by Romi Hart
“Well, that was quite a greeting,” she breathed.
“Sorry, I just couldn’t resist your lips.” There wasn’t a hint of apology in his tone. “You look gorgeous tonight.”
“Thank you.” Kylie had dug through her closet and found a casual blue floral dress that hugged her curves before flaring out in the skirt and paired it with a white cardigan and matching blue flats. “I’m ready when you are,” she said, grabbing her keys and purse. “Where are we going?”
“A friend of mine is having a party to celebrate winning an award for some animated short film he did. I thought we could grab a bite to eat and maybe a drink, and then we could see how the party is. If that’s alright with you.”
She shrugged, liking that he wanted to bring her around friends. “I’m up for anything.”
He smirked. “Does that mean I can keep you up all night again?”
Kylie shivered with delight but narrowed her eyes at him. “Let’s see how well you wine and dine first, shall we?”
He laughed, obviously not the least bit offended or put off. “Fair enough. Let’s go before I change my mind and keep us in your bedroom all night.”
For a split second, Kylie considered locking the door and holding him hostage, but that wouldn’t be a healthy way to handle things. Instead, she led him out and locked the door before letting him guide her down and out to the parking lot. “You drove?”
“Yeah, I love getting behind the wheel from time to time. Besides, we’re going out to Long Island. I didn’t want you stuck on a train with me that long.” He winked, and Kylie rolled her eyes.
Until she saw the ride.
Black and chrome dominated her vision, the sleek, sexy Mercedes streamlined to the tailored look of a real race car. “This is gorgeous,” she told him in awe.
“If only it was actually mine,” he chuckled. “I make good money, sweetheart, but I’m not spending more than one year’s salary on a car I rarely use. But it’s ours for tonight, so hop in, and let’s see what she feels like.”
She rode like a dream, hugging curves and gliding over even the bumpiest roads without a catch. They sped along outside the thick of downtown, passing the minimal traffic, and Kylie thought she could get used to this sort of luxury. But she shouldn't. This wasn't permanent. And while she made a decent living off her design work, she would never afford something like this car on her salary.
Inhaling deeply of the crisp night air as it blew through her window, Kylie cleared her mind. She let go of any expectations, and when Jordan reached over to take her hand in his, she didn't pull away. For a while, she'd thought he only cared about the sex, considering he seemed to have a one-track mind. But she couldn't blame him, since she'd obsessed over it as well. Now, though, she felt a solid companionship with him in the silence, nothing but the sound of air in her hair and the feel of his touch on her skin.
It was comfortable, and she had no intention to make it otherwise. "You like seafood?" he asked as they slowed, nearing a strip of swanky restaurants near the shore.
She nodded. "I'm a sucker for shrimp and crab."
"Me, too," he grinned. He had a valet park the car, and she was surprised to find he had a reservation when they went inside to dine. He'd even managed to snag a table by the window, where she could see the waves washing onto the shore in the distance beneath the moonlight. It was almost romantic. "I love this place. It calms me. I grew up by the coast, in Victoria."
"Do you miss it?" she asked. Maybe she shouldn't delve into his personal life, but if he offered up details, it didn't hurt to ask, right?
He shrugged. "Sometimes, I do. But I go there at least twice a year to visit old friends and family. I like it here. New York suits me." He raised an eyebrow at her while the waiter poured them each a glass of wine. "Did you grow up here?"
Kylie shook her head. "I grew up in Washington, D.C. My parents wanted me to be a journalist like them, but I'm better with art than words. I can to NYU for the graphic arts program and stayed after graduation. That's where I met Reesa." She didn't talk much about that time; it was dark for her, with her parents angry at her choices and barely speaking to her. They'd always been close, and it broke her heart that they couldn't support her career. Even now, things remained strained between them.
"Did I ask the wrong question?" He smiled, apologetic, and his eyes crinkled at the corners. "I didn't mean to upset you."
