Best Friends…To Lovers

He’d been born an O’Shea, born into a world that was glamorous, powerful and, more often than not, deceitful. He was proud of his name, dirty rumors be damned. Because, overall, the name O’Shea brought prestige and power. No one questioned them to their faces. And Mac would stop at nothing to help fulfill his father’s dying wish in getting back the scrolls. At all costs. They’d been missing long enough and he wanted to be the one to bring them back to their rightful place.

Turning back around, Mac eyed the bedroom door once again. Was she asleep? Was she tossing and turning? Was she fantasizing about the offer he’d given? One way to find out. Stripping off his shirt, Mac tossed it to the sofa and padded toward the bedroom. No matter what she was doing, Mac was going in. He wasn’t tired, but there was no sense in delaying the inevitable. A smile spread across his face as he unbuttoned his shorts, slid the zipper down and let them fall to the floor. He stepped out of them and slowly turned the knob.

Wearing only his black boxer briefs, Mac entered the darkened room, took in the curvy shape beneath the sheet and headed to the other side of the bed. After flipping his phone to silent, he placed it on the bedside table and sank onto the edge of the bed.

Behind him the sheets rustled and Mac had a hard time not letting his imagination run away with him. He’d never had a sleepover with Jenna before. Oh, she’d fallen asleep during a movie several times when he visited her or she came to his place. But Mac had never spent the night with her and she certainly hadn’t been planning on him sleeping in her room, so had she packed adequate pajamas? Did she sleep in the nude? All those lush curves, begging to be touched...

Mac eased back onto his pillow, crossed his ankles, laced his hands over his bare abdomen and stared up at the ceiling. The blades of the fan whirled in a slow, steady circle, giving off just enough of a light breeze to make the sheer curtains billow in front of the open window. The perfect setting for relaxation. For seduction. If this were any other woman, Mac wouldn’t put forth so much effort, but he knew full well that being with Jenna would be worth the wait and definitely worth the exercise in self-control.

A soft moan filled the silence of the room as Jenna shifted beneath the sheet again. Apparently she had fallen asleep, but she was restless. Good. Selfishly, he wanted her to be on edge, to be aching because he sure as hell was lying here in a state of...well, he couldn’t quite put the proper term to it.

Another moan escaped Jenna, this one louder, longer. Mac clenched his fists at his side. She was dreaming. His ego liked to think she was dreaming of him, of his proposition. The thought of her with another man irritated him, but he had no permanent claim on Jenna. Wanting intimacy with someone was completely different than wanting a happily-ever-after.

His eyes adjusted even more to the darkened room as he rolled over to watch her. A sheen of sweat covered her face; her lips were parted just enough to be even sexier than usual. The sheet slid down as she shifted again. What the hell was she wearing? Was that...yeah, she was wearing some type of maxi dress. Why?

Mac eased the sheet the rest of the way down her body. No wonder she was sweating. As soon as that layer was off, he stood and reached for the fan control, to kick it up on high. When he turned back to the bed, that long dress had ridden up on Jenna’s thighs. Mercy, the woman was killing him.

He knew she was insecure about her body. They’d never talked about it because he wouldn’t give that negativity any attention. To him, Jenna was absolutely perfect. He didn’t want her to believe her shape defined her. There had to be some way to make her see herself the way he did. To realize that she was a voluptuous, stunning siren and she was valuable to anyone who took the time to appreciate her.

Jenna rolled to her side, facing him. Mac watched the swell of her breast threaten to move over the boundary of the scoop neck of the dress. A tan line ran up around her neck—he resisted the urge to run his finger along the pale skin.

That damn kiss had completely messed with his mind. While he’d always found her sexy as hell, now that he’d fully tasted her, he could think of nothing but tasting her again. For years he’d thrown out one sexual innuendo after another, but he wasn’t kidding any longer. That kiss had changed something in him and as soon as he knocked her guard down and made her his, he could eradicate her from his system and they could circle back to this friendship thing.

Before he could roll away, her lids fluttered open, her eyes locking on to his. She blinked as she licked her lips, her hand moving up to adjust the top of her dress.

