Just Trust (The Reluctant Heart Book 2) Read online

  Jerry dipped the head of his cock inside her then removed it only to rub her clit again. He knew she was close to releasing again as he felt her body tense, her back arching and lifting off the bed, crying out, until she finally went still.

  It had been physical pain holding back, but he got what he wanted. Twice he enjoyed watching her lose control, but now he was at the brink of losing his. His cock was at her opening, and he said, “Or maybe this?”

  He bent and claimed her lips as he buried himself deep inside her. Her cries of pleasure were drowned out by his own.

  He slowly moved inside her, each stroke meant to be sweeter than the last. He adjusted himself to make sure he was hitting her G-spot, and by the sounds coming from her, he was. She was on fire, meeting each thrust with her own. Her fingernails dug into his shoulders as she pulled him closer.

  “I want…”

  “What I want too. More….” he said as he entered her harder and faster until he felt her tighten around him. Her legs shook and her screams were almost deafening. As the waves continued, Jerry plunged deeper into her until his own body gave way with an explosive release that was so powerful, he was left spent and gasping for air.

  Jerry collapsed beside her, feeling something he couldn’t describe. Even though he was exhausted, he felt more awake, alive, than ever before. His senses were heightened by something, but what? He’d only had one beer at dinner, and drugs weren’t his thing. Yet this unexplainable feeling wouldn’t leave.

  He felt something hot run down his cheek. Granted he had been working it, they both had, but this wasn’t sweat. It was a tear? What the fuck!? He brushed it away, refusing to accept it. There was no reason behind it. Yeah, it was the most fucking amazing sex he’d ever had, but that’s all it was. Sex. Not only didn’t he believe that there could be more between them, he didn’t want it. He was happy just as he was. Driven and successful. And alone.

  Jerry couldn’t even count how many women he’d been with, yet even now as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her felt different as well. Was she going through the same thing, lying there analyzing what probably was nothing more than lack of sleep? Damn I hope not. That will only make it more complicated than it already is. No matter how good today was, that’s all it was ever going to be. Outside of this fucking outrageously intense physical attraction, there was nothing. He was going to keep telling himself that until it was true.

  As he lay beside Reanna, he listened for her breathing to slow. With any luck, Reanna would drift off to sleep, he could get dressed, and head back to Boston. But Reanna stirred beside him and nestled even closer, molding her body against his. Even spent, his body began to react to hers. Fuck.

  “I can hardly remember what kind of car that was,” she said softly.

  Jerry gently stroked her arm, not being able to resist touching her. “Damn. I was hoping you didn’t even remember there had been a car. I’ll have to try harder next time.”

  “If you try any harder, I might not remember my own name,” she purred.

  “And is there a problem with that?” he asked.

  “I’ll let you know after,” she smiled, but her eyes were still closed. With a sigh she added, “I hate to tell you this.”

  He knew it wasn’t going to be a complaint about his love-making skills, but her tone sounded a bit serious. Jerry lifted his head and looked down at her. “What is it?”

  “You told me to trust you, and I did. But you haven’t fulfilled all your promises this evening.”

  He thought he’d done a pretty damn good job. “Would you care to give me a hint as to where I was lacking?”

  “Hint? Hmm. Let me think,” she said.

  “Is it that hard?” he asked.

  She nodded. “Only if I want to make mine as good as yours had been. Now give me a second. I’m thinking.”

  He kissed her shoulder then laid his head back on the pillow. “Wake me when you think you’ve got it,” he teased.

  “Don’t get all cocky. I’m going to think of one that you won’t figure out,” she stated with a confident tone.

  Once his eyes were closed, Jerry thought he might actually fall asleep, but Reanna didn’t need as much time as he thought.

  “Are you ready?” she asked.

  He pulled himself back up so he could look into her beautiful green-brown eyes. They were as unique and captivating as she was. “I’m all ears.”

