Page 64 of A Whole New Play

But Carter has seen his children brought to tears by their mother more than once, yet I’ve never heard him let his dislike of the woman slip around them.

He’s amazing.

And so caring.

And, right now, he’s mine.

It’s a foolish thing to think.

Carter Jones will never be mine.

We’re at different stages of our lives. He has an established career with two kids while I quit my high-paying job to have the freedom to figure out what I want to do with my life.

The attraction between us may be electric, but reality is always there, ready to douse the sparks before they can ignite.

And reality would succeed at this moment if it weren’t for the alcohol flowing in my veins, daring me to be bold.

The rhythm of the song changes. I adjust my stance so my lower half brushes up against Carter’s as I move. I’m practically grinding on him in the middle of the dance floor. It’s so unlike me, but I don’t give a damn.

Carter’s hands run up and down my back. Lust flares in his eyes every time I brush against his growing erection. He tries to lean back to stop from pressing into me, but I put my hands on his hips and hold him in place.

His head falls forward to rest against my temple. “Val,” he growls in my ear.

The siren within me sings in delight.

He sounds unraveled. And when he pulls back and locks eyes with me, a thrill zips through my core at the realization that I have this effect on him.

Screw the alcohol.

That’s not what’s influencing this behavior.

I’m lusting after Carter because I’m so painfully attracted to him that I can’t get him out of my head. He’s the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about before going to sleep.

I’ve caught feelings for my boss, and now, on the night of my twenty-fourth birthday, I decide to give myself a present. Screw our agreement. I want him. And I’m going to get him.

I rise on my toes, holding onto the top of his shoulders for balance, and whisper in his ear, “Come back to my hotel room with me.”

19

VALERIE

My heart is galloping as I draw back to gauge Carter’s reaction to my proposal. I settle my heels on the floor, but my hands stay on his shoulders.

I suck in a sharp breath when I see the fire burning in his eyes. The fingers holding my waist press into my skin. The pleasurable pressure travels to my core.

“What did you say?” His voice is a throaty growl.

“I’m staying at The W tonight.” Sweaty bodies and the loud atmosphere aren’t enough to pop the bubble that’s settled around us. “Come back with me.”

He licks his lips. Warmth floods my center as I think of that tongue in other places. “Are you sure?”

I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. “Yes.”

His eyes dart between mine, searching. He and I both know the reasons why we shouldn’t do this, but he won’t find any sign of them in my expression. Not because of alcohol. At this point, I think adrenaline and anticipation have burned away any effect alcohol could have on my decision-making. I feel sober as a judge.

“What about your party?”

Oh… yeah.

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