Navy Seal's Innocent Italian (8 page)

Alex entered the limo, pleased when the dividing window slid up, leaving her alone with Jake in the backseat. She watched him as he sat across from her, staring at her with a hungry look in his eyes.

“Come here,” Jake gestured for her to sit next to him.

Alex changed seats, sitting next to him and folding her hands in her lap so she didn’t grab on to him and demand he kiss her some more.

Jake smiled at how prim and proper she sat next to him. It was obvious she was nervous, and it made him want to shock her out of her comfort zone even more. Turning in his seat, he reached an arm around her and one under her legs and lifted her to sit crosswise on his lap, “That’s better.”

Alex shrieked when Jake lifted her onto his lap, her arms automatically going around his neck for stability. “What are you doing?”

Jake settled back against the seat, pulling her with him, “Getting comfortable. Why?’

“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable without me crushing your lap?” Alex inquired, trying to hold herself upright on his lap, and not give in to the urge to lean against him.

Jake gave her a tug, pulling her off balance and causing her to fall against him. He held her tight when she attempted to right herself, and after several moments of struggle, she finally gave up and relaxed in his hold.

Alex loved the feeling of being in his arms, and when she shifted on his lap, the evidence of his desire for her met her hip and she suddenly froze. She’d never been held on a man’s lap before, so she wasn’t sure if this was a normal occurrence, or simply a result of the chemistry between them.

“Stop wiggling or you’re going to get more than you’re ready for,” Jake admonished her. His body was painfully hard and the feel of her squirming on his lap, pushing her ass into his groin
was threatening to steal what control he had left. Based upon her conversation, he’d figured out that Alex had very little experience in carnal matters, and he had promised himself to go slowly with her.

Alex heard the threat in his voice and stilled her movements. “Uhm…”

Jake placed his finger over her lips, “Don’t talk. Just let me hold you for a few minutes. I really enjoyed spending today with you.”

Alex nodded her head, “Me too.” She let her fingertips draw a pattern on the backs of his hands, “Does this always happen when two people meet?”

Jake didn’t have to ask to know she was talking about the chemistry between them, “No. It doesn’t. I’m very attracted to you, but it’s more than just a physical attraction. I really like your brain and the way we can talk to each other.”

The phone rang and Jake picked it up
. After listening for a moment, he murmured, “Very well.”

“Was that the driver?” Alex asked.

“Yes, it seems there’s been an accident up ahead and he’s going to take an alternate route back to the office building. I would love to have him drive us around all night, but then neither one of us would be ready to travel tomorrow.”

Alex snuggled into his chest, “I don’t have much to pack. Just a few clothes and my bathroom articles.”

Jake chuckled, “I can’t say the same. I’ll probably be up half the night finalizing everything.”

“But…” Alex began, only to have Jake cover her lips with his own.

“It will be all right. Give me your cell phone,” he asked, letting his lips trail across her chin.

Alex reached into her purse and withdrew the phone, handing it to him. Jake quickly entered his number and then handed her the phone back. “I’ll probably be tied up with the movers all morning. Text me when you have the flight information and I’ll meet you there.”

Alex shook her head, “There’s no need to take a taxi. When you’re ready to go, send me your address and I’ll have the driver stop and pick you up before I head to the airport.”

“Even better,” Jake answered, seeing the car pull up in front of the building. “Well, here we are. Safe and sound.”

When Alex made no move to get off his lap, he looked at her quizzically, “Alex?”

She smiled sheepishly before saying, “Sorry. I don’t want this night to end.”

Placing a kiss on her nose, he agreed, “Neither do I. There will be plenty of time for us to get to know each other better. I really want to explore whatever this is we have between us.”

“Me too. I can’t believe you’re going to Colorado as well. I feel like I’m in a dream and that I’m going to wake up and be disappointed.”

Jake knew what she was feeling and answered, “You’re not dreaming. This thing we have between us is rare and real. Trust your instincts.”

