Heart's Masquerade Page 3

  “He moves like a white boy,” he joked.

  She smacked his chest. “How do you even know how to dance?”

  “I took lessons.” Behind the mask, Tor’s face burned. He was glad to be hidden.

  “Oh, do tell. Maybe we need to go back in the quiet room.”

  “If you want to risk it.”

  Her saucy expression made him want to toss her over his shoulder and carry her out. He resisted. Tor admitted if only to himself he had never let go this much, whether at the southside Halloween party or back at home. Everything had to do with Jaz. She brought it out in him from the moment they began talking. He wanted to see more of her. No, he would see more of her, and he didn’t care who wouldn’t like it.

  One by one they eliminated dancers and weeded through the costumes. At the end they chose their winner and runner-up. The music died down, and someone handed Jaz a microphone.

  “Okay, everybody,” Jaz said, “we have our winners. The top prize of one hundred dollars was donated by Kelly Foods on D Street. The second prize is a gift certificate to Books and Other Things on South Street. Thank you so much to all of our sponsors for this event. Also, next week, I’m going to be working here with the youth, and I can use some volunteers. See the flyer we passed out for details and my numbers. Thanks, everybody. Mask unveiling is in fifteen minutes!”

  Tor tensed. He’d come to the party figuring he would slip in, enjoy the atmosphere, and then slip away into the night. He’d never intended to stay this late. While Jaz had seen his face—and he liked the reaction he’d received from her—he didn’t want to uncover himself before everyone. Not because he feared the people, but because he preferred peace. He knew there were those who felt like Kenny did, that he had abandoned his own for a life of privilege. Kenny felt he shouldn’t ever come back to this side of town and that he didn’t belong. How could his cousin understand that he didn’t belong back home either?

  Tor separated himself from Jaz and checked her surroundings to be sure her family weren’t close by. He noted her sister argued with the man who had glared at him earlier. The man touched the woman’s face in an intimate gesture, and when she didn’t pull away, he figured they were married. Both wore a wedding ring. No wonder he had been protective of Jaz. Okay, Torrian was leaving her in good hands.

  Tor reached the exit door and started to walk through it. A hand slipped into his, and he looked back. Jaz stood there, giving him an accusing glare. “And just where do you think you’re going, mister?”

  “I…uh…” He grinned, feeling like a schoolboy. “The party was fun. You did a great job.”

  “That’s all you have for me?” She released his hand and put hers on her hips. He was struck again by her beauty. “I have a feeling you’re hiding, but remember, I’ve seen your face.”

  He glanced around, but no one seemed to be paying attention. The music had started up again, and most in the hall were either heading out or stumbling back in to dance some more. “I have nothing to hide.”

  “Oh?”

  He hated the fact that she made him squirm. “I have an early meeting…”

  “Don’t let me keep you.”

  He looked at her but found no offense in her expression, only acceptance. A longing to kiss her overcame him. “Show me.”

  She pursed her lips. “Why should I?”

  “I showed you mine.”

  She laughed. “Fine.” The mask came off, and he stared. Just as he’d known, she was beautiful. Big brown eyes, a stubby, cute nose, and full, thick lips he’d already tasted and wanted more. Her features were soft and feminine, but there was strength in her gaze. She might be small, but he knew she would give a hell of a fight to anyone who tried to take advantage of her.

  “Lovely,” he breathed, and she blushed.

  She reached for his mask, but he caught her hand and lowered it. His diminutive beauty huffed. “Are you trying to be Cinderfella?”

  “Cinder what?”

  “You know, running off at midnight.”

  “Will you chase me?”

  She ran a finger down his jacket zipper. “I don’t chase, baby. I get chased.”

  His cock twitched. “And are you ever caught?”

  “When I want to be.”

  “Hm, I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “So, if you’re playing Cinderfella, you have to leave something behind.”

  He chuckled. “Like?”

  “How about the mask?”

  “You don’t give up.”

  “Never.”

