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His gaze slid over her from head to toe and back up. Slowly, as he once again took in the long, sculpted leg on display, the gentle rounding of her hips, the dip of her waist where the material clung to her feminine curves, her enticing breasts, her bare shoulders.
He soaked in all that creamy, silky-looking skin. The long column of her neck. Her full, glossy lips, which were slightly parted as she drew in wispy breaths.
Shiny blond hair was swept away from her delicate features to fall in a sleek curtain between her shoulder blades. Her dark irises continued to glow seductively.
Rogen’s chest pulled tight. His cock pulsed with erratic beats.
“You’re sensational,” he said, completely blown away by the sight of her.
The corners of her mouth quivered. A hint of mist covered her eyes. “I’m not really sure I prepared myself enough for a reunion.”
Her fingers curled around her silver satin clutch as though that would keep her from touching him.
Frustration tore through him. Rogen burned for her touch. Instantly. Fervently.
“Jesus, Jewel,” he murmured. “You could stop a man’s heart looking like that.”
“Rogen…” She stared deep into his eyes. Searching them. Likely looking for all the elusive answers even he’d never found when it came to the two of them.
“I’ve missed you,” they said in unison. Each took a stride closer to the other, then instinctively stepped back.
Rogen let out a low growl, annoyed with himself. “We’re not fucking teenagers, Jewel. If I want to hug you, it’s no one’s goddamn business but mine.”
“I know. You’re right. Of course.”
He closed the gap. His head dipped and his lips brushed over her cheek. He inhaled her rich, sultry scent. And everything inside of Rogen went haywire.
“Fuck,” he muttered. Moved a bit away from her. Shoved a hand through his hair. His gaze roved her body again and his jaw clenched.
Jewel seemed to swallow down a lump of emotion before she said, “You look good. C-O-O of Angelini, Inc., suits you. So does the tux.”
“I prefer my jeans, but what can you do?” He tried to lighten the suddenly tense moment. Yet every muscle in his body was rigid with wanting her. That rapidly. That painfully.
She gave him another pretty smile, though it looked a bit strained. Like she felt the electric current of their unwavering attraction—and the tormenting tension it elicited.
“How’d the California cowboy make it through an East Coast prep school and Ivy League college?” she asked.
“That’s the last thing I want to talk about.” He stepped toward her again, held her gaze, and continued the free fall. “Tell me why you’re here. And it’d better have something to do with being desperate to see me.”
Desire flashed in her eyes. Along with something deeper, darker. Something elusive. Alluring. Soul stirring.
Yet a heartbeat later—
“Yes, Jewel. Please do tell us why you’re here.”
Rogen winced at his mother’s smooth, cultured voice shattering the private moment he’d shared with Jewel. Too fleeting a span of time.
His father added, “This is quite a surprise, young lady.”
Jewel’s soft features hardened—a soldier preparing for battle. Regret replaced the desire in her sapphire irises. She appeared reluctant to drag her gaze from Rogen but turned her attention to his parents. “I apologize for the intrusion. I need to speak with you, Mr. Angelini. It’s important.”
Rogen’s parents exchanged a curious look.
His mother said, “I trust everyone’s well at your estate?”
“Yes, of course. We’re all perfectly healthy. I hope the same goes for your family.”
“It does,” his mother assured Jewel. “And thank you for the meritage. That was … considerate.” That last word seemed to push the boundaries of civility where Rogen’s mother was concerned.
