Road to Redemption (Road Series Book 2)

by Ann, Natalie

  The only excuse Jack would have been able to get away with was being on-call. And he tried. He offered. He even offered to switch with the doctor scheduled for the entire weekend. But in the end he was stuck.

  Now he would have to pull one of his three suits out of his closet, iron a shirt and hope he could find one of the four ties he owned. He couldn’t even remember if he unpacked them seven months ago.

  Thankfully his whole department was going, so it wasn’t like he wouldn’t know anyone there. He was pretty sure they would seat him with his colleagues, at the very least. The ceremony and reception were both being held at a local upscale hotel, so there were no worries about driving from one place to another if there was a snowstorm. Thankfully the forecast was clear.

  Muttering as he went through yet another drawer looking for his ties, he looked at the dog laid out on her side softly snoring, oblivious to her owner’s frustration. “Roxy, I would much rather stay home with you tonight. And who gets married the week between Christmas and New Year’s anyway? Aren’t people all partied out as it is?”

  Roxy didn’t respond, didn’t even bother to lift her head. Why would she care? She got to stay home and sleep all night.

  “Well, I’ll be home early. As soon as dinner is done I’ll make my excuses and leave. Then it will be you and me tonight.”

  Sexy Chick

  “Thanks for letting me hitch a ride with you tonight,” Cori said, climbing out of the back of Lucas’s Range Rover with Brooke under the covered awning. “I even get front-door delivery, too. Cool.”

  “I was lucky enough to find a spot a few down, not too bad,” Lucas explained when he joined the women in the lobby where they were waiting for him. “Besides,” he said, addressing Cori’s earlier comment. “I get to walk in with the two prettiest girls by my side. Guess it’s my lucky night.” He winked at Brooke.

  They made their way to a large white covered table holding all the nametags. Cori had thought for sure that Cheryl would have placed her at a table with the rest of the nurses attending tonight. But when she scanned the names at the nurse’s table, she soon realized that she was the only one without a date. The odd person out. Oh well, she thought, it was better to be stag than be stuck with some boring date. At least Brooke and Lucas would keep her company at their table.

  She was reaching for her nametag when her gaze dropped on another one. Jack Reynolds. And he was seated at her table. She was shocked that he was attending, even though she knew he’d been invited. He always found a way out of any social gathering.

  She couldn’t help but be excited at the prospect of being near him all night. This night was definitely shaping up.

  Lucas was returning to their table with drinks as Jack made his way over. She had never seen him in anything other than scrubs, jeans and the shorts he had on the first time she noticed him last summer. She wasn’t ready for the sight before her.

  He was gorgeous. His tall broad frame cut a dashing figure in what was clearly a custom tailored suit. Black, like everyone else at the wedding. But a instead of a white shirt, he wore a charcoal gray one with a black silk tie. Dark and dangerous was what came to mind. Oh my, she thought as she fought to overcome the urge to fan herself.

  ***

  Jack was thinking the same thing when he made his way across the room toward his table. He noticed, and was relieved, to see Lucas at his table. But he couldn’t contain his shock at seeing Cori.

  It didn’t even cross his mind that she would be at the wedding. Yes, Dr. Smith was marrying another nurse. But there were too many nurses to count employed at the hospital. Though if he really thought about it, he shouldn’t have been surprised she was there. Cori seemed to be friends with everyone.

  The real shock came at how she looked. Her shoulder-length red hair was minus any headbands or bows and was softly waving around her face in loose curls. Her green eyes were lined in black, looking bigger and brighter, standing out more against her porcelain complexion. Her lips shined with a hint of gloss and were now spread wide as she made eye contact with him.

  When she stood up to greet him, he was surprised his jaw didn’t hit the floor. Yes, everyone was wearing black, but Cori managed to still add her own flare to it and look drop dead gorgeous and sexy at the same time.

  He knew she was tiny. He saw that when she walked out in that tiny pink bikini the past summer. But this dress hugged every curve of her petite body and showcased it better than any swimsuit ever could.

  He was beginning to think he was in for a long night. And of course, the only available seat was next to her. Everyone at the table was paired up with the exception of the two of them. That was most likely why they were seated together in the first place.

  There wasn’t much time for conversation when Jack returned to the table with a beer a few minutes later, as the DJ made an announcement for everyone to be seated. The ceremony was about to begin.

  He thought back to his own wedding, the only other one he had been to. They had a big church ceremony much to Jack’s discomfort.

  His family, however small, wasn’t religious in any sense of the word. But Tracy had come from a big Catholic upbringing, which meant a long ceremony and a big loud affair afterwards.

  He had to admit it was fun, but he was happy when it was over and wasn’t the center of attention anymore.

  Bringing his thoughts back to his current surroundings, he decided he liked this much better. Not that he planned on getting married again. Either way, this was more his style. Maybe a bit smaller than the hundred or so guests seated around would be his preference.

  One-stop affair. Get married, eat and dance all in the same place. Much easier for everyone involved.

  Shortly after Dr. Smith was kissing his third bride, some twenty years his junior, everyone was clapping. The happy couple made their way back down the center of the dance floor where everyone could see them exiting.

