The Forgotten Heiress novel Chapter 26

It had been months since she'd last heard that voice, a voice that could melt butter, but she was sure she'd be able to recognize it after years. He was the man responsible for her aversion to any other mans' kisses. Not just kisses, she couldn't stand any other mans' touch.

His kisses ruined her for everyone else and then he disappeared like a magician.

"How can I help you" She asked him as she turned to look at him, striving and barely managing to achieve an impersonal tone.

Jessica was secretly thrilled to see him again but she refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing that she'd thought about him day and night.

"You could help me by telling who that guy is."

"What guy?"

"The guy that was just touching you."

"Oh well, that's actually none of your business."

Even though her heart raced at the sight of him, Jessica turned away, dismissing him. In a surprising move he snagged her by the waist, turned her back around and brought her flush against him. Instantly, her nerve endings came to life after so many months of hibernation.

"Oh it's my business alright." He murmured in a seductive voice that sent shivers down her spine. Too shocked to struggle, she just looked up at him like a doe caught in headlights. "Next time he touches you, think about this."

Before she could protest, he brought one of his hands up to the back of her head and claimed her mouth. Once again Jessica felt like she'd been struck by lightning. The passionate kiss came up from some deep place inside of him and he poured it directly into her like a current of electricity.

Only with him did she feel so alive.

Jessica made a sound that came from deep in her chest and kissed him back just as passionately. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she closed her eyes and lost herself in the embrace. The rest of the world ceased to exist and she clung to him like a life saver. She clung to him like she never wanted the kiss to end.

Then just as suddenly as he'd reappeared in her life, he pulled back and ended the kiss. Jessica opened her eyes dazedly and could feel passionate heat burning her cheeks. Her hands were still around his neck and as if scalded, Jessica quickly dropped them to her side.

"You have a week to break it off with him." He ordered, looking in control of himself while she stood there, fighting to get a grip on herself.

Passion made way for mortification and mortification made way for anger.

"Who do you think you are?!" She flung at his already retreating back.

He reacted as fast as lightning. He moved quickly and silently like a predator after its prey and the next thing she knew she was being hauled back into his arms. Their eyes clashed, both glittering with gold sparks of anger before he crashed his lips against hers.

With Jessica's hands fisted between them she tried to push him away but it was futile and she soon found herself once against lost in the heat of his touch. His lips cast a magic spell over her that she hadn't the power to break.

It was he who pulled away.

"You have one week." He repeated huskily before walking away without a backwards glance; leaving her alone to deal with the emotional aftermath.

******

"You can go home after you spill it."

Jessica gave in and told them everything between her and Nick, including his 'one week' demand, and at the end the girls released a dreamy sigh.

"Girl if I were you I'd of dragged him to one of the fitting rooms and rocked his fine ass all the way to seventh heaven!"

Jessica shook her head and rolled her eyes,

"So what are you going to do?" Laura asked her.

"What am I going to do? Go home."

After making her excuses, she went outside to wait for Shane. It was another bright and sunny day in California but the turmoil within her left no room for the enjoyment of the weather. The sudden tap on her shoulder made her tense; she brought her hands up in a defense stance and snapped around. Her heart beat a happy dance when she realized that it was Nick standing in front of her.

Angry at her own reaction, she lowered her hands and snapped at him. "What do you want now?" He took a step towards her and, shaking her head, she brought her hands up to fend him off and took a step back. "That's close enough." She told him, his nearness making her nervous and she needed all of her mental faculties to keep him at bay.

Nick took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. "Listen I just wanted to apo-"

"Hey baby, are you ready to go?" Shane suddenly asked as he came to stand next to Jessica and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him.