Page 84 of From the Moment We Met

When they parted, his eyes were hungry, his breathing uneven. “I’ve been praying for that all evening. You certainly know how to keep a man waiting.”

“Can’t make it too easy.” Lilly captured his lips again as his hand traced up her leg, pushing her dress out of the way. He pressed against her, and she felt him pulsating, knowing it echoed the pulsations of her own body.

“God, you’re so beautiful. I want to spend hours kissing every inch of your delectable body,” Jacob whispered, eliciting a low moan from Lilly. “Let me make love to you tonight. Say yes, angel.”

Lilly met those deep sapphire pools and knew she couldn’t resist him any longer. It was a miracle she’d held out this long. “Yes.”

Jacob’s mouth covered hers, his kisses telling her without words how deeply he cared. He broke the kiss, moving his mouth down her slender throat, his beard tickling the delicate skin.

There was a chill in the air, but Lilly was on fire as Jacob rained kisses down her neck and chest. She tossed her head back, allowing him greater access, and his mouth suckled the pulse point on her neck, releasing a soft cry from her lips.

Someone coughed behind them, and they broke apart, Jacob keeping his back to the intruder.

Lilly blushed. “Sabina, we needed some fresh air. We’re coming back inside.”

Sabina chortled. “Don’t stop on my account but Jacob, someone is looking for you, and I don’t know how much longer I can delay her. She’s very persistent.”

Jacob huffed, staring at the ground. “How long ago did Victoria arrive?”

“About fifteen minutes, there was quite the muckety-muck when she first got here, but that has since died down, and she wants to know where you’re hiding.”

Jacob’s hand slid down Lilly’s body before resting on the railing, looking at her with such longing it made her chest ache. “Her timing is, as ever, perfect. I’ll be right there. Thank you, Sabina.” He gazed at Lilly as though desperate to say something but thought better of it and set her on the ground before returning to the ballroom.

“Are you kidding?” Lilly hissed at the sky. “I know what you’re going to say, Sabina. It was rash and silly and stupid and amazing, and I feel like a complete fool.” Lilly drew in a slow, ragged breath. “Worse, I look like a complete fool. I thought they weren’t dating. I guess the joke’s on me.”

Sabina shrugged, examining her friend. “Jacob said they aren’t dating. He didn’t think Victoria would show when he refused to be her escort, but apparently, she had other ideas.” She smoothed Lilly’s gown. “Just because she’s here doesn’t mean anything. I saw you and Jacob together, and if you two got any hotter, the building would go up in flames.” Sabina fanned herself with one hand.

Lilly scoffed in disgust. “And then Victoria arrives, and he rushes to her side.”

“Luv, he might be doing damage control. He told me Victoria’s a loose cannon and he wouldn’t want her making a scene tonight. This night is about your charity. He doesn’t want her to ruin it.” Sabina tucked a strand of hair behind Lilly’s ear and offered her a small smile.

Lilly groaned, hating it when her friend made an irrefutable point. “You’re right. Actually, tonight isn’t about her or him or me. What do you say we head inside and find the closest bar? I have a sudden hankering for a big glass of whiskey. Screw the champagne.”

“Now you’re speaking my language,” Sabina quipped, linking arms with Lilly.

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