More Than One Night (10 page)

Glancing to see where Beth was, he found her at the bottom of the stairs, with Rosie’s blanket and two bottles of water in her hand.

“I was going to leave the top down, but with Rosie I figured I should put it up.” Her body was stiff, but her sea blue eyes calm.

“Down.” She stepped forward. “Since Rosie is so small, she’ll lay on her blanket at my feet and she’ll be fine.”

“Then your chariot awaits.” He swept out his hand, opened the door and bowed.

She chuckled. He loved the sound of her laughter. He had the feeling she didn’t have a lot of laughter in her life, he was going to change that too.

When she passed him, she stood on her toes and brushed a kiss across his cheek. “Thank you.”

“For what?” He wanted to know what he did so he could do it again. Anything that caused her to kiss him was worth doing again and then some.

“For understanding about Rosie. Not many men would take a dog on a date with them.”

“I’m not most men.” He cupped her chin and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

Her mouth parted for him, and he couldn’t resist deepening the kiss. She tasted of coffee and mint. He started to gather her close when a whine interrupted them.

Rosie stared at them from her seat in the car. “Sorry, girl.” He rubbed her head. “Got a little carried away with your mama.”

Jake stepped back and gestured for Beth to get in. Scooping the little dog into her hands, Beth sat down, then arranged the blanket at her feet. Rosie hopped down, did two turns and curled into a ball.

Closing the door, Jake rounded the front of the car and eased into the driver’s seat. Moments later, the powerful engine purred to life and he put the car into gear.

“Where are we going?” she asked again as he pulled away from the curb.

“It’s a surprise.” Thankfully, the fog was clearing and the sun was coming out. They would have a nice drive. Hitting the coastal highway, the ocean gleamed beneath the sunlight and his mood lightened to match the weather. He loved the coastal highway, regardless if it took more time to get where he wanted. The open road and the smell of salt air made him feel free of the city.

Rosie climbed into Beth’s lap and barked as a gull flew close to the car.

Beth laughed. “She wants to chase it.”

Jake glanced over and was arrested by the sight of Beth’s hair flying free in the wind, the sparkle in her eyes and the big grin plastered on her face. She was happy.

“Sit back and relax,” he called over the wind. “We’ll be there soon.”

“I think I will.” She wiggled down in the supple leather and leaned her head back.

And Jake couldn’t be happier.

****

Three hours later, Jake parked the car at the Carmel Valley Resort. They’d stopped several times to allow Rosie to stretch her legs, do her business and have some water. Beth hadn’t talked much on the drive, but Jake kept an eye on her. She was more relaxed then he’d ever seen her. Her gaze took in every little detail of the drive and he’d made mental notes of places to take her on their next outing.

“Mr. Masters, welcome back,” said the desk clerk. Beth stiffened beside him at the clerk’s words.

“Hello, Paul. I’m glad to be back for a leisure trip with a beautiful woman than on business and alone.” Her thoughts were so transparent sometimes, and he hoped his words put her fears to rest.

“Ma’am,” said Paul, staring at Beth and Rosie.

“I trust Rosie won’t be a problem.” Jake rubbed Rosie’s head as she lay in Beth’s arms.

“Of course not.” Paul grinned at Beth and Jake’s muscles tightened. The grin was one of a man who appreciated a beautiful woman in more ways than one. “We even have a dog sitter, if you need one, ma’am.”

“A dog sitter.” Beth laughed, and Jake’s muscles relaxed, she didn’t even realize the clerk was flirting with her. “I never realized hotels did such things.”

“Yes, ma’am, we are a full service facility.”

Jake cleared his throat and Paul jumped. “Ah yes.” The clerk turned back to him. “As you’ve requested I’ve put you in bungalow eighteen.”

“Thank you.” Jake handed the keys to his Jag to the bellman. “We’ll go get settled, the bags are in the trunk.”

“Certainly, Mr. Masters.” The bellman turned and left.

Jake cupped Beth’s elbow and led her from the lobby.

“Phew,” she said once they were outside, waving her hand in front of her face.

“What?” His gaze roamed over her face. She was so damn beautiful, it almost hurt to look at her.

“I think I caught a whiff of the ruthless businessman, Jake Masters.”

