I frowned.
“Like your game controller.” Richard smirked.
A light bulb went on.
“Yes!”
“Okay, you try.”
“Can I lead?”
“Yes.”
I took Richard’s place. I took in a deep breath, blew it out, and concentrated on the music. I ignored the fact that it was Maddox and someone was watching us. I didn’t trip. I didn’t stumble. I wasn’t very graceful, but I stayed upright, earning a round of applause.
“I think that’s as good as it’s going to get,” Richard observed.
I grabbed a piece of pizza and wolfed it down. “As long as I don’t maim Becca, I’m good. She’s graceful enough for both of us.” I sighed. “I think I’ve had enough lessons for tonight.”
“Thank God,” Richard muttered.
“What about up-tempo dances?” Aiden asked. “I’m better at those.”
I shook my head. “I can barely go slow. I am not trying fast. I’ll sit those ones out.”
Aiden scrolled through my music, pressing play. “No, really. You can do this. Watch me.”
Maddox dropped his head with a groan. “Not again.”
Aiden started to move.
Grinding, pushing out his chest, and thrusting to the heavy Latin beat. He circled his hips, popped his pelvis, dropped to his knees, and jumped up again. He rolled his shoulders, his pecs, and his hips. It was almost obscene. He grinned the whole time, stroking his chest and making lewd gestures with his hands. He grabbed the back of the chair, grinding against it.
“Usually, I have Cami for this. She loves it—she thinks it’s hot.”
I gaped, meeting Richard’s eyes.
“I can’t do that.”
He began to laugh. Big, loud guffaws that echoed in my office. “And I can’t unsee that. It will forever be seared into my brain.”
“Welcome to my world,” Maddox muttered. “He used to practice in the living room at the house we shared. Time hasn’t improved it.”
Aiden winked, and suddenly we were all laughing. He stopped dancing and turned off the music. “You guys have no appreciation for my talent.”
“Is that what you call it?” Richard quipped.
I chuckled. Aiden ignored him.
“I guess you won the bet, Mad Dog. I owe you a thousand bucks.”
“Yeah, me too,” Richard chuckled. “Worth it, though.”
“Promise me you won’t ever make me watch you dance like that again, Aiden, and we’ll call it even.” Maddox waved at Richard. “We can have a guys’ night out on you next time you’re in town.”
“Works for me.” Richard lifted his hand for a high five, and Aiden flashed a grin.
“Done.”
Reid
I FUSSED WITH the sleeves of my shirt, tugged on my suit jacket, and studied my reflection in the mirror. Maddox went with me to help pick out the suit, making sure I had it tailored properly. I wanted to look nice for Becca, so she’d be proud to have me as her date. Although we hadn’t made a big thing of being together at the office, and planned to be low-key today at the wedding, it was still a date for us. I was looking forward to spending the evening with her.
The suit was navy with a fine pinstripe. My shirt white, the tie and pocket square Maddox insisted on, red. The suit was the most expensive thing I’d ever purchased, although I knew it was a drop in the bucket compared to what Maddox or Bentley paid for a suit. Still, it looked good, and I had actually enjoyed the shopping trip with Maddox. We kept it between us in case Aiden decided to tag along. After the dance lessons, I wasn’t sure I could handle his input on my clothing choice as well.
I slipped on the new shoes Maddox claimed I had to purchase, and my phone buzzed, announcing the arrival of the car service I had hired. I grabbed my keys and hurried out the door, anxious to get to Becca.
I kept staring at Becca most of the evening. I couldn’t help it. She was always pretty and elegant, but today, she was stunning. Her hair was an intricate weave of curls and small glittery beads, wound together at the base of her neck with some long tendrils around her face and neck. Her dress was red, matching my tie, a simple cut that was off the shoulder and swirled around her knees as she walked. But when she had turned around to get a shawl, I gasped. The back was a deep cowl, showing off the creamy expanse of her skin. Skin that I could touch as I escorted her to the car. That I could stroke as I sat next to her, my arm draped across the back of her chair. Softness that had been driving me crazy all night in anticipation. All of a sudden, dancing had become something I needed to do with her.
