Tempting Target Read online

  “I’m sure it is.” Relief spread through her body like wildfire, though she wasn’t sure why. Whatever strange apprehension she’d experienced disappeared, and she was able to relax. For the next hour, they caught up on the past two weeks in each other’s lives.

  The look on David’s face after her last story was priceless. “They did what to their neighbor’s car?”

  Jade nodded. “You heard me right. They saw the neighbor’s dog do it and decided it must be all right. Maya had put them in her van to take them over to Mom and Dad’s. She ran in the house to grab her purse and by the time she’d returned, they’d escaped. She found them with their pants around their ankles spraying the tires of the Sanchezes’ brand new Mercedes. With Mrs. Sanchez in the driver’s seat.”

  David let out a whoop of laughter and shook his head. “I don’t know how your sister does it. What a handful.”

  “They’re worth it.” She couldn’t hide the wistful note in her voice.

  His face softened. “Kids? Is that why you’ve decided to start dating again?”

  “I guess I just want the option. I don’t think Aidan would have wanted me to be single the rest of my life?” She didn’t mean to, but the last part came out as a question. For some reason she felt she needed David’s approval. He’d been like family to Aidan, and she cared about his opinion more than she’d ever admit to anyone.

  David stared at her for so long she thought he wasn’t going to answer, but finally, he spoke. “No, I know he wouldn’t have.”

  “Do you ever think about him?”

  His neck muscles tightened. “All the time.”

  “Me too. Maybe not as much anymore, though.”

  At his raised eyebrows she shook her head. “I just mean that I really am ready to move on. It’s not like it happened overnight, but I finally feel peace about my decision.”

  “Good. He would have wanted you happy more than anything. I remember the day he called me up and told me he was getting married. At first I thought he was messing with me. But when I met you I understood why he was giving up bachelorhood.”

  She snorted in a very unladylike manner. “Ha ha.”

  “Why is that funny?” His dark eyes narrowed a fraction as if he were seriously offended.

  She knew better. “Come on. If I remember correctly, you couldn’t stand me.”

  “What?” He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

  “Oh please. The week before our wedding you barely talked to me. Aidan told me you’d eventually come around but that in a way I was stealing your best friend.”

  “He said that?”

  She started to respond, but a yawn escaped instead.

  David chuckled and pushed up from the couch. He pulled her to her feet. “I can take a hint. Do you mind driving me home before you fall asleep? I took a taxi here.”

  “Why don’t you just stay?”

  David went very still. “What?”

  She shrugged, unsure what the big deal was. He’d stayed over before. “Just sleep in the guest room, and I’ll take you home in the morning before work. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow anyway, so I’ll probably drive instead of walk.”

  “It never rains in February.” His eyes narrowed slightly, and she knew he wasn’t buying it.

  “I know. I’m too tired to drive, and since tomorrow’s Saturday I can sneak in a little late. Do you mind staying here, or do you really want to sleep in your own bed tonight? If you do I understand.”

  He’d been on the go for the past few weeks, and it would be understandable if he wanted to go home, but she hoped he said no. That last glass of wine had kicked in and sandbags weighed her eyelids down. He didn’t live far, but for how she felt, it was far enough.

  “No, I’ll stay here. I don’t want you driving alone at night or with even a hint of alcohol in your system. As payment you can cook me breakfast in the morning and have dinner with me on Sunday. To make up for your bad date.”

  She laughed and trudged up the stairs, forcing herself to stay awake just a few minutes longer. “Deal. I can make you eggs, bacon and grits tomorrow. How’s that sound?” She threw a quick glance over her shoulder only to catch him blatantly staring at her butt in more than typical male admiration. She’d seen that look from men before, many times, but never from David. Never, ever from him.

  She whipped back around and tripped over her own feet in the process. His hands snaked out and gripped her waist in an almost intimate embrace. No, not almost. It was definitely intimate. Or maybe she just wanted it to be. Where had that thought come from?

  A jolt of awareness surged through her body, hot and fast. It had been a long time since a man had held her. He was just steadying her, but the sudden responsiveness she experienced was overpowering. His hands simply lingered around her waist when an unexpected image of what it would feel like to have his hands holding her breasts popped into her mind. The feel of his large, calloused hands teasing her would be amazing. She just knew it. For such a big guy he was always so gentle with her. She could just imagine one of those big hands cupping her mound while he— She went rigid at the thought.

  What is the matter with me?

  He must have sensed her discomfort because his hands immediately dropped. Instead of removing them completely, he placed a protective hand on the small of her back. Tingles shot up her spine, and a strange feminine flutter danced in her stomach.

  “You all right, Jade?” The pressure from his hand increased slightly.

  She nodded but didn’t turn around, afraid of what she’d see on his face if she did. “I’m fine, I guess I’m just a little more tired than I realized.”

  Even though he didn’t need directions, she led him to the guest room and pulled out some towels in case he wanted to shower.

  “It’ll get better, you know.” His voice was soft and comforting.

  “What will?” A little confused, she looked up at him and suddenly felt very small. Without her heels on, he towered over her. Not to mention, the temperature in the room had suddenly risen about a thousand degrees. What was that about?

