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  So what if she did? They were both adults. Who would care? Nobody.

  “Family comes first.” Charlie struggled to form a complete thought despite the sensations coursing through her body as he began to kiss the other side of her neck. “And this is your sister's wedding. I shouldn't even be here.”

  Jake's arms left her waist and he spun her around so she faced him. “Did Sara say something to you?”

  His initial reaction took her aback. Had his sister complained about his choice of dates? The youngest Sherbrooke hadn't joined the rest of the family until the wedding rehearsal, so Charlie had barely spoken to her. Still, she had noticed that Sara kept herself somewhat separated from everyone during both the rehearsal and the dinner party that followed.

  “We only talked for a few minutes. She just asked how we met. Why, do you think she said something?” Charlie found it odd that he'd suspected Sara and not anyone else.

  Jake took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “Sara doesn't trust people much anymore thanks to her last boyfriend. Not even family. When she met Callie last year she was less than accepting. Even now things are a little rocky between them.”

  “Oh,” Charlie said, now starting to understand why Sara had kept to herself during the rehearsal. “Really no one said anything. But most people don't take virtual strangers to family weddings.” She might as well tell him exactly what she thought.

  Jake's stance relaxed and he once again wrapped his arms around her. “What better way to learn more about each other than to spend the weekend together.”

  Talk about not getting the point. Did he really think bringing her along was no big deal? Perhaps he did things like this all the time. “Do you always invite strangers to your parents' house?” The question slipped out before she could stop it. “Forget I even asked. It doesn't matter,” Charlie said disgusted by her lack of control. She didn't have a monopoly on him.

  Jake chuckled and she felt his chest rumble beneath her breasts.

  “You're the first I've invited to spend the weekend.”

  A warm tingly feeling spread through her body at his words, and Charlie fought it down. She didn't for one second want to think she was special to this man. She didn't want to think that he viewed her any differently than he did any other woman he spent time with.

  “And it's not like I just pulled you off the street.”

  Charlie couldn't argue with him there. They'd seen each other every day since his arrival in North Salem. Still, she knew he didn't get what she meant, but she didn't feel like pressing the issue either. Why ruin the mood?

  “I'm probably going to leave Massachusetts either Tuesday or Wednesday. There isn't much else that I can do there and I've got issues waiting for me in Virginia.”

  Jake's words brought an unexpected and unwanted physical pang to her heart. She knew his departure was inevitable. She had in fact been expecting it. Despite this, sadness rolled over her.

  “How much longer will you be up here? If it's going to be awhile I can come back up but otherwise I thought we could see each other when you get back home.” Jake looked her in the eye as he spoke.

  His question sent her mind into overdrive. He wanted to continue their relationship or whatever this was past his time in North Salem. But did she? Could she continue to spend time with him and keep her heart firmly locked away? She'd never doubted it with other men but with Jake the uncertainty plagued her. Perhaps if she could figure out what it was about him that reached her on such a deep level, she could adequately protect herself. As of yet she hadn't been able to narrow it down.

  “Not sure. I have a few more weeks of leave. I plan on spending at least some of it up here.” She hadn't decided when she would go back to Virginia. Charlie found being with her family a nice change despite the hurricane and the destruction it caused. Not to mention that on this trip she felt no urgency to return home. On her last visit up she'd counted the days till she could get back in her car and drive home.

  In the bright moonlight she saw Jake nod his head.

  “I'll plan on coming back up then. Maybe next weekend.”

  Before Charlie could say anything, Jake grazed her lips with his. The kiss started out gentle, but quickly it changed as he applied more pressure. Soon he set about coaxing her lips apart, and Charlie happily gave him access. At the same time he slipped his hands under the hem of her shirt. Slowly he ran his hand up her back leaving a trail of fire across her skin. Unwilling to do much of anything else Charlie circled her arms around his neck and enjoyed the fire coursing through her body. Right then under the moonlight outside a nineteenth century mansion with the sound of the waves in the background and the fragrant smell of flowers around her, Charlie felt like the heroine from a classic black and white movie.

  Jake took his time getting to know the contours of her back and Charlie relished every second of it. Once his hands made it to her shoulders, he let them begin to wander down her back. When they reached the hooks at the back of her bra they slowly circled around to the bottom of her rib cage. Charlie inhaled deeply as his fingers skimmed over her ribs before cupping her breasts. At the same time he kicked up the intensity of his kiss sending white hot desire spiraling through her body. Then inch by agonizing inch he pushed her bra down till his hands were on skin. She'd been with men before, but she'd never felt passion like this. Charlie feared her legs might give out so, unable to do much of anything else, she tightened her hold on him as he moved his lips away from hers and began to suckle the frantic pulse in her neck.

  She moaned as his hand brushed across her nipple and she heard him chuckle. Part of her wanted to whack him for laughing but another just wanted to stand there forever while he lavished her body with attention.

  In the end Charlie decided on a third option, to return the sweet torture. So she pulled his shirt out of his waist band, slipped her hands under his shirt and mimicked the same trip he'd taken. She made it up to his shoulders when hushed voices brought her game to an abrupt end. Without warning, Charlie jerked away from Jake's embrace.

