THURSDAY night, Tristan sat in a local sports bar, waiting for Rich. A Los Angeles Lakers basketball game played on the large screen television.
The game couldn’t hold his attention.
Face it, not much had held his attention this past week.
Tomorrow he was leaving for Vegas with Jayne.
He took a swig from his pint of beer.
He wanted her friends to give him the thumbs-up. Maybe then Jayne would trust her own judgment. Maybe she would trust him. And maybe she would want them to get…closer.
A lot closer.
He’d asked her out tonight, but she had the dog agility class with Duke. Duke and Kenny. So Tristan had accepted Rich’s invitation to hang out and watch the game. They hadn’t talked in weeks. It was time—past time—to come clean to his oldest friend about seeing Jayne.
“Chicken wings and fries.” Rich put the food on the table and sat across from Tristan. “Seems like old times. The only things missing are a couple of beautiful babes checking us out.”
Unease inched down Tristan’s spine. He reached for a couple of fries. “How’s the wedding planning going?”
“Okay, I guess.”
A feeling of déjà vu washed over him. Not again. “You met someone?”
Rich nodded.
Damn. “I’m not going down this road with you again, bud.”
Rich squared his shoulders. “It’s different this time. She’s different.”
Annoyance flared. “I don’t care if she’s a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. You can’t do this again.”
“I haven’t done anything.”
Yet. The unspoken word floated between them.
“But you want to,” Tristan said.
“Hell, yeah,” Rich admitted. “She’s hot.”
“You said the same thing about Deidre. Smokin’ was your exact word.” Rich shrugged.
“Don’t hurt Deidre the way you hurt Jayne.”
“You played a part in hurting Jayne, too, dude.”
“But I wasn’t the one screwing around on my fiancée,” Tristan ripped out the words. “You messed with her heart and her confidence.”
“I would have never proposed if she would have just slept with me.”
“Huh?”
“Jayne doesn’t believe in casual sex. I thought if we were engaged she would finally give in and say yes.”
Every single one of Tristan’s muscles tensed. “You asked Jayne to marry you to get her in the sack?”
Rich shrugged and flashed his hey-buddy grin. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
Tristan shook his head. “For you, maybe.”
“Well, it didn’t work out like I planned,” Rich admitted. “She wanted to wait until our wedding night to do the deed.”
That explained the short engagement. “It was still a jerk move.”
Rich downed the remainder of his beer while Tristan’s gut churned.
Poor Jayne. While she’d been planning her wedding and dreaming of her happily-ever-after, Rich had been thinking only of having sex with her.
Tristan shifted uncomfortably, reminded of his own plans for the weekend. He was hoping for the chance to sweep Jayne off her feet and into bed himself. But at least he wasn’t dangling the together-forever carrot in front of her the way Rich had.
Images of Jayne sprang into Tristan’s mind. The excitement on her face at the cottage. The wistful yearning in her voice on the gondola ride. The passion in her eyes right before he’d kissed her.
What the hell was he thinking?
“I don’t want to see you make another mistake, Rich. Marriage is a serious business.” The words sounded hollow to Tristan. He reached for more fries. “My marriage failed because I wasn’t ready then. You’re not ready now.”
Rich pressed his lips together.
“I’m not going to be there to watch your back this time,” Tristan said. “Break it off with Deidre the way you should have with Jayne.”
“I’ll think about it.”
The Lakers scored a three-point shot. The crowd in the bar cheered.
“Looks like they could go all the way this year,” Rich said. “Wanna try to score tickets to a game this weekend?”
“I’ll be in Vegas.”
“Without me?”
Tristan shrugged.
“There’s gotta be a woman involved,” Rich said. “Who is she?”
This was the moment of truth. No woman had ever come before their friendship, let alone threatened it. Tristan inhaled slowly, as if waiting an extra five seconds to answer would make a difference.
“Jayne,” he said finally. “We’re leaving tomorrow.”
Rich’s mouth gaped. “My Jayne?”
“She hasn’t been yours for a while.”
