Little White Lie Page 4

  “Oh, Jake, it’s beautiful.”

  The man working there approached. “Oh yes, he has wonderful taste. This one,” he pulled the ring out of the case. “This one is a starburst cut in the marquise shape. The band is 18k gold.” He flashed a grin. “Shall we try it on?”

  Jake overrode her protest by picking up her hand and presenting it to the man waiting with the ring. It was a bit big and when he took it off her finger, Tahnee felt like she had lost something very important.

  “I’ll have this sized for you in just a moment.” The man disappeared into the back.

  Tahnee placed her honeyed gaze on Jake. “As sweet as this is, I can’t let you do this. That ring is way too expensive for this sham. And while I’m sure whoever you end up with would love it, I doubt she is going to want a used ring, at least not one used by a fake fiancée.”

  Shaking his dark blond head he reached up and placed two fingers across her full lips. “Shush. I don’t want to hear anything like that from you. Now come here and give me a kiss.” His green eyes twinkled with good humor.

  Ignorant of the others in the store, Tahnee walked into his arms and pressed her mouth to his, thrilled by the groan he emitted as his hips involuntarily bucked against her.

  His hands were roaming over her jean-clad butt when a deep chuckle reached them. The man was back with the ring. “It pains me to interrupt,” he teased as he reached for Tahnee’s hand. “But this lovely woman’s ring is ready.” Pausing before he slid it on he warned her, “It will be a bit warm, but not hot.”

  He still didn’t slide it on; instead he looked over at Jake. “Perhaps you should put this on her.”

  Jake didn’t hesitate to take over. With the utmost care he maneuvered the ring onto her waiting finger. Once it was in the proper place, he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. “Perfect,” he voiced.

  He never left her side the rest of that day. Jake was with her when they went to the church to double-check on the preparations for the following day. His charm and wonderful manners swayed her parents’ decision to like him. The good sized rock on her finger didn’t hurt anything either.

  “I have to swing by my work for a minute,” Tahnee said as he drove them through Seattle.

  “No problem. We can grab a bite to eat if you want.” A quick glance at the clock told him it was after two.

  “Sure,” she agreed. Tahnee was ravenous and she knew it was because of the intensity that Jake took their lovemaking to. “There is a great deli next to my shop.”

  “Sounds great.” Jake smiled. Tahnee felt the tension that had filled her earlier at the church melt away at his easy consensus.

  He pulled into the public parking beneath Pike’s Market and got out first to open the door for her. “Thank you,” Tahnee said gently.

  “Want to walk or take the elevator?” His hand settled familiarly against the expanse of her back.

  “Steps. Gotta work off my ass,” she said as her gaze looked up the seven flights of steps she was about to tackle.

  “I, for one, happen to love your ass just the way it is.” His fingers grazed along the jean material holding the object in discussion. “But I am more than happy to walk behind you and stare at it.”

  Shaking her head and snorting her disbelief, Tahnee began to walk up the cement steps. As she went up the first five Jake remained stock-still and just watched the natural sway of her hips. Her stride was so instinctive to her it made it all the more attractive to him. Whatever her vibe was that she was exuding, it was running straight into his heart and entwining itself around his soul.

  As they strolled through Pike’s Market, Jake slipped his hand into the back pocket of her jeans. It was a natural act for him to do.

  “Oh, your touch is making me shiver,” Tahnee teased him as she slid her arm around his waist. Pike’s Market had never been so much fun.

  He pinched her ass through her jeans. “I’ll make you shiver all right. Now stop flaunting your temptations before I have you for lunch.”

  She rested her head against his shoulder. The skies were clear again, surely a positive sign. It was turning out to be a beautiful day. “Just keep your britches on. We’ll be at the deli soon enough.”

  Tipping his head to brush his lips over the top of her head, he whispered, “But you won’t be on that menu.”

  “Stop pouting, perhaps later, I’ll give you some dessert,” she offered suggestively.

  “Do I get to pick how my dessert is served?” he asked, pulling his hand from her pants and backing her into the wall of a shop using his large body to trap her.

