Always the Bridesmaid

by Dakota Trace

  “Oh yes.”

  His nostrils flared. “Yes, what?”

  Her dark eyes widened in response when she realized what he wanted. He wanted her to vocalize her desire, to make it real for both of them. She licked her lips before leaning forward. She daringly traced his lower lip with her tongue before nipping it. His lips parted and she tugged his damp lower lip into her own mouth. She released it with a pop. “Make love to me, Noah. Make me forget the two-timing drunken bastard.”

  The moment the words left her mouth, she knew she’d made a mistake. Noah stiffened against her. He jerked back. His arctic blue eyes narrowed. “He screwed around on you?”

  She nodded nervously. “Noah, please…”

  “I’m going to kill him!” He moved to leave her. Damn it, I didn’t want him to go head hunting. I want him to finish what he started! In desperation, she wrapped her hand around the impressive erection straining his tuxedo slacks. A low, rough, almost ruptured sound came from his chest.

  “Wouldn’t you rather…fuck me than kill him?” Her face flushed even as she stumbled over the vulgar word. His eyes flared in response and she wondered at her own daring.

  He arched into her grasping fingers “You little minx! I should take you up on your offer. Would you like that, Jenna? All I’d have to do is unzip my pants, shove your panties aside and I’d be deep inside of you. Fucking you right where you sit. Is that what you want, a fast hard fuck with little to no preliminaries? Because I’m on the verge of it.”

  Her face heated at his coarse words. The former good girl in her should protest his lewd comments, but her inner vixen was begging for more. She wanted what his words promised. This sexy boldness was a far cry from Dawson’s short limp dick and his feeble fumbling in the dark.

  “I’ll take you any way I can get you. I want what you promised. Make me forget.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “No strings attached, just a night of truly hot sex and then we’ll go our separate ways in the morning.”

  She’d expected him to snatch her up and carry her off into the sunset, or at least the nearest hotel. Instead, he pushed her hand off his cock. She stared as he began pacing the small confines of the cloakroom. His hand raked through his hair.

  “You know any other man would jump at what you’re offering, sweetheart.” He stopped long enough to stare at her.

  She swallowed her frustration. “But you won’t.” Evidently, she wasn’t through with misjudging men. She moved to slide off the counter.

  “Don’t you move that sweet ass a single inch. I’m not through with you. Not by a long shot.” His growl had her eyes widening.

  She froze. “Ah…”

  “Shut up, Jenna. I don’t want a one night stand with you.”

  She crossed her arms. “You don’t have to explain, Noah. I understand. Even for revenge, sleeping with the fat chick would be too much to ask.” She forced a smile. “Don’t worry. I won’t hold it against you. See you later.” Shifting to the side, she tried escape. Both of his arms blocked her. Her hands went to fell to her sides. His face was hard as he leaned forward until their noses almost touched. He wrapped one hand around her wrist.

  “I said, stay put.” His mouth hovered mere millimeters from hers. “As much as I’m going to love helping you getting your revenge on that ass, I won’t accept a one-night stand. It’s going to take a helluva a lot more than one night to satisfy this.” He pressed her hand against his hard-on.

  “Oh.” Her eyes widened.

  “All you have to do is say yes. I’ll spend every night, day, afternoon and morning during the rest of my vacation fucking you eight ways from straight.”

  A squeak filled the closet. “How long is that?”

  “Two weeks.”His answer forced through gritted teeth, thrilled her. She nipped at the strong column of his throat while clenching her fingers over his cock. The damp spot on the material delighted her. Staring up into his darkened eyes, she figured she could handle two weeks of unbridled sex with him without getting her heart involved. It had taken over six months for her to decide she might love that dumb asshole. Surely, two weeks wouldn’t be long enough for her foolish heart to fall for the broad-shouldered man in front of her. Come on, Girl, live for once.

  “Then I say yes.”

  He jerked as if struck. He lifted her face to his. “Are you sure? I’ve been on an oil platform for the last eighteen months. I’ll be a randy bastard.”

  “After having a limp dick in my bed for the past two years, I’d say I’m entitled to a randy bastard, don’t you?”

