Sleepless in Manhattan (20 page)

It was something she found hard to imagine. She thought about her own mother, the laughter they shared, the love. She counted on her parents 100 percent. Yes, there were times when they drove her insane because they were so protective, but she also knew how lucky she was. Never, not once, had she ever doubted that they would be there for her.

True, Jake had Maria, but she hadn’t been able to undo the damage that had already been done.

And Paige had walked into this knowing that and knowing the rules.

Jake dragged his thumb slowly over her lower lip, and then bent to kiss her. “Wait there.”

He was back moments later, wearing jeans and a shirt.

She looked at him in surprise. “Where are you going?”

“I’m taking you home.”

“I don’t need you to take me home. There are no expectations, Jake. No responsibilities or commitments. I walk out of that door and we both go back to doing what we were doing, with whoever we want to do it with.”

His brows drew together in a frown. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It was one night. I told you I could handle it and I can. We go back to our lives. Neither of us needs to feel awkward. You can date people and I can date people. No problem.”

His frown deepened. “You’re dating someone? You’re seeing someone?” His tone was several degrees cooler, and she was surprised by the change in him until she realized he was probably thinking that she’d cheated on some guy.

“No! I’m not seeing anyone right now. You think I would have done what we did if I was? I was talking hypothetically.”

“Oh. Right.” The frown cleared. The warmth returned to his eyes and his voice. “Put your shoes on. I’m taking you home. And don’t argue.”

“I won’t argue, providing you take me on the bike.”

He shot her a look. “Paige—”

“We both know that if you were making a trip to Brooklyn at this time, you’d take the bike.”

His smile was back, that slanting, seductive smile that always left her defenseless. “That’s how we bad boys like to get around at night, but that doesn’t mean—”

“I want to go on the bike. I always have.” She picked up her bag. “And because you don’t protect me, I know you’re going to say yes. Do you have a spare helmet?”

He laughed, disappeared again and returned carrying soft leathers and a pair of boots.

“You need to wear these. If you want to ride on my bike, you’ll wear what I tell you to wear. No negotiation.”

“These won’t fit me.”

“They’ll fit and before you ask searching questions I can tell you they belonged to a niece of Maria’s who was visiting from Sicily. I showed her around.”

She dressed and they walked to the elevator together.

He took her hand. “Do you want to take the stairs?”

“No. I came up in it. I can go down in it. Does it often break?”

“Never.” He nudged her inside. “And if it does I’ll distract you with sex until it’s fixed.”

“I almost want it to break.”

He hit the button on the wall and pulled her against him, kissing her so thoroughly that she couldn’t work out whether the lurch in her stomach was due to the elevator or the skill of his mouth on hers.

When the doors opened, he released her reluctantly and led her through to the underground garage.

She was aware of every movement he made, from the long, lazy stride to the fluid way he mounted the bike.

She settled herself behind him, her view mostly obliterated by the broad planes of his shoulders and back.

The engine fired to life with a throaty growl and Paige decided there was something erotic about a motorcycle. Or maybe it was the fact that Jake was the one riding it. The raw power of the man in front of her would have made any mode of transport attractive.

She slid her arms around him and sucked in a breath as the bike roared into the night, the engine vibrating with power.

He steered skillfully through the backstreets, down to Lower Manhattan.

Her legs were pressed against the hard muscle of his, her arms locked around hard male strength.

She inhaled it all, the man, the cool night air and the smells of New York City.

All around them the streets were beginning to come to life. There were lights on in bakeries and plumes of steam rose from vents in the surrounding buildings, clouding the air.

They wound their way to the Brooklyn Bridge, connecting Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn.

Paige turned her head and looked back at the skyline glittering and twinkling like a film set.

Surely nothing compared to the magic of the Brooklyn Bridge at night?

How many lovers had walked across this bridge? How many proposals and promises had been made on this incredible feat of engineering high above the fast-flowing waters of the East River?

She felt the cool air rush past her face, watching as a new day dawned, as fingers of light fractured the dark sky.

It was a perfect moment.

She had no idea what happened next and right now she didn’t care.

She had this moment and she was going to make the most of it. Knowing that it was fleeting simply made it all the more precious.

She gave a whoop of delight and felt Jake’s answering laugh.

The bike swooped through the streets of Brooklyn, past silent parks and along darkened streets and finally drew up outside the brownstone Paige shared with her friends and her brother.

Home.

Like Cinderella after the ball.

She slid off the bike and stood on the sidewalk, breathing in the smell of summer, her stomach twisted into knots. She dragged the helmet off her head, laughter bubbling up like champagne from a freshly opened bottle.

“That was truly amazing.”

“We’ll make a bad girl of you yet.” He took the helmet from her, his fingers lingering on hers, and she swallowed, because this was it and she had no idea how to end an evening like the one they’d shared.

