“For what?” Audra dried her hands on a kitchen towel.
She’d changed into a vivid orange T-shirt and warm purple shorts after their jog. When she returned to L.A. in two weeks, he’d miss the color she’d brought into his life. He’d have to soak it in while she was here.
“For helping me talk about Zoey.” Jack turned away from her soft champagne eyes. “I’m still not comfortable talking about my feelings, but it’s easier now than it’s ever been.”
“I’m glad.” Audra laid her hand on his shoulder. “I’d love to hear more about her, whenever you’re ready.”
Jack’s skin warmed under Audra’s touch. “What about you?”
“What do you mean?” She let her hand drop.
Jack resisted the urge to put her hand back. “Is there anything you’d like to share with me?”
“Like what?”
Jack held her gaze. “Wendell.”
“I’ve told you all there is to say about him.”
“Would you take him back?”
“He’s with someone else, Jack.” She turned away from him and left the kitchen. “Do you honestly think I’d have a relationship with him when he’s engaged to a woman who’s having his baby?”
That wasn’t an answer. “Some people wouldn’t let that stop them.” Kerry hadn’t.
“I’m not one of those people.” Audra curled up on the sofa. “Wendell’s pregnant fiancée isn’t the only reason I ended our relationship. I realized he was only dating me for my industry connections. He never cared about me.”
Jack sat beside her. “If he doesn’t care about you, why is he still calling you?”
She pulled on her right earlobe. “He probably wants my help with some other scheme.”
“Would you take him back?” Jack wanted a straight answer.
“No. I don’t want anything to do with him ever again.”
His muscles relaxed. “Good.”
“Why is that good?”
“Because the idea of you reuniting with him makes me want to throw up.” What had made him say those words out loud? Maybe getting in touch with his feelings hadn’t been a good idea. For the first time in his life, he felt as though he’d said too much.
Audra’s eyes widened. She searched his face. “We’re not supposed to get attached, remember? This is only a summer romance.” Her voice was soft, uncertain.
But Jack had come too far to back off now. He drew a finger down her arm. “Whatever the season, as long as we’re together, I want to be the only man on your mind.”
Jack leaned in and took her lips with his. His heart kicked when her body softened against him. He drew her onto his lap and deepened the kiss, pushing his tongue past her lips. He tasted her sigh as she let him in. Jack explored her mouth, stroking her tongue with his.
He’d told her the truth when he said he wanted to be the only man on her mind. He hadn’t realized he’d felt that way until the words had fallen from his tongue. But ever since she’d sashayed into his life, wearing only a black plastic trash bag, Audra Lane had been the only woman on his mind.
With his hands, Jack feathered the soft curve of Audra’s cheek, traced the graceful lines of her back. He loved the silken texture of her bare arms. If they were to have only these few short weeks, he wanted to know her everywhere. He needed to imprint her touch, taste, and scent on his mind to get through the long, lonely nights without her.
Audra’s slender arms wrapped around his shoulders. Jack broke their kiss and pressed his face into the curve of her neck. He breathed deeply, filling his lungs with her scent, soft and sweet. It brought images to mind of the time they’d spent together: fishing, hiking, dancing, loving. His body throbbed. His muscles tightened. Just for now. Just for the summer. He’d have to make these memories last.
He stroked his tongue over the long, delicate arch of her neck. Jack felt a flare of possession as Audra trembled in his embrace.
“I love the way you feel.”
“I love what you do to me. You cast a spell on me.” Audra’s words were breathless.