Undercover Attraction

  UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION

  APRIL RANKIN

  Copyright © 2012 April Rankin

  All rights reserved by the author

  Smashwords Edition

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to others. If you would like to share this book, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase , or it was not purchased for your use, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  # # #

  Table of Contents

  Copyrights

  Other Books

  Dedication

  Title Page

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Epilogue

  Sample

  About April

  Other Books by April Rankin

  Short Stories:

  Montana Heat

  The Fantasy Box

  Novels:

  Undercover Attraction

  Undercover Desire

  # # #

  Dedication

  This one is for you, J.

  I hope you get your Happily-Ever-After! You deserve it!

  Thanks to Kim and Natalie for the fun times and inspiration.

  Also, for Mom, who knew I could do it.

  Thank you for spending hours watching

  the babies while I write.

  And for Daniel, my inspiration, my strength, and my heart.

  I love you all.

  And my special thanks to Luke Harrington,

  for answering the many questions I had about law enforcement, and correcting me before I made too many incorrect assumptions.

  # # # # #

  Undercover Attraction

  April Rankin

  Chapter 1.

  It was her birthday.

  Yep, today she turned the big three-O, and she was absolutely devastated.

  Jenna sighed to herself as she parked her silver Toyota Camry in her garage. She was thirty. The realization had hit her earlier as she watched her students finish their finals.

  That was the only thing going for her at the moment. Thirty years of life, and all she had to show was a PhD in Advanced Chemistry, a car that was finally paid for, and a house that would be paid off within the next 2 years.

  Granted, she was content. She wasn’t exactly thrilled to be thirty without a husband, kids, or anything else worthwhile to show for her years, but she was focused. Teaching Advanced Chemistry to a bunch of college students tended to keep her too busy to seek a proper relationship with anyone other than Ben and Jerry.

  Speaking of which, she grabbed the few grocery bags that sat next to her in the passenger seat and carried them to her door.

  Jenna was looking forward to relaxing for the next few weeks with her favorite guys Ben and Jerry, her tom cat, One Tree Hill seasons 1-4, possibly a visit to a museum or two, and even try to get her sister and friends to go out bowling.

  The spring semester was now over, and she had happily sent her students on their individual ways, already planning her schedule for the next three weeks until the summer semester began. She prided herself on having the highest passing student rate on the campus, despite how demanding her class was. She figured it was because she found ways to make the science experiments interesting to the young adults and always offered one-on-one tutoring to students who were struggling.

  A smile split her face at the thought of the volcanic king cake that had been the last lab assignment in celebration of ending the semester with no casualties caused by some of the volatile chemicals used in experiments.

  She unlocked the door to her small two bedroom house, deposited her groceries on the counter, and began to put them away. A pint of her favorite Ben and Jerry’s called to her from the freezer when she finished. She grabbed a spoon and headed to her favorite spot on the sofa.

  The tall grandfather clock in the corner chimed seven; time for her series of shows to begin on the CW, and she settled in for her own version of a birthday party.

  Her large one-eyed tabby jumped up next to her, settling in for some affection. Chuckles was the closest thing she had to a boyfriend. Well, unless you count the secret stash of mechanical love toys she hid beneath the bed, but she figured that didn't count since they were always used solo.

  Either way, they were both fun. Her sister had brought her Chuckles a few years ago. He had been attacked by dogs on Amy’s campus and had lost an eye. Amy’s dorms strictly prohibited any animals, so the only logical thing to do was bring the bedraggled cat to Jenna.

  Of course, it helped that she had such a big heart and after one look at the sad, poor kitten, she had taken him in. Now he was more of a tiger than a kitty. His voice box had been injured in the attack, so he sounded a little funny.

  His purr wasn’t exactly a purr; it sounded more like the noises her vibrator made when it buzzed against something hard. His meow sounded more like the bellow of a water buffalo, but she loved the silly little creature anyway. She had laughed so hard when she had heard his 'Mrooww' for the first time, that she had abruptly named him Chuckles.

  She stroked his fur as the intro to Army Wives came on, and with the other hand she pulled the lid from her ice cream.

  Mmm. This could turn out to be a good day after all. Well, as long as they didn’t play an episode she had already seen, she would be fairly content to watch TV, eat ice cream, and stroke her kitty.

  No such luck. Another re-run. She quickly lost interest in the TV, and just sat flipping through the channels until something about undersea treasures caught her attention. Chuckles had fallen into a peaceful slumber against her side, letting out a rather odd feline snore occasionally.

  Ten minutes later, the phone rang. She knew it was someone wanting to wish her a Happy Birthday, and decided to let the machine pick up. Of course, it was her brother.

  “Hey baby sis, I guess you are out partying hard, so I’ll try your cell. Happy Birthday, boo.” The machine beeped after he hung up.