Goodbye
didn’t feel right.

“I’ll give you the jacket when I see you.”

He gave a brief nod. “Thank you for tonight.”

For a moment she thought he was thanking her for sex, then realized he was talking about the event.

It seemed like a lifetime ago.

The adrenaline and the thrill of it was still there somewhere, but right now it had been surpassed by the excitement of being with Jake.

“I’m glad it worked well. Eva, Frankie and I will have a meeting tomorrow and we’ll send you through a report.”

It was hard to act and sound professional when her body ached from the deep, intimate invasion of his.

His gaze met hers and she knew he was thinking the same thing.

It seemed impossible that this was it.

She wanted him to say something. Something personal. But he didn’t.

Fighting disappointment, she was about to turn away when he slid his hand behind her head and drew her mouth to his.

His kiss was fire and heat, a brief afterburn of what they’d shared earlier, and it shocked her because, had her friends or her brother chosen that moment to look out of the window, there would have been no secret to keep.

Slowly, he lifted his mouth from hers. And smiled.

That smile connected with every single part of her, melting her bones to liquid.

She kept her hand on his arm, dizzy, steadying herself. “Why did you do that?”

“Because I wanted to.” He ran his fingers across her cheek in a lingering stroke. “Paige Walker, I predict that from tomorrow your phone will be ringing nonstop. You’re going to be busy.”

“I hope so.”

Forcing herself to move, she took the steps to the front door. As she opened it she heard the throaty rumble of the engine as Jake roared away and she stood for a moment on the steps, watching and listening as the sound faded into the distance.

Happiness, she thought, felt like this. Exactly like this.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

If there’s one thing better in life than a true friend, it’s two true friends.

—Eva

“T
HIS
IS
A
celebration breakfast.” Eva put bowls and spoons in the centre of the table. “It went well! Everyone thought so. And at least six people asked for my card.”

“Me, too.” Frankie closed the book she was reading and put it down on the table. “Pass the yogurt, Ev. And while you’re in the fridge, pass me a diet cola. I’m so tired I’m thinking of drowning myself in it.”

Eva dived into the fridge and emerged with berries and yogurt. She ignored the cans of drink lined up in rows, saying, “You don’t really want that. I refuse to poison my best friend. One day I’m going to detox your fridge.”

Eva and Paige were in Frankie’s kitchen because Eva had been cooking since dawn and their own kitchen was covered in the results of her various culinary experiments.

Sunlight poured through the windows and pots of herbs clustered around the open door to the small garden. Every surface in Frankie’s small apartment was covered in plants she was propagating. They crowded the windowsills in rows and sat on the counters alongside notepads covered in Frankie’s neat handwriting.

“If even half of those people call, we’re going to be busy.” Frankie stood up and helped herself to a soda, ignoring Eva’s disapproving look. “And I love my fridge. My kitchen, my vice, my decision. You drink coffee. There’s no difference.”

“Coffee is a natural substance.”

Ignoring her, Frankie opened the can and sat down again. “I still haven’t recovered from the shock of seeing Matilda with Chase Adams.”

“They were perfect together. Cinderella and her Prince.” Dreamy, Eva reached for the food and knocked Frankie’s book off the table.

Frankie bent to retrieve it. “You never give up, do you?”

“No. Love is out there somewhere. For all of us. Even you, and—holy
crap
—” Eva snatched the book from Frankie, gazing at the photograph on the back. “This guy is smoking hot. Look at those
eyes
. Who is he? He’s a perfect romance hero. I think I’m in love.” She turned the book over and dropped it. “Ugh. Is that blood?”

With a sigh, Frankie picked it up again. “No. It’s tomato ketchup. The guy had an accident in the kitchen.”

“Sarcasm is very unattractive. I don’t know how you can read this stuff.”

“It’s called horror, and I love it. Lucas Blade knows exactly how to sneak into your mind and keep you awake at night—”

“I wouldn’t mind him keeping me awake at night, and I’m not talking about his book. Wait a minute—Lucas Blade?” Eva frowned and took the book from her. “That’s the author? The guy on the back?”

“Yes. And if you drop my book a third time I’ll eviscerate you.”

“It’s him.” Eva handed the book back triumphantly. “It’s Mitzy’s grandson! Remember I told you about him? The reclusive author. Lucas Blade.”

It was Frankie’s turn to stare. “You know Lucas Blade? Eva! He’s
huge
.”

“I told you he was well-known. I’m sure Mitzy could arrange an introduction if you’re interested.”

Frankie’s expression blanked. “No thanks. I admire his work, that’s all. Spend your day dreaming for yourself by all means, but don’t waste time dreaming for me.” She glanced at Paige. “So what time did you finally come home? We waited for you until two, and then gave up.”

