Page 73 of Off Script

“This is high-quality felt, missy! I’m guessing you’ve never played a good round of eight-ball before.”

After he needled her a bit longer, she conceded to give the game a try. She chose stripes and he took solids, and they began making their rounds around the table. It rapidly became clear that Jada had no idea what she was doing. As she made another poor shot, she glanced up and caught Tristan holding back his laughter.

“You’re such an ass!” she said.

“Here, let me help you.” He made his way to her side of the table, his arm brushing hers as he helped her adjust the pool cue. At his proximity, Jada tensed, and he felt it. He pulled back and looked at her steadily.

“I meant everything I said earlier, Jada. Despite what you may think, I’m not like Daniel.”

Jada searched his eyes, sensing his sincerity. For the longest time, she had been lumping Tristan in with Daniel, assuming that in the end, being with him would do more harm than good. That Tristan was just as capable of ruining her emotionally and professionally.

But Daniel had never opened up to her the way Tristan had. She never met Daniel’s other friends or family and the only secret he truly shared with her was their clandestine relationship. By comparison, she’d met one of Tristan’s best friends, and he’d opened up about his mom. Yes, they still shared a secret, and she had another one in her back pocket that could inevitably destroy them, but . . .

She didn’t want to listen to the voice inside her head shouting how everything was doomed. She wanted to be vulnerable and real with Tristan, like he had been with her. She wanted to be brave.

“I know you’re not,” she responded truthfully.

Without hesitation, without overanalyzing, she reached for him. He welcomed her embrace, and they were soon wrapped in each other’s arms. His velvety skin on hers flourished into enchanting heat, pulling them closer together. She craved all of him. Savoring his kiss, she leaned back, ready to give herself away—only to find a striped red pool ball digging into her butt.

“Um, Tristan?”

“Yes, dear? What is it this time?” Tristan asked cautiously. He probably thought she’d throw the giant no sex rule back in his face, but she threw the rule aside instead.

“Your high-quality felt is okay and everything, but this would be nicer if . . .”

“I see. You want something more romantic. Will satin sheets do?”

“Depends on the thread count.”

He gave her a “trust me” wink, then lifted her off the table and carried her down the hallway.

“You’re going to hoist me off to your bedroom, all King Kong style?” She giggled.

“Yes. Well, the guest bedroom anyway. My bed is way too far away for what I want to do right now.”

An electric thrill ran through her as Tristan kicked open a nearby door and they came face to face with an enormous bed, clad in the champagne-colored satin sheets he’d promised. She inspected them playfully.

“Hmm. Looks to be at least six hundred. I can work with that.”

“I’m glad you’re pleased,” he said.

Based on the passion in Tristan’s eyes, Jada would be even more pleased shortly. He didn’t fail her. As he gradually unveiled her, stripping her of her clothes, he showered each exposure of her skin with reverential kisses. That alone was enough to have Jada writhing on the bed. When he teased her nipples with his skillful tongue, a new, feverish urgency took over her.

She grabbed his shorts, eager to return the favor. When he was at last bare before her, she caressed him, rubbing her wetness against his firm, sheathed member. Encircling his hips with her legs, she urged him closer but he wouldn’t budge.

“I wasn’t done yet,” he said with an amused expression. Then he pressed his lips to her navel, licking her skin as he made his way down.

Way down.

Jada let out a startled squeak when Tristan’s expert tongue flickered over her sensitive skin. Not because she didn’t see it coming, but because of how damn good it felt. Caught in Tristan’s lustful spell, she realized it had been too long since she’d had sex. But she was glad she’d waited. Waited until she found him.

Jada’s moist heat became too much to bear. She lured him back to her, tasting her desire in his mouth. Then she guided his thick length inside her. She was so ready that he slid in with ease and hit home. She cried out at the intense, sensual sensation of Tristan moving within her.

“Damn, Jada. You feel good,” Tristan said.

“You too. But you can go faster.”

“You’re pushy in bed. I like it.”

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