Just Trust (The Reluctant Heart Book 2) Read online

  “I mean now. Paris, or Dubai, or—”

  “Now? You mean right now? This very moment?” she said, thinking that maybe it was her who couldn’t hear correctly.

  “Not all of them, but we could do a quick trip to one. You have a few days off. Why not do something you dream of doing?” he suggested.

  She chuckled. “I said I’d like to go, never said I dream about it. Actually, I’m not a huge dreamer.” She wanted to get back to talking about him. “How about you? What do you dream of?” If she had to guess, it probably was the next big business deal. At least that seemed to be what she always heard him talking about on the phone when they were together.

  He gave her a sideward glance, then quickly his eyes were back on the busy traffic. “My last dream?”

  “Sure, we’ll go with that.” Anything he was willing to share with her was better than nothing.

  “You took me back to the lake. Not a cloud in the sky. The stars were amazingly bright as we made love in the back of your Ford truck. By the way, I think the bed of your truck is even bigger than the bed in your house,” he stated.

  “Jerry, I was serious,” she stated firmly.

  “So am I. You need a bigger bed. I always feel like I’m going to fall off if I roll over.”

  “That just means we have to spoon all night long. See the benefits of a smaller bed?” she joked.

  “You make a good argument, but tonight, we sleep in my king-size bed. Think of all the fun new positions we can try without having to put a foot on the floor, or hold on to the bedpost,” he replied.

  She definitely liked the one they’d tried last night. Like having my cake and eating it too. They were very sexually compatible, but what she was trying to do was learn if they had more than that. He had come down to check on her. That said it wasn’t just sex. And he brought her to California to check on Brenda. Yet he referred to her as his friend, not girlfriend. You are one hard-to-read man, Jerry Heart.

  “How about another dream? One maybe pertaining to life,” she said.

  “Sex is part of life.”

  With a huff she said, “You know damn well what I mean. Like, do you see yourself living in Boston all your life? How about marriage or children or—”

  “Wow. I think those are enough for me to answer for now. As far as Boston, I live here because it is convenient. Could I move? Most definitely. Live in the country? Not for any length of time. Great for visiting, but too quiet, too far from what I enjoy doing.”

  “Okay, hold it there. What do you like to do?” She would move on to the other questions after she got the answers to this one.

  “You’re full of questions tonight,” he said.

  “Hopefully you’re full of answers,” she smiled.

  He nodded. “I wish I had a good comeback. I don’t. I like to travel, but usually did so alone. My time out would be at a bar with my brothers, or dinner with a…”

  “I can fill in that blank. Okay, so what else do you like to do?”

  “Skydiving, racecar driving, swimming, boating, boxing—”

  “Boxing?” She looked at his face, having a hard time believing that one. “Your nose is perfectly straight.”

  He laughed. “My opponent’s wasn’t.”

  “That does explain why you’re so fast at ducking when I throw the pillow at you. I’ll have to keep that in mind next time.” She winked at him and added, “And trust me, there will be one too. Because if you haven’t noticed, you like to tease me a lot.”

  “I wouldn’t say a lot. Maybe just enough,” he grinned. “And for the record, you give it back twice as good as you get it.”

  Biting her bottom lip, she teased, “Are we still talking about teasing or something…else now?”

  “Oh, that too. No woman has made my toes curl. But when you wrap your tongue around me and….” He moaned and added, “you give me the sweetest torture. But then again, we weren’t supposed to be talking about…sex.”

  She blushed. When they made love, it was beyond anything she could describe. But so were the times when they just laid in bed laughing about the silliest things. Reanna was…comfortable with Jerry. But as they stopped in front of one of the taller buildings, she had a feeling that wasn’t going to be the case tonight. At home she could fall asleep easily, but sleeping out was a different case.

  “That’s right. We are trying to get to know each other.”

  “Okay. Any other questions before we go upstairs?” he asked.

  She wanted to ask again about marriage and children, but not wanting the answer to be brief, she said, “I’ll save those for tomorrow.”

