3

Chapter 3

“The stud is one of her pieces.”

Jason leaned closer to examine it, bringing his face inches from hers. Lanie had the mad urge to bridge the distance and press her lips to his. She jerked back abruptly to avoid giving in to the impulse.

“It’s lovely. I like the serpentine design.”

“Thanks.” She didn’t bother to enlighten Jason about the special texture the tongue stud provided for extra stimulation when used during oral sex. It was one of the products two adult shops in Miami purchased from her on a regular basis. Sex jewelry wasn’t her primary niche, but it helped pay the bills so she could work on more traditional pieces.

To her relief, the conversation shifted back to Josh, and she was able to sit quietly throughout the rest of the meal, needing only to give an occasional reply. When dinner ended, she rose to her feet with relief once Josh did. As they strolled from the dining room, she realized they were all heading for another destination. She grimaced, having hoped the awkward evening was coming to an end. Maybe she could bow out politely?

The hope disappeared when Josh slung his arm around her shoulders to steer her outside to the patio. The sun was just starting to set, lighting the sky with dark oranges and reds that took her breath away. She sat down in a wrought iron patio chair without protest, still taking in the view. She refused coffee with a shake of her head to Vera and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. The heady fragrance of one of the tropical flowers growing close by made her feel giddy.

It took her a moment to realize Josh and Jason were discussing his future once again. “I’m just saying, son, that if you really think you want to pursue politics, you need to think about your future now. Youthful indiscretions can come back to haunt you later.”

“Geez, Dad. I’m not partying and sleeping around every weekend.”

Lanie did her best to tune out the conversation, wishing Josh had warned her about the friction between himself and Jason. They clearly loved each other, but it was also obvious Jason had plans for his son and was doing his best to override Josh’s own stubbornness. Idly, she wondered if the men realized just how alike they were?

Her head snapped in their direction when she heard Josh say, “Well don’t worry about what I’m doing with every girl around, Dad. I’m getting married.”

She held her breath, wondering if Josh had decided to come out to his father at this moment. Lanie wanted to warn him she didn’t think Jason would be receptive to the news at this instant, but couldn’t figure out a way to do so. Jason was going to learn soon enough about Josh’s engagement to Mark Snow, but it still seemed like the wrong time.

Jason looked thunderstruck. “You’re too young to get married, Josh. Nineteen is crazy. You can’t make a commitment at that age.”

“Why not? You did. You and Mom married right after high school.”

Jason flinched. “Yeah, but she died three years later. Who knows if we’d have lasted?”

Josh rolled his eyes. “Please, Dad. You haven’t had any serious relationships since Mom.”

“How do you know?”

Lanie cleared her throat, certain she didn’t want to hear about any of Jason’s relationships. “I think I’ll go to bed.”

“This affects you too,” said Jason. “At twenty-three, you’re much too young to understand the weight of a lifetime commitment.”

“But Josh and I—“

“Know exactly what we’re doing,” he cut in. “I’m marrying Lanie, and there’s nothing you can say to change my mind.”

Her eyes widened, and she stared at Josh in horror. An automatic denial sprang to her lips, but Josh rose from his seat before she could formulate the words. “We’re going to bed.”

Jason’s expression revealed nothing. “Good night.”

Lanie trailed behind Josh, her stomach twisting in knots. She followed him right into his room, not certain what she was going to do to him, but wondering if she could restrain the impulse to thrash him. “What the hell are you doing, Joshua Masters?”

“Being an idiot.”

His reply drained away her anger, and she sat on the bed beside Josh when he threw himself down. “I’m glad you realize that. Why’d you tell your dad we’re getting married?”

Josh shrugged. “I dunno. I was about to tell him about Mark, but your name slipped out instead. I was so annoyed with him, you know?”

Lanie sighed, lying down beside him when he stretched out. “He loves you, Josh. Your dad doesn’t strike me as homophobic, so what’s the problem?”

He wore a frown when he turned his head to look at her. “I just don’t think he’s going to take it well. Dad wants me to go into politics, and you know being gay will be an issue.”

“Your dad wants you in politics because of your interest, not his. I know that much from what you’ve told me.” She pushed a strand of hair off his forehead. “You should just tell him about Mark.”

With a stubborn set of his lips, he shook his head. “I can’t. I don’t want to give him another reason to be disappointed in me.”

“Fine.” She waved her hand. “At least tell him the truth about us.”

A small smile made his lips twitch. “Why? So you can have a shot with him?”

Lanie shoved against his shoulder. “Be serious.”

He grinned. “I am. I’ve seen you drooling over his picture in my room.”

A blush scorched her face, but she strove for nonchalant as she stretched and sat up. “Yeah, whatever. I’m off to bed, brat.”

“Okay, Mommy,” he said with a light laugh.

She lifted the closest pillow and smacked him upside the head. “Go to sleep before I spank you.”

He waggled his brows. “Promises.”

Lanie rolled her eyes. “As if you’d want me to do that.” She schooled her expression to one more serious. “You do need to tell your dad we aren’t engaged though.”

Josh reached out for her hand. “Please don’t make me. I swear I’ll let him know before we go home in a couple of weeks, but let me do it in my own way. Okay?”

Reluctance warred with the desire to ease his anxiety. Lanie exhaled sharply, knowing it was a bad idea to continue the pretense, but not sure what else to do, short of telling Jason his son’s secret. That wasn’t her place. “I guess, but you’d better fix this quickly. Your dad hates the idea of you marrying me.”

With a half shrug, he said, “He thinks I’m too young.”

Lanie nodded, but she wasn’t convinced that was Jason’s sole objection. If Josh had presented a more suitable girl, would he have been so nonplussed? What did it matter? She’d already decided her crush on him was silly, and he’d never reciprocate the interest. He wasn’t likely to dislike her any less if he found out she and Josh weren’t really involved. Not that he’d betrayed his disapproval in an obvious way, but she had still sensed it.

A moment later, she left Josh’s room, backing out and closing the door behind her. Lanie let out a startled yelp when her back collided with something solid. Warm and solid. Distinctly male. She turned her head, finding her face inches from Jason’s. His hands on her hips had steadied her, but they also burned through the thin fabric of her dress.

“Sorry,” she whispered, licking lips made dry with sudden nervousness. “Thanks.”

Jason shrugged, still not removing his hands. “You’re welcome.” He finally dropped them but didn’t step back. She couldn’t move forward without opening Josh’s door again. An awkward scoot to the right was an option, but it would be obvious she was trying to get away from him. She licked her lips again, eyes widening when she saw his gaze following the motion.

“Let me show you to your room, so you don’t get lost.” There was a heavy note of mockery in his voice. “We don’t want you aimlessly wandering the hallways.”

As he stepped away from her, their bodies brushed, making her gasp. Lanie jerked away, aware of overreacting, but unable to maintain a façade of indifference when he touched her, no matter how casually.

He arched a brow, but didn’t say anything until they reached her door. “Here we are.”

She shivered when he placed a hand against her lower back. “Yes,” she said huskily. The insane urge to invite him inside made her grasp the doorknob and hurry across the threshold. “Good night, Jason.” Lanie’s eyes widened at the breathy sound of his voice on her lips. Before she could embarrass herself further, she closed the door and leaned against it, heart hammering in her ears. She had to get hold of herself and squash the annoying niggle of attraction she felt for her best friend’s father.