  A siren’s smile crossed Tahnee’s face as she tossed her hair and stole glances at the powerful arms that acted as her barriers. “If you’re a good boy, perhaps.”

  “Give me the chance and I’ll show you just how good of a boy I can be. Well, more like a man, but you know I’ll still show you how good I can be.”

  Her eyes flashed. “With whipped cream and everything?”

  His gaze narrowed as his lower body melded against hers, pressing her more firmly into the store wall behind her. “You are making me crazy, Tahnee. Feel how much I want you. See how hard your naughty words make me.”

  Grabbing her lower lip between her straight white teeth, she blinked once, slowly, languidly before she turned her sultry gaze back to his intense one. “I want you, too.” She shook her head. “Feed me.”

  Dropping his head he gave her a quick but core-rocking kiss. “Come on then, let’s get you fed.” His body moved away from hers allowing her to get off the wall and begin walking. “Better eat hardy, ‘cause I damn well am going to make you sweat tonight.”

  “I could use a good workout,” she sassed him as she lengthened her stride.

  “Remember that,” he growled as he jogged after her.

  As they walked into the small deli, the man behind the counter looked over the glass and his weathered face broke into a huge grin. Jake recognized him as one of the men that had been with her at the bus stop the morning his life changed forever.

  “Hey Frank,” Tahnee said with a wave.

  “Hey sweetie,” he returned as he handed an order across the divider. His eyes flared with amusement as they landed on the man beside her. “Whaddaya have? Your usual?”

  “Please. I have to go next door, be right back.” Tahnee looked to the man beside her. “I’ll be right back, okay?”

  “Sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Jake asked, not wanting to be away from her.

  “I just have to check in with Anna and grab some forms. I won’t be more than five minutes.” She sent him a cheeky grin. “Don’t miss me too much.” Spinning around, Tahnee got to the door before a strong hand on her arm stopped her.

  “I already do,” Jake muttered seconds before his lips descended upon hers, claiming her before all the witnesses in the deli.

  Chapter 8

  By the time she made it back to the deli, Dallie was there with a smirk on his face as he stood behind the counter with Frank, staring at Jake. When his eyes landed on hers he raised a brow and looked pointedly at the man who waited for her.

  Lifting her lip in a silent snarl, Tahnee ignored them and walked over to Jake. “Hey,” she said.

  Standing, Jake held a chair for her and brushed a kiss along the back of her neck as she sat down. “Your friends seem mighty interested in me,” he whispered before retaking his own seat.

  Picking up her sandwich, Tahnee smiled. “I know. They remember you from the bus. They are nosy but I love them.” Taking a bite, she chewed and swallowed before adding, “I’d bet anything that Dolores shows up as well.”

  “And she is?”

  “She owns that ice cream parlor we passed to get here.”

  “I do love ice cream,” he admitted even as his eyes told her another story about what he’d like to do with it.

  Shifting on her chair, she squeezed her legs closer together to try and stop the sexual appetite growing inside her. “I see.”

&n
bsp; “You will,” he promised.

  “Tahnee, babe. Introduce me to your friend here,” Dallie interrupted.

  Jake took in the way the handsome man draped his arm so familiarly across her shoulder before leaning down and pressing his lips to her cheek. A growl formed in his chest as he fought down his instinctive reaction to pound that man in the face. A rumble of displeasure grew when she returned the kiss.

  “Jake, I’d like you to meet Dallie. Dallie, this is Jake Hutton.”

  Turning a free chair around, Dallie straddled it, bracing his arms on the back of the iron backrest. “And what are you to our Tahnee, Mr. Jake Hutton?” Dallie rolled his shoulders, showing off the muscles he had. He was in good shape and he knew it.

  “Her fiancé,” Jake bit out, seriously disgruntled at the way Dallie had cozened up to his woman.

  One brow arched in disbelief. “Really?” He reached across the table and picked up Tahnee’s left hand and expelled a low whistle at the sight of the rock on her hand. “Wow! That is a good sized rock you got there.”

