by Brooks, Abby
God, he smells good.
His body felt hard and strong against her curves, the two of them fitting together perfectly. She was pretty damn sure her cheek would feel amazing pressed against his shoulder, which only added to her need to melt into him.
But, common sense prevailed and she resisted the urge to melt. Ignoring everything her body was trying to tell her, she froze and tried to pull away. “Our dance is over.”
“That was only half a dance,” James murmured into her hair. “Give me one more.”
She never stood a chance. He ran his hand up her back, paused at her shoulders, and then let it slide lower than it’d been before, landing right above the curve of her ass. He pressed her hips forward, molding her body to his, and lowered his head until she had no choice but to press her cheek to his chest. He had her all wrapped up, held tight and swaying to the music like they were long-term lovers, not short-term acquaintances.
Ellie knew she should pull away. Put an end to it. He was too drunk to know what he was doing and she’d be a fool to let herself enjoy what was happening as anything more than what it was—James Moore drinking and flirting away his broken heart. His behavior had nothing to do with her and everything to do with the woman he’d lost.
Still, she sighed and relaxed her restrictions on the urge to melt, excited by the way his hands felt as they explored her back. Exhilarated by the way the muscles in his shoulders flexed beneath her hand. Distracted by the way her lower body got all warm and melty and not ashamed to admit she was enjoying the moment. A lot.
When the song ended, James held her close and for a few magical seconds, neither of them moved. She turned her face up to his and found him staring down at her, his mouth so very close to hers.
“You’re very pretty, Ellie,” he said and her name sounded so fricking good in his gravelly baritone. “I’m surprised I never noticed it before.” As his gaze flickered to her lips, she watched his mouth form a smile and suddenly, none of what was happening felt as good as it had moments before.
“You’re drunk, James,” she said, pulling away. “Now, let me take you home so you can sleep it off.”
He staggered a little when she stepped out of his arms. Damn it, Ellie, she thought. Of course you get yourself wrapped up in this guy when he’s so wasted he won’t remember.
“Come on, big boy,” she half-whispered. “Let’s get you home.”
James wrapped an arm around her shoulders and waved to his friends. “Shee ya later!”
Ellie cringed at his slurred words. At his heavy, uneven steps. As soon as they were outside, James started leading her toward the motorcycle he left parked on the street in front of the bar.
“Oh, no,” she said, steering him away from the gleaming crotch rocket. “I can’t even believe you drove that here and let yourself get so drunk. You’re not getting anywhere near that thing.”
“I can’t just leave it here.” James gripped both her shoulders and regarded her with wide eyes. “It’s a Ducati. Imported from Italy. It came on a boat.” He made a little waving motion with his hands and giggled. “It costs more than…well…prolly costs more than half the cars parked in the lot.”
“I’m sure that’s true.” Ellie guided James toward her car—one she was certain was cheaper than the motorcycle. “But if you didn’t want to leave it here, you shouldn’t have brought it. I’m sure it’ll be waiting for you in the morning.”
She poured James into her front seat and his head lolled onto the headrest. He moaned a little as he picked his feet up and put them inside so she could close the door.
Great, she thought. With my luck, he’ll puke all over the inside of my car before I get him home.
It'd cost more to get the interior cleaned than the car was worth.
“Ellie?” James asked as she lowered herself into the driver’s seat.
“Hmmm?” She turned the key in the ignition and maneuvered them onto the street.
“Thanks.” Except it didn’t sound like thanks at all, the word was so mangled by tequila.
“It’s okay, James.” She smiled and turned on the radio.
He swallowed hard and groaned as his eyes slid closed. Ellie rolled down the window and hoped the fresh ocean air would help keep him from throwing up in his lap.
* * *
Ready for more?
One-click FAKING BLISS now!
The Hutton Family Series
Beyond Words
Beyond Love
Beyond Now
Beyond Us
Beyond Dreams
The Moore Family Series
Finding Bliss
Faking Bliss
Instant Bliss
Enemies-to-Bliss
Brookside Romance
Wounded
Inevitably You
This Is Why
Along Comes Trouble
Come Home To Me
Wilde Boys Series with Will Wright
Taking What Is Mine
Claiming What Is Mine
Protecting What Is Mine
Defending What Is Mine
The London Sisters Series
Love Is Crazy (Dakota & Dominic)
Love Is Beautiful (Chelsea & Max)
Love Is Everything (Maya & Hudson)
Immortal Memories
Immortal Memories Part 1
Immortal Memories Part 2
As Wren Williams
Bad, Bad Prince
Woodsman
Website
Facebook
Facebook Fan Group
Instagram
Want to be one of the first to know about new releases, get exclusive content, and exciting giveaways? Sign up for my newsletter by clicking here.
And, as always, feel free to send me an email at: [email protected]