One Last Dance

by Nancy Stopper

  “But I know that’s not true. I mean, I’ve got a great family, a great business, good friends, and I love my life.”

  “Then you’ve got everything.” She paused and then continued. “Are you going to call her again?”

  Joey sputtered the sip of scotch he’d just taken. “No way. That’s over. And seeing her tonight just confirmed what I already knew.”

  “Good.” Brittany snuggled up against him, reigniting the tightening in his groin. In this dark corner, he could get creative…

  Thankfully, the waiter arrived with their food, sparing any further conversation about his ex-girlfriend. “Sir, madam. Your dinner is served.”

  He placed three elegant dishes on the table, fancier than Joey had seen in his entire life, but the happiness on Brittany’s face made it all worthwhile. And as much as Joey assumed he’d feel out of place in this high-class restaurant, he realized, looking around at the other customers, no one stared at him like he didn’t belong. He wasn’t out of place at all. Perhaps he had something to learn about the world beyond his small town. It gave him hope he could find a way to extend his relationship with Brittany beyond this week. Because he knew, especially after seeing Shelby, that was exactly what he wanted.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  BRITTANY STOOD WITH Joey outside the Barclay Building, the night breeze blowing pleasantly over her bare arms as they waited for the car. This night had been entirely unexpected. From the minute she’d seen Joey dressed up in a suit and tie, to the five-star restaurant they’d spent two luxurious hours enjoying, it was all surprising.

  Especially meeting Joey’s ex-girlfriend. Shock had washed over his face when he’d heard the voice behind him. He’d braced himself against the table, his back stiff the entire time Shelby had talked. He clammed up after she’d left, the conversation strained. That was okay, though, because Brittany’s mind had raced. Shelby had been this abstract idea, this woman in Joey’s past, but meeting her, seeing her interact with Joey, had made her very real in Brittany’s mind.

  She’d figured out Joey wanted to take her to the city as soon as they’d approached the Philadelphia skyline. As much as she loved him for trying to please her, she’d meant it when she said she’d have been happy staying home with him. Eating burgers at J.J.’s.

  Wait, what? I don’t love him. I can’t love him. Can I?

  He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. The act only confused her more. When she looked up into his eyes, the feelings warring in her own mind and heart were reflected in his. Tonight had been a big night for both of them, it appeared. Add to it the churn in her gut as her heart filled with love for the man in front of her.

  After all of this time, time away from home and from the situation she’d escaped, she could admit that she’d painted all of her feelings about small towns with the brush of her abusive childhood. She hadn’t even been willing to consider the possibilities. There had been a lot of wonderful things about her town growing up, and the one thing her week in Oak Grove showed her was that there had been a lot of good things about living in Whitefish.

  A week ago, she would have laughed if someone told her she would have enjoyed herself in a small town. But her job was stressful, and she’d grown increasingly disillusioned with what she thought she wanted out of her life. People worked hard in Oak Grove, just like in New York, but she loved the more relaxed pace. The people she’d met knew how to leave their jobs at the end of the day and have fun. She couldn’t remember doing so much for the simple enjoyment of it as she had this week.

  The valet pulled up with the beautiful car Joey had borrowed.

  “Where are we going now?”

  “You’ll see.”

  He extended his hand across the console. A simple gesture, but it took on a new meaning now. The love flowed through their joined hands. She rubbed her thumb over his rough callouses, savoring the feel and what they represented. The men she met in New York were often more concerned about their grooming and being seen with just the right people than actually being themselves. Not Joey. His hands, so strong at work and at play, could be incredibly gentle when caressing her.

  Her growing feelings for him rattled her, scared her. She didn’t go on vacation with plans to meet someone, much less fall in love. Everything about this week and the man beside her surprised her.