“Why are you staring at me?” she asked, her voice husky.

“You were dreaming.” He wasn’t about to answer her question. “And moaning.”

Her eyes widened, then closed briefly before she met his gaze once again. “Did I wake you up?”

Mac shifted on his side more, propping his elbow on the pillow, his head in his hand. “I just came in here. You’re sweating and wearing a dress to bed. Care to tell me why?”

The second he mentioned the dress, she jerked and adjusted the material back down. “I didn’t have proper pajamas for a bedmate and I certainly didn’t plan on you being in my bedroom with me.”

Mac swallowed and fisted the sheet in front of him. “What did you pack?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

Stubborn to a fault. No wonder they got along so well. The push-pull part of their relationship was half the fun.

“What were you dreaming about?” he asked.

When she hesitated, he knew. Good. He liked knowing he was in her thoughts when she wasn’t fully in control.

“Nothing much,” she replied, her eyes darting away.

“With moans like that? I’d say it was something pretty amazing.”

Jenna rolled over the other way, threw her legs over the side and offered him her back. “Drop it, Mac.”

Such emotion for someone who wasn’t dreaming of anything major. He was getting to her, already she was thinking of them together. Seducing her would be a cinch. But he didn’t want to just seduce her, he wanted her to come to him.

“Change your clothes.” When she glanced over her shoulder, he added, “You’re hot, you’re uncomfortable and you need to rest. Whatever you brought to sleep in, I think I can handle it.”

After a moment, she nodded. She went to the chest of drawers, got something out and disappeared into the bathroom. A sliver of light slid from beneath the door and Mac had to force himself not to march in there and take what they both wanted. He only had a week, but he’d give her another day to come to terms with the fact they would be sleeping together in every sense of the word. Lying beside her would be a new test in self-control, but this was his Jenna and she deserved to be treated with respect.

So he’d lie here and be the perfect gentleman...for now. This would be completely new territory for him, but he was willing to make the sacrifice for an epic end result.

When Jenna came back out, he couldn’t tell what she’d put on until she passed by the open window and the soft moonlight flickered across her body. The image lasted only a second, but long enough that he was reevaluating this gentlemanly decision. She wore a silk chemise that hugged her every hollow and curve. The lace trim around the dip just above her backside teased him. What would she do if he ran his finger beneath that edge? If he slid one of those thin, silky straps off her shoulder and showed her how good he could make her feel? Would she prefer the real thing to her dreams?

As she slipped in beside him, Mac gritted his teeth and wished like hell he’d opted to sleep on the deck in the hammock. If he left now, though, she’d have the upper hand and he never gave up control that easily.

“Good night, Mac.”

Facing the opposite direction, Jenna slid the sheet up and over her shoulders as if she wanted an extra layer of defense. A sheet and a piece of satin wouldn’t keep him away, but the fact she was so special to him would. Tomorrow was another day and all of this playing around in pretend-lovers’ bliss would get to her. He’d make damn sure of it.

* * *

Okay, she’d done it. She’d made it through one night sleeping next to Mac and she’d even put on the chemise she’d packed. She loved barely there lingerie, it always made her feel sexy. Unfortunately, she’d risked putting silk and lace on with only one man, years ago...and that plan had backfired. She refused to make that mistake again.

Fortunately it had been dark last night and Mac hadn’t seen her. This morning she’d gotten out of bed before him and could sneak off to shower and throw on another sundress before he got up. She’d thought for sure he’d sleep on the pull-out couch when she’d asked him to meet her here. Never would she have thought he’d use this situation to get closer to her...she should’ve known better.

“Tell me we’re going to have a huge lunch after this flower thing because I’m starving.”

Jenna laughed and swatted Mac on the chest as they walked toward the lobby of the resort. She’d received a call that the flowers she’d custom ordered had arrived and were in the walk-in refrigerator in the kitchen. Jenna was so excited to see all the buds and blooms in various colors. Her sister had wanted a variety because she hadn’t been able to narrow down her colors to just a few.

Being able to work with fresh flowers for a wedding was always a joy for Jenna, but to be doing it for her sister was even more thrilling.

