.

  “Hey,” I said, tilting her chin up with my finger. Her lips were swollen from our kiss, and she looked so vulnerable that it made my chest tight. “I didn’t come here tonight with any expectations.”

  “You’re not mad at me for pulling away?”

  “Of course not.” I took her hand in mine and dropped it on my leg. I laced our fingers together. “If it makes you feel any better. I’m trying to wrap my head around that kiss too. It was a little intense.” I rested my forehead against hers. “I’m not going to lie; I would have liked it to continue, but I think it was probably best that we stopped.”

  “You do?”

  I brought my free hand up to her mouth and ran my thumb along her bottom lip. “We got caught up in the moment,” I whispered. “But I’m a patient man, Chloe. Especially when it comes to getting something I want. And you’re not just something I want, but you’re also worth the wait.”

  Every impulse in my body wanted to lay her down on the wooden deck and show her how good we could be together, but I needed to keep a level head here. She wasn’t just a random fuck, and for the first time in my life, I wasn’t sure how to handle a woman. Normally, it was just about the sexual conquest, but with Chloe, it was so much more than that.

  Her stare never wavered from mine. “Thank you for being patient with me.” She leaned in and brushed the softest kiss against my mouth. “And for making me feel better.’

  A laugh slipped out of me. “Sweetheart, we stopped way too short of the many things that I am capable of doing to make you feel better,” I said teasingly.

  She brought her head down to my shoulder. A protectiveness swept over me, and my heart began to pound erratically in my chest. “I don’t know what it is about you, but there’s something happening between us. I know you feel it.” I exhaled deeply. The truth was, I knew all the reasons why this shouldn’t be happening, but I’ve never felt anything like this before. “When I’m with you, you make me want to forget all my rules. You make me forget who I’m supposed to be.”

  “Jack, can I be honest?” I nodded my head and tried to seem casual, but my heart was racing. “You scare me. I’m afraid after you’re done with me, I won’t be able to walk away.”

  “What do you mean when I’m done with you?’

  She looked up at me through her long lashes. “You’re used to fast and easy. And I’m slow and complicated. You’re saying all the right things and making me feel something in a way I haven’t felt in a long time, and we barely know each other. I know you like to keep things casual, and I’m afraid that I will end up wanting more.” I saw something flash across her eyes. “My heart wants to throw caution to the wind, but my head is telling me to play it safe and slow.”

  I stared at her, trying to decipher everything she just said. How was I even supposed to respond? Yes, I avoided commitments. Yes, I had a past, but the problem was that she wasn’t just a one-night stand. She knew it, and I knew it. So where did that leave us? The only thing I was familiar with was the physical contact of a woman. Dealing with emotions was a foreign concept to me. Could we possibly have something in-between? Maybe build off of that and see what happened?

  I ran a hand through her hair. “I know things are going to get complicated, but I know if I don’t pursue this, I’ll regret it. I can’t make you any promises. I can’t guarantee what will happen tomorrow. All I’m asking is that you take a chance on us and see what happens.”

  “You make it sound so easy.”

  I slid my hand up to her shoulders and then down along her arm. Her soft skin heated under my touch. “No, sweetheart. It’s going to be hard and different for both of us. But I want you, Chloe, really want you. Let’s not overcomplicate things. Go out with me tomorrow night, on a real date. Please.”

  She exhaled a shaky breath, while it felt like mine was trapped inside my body, waiting for her answer. “Okay, Jack. I’ll go out with you tomorrow.” She gave me a smile that was packed with so much tenderness that I felt it sneak over that protective wall I had around my heart. “And who knows,” she said with her eyes completely fixed on mine. “Maybe it will turn into something more.” She shook her head. “Or maybe it won’t. But at least we took the chance.”

  Chapter 7

  Chloe

  My hair was long overdue for a trim, so I booked an appointment earlier today at the salon. Once I told my stylist, Sofia, that I had a date tonight, she did things to my hair that I didn’t even know you could do. I tried to pay attention and watch her in the mirror as she curled and twirled my hair into long silky beach waves, but I knew I’d be watching YouTube videos for days after this. I was so happy with the result that I rewarded her with a big tip and made sure she sprayed my hair into place. These curls weren’t moving anytime soon.

  I usually didn’t wear much makeup, which was why Kristen was now breezing through my door like a category five hurricane. “Wow! Your hair looks incredible.”

  I stood aside in my plum dress that was short and flirty, but not too revealing. I looked down at my freshly-painted nails. “Thanks,” I said, waving her into the living room so she could work her magic. To say that I was nervous about tonight’s date was a massive understatement.

