Her Way

by Jessica Jarman

  “Hi, Will, have a seat.” God, was that her voice, all breathless? Her face heated and she took a quick swig of the beer in front of her.

  “Good to see you again, Will,” Lynn said, sliding to the chair next to her, leaving the one next to Emma vacant.

  Will sat down and glanced around the table. Lynn and Hannah he knew. The woman sitting between them didn’t look familiar though. His gaze settled on Emma. Her face was slightly flushed and she met his eyes briefly before looking quickly away. She was the reason he’d come over. Sure, he didn’t mind saying hi to his old schoolmates, but they hadn’t been good friends or anything. No, this little brunette intrigued him. A lot. He couldn’t quite figure out why, but he was looking forward to finding out. He smiled at the other women briefly.

  “Hannah, Lynn, it’s been a while.”

  “I’m Ana,” the other woman said, reaching over the table to shake his hand. “And you met Emma up at the bar, of course.”

  “Nice to meet you.” He had to raise his voice to be heard as the band started playing. “You all having a good time?”

  Emma’s three friends all chimed up in the affirmative, but Emma remained silent, staring at the tabletop. Was she suddenly shy around him? He couldn’t think of anything Hannah or Lynn could’ve said that would make her uninterested in him. He leaned over until his mouth was near her ear and rested a hand between her shoulder blades.

  “Everything okay? You don’t mind that I came over, do you?”

  She turned, her face now a mere breath from his. “No, of course not. Everything’s fine. I’m glad you came over. Really glad.”

  “Me, too.” He leaned back, but kept his hand right where it was.

  “Well, I’m going to go find a dance partner.”

  Ana jumped up and gave Emma a pointed look. He wondered what that was about as she danced away from the table. Glancing back at Emma, he saw she looked slightly uncomfortable, her teeth biting down on her plump bottom lip. He wasn’t the only one who noticed.

  “You okay?” Lynn shouted over the music.

  Emma’s tongue darted out to wet her lips before speaking. Will’s cock twitched in response. He found himself wondering what she would taste like. Her lips, her skin.

  “I’m fine.” She turned to him and blurted out, “You wanna dance?”

  Surprise and pleasure filled him. “Yeah.” Standing, he pulled her to her feet and led her to the dance floor. He glanced back to see the two women sitting at the table grin at each other.

  Emma put her hands on his shoulders and moved close to him. He slid his hands around to rest on her lower back, her waist length curls brushing against them. She swayed her hips in time to the music and looked at him from beneath her lashes.

  “I should warn you, I’m not the best dancer.” She rose up on her tiptoes as she spoke, her breasts trailing up his chest.

  He bit back a groan as his cock strained against his pants. Tightening his hold on her, he pulled her harder against him. “You’re doing just fine, sweetheart.”

  “Hmmm. Good.” She laid her head against his chest.

  They moved to the music, not speaking for several minutes. He noticed his sister watching them from the small stage, brow lifted as she played. Well, word would spread through the family that he’d been out with a woman. He loved his family, but no secrets were sacred with that bunch.

  Will closed his eyes, focusing on the woman in his arms. God, she felt good. Fit against him perfectly. He ran his hands up and down her back, finally coming to rest just above the curve of her ass. He resisted the urge to cup it and pull her full against his erection. She was obviously quite shy, and he didn’t want to frighten her away.

  Emma tilted her head, breath fanned against his neck. She sniffed loudly before announcing, “You smell really good, Will. I could just smell you all night long.”

  He chuckled and leaned back a bit to see her face. Her dark brown eyes looked sleepy, half closed, and a sweet smile kissed her lips.

  “Are you drunk, Miss Emma?” he teased.

  She pulled at her lip again with her teeth as she seemed to consider his question. She then held her hand up, her finger and thumb close together. “Just a little, I think.”

  “Ah, I see.” He pulled her back fully into his embrace.

  “But I don’t think that would affect my sense of smell.” Her voice was muffled, her lips pressed against his front.