“Is this payback for when I dated Julia Sommers after she broke up with you?”
Julia had been the captain of the cheer team, a pretty, ditzy blonde who’d ended up dating the entire basketball team. Tristan had forgotten about her until now. “That was back in high school, bud.”
Rich studied him. “But you don’t like Jayne.”
“I have always liked her, but I knew better than to put the moves on my best friend’s fiancée.”
“Is it serious?”
Tristan hesitated before answering.
“Who am I kidding?” Rich said before Tristan could answer. “You don’t do serious.”
The words bristled, but a cold knot formed in the pit of his stomach at the truth behind them.
Tristan didn’t do serious.
He knew it. Rich knew it. And so did Jayne.
Inside the suite at McKendrick’s, Tristan flipped a ten to the bellman clad in a hunter green uniform with gold trim.
“Thank you, sir. Please let me know if you need anything else.” The attendant pocketed the bill with a smile. “Enjoy your stay at McKendrick’s.”
The bellman left, closing the door behind him.
Tristan looked at the two bags sitting next to each other on the living room floor. Soon the bags would be carried into separate bedrooms. Not ideal, but better than the thought of them in completely different hotel rooms. Or back in San Diego.
“Wow, this place is so huge.” Jayne pirouetted like a ballerina across the carpet.
Seeing her so carefree and happy brought a grin to his face. She was definitely embracing the concept of having fun.
As she spun, the hem of her little black dress clung to her thighs and hips, making her curves and already long legs seem almost criminal. Her strappy sandals only added to the alluring picture. His hands itched for his camera, and for her.
He was determined not to take advantage of her the way Rich had. Tristan wasn’t hiding behind a careless marriage proposal. Jayne knew exactly where he stood when it came to relationships. He’d been open and honest. If she was game for more fun, then so was he.
She stopped twirling and faced him, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling.
Jayne was—in a word—stunning. Forget about traveling not appealing to her. Tristan had never seen her so radiant, so animated before. He wanted to show her the amazing sights he’d seen all over the world. He wanted to kiss her on all seven continents, across every time zone.
She trailed her fingertips along the back of an elegantly upholstered chair. “I’ve never stayed in such a luxurious room before.”
Tristan glanced around. It was nice as far as hotels went.
“I guess you must be used to nice hotels like this,” she added.
He shrugged. “I’ve stayed in some pretty crappy places on assignment, especially when I was first starting out.”
Jayne drew her brows together. “But I thought you had money.”
“I didn’t gain access to my trust fund until I turned thirty,” he explained. “Now that I have, I’ve continued to support myself. But I remember being married and trying to establish myself as a photojournalist. It was a struggle to make ends meet.”
“I didn’t think you knew what it meant to struggle.”
He laughed. “I do. Well, did.”
She started to speak, but stopped herself.
“What?”
“It’s just…the more time I spend with you, the more I realize how much I don’t know about you.”
“By the end of this weekend you should know most everything.”
Jayne’s smile could have lit up the Las Vegas strip. It sure was lighting up him.
“I hope so,” she said.
The anticipation in her voice sent a burst of heat rocketing through his veins. He’d never been so physically attracted to a woman before, yet he wanted all of Jayne—not only her body. “I want to know everything about you, too.”
She struck a pose. “What you see is what you get.”
He flashed her his most charming grin. “I like what I see. I’m sure I’ll enjoy whatever I get.”
She swirled into his arms and kissed him firmly, quickly, on the lips. “This is all you’re going to get right now.”
Before he could embrace her fully and kiss her again she twirled away. A hint of her strawberry and wildflower scent lingered.
The coy look in her eyes told him she knew he wanted more. Okay, he was a guy. Of course he wanted more. But Tristan didn’t know whether to be proud of Jayne for taking control of the situation or annoyed at her for getting away from him. Thinking about his conversation with Rich last night, Tristan settled on proud.
“It’s enough.” He winked. “For now.”
Laughter spilled from her lips. “Separate bedrooms, remember?”
