Nate led her to the dance floor, and Joanne let loose and let herself have fun. She was out of breath and laughing when the DJ switched to a slow song. She started to leave the floor when Nate caught her arm.
“Where are you going? I thought we were having fun.”
Joanne hesitated in answering. “We are. I just…I don’t know if I’m ready for this,” she admitted.
He gently pulled her closer to him. “What are you afraid of?” he asked in a low voice.
“Nothing,” she protested.
Nate put a large hand on her waist and another on her neck, shifting them subtly closer. “Are you sure?” His thumb brushed the pulse point under her ear. “Your pulse tells a different story.”
Joanne hadn’t even been aware that her heartrate had skyrocketed as soon as he pulled her closer. Her breath caught in her throat as he swept her backwards in the dance. Instinctively, her hands went around his neck before he pulled her back up to him. He grinned at her shocked expression.
She couldn’t help but return his smile. “You keep doing that and my pulse is in real trouble.”
He moved her around the dance floor smoothly, and Joanne followed without protest. “We wouldn’t want that, would we?”
Joanne didn’t answer, but she wondered if she did want that or not. She didn’t know if the excitement she was feeling was from being near Nate or just that she was with someone new for the first time in three years. As he twirled her around the dance floor, she decided she didn’t care. She was going to enjoy the moment while she could.
Her hands moved from Nate’s neck down to his broad shoulders. She could feel his muscles flexing underneath the suit as he moved them. She remembered the play of his muscles in the thin T-shirt as he hooked up her car the previous morning. It had only been thirty-six hours, yet here she was in his arms.
As one slow song led into another, Joanne leaned into Nate’s hard chest. His heart beat against her ear, and his breath moved her hair. She closed her eyes and let his heat envelope her.
“Joanne?” Nate said.
Joanne opened her eyes to find the slow song had ended. They stood in each other’s arms while the other dancers found the new rhythm. Joanne pulled her head off Nate’s chest and looked up at him. His hazel eyes darkened as he gazed at her. Joanne knew what he wanted, and she blushed before pulling away.
As they left the dance floor, Stan materialized in their path. Crashing back to reality, Joanne sighed. She tried to steer around Stan and ignore him, but he stepped back in her path. “What, Stan?” she spit at him.
He glared at Nate, then held out his hands to Joanne. “Dance with me?” he asked. She shook her head, not trusting herself to say anything. She didn’t want to be alone with him, not for one minute. Her throat closed up with tears threatening to overwhelm her again. If she had to deal with Stan, she didn’t know if she would bawl or rage. Neither would do here at Ash’s wedding. Stan frowned at her lack of response. “You dance with him—a stranger—but refuse to dance with your fiancé? What kind of woman are you?”
“You are not my fiancé. Not anymore. You have no right to question my choice of dance partners. If you wanted that right, you shouldn’t have cheated on me.” Her voice had risen considerably on that last sentence, and she took a shaky breath to calm herself.
“JoJo, I made a mistake. Please, let’s talk about it.”
“A mistake? Which one was that? Sandy? Or Justine? No, I know, it was Lucinda, wasn’t it?” She didn’t give him a chance to answer. “Well? Which one was the mistake and which ones were not mistakes?”
Joanne felt Nate’s presence at her back, and his hands landed on her shoulders. “I’m not doing this anymore, Stan. For the last time, we are done. Leave me alone.” She maneuvered to put her arm around Nate’s waist and headed for the bar. Nate’s arm wrapped around her shoulders and made her feel safe from the daggers Stan was shooting at her.
She got a drink and downed it before asking for another. The bartender raised an eyebrow, but did as she asked.
“Are you sure this is a good idea? Maybe it’s time to go home now,” Nate said softly.
“No,” Joanne said vehemently. “I refuse to let him win. I’m staying.”
Nate shrugged. There wasn’t much he could do. She was right in one aspect at least. It wasn’t right for her to leave her friend’s wedding so early. She was the maid of honor, after all. I’ll just have to try harder to make her forget about that jerk of an ex of hers. He’d been doing a pretty good job before the guy had interrupted.
