Best Friends…To Lovers

Jenna stared at him as if he were crazy. “Yeah, sure.”

Before he could stop himself, he snaked his arms around her and pulled her flush against his body. He captured her squeal when he covered her mouth with his.

Mac gripped the back of her dress, fighting the urge to lift it up and whisk it over her head. They were in public, but she was seriously doing a number on his emotions. Mac had originally set out to seduce her, but now he also wanted to dismantle any insecurities she had, so when she moved on to the next guy, she would know her self-worth.

Damn. The next guy. Mac didn’t think any guy would be good enough for Jenna.

When she moaned, Mac lifted his head slightly, nipping at her lips a few more times before pulling back. He’d always been able stay detached from any woman, but Jenna was becoming his drug of choice and he saw no way to break the addiction until he got her into his bed.

“Did you see someone?” she asked, her lids fluttering open.

“I thought I saw your mom down the way.” Okay, so that was a lie and he’d just told her he wouldn’t lie to her, but he wasn’t sorry—he was selfish. Pretending to squint and look in the distance, Mac shrugged. “My mistake.”

Lacing his fingers through hers, Mac guided her down the beach. Jenna leaned against his side and he wondered if she was as turned on as he was from that kiss. Each time he tasted her he wanted more, he wanted to take it to another level. Did she even have those thoughts? She couldn’t moan like that, couldn’t lean so perfectly against his body and not want more. His ego swelled, but more than that, hope filled him because now he knew she would reciprocate his need, this ache that kept bouncing between them.

“My sister asked if you and I were free to have dinner with her and Nathan.”

Water lapping at their bare feet, they strolled down the shoreline. Mac decided he really didn’t want to share his Jenna time with anyone else. This week was about seducing his best friend, finally getting her where he’d wanted her since propositioning her years ago at a party. She’d never let herself respond to him before.

“When did they want to get together?” he asked, stroking the delicate area between her thumb and index finger.

“Well, the only free night is tonight. We have a dinner tomorrow, a party the following night, Friday is the rehearsal and Saturday is the wedding.”

Damn. He’d been warned of all the “outings” this week, but he didn’t realize his time would be so monopolized by wedding events. On the other hand, he could totally play this to his advantage. If they were in public he would have to be in lover mode. Maybe there were some perks to these evening activities, after all. After making Jenna moan, who knew what else he could pull out of her during their remaining time on the island?

“I’ll do whatever you want,” he told her.

A mother and a father were splashing around at the edge of the water with their toddler son. Mac didn’t miss the way Jenna stared at the family, the way her breath caught before a soft smile spread across her face. He’d bet she hadn’t even noticed that she’d squeezed his hand a bit tighter. Mac knew this is what she wanted, a family, children. Everything he couldn’t offer, yet everything she deserved. One of the many reasons this arrangement had to be a temporary thing only. After she was out of his system, he’d have to step aside and allow another man to come into her life.

Best friends. That was the highest relationship status he had to give. Jenna would meet the right man and start the family she wanted. The thought conjured up a whole host of images Mac didn’t appreciate. No man would ever measure up, but that wasn’t his decision to make. Shame, that.

Still, when she found a man and things started getting serious, Mac would do a complete background check and make sure the guy was squeaky clean because Jenna deserved a man on the right side of the law, a man with no secrets.

A man totally the opposite of Mac.

Not that Mac wanted that settled-down family lifestyle. The whole marriage thing was working for Braden and Zara, but Mac was just fine focusing on work, partying when he could and hooking up with women who were on the same playing field as he was. Life was good, so why mess it up?

Mac tugged on Jenna’s hand to keep her moving. “Maybe going out tonight would be the best option,” he told her. “That way Nathan can see us together as well and pass along to his best man that you’re officially off the market and not interested in a reunion.”

Jenna shoved her sunglasses up onto her head, pushing her dark strands back from her face. “Good idea. I’ll let Amy know. You’re too good to me, Mac.”

With a laugh, he shook his head. “Nah. Remember, if you mess this act up, I get to cash in a favor at any time.”

Jenna playfully nudged his side with her elbow. “I’m pulling this whole thing off beautifully so far, which means I’ll get another favor. Don’t get so cocky.”

