His eyes flicker down my length, taking me in, eating me up.

  I want to falter, but don’t. I’m just thankful I look pretty good.

  Cindy straightens, taking a towel from the counter and twisting it in her hands.

  When I’m standing in front of him, I cross my arms. “What are you doing here?”

  His lips twist. “I told you, I’ve come for you.”

  “This isn’t going to work, Jackson.”

  Cindy appears to be hanging on every word, her expression alight with speculation.

  I raise a brow at her. “Is there someone else you can help?”

  Her head tilts. “Sure thing.”

  She takes her leave and I’m alone with Jackson. “Why are you doing this?”

  His gaze meets mine and he takes a deep breath before exhaling. “I’m in love with you.”

  The words send my heart into overdrive but I steel myself against them. “Maybe you believe that, but it’s not true.”

  He slides off the barstool and faces me. We’re close. Close enough to feel the heat of his body warming mine where I’ve been cold since I returned back home. His finger brushes over my jaw. “I can assure you, Gwyneth, I’ve never said those words to a woman in my life. So I think I know better than you.”

  “Stop calling me that.” My full name from his lips, I can’t help the images that flood my brain. They need to stop so I can focus.

  “Why?” He leans in close, his mouth at my ear. “Because it reminds you of all the things I’ve done to you in bed?”

  The weakness, I can feel it trying to slither in. All the rationalizations, the chemistry, warps my brain, convincing me to give in.

  No. I need to be strong.

  If he really wants me, he’ll work for me, and he won’t.

  I shake my head and step back from him. “I’m tired of this game, Jackson. It’s time to move on.”

  His whiskey eyes flash. “It’s not a game.”

  “But it is, this is what we do. Seduce and destroy. And I’m done with it.”

  His jaw firms, and he meets my gaze dead-on. “That’s going to be a problem.”

  “Why’s that?” My breath catches and holds.

  He advances again, and I’m too stubborn because I don’t retreat. I tell myself it’s because I don’t want to give him the satisfaction, but it’s not the truth. I don’t want to move away.

  I want to feel his heat one more time.

  “Because I don’t think Natalie and I can live without you.” His hand slides on my hip, heavy and hot, like a brand. “But more than that, I don’t think you can live without us either.”

  “Even if that was true, it’s impossible.”

  “Let’s talk and figure out how to make it work.” His face is close now. I take in the curve of his lips, remembering exactly how they felt against mine. “There’s a way, I know there is.”

  I want so badly to believe, but something inside me won’t let me give in this time.

  I stand my ground. “Until the next time I scare you and you throw me away.”

  The statement hangs between us and I wait, ready for him to protest but that’s not what happens.

  Instead, he looks me in the eyes and says, “You absolutely do scare me. You’ve scared me since the first day we met. And you’re right, I did throw you away, but it wasn’t because I didn’t think you were worth it. But because I did.”

  I can only blink at him, unable to say anything.

  When I remain silent he continues, “I’ve never had anything as valuable as you. Yes, I have Natalie, but I got her by default. I got my family by default. But you, you happened all on your own. I didn’t expect you, and I still don’t quite know what to do with you, but I want to figure it out. I want a chance to make you happy.”

  I need to protect myself. My lashes flutter. He’s saying all the right words, but I don’t believe him. Deep down where it matters, I don’t think he has it in him to stick.

  And with him, there’s no longer any other option. No halfway.

  So I close the door instead of flinging it wide open. “I’m sorry, Jackson, but it’s too late. You should go now.”

  I wait for an explosion. For that hard, unforgiving set of his jaw to take residence on his perfect face, but it doesn’t come.

  He nods. “I deserve that, but understand this, I’m not going anywhere.”

  Hope beats tiny wings against my ribs. I cross my arms over my chest. “What are you saying?”

  His lips tilt. “To quote you, consider me your own personal stalker.”

  23

  Gwen

  It’s been three days, and true to his word, Jackson hasn’t left. No matter how I’ve ignored him, he still shows up when the restaurant opens and remains until close. I’ve gone about my business, taking care of the inner workings, fixing problems, talking to customers, and in turn, he’s ingratiated himself to every person on my staff.

  Of course, they’re all on his side now.

  I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me, begging me to give him a chance.

  It’s been hell. Mixed with a bit of heaven.

  Every time I rebuff him, I wait for him to go, and every time he doesn’t, the hope inside me grows.

  I can’t give in yet, I’m not sure why.

  There’s a knock on the door before it opens. Jackson’s standing there, a plate in his hand. “Emanuel let me loose in the kitchen.”

  I don’t look up from the computer screen. “Is that so?”

  Without an invitation he walks into the room and closes the door behind him before setting the plate on the center of my desk. “I made you something.”

  That gets my full attention.

  I shift away from the computer and stare at the plate in front of me. Of course it’s a work of art. On the crisp white porcelain sits a spiral of perfect pasta, coated in something creamy. One crusted scallop sits atop it, topped with some sort of foam. Completing the dish is an intricate design of glaze. Because it’s Jackson, it’s a work of art.

  It’s almost too pretty to eat.

  I raise a brow. “Are you showing off?”