Laughing it off, Kylie told him, "No, it's fine. It's good to talk about difficult things sometimes. Especially when you're talking to someone who actually seems to listen." Desperate to change the subject before her mood soured unreasonably, she reached for her wine glass. "What should we toast?"
His eyes were smoldering as he grabbed his own glass with a delicate touch she wanted to feel on her skin, especially the way he looked at her. "To good times, good people, and great sex."
Kylie laughed, the sound bubbling out of her, but she touched her glass to his. "Cheers!" she said before taking a sip. It was light and fruity, and she licked her lips, which made Jordan groan as his gaze fell to her mouth. "What are you thinking, Mr. Dennison?"
"I'm thinking my appetite might never be satisfied. I guess I better eat my fill to fuel me for later." He winked, and Kylie pressed her thighs together against the instant hot liquid that dripped from her at his dark promise.
Clearing her throat and trying to focus on the here and now, she said, "We should stay off that topic, or we're never going to make your friend's party." He chuckled but held his hands up in surrender, and she relaxed slightly, anticipating the food now as much as what she would get to taste later.
It was absolutely delicious, and she ate every bite, Jordan cleaning his plate as well. "I hope you don't think I'm a pig," she said as she wiped her mouth and hands on the warm wet cloth the waiter brought.
"Please! Your plate was tiny." He waved it off. "Are we ready for the next adventure?"
She nodded. She had a full belly, and the wine had warmed her. She didn't always feel comfortable meeting new people, despite her outgoing personality, but she had a feeling she could handle it just fine with Jordan at her side. He had enough charm to woo a huge crowd, so she wouldn't have to try as hard. "I'm ready when you are."
They left the car in the lot and took a cab the few blocks to a very ritzy area and pulled up in front of one of the largest houses in the neighborhood. Still, it overflowed with people, some practically in black tie while others wore simple jeans and t-shirts. The house was lit up, and she could hear music pumping inside through open windows.
Jordan took her hand tightly in his fist and threaded them through the crowd, into the foyer and through to the kitchen. He searched for someone in particular, his eyes scanning faces, and Kylie found herself craning her neck, looking for a person she wouldn't recognize.
She knew the moment he found his mark because he tensed, released her hand, and put his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his side, almost possessively. Then, they marched forward until they stood directly behind someone so tall he even towered over Jordan by several inches. That didn't seem to faze her date in the least as he smacked the larger man on the back. "Hey, mate, great party."
The guy turned around, and Kylie was impressed. He definitely had the 'it' factor people talked about when it came to actors, and he reminded her of Zac Efron, maybe a couple of years older. His eyes landed on Jordan, and a broad grin stretched his face taut. "Jordan! You came." With a 'bro hug', he greeted and released Jordan before his eyes fell on her, raking her over with a salacious glint. Kylie fought not to fidget uncomfortably. "And you aren't alone. Who is this devastating beauty you've brought to my home?"
As if he could bring them any closer, Jordan squeezed her against him, his expression hardening a little, even though he kept his smile in place. "Hands off, mate. You can have your pick of the fans. This one's with me." For some reason, that gave Kylie warm fuzzies, as well as a sense of pride. Even if they weren't officially a couple, Jordan m
eant what he said about not sharing. His fingers toyed at her waist absently, sending chills up her back as he said, "Kylie, I'd like you to meet my good mate, Craig. Craig, this is Kylie."
Kylie held her hand out politely to shake his, but Craig bowed over it dramatically, placing a wet kiss to the back of it that heightened her nervousness. "You are a sight to behold, my lady."
"Drop the stage act, Craig," Jordan said irritably. Was he jealous? Kylie would assure him later that she felt no attraction whatsoever toward this man, despite his good looks, but for now, she liked the idea of him getting a little jealous. In a twisted sort of way, it meant he cared. Of course, she didn't let that monopolize her thoughts, but it definitely kicked her self-esteem up a notch or two.
"It's nice to meet you, Craig. You have a lovely home," she told him, trying to be gracious.
