Free Negotiation Tactics by Lori Ryan [romance/suspense] Page B

Maybe he did do this to himself on purpose.
    Well, if he did, he was damn good at it. What better woman to pick, if he subconsciously didn’t want things to work out, than a woman who was not only off limits because of their work roles, but who was also in love with her dead husband? How do you compete with a ghost? A perfect ghost who was her soul mate in every way even when they were growing up?
    Shoot me now.
    Chad heard a groan come from the bedroom and knew Jennie was struggling as much as he was this morning. Chad sat up slowly and swung his legs down to the floor. Sleeping on the couch was killing his back and his neck. He stretched out and stood to try and work out the kinks, then reached for the phone.
    Jennie came out just as he hung up.
    “Hey. I ordered room service. Thought we’d stay in and try to recover this morning.”
    She smiled at him but her eyes were tired and sad this morning. He had a feeling she could’ve done without the recap of her life with Kyle last night.
    “Thanks. I don’t know if I can eat. I haven’t had that much to drink in years,” Jennie said, rubbing her stomach.
    She got quiet for a minute and studied her feet. “Can I ask you for a favor, Chad?”
    “Anything. You know that.” Chad didn’t like how vulnerable she looked.
    “Only Kelly knows about...about what I told you last night. Can you, um, not tell anyone else?”
    “Of course, Jennie. I promise.” Chad paused, then grinned at her. “I won’t tell anyone about your vibrating panties.”
    “Gah! You...you...” Jennie threw a flip flop at him and stomped off to the shower. But at least she was laughing. That’s all Chad could hope for now.
     
     

Chapter Fifteen
    They were almost at the end of their two weeks. Just four more nights. Kelly had called the day before and, so far, her doctor wasn’t predicting delivery any time soon. Even though Jack had said he had a jet standing by for them, Jennie still worried about Kelly delivering the baby before they got home.
    She and Chad were closer than ever, which was nice in some ways, but it did make resisting the pull of their sexual attraction a lot harder. They’d only held hands or danced a bit in public to keep up the pretense of being a happily married couple. But, even that little bit of closeness had Jennie tense and uneasy. Her body cried out for Chad with everything in it and she felt more than physical attraction at this point, but her heart also hurt with every pull.
    And Jennie was honestly utterly exhausted from trying to fight it. She sat on the edge of the bed while Chad showered. And she did something she hadn’t done in a long time. She talked to Kyle. Not out loud. Only in her head. She needed him to know.
    Please, Kyle. Please forgive me for this. I just want one night to forget. One night to not feel like I’ve been torn in half. To not remember. Just one night.
    Jennie took a deep breath and looked at the door to the bathroom and stood. She pulled off her robe and let it drop to the floor.
    She pushed open the door and stepped into the steamy room. She knew Chad heard her. His back tensed right away and his hands stilled. He lowered his head and waited.
    Jennie slipped into the shower in front of him. She turned as she stepped in so she could see his face. He watched her so warily, holding his hands still. Not touching her or reaching for her.
    Jennie placed her palms flat on his chest and felt the sharp inhale of his breath. She looked up at him, thankful for the water that streamed over them. She didn’t want him to see her tears.
    “Make me forget, Chad. For one night. Please? Make me forget.”
    Chad looked down at her, eyes blazing with heat, but also sadness. She didn’t want him to be sad for her and she didn’t want to make him sad. But, she couldn’t walk away anymore.
    ***
    As Chad looked down at Jennie, he knew he should walk away. Say no and leave it alone. But he couldn’t do that. He’d lost all his strength where she was