He had come home to reconnect with his family, make peace with his father, give back to the school system that had given him so much and find a pretty country girl who unknowingly had him seriously considering giving up his so-called cool bachelor lifestyle.

  * * *

  “Are you sure you want to drive the first lap?” Sawyer asked Jessica.

  She adjusted the driver’s seat to accommodate her legs. “Yes.” She’d volunteered to drive to Hagerstown, and then Sawyer would take over and drive to New York City. “Why don’t you try and get some sleep and I’ll wake you once we get to Maryland.” Jessica peered up at the rearview mirror. Bootsy settled down in his crate as she maneuvered out of the driveway.

  Sawyer reclined his seat and closed his eyes. “If you get tired, then wake me up.” He shifted into a more comfortable position.

  She gave him a quick glance, her breath momentarily catching in her chest. Arms folded over his chest, he hadn’t opened his eyes. The length of dark lashes resting on tanned high cheekbones and the stubble on his lean jaw made him a visual feast. And it wasn’t the first time Jessica had asked herself as to what it was about Sawyer that elicited a longing she had never known.

  “Have you ever been to Hawaii?” Sawyer questioned.

  “No.”

  “Would you like to go?”

  “Are you offering to take me?” she teased.

  Sawyer opened his eyes and raised the seat back. “Yes.”

  “I’m sorry, but that’s not going to happen until I’m fifty-five.”

  “Why fifty-five?”

  “That’s when I plan to retire and travel around the world.”

  “That shouldn’t preclude you taking a couple of weeks off and going there before you retire.”

  “If I’m going to someplace exotic, then I’m going to need more than a couple of weeks. That can only happen if I go during my summer break. And I really don’t want to jostle for space during the height of the tourist season.”

  Sawyer wanted to tell Jessica that he could make it happen for her before she turned fifty-five. “What if you’re married or have children? Do you still plan to retire at fifty-five?”

  “Being married or becoming a mother may modify my travel plans, but I still intend to retire at fifty-five. I promised myself I would teach for thirty years and not one year longer.”

  “You prefer touring Europe during the off-season?”

  Jessica nodded. “My fervent wish is to go to Paris in the winter and celebrate Carnivale in Venice. My parents took me to France as a high school graduation gift and all I remember are long lines of tourists waiting to get into churches, restaurants and museums.” She paused. “Have you ever been there?”

  “Yes. I’d walk the streets for hours or sit at outdoor cafés drinking coffee.”

  “Did you have a problem communicating with the locals?” she asked.

  “My high school French came in handy, but then most Europeans understand and speak English in addition to their own native tongue. Are you all right?” he asked when Jessica rolled her head from side to side.

  “My shoulders are a little stiff. I must have slept wrong.”

  Sawyer caressed the nape of Jessica’s neck before moving lower to her shoulders. “Your muscles are really tight. Pull over and I’ll drive.”

  Jessica moaned softly. “Please don’t stop. Oo-oo, that feels wonderful.”

  His fingers stilled with her exhalation of breath, and then started up again. The silken feel of her skin under his fingers conjured up images of his making love to her.

  From the moment he first set eyes on his sister’s friend, Sawyer had told himself Jessica was verboten. That no matter how much she turned him on, he promised himself he would not touch her, because he would be in The Falls for the summer and becoming that involved with her would complicate his having to leave. Now, he wasn’t as confident he would be able to keep that promise.

  “Once we get to my place you’ll have a chance to unwind. Do you want to eat out or do you want me to order in?”

  “If we eat in, then I want pizza.”

  A beat passed. “Why pizza?”

  “I love New York pizza.”

  “It is the best,” Sawyer said in agreement. “The pizza shops in my neighborhood are good, but they can’t compare to a joint in Little Italy famous for their oven-baked thin crust. I’ll be certain to take you there before we leave. Tonight we’ll eat in. Talking about food reminds me that I have to order groceries and dinner.” Opening the glove box, he retrieved his cell phone.

  Jessica signaled before moving into a faster lane. “I thought you had a chef.”

  “We only utilize the services of a chef for the office. I deal with a market that delivers around the clock. That’s the upside of living in a city that never sleeps.” He contacted a local gourmet market to order food to restock the refrigerator and freezer, and then selected a one-hour window for a delivery between seven and eight that evening.

  “What do you have planned for Monday?” Jessica asked.

  “I’m meeting with my financial planner. I’m not certain how long I’ll be tied up with him, so if you want to meet your girlfriend then I’ll arrange for a car service to take you to Long Island.”

  “I’m not going to see her. Her widowed grandmother sold her house, and Taryn and her mother have to pack up the contents because the new owners want to move in next week. So I invited her to come to Wickham Falls later next month.”

  “I suppose this means I’ll have to change our plans.”

  “What had you planned?” Jessica asked.

  Sawyer dropped his hand. “I did check the baseball schedules and the Pirates are playing the Mets next week. If I go online I’ll probably be able to get tickets for us. By the way, it’s a night game.”

  Jessica flashed a wide grin. “That sounds like a plan. I’m just sorry I didn’t bring any of my Pirates paraphernalia.”

