Jaded Read Free

kicked his shoes to the floor.
    “Jesus. One fucking paternity suit and you hold it against me for life.”
    “I don’t understand why a stranger would make up a story like that.”
    He locked his eyes on her as he undressed down to his tight black boxer briefs and matching A-shirt. Showing her his lean, sinewy body was all the response he needed to provide. And his stare, a devilishly sexy one as though he wanted to feast on her skin until she was breathless from pleasure, was the same stare that had made her fall for him all those years ago.
    “The court dismissed her and you should, too.” Rodney came close, brushed his lips against hers. Her body quivered at his touch. “You’ve been smoking?”
    “I told you I quit six months ago. At least one of us is making an effort at taming our desires.”
    He kissed her again. More deeply this time. Her heart palpitated. She cursed herself for still being affected by him.
    “You have goose bumps,” he whispered, kissing her neck.
    “It’s from the cold.”
    Jade struggled to keep her balance.
    Obviously amused by his effect on her, he swatted her on the behind before heading to the bathroom for a quick shower. She shivered as she watched his retreating back taut with muscles.
    “We’re taking someone to the dinner with us tonight. Be a doll and get my tux out, will you?”
    “Who’s coming with us?”
    The door slammed behind him.
    She had to do something about him. As far as she was concerned, that paternity suit—even though proven false—was the smoke that would eventually lead to a fire.
    After laying out her husband’s tuxedo, Jade made her way downstairs for that much-needed drink. She saw her housekeeper about to slip through the front door. Maria stopped when she saw Jade coming down the stairs.
    “I’m leaving for the day, miss.” Maria was an exotic young woman who could have had ethnic roots from Argentina or Columbia or Queens. Jade had never bothered to inquire. Rodney had hired her with the explicit instruction that only he could fire her. Her employment was a favor to a local storeowner who had been instrumental in stomping for Rodney during the election. Never would Jade have employed a woman with those pouty, bubble-gum lips, coal-colored locks, and bewitching eyes. Not unless she had a damn good reason. “Your guest is in the living room.”
    Jade turned her head in that direction but didn’t see anyone. I don’t think I’m ready to meet the arrogant bore Rodney’s brought home again. She cut her eyes back to Maria.
    “I’d appreciate it if you would tell me when you’re leaving. I need to start keeping track of your time to ensure you’re not trying to cheat me.”
    Maria shook her head. “I’m not the one you have to be worried about in that department.”
    Just then, Jade heard glass break in the living room. Time to put on a smiling face and go entertain the honcho my husband will be sucking up to for the rest of the evening, Jade thought.
    She got as far as the threshold. A brunette was bending down to pick up broken glass. A thin cord coiled down her back. It took a second for Jade to realize it was her spine. She wore a plain silk dress. Oscar de la Renta. Two seasons ago. She must have felt Jade’s presence because she turned around and flashed lifeless sapphire eyes at her.
    “I’m sorry,” she said. “I was just admiring your wedding picture and then it slipped from my hand.”
    Jade’s eyes drank in the sight of her. She placed her in her mid-forties. Dark pockets hung low under her eyes, plump enough to store luggage. Her neck sagged beneath an emerald necklace. A heavy hand had painted primary colors on her face like a child coloring for the first time.
    “It’s okay.” Jade placed the broken frame back on the table. “It’s not one of my favorites. Drink?”
    “Whatever you’re having. I’m sorry I’m making you two late. Mr. McCann invited me at the last minute.”
    “And who are you exactly?” Jade