Free Summer Solstice by Eden Bradley Page B

feel about me?
    Leigh knew how she felt. And she knew Jared wasn’t the kind of man who got into anything permanent, so she pushed her feelings aside. Despite the incredible sex, the easy companionship both with him and with Matteo.
    No, despite all that, he wasn’t for her. He’d never insinuated that he was interested in a long-term relationship. It seemed the reason he and Matteo worked so well was because they both traveled so much, because they shared other bed-mates. Jared would move on eventually. And take a piece of her heart with him.
    “Leigh.” His deep voice broke through her reverie.
    “Hmm?”
    “I’m leaving soon.”
    “What?” She sat up to look at him. His face was calm—she couldn’t tell what he might be thinking, feeling.
    “I’m going to Europe.”
    “Europe?” Why couldn’t she think straight?
    Matteo pulled himself upright, gave Leigh a quick kiss on the cheek and got out of bed. “I need breakfast. I’ll get up and head out to find some coffee and something to eat. Be back soon with some food.”
    Jared nodded at him, remained quiet until Matteo had thrown on some clothes and left the room.
    “I’ve been offered a project. It’s a book of architectural photography. A group of incredibly talented folks are working on it. Some of the best in the world. And my manager’s arranged a show there for me at the same time. I’ll start in Prague, then go to Berlin. I’m not sure where else. I’ll be gone a few months, probably.”
    “Oh.” She swallowed hard, the disappointment and the hurt going down like acid. Her heart was hammering, a dull, thudding ache in her chest.
    He reached out and tipped her chin up with his hand. “Look, this is a brilliant opportunity for me.”
    “I know that.” She was furious when tears thickened her voice.
    “Ah, now, don’t do that. I can’t bear it.”
    He leaned in and kissed her mouth, kissed her tear-damp eyes, her hot forehead. Her heart twisted at his tender touch.
    He pulled away and looked into her eyes. For a moment she thought she saw something in the dark brown depths of his gaze. A glimpse of emotion. But she knew it was only her own wishful thinking.
    “When do you go?”
    “On Friday.”
    “So soon?” That was only two days away.
    “I just got the news. Another photographer was supposed to go, but he’s been ill and can’t make it. I’ve been asked to replace him. And I don’t think long goodbyes do anyone any good. Leigh, you knew I’d be leaving eventually, didn’t you? That I’d have to work. I never led you to think otherwise.”
    “No, you didn’t.” She pulled in a long, sighing breath, trying to calm her racing pulse. “I’ve always appreciated your honesty.”
    “Right, then. Can we enjoy the next two days? Do you want to be here with me?”
    “Yes. Of course.” If only he knew how much.
    “Matteo is leaving tomorrow. He’s playing a show in San Diego. He’ll stay a while to do some surfing, then maybe head down to Mexico with some friends.”
    A small stab of pain for Matteo too. But it was Jared who was breaking her heart. It had always been Jared.
    She nodded her head, unable to speak as a knot lodged in her throat.
    “That’s my girl.” He rubbed a stray tear from her cheek with his thumb. “I’ve had the most wonderful summer with you. You’re an incredible woman, Leigh.”
    “Don’t say that. Please.”
    “It’s true.”
    Then why wasn’t he staying with her?
    Jared lay back on the bed and pulled her on top of him. He kissed her again, softly. His lips were so sweet against hers. He tasted faintly of the beer they’d been drinking the night before. Her body heated up, despite her aching heart.
    “Make love with me, Leigh,” he whispered.
    He’d never called it that before. It was always fucking.
    Don’t think about it.
    She slid her body against his, her already tight, hard nipples grazing his chest. He cupped her bottom in his big hands and pulled her hips into his heavy