EroticTakeover (14 page)

“Fine. My parents eat early. I don’t want to keep them
waiting.”

“That’s not what I meant. You’re all right with what
happened? With Quinn not…you know.”

She laughed indifferently but her face turned bright red,
hiding her freckles. “No problem. I’m surprised he thought my shots were good.”

Mac frowned. “Don’t say that.”

Jodi patted his arm. “I wasn’t criticizing you. Just being
honest about me. Have a good night.” She left before he could say anything
else.

* * * * *

Dinner with her parents was pleasant but exhausting. Jodi
struggled to listen to her dad’s comments about work and sports. She kept
refusing seconds of her mom’s pot roast, Jodi’s all-time favorite meal, which
contained more calories than she needed.

Willow’s comment kept echoing in her mind.
Sad, sad, sad.

Jodi’s cheeks warmed again. Nothing like being the object of
pity. Even Mac’s concern was beginning to grate. She wasn’t a stick or gorgeous
but she wasn’t gross either.

She didn’t want him as only a buddy, She wanted him as a
real lover, a man who could cherish her for the woman she was, who wanted her
all to himself. Jodi didn’t want him drooling over anyone else. A tall freaking
order when naked women always surrounded him. Their bodies and faces might not
have been perfect but they sure as hell were close, and those babes knew it.

As usual, when he wasn’t around, they debated who’d sleep
with him first. Willow had claimed she would.

Jodi hadn’t missed how Willow stared at him and always
seemed to be close no matter what he was doing.

So far, Mac had seemed clueless about Willow’s obvious
flirting. Maybe she wasn’t his type. Maybe she would be eventually. How long
could he resist her—

“Sweetie?”

Jodi started at her mom’s hand on her arm. “What?”

“Dad asked you a question.”

“Oh. Sorry.” Jodi smiled at him. He was a compact man with
short reddish hair and a ruddy complexion sprinkled with freckles. She’d
inherited her poor vision from her mom, who also wore glasses. “What?”

He took her hand in both of his and patted her fingers
gently. “We were wondering how things are going with you.”

“You look sad,” her mom said.

“No,” she lied. “I’m just tired.”

Her dad frowned. “Your boss working you too hard?”

Not any longer, at least between the sheets. Jodi wouldn’t
allow any more intimacy between them when it wouldn’t lead anywhere. As bad as
she felt now, she’d feel a hell of a lot worse the longer this went on. She
needed to protect her heart and think about her future, no matter how shitty it
might be. “He’s fine. I have regular hours, Dad. If I stay longer, he pays me
overtime.”

“He damn well should.”

Jodi squeezed her father’s hand and smiled at her mom even
as her heart ached. “Don’t worry about me. I’m doing fine.” She finally
accepted what she had to do. On a sigh, she added, “Actually, I’ve never been
better.”

* * * * *

This wouldn’t do. Fuck no.

For more than a week, Jodi had dodged Mac, coming in on time
rather than early as she had been. She left right on the dot too, not waiting
for him to finish so they could grab a dog, cat, or some-fucking-thing. Unless
Mac stood directly in front of her and spoke, she never met his eyes.

She was back to staring at the models as if they ruled the
world and she was merely a commoner among gods. She looked as lost and sad as
he felt and Mac simply couldn’t take it any longer.

He’d been god-awful wrong about the thing with Quinn and was
willing to admit it. The gig had meant a lot to her. Far more than it should,
and that’s what really pissed Mac off. Jodi shouldn’t need anyone, not even
him, to validate her beauty. She should fucking know how wonderful she’d always
been.

Too bad she was as human as he was. Mac wanted her approval
more than he cared to acknowledge. If she’d regarded his cock as if it wasn’t
enough for her, that would have killed him. If she hadn’t liked his work, he
probably would have never stopped reshooting until she gave him a thumbs up.

He needed her. He hoped she needed him.

When she arrived at a few minutes to nine, he was waiting
for her, arms crossed, his ass planted firmly on her desk.

She jerked to a stop, blushed until her face was as red as
her hair then smiled.

It looked more like a grimace.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hi.”

“Lock the door.”

She looked at it. “UPS comes early sometimes. They might
drop by with a delivery today.”

“I’m not expecting anything and neither are you. Lock the
door or I will. We need to talk.”

Her pained expression said she’d rather bolt but she finally
nodded. “Yes we do.”

Once she’d turned the lock, she joined him at her desk. Not
on his lap as she had in the past or even close enough for him to grab her.