  His eyes glowed. He jerked her off the counter. Pressing one last hard kiss to her parted mouth, he unlocked the door before dragging her out of the cloakroom.

  “Where are we going?” she gasped as she tried to keep up with him.

  She slammed into his back when he stopped suddenly. He grinned before pulling her close.

  “We’re going to go torture the asshole with what he gave up. Afterwards, I want the chance to rub against this sexy body on the dance floor before we leave.” His thumb rubbed over her lower lip. “Then and only then, am I going to take you back to my hotel with me to make you scream all night long. Any objections?”

  Running her tongue over her lower lip, she shook her head. “None.”

  * * * * *

  Sure, she’d figured her return to the reception might be a bit uncomfortable but at the time, Jenna hadn’t expected to be on Noah’s arm. They walked back into the main reception room, acting nonchalantly as if they’d done nothing more than talk in that coat closet. That he hadn’t just promised her two weeks of scorching sex. Other than winking at her father, as if to say, “See I brought her back,” Noah didn’t stop long enough to let any of the whispers affect her. She wondered how he did it, ignored the whispers. He tugged her past her vacant seat next before escorting her to where he’d been sitting. The room grew silent as he sat down.

  Where the hell I am supposed to sit at?

  His wicked grin should’ve given his intentions away, but she was too conscious of the fact she was standing next to him with everyone’s eyes on her. He patted his thigh, before toppling her onto his lap. Surprised gasps broke the silence. Family and friends were obviously shocked by his actions. She peeked at Dawson, pleased to see his stunned expression. The brush of Noah’s fingers against her cheek brought her attention back to the man holding her. Cuddling her close, he gave no outward sign of discomfort. If anything, he seemed to be enjoying the feel of her body’s voluptuous curves against him. When nothing else happened the conversations resumed around the room.

  Noah’s mouth touched her ear. “Relax. This will be more believable if you don’t look like you’re going to jump up at any second. It’s not like I’m going to bite.” His teeth raked the outer curve of her ear. “Nibbling on the other hand is a distinct possibility.”

  She shivered against him. A chuckle teased her ear. Then his mouth was gone. She bit her lip to contain her disappoint. A succulent shrimp teased her lips a moment later. She met his heated gaze with one of her own. Taking the offering from his fingers with her teeth, she did a bit of teasing of her own. Her tongue snuck out and licked around his finger, searching for any stray drops of lemon juice. Satisfaction filled her at his sharp intake of breath.

  “Witch.” The curse rumbled against the palm she’d placed on his chest. She nipped his finger in reply.

  His jaw flexed. “You like living dangerously.” Then his finger was gone.

  She giggled. “Not normally, but I told you I was turning over a new leaf.” His eyes narrowed. Pressing her mouth close to his neck, she couldn’t resist nipping the salty skin.

  A hand cradled the back of her head. “Stop it. You’re driving me crazy.”

  She smiled against his skin. Licking away the sting, she gave him one last touch of her teeth. His hand tightened in her hair. She pushed as far as she dared. “Ah, you’re ruining my fun.”

  “Fun?” The low hiss made her smile.


  “Yes.” She lifted her mouth from his throat, smiling at the sight of the hickey she left on his dark skin. “If Dawson is watching, I’ll bet he looks like he swallowed a lemon.” She paused. “Or that someone told him that football season has been cancelled.”

  * * * * *

  The need to both groan and laugh shook Noah’s large frame. His little minx had a sense of humor while her soft lips against his skin were driving him insane. Focusing his attention on Dawson, he noticed Jenna was right. The pursed look on the man’s face was definitely reminiscent of someone sucking on something sour. Evidently, the idea that he hadn’t been able to chase Jenna away in tears wasn’t setting well.

  Pressing his hand against her waist, he hoped his touch would still her movements but it didn’t. Speaking of sitting well, if the little vixen on my lap doesn’t sit still, Dawson and the rest of the wedding party are going to get an eyeful when I bend her over the table and fuck her. She giggled as if she knew his thoughts before turning sideways across his lap. Wrapping an arm around his shoulder, she struck up a conversation with Seth, another one of the groomsmen. He tightened his fingers over her hip when she shifted again.

  “Tease.” The complaint tickled her ear.

