Falling for Mr. Mysterious Page 10

  ‘Well, yes…I’m sure that’s sensible, Emily, given everything that Jude has ahead of him.’

  ‘But I feel so helpless. I wish I could think of wise and comforting things to say, or really practical ways to help.’

  ‘You worry too much, dear. You have oodles of empathy. You put it into practice every day in your work. That’s why you make such sound decisions for your clients. You just need to put yourself in Jude’s shoes. Follow your instincts and I’m sure you’ll work out the best way to keep his spirits up.’

  ‘All right. Thanks. Follow my instincts. I’ll hold that thought.’

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  FOR Jude’s last night at home he invited Emily to join him at one of Brisbane’s classiest restaurants.

  This didn’t surprise her as much as it would have a week ago. She and Jude had spent a great deal of time together in the past few days and she couldn’t help feeling secretly pleased that he sought her company, even though many of his friends had rung him after they’d received urgent but cryptic messages from Alex.

  It appeared, however, that Jude was more comfortable spending time with a relative stranger during these pre-surgery days than with old friends. He seemed to hate having to discuss his illness with these people when they rang.

  Emily wasn’t quite sure what to make of this. She guessed that Jude saw illness as a weakness, just as his father had. He would rather hide than accept people’s sympathy. So he was happy just to spend time with her, no doubt because she was already in the know and didn’t need to ask more questions.

  Together, they’d spent a day on Stradbroke Island and they’d stood on Point Lookout, watching whales frolic; they’d been to a couple of movies, spent an afternoon scouring Alex’s bookshelves and reading sections of books aloud to each other, spent a rainy afternoon making an elaborately layered lasagne.

  There’d been no more kissing, which Emily knew was wise, given what loomed ahead for Jude. But they’d become quite close in an amazingly short time. There was something very simpatico about their tastes. If Emily ignored the silly tugs of longing that kept getting in the way, she very much enjoyed just being Jude’s friend.

  Tonight, however, she was very tense. She particularly wanted this final hospital-eve to be special. Hoping to look her best, she’d bought a very expensive dress in deep-chocolate silk.

  ‘Good heavens,’ Jude said when he saw her. ‘Now that is a sight for sore eyes.’

  Emily almost cried. ‘How can you joke about it?’

  ‘I’m not joking,’ he said with a dry smile. ‘The dress is gorgeous.’

  Just the same, his half-joking comment about sights for sore eyes lit a tiny light-bulb idea. All week, she’d been thinking about her grandmother’s comment. You just need to put yourself in Jude’s shoes. Emily had been trying to think of a really unique and fun surprise that he’d like.

  No, I couldn’t. I couldn’t possibly.

  Just the same, a daunting but intriguing idea simmered at the back of her thoughts while they took their time over their delicious three-course meal, savouring the food and never once talking about hospitals or illness. Or relationships.

  It was surprising how many other topics they could find—Jude’s theories about space travel, Emily’s thoughts on the global financial crisis, his ideas for future books, her dream of an online retail business.

  Throughout the meal, Jude hardly noticed the restaurant’s famous view of the city’s lights. He was too busy watching the subtle play of lamplight on Emily’s face, or watching her lips as she talked and the expressive way she used her slim, pale hands to elaborate a point.

  He watched her hair and wished he could study it more intimately. He needed to understand how the red and gold blended. Were some strands darker than others?

  So many things he needed to know…about Emily…

  He longed to feast his eyes, and yes…to touch and to taste her. Wanted to rediscover the magic they’d started on the mountain. That one kiss had been so tantalising. He hadn’t been able to get it out of his head, and there were times when he thought he might go mad from holding back. But sex with Emily was out of the question.

  He knew that. A thousand times he’d told himself that he was grateful she’d been the perfect companion this week—warm with her smiles, ready with her wit, careful to keep her distance.

  But he felt as if he was wasting precious time. He’d wasted days and nights in Emily’s company, holding back while every cell in his body screamed at him to make sweet, wild love to her.

  And now the hours were slipping away.

  Soon there would only be minutes left.

  Of course, despite their leisurely dining, the evening flew all too quickly. In no time they were back in the apartment, where the only sane action for Jude to take was to head straight to his bed. Alone.

  ‘Thanks for your company.’ He spoke with necessary formality. ‘It was…fun.’

  Fun was such an inadequate way to describe the depth of his pleasure in Emily’s company. Given the circumstances, it was the best he could come up with.

  He longed to close the gap between them. Just one night, Emily.

  He turned to leave.

  ‘Hey, hang on a sec,’ she called after him. ‘I want you to see something.’

  Jude turned. ‘What is it?’

  ‘Put some music on,’ she said enigmatically. ‘Something with a good slow beat.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘You’re asking too many questions. Just take a seat and I’ll be back in a moment.’ Already she was off, down the hallway to her room.

  Intrigued, he obeyed. He found a CD with a slow, sultry beat and he chose an armchair by the door and sat casually, with an ankle propped on a knee, tapping his fingers to the music as he waited.

  And waited…

  ‘Hello,’ he called after five bemused minutes. ‘What’s going on? How long is this going to take?’

