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Mia glanced down at herself. “What do you mean?”
“You look amazing in it.” His gaze now linger
ed on her bare shoulder. “Lots of skin.”
It wouldn’t do to mention she wore no bra. She didn’t really need it, she wasn’t particularly big in that area and it wouldn’t work with the halter style of her dress. One tug on the tie at the base of her neck and she’d be completely exposed. She couldn’t help but envision Jake doing exactly that.
But now she worried. Was it too much? “You don’t think it’s inappropriate, do you? Maybe you should turn around and go back to my place so I can change. I don’t want to look too…you know.” She waved her hand around.
“Cheap?” he offered.
With a nod she wrinkled her nose. “Yes, exactly.”
“You definitely don’t look cheap. Elegant and sexy, absolutely, but cheap? No way.”
“Oh.” Mia didn’t know what to say. He thought she looked elegant and sexy? Hearing him say it suddenly made her feel elegant and sexy.
She liked the way he made her feel. The way he looked at her, paid attention when she talked, the things he said. As if he was totally into her. Oh, she might be projecting a bit since they barely knew each other but he made her feel…wanted.
No man had ever made her feel truly wanted before.
They arrived at Larry’s house mere minutes later. Jake pulled into the curved driveway, maneuvering past the parked cars until he found an empty spot. Too eager to wait any longer, she opened the door. Could hear the sound of music and laughter drifting from the backyard as she slipped out of the truck. Smoothing her skirt out with shaky hands, she reached for the tie at the back of her neck to make sure it was secure. She watched as Jake slid out of the truck, his movements careful, as if he was afraid he might hurt himself and she immediately felt sorry for him. Was he hurting right now? He never complained so she didn’t have a clue.
But he didn’t want her sympathy, he’d never asked for it. She wasn’t about to give it to him for she had a feeling it would make him upset. And right now she needed a happy, agreeable Jake.
Jake, her fake boyfriend.
He went to her, reaching for her arm so that it circled about his. “Ready?”
Breathing deep, she nodded, unable to find her voice. She must’ve looked panicked because he frowned.
“You need to relax,” he murmured, his fingers stroking the inside of her forearm.
His touch sent a scattering of tingles across her skin. Not relaxing her in the least, more like ratcheting up her anxiety big time.
“I’m—nervous,” she admitted, wincing when she heard her jittery voice. She cleared her throat, desperate to get her nerves under control. “I don’t like change. And I’m not that great in a crowd.”
“No.” He drew the word out, a bit of teasing sarcasm in his voice as he slowly shook his head. “I couldn’t tell.”
She was about to chastise him for teasing, but he drew her close, leaning himself against the side of his truck and pulling her along with him so she had no choice but to lean against him. Her free hand rested against his chest, the heat of his skin burning her palm even through the fabric of his shirt and she gazed up at him in confusion.
“What are you doing?” Her voice squeaked as she glanced about the front of the house, hoping like crazy no one saw them. If anyone she worked with caught her in some sort of passionate embrace she’d probably live to regret it.
“Trying to get you to relax.” He released his hold on her hand and placed his hands on her back, his touch assured as he stroked her in a soothing gesture.
“Groping me in front of my boss’s house is not going to relax me,” she protested, trying to squirm out of his embrace. But his hold was too firm. And, she had to admit, it felt really, really good.
“Yeah? Well maybe this will.” And then he leaned in and kissed her.
Damn, the woman made him nervous just watching her. An agitated bundle of nerves, he’d done the only thing he could think of to get her to calm down.
Pull her into his arms and kiss her.
Maybe not the smartest move but Jake wasn’t about to regret it. She fit perfectly in his arms, her body nestled against his, breasts pressed against his chest. Her mouth opened in startled protest as his descended, giving him the perfect opportunity for an opened-mouth kiss. She froze in his arms, eyes wide open. He didn’t let that bother him. No, he coaxed her into the kiss, nibbling on her lips, sliding his tongue into her mouth. Her eyes drifted closed as her body slowly melted into his. Her tongue dabbed out, tangled with his, slick and hot and sweet.
He couldn’t contain the groan as he pulled her closer, his hands wrapped about her hips, pressing their lower bodies together. Just as she had the night before, she felt amazing. She tasted amazing.
And he needed to end this and quick before he did something he might regret. Like haul her skirt up and dive a hand beneath her panties.