  At first Jake looked about to protest. He actually took a step toward her, but then he stopped.

  “Damn. Who the hell is that?” He kept his voice low as he stuffed the back of his shirt into his pants.

  Charlie struggled as she attempted to fix her own clothing. Talk about rotten luck. Whoever was out walking could have gone anywhere on the property and they had to head in this direction.

  By the time she finished adjusting her top, she could clearly make out Dylan and Callie’s faces. They walked holding hands and leaning into each other. Both looked happy and very much in love.

  What would it be like to be in love with someone like that? The thought leaped into Charlie's head. The concept of love, marriage and happily ever after had never entered her mind, not even when she saw her friends getting married. But tonight the ideas were swirling around in her head.

  “I didn't know you two were out here.” Dylan stopped alongside Jake. “Hope we're not interrupting anything.”

  Charlie didn't miss the knowing look that Dylan gave his half-brother. Immediately her face flooded with heat. It could be worse. This could be his father, she thought.

  “It's a nice night. They probably wanted some fresh air. Just like us. All the guests are making the house stuffy,” Callie offered.

  Charlie threw Callie a grateful smile for her efforts. “I didn't think a rehearsal dinner party was such a big deal.” She guessed more than twenty couples filled the mansion and most were not part of the wedding party itself.

  “In the real world they’re not; in Warren's world it's another story. Most of them will be leaving soon I think. At least till tomorrow.”

  Charlie could hear the strain in Callie's voice. Evidently Dylan heard it as well because he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.

  “Forget about them. Tomorrow at this time we'll be on our way to France.”

  During their earlier conversation Callie had told h
er all about their honeymoon plans. They planned to spend three weeks in Europe, starting in France. The entire trip sounded romantic. She'd seen some of Europe but never on vacation, it'd always been while on duty. Someday she wanted to return. Charlie especially wanted to see Ireland and Scotland where many of her ancestors came from.

  “Rub it in, why don't you.” Jake tossed back at his brother. “While you two are off sightseeing some of us have real work to do.”

  Dylan laughed a deep rich sound that Charlie found contagious and she couldn't stop herself from smiling as well.

  “If you're trying to make me feel guilty little brother, it's not going to work.” Dylan stopped laughing and gave his brother a knowing look. “Besides, you'll get your chance.”

  Jake shrugged at his brother's comment but remained silent.

  Charlie expected Dylan and Callie to say goodnight and continue on, but instead Dylan turned his attention toward her.

  “Jake said your family runs a bed and breakfast. How long have they done that?” Dylan asked.

  Charlie met his intense gaze and nodded. “For a few years now. Before that my mom rented out rooms mostly to college students from Salem State. My brother convinced her to try the bed and breakfast route. So far it's working well for them.”

  “Renting to regular boarders seems easier,” Dylan said, his attention still centered on her.

  “Maybe. I never asked. And they don't complain.” Charlie shifted her weight but kept constant eye contact.

  “Steadier income potential if you're renting to college students as well. There are always down times for a bed and breakfast regardless of its location.”

  Does he always think in terms of dollars and cents, Charlie wondered? “I don't ask them about their finances. But The Victorian Rose seems to be doing well.”

  “That's a perfect name for a bed and breakfast,” Callie chimed in. “We'll have to check it out sometime.”

  Charlie saw Callie nudge Dylan in the side and she suspected it was some kind of hint to change the subject. Whether it had been or not, Dylan's next question wasn't related to her family or their business.

  “I understand you're in the Navy. How do you like it?”

  “Originally I just saw it as a way to pay for college. Now, I consider it my way of giving back.”

  Although Dylan might just be making polite conversation, she still felt as if he was interrogating her.

  “Enough with the questions. Weren't you two going for a walk?” Jake asked.

  “Do you think he's trying to tell us something, Dylan?” Callie asked grinning.

  Dylan glanced in her direction one last time then turned his attention to his fiancée. “You might be right. See you tomorrow, Charlie. Jake I'll meet you downstairs in about forty minutes.”

  Charlie remained silent as they walked back up toward the house glad that Dylan and Callie decided to continue their walk.

  “You're lucky to have such a good relationship with your family.” She hoped he didn't hear the twinge of jealousy in her voice. She'd never seen such closeness between family members before. Even prior to her parents' divorce, her family hadn't been this close.

  Jake held open one of the side doors leading into an empty hallway. “When they're not driving me nuts, I agree. What about you? You seem to get along well with your mother and brother.” Jake held her hand as he led her down a deserted hall.

  Opened myself up for that one. “Not like you. This is the first time I've visited them in almost a year. My mom and brother are tight, but I've been a third wheel since …” Charlie paused. How much did she want to reveal? Her relationship with her family began to change the day her father walked out on them. She didn't share that with many people. “… my parent's divorce.”

  “How old were you?”

  “The divorce was official a few days after my thirteenth birthday. It came as a complete surprise when they separated the year before. A lot of my friends' parents were divorced but I never thought mine would be.”

  He squeezed her hand as an unexpected emotion squeezed her heart.

  “Most kids probably think like that. Do you see your father often?”

  Did she see him often? She hadn't seen or heard from him since the day he walked out and as far as she knew neither had Sean. She didn't even know if the man was still alive. “He didn't bother to keep in contact,” Charlie said as they stopped in front of her bedroom door. She could hear the bitterness in her voice, but could do nothing about it. Her father's rejection shouldn't bother her, especially after all this time, but it still did.

  Releasing her hand, Jake wrapped his arms around her. “His loss,” he whispered inches from her mouth before moving in to kiss her.

  The kiss was tender but still sent shivers of excitement to every nerve ending in her body. Soon the excitement from his kiss and touch washed away the bad memories of her childhood.

  “Maybe we should go inside,” Charlie suggested as he moved his lips away from hers and settled on her neck. If he continued to tease her like this, she wouldn't be held responsible for her actions.

  Jake lifted his head just enough to answer. “I'd like nothing more, but …”

  Charlie groaned at the sound of the word but.

  “I promised to take Dylan out for drinks tonight. I missed his bachelor party because of the hurricane so this is my chance to make it up to him. We leave in less than an hour so that doesn't leave me much time, and I don't want to be rushed.”

  Rather than cool her passion, his words further ignited it. How much effort would it take to change his mind? Sneaking her hands under the hem of his shirt, she decided to see for herself. “Is that so?” She trailed her hands up his back toward his shoulders. “Are you sure I can't change your mind?” she asked her voice low.

  She felt his lips curve into a smile against her neck.

  “You wouldn't even need to try, but this time I need to go.” He pulled back and dropped a final kiss on her lips. “But I promise to make it up to you tomorrow, Charlie.”

  The desire in his eyes matched the desire running rampant through her body, and she knew, if not for the wedding in the morning, he'd come in. Charlie let her hands fall back to her sides. “Go have your drinks then.” She opened the bedroom door and took a step inside. “See you tomorrow.”

  After she closed the door she looked around the well-appointed room. What should she do for the next few hours? Although it was late she knew sleep wouldn't be coming anytime soon, thanks to Jake. The guy had some nerve to awaken her passion like that and then retreat.

  A well-stocked bookcase stood in the corner of the room. Selecting a book about the history of nineteenth century Newport, Charlie settled outside on the balcony. Hopefully a little reading would get her in the mood for bed.

  Chapter 7

  The musicians on the balcony overlooking the outdoor dance floor launched into a slow ballad. Without warning Jake tugged her onto the dance floor where the bride and groom were moving as one to the music. Dinner had ended more than an hour before but many people remained seated, lost in conversation. Given the diverse guests present, Charlie assumed those conversations ranged from politics to fashion and just about everything in between. None of it mattered to Charlie though as she melted against Jake who wrapped his arms around her and moved her across the dance floor. She'd been looking forward to this moment all day.

  “You look beautiful today,” he whispered, his breath tickling her ear. “Do you know what I've thought about all day?” His voice took on a husky tone.

  Charlie didn't respond, though she thought she could guess.

  “Taking you some place private and losing this sexy dress of yours.”

  The blue of his eyes darkened with desire and an unexpected bout of self-consciousness rolled over her. Never in her adult life had she been self-conscious. Yet surrounded by all these beautiful people, it kicked in. Jake Sherbrooke, world-renowned playboy, dated beautiful women all the time and the thought of him seeing her
naked suddenly worried her.

  “What do you think?” He ran his tongue along the outline of her ear. “No one will miss us if we go now.”

  What did she think? She could barely put two words together when their bodies touched. Even the briefest of touches caused her thoughts to float away. Talk about annoying. She never lost her head over a guy. She'd always teased her friends for doing just that. Evidently it was true, what goes around comes around.

  Pull yourself together. He's talking about sex, not flying to the moon, she reminded herself. “I say what are we waiting for?” Charlie tried to project as much confidence in her answer as possible. The last thing she wanted was for him to pick up on how unlike herself she felt tonight.

  At some point during their dance one of his hands had come to rest on her ass, and now he gave her a gentle squeeze and reached for her arm that was wrapped around him. No one paid any attention to them as they weaved between dancing couples. Once free of the dance floor, Jake picked up his pace. Charlie wished he'd stop long enough for her to remove her heels. She didn't wear them often and they kept sinking into the lawn making it difficult to keep up.

  Like the night before, Jake took her in through a side door that led into a hallway near the back of the mansion. “We'll use the back stairway.”

  Raw energy and excitement rolled off Jake in waves as they walked down the deserted hall, adding to her building excitement. The trip up the stairs was quick and at the top he reached for her and pulled her against him. As he kissed her she could feel his arousal through their clothes. Charlie could feel the pent-up urgency in his kiss as he teased her mouth open and thrust his tongue inside. Just knowing she caused his arousal sent a jolt of power to her brain. Never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined she could stir such desire in man like Jake Sherbrooke.

  Somehow, without letting her go, they stumbled down the hallway. With one arm still wrapped around her, he used his other to open the door.

  Charlie heard a distinct click and knew he'd locked the bedroom door behind them. This is it, she thought. She'd dreamed about this moment since their first kiss outside the hospital and now it was about to happen.