Jenna passed through the open entryway to the lobby and glanced to Mac. “You’re always hungry. How do you not weigh five hundred pounds?” Damn men and their flawless metabolism.

“If I’d had more than yogurt and fruit for breakfast I wouldn’t be so hungry.”

“You’re hangry. It’s okay. I get that way myself.”

His brow lifted behind his dark shades. “Excuse me?”

“Hangry. When you’re hungry and angry,” she explained with a shrug as she reached the counter. “I forgive you and I promise to get you a nice meal when we’re done here.”

She patted his cheek with her free hand and directed her attention to the lady waiting to assist them. After they were escorted toward the kitchen, the woman directed them to the tubs of flowers that had been set outside the back doors for Jenna to sort through. The manager had made sure a workspace was set up for Jenna, and the employees were told to let her in and out as often as she needed while she crafted the various arrangements and bouquets.

The next hour flew by in a whirlwind of buds, greenery and tissue wrappings. Jenna meticulously sorted each bundle, leaving the lilacs off to the side. She’d be taking those back to her bungalow, along with a few other bundles, to start working on the smaller bouquets. Those would fit in the refrigerator in her own kitchen and that way she wouldn’t be scrambling to do so much the day before the wedding.

Jenna glanced at Mac who was enthralled by something on his phone. With his dark eyes drawn in, the muscle ticking in his jaw and the death grip with which he held his phone, Jenna knew something was wrong.

She laid the flowers down and reached across to touch his forearm. “What’s going on?”

Blinking, he looked up. “Just reading an email. I need to make a call.”

Jenna removed her hand as he came to his feet and headed out toward the breathtaking garden area and gazebo, probably where the employees took their breaks. As she watched Mac’s shoulders tighten and tense beneath his blue T-shirt, Jenna wondered what could be so pressing. He glanced to the sky and shook his head as if frustrated with the person on the other end of the line. Whatever it was, she had no doubt this call was work related.

Mac’s work was definitely something she knew very little about. Oh, sure, everyone knew the O’Sheas of Boston—the family, with their auction houses around the globe, was infamous. Mac had actually just opened two more US-based locations in Atlanta and Miami—she may have asked him to open one in Miami so she could see him more often. She’d had no idea he would actually do it and move down there to oversee the office.

But as successful as his family was, Jenna still didn’t know what all the secrets were about and Mac would never betray his family’s trust. She’d never known a man to be so loyal.

Her father certainly hadn’t been. Jenna knew people were responsible for their own actions, but she couldn’t help but blame the man for running out and leaving her mother to turn to the bottle. Those years were pure hell, but with love and the unshakeable bond between a mother and her daughters, Jenna and Amy were able to turn their mother around.

Mac shoved his cell into his pocket and headed back her way.

“You okay?” she asked, bundling up the flower assortment she needed to take back to the bungalow.

“Just work.” He caught a cluster of tissue-wrapped greenery that had started to slide off the table. “We hired a new manager at the main office in Boston. I just needed to get her into Miami to handle some issues concerning the upcoming auction.”

Guilt slid through her. “If you need to go, it’s fine, really.”

Mac reached for her hand and squeezed. “I’m not going anywhere. This is nothing I can’t fix with a couple of phone calls. Now, tell me where to take these so you can feed me that promised lunch.”

Rolling her eyes, Jenna came to her feet and pointed to a pile of flowers. “Be careful with those or you’ll get yogurt and fruit again.”

He picked up the bundle and laughed. “Not many things scare me, but I know if I lose one petal you’ll torture me.”

Jenna carried her own stack and headed out. She informed the staff that they could put the rest away and she’d be back tomorrow to get more. With the flowers in hand, Jenna led Mac back toward their bungalow. The sun was already bright and it was still early. This would be a perfect day to lounge on her deck, fiddle with arrangements and continue working on her tan. Though she knew she wouldn’t be more beautiful than the bride, Jenna wanted to be at her best when she had to walk next to her cheating jerk ex.

As soon as she saw a familiar figure heading her way, Jenna froze. It was as though she’d conjured up the devil himself. She knew the moment was coming, but she was hoping her ex would avoid her for the sake of saving face. Apparently his ego had gotten the best of him.

