Model Attraction (8 page)

“Come on. You can help me cook.”

Okay, that wasn't what she had in mind. “Just so you know, I still can't cook.”

Austin shook his head and laughed. “Why am I not surprised?”

“In my defense, I travel more than I'm at home. So I haven't had much opportunity to learn.”

“Mmm-hmm,” he said, rinsing his hands in the kitchen sink. “If I'm not mistaken, you never had a desire to learn how.”

“I'll admit, you're right. Maybe one of these days.”

They laughed and talked as he instructed her on seasoning the chicken while he prepared the burgers. When he called earlier to ask her how she felt about them grilling outside, she had told him that she would give anything for a good, juicy burger. That was something she hadn't had in almost a year.

“I never got a chance to congratulate you on winning the bid Saturday night. I spoke to T'Keyah this afternoon.”

Austin had earned huge points with Janna when she found out that he had bidden on the item she donated to the silent auction. Then he gave the gift to the daughter of a friend.

“T'Keyah was the first person I thought of when I saw what you were offering. She has had a tough time coping with her mother's death and I thought spending time with you would be just what she needed.”

“I see you're still a sweetheart,” Janna said, popping a grape into her mouth. Austin had pulled a fruit tray out of the refrigerator.

“I don't know about all of that. I'm sure others who bid had someone special in mind, too.”

“Maybe.” Janna pushed the tray of fruit away before she filled up on grapes and cantaloupe.

“So when are you meeting with her and what do you have planned?”

Janna explained to him her desire to help young women learn the proper techniques of applying makeup. She had also arranged with Nordstrom to bring T'Keyah for a mini shopping spree. That all would take place on Friday and then Saturday morning Janna would take her to a famous hairstylist. She wanted T'Keyah to look perfect for her prom Saturday night.

Once the food was done, Janna and Austin sat on the deck, reminiscing about their high school days. She was surprised to hear how many people they knew who had moved to Atlanta from Edison. Leaving school a year early, she hadn't kept in touch with anyone. Something she regretted.

An hour later, Janna and Austin were still on the deck talking. The setting sun helped bring the temperature down but it was still fairly warm outside.

“Why don't you take a dip in the pool while I clean up?” Austin suggested and stood with their plates. At that moment, lights around the pool flickered on.

“Are you sure you don't want me to help?”

“No, I have it. Oh, and there are towels in the cabinet to the right inside the cabana.” He nodded toward the structure on the other side of the pool before disappearing into the house.

Janna stood and quickly undressed, her swimsuit beneath her clothes. She'd been eyeing the water all evening and couldn't wait to dive in. After a few laps, she hung against the edge of the pool, her body still submerged. She could get used to this. Normally her days were filled with traveling, photo shoots and attending various events. Rarely did she have a chance to just hang out and be carefree.

“I have a surprise for you,” Austin said from behind her. She turned to find a bowl with two spoons hanging out. “Do you still love ice cream?”

“Are you kidding? Of course I do.” She climbed out of the pool, not missing his appreciative perusal of her white bikini. She should've felt bad about deciding to wear it for him, but she didn't. She wanted him to notice, and by the ardent look in his eyes, she received the results she was going for.

She took a slow stroll to the cabinet holding the towels, making sure to put a little something extra in her walk. She almost smiled when he cleared his throat before claiming one of the lawn chairs.

“So what type is it?” she asked when she sat next to him.

“Butter pecan, of course.”

A smile covered her lips. “I can't believe you remembered.”

“I remember everything about you,” he said and held a spoonful of ice cream toward her.

Meeting his gaze, she opened her mouth and let him feed her. Eating ice cream and watching movies used to be their favorite pastime.
God, I've missed him.

He continued feeding her, and the romantic gesture was turning her on. No other man had ever fed her, and even if one had, somehow she knew it wouldn't have been the same.

Some ice cream missed her mouth, falling to her chin. She lifted her hand to wipe it off, but he stopped her.

“Let me.”

Instead of using the spoon, he lowered his head and his mouth touched her chin, his tongue tickling her. Heat shot through Janna's body and the erotic gesture sent warmth up her spine. It took everything within her to sit still and let him clean her up.