  He got out of the car and came around to open her door. As they went inside, he handed his keys to a man at the door.

  “Good evening, Mr. Heart. What time would you like us to have the car ready for you?” he asked.

  Jerry answered him. “We’ll be in for the night.”

  Was it her imagination, or did the man look surprised by Jerry’s comment? As they walked to the elevator she asked, “Don’t have much company?” She hoped she hadn’t overstepped. It really wasn’t any of her business.

  The doors opened, they got inside, and once they closed, he answered her. “I have never had a woman spend the night. Don’t misunderstand, they have been here, but never stayed.”

  I’m the first. Her heart raced. No matter what else they had discussed earlier nothing spoke louder than this. She knew she wasn’t like the other women he’d dated, but this was a significant revelation. She was special. But how special? You like me? Or do you love me?

  There were butterflies in her stomach as they rode the elevator up to the top. I already know I’m falling in love with you. Those words were going to be kept to herself. If they were ever said, it would have to come from Jerry first. And if he never says them, then he’ll never know how I really feel.

  Reanna never had been afraid of being rejected before. Then again, no one had ever meant as much to her. It scared her. Jerry had the power to hurt her or make her the happiest woman alive. But as far as she could tell, he wasn’t the settling-down type. I might be the first overnight guest, but I’m sure there have been many visitors here before.

  Why should she believe that she’d be the last? Just because you dream it doesn’t mean it comes true.

  When he’d invited Reanna to stay with him for a few days, he hadn’t thought about what it implied. There was a new intimacy between them that hadn’t been there before. He could’ve lied to her about the doorman’s reaction, but he wanted her to know the truth.

  It might have been unpleasant to hear, that he’d bedded a lot of women, but hopefully she heard the important part. That you’re not like any of the others.

  He wanted to prove that to her, and he knew it couldn’t be done through sex. Although he did seem to bring her to new heights that were matched by his own, she deserved to know their connection wasn’t just physical.

  Instead of the Jacuzzi like he’d promised, he did yet another thing he’d never done before. He’d sent a text message to Kenneth and Shanda inviting them over. Hopefully Reanna wasn’t going to be disappointed when they showed up.

  Jerry had already informed the doorman to expect them. This meant they’d be admitted onto the elevator without needing to be buzzed in.

  He looked at Reanna who was sitting on the couch, legs crossed, and looking like she was in heaven as she picked up the last of her fried clams and popped it into her mouth.

  Moaning, she said, “That was…delicious. And I thought Rhode Island had the best seafood. There’s just one thing missing.”

  Jerry knew by now what that was. “It’s being delivered. Should be here any minute.” He’d requested that his brother bring over dessert. As far as he knew, Kenneth also wasn’t a sweet-eater, but he had total faith that Shanda was.

  “When did you order it?” she asked.

  “When you were outside trying to talk me into eating while in the Jacuzzi,” he said.

  “Ma
ybe we can do that with dessert?” she asked.

  He wasn’t planning on getting that cozy until they left. Jerry looked at his watch and wondered where the hell Kenneth was. But as he pulled out his cell to check, he heard the knock on the door. “That must be dessert.”

  Before he could get up to answer, she had already bolted off the couch and grabbed her purse. “I got this. You sit and relax.” With a wink she added, “You’re going to need your energy later.”

  He saw her pull a twenty out of her purse and go to the door. It was thoughtful of her. She wasn’t one to let him take care of her all the time. Reanna wanted to be equals, give as much as she took. But I want to give you everything and more. But the more I try, the more I fear you’ll run.

  Jerry waited, watching her closely as she opened the door with the money in her outstretched hand.

  He could hear Kenneth. “No need to pay us to hang out with you.”

  Reanna said, “I’m sorry. I thought you were delivering dessert.”

  They stepped inside and Shanda said, “Bringing it is more like it. Hopefully it is in one piece too. Kenneth hit the brakes too hard and the box almost slid off my lap.” She rose up a big white box and said, “Hope strawberry shortcake works for everyone.”

