Free Time Changes Everything by Melinda Dozier Page B

wrapped his arm around her waist and she let her denial drift away – she was falling for him.
    She needed to get her thoughts together.
    Jake wouldn’t commit himself to her -- or anyone for that matter. He never did. And she needed commitment.
    Besides, she couldn’t be involved with someone and have her dream job. She’d invested too many long hours to join Denalo’s team. Jake was a distraction.
    Even with her reasons, she recognized needs that surfaced in the past month - a need to have Jake in her life, and more than an old friend. His attention had flattered her at first, but she sensed a genuine desire from him. His kisses were real. Even if he was a charmer, he kissed her like he meant it.
    Now, with Jake standing next to her, not saying anything, she realized that she wanted him. Even with old girlfriends appearing around every corner. She still wanted him.
    Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Perhaps she could settle for one night, maybe two -- or a week -- however long he usually dated a woman. Enjoying him in a more intimate way was worth the risk -- even if it was only for a little while.
    His gentle voice interrupted her thoughts. “Look, there’s the Statue of Liberty.” He hurtled her back to earth as reality struck. “Amanda, you’re not saying anything. Are you all right?”
    She let a smile form on her lips. “I’m fine. The Statue is beautiful at night. All lit up.”
    “Not as beautiful as you,” he said.
    She floated on top of the water, no boat in between, just her and the river.  Jake’s eyes filled with a hopeful glint. “In fact, you’re going to have to leave soon. You’re making the other women look bad.”
    Amanda shook her head with laughter. “Which one? Jeannie or Charisse?”
    “Forget them.” Jake held onto Amanda’s hands. “What are we going to do?”
    Amanda shrugged. “We could dance again, or walk around the veranda. It looks like the pier is close anyway and I’m tired.”
    “Let’s dance.”
    Bad idea. Then she’d be in his arms again. “All right. Let’s go in.”
    “No. Right here.”
    Amanda let out a little laugh. “Here on the deck?”
    He grabbed her waist and pulled her to his chest. “Here on the deck. We can still hear the music.”
    She barely heard it over her heartbeat. One night could be amazing. She could deal with one night.
    “This feels so right.” Jake gently rocked her back and forth.
    He always knew the right thing to say, probably from all his playboying around. Nope. Not going to let it happen. She was not a one-time woman.
    Amanda stopped dancing and moved away from Jake.
    He stepped closer. “What happened?”
    Amanda shook her head. “The pier is coming up. We should get our coats.”
    She left Jake on the deck, in the darkness, as the music stopped and the ship slowed to her port.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter Seven
     
    AMANDA GRABBED THE DOOR handle before the car stopped. She wanted to get inside the safety of her apartment, before she threw herself at Jake.
    “Just a minute.” He leaned over and stopped her from opening the door.
    Amanda sighed and looked at him. If she sat with him for another minute, she’d give in to the demands of her libido.
    “This isn’t how I want our night to end. What’s wrong?”
    “Thanks for the evening. You work with some interesting people.” Play it safe, Amanda. Pull a Nancy Drew, say goodnight and get out of there.
    He turned her hand in his and rubbed her palm. “I thought we had something good going on back there.”
    “Me too, but I changed my mind.” Amanda pulled her hand from his and stared out the window. She’d been having a good time – maybe too good – but that was before Jessica Rabbit and Bimbo Number Two appeared on the scene.
    Jake sighed. “Wait. I’ll get your door.” He got out and ran to her side of the car. As he opened the door for her, he held out his hand.
    Amanda ignored him as she got out. I can’t look at him. If I look at him, I’ll