“Martin’s here,” she muttered, clutching the stems of her bundles even tighter. “Let’s turn around.”

“Like hell.”

Before she knew what was happening, Mac shifted his stash of flowers in the crook of one arm and wrapped his other arm around her. In the same instant, his lips crushed hers, forcing her to hold on to him with her free hand and enjoy the ride. Mac’s mouth demanded more and she was all too willing to give it. This kiss, if something so powerful could have such a simple term, didn’t feel like an act at all. This felt more like a stepping stone to something more private and intimate. And it certainly wasn’t like the one from the other day. This kiss held...promise.

Jenna’s entire body heated. Tingling started low in her belly and she had aches in places she’d never ached before. Mac’s hold on her tightened and Jenna couldn’t prevent the moan that slipped from her lips.

Martin cleared his throat and Mac pulled away. His lopsided grin and a naughty gleam in his eye told Jenna he was enjoying this. Just another reason she couldn’t let her heart tumble into this charade. Mac was a professional player. This game was well within his comfort zone. That made one of them.

Once Mac stepped to her side, his free arm still draped around her shoulders, Jenna got a good look at her ex...and he was fuming.

“What the hell are you doing?” he demanded, staring at Jenna. “I told you I’d be here so we could talk and you’re with this guy? He’s more of a liar and a cheater than I ever thought of being.”

Before she could respond, Mac spoke up. “Apologize to her now.”

Martin’s narrowed gaze darted to Mac. “Who the hell are you to tell me anything? Jenna belongs with me.”

Mac pulled his arm away and stepped between her and Martin. “Not anymore. I’m her fiancé.”

Four

“I cannot believe you just did that.”

Mac watched as Jenna stormed through their bungalow. She’d carefully set the flowers on the kitchen island and then took off pacing, throwing her arms in the air and muttering words that would make his Irish mother, God rest her soul, blush.

“I only wanted you to pretend to be my boyfriend,” she yelled as she turned to pace in the other direction. “Then you go and tell me you want to be my lover, you have my mother and sister thinking we’re quite serious and you tell my ex we’re engaged.”

Finally, she turned to face him, her hands propped on her hips, her chest heaving. “Are you going to say anything?”

Mac shrugged and placed his flowers next to hers. “That guy is an ass. I’m not sorry for what I said.”

“Are you sorry for the position you put me in?”

Maybe a little, but Mac hadn’t liked this ex. He’d had possessive written all over him and nobody laid a claim on Jenna. Well, this week Mac did, but there was no way in hell Mac would let a guy like Martin have another chance with Jenna. Mac knew the type Martin was—a wealthy playboy who got whatever he wanted...damn it. Mac had just described himself.

But still, Mac worked hard for everything he had and he’d work just as hard to make sure Jenna never had to deal with that jerk again. The fact that Martin knew of the O’Sheas was helpful. Mac didn’t purposely hide behind his name, but clearly Jenna had spoken of him and that only made Mac feel even more protective of her.

“You called me here to help.” Slowly he closed the space between them and rested his hands on her shoulders, bending his knees so he could look her in the eyes. “The whole engaged thing slipped out, but now that it has, we’ll deal with it the same way as before. Once this week is over, we just explain to your family that we decided we’re better off as friends.”

Jenna let out a heavy sigh. “You make this sound so easy.”

He stared down into her mesmerizing eyes. She had a way of drawing him in before he even knew what was happening. Jenna was one of the most important people in his life and he wouldn’t let her down.

“Trust me?” he asked, tipping his head to hold her gaze.

Her features softened as her shoulders relaxed beneath his touch. “You know I do. And it’s not just my family I’m worried about. I’ve dragged you into this—”

“Do I look like I mind?” he asked, offering her a smile.

“You look like you’re having the time of your life.” She laughed. “Don’t get so caught up that you forget we’re just acting.”

Oh, no worries there. No matter how amazing Jenna was, he didn’t want to be tied down to anyone for a lifetime commitment. And that was exactly how he viewed marriage.

“I think I can handle kissing you in public and still remember that we’re just friends,” he told her.

