Page 42 of Tangled in Vows

A shudder runs through me, and I have to press my thighs together to alleviate the ache in my core.

This is fake. This is fake. This is fake.

To bystanders, this will look incredibly intimate.

“You’re so beautiful.”

His words are so low I barely hear them. Or maybe I imagined them altogether.

He inhales. “And you smell so damn enticing. God, I want to . . .”

He doesn’t finish the sentence, and I don’t ask what he was about to say.

I’m too scared he doesn’t want me. Even more frightened he does.

One song turns into another and another. At some point, his thumb brushes the underside of my breast, and a small gasp escapes my lips. I don’t know if it was an accident or on purpose, but the reaction in my body is the same regardless. He might as well have cupped my naked breasts for how much damper my panties just got. At this point, they are completely soaked.

Holden groans low in his throat, the sound reverberating against my back. “You’ll be the death of me, Hurricane.”

The alcohol has completely clogged my brain because instead of moving his hand away or getting out of his embrace altogether, I slide my hand on his to keep it in place. When I open my eyes, his hungry gaze is already on me. I lick my dry lips, and Holden’s attention immediately snaps to my mouth.

I decide then and there, I enjoy his eyes on me.

Before I can think things through, I whisper, “Kiss me.”

Holden swallows, an almost sad expression taking over his face. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

His words are a cold shower to my libido, and I stiffen in his hold.

You knew he didn’t want you like this.

No, I saw the lust in his eyes, didn’t I? His pupils were definitely dilated. Or was it only the alcohol mixed with a portion of wishful thinking that somehow slipped through my defenses?

I push his hand away to get out of his grasp. This time, he lets me. I misjudge my balance and stumble in my heels. Of course, Holden catches me with a steadying grip on my elbow.

Why does he always have to save me?

“You okay?”

There’s a hint of worry in his tone, but I ignore it.

He doesn’t want you. This is just a job for him. You’re nothing but a nuisance.

“Sure. Just tired.” It takes all of my focus to maintain a friendly expression, aware that people are still watching.

“Let’s get you home then. It’s been a long day.”

We walk toward the table, and Evie gives me a worried look. I pull her close for a hug and mumble, “Later,” in her ear. She doesn’t seem pleased but nods.

Holden produces a water bottle from somewhere and hands it to me. “Here, drink that. I’ll tell Jax we’re ready to leave so he can meet us out back.”

“Okay.” I drink the water, knowing I need a clear head to be alone with Holden. Especially after what just happened.

Why on earth did I just tell him to kiss me? What is wrong with me? He’s the last man I should get closer to.

Fool me once, shame on you, and all that.

After saying our goodbyes, and promising Evie we’ll get together soon for some girl time, Holden leads me through the crowds of people toward the exit. They stare and whisper aswe pass, some pointing and whipping out their phones to take pictures or videos.

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