  They didn’t drive far before Joey turned into a parking garage and left the keys with another valet. He steered her to the sidewalk. Men and women milled about under the bright lights, and laughter filled the air. The pulse of the city thrummed beneath her feet and through her body as they strolled down the cobblestone sidewalk. Every sight brighter, every sound clearer, every sensation was more intense with the realization that she loved this man. Might love this man, she corrected herself. As much as her heart wanted to tumble over, her head made her wary.

  Joey’s thumb caressed her hand, the rhythmic back and forth a comfort she didn’t know she’d enjoy so much. He released her only to wrap his arm around her waist. Their bodies brushed against each other as they walked a bit further.

  All of a sudden, Joey dragged her into the doorway of a shop closed for the night, pushing her up against the wall and pressing into her.

  Her breath hitched. Each touch, every caress, was like new with him. She would never tire of feeling his hands on her.

  He ran his fingers gently up the side of her and brushed the edge of her breast.

  She gasped.

  He grinned as he trailed his fingers across her shoulder before threading them into her hair. He took full advantage, tipping her head up before lowering his mouth to hers. His tongue darted out as his other hand palmed her ass and pulled her more into him. The evidence of his desire pressed against her belly, and she moaned. But she couldn’t bring herself to care that they were practically mauling each other in public. He plunged his tongue into her mouth, tangling with hers as he possessed her, body and soul.

  “Damn. This is not at all what I planned for tonight, but I couldn’t go a minute longer without feeling you against me. Come on, let’s go.”

  He dragged her out of the doorway, hustling them down the street to another door, where a large, menacing man in a black shirt stood in front of them.

  “Where are we?” Brittany studied the non-descript black glass building in front of her.

  “Hottest dance club in Philly,” the man answered. “Welcome to Rumor.”

  Joey leaned into her as they walked through the door. “I want to feel your body against mine, dancing with me like you did the first night at the bar.”

  The darkness of the club and the pulsing lights sent shocks through her system, and the rumbling beat of the music matched the thumping of her heart as they stepped into the lavishly furnished room. Happy voices mingled with the music, both sounds escalating until nearly deafening. The song ended and the crowd broke out in raucous applause.

  Joey pulled her onto the floor and spun her around so her backside pressed against him. With his hands on her hips, they swayed with the deep beat of the music. Her hips gyrated, brushing up against him. With her hands above her head, she gave herself over to the music and to the touch of the man behind her. He moved with her, their bodies together, like making love. Desire coursed through her veins, every inch of her skin begging to be touched by him.

  After a moment, the upbeat song trailed off and the deep thrum of a ballad filled the room. Joey grabbed her hand and spun her around before pulling her flush against him. He slid her hands around his neck before settling his hands on the small of her back. They swayed slowly, wrapped up in each other, as the notes and words infused her soul. Joey rubbed her back, and the heat of his touch burned through the thin fabric of her dress. She closed her eyes. The sights and sounds of the club faded away. It was just the two of them, his body against hers, and the love that swept through her.

  Joey nuzzled her hair, and the heat of his breath tickled her ear as he leaned down, pressing his erection into her. �
��See what you do to me. You make me feel things I never expected.”

  She leaned her head back, inviting him to caress her neck. He obliged, his tongue and teeth working their way toward her mouth. Her jaw tightened and her lungs burned as he nibbled around her lips. He finally covered her mouth, his tongue sweeping around before tangling with hers. His hands insistent on her body, he cupped her ass, holding her more firmly against him.

  “I really wanted to make this night special for you,” he said, “but all I can think about is getting you beneath me, thrusting into you, making you moan for me.”

  His words as erotic as any touch, she melted into him. Opening her eyes, she locked her gaze on his. “I want the same. I want you.”

  “Let’s get out of here.” He guided her toward the door.

  The quiet streets of Philadelphia were a stark contrast to the pulsing rhythm of the club. It took a moment for Brittany to regain her equilibrium. Joey tugged her down the street toward the parking garage. Damn, it was more than an hour back to Oak Grove. With the way she was feeling right now, she didn’t want to wait that long. A glance across the street inspired an idea.