She swallowed hard when he lifted his head slightly, his eyes meeting hers. Without him saying a word, his lips met hers in the sweetest kiss. She whimpered when he captured her top lip and then her lower as he teased her with his gentleness. Oh, yeah, she could definitely get used to this.

He moved to her cheek and worked his way down her neck. When he made contact with the sensitive area behind her ear, she squirmed and giggled.

“I see you're still ticklish,” he mumbled against her neck, nipping and licking. She fidgeted and couldn't take it anymore.

“Okay, okay.” She laughed outright, trying to pull away from him. He had a loose grip on her and she leaped from the chair.

“Come back here. I'm not done with you yet. I think some ice cream dripped onto your shoulder.”

She laughed. “I don't think so, Mr. Reynolds.” She jumped into the pool, surprised when he jumped in after her, shoes and all. They laughed and played in the water. She loved seeing this fun, lighter side of him. So often growing up, he'd acted as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, more serious than he needed to be. She remembered his mother saying that he had always been very serious, even as a child.

He chased her in the pool, making her laugh harder. When he caught up to her, he locked her in place, his arms on each side of her. “That's better.” And his mouth covered hers again.

One of his arms went around her waist and her body molded to his. Janna looped her arms around his neck. She loved the feel of his hard body against hers. The evidence of his desire pressed against her stomach. Her heart thumped harder. His large hand covered her breasts, kneading and squeezing. His nimble fingers tweaked her nipple, eliciting a soft moan from her. Janna didn't know how much she could take. Her body was on fire.

Holding on to his neck tighter, she wrapped her legs around his waist. Now he was the one moaning as he ground against her. One of his arms held her securely around her waist as the other gripped the back of her head, deepening the kiss.

Moments later, his mouth pulled away, letting her come up for air. “God, I want you.” His husky voice turned her on even more.

Before she could respond, he angled his head and captured her lips again, devouring her mouth. She arched into him when he lowered her slightly. Rotating her hips, she loved the feel of his erection grinding against her throbbing sex. The material between them had to go. She wanted to feel him. All of him.

“So, what do we have here?”

Austin dropped her legs and leaped back like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. They both turned in the direction of a woman's voice. Janna gave her a once-over, admiring the cute strapless dress with the matching sandals. Though she had no clue who the woman was, she immediately recognized her from the photo on the mantel.

Janna's gaze bounced from her to Austin as he cursed under his breath, a pained expression darkening his features.

Yes, indeed. What do we have here?

* * *

Shocked to see Zoe standing on the side of the pool, Austin was temporarily at a loss for words. A quick glance at Janna, her eyebrows raised heavenward, and he knew he had some explaining to do, but first he had to get his body under control before climbing out of the pool. He'd gone from zero to fifty on the lust-for-Janna scale.

“Hey, Zoe. I wasn't expecting you.”

“Apparently,” she said, and Austin noticed a little attitude behind the one word.

“Janna, this is Zoe Davis. Zoe, Janna Morgan.”

“I thought I recognized you,” Zoe said to Janna. “But I'm a little surprised to see you kissing my...” Her voice trailed off and Austin felt more than saw Janna stiffen next to him.

“Your what?” Janna asked carefully.

Zoe hesitated, her gaze holding Austin's. “My...friend.”

Austin released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Janna knew nothing about his engagement—that is, his broken engagement. Considering how they were getting along and how he felt about her, it was probably a conversation he should have had sooner rather than later.

“Austin, may I speak to you inside for a moment?” Zoe nodded toward the house. “Nice meeting you, Janna,” she said before turning and walking away.

“Sorry about this,” Austin whispered to Janna. “I'll explain everything in a minute.”

“I'll be waiting.”

Austin snatched a towel from the cabinet and hurried toward the house, tempted to look back when he heard Janna climb out of the water. He had to be the lowest form of human life, wanting to get another look at her skimpy bikini while another woman waited for him inside his house.

“Well, I guess I no longer have to wonder about the woman who holds your heart,” Zoe said the moment he stepped into the kitchen. “It seems I missed a lot this week. Care to catch me up with what's been going on?”

Considering he was a man who didn't like drama and pretty much led a boring life, the past week had been anything but that.

“You deserve an explanation,” he finally said. Then again, she was his
ex
. He really didn't have to explain anything to her, but he would. They were friends long before they got engaged and he had too much respect for her not to answer any questions she might have regarding Janna.