  “Moving on. It’ll get easier with time. You’ve already taken the first step by taking off your ring.” He motioned toward her bare, left hand.

  Surprised he’d even noticed, she shrugged. “I guess. It’s just the thought of dating again is a little terrifying.”

  “Eventually you’ll meet the right man. Who knows? He may already be in your life and you just don’t realize it.” Before she could respond he leaned forward and lightly brushed his lips across her forehead. He turned around and pulled the comforter on the bed down.

  Her skin burned where he’d kissed her. Stunned by his words and unsure of his meaning, she backed into the doorway. “Good night, David.”

  He glanced over his shoulder and shot her a quick grin, revealing one of his elusive dimples, although his dark eyes remained unreadable. “Night.”

  * * * * *

  When Jade left, David stripped and got into bed. Despite the late hour and his weary body, he stared at the ceiling. The guest room didn’t have a television so there wasn’t even that distraction. He was on the right path to making sure Jade was aware of him as a man, but he worried that it wouldn’t be enough. Seducing her would be tricky, but he was confident it would happen. Aware that she’d witnessed him checking her out tonight, he hadn’t tried to hide his desire. He couldn’t anymore. If she was ready to date, he wasn’t going to stand by and watch.

  He’d give her time to get used to the fact that he wanted more than just friendship. But when they crossed that line, this wasn’t just about sex. He wanted everything and he wouldn’t be someone she simply settled for.

  As he stared into the darkness, a thought entered his mind. He got out of bed and rummaged in his travel bag until he found what he was looking for. He pulled out his cell and hit one of his speed dials. His friend and business partner, Nick, picked up after the second ring.

  “What’s up, man? I’m guessing you made i
t back safe?” Nick’s loud voice boomed through the line.

  “Yeah, I’m back at home. Listen, I’m going to be taking the next few weeks off.” He hadn’t had anything specific in the works that he personally needed to attend to, and he planned to spend all of his time devoted to Jade.

  “Sure, no problem. You shouldn’t work as much as you do anyway. We’re the bosses, remember?”

  “Like you listen to your own advice?”

  “Yeah, yeah. I’m working on getting a team together for a trip to Panama but it’s pretty standard stuff.”

  “Thanks, man. Keep me updated with any problems.” Instead of finding any solace in sleep, visions of Jade played in his mind.

  Naked, erotic visions.

  He stroked his cock and hated his lack of control over his body. Until the day he’d met Jade he’d been in absolute control over his cock. His palm was rough and he hated that too. He didn’t want his calloused hand. He wanted Jade’s tight pussy. More than he would admit.

  He could just feel her smooth, tight sheath wrapping around him. And he knew she’d be tight. She hadn’t slept with anyone in years. Thinking about that made him ache.

  God, if she’d been a bitch his life would have been so much easier. A pretty face he could get over. Easily. Pretty women were commonplace. She had the whole package. Looks, brains and a heart bigger than anyone he’d met.

  Long ago he’d given up feeling guilty over the thought of jerking off to her image. He couldn’t help it. Her face or body entered his mind and he got hard. Instantly.

  After spending time with her it was worse. His dick just went up and stayed up. Tonight was no different.

  Hell, maybe tonight was worse. When she’d come home from that fucking date, he’d been floored at the sight of her. Even annoyed or angry, the woman got him positively hot. She might have been frustrated when she’d gotten home but when she’d realized he was in the hallway she’d looked at him.

  Really, truly looked at him. He’d seen it on her face. She’d been physically aware of him. Maybe not overtly but her perception had been slightly altered. He wasn’t just her friend, he was a male. Now she knew it.

  As he fantasized about the color of her nipples, he had to actually bite back a groan. Would they be pink, or brown, or cherry red? He didn’t care as long as she let him kiss and suck them.

  Tug on them with his mouth, rake his teeth over them, until they were hard and swollen and moist from his kisses.

  Sooner than later it was going to happen. Part of him knew he’d lose her friendship if he played his cards wrong and pushed her too far too fast, but something had to give. He couldn’t stand by and watch her end up with someone else. Their friendship wouldn’t last anyway if that happened.

  He continued stroking and his visions played out with far too much vividness. Sleeping at her house, under the same roof, it was hard not to picture what it would be like to share a bed with her.

  His balls tightened almost painfully but he held off. He wanted to enjoy this fantasy. Hell, it was all he had of her. For now.

  He’d seen her in a bathing suit before and it had almost given him a heart attack to see all that exposed skin. She was petite and lean but not fragile. Thanks to daily morning runs, her legs had tight, defined muscles.

  More than once he’d imagined them wrapped around his hips. His shoulders. If given the chance he’d spread her legs wide and bury his face between her thighs. In his fantasies she wasn’t completely bare. He didn’t like that look and he hoped she had a strip of hair covering her mound. It would be soft and the same honey-caramel color as her long hair. She’d taste sweet. He just knew it.

  If he’d had his way, they wouldn’t be sleeping in separate beds tonight. She’d be under him, moaning his name, begging him for more. Then he’d lick her, tease her, until she begged him to stop. But he wouldn’t.