  “I’m sure it doesn’t. Thank you. You smell pretty damned good yourself.”

  She sighed happily and rubbed her cheek against his chest. They kept moving even as the song ended and the next one began. Kept swaying slowly although hard, fast music surrounded them.

  When he felt her leaning heavily on him, he slid his hand up to cup her face and pulled back to look at her. “Sweetheart, do you want to go sit down?”

  “Okay,” she agreed.

  He kept her close to him, his arm around her shoulders, as they made their way back to the table.

  “Have fun?” Lynn asked when they sat down.

  “Yeah,” Emma said, her soft voice barely traveling across the table.

  Hannah laughed. “You getting sleepy, drunk Emma?”

  “Hmmm,” was all she murmured as she rested her chin on one hand. The other hand lay on Will’s knee.

  “She’s not a rowdy drunk,” Lynn informed him. “She just gets sleepy.”

  “Did you drive?” he asked Emma.

  She shook her head. “Took a cab. Hannah’s driving us all home, I think.”

  Will looked back at the dance floor where Ana held court with several men then back at Lynn and Hannah. “If you guys aren’t ready to leave, I can drive Emma home. I don’t think she’s gonna last much longer. I promise to get her home safely, and she can call you when I drop her off,” he suggested.

  “I’m ready whenever…ow!” Hannah glared at Lynn, who blinked at her innocently.

  “That’d be really nice of you, Will. We’re not quite ready to go and obviously Ana’s not.” Lynn smiled at him. She grabbed a napkin and pulled a pen from her purse. “Let me write you directions.”

  “Emma? Is that okay with you? If I bring you home?”

  She tilted her head toward him. “Yep. Oh, you’ll get to see my new house. I just moved it. It’s all mine.” She rubbed her hand up and down his thigh.

  He fought the urge to shift as his cock rose to the attention. “Cool.” Taking the napkin from Lynn, he said his goodbyes and helped Emma to her feet.

  They left the bar and made their way to his truck. He opened the door for her and couldn’t contain his laughter as she tried to get in. Her feet kept slipping before she could boost herself in.

  “Come here, sweetheart.” He turned her around and, hands on her waist, lifted her into the seat. Making sure all limbs were inside, he closed the door and circled the front of the truck.

  After getting in, he turned the key in the ignition and looked over at her. She had her head turned toward him, resting against the seat. He leaned over and pulled the seatbelt around her.

  She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “Whoopsie. I missed.” She reached up, grasped his cheeks and pulled until her lips met his.

  Will slid the belt into place with a click and focused his attention on the kiss. Emma tentatively touched the tip of her tongue to his lips. Oh yeah, he thought and parted his lips, his tongue slipping forward to dance with hers. The sweet moistness of her mouth had him squirming as his already hard cock fought against the confines of his pants. Reluctantly, he pulled away. He kissed her lightly on the nose.

  “Let’s get you home.”

  Emma sighed and let her hands fall from his face into lap. “Okay, Will. Do you know the way?”

  “Lynn gave me directions.” He grabbed the napkin he had dropped on the seat between them. “Relax, sweetheart, we’ll be there soon.”

  Her house was only ten minutes out of town, and they were quiet for the duration of the drive. Will pulled into her driveway, turned
the car off and glanced over at his passenger. She gave all the appearance of sleeping, eyes closed, lips slightly parted, her breathing even.

  He hopped out and went to the other side of the truck. Unbuckling her, he gave her a gentle nudge. “Emma, we’re here. You ready to go in?”

  Her eyes slid open and she stared at him a moment before straightening. “Already? Wow, you’re a fast driver.” She grabbed her purse from next to her and he helped her out.

  He walked her to the front door and watched, amused, for a moment as she tried to unlock the door.

  “Here, let me.” After unlocking the door, he dropped the key into her purse and opened the door. “There you go. Sleep well, Emma. Remember to lock back up, and call your friends”

  She turned toward him. “You’re not coming in?”