"Thank you," he said, eyeing Jordan with a strange expression. What was that exchange all about? These two had a history. Sure, they were friends, but something else rode beneath the surface, and Kylie wondered just what caused the slight animosity she sensed. She didn't speak on it, letting Craig hand each of them a drink and then allowing Jordan to guide her away to mingle.
She met several stage actresses, other athletes – including a couple of members of the team – and more regular people. They all welcomed her, and after another drink, she felt loose enough to relax. "Do you dance?" she asked Jordan, eyeing the people dancing in the next room and up on the balcony.
"That's not just a question of interest, is it?" he asked, his eyes wary but sparkling.
She shrugged. "I can't remember the last time I really danced. I thought it would be fun." She pushed up on her toes, getting her mouth close to his ear. "If you dance with me now, I'll dance for you later."
It had the effect she wanted, and Jordan pulled her tight against him, chest to chest. "That's an offer I can't refuse," he growled. Spinning her back around, he walked her to the edge of the moving jumble of people, and he started to move. Kylie did, too, but she stopped, staring at him in astonishment. He gave her a curious frown. "What?"
She shook her head with a smile of appreciation. "You are a damn good dancer, Jordan Dennison."
He beamed almost shyly. "You like it? Then come over here, closer, and let's have a little fun." Kylie didn't hesitate, feeling like a college girl again as she gyrated and rubbed up against him. It was highly arousing, and she knew they couldn't do this forever without overloading their senses. But she would push herself to the limit before she let him go.
Breathless and overheated, Jordan finally pulled her aside, pressing her against the wall and trapping her there with his body, as if she would try to get away. "God, I want you right now," he rasped at her.
Unable to speak, Kylie just nodded, and he crushed his lips against hers, kissing her hard and with pent-up desire that matched her own. She combed her fingers into his hair and fisted her hands in it, holding him tight to her, desperate for more. Only when she thought she might suffocate did she release him, and he still took another heartbeat to move away.
"Maybe we should get back, before we become exhibitionists," he teased, though Kylie had a feeling he was being completely honest. She felt fairly out of control herself.
“I think you’re right,” she gasped, her vision clouding around the edges as he became her sole focus. Apparently, that was all Jordan needed to hear. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her through the house, punching a code in his phone to order a cab as they went. He didn’t even stop to look for the host to say goodbye, and Kylie honestly felt relief, considering she didn’t much care for Craig, even if he threw a good party.
They stood at the curb and waited, and Jordan turned to her, a question in his eyes. “Do you have any plans tomorrow?”
Kylie laughed. “Hold on, cowboy. We haven’t even gotten through the night!”
He laughed with her but shook his head. “I’m asking because I don’t think it’s a good idea to drive home right now, and I was hoping you were free in the morning so we could get a hotel room nearby.”
Something low in her stomach clenched, and she raised an eyebrow at him, trying to play it cool. “Someone’s impatient.”
"Damn right I am!" he told her, pulling her against him so she could feel his hard-on. "Besides, I'm too tired and have had one too many drinks to feel comfortable behind the wheel of that beast of a car."
Ready to fall into bed with him, Kylie nodded. “Fair enough. I like that plan.”
Chapter 4
Kylie stretched and yawned as she awoke, a ray of sun streaming across her face making her keep her eyes squinted shut. Something was strange; her bedroom window faced west and didn’t let the morning sun invade her privacy. She rolled over and bumped into a solid mass of bare flesh.
Gasping, she recalled the previous evening just as strong arms enveloped her and pulled her closer. “Good morning,” Jordan growled, burying his face in her hair.
She smiled to herself. Boy, had they enjoyed each other’s bodies last night! And this morning, she didn’t feel the least bit used or embarrassed of her own enthusiasm. In fact, she felt closer to him on a personal level, and she wondered if maybe things might evolve into something more emotional.
She said nothing about it but let the idea build as they showered and dressed and bantered over breakfast delivered by room service. As they walked back to the car a few blocks away, Jordan held her hand, and Kylie reveled in the sensation of acting like a real couple. She even saw something spark in his eyes other than lust when he dropped her off and kissed her goodbye.