“I’m the one who booked the rooms, remember?”
“I haven’t forgotten.”
His gaze locked on hers. “Neither have I.”
The air sizzled with attraction. The desire in her eyes held him captive. He didn’t know how long they stood there, staring at each other, but he didn’t care. Being with Jayne was all that mattered.
Too soon, she broke the contact.
She walked to the bar where a large fruit basket and a bottle of wine sat. “Look at this.”
Tristan hadn’t ordered anything. “See if there’s a card.”
Jayne opened the small envelope, pulled out a card and read.
Jayne and Tristan
Enjoy your weekend at McKendrick’s! Let us know if you need anything!
Love
Alex and Wyatt
“Wyatt McKendrick is my friend Alex’s husband,” Jayne explained. “He offered Alex a job while we were staying here. Her life has never been the same, but she has no regrets.”
“Lucky lady,” Tristan said. “Not many can say that.”
“True, but all three of my friends have no regrets over what happened during that wild weekend.”
“Are you ready to have your own wild weekend?” he asked.
She raised her chin. “Well, I’m here. That’s a pretty big step for me.”
“I know.” He strode to her side, raised her hand to his lips and kissed the top of it. Her skin was soft and smooth. “I’m going to make sure you have no regrets.”
“So far, so good.”
His heart beat faster. He wanted to make sure she never forgot this weekend. Whatever it took, he would do it. Or…not do it.
“We should probably get ready for tonight.” She pulled her hand away. “Which bedroom would you like?”
Whichever one you choose. He pushed the thought from his mind. “I don’t care.”
He didn’t. Knowing she was in bed in the same suite was going to make sleep impossible.
“The room on the left can be yours,” Jayne said. “The room on the right will be mine.”
She was so damn cute. Tristan smiled. “You sound like you’re dividing spoils after a war.”
Jayne straightened. “Just making sure we each know where we’ll be sleeping.”
“The living area can be neutral territory. If you don’t like sleeping alone, there’s a sofabed out here we can share.”
With wide eyes she stared at the sofa, then back at him.
Tristan didn’t know if she was tempted or upset or nervous. Only one of them appealed to him. The others made him feel like a jerk after he’d told her no regrets.
“Kidding,” he joked. “I have no idea if the sofa turns into a bed or not.”
She cast him a mischievous glance through her lashes. “Maybe you should find out.”
Definitely tempted. His heart skipped a beat. Okay, three.
Humor glinted in her eyes. “I’m kidding too. I know you’re a man of your word.”
A man of his word.
Just like…
I’m a man of my word. I’m the only one she’s got. Maybe once the wedding’s over things will get better.
Rich.
A lump the size of a neon lightbulb lodged in Tristan’s throat.
Rich prided himself on being a man of his word, even if that meant being a jerk and hurting Jayne.
Tristan didn’t want to be lumped into that category. Rich’s marriage proposal hadn’t been his friend’s smartest move, and Tristan knew better than to try and steal home this weekend. He wasn’t about to start rounding the bases without a clear signal from Jayne.
He could never be what she wanted, needed, deserved. He couldn’t give her the fairytale and forever, but he could make sure she had the time of her life this weekend.
And Tristan would.
A DJ spun a mix of indie rock and eighties songs. A handsome bartender concocted cocktails with improbable names. A manicurist provided demonstrations.
Jayne was as far away from home as she could imagine, but there was nowhere she’d rather be right now than in the fifties-beauty-salon-themed bar in downtown Las Vegas.
Alex sat on an old-style hairdryer seat and raised a martini glass filled with a Blue Rinse. She looked beautiful in a magenta dress and matching heels. Not quite so serious or professional as the practical suits she wore to work at McKendrick’s. “To the best friends in the world.”
Jayne lifted her drink, a Drop Dead Gorgeous—a delicious combination of vodka, pineapple juice and an energy drink. Molly and Serena joined in the toast, too.
The flash from Tristan’s camera lit up their table. He hadn’t wanted to join them for drinks, but had paid for theirs. He’d asked if he could take a few pictures before leaving them alone for some much needed girl-time.
