Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee - Brenda Jackson [36]
It hadn’t been easy to leave her last night and before he’d left he had sat on the bed and pulled her into his arms. For the longest time she had sat curled up in his lap with neither of them saying anything. The only sound that had intruded on their moment had been the soft meowing of Tom at the bedroom door. Even now, just thinking about her made his chest tighten with a need he wasn’t used to.
He glanced down at his watch. He would be picking her up at six for dinner. And the only thing he could think about was seeing her again and kissing her with the desperation he felt. Dana Rollins was definitely getting under his skin.
“Would you like some more wine?”
“No, thank you, Jared.” Dana bit down softly on her lip and tried not to stare at him. Every time their gazes met she felt a tiny pull at her heart.
“Are you ready for your trip this weekend?”
She met his gaze and forced a smile. “Yes, I’m ready. Since it’s not a long trip, a lot of packing isn’t necessary.”
“I’d like to go with you.”
Dana’s eyes widened in surprise. “Why?”
Jared shrugged as he sank back in his chair. That was a good question since he had just made the decision. “I don’t like the idea of you driving so many hours alone.”
Dana couldn’t help but appreciate his concerns. “It’s something I do every year, Jared. And when my father’s birthday comes around in September I’ll be doing it again. No big deal.”
Jared frowned. To him it was a big deal. “You shared my father’s birthday with me and I want to be there to share your mother’s birthday with you.”
Dana glanced down at her wineglass. How could she not fall in love with him when he said something like that? She slowly lifted her head and met his gaze. “Thanks, Jared, but that’s not necessary.”
He smiled. “It is to me.” He leaned closer over the table. “Besides, it’s been years since I’ve been to Jekyll Island and I’d like to go there again.”
Dana inhaled deeply. The part of her that was fighting what she was feeling for Jared wanted to tell him to find another time to go, that she needed time alone, time away from him, but she couldn’t say that. She decided to use another approach. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to go out of town together, Jared.”
“Why? Because of last night?”
Dana felt a jolt to her body at the memories, something she’d tried to downplay all day. She had played Red Light, Green Light, many times as a child but never like that and never with a playmate like Jared. He gave the game a whole new meaning. “That, among other things,” she finally said softly. And please don’t ask me what those other things are, she silently screamed. I don’t want you to know that I’m falling in love with you.
“I know your thoughts on us sleeping together, Dana. You’ve been pretty clear on that and I think I’ve been straightforward in saying that I won’t push you into doing anything you’re not ready for. But this isn’t about us sharing a bed.”
Dana met his gaze. “Then what’s it about, Jared?”
His eyes held hers. “It’s about me being with you and enjoying your company. I like talking to you.”
Dana knew he was holding something back. She had been around him enough to know when something was bothering him. She could feel it. “Is there something else? Is everything all right with your mother, Jared?”
He stared at her for a moment and after taking a deep breath he said, “I spoke with Dad earlier today and he said that Mom got a call from the hospital. There was a cancellation and they were able to schedule her outpatient surgery for next week instead of waiting two weeks.”
Dana nodded. “That’s good news, isn’t it?”
Jared heaved a long sigh. “Yes, but…”
She waited for him to finish. When he hesitated she asked, “But what?”
He dragged a hand over the back of his neck, seemingly frustrated. “But nothing. I guess I’m just remembering how it was the last time.”
Dana understood and reached out, took his hand in hers and held it tight. A part of her was glad she was here with him and that he was sharing his innermost fears with her. “All we can do is