Perfectly Ms. Matched(48)

He whispered, “I’ve never wanted anyone like I want you, Jo.” Then he tightened his grip on her hips so he could thrust even deeper. It nearly sent her over the top again. She was so close to release, it nearly killed her, but she loved the confusing sensation at the same time. He could always do that to her, keep her right on the edge longer than any other man.

She braced her hands against the headboard as he drilled himself into her, harder and faster, until her back stiffened and she threw her head back to ride the delicious wave of perfect pleasure all the way to the shore.

After two last thrusts, Chad followed right behind her.

Her arms were like spaghetti, so she flopped to the bed, and then all of Chad and his heavy muscles landed on top of her. His heart pounded against her back, and his hot breath warmed her neck. Finally sated, she smiled. “Me either, Chad.”

He rolled off her and nuzzled his face right next to hers on the pillow. “You either what?”

“I’ve never wanted anyone as badly as you either.” She stared into his eyes, searching for what, she didn’t know. They couldn’t be together again. It was just good sex. She needed to remember that.

When sadness filled his eyes, it made hers burn with threatening tears. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. I’d better leave.” She started to get up, but his hand wrapped around her arm to stop her.

“Stay. Or I’ll feel cheap.” He forced a smile. “Besides, I want to hear all about that sexy tattoo.”

She laid a hand on the side of his face. “I can see I made you unhappy. Was it a mistake talking you into this?”

“No. It was the best thing to happen to me in years.” He took her hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “I was just thinking it sucks that we’re both together at this crossroad but need to end up in different places to be happy. And I really do want to hear about that tattoo.”

“I’ll tell you about the tattoo tomorrow.” She laid a soft kiss on his forehead and then got up to go to the bathroom. What he said was so sweet, it made her want to cry again. “I don’t want to ruin my chances for another round if you’re up for it later.”

“That must be some story.” His face lit into a genuine smile this time. “And I’ll be up for as many rounds as you like, babe.”

She hoped so. Because it would probably be the last night she’d sleep with him. As hard as she tried to tell herself it wasn’t true, she still loved him. That became perfectly clear when she finally opened up her heart all the way while he made love to her. But she didn’t want to go through the pain again when he left. Could she stick out the next few weeks, or should she return his money and call it quits sooner before her heart got permanently damaged?



The next morning, Chad ran his finger over the inked phoenix on Jo’s back, recalling the fight they’d had years ago. He hadn’t wanted her to permanently mark her beautiful body, but looking back, he’d had no right to tell her what to do. He’d been a selfish prick back then in so many ways.

And now he felt even more guilty about not coming clean with Jo right at first. That he was her landlord and her banker, and that he knew she needed money, wanted to expand, and had taken advantage of that to get what he wanted—his knee to be fixed and for her forgiveness.

He hadn’t thought he’d have a chance at winning her back, but Jo was someone who could be a real mother to Ryan, and she was his perfect match. He hadn’t thought the next part of the equation through all the way, though. She had a life in Denver and he in San Diego, and neither wanted that to change. Unless he could think of a way she could open up a restaurant in San Diego. Would she go for that?

Jo, still with her back to him, finally woke. “I’ve thought about having that removed a time or two.”

“I think it looks great.” He laid a kiss on her cheek. “Good morning.”

“Morning.” Jo rolled over and smiled at him, and all his worry instantly faded away. She was in his bed, beside him, and that was all that mattered for the moment. He hated to think about leaving her again.

“I got the tattoo to spite you. But I had them put it on my back so I wouldn’t see it. Turns out that tattoo is sort of like you. You’re permanently etched on my heart, but soon I won’t be able to see or have you either. I wish there was something as simple as a laser to make what I feel for you go away, Chad.”

His heart soared. “Are you saying you love me too?”

She nodded. “I do. But I don’t see how things could ever work for us. I was thinking maybe I should give you the money back—”