He hated hearing Tara talk about herself like that, but she wasn’t off base. Johnathon had been pure of heart, but he’d also let the wind carry him in many directions. He always found a way to rationalize his changing allegiances. Tara’s better off without me, he’d said to Grant when he’d decided it was over with her. All Grant could think at the time was that Johnathon was a damn fool—a fool who covered all his bases, since he was quick to add one warning to his best friend. I’m begging you. Please don’t go there. I’ve seen the way you look at her. It would kill me if you and Tara ever became a thing.
And so Grant had abided by Johnathon’s wishes. But things were different now. And he was tired of wasting precious time. “I told him he was an idiot when he left you.”
“No you did not.”
Grant nodded. “I did. Not that it was in my best interest.”
“He hated being criticized.”
“It had to be said.” Did Grant have the nerve to tell Tara the way he’d really felt that day? The way he’d felt before then, when it had been sheer torture to see his best friend married to the woman he’d always wanted? It seemed too heavy a topic for a moment like this, especially now that they were working together. “I told him that only someone stupid would walk away from you. I never would’ve done that. Not if I’d been the one who was with you.”
She smiled and nodded. “You’re a loyal guy. Everyone knows that about you.”
She wasn’t getting the point. This wasn’t about him. It was about her. He stepped closer and put his hand at her elbow. “Loyal to a point.”
“I don’t know if that’s true. You can be pushed pretty far.”
“Everyone has their breaking point. I think mine actually happened tonight. When we kissed.” Their gazes connected and he welcomed the jolt of electricity between them. It didn’t seem possible she didn’t feel it, too.
She leaned into him and put her hand on his shoulder. “That was nice.”
“It was better than nice, Tara. It was amazing.” He threaded his fingers through her hair, cupped her jaw and brought her mouth to his. Now that they were away from the crowd and the cameras, the importance of the kiss was magnified. He wanted Tara. He’d wanted her for too long. And this might be his only chance with her.
Which meant that for tonight, he was going to turn his back on his promise to Johnathon. He dared to break free from the kiss. Tara looked up at him, mouth slack and beckoning. If he wasn’t afraid of violating a few public-decency laws, he would’ve made love to her right then and there. But he wanted a bed. And privacy. And time. “I think we need to get out of here. Together. Now.”
It felt like a lifetime until she replied. “Let’s go get your car.”
Seven
Tara had never traveled over the bridge so quickly. Grant zipped through traffic like a man on a mission. For a moment she found herself wondering why. Yes, their attraction had been simmering away for years. Was that it? Too much buildup? Or was there something more?
He parked his BMW out in front of her house and they both did their best to not act as though they were rushing as they hurried to her gate, then through the courtyard beyond, leading to the front door. There was a part of this that made her feel like a teenager—making a choice she knew wasn’t smart. Granted, she’d done exactly everything she was supposed to do when she was younger. She never disappointed her dad. Ever.
Tara keyed her way in through the door, but Grant didn’t wait, taking her handbag and plopping it on the entry table, then threading both hands against her neck and combing his fingers into her hair. He raised her lips to his and claimed them, his mouth open and wet. Commanding. Taking everything he wanted. Tara gave it all enthusiastically. She’d always suspected Grant would be passionate, but not like this. Not so eager to be in charge.
“Do you want to go upstairs?” she asked breathlessly.
“Not yet.” He pinned her against the wall with his body weight and reached for the hem of her skirt. He hitched one side up over her hip. “I want you to come for me, first.”
Whatever you want raced through her head, but then she got lightheaded from the intensity of his kiss.
His fingers sped through the buttons of her blouse and he pulled it back, revealing her lacy bra. Grant’s eyes were dark in the soft light of the foyer, and Tara felt like she was seeing a different side of him. So sexy. So red-blooded. He pulled down the cup of her bra with no hesitation. The combination of cool air against her skin, and the realization that he was going to touch her there made her nipple tighten, a rush of blood making her breast heavy. She nearly bucked against him. He pinched her already taut skin, scanning her face for a reaction. Raising her chin, she met his gaze, not to be outdone by him, but her mouth dropped open. It felt too good as he plucked at the hard bud. It sent sizzles of electricity down the length of her torso, aimed right between her legs.
He gathered her hands and raised them above her head, pinning them against the wall with one hand while the other slipped down the front of her panties. He pressed against her hard with his torso as his fingers found her center. Her most delicate and sensitive spot. The place where she most yearned for his touch. He nuzzled his face into her neck and kissed and licked, all while keeping her pinned in place and working her apex in tight circles with his nimble fingers.