  “Don’t sweat it, sweetheart. You’ll do well not to advertise you’re a Pirates fan at Citi Field. There’s a bit of a rivalry between the two teams.”

  “Like the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox? Or the Islanders and the Flyers.”

  “There you go.”

  “What’s up with New York teams not playing well with others?” she joked.

  “Now it’s on like Donkey Kong,” Sawyer whispered under his breath. “You can’t come to New York and talk smack about their teams, because folks will bring holy hell down on you.”

  Jessica made a sucking sound with her tongue and teeth. “I’m not worried because I expect you to have my back.”

  He chuckled under his breath. “You’re right. I do have your back.”

  Sawyer wanted to tell Jessica he would always protect her in any given situation. And he looked forward to attending a sporting event with her. Whether it was baseball, basketball or a football game it was a rare occasion when he took time out of his workday to join the loyal fans rooting for their home teams. He, Thom and Darius had season tickets to New York Giants home games.

  Sawyer and Jessica talked about everything from books to movies during the drive to Maryland, and when they stopped in Hagerstown they took turns to stretch their legs. Sawyer released Bootsy from the crate and walked the dog after giving him water and a doggie treat. Forty minutes later they were back on the road.

  Sawyer double-parked across the street from the offices of Enigma4For4. Although he lived across the street from his partners, they rarely socialized outside the office, because after spending so many hours working together they’d come to respect one another’s privacy. The exception was sporting events.

  “I’m going to take you and Bootsy upstairs before I park the car.”

  “Where are you going?” Jessica asked, staring through the windshield. Vehicles were tightly lined up in front of brownstones, townhouses and tenement buildings on both sides of the tree-lined street.

  “There’s an indoor garage around the corner that’s open 24/7.” He assisted Jessica out of the sport utility vehicle, then came around to the cargo area to remove her wheeled Pullman and the canvas bag with Bootsy’s food and supplies as the puppy barked excitedly, struggling to get out of the crate.

  “Patience, buddy,” Sawyer crooned. “I’ll let you out as soon as we’re upstairs.” He looped the handles of the canvas bag over the handles of the Pullman to make it easier for Jessica to manage both bags.

  The doorman manning the lobby of the building opened the door, flashing a wide grin. “Good evening, Mr. Middleton. Glad to see you back.”

  Sawyer nodded to the man from the security company responsible for protecting the building’s tenants. “Thank you. It’s good to be back.” He glanced at his watch. It was 5:40. “I’m expecting a grocery delivery between seven and eight.”

  “No problem, Mr. Middleton. I’ll ring you when they arrive.”

  He balanced the crate against his chest as he led the way to the elevator and reached into the pocket of his shirt for a key card. The doors to the elevator opened, and he followed Jessica inside and inserted the key card in a slot for the third floor.

  She gave him a puzzled look as the car rose slowly to the designated floor. “I was of the belief that apartment buildings, not lofts, have doormen.”

  “There’s an art gallery on the first floor and the owners wouldn’t move in unless the building was secure.” He didn’t tell her that the gallery owners refused to sign a lease until he’d installed closed-circuit cameras throughout the building and contracted with the security company to safeguard their multimillion-dollar inventory.

  “It’s nice knowing you can go away and no one will break into your place.”

  He nodded. The doors opened at the third floor and Sawyer stepped out into the expansive entryway to the loft. He set down the crate and opened the door. Bootsy took a few tentative steps before coming out to explore his new surroundings.

  He rested a hand at the small of Jessica’s back. “Make yourself at home. I’ll be back in few minutes.”

  With wide eyes, Jessica stared at the spectacular sight before her eyes. Cherrywood flooring, exposed brick walls and floor-to-ceilings windows beckoned her to come and stay forever. When Sawyer had mentioned his apartment was larger than a studio she never could have imagined the size and scope of the place he now called home.

  Bootsy’s whining galvanized her into action, so she opened the canvas bag and assembled the frame to secure the wee-wee pads. She did not want her pet to soil the exquisite wood flooring.

  Jessica left her luggage by the door as she walked into an expansive open space with a living room, dining room and kitchen. There was another area opposite the dining room with state-of-the-art audio components on a mahogany console and a chocolate-brown leather seating grouping. Her gaze shifted to large-screen television affixed to a wall over a fireplace. She peered into a recessed space with floor-to-ceiling windows as the backdrop for a library/home office.

  The granite-topped cabinetry paneled in sycamore wood afforded the kitchen a sleek but warm feeling. Most of the appliances, including the dishwasher, double refrigerator and freezer were covered with the same light wood, which gave the space a clean aesthetic appearance. The granite-covered breakfast bar with four leather-covered stools provided seating in addition to the rectangular mahogany table with seating for eight.

  Jessica opened a door in the corner of the kitchen and found a fully stocked pantry with shelves of canned and dry foods, and a built-in wine cellar with differing temperatures for reds and whites. A laundry area with a washer, dryer, ironing board and clothes steamer was set up in an alcove along with a small bathroom containing a commode, shower stall and vanity. She left the pantry, returned to the kitchen and stared out the window at the river separating New York from New Jersey.

