Page 111 of Against the Clock

“Wow, man, you did good. She’s beautiful.”

“She’s mine,” I tell him through gritted teeth, a possessive part of me roaring to life, a part of me I didn’t know existed.

She is beautiful, though, it’s a fucking fact.

I am awestruck by her. Gold fabric hugs her waist, flaring around her hips, a muscled leg flashing through a high slit in her dress as she walks.

She hasn’t seen me yet, but makes easy conversation with the dark-haired woman with her. Cameron, I realize. I notice her peacock-blue dress, but hardly register her before my gaze goes back to Kelsey.

Fuck.

I want to eat her up. I want to take her home right now and get that dress off her, or better yet, hike it up.

I want to hold her.

“You really love her, huh?” Ty says, and when I look back over at him, he’s staring at me with a strange, wistful expression I haven’t seen him wear before.

“Why do you say that?” I say, taking a drink of my sparkling water.

“You have a look.” He jerks his head at where Jacob watches the two women too, though his eyes are only on Cameron. “He used to get that look. Like the whole world stopped. Good for you, man. I’ll look forward to a wedding invite.”

He laughs like it’s a joke, but I don’t. It’s not funny to me.

Nothing I feel about Kelsey Cole is a joke.

I move towards her like I’m in slow motion, like the whole world’s tilted and time’s slowed. There’s nothing here but her, nothing that matters.

Her eyes light up when she sees me and I walk faster, people parting before me like water before a ship.

When my hands close on her hips, her lips on mine, it feels like home.

“Hi,” Kelsey says, and I press my forehead to hers, so fucking glad to see her I can’t even talk.

It’s only been a week since I saw her last.

The force of my feelings surprises even me.

“You two are so cute it nearly makes me sick,” Cameron says. “Seriously. People are staring.”

“Let them,” I say, and Kelsey squeaks as I dip her over one arm, then press another kiss on her perfect fucking mouth.

A few people standing nearby laugh and applaud as I pull her back up. Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes bright and beautiful.

“Hi,” I tell her casually, pretending like this is all completely normal.

“She’s my date tonight,” Cameron tells me. Kelsey takes my elbow and I walk her over to the bar, Cameron trailing behind us. “I knew I was going to be a third wheel but this is a bit much.”

“Cameron.”

Kelsey stops, her eyes wide.

“Jacob,” Cameron says tartly.

“Can I talk to you?” he asks.

Fuck. I do not want to deal with drama tonight. I want to dance with my gorgeous girlfriend, and give a speech, and go home and make love to my gorgeous girlfriend. Drama is not on the agenda.

“I don’t have a lot to say to you, Jacob.” Cameron crosses her arms over her chest. Jacob’s gaze is pinned to her face.

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