Up ahead, Mac caught sight of Martin talking with Nathan. Perfect opportunity to work this lover’s angle and shove it right into Martin’s face. Mac didn’t just want to convince the guy that Jenna had moved on, Mac wanted to torture the man with what he’d let go.

“You ready to put those acting skills to the test again?” he asked, nodding straight ahead.

Her gaze followed his and she drew in a deep breath. “I’d rather just avoid him.”

“You’re not a coward.”

Before she could protest further, he trudged forward. He told her a joke to get her laughing. Mission accomplished. Jenna’s rich laughter had Martin’s head whipping around in no time.

Game on, you sorry bastard.

Nathan waved with a smile, but his eyes were darting between Martin, Jenna and Mac. Mac figured he’d have to break the tension since he was the one who was adamant about this little meeting.

“Hey, Nathan.” Mac greeted the man as if he’d known him forever. In actuality, he’d met him once when he and Amy had come to visit Jenna in Miami. “Jenna just told me we’ll be going out tonight. Looking forward to it.”

“Amy wasn’t sure when you guys were free,” Nathan replied. “I’ll be sure to let her know. I hear congratulations are in order for the two of you, as well?”

Mac wrapped his arm around Jenna, pulling her closer to his side, ignoring the kick of just how comfortable he was playing the role of doting fiancé.

“Thanks. We didn’t want to make a big deal of anything, since this is your week and I actually just surprised Jenna.”

“Where’s the ring?” Martin asked, his tone mocking, his gaze narrowed.

Without missing a beat, Jenna replied, “Mac is flying me to his favorite jeweler in Italy after the ceremony Saturday so I can choose the one I want.”

Mac mentally high-fived her quick, clever response. She’d stiffened slightly against him, but she’d managed to squelch her nerves and fire back. Martin’s expression was priceless and his silence was another win for Mac. Maybe Jenna could handle this role-playing just fine. His hand slipped to the curve of her hip. When he squeezed her there, she jumped slightly and attempted to shift. Mac held her right where he wanted her. Damn, those curves beneath his hand sent his mind into overdrive.

“If you’ll excuse us, we were on our way back to our room. Haven’t had enough alone time with my girl.” Mac returned Martin’s glare with a mocking wink before nodding to Nathan. “See you tonight.”

Completely dismissing Martin, Mac guided Jenna back along a path that would take them toward the bungalows nestled on the water.

“Nice job,” he muttered when they were far enough away. “I actually do have a jeweler in Italy.”

“Where I’m sure your female entourage is well supplied,” she tossed back.

Was that a hint of...jealousy? Interesting. Definitely useful information.

“It’s okay, babe. I’ll make it up to you. Do you prefer diamonds or emeralds? My jeweler made this gorgeous diamond necklace for me once. Personally, I think rubies because you get fired up sometimes and—”

Jenna jerked from his grasp. “This isn’t real so don’t lump me with your collection of arm candy.”

Mac didn’t even get to defend himself before she stomped off toward the bungalow. He followed her because if they were having a lover’s spat in public, he sure as hell planned on making up in private.

But what the hell had gotten into her? He’d swear she was jealous, but she’d pointed out on numerous occasions that this situation was false. So why the narrowed gaze? Why the hurt lacing her tone?

Mac caught up to her just before she could slam the door. He was about to find out.

Five

This entire situation was getting out of hand and they were only on day two. Why had she thought this would ever work? For a split second, which was more than she could afford, she’d let her emotions take control, shoving aside common sense. When Mac had palmed her side, sliding his hand over her, she’d become fully engulfed in this charade. A charade she’d started.

Plus, her emotions were not getting the message to stay detached. When Mac had mentioned he actually had a jeweler, Jenna knew without a doubt he’d taken women there. Jealousy, table for one.

Gritting her teeth, Jenna tried to regain some control over her self-induced rage. This whole situation was her fault. Any hurt, anger or envy she had spearing through her was all brought on by her need to rid herself of Martin.

The door to the bungalow slammed behind her, but Jenna kept her back turned. She’d let her control slip. In all the years she and Mac had been friends, she’d joked about his other women, but she’d never, ever shown him how much she hated his playboy lifestyle. The moment had literally swept her away.