He grounded to a halt. “What are you talking about?” He took Rosie from her arms and set her on the ground, keeping her leash wound in his fingers.

“The lobby dropped fifty degrees when you talked to the poor kid behind the desk.”

“That poor kid, as you call him, was drooling all over you.”

“Nonsense.”

He shook his head. “You have no idea of what you do to men, do you?” He captured her hand and her pupils dilated when his lips caressed her skin. “You can’t walk into a room without the entire room of men noticing you.”

“You’re exaggerating.” She tugged, but he tightened his hold on her hand.

“I’m not exaggerating. The men in the bar, the men at Raven’s, every male driver who saw you today wanted to flirt with you. Don’t tell me you didn’t notice?”

Lines appeared on her forehead as she frowned. “The patrons at the bar always flirt, that comes with being a female bartender. As for everyone else, I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about. I’m nothing special.”

And she really believed that. Jake could see it in her eyes. “I plan to show you just how special you are.” Using the hand holding Rosie’s leash, he tilted her chin up and lowered his lips to hers.

Even though she stiffened, her mouth softened beneath his. Releasing her hand, he cupped her neck and slid his fingers into her hair. Rosie barked and Beth stumbled against him.

Rosie had run around their legs, tangling them together with her leash. “Rosie,” Beth cried out trying to keep her balance, and then she giggled.

Laughing, Jake unwound the leash from his fingers, giving them some slack, as he passed from hand to hand around their bodies, untangling them. Once he was done, he gazed down at Beth’s flushed face.

He wanted nothing more than to guide her into his arms and kiss her again, but he would wait. “See, just being around you makes me lose my common sense.”

Entwining their fingers, he started walking again. “Time to find our room, settle in and then we can go explore.”

“Okay.” Her voice was soft and breathless, letting Jake know she was as affected as he was by the kiss.

With light steps, they walked to their bungalow. The bellman was waiting for them. Jake opened the door and stood back so Beth could enter. She gasped and pleasure exploded inside Jake.

The curtains were open and already he could hear the roar of the ocean. This was one of the reasons he requested this room, with the ocean view.

“Thank you,” he said to the bellman, giving him a tip.

“Thank you, sir.” The man left and Jake walked over to where Beth stood at the window gazing out at the waves. Rosie at her feet.

“This is beautiful.”

“And so is the woman looking at it.”

She twisted her head, about to argue with him, but she shook her head. Turning, she walked over to the open French doors that led to the bedroom.

“There’s only one bed.”

“Yes.”

“I…” Apprehension clouded her blue eyes.

He cupped her shoulders. “No matter what happens today, sharing a bed with me is your decision. No pressure. Your decision, period. All I’m asking is you trust me to show you a special time.”

His heart stopped when she stepped away from his grasp. Then her gaze softened and she smiled. “I do trust you to take no for an answer, Jake.”

“Good.” He brushed his thumb over her cheek before releasing her. “Let’s go unpack, then go explore.”

“I’d rather explore you.”

Her words hit him with the force of a rogue wave and he gasped for air like a drowning man. He’d like nothing better than to make use of the big bed, right now, but he knew she wasn’t ready.

“God, I have no idea of why I said that.” She started to walk away.

He snagged her around the waist, bringing her up against his hard body. “You said it because you were being honest.” He lowered his forehead until it touched hers. “I’ll be honest and say there’s nothing more I’d rather be doing, than stripping every inch of clothing off of you, laying you down on that bed and loving you, my way.”

Her lips parted and her breathing became erratic. “Then let’s do it.”

He shook his head. “I won’t make the same mistake twice.” He kissed her nose. “Let me show you there is more to me than sex.”

“I…” He pressed his fingers against her lips to stop her words.

“Shh. I want us to have this day. If it ends with us together in that bed, doing some wild erotic loving to each other, that’s wonderful. If not.” He shrugged. “This is your day, Beth. I want to give it to you, okay?”

Her blue eyes filled with tears. Oh hell, the last thing he wanted to do was make her cry.

