AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She leaned in to inhale the hint of cologne and the outdoorsy male scent wafting from him.Oh my. Hot and smells good too.
He bent his head to her ear. “Did you just smell me?”
She tried to stifle a giggle but failed as she drew back to look into his eyes. “Was I too subtle?” Her mischievous smile daring him to object, she stuck her nose in the dip between his pecs, sniffed loudly, and broke up with laughter.
His chest rumbled as he chuckled and pulled her in closer. “You’re a breath of fresh air,” he said into her hair before dropping a kiss on her temple.
Jordan sighed and laid her head beneath his chin, sinking into the warmth and safety he offered like a shield as the music closed out the rest of the bar. How long had it been since anyone had made her feel special?Kevin. Junior year. We dated almost three months before his parents insisted he dump me. Being near-white wasn’t white enough for the mayor’s son.Now, she was dancing with a guy whose mother would no doubt think she wastoowhite. She tensed, but immediately Travis’s arm tightened around her, holding her in place until she relaxed against him again.
When the number ended, she pulled away regretfully. Travis held her hand as she weaved through the crowd toward her table. As she settled in her chair, she reached for her drink, and Travis, sitting beside her this time, took it and moved it to the other side of him.
She glared. “Um...what—?”
“In a joint like this, never drink from a glass left unattended.” He frowned. “Now, shall we go somewhere else and get something to eat, or would you rather order here?”
“Right, food.” Good idea, but it still stung that he’d taken her drink. “You haven’t known me nearly long enough to think you can manage me.”Why am I being so argumentative when I know he’s right?
“Managing you? Is that what I’m doing? I thought I would stick around for a while and make sure you get home safely.”
“Going home is probably not a bad idea.” She jabbed a finger into his chest. “But you don’t need to worry about me. I came with my friends, and they’ll take me home.”
“You sure about that?” He nodded toward the dance floor, where Liz was obviously too drunk to be on her feet.
“Oh, I see your point.”
“Stay put. I’ll be right back.” He jumped up and strode toward Liz.
“Wait. What are you doing?” Jordan pulled herself to standing and wobbled there for a second before resuming her seat.Wow! That last margarita hit me hard.She watched as Travis spoke with Liz, surprised when her friend handed over her car keys without argument.Well, isn’t he just a silver-tongued devil?Or does his size intimidate Liz? What is he? Six four or five?And with a body to die for.
He dangled the keys with a jingle as he approached Jordan. “Liz promised to get a cab or Uber for her and Katie. I told her I’d make sure you get home okay. She gave us her blessing but threatened to kill me if anything happens to you.” He tucked the keys into his front pocket and slouched in his chair. “Now, what am I going to do with you?”
Jordan huffed a laugh. “Yeah, that doesn’t sound diabolical or anything. How do I knowyoudidn’t put something in my margarita?”
“Well, I probably would have let you finish it if I had.”
She threaded her fingers together. “Another good point. You’re pretty good at this.”
Travis laughed and got to his feet. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her up. “Okay, come on, I’m taking you home.”
Man, he’s hot.Jordan pulled back and gave him what she hoped was a sexy smile with her attempt at a southern accent. “Why, Mr. Monroe, you, sir, don’t know where I live.” Judging by the lust that darkened his eyes, she must have done all right. If she had a parasol, she’d twirl it for good measure.
He wrapped his arm around her waist and, with sheer strength, got her moving. “The way I see it, you can tell me where you live...or I can take you home with me.”
“Sir, you are no gentleman.” Jordan tried to look stern but ended with an annoying giggle until she caught his expression, rife with naked desire.
He took a deep breath as they exited the smoky bar into the crisp night air. “Jordan, you have no idea how hard I’m trying to be a gentleman right now or how crazy you’re making me.”
What does that even mean?She must be exhausted. Her brain wasn’t keeping up with the conversation. Why was he trying to be gentlemanly when all she could think about was kissing his lips? And what the hell was going on with her, anyway? Maybe someonediddrug her margarita. Why else would she be flirting shamelessly with a man she barely knew? She never did that and would never consider a one-night stand. But she was tonight.God, I’m pathetic. And horny.Another giggle escaped.
Travis walked her to a green Ford pickup, opened the passenger door, and lifted her into the raised cab despite her squeal of protest. Without a word, he latched her seatbelt before closing the door and striding to the driver’s side.
Acting on impulse, Jordan unlatched her seatbelt and hovered over the console, waiting for him to climb behind the wheel. The knowledge that he desired her lent an illusion of power, wreaking havoc with her ingrained inhibitions. Or was it the alcohol? Did it matter?
She had to touch his impressive chest, causing the air to hiss between his teeth as he grabbed her wrist. With her brain taking a few seconds to catch up, his reaction didn’t stop her from stretching to kiss the corner of his mouth.
“Damn it, Jordan!”
She drew back, startled by his harsh response, but it was too late when she recognized the warning in his eyes.