  He laughs. “Of course. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a proper kitchen at my disposal, I couldn’t let it go to waste.” He holds out a fork and knife. “I hope you like it.”

  That bastard. He knows perfectly well this is my weakness and something I can’t resist. I take the utensils and slice into the scallop, making sure to get the foam on top before twisting the pasta onto my fork and dipping it into the glaze. All the elements together on the tip of my fork.

  I slide the food into my mouth and close my eyes as a flavor explosion occurs across my tongue. It’s complex and ardent. All the flavors are intricate, but meld perfectly in a way only Jackson could manage.

  When the bite slides down my throat, I can’t help but reach for another.

  And another.

  And another.

  Until the entire plate is gone.

  I look up and find him watching me, hand on his chin, expression intent. His whiskey eyes burn into me.

  I scrape my teeth over my bottom lip and tilt my head. “Obviously that was awful.”

  A smile flickers across his lips. “Obviously.”

  I want to climb over the desk and straddle him. I recall the last time I straddled him, my hips swaying and circling and rocking into him. The way his hands felt on my hips, his grip tight.

  “Thank you.” I don’t know what else to say.

  “It’s my pleasure, Gwyneth.”

  I’ve stopped taking issue with him calling me by my full name.

  My desire to relent has me turning to my computer. “I have work to do.”

  His gaze flickers, but instead of pushing me like I want him to, he nods. “All right.”

  He gets up, takes the now empty plate and leaves.

  I stare after him, longing to chase him, but I can’t help thinking that as soon as I do, he’ll get freaked and back away.

  He hasn’t left, but he hasn’t pushed me either.

  He’s here, right in front of me, ever present, but I don’t know, it doesn’t feel like he’s fighting for me.

  And, secretly, that’s what I want…to feel like I’m worth the fight.

  Jackson

  * * *

  I’m sitting at what now feels like my permanent place at the bar and it’s the middle of the Friday night chaos when someone taps me on the shoulder.

  I look back to find a tall, dark-haired woman with exotic hazel eyes smiling at me.

  In a short black dress she’s quite a stunner.

  Her head tilts and her mane of wavy hair slides over her shoulder. “Hi.”

  I nod, smile back at her and say, “Sorry, honey, I’m not interested.”

  She laughs, and she’s one of those women that put her whole heart into it. It’s a rich, full-bodied sound. “My husband will be so happy to hear that.” She holds out her hand. “I’m Jillian Santoro, Gwen’s best friend.”

  Well, this is an interesting turn of events.

  So, this is the infamous best friend?

  I study her more closely now, taking her in with a different eye. As how she would look standing next to Gwen.

  Between the two of them they must have caused quite the stir. I shake her outstretched palm. “Jackson McKay.”

  “Oh, honey, I know all about you.”

  I wince, shrugging one shoulder. “I’m guessing that’s not a compliment.”

  She looks up and to the right, as though she’s speculating. “You’ve got your flaws.”

  I laugh. “That’s one way to say it.”

  A man with almost black hair and dark eyes comes over us, sliding his hand possessively over Jillian’s hip. She beams up at him. “This is the guy.”

  “I’ll offer you my deepest sympathies.” The man chuckles and offers me his hand in greeting. “I’m Leo Santoro, the husband.”

  I nod. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

  Jillian flutters her lashes up at Leo. “Isn’t his accent dreamy.”

  Leo rolls his eyes and says in a dry tone, “To die for.”

  I laugh. In less than a minute I can see how Jillian and Gwen are best friends. They both possess that hard-to-contain spirit. It’s different, their energy isn’t exactly the same, but they radiate something that requires you notice them.

  Jillian waves a hand in the direction of the dining room. “Our friends are already seated. Why don’t you come join us for dinner?”

  I shake my head. “I wouldn’t want to intrude on your night.”

  Jillian offers me a smile so brilliant I’m practically blinded by it. “But we insist, we’re here for you after all.”

  I raise a brow. “Is that so?”

  “Did you think you’d come to town and not meet me? What kind of best friend would that make me?”

  “I didn’t expect anything. Since you’re Gwen’s best friend you know she’s not exactly a fan at the moment.”

  “True. But I have to check out the goods.”

  I chuckle. “Fair enough.”

  Jillian wags a finger at me. “I’ll warn you we intend to make things very difficult for you.”

  Well, it appears I’m about to be tested, and I’m all good with that. It feels like some sort of progress since all I’ve been doing is treading water.

  Again I’ve underestimated Gwen. When I kept showing up, I thought she’d at least grant me a conversation, but she hasn’t relented.

  It’s like she’s waiting for something, but I have no idea what it is. I keep trying to piece it together, to figure out what I need to do to win her back, but it remains elusive.

  If I have to have dinner with a bunch of strangers in order to win Gwen over, so be it. It’s a small price to pay. I stand. “I’m game.”

  Leo tilts his head. “You sure about this? These women are pretty tough.”

  “I can take it.” What other option do I have?

  “Be brave. Let me know if you need a rescue.” He claps me on the shoulder.

  “Good. That’s settled.” Jillian swings around and sashays a very nice ass through the room. Her dress drapes over her body in an eye-catching way that has the males in the restaurant appreciating the sight.

