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“Thank you for calling me that,” she said as she gazed up at him.
His expression turned quizzical. “If you don’t like ‘Kathryn,’ why not tell them?”
“Trust me, I have.”
Jude’s expression darkened for a moment. Then he offered his arm once more and led her to one of the many ridiculously long tables. Kate hadn’t expected a small, intimate engagement party, but with this massive turnout, they might as well haul out the officiant and have the ceremony right here and now!
True to Charlotte’s word, the entire meal was one of the most decadent Kate had ever experienced. She wondered how Charlotte’s legion of wedding planners would top this at the actual reception.
Jude chatted amiably with everyone in earshot and the pressure on Kate eased again. By the time the copious amounts of toasts rolled around, she was feeling pretty damn good. She sipped her bottomless glass of champagne and basked in the heat Jude emitted, the familiar riveting scent of him. His very existence was highly stimulating. She’d never permitted herself to consider what it’d be like to interact with him socially, but the simple truth was…he fascinated her on every level. And kept the molten sensation humming through her veins.
Especially as he continually leaned in close to whisper something in her ear, causing his shoulder or thigh to brush against hers. Her pulse quickened further as his warm breath caressed her skin and his fingers swept along her nape.
Having Jude next to her was a fabulous distraction, and the evening slipped by almost painlessly, without too much more scrutiny from her family.
The dancing started and Jude’s head bent to hers as he said, “Why don’t we make a brief appearance on the dance floor? Then I’m taking you upstairs.”
Her breath stuck in her throat.
Jude pushed his chair back and stood. He held his hand out to her, a sexily fiendish look on his handsome face.
Kate’s palm slid over his, making her tingle from head to toe. Though she mostly felt it between her legs.
They joined other couples and Jude pulled her into his strong embrace. Kate doubted she’d get her breath back from here on out. Jude skillfully guided her in a slow dance that went on and on. She melded to him, to hell with decorum and propriety. She knew her family’s gazes were on her, but Kate no longer cared. All that registered was Jude expertly leading her and the excitement permeating the air surrounding them.
She wondered if everyone else sensed it. The desire, the anticipation, the fervent need that mounted with every second they spent in each other’s arms.
Kate fully grasped why he’d decided to rent a hotel room—and was damn glad. She wouldn’t survive the drive back to her apartment. It’d feel a million miles away while Jude’s slow-burn approach raised her internal temperature and increased the yearning deep in her core.
His lips grazed her temple and he said, “I need to make you come again, Kate.”
A moan bubbled in her throat. Her arms tightened around his neck.
“You rubbing against me isn’t helping matters,” he told her.
“You’re the one who suggested we dance,” she reminded him.
“I’m about to bite that tempting bottom lip of yours. Or let my hand slip to your ass.”
“Don’t you dare,” she warned. “I’m already odd-man-out at this affair. Let’s not worsen the affliction.”
“Nothing to worry about there. Because we need to leave, Kate.”
She stared up at him. Her stomach flipped at the raw intensity glowing in his eyes.
He whispered, “I’m getting hard.”
Kate’s pulse vibrated against her erogenous zones. “It’s a miracle my knees haven’t given out yet.”
“Definitely need to get you into a bed.” His low tone was devilish…and insistent.
“I believe we’ve spent an acceptable amount of time here,” she conceded.
“Nice to see I’m not the only one eager to get naked.”
“I’m dying to feel you inside me, Jude.” She wasn’t exaggerating.
He groaned. A quiet, though arousing sound that sparked a near-desperation within her.
