Dare to Love by user (read dune TXT) 📗

elite? The elite who did not, under any circumstances, mix with the lower classes.

Yes, her father was a snob. She’d spent her entire life trying not to emulate his actions. He would positively have a fit if she started parading Jake around as her boyfriend.

“Are you certain you’d want to do this?” Her mind spun with ideas.

“Why not? Might be fun to get a few digs into your old man.” She didn’t really understand Jake’s motivation in all this, but if she brought him to a

few events and let her father know she wasn’t going to be bought and sold like a piece of

property, maybe he’d back off and let her make her own decisions. It wasn’t like she and

Jake would really be dating.

“I’d ask you to attend some social events with me. Just enough to let my father, and

Alex, see us together.”

“Whatever. As long as it doesn’t interfere with my work.”

“My father will not be pleasant about this, Jake. He can be rude, downright nasty at

times.”

Jake shrugged. “I’ve heard worse. Doesn’t bother me a bit.”

“We wouldn’t be actually dating.”

He nodded. “Right. Not dating.”

“It might work. And it probably wouldn’t take long. Once my father sees me with you a few times, he’ll know I’m not interested in Alex, and maybe he’ll drop all thoughts

of trying to marry me off.”

“No problem. And besides, after being with me, anyone you pick after that will be a

huge relief to your father.”

That thought hadn’t occurred to her. Sadly, he was right. But how did Jake feel about

that? His expression was unreadable. She didn’t know if he was amused or annoyed, but

either way, she was grateful for his help. She had to take control of her life, make her

father understand that she would choose the man she would marry. Not that Jake was that

man. But her father didn’t need to know that.

Guilt niggled its way into her heart. This could be rough on Jake. Really rough.

People in her circle looked down their noses at those who weren’t born with the proverbial silver spoon in their mouths.

“Jake, I don’t know. I’d feel awful if someone hurt your feelings.” He laughed. “Believe me, no one could hurt my feelings. I’m immune.” She didn’t know how someone could become immune to being insulted. “What’s in

this for you?”

He shrugged. “Other than irritating your father, nothing. I need to get out more, anyway.”

Somehow she didn’t think he really meant that. “I’ll bet you have a lot of dates.” He laughed. “I have a few now and then.”

She shouldn’t do this. She really shouldn’t. But the more she thought about it, the more it seemed like the key to her freedom. Her father was a smart man. Surely he’d see

right away that she wouldn’t allow him to choose her husband.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this for me, but I appreciate it. And I’ll try not to take up too much of your time.”

He shrugged. “Whatever gets you off the hook, sweetheart. I’m glad to help out.

And

if it irks your old man in the process, all the better.” Okay, this was starting to sound like fun. And spending time with Jake wouldn’t be a

hardship at all. He was great looking, had a good sense of humor, he was smart, and,

admittedly, she liked him. She really liked him. He made her feel good. She liked touching him.

“Let’s dance.”

She snapped her gaze to his. “What?”

She barely heard the music playing in the background. Jake stood and held out his hand. “Dance. Practice being together for when your dad sees us. You might as well get

used to it now.”

“Okay.”

She stood and let Jake lead her to the…well, there really wasn’t a dance floor in the

place. Jake took a few steps away from the table and drew her against him.

Solid, warm, he wrapped his arm around her back and entwined his fingers with hers,

then swayed to the music of a ballad.

“You’re stiff as a board, Lucy. Your father will never believe we’re dating if you don’t loosen up.”

He was right. She hadn’t been ready for this. She really did need the practice.

“Look at me.”

She tilted her head back and was instantly lost in the warm depth of his eyes.

They

held a sensual promise she’d love to explore, if only they had a real relationship.

So she’d pretend it was real. She could do that, couldn’t she? She’d fantasize that Jake really did care about her, that he really was interested, that the spark of attraction she

felt for him was returned.

The way he looked at her, the way his lips curled in such a sexy manner, the way he

leaned in as if was going to—

His lips brushed hers, casual, a soft caress. Lightning struck and she was rooted to the spot, unable to take her next breath. Then he pressed more firmly. Shocked at first,

Lucy did nothing but freeze up.

Jake leaned back. “Don’t tell me this is your first kiss.”

“No. Of course not. I just…I didn’t know you were going to kiss me.” He arched a brow. “Was I supposed to ask for permission?” Her heart pounded, her hand began to sweat in his. Really, no wonder he thought her

inexperienced. What an idiot. “I can do better.”

“I’ll just bet you can.”

Could all men lower their voices and whisper in a way that made a woman melt, or

was it just Jake? She shivered as he leaned in again, and this time she was ready.

Or she thought she was ready, but not for the power of a kiss that rocked her right off

her feet.

She’d expected more of the same, a light sweep of his lips against hers, a chaste, get-to-know-you kind of kiss.

Instead, he leaned her back over his arm and took her mouth in a kiss that spoke of

possession, of demand, forcing her mouth open to slide his tongue inside.

Every part of her body exploded with sensation, with desire, with a hunger that hadn’t been satisfied in far too long. She felt every