Heart's Masquerade Read online

She eyed him up and down. He was still the sexiest man she’d ever seen, but now she refused to look at him that way. Her last boyfriend had a big head and thought she should be grateful he gave her the time of day. Someone else could stroke Torrian’s ego and leave her out of it.

  “I was calling you because of a special project we’re working on,” she explained and detailed the plan. “Don’t worry about it. I have someone else.”

  “Do you really?”

  “Does it matter?”

  He touched her hand, and she jerked away, almost dropping the box on her foot. Torrian caught it and set it on the table. All around them were other boxes to be sorted through, including the four new ones she had received that morning. Some held clothes, she knew, and from the clanking around in one, other items they may or may not be able to use. Unfortunately, some people used them as a means to dump junk, which annoyed the heck out of her. The center didn’t have the staff to have someone standing by with each delivery and decide to accept or reject. She was it, and her mornings were spent at the outreach center.

  “Jazara.”

  Against her will, a tingle ran down her spine at him pronouncing her full name, and all the annoyance drained away. Besides, she didn’t like to stay down. Her usual demeanor was happiness, and she would not let this man or any other steal it away.

  “Fine, no we don’t have anyone. Would you be interested?” She smiled, and he stared at her mouth a moment.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t call.”

  “Tor—”

  “I like how you say my full name.” He moved closer. She scooted away and used the box cutter to open the box he’d set on the table. Just as she thought, the box contained an old blender and of all items a toaster oven. Who used those anymore? Torrian wouldn’t let her ignore him. He touched a lock of her hair and rolled the strands between his fingers. “I was stupid enough to get a cold after that night.”

  She blinked at him. “And you’re over it that fast? It’s been what? Four days?”

  He shrugged. “My one gift, a strong immune system.”

  “I’m sure you have other gifts.”

  A slow smile spread over his face. “I might. Are you interested in finding out?”

  “Will you consider teaching the kids?”

  “Is it a trade-off?”

  She laughed. “No way.”

  He appeared disappointed and then perked up. “I don’t think I’m cut out to be a teacher.”

  “You never know until you try, but there are plenty of volunteer jobs available, coaching basketball, sorting through this stuff, fishing…”

  “Fishing?”

  She shrugged. “A few want to learn for some reason. Literacy classes, oh yeah, that’s teaching. Plumbing…”

  He chuckled. “Plumbing?”

  “Save us money and fix the pipes.”

  He blinked at her.

  “No?”

  “Not my forte.”

  “Maybe you don’t have any gifts.”

  He touched a hand to his chest. “You wound me.”

  “I’m so sure.”

  “Let me take you to lunch,” he offered.

  “I’ve eaten.” She suppressed a smile and lowered her lashes. Her hands kept moving, sorting items, but she had no idea at that point what she was doing. All her attention lay with him, and the fun night at the Halloween party came flooding back. “You could volunteer to be Rhashon’s punch dummy. You two seemed to hit off so well.”

  “He’d like that,” he quipped. “How about dinner?”

  She stopped and put her hands on her hips. “Are you just here to flirt with me and get me to go out with you?”

  He raised a hand as if swearing in. “I will volunteer as much as my schedule allows me. But I have to be honest, it’s mostly because I want…to talk to you.”

  She’d thought he was about to say because he wanted her, and something told her he knew he gave that impression. Still, his words were no less impacting. At least he was honest about his motives. She had to give him credit for that. Hell, she had been excited for an excuse to call him and was glad he’d come down to the center.

  “Okay, since you’re here, you can help me go through all of these boxes. Then we can get something to eat.”

  His eyebrows rose. “All of them?”

  “Yes, all of them. I need the space. Since Friday is Halloween, we’re going to be giving out candy. I need the space for that. On Saturday morning, we’re handing out what clothes we have to anyone who needs them. After this, you can take me to my favorite sandwich shop.”

  “So you haven’t had lunch?”

  “No, I lied,” she said with boldness. “Get to cracking, mister.”