I had finally told her my concerns. I had even confessed to the dance lessons, albeit a slightly abridged version. After her laughter faded, she had kissed my cheek and assured me we would be fine. I would be fine.
Once the dinner was over, the amusing and mercifully short speeches made by Aiden and Maddox, the dancing began. I watched Bentley and Emmy twirl around the floor, his steps confident and assured. Maddox and Dee were elegant; although they slipped away not long after the music began. Aiden wasn’t as smooth as the other two, but Cami made up for it, and he beamed down at her with a look of adoration on his face. Richard had returned to town for the wedding, his wife Katy with him. He pulled her onto the dance floor fast, holding her close as they moved to the music. Each man had his own style and for him, it worked. Now it was my turn to find my style.
I swallowed and caught Becca’s gaze. “You want to risk it, BB?”
She smiled and squeezed my hand. “I would love to dance, but not if it makes you uncomfortable.”
I stood and offered her my hand. “I apologize in advance for my feet and my lack of skill.”
She took my hand with a shake of her head. “We’ll do it together. You’ll be fine.”
She was right.
She slid her arm around my shoulder, letting me wind mine around her waist to draw her close. I spread my fingers wide across the bare, silken skin of her back, caressing the warmth. I relaxed as our clasped hands rested on my chest, over my heart, enjoying having her so close. I grinned at her. “Ready?”
She winked. “I got you.”
We began to move. Slowly at first, then it happened. I felt the music, felt Becca against me. She fit under my chin perfectly, and I laid my cheek on her fragrant hair. She hummed with the music, letting me lead her. I wasn’t Bentley or Richard, who covered the dance floor with intricate steps, but we shuffled and rocked, and not once did I step on her feet. That was my style.
She squeezed my shoulder. “See, not so bad.”
I chuckled. “We’re not moving much.”
She nestled against me. “I don’t mind.”
The music transitioned into another song, and we stayed on the dance floor, moving and swaying to the dulcet sound. Becca glanced toward our table and giggled.
“What?”
“You really need to look.”
I turned us so I was facing our group. Richard, Aiden, and Maddox all held up pieces of paper, grinning widely. I got an eight from Richard, eight point five from Maddox and Aiden gave me a nine. He thumped his chest when I met his eye.
“Look how well I taught him!” he stated to Richard and Maddox. They both rolled their eyes and gave me a thumbs-up. I had to laugh at their antics.
We danced for several songs, each flowing into another. I grew more confident, moving more fluidly, tucking Becca tight, and gliding my fingers in long strokes along her back. I decided I loved dancing. It meant Becca was close.
She tilted back her head. “I don’t think you gave yourself enough credit. You’re doing so well, Reid. I love dancing with you.”
I chuckled. “Trust me, I wasn’t like this with the guys. Although, I think I figured out why now.”
“Tell me.”
“I haven’t been touched a lot, Becca. No hugs as a kid and all that. I don’t really like being close to many people—except you. Having you in my arms, close, relaxes me. I like touching you. The dan
cing part comes easy with you.” My long exhale of air ruffled her hair. “Everything comes easy when I’m with you.”
Her eyes shone. “There you go again with your words.”
I chuckled.
“I like touching you too,” she added.
Our eyes locked, the heat that always pulsated just below the surface beginning to bubble between us.
My steps faltered. Becca’s gaze grew intense.
“I want to touch you everywhere, Reid.”
I dropped my head to her hair. “I want that too.”
She tucked herself tighter to my chest. “Soon?”
I wanted to grab her hand and drag her out of there now. Glancing toward our table, I saw people watching us intently, and I knew it wasn’t the right time. Being together in every sense of the word was private. I didn’t want people gossiping about us or specifically about Becca. Today was about Bentley and Emmy. Enjoying our first real date. Spending time with our friends. Letting her dance as much as she wanted. I didn’t want to rush her out of here and have sex. I wanted to take my time and discover her. Have her all to myself for hours. We already had plans for the morning tomorrow with Richard and Katy, and I knew if I took her home tonight, those wouldn’t happen.
