There’s a commotion across the ballroom, near one of the exits. Heads turn and voices rise, a chorus of excited murmurs that layer and gather until they gain attention from the entire room. Any other time I’d be tempted to crane my head for a closer look, but right now I’m completely captivated by the way Jude’s palm rests low on my back. His thumb strokes my skin and lights every nerve ending in my body on fire. My core heats with desire and I have to concentrate on breathing so I won’t release an audible moan. “Yeah, let’s head out.”
“Oh!” Aubrey’s lips twist to a pout. “But you’ll miss Three Ugly Guys.”
“I’ve already seen them play.” Jude shoots her a glare, then leans down to whisper against my earlobe. “I’ll get you a private show from the band sometime. But please, dear God, do not make me wait another second to peel this dress off you.”
They’re one of my faves. Any other night and I’d do almost anything to hear them play live. But right now, there’s something I want even more. “I think we’ll pass. I’m really tired.” I force a yawn.
“Right. Of course.” Aubrey’s lips quirk up at the edges. “You look exhausted.”
“Make sure my buddy Jude takes good care of you.” Chance smirks, then waggles his brows.
“That’s enough.” Jude shoves to his feet and takes my hand. He narrows his gaze at Aubrey and Chance. “You’re supposed to be my friends.”
“We love you.” Aubrey laughs, standing from the table to give Jude a hug, and then me. “It was lovely to meet you. I want to have you over for dinner sometime.” She shakes her finger at Jude. “Soon. Promise?”
“Yeah, yeah.” Jude laughs, then embraces Chance.
Chance hugs me next. “Lovely to meet you. Don’t be a stranger, now. A friend of Jude’s is a friend of ours.”
I don’t know if it’s true or the warmth from the two glasses of wine I’ve consumed, but I walk away feeling as if I’ve gained a few more treasured friends. My circle is growing, and this new town doesn’t feel so cold anymore. In fact, it almost feels like home—the place I’m meant to be.
41
Jude
With my palm on Rachel’s back, sexual tension sparks at my fingertips, and my entire body aches to sink deep into it. The desire to touch and learn every square inch of her beautiful skin pushes me to direct her away from the valet stand and toward check-in.
“Uh, I think the cars are parked outside,” Rachel says, a smile on her lips.
“I can’t wait that long.” I realize I’m doing it again, making decisions without consulting her. A habit from my perpetual bachelorhood, but that stops now. My feet halt and I tug her arm, catching her in an embrace when her body sways with imbalance. “Rachel, will you please spend the night with me?”
“I was sorta hoping you were a sure thing.”
A laugh bursts from my gut at her joke. I like her confidence. Her feisty spirit.
I frame her jaw with my palm, loving the way her eyelids flutter at my touch. “I can’t wait another two hours to be inside you. I’m going to get us a room. Okay? We can drive back tomorrow.”
She nods. “But Walter?” She really is perfect. I love that she cares so much about my dog.
“I’ll message the front desk and they’ll walk him.”
“Okay.” She bites her bottom lip, and her eyes darken with desire. We might be in the middle of the hotel entry, but it feels as if we’re the only two people in the world. I have the impulsive need to claim her right here. Now.
I shake off the ridiculous thought. I’d lose my fucking mind if anyone saw her naked, or heard her come. I want those for me and only me. “Come on. Let’s get a room before I embarrass myself.
She giggles as I tug her hand and drag her toward the registration desk, but I’m not joking. Much longer and I’ll get arrested for indecent exposure.
Discreetly, I adjust my erection and book a room. I don’t even care how much it costs, and I offer up a prayer of thanks they’re not sold out. With our keys, we hustle to the elevator and ride to the top floor. Unfortunately, other guests do the same, so I can’t maul her on the trip up. My body is thick with tension, my muscles coiled and begging for release. I can’t look at her lips without wanting to kiss her, so I settle for stroking my thumb as low as I can along the seam of her gown. Fuck, she’s not wearing panties. I doubt a bra, either. God, I love this dress.
We make it to our room, and I shrug off my jacket as she flips on the lights.
“And I thought your condo was fancy,” she muses, looking down at the twinkling city lights of San Diego.
“Hey!” I act put off, but really I couldn’t care less. There’s only one thing on my mind, and it’s her. She smiles back, her body’s curves highlighted in that dress better than any view. I clear my throat, loosening my tie. “Can I get you a drink?”
She shakes her head in the negative, and reaches up to the clasp at the back of her neck.
“No?” I swallow as a rush of nerves hit.
“No.” With the flick of her fingers, the top half of her gown falls, uncovering full breasts and rosy nipples as the rest of the fabric bunches at her hips.
I don’t know what my face does, because it’s as if I’m having an out-of-body experience. Or maybe I revert back to an adolescent teen. I can’t seem to do anything other than stare at her perfect, curvy body.
Her arms lift, as if she