  Champagne was delivered to all the guests while the wedding party had pictures taken. Jack stole a glance at Cori to his left and noticed her wiping tears from her eyes. “Happy tears,” she told him when he looked at her questioningly.

  Surprisingly, everything was moving fast. Dinner was served, toasts were made and the bride and groom had their dance. Jack kept thinking he could make his escape, but Lucas kept bringing up more and more conversational topics, almost like he was purposely preventing him from leaving.

  The DJ started playing some loud dance music and several people took to the floor, including Cori. He watched when a bunch of the nurses and their dates formed a half circle as some fast moving dance song played.

  In the center was Cori. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Arms swaying, feet moving fast—almost like a jog in place. Then she started to swing her arms around her head to the beat.

  All of a sudden the dancers formed a line and set off in a series of practiced moves, consisting of foot stomping and feet shuffling side to side. Hands clapped in the air, causing everyone to hoot and holler. He had never seen anything so ridiculous and yet sexy at the same time.

  He should have realized she could move like that. How she managed it in that tight dress and high heels was beyond him. But there she was, leading everyone though a series of choreographed moves, laughing and grinning the entire time.

  “Phew, that was fun,” she said when the song was done and she found her seat again. “I need a drink.” She grabbed her wine and guzzled it fast. “Now I need some sugar,” she said and bounded off.

  Returning a few minutes later with a huge bowl of mixed candies consisting of several of her favorites, she laughed at everyone’s expression. “What? It’s a candy bar. We’re supposed to mix everything up like this,” she said defensively.

  “I don’t think anyone is shocked that you mixed candy. They are shocked at how much candy you have there,” Brooke explained.

  “Oh. You think?” she said, looking down at the large bowl. “OK, guess I’ll share. Here, Jack.” She picked out several g
ummy bears. “I know you like these,” she said with a smile and picked up his large hand, then placed them in his palm.

  Jack stared dumbly at the gummy bears she’d given him. Not wanting to hurt her feelings, he ate them and was rewarded with another one of her bright smiles.

  The DJ cut in with another announcement. “The bride would like all the ladies on the dance floor please. Would all the ladies come on the dance floor?”

  Cori grabbed Brooke’s hand. “Come on. Oh my God, I didn’t think she was going to do it. She said she was, but I thought for sure she would change her mind.”

  “Wait, Cori.” Brooke tugged her hand back. “I’m not much of a dancer. You go ahead.”

  “No, Cheryl said she wasn’t going to start until everyone was on the floor.” She tugged Brooke up.

  “Ladies, everyone to the dance floor. The bride has instructed me to continue to make this announcement until everyone is here.”

  “See,” Cori said as she gave Brooke a knowing look.

  “Fine,” Brooke conceded. “So what is she doing? I’m not catching any bouquet. I’m already engaged.”

  “Nope. Not the flower tossing yet. Something better.”

  The DJ broke in once again. “It looks as if all the ladies are on the dance floor now.” He paused and cleared his throat. “OK, before we begin, the bride wanted me to tell all the men this is for them.”

  A look of dread crossed Brooke’s face, but all the men seemed to sit up a bit straighter in their chairs. Cori only laughed.

  The music started and all the women on the floor started to holler and whistle. The groom looked on with a big smile stretched across his face when his bride took center stage. The beat started slow and hips started to swing, while the girls all laughed and sent out catcalls. As the beat picked up, arms began to sway and hips rotated some more.

  Jack heard the words playing, and watched Cori’s hips rotating—no one else existed but her in that moment. Especially with that slow sexy smile on her face.

  Plain and simple, he was mesmerized. And she didn’t even seem to have a clue as to what she was doing to him. Because at the moment she was one hundred percent the “Sexy Chick” the song was calling her.

  Lucas had been watching Brooke awkwardly move on the dance floor. For as athletic as she was, she had no rhythm at all. Cori on the other hand, was putting on quite a show. And Jack was definitely affected.

  “You’re frowning,” Lucas suddenly accused Jack.

  “What?”

  “I said you’re frowning. I don’t think this song was supposed to call for that response,” Lucas said in a joking manner, then nudged Jack’s elbow.

  “Everyone is staring,” Jack said.

  “I believe that was the purpose of the song, for everyone to stare at the girls.”

  “No, they’re staring at her. Look around,” Jack explained. And true enough most of the men there, whether their dates were on the dance floor or not, were focused on Cori at that moment. She really did know how to move.

  Lucas laughed at how uncomfortable Jack was. “Yeah, well. You know Cori, she wants to have a good time.”

  Jack frowned deeper and grunted in response.

  The song ended and Cori came back to the table with Brooke out of breath. Cori looked around and noticed her wine glass was empty, along with her water glass. She eyed Jack’s full water glass and asked, “Do you mind?”

  “No, go ahead.” He handed the glass to her. She smiled her thanks.

  Before he had a chance to look away the DJ was talking, explaining he was going to slow the pace down a bit and for everyone to grab a partner. Their table soon emptied, leaving the two of them there together.

  Jack saw another man approaching Cori and read the intention in his eyes. No way. No one else was touching her tonight. Before he had a chance to think through his actions he heard himself ask, “Want to dance?”

