Page 50 of Wallflower in Bloom

Ass like a mozzarella ball.

Jack’s hands came on either side of her arms, and the heat of his hands made her want to curl against him. “We can go home, but what happened?”

“It’s nothing.”

How did you tell the hottest man on earth nobody believed he wanted you?

“Come here.” He pulled her in for a hug. The broad expanse of his chest enveloped her, and she needed to play along. People might still be watching them.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and gripped the extra fabric of his shirt. Relief flooded her to have someone so solid and kind to hold.

“I cry when I’m mad,” she said into his shirt.

“What are you mad about?” he murmured into her hair, stroking her back.

So solid, so soothing.

They were friends, right? Maybe she could talk to him. She hiccupped as she spoke. “Women in the bathroom said some things.”

He pulled back, and anger flashed over his face, his eyes turning into stormy seas. “About you?”

She bit her lip and nodded, not wanting to meet his eyes. “It’s fine. I should’ve expected it.”

“It’s not fine. You don’t deserve that. I’ll take care of it.” Jack pulled away, but she clutched his hand, keeping him in place.

She didn’t want to make more of a scene. “Don’t. Please. Let’s just go home.”

Home. Their home. Where they could just be themselves.

His hand touched her cheek, stroking his thumb along it, catching a tear. “I know this was a big day. And I’m so proud of you.”

She leaned into his hand, and her eyes traced the edge of his bearded jawline. Wanted to feel it scrape against her face again. Anything to distract from the last hour.

He sucked in a breath as their eyes finally connected. “People might be watching.” His voice was low and intimate.

Violet didn’t move her head but glanced over. Curious faces watched them in the front windows of the restaurant. “Yeah, there are a few watching.”

“Come on, then. Better get in some practice kissing like we’re a real couple. Let’s give those mean girls a show.” He hauled her flush against him and smiled as his mouth met hers.

Chapter

Eleven

VIOLET

It was so easy to get lost in Jack’s scent as his mouth took hers. She wanted to bury her head into his neck and inhale the woodsy notes.

Wrapping her arms tight around him, she pulled him in, wanting him closer. His hand landed on her ass, and he squeezed her hungrily.

His teeth raked along her lip, and it lit an inferno of hot need in her. Nipples pebbled with lust under her silk shirt and scraped against his hard chest as he dragged her closer.

He kissed greedily, pulling her to him and taking as much as she’d give him. She wanted to claw against his muscles, run her hands up and down him, through his hair, but no, they were in public.

So she consoled herself with his mouth as she breathed in his kisses like oxygen.

She ran her tongue along his bottom lip, tasting the hint of red wine he’d had. His tongue opened her mouth briefly, and she felt it go straight to her pussy.

She wanted to give him everything.

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