  Her eyes widened in mock disbelief even as she drew a sharp breath. “Who me? I’m just trying to get comfortable, Noah. Should I move? I know I’m heavy.” She nibbled on her lower lip again. The brief flair of uncertainty that he saw in her eyes, tugged at his heartstrings. Not once today had he seen it. Even though he barely knew her, he found that it bothered him. She was a loud and vivacious woman, not this timid mouse she was showing him at the moment. Her avoidance at looking at him, made him think that a man was responsible for it.

  “Nonsense.” He trailed a finger down her arm. Looking over at Dawson he locked stares with him. “I’m a big man. It’s going to be a pleasure not to worry about crushing the woman who’s under me.” He pressed a kiss against the tip of her ear, then whispered, “Next time some man makes a snide comment about your weight, I want you to remember there is absolutely nothing wrong with your body. Not all men want a stick woman in their beds. They want a soft sexy body to rub against.” He gave her thigh a gentle squeeze under the table.

  She nodded. HHe pressed a kiss to her exposed shoulder before turning his attention back to his conversation with Jenna’s father. The smug look he gave Noah was a relief. Thank God her father is on the same side as me. Otherwise, I might end up on the wrong end of those fists for the spectacle we’re creating. His relief fled when her mother glared at him. The mother obviously wasn’t going to be supportive as father was. She leaned over to whisper to the woman next to her. Jenna stiffened a bit against his arm when she noticed. If he hadn’t been so aware of her, he’d have probably missed it.

  The woman sitting next to her mother fell silent under his glare. Damn old biddies have nothing better to do. A satisfaction filled him when the woman finally looked away. A quick glance around the room assured him that all had returned to their meals, except for Dawson. Jealous bastard, but his loss is my gain. She’s mine, at least for the rest of my vacation. The hard set of Dawson’s mouth and crossed arms said it all. The little prick was pissed.

  * * * * *

  Jenna and Noah followed the rest of the wedding party and guests to watch Bradley and Angelica take their first dance as husband and wife. The softly swelling chords of a country ballad filled the air. Bradley whisked his wife onto the dance floor. Snuggled close to Noah’s side, Jenna took comfort in his presence. Despite not being able to see Dawson in the crush of bodies, she could feel his disapproval. It gave her an illicit thrill knowing Noah’s small public displays of affection ruined Dawson’s night.

  Everyone clapped when the song ended. Her nerves jumped as the band leader asked the wedding party to join the married couple on the floor. It was time for the Salsa she’d promised Noah. Her stomach fluttered. Dear Lord, don’t let me fall on my face. Or step on his foot. Classes or not, her body felt electrified with nerves.

  Noah’s hand touched the small of her back. “One dance, then we’re out of here, Jenna.”

  Letting him guide her onto the dance floor, her knees nearly buckled when their eyes met. Every promise he’d made was there to be seen. His hands slid down and over her hips. Anticipation had her feeling light headed. Cool air brushed her legs as he rearranged her skirt. Drawing in a deep breath, she placed her hand in his proffered one and rested her other on his shoulder. Under her fingers, the muscle jumped. Gazing into his eyes, she took a deep breath. “Are you sure? I can’t promise to not step on your toes.”

  He leaned close. “I’ll risk it.” The lights dimmed. A low and a sultry Latin beat washed over her. The deep throbbing timbre had her heart pounding. Noah kept his eyes on hers as he guided her through the opening steps of the Salsa. At the first brush of his hard thigh against her, a low moan built in her throat. The pounding rhythm of the dance increased. He jerked her closer to execute the tradition Cuban roll. Their hips brushed. Her moan of pleasure burst free. His eyes darkened to a midnight blue. Lips firming, his arms tightened until she felt every swell of hardened muscle against her. Pleasure built to unbearable level. The music reached its crescendo. Her body arched towards his. Unbelievably she trembled on the edge of an orgasm. The last notes of the song faded away. He held her in the final position and on razor edge of completion. She whimpered and dug her fingers into his shoulders. His wicked smile nearly pushed her over. Then house lights came up. He growled before slowly releasing her. Her chest heaving and cheeks warm from exertion, Jenna found herself dragged off the floor.

