Thorn's Challenge - Brenda Jackson [29]
Tara prayed things worked out as she had planned. “Yes. I’ll go along with your proposition.”
Thorn released a deep breath, relieved.
“So how soon can you be available to do the calendar?”
Her question broke into his thoughts, just as well, since they were about to go somewhere they shouldn’t be going. “How soon would they want me?”
“Probably within the next couple of weeks.”
He nodded. “Just let me know when and where and I’ll be there.”
She blinked, and he could tell she couldn’t believe he was being so accommodating. “What are your plans for this weekend?” he asked her.
She raised a brow before answering. “I’m working at the hospital on Saturday but I’ll be off on Sunday. Why?”
“Chase is having a Super Bowl party at his restaurant Sunday evening. I’d like you to go with me.”
She blinked again. “Me? You? As a couple?” she asked, as if clearly amazed.
“Yes. Don’t you think we should let my family get used to seeing us together as a couple? Otherwise, what will they think when we take off for Daytona together?” he asked.
In all honesty, Thorn really didn’t give a hoot what his brothers thought, since they assumed they had things pretty much figured out to suit their fancy anyway. His main concern was his parents. They considered Tara as another daughter and would give him plenty of hell if they thought for one minute his intentions toward her weren’t honorable. Since his intentions weren’t honorable, he had to at least pretend they were for his parents’ benefit. Then there was Delaney to consider. She definitely wouldn’t like it if she knew his plans for Tara.
He watched as she nervously bit her bottom lip before saying. “Yes, I guess you’re right. In that case, yes, I’ll go to Chase’s party with you on Sunday.”
He nodded, pleased with himself.
“It’s getting late and I’d better go.”
Her leaving wasn’t such a bad idea considering his body’s reaction to her presence. There was only so much temptation he could handle. “All right. I’ll walk you to your car.” He thought of something. “How did you get in here anyway?”
“Stone let me use his key. He told me it would be best to come in quietly through the side door and not the front so as not to disturb you.”
Thorn nodded, knowing that wasn’t the true reason Stone had told her that. He had wanted him to be surprised by her presence; he definitely had been.
They didn’t talk as he walked her to her car. A couple of times he came close to asking her to stay and let him show her around his shop. But he couldn’t do that. He had to play by the rules he had established to keep his sanity, and at the moment the temptation to bed her was too great. After she left he would spend time working out, getting his blood flowing to all the parts of his body, especially to his brain.
He had to think clearly and tread lightly with Tara. Now that she had agreed to his proposal, he had to make sure he was the one in the driver’s seat and she was only along for the ride. And in the end, he intended to give her the ride of her life.
But temptation being what it was, he couldn’t stop himself from inching closer to her as they walked toward her car, intentionally allowing his thigh and hip occasionally to brush against hers. Her sharp intake of breath at each contact sent shivers down his spine. When they did sleep together, there was no doubt in his mind they would go up in smoke. They were just that hot.
He stood back and watched her open the door to her compact sedan. She turned to him before getting inside. “Thanks for walking me to my car, Thorn.”
“Don’t mention it.” His gaze was devouring her but he couldn’t help it. He blew out a long breath before taking a step toward her. He could tell that she was ready for his kiss, and he was more than happy to oblige her. He leaned forward and placed his mouth on hers, lightly tracing the tip of his tongue along the line of her lips, repeating the gesture several times before she easily