  Tahnee blushed and nodded. Hating that soon she would have to explain to them it had all been a ploy for her brother’s wedding and that Jake wasn’t going to be in her life.

  “My woman deserves the best,” Jake assured him.

  “Oh, trust me,” Dallie interjected without missing a beat. “I know what she deserves. I’ve known her long enough to have determined that.”

  Jake’s green eyes narrowed. “Just how well do you know her?”

  Half of Dallie’s mouth turned up in a twisted grin. “I don’t think that’s any of your business, just how well I know her.” Dallie smirked before continuing, “She was at my union ceremony; she’s one of my best friends. I was just pickin’ on you.”

  Relief poured from his body as Jake visibly relaxed. Dallie shook his head in amusement. Tahnee had been right; Dolores showed up and joined them at the table. She only stayed for a short while, but it was long enough to extract a promise from Tahnee to stop by her shop for a visit.

  Jake was amazed at how much her friends loved and respected her. It was extremely obvious to him as he witnessed them picking on her in total good fun. She glowed with a happiness that had been nowhere near her when they spent the evening in the company of her family. Most specifically her sister and ex-fiancé.

  As they continued the fun-filled lunch, Jake couldn’t believe how Javon could be stupid enough to leave this woman for her sister. Granted he didn’t know her that well, but the vibe he got from Topaz was cold. A cold hearted bitch. Selfish, conniving, and all around duplicitous bitch.

  Sure there was a nice package, but anyone with half a brain could see what truth lay beneath the skin. Vipers may shed their skins, but they were still poisonous.

  Waving goodbye to Frank, Tahnee walked beside Jake as they headed out the door and to the right to go to the ice cream parlor. It was close to an hour later before they left that establishment. Tahnee had helped Dolores while they were there when a swarm of customers entered. Jake helped out by keeping the tables clean and the napkin dispensers filled.

  * * * * *

  Jake noticed how quickly her good cheer left the moment they made it to the dinner with her family. Her affection for her brother was obvious, but her sister…that was another story.

  Tahnee wanted to grind her fist into her sister’s face. That damn hussy had been hanging all over Jake all evening. Even Javon looked irritated. The feeling in her stomach made her want to hurl. It was the same way it happened before.

  She felt the sting of tears as she swallowed hard and walked outside to be alone. On her hand sat a ring. A ring that Jake had stood beside her and insisted she pick out. One that he slipped on her finger himself in the store. A true diamond engagement ring. And yet, the sight of her sister fawning all over him made her realize it was still nothing more than a farce.

  Leaning on the railing of the restaurant’s porch, Tahnee spun the ring on her finger. One more day and her life would be empty again. It was amazing how different her life was with a man named Jake in it.

  “What game are you playing?” Topaz’s sharp voice filtered through the calm evening.

  “What are you talking about?” I still want to beat her.

  “That man is too good for you. I want him in my bed and I am going to take him from you, just like I took Javon.” The evil tone made her shiver.

  “What did I do to you to make you hate me?” Tahnee wondered as she still looked out away from the establishment, not wanting to look at her sister.

  “That man should have a beautiful woman on his arm, not some fat cow.” Topaz spoke in a low tone, but the words were just as painful.

  “I don’t understand why you hate me,” her words were also muffled but full of pain.

  “It isn’t of consequence. Just know this. I will have that man between my thighs. I will wipe away any worthless memory he has of you.” Topaz’s voice was razor-sharp, “I hate how proud daddy is of you!”

  “That will never happen,” a masculine voice broke in. Both women turned to see Jake as he materialized out of the dark. “You see, I want nothing you have to offer, Topaz. Your sister is my everything and there is nothing anyone can do to make me change my mind.”

  Topaz narrowed her eyes. It was not in her life to be turned down. “Are you saying you aren’t attracted to me?” she purred, moving toward him with a seductive sway to her hips.

  Jake stepped beside Tahnee. His eyes moved over Topaz in a totally disinterested way. “You got that right. This woman right here makes my blood boil. And don’t ever use such words to describe her again; she is a stunning and gorgeous woman. Excuse us,” he said as he led Tahnee back into the relative darkness of the wraparound porch.

