J.J. smiled, that same beautiful smile I remembered from adolescence and the rapid thud of my heart slowed a little.
He wasn't rejecting me. He wanted me as much as I wanted him.
J.J. took my hand and led me toward the back door of the party barn. Neither of us looked around as we snuck out the exit. That corner of the building wasn't as well-lit as the dance floor and the area where the tables were set up for dinner. The shadows hid us well.
As soon as the door shut behind us, J.J. pressed me against the side of the building and kissed me again. It was shorter, but no less affecting, than the first one we shared.
I was breathless when he pulled back this time.
"I have no idea what I'm doing," J.J. said.
I huffed out a light laugh. "Neither do I," I admitted.
I truly didn't. I hadn't planned for this to happen. I never would have dreamed he would kiss me the way he did. That I would feel this way when he touched me.
His hands curved around my waist, molding my body as though he wanted to memorize the shape of it.
"Any thoughts on what we should do next?" he asked.
"I don't know, but it should definitely involve more kissing," I answered.
There was that smile again. Dear God, it could have been used as a weapon. Or a tool to bring about world peace.
"I can do that."
He leaned toward me but stopped when the bar on the exit door creaked as though someone was about to come outside.
"Damn, this isn't much better than the dance floor," he said, shaking his head.
Though it was nine o'clock at night, the rising moon was nearly full. I could make out most of his features, but the pale light cast dark shadows beneath his brow and cheekbones, giving him a slightly sinister look.
I was definitely in trouble though, because that sinister look didn't put me off in the least.
J.J. took a step back. "Having second thoughts?" he asked.
I shook my head and reached for his hand. "No. You?"
"No."
I stared up into his face, and though the shadows hid his eyes, I knew he was looking down at me.
"Come home with me," I murmured.
His fingers tightened around mine. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"I don't care. It's what I want."
For the first time in my life, I didn't care about plans. I wasn't thinking about my goals or the steps I needed to take to reach them.
I wanted instant gratification.
I wanted the chaos.
I wanted Jackson James McClane.
Even if it was just for one night.
2
