As if she was trying to live an entire life in these few crazy moments.
He drove her up, higher, faster. The room around them blurred, lightning cracked and they flew together through the eye of the storm.
Olivia collapsed against the table, its glass surface cool against her damp back. Jett’s body on hers was a still-unfamiliar and exciting weight, their sweat-slicked skin fused together in interesting places. She wondered if she’d find the strength to move before breakfast arrived.
He peeled himself off her, the sticky pull bringing a smile to her numb lips. He didn’t speak when he lifted her off the table except to order her to ‘Stay there,’ and disappeared into the bathroom.
She picked the silk shirt up off the floor, brought it to her nose. His musky scent mingled with her own. No reminders.
She set it atop his packed bag, her mind still spinning, her legs still shaking. Who’d have thought sex could be like this? Not only the physical experience but the—she searched for a word—connection.
Had her life been different and if she hadn’t applied her days and nights to the challenges of study and founding Snowflake with such dedication, maybe she’d have had more opportunities like this one.
But it would have been a waste. Because no one would ever do it for her like Jett.
No reminders? Huh. Maybe not tangible mementos but the memories were going to live on for a very long time. She was so going to pay for this one night.
Jett appeared, still bare-chested and holding the fluffy robe he’d mentioned. He didn’t come close and slip it around her shoulders as she half expected and fully hoped, but held it out at arm’s length. His eyes were dark and unreadable, giving her no clue how he felt. ‘You okay?’
‘Yes.’ She took it from his hands. It’s over, Olivia. Pull yourself together and smile.
It was a waste of a smile because she watched him shut his laptop, stow it in a briefcase beside his luggage. Not looking at her. All cool business. As if they hadn’t just had wild animal sex on the table.
‘Breakfast’s late,’ he muttered. As if he was in a hurry to get going and its tardy delivery was holding him up.
‘Just as well, don’t you think?’
She didn’t know if he even heard. He seemed preoccupied. Almost on autopilot he reached down and swiped up the cotton shirt he’d whipped off earlier in his frenzy to have her and began undoing the buttons.
Desperation seized her. She wanted him to answer her, to notice her. To look at her the way he’d looked at her moments ago. ‘Thanks for that,’ she said, faking casual, glancing at the table still smeared with their skin prints.
No response.
‘With everything so busy, who knows when I’ll get lucky again.’
That got his attention.
What the...? Jett’s gaze snapped to Olivia as she pulled the robe’s tie firmly at her waist, swamping her in white terry towelling. He took a moment to process her words. Before he could draw breath, she beat him to it.
‘Careful what you say, Jett, your sexist streak isn’t going to impress me.’
He frowned, dumbfounded with the strange look in her eyes and her throwaway attitude. Getting lucky. He’d used the words himself more times than he could count. Some deep-down, primitive possessive part of him wanted to roar. He bunched the shirt in his fists before tossing it onto the sofa. ‘Nothing to say.’ Except, ‘Just don’t let anyone take advantage of you.’
Because he knew she was inexperienced and vulnerable and he couldn’t stomach the idea of another Jason using her for all the wrong reasons.
‘I’ve been practically celibate for twenty-six years—you don’t think I know how to say no?’ She pointed an accusing finger in his direction. ‘Has it occurred to you that you took advantage on Christmas Eve? If Brie hadn’t rung when she did... Think about it.’
‘You’d have said yes.’
She rolled her eyes. ‘Re-a-lly.’
‘You wouldn’t have been able to stop yourself.’
‘Right,’ she scoffed.
‘Because we’re good together, dammit. And you know it. You let me take advantage. You were begging me to take advantage.’
She shook her head. He watched her pace away and wanted to take her in his arms and hold her close and... And what? For God’s sake. He drew in a slow, deep breath and somehow reined in his frustration.
‘Okay, I admit it,’ she said. ‘You were different—are different. When I saw you I’d never felt that way before. Like I was shivery and melty at the same time. Like I was in a storm at sea with a broken mast.
‘But none of that matters because I’ve no intention of having sex with you again, Jett. Next time we meet it’ll be as friends. When Brie’s there. Because one thing I sincerely hope is that this thing between us won’t spoil what you and Brie have—family.’