  “How do you like it?” asked the familiar deep, drawling voice behind her.

  Jessica had lost track of time when staring out the window. She turned to find Sawyer standing at the far end of kitchen holding Bootsy under his arm like a football. “It’s beautiful, and you’re right.”

  His eyebrows lifted. “About what?”

  “It’s definitely larger than a studio apartment.”

  He set Bootsy down. “Just a little.” Sawyer extended his hand. “Come, let me show you your bedroom.”

  She took the proffered hand and followed him up a curving staircase covered in plush sand-colored carpeting. Jessica wanted to chide him for being so self-deprecating. Sawyer’s loft was equal to the square footage of five Manhattan studio apartments.

  “I hope Bootsy doesn’t have an accident and ruin your floors.”

  Sawyer squeezed her fingers. “If he does then it’s no big deal. No home can ever be completely child-or pet-proofed.”

  “Who decorated your place?” she asked when they stepped onto the second-story landing.

  “Unlike you, I had to hire a professional.” Jessica followed Sawyer down a wide hall, stopping at a door opposite a credenza with a grouping of commemorative Waterford sports-team paperweights. He opened the door, stepping aside for her to precede him. “You’ll sleep here, while I’m down at the end of the hall on the left.”

  Jessica was momentarily stunned with the space where she would sleep. The monochromatic color on the first level was repeated in the bedroom, where a queen-size bed upholstered in Ultrasuede took center stage, the room appearing camera-ready for an Architectural Digest layout.

  “I think I’ll take a bath.”

  “Take your time. It’s going to be a while before we eat. I’ll bring up your bag, and then I’m going to shower and shave before I walk Bootsy.”

  “What’s on the menu?” she asked.

  “Tonight Sawyer Ristorante is offering a cold seafood antipasto and wine, followed with an entrée of grilled lamb rib chops and asparagus wrapped in goat cheese, dates and prosciutto. We’ll also serve gelato and cappuccino for dessert.”

  “It sounds delicious. Does Sawyer Ristorante have a dress code?” she teased.

  “We usually require our guests to dress a little less casual on date night.” He pulled her into a close embrace, brushing a kiss over her parted lips. “Thank you for being here.”

  Rising on tiptoe, Jessica pressed closer. “Thank you for being you,” she whispered, deepening the kiss.

  And at that moment she questioned if what she was beginning to feel for the man holding her to his heart was nothing more than infatuation. Going on tiptoe, her arms circling his neck, she held on to him as if he were a lifeline. His arms tightened around her waist, effortlessly lifting her off her feet as he devoured her mouth like a man deprived of food. Her heart pounded against her ribs when she detected the growing bulge in his groin pressing against her middle. The hardness elicited a pulsing between her thighs at the same time she tried to get even closer. Jessica wanted so much for him to make love to her as she went completely pliant in his arms.

  Sawyer felt Jessica’s breasts grow heavy against his chest and he knew he had to stop before he would not be able to. Reaching up, he gently pulled her arms from around his neck as he reluctantly ended the kiss. Her breathing was as labored as his and he managed to put a modicum of space between them.

  Turning on his heel, walking stiffly and gritting his teeth while struggling not to press his hand against the throbbing bulge in his groin, he swallowed a moan of pleasure. The erection wasn’t a reminder of how long it’d been since he’d slept with a woman but how much he wanted to lie between Jessica’s thighs. And he could not remember a time when he wanted to make love to a woman as much as he did at that moment.

  Sawyer retraced his steps, picking up her luggage as he tried not to think of the woman with whom he would share his home for at least a week. He found himself in a quandary because he had to decide whether he would spend the next year in New York or Wickham Falls.

  Chapter Eleven

  Jessica lost track of time as she reclined in the tub and pulsing jets of water massaged her body. She forced herself to get out, dry off and slather her favorite perfume crème cologne over her body. She had just slipped into a pair of four-inch black silk peep-toe booties when she heard a light tapping on the bedroom door and Sawyer announcing that it was time to eat.

  “I’m ready,” she called out, walking to the door. She opened it to find Sawyer staring at her as he had done when she saw him for the first time. Then she thought it had been curiosity but now she recognized it as lust. And there was no doubt her eyes reflected the same when she couldn’t pull her gaze away from his clean-shaven jaw and the thick hair brushed off his forehead. He had exchanged his rugby shirt, jeans and running shoes for a blue shirt that was the exact color of his eyes, black tailored slacks and leather slip-ons.

  He smiled. “You look and smell incredible.”

  She gave him a demure smile. “Thank you.” She had tried on two outfits before deciding on the de rigueur little black dress, ending at her knees. Each time she inhaled, a swell of breasts was visible above the revealing neckline. He offered his arm and Jessica looped hers over his as they made their way down the staircase.

  The scene that met her rendered her momentarily mute once she stepped off the last stair. The man she trusted and with whom she found herself falling in love was an unabashed romantic. The dimmed lights and subtle illumination from the electric fireplace reflected off all light surfaces. The melodious voice of Michael Bublé that flowed from wireless speakers set the mood for an intimate setting; her gaze shifted to the vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table set for two.