When she got yet another drink from the bartender, he took it from her hand. “Why don’t you go congratulate the happy couple. You are the maid of honor, after all. And you’ve hidden yourself in the corner most of the night.”
Joanne pouted. All she really wanted to do was drink until she couldn’t remember her name, much less the pain from Stan’s betrayal. But Nate was right. She had duties she’d been neglecting. “All right,” she agreed reluctantly.
She started to step away from the bar and realized the Nate was still standing there. “Aren’t you coming?” she asked him.
“I didn’t want to intrude.”
“Please, Nate.” Her eyes pleaded with him. “Please don’t leave me alone. If you do,” she glanced around nervously, “I just know Stan will come back. I just can’t deal with him. Not tonight.”
“All right,” Nate agreed. He held out his arm to her, and she gratefully wrapped her hand around it.
“Thanks, Nate. I can never repay you for all you’ve done for me.”
Nate kept quiet, but he was thinking of all the ways he would like to be repaid. Just being with her, seeing her laugh, making her blush, all those things were enough for him. She was beautiful and sweet and kind and, yes, a little crazy. He’d love to get to know her better.
“Oh, Joanne!” Ash cried as they approached. Ash grabbed Joanne in a hug and clung to her. When she pulled away, Ash was beaming through the tears that streaked her cheeks. “This has been the perfect day.” Before Joanne could reply, Ash had turned to Nate and embraced him too. “You came,” she said. “I’m so glad you changed your mind. Are you managing to keep Joanne out of trouble?” She laughed.
“I’m trying, but it’s hard work,” he joked.
Joanne slapped at his shoulder, and Ash laughed again. “I know. It is, isn’t it?” Ash agreed. She introduced Nate to Aaron then said, “You two talk for a minute. I need to talk to Joanne.”
Ash pulled Joanne a few steps away. The noise of the party kept them from being overheard by the men. “So? How’s it going?”
“It’s fine. He’s really nice.”
“That’s all you have to say?”
Joanne shrugged. “What else am I supposed to say?”
“He showed up for you, silly. That says something. Are you going to see him again?”
Joanne looked over at the attractive man. The man who had agreed to be her date without even knowing her. The man who had rescued her from a parking lot, given her rides, and fixed her car, all without complaint. He was a good person. But Joanne wasn’t ready to start dating again. Was she? It had only been a month since she’d ended things with Stan. “I don’t think so,” she finally answered.
Ash grabbed Joanne by the shoulders and gave a little shake. “You listen to me. I know Stan hurt you. But you have to get past him. You have to let him go in order to move on with your life. What better way to get started than with a cutie like that?”
“Ash, he’s not really my type.”
“Oh? And cheating bastards are your type?” Joanne winced at the jab, and Ash was immediately apologetic. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“It’s okay,” Joanne assured her friend. “I know you mean well.”
“I do. Just give him a chance, Joanne. I’m not saying you’ll marry him. Just ask him out. On a real date. Please? Do it for me.”
“All right,” Joanne conceded. “I’ll at least ask. But that�
�s all I can promise.”
Ash gave Joanne another hug. “Great! Now let’s go see what those two are talking about.”
Chapter Seven
‡
Nate helped Joanne sit down at one of the tables. “I think it’s time to take you home,” he told her. She’d been drinking quite a bit tonight. Not that he blamed her. After she’d yelled at Stan, Stan had apparently tried to get her attention by openly flirting with several other women. Joanne had even seen him with his tongue down some woman’s throat.
“Not yet,” she slurred. “Have to stay.”
Nate kneeled in front of her so he could look her in the eyes. “Joanne, Ash and Aaron have already gone, people are starting to leave. It’s okay for you to leave now.”
“Okay,” she agreed. He helped her back to her feet. She paused and looked at him. “My car. You drove my car. How will you get home?”
“Let me get you home. I’ll call a cab or something from your house.”
