Page 16 of Black Jack (Advantage Play 5)

“Sorry, baby. Thanks for picking me up.” He closes the distance between us before snaking his arms around my lower back and kissing me like his life depends on it. My spine bends backward as my mind tries to process what the hell is happening.

Baby?

Since when am I his baby?

I can’t decide whether or not to push him away, but I do have to give him props. I was right with my initial assumption. He’s a good kisser, and the half-assed attempt during my first visit definitely didn’t do him justice. Between his strong hands digging into my hips and the way his muscular torso presses against mine, I can see the appeal.

He smells good too. It’s not like he’s doused in cologne, but his natural scent is a heady concoction and tickles my senses, making my mouth water. I’ve never liked kissing. Or sex for that matter, but the prelude of a kiss can be so…telling. And as his tongue slips into my mouth, teasing me, tempting me to take this to the next level, I’m definitely learning a lot about my future husband. He likes to be in control. Like me. But he isn’t demanding, and he sure as hell isn’t selfish.

He pulls away, and I catch my breath before a light laugh escapes me. My lipstick has made a mess of him.

“What’s so funny?” he asks.

“You uh,” I use my forefinger to point at his face. “You got a little somethin’ there.”

“Thanks for telling me this time,” he mutters, brushing his thumb against his mouth before doing the same to mine. My heart picks up its pace as he drags his calloused digit across the side of my lip as that same, unselfish behavior rises to the surface.

Who are you, Jacky Boy?

Once he’s finished, he drops his hand to his side. “There ya go.”

I bite my lip to keep from thanking him. He’s sporting a black T-shirt and jeans that hang low on his hips. Definitely sexier than the orange jumpsuit, but I’m not about to point it out to him.

Flipping my hair behind my shoulder, I suggest, “Let’s get going, shall we?”

I get behind the steering wheel without waiting for his response while Jack follows and slides into the passenger seat. Without a word, I back out of the parking space then rev the engine and send us flying toward the freeway.

Jack scrambles for the oh-shit handle as the speedometer hits ninety miles per hour. “Got a lead foot, Bianca?”

“I thought I was baby,” I quip, batting my lashes at him before returning my attention to the road.

He snorts. “Yeah. Sorry about that.”

“Meh. At least I know you can kiss now. I was starting to think you were an innocent little virgin boy.”

“And what gave you that impression?”

“Our first meeting,” I answer with a coy smile. “So what sparked the welcome kiss?”

He frowns. “My boss found out we’re engaged.”

“So?”

“I was hoping to keep it on the down low.”

I roll my eyes and hit the gas a little harder. “Gee, thanks.”

“He also mentioned your relationship with Dominic,” he adds, ignoring my sarcasm. “Seemed like he was fishing for information in regards to the case as well as how genuine our relationship is.”

“Ah, so you kissed the shit out of me in hopes of proving to him that you’re hot for me?” I bat my lashes at him, but the bastard ignores me.

“He wants an invitation to the wedding.”

“Well, he’s going to be sorely disappointed because we’re eloping.”

“We can’t elope.”

“Yes, we can––”

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