  “Whether at the beginning or at the end, it’s like the icing on a cake,” Reanna stated.

  Food analogy? He couldn’t think of how that related to sex. “A kiss?”

  She laughed. “Not even close.”

  What could he do either before or after sex? “A shower?”

  Reanna rolled her eyes. “I thought I was bad, but you really suck at this. The answer is dessert.”

  Jerry never would have gotten that one. He chuckled. “You’re thinking of food right now?” She nodded. “Damn, I really need to step up my game.”

  “No. Maybe just order some delivery,” she teased. “That is, if you want me to have any energy for the next round.”

  Jerry rolled over and grabbed his cell phone out of the back of his jeans. “I’ll order us double. So, is it chocolate cake or ice cream?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “That wasn’t a yes or no question,” he corrected.

  “But it can be, right?” she grinned.

  “That might require a round three to work all of this off,” he teased.

  Reanna said, “Won’t hear me complaining.”

  Damn woman. I might just need some of that sugar myself. “Cake and ice cream it is,” he said.

  “I like the way you think.”

  One of us does. He wasn’t sure what had happened that he’d been overcome with emotion, but thankfully it was gone. Jerry needed to keep that in check. There was no reason why this couldn’t stay just like it was. But right now it wasn’t Reanna enjoying their time together too much, it was him.

  How can I ask her to trust me, when I can’t even trust myself?

  He’d worry about that tomorrow when he was alone and could think clearly. Lying next to Reanna definitely made that impossible.

  “What’s the matter?” she asked.

  “Nothing, why?” he asked.

  “Since you hadn’t ordered yet, I figured you were in the great debate.”

  He raised a brow. “And which great debate is that?”

  “Which flavor ice cream of course,” she giggled. “By the way, you can’t ever go wrong with chocolate. I swear chocolate is the perfect food.”

  “Chocolate is not a food,” he corrected.

  Reanna sat up on the bed and asked, “Are we going to have our first fight? Because trust me, I’m not backing down from this one.”

  Jerry leaned over and kissed one of her nipples. “Whatever we are arguing about, you win.” His phone slipped from his hand and onto the floor as he reached up and cupped the other breast.

  Reanna arched her back and moaned. “We can order out later.”

  You’re all I need for dessert.

  Chapter Five

  “Thought for sure I’d see you at the gym again last night,” Clark said. “I guess whatever had you all frustrated, it worked itself out.”

  “Told you before, I wasn’t frustrated,” Jerry snapped.

  “You mean like now?” he asked. “Because if anything, you’re tenser than Friday night. Does this have anything to do with you being the best man for Kenneth?”

  “Why should that stress me? It’s not like I’m the groom.” Then I’d be fucking running. Not getting caught in that trap.

  Jerry thought spending Saturday night with Reanna would’ve gotten her out of his system. It had the opposite effect. Never had he ached for someone before. It was beyond a want; he needed her. That was all the more reason to stay the fuck away. Even when she offered to cook him breakfast before he had left her house several hours earlier, Jerry had told her he needed to get back to Bost
on. It was true, but she had no clue as to why. He needed to make sure Clark stayed ignorant to that fact as well.

  “Jerry, we all know how you feel about marriage. It fits in your life, just like it does ours. Well, who the hell knows what happened to Kenneth? I even called Phillip last night over my concerns. Now I’m wondering if I should’ve brought up your name as well.”

  “Kenneth is in love. Nothing we say is going to change that,” Jerry said. And he actually wasn’t sure he wanted to. It was nice seeing at least one member of the Heart family genuinely happy about something other than a business deal.

  “That is exactly what Phillip said too. I know that is not your problem. Yet something is off. Can’t figure it out,” Clark said.

  “I would say the same thing about you. Is your business suffering, because you seem to have a lot of time on your hands to hang around and talk?” He knew that would shut Clark up. At least on that topic.