He took candid shots of them as they chatted and sipped their drinks. Though she was delighted to finally be with her friends, it was all Jayne could do not to stare at him. His short-sleeved green shirt was tucked into his khaki pants. His leather shoes had been recently polished. He wore a belt.
Comfortable, yet stylish. Smart-casual. And once again he had the look down.
“How did we miss coming here the first time we were all in town?” Molly drank a mocktail—a non-alcoholic version of a Pink Blush martini. The name matched the glow of her cheeks. She rested her left hand on her tunic-covered belly. “It’s kitschy, but hip.”
“Totally hipster.” Serena drank a Platinum Blonde. Wearing a purple cocktail dress, she looked like the same artsy type who’d lived in San Diego, except she seemed a little more…serious and aware of her surroundings. She waved to people she recognized and said hello to those she didn’t. “I just love ‘Martinis & Manicures’ night.”
Jayne struggled to take it all in. The change in her friends. The change in her since Tristan had re-entered her life. She sipped her drink.
Tristan stopped circling the table. “I have enough pictures for now.”
As he stood next to her, her pulse quickened. She couldn’t forget the change in the way she thought of him—Rich’s best man to friend to date to boyfriend.
Possible boyfriend, she amended.
Jayne knew better than to get ahead of herself. She had been a little too carefree and flirty at the suite, but the way he’d kept looking at her had made her feel sexy and desirable. She liked how that felt.
“Thank you for being such beautiful subjects,” he said.
The four of them thanked him for their cocktails.
“The driver knows what time our dinner reservations are, in case you ladies forget to check the clock.” Tristan kissed Jayne on the lips. The brief kiss claimed her attention and nearly made her spill her drink on her lap. “Have fun.”
Another kiss would be fun. She took a sip of her drink instead.
He swung his camera pack over his shoulder and walked out. As soon as he was gone she looked to her friends, hoping they would reassure her that seeing Tristan was a good idea. “So, what do you think?”
“Definitely hot,” Alex said.
Molly nodded. “Gorgeous.”
“Total eye candy. He looks more like a model than a photographer.” Serena laughed. “I can’t believe you actually thought you could be just friends with a man like that.”
Jayne remembered what he’d said about the sofabed in neutral territory. Tempted? Yes. Which was why she would lock her door tonight. Not to keep Tristan out, but to remind herself she needed to stay in her own room. “Our friendship is evolving into something more, but the emphasis is on good clean fun.”
At least that was what Jayne kept telling herself. Back at the suite, she hadn’t been so sure anymore.
Molly tucked her dark hair behind her ears. “Spending a weekend in Las Vegas with a guy is a little more serious than what you’re making it out to be.”
“We’re spending a weekend with all of you,” Jayne clarified.
“And we’re so glad you’re here,” Alex said.
“I feel better having met Tristan.” Serena picked up her drink. “It’s obvious the guy adores you.”
Molly grinned. “I’d say the feeling’s mutual.”
“I agree.” Alex stared over her martini glass. “I’ve never seen you look this happy before.”
Jayne had never felt happier. She should probably be more concerned than she was. Tristan must be rubbing off on her. Or maybe knowing the relationship wouldn’t last forever took some of the pressure off. Whatever it was, her affection for him grew every day. So did her respect.
“Tristan’s great. Wonderful. Insert any other positive adjective here,” Jayne admitted. “But I’m not about to jump into anything like I did with Rich.”
“Rich said all the right things,” Alex said. “He fooled all of us, Jayne. But it seems like Tristan is doing all the right things.”
Serena nodded. “Words are easy to say, but actions take a lot more effort and work.”
Jayne thought about how fluttery she felt when she was with him, or talking to him on the phone, or…” Tristan has been good for me—getting me out of the house and doing things.”
“Clean things?” Alex asked.
Serena winked. “Or dirty ones?”
“Either can be fun,” Molly added.
