Black Hearted: Chapter 31

Wolfe's face made the expression Jack hated. Did James learn it from Wolfe or the other way around? The two men shared the same granite glare and straight firm lip when Jack proposed something they disapproved of.

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Wolfe's colourless eyes narrowed and suddenly Jack was seventeen again, doubt coursing through his veins, blood pounding in his ears. The urge to acquiesce, give Wolfe the answer he wanted, buzzed in Jack's throat, his lips attempting to part, to speak.

Why was it so hard to say no to the man? They'd discussed the Anderson takeover and there was no hesitation, no lack of understanding that what Jack wanted, Jack got. He had a mind for business, his uncle's and probably his father's gut instincts for what move to make next. Those genes ran in him. But his confidence stopped there. Anything outside of the boardroom, he floundered and followed Wolfe's guiding hand.

Not today. Solana could be here any minute. Could be on her way already. His hand itched at the memory of holding hers in the back of the limo. He concentrated on that thought, no, that sensation. The calm. The certainty. He bit his lip and nodded.

Jack thought he saw something like disbelief flash across Wolfe's face, but it was gone before he could identify it. "Fine. I'll inform the venue of your... plus one."

"Good." And it was. The knots in his stomach loosened as the tension from denying Wolfe eased.

"Anything else I should know about?"

"I'm taking the afternoon off."

Wolfe's left eyebrow shot up. "Excuse me?"

"I'm taking Solana dress shopping."

"Ah, I see." Wolfe's eyebrows drew together as he jabbed at something on his tablet. "The usual place?"

Jack hadn't been to Bellissimo since his divorce. "Yes."

"I'll let them know you're coming."

Jack looked at his watch. He'd selected his father's Rolex with the black patten strap today. He'd never really known the man, but the timepiece had been a present from his mother, so Jack assumed it held significance. Perhaps proof of their love. That was why people gave jewelry as gifts.

"Solana should be here any minute." He stood. "I'm meeting her downstairs."

"In the lobby?" Wolfe's face fell back to stone. "No."

Jack froze mid-step. "I don't think—"

"Exactly, you're not thinking. If the paparazzi see you with her, they'll splash the story all over Page Six." Jack opened his mouth to tell him he didn't care. But as usual, Wolfe was ten steps ahead of him in the game of publicity chess. "They'll find out her name and descend on her house before sunset. You don't want that, do you?"

This time, the denial flew out of his mouth. "No."

"Right. I'll have her meet you in the parking garage. Where it's more private."

For the entire ride to the basement, his fingers tapped against the cool steel wall of his personal elevator. Even though security had called to inform him Solana was here, he couldn't shake the irrational fear she'd back out of going to the wedding with him.

The floor bounced as the elevator hit the basement, and the doors drew apart. Revealing the petite blonde firecracker he'd been obsessing about all day. Her burnt orange skirt flared as she turned at the sound, and a wide grin graced her perfect face. Anxiety flew away at the sight of Solana, and he skipped out of the elevator.

More than anything, he wanted to scoop her up in his arms, press every inch of her against him, bury his face in the space between her shoulder and neck and make her moan in appreciation of his efforts. But that wasn't what friends did. Not that he had any to compare to.

When he'd stood at the door to leave her house the other night, she'd left him with a peck on his cheek. He reversed the action, bending down and kissing Solana's cheek, his fingers brushing her bare shoulder. Orange spice filled his nose as sparks of electricity tickled his skin where he touched her. "You look beautiful."

"You look as expected." She pulled on the lapel of his jacket, making it impossible for him to move away. Not that he wanted to. He was too busy enjoying the flames dancing in her eyes. "Another fine black suit, I see."

He ran a finger down his tie. "But a different tie."

Solana mimicked the motion, her finger trailing down his chest, causing his pulse to quicken. "I like it."

The huskiness in her voice drew his attention to her luscious lips, which produced a distinctly non-friendly response in his lower extremities. To avoid acting on the very pressing desire to taste her, Jack took a step back. "Shall we?"

