Taylor acknowledged the woman superglued to his arm. As the two friends said their goodbyes, her mindwandered.
Though she’d never had a one-night stand, she wouldn’t let this opportunity pass her by. Jagger was different from the men she’d dated. He oozed worldly sophistication and an abundance of confidence. He was fascinating and attentive, and flat-out gorgeous. Plus, she got the impression he wasn’t even from around here, so she didn’t have to worry about seeing him again.What would Ravendo?
Raven would take full advantage of this situation. Raven, the veterinarian, didn’t even have a last name and she’d keep it that way. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.One evening of bold choices and noregrets.
But someone should know, so she pulled her phone from her clutch and texted Melissa. “I’m staying in Jagger’s suite. I’ll text you in the morning so you know I’malive.”
Tiny dots appeared. “Have fun! That’s anorder!”
No regrets.She slipped her phone back into herpurse.
The two men clasped hands. “Great to see you,” Jagger said to Maverick before addressing the woman still clutching his friend’s arm. “Let me know when you’re headed west and I’ll roll out the redcarpet.”
The woman smiled. “Everything about your resorts are red carpet, but I appreciate theinvitation.”
Resorts? Taylor glanced athim.
“Congrats on tonight, Raven.” Maverick winked at Jagger before heading out, the fawning blonde intow.
Alone with Jagger. The air turned electric. When she redirected her attention, he pierced her with a heated gaze. Energy whizzed throughher.
All of him taking in all of her solidified her decision. She couldn’t wait to get him naked and run her hands over every sexy inch of him. Knowing her identity was safe behind a fictitious character—one with no past, no present, and no future—bolstered her confidence. Raven had one night and Taylor was going to take full advantage of it…and of him. Her insides vibrated with an ache that had her pressing her thighstogether.
Knock.Knock.
“Unbelievable,” he said. Rather than leaving Taylor in the dining room, Jagger held her hand. “Something tells me you’re a flight risk.” She laughed. “I’d handcuff you to me if I had apair.”
Ohmygod.I would lovethat.
He walked with purpose toward the door, Taylor floating alongside. Did her feet even touch the floor? Her hand fit snugly in his. Did he realize that he was stroking her skin with his thumb? Was that also part of the Jagger Loving charm? Did all the ladies receive this smooth treatment? If he was anything like his friend, he was a major player. But Raven didn’t care about any of that. Raven only cared about Raven and everything she’d never experienced. One night of wild passion with a sexystranger.
Jagger opened thedoor.
Room service. The attendants followed them into thesuite.
“Please leave any food that doesn’t need refrigeration. Take the alcohol. We’ll keep the sparklingwater.”
Was he one of those people who spoke in the plural or had he purposefully included the “we” for her benefit? She’d become hypersensitive to his every move, his every word. And every time he looked in her direction, which he was doing again, she couldn’t help but stare back. Who wouldn’t? He was flawless, gorgeous, and sublimely sexy. And about to get fucked. Bigtime.
Only one question remained. Could Taylor play by Raven’s carefreerules?
4
The Decision
Jagger’s attractionto Raven was off the charts. When she’d strolled into his suite, he knew he had to have her. She was strikingly gorgeous. Her ocean blue eyes hypnotized him. Her beautiful smile sent him rocketing to the moon. One minute she oozed confidence, the next, she seemed completely unsure, to the point of being downrighttimid.
And that’s when he wanted to comfort her. Her sweet nature drew him in and kept him rooted by herside.
Before she’d arrived, he’d made a point to speak with every guest. Sure, he rushed things a bit, but he’d kicked up the charm, offered a warm smile, and a firm handshake. Most clients had been there to check a box or ensure themselves an invitation to Loving Malibu. And he hadn’t disappointed. Everyone had received an engraved invitation for a complimentary two-night stay for two. Jagger may have arrived late to his own party, but his business associates had lefthappy.
The second he’d seen Raven, he couldn’t get to her fast enough. An hour later, they were almost alone. Ten minutes until the hotel staff clearedout.
With his fingers still laced with hers, Jagger returned to the living room. Though he’d continued stroking her skin with his thumb, she’d turned rigid in his grasp. He had to play this right. She hadn’t even given him her phone number. But he was a realist. He had just dropped anchor in California and she lived in the DC area. Even with all the technology at their disposal, nothing replaced human contact. He didn’t want a long-distance relationship. In the long run, it wouldn’t work, especially from the get-go. But he had tonight and he was damn well going to make the most ofit.
Their chemistry was undeniable. He hated looking anywhere but at her. She smelled feminine and flowery. She was sexy as hell, not just physically, but emotionally, too. Part timid, part bold was his hot button. He gestured for her to sit on thesofa.
She remained standing. “So, you’re from out of town.” Disappointment tinged hervoice.