  Leo sighs before shrugging. “My wife does like to be noticed.”

  I chuckle. “She does it well.”

  “You have no idea.” Leo leads the way.

  I follow after him, weaving through the loud, crowded room until we reach a large table filled with people. Gwen is standing there, frowning at me.

  Jillian’s already taken her seat and Leo slides in beside her. There’s one lone chair I assume is meant for me but I don’t sit down.

  I look at Gwen, standing there, her red hair pulled back in a ponytail, her cheekbones high, her blue eyes distant.

  I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m meeting your friends.”

  “I can see that.” Gwen sighs, and glances down at Jillian. “You couldn’t help yourself.”

  “Please, like you’d expect anything less.” Jillian turns back to me, waving her hand over the table. “These are our closest friends. You’ll need our approval if you even have a chance of leveling up.”

  Gwen rolls her eyes. “Ignore her.”

  “No, ignore her.” She gestures at a dark-haired couple. “This is my brother Michael and my sister-in-law, Layla.” She points a finger back and forth between her brother, who’s very tall, and Gwen. “Didn’t you two go on a date once?”

  Gwen shakes her head and looks up at the ceiling.

  Michael slides a large palm around his beautiful wife’s neck. “This is my sister’s lame attempt at making you jealous.”

  Layla winks at me, her blue eyes dancing. “Although they did go out on a date once, that’s true.”

  I nod, giving her my most charming smile. “I didn’t think Gwen was a virgin when I met her.”

  Gwen gasps. “Jackson!”

  Everyone laughs and I know I’ve hit my mark with them. All I need to do is keep this up and I’ll have them eating out of the palm of my hand. I’ve always been an arrogant bastard, but once upon a time I used to be charming.

  I’m rusty, but it’s coming back to me.

  Still chuckling, Michael holds up his hands like he’s surrendering. “We did kiss once, but that’s it.”

  His wife glances over at him, her expression speculative. “You didn’t tell me that.”

  Gwen hits Michael on the shoulder. “Tell her how bad it was.”

  Michael shrugs at Layla, his fingers working a circle at the curve of her shoulder. “It was awful. All kinds of wrong. We started laughing in the middle and couldn’t stop.”

  Gwen leans over and says to Layla, “Seriously, it was the worst kiss of my life.”

  “Same.” Michael and Gwen grin at each other and I can see their fondness, their comfort and ease. Can tell they’ve discussed this a time or two and this little exchange is all in good fun.

  I can also see Layla is in on the joke, telling me how close they all are.

  Jillian gestures to the other couple, who’s been sitting quietly. “This is Chad and Ruby, they’re engaged.”

  Ruby smiles. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “You too,” I say.

  Before anyone can speak, Jillian interjects. “Brandon and Veronica are working and will meet up with us later.” Jillian glances pointedly at me. “I trust you’ll come with us.”

  Chad raises a brow. “Someone’s feeling bossy today.”

  Jillian shrugs. “I’m always feeling bossy.”

  This makes them all laugh, and I go along even though I’m not sure I understand whatever it is that they’re implying.

  Gwen clears her throat. “I’m sure Jackson has other plans.”

  I meet her eyes. “The only plans I have are you, Gwyneth.”

  I’ve taken to using her full name as a way to remind her of the intimacy between us. To make her remember what it was like without this distance that separates us.

  Her jaw tightens every time I use it.

  It’s the only crack in her armor, my one tiny ray of hope.

  Her eyes narrow, then she shifts her attention away from me and signals a waitress. To Jillian she says, “Are you ordering or am I picking?”

  A sly expression slides over Jillian’s face. “Oh, you should pick.”

  “All right then.” Gwen’s lips firm into a hard line and she doesn’t even look at me before engaging in a discussion with the server I can’t hear, presumably picking out the menu for dinner tonight.

  “Have fun,” Gwen says, then tosses her ponytail before disappearing into the crowd.

  I stare after her. I’m doing something wrong, but I don’t know what it is. I mean, I know how I lost her, but I’m at a loss on how to win her back.

  When she showed up at Beau’s, what now seems like a lifetime ago, I didn’t have to pursue her. She pursued me and I gave in.

  Now that the shoe’s on the other foot I realize how inept I am.

  I think about that conversation with Beau before I left. His assertion that everything’s always come too damn easy for me. As I’ve lain awake in my hotel room, staring up at the darkened ceiling, I’ve come to terms with how right he is.

  “So tell us about yourself,” Jillian says, breaking me out of my reverie.

  I shift my attention back to the table to find them all watching me with interested expressions.

  I might not have a great game plan, but winning over Gwen’s friends seems like a good place to start.

  I take my seat at the table. “What would you like to know?”

  Jillian doesn’t even hesitate. “Are you going to break my best friend’s heart again?”

  Leo gives his wife an amused smile but doesn’t say anything.

  I shake my head. “Not if I can help it.”

  “What are your intentions?” Jillian asks, apparently down to business.

  I don’t hesitate. “I intend to win her back and work out a future.”

  Jillian tilts her head. “You can’t take her away from me.”

 

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