And in that moment, he realized just how very much he longed to be in her bed again. And again.
That second again being the operative word. If he moved too fast now, this could well be his only time with her. And once would definitely not be enough. He’d learned that long ago from a weekend that had tormented him for over a decade. He needed to be smarter this time.
With more than a little regret, he eased away, stroking his hands along her shoulders. “Glenna, continuing is not a smart idea.”
“So you keep saying.” Her breath caressed his face. Her own voice was ragged as she looked at him through her lashes. “You know how much I want you.”
“Is that a proposition?” He stared deep into her eyes, a moment too long—just in time to feel more awareness pass between them.
“I’ll let you know.” She leaned in so close her lips feathered against his ear.
“Glenna, as much as I would like to continue this, it’s too soon for both of us.” He allowed himself one final stroke of her shoulders and a kiss on the tip of her damp nose. “Good night.”
Easing away from her was no easy task, but he knew the time wasn’t right. Not yet. With an extra dose of that regret charging through him, Broderick hefted himself from the water. And hell, yes, he welcomed that bracing cold wind whipping across the bay.
* * *
Jeannie Mikkelson didn’t doubt her course. She’d been a businesswoman and a mother long enough to know her mind.
But she still found herself reeling from the impact of her feelings for Jack. A man she’d known for decades, only to suddenly find herself falling head over heels, passionately in love with him. How strange to fall for someone at first sight even when you already knew him. But that’s what it had felt like. Seeing him with fresh eyes that day at the conference.
Now, stretched out on a leather sofa with him in his bedroom suite, the fireplace crackling, she was a part of his life, just as he was a part of hers. Not just dating or sex. Their daily routines were blending now that their romance was out in the open.
She looked at the remains of the simple dinner they’d shared, the tray on the coffee table. She knew well not to take the simple pleasures of life for granted.
If only others could understand that. “How can our children have so much in common and still be ready to knife each other in the nearest dark alley?”
His dry chuckle rumbled against her. “Might have something to do with the Hatfields and McCoys upbringing we gave them.”
“You and Mary bad-mouthed the Mikkelsons?” She glanced at him, tracing his bristly mustache. Gracious, he was handsome, in a tall, dark and weathered way that launched flurries in her stomach. “I’m astounded.”
Laughing, he nipped her finger. “Not Mary, but I may well have shouted my frustration at the Mikkelsons over dinner.”
“Why does that not surprise me?” She settled against his side, his arms warm and solid around her. “I guess we’re reaping what we’ve sown.”
“There’s truth in that, I believe, but I also feel they’re adults living their lives and we should be able to live ours.”
Jeannie admired Jack’s steadfast spirit, but wondered if they were being too rigid in their approach. “I don’t mind being accommodating and reaching out.”
“They’re not babies to be coddled anymore. And this is about the business, as well. They can get on board or not.”
There was no mistaking the steel resolve in his voice. He was aptly named.
“Jack, we can compromise with them.”
“Bargain from a position of weakness?”
She turned to face him, resting her palms on his broad, flannel-covered chest. “We’re talking about our family. That’s much more important than the business.”
“Once the kids realize that, they’ll be fine.” He clasped her hands and kissed the top of each. “But until then, someone’s always going to feel they got out maneuvered by a new stepsibling. And we can’t negotiate that. They need to figure it out on their own.”
She could see his point. If only she could be sure he was right. “I just wish I knew your children better so I could gauge the dynamics.”
He shifted his mouth to kiss her ring finger. “We need to go shopping for an engagement ring.”
“I just want a band.”
His mustache tickled her skin as he smiled. “Your feelings are heard, and I want to buy you an engagement ring.”
Lord, he was stubborn. So was she. “Can you donate the money to charity instead?”
“I can do both.”
Shaking her head, she eased her hands free and cupped his face. “You’re a tough negotiator, Jack Steele.”