Page 2 of Enough

“I’m not. I just asked a question. But since you’re bent on my answering yours, I’ll be honest with you,” Claudia said. “I needed to get some fresh air. This seemed to be the best place for it.”

A mischievous smiled scurried across his features, and Jaden took in a deep breath, moving a step closer to her. “Is that all?”

His voice rumbled, and now her skin felt like scales as the chills deepened on her flesh. Claudia’s hands absentmindedly rubbed her shoulders.

Mistaking her shivers for coolness, Jaden removed the expensive casual shirt he’d changed into after the ceremony and covered her so quickly Claudia didn’t have a chance to refuse him. The masculine scent of his body glazed her in a layer of perpetual allure.

Jaden moved to cover her further with his strong arms embracing her snugly; her face now resting against his bare chest. Claudia’s breathing became abnormal. At least to her. Being in such close proximity to Jaden was causing her body to run haywire; every nerve, ready and able to jump off a cliff. It wasn’t beneath Claudia to turn her nose into the crook of his neck, so she did; resting her lips against his bobbing apple.

Although they’d had many conversations in the past, this is the closest the two had physically come in contact with each other. For heaven’s sake, Claudia wasn’t aloof to his seductive charm, but she’d kept her distance in hopes that she wouldn’t make a fool of herself when her body betrayed her and pounced on him. Yet, here he was with his arms around her, cuddling her so close that if he decided to take her here and now she would give herself up to him.

As if he’d read her thoughts, Jaden pulled back, his face hovering above hers. His eyes roamed across her appearance, taken in slanted eyes, full pouty lips, tipped nose and soft smooth skin. Claudia held her breath even though she didn’t think herself worthy of him; she would let this moment linger and go wherever he wanted it to.

“You have the most beautiful eyes Claudia, and I’ve spent many nights dreaming of your lips.” Inch by inch he moved his face closer to hers. “It’s been hell trying to be a gentleman around you.”

“Why?”

“There’s this thing that happens when we inhabit the same space. I’d like to hope that you’re aware since you tend to disappear soon after.”

Claudia was stuck in his gaze, dark and penetrating; his lips mere inches from hers. So what was she waiting on? Why hadn’t she lunged like she’d imagined herself doing so many times before? Suddenly, Claudia moved; but it wasn’t the foreseen movement she’d imagined it to be. Slowly, she wiggled out of his embrace, her eyes downcast. She took a hand over the back of her neck then cranked her face up to meet his questionable stare.

“Did I say something wrong?”

There was a moment of silence. “No, of course not.” She reached to squeeze her neck again then smoothed her hands down his shirt to her waist. Jaden reached out lifting her chin with his finger.

“Tell me what’s wrong.”

The silence grew around them again. Jaden took a step towards her, and Claudia took a step back.

Jaden lifted his hands in surrender. “I don’t mean any harm, baby girl.”

Claudia turned her back to him and rolled her eyes. She was being ridiculous, all because her insecurities were hitting her hard. Claudia had no business being with a man like Jaden Rose even if they were based solely on carnal feelings. Claudia felt him move closer, now standing to the side of her back.

“Would it help if I kept my hands to myself,” he asked.

No, Claudia thought. It would be better if you’d have your way with me. A smile tugged at her lips. “You’re fine,” she said finally. “I’m all inside my head. I think this wedding is doing something to me.”

“I’m glad I’m not the only one.”

Claudia’s smile grew.

“Would I be intruding to ask you about those thoughts?” Jaden proposed.

“Yes, you would be.”

“I hope you don’t mind too much if I ask anyway.”

Quiet laughter left her. “Very funny, Mr. Rose.” Claudia ran an eye over the length of him. “Why do you care what my thoughts are?”

“I don’t know,” Jaden considered. “Must be that thing I spoke of earlier. When I’m around you, I want to know everything.”

“What about when you’re not around me?”

Jaden reached out to cup her chin. His thumb circled her lips, his eyes blazing into hers.

Laughter from afar pulled Claudia’s attention. The wedding party was on full blast, and it was an opportune time for Claudia to flee. She grabbed for his hand pulling it from her face, their fingers threaded and Jaden squeezed.

“Maybe we should get back to the party. You are the best man and I the maid of honor; we should be in attendance.”

“The wedding is over; no one needs us.”

“You can’t be sure of that,” Claudia responded.

She side stepped him. Before walking away, she removed his shirt and handed it back to him managing to get another glimpse of his washboard abs and broad shoulders before completely sauntering off. Her steps had taken her three strides when he called out.

“Claudia.”

Her footsteps slowed, and she cast a glance over her shoulder.

“You can run, but you can’t hide.”

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