Keeping her distance, Jodi said, “I’m giving my two weeks’
notice. I’ll help you hire and train some—“

“What?”
Mac shot to his feet.

Jodi backed away. He followed. They kept going around her
desk, him pursuing, her fleeing.

“Dammit, stay still,” he hollered.

“No,” she hollered back. “I’m quitting. Didn’t you hear me?
I have another job lined up. I’m giving you my—“

“The fuck you are. I’m not accepting it.” He caught her
wrist and pulled her close. “I know what this is about.”

“So do I. It’s about starting a new job.”

“Bull.”

She twisted her wrist, trying to get free. He wouldn’t let
her. “How’d you find out?”

Jodi stopped fighting him. “About what?” She frowned and
then her face paled so quickly her freckles really stood out. “About you
sleeping with one of the models? Is that it?” She laughed. “Hey, you don’t owe
me any explanation or anything else for that matter. I just work here, or
rather I did.”

“Not with that shitty attitude you don’t.” Mac released her
wrist. “How dare you accuse me of screwing around on you? I’m not the one who’s
been too busy to talk much less screw around. Who have you been seeing?”

She curled her upper lip. “No one and you damn well know
it.”

“Now I’m psychic too? Wow. If you hate me that much—“

“Hate you?” She staggered back as if he’d punched her. “Are
you nuts?”

Clearly Jodi thought that questioning his sanity was a good
way to show her affection. Mac was so pissed he wanted to put his fist through
the goddamn wall. He spoke through his teeth. “I thought we had a good time. I
thought you enjoyed it.”

Her eyes got shiny.

Mac’s stomach fell. He hadn’t expected their good times to
push her to tears. Shit. “Apparently, I was wrong,” he said then muttered, “I
still want to know how you found out about the gig. Did Quinn call you?”

A tear slipped down Jodi’s cheek. She brushed it away. “What
gig? Why would Quinn call me?”

“Because he was fucking pissed when I told him you couldn’t
model for his line, why else? The stupid bastard kept arguing with me but I
kept telling him no.”

Jodi’s eyes got wider and wider, which released more tears.
“Why would you do that? You told me I looked good. Did you lie about—?“

“Fuck no. You did look beautiful. You’re unbelievably
beautiful,” he continued to shout. “I didn’t want to share you. I don’t want
anyone ogling you. Dammit, that’s my job—or it was my job until you decided you
couldn’t stand me anymore.”

“What are you talking about?” she cried.

“I know you think I’m a dog. That I screw every woman who
comes along. You also think I’m a moron when it comes to grocery shopping and
cooking. So I’m not Wolfgang Puck. So fucking what? I like being with you. It
kills me when we’re not together. Surely that should count for something. I
love your glasses. Hell, I live for your freckles. I know you don’t like them
but I think they’re cute. Your laugh makes me laugh. I like when you smile.
Shit, Jodi, I love you.”

She stared at him, her hand pressed to her chest, tears
streaming down her face.

When her quiet weeping turned to noisier sobs, Mac felt more
helpless than he ever had. “You can’t quit. I don’t want you to. Please don’t.”

Her mouth quivered. She shuffled toward him as though lead
weighted her legs. Her hands were icy against his cheeks. “You love me.
Seriously?”

“Sure, seriously. What other way is there? I’m not an expert
at this but—“

“Why? How did it happen?” she asked, sounding stunned.

He frowned. “I don’t know. It just did. Probably when I was
trying to zip you into your leather straitjacket. Hell, I’ve never had so much
fun with anyone before. I don’t want it to stop. If you don’t feel the same about—“

“I adore you, Mac.”

He pulled her into him and hugged her hard, absolutely
refusing to let go. She’d declared herself and dammit, he wasn’t going to let
her ever forget it. “Thanks.”

Her breaths hitched. She nodded.

“This is good, right?” he asked.

She nodded once more.

“Then why are you crying? Why’d you put us through hell
these last days? If Quinn’s gig means that much to you I can call him and tell
him it’s back on. He’ll be thrilled.”

“You wouldn’t.”

No. It’d eat at Mac that any other man would be enjoying
what belonged to him. Too damn bad, right? He didn’t own Jodi and he shouldn’t
have kept the truth from her for so long. “Not my call.”

“Bull.” She smacked his ass. “The moment we fell in love
with each other it became our decision.”

“Fine. I don’t want you doing it. Ever.”

“Don’t worry, I wasn’t going to. I don’t care about that at
all. But I don’t want you to ever make decisions for me, understand?”