  A few seconds later, she heard her cell phone blaring Kelly Clarkson and she ignored it, also. She didn’t want to talk to Sam, and hear all about his three kids or how he and Kaylie are going on some vacation or another. She’ll call him tomorrow, or later this week.

  It seemed as if her brother had the perfect life. Wife, kids, the big house with the picket fence, and extra money to take them all on at least three exotic vacations each year. Don't get her wrong, she was happy for Sam and his perfect life, but all in all, it seemed as if fate had twisted up their dreams somehow. He had been the one who had never wanted to settle down as a teenager, while she had wanted the happily-ever-after; quick, fast, and in a hurry.

  She roused herself from her thoughts and reached over to delete the message, then finished off her ice cream with a rather large spoonful of chocolate. Oh yeah, definitely better than sex. At the moment, anyway.

  The phone rang again. The machine clicked on, and her sister’s voice was loud and clear.

  “Get your butt up and get dressed. I'm taking you out. I know you’re sitting on the couch watching those horrible drama shows, and that isn’t happening tonight. So pick up.” Amy waited a few
seconds then shouted, “Helloooo? I know you’re there.” A few more seconds ticked by, then Amy’s huff, “Okay, you are forcing me to take measures into my own hands.” And she hung up.

  Jenna shook her head with a smile on her face. Her sister knew her too well. While she had a somewhat close relationship with her brother, she was even closer to her younger sister. Sam was a good eight years older than her, while Amy was just barely six years younger. She and Amy had more in common now, despite the vast differences, and usually met almost every day for lunch or coffee.

  Amy was a party girl. She was a student at the University of Nevada and was always finding some sort of wild entertainment to keep herself busy. Jenna was just a homebody, preferring to stay inside and rent movies than going out and finding excitement. Sam, on the other hand, had always been the busybody, never satisfied until he reached his goals to the fullest satisfaction possible, while barely having to raise a finger himself.

  Now, don’t get her wrong, she loved both of her siblings, but Amy had a way of always finding the fun in any situation. Sam was far too reserved and goal oriented to be laid back.

  The loud ding-dong of her doorbell stirred her from reminiscing. She walked to her front door, and peeked through the peephole.

  Oh no! Amy stood there with three of her friends.

  Jenna leaned back against the door, hoping they would go away if she didn’t answer.

  “Jenna, I know you’re in there. Probably standing against the door, thinking about hiding from me. Don’t make me use my key.” Amy started digging through her purse.

  Great, just great. There goes the quiet night at home.

  Jenna flipped the bolt and opened the door, glaring at her sister who looked back at her with a giant smile on her face. Then Amy saw Jenna’s outfit and her look turned to one of disgust.

  “You are so not going out in that!”

  Jenna sighed. “Amy, I don’t want to go out. I planned to stay in tonight.” She crossed her arms in front of her in defiance.

  Amy pushed herself past Jenna, all three of her friends following. “No! You are not sitting here wallowing in self pity. I’ll help you get ready. We have reservations at eight thirty.”

  Jenna was too afraid to ask where. She let Amy drag her by the arm to her bedroom closet and sat on the edge of her bed while her sister went through her clothes.

  “I’m not going, Amy,” Jenna declared.

  “You have to. My credit card has already been charged for the reservations, and if you don’t go I’ll never forgive you.” Her sister was nothing if not dramatic.

  Jenna resigned with a groan. She knew Amy would keep pestering her until she went anyway, so there was no point arguing.

  Amy turned from the closet. “Don’t you own anything sexy?”

  “Of course I do,” Jenna said defensively, planting her hands on her hips. “The black dress is sexy and so is the green one.”

  Amy’s mouth dropped. “You must be kidding. Grandmother would wear something more scandalous than those.” Then she yelled for the others.

  The girls filed in one at a time, all wearing something skimpy and way too small for their ages. They were all only around seven years younger than Jenna, but looked like teenagers, the way they were dressed.

  Mackenzie, Amy’s friend since grade school, handed Jenna a large unmarked sack. “We stopped at the mall earlier for your new digs and new kicks. I knew you didn't own a sexy wardrobe. Put these on.”

  Jenna raised an eyebrow at her and peeked into the bag, apprehensive about what kind of clothes they would have gotten for her. She pulled out a red corset-like top with silver lace, a black lacy strapless bra, and a pair of shiny, silver-black, calf length, heeled boots.

  “Do you like them?” Amy asked, a smile on her face. “Put it all on, and pick out a skirt from your teaching wardrobe. I know you have a few nice ones- no longer than knee length. I think a short skirt will go great with that. I’ll do your makeup when you are done.”

  “I can’t wear this! It's about five sizes too small!” Jenna started stuffing it all back in the bag, but Amy stopped her.

  “Just put it on. I checked with the sales lady to make sure it would fit, and I know what size shoes you wear. So put it on willingly, or we will hold you down and dress you like a kid.”