Nate supported her as she stumbled her way out to the Cadillac. He settled her into the passenger’s seat and pulled the seatbelt across her. He was acutely conscious of his fingers brushing her hip bone through the satin of her bridesmaid’s dress and the nearness of her breast to his mouth. He looked up to find her staring at him with wide eyes. Eyes full of desire and anticipation.
He stood quickly. He couldn’t let his attraction get away from him. She was hurt, and she’d had too much to drink. He would not take advantage of a woman in that position.
Shutting the door, he took a cleansing breath before getting in on the driver’s side and closing himself into the small space with her heady perfume.
It didn’t take them long to make the drive to Joanne’s house. Although neither spoke, Nate could feel the tension between them rising with every mile.
When he reached her house, Joanne fumbled with her seatbelt, trying to release it. “Thanks for the ride,” she mumbled. She stopped then and looked at him. “It seems I’m saying that a lot to you. Maybe I should hire you as my chauffer,” she joked.
Nate shook his head. “I don’t think I’d make a very good chauffer. I wouldn’t be able to keep my mouth shut.” When she looked at him questioningly, he elaborated. “You seem to get in the worst trouble. I’m not sure I could keep from commenting on it. Let me get that,” he said, pointing to the still buckled seat belt.
Getting out of the car, he walked around to the passenger’s side and pulled open the door. Once again he found himself too close to Joanne’s delectable curves. She leaned back against the seat as he reached around her, as if trying to keep some semblance of distance between them. But Nate could feel the heat rise as his fingers brushed against her once more. He briefly closed his eyes, trying to regain control of his libido. She does not need my attention. Not now, not tonight. Not when she obviously still has a thing for her ex.
Carefully, he helped Joanne out of the car and to her feet. She swayed and held onto his arm. After she was stabilized, he moved his arm to her waist. “Come on. Let’s get you inside.”
With each step she took, Joanne let herself lean a little more on Nate. By the time they reached the front door, her head rested against his hard shoulder. The strength of his arm supported her, and she breathed in his scent. She risked a glance up at his face. His loose curls had lost all semblance of being tamed. She wondered what it would feel like to run her fingers through them. Her fingers twitched at the thought, and she almost dropped her hold on her purse. Brought back to her surroundings, she dug through the bag until she found her key ring, and with shaking fingers, she unlocked her door. She stepped into the entryway with Nate at her back.
“Are you gonna be okay now?” he asked her.
She grabbed the bannister to the stairs and leaned against it. “I’m fine. I feel like a repeating record, but thanks again.”
Nate just nodded. “I’ll call a cab then.”
Joanne didn’t look at him, couldn’t look at him. Her eyes stayed glued to the floor. Taking a shaky breath, she took the leap. “You know, you don’t have to go.”
As soon as the words left her lips, she wished she could take them back. She couldn’t believe she was being so bold, propositioning a guy she barely knew. What will he think of me? He probably already has a low opinion of me, having to rescue me all the time. But this would put her that much further down on his list.
She felt him still beside her. The entryway was small, with mere feet between the door and the stairs. When Nate didn’t move or say anything, she chanced a glance at him. His dark green eyes searched hers, and she couldn’t break their hold on her. Her breath caught in her chest.
This is my chance, she told herself. My chance to take a chance. She wanted to get over Stan, and what better way to do it than with a hunk like this right here in her own home. With a great determined effort, she pushed away from the bannister and took a step closer to him. Her palms rested on his chest, and his automatically came up to hold her arms.
They were almost the same height, and with just the slightest stretch, Joanne hesitantly placed her lips against his. She felt his body respond even if he didn’t move. She felt the air from his breath as it rushed past his lips.
She began to move her lips against his, but still he didn’t react. His only response was a tightening of his hold on her arms. Desperate for him to respond, Joanne ran her hands up until they caressed the back of his neck. Her fingers played in the curls there at his collar while she touched the tip of her tongue to his lips.
At the touch of her tongue, he lost his rigid control. He groaned and opened his mouth to hers, devouring her. His arms wrapped around her thin frame and pulled her against him. Feeling her body mold to his was enough to get him hard instantly.
