Best Friends…To Lovers. Jules Bennett
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Mac had originally set out to seduce her, but now he also wanted to dismantle any insecurities she had, so when she moved on to the next guy, she would know her self-worth.
Damn. The next guy. Mac didn’t think any guy would be good enough for Jenna.
When she moaned, Mac lifted his head slightly, nipping at her lips a few more times before pulling back. He’d always been able stay detached from any woman, but Jenna was becoming his drug of choice and he saw no way to break the addiction until he got her into his bed.
“Did you see someone?” she asked, her lids fluttering open.
“I thought I saw your mom down the way.” Okay, so that was a lie and he’d just told her he wouldn’t lie to her, but he wasn’t sorry—he was selfish. Pretending to squint and look in the distance, Mac shrugged. “My mistake.”
Lacing his fingers through hers, Mac guided her down the beach. Jenna leaned against his side and he wondered if she was as turned on as he was from that kiss. Each time he tasted her he wanted more, he wanted to take it to another level. Did she even have those thoughts? She couldn’t moan like that, couldn’t lean so perfectly against his body and not want more. His ego swelled, but more than that, hope filled him because now he knew she would reciprocate his need, this ache that kept bouncing between them.
“My sister asked if you and I were free to have dinner with her and Nathan.”
Water lapping at their bare feet, they strolled down the shoreline. Mac decided he really didn’t want to share his Jenna time with anyone else. This week was about seducing his best friend, finally getting her where he’d wanted her since propositioning her years ago at a party. She’d never let herself respond to him before.
“When did they want to get together?” he asked, stroking the delicate area between her thumb and index finger.
“Well, the only free night is tonight. We have a dinner tomorrow, a party the following night, Friday is the rehearsal and Saturday is the wedding.”
Damn. He’d been warned of all the “outings” this week, but he didn’t realize his time would be so monopolized by wedding events. On the other hand, he could totally play this to his advantage. If they were in public he would have to be in lover mode. Maybe there were some perks to these evening activities, after all. After making Jenna moan, who knew what else he could pull out of her during their remaining time on the island?
“I’ll do whatever you want,” he told her.
A mother and a father were splashing around at the edge of the water with their toddler son. Mac didn’t miss the way Jenna stared at the family, the way her breath caught before a soft smile spread across her face. He’d bet she hadn’t even noticed that she’d squeezed his hand a bit tighter. Mac knew this is what she wanted, a family, children. Everything he couldn’t offer, yet everything she deserved. One of the many reasons this arrangement had to be a temporary thing only. After she was out of his system, he’d have to step aside and allow another man to come into her life.
Best friends. That was the highest relationship status he had to give. Jenna would meet the right man and start the family she wanted. The thought conjured up a whole host of images Mac didn’t appreciate. No man would ever measure up, but that wasn’t his decision to make. Shame, that.
Still, when she found a man and things started getting serious, Mac would do a complete background check and make sure the guy was squeaky clean because Jenna deserved a man on the right side of the law, a man with no secrets.
A man totally the opposite of Mac.
Not that Mac wanted that settled-down family lifestyle. The whole marriage thing was working for Braden and Zara, but Mac was just fine focusing on work, partying when he could and hooking up with women who were on the same playing field as he was. Life was good, so why mess it up?
Mac tugged on Jenna’s hand to keep her moving. “Maybe going out tonight would be the best option,” he told her. “That way Nathan can see us together as well and pass along to his best man that you’re officially off the market and not interested in a reunion.”
Jenna shoved her sunglasses up onto her head, pushing her dark strands back from her face. “Good idea. I’ll let Amy know. You’re too good to me, Mac.”
With a laugh, he shook his head. “Nah. Remember, if you mess this act up, I get to cash in a favor at any time.”
Jenna playfully nudged his side with her elbow. “I’m pulling this whole thing off beautifully so far, which means I’ll get another favor. Don’t get so cocky.”
Up ahead, Mac caught sight of Martin talking with Nathan. Perfect opportunity to work this lover’s angle and shove it right into Martin’s face. Mac didn’t just want to convince the guy that Jenna had moved on, Mac wanted to torture the man with what he’d let go.
“You ready to put those acting skills to the test again?” he asked, nodding straight ahead.
Her gaze followed his and she drew in a deep breath. “I’d rather just avoid him.”
“You’re not a coward.”
Before she could protest further, he trudged forward. He told her a joke to get her laughing. Mission accomplished. Jenna’s rich laughter had Martin’s head whipping around in no time.
Game on, you sorry bastard.
Nathan waved with a smile, but his eyes were darting between Martin, Jenna and Mac. Mac figured he’d have to break the tension since he was the one who was adamant about this little meeting.
“Hey, Nathan.” Mac greeted the man as if he’d known him forever. In actuality, he’d met him once when he and Amy had come to visit Jenna in Miami. “Jenna just told me we’ll be going out tonight. Looking forward to it.”
“Amy wasn’t sure when you guys were free,” Nathan replied. “I’ll be sure to let her know. I hear congratulations are in order for the two of you, as well?”
Mac wrapped his arm around Jenna, pulling her closer to his side, ignoring the kick of just how comfortable he was playing the role of doting fiancé.
“Thanks. We didn’t want to make a big deal of anything, since this is your week and I actually just surprised Jenna.”
“Where’s the ring?” Martin asked, his tone mocking, his gaze narrowed.
Without missing a beat, Jenna replied, “Mac is flying me to his favorite jeweler in Italy after the ceremony Saturday so I can choose the one I want.”
Mac mentally high-fived her quick, clever response. She’d stiffened slightly against him, but she’d managed to squelch her nerves and fire back. Martin’s expression was priceless and his silence was another win for Mac. Maybe Jenna could handle this role-playing just fine. His hand slipped to the curve of her hip. When he squeezed her there, she jumped slightly and attempted to shift. Mac held her right where he wanted her. Damn, those curves beneath his hand sent his mind into overdrive.
“If you’ll excuse us, we were on our way back to our room. Haven’t had enough alone time with my girl.” Mac returned Martin’s glare with a mocking wink before nodding to Nathan. “See you tonight.”
Completely dismissing Martin, Mac guided Jenna back along a path that would take them toward the bungalows nestled on the water.
“Nice job,” he muttered when they were far enough away. “I actually do have a jeweler in Italy.”
“Where I’m sure your female entourage is well supplied,” she tossed back.
Was that a hint of...jealousy? Interesting. Definitely useful information.
“It’s okay, babe. I’ll make it up to you. Do you prefer diamonds or emeralds? My jeweler made this gorgeous diamond necklace for me once. Personally, I think rubies because you get fired up sometimes and—”
Jenna jerked from his grasp. “This isn’t real so don’t lump