The driver opened the door, helping Alex from the car and then waiting for Jake to do the same. “Good evening,” he told them both before he re-entered the car and drove off.

Jake watched her nervously stand in front of him and pulled her against his chest, “Don’t worry. Get a good night’s sleep, and before you know it, we’ll be on a plane thirty thousand feet in the air.”

Alex leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed him full on the mouth, “You’re right. Good night.” Letting her feet touch the ground again, she headed for the office building, waving to him as she watched him climb aboard the motorcycle and take off down the street. The security guard was standing at the door, waiting for her to enter, and she quickly made her way up to the penthouse apartment.

Today had been a wonderful day, and she readied herself for bed with thoughts of the days ahead. She hoped she’d get to spend part of each of them with Jake by her side. Everything she’d learned about him today made her want to know more. His likes and dislikes. What makes him laugh and what makes him cry. She drifted off to sleep, dreaming about strong shoulders, the scent of sandalwood mixed with vanilla, and eyes that reached right into your very soul. She couldn’t wait to see what the next few days would bring.

Jake grabbed a soda from the machine in his hotel and popped the top as he waited for Shawn to pick up the phone.

“Travers?”

“Yeah. I just thought I’d let you know I’m coming into Denver tomorrow.”

“What about Marco?” Shawn asked.

“He’s looking pretty stressed out and harried. He’s staying behind to deal with some last minute business matters that came up. You wouldn’t happen to know about any of those, would you?”

“Trent. He’s made counter-offers on two of the larger deals Marco has in the works. One with a Canadian firm and the other with a firm out of Washington State.”

“I figured something was going on. Anyway, I’m coming in on his private jet with the lovely Alexandra Moretti.
”

“Moretti? That name doesn’t sound familiar. What’s her connection to Marco?”

“He’s doing her father a favor by helping her get settled in the states. Long story short, I don’t think she has any idea of what went down with Trent’s baby. And Marco doesn’t seem overly concerned with more acts of revenge. His entire focus seems to be on the business side of things.”

“That’s what Trent was hoping for. He’ll be pleased to know his tactics are working. Do you want me to pick you up at the airport?”

“Yeah. Marco’s arranging for her to stay at one of the downtown hotels, and I’ll probably stick fairly close until he heads out or she finds a place to live. Where’s Longmont from Denver?”

“About forty minutes up I-25, why?” Shawn asked, puzzled as to why Jake would need to know.

“That’s where she’s thinking of setting up residence. She’s got an offer from some non-profit that works with kids, and was told Longmont would put her between the two largest universities who have offered her research space.”

“Yeah, CSU’s up in Fort Collins – maybe another forty-five minutes from Longmont, and then there’s CU down in Boulder, maybe thirty minutes away.”

“Good. I’m having my stuff shipped out tomorrow morning, along with my bike. I’m gonna needs wheels until it arrives.”

Shawn laughed, “You want to borrow, or buy?” It was common knowledge that
Jake “Pretty Boy” Travers liked his rides. He’d spent hours fixing up his bike, and the men in his unit had teased him about spending all of his time with the bike. He’d just shrugged his shoulders and replied, “At least she doesn’t talk back, or tell me off when I don’t get something just right!”

“Buy. I’m thinking Colorado probably demands a truck of some sort. I’ll look around after I get there, but maybe you can recommend someplace.”

“I know just the place. I’ll run you by there after you get into town.  So, any idea of what time you’re coming in?”

“I’m guessing late afternoon.  The movers aren’t scheduled to be here until 10 a.m. and then I’ll have to close the bank stuff. We probably won’t be ready to leave town till after lunch.”

“Whenever is fine. Text me right before you take off.  It’s about a three hour flight. Oh, also find out which airport they’re going to use. When Marco was here before he used DIA, but my sources told me he often uses Jefferson.”

“Okay. DIA or Jefferson?  I’ll find out and let you know tomorrow.”

“So, tell me about Miss Moretti.”