“Give me five minutes to get out of these wet clothes and I'll explain everything.”

A short while later, he sat on the bar stool next to Zoe.

“Why don't you start with the photo I saw of the two of you earlier this week?”

Austin almost chuckled. Had it only been a week since he first ran into Janna? Or should he say, since
she
ran into him?

He told Zoe about the past week, including seeing Janna at the bakery as well as the fundraiser. Saying everything out loud, Austin was taken aback by how easy it had been for him and Janna to pick up where they left off, despite the way they had parted ways. Had someone told him a month ago that they would one day be frolicking in his pool, he wouldn't have believed them.

Silence filled the room once Austin finished telling Zoe about Janna and the role she once played in his life. He'd never intended to hurt Zoe, but talking about a past love made him realize even more how unfair it was to have proposed to any other woman. Memories of Janna had often invaded his mind, holding him back from fully giving his heart to anyone. Sharing everything with Zoe, he realized how much Janna still meant to him.

But he had no intention of risking his heart to Janna again. Yet he couldn't help but wonder if Janna had been correct in saying that it was fate that brought her back into his life.

“I don't know what to say.” Zoe stood and stepped away from the counter they were sitting at. Austin stood, too. She folded her arms, her hands moving up and down them as if trying to get warm.

“None of this was planned. I haven't seen Janna in years, and I never stepped out on you while we were together.”

“I know.” She looked up at him, tears pooling in her eyes. “I never should have agreed to marry you.”

Ouch.
Austin flinched at her words.

“I think, in the back of my mind, I always knew there was someone else.”

“There wasn't—”

“Yeah, there was. Janna might not have been around physically, but she was always in the middle of our relationship,” Zoe spat out bitterly, but she quickly harnessed her temper. So like her. Always in control of her emotions. “I'm not trying to go all clinical on you, but subconsciously you have never gotten over her. And no other woman will ever stand a chance until you either see where things end up with you and Janna, or you let her go. For good.”

What could he say? Zoe was right. Question was, was he ready to put it all on the line for another chance with Janna?

Chapter 8

J
anna stuffed her wet bikini into her bag and zipped it. Grateful that Austin had an outdoor shower and changing room near the cabana, she had taken full advantage of them after swimming a few more laps. Sitting on the deck, she placed her bare feet up on the railing and lounged, enjoying the beautiful evening. Every so often she would try to listen to see if she could hear Austin and Zoe, but Janna heard nothing. At least there wasn't any screaming and glass crashing against the walls. She didn't know who this woman was to Austin, but considering she had a key to his house and he had a photo of her on his mantel, it was safe to say she meant something to him.

“And the fact that he's left me out here for almost twenty minutes speaks volumes,” she mumbled in the stillness of the night.

She lowered her feet and slipped back into her sandals. She moseyed over to the guesthouse, which was a few yards from the cabana, hoping the door was unlocked. During dinner, Austin had mentioned that he did his woodworking there. If she knew where the heck she was beyond the suburb of Johns Creek, she'd call a cab.

Trying the handle, Janna smiled when it turned and she pushed the door open. Feeling against the wall, she searched for a light switch. She should feel guilty about invading his private space, but she didn't. As far as she was concerned, when he left her out there alone, he gave her free rein to check everything out.

After she found the switch, the room was immediately bathed in light. She stood frozen in place. This was some guesthouse. From where she stood, it looked larger than her first apartment.

She turned back and closed the door before roaming around the space. The open floor plan revealed a cute little kitchen with a long eat-at counter that overlooked the living room. If it belonged to anyone else, she would have considered the space a man cave, with the large-screen television mounted on the wall and a host of electronics in a nearby corner. The huge leather furniture took up most of the space.

Janna glanced back at the door before heading down a hallway. She passed a full bathroom but stopped at the first open door. Flipping on the light revealed Austin's workshop. As she moved farther into the room, it seemed as if he had knocked down several walls to create a massive area. Woodworking equipment, lumber and a few finished pieces filled the bulk of the space.

“I see you found my workshop.”

Janna whirled around, her heart racing. Austin was leaning against the doorjamb.

“You scared me.” Her hand rested against her chest.

“Sorry about that.”