  He took a step in the opposite direction. “Maybe I’ll call.” With that, he strode out the door and forced himself not to turn around. A block from the center, he pulled his cell phone from his pocket, then changed his mind about going back now. Something about talking to and dancing with Jaz kept him in the area. He took his time striding along the street and then cut over a few blocks to head in the direction where he’d grown up. The night had turned colder, and the ground was wet like it had rained earlier. In a window he passed, a jack-o’-lantern shown with the fake light inside dancing. Behind another door, he caught the sound of revelers, and each time the door opened to the pub on the corner, cheers were going strong.

  At the end of another street, Tor lingered. He blew on his fingers and stuffed them into his pockets. When he was eleven, he kissed his first girl by that tree, outside Mrs. Walsh’s house. He’d gotten a whipping from his mother for it. Susie, the girl, happened to be Mrs. Walsh’s granddaughter. At first Tor thought the old woman had seen him out her window, but he later found out Kenny had ratted him out. Even then, Kenny had given him a hard time.

  Voices reached him from behind, and he realized he’d been standing in the same spot for a while. He started forward, glancing over his shoulder and stopped. He could never mistake those legs, but why was Jaz out here this late, alone?

  He hurried to catch up with her and grabbed her arm. She yelped, but he released her quickly. “You shouldn’t be out here by yourself, Jaz.”

  She shifted the paper grocery bag she held to her other hand. “Why? A masked man will accost me?”

  He recalled the mask and removed it. “Because it’s dangerous, and you’re still dressed like that.”

  “I have a coat on. I’m not crazy.”

  “Your legs.”

  She stuck out one of the shapely limbs. “I know, right? My legs are freezing, and those stupid fishnets left imprints. I couldn’t even find my thick, so-not-sexy tights. I know I packed them with my change of clothes. That’s what I get for going for a dress.”

  He liked the sound of her voice, and even when she wasn’t flirting, she turned him on. “How did your brother let you go by yourself?”

  “He was otherwise engaged, and I slipped out. I’ll be fine. Mom and Dad’s place isn’t that far, and I have to drop this food off to them.” She held up the bag for him to see.

  His eyes widened. “Surely they aren’t awake at this time?”

  “I have a key, but they’re up. They both retired a few years ago, and they sleep at all kinds of crazy hours. I’m just going to pop in and out and be on my way.”

  “I’ll walk you.”

  She protested, but he fell into step beside her. There was no way he would leave to get Niles to pick him up while she walked alone in the dark. As they strode along, neither said a word, and it didn’t bother Tor at all. He felt no pressure to make small talk, and Jaz moved at a brisk pace. Just as she said, her parents’ place wasn’t far, and a light illuminated the front window.

  “Want to come inside?” Jaz offered.

  He took step back. “No, I’ll wait.”

  “Tor, it’s cold out here.”

  “I’m fine,” he lied. His fingers had gone numb.

  “Okay, suit yourself. I’ll be back before you die of exposure.”

  He chuckled as she disappeared into the house. Time slipped by, and he shivered in his coat. Damn, now his toes were numb. He wondered if Jaz had forgotten him or she i
ntended to stay the night at her parents’ house. The thought flashed through his mind that he should just get out of there. She was just a woman like any other. He didn’t need to get frostbite on her behalf. Just as he spun to walk away from the house, the door creaked open, and she jogged down the stairs.

  “I’m so sorry. Mom wouldn’t shut up.” Like a mother hen herself, she rubbed his arms while looking up at him with eyes full of worry. “You must be freezing. Maybe you should come inside to thaw out first.”

  Heat ignited in Tor that was only partially to do with her hands racing over his arms. She was so vibrant, her personality like fire itself. He leaned toward her, bringing their faces close. “I’m fine.

  For a moment, they stood still. He lowered his gaze to her lips and noted how they parted, the slightest puff of breath expelling. After a quick glance at the house behind her, he claimed her lips in a kiss. Jaz allowed him to push his tongue into her mouth and drew her tight to his chest. His cock grew stiff, and he ached to raise her off her feet a little to push it between her legs. That would be going too far, so he restrained himself.