  Jerry had no preference, but knew Reanna loved anything chocolate. Reanna smiled and said, “If it’s got sugar, I’ll eat it.”

  “Excellent. So, what else is on the agenda? Games? Movies? Talk wedding?” Shanda asked.

  Jerry and Reanna both said, “No!”

  Shanda chuckled. “I was only joking. Tonight is not business; it’s all about having fun. I even brought an adult board game. We’re about to find out who has the dirtiest mind.”

  Jerry and Reanna pointed at each other and burst out laughing. “Hope we are going to play partners, because I think we can take them,” Jerry said to Reanna.

  Shanda smiled. “We are playing partners. Girls against guys. And just so you know, we’re going to kick some Heart ass tonight.”

  “Honey, it’s a board game,” Kenneth said.

  “Might as well learn now, we gals from Hope Valley are competitive,” Shanda replied. “Aren’t we Reanna?”

  “Never backed down from a challenge yet,’ she replied.

  Kenneth laughed. “You should’ve with that cow. That was hilarious.”

  Reanna gave him a warning glare. “You just sealed your fate. Any chance of winning is gone. How about we have cake first and play the game after?”

  Jerry laughed. “Watch out Kenneth. Wait till you see her on the sugar high. You just put a target on both of our backs.” He leaned over, wrapped an arm around Reanna’s waist, and pulled her closer to him. “But don’t worry, I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well.” He claimed her lips, kissing her passionately. When he broke their embrace, he grabbed the box and asked, “Cake anyone?”

  He saw Reanna standing there dazed before he headed for the kitchen. We’ll see who wins this game. A Heart thrives best when challenged. When he had the chance, he was going to up the stakes with a side bet with Reanna. He was going to make sure it was something she couldn’t refuse. Only works if she brought her handcuffs.

  Chapter Eleven

  “I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Reanna said. “If I get caught, it’s going to be my job.”

  Jerry lifted her T-shirt over her head. “A bet is a bet. I’m just paying up.”

  “You were so arrogant making that bet. I thought for sure you’d win.”

  I did. I’m making love to you in the back of your pickup truck under the stars. Jerry unbuttoned her shorts and slid them down. “A bet is a bet.” Then he reached out, unhooked her bra, and took it off as well. “What would you think of me if I pay up on a bet?”

  She giggled. “No different than I do with you throwing a game.” He looked in her eyes and she added, “Trust me Jerry. I might not know everything about you, but I know damn well that was too easy.”

  “Don’t tell Kenneth. I think he’s still pouting about it,” he said.

  “Our little secret,” she said as she reached out and helped him out of his clothes.

  He laid her gently on the quilt that covered the hard surface of the truck bed. He could feel the grooves even through the blanket. “Honey, what the hell are we doing? You can’t be comfortable.”

  She smiled up at him and said, “Kiss me until I don’t feel anything but you.”

  That was a request he was eager to fill. Jerry climbed on top of her, covering her body with his. Her taut nipples begged him to take them into his mouth. Lowering his head, he kissed, tugged, and nipped the first one. Her moans echoed in the night air. His tongue twirled around her nipple before he sucked it again. Arching her back, she offered him to take more.

  “Jerry, I want . . .” was followed by an even deeper moan. She was making it difficult to refuse her request, but he did. “Jerry, please.” She tangled her fingers in his hair and moaned even louder.

  Although Jerry didn’t want anyone or anything sneaking up on them, he also wasn’t about to rush this. They’d shared a lot of firsts, and this was going to be added to the list.

  Ignoring her pleas, he continued to flick with his tongue or nip with his teeth until he needed to taste more of her. His mouth inched lower, crossing over her abdomen, and stopped when he was nestled between her legs. He blew on her and he felt a shudder run through her.

  “Jerry,” she moaned.

  “Yes, honey. Give me what I want. What we both want.” His words were muffled by her soft, sweet-tasting flesh.