I pressed a kiss to her crown.
“Soon,” I promised.
The week passed quickly. The office was quiet with Bentley gone on his honeymoon. It had a pace and heartbeat when he was there, the atmosphere electric and charged with his energy. It dimmed in his absence.
Richard stayed for a couple of days, and we had dinner with him and Katy. It was obvious how fond of Becca they both were, and I was glad he seemed to like me since his opinion meant a great deal to Becca. I hoped it would help sway her father when the time came.
Katy and Becca went to the ladies’ room, leaving us alone at the table.
“You two look pretty close,” Richard observed, sipping his scotch.
“We’re getting there.”
“This might seem like a forward question, but is she a means to an end for you?” He paused. “Because I would hate to have to beat your ass if you hurt her, and believe me, I would. Contract or no contract.”
His directness didn’t bother me. I was glad Becca had someone who cared about her that much.
I scrubbed my face. “I know I don’t have a lot of experience with women, but Becca is more than a way to lose my virginity. I like her a lot. She likes me.”
He nodded. “She does. More than I have ever seen her like anyone.”
“I don’t plan on hurting her.”
“Okay. Just so we’re clear.”
“Yep.”
“Now—” he cleared his throat and looked uncomfortable as he shifted in his chair “—are you covered?”
I frowned. “Covered?”
He waved his hand. “Safe. You know about being safe, right?” He waved his hand. “Condoms?”
I gaped at him. “I am not having this conversation with you, Richard.”
“Yes, you are. Do we need to take a trip to the drugstore? Or have Aiden and Maddox already done that with you?”
“I’m not fifteen,” I hissed, leaning forward and keeping my voice low. “I know all about safe sex, condoms, and making my partner feel good. I’m a virgin, not an idiot. Just because I haven’t had sex doesn’t mean I haven’t paid attention to the world around me.”
“So I don’t need to talk to the guys?”
The image of a trip to the drugstore with Aiden, Maddox, and Richard came to my mind. They would discuss condoms, listing off the pluses and minuses of the different brands. Aiden would ask loudly if I needed a small or medium. He would probably offer to show me how to use one with a banana. There would be a great deal of teasing and laughter for them—and embarrassment for me.
“Definitely not.”
“I could take you.”
“I’m good.”
He began to laugh. “The look on your face is priceless. Katy told me I had to ask and make sure you were protecting Becca.” He clapped my shoulder. “You’re good, Reid.”
I was grateful to see Katy and Becca return to the table.
“I never want to discuss this with you again.”
He winked. “Noted.”
Becca sat beside me. “Are you okay, Reid? You look a little flushed.”
“Yep. I’m fine.”
Richard chuckled, pressing a kiss to Katy’s cheek.
“My work is done,” he stated.
He deserved the sharp kick to his ankle I gave him.
Becca and I had lunch daily. When I saw her in the evenings, I often stopped for coffee and to pick up whatever flowers caught my eye that day. Eleanor, the old woman at the corner store, always had a bright smile and a small, perfect bunch or stem ready to hand me. I loved seeing the look of delight when I would hand Becca the flowers. She insisted her apartment was looking like a flower shop, but she never asked me to stop. I was happy knowing she had fresh flowers all the time and that she thought of me when she saw them.
Every time we were together, I grew more comfortable. With myself. With her. With us. I felt as if I were right where I belonged. Something I had never experienced in my life.
I arranged with Becca to take her out on Saturday. We spent the afternoon exploring St. Lawrence Market and walking around Chinatown. I took her to my favorite dim sum place for lunch, and we stuffed ourselves on dumplings and sipped fragrant tea in the busy, boisterous restaurant. After taking all our purchases to her apartment, we went to an early movie and had a casual dinner at a local tapas bistro.