  “Let's go. I can’t wait any longer. Shit, I’m as anxious as Liam.”

  Confusion warred with her desire. Liam? “Who?”

  He tightened his hand on hers. “A pain in the ass kid I know.” He shook his head. “Never mind. It’s not important. If I’m not inside of you in the next twenty minutes, I may go stark raving mad.”

  Her body trembled. Her nipples grew harder, her pussy ached with unfulfilled need and she found herself praying. Dear Lord, please let him be at the Crown Plaza. I can’t wait long enough to drive clear out to the Westside.

  Chapter Three

  “Pull over here.” The dark need in Noah’s voice had her pulling into the twenty-four hour drug store. He brushed a kiss over her lips. “I didn’t come prepared for you, sweetheart. I’m clean, but neither of us needs a permanent reminder of my vacation. I’ll be right back.” He hopped out of the SUV. The door slammed behind him, masking the sound of Jenna’s head hitting the steering wheel. Oh my God. Could he be any more perfect? What change from Dawson who expected me to take care of the birth control! But he’d better hurry up or our first time will be in the backseat of my SUV.

  She watched the neon numbers on the clock creep by slowly. Ten minutes later, he was back. In his hand was a brown paper bag.

  “Ribbed, okay?”

  She groaned. “Heaven help me. Just get in here, so we can go.”

  A grin crossed his face. “Impatient aren’t we?” His hand slid behind her neck. “Don’t worry you can’t be as impatient as me. It’s been a long dry spell for me. I just hope I last long enough to feel your tight little pussy come around me. I’m so damn horny I may end up taking you against the door.” His fingers brushed her ear. “I hope you’re ready, sweetheart.”

  She nodded before pulling out.

  By the time they reached the hotel, she was nothing more than a quivering mass of need. She tried to act casually as she followed him through the lobby and into the elevator. As soon as the doors closed she moved closer to him. It was all she could do not to attack him. Her desire grew as she remembered the teasing touches. Glancing up at the numbers flashing as the elevator climbed, she moved closer to him.

  “What floor did you say you were on?”

  “Fourteenth.”

  A low hiss passed her lips. Unbelievable. I can’t wait. I’m going to rape him right here. She reached out to
touch him but just before her hand met the fabric of his dress shirt he stepped away. His soft “Don’t”, caused her to drop her arm back to her side. Uncertain, she tried to still her thumping heart. Something must have shown on her face because his voice hardened. “If you touch me, I’ll fuck you right here in the elevator, and damn the consequences.”

  She pouted, wanting to protest. She opened her mouth but was shut it when the doors opened two floors below his. When an older couple joined them, she realized he’d been right. I can only imagine what they would’ve thought if they found us fucking against the wall. The image of her being pressed against the cold elevator wall, her skirt hiked up around her hips while he pounded against her still fully clothed body had her whimpering.

  “Are you okay, dear?” The elderly lady had a concerned look on her face. It took all of her willpower not to blush when Noah’s eyes met hers. The knowing glint in them was part amused and part heated desire. It wasn’t fair, she mentally moaned, that he can stand there looking unaffected while I’m ready to explode.

  He looked casual in his tuxedo pants with rolled-up dress shirt sleeves. With his elegant jacket draped over one arm, Noah didn’t look like he was on the verge of raping her. He’s even hiding that damn paper sack. When the woman asked the question again, this time Jenna did blush.

  “Oh, I’m fine other than sore feet.” She tore her gaze away from Noah. “I don’t know about you, but after standing for hours, I’m ready to get out of these heels.” That and more.

  The woman chuckled. “I know the feeling. The man that invented high heels must’ve been a sadist.”

  Nodding, Jenna wondered if the elevator was ever going to get to Noah’s floor. She was close to saying screw it and plastering her body against his. Finally the elevator slowed. The doors slid open and Noah stepped off the elevator. As he turned to wait for her, Jenna got the vague impression that this would be the turning point of her life. Pushing aside the wayward thought when he smiled at her, she stepped out of the elevator just before the doors closed. Whatever she done to earn the chance to have this man fuck her, she wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth! She might not be every man’s dream woman but she wasn’t stupid. Men like Noah only came along once a lifetime.