~ Autumn Fire ~

by

Tricia McGill

"Coward. I never knew you were one of those, Tess. I always thought you the bravest woman I know. You had to be to put up with your husband." When he saw she was outraged he’d had the nerve to question her bravery he took the advantage. "Come on." He winked to encourage her.

She put her cup on the table before them, and looked nervous again. Jack had to curl his fingers into a fist for fear of grabbing her. He didn’t fancy losing the ground he’d gained tonight. He also put his cup down and inhaled her intoxicating perfume as he sat back. "See, I’m harmless." He held his hands out if front of his body and she snorted.

"As harmless as a tiger snake." Their thighs accidentally touched and she enlarged the space between them furtively.

"A teddy bear, that’s me." With the sensations roaring around inside him at her nearness, at the smell of her perfume, and her exclusive scent, he felt more like a rampaging lion. It grew increasingly harder to keep his distance.

"Don’t you ever give up?" Her tone held a touch of asperity, but he caught the small tremor in her voice and could only hazard a guess at its source.

"Never. Not when I’m on a path seemingly set in concrete. Can I kiss you, Tess?" If he tried the soft approach she would never agree, so why not go by the direct route, and see where it led?

"I’m surprised you asked." Her fingers were busy, straightening her skirt with long even strokes that brought his eyes to the graceful motion. She was doing her best to hide her nervousness. How long would it take to eradicate all her tensions and fears?

"Why would you be surprised? I took liberties before. I’m not about to make the same mistake again." Jack put his hand gently on one of her fussing hands and stilled it. "So, would you do me the honor of kissing me, please?"

"Don’t." Her soft eyes filled with confusion.

"Don’t what? Don’t ask for something I’ve been dying to do since Sunday?"

"You make me feel so…" She shifted, and Jack eased himself towards her, pinning her to the armrest of the sofa.

"So what?"

"So…I don’t know, but it sure is bewildering."

He put his finger beneath her chin when her gaze darted about the room. "Look at me, Tess. This is desire you see in my eyes. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do. Look, no hands." He held both hands out in front of them and she smiled winsomely. "Would you like to be kissed? Would you like to be held? Would you take pity on this poor lonely man and let him taste your delectable lips?"

The confusion vanished as she laughed, giving one of his knees a gentle push. The touch sent a shock racing up his leg. It did all sorts of things to the part of him growing very hard by being so near her.

"You’re not lonely," she chided.

"Not true, sweetheart." She didn’t seem to notice he’d called her the banned endearment.

In fact she was staring at his mouth. Maybe this meant she was as eager to taste it as he was to taste hers. "I’m thirty years old but I feel worn out and lonely most of the time. I’ve spent too much time on my own. Since my divorce there’s only been one relationship where I lived with the woman. It lasted a few months--neither of us finding what we were after in a partner. I need a wife, but not just any wife. As I said, I need one I can love unreservedly, and one who will love me just as much."

"You’re looking in the wrong place I’m afraid." She was flustered again.

Damn, he’d put his big foot in it for sure. She was going to shut him out. He grabbed at her hand as she went to rise and pulled her onto his lap. With an exasperated sound she slapped at his arms.

He secured her to his chest. "Tess!" Gently he hugged her.

She quieted, looking away from him. It was then she felt his obvious reaction to her, and her entire body stiffened.

"Let me up." Panic flared in her eyes.

"Not until you calm down." Still with one arm about her waist, he stroked her arm. It didn’t seem to do anything but make her more agitated.

"I’m perfectly calm, thank you." To disprove this statement she began to struggle, and he had to grit his teeth at the sensations this aroused.

Jack sighed. "Tess, I’m a perfectly normal male. I’m just about as aroused as a man can get, and I want to take you to bed. But, I’m not about to do anything about it unless you give me the go ahead. Okay?" He waited on a small nod before going on. "I know we would be perfect together."

"How? And don’t think I’m about to be a pushover." Her hand on his forearm as she pushed sent his blood pressure to boiling point. "I’m forty-five, Jack Donovan, not twenty. I am not about to be seduced by a man who is too handsome for his own good, and far too sure of himself."

"Do you really think I’m good looking?" He shrugged. "And I’m not asking out of conceit I assure you. If you find me attractive, we have something in common, because I think you’re beautiful."

"Your eyes need testing!" she said on a puff of breath.

"No they don’t, I had them done last month. I only need glasses for reading small print." He moved his head until his mouth was almost touching her ear. "I love everything about you. I could spend every minute just admiring every little part of you."

She reared back. "You’re the most exasperating person I’ve ever come across."

"Good. At least you aren’t bored out of your skull."

"I doubt anybody could be bored with you. Stop it." She slapped at the hand stroking her nape.

Jack caught her fingers and brought them to his mouth. "Why? You have skin like silk."

She shook her head. "So corny. Which novel did you read that line in?"

"So cynical. I thought women liked to be told they have silken skin, eyes like pools, inviting on a hot day. What do you like to be told, Tess?"

"I would like to be told goodnight at the moment." The wiggle of her bottom nearly had him exploding out of his skin. Perspiration dotted his forehead.

"Look me in the eye and repeat that without blinking." He was jubilant when she didn’t push him away again as he tightened his hold.

"I want you to go," she whispered, but her eyes told him a different story altogether.

"Kiss me goodnight and I’ll go, if it’s what you really want."

"I will not!"

"Please." He cupped her chin in a palm.

"Does the little boy look usually get you what you want?" she asked, her voice husky.

"What look? Do you know I’m finding out all sorts of interesting snippets about myself here tonight. I was never aware my look was appealing. I’ll have to cultivate it. It might get me somewhere with you." He wiggled his eyebrows. "And contrary to your beliefs I’ve never tried to seduce anyone with a certain look. I told you, I’m blunt and explicit."

"You can say that again. Can’t you understand? I really have no idea what sort of man you are. For all I know you could be a serial killer. You could have robbed banks to get your money--and you could make a habit of seducing widows."

"Fair enough." He nodded. "I come back into your life after a long interval and I could be telling a whole heap of lies. But, I’m not, Tess. It’s something you’ll have to take my word on."

"The Boston Strangler probably said the same to his victims." Regardless of her strong words, she was weakening.

Jack put her gently aside and got up. He went to his jacket and took out his wallet, then brought it over and sat down again. He pulled out his credit cards and driver’s license, and put them on her lap. "See, Jack Donovan." Pointing to the dreadful photo on his license, he grimaced. "Here’s my business card, and you know about Donovan’s Homes, so what other proof do you need?"

Her bottom lip took punishment as she stacked the cards together and handed them back to him. Jack returned them to his wallet and tossed it aside.

"That proves you are who you say, but not what you are."

"True. But if you look into your heart, I’m certain you’ll know that I’m as honest as the day is long, as straight as a man can be, and dying for you. Now, will you kiss me before I die of wanting?"

To his amazement, and delight, she obeyed. Admittedly it was a mere peck on a cheek. But it was a start.