Nate explored her mouth as he’d wanted to do since he first saw her. Her mouth was warm and tasted sweet from the drinks she’d had earlier. Even as he kissed her, he wasn’t satisfied. He wondered what it would feel like to have her lips, her tongue, on other parts of his body. His desire kicked even higher. With another groan, he pressed her against the wall, moving one hand to tangle in her hair while the other caressed her hip.
When her back hit the wall, Joanne gasped against Nate’s lips. She drew her fingers up through his hair, just as she’d imagined doing. She tugged at his curls, trying to pull him even deeper into the kiss. The ache between her legs grew more urgent as he deepened the kiss. She lifted a leg and wrapped it around his hip without thought. She had to get closer to him. She felt the throb of his erection even through their clothes, and she swiveled her hips to rub against it.
Nate grabbed her ass at her movement and pushed against her. Tearing his mouth from hers, he trailed his kisses down the smooth skin of her neck. He felt her shudder against him. He closed his eyes and paused all his movement. He knew he should stop. As much as he wanted her, he didn’t want her to regret anything they did. Joanne rubbed herself against him again, and he clenched his jaw in determination. But he didn’t let her go. His hand still cupped her ass, and he was cradled between her thighs. It felt so right. He knew he should let her go and step away. Do I have the strength to do it, though?
“Nate. Oh God, Nate. Don’t stop. I need to be closer.” She reached between them and began pulling at his belt buckle.
His resolve suddenly strengthened, and he grabbed her wrists and pinned them against the wall. His breathing harsh as he stared into her eyes. “No, Joanne. Not like this.”
“Nate, please,” she begged. She shifted against him again, and he gritted his teeth.
“No,” he repeated. “You’re drunk, and I won’t be your rebound.”
Those words were enough to sober her. “What?” she asked. Nate let go of her wrists and stepped back from her. Joanne let her leg slide down his until she found her feet.
“You just want to use me to get over your ex. Trust me, sweetheart, I’m not that kind of guy,” he said harshly.
“No! That’s not…” She trailed off at his g
lare. She glanced down at herself, noting her wrinkled dress, and recalled her earlier thoughts. Maybe she had been using him, taking advantage of his attraction. She’d never had a one-night stand before. It wasn’t the type of person she was. “Maybe you’re right.” She sighed. “Maybe I do feel the need to make new memories to replace the old ones that now hurt so much.” She hugged her arms to herself and turned away from him. Leaning her forehead against the wall, she let a tear slip from her eye.
Seeing Joanne there, looking so alone, almost made Nate’s resolve crumble. He wanted to take her in his arms again and comfort her. Instead, he came up behind her and rubbed her arms. He could still be a friend. There was no reason for her to be alone.
Joanne shivered as the rough ridges of his calloused hands ran over her sensitive skin. She didn’t understand him. She didn’t know why he stuck around. He didn’t even know her. But she drew strength from his touch. Straightening, she turned to face him. She didn’t know what to say, so she said what she could. “I’m sorry.”
He brushed the tear from her cheek. “Hey, it’s okay. I understand the need to forget.”
“Do you?”
Nate just nodded. This wasn’t the time for him to be bringing up his own painful past. Joanne was hurting, and he felt the urge to do something to ease her pain. “You know, sometimes talking helps. Having a friend there to listen. I can do that. I can be your friend, if that’s what you need.”
Joanne shook her head in confusion. “Why, Nate? Why are you doing all this? You don’t even know me.”
Nate ran a hand through his hair. “Honestly? I don’t really know. I just get the impression that you’re sincere, that you don’t hide your true self, and I like that about you. I haven’t seen a lot of that in people. Most people have so many hidden agendas it’s doubtful you’ll ever know who they really are.”
Joanne stared at him. Did he really think people were so dishonest? She’d never experienced much of that. At least not until Stan’s betrayal. Nate must have had a very different life than she had. “What happened to you?” she asked him.
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