“I hope you don't mind—” she pointed her thumb behind her “—but I decided to show myself around, since you were
occupied
.”

“I don't mind,” he said quietly, his gaze steady on her.

Janna turned away from him and continued her perusal of the space. “Bookcases, huh?” She risked touching one that was lying on two drying horses, hoping it wasn't still wet, but curious nonetheless.

Austin pushed away from the door. She had noticed right away that he had showered and changed. A vision of him wet with his visitor popped into her head, but she quickly shook the thought free. The last thing she wanted to do was imagine him with someone else.

“I started with small items like jewelry boxes, birdhouses and such. Then it was chairs and benches. Lately, it's been bookcases.” He ran his hand down the side of one that was standing upright near the back wall.

“What do you do with your finished products?”

He shrugged. “Give them away or donate them to various organizations.”

“Well, from what I see in here, if you ever decide to give up your day job, you can definitely make a living making furniture. Your pieces are beautiful. It's remarkable that you can add such details without a whole lot of equipment.”

“Thank you.” He turned to her and stuffed his hands into his pockets. Again he stared at her and she couldn't figure out what he was thinking.

“So I assume she's someone special to you,” Janna said of Zoe. He had to know she was going to ask questions.

“My ex-fiancée.”

“Fian...fiancée?” Janna stammered. She didn't know what she expected, but it wasn't that. “You have a fiancée?”

“Ex-fiancée.”

Now she was the one staring. He had always wanted to marry and have a family. But the fact that he'd been close to marrying someone other than her left her mind reeling.

He removed his hands from his pockets and rubbed the back of his neck as he approached her. Draping his long arm around her shoulders, he turned off the light in the room and guided her back to the front of the cottage-like house.

They sat on the sofa in silence until he said, “I was never really in love with her.”

She lifted an inquiring brow to him, but remained silent. He said the words as if that fact explained everything.

“We started off as friends, and though I cared for her, I was never in love with her.”

“Then why'd you ask her to marry you?”

“I
thought
I was in love...and I was ready to settle down. Or at least I figured I was. She broke off the engagement.”

“And how did you feel?”

“Zoe said I was incapable of really committing. I had asked her to marry me, but I could never agree on a wedding date. After six months of being engaged and still no date set, she told me she couldn't marry me. We recently broke up. She believed that there was something holding me back, something in my past.”

“Was she right?” Janna held her breath.

Austin slumped forward, his elbows on his thighs. He rubbed the back of his neck again as the silence between them grew.

“I denied it,” he said, staring down at the floor, “but she didn't believe me. And she was right not to.”

He glanced over his shoulder at Janna, and her heart was pounding so hard in her chest, she had no doubt that he could hear it. The love she saw brimming in his eyes showed way more than what he was saying.

“I never stopped loving you, but—and I hate to say this—I tried. God knows I tried.” He sat back on the sofa and stretched his arm behind her without touching her. “What I felt for you was so unbelievably powerful.”

Janna knew she shouldn't be doing a happy dance inside, but she was glad to hear that she wasn't the only one suffering emotionally during their years apart.

He sat back against the sofa and draped his long arm behind her.

“Not many days went by that I didn't think of you—” he ran his hands through her damp hair “—yearn for you. I couldn't seem to let my memories of you go.”

She so wanted to ask how he felt about her now, but she didn't dare. Instead she turned in her seat, propping one of her knees on the cushion when she reached for one of his hands and said the first thing that came to mind.

“Just think. Your ex-fiancée caught you frolicking in the pool with a supermodel.”

He chuckled. “Be quiet and kiss me.”

He gently yanked on her hand and pulled her into his lap. He cupped her face and lowered his head. The kiss started sweet and gentle, but the heat between them grew into a roaring fire. She felt promises of new beginnings with every nip of his teeth and every swirl of his tongue.

Emotions she had only ever felt with him came rushing back with force. Without breaking contact, she straddled him, placing one hand on the back of his head and holding him close as she ground against him. His hands lowered to her waist.

What did all of this mean as far as she and Austin were concerned? Janna knew the type of chemistry they shared didn't come along every day, and she so wanted to see where this deep attraction could take them.

She pulled back to catch her breath and Austin slipped his hand to the tail of her T-shirt, lifting the flimsy garment over her head. Janna's nerves were getting the best of her as it felt like the first time. The first time she'd made love with the man she cherished more than anything.