  Moments later, he released her, but she stretched onto her tiptoes and kissed him again. He blinked in surprise and watched befuddled as she starting striding down the street. “Coming?” she called over her shoulder, and he hurried to catch up.

  Tor had been with many different types of women in his thirty-four years. He enjoyed the pleasures of the flesh without reservation, and most of the time his choice was a woman who was somewhat demure, sweet with a hint of spice. Jaz was none of those things. Correction. She’s definitely sweet. Her confidence and sass threw him off center, and rather than being turned off by it, she drew him in to the point that he couldn’t resist. Analyzing the reaction, he considered whether it was because she seemed to have a big personality without being a bitch. Yes, that must be it.

  “So,” she said as they strolled down the street and turned the corner, “did you have fun tonight?”

  He smiled. “Yes, the best part was meeting you.”

  She blushed and then grew serious. “Who are you?”

  He tensed. “I told you. Tor.”

  She side-eyed him. “No, I mean where are you from?”

  He dodged the question. “What makes you think I’m not from around here?”

  She smirked. “Because most guys from around here are all like ‘That Halloween party was sick,’ or ‘wicked pissa.’ You don’t add the ah sound to your words like any self-respecting Bostonian would do.”

  He laughed. “So I’m a fraud?”

  “No, you just make me curious.”

  He scanned the area where they walked. “I grew up right around the corner from here.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “When I was thirteen, my cousin and I set off firecrackers in Saint Bridget’s parking lot.”

  She raised a hand to her mouth. “Are you crazy?”

  He shrugged. “I had no respect then and was always getting into trouble one way or another. Father Matthew made sure I repented of my sins, and I had to learn the complete history of the parish and write a report on it.”

  “Ouch.” She laughed.

  “I don’t feel your sympathy for my pain, Jaz.”

  “You deserved your punishment.”

  “You’re a cruel woman.”

  She grinned and moved to link her arm with his. He felt the soft swell of her breasts through her coat, or imagined he did and liked it. If Father Matthew only knew his thoughts now, he might be in confession the rest of his life.

  At last, they turned into a narrow tree-lined street with three-story houses on either side. Jaz’s apartment, in a gray-paneled building with white trimming around the windows and door, was located on the first floor. The door itself had been covered in red paper with green streamers hanging from the top to look like hair. Giant eyeballs had been placed just below the “hair,” and white strips of paper made up a mouth that had been stitched closed. He smiled, realizing when Jaz did something, she went all out. As for the house itself, he recalled he had lived in a similar place but not as nice as this one.

  “This is me,” she announced. “Thanks for walking me home. Made it fun and helped me to forget about the chill.”

  “Same here,” he said and pulled her close. The heat of her body seeped into his cold one, and he hungered to kiss her again, maybe even go inside with her. While he debated the wisdom of it, she kissed his lips and slipped away.

  “Here, give me your phone,” she said. “I’ll put my number in.”

  Tor didn’t hesitate. He produced his phone for her, and she created a new contact with her name then handed it back. Afterward, she jogged up the two steps leading to her apartment. “Call me.”

  He nodded and watched her disappear inside.

  When Tor reached the spot where he’d been dropped off, he couldn’t stop sneezing, and his nose kept running. He cursed early winters that seemed to start in October. Handling his cell phone was a chore, but he managed to dial his chauffeur. “Niles, I need a pickup, and please, make it quick.”

  “Will do, sir. I’m glad to know you’re safe. I assume you enjoyed yourself?”

  He chuckled and sniffed. “You assume correctly.”

  “Good. I will be there soon, sir.”

  Chapter Four

  Jaz pulled the door open to her favorite coffeehouse and held it for her friend, Lawanda. The scent of Cherokee coffee beans hit Jaz, and she breathed them in with relish. How she needed something strong to wake her up and warm her body.

  “I’m getting a cinnamon bun,” Lawanda announced as she drew up behind Jaz in the line.