Her grip on his jacket tightened, then released. "Sure."

He held the door of the limo open for her and, once she settled, ran around the other side and slipped in beside her. The world fell silent as the car glided through the parking lot. The small gap in the back of the car seemed as wide as the Grand Canyon, and Jack hated it.

On impulse, he placed his hand on the cool leather between them, palm side up, and silently prayed she'd take his invitation. He made a deal with himself, agreeing to count to ten, then casually retreat.

One

Tw—

Warm fingers skimmed across his skin as they settled into his, then Solana tightened her grip. Part of him wanted to close his eyes, to let the sweet sensation of holding her hand take him over. Instead, his gaze found hers and his pleasure doubled.

Bright eyes shined. "Walmart or Target?"

Jack chuckled at her sarcastic comment and brushed his thumb across hers. Her grip relaxed and the slight movement sent ricochets of delight popping around his chest. She was anxious, and he'd made things better. He wanted to do more.

"Not quite. A little boutique a friend of mine owns."

She squinted. "I thought you didn't have any friends."

"I stand corrected." Jack struggled to keep a straight face. "My... acquaintance Michelle owns. You'll love it."

Above his, her hand tensed and new knots tightened in his stomach. Something he'd said had erased the little ease he'd achieved. He tugged her hand closer, settling it on his thigh, and willed her anxiety away.

Her shoulders dropped, and she leaned in. "As long as they have a wide range of men's clothing."

"Suits of every colour, sweetheart." She stuck her tongue out and the strings pulling across his chest slackened. "If you can't find what you're looking for, we'll try somewhere else."

"Thrift Town?"

He knew she wasn't serious. At least he hoped she wasn't. "If you want."

The car pulled up to the curb and before George had it in park, Jack jumped out, jogged to Solana's door, and opened it for her. He held out a hand, and she took it easily. They walked into the boutique, fingers entwined.

A tall, thin woman met them at the door. "Mr. Blackhorne. Welcome back. I'm Patrice and I'll be looking after your needs today."

Solana snorted. "Oh, he'd like that."

He stepped closer to Solana, ignoring her jab at the way they met. "We're looking for a dress for my friend."

The sales woman raked her gaze up and down Solana with a critical eye. Solana's face froze, and he both hated and loved the way her chin rose at the inspection.

"No expense spared. Anything she wants." Jack was confident the sales woman's interest surged, but he didn't care, intent only on Solana's reaction.

She shifted and released his hand. Snakes swam in his stomach. He'd ruined it again, bringing up the money. But Solana twirled his tie around her finger and tugged playfully. "I thought you were choosing my dress."

The tone combined with her permission raised the hair on the back of his neck and his throat tightened. "That's right, but you get the final decision. It's all up to you."

Her face inched higher, almost reaching his shoulder as she bobbed on her tiptoes and her body warmed his. "Just how I like it."

This woman would be the death of him. She couldn't say things like that and not expect him to react. To do something. Namely, lead her straight into a dressing room, tear off her clothes and worship her the way she deserved.

Had she ever been adored properly? Could he be the first to lavish her with everything this luminescent woman warranted? The first and the last? He toyed with the concept of buying the store out of every item in her tiny size, having them pack it all up and sent to her house, filling her room, never mind that tiny closet, with the finest silks, softest cashmere, wools, sequins, leathers, every fabric and colour under the rainbow.

She licked her lips, and he bit the inside of his cheek to suppress a groan as a primal desire flared inside him. Cold air rushed in as she stepped away and addressed Patrice. "I need to see the men's section first."

"Of course Ms. Wilde. Right this way."

Twenty minutes later, Jack had five gowns draped over a chair and was pacing their dressing room. Finally, Solana's voice filtered into the empty space and he raised his head as she sauntered in, two items in her hand.

"Which one do you want to try on first?" She shoved the atrocities to fashion sense toward him.

"I am not wearing either."

Hi. DL here. And Jack was doing so well.

I had fun preparing for this chapter and the next. If you'd like a peek at some of my research, check out my pinterest boards.