The Player. Part 5

"I'm fine, thanks," Jamie told her, eyes twinkling.

"Audrey's a licensed ma.s.seuse," Tewanda said, much to Audrey's annoyance. Still a bit shaken, she resisted the urge to pinch her friend.

Audrey summoned a tight smile. "True, however we have a regular ma.s.seuse on staff. Part of the luxury of an expanding clientele." She managed a chuckle.

"So you don't have to be so hands-on, hands-on, then," Jamie said, obviously enjoying her discomfort. then," Jamie said, obviously enjoying her discomfort.

"Right."

"But since Jamie here is a special special guest of the Colonel and you're supposed to be taking care of him personally, surely you wouldn't mind working out a few of his kinks, right, Audrey?" guest of the Colonel and you're supposed to be taking care of him personally, surely you wouldn't mind working out a few of his kinks, right, Audrey?"

Did Maine have the death penalty? Audrey wondered, sending her friend a murderously sweet smile. "Not at all," she said in what she knew was far from a normal voice.

Looking entirely too pleased with herself, Tewanda leaned forward as though she was about to impart a kernel of significant advice. "In fact, I can't think of a better way to start your Unwind experience than with a relaxing ma.s.sage." She bobbed her head in a brisk nod. "I have one every week."

Jamie's eyes twinkled with humor. "Really?"

"Oh, yes." She preened. "It does wonders for my complexion."

"I've never had one. At least from a professional, that is," he amended.

And on that singularly disturbing note, Audrey cleared her throat. "You know what I think is the best way to start your Unwind experience?" she asked Jamie. "With a nice session of water colors down by the lake. My grandfather says you're quite the artist."

A soft chuckle erupted from his throat. "Really? I didn't realize he was a fan of my work. I'll have to paint something special special for him." for him."

Actually, her grandfather had said no such thing and she fully suspected that Jamie hadn't painted any sort of picture, much less a watercolor, since primary school. Playing along, was he? Now that was interesting. And it would be fun, considering her grandfather had already explained his bizarre preferences and hobby choices for Jamie. With the exception of the whiskey and beer, the preferences preferences had been jokes. As for the hobby choices, her grandfather had chosen them so that Jamie could learn certain virtues. Like patience. had been jokes. As for the hobby choices, her grandfather had chosen them so that Jamie could learn certain virtues. Like patience.

Audrey grinned. "Oh, good. We can have it framed in town and s.h.i.+p it to him before you leave."

His eyes glinted with knowing humor. "Excellent."

Marginally relaxing, Audrey rocked back a little on her heels.

"But I'll still want that ma.s.sage."

And every muscle atrophied again, particularly the ones in her face which controlled her smile. "Of course," she said because she couldn't think of any other response. Dissembling while visions of her hands on his warm, naked skin, kneading those impressive muscles was completely beyond her. Audrey released a silent quivering sigh.

Time to go home, she decided. "Well, if you don't have any more questions, I think I'm going to call it an evening."

"I'll go with you," Tewanda said. She did an admirable job of looking concerned. "I don't like you walking up that hill all alone."

Honestly, this was over the top, even for Tewanda. Exasperated, Audrey shook her head. "I have walked up that hill alone every night of every season since we opened, Tewanda," she told her through partially gritted teeth. "I think I can manage."

"That may be true but-"

"Tewanda."

"I'll walk you home," Jamie offered, playing right into her maniacal matchmaking friend's hands.

"Really," Audrey insisted. "It isn't necessary."

"But it'll relax me," he said with a half-smile that made her belly do an odd little jump.

Oh, well...how nice for him. She wished she could say the same for herself.

"BE SURE TO GIVE MY REGARDS to the Colonel," Jamie leaned in and whispered to Tewanda before following a somewhat irate Audrey out of the room. to the Colonel," Jamie leaned in and whispered to Tewanda before following a somewhat irate Audrey out of the room.

"Sure thing, Ace," Tewanda told him. She grinned and twinkled her fingers at him as he walked away. She was clearly enjoying herself, Jamie thought, fighting a chuckle. No doubt she'd received her instructions from the Colonel as well and was taking her role as matchmaker quite seriously.

While it was easy to laugh at her machinations, Jamie knew better than to discount them. As Audrey's right-hand man, so to speak, and clearly a good friend, she was better positioned than anybody to know what was happening with Audrey. If she was trying this hard to make sure that Audrey didn't marry Derrick, she had to have good reason.

Which made the Colonel sending him in as he had all the more understandable.

