Page 72 of Dirty Dealer
Her smile lights up. She shifts to her husband, excitement in her tone. “Come on, babe. You know people. Let’s make it happen.”
“Whatever you want.” He dips his chin to kiss her lips.
“Couple goals.” I sigh.
“Yeah.” Aubrey leans into his shoulder and gives me a wink. “He’s not so bad. I think I’ll keep him.”
I like talking with Aubrey. Even though we only met a few hours ago, the conversation flows comfortably as if we’ve known each other for years. Even if I weren’t here with Jude, I’d want to be friends with Aubrey and Chance.
Jude’s gaze finds mine across the room, almost as if he’s all worked up. His eyes roam over me, eating me up with a hungry gaze. Anticipation courses through my blood, and my heart races at the thought of how much I want him to do that, but later and with fewer clothes. He stalks forward, a man on the hunt. My breath catches as I wait to be caught.
“Hey.” He reaches for me when I rejoin the group, pulling me to his side with a possessive touch.
“Hey.” I smile. “Everything okay?”
His jaw clenches before giving in to a grin. “Better now.”
I lean closer. “Miss me?”
“You have no idea,” he answers, a whisper in my ear and a gentle kiss against my cheek. One that promises more.
We head into the dining room, where we’re seated at our table with Chance and Aubrey, an older couple who serve on an animal rescue executive board, and one of the featured artists along with her partner. Chance is quite the storyteller, and there is something about his Aussie accent and charismatic personality that draws everyone in. I have another glass of wine, but switch to water when dinner is served. I notice Jude does the same and I’m not sure whether it’s because he drank enough last night for the entire month, or that he wants to be completely aware and in control later tonight. I hope it’s the latter.
The food is delicious. The company entertaining. I enjoy it all, but there’s an edge of anticipation for what later might hold that leaves me eager for the gala to be done.
After the dinner plates are cleared, Jude leans his body to mine, closing the space between our chairs and resting his hand on my back. “You ready to get out of here?” The promise in his words is unmistakable, but the sincerity in his gaze catches my breath. As if he’s not merely offering me a night of pleasure. He’s suggesting more. Am I ready? Probably not. But there’s nothing I want more.
There’s a commotion across the ballroom, near one of the exits. Heads turn and voices rise, a chorus of excited murmurs that layer and gather until they gain attention from the entire room. Any other time I’d be tempted to crane my head for a closer look, but right now I’m completely captivated by the way Jude’s palm rests low on my back. His thumb strokes my skin and lights every nerve ending in my body on fire. My core heats with desire and I have to concentrate on breathing so I won’t release an audible moan. “Yeah, let’s head out.”
“Oh!” Aubrey’s lips twist to a pout. “But you’ll miss Three Ugly Guys.”
“I’ve already seen them play.” Jude shoots her a glare, then leans down to whisper against my earlobe. “I’ll get you a private show from the band sometime. But please, dear God, do not make me wait another second to peel this dress off you.”
They’re one of my faves. Any other night and I’d do almost anything to hear them play live. But right now, there’s something I want even more. “I think we’ll pass. I’m really tired.” I force a yawn.
“Right. Of course.” Aubrey’s lips quirk up at the edges. “You look exhausted.”
“Make sure my buddy Jude takes good care of you.” Chance smirks, then waggles his brows.
“That’s enough.” Jude shoves to his feet and takes my hand. He narrows his gaze at Aubrey and Chance. “You’re supposed to be my friends.”
“We love you.” Aubrey laughs, standing from the table to give Jude a hug, and then me. “It was lovely to meet you. I want to have you over for dinner sometime.” She shakes her finger at Jude. “Soon. Promise?”
“Yeah, yeah.” Jude laughs, then embraces Chance.
Chance hugs me next. “Lovely to meet you. Don’t be a stranger, now. A friend of Jude’s is a friend of ours.”
I don’t know if it’s true or the warmth from the two glasses of wine I’ve consumed, but I walk away feeling as if I’ve gained a few more treasured friends. My circle is growing, and this new town doesn’t feel so cold anymore. In fact, it almost feels like home—the place I’m meant to be.
41
Jude
With my palm on Rachel’s back, sexual tension sparks at my fingertips, and my entire body aches to sink deep into it. The desire to touch and learn every square inch of her beautiful skin pushes me to direct her away from the valet stand and toward check-in.
“Uh, I think the cars are parked outside,” Rachel says, a smile on her lips.
“I can’t wait that long.” I realize I’m doing it again, making decisions without consulting her. A habit from my perpetual bachelorhood, but that stops now. My feet halt and I tug her arm, catching her in an embrace when her body sways with imbalance. “Rachel, will you please spend the night with me?”