  ‘Not much longer. Sorry. Coming soon.’

  He wondered if Emily had lost whatever she’d planned to show him, but hell, he had nothing better to do. He waited a little longer. Told himself that no, he couldn’t go to her room. That was madness.

  He was about to call again when he caught a movement—a brief flicker of a shadow on the wall at the end of the hallway.

  A sixth sense made his heart thud.

  He dropped his relaxed pose and was instantly tense with anticipation.

  And then…a leg appeared…a slim and shapely leg, spellbinding in sheer black stockings and black patent high heels.

  Jude’s jaw dropped so hard he was sure it must have dislocated. Transfixed, he watched as Emily gave a little dancer’s kick and stepped into the room in a slinky short coppery silk dress.

  The fabric was the colour of her hair and it hugged her curves divinely. Little black buttons ran down the front. Buttons and loops…

  His heart began to thunder. What was going on? He couldn’t believe this, but he sure as hell hoped it wouldn’t stop.

  A double bass pulsed, slow and sexy and deep.

  A soft blush warmed Emily’s cheeks and she smiled shyly and began to move forward in a smooth, hip-swaying dance, before kicking off one shoe…

  And then the other…

  Surely not?

  Jude’s blood pounded as Emily’s hands fluttered to the hem of her dress. Then she pushed the silk aside, undid a suspender belt and began to peel down a stocking to reveal smooth pale skin that gleamed softly in the lamplight.

  He couldn’t believe it. Far out, she was going to strip…

  It was quite possible that he’d stopped breathing.

  Emily, for heaven’s sake…you crazy, gorgeous girl.

  She looked so beautiful, so d
esirable…but vulnerable, too.

  Yes, vulnerable and brave, as if, deep down, she was scared…

  And suddenly Jude got it. He guessed why she was doing this… He was almost certain that she wasn’t aiming for seduction. This was a gift to add to his repertoire of memories.

  Oh, Emily.

  Couldn’t she tell this was killing him?

  But he couldn’t have stopped her now even if he’d wanted to, which he didn’t. He was nailed to the chair. Electrified.

  She began to undo the buttons at the neckline of her dress. Slowly, with a grave little smile directed at a spot on the wall above his head. With the tiniest fumble of fingers on slippery silk…one button popped open to reveal a tempting glimpse of soft pale skin…

  Somehow, Jude bit back a groan.

  She performed a neat pirouette, and then she was facing him again, releasing a second button. Her dance continued—a sensual sway here, a bobbing kick there, and more buttons popped.

  Three…

  Four…

  The copper silk fell away to reveal the creamy tops of her rounded breasts. Through delicate skin-toned lace, he could see their pink tips.

  He rose out of his chair, his body on fire. She was so gut-wrenchingly beautiful…even lovelier than he’d imagined.

  But his throat felt as if he’d swallowed shards of glass. He knew that beneath Emily’s saucy bravado she was still…

  Scared…

  He wanted to tell her that she didn’t have to do this, but he couldn’t get the words past the sharp ache in his throat.

  Tense as a bow string, he dragged in deep breaths. Then he realised that Emily had stopped dancing.

  She was standing absolutely still in the middle of the room, watching him with round, worried eyes…

  Then she flushed deeply and looked away, grabbing at the silken halves of her dress and pulling them over her lace-covered breasts. ‘I’m so sorry.’

  Hell.

  ‘Don’t be.’ Jude forced the words past the burning logjam in his throat.

  Emily was shaking her head, keeping her eyes averted. ‘I…I’ve never done anything like this before. I don’t know why I thought it was a good idea.’

  ‘It’s a fabulous idea, Emily. Amazing. Best idea you’ve ever had…’

  ‘It was supposed to be a bit of fun, Jude. But…’ Her lips trembled. ‘But you looked so sad.’

  ‘Did I?’ Distraught, Jude stepped closer, touched a trembling hand to her chin and turned her face towards him. Tears glittered in her eyes.

  He wanted to kiss the tears away, wanted to kiss her all over—the lobe of her ear, the palms of her hands, the hollows behind her knees, her pink-and-white breasts, wanted his lips on every sweet inch of her. Wanted to carry her to his room and stay there with her till the end of next summer…

  But Emily was turning her back to him, and already she’d begun to do up her buttons. ‘It was a stupid idea.’ Her voice was high and tight. ‘You probably think I’m a brazen hussy and that it’s no wonder I can’t keep a boyfriend for long.’

  No, damn it. Now his eyes were stinging as well as his throat. ‘Believe me, Emily, that thought did not cross my mind.’ He spoke quietly, trying to calm her. ‘I’m only thinking how beautiful you are—and how thoughtful.’

  Just in time, he stopped himself from adding—and how badly I want you. ‘I think I know why you did this.’

  Her head jerked up and she stared at him in surprise.

  ‘I’m guessing you thought this might be my last chance to see a beautiful woman…taking her clothes off.’

  For a moment she continued to stare at him, then she looked away and her face crumpled. ‘I’m sorry. I was trying to imagine what a man might want, but it was silly. I don’t know why I thought it was a good idea.’

