Page 106 of Cozen

Cozen had sort of backed herself into a proverbial corner because she couldn’t move without making it obvious to Jett that she was attempting to get away from him. The goddamn kitchen island was right behind her. She didn’t want to offend the man by making him think that she didn’t want his attention, or that his physical affection wasn’t invited.

That would be a quick way to remove her from his life. No man wanted to feel rejected and disabused by a woman, after all.

Cozen needed to stay in.

So, she forced herself not to turn into a statue as Jett came closer. His hands skimmed her trim waist before he rested his palms down on the counter behind her. It effectively locked her into place so that she couldn’t go anywhere at all.

Jett came closer still—he really was a handsome man for his age with only that slight bit of salt coloring up his dark hair and a few laugh lines around his eyes. Men were lucky that way. They only became better looking with time. Like a fine wine.

None of that helped Cozen, though.

She did not use sex to get what she wanted. She had never needed to fuck anyone to get a job done, and she wasn’t about to start now.

Jett reached up, and his thumb stroked across her lips. “My son mentioned running into you today.”

Cozen swallowed hard. “Did he?”

Her words whispered along the pad of his thumb.

“He did. I apologize for the way he might have acted.”

Cozen lifted a single brow high. “He didn’t tell you how he acted?”

“I got a good enough impression. He won’t do it again.”

“Okay.”

What else could she say?

Jett stroked her lips again, and then said, “He’s entirely wrong about you, Cozen. There is far more about you that I am interested in other than how beautiful you are. Mind you, that is also a very important part.”

“He mentioned a party,” Cozen said.

If she kept him talking, she might be able to keep their distance at a respectable space. Not that he wasn’t already beyond that line—and getting closer to her with every breath.

“Yes, I wanted to ask you about that. A new dress, pretty shoes, and you can have your pampering day again,” Jett said, smiling softly. “What do you think?”

“I would love that.”

“Good.”

With that, Jett finally closed the distance between them. Cozen had not been expecting the kiss, as it came without warning, and she had all she could do not to turn into a cold, unmovable statue.

Somehow.

Jett’s hands left the counter, and grabbed tight to her waist before he dragged her impossibly closer. Panic welled inside her because this was an even more delicate dance, now. She couldn’t stiffen for fear he would feel it and know she was a liar. She couldn’t respond more than a closed mouth kiss because she would not be able to hide her disinterest or disgust.

She was a good actress.

A damn good liar.

Not that good, though.

It was only when his tongue struck out against the seam of her lips that Cozen decided enough was enough. A ringing phone saved her from making it an issue. Her phone.

Thank God.

Cozen pulled away from Jett with a small smile. “Sorry, let me grab that. I’ve been waiting for a call about—”