  She gave me a once-over. “I bet you’re glad I went shopping with you earlier, huh? That dress looks amazing on you.”

  I woke up this morning after a shitty night’s sleep and sent her a text asking if I should cancel. She texted right back and said, “Absolutely not.” Then I sent her a photo of three different dresses I had picked out, asking which one she liked best. She replied, “None of them. You need to wear a dress that was made in the last decade and not something that looks like a prop off the set of The Golden Girls.” She then invited herself to the mall and forced me to try on dresses that I normally wouldn’t give a second look.

  So here I was more stressed than ever, but at least I had a really pretty dress. I just wanted tonight to be perfect, but my insecurities were getting the better of me. Normally I wasn’t filled with so much self-doubt, but Jack Jenson wasn’t just
anyone, and Kristen wasn’t helping. She stared at me like I was a pathetic mess.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  She frowned at me. “Because I can see the wheels spinning in your head. Your hair looks gorgeous, your dress is killer, and yet you look like you just escaped a mental institution.”

  My fingers tightened against the fabric of my dress. “You’re just being dramatic. I’m perfectly fine. I’m just nervous.”

  She wrinkled her nose in disapproval and threw her hands on her hips. “And you’re a shitty liar. You look two seconds away from having a breakdown. What gives?”

  I walked into my bedroom and flopped down on my bed, feeling defeated. I ran my hands down my face. “What the hell do I know about dating? I live a life that consists of cooking, cleaning, and helping my son with his homework. My idea of a good time is binging on Netflix.”

  She studied me a little too closely. Her stare made me uncomfortable. “I know you don’t get out much, but Jesus. You’ve gone on dates since Tanner, right?”

  “I’ve had a couple dates over the years, but nothing as big as this one. Actually, I’m not even sure I would consider them dates. One was just a casual meeting for a cup of coffee, and the other one was a double playdate that was set up with a single dad.”

  “Damn.” She shook her head. “This is going to be more work than I thought. Was your dad a Christian minister or something?” Her words were laced with sarcasm. “Was your mom a Sunday school teacher? You sound like my aunt Deeanna who meets her men at a potluck in the church basement.”

  And here I thought she was here to pump me full of words of encouragement. “Kristen. Please…” I pinched the bridge of my nose and wished I had called Carly instead, who was a lot less high strung. The only reason I called Kristen was because Carly was unavailable and I was desperate for help.

  She held her hands up. “Okay, fine, but let’s get a couple things straight. She pointed one of her long, painted fingernails at me that looked like they could be used as weapons, and then started to tick everything off, one by one. “First of all, you need to calm down. Second, he obviously likes you, or I wouldn’t be here helping you right now. Third, you’re gorgeous and way too hard on yourself. And last, you owe it to yourself to have fun tonight. So, stop stressing out.”

  It’s been years since I’ve been on a real date. Having a child changed me in every way, shape, and form. What could he possibly want with someone like me when he could have any woman he wanted? Someone with no complications, no strings, and no responsibilities.

  I stood up and started pacing the room. I felt like a teenager who was off her Ritalin. “I’m a single mom with absolutely nothing of value to offer him unless he wants me to bake him a tray of chocolate chip cookies,” I said, feeling the panic bubble over. “We come from two separate worlds, and he lives six states away from me.”

  “And yet, here you are.”

  I snapped my head to hers. “You realize this is a horrible idea.”

  “Everything is going to be fine. You look gorgeous,” she tried to reassure me. “You’re a great mom who deserves to have a little fun too.” She shrugged. “If you really like him, you’ll find a way to make it work. Think of all the skyping and phone sex you could have. That can be pretty hot.”

  “You’re a horrible friend.” I laughed, walking over to look out the window. The thought of tonight was nerve-racking.

  I worried that he wouldn’t find me attractive enough. That we wouldn’t have enough to talk about. That he wouldn’t find me interesting enough. Because while he was jetting between deals across the country, I was jetting between serving coffee at the diner and selling chocolate for a school fund-raiser. What if things were awkward and I made a complete idiot of myself?

  She spun me around to face her. “Why don’t you go pour yourself a glass of wine or two while I get everything set up.”

  I sighed with relief when I remembered that she brought her cosmetic bag. She had every tool and gadget you could imagine. The girl practically lived at Sephora. It wouldn’t surprise me if she received a hand-signed Christmas card from the CEO every year.

  “Thank you,” I said, pulling her into a hug while trying to keep it together. As much as she drove me crazy at times, I was thankful for her friendship.

  My phone buzzed on the coffee table just as I was walking into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

  Jack’s name lit up the screen. I opened the text and smiled.

  I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that kiss last night. Thanks for giving me a second chance. I promise you won’t regret it. See you soon.