“Not much to tell. She’s a musician and therapist of some sort. She seems really smart and probably works really well with kids.”

“You like her.” Shawn didn’t ask, he stated what was evident by Jake’s voice.

“How did you come up with that?” Jake asked, hoping he hadn’t let on how much with his voice.

“I can tell. I look forward to meeting her.”

“Okay.  Tell Trent that Marco is planning on coming to Colorado in a few days’ time.”

“I will. Have a good flight.”

“Thanks.” Jake disconnected the call and headed back for his rented room. He’d meet the movers at the storage facility in the morning, and maybe have a chance to find out more information about Marco before they left town.

                                                                                    *****

Marco glanced at the clock and then swore. It was already after 10 p.m. in Colorado, much too late to be placing phone calls to Brianna. He could see what Trent was trying to do, and so far, Marco had managed to put off his counter-attacks, but for how long, he wasn’t sure.

The Canadian deal was causing him the most headaches. He had the most money riding on that particular deal going through, and while they had agreed to give him two weeks to straighten things out, he’d also heard a note in their voices telling him they were going to go with the best offer.  The fact that they’d already signed intent agreements was a moot point.  In order for him to use the legal system to stake his claim, he’d had to pursue them through the Canadian court system, which could take months or even years. And cost thousands of dollars.

After his last conversation, he’d gotten the impression that the new buye
r was planning to visit the site personally within the next few days. If Trent was heading to Canada, Marco wanted to be waiting for him. He needed to speak to Brianna and find out if Trent was planning any last minute trips.

Sending her a quick text message, he was surprised when he immediately received a message back.

Trent heading to Canada day after next. You should go talk to him. B

Marco smiled, loving that he’d been right in guessing Trent’s next move. Sending a message back, he waited for a second reply.

Yes. No one going with him. Talk to him like you did me. B

Marco sent a thank you back and then headed upstairs. Brianna had just given him the opportunity he needed to get Trent where he could talk to him. He’d let her know he would be making the trip up there, and he headed off to bed feeling easier about everything that had happened. Somehow, he would have to make Trent see that he’d been wrong to blame him for Serena’s death. He’d do it. He’d be honest with him, and hopefully by the time they left Canada, the deal would be finalized, and he and Trent would no longer be at odds with one another.

After a hectic morning with the movers, Jake was actually looking forward to several hours in a plane with Alexandra. The driver showed up an hour before their flight was scheduled to depart, and unlike commercial airlines, drove them right up to the plane.

The captain welcomed them both and a very quiet and reserved stewardess provided them their drinks of choice be
fore leaving the main cabin, as well as Jake and Alex, alone.

“One could get used to this sort of luxury,” Jake told her, comparing the private jet to the standard military planes that had been his mode of travel for far too long.

Alex smiled at him and then asked, “I’ve travelled a little bit on commercial flights, and I have to agree. This is infinitely more enjoyable. The last time I flew from Paris to Milan, a young woman had a baby with her that cried the entire flight. He finally cried himself to sleep, just as the plane was about to land.”

Jake chuckled with her, “I’ve had similar experiences. So, I guess this is about a three hour flight?”

“Yes, we could watch a movie if you wanted.” Alex was suddenly nervous at the thought of having three hours to make small talk with him. When he had first climbed into the limo earlier, she had fought the urge to invite him to sit next to her.  Now that they were virtually alone, the sexual tension was on the rise and she was at a loss for how to deal with it.

Jake watched the uncertainty cross her face and placed an easygoing smile upon his face, trying to put her at ease. “A movie sounds fine.”

Alex relaxed and nodded her head, “Do you have a preference?” She opened the cabinet containing the various DVD’s, pleased that there were some English speaking videos as well as those in Italian.

“No. You choose.” Jake watched her as she considered the choices, bent slightly at the waist, her denim jeans molded to her curves and he found his eyes drawn to her hips and butt. When she
stood up, he raised his eyes to meet her own, adopting an air of innocence lest she know he was ogling her.