  Chapter 9

  Once they were out of sight of a fuming Topaz, Jake tipped her head up for a kiss. “Are you okay?”

  The sincerity in his voice filled her heart with hope. “I guess. I never understood why she hated me so much. Or hates, rather.” Tahnee allowed her body to sink against his hard one.

  Jake lifted her up and sat her on the wide railing. His hands moved up under her loose skirt until they settled upon her thighs. “Don’t think about her.” Those hands trailed higher.

  Tahnee whimpered. “What are you doing?”

  “Do you not know? Was I so unimpressive that you forgot already?” his deep voice teased.

  “Jake,” she moaned as his fingers slipped under the edge of her panties.

  “That’s more what I want to hear. I love how my name sounds as it rolls off that tongue of yours.” He pulled on the edge of her underwear. “Lift up. I want these off.”

  Helpless to argue, she did what he wanted. Using his shoulders for support, Tahnee lifted her butt off the railing and let him slip off her underwear. He shoved them in his pocket.

  His lips brushed hers. “Good girl.” Those hands of his moved back up under the skirt, this time teasing the wet folds that rested at the apex of her thighs.

  Stepping closer, Jake pulled her closer to him, using the extra material of her skirt to hide what his hands were doing. Moments later, Tahnee felt his thick manhood sliding inside her.

  “Jake,” she protested. “What are you doing? We can’t do this now.” Her words were jumbled as she moved her legs further apart to allow him deeper penetration.

  “I can’t help it baby. I see you and I want nothing more than to be buried deep in your lush body. You are making me into a horny old man.” He flexed his hips driving in further.

  “Jake,” she moaned, rocking back slightly so he moved within her. “How old are you?”

  “Thirty-four,” he admitted as his body pressed forward. “How old are you?”

  “Thirty,” she breathed on a groan of pleasure. “Please, more.”

  “Do you care we’re at a restaurant? Do you care that your ex is hiding in the shadows watching us?” Jake growled against her lips, he had seen Javon hiding when he had come out to confront Topaz. “
Or do you just want me?”

  Dropping her head back, Tahnee protested as he stopped moving. “I just want you, please, Jake!” Lifting her head up she leaned forward and took his lower lip in her mouth, biting on it hard enough to get his attention. “Make me come!”

  “As my queen demands.” Jake flicked her clit with his finger as he pushed into her as far as he could go.

  “Ahhh!” she cried softly as she buried her face into his shoulder. “Oh God, you make me feel so damn good.”

  “I feel it too, baby.” Jake shuddered as his orgasm took over him.

  For a moment they remained there connected where color, wealth, and creed didn’t matter. Reluctantly Jake withdrew from her warm cocoon and put himself away. Then he just pulled her into his embrace and held her. “Lord knows, I feel it too.” With a kiss to her forehead, he whispered, “Let’s go home.”

  That night as Tahnee lay sleeping in his bed, Jake stood over her. She lay on her stomach. Slight snores emitted from her as she slumbered. “I am not letting you go, Tahnee.”

  He stripped off his robe and slid into bed beside her. A grin covered his face as her body immediately molded itself to him. “Not ever.” His green eyes closed as he, too, fell asleep.

  * * * * *

  If Jake had looked good in a suit, well then he was to die for in a tuxedo. Tahnee could hardly keep from dragging him into a back room and letting him have his way with her.

  She had felt the moisture pool between her thighs as he walked out of her bedroom, dressed to the nines. It was a tuxedo that had been made specifically for him. The way the fabric was cut to lay across his broad shoulders made her want to weep.

  He had a certain flow to him, which surpassed any of her wildest expectations. He stood before her in the living room and spun around, arms out wide. “How’s this?” he questioned as he stopped for a gentle kiss.

  “Jake…you…you look amazing.”

  Taking her hand, Jake twirled her around to get a good glimpse of her dress. One inch straps seemed to barely hold up the material that was cupped around her full breasts. Her dress was rose-colored and fit her voluptuous form in a way that made his slacks tighten.