  They worked an hour and a half before Jaz decided hunger was getting the best of her. She had put off lunch to come over to the center. Now that Torrian was here, she was so glad she did. Every now and then as they sorted through clothes, she looked at him. Women must cry with jealousy over his long lashes, and they covered such soulful eyes. His hands were large and strong, and she recalled how he never seemed to be intimidated with Rhashon’s threats, or he was good at hiding his fear. She wanted to get to know him better, but if she was honest with herself, right then, she wanted those hands on her body and to enjoy his kisses again.

  * * * *

  “So where are we going?” he asked as they huddled against the wind and strode down the street.

  Jaz tucked her arm into his and snuggled to his side. The look he gave her made her wink and smile at him. “The shop that makes the best hoagies. Well, at least over here. There’s this place downtown I like better. It’s called These Words. I love that place, especially the owner. She’s down to earth and cool.”

  “Kenzie Bridges?”

  She gasped. “You’ve heard of her?”

  “I’ve met her and her husband.”

  “No way. I heard she married a rich guy, doesn’t even need to work, but she keeps the shop because it’s her baby. I admire that. Dang, come to think of it, maybe I should have called her to ask about teaching the class.”

  “Am I rejected now?” He pretended to pout, and she punched his arm.

  “You gave me excuses. I can’t trust you.”

  His expression closed, and she wondered what she had said wrong. “I’ll do whatever you want.”

  “Hmm, I like the sound of that.”

  A spark lit in his gaze. “Are you thinking of dirty things for me to do?”

  “You wish.”

  He stopped walking and leaned closer. His big form blocked out some of the chilly air, and she moaned. Torrian captured her chin, raised it, and kissed her lips. “If you make noises like that, I will forget about lunch.”

  Jaz broke out his hold. “Wow, somebody’s confident.”

  She walked ahead of him, but after a few steps he caught up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to move too fast.”

  “Don’t worry. I know how to cool a guy’s heels. So tell me, why are you so mistrustful of people?”

  His started in surprise. “I didn’t think I was.”

  She waited in silence.

  “I question motives.”

  “Because you’ve been used? I never expected to get that from a man. Plenty of women feel used by men who just want to get into their panties. My personal opinion is that a man who lies to a woman just to sleep with her is no better than a sexual predator. In fact, he is one.”

  Torrian’s jaw dropped.

  “Oh, crap, I think I said too much. I’m so damn opinionated.” She tried laughing it off, but they were awkward together as they walked into the restaurant. A line had formed along the counter, and Jaz moved to the end of it. She pretended to focus on the menu, but she only ever ordered the same thing each time she came. Her Italian hoagie came with two kinds of ham, salami prosciutto, and provolone cheese. Then she had them add lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and both hot and sweet peppers. No pickles though because pickles on a sandwich was gross. Oil, salt, and pepper to bring it all
together, and she ate until she was ready to pop. Of course, being with Torrian, she would eat like the lady she was. Maybe.

  Jaz moved forward in line and glanced up at Torrian. He stood close, and his gaze met hers. After a moment, he leaned down and whispered, “So if I admit I want you, is that okay?”

  She tried to hide a smile and then wrinkled her nose. “Perhaps.”

  “What does that mean?” He flattened a palm on her shoulder, fingers teasing her collarbone from behind. Arrows of desire shot down to her pussy, and she reached up to stroke his hand.

  “It means you’re on trial, mister.”

  “Well, if I’ve got to perform…” His hand slid down her back.

  She squealed and slapped his hand away. “You’re bad. How do I know you’re not like your cousin?”

  Jaz was on a roll for offending him. She didn’t usually strike out this much. Torrian bristled, but at least he didn’t walk away. “Kenny is hotheaded and irrational.”

  “Mm, but Torrian Donnelly is different.”

  Torrian’s hand came up in a flash, and he covered her lips with the tips of his fingers. She waited for him to speak, but he switched from a touch to a brush of his thumb over her lips. He confused her with his sudden starts and attitude, but at least he wasn’t boring.