“How about an action film?” Alex asked, having tried to find one Jake might enjoy.

“Anything’s fine. Well, except for maybe a
Disney
cartoon. I don’t know if I could stand to watch one of those.” Jake watched her face and then laughed. “What?”

Alex couldn’t help but tease him, “Well,
Milan
is considered action, but it’s also
Disney
and a cartoon.” She watched at Jake tried to conceal his distaste for what he thought was her movie choice, laughing when he failed miserably. “I’m only teasing you. How about
Star Wars
?”

Jake nodded his head, chuckling, “For a minute there I
thought I was going to have to take evasive action.
Star Wars
is fine.”

Alex started the film and then retreated to the leather chair she had occupied before, only to be stopped before she could take her seat, “Why don’t you come over here and sit with me?”

“Said the spider to the fly,” she murmured beneath her breath as she changed direction.

“I heard that,” Jake told her with a smile.

Alex blushed, but sat down next to him, placing her hands in her lap and straightening her spine.

Jake watched the credits roll and then asked, “Is there a way to lower the lights in here?”

“Oh, I forgot. Use that remote next to you. Push the light button twice and they’ll dim, push it three times and they will completely go off.”

Jake did as she instructed, only dimming the lights for the time being. He wanted to be able to see her face. That accomplished, he settled back into the leather couch, wondering how long she was going to hold herself rigid like that.

When the movie was several minutes into the action, she still sat ramrod straight and Jake decided he’d had enough. Reaching over, he pulled her off balance, causing her to topple in his directions. He was ready for her and wrapped his arms around her, bringing her to sit right next to him, one arm around her shoulder, the other arm resting on her thigh.

He smiled when he heard he breath catch and whispered, “You okay?”

Alex nodded and then replied, “Yes. You just caught me off guard.”

“Do I make you nervous, Alexandra?” he asked, letting his hand squeeze her thigh as he turned his body slightly towards hers.

“A little bit,” she laughed. “That seems silly, doesn’t it?”

“No. It just means that you feel the attraction between us and aren’t sure what to do with it.”

“Do you?” she asked.

“Know what to do with it?” Jake asked for clarification.

Alex nodded, too embarrassed to speak.

“Yeah. But what I want to do and what you’re ready for aren’t necessarily the same thing. I don’t mind taking things slowly at first.”

“Really? You don’t want…”

“…to make love to you? More than my next breath, but I also want you to be comfortable with me when we take that step. I don’t want just a one-night stand with you. I think we could have something worth building upon.”

Jake heard himself talking and was amazed at the sincerity with which he spoke. There was something about Alex that called to him, almost like a beacon. He wanted to make her feel safe and secure, to make her happy, and to make her troubles disappear. He never wanted to be the cause of her distress or hurt.

“I’ve never met anyone like you before.” Alex looked up at him and watched his eyes darken, “I mean, I feel like I’ve known you for a while, but we just met yesterday. How is that possible?”

“I don’t know, but I feel the same way. So, here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to sit here and watch this movie, you’re going to let me play with your hair and hold your hand, and if things start to get too far out of hand, we’re going to stop.

“When we get to Denver, I’m going to take you to your hotel and then to dinner. We’re going to play each day by ear, you’re going to
do your interviews, and I’m going to meet with my friend and find a place to live. We’re going to talk often and see each other daily if possible, and when you’re ready, you’ll let me know and we’ll take things further.”

Alex listened to his speech, thinking it very sweet that he was willing to do all of that for her. But she didn’t want all of that. “What if I want to move things along faster?”

Jake watched her for a moment and then said, “Nothing’s set in stone, sweetheart. That speech was me trying to do the right thing. Looks like I missed my mark.”

“Maybe just a little bit,” Alex said. “I know what I want and right now, I really want you to kiss me.”

“Just a kiss?” Jake asked with a smile.

“For now.”

“Well, I think I can probably handle that. Come here.”