Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee - Brenda Jackson [28]
He wished there was some way he could close his mind and thoughts to wanting and desiring her so much but was finding it impossible. He never intended for their pretended engagement to lead to a brief affair. It was hard getting his mind back in focus, and nearly impossible to remember that their relationship wasn’t real.
Even his brothers and cousins had teased him relentlessly tonight about how hard he had fallen for her. And on top of that, his father had taken him aside and asked if he was sure he could wait another year for a wedding.
Jeez. Was it blatantly obvious to everyone just how much he wanted her? And for a while tonight, while introducing her to neighbors and friends, he had actually considered Dana his.
His.
His heart slammed against his ribs at the thought of anything so foolish. He’d never considered a woman his because he didn’t want any woman to consider him hers. He was only interested in the physical side of a relationship and not the emotional. He had enough of emotional entanglements with the cases he handled.
Crossing the room to his dresser, he opened a drawer and pulled out a pair of swimming trunks. Removing his pajamas bottoms he eased the trunks over his still aroused body thinking that a swim in the pool might cool him off and help calm his mind.
It was almost dawn when Jared returned to his bedroom. His body was exhausted but his mind still swam with thoughts of Dana.
The next few days were busy for Dana. The buzz around the office about her engagement had settled down, however, word had quickly spread about the rock she was wearing on her finger. More than once, a curious co-worker had stopped by her office to get a look at it. Tara had been right. Jared certainly knew how to make a statement. It was just too bad the statement he was making was not true.
On Tuesday morning, she got an unexpected call from Jared’s mother.
“Mrs. Westmoreland, this is a pleasant surprise,” she said smiling, and meaning every word. The more she was around the older woman, the more she liked her, mainly because she reminded her a lot of her own mother—friendly, outgoing and devoted to her family.
“Dana, how are you dear? I was wondering if you could join me for lunch at Chase’s Place?”
Dana lifted an eyebrow as she checked her watch. “Sure. Would noon be fine?”
“It would be perfect. Do you know how to get there or do you need directions?”
Dana chuckled. “Yes, I know how to get there. It’s a favorite for a lot of my co-workers. I’ve even eaten there a couple of times myself. The food is fantastic.”
“Yes it is. Chase still uses some of the Westmoreland family’s secret recipes.”
A few hours later as Dana drove to Chase’s Place, she couldn’t help but think about Jared. He had left a message on her answering machine last night to let her know where he’d gone, which was definitely information a fiancée should know should anyone ask. He’d even left the number where he could be reached should she need him.
But she didn’t need him.
Unfortunately, she had to remind herself of that very thing pretty often these days. She shouldn’t make more of what was going on between them than there really was. Even he had admitted that when this sham was no longer needed he would walk away without a backwards glance.
So why don’t you just enjoy whatever moments you have with him? an inner voice screamed. Why does there have to be regrets after goodbyes? You may not want to fall in love with him but you’re halfway there already. Admit it.
A lump formed in Dana’s throat. She refused to admit anything. Hadn’t she learned a cruel lesson about depending on others for her happiness? First there was the loss of her parents and then Matt and Luther, two men who had walked into her life and then walked out…just like Jared intended to do.
She’d known the score going in so, unlike the others, when he did his disappearing act she would be ready.
Dana saw Jared’s mother