“I was wrong and stupid and scared. No excuse, I know. I
should have been straight with you. I figured since I more or less pushed you
into this that I’d get you out of it before anything happened—like the world
seeing you on the net. I didn’t mean for it to get so out of hand. Damn.” He
pushed his fingers through his hair. “Can you ever forgive me?”

Jodi looked surprised. “Of course.”

“Then why do you want to quit? What else have I done? Tell
me and I’ll fix it.”

She pressed her face against his shoulder. “You didn’t do
anything.”

“Then what?”

She curled her fingers in his T-shirt. “When I thought the
dumb gig fell through, I started doubting myself. You’re surrounded by naked
women all the time. They’re beautiful.”

“They’re not you.” Mac eased back and slipped his fingers
beneath her chin, tilting her face to his.

She looked embarrassed and sad. “They want you. They’re
always coming on to you.”

“No they’re not. The few who do act that way so they’ll get
more sitting fees and gigs. If you think I’m hot, then I thank you, but you’re
dead-fucking wrong about the models. This is business to them.”

“Them wanting you is a calculated ploy?” She frowned. “Are
they blind?”

Mac rolled his eyes. “Can’t have it both ways, babe. Either
you’re happy they’re simply trying to use me or you sing my praises so
they’ll—“

“Any of them touch you at all and I’ll smack them until they
behave…if that’s okay with you.”

“You have my blessing.” He hugged her again then let go and
closed the blinds.

Jodi wiped tears from her eyes. “What are you doing?”

Mac yanked off his shirt and flung it across the studio.
“You denied me for over a week. That’s nine fucking days. If you haven’t been
counting, I have.”

“It’s actually been ten days.”

“See,” he accused, pointing at her. “I’m so horny I can’t
even think straight.”

“Well if you want to blame it on that.”

Mac refused to smile at her joke. “My first shoot isn’t for
hours.” He unbuttoned his jeans and pulled down the fly. “I’m going to play
hooky until then. So are you.” Nude, he padded to her and growled, “Get naked,
baby, or else.”

Jodi moved into him, her hand loving his cock. Mac swallowed.

She whispered, “Or else what?”

For the next several hours, Mac showed her.

Every cooking appliance imaginable filled the counters in
the luxury condo.

The first time Mac had brought Jodi here, she was stunned
that his only furniture had been a king-size bed and an equally huge LCD TV.
The place would have been totally stark if not for the lush black-and-white
photos of his models hanging on every wall.

Those shots were gone now, the condo finally and properly
furnished with an eclectic mix of modern and classic furniture that spoke to
each of their tastes and somehow seemed to go together. Just as they did. Over
the months, she and Mac had chosen each piece with loving care, making this
place a home. Their home… Jodi had moved in several weeks ago, cementing their
relationship and love.

The rich scents of garlic, onion and tomato drew her to the
stove. She dipped the wooden spoon into the spaghetti sauce, eager for a taste.

Mac rushed over. “Hell no.” He took the spoon away and slapped
her hand. “Bad girl. Out of my kitchen.”

Since he’d taken private cooking classes from a celebrity TV
chef, Mac had become a real SOB when it came to his dishes, troubling over them
as he did his photos. Delis, mega-expensive restaurants and dogs were in the
past for him and her. Mac cooked as many meals for them as he could, liking
that they could dine in the nude and eat his concoctions off each other.

Jodi had especially enjoyed his lamb chops. Partly for the
succulent meat but mainly for the chocolate port sauce he’d dribbled on her
mouth, nipples and mound, before licking her clean and taking her on the dining
room table as though they were porn stars. She’d indulged in his cock and balls
after slathering them with the barbeque sauce he’d made from scratch. His boys
and rod tasted better than his Kansas City-style ribs, which were outstanding.

Good times. Unfortunately both of them were dressed now and
wouldn’t be eating each other until much, much later.

She sighed. “You’re a prick, know that.”

“Thanks.” He tasted his sauce, frowned then added another
sprinkle of Parmesan. “Better not say that while your folks are here though.
For their sake, let’s at least pretend we’re getting along.”

Jodi sagged against the counter with her giddy laughter. She
and Mac got along so well it was an effort to pull themselves off each other,
whether they were in bed or the Jacuzzi, on the sofa, chairs, tables, counters
or floors. When they weren’t screwing as though their lives depended upon it,
or working at the studio, Mac was shooting Jodi.

Her hair was now shoulder length, as Mac liked. Although she
could have afforded contacts, Jodi still wore glasses. Not only were they
comfortable, Mac really dug them and insisted they be in each of her photos.
Those G-rated portraits graced the living room walls, telling the world what he
found beautiful.