  I closed my eyes. God, he was so good for my ego at times. Especially at a time like this, where I really needed the boost.

  An hour later, I stood in front of the mirror, lost in my reflection. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I don’t know how she pulled it off, but I couldn’t find a single blemish or freckle on my face.

  Thank God she brought shoes, too, because there was nothing in my closet that would have gotten the job done. We chose a pair with three-inch heels that were cute and flirty with little diamond straps around the ankles. I was surely confident I would be able to walk in them without falling flat on my face.

  “You like?” she asked, stepping back to admire her handiwork.

  “Yes. Thank you.” I smiled, spinning around while glancing in the mirror to make sure my dress wasn’t too revealing. I just wanted to show enough skin to pique his interest, not be mistaken for a hooker.

  There was no denying that I looked good. I just wished it were enough to calm the butterflies…OK. More like bees stinging the inside of my stomach.

  “You’re going to have an amazing time tonight.” She eyed me warily through her dark lashes. “Whatever doubts you’re having, you need to put them to rest. It’s time to show that insecurity of yours who’s boss. Kick its ass and go have fun.”

  There was a soft knock at the door, and I felt my heart rate pick up.

  Kristen looked over to me, and a slow smile spread over her face as she packed her stuff up to leave. “Well, it looks like my work here is done.”

  This was completely unchartered territory for me, but it was the first time—in a long time—that I felt like a single woman instead of a single mom.

  I walked into the other room, feeling my pulse hammering in my ears as I grabbed the doorknob.

  His blue eyes were wide with surprise as soon as he caught sight of me. I stood there trying to keep my face neutral while studying his profile. His thick, blond hair was perfectly gelled and combed to the side, making me wish I could slide my fingers through it. The muscle in his jaw pulsed while his broad shoulders filled my doorframe.

  He probably got propositioned a couple times a day, and yet here he was standing at my door waiting to take me out.

  “You look stunning.”

  Feeling a blush creep across my face, I tried to act confident. “You don’t look so bad yourself,” I said, motioning for him to come in. He paused briefly to plant his lips gently on mine. They were soft, yet firm. My heart skipped a few beats when he pulled me in by my waist. I placed my hands on his shoulders for support as he deepened the kiss. I wanted to melt right into him. I sighed heavily into his mouth, sinking myself deeper into the warmth of everything that was him.

  He broke away and brought his palm up to my cheek. “I’ve been waiting to do that all day. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.”

  A throat clearing in the background caused his body to jerk away from me. His hand dropped from my face, and I wanted to cry.

  “Don’t mind me.” Kristen smirked, completely ruining our moment.

  “Hello…” He stumbled, looking for my help with her name.

  “Jack, you remember Kristen from the diner the other night, right?”

  “Yes, of course. Kristen, good to see you again,” he said, extending his hand.

  Kristen didn’t even bat an eye with how obvious she was
being. “It’s good to see you too.” Her eyes cut to mine and gave me a wink. “Reeeal good!” She looked at her watch and said, “Oh, look at the time. I’ve got to get going.” She smirked and retreated to the bedroom to gather her things.

  “I’m so sorry,” I whispered as Kristen came walking out a few seconds later carrying her bags.

  “I need to head out and meet someone. You two kids have fun. Just make sure you have her home by midnight. And Jack, I snuck a Trojan Magnum XL in her purse just in case you plan on going past third base tonight. You can never be too careful these days.”

  Jack’s eyebrows shot up to the top of his hairline, but he didn’t say a word.

  “Whatever happens tonight, make it memorable.” She winked at me and gave Jack a little wave as she walked out the door.

  The second the door latched shut, Jack threw his head back and laughed. I gave Kristen a mental kick in the ass and frowned at the door, hoping my friend could feel the daggers aimed at her back.

  “She’s interesting,” Jack sputtered through his laugh.

  I straightened my shoulders. “I think she was dropped on the head as a baby. Either that or she isn’t playing with a full deck of cards upstairs,” I said, tapping my temple.

  He snaked his arm out, effectively pulling me against him. “She definitely has a way with words.”

  “And don’t forget weird,” I threw in and wrinkled my nose in distaste.

  His eyes grew soft with affection. “I’ve been thinking about you all day.”

  I skimmed my hands down his chest and tipped my head back to look into his eyes. “You mentioned that when you greeted me at the door.”

  There was a twinkle of humor his blue eyes. “Is that so? I guess my old age is catching up to me. It looks like I’ve been repeating myself.”

  “Old age?” I arched my eyebrow. He seemed amused and ridiculously fucking charming, which only made him sexier in my eyes. “How old are you, Jack?”