  They got their food, and Torrian chose to leave the restaurant rather than stay. They found a quiet room in the center where no one bothered them, and Jaz kicked off her shoes. She encouraged Torrian to do the same and laughed when he appeared so awkward.

  “Mm, yours smells good,” she said, leaning over his arm. “Let me try a little?”

  He broke off a piece of his sandwich and held it out to her. She took a bite and yelped. Torrian caught a bit of mayo on her lip and licked it from his finger. “Too hot?”

  “Seriously hot,” she complained. “How do you have taste buds? I like it a little spicy, but this is crazy. My mouth is burning.”

  He grabbed his drink and leaned back. “Come here.”

  “Soda isn’t going to fix it.”

  He held out his hand. “Trust me.”

  She sat on his lap and felt the hardness of his erection. So wrong but so right. “I could get into trouble.”

  “A minute,” he whispered against her mouth. They kissed, and Jaz took the soda from him. She set it on the table and wrapped her arms around his neck. The tips of their tongues touched, and she tasted the spicy flavors on his. Even if he was hot, she wanted more. For long moments they kissed, smothering moans, Jaz trying not to wiggle on his lap. When someone laughed down the hall, she jumped to her feet.

  “Oh crap, you tempt me too much. I have to eat and get back to work.”

  He reached for his sandwich and took a huge bite. When he had chewed and swallowed, he asked, “Can I stay with you?”

  She hesitated. “I’m working late tonight. It’ll be boring.”

  “I’ll be watching you. I won’t get bored.”

  And I’m taking you home! She’d decided then and there.

  Chapter Six

  “You don’t drive?” Torrian asked.

  Jaz offered him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, no. I save more money that way. Plus, I don’t really need a car. My home and work are close enough to each other to get around. It would be a waste.”

  He agreed. She hadn’t seen him drive either, but maybe he was ashamed so say he couldn’t afford a car. Or he might have left it at his place. She didn’t judge men on what they had. People were people, good and bad, and what they owned didn’t say which group they belonged to. She had met some amazing homeless folks in her time and some upper-middle class assholes. Vice versa as well.

  They drew up to her apartment. “Here we are. Want to come in and warm up?”

  “Are you worried I’ll catch a cold again?”

  She reached out a hand to lie in the center of his chest. His heart beat strong beneath her palm, and his warmth gave her a feeling of comfort. “It’s not that bad tonight, but no that’s not it.” She moved in close until her breasts came into contact with his body. Shifting a leg, she let her thigh touch his. “I just thought you’d like to have a little fun.”

  In the streetlights, his eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

  “You’ve been clear about your desire from the start. I’m making it clear about mine. I’m the kind of girl that doesn’t question her needs. I just indulge them. A woman doesn’t have to feel ashamed that she wants to jump a man’s bones when she’s just met him. Why should she when men aren’t ostracized for feeling what comes naturally?”

  “I like your reasoning.”

  “Oh my goodness, Jaz, is that a new man?” The strident, nasally voice came from overhead, and with reluctance, Jaz looked up to see her neighbor hanging out of her window. “Did you get rid of the last one, sweetie? Or does Allen know you’re stepping out on him?”

  Jaz swore under her breath. “I think I can handle my personal life, Glenda. Thanks though.”

  She stabbed the key in the lock and almost snapped it off as she tried to get inside quickly. Talk about nosy. From the day she moved in, her neighbor acted like it was her duty to voice her opinion on everything Jaz did. Jaz didn’t cuss people out because she usually just didn’t get that angry, but Glenda was asking for it.

  Torrian followed her into the apartment and paused at the edge of her tiny living room. She bit her lip, remembering too late that the place looked a mess with a laundry basket of clean but not yet folded clothes in the corner and other items strewn here and there. She rushed across the room to snatch up the basket at least. “Sorry about the mess. Please, have a seat and ignore the Amazon boxes. They’re my sister’s.”

  From her bedroom where she shoved the basket inside the closet, she could easily hear his voice. “Your sister live with you?”