Jenna actually hated the jet-setting, womanizing part of his life even more than the secrets surrounding the mafia rumors. She had to say no to him because of his excessive lifestyle. She wanted to be special to any man she was involved with and being with Mac in an exclusive way wasn’t an option. He’d never made it a secret that he loved women, that he never wanted to settle down and find “the one.”

“Jenna.”

She stiffened at his demanding tone. Starting this second, she was back in control. This was her life and she needed to remember that Mac was her best friend. Always loyal, always willing to do anything for her...taking things any further would be a mistake. He’d come down here to help without hesitation and she wouldn’t repay him by dragging him into the middle of this battle between her heart and her mind.

Jenna spun around and met his questioning gaze. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to go all possessive girlfriend on you out there. I got caught up in the moment.”

Shaking his head, Mac crossed his arms over his broad chest. “You don’t like the idea of me buying jewelry for other women.”

No point in lying. “Fine. I don’t.”

With a defiant tilt of her chin, Jenna adjusted her sundress and mimicked his stance as she crossed her arms. “You flaunt women all the time and doing it now is inappropriate.”

There. That sounded convincing, didn’t it? Those penetrating eyes of his raked over her, sending shivers racing through her body. How could the man be so potent from across the room? Did he have a clue as to the damage he could do to her? Did he have any idea how difficult it had been for her to even ask him to step in?

Jenna was starting to wonder if she’d made a mistake. Too late for hindsight now.

“I had the necklace made for Laney on her twenty-first birthday.” The simple explanation made her feel utterly foolish...as she should because she had zero hold over this man.

“You were jealous,” he stated.

Jenna quirked a brow. “I was not. I expect you to remember what we’re doing this week and what your role is.”

Like a panther to its prey, Mac stalked across the room, his eyes locked onto hers. “Oh, I remember exactly what I’m doing here this week. The question is, do you?”

He stopped within a breath of her. His hands came up, tugging her arms loose until they fell to her sides, then he closed that final sliver of space. She had to tip her head up to look at him.

“Do I what?”

A muscle ticked in his jaw as he slid his hand up her arm, curled his fingers over her shoulder and replied, “Do you remember what our roles are? Seems to me you may have slipped into the position of my lover a bit too easily. Makes me wonder if you really do want to take advantage of this situation.”

Unable to think of some witty, snappy comeback, Jenna skirted around him and headed to the fridge. Grabbing the flowers, she unwrapped the layers of tissue and laid everything out on the kitchen table.

“We’re not lovers, Mac.” Her hands were shaking, but hopefully if she kept them busy, Mac wouldn’t notice. “We’re friends. Don’t read into this.”

In a flash, Mac reached out and gripped her hand. “This? Are you referring to your shaky hands or the fact you can’t look me in the eye when you lie? Or maybe you wonder what it would be like if we did sleep together and you’re afraid to admit it out loud.”

Without looking up, she jerked her hand back and attempted to separate the bundle of lilacs. “I’ve wondered,” she admitted. “Of course I have, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let it happen.”

When he said nothing, when silence filled the air like an unwanted third party, Jenna dropped the flowers and rested her palms flat on the table. With a heavy sigh, she dropped her head between her shoulders.

“Mac, after this week I still want you to be my best friend. No matter what you say, no matter what you may think is a good idea now, if we slept together we couldn’t take it back.”

Mac cupped her chin and turned her head. Jenna forced her eyes on his, because appearing weak was not an option.

“When I sleep with you, I won’t want to take it back.”

Jenna gasped at all the veiled promises in that statement. A reply was impossible as Mac slid his mouth over hers, but not in a demanding way like last time. No, this kiss was slower, seductive, yet more commanding.

The power she’d thought she possessed where Mac was concerned vanished the second his lips silently demanded all of her attention.

When he pressed his palm flat against her back, Jenna fell against his solid, defined chest. Instinctively, her arms looped around his neck, her fingers threaded through his coarse hair. Mac lifted his mouth from hers for the briefest of moments before changing the angle and going back in for more.