  She wiggled her hips beneath him and parted her legs even farther. Jerry wasn’t about to deny her. He reached between her legs and slipped a finger inside her while his tongue circled her swollen clit. He slowly circled and sucked it, bringing her even higher.

  “I…I…oh…Jerry, I...” She responded so softly, he barely heard her. But her body was telling him everything he needed to know. Her body trembled as he blew on her intimately. Jerry slipped one finger in and out of her, never breaking the rhythm. She growled out his name, “Jerry.”

  She moaned and opened her legs even wider. His tongue darted out and licked again and again. He circled her clit, teasing, then sucking again, causing her to tremble even more. Yes. Let me show you what you mean to me.

  He wasn’t prepared to voice his words, but he wanted to love her in every other way. She was so close, and he wanted to feel her explode around his fingers. Entering her deeply, he fingered her G-spot while continuing to lick and suck her clit.

  She cried out his name in pleasure.

  Jerry increased his onslaught and entered her faster and deeper with his finger until he felt her losing control and her body jerk. As her core clenched around his fingers in release, she screamed out, “Yes! Jerry.” Her fingernails dug into his shoulders, then dropped to her side as she gasped for breath.

  He left her only long enough to grab a foil pack and sheath himself. When he returned to her, he said, “Roll over honey.” She did and he had her up on her knees, her back to him. Jerry positioned himself between her legs. He gripped his cock and with tip he stroked her until she shuddered.

  His cock was so hard from holding back, it ached. He needed to be inside of her. Reanna bent over, and Jerry grabbed her hips, sliding his cock deep within her. He started slowly, but quickly began thrusting deep inside her, again and again.

  He moved faster and deeper, his rhythm taking on a force of its own. Reanna grabbed the blanket and her body shook, as she released on him. Yes. Fuck, yes.

  He continued to plunge into her until his body exploded. It was so powerful that he could barely breathe. Even his hands trembled as he gripped her ass. Fuck. Yes.

  Never before had he lost himself in anyone like this. Each time was like the first, but the passion was growing, the need becoming more urgent. And the emotions tied to it all, almost overwhelming.

  He collapsed on the bed of the truck, and then pulled Reanna to lie on top of him, so he co
uld be her cushion. As she lay there, he stroked her long brown hair, not saying anything.

  Reanna lifted her head to look down at him. “What are you thinking?”

  That I love you.

  “I need to get a truck,” he responded softly.

  She giggled. “I suggest a Ford.”

  “You definitely sold me on this one,” he said.

  “It can be yours if the price is right,” she joked. “Actually, I don’t think I can part with her. We’ve been through a lot. Guess you’ll have to get your own Ford.”

  “You’ll have to come truck shopping with me,” he said.

  “I wonder if they’ll let us test drive them all,” she said.

  He pulled her closer and said, “How is it that you even make car shopping appealing?”

  She smiled. “Just remember, this wasn’t my dream, it was yours.”

  “Not yet. But it’s getting there.” He reached for the blanket to wrap it around them. “Now, let’s find the shooting stars you told me about. I have a few wishes I’d like to come true. How about you?”

  She laid her head on his should and said, “Mine already has.”

  Could she see herself with him long-term? Was it possible for them to take it to the next level? They hadn’t put a label on this yet, and he wasn’t sure they needed it. There was only one thing he needed to know. Does she love me too? He wished it was as easy as giving her a hug and she would know.

  He saw the star streaking across the sky. Closing his eyes, he wished. Show me how to have it all. Because without her, it all feels like nothing.

  As though the universe was answering his question, she lifted her head and said, “That was weird.”

  “What was?”

  “I just had a flutter throughout me. Like butterflies or something.”

  “Are you okay?” he asked, worried. He hoped he hadn’t hurt her, knowing damn well he’d been a bit rougher than he’d wanted. She hadn’t complained, actually she seemed to be enjoying it as much as he was, but he’d never forgive himself if he hurt her.