Austin laid her back on the double-width sofa and hovered above her, his eyes blazing with passion. She wanted him so badly she was tempted to pull him down on her and have her way with him.

“You are absolutely the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on.” His desire-laden voice washed over her like a cool breeze.

Going braless definitely made for easy access. Janna forced herself to let him get his fill of her bare breasts as his gaze raked down her body. He lowered his head and snaked his tongue out over a pert nipple and Janna practically leaped out of her skin. A wave of lust rushed through her body when he paid the same homage to the other breast. Sucking, licking—his mouth had always done wicked things to her.

When he lifted his head, she quickly helped him remove his shirt, tossing it to the side. She wanted him more than a starving woman wanted food and she couldn't wait. Her gaze took in all of him, from the way his broad shoulders tapered down to a narrow waist and his rock-hard abs. Her hands moved up the side of his smooth body and rested again on his chest, where his heart hammered a staccato beat beneath her touch.

“You're even more magnificent than I remember.” She tweaked his taut nipples, chuckling when his body jerked and he swore under his breath. He grabbed her hands and lifted them above her head, holding them in place while his mouth covered her breast. An electric current gripped her.

“Austin.” She rocked her hips beneath him, wanting to feel more of him.

Heat rushed through her veins and she knew she couldn't take much more of this seductive scene. It had been too long. Too long since a man made her body hum with need and too long since a man made her feel so desired.

Austin groaned and with a hand on her left hip halted her movements. He placed a soft kiss on her nose, on her chin and then another against her lips before he lifted himself slightly. He must have seen the question in her eyes—
Why'd you stop?
He pushed all the way up and grabbed both their shirts from the floor.

“Put it on,” he said, clearly frustrated when all she did was look at the garment. He slipped his over his head. “I want you more than I've ever wanted any woman in my life, but I don't want to rush this. I don't want us to have any regrets.”

Regrets?
Hell, the only regret she was having at the moment was the fact that he had stopped. Irritation coiled inside her gut as she jerked her shirt over her head and stuffed her arms through the sleeves. She'd suffered years of not having him in her life. There was no way she would have second thoughts about them finishing what they had started.

“I remember our first time. Do you?” he asked quietly.

Janna exhaled a small breath and glanced up, staring into his gentle eyes. A peace like she hadn't felt in years suddenly settled over her at his words. She would never in her life forget their first time. How could she? It was the single most astonishing day of her life.

“Very few women can actually say that their first time was with the man they loved. A man who made them feel like the most important person in the world. A man who took his time and worshipped her body as if she was some type of priceless gem. But I can.”

She'd been sixteen and they had been dating for a year and a half. His parents had gone away for the weekend, leaving him and his brother home alone. Austin had invited her over for brunch. He had cooked everything from pancakes to salmon croquettes, all to impress her with his culinary skills.

She smiled up at Austin and kissed him.

“I had never been so nervous in all of my life.” He chuckled. “I knew early on that you were the one for me, the one I had planned to spend the rest of my life with.”

The smile that had only moments earlier covered his mouth slipped as he lowered his eyes. Janna prayed he wouldn't bring up how she left or how she had tossed their future away.

Instead he said, “I didn't want to disappoint you, knowing it was your first time.”

Her heart melted.

“You definitely didn't. You were gentle, thoughtful, and I felt safe. Most importantly, I felt loved. Never disappointed.” If she were honest, she would have to admit that she'd wanted him to make love to her well before then. They had come close a number of times, in his car, at the park and even in his parents' den when they weren't home. But he had always put the brakes on before things went too far. Like tonight.

His smile returned. “I'm glad to hear that.” He slid his arm behind her neck and pulled her close, placing a kiss on the top of her head. “I never want to disappoint you, which is why I stopped what we were about to do.”

“I don't understand.”

“If we start this...whatever this is between us, with sex, I'm concerned it will screw any chance of us having more, and I want more. I want us to spend some time together, get to know each other again. If that's okay with you.”

She wanted to say that he could get to know her after they were reacquainted with each other's bodies, but she didn't. She hadn't been intimate with a man in almost a year, and she'd never been with anyone who meant as much to her as Austin did. She had to admit, she wanted more, too.