More urgent now, he reached behind her. Tissue paper rustled and a second later he gripped her waist with his hands, lifting her to the edge of the table. On every level she knew this was a mistake. Mac was used to this, to taking what he wanted when he wanted it. Jenna was more of a thinker, a planner...a dreamer. She couldn’t afford to be selfish and live directly in the moment. There would be consequences for every single action.

But right now, with his lips covering hers, then roaming along her jaw, Jenna tipped her head back and arched her body, consequences be damned.

“You taste so damn good,” he muttered against her skin.

Jenna continued to clutch the back of his shirt, battling herself as to whether she should push him away or let this glorious moment continue. How could she ignore this inferno raging between them? She’d never felt so alive, so out of control and on the verge of something utterly blissful.

The pounding on her bungalow door brought every tantalizing thought to a halt. Mac’s lips froze on the hollow part of her neck.

“Expecting company?” he asked, his voice husky.

Unable to speak, Jenna loosened her grip and shook her head.

Mac’s intense, dark gaze raked over her body as he slowly pulled away. Jenna realized her legs were spread wide to accommodate his body, her dress hiked up high on her thighs. Jenna jerked the hem down and hopped off the table. Mac moved across the room just as more pounding shook the door.

When he yanked the door open with more force than necessary, Jenna caught Martin’s angry gaze. His eyes darted from Jenna to Mac and back to her. Well, this is what she wanted...wasn’t it? She wanted him to see that she and Mac were serious. There couldn’t be any doubt as to what they’d been doing...or about to do. Her hair was tousled all around her shoulders, most likely her face was flushed and Mac was breathing a bit harder than usual. Her body was still very much tingling from the encounter.

Oh, mercy, had she honestly been about to have sex with her best friend on the kitchen table? Keep it classy, Jenna.

“Sorry, this is a party for two,” Mac said as he started to close the door.

Martin put his hand up, blocking the action. “Jenna. I need to speak with you. Alone.”

“You won’t be seeing my fiancée alone. Ever.” Mac’s voice had taken on a deadly, menacing tone, quite different from the sexy rasp he’d delivered only moments ago.

“Get the hell out of the way.”

Jenna stepped forward, placed a hand on Mac’s back and glared at Martin. “Whatever you want to say, do it quick.”

Mac tensed beneath her palm, but since this wasn’t a real relationship, she wasn’t about to let him ride to her rescue this time. Jenna could handle her own problems.

“Give me another chance. I know we can work this out.” Martin’s eyes seemed to implore her. “You don’t want to marry this guy. He’ll ruin you.”

Before she could stop him, Mac launched forward and fisted Martin’s shirt. “Get the hell out of here.”

Mac shoved him back out onto the deck leading to the bungalow. Jenna knew enough about Mac to know this was not the time to step in. He was angry, he was taking charge and he wouldn’t want her to intervene, even if this situation was all about her.

Martin knocked Mac’s hands away and took another step back. “You’d rather take a shot with this criminal than give me a second chance?” Martin asked. “That’s not the Jenna I know.”

Normally, Jenna wouldn’t side with a guy who was so aggressive, but she knew Mac. This was for show. He was only going along with her request to make their relationship look authentic. Wasn’t he?

He wasn’t about to unleash his rage here. Surely not. Mac definitely had a temper, but since none of this was real, perhaps he’d keep himself in check.

“You need to go,” she told Martin.

Once again his eyes darted between her and Mac before settling on her. “I hope you come around before it’s too late. The rumors surrounding his family are enough—”

Mac punched Martin in the face, sending Martin’s head flying back. Martin stumbled as he reached up to feel his jaw. Jenna gasped, gripping the door. Clearly Mac’s restraint had snapped.

“He just proved my point,” Martin spat out before turning and stomping away. “This isn’t what you need, Jenna.”

Despite the heat, a shiver rippled through her. Mac had gone too far, in more ways than one. Her body still trembled from having his mouth and hands all over her. Their relationship had crossed the friendship line because there was no way she could erase that memory. Then he’d gone and assaulted Martin. Granted, Martin was goading Mac on purpose, but Mac had lost his temper...an O’Shea family trait.

The polar opposite personas of Mac had been revealed within a span of five minutes. How could he be two completely different people?

