Just Deserts - Brenda Jackson [21]
She waited for the flutters to cease in her stomach before saying, “But then I remembered how deep our relationship goes, and how comfortable we are with each other. Some might see what I’ve asked of you as taking advantage of our friendship, but I know it’s not that at all. Although I wasn’t sure what your response would be, a part of me felt comfortable asking.”
Tristan didn’t say anything. Instead, he thought of how many agonizing nights he had lain in his bed after she’d married, knowing he had lost her, yet knowing he had to find it in his heart to want what was best for her. He’d wanted her to be happy, even if that happiness was with another man.
Nothing had changed in that regard. He still wanted her to be happy. If he could take away what she’d had to endure for the past couple of months, he would. There was no way he could undo the past, but what he could do was build on the future. One step at a time. He would give her the time she needed and would be by her side when she finally brought closure to this complicated part of her life. Then he would become a part of her life in the way he’d wanted for a long time.
He knew what his own needs were, but he’d hold them at bay to take care of hers. She didn’t know it, but his went deeper than just the physical. They would never get worked out of his system no matter how many times they made love, simply because it wasn’t just an itch he needed her to scratch. It was something so monumental it was almost overpowering. It was so deep that the bottom seemed endless, and so strong he felt like Samson on one of his better days, before his hair had been cut.
“How would you feel if I suggest we forgo dessert?” he asked, knowing she would get his meaning. He felt the sensual heat of her gaze when it touched his face.
“I was going to get a slice of key lime pie. It’s my favorite.”
A smile touched his lips. “I know. But I promise to give you something just as good.”
Their gazes held. “Just as good?” she asked as if intrigued by his claim.
“Yes.” And at the risk of sounding rather cocky, he gave her a level look and said, “Key lime pie has nothing on what I’m prepared to give you.”
She smiled and felt the slow stirring of heat between her legs. “You have me convinced. I think we should leave now.”
“And I totally agree with you.”
Chapter 5
Although it was July, the night air off San Francisco Bay was cool, so Danielle wasn’t surprised when they exited the restaurant and Tristan took off his jacket and placed it around her shoulders. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
And then they walked toward the car with his arm around her shoulders, which wasn’t an uncommon thing for them to do. She couldn’t help but reflect on other things they had done that could have put ideas in other people’s heads besides Alex’s and Renée’s.
Port St. Lucie wasn’t a huge town and most of the people knew of Paul and Tristan’s close friendship, just like they knew of her and Tristan’s close friendship. Even Marc had questioned her about it once, and she had explained that Tristan was like a big brother to her. At least he had been at the time. When had that stopped?
“You’re quiet.”
Tristan’s words broke into her thoughts as he opened the car door for her. “I’m just thinking,” she said.
When she slid into the seat he bent low to place the seat belt around her, bringing his face close to hers. “About this, I hope.” And then he kissed her, just as easy and just as quick. It was over before she could sneak in some tongue time. She was tempted to pull his mouth back to hers, but he had closed her car door and was moving around the car.
When he slid into the driver’s seat, she narrowed her eyes at him. “That wasn’t fair.”
He smiled as he switched on the engine. “What was unfair about it?”
“Too short.”
His smile widened as he pulled out of the parking lot. “I’m saving the longer version for when we get behind closed doors.”
“Very well, then,” she said, finding a comfortable position in her seat. “I plan to hold you to it.”
“Trust me, Dani, it will happen.”
She believed