Something flashed across her face, but before he could analyze what it was, the emotion was gone. He wanted inside that head of hers, wanted to know what she truly thought about this entire arrangement...about him. But perhaps it was better to be in the dark. Maybe the truth would have him running in the other direction. Emotions were one area he tried not to venture into.

“Now, what are we doing for lunch?” he asked.

Jenna grunted as she laid her hands flat on his chest and gave him a shove. “You have a one-track mind.”

He raked his eyes over her body, then threw her a wink and a grin. “I actually have a couple tracks, but I’m a whiz at multitasking.”

“Let me put these flowers in the fridge and then we can go get a bite.” She maneuvered around Mac and grabbed the flowers, carefully placing them on the shelf she’d emptied just for this reason. “While we’re out we need to be holding hands. Maybe you can brush my hair back from my shoulders and look at me when I pretend not to notice. You know, do whatever people in love are supposed to do.”

Silently, he closed the gap between them and came within a breath of her. She jumped at his nearness. “And what will you be doing?”

The cool air from the refrigerator did nothing to control the heat inside her. As she straightened and turned, he was literally right there.

“Um...” What was the question? Oh, right. “I guess I’ll be smiling and nodding and hanging on your every word.”

Mac brushed her hair over her shoulders, his fingertips trailing over her bare skin there, then up her neck to her jaw as he framed her face. “No, you’re not that type of woman, Jenna.”

Why was he looking at her like that? Did he give off that “I want to devour you” vibe to his other lovers?

“I’m not?” she whispered.

His thumb brushed along her bottom lip. “No. You’re in control. You don’t even realize it, but any man worth having you would fall under your spell. He’d hang on your every word and you would hold the power.”

Jenna’s breath caught in her throat. She held power? Over whom? Because she might not be experienced in relationships, but she knew she’d never held control over anyone.

“When we go out, I will be the one spellbound. We’ll show this ex exactly what he threw away, because you are worth hanging on to.”

Right. The ex. That’s what all of this was about...right? Why was she having such a difficult time focusing? Oh, yeah. Because Mac had her backed up against an appliance. His body was practically molded against hers and he was looking at her as if she was the main course and dessert all wrapped up in one delectable package.

Jenna couldn’t afford to get tangled up in her emotions. Mac wasn’t good for her; they wanted two very different things in life. But now they were each playing a role and she had to remember it was only for a few more days. Getting swept away by the act of being Mac O’Shea’s lover was only asking for heartache...no matter how much her heart clenched when he looked at her with desire in his eyes.

Reaching up to grip his wrists, Jenna eased his hands away from her face. “There’s a great restaurant here at the resort and normally you need a reservation, but our wedding party has been given full run of the place. They have some amazing local dishes. Let me change and we’ll head out.”

As she stepped aside, the fridge door shut. Just as soon as she moved, Mac blocked her path.

“Am I making you nervous, Jenna?”

Nervous? No. Achy, needy and ready to rip his clothes off? Yes.

“Not at all,” she replied with a wide smile. “I’m worried about pulling this off, especially considering how angry Martin was earlier. He doesn’t like to be told no.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t like the way he talked to you.” Mac looked as if he wanted to say more, but he finally stepped aside and motioned toward the bedroom. “Go get ready. I’ll wait on the deck.”

Jenna rushed to the bedroom and closed the door at her back. They were on the second day of this charade and she only prayed she could make it the final five. Surely this would get easier...it had to, for the sake of her sanity and her heart.

* * *

Lunch was amazing and there were no additional run-ins with Martin the Jerk. Mac hadn’t met the man before today, but just one look was enough to know he wasn’t good enough for Jenna. Mac was actually looking forward to another encounter with him. He’d prefer the next one to be away from Jenna, but whenever the opportunity presented itself, Mac would be prepared. Martin seemed too full of himself to just let Jenna go and be happy. Mac would see to it that Martin would never be able to hurt her again.

“You’re scowling,” she muttered as she looped her arm through his. “People are going to think we’re fighting.”

He patted her hand as he led her down the narrow path toward the beach. “Then we’ll have to kiss and make up in public. I’m fine with that.”