Chapter Seven

Beth fought against the tears. The freedom Jake was giving to her overwhelmed her, but it was more than that. His gentleness, his determination to make this good for her was causing the ice around her heart to melt, and fast. Jake wasn’t making sexual demands this weekend. He just wanted her company for the day. No pressure. Her dark-haired lover stood gazing at her, need in his eyes, but he wouldn’t act on it, not until she had her day of fun. She couldn’t remember a time when anyone ever asked her to be herself and spend time with them. Someone always wanted something from her and when they got it, they left.

Just seconds ago when she’d told him she’d rather explore him, she fully expected to find herself in that big bed with him. But he hadn’t taken advantage. Instead, he turned her heart to mush.

“Okay,” she whispered.

“What?”

“Okay, to the day. I want this day, too. I want to spend time with you.” Her breath hitched in her throat. She hadn’t realized how much she was looking forward to spending time with Jake. But the thought she might want more than one night with him still frightened and excited her.

“That’s wonderful.” His green eyes brightened.

“Yes, it is.” She cupped his cheek, enjoying the feel of his skin against hers. “I promised you today and I intend to deliver.”

He rested his cheek in her hand before straightening. “Let’s get the show on the road.”

He swung her into his arms and spun her around. Beth started laughing as Rose jumped and barked at them. “You too, Miss Rosie.” Releasing Beth, he leaned down and picked up Rosie’s leash before tucking her arm in his.

Fifteen minutes later, they were seated at the Carmel Coffee and Cocoa Bar in Carmel Plaza. The smell of chocolate and coffee filled the air. Since it was almost noon, people milled around the tables talking and laughing. The Plaza was like a big outdoor shopping center, complete with Saks Fifth Avenue.

“Where would you like to do first?” Jake asked.

Beth set her café mocha on the table. “Can we walk around and see the sights?”

“Good idea. Of course, we have to watch out for Miss Rosie.” He glanced to where Rosie sat outside the small restaurant watching them.

“I’m surprised they let dogs in.” Her dog was being exceptionally well behaved today. “Even if it’s an outdoor mall.”

“Carmel is very dog-friendly.” He drained his coffee. “Ready to explore and shop?”

“Sure.” She drained her cup and stood. Not that she intended to do much shopping since she needed her money for more important things, like bills. With a shake of her head, she pushed the depressing thoughts away. Today was not a day to dwell on things she couldn’t control.

After a few hours of window-shopping in the bright warm sun, Beth couldn’t believe how relaxed she was. Jake had taken her hand earlier and never let go. The simple gesture warmed her heart.

They’d stopped at a small convenience store to get some water, when Beth realized she’d forgotten her toothbrush. When she finally found one she liked, Jake refused to let her buy it. They stood in the isle arguing, until he plucked it out of her fingers and paid for it.

Outside the store she told him he didn’t need to buy it for her she had money. Jake kissed her on the nose and told her a tooth brush is a simple item and he wanted to buy her something she really needed. Beth tried to stay mad, but couldn’t. But inside, her gut clenched.

“We have to go in here,” Jake said at the next store, pulling her to the doorway of a store.

“Just a second.” She started to tie Rosie’s leash to a small tree.

“It’s okay, Rosie can come with us.” He pushed the door open and guided them into the store.

Her laughter rang out when she realized they were in a toy store. It not only catered to children but to adults as well. “So there’s still a little boy inside the man.”

He grinned and she couldn’t help but smile back. “Of course. I love my toys.” He leaned down and whispered, “If you want, I’ll show you my toys tonight and we can have fun together.”

Heat swept up her body and into her face. Oh my, she hadn’t had much experience with adult toys, nervousness swept up her spine along with excitement. “You’re a very wicked man.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” He dropped a kiss on her nose before moving away. Then Beth noticed the sign proclaiming all the toys in the shop could be gently played with.

She followed him at a more leisurely pace until he paused to stand behind a young boy sitting on the floor playing a video game. The boy looked about twelve to her.

“Hi there,” said Jake and the boy glanced up. “What are you playing?”

“City of Gold, but I can’t get past this level.” The boy sighed as “game over” came up on the screen.

The boy glanced up at Jake and asked, “Would you like to play?” He motioned to the second controller sitting on the floor.

“Yes, I would. Thanks.” Jake turned to her. “Beth?”

She shook her head. “I’m not very good at video games. Why don’t you two boys play?”