“We were hoping you’d met someone to take your mind off Jake. Did you see that incredibly sexy British businessman with the wire-rimmed glasses?” Eva was wearing a shirt in a vivid shade of green teamed with a jeweled turquoise scarf. “There’s something about men in glasses. I want to rip them off and get up close so they can see me. Seriously, it makes me dangerous.”

“When are you not dangerous?” Frankie rubbed sleep out of her eyes. “Do you have to wear such bright colors so early in the morning? It’s blinding.”

“If my clothes are cheerful, I’m cheerful.”

“You’re always cheerful, even when it’s too early to be cheerful. If the world was ending, you’d still be cheerful. I’m going to dress you in black.” Frankie yawned. “Feed us, woman. It’s what you do best.”

“I am feeding you. Paige needs calories after the amount I’m betting she used up last night and this morning. And this is delicious. Try it. I included coconut.” Eva tipped homemade granola into bowls and gave Paige a knowing look. “So?”

“So, what? I love coconut. You know I do.” Paige, who’d had less than four hours sleep, should have felt like death but instead felt dizzy and energized. Her head was swirling with memories of the event, and Jake. Jake.

“I’m not asking what you think of the food, I’m asking about the man who kept you out until dawn, put that smile on your face and gave you stubble scrape on your neck.”

“What?” Paige lifted her hand to her neck. “Where?”

“You’d better wear a scarf today or you’ll be getting knowing looks.” Eva pushed the bowls toward them, along with berries and yogurt. “Eat. I’ll sit here and die of envy while you tell us everything. I want to know how many calories you used up.”

“I have no idea how many calories.”

Eva dug her spoon into her granola. “If you tell me the position, I can tell you the calories. Of course if you licked melted chocolate and whipped cream off each other’s bodies, that complicates the math. Tell me quickly, before Matt joins us.”

Paige paused with her spoon halfway to her mouth. “Why would Matt join us?”

“Because I invited him. It’s a celebration breakfast.”

Crap.

“Ev, I wish you’d—”

There was a tap on the door and Matt walked in.

Paige froze. It didn’t help telling herself she had no reason to feel guilty.

She felt guilty.

Eva deftly removed her scarf and looped it around Paige’s neck.

“This color looks good on you. Keep it on for a while. Hi, Matt.” Her voice was casual. “You’re looking exceptionally handsome today. Khakis and a button-down shirt. You’re dressed to impress, which means you’re leaving your chain saw at home and you’re off to a meeting.”

Paige fiddled with the scarf.

She was an adult with a perfect right to a sex life. So why was she afraid to tell her brother the truth?

There was a long list of reasons, but top of that list was the fact that it was unlikely to ever happen again.

“You’re perky for someone who was on her feet all night.” Matt scanned the table. “I was invited to a celebration breakfast, but I don’t see bacon. Everyone knows a celebration breakfast has to include bacon.”

Eva shuddered. “We have homemade granola and berries.”

“That’s what I was afraid of. What does a guy have to do to get red meat around here?”

“Hang out with someone who isn’t vegetarian,” Eva said tartly, and Matt grinned and helped himself to granola.

“Apart from your weird dietary habits, you’re cute. You’ll be even cuter if you have strong coffee. So how did it go?”

“We’re the talk of the town.” Eva stood up and poured coffee into a mug. “Frankie will make you bacon if you really want it.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll choke this down.” Matt picked up a spoon and dug it into the granola. “So it went well?”

“It surpassed all expectations,” Eva said. “I predict the phone is going to ring and ring.”

“Good.” Matt reached for his coffee. “Jake’s not here yet, then?”

Paige stared at him. “Why would Jake be here?”

“Because I invited him. You said it was a celebration breakfast and he was the one who gave you the business.”

Paige choked on her food and Eva poured her a glass of water.

“Are you all right? Was it the coconut?”

“I’m fine.”

Matt had invited Jake? There was no way he’d accept.

Not after what they’d done the night before.

It would be too awkward. It would be—

“Anyone home?” Jake’s voice came from the doorway. “I was invited to a celebration breakfast, but I don’t smell bacon so I’m wondering if this is the right place.”

Paige knocked a plate onto the floor and it rolled and spun to a halt at Jake’s feet.

“Well, that’s a novel way of giving me a plate.” Calm, he stooped to retrieve it, smiling at her briefly before strolling to the empty chair at the end of the table.

Paige looked at him, and then looked away again.

How could he be so
normal
?

Frankie pushed an empty mug toward him. “Coffee? Given that you’re the hero of the hour, you deserve hero treatment.”

“I heard Urban Genie was the hero of the hour.” He reached for a chunk of freshly baked bread. “This smells incredible. Did you make this, Ev?”

“It’s sourdough.”

“My favorite. And it goes perfectly with crisp bacon.”

