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That wink.
Memories of being with him among the trees between the river and the Wake rushed forth, along with how safe and protected she had felt. Her fight or flight system eased.
“I think you might have something there,” Julia said softly and smiled at Tarik.
“Wilson, do you mind if I borrow your lovely daughter? Convince her I’m nothing to fear?”
“Why not? She’s single by the way. Rebellious as hell, though, and I apologize in advance for that.”
Tarik glanced at Julia, then narrowed his eyes on her father, cocking his head slightly, as if to understand what Wilson Hayes meant by that.
“Don’t forget the silent auction at nine-thirty. Our goal is to surpass last year’s contributions. I know you’re good for a generous contribution.” Wilson patted Tarik soundly on his broad back.
Julia sipped the champagne to wash the bitter tang from her mouth. Her father was the rudest asshole.
Tarik nodded and turned his attention to her, his hand extending toward the bank of french doors. “Julia? Shall we?”
* * *
Outside, Tarik took her hand and stepped back, his eyes slowly roving over her, from head-to-toe, several times. He whistled softly.
“Love what you do for that dress, woman.”
Unlike her uncle, Tarik’s appraisal didn’t make her feel dirty. She felt appreciated and when she checked out his fly, sure enough, he was hard. Her sex clenched painfully as heady desire roared to life in her blood and pulsed through her.
Her giggle held a husky edge. “I noticed.” Her eyes dropped to his straining arousal and back up to his face.
They were quiet for a few minutes, absorbing the tensions zinging between them.
“I could bust just looking at you.”
“Mm.” She rolled her lips, thinking. She might as well be open. There was little to lose with him this early in the relationship, if that’s what it could be. Out with it. “I have to apologize for my father. For my family.”
“Not necessary and in case you were worried, I won’t lump you in with them.”
A laugh sputtered out of her as she exhaled. “Thank God for that.”
“Let’s catch up. I have questions and I have to believe you do, too. And I want you again.”
“Yes.” The need for intimacy burned in her, spurring her forward as she hung onto his hand, jogging on her tiptoes, struggling to keep up with his long brisk strides.
He stopped abruptly and turned. “Shit. I’m not thinking. I’ll slow down. I’ve no idea how women function in those things.” He looked at her feet. “I appreciate them. They certainly have their place,” he said, suggestively.
“Can you lend me a forearm?”
“Sure.”
She held on, slipping off the high heels. “Okay. I can keep up with you now. Where do you want tocatch up? What are you doing here, Tarik?”
He slowed to a stop, bringing her about to face him.
Desire shuddered through her, again, and he noticed, giving her a wolfish smile.
“I’ll explain in the time we have. Why do we always seem to be on some else’s clock? I can barely think with you in that dress.”
“Would you think better if it was off?”
“Totally, and after we’ve taken care of each other.”
