She opened her mouth to argue. To tell him they couldn’t show up and act like a couple in front of his family when nobody had any idea they were dating, let alone had any kind of intimate relationship. Not to mention, they hadn’t had a discussion laying out the parameters of said relationship.
But she couldn’t deny they were involved in a deeper way than they’d been before they’d slept together the first time.
“Linc, we don’t want to give your family the wrong impression.”
His father would roll over in his grave if he walked into the country club with her on his arm. She had no idea what his mother would say. And though Jordan could handle whatever people dished out, she didn’t want to embarrass his family during a day that belonged to Aurora.
“You’re right. And we won’t.” He rose to his feet, leaned over, and pressed his mouth to hers, parting her lips and sucking on her tongue.
She moaned and kissed him back, unable to resist him even when he was his pushy self. By the time he pulled back, she would have agreed to almost anything he’d asked.
“Good night,” he said. “Sweet dreams.” He strode past the chair, grabbing his jacket and tie.
She was still lost in that kiss, wrapped up in his masculine scent, and her head spinning when the door shut behind him.
Dammit! He’d played her. He knew she wouldn’t argue if he kissed her into submission.
She had to find a way to deal with their new relationship, and she decided here and now it was a temporary thing. She would sleep with him when it suited them, be with him and try to enjoy the time they had, but when it was time to move on, she would let him go. Because their worlds didn’t mix, and that wasn’t something she could change.
As for the shower, they were both invited, so it wasn’t unusual for them to show up together. Or so she convinced herself because she had no other choice.
Chapter Nine
Linc picked up Jordan and drove them to the club near his mother’s house. She looked gorgeous in a fitted navy dress gathered at the waist and flared out beneath. Throughout the car ride, he was enveloped by her delicious scent, and arousal wound its way through his veins. If they didn’t have a party to go to, he’d put up the privacy divider and slide his hand up her dress and find out what she was wearing underneath.
Instead he looked out the window and attempted to focus on the scenery they passed so when they arrived his cock wasn’t tenting his pants and on obvious display.
She made small talk and he did as well. She clearly wanted things to feel normal between them. Since she had a big day ahead of her, dealing with the club atmosphere and his entire family, he decided not to push himself on her beforehand. After was another story.
Finally Max pulled up at the club, and they slid out of the car. “I’ll bring the gifts in,” his driver said.
Linc pressed his hand behind Jordan’s back as they walked up the stairs, and he held the door open as they stepped inside.
“Are you okay?” he couldn’t stop himself from asking.
She nodded. “Why wouldn’t I be? I know everyone at the party, and your brothers and Chloe always make me feel welcome. Plus I love Aurora. There’s no reason to worry about me.” Her smile reassured him.
Whatever Chloe thought about Jordan not fitting in, she appeared confident and ready. “Then let’s go,” he said.
His sister had reserved a private room, and when they entered, the décor stood out. On the tables, pink, silver, and white balloons were tied together, encircled with matching flowers around the base of each centerpiece. White cloths with pink liners covered the tabletops, surrounded by white chairs with huge baby-pink bows.
Jordan saw Aurora across the room and immediately headed in her direction. She hugged his new sister and then turned her attention to Leah, who was snuggled in a car seat carrier. Bending down, Jordan lifted the baby into her arms and held her against her chest, supporting her head with her hand.
It wasn’t the first time he’d seen her hold the baby, but in the hospital, he’d been worried about Jordan’s emotional state. Right now he was concerned with his own. At the sight of her cradling the infant, his chest felt heavy, and a lump settled in his throat, while a panicky feeling took hold.
He’d definitely had issues with the notion of having kids, thanks to his father’s behavior and how it had impacted what he and his siblings had seen and heard growing up.
“What are you staring at?” Xander asked, walking up beside him and cutting off anything else he’d been about to consider.
Linc glanced at his brother. “Nothing. How have you been?”
Xander shot him a curious glance. “What’s going on?”
Linc shook his head, not about to get into a conversation about feelings even he didn’t understand. And not at a place where someone could overhear.
“I’m good. Talking to the studio about the filming of my next project.” He shrugged. “Hanging in. You?”
Linc groaned. “Busy at work. Dad left some issues that have recently come to light. Wrapping up those loose ends hasn’t been easy.”
“Son of a bitch,” Xander muttered. “Sorry to hear that.”
“I’ll get it sorted.” Linc glanced around the room, taking in his mom and Chloe, who both caught his gaze and waved from where they were talking to their friends.
Chloe had invited people her age, and his mom had included her acquaintances, giving Aurora an opportunity to meet a lot of people at once.
“I’m really proud of Mom,” Linc said. “What other woman would take her husband’s illegitimate child in and treat her like her own?”
Xander shook his head. “None that I know of. Just another reason Dad was an ass.”
“I’m here! We can start the party!”
Linc looked toward the front of
