Chapter 22

Juliette welcomed the sun's golden rays to heat her skin. She hoped they would provide some answers as to the events of last night. Blaze kissed her; and not for the sake of pretence for no one was there. His lips on hers, guiding and coaxing fell into a category of all kinds of right, but the dream, like all others ended and fell away in an unsure memory. They walked back home, Blaze in a state of determined silence and Juliette wondering what the hell just happened!

He kissed her and then...sigh, he was testing her sanity. What did she do wrong? At home, Blaze declared that he had to review some files and wouldn't come to bed until late. He lied, Juliette knew this because sleep evaded her all night and still there was no sign of Blaze. At three in morning she was finally claimed only to be awaken by the anxiousness of her mind.

Still no sign of Blaze. Juliette felt stupid for sitting around and hoping for him to come to her. Since when was she the woman who craved a man's attention? Juliette needed to clear her thoughts and jogging seemed the best option. So as Juliette allowed the calmness of the day to infiltrate and change her mood, she thought of Blaze and his actions. She tried to formulate some theories but nothing probable entered her mind.

About half way home, her cell began to vibrate in the pocket of her shorts. She paused and quickly answered the call. "Hello?"

"Juliette, I hadn't heard back from you." A male voice barked at the other end and she tensed, how did she forget to call back her father?

Blaze rubbed his hands over his eyes and then in his hair in frustration. It took every ounce of him not to take Juliette to bed last night, not to peel of the wet fabric of her dress and replace it with himself. Just the thought of her had him groaning in pain. It was the reason he hadn't slept in the same bed with her and why he was avoiding her, he needed to get himself in check before he made another appearance in front of her.

"How was your morning walk dear?" Juliette was immediately bombarded by Emma as she walked into the kitchen in hope of finding Blaze. She smiled wholeheartedly at the eldest of Joanne and Jared's children. "It was great. Uh, do you know where I can find Blaze?"

"I think I saw him go into the library, it's the double doors down the hall." Emma directed and gave Juliette a wink. "Nice shorts by the way, I am sure Blaze loves those." And she left before Juliette could respond. She looked down at her legs, sure the shorts were...short and they showed off a lot of her skin but the way things were going and considering Blaze's taste in flawless women, Juliette doubted he would give her a second glance.

Juliette pushed open the door hesitantly and gaped inside, she saw Blaze sitting on a chair that was pressed to the wall, close to the window. His eyes locked with hers' instantly and she made the extra move to fully inhabit the room, closing the door securely behind her.

"Hey." She squeaked, the images of the previous night wreaking havoc with her mind. "Hi." Blaze responded, his eyes gliding over her peculiar appearance. It was the first time he ever saw her hair in a messy bun, tendrils falling out of their bond to fall over her flushed features. She wore a huge sweater that emphasized her slim figure and shorts that revealed an expanse of soft smooth skin that did nothing to calm the heat flaring within Blaze.

"Did you go somewhere?" He eyed her curiously and Juliette was broken out of the spell she fell under at the sight of him.

"Yes I was, walking." She instantly responded.

"Alone?" His gaze darkened and it was easy to tell he was annoyed.

Juliette averted her eyes to the side in mock contemplation, "Usually." She stared back at him.

"Damn it Jwels! You can't just leave and not tell anyone." His voice rose to a dangerous level and Juliette would be damned if she were to let him intimidate her, concealing her amusement, she bit her lip and replied. "Whoa, calm down Blaze. I have been taking care of myself long before I knew you, besides Emma knew I was gone."

He didn't look as if he was going to calm down and before he could open his mouth with the assault she sensed in his eyes she hurried on, "My dad called while I was out." The anger quickly doused and was replaced by something else she was unable to read.

"Oh." He replied and Juliette would've thought that he was uninterested except for the gleam in his eye which told of a contrasting nature.

Juliette walked further into the library and gave Blaze her most inquiring stare. "Don't pretend Blaze, he told me you called him." Juliette spoke clearly. Blaze sighed and leaned further back into his chair.

"Does it bother you?" He seemed sincere. Juliette turned away from him for a second and pushed some of the loose tendrils hair behind her ear, she turned to face him, "No, I am actually grateful." Blaze eyes widened in surprise.

"You are?" he questioned.

Juliette sighed; this is not how she imagined this conversation would turn out so she decided to turn it around. "Thank you Blaze, dad told me that you explained to him, I have no idea what you explained, but he was convinced. He also told me that you invited him to the wedding." Juliette felt as if she should say more, but she didn't know how else to express the gratitude overwhelming her.

"It's fine Jwels, I just wanted to help and your father was very understanding once I explained our fake relationship." He countered.

"Well thank you. I am not surprised my father fell victim to your persuasion." Juliette responded.

"Victim?" Blaze spoke the word as if it were the first time he was hearing it, his face a light with humour.

"Uh huh, you have an uncanny talent for making everyone see things in your perspective."

"I have never been able to persuade you with that 'talent' as you put it." He observed.

"Well I am not blinded by your charms." Juliette responded.

Blaze laughed, she certainly was not blinded and maybe that is why he was so attracted to her, despite his rational objections. For a moment, he could see it; him and Juliette in an actual relationship, but those thoughts were dashed his logical complex. Relationships were not his game.

"I have played this role well huh?" He inquired and Juliette smiled, "Yes, you should actually try it sometime." She countered.

"Well then I think a customary kiss is required for the boyfriend." Blaze requested boldly and Juliette's heart sped up.

"What?" Juliette burst into laughter, "No. Absolutely not!"

"Come on Juliette I think he deserves it. Just a peck on the cheek." His blue eyes drew her in and without any indication, Juliette found herself standing directly in front of him. She lowered her back until she was at eye level to Blaze, their breath's mingling, she placed both hands on either side of him, resting them securely on the armrest of the chair. Juliette angled her face to Blaze's cheek, her lips a movement away, she could hear Blaze's sharp intake of breath, she moved her herself further back until her lips were at his ear, "Not on your life." She whispered and straightened her back.

Half way around, Juliette was grabbed by the arm and pulled into the waiting lap of Blaze. Her eyes widen in surprise as she stared into the icy eyes of Blaze. He lips parting slightly, a reflex based on how close they were, Blaze appeared unaffected but he bent his head to the side slowly to observe the trembling of Juliette's lips, his eyes shot up to meet hers once more.

Blaze snaked his arm around her waist and up to the nape of her neck where his grip tightened, he then lowered her face to his, before her lips could meet his he twisted his head and placed and open mouthed kiss on her jaw, his lips slightly touching the side of hers. Juliette gasped at the heat of his breath on her skin and grabbed hold of the front of Blaze's shirt.

The gasp that escaped from Juliette's lips did wild things to Blaze's sanity, with his free hand he passed the palm of his hand up Juliette's bare leg and felt her shudder. Where all skin was concealed at six inches above her knee, Blaze grabbed hold of her leg and squeezed tightly causing Juliette to arch upwards in his grasp. Finding her lips, he ravished her and was given sufficient encouragement when she moved her lips against his. His hands ached to move closer to her core, he wanted her so badly, he tore his lips away from her and began placing open mouthed kissed on her jaw, her neck; he continued to move down until he arrived at her chest, he wanted her so badly and from her moans he could tell she wanted him to and despite this he let her go.

He removed his arm from around her and released her leg from his grasp, his face buried in her hair. Gasping for breath he spoke, "You should leave, before you do something you regret."

Juliette's body screamed for Blaze's touch, her skin burned everywhere he touched her. She wanted to tell him that she didn't want this to stop. But she knew better than to beg for this man's mercy. He didn't even look at her; she slid off his lap and left the room, a heated mess.