The X-rated versions with her in masks, restraints and no
end of kinky leather stuff were in an album in his underwear drawer, shoved all
the way to the back. Away from the prying eyes of their cleaning service and
Jodi’s mom and dad.

Her parents hadn’t been thrilled that she was shacking up
with Mac but they liked him nonetheless, treating him as a member of the
family. He’d been incredibly good to them, using his endless connections to
help her folks get decent jobs. Jodi’s dad was now a manager at a Los Angeles
manufacturer, putting his decades of skill and wisdom to good use. Her mom had
a full-time office position at one of the area’s largest grocery chains. For
the first time in forever, they didn’t have to worry about paying their bills.

Mac put down his spoon and surveyed the kitchen, his eyes
narrowed. “We’re forgetting something.”

Jodi couldn’t imagine what. It was only dinner for her
parents not a banquet for a film star and her entourage. There was more food
here than any of them could eat in several sittings. In addition to the
spaghetti, Mac had garlic bread baking in the oven, and pot stickers and
mozzarella sticks sizzling away in separate skillets. Earlier, he’d put
together a Caesar salad tossed with his homemade dressing.

When he hadn’t been looking, Jodi had snuck spoonfuls of the
ultra-rich mixture, fighting her moans of delight.

“Dessert,” he suddenly said. “Oh shit. You forgot to get
that cake your dad likes.”

“Did not. I put it on the counter.”

“Which one?”

She wasn’t certain any longer. For the last few hours, Mac
kept sending her on runs to the grocery store to get stuff he’d forgotten.
While she’d prowled the aisles, he’d guided her by phone to choose the exact
items he wanted.

“Don’t rush,” he’d said during one of the earlier trips.
“This has to be right.”

“It’s only oregano,” she’d sighed.

He’d huffed in what sounded like impatience. “There are
thirteen varieties.”

Jodi hadn’t been certain whether he’d been putting her on or
not. The last time Mac had stunned her to silence was when he’d told her that
Leonard Nimoy, aka Mr. Spock of Star Trek fame, was also a renowned
photographer of female nudes. Jodi hadn’t believed it for a second until Mac
had brought up Mr. Spock’s work on the net.

She pushed empty bags aside and lifted the dishtowels Mac
had been using.

The pink cake box was under one of them. “Found it.”

“Put it on a serving tray. Make it look nice.”

“Why? All Dad needs is a fork and he’s happy.”

Mac arched one eyebrow. “I thought we wanted to impress them
tonight.”

“We are. We’re using our stainless steel forks instead of
the plastic ones you had.” There were still drawers filled with them.

He laughed then gave her his puppy dog look. “Come on. Do it
nice.”

Smiling, Jodi pulled a tray out of the cabinet and opened
the bakery box. Despite her glasses, she squinted, stared then froze.

“What?” Mac padded to her. “Is it spoiled?”

He obviously knew zip about baking. But when it came to her
heart, Mac understood what Jodi had always needed. Her hand shook so badly she
put several dents in the fudge icing as she dug out the antique ring. The
center diamond was emerald cut, modest in size, as Jodi preferred. Tiny
diamonds surrounded it and graced the double band.

She pressed her fingers to her mouth. Tears clouded her
vision.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

She threw her arms around Mac’s shoulders. His obvious need
of her was more important to Jodi than any outward symbol of his love. He was
gorgeous, rich and successful but Jodi knew he didn’t care about any of that.
His needs ran far deeper. He wanted her at his side. They were buddies, lovers
and soul mates. She’d given Mac a home and stability he’d never experienced.
He’d opened up a world of adventure to her that Jodi had always been too timid
to enter.

Who could’ve guessed either of them would get this lucky.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. “Almost as gorgeous as
you.”

His chest quivered with his quiet laughter. “Please don’t
say that in public. I’d hate to have to fight to prove how macho I am.”

Jodi ground her hips into his, loving how his shaft
thickened so easily for her and because of her. “Just whip out your cock. Even
a soldier of fortune would fall to his knees in terrified wonder.”

Mac laughed so hard he sagged against the counter, his arms
still wrapped around her. “I’ll have to remember that if I ever get into a
rumble with one of them.”

She made a sound of acknowledgment and swallowed.

“What are you doing?” He eased back.

Jodi stopped sucking fudge icing off her ring. “Put it on
me.”

Once he had, they both grinned then kissed. Long, slow, deep
and wet.

Until the grease in his skillets popped and the front
doorbell chimed.