Free Bachelorette for Sale by Gail Chianese Page A

picnic. His breathing fell hard and fast, matching hers. She knew he had to be testing his own tolerance level. Proof of his arousal pushed against her hip, and she used it against him as she twisted around until they were lined up.
    He gave her his trademark arrogant look, one brow cocked, lips slightly turned up as if daring her to go on. She returned the look and rotated her hips until his head fell backward and a groan escaped his lips.

    A loud, irritating beep destroyed the calm of the meadow and drowned out the rush of the waterfall. A few seconds later Cherry’s eyes flew open as she shot up in bed, only to fall back to her pillow with a moan. Talk about rotten timing.
     
    Cherry twirled around in her office chair as she remembered her dream and listened to her friend ramble on about something.
    “No, I’m not listening to you. I’m wishing I were back in my bed, fast asleep.”
    “Was it him?”
    “Know anyone else with blue-green eyes and spiky brown hair? And no, I’m not going to share the details of the dream or last night’s date with you. At least not over the phone.”
    “Come on, that’s so not fair. I’m your BFF. The sister of your heart. I’d share with you,” Tawny said.
    The soft sound of footsteps heading toward her office had Cherry looking up before she said any more. A slow smile spread across her face. Well, well, well. If it wasn’t the object of her fantasy live and in the flesh, looking awfully sexy in his blue chambray button-down shirt and worn jeans.
    “Hey, Tawny, got to go. I’ve got company. See you in an hour.” Cherry hung up the phone and gave Jason her full attention. He’d been on her mind all night (clearly, as evidenced by her dream) and morning (again the dream, and who could forget that amazing kiss last night). “Hi, what a nice surprise. What brings you by? Looking for a new place?”
    “Got a couple of minutes?” He looked back at the outer office before stepping farther into her space.
    “Sure, have a seat. Can I get you some coffee or something cold to drink?” Cherry stood and walked over to her mini-fridge.
    “Got any beer?”
    “I wish.”
    “No worries, I was kidding.”
    He glanced down before saying anything else. Cherry sat back down, wondering if he was contemplating what he’d come by to say or if he was taking a nap.
    “Just taking a leap here, but are those for me?” When his head came up, she nodded toward the bouquet of bright flowers lying across his lap.
    He laid them on the side of her desk. Okay, not what she had expected at all. Maybe she’d misread that kiss after all.
    “I really enjoyed our date last night. I hadn’t expected to—”
    “You really know how to stroke a girl’s ego, Valentine.” She smiled to show she was just kidding before resting her chin in the palm of her hand. Whatever he had to say couldn’t be that bad. Could it? Sure, they’d kissed. So maybe he regretted it. Sure, she’d be disappointed, but it wasn’t the end of the world. It had only been one date. It had only been one kiss. One truly stupendous, breath-stealing kiss that had rocked her night.
    “Jason?”
    He shook his head before expelling a heavy breath. “Sorry, this is coming out all wrong. What I’m trying to say is that I expected a casual dinner that would end with a handshake. I never meant to kiss you. It was supposed to be just business.”
    “Okay, I get it. You made a mistake. It was a romantic setting, we got carried away, and now you regret it.” Damn. She had been looking forward to round two.
    “Yes . . . no. I don’t regret it. I regret the circumstances.” His voice was rough, raw, filled with pent-up frustration. He rubbed his hand at the back of his neck, twisting it back and forth as if trying to loosen a noose.
    “What circumstances? I’m sorry, you’re not making sense.” Unease worked its way through her chest, constricting her lungs.
    “I own Valentine Rehab Services. It’s a small construction