  She tugged his hand and stepped off the curb.

  “Where are you going?”

  “This way.”

  She rushed across the street, Joey protesting the entire way. “Britt, the car is this way.”

  “I can’t wait that long.”

  Joey laughed when he saw where she stopped—the revolving door of the Ritz-Carlton beckoning them inside. After a naughty glance his way, she led him into the luxurious lobby. At the desk, Brittany bounced from foot to foot as they waited for an attendant.

  “Anxious, are we?” Joey whispered in her ear.

  Damn straight she was anxious. And excited. And downright turned on. But that had been his goal, right?

  After what felt like an interminable time, an employee approached the desk. Joey said, “We’d like a room, please.”

  “Absolutely, sir. Do you have a reservation?”

  He gazed at her. “No, this was a kind of last minute plan. Is that a problem?”

  “Not a problem, sir.” The clerk made quick work of checking them in, thank God. “Can we help you with your bags?”

  “No help needed,” Joey yelled behind him as he tugged Brittany toward the elevator. The ding of the bell announced its arrival, and she yanked him into the car, holding the button before someone could follow.

  As soon as the doors closed, she pressed him against the back wall of the elevator. Surrounded by mirrored surfaces, the erotic image of the two of them together aroused her even more than she thought possible. Joey caressed her breast while licking his way down her cheek, circling her earlobe before teasing into her ear. Seeing his head bent over her, his eyes closed, turned her on as much as his touch. She trailed her hands down his back, watching in the mirror as she kneaded the tight muscles. She looked powerful, in control, but she knew she wasn’t. This man owned her, with every touch and every kiss.

  She needed more. Running her hands around his body, she snatched his shirt free. She ran her hands up his chest, his tight muscles wrapped in smooth skin with goosebumps beneath her fingertips.

  He gasped and thumped his head against the wall, his eyes closed. “Damn, baby, your hands feel so good on my body.”

  The sight of them in the mirror, his words reflecting their power over each other, was intoxicating. She cupped her hands around his sides, sliding his shirt out of the way to run her hands across his abs. She traced the hills and valleys of his muscles as she moved up his body and he twitched. His chest was a masterpiece, well-earned with a lot of hard work. She never expected touching him to turn her on as much as it did. She brushed across his nipples, and they hardened beneath her fingers. If his reaction was any sign, that aroused him as much as it did her.

  With her hands splayed on his chest, she stretched up on her toes and pressed her lips to his. Her tongue darted out and licked his lips before sweeping into his mouth.

  He moaned.

  As she moved to his jaw, the ding of the elevator bell announced their floor. Joey grabbed her hand and practically fled down the hall. He ripped the key from the envelope and shoved it in the slot on the door.

  The light flashed red and Joey growled. “Damn keys. Never work when you want them to.”

  He thrust the card in again and the red light flashed.

  Someone was impatient. Laughing, she gently placed her hand over his, taking the key and inserting it into the slot. The green light flashed and she turned the handle. With a nudge from behind, she was hustled into the room. He slammed the door closed and pushed her body against it.

  With his hands braced on the door beside her head, Joey lowered his head and placed a punishing kiss on her lips, his tongue and teeth and lips waging a full-on assault against her mouth.

  A groan escaped her throat.

  Joey lifted her up and propped her against the door, pressing the heat of his erection against her core. The promise of feeling him inside her drove her wild with need. Her hands roamed everywhere—across his shoulders, down his back, around his chest. She couldn’t get enough of his body.

  With her legs around him, they fumbled across the room, and he threw her onto the king-size bed. He ripped his jacket off, flung it onto the floor, and tore at his tie. She ran her hands up his shirt, working the buttons one by one until her fingers teased the curly hairs of his naked chest. He yanked down her zipper. Nothing slow and seductive about him tonight. She stood, allowing the dress to pool at her feet.