  Just once he’d like to hear his name on her lips. His fist tightened and he increased momentum as he stroked himself. No, once wouldn’t be enough.

  His breathing increased as he imagined the guestroom door opening. Jade walked in wearing her familiar pink robe. Before he could say a word she slipped it off.

  It pooled around her feet and he struggled to breathe as he drank in the sight of her satiny skin. Her bare, heavy breasts, the flare of her curvy hips. His cock swelled even harder between his legs when she moved toward him.

  He kept his fist tightly around his hard length, letting her watch him. Wordlessly, she walked to the end of the bed then began to crawl up it, toward him.

  She placed her hand over his then moved it out of the way. Her green eyes flashed with hunger as she looked down at his cock. She didn’t bother kissing him. No foreplay was necessary because they’d done this before a thousand times. At least in his mind.

  When she moistened her lips, his hips jerked. He wanted her to taste him. Wanted her lips on him. Stroking him. Enjoying him.

  He closed his eyes as she lowered her mouth over his cock. As she sucked him deep into her, he groaned at the wet, tight sensation. Over and over she drew him inside her.

  With her fingers, she played with his ball sac, gently tugging. The sensation was nearly too much.

  He threaded his fingers through her thick hair and held her head tight as she continued to move over him. Finally it was too much.

  As he came in long streams she didn’t pull back. In his fantasies she never did. He shuddered as the release tore through him. This time he couldn’t hold back a small groan. It tore from him as he pictured her swallowing.

  After what felt like an eternity he opened his eyes. His entire body slightly trembled from the orgasm but he was alone. As he always was.

  Starting tomorrow, Operation Seduce Jade was in full effect. He was tired of using his fist and tired of being her dependable friend. One way or another he was going to find a permanent place in her bed and in her life.

  Chapter Three

  Maya loosened her bathrobe around her waist as she stared at herself in the mirror. It had been a few weeks since she and Colin had had sex. Actually, it had been more like a month. She was just trying to lie to herself.

  Since they’d been married they’d never gone without it for more than a couple days. While she understood he’d been busy at work, a tiny voice in the back of her head wondered if there was something more going on. She shrugged out of the robe and bit her bottom lip as she took in her naked body. She turned to the side and stared at her profile. For the most part she looked exactly the same as when they’d married. She kept in shape by running daily but her body had still changed thanks to having kids.

  She and Colin had only been married four and a half years but after having twins she had a pretty hideous cesarean scar. Her gaze narrowed on it and she cringed. She’d never cared about it before—because he didn’t—so what the hell was the matter with her now?

  When she heard the bedroom door open she quickly threw her robe back on. The bathroom door swung open a few seconds later and Colin strode in with a dark expression on his face. He barely glanced in her direction as he stripped his boxers off. Normally if she was naked he couldn’t keep his hands off her.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” Short, to the point. And out of character. Lately he’d been like that. On edge, not opening up to her.

  It made her want to cry. She leaned against the edge of the bathroom counter. “Jade’s first date was tonight.”

  He shook his head as he started the shower. “That guy’s a douche bag. I can’t believe you let your mom set her up with him.”

  “Yeah, I know. Mom said it would be good practice for her or something.”

  He muttered something under his breath and pulled the door open. It was almost like he was dismissing their conversation. There was a foreign desperation inside her she hated. Lately they never talked and she just wanted to get back the openness they’d always had. “How was work today?”

  “Fine.” The shower didn’t do anything to
drown out his deep voice.

  “I was thinking we could take the kids to the beach tomorrow since you have off. I know it’s too cold to swim but I thought we could take their kites and—”

  “Fine, whatever, hon.”

  A lead ball congealed in her stomach. Whatever? Sighing, she brushed her teeth then went to their bedroom. As she stared at the king-size bed they shared, she shook her head and made her way to the living room. She couldn’t sleep now and she wasn’t going to stare at the ceiling for hours.

  After she flipped on the television she grabbed an afghan from the back of the couch and snuggled under it. It offered more comfort and warmth than her own husband lately.

  As one of her favorite Meg Ryan movies came on the screen her eyelids started to droop. Maybe she was more tired than she thought.

  * * * * *

  Colin’s eyes flew open and he jerked up in bed with a start. He glanced at the clock. After midnight.

  His heart pounded in his throat when he realized Maya’s side of the bed was empty. Throwing off the covers, he stalked toward the living room and found her curled up in front of the television. Some infomercial for vacuums played across the screen.

  He turned it off then scooped her up in his arms. They’d been married over four years but he still got hard when he looked at her. Unlike her sister, she was tall and lean. Built like a fucking goddess. The first time he’d seen her he’d been undercover at a club in Miami. He’d felt his entire world shift when they’d made eye contact that night. He might not have known exactly how his life would change but he’d known it would just the same.

  Minutes later a shootout had erupted and he’d ended up saving her life. They’d been married months later and every day he thanked God he’d met her.

  That’s why he felt like such a jerk lately. The department was in the midst of layoffs and he wasn’t sure what was going to happen to his job. He knew he should tell her but he didn’t want her to worry. Instead he’d been acting like a royal dick and pushing her away anyway. He could see the pain in her gorgeous blue eyes every time he looked at her.