The Naughty List Bundle - Kylie Adams [279]
It appeared he expected a reply to that. But she could barely think clearly enough to stay upright on the countertop, much less know what to say. She stared at his mouth, her own open in mute surprise at all she’d felt, at how incredible a kiss and a few simple touches could be. She’d been married nearly seven years, but she hadn’t known, hadn’t guessed….
He muttered a raw curse. “Don’t look at me like that. You’re killing me.”
She sucked in air and tried to think.
“Say something, damn it.”
Nodding, Georgia looked around her kitchen, at all he’d done, at all he still apparently expected to do. Not just to the house, but to her as well. She knew as soon as her thoughts cleared, she’d be mortified. She’d broken her own rules, she’d breached propriety. She’d shamed herself this time more than ever before.
She met his gaze and swallowed. “I’m supposed to work tonight. I…I can’t go to dinner.”
HE SHOULDN’T have been so angry, but his emotions had been in a whirlwind since the first moment he saw her, and he hadn’t gotten a firm handle on them yet. How could he have done something so stupid as to practically take her in her own damn kitchen, with her kids upstairs? Not only was he disgusted with his own lack of restraint, but he was madder than hell at himself for upsetting her.
Once she’d really had a chance to settle down and get her wits together, she’d looked devastated. Jordan could tell she didn’t blame him. No, Georgia blamed herself, and he couldn’t stand it. He’d wanted to lighten her physical load, and instead, he had added to her emotional one. He could only imagine what she was thinking, but she wouldn’t look at him, and that pretty much told it all.
What was between them was damn powerful, and neither of them were coming to grips with it very well. Rather than discussing it, though, she’d informed him she had to work. Again.
Jordan put up a good front for the kids, trying to shelter them from his black mood, a mood he was afraid was partially caused by jealousy. He’d never felt it before, so he couldn’t be certain, but he did know that he hated it, hated the way his muscles refused to relax, the way his stomach knotted every time he pictured her on that stage. Hiding his rage wasn’t easy, but he’d take a punch on the chin before deliberately upsetting her again, or making her children uncomfortable.
He must have been somewhat successful, because the kids were subdued, but far from silent. Georgia had explained to them about hospitals, so they were wide-eyed with respect for the sick people, and apparently oblivious to his turmoil.
Despite her near stomping, Georgia’s soft-soled shoes made no sound as they walked the length of the long hospital corridor. He could feel her nervousness and he wanted to protect her. He wanted to devour her.
He didn’t want her blaming herself for the uncontrollable chemistry between them. And he did not want her dancing on that goddamn stage again.
They rounded a corner, the silence between them a living thing, and then they both drew up short as they saw not only Sawyer standing there, but Gabe and Casey as well. Oh, hell. His entire family just had to turn out, didn’t they? If Misty hadn’t been sick, no doubt Morgan would have been here now, too.
They were likely enjoying his predicament. He’d always been different from them. More withdrawn. More self-contained. Though he never doubted their love, he often felt like an outsider; because of his father, there were things he’d never be able to share with them. Like the pride of their male parentage.
Knowing he’d gotten himself mired in an emotional conflict probably had them all rubbing their hands with glee. They just loved it when he fell into the same traps that grabbed them. It happened far too often for Jordan’s peace of mind.
Lisa, being a natural-born flirt, smiled widely at the sight of Casey and took off at a run to see him. Casey grinned and knelt down to catch her. Adam quickly followed suit, but he was a bit more cautious, keeping one eye on Sawyer and Gabe.
Georgia had