  She stood in front of him in a lacy scrap of a bra and thong. His eyes trailed down her body, to her feet still wearing her stilettos. He looked up her body again, lingering on her breasts before landing back on her eyes. Her skin prickled as though he were touching her, his eyes every bit as arousing as his hands. “Damn, it’s a good thing I didn’t know what you were wearing under your dress before, or we’d have never made it to dinner.”

  She resisted the urge to cover herself, all at once feeling exposed under his stare. He pushed her back on the bed, nudged her knees apart, and stepped between them. Leaning over, his tongue darted out and licked her naval before circling it.

  Her belly trembled.

  He nibbled and licked his way up her body to the valley between her breasts. Pressing his hands on the sides of her breasts, he pushed them together and licked and kissed each of them through her barely-there bra. Her nipples prickled from the heat of his mouth, the brush of the fabric almost painful. Each wash of heat over her nipples sent sensations through her body. Joey knew exactly what to do to turn her on, but honestly, a simple look from him had her more than ready.

  He freed her breasts and pushed the cups aside.

  “So beautiful,” he whispered as he sank down, taking her nipple into the wet heat of his mouth. The sucking pressure, coupled with his pinching her other nipple, sent a pulse through her body. She arched into him, her body begging for what she couldn’t ask for with words. He continued to lick and nip and pinch, alternating from one breast to the other. Pressure built in her core, her body begging for the release that was just out of reach. Her legs yearned to wrap around him, pull him to her, hold him while he drove into her. She wasn’t in this alone, and she wasn’t going to go over the edge without him.

  She grabbed for his belt. “Off. I want these off.”

  “Your wish is my command,” he said with a smile as he unbuckled and unzipped. He stepped out of his pants, leaving his boxer briefs in place and throwing a condom on the bed.

  She inched her way up the bed until her head hit the pillows and then reached for him as he followed. The weight of him, the brush of his hair against her sensitive skin, his legs entangled with hers, drove warmth and contentment straight to her heart. He stayed there, his body propped on his hands over her, staring at her until the intensity of his gaze overwhelmed her. Every thought, every bit of her was exposed. She couldn’t stand it.

  “Britta
ny, look at me.”

  When she locked her gaze with his, the desire she saw matched the feeling growing deep in her heart. A passion she wasn’t ready to name. But as she stared into his eyes, the thought of being in love with this man, and him loving her back, didn’t scare her as much as she thought it would.

  “I can’t believe you’re here with me.” He lowered his head, his eyes heavy with desire, his tongue darting out to thrust into her mouth. She sank into the mattress, her head thrown back as he licked his way down her body until he reached the edge of her thong. He licked her core once through the fabric, and then again. She moaned in pleasure, spreading her legs wider to welcome him. But instead, he hooked his fingers on the straps of her thong and pulled it down her legs, baring her to him.

  He sat back on his ankles, staring at her.

  “Tell me what you want.”

  “You.”

  “You’ve got me, baby.” He leapt off the bed, pulled his briefs down, and sheathed himself. It was only a second but felt like an eternity before he draped himself over her again. The tip of his erection pressed at her entrance.

  “Is this what you want?” he asked with a glimmer in his eye.

  “Yes,” she breathed on a sigh.

  He ran his hand down her body to the apex of her thighs and brushed a finger against her. She wasn’t going to last long. This entire night had been foreplay, every look, every touch, every stolen glance. He stroked her intimately until the pressure rose deep within her, fighting to get out. She pressed into his hand, urging him on, but he withdrew it.

  Before she could cry out, he placed his erection against her and entered her in one long stroke. His cock deep in her core forced a moan from deep in her throat. A few strokes like that and she would fly off the bed. She fumbled with the covers, needing to hold on against the physical and emotional impact of making love with Joey. Because whether she wanted to admit it or not, they were not just having sex. They were making love. Despite her best intentions, she had fallen for him.