  She walked back out and took his hand to pull him toward the couch. He followed slowly. “No. She has issues with overspending and hasn’t told him she bought that stuff yet. I know I shouldn’t cover for her, but heck, Yasmine has covered for me plenty of times.”

  His eyebrow rose. “Is she covering for you tonight?”

  They stood together in front of the couch, and she couldn’t resist touching him. His abs were tight and hard. Her fingers rose and fell over the ridges and valleys, making her temperature climb. He needed to get the sweater off now. “What do you mean?”

  “Your neighbor’s comment. I don’t want to jump to conclusions.”

  She pressed close to him and dipped her head back. Torrian lowered his head and kissed her lips. She moaned into his mouth, and when he raised his head, she explained. “My ex and I were on again off again. We were done for good a while ago, but he kept chasing me. I think after Rhashon threw him out of the center today, he gets it. Nosy as Glenda is, she probably knows all of this, including the tossing-out-on-his-ass part.”

  She stepped out of his arms and noted the swell in his jeans. Her mouth watered, but she forced her gaze to meet his.

  “You have to decide if you believe me.”

  “I do.”

  She grinned. “Little man talking or you?”

  He chuckled. “Both. Come back, please.” He held out his hand, and she drifted into his arms. She liked how gentle he was, both in his touch and his words. Goose bumps popped out on her skin. She was starting to like him more and more. Torrian ran a hand down her back and pressed lightly to mold her to him. “I don’t have a woman in my life right now. I haven’t had a girlfriend in a while. A casual lover a couple months ago. Never a wife.”

  “Hmm, I don’t even hear a cringe in that last declaration,” she joked.

  He grinned and lowered his mouth to hers again, as if he couldn’t hold back. “You are so beautiful, Jazara. Your mouth is delicious. I can’t stop kissing you.”

  “Don’t,” she murmured.

  He traced kisses down her throat and sucked at the skin there. Her pussy clenched, but he moved away again. “I’m clean. I’ve been tested, but I’ll wear p
rotection of course.”

  “Me too. Clean, I mean, and I’m on the pill.” She winked. “So we’re doing this, right? Because I’ve got to touch you.”

  He glanced down at her arms entwined around his neck. “I thought you were.”

  She placed her hand where she really wanted it, squeezing his cock and loving the hardness. Through his jeans, she couldn’t be sure of the size, but man oh man he was stiff. She resisted the urge to rip open the button and tear down the zipper.

  “You’re not shy,” he said. “I’m so ready, baby.”

  “So am I.” She dropped the reservations and pinched open the button on his jeans. His cock twitched, and she almost cried out in anticipation. They both worked the zipper down, both grinning like idiots. His cock pushed against his boxers once his jeans were out of the way, and Jaz panted. Oh, yes, thick! She gave him another squeeze. He covered her hand, keeping it there and captured her lips. For a few moments, the only sound in the room was their low moans as their tongues danced together and the smack of their mouths coming together, parting, and touching again. All the while, Torrian guided her hand up and down his length, made her squeeze, and then ease the pressure. He pushed her fingers lower inside the jeans until she reached his ball sac. With gentle movements, she stroked him. He groaned in her mouth.

  “Touch me as much as you want,” he said.

  “I want to see it.” She backed off, waiting.

  He tore out of his jacket and tossed it on the couch. She watched in fascination as he crossed his arms over his waist and tugged the sweater above his head. With the revelation of his belly, her knees gave, and she sank onto the edge of the couch. His chiseled abs were like a male model’s or a bodybuilder. She’d dated plenty of guys with nice bodies. Hell, Allen’s wasn’t bad at all, but he couldn’t light a candle to Torrian.

  On impulse she leaned forward and licked the spot next to his navel. A deep breath brought in a sort of coconut scent, and she moaned. “Damn, are you a stripper, Torrian? Last time I smelled that scent, Yasmine and I were at a male review.”

  His eyes danced in amusement when she looked up at him. “No, I crunch numbers.”

  “You are so not a CPA.”