  “Shit. I don’t know what’s wrong. I never blew a deal before, but last week, everything I worked for went to hell. It was like someone was a step ahead of me and I just don’t know who. But trust me, I’ll find out,” Clark snarled. “And they’ll find I’m not one to mess with.”

  “Are you serious? You think someone is intentionally fucking with you?” Jerry asked, totally surprised. They were used to people trying, but succeeding was another story. The Heart family didn’t play, and they sure as hell weren’t used to losing either.

  “I wouldn’t joke about such things. But don’t worry, I’m looking into it.”

  “Want my help?” he offered. Jerry could use the distraction right now.

  “You know that we Hearts like to do things ourselves.”

  He was no different. They were family, but each so fucking independent that sometimes they got in their own way. It was possible that was happening with Clark now. But no matter what Jerry said, it was falling on deaf ears, no different than with Kenneth.

  “Good luck with it. You have my number if you change your mind.” Which won’t happen.

  “Same here. When you’re ready to talk about whatever, or whoever, has you this distracted, call me,” Clark replied. “And if you choose not to, then I guess we will all just have to go along with Mother’s guess.”

  He hated to ask, but needed to know. “What is she saying now?”

  Clark chuckled. “That you’re jealous about Kenneth and it’s eating at you.”

  Jerry burst out laughing. “That’s a good one. I was just thinking about packing my bags and moving next to a dairy farm.”

  “I would’ve laughed my ass off a few months ago. Now I’m not so sure. Whatever Kenneth has could be contagious. You have been hanging around him quite a bit lately. Maybe Cupid is going to work his magic on you next,” Clark joked.

  “And maybe you should quit talking to Mother so much and concentrate on finding out who’s out to destroy your business,” Jerry responded.

  “Good point. Oh, by the way, Mother is having a dinner party for Kenneth and Shanda on Thursday.”

  “What for?” All these family dinners and gatherings were getting to be way too frequent. Won’t be surprised if all our businesses start to tank at this rate.

  “Does she really need a reason?” Clark asked.

  “I do if she expects me to be there.”

  “It’s your choice, but you know how she is. If you don’t show up, she’ll go looking for you. That’s always worse.”

  “You do know that we’re not children any longer and we all have our own lives, right?” Jerry reminded him.

  “Try telling her that. Maybe on Thursday when I’m there to witness her response. Have to say, that is one way to get the rest of us eager to be there,” he joked.

  In a serious tone Jerry said, “I might just do that. Now if you don’t mind, I have things to do tonight.”

  “Just an excuse for you not to go to the gym,” Clark said.

  No. Just one to get off the phone with you.

  “I’ve already worked out,” he said. It wasn’t the gym, but it was one fucking awesome workout. “If you want to meet for a beer, I’m game.” He wanted to hear more about what Clark thought was going on with his business. Clark might not want his help, but he might need it.

  “How about I meet you at O’Keefe’s at nine?”

  “I’ll be there,” he said before ending the call.

  Jerry had no idea what his mother was up to this time, but there had to be something. All he could do was hope it didn’t involve him. He had too much going on to worry about his mother’s agenda for him too.

  Before he even had a chance to turn on his laptop and actually begin doing something constructive with his time, his cell phone was buzzing. He almost hit ignore, but it was Reanna. Although he wanted to talk to her, he’d finally just stopped thinking of her.

  “Hello, how’s everything?” he asked.

  “I’m…good I think. Not really sure.”

  That didn’t sound like her. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “It’s my sister. I’ve called her several times and she never answers. It’s not like her,” Reanna said.

  Sounded exactly like the girl he’d met at Shanda’s. Brenda didn’t seem to be the mature, responsible one. “I thought you said you had just dropped her off at the airport yesterday morning?”

  “I did, and I spoke to her when she landed too. But she said she’d call me today, and she hasn’t. So I’ve been calling her, and she won’t pick up. I’m…worried.”

  “Do you think something happened to her?” he asked. Normally not a question he’d ask, but she was a cop. For her to be calling now, it meant that had already crossed her mind.