Sure, Jamie didn't like it, and no doubt being with her without being with her being with her was going to be sheer h.e.l.l, but she had two very discerning people covertly interfering on her behalf-three, if he counted himself, which, for reasons he didn't understand, he wasn't prepared to do just yet-and that told him enough about what he was doing to make him feel marginally better about his role in the deception. was going to be sheer h.e.l.l, but she had two very discerning people covertly interfering on her behalf-three, if he counted himself, which, for reasons he didn't understand, he wasn't prepared to do just yet-and that told him enough about what he was doing to make him feel marginally better about his role in the deception.

Besides, he didn't have any choice. He'd owed Garrett.

Jamie opened the door for her, ushering Audrey out into the cool autumn air. Dusk had come and gone, bringing darkness and a spattering of bright stars. Fluffy clouds glowed in the moonlight and drifted lazily across the deep navy sky.

"She's a piece of work, isn't she?" Jamie remarked lightly as they descended the steps onto the walk.

Audrey chuckled, the sound soft, soothing and feminine against his ears. "Tewanda? That's one way of describing her." She crossed her arms over her chest, huddling further into her jacket. "I'm thinking 'fired' would be another."

Jamie laughed. "Surely not?"

"Nah," she relented. "I couldn't do what I do without her. She's invaluable-and insufferable. That's part of her charm."

"Look at it this way," Jamie told her. "I bet you never have to wonder what she thinks."

She shot him a pointedly wry look. "Much like my grandfather."

Jamie tilted his head back as another laugh rumbled up his throat. "I definitely wouldn't argue with that a.s.sessment."

"He strong-armed you into coming here, didn't he?"

That was one way of putting it, Jamie thought. "In a manner of speaking."

"In a manner of speaking? He filled out all of your paperwork, sent your itinerary and told you when to be here."

"What tipped you off?" Jamie teased. "The book on erectile dysfunction, the bottle of Metamucil or the package of adult diapers in the bathroom?"

"What?" she deadpanned with wide-eyed innocence. "You mean you aren't an impotent, incontinent bed wetter?"

Smiling, Jamie ducked his head toward his chest and shoved his hands into his front pockets. "Er...that would be a big fat negative."

"I asked him about all of that. He was only joking with those things, you know," she said. "Wanted to prep you to relax with a good laugh."

He figured she'd asked about Jamie's so-called "preferences", Jamie thought. He would have. He had to give the old guy a hand, though-he was quick on his feet. "I know," Jamie said. "He's always good for a laugh." Jamie scratched his head, pretended to be confused. "Did he happen to mention why he listed my hobbies as basket-weaving, watercolors and ballroom dancing?"

Audrey shot him a smile. "Ah...those are 'relaxing' things he thinks you ought to try. Basket-weaving requires patience, watercolor skill, and every man needs to know how to dance. Or so sayeth the Colonel."

So he'd conjured an answer for everything, then. Jamie shook his head. Somehow he wasn't surprised. "And we, er...We have to adhere to that schedule while I'm here?"

Audrey turned onto the sidewalk which led up to her house. Her porch light glowed in the distance, illuminating potted plants-mums, mostly-and white wicker outdoor furniture outfitted with comfy cus.h.i.+ons.

"We don't have to," she said. "The purpose of Unwind is to enable you to relax, but-" She hesitated, nervously chewed her bottom lip. "I was told to personally keep you on task and to 'expect resistance.'"

She mounted the steps to her front door and turned to face him. The wind toyed with the ends of her hair, sending a long lock against her neck. He was suddenly hit with the urge to wind that wayward lock around his finger and draw her to him. "For obvious reasons, it would make my life a lot easier if you'd simply give them a try."

Check and checkmate, Jamie thought, realizing that he should simply bow to the master and accept defeat. The Colonel had thought of everything. How could he look into those calmly pleading gorgeous blue eyes and say no?

Did he want to basket weave? Er...no.

Did he think he'd enjoy painting? That was a bigger no.

And ballroom dancing? h.e.l.l n- Actually, Jamie thought, stopping short. Upon further reflection that one would probably be nice. Particularly if he'd be taking lessons with Audrey as his partner. His gaze slid over her small feminine frame, lingering broodingly on her delightful b.r.e.a.s.t.s and swept up over her plump bottom lip.

A dart of heat landed squarely in his groin and his palms suddenly itched with the unfamiliar need to cup her cheeks and draw her face up for his kiss. The Colonel had told him to do whatever it was he did to make a woman fall all over him, right? Well, kissing played a very significant part in that.

Unfortunately the Colonel had also forbidden First Base.

Audrey's suddenly heavy-lidded gaze dropped to his own mouth and, though it could have merely been wishful thinking on his part, she seemed to have leaned closer to him.