The high lasted throughout the day and into the next. In fact, she was still walking on air when she went to work Monday morning and when she called Reesa to talk about it on her lunch break. But by Thursday, when she hadn’t heard from Jordan, Kylie’s euphoria faded, and she told herself she’d been stupid to start having expectations. She’d warned herself against it, but she’d fallen into that routine of thinking about the future, like she always did.
Hell, she was as bad about living in the future as Reesa could be about living in the past.
Resigning herself to a lonely dinner and wondering if maybe she should text Jordan, just to see what he was doing, Kylie turned on Netflix and settled into her couch. She heard her phone ringing in the kitchen but didn’t get up to answer. If it was Jordan, she’d just be overly excited. If it wasn’t, she would be disappointed, and she might mistakenly overstep her bounds reaching out to him in desperation.
But it kept ringing, and on the fourth attempt, she sighed and rose to go answer, hoping it wasn’t some emergency she’d ignored. It stopped ringing before she got to it, and she heard a knock at the door, forcing her to change directions. No one ever came over except Reesa. Maybe the guys were out of town and she didn’t know it.
Grumbling to herself, she reached for the doorknob and yanked it open. She didn't expect Jordan to slam into her with a demanding kiss. She was so taken off guard she lost her balance and nearly took him down with her, only saved as he turned them so they fell against the wall. Pain shot through her shoulder, but Kylie was already heating up, her body responding instantly to his attention and the need he fed into the kiss.
He broke contact and glared at her. “Why didn’t you answer my calls?”
She blinked up at him, trying to get her bearings. “You haven’t called in days. I didn’t feel like getting off the couch to be disappointed if it wasn’t you.” Well, that was brutal honesty. She pulled away from him. “I could ask you where you’ve been, you know.” For some reason, she was angry. His question sounded accusatory.
“I had some business to take care of and needed to catch up on sleep and clean my house,” he answered defensively. His eyes darted around the apartment as if he was searching for something. Scowling, he huffed out a breath. “I thought maybe you had company.”
‘Male company?” she asked, irritated. “Look, Jordan, I don’t know what the problem is. I’ve held up my end of the bar
gain. I haven’t pressed for anything more than you’re willing to give, and I haven’t been screwing around with anyone else. So, I would appreciate it if you didn’t act like you caught me with my pants down when you haven’t bothered to get in touch with me for days.” She felt a fight brewing now, a different kind of heat in her chest, and she wouldn’t let it go until she had the answers she wanted, the answers to questions she hadn’t even realized plagued her until now.
He scrubbed a hand down his face and tilted his head back to look at the ceiling. Sighing, he closed his eyes and let his chin fall to his chest. “I’m sorry, Kylie. There’s a reason why I’m not the kind of guy to settle down. It’s only half my choice. I’m just not good dating material. I forget to call, I don’t think ahead.”
Backing away, Kylie put her hands on her hips. “Sounds like a bunch of weak excuses to me.”
The contrite expression faded from his face, his jaw tightening and his eyes hardening. “Don’t act like we’re in some whirlwind relationship, Kylie. I told you, this is a lot of fun, and I really like you. But I’m not looking for anything more. Now, you can accept my apology, and we can move on, or we can go our separate ways if that’s what you prefer.”
An ache spread through her, and Kylie suddenly feared the idea of him walking away when things had just begun. She knew it was a bad sign; especially with his reminder, she shouldn’t form any real attachments. But she also knew it was too late for that. Even though they hadn’t spent all that much time together, she’d gotten used to having Jordan in her life. And if she had to deny her growing feelings to keep him around, she would put on her big girl panties and do it.
Swallowing her anger and trying to take her fear down with it, she nodded. “Okay, you’re right. I forgive you. Try to at least send me a text so I don’t start imagining you with some buxom blonde in Tahiti, okay? Because I can’t compete with that.” There, that sounded light enough, didn’t it?
