When he saw the tall brunette smiling at him, he had to blink. She looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place her.
“Jake, you don't remember me, do you?” she asked, her voice deep and sultry with a slight unrecognizable accent. Leaning in as close as she could over the bar, he couldn’t avoid her cleavage. Or the tantalizing aroma of her perfume. After assessing her further, all he could offer was an embarrassed shrug.
“Okay, I'll help you. I'm Tia, Marty's cousin.” Her face lit up as she laughed and extended her hand to him.
Stunned, Jake’s eyes widened, a bashful grin spreading across his face when he accepted her hand. “Oh yeah. I remember now. How's Marty doing?” He looked around, his eyes suddenly darkening.
“She's okay. I wanted her to come, but she's still really bummed about Ray.” A hint of sadness quickly faded to excitement as she fluttered her long black eyelashes. “You look good!”
He hated to admit it—she was beautiful. Taking a deep breath, “So do you. Want a beer or something?”
“Sure, thanks.” She reached for her money but he lightly pushed her hand away. Her eyes met his, they were a dark, hypnotic, liquid brown. She held his gaze without blinking until he looked down. “I'll catch you later.” Unexpectedly flustered, he turned to take care of customers.
“Not bad.” Ben shoved money into the cash register behind him.
Jake sighed, disheartened. Just what I need. I’m not ready for another let down.
“Why don't you take a shot?”
Ben was a good-looking guy, good build, long, light brown hair and nice features. Even though he was short next to him, Jake was sure she would go for him.
“I don't think so.” Ben laughed, motioning toward the entrance to the dance floor. Jake turned his head, taking in Tia, the vision of a perfect statue, propped against the wall watching him. She didn’t blink or bother to hide the dazzling smile plastered across her face.
* * *
The light streaming into the room took a while to adjust to. With a loud yawn, Jake stirred, stretching lazily. Pulling himself up, his eyes fell upon her. His head was still in a fog, and it took a few minutes before recognition set in.
“Hey.” As he looked down at her, his expression grew more quizzical. Then it dawned on him, and his eyes darted down to his naked body.
“Well, you were really out of it!” Tia was wide awake and unabashedly naked.
Jake frowned, not even attempting to clear the blurry images in his head. “I guess I was.” He grinned, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings.
“My place. Your idea. Don't worry, my roommate is away for the weekend.” She bent over, kissing him, her silky hair brushing gently against his skin.
He rubbed his eyes, unnerved that he couldn't recall how he got there. Getting so wasted is becoming a royal pain in the ass. His face filled with doubt and sadness.
“Don't worry, you didn't do anything crazy. It was pretty amazing, actually. Even if you don't remember it.” Her eyes were mischievous as her lips wandered down to his chest. Jake felt his nervous tension decreasing, his hands exploring her body as she hovered over him.
She wasn't about to give up, even though she sensed his mind was in a faraway place.
After a few seconds he forgot all of his doubts and allowed his desire to take over. With his fingers entwined in her hair, he pulled her down to meet him.
MONDAY
KRISTEN/LOGAN
Logan wouldn't let up about the text message—he was sure it was Jake, and it was a big bruise to his ego. They were getting ready to shop for nursery furniture.
“So, who texted you the other night? I thought we agreed to be honest from now on.”
Stunned, she stopped brushing her hair to look at him. “Like you were about Gina?”
“I am now, that's what matters.” He was behind her, his arms around her chest, pulling her close.
“I can't believe you're still obsessing about that! It was last week!” She wanted to change the subject, but the tautness of his face told her he wasn't about to let go. “Who do you think it was, Logan?”
“Hmm. Let me think…Jake?” His teeth sank into her neck.
“Ouch, Logan!” When she tried to pull away, he restrained her.
“I won't stop until you admit it,” he murmured between hard bites.
“Okay, it was! It was just an art show announcement, that's it!”
He couldn't hide the surprise in his face. “In New York?”
That savage couldn’t be in Miami!
Despite his efforts, his breaths were growing rapid and fierce.
“Yes. Wait…you're not jealous, are you?” She grinned, glancing at her big belly.
“Nope. Not at all.” He grinned back, a devilish look in his eyes. “Let's go, before I change my mind.” He smacked her butt.
Why hasn’t that loser disappeared for good yet?
A sudden recollection flashed in his mind. “Was this the first time he contacted you since you…” He froze, catching himself before he screwed up. “—we left New York?”
Caught off guard, she hesitated, seeking the right answer.
Logan picked up on it immediately. “When did he contact you, Krissy? How many times?” His eyes darkened, narrowing in suspicion.
“The day we were leaving.” She held onto a deep breath, hoping he wouldn't pursue it.
“Really! About what?” The heat of his body seeped into hers, but his eyes were ice cold.
“Nothing... if I heard from Ray. He couldn't reach him—I thought we're leaving!”
“What did you tell him, Kristen?” he held onto her face.
“What do you think, Logan? I told him I never spoke to Ray.” She pulled out of his hands.
Logan nodded, his eyes brightening. “Good girl. Remember your promise?” His hands fell to her arms.
“Logan, what is wrong with you?” She tried to break free, but his fingers dug into her flesh. “Of course I remember. Don't you trust me?” Her eyes began to water from the pain. “Stop it!”
He released her, but his eyes never left her face. At that moment, she told herself to let it go. Whatever he had done in New York, whoever it involved, she was better off not knowing. It was the only way she could survive the pregnancy.
“I do, Krissy, so don't betray me. Remember our bond. Don't break it. Let's get baby stuff.” He smiled, taking her hand.
Cramming her eyes shut, she drew in painful gulps of air and clung to the table to steady herself. A silent prayer crossed her mind as she searched for the strength to make it through the rest of the day.
CHAPTER 4
SATURDAY, WEEK 5
JAKE
It was a strange thing—he'd never asked for Tia's number, and she never offered. The sex had been hot, but non-committal. All week he'd purposely stayed busy with painting, gallery shows, and the club. When Kristen's image invaded his thoughts, he found himself comparing the two. They were total opposites. Tia younger, an exotic beauty with big brown eyes, tan, tall, and very slender. It was evident to him her wild streak controlled her actions. She was only out for a good time, and definitely trouble.