Then again, Jamie thought as his heart began to race and he lessened the distance between them a little more, the Colonel wasn't here. Jamie was on a mission and that mission was to prevent her from marrying the wrong guy. If he kissed her, that would help right?

Right.

Jamie stepped even closer, raised his hands and felt her hair slide across his knuckles. He hadn't even touched her, yet he could feel her warmth against his palms and the sensation made his stomach clutch. His hands found her face and- "Woof!"

"d.a.m.n!" Jamie swore, startled by the deafening bark. He instinctively drew Audrey to him and frantically glanced around.

"Moses," she chided, turning to face her front door.

Jamie wilted-quite embarra.s.singly, considering he was supposed to be such a military bada.s.s-and followed her gaze. The dog from the photo looked menacingly back at him. The enormous animal had both paws planted on the gla.s.s and stood an easy five and a half feet-taller than Audrey, he thought, wondering how the h.e.l.l she controlled such a beast.

"He won't bite," she said. "He's just curious about you."

"Right," Jamie said warily, not trusting that a.s.sessment.

Cheeks pink, Audrey awkwardly peeled herself away from him and opened the door, allowing the dog outside. She patted his head. "Friend, Moses," she said sternly. Moses," she said sternly. "Friend." "Friend."

The dog ambled toward Jamie.

"Offer your hand."

Jamie shot her a hesitating glance. "Are you sure he won't mistake it for a chew toy?"

Audrey laughed. "Trust me, if he thought you were a threat, he would have torn your throat out by now."

Oh, now wasn't that a comforting thought? Jamie obligingly offered his hand. The dog sniffed his palm. Then his leg. Then his b.u.t.t. Then predictably zeroed in on his crotch.

Chuckling again, Audrey grabbed Moses by the collar and tugged him back. "Good enough, old boy. Leave Jamie alone." She tucked her hair behind her ear. "Sorry about that," she mumbled, an adorable blush painting her cheeks.

Jamie couldn't think of anything politically correct to say, so he merely shrugged it off. "No problem. He's just being a dog."

She patted the dog again, then looked up, her wary gaze tangled with his. "Thanks for walking me home. It wasn't necessary."

Jamie shoved his hands in his pockets. "I enjoyed it. Well, most of it," he amended. "Your dog scaring the s.h.i.+t out of me, then molesting me I could have done without, but otherwise..." He grinned and shrugged.

A playful smile caught the corner of her lush mouth. "Too bad you aren't wearing one of those diapers, eh?"

Imp, Jamie thought, thoroughly enchanted and missing that might-have-been kiss. "Right."

"So I'll see you in the morning?"

"See you then," Jamie agreed. His heart curiously lighter than it'd been in months, Jamie loped down the steps and made his way toward his cottage. Adrenaline from the dog-scare still pumped through his veins, his d.i.c.k throbbed painfully in his jeans and his body ached with the regret of leaving her.

But he was smiling. How screwed up was that?

6.

AUDREY CLOSED THE DOOR behind her, dropped to her knees and gave Moses a grateful hug. A shaky breath leaked out of her lungs. "You saved me, big guy," she told him. "From doing something behind her, dropped to her knees and gave Moses a grateful hug. A shaky breath leaked out of her lungs. "You saved me, big guy," she told him. "From doing something really really stupid." stupid."

Moses licked her cheek in answer, causing an unexpected chuckle to break loose in her throat. "Oh, Moses," she said with a shaky laugh. "This isn't good."

And she was the master of understatement.

In fact, it was downright horrible.

Being attracted to Jamie Flanagan-and not just merely attracted, but devastatingly so-was so far wrong it should have been unthinkable-even though it wasn't.

In the first place, she was in a committed relations.h.i.+p, supposedly contemplating marriage to a man who expected an answer by the end of the week. And in the second place, this guy was a friend of her grandfather's. grandfather's.

And for whatever reason, that was the one that seemed like a bigger betrayal.

The Colonel had recommended and entrusted him into her care and she fully imagined that her seducing him, kissing him or having wild, wonderful s.e.x with him was not the sort of relaxation therapy her grandfather'd had in mind. She knew all this and yet...

She couldn't seem to help herself from wanting it.

Audrey was a big girl. She was s.e.xually experienced and s.e.xually responsible. She didn't share her body with just anyone and she always made sure she was protected. She had too much self-respect to do otherwise. Though she longed to have a family of her own someday and imagined raising that family on this very sh.o.r.e, she instinctively knew that neither the time-nor sadly, the man-was right.