We walked to her place, stopping to get ice cream. We paused every few feet and traded cones, and I’d brush a kiss to her lips. Then we continued, our fingers entwined, enjoying the night.
I had never known the contentment I felt spending time with Becca. Everything in me eased, and the world around me seemed brighter. I realized it was the first time in my life I wasn’t lonely. The power of those words made me tuck her closer and press a kiss to her head in silent gratitude. She responded by squeezing my hip, knowing that sometimes we didn’t need words. She always understood.
We reached her apartment building, and I hesitated. Becca wasn’t a night owl like me. She preferred to be in bed early, and it was already ten and we’d been together almost all day. I knew she had to be tired. Maybe she wanted me to get the bags I had left earlier and leave. I stopped on the steps, peering down at her.
She grinned at me, tugging on my hand. “It’s early, Reid. Come upstairs.”
“Are you sure?”
She tugged again. “Come on. I baked cookies this morning. I was saving them for tonight.”
I raced ahead of her. She made the best cookies.
In her apartment, I sat on the sofa. She sat beside me, grinning as I munched on the peanut butter cookies.
“Best ever,” I mumbled around a mouthful.
“I tried a new recipe.”
“It’s a keeper.”
“You want to watch another movie?”
“Are you sure you’re not too tired?”
“I’m a bit sleepy, but I want you to stay.”
That was all I needed to hear. “Okay.”
She had purchased a TV, and I had set everything up for her. Smiling, she handed me the remote.
“You pick.”
I scanned Netflix, choosing a film I knew she would like. I didn’t really care what we watched. As long as I was there with her, I wasn’t alone in my apartment. I settled back on the sofa and put a cushion on my lap, patting it in invitation.
She eyed me skeptically. “I’ll fall asleep for sure.”
“I don’t mind.”
She curled up, resting her head on my knee. Awkwardly, I tried to pull her hair loose, but I gave up before I hurt her. With a laugh, she pulled out the clip, letting the long, dark waves fall around her shoulders. I ran my fingers through her hair, loving how silky it felt.
Becca sighed, contented. “That feels so
good.”
I kept stroking her head, and I knew when she fell asleep; her body relaxed and her breathing became deep and even. I let her rest, changing the channel to the news and watching the TV for a while. She shifted, stretched, and curled back up, rolling onto her back. The action caused her shirt to pull tightly over her breasts. The material was thin, almost translucent in the light. The top few buttons had come undone and the lace trim of her camisole peeked out. Fascinated, I stared at the rounded flesh of her breasts—creamy and inviting. My fingers itched to touch them, but I knew I couldn’t. She shifted, her brow furrowed, and she huffed out a long breath, then murmured my name.
“Reid.”
The sound was plaintive, almost pleading.
Was she dreaming of me?
I leaned down, running my fingers along her collarbone. “I’m here, Becca.”
She grasped my fingers, pulled my arm across her chest, and laid her hand on top of mine, resting them on her breast.
Her warm, full breast fit into my hand as if it were made to be there. I tried to remain still, not to flex my fingers, and to tell my cock to stop getting hard.
I failed.
Her breast felt fantastic in my hand. I wondered what it would feel like in my mouth. Becca made a noise low in her throat, making my cock twitch and my fingers flex. It was all I could do not to whimper when I realized her nipple was now a hard bud under my palm.
God, I wanted her.
I shifted, hunching over her. She was so pretty with her dark hair and creamy skin. When she slept, her mouth opened, the edge of her pink tongue resting on her bottom lip. The urge to kiss her was driving me crazy. I didn’t know how I had existed before Becca. Kissing her was a drug to me. I wanted it. I craved it.
Her eyes fluttered open and met mine. She glanced down to where my hand rested. I waited for her to get angry and tell me off. Instead, she lifted her eyebrow.
“Did I do that?”
“Yes.”
She bit her lip, her voice becoming lower, breathy. “Did you like it?”
Reid: Vested Interest #4 Page 12