“No chance of that around here.” Matt glanced at him. “I called you last night to see how the event went. You weren’t answering your phone. Presumably you were with a woman.”

Paige wanted to slide under the table.

This wasn’t just complicated—it was a nightmare.

How had she thought this would be easy to handle?

What was Jake going to say? Obviously he wasn’t going to admit he was with a woman, so—

“I was with a woman.” Jake smiled at Frankie as she poured coffee into his mug.

“Just the one?” Matt sounded amused. “She must have been special.”

“Yeah, she was special.”

“Hot?”

Holy crap.

“Do we need the details?” Paige was so hot she thought she was going to burn through the chair.

“She was hot. She was incredible.” Jake gave Paige a wicked smile. “Are you all right? Only you have a lot of color this morning. I hope you’re not coming down with something.”

She was going to kill him. “I’m fine.”

Matt frowned at her. “Jake’s right. You have a lot of color. You’re not getting a temperature?”

“No! I’m great. Never better. A little tired, that’s all.”

“Yeah, you were late last night. I popped down to see you to find out how it went but neither of you answered. Eva was singing in the bath. That’s probably why you didn’t hear me.”

“That’s probably why.” Paige felt weak.

“Any business from it?”

“Not yet, but give us time.” She felt hard pressure on her leg and realized it was Jake. He rubbed his calf against hers in a slow, sinuous movement that took her mind straight back to the intimacies of the night before.

Desire rushed through her and her heartbeat was so loud she wondered why they couldn’t all hear it.

What was he doing?

Matt put his coffee down. “So, tonight is movie night. I have a few friends coming over. You’re welcome to join us.”

Frankie looked interested. “What’s the movie? Kisses and romance or shoot ’em up?”

“There’s a body count.” Matt drained his coffee. “Blood and guts might be involved.”

Frankie didn’t hesitate. “I’m there. Front row seat.”

Eva shuddered. “I’m not there. One day I’m going to tie you all up and torture you with romance night. Can’t we have a chick flick marathon?”

“Not on my watch.” Matt smiled. “You coming, Jake?”

There was a long pause, and then Jake stirred.

“Not tonight. I have plans.”

Matt reached for more bread. “I’m guessing those plans are female.”

“They are.”

Paige felt a sudden stab of misery. It was one thing to know that last night had been a one-off and that he was going to date other people. Another thing entirely to hear the details. If he was seeing a woman, she didn’t want to hear about it.

Matt looked interested. “Same woman as last night?”

“That’s right.” Jake’s voice was steady. “Same woman.”

Same woman?

Paige gripped her spoon. Her gaze flickered to his but he was eating, completely relaxed, as if he hadn’t just dropped a bombshell into the middle of the kitchen table.

She stared into her bowl of granola, reexamining the words, checking she hadn’t made a mistake.

He wanted to see her again.

Happiness rushed through her, and with it a thousand questions.

Why? When had he decided it wasn’t going to be just one night?

Matt finished his breakfast and stood up. “I have to go. I have a meeting on the other side of town.” He paused at the doorway, his eyes on Paige. “Take it easy today,” he said quietly. “You had a very late night.”

“I can cope with a late night, Matt.”

“I know. But I still think you should take it easy.” He studied her for a moment. “And I agree with Ev, that scarf looks great.”

Jake drained his coffee and stood up, too. “I’ll walk with you. I need to be in early today. Thanks for the food, Ev.” He stooped to kiss Eva casually on the cheek and then strolled out of the room after Matt.

Eva slumped in her chair. “Now I’m going to have to give you my new scarf. And I might need a whole new nervous system while we’re at it. I’m not built for drama.”

“Are you kidding me?” Frankie stood up and started to clear the plates. “You invented drama. You could marry drama, have its babies—which, by the way, would be called Crisis and Panic—and live happily ever after.”

“She had a hickey on her neck! Someone had to save the day. I thought I was impressive.”

Frankie shook her head. “You hid the hickey on her neck, but you didn’t do anything about the fact her face was the color of a tomato.”

Paige stood up and loosened the scarf from her neck. “Thank you for this.”

“Keep it. It’s yours. The color really did look good on you until your face turned puce. And anyway, I can’t have it back now. I’ll always associate that scarf with stress and anxiety.” Eva pushed her back into the chair. “You’re not moving until you’ve told us all about sex with Jake.”

Paige froze. “What makes you think it was Jake?”

“Your face when Matt walked into the room and then your face again when Jake walked into the room. Then there was all that delicious innuendo from bad, bad Jake—and I need to probably tell him that if he’s going to have under-the-table foot sex, he needs to not sit next to me while he does it. Also, I heard the motorbike,” Eva confessed. “So being inquisitive by nature—”

Frankie stacked plates on the counter. “By which she means incurably nosy.”