Glaring at him, she grabbed it and headed back to the door. He made her forget her watch. She never forgot her watch.

“Jessie Ann.”

She stopped at the door. “What?”

“Come here.”

“I don’t have—”

“Come. Here.”

She stood there a second longer.

“Don’t make me come over there and get you.”

Dammit. Why did he have to sound so sexy when physically threatening her?

Letting out an exasperated sigh to cover up the slight trembling, she stormed back over to the table. “What?”

He crooked his finger at her.

Glancing around, Jess saw several people staring at them. “What?” she snarled at them all. “Can I help you with something?”

“Hey, Miss New York.”

She looked back at Smitty. “What?”

“You done yelling at people?”

“They were staring.”

He grinned. “Come here.”

“I am here.”

“Closer.”

She leaned in a bit.

“Closer.”

She leaned in again until their faces were mere inches apart.

“Now kiss me,” he whispered, his breath caressing her mouth.

Unable to stop herself from following his orders—and not really wanting to stop anyway—Jess slid her hand behind his neck and pressed her lips against his. Smitty didn’t automatically kiss her back. He didn’t slip his tongue into her mouth; he didn’t take over the kiss. He simply waited.

Jess tipped her head to the side, moving her lips across his. Then, softly, she drew her tongue across his mouth. His lips parted for her, but he did nothing else, still waiting for her. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to delve further. Her tongue stroked his slowly, firmly, until she felt him groan. Then his hands slid into her hair, holding her head steady as he finally kissed her back. She rested her knee on the booth seat, her arms around his neck.

She had no idea how long they were sitting there, making out like two teenagers, until Trish said, “Don’t you have to get back to work, hon?”

Pulling away from Smitty, she looked at the waitress. Now Trish had on her coat, scarf, and hat. Meaning she’d cashed out, gotten her tips counted out and divvied up, and had time to change into warm clothes.

“Dammit!” Jess glared at Smitty and he shrugged.

“What did I do?”

She took off running but could hear him yelling behind her, “Tonight, darlin’.”

She got back to her office in less than five minutes. And to her great annoyance, Smitty had been right. Her team had covered for her and didn’t seem unhappy at all that she missed the meetings.

Man, she hated when he was right.

Smitty sauntered into the office andMindy looked up, one eyebrow raised. “How nice of you to join us.”

He grinned back at her. “I know how y’all miss me when I’m gone.”

She laughed and went back to her paperwork while Smitty headed to his personal office.

Unlocking his office door, he flipped on the light and walked in. “Look who finally showed up?” Mace yelled from his office.

“I know you missed me, hoss. But you know I can’t handle it when you’re needy.”

“Shut up.”

Smiling, looking forward to his evening, Smitty sat down and turned on his computer to check his e-mail. After a few moments, he tapped on the rich mahogany desk before asking, “Why are you under my desk?”

“No reason,” his sister replied calmly.

“How’s your face?”

“Fine. Who knew Jessie Ann Ward had such a killer right hook?”

Smitty decided it was in his best interest not to mention he’d taught Jessie that right hook. “She’s just full of surprises.”

“Yeah.”

Pushing his chair back, he looked down at his baby sister. “Are you going to stay down there?”

Sissy checked her cell phone. “Just for a little while longer if that’s all right with you.”

“Sure,” he sighed. “Why not?”

Chapter 15

“Have you seen Kristan?” Johnny froze with the sandwich in his hands halfway to his mouth. Jess stood at the table drinking a Coke and watching him.

He cleared his throat. “She’s at the library.”

“On a Friday night?”

“Paper due.”

“Anything interesting?” And she seemed seriously interested.

Giving her complete eye contact, he replied, “I didn’t care enough to ask.”

She snorted in disgust. “I swear. You two. For all you know it could be a very fascinating topic.” She took another sip of her soda. “What about rehearsal?”

Still staring her in the eye like a psychopath, “After I eat. Then I’ll pick her up at the library.”

“Good. I don’t like her walking around the city alone.”

Jess brushed his hair back and kissed his forehead. “Thanks for watching out for her, Johnny.”

“That’s what Packmates do, right?”

“You’re learning, kid.”

She grabbed her parka, and Johnny casually asked, “You going back to work?” Not unusual. She worked a lot of hours and sometimes would even sleep at her office if she needed to. But instead of her usual, “What do you think?” Jess stared at him, straight in the eye, and slowly responded, “Yes, I’m going back to work.”