Passion Never Dies by Joy Tremay

at her. Diana’s eyes widened at his remark and she shook her head.
    “Jake, I do believe you have a one-track mind.”
    “What can I say? You’re too beautiful to resist.”
    Jake stood and Diana rose, feeling conscious of the looks they received. She felt the heat of his hand as he placed it on her lower back and guided her out of the restaurant. They walked outside and she carefully stepped down the steep staircase leading down to the pavement where their car was parked.
    “Where’s the driver?” she asked.
    “I’ll call him when we’re ready to leave. Let’s take a stroll first.”
    Jake took hold of her hand and entwined his fingers around hers. He led her across the street to a pathway curving down toward some small shops. Diana admired the view below of the sparkling, blue ocean as she savored the feel of Jake’s hand holding hers. Suddenly Jake stopped and turned her to face the ocean view. A white, wooden railing kept strollers from the edge of the cliff side and Diana leaned against it as Jake stood closely behind her. She could feel his muscular length pressing into hers as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
    “Great view, don’t you think?” Jake asked, his breath teasing her ear.
    Placing her hands on the railing, Diana tried to slow her breathing, feeling lightheaded at his nearness.
    “It’s beautiful,” she replied. She could feel him nuzzling her hair.
    “Soft and silky,” he muttered as he continued to rub his cheek against her hair.
    Diana’s breath quickened as she felt his hard body press even closer. She knew that he was aroused and felt his excitement through his jeans. Her own excitement rose to a fever pitch and she turned her head toward his, desperate for his kiss.
    Jake bent and kissed her, his tongue delving deep. He groaned into her mouth as she met his tongue eagerly. She moaned as he kissed her leisurely, controlling the kiss. It was so delicious and she never wanted their kiss to end. She heard voices nearby, but the noise didn’t detract her until Jake reluctantly lifted his head from hers.
    “Jake Redmond, as I live and breathe! What in the world are you doing here?!” said a high-pitched, excited voice.
    Both Diana and Jake turned to see two very attractive women facing them. The one who spoke was a beautiful blonde wearing a figure-hugging, white dress. Diana blinked in surprise as Jake laughed and smiled at the vision in white.
    “Portia? Wow, I haven’t seen you in years. How are you?”
    The blonde beauty tossed her waist-length, curly hair and giggled, her blue eyes eyeing Jake from head to toe.
    “I’m great and you haven’t changed a bit. Still a stud, I see,” she said teasingly.
    Diana stiffened next to Jake. He kept one arm around her waist as he introduced her.
    “Portia, this is Diana.”
    Portia smiled dimly as she inspected Diana’s face and figure.
    “Nice to meet you,” Portia said, but Diana highly doubted that she was sincere. “I used to date Jake a few years ago.”
    Diana picked up on the possessive tone in Portia’s statement and knew that given the opportunity, the other woman would leap at the chance to date Jake again.
    “This is my friend Alexis,” Portia said offhandedly. It was almost as if she had momentarily forgotten about her friend. The beautiful brunette in a tight, blue dress standing next to Portia smiled at Jake, but completely ignored Diana.
    “I can’t believe I bumped into you,” said Portia. “I know you’re currently living in New York.”
    “Keeping tabs on me, Portia?” Jake asked. Diana was far from amused as she noticed that both women were eyeing Jake with avid interest.
    “Hardly, baby,” drawled Portia flirtatiously causing Diana to stiffen next to Jake in annoyance. “But, you know, it’s a small world. Now that you’re back here, why don’t we have a reunion? I know that the old crowd would love to see you again.”
    “Thanks, but I’m living in Vegas for the summer and we’re flying