  “Jerry, I really don’t know. She’s never been this far away that I can’t go and check up on her. But it’s not like I can just fly out there and then fly back. I have to work the night shift tomorrow. Of course I could ask for time off.”

  “Or we could fly out there tonight, and back tomorrow. It’ll be close with the time difference, but I think it’s doable,” he said.

  “I already checked. No flights will work. The next one leaving Rhode Island for California is early tomorrow morning.”

  “The Heart Jet leaves when we tell it. Can you be ready and at the Providence airport in an hour?” he asked. It was dead air on the other end of the line. “Reanna, I’ll take you if you want to go.”

  “Why?” she asked softly.

  “Probably the same reason why you called me,” he said.

  “Don’t you have to work in the morning?” she said.

  “I run my own business. And I can run it from anywhere.” Even the sky.

  “Are you sure you want to do this? I mean, we could get there and find out she’s fine and nothing is wrong,” Reanna said. “Then I’ll have wasted your time.”

  “I don’t consider helping a friend a waste. I’m sure she is okay, but there is nothing wrong with confirming that,” he said. “All you have to do is say yes and I’ll take care of the rest.”

  A few seconds later she replied, “Yes. Thank you, Jerry. I really don’t know how I’ll ever make it up to you.”

  There were plenty of suggestions he could come up with, but right now he knew she was worried about Brenda. “It’s no problem. I’ll see you at the airport.”

  When they ended the call, he had a few more to make. First, get the jet fueled and ready to leave Boston airport to pick up Reanna. That was the easy part. The pilot got paid well to be ready to fly at a moment’s notice. The next call wasn’t so easy.

  “Change of plans,” Jerry said.

  “Not meeting at O’Keefe’s?” Clark asked.

  “Something has come up,” he replied.

  “We can meet later,” Clark offered.

  “That won’t work either. I’m flying out,” Jerry said.

  “Is this your way of getting out of dinner Thursday? Because that’s a bit extreme. Great plan, but extreme, nonetheless,” Clark chuckled.

  “I’l
l be back late tomorrow. We can have that beer then,” he said.

  “Looking forward to it. Because I have a feeling there is a lot more going on with you than you’re telling me. I also have a feeling this trip has nothing to do with business. Am I right?” Clark asked.

  “Just helping out a friend, that’s all. Talk to you later,” he said and ended the call. I should’ve fucking sent him a text.

  “I can’t believe she finally calls me but waited until we landed. I could wring her neck,” Reanna said as she slammed her cell phone back into her purse. Brenda didn’t even have a valid excuse. If anything, it proved to Reanna that Brenda wasn’t mature enough to be out there on her own. But as Brenda reminded her, she wasn’t a child any longer. Just acting like one instead. Reanna hated feeling this way, but it was in her nature, letting Brenda go and do her own thing, wasn’t.

  “I don’t think she’ll ignore your calls again,” he said smiling.

  Reanna bit her bottom lip. “Was I that hard on her?” Granted she had yelled and threatened, but it was all well deserved.

  “You were worried about her. She gets that now.”

  “And might not talk to me for months. God, sometimes I forget that I’m her sister, and not her parent. Even our parents don’t act like this,” she said.

  “Maybe that is why you do. It’s the protective instinct in you. Of course I was surprised by your language. Didn’t know you swore,” he teased.

  “I think you’ve heard me say that word before,” she stated.

  Jerry laughed. “I don’t think ‘oh yes, fuck me’ counts.”

  Reanna blushed. “I think you did some similar begging as well if I recall.”

  “I won’t deny that.”

  She sat back in the large white leather seat and said, “I guess you can tell the pilot he can head back to the East Coast now.”

  “I thought you said you’ve never been to California,” he said.

  “Now I have,” she grumbled. “Not what I thought it’d be.”

  “You actually have to leave the plane in order for it to qualify as a visit,” he joked.