Unsure of what to say, Jenna remained silent and went back inside. Her eyes immediately landed on the table, on the cleared-off spot where Mac had set her. The man could make her totally forget all common sense. But seeing him become so angry had snapped her back to reality.

“Jenna—”

Keeping her back to the door, she held up her hand. “No. I don’t want your apology.”

“I wasn’t going to give you one,” Mac retorted. “I’m not sorry I hit him. Nobody insults my family and nobody disrespects you. That bastard did both.”

Something about the way he was so adamant about defending those he loved made him even more attractive. But still, she had to wonder just how far he planned on taking this charade, not to mention how often his anger got the better of him. She’d heard things, ugly things, but she’d never seen Mac get violent before.

Jenna spun around. “I asked you to play the part of my boyfriend. Maybe I should’ve made things clearer from the start.” Gathering up the flowers on the table, she carefully repackaged them, wondering when she would ever find a moment’s peace to actually do her sister’s wedding arrangements. “I didn’t want a fake fiancé, I didn’t want you to punch my ex and I didn’t want you to cross the boundaries of our friendship by kissing me.”

Mac remained still, eerily so, as he locked his eyes on hers. “The fiancé reference slipped out. I will apologize for saying that, but I’ll never apologize for hitting a man who cheated on you and put you second in his life. I’m not sorry he’ll be wearing my fist impression on his face.”

Now he moved closer, closing the gap between them in two strides. “Don’t look at me like that, Jenna. It’s still me. I’d never raise my hand to a woman. I protect what’s mine and no matter what’s going on here, fake or real, you’re mine.”

Jenna’s breath caught.

“And I sure as hell will not apologize for kissing you,” he went on. “You didn’t say no. Far from it. I’ve wanted to for years and I plan on doing it again. This week, Jenna, you belong to me as more than my friend. You started this and I’m finishing it.”

He glanced down to the watch on his wrist. “Better shower up. We have a double date in an hour.”

With that, he stalked out the back door to the hammock and relaxed as if he didn’t have a care in the world, as if he was oblivious to the turmoil that raged within her. He’d delivered that emotionally packed speech, got her hormones good and jumbled then just turned to leave?

And she was his for the week? As in...his?

Both fear and excitement coursed through her. What type of beast had she unleashed?

Six

Mac pulled out the chair for Jenna. Once she was seated, he moved her hair from her shoulder and placed a kiss on her bare, sun-kissed skin. Her familiar floral scent mocked him. He knew firsthand that she dabbed her favorite perfume beneath her ears and put a dot between her breasts. Not only had he seen her do it a time or two, but when he’d been making a path from her neck to her chest, he’d inhaled that scent and he’d wanted more.

“This is so exciting.” Amy beamed from the other side of the table. “I’m so happy for you guys and I’m really glad we could carve out this time to spend together. After all, we’ll all be family soon enough.”

Family? No. His family was his brother, sister, Ryker and Jenna. That was all. Small, simple, effective in making his life complete.

“I finished one of the small bouquets today,” Jenna stated, as if she wanted this conversation to take another path, too. “It’s even more beautiful than I thought it would be.”

Yeah, instead of taking hours to get ready like most women he knew, Jenna had opted to work on an arrangement, then had showered and transformed into evening-ready in minutes. She was stunning tonight with her bare shoulders exposed. Her dress hugged those curves he was dying to get back beneath his hands.

Amy reached across the table and patted Jenna’s arm. “I didn’t ask you to do the flowers because you’re my sister. I asked because you’re the best.”

Settling back in his seat, Mac could relax a bit more now that the sisters had fallen into their easy chatter. The waitress popped over to their table to take their drink orders. Mac and Nathan ordered the local beer on tap, while the ladies ordered a house wine and slid right back into all things wedding.

“Don’t look so glum,” Nathan stated with a laugh. “It’s not that bad. And if she’s happy, then that’s all that matters.”

Mac grunted. “I think eloping would be the easiest.”

Amy gasped, focusing her attention on Mac. “You don’t mean that. Jenna has always dreamed of a big wedding. She even has our mother’s wedding gown in storage because she wants that vintage feel.”