A Kiss for a Kiss (All In 4)

I feel like I’ve done six back-to-back Pilates workouts. There’s a very good chance I’ve lost five pounds this weekend.

Jake sets a plate of bacon, eggs, and homemade hash browns onto the table and takes the seat catty-corner to me.

“How are you feeling about going home?” he asks.

“Eh, going to work on Monday morning is pretty weak in comparison to a wedding and a weekend of hot sex.”

He grins. “You are definitely fun in bed.”

“So are you.” His sexual appetite is voracious, his prowess unmatched. “I can’t even fathom what your stamina must have been like two decades ago.”

His grin drops and he leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “What does that mean?”

I cover my mouth and laugh, then set my fork down and push my chair back. He glares at me, clearly unimpressed with my comment. I imagine being over forty and feeling like one’s virility is in question could easily sour a mood.

I shimmy my way onto his lap. I’m fairly tall, and I have hips, and curves, but Jake somehow manages to make me feel petite with his broad shoulders and defined muscles. His eyes are narrowed, and his jaw is set. The only time I’ve seen Jake lose his cool is when his players aren’t performing the way they’re capable of—namely starting fights on the ice instead of staying focused on the game. It’s pretty sexy. And I find irritated, unimpressed Jake is rather appealing.

“Look at how angry you are.”

“I’m not angry.” He stares at me through dark, hooded eyes.

“Hmm.” I trace the shell of his ear. “I had to take Tylenol this morning because my entire body aches. And do you know why that is?”

He cocks a brow and his gaze heats. “Because you had me turn you into a human pretzel last night?”

“Well, yes.” I can feel my cheeks heat at the memory. I don’t know what got into me last night—other than I haven’t been that ramped up…in…well…I guess the last time we spent a weekend together. “But also because you’re an animal between the sheets. Which is a compliment, by the way. I’m not sure if I should be jealous or feel sorry for the women you dated in your twenties.”

“There weren’t a lot of opportunities for dating during that decade of my life.”

“Mm.” I run my fingers through his hair. “So making up for missed opportunities then?”

He shrugs and grins. “Or maybe you bring out my wild side.” He laces our fingers together. “What do you think the chances are of you coming out this way for another visit in the next few weeks?”

This is the conversation I’ve been avoiding. The one I can’t put off any longer. And probably the reason I was so voracious this weekend, knowing that it was going to be the last time. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Jake.”

He drops his head, eyes on our twined fingers. “I think another weekend with you in my bed is a great idea.”

I settle my palm against his cheek and wait until his gaze lifts to mine again. “I like you, Jake.” Maybe a little too much. “And this chemistry has been so much fun to explore. But the wedding night was a close call. And I know we’re adults and we can do whatever we want, but our kids are married now, and I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to keep doing this.” My chest aches as disappointment settles behind his eyes. “Ryan and I have finally gotten to a good place again in our relationship, and I can’t jeopardize that. And I can’t lie to him, which is exactly what I’ve been doing and what I’d have to keep doing if I started flying out here to see you. I can’t come to Seattle and not spend time with Ryan, and more than that, I don’t want to hide things from him. He’s had secrets kept from him his entire life, and I don’t want to do that to him again. I can’t. My life is in Tennessee, and yours is here. I think we need to stop before it gets more complicated than it already is.” And based on the way my heart clenches, I know this is exactly the right thing to do. I’m getting too attached, and someone is going to get hurt if we keep going the way we are.

He gives me a small smile. “I understand. And you’re right, about all of it.” His fingers drift up and down my arm. “I’m just being greedy.”

“If things were different—”

“—but they aren’t,” he finishes for me.

I shake my head.

His gaze moves past me to the clock on the stove. His palms smooth down my back. “Can I take you to bed one last time before I drive you to the airport?”