  Startled, she quickly recovered and bounced up out of her seat. “Sure.” She grabbed his hand to pull him to the floor.

  “I love this song,” she sighed dreamily when the slow country tune started. “Don’t you love this song?”

  “Can’t say I’ve ever heard it before,” he answered, and felt her snuggle up against him, causing him to sweat.

  “‘Amazed,’ by Lonestar. It’s one of the best love songs out there,” she explained, pulling her hands out of his and reaching up to place them around his neck, forcing him to settle his hands on her waist.

  “You smell good,” she told him, laying her cheek against his chest and grinning.

  He closed his eyes for a moment, thought for sure she could hear the rapid beating of his heart, then dropped his chin to the top of her head. “If you’re trying to seduce me, you’re succeeding.” He knew he had long since lost the battle. When he walked in earlier and saw her at the table, he knew the night wasn’t going to end the way he had anticipated when he left the house earlier.

  “Am I?” she asked in a whisper, then tilted her head back to look in his eyes.

  “You know you are,” he answered gruffly.

  She smiled. He was lost. “Take me home, Jack.”

  When he hesitated, she added, “I’m not asking for promises. Just tonight. Take me home,” she repeated again, softer than the first request.

  Then before either of them could change their mind, she pulled out of his embrace, threaded her fingers through his and led him across the dance floor, out the doors, and through the lobby.

  A New Record

  “Are you sure?” Jack asked for the second time since they climbed into his truck. He had just pulled into the driveway of her apartment.

  “Yes. No more thinking. Just us. Just tonight.”

  He shut the truck off and came around to help her out. She hadn’t been able to step into the truck the last time he gave her a ride and she had been wearing jeans. This time with her fitted dress, he had to lift her up and bring her down completely. He held her arm as she walked in her high heels on the cold night. Just in case there was any ice on the ground—at least that was the excuse he gave her.

  Shutting the front door behind her, she pulled off her jacket and dropped it on the back of the chair. Jack hesitated, shrugged, and did the same. She leaned up and put her hands on his face, pulling him closer, then whispered, “Finally,” before her lips touched his.

  The kiss turn carnal fast, she seemed to be feeling more urgency than him. It occurred to him that all this dancing around and flirting for weeks had finally gotten to her as well. He was here now, in her house, and she wasn’t acting like she was going take it slow. Of course from what he had seen of her, she did nothing at a slow pace.

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him down closer to her level while his tongue explored even more. A groan that he thought was his, maybe it was hers, escaped and she started to back him up toward her bedroom. His hands had moved down her body to rest on her hips, pressing her against him. Surely she could feel the extent of his desire.

  Finally, with panting breaths, she broke the kiss, grabbed his hand and led him all the way into her room. He looked into her deep green eyes, several shades darker now and filled with as much passion as his own. She pushed his black suit jacket off his shoulders. Her eyes never left his as she loosened his tie and pulled it off, then tossed it to the floor next to the jacket.

  She smirked. “You looked very sexy in your suit tonight. But I’m betting you’re going to be even sexier out of it.”

  He only grunted in response. It seemed to be the only thing he was able to do. She needed to take the reins at the moment, and he was more than happy to let her take charge. For now. He would get his chance soon enough. He would make sure of it.

  One by one she unbuttoned his dark gray shirt, until that too followed the same path as his tie and jacket. “Wow. Oh wow, look at your chest,” she said in awe, running her hands up and down his torso. “I never imagined anything like this.”

  Leaning forward, she placed one ki
ss then another across his chest. When she heard his intake of breath, she smiled and spread her fingers wide, touching as much of him as she could. Moving them across his chest, she caressed his skin. He was burning up at her touch.

  Dropping her hands to his waistband, she unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, then slipped her tiny hands inside. She ran them along his back, then the front and around back again, teasing him endlessly. “Please tell me you have a condom with you.”

  “Yeah,” he breathed out, then reached into his back pocket and pulled one out of his wallet. Placing both his wallet and condom on the bedside table, he watched as she slid her hands inside his pants and pushed them to the floor. “Step out of them,” she ordered roughly.

  He made quick work of his pants, shoes and socks. She wanted to look at him for the moment, standing there, towering over her in his boxer briefs. He wanted to look at her naked. After a moment, he threaded his hands through her hair and leaned down to kiss her. Long and deep, trying to slow her down.

  His hands made their way from her hair to the zipper at the back of her dress, then eased it down slowly, his lips never leaving hers. She slipped her arms through the sleeves and let the dress drop to the floor on autopilot.

  It was Jack’s turn to step back and look. “Shit,” he whispered. It was a good thing he had no idea what she had under that dress during the wedding, or they would have ended up booking a room at the hotel rather than driving back to her place.

  A black lace demi bra pushed her breasts up, making them look plumper than usual. Matching black lace panties adorned her hips, barely covering her. But it wasn’t the bra and panties. It was the black stockings that ended at mid-thigh, also adorned with lace around the top edge. He knew she saw the look of appreciation in his eyes as they roamed up and down her body, and made no attempt to hide her smile.