  Jaz faced her. “You said you were laying off them, that your butt was getting too wide.”

  “Why are you reminding me?”

  “Because I’m the voice of reason.” Jaz took in the few tables spread throughout the establishment and saw that every one was occupied. Not that they ever stayed anyway. They usually took their purchases back to the office to enjoy as they dove into work for the day. “If you get a cinnamon bun, you’re going to make me get one.”

  Lawanda rolled her eyes. “So in other words, it’s not about me but about you?”

  Jaz stuck her tongue out. “Of course.”

  Lawanda shook her head. “Well at least you’re honest. I think we should both fall off the wagon for one last time.”

  “You said one more time the last three.”

  “Don’t be picky.”

  Jaz gave up the argument she’d never win, and when she reached the front of the line, the girl behind the counter handed her a coffee. Jaz moaned and she breathed over the hot brew. “See, this is why I come here. Thanks, sweetie. You’ve saved my life another day.”

  Lawanda collected her coffee and bun, and the two of them left the coffee shop. The minute Jaz stepped from the protection of the building, she jogged across L Street toward her office, Lawanda keeping in step.

  Lawanda set her coffee on the tiny round table at the front of their offices, which looked out over the street. She unwrapped her bun and used a plastic knife she’d found to cut it in half. Jaz pursed her lips as she looked on. “What do you think you’re doing, miss?”

  “She didn’t give you a bun, just me, so we’re sharing. I’m not getting fat by myself.”

  “Men like big booties.”

  “Whatever.”

  Jaz removed her coat and hung it on the available hook. Then she took Lawanda’s. “Well, I know your man likes it, right? How are things going?”

  Lawanda’s eyes twinkled, and Jaz had to admit to a twinge of jealousy.

  “Great! It’s our fourth anniversary tomorrow, and he’s taking me to dinner.”

  “Fourth?”

  “Four weeks.”

  Jaz laughed. “You know you’re crazy?”

  “Hey, men don’t last long with me. I’m celebrating every victory.”

  “I hear you.”

  Jaz understood what her friend was
going through. Lawanda always drove her boyfriends away. The thing was the curvy woman was a bit too clingy. She always declared herself in love like three seconds after going out with a man, and the poor thing tended to have her heart broken often. Men didn’t like to feel they were tied down before they made the decision for themselves. Jaz was just as amazed as Lawanda that she’d hung onto the current boyfriend this long.

  “So you didn’t tell him you love him?” she asked tentatively.

  Lawanda thumped her coffee cup down. “Of course not! I mean…”

  Jaz waited.

  “He didn’t hear me.” Lawanda bit her lip. “He was in the shower.”

  “Sweetie, no.” Jaz grabbed her friend’s hand. “Don’t say it again. Wait for him. Please.”

  “I can’t help it. I love men. They don’t love me.”

  “He will if you give him a little time. Four weeks isn’t that long.”

  Lawanda snatched her hand away. “Well, what about you? How’s it going with—”

  “Don’t even say his name.”

  “That good?”

  Jaz picked at the bun. She dipped her finger in a mound of cream-cheese icing and licked it off. The sweet taste was heavenly, but if she ate it all, it would lead to a downward spiral. She loved her extra curves, but she worked damn hard to keep her belly where it was. The thighs were kind of a lost cause. “Allen and I have been off and on. More off than on.”

  “He’s still putting on airs?”

  Jaz groaned. “When is he ever not? He owns a small convenience store not bigger than a blip, and he thinks he’s arrived.”

  They laughed together.

  “I’m supposed to feel lucky. Don’t get me wrong. I’m proud of him. I can only imagine obtaining my dream, and Allen is living his. That’s great, but I don’t have to kiss his toes.”

  “Well some of the local girls are impressed.”

  “Let them be.”

  “What are you saying, Jaz?”

  “Right now we are way off, and I think this is it.”

  “Wait, whoa, girl. What’s that look in your eyes?” Lawanda demanded. “What did I miss at the party?”

  “Nothing.”