  ‘Emily.’ There was a rough tremor in his voice. ‘It’s a great idea. The best idea in history. Greater than discovering the wheel, or that the Earth is round, or putting beer into cans.’

  She smiled weakly.

  ‘My only complaint is that you stopped.’

  Standing before him, looking utterly delightful as she clutched at her dress to protect her modesty, she stared at him, her mouth a perfect circle of surprise.

  Perhaps she was coming to terms with what he was telling her. Eventually, the worry in her eyes lightened. ‘So I should have kept going? I couldn’t get that right, either?’

  A strangled laugh broke from Jude as tenderness and desire waged war with his reasoning and common sense. ‘I think I may be the one who’s made the biggest mistake.’

  ‘You?’

  ‘For reinstating that crazy kissing ban.’

  ‘Oh.’ The word bounced softly into the space between them. Still clutching at her dress, Emily frowned. ‘But this was meant to be purely for fun. I wasn’t trying to—’ She blushed. ‘You don’t want more complications in your life.’

  ‘That’s true,’ he agreed reluctantly. ‘And I don’t want to mess up your life, either.’

  He took a step closer, knowing it wasn’t wise, and Emily seemed to melt towards him. Their fingers brushed and he was zapped by fire. He heard her soft gasp.

  ‘I’d rather not risk joining the list of males who’ve hurt you,’ he said.

  She shook her head. ‘Maybe that’s a risk worth taking.’

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  A RISK worth taking? Emily couldn’t believe she’d said that. If Jude kissed her now—

  Too late. Jude was already kissing her—and from the moment his lips touched hers, her fears no longer made any kind of sense. He kissed her slow and easy, calming her and soothing her scampering heartbeat.

  She’d become so scared during the strip, starting out gamely and confidently, then beginning to think she’d made the hugest blunder of her life.

  Now, with his strong arms holding her, warm and secure, Jude’s lips worked a special magic, sending golden heat through her, down her arms, pooling low in her stomach.

  Relaxed and dreamy, she gave up worrying about risks and simply sank into this bliss—savouring the strength of his arms about her, revelling in the manly texture of his jaw against hers.

  He’d turned the tables on her this evening. She’d started out trying to surprise him, but now he was the one taking control. With a hand buried in her hair, he held her just where he wanted her and took the kiss deeper.

  Oh, man. Her knees almost gave way. They were like two notes blending in perfect harmony, building to a joint crescendo.

  Her dress fell apart and his touch on her breasts through their thin covering of lace was so sexy their kiss turned molten.

  She thought fleetingly of Michael and a flash of panic flared. Then she leant back and looked into Jude’s sexy grey eyes, and she saw gravity and tenderness mixed with his desire.

  Her panic subsided. This was OK. It really was OK. Their passion was fuelled by so much more than simple lust. Yes, her heart was involved, but she was quite clear-headed. This night was all about hope and courage, and the soul-deep need for two human beings to connect.

  Against her ear, Jude murmured, ‘You know I can’t make promises about the future.’

  ‘Shh.’ She pressed a finger to his lips. ‘I understand, Jude, and I’m not asking for promises.’

  She couldn’t deny she was in love with him. Painfully, wonderfully in love. But Jude had put his life on hold, and she would, too. For the first time, she was offering her love without an accompanying dream of ever after. It was such a relief to simply be with him without the weight of expectation.

  Winding her arms around his neck, she kissed the underside of his jaw. ‘I vote we make this a night to remember.’

  It was all the invitation Jude needed. Scooping
her effortlessly into his arms, he carried her down the hallway to the big double bed.

  At last.

  They’d been dancing around this for days, trying to resist, but now it felt so good to let the barriers fall. So right to let the world retreat, to allow their emotions to swell and their longing to build, till just the two of them existed.

  Now. Here. This.

  Sweet journey of discovery.

  * * *

  As they lay close together in the darkness, Jude was tormented by questions.

  Why did I find her now?

  Why her?

  Why now?

  He’d been falling hard and fast for Emily from the moment he set eyes on her. Within no time he’d become addicted, needing to watch her at work in the kitchen, to chat with her about his books, to chat with her about anything, really, share his favourite view…

  And now, after loving him with a passion and honesty that utterly enslaved him, she was lying beside him in the darkness, with her round little rump settled against his hip, her foot hooked possessively over his calf, her breathing soft and even…

  And he wanted more. Wanted to make her his own, to keep her by his side.

  Emily had asked him once if he would give up his lifestyle for the right woman. Now, he was beginning to suspect she was that woman, and he was quite sure he would do anything. He wanted to offer her the world…

  But all he had to offer was a gaping black hole filled with question marks.

  With a heavy sigh, he tried to fight off his thoughts of what lay ahead of him. To counter them, he replayed precious images in his mind. The fall of lamplight on Emily’s soft white curves. The fiery shimmer of her hair on the pillow. The adorable perfection of her pale pink-tipped breasts.

  The other gifts she offered for his senses, the wild-flower scent of her skin, her silky softness, the intoxicating sweetness of her kisses, her heartbeats knocking against his.

  He wanted it all.

  * * *