  Jenna groaned again. Leave it to Amy to buy something way out of Jenna’s character. She supposed she was fortunate there was no bondage gear in the bag.

  “Fine. I’ll try it on, but it looks too small.” She grabbed the bag, and dug her black Lucky skirt from her dresser and turned towards her bathroom.

  “Oh, wait. This goes with it,” Shea, Amy’s college roommate said, holding out a tiny bag that said 'Victoria’s Secret'. The grin on her face could definitely be described as sinister.

  Jenna dumped the bag onto her bed. There sat the smallest piece of material she had ever seen. Black and lacy, it was no bigger than a piece of dental floss.

  “A thong! You got me a thong? What is wrong with you people?” Jenna looked at all of them, their smiles evil and eyes hinting at a morbid sense of humor.

  “Come on, sis, it’s time for a makeover. We are helping you feel sexier than you ever have in your whole life. Now go get dressed. We don’t have all night.” Amy slapped the little scrap of lace in her palm and pushed her towards the bathroom door.

  She stood there eyeing the little outfit as if it were evil for a moment, disbelief engulfing her mind that she had let her sister talk her into this madness.

  Amy did have a point, though. All Jenna ever wore were conservative little suits that befit a professor. She didn’t own a single scrap of fabric as provocative and naughty as the things they had brought her. The closest she had was the silk and lace bikini cut panties she had bought on her one trip to Victoria’s Secret two years ago, but they had never had the luxury of hugging her butt as of yet.

  She decided to throw caution to the wind. What would it hurt to dress sexy and go out for one night? Where were they going, anyway?

  Jenna stripped reluctantly, eyeing herself in the full length mirror on the back of the door. She actually had a good body. Granted, she liked to eat, so she could never be described as dainty- after all, she could stand to lose a few pounds here and there- but her size sixteen clothes always fit her nicely while her height of five foot eight inches distributed her weight rather well. She had a lot of curves in all the right places. She'd been told plenty of times that if she actually made an effort to look good, she really did.

  Her hair was medium brown and her eyes dark green. Her features weren’t really plain, but she wasn’t extraordinary either. She had always thought her mouth was too full, her eyes too big, and her nose, well, it was just a nose, resting on her face in a way that wasn't worthy of special comment. She did like her high cheekbones, though, a gift from her mother’s side of the family.

  She grabbed the thong, glared at it for a moment, and slipped it on. She gasped when the material slid across her bare flesh. It felt absolutely, well, decadent was the only word that came to mind. Bending to retrieve the bra from the bag, she shivered when the back of the thong slid into crevices that hadn’t been caressed in years.

  Taking a deep breath, she put the bra on. It was fairly comfortable, surprisingly staying up on its own without straps. She had to admit, the effect was definitely sexy, the black lace thong and bra embracing her curves like a lover, dark against her lightly tanned skin.

  She stepped into her skirt, her favorite Lucky’s brand, sighing at how the material rubbed against her bare cheeks, hugging her hips and backside like a glove as she zipped it.

  The top came last and it took her a few moments to unbutton each of the small eyelets along the bust line. She poked her arms in, hoping it wouldn't fit, wincing when it did. Damn Amy.

  After re-hooking each of the hooks, she almost fainted at the sight of her own reflection.

  She definitely could do sexy, much to her own bewilderment. The corset top bare
ly covered the black bra. Her breasts were pushed up, giving her those perfect little arcs seen on models and movie stars in their Grammy gowns.

  She felt like a different person. Someone hot, daring, sexy.

  But she did have to do something with her hair.

  Someone knocked on the door.

  “Are you coming out, or are we coming in?” Amy yelled through the wood.

  Jenna hesitantly opened the door, laughing when they all stared at her and began making cat calls, howling like wolves.

  “O-M-G, you are hot! Now let’s do your hair and makeup.” Amy pulled her back into the bathroom, and guided her into the chair at her vanity. The other three girls followed, rummaging through cabinets and drawers, getting anything they thought might be useful.

  Amy straightened her hair, effectively getting rid of all the little waves that usually had Jenna pulling her hair into a bun or ponytail for lack of better styling.

  Mackenzie and Shea sat rows of makeup along the counter while Taylor, another childhood friend, inspected each color option before deciding on one and handing it to Amy.

  Jenna sat still as her sister painted her face, watching Amy dip brushes into various colors then apply the powders to her face as if Amy were an artist.

  Her sister gave an approving nod after several minutes and stepped back to let the others inspect her work. When all of them nodded agreement, Amy set to work on Jenna's lifeless hair again, tugging and pulling in different directions as she ran the straight iron through the thick strands.

  By the time they were done, Jenna could honestly say that she looked like a stranger in the mirror. Her hair was straight, with little flips at the ends that framed her face. Her makeup looked flawless, as if a professional had done it. Then again, given Amy’s experience at dressing to party, she probably could be considered a professional. Their ministrations and her outfit made Jenna look and feel sexy.