But no thoughts of cold showers or tax audits or Mrs. Simmonetti, his third-grade teacher, could douse his sudden ardor.
“I want to get going,” he said abruptly. He sprang to his feet and bolted from the table before Allison even had a chance to look up. He grabbed his key and exited the room, hoping a couple of seven-minute miles might set everything aright.
Three miles into his run, he realized nothing would ever be the same now that he’d brushed up with the idea of sexual awareness of Allison Crane. He could never take the notion any further, of course. Allison wasn’t the type of woman to trifle with, and he sure as hell wasn’t in the market for a serious relationship—Allison had been right about his commitment aversion. Besides, Allison was his friend, really his best friend. Nothing messed up a friendship like sex.
That was assuming he could have sex with her if he wanted, which he seriously doubted. He’d seen the way she was flirting with those guys at the reception. She’d never acted like that with him.
And if those weren’t reasons enough to put these ridiculous thoughts right out of his mind, there were a couple dozen people who would have his hide if he trifled with Allison, if he approached a relationship with her with anything but the utmost respect and the most serious of intentions. Respect he had, but serious intentions were out of the question. His sister-in-law, Anne, would have him drawn and quartered. She was a force to be reckoned with.
At least he’d come to a decision. He would not act on these newly hatched desires. He would ignore them, deny them and eventually conquer them.
He absolutely would not try to seduce Allison Crane.
ALLISON STARED at the door where Jeff had disappeared for a long time. What was with him? She couldn’t imagine he was still angry after their stupid disagreement last night. He wasn’t the type to hold a grudge, and everyone agreed he was the most easygoing of the three Hardison brothers.
She could only conclude that he just didn’t want to be with her right now. Pretending to be her fiancée was more of an acting job than he’d counted on, and he couldn’t take the pressure.
Well, what else could it be?
When Allison returned to the room after her workout, it appeared Jeff had already showered, dressed and cut out. Feeling disappointment mixed with relief, she dressed in one of her new outfits, a red knit dress with a zipper down the front. She couldn’t afford to wear heels today, not when she had miles of convention floor to cover. She had to get as much done this morning as she could, because her doctor’s appointment was scheduled for two o’clock.
She put on a pair of red Keds with lace socks.
Once on the trade show floor, Allison consulted her map and zeroed in on the vendors that interested her. She needed a new irrigation system for her office—the old one was so ancient it leaked all over her patients. And she wanted to find a new supplier for dental stone and X-ray blanks. The one she was using was woefully unreliable.
Shortly before lunch, she was pleased with the progress she’d made. She’d found a new irrigation system that she could actually afford, and she’d gotten a number of other dental supply companies to agree to come by her office and bring her free samples. She’d also filled up a canvas tote bag with freebies she could pass on to her patients—toothbrushes, toothpaste, flavored floss, whitening systems. What fun.
She’d also managed to stop thinking about Jeff, at least for a little while. Her plan to convince him she was a desirable woman, worthy of his romantic attention, was a bust, and she had almost come to terms with the idea that she would have to extinguish the flame she’d been carrying for him since junior high and look elsewhere for male companionship.
Then she saw him, just before lunch, walking down one of the aisles at a brisk pace—with Sherry trotting after him like a loyal puppy.
Sherry was nothing if not determined.
Allison sighed. She supposed she ought to rescue him. That was the deal, the price she paid for staying in this nice hotel.
She caught up with him, pasting on a smile. “There you are. I’ve been looking for you all morning.”
Jeff smiled, too, an expression she hadn’t seen on his face since sometime yesterday. “This place is a zoo.”
“Are you ready for lunch?” she asked brightly, taking his arm. It was a struggle, touching him and acting as if it was nothing. She could feel the heat of his skin through his shirtsleeve.
“Sure, let’s go.”
“Mind if I sit with y’all?” Sherry asked.
Jeff started to object, but Allison elbowed him. “We’d love to have you.” She didn’t know why, but suddenly she felt sorry for Sherry. After all, Sherry was in the same boat as Allison, carrying a torch for Jeff Hardison, who wasn’t the least bit interested. Allison was sure Sherry wouldn’t be a problem at lunch, so long as Jeff’s fiancée was there to protect him.
At lunch they found themselves at a table with an obstetrician, an ear, nose and throat guy, a medical office manager, a woman from a laboratory that made fake skin, and a maxillo-facial surgeon.
Allison was seated next to the surgeon from Chicago, a distinguished-looking older gentleman, and she was fascinated by the stories he told her about reconstructing an accident victim’s jaw and replacing a hockey player’s teeth.
“I’m doing a tricky surgery next week,” the surgeon, Dr. Handel, said. “You’d be most welcome to come and observe. I know of a charming hotel very near the hospital where you could stay.” He waggled his eyebrows ever so slightly, and his ulterior motives became clear.
And here she’d thought his interest in her was professional!
Jeff slung his arm around Allison’s shoulders. “Some other time, perhaps,” he answered for her. “Allison and I have plans for next week. Would you like me to get you a fresh iced tea, sweetheart?” he asked with almost sickly devotion.
Once she got over her shock that Jeff had been listening to her conversation with Dr. Handel, she wondered why he was bothering. Sherry, quite the opportunist, was busy flirting with the obstetrician. “No, I think I’ll drink water today,” she answered just as sweetly.
“Did you enjoy your morning?” he asked, playing with a bit of her hair, tickling her ear with it.
Allison’s nerves vibrated from her toes to her scalp. She had to keep reminding herself that all this affection was counterfeit.
Before she could answer, he spoke again, addressing the surgeon. “I don’t mean to divert Allison’s attention from you. It’s just that we’re…well, we’re newly engaged.”
Dr. Handel, apparently a good sport, smiled widely. “Well, then, let me offer my congratulations. May I kiss the bride?”
Oh, great! Thanks a lot, Jeff.
“I’m afraid that’s a privilege I reserve for myself,” Jeff said smoothly just before he swooped in and kissed her full on the lips. It wasn’t a gentle, teasing kiss, either. It was a full-blown, grinding, lip-locked kiss—a French kiss, she and her friends used to call it in high school. And it affected her like no other kiss ever had. All those previously awakened nerve endings crashed together in a crescendo of desire that heated her core to the boiling point in record time.
Uncomfortable with the public display, Allison gently pushed him away. “What are you doing?” she asked. Her tone was teasing, but the way she stared at him was intended to let him know she was slightly alarmed by his behavior.
“Just