The implication of their words sent excitement rippling through Jayne. Not that she would. Or he… Strike that. Tristan probably would. She sighed. “You guys never used to talk like this. Is it marriage?”
Alex drew her brows together. “I’m not sure if it’s marriage per se…”
“It’s probably the sex,” Serena said with a grin.
Molly nodded. “You and Tristan—?”
“Are sleeping in separate bedrooms,” Jayne finished for her. She felt a pang at her heart, remembering the tension in the suite. He’d wanted to kiss her. She’d wanted him to kiss her, too. But she had to be smart about this. About him.
“They’re staying in one of McKendrick’s two bedroom suites,” Alex added. “The guy has excellent taste.”
“Of course he does,” Molly agreed. “He’s dating our Jayne.”
“Casually dating.” Jayne took a sip of her drink. “Having fun is one thing, but getting serious with a man who wants such a different future than I do would be a huge mistake. I learned my lesson with Rich.”
Rich had seemed like the perfect match. Everything she’d ever wanted he could have given her. Tristan, however, was all wrong for her. And yet…
Jayne could imagine herself with him.
She liked the person she was around him, even though the way she’d acted when they’d arrived at the suite had been all heart and no head. Maybe she had loosened up a little too much and put the wrong amount of emphasis on having fun.
“Coming to Las Vegas with Tristan might have been premature. A little caution might be prudent,” Jayne decided.
“Nothing wrong with being cautious,” Alex said.
“If I had been cautious I wouldn’t have married Jonas,” Serena countered.
Molly patted her belly. “And I wouldn’t be having this baby and be married to Linc.”
“I could say the same thing about me and Wyatt,” Alex said. “But we’re not Jayne.”
“And Tristan isn’t like your husbands.” Jayne didn’t have to think hard to remind herself of all the reasons he was wrong for her. “I’d be crazy to fall head over heels with a guy who doesn’t believe in commitment.”
If only he did believe…
She stared in her drink.
“The fact Tristan travels even more than your father did can’t help,” Serena, also a military brat, said shrewdly.
Jayne nodded, acknowledging the truth. “Tristan does travel a lot, but when he was in Honduras I knew he would be coming back. I never felt that kind of certainty when my father went away. But I know it would get old fast.”
Once that happened, the resentment would start to build. She’d seen it with her parents. Her mother had wanted her father home. He hadn’t been able to wait to leave again. The disagreements had become arguments. The arguments had become battles. She wouldn’t want Tristan to be unhappy.
“Tristan might have to go away for his work, but I don’t think he’s going anywhere else,” Molly said. “He didn’t take his eyes off you. This bar is full of women and he saw only one. You.”
“Tristan hasn’t given me a reason not to trust him,” Jayne admitted. “But Rich didn’t, either.”
“Be cautious, then,” Serena said. “But remember love knows no logic.”
Molly laughed. “Just look at the three of us.”
“That’s true. You should make sure Tristan knows where you’re coming from,” Alex added. “The guy really does seem to like you, and men aren’t known to slow down when they want something. Or someone.”
“Thank you, but he knows exactly where I stand.” Too bad Jayne felt as if she were standing on shaky ground. “I’m trying to be smarter this time.”
At least that was her plan. She wasn’t too confident of its execution so far.
Serena smiled at her. “Well, I think you’re doing great.”
“I agree,” Alex said.
“Me, too,” Molly chimed in.
The three women sitting at the table with Jayne meant the world to her. They had shared the highs and the lows. She would trust them with her life. But Tristan saw something in her they didn’t. He pushed her, challenged her to be more.
She’d taken a gamble coming to Vegas with him. Still, that didn’t mean she should bet the farm on their relationship. She knew he wanted more from her. A part of her wanted that, too. Except…
Tristan couldn’t give her the future she dreamed about—stability, a home, marriage and a family.
Yet he was one of the sweetest, hottest men she knew. He was also a man of his word. He’d always been honest with her.
The truth was, she’d come to care for him. She cared for him a lot.
But even if she trusted him, could she trust these new feelings of hers?