Page 58 of Unbound Boxset

CHAPTER NINE

“You’re early.”

Julianna opened the door, her genuine smile confirming she was happy to see him. He wondered at the spear of pleasure that pierced him. He’d taken a risk coming before dark at their appointed time, wondering if she’d turn him away, but his instinct drove him to bring her dinner. He lifted the pizza box. “Hungry? I skipped lunch so I figured I’d bring food.”

“I’m starving, it’s like you read my mind. Come in.”

He followed her and slid the pizza on the elegant table. “I took a risk.”

She grabbed china plates with etched gold around the rim and set out fancy silverware. A frown creased her brow. “With the pizza?”

“No, with coming early.”

He watched her face carefully but she looked puzzled. “You brought me dinner and it’ll be dark within the hour. I didn’t think our contract included a stopwatch for orgasms.”

He loved her smart mouth as she set a prim and proper table. She was such a delightful contradiction. “You’re a hard taskmaster. I gave you that retaining wall for a steal. Figured you’d make me wait till my appointment time.”

“Well, that’s silly. Besides, I’m hungry.” She sat down, laid her napkin on her lap, and looked up. “Would you like a beer? I picked some up today.”

Another surprise. “Thanks.” He retrieved a Guinness from the refrigerator and wondered what her action meant. When he’d first come, she refused to serve him water. Now, she was buying his favorite beer.

Jack refused to analyze why it made him so damn satisfied.

“Now, let’s just hope you got the right pizza,” she said, reaching over to flip up the lid. “If there’s anchovies on this, I’ll need a few more orgasms to make up for it.”

He ripped out a laugh and joined her at the table. “Now I regret not getting them. Nothing sweeter than you begging me to let you come again.”

Her cheeks flushed as she slid out two slices. Then blinked in surprise. “You got meat lovers.”

Jack arched a brow. “Problem?”

“No, I’m just surprised. Most people wouldn’t suspect I’m a huge carnivore. Unless you got it for yourself?”

He picked his slice up and dug in with gusto. “I noticed you have roast beef for lunch, bacon for breakfast, and a freezer full of chicken and ribs. You’re not the vegetarian sort, which suits me perfectly.”

He paused at the flash of appreciation in her cocoa-brown eyes, as if she wasn’t used to anyone trying to please her. His heart squeezed in a funny way. For such a poised, capable woman, there was a loneliness etched around her like an aura. At first, it’d been a harmless game, to try to seduce the spinster.

Now, he felt differently. He just wasn’t sure he wanted to analyze why.

“Thanks,” she murmured.

“Eat.” He shook his head when she began delicately cutting the pizza with a fork and knife. “With your fingers, love. Just let yourself enjoy the pizza without worrying about making a mess.”

She considered the slice, then him. Finally, she grabbed it in her hands and took a delicate bite. “Hmm. Good.”

His dick hardened as she licked her lips. “Tonight, I’m going to hear you make that exact sound. On your knees.”

She gasped, but he only grinned and motioned for her to keep eating.

They fell into easy chatter, ranging from sports to movies to books. He found she was knowledgeable in most subjects, and a keen listener. Most women he was with seemed to be waiting for their turn to speak, or flirt, or grab attention back to themselves. But Julianna seemed honestly intrigued by his words and thoughts, which was a pleasant surprise. The more they spent time together, the more he craved.

What was happening to him?

Her chin was propped in her palms. Her hair was held back in a casual tie. Freckles sprinkled her nose. She wore no makeup, her lips naked of color. Jack was hit with a premonition of them in his own home just like this; sharing a meal, talking about their day with no frills or false personas, content with each other’s company. A physical connection hummed beneath the surface but it was more than that.

Bigger. Stronger. Fiercer.

Real.