Brandon

Jaycee looks as stunning as she did the night we met again in the back of that cop car. Her hair is swept up and she is only wearing a touch of make-up. I love the way her cheeks got pink when she saw that I was her dinner guest. Looks like she's as surprised to see me, as I am to be meeting with her. Ben has some serious explaining to do when I get back to the hotel.

When the shock wears off, Jaycee rolls her eyes a little and the annoyed look I'm so used to seeing on her face makes an appearance. "Did you have anything to do with this? I really don't have time to play games." Her voice sounds irritated which heats up my blood and sends a spark of fire through me.

"Think a little highly of yourself, huh. No, I didn't have anything to do with this. My brother said I needed to cover for him so here I am." I lean back as our waiter comes to the side of the table. "Would you like me to order something for us or would you see that as a gross display of chauvinism?" I fold my arms and glare into her eyes waiting for her response.

"I like adventure. There are certain places in my life where I welcome a little dominance from a male." Her eyes almost sparkle with mirth and I fight the urge to ask her what other areas she would welcome some dominance. Instead I reach for the wine menu from the waiter who is having trouble removing his stare from Jaycee. I don't blame him.

"We would like the 2004 Bordeaux." The waiter nods his head and smiles, no doubt happy with my very expensive choice. I'm not a huge fan of red wine, but since we're at a steakhouse, I think it's probably the best pairing.

"Nice choice," she replies, "Do you like the vineyard or do you have a habit of choosing the most expensive option?" I chuckle at her observation. She's trying to piss me off and I love every minute of it.

"Too classy for you, sweetheart? I know I'm not your usual company. I'm sure we could get the waiter to bring over a Forty." If she wants to play dirty, I'm more than willing.

"The men I keep as company don't need to impress women with their extensive wine knowledge. I prefer they are gifted in other areas. I can enjoy a nice wine alone." She winks at me and I fight back a smile. Right now I would be very happy to show her my other talents. We've always been mean to each other, but now our teasing has a very hot undertone.

"I have expensive taste in many things, Jaycee." I lean in close to her and she sucks in a breath as I look at her lips. "Money isn't my only motivator. I like to choose things that will bring me pleasure." I can feel the tension and I hope she's as curious about what's happening between is as I am.

The waiter brings the bottle and uncorks it at our table. He pours a small glass for me and I swirl it before testing it. It's rich and flavorful and now all I can think about is tasting it on her lips. I nod my head at him and he fills my glass again and then Jaycee's. Her eyes close as she breathes in the sharp aroma of the wine. Tipping the glass to her lips, she takes in a sip and rolls the liquid across her pallet.

The erotic image of Jaycee enjoying the wine has me desperate to take this further. The waiter brings us a basket of various breads and crackers. I reach for a small piece of bread and then lift it to her mouth. Jaycee's tongue darts out to wet her lips and then she accepts the warm bread. Her tongue touches my finger ever so slightly causing a shock of desire to race straight to my gut.

"Mmm. I have to hand it to you, the wine is amazing." Her voice is soft and husky from the alcohol. I can't even form a sentence with the thick haze of lust floating in my brain. I'm saved from having to reply when the waiter returns to take our order. Jaycee orders the filet and I second her order because focusing enough to choose my own is not happening any time soon.

Clearing my throat and trying hard to do the same with my thoughts, I put a little distance between us. "So, I saw on my agenda that we have two locations to scout tomorrow." It takes a minute for Jaycee to answer, but then she shakes her head slightly as if to shake away the haze I have been sitting in.

"Yes, two locations tomorrow. What's your family looking for? Do they want to be close to the water or in the middle of the city?" I watch as her lips slide across her teeth and then try to bring my eyes back to hers. The wine is not helping as it pools heat into my gut to accompany the growing lust.

"I won't know until I see it. There are pluses and minuses to each. We'll just have to see what feels right. What about your family?" She too has been staring at my lips and I notice as her eyes meet mine finally.

"You're pretty confident in your ability to feel what's right in your gut." I smile because right now I know my gut is trying to get me in all kinds of trouble. "I will know what's right for us too when I see it." I nod my head and reach for my wine again.

"You have a lot of faith in your gut too. Didn't really lead you in the best direction the night at the bar." I want to get her fired up again. Right now we're in some very dangerous territory and if we don't move in a different direction we'll all be in trouble.

"Depends on how you see it. My gut leads me to excitement and fulfillment. Sometimes it finds me a little trouble on the way. It's a small price to pay and it's always worth it. Don't you ever just want to get in a little trouble, Brandon?" Jaycee leans in and closes the space between us.

"Funny thing is, Jaycee, I've never been one for trouble." I reach up and twirl a strand of hair that has broke free of the twist she had it in. I tuck it behind her ear, "Somehow I have a feeling I've been missing out." I watch her chest rise and fall as she steadies her breathing. "Maybe a little trouble is just what I need."

Jaycee picks her wine glass up from the table and swirls it before raising it up to me. "Brandon be careful chasing that need. I have a feeling you might end up falling into trouble." As she closes her eyes and takes the last sip of her wine, I know that it's too late for her warning. This situation with Jaycee has trouble written all over it, but I can't wait to enjoy every minute of the fall.