I pick up my wineglass and take a sip, my gaze never leaving his, wondering if he can read my mind. If he knows how hard I’ve fallen for the man who took me in and looked after me when he hadn’t known me at all. Who made me his priority and sole focus.
Does he know that I’ve fallen in love with him?
I stare back at him, in his dark slacks, black shirt, and suit jacket, a dark, sexy, protector with eyes only for me. But a man who is willing to let me go. I promise myself I’ll make it easy for him, and so I’ll never reveal my feelings. Not in words, anyway.
I’ll hold them tight to my heart, where I’ll always hold him.
I blink, and he’s gone, which means he’s probably making his way downstairs. I shiver in anticipation, suddenly eager to see him.
Touch him.
Kiss him.
He’s been working long hours that are opposite of mine and I’ve spent many hours in his big bed alone. I don’t know how many more I’ll spend in my own apartment with nothing but mymemories to sustain me. After the break-in, we cleaned things up but I haven’t gone home. It is going to feel strange to be there with nothing but my memories of Jason to sustain me.
Without warning, a pair of strong arms slides around my waist and I recognize the scent of his cologne. I sigh in pleasure and lean back against him. “You look so fucking hot I couldn’t take my eyes off you,” he says in my ear.
I turn and find myself in his arms. “You’re looking mighty fine yourself, Mr. Dare.”
He grins in reply, a naughty twinkle in his eye. “I want to take you home and devour you.” His finger dips into my cleavage, outlining the low vee of my dress.
My nipples tighten, and I rub my thighs together, desire for this man alive inside me.
“Would you two get a room?” Tanner mutters from beside us.
Jason chuckles. “Can’t wait for it to be your turn.”
“As if.”
Before either man can utter another word, the sound of tapping on a microphone reverberates around the room, and Landon walks on stage. Dressed similarly to Jason in all black, he holds the microphone in one hand.
“Welcome to Club TEN29.” He raises his hands and a roar of applause comes from the crowd. “We’re thrilled to welcome you all to our grand reopening, featuring Lola Corbin Grissom, of Tangled Royal fame, and Charlotte Jasper!”
The crowd bursts into applause as Landon steps out of the spotlight and the curtains go up, revealing the two superstar singers.
Jason slides his arms around my waist and rests his head on my shoulder. And that’s how we stand together, listening to the most amazing live music ever. These two women are powerhouse talents, and I’m thrilled for Jason that he’s gottenthem to perform. Even Charlotte, who does like to stare at Jason despite the fact that he is firmly with me.
At least for now.
I lean back into him and let myself enjoy the rest of the evening, celebrating in Jason and his partners’ success.
***
Jason
After a triumphantnight, the patrons take their time leaving, but finally the crowds dissipate and the club feels empty. No music blares in the speakers. Lola and Charlotte’s crew are disassembling their equipment. The cleanup team works, sanitizing tables, then putting the chairs up high on the tables so the floors can be cleaned.
In the meantime, family and close friends huddle around the bar, still on a high. Once we are alone with vetted people, I send Renault home. I’ll take Faith with me. Right now, everyone around us only wants the best for each other. For the first time in a long time, I, too, am soaring from the perfection of the night.
I sling an arm around Faith’s shoulders. “You know I have you to thank for tonight’s events.”
She glances up at me, confusion on her pretty face. “How? I don’t recall coming up with the idea to turn this into a live venue for high-end performers.”
“No, but you did inspire me the night we met when you talked about standing out in your own space.”
“I was delivering little baskets to neighborhood businesses, not making a statement in the Manhattan nightclub world.” She waves away my comment as if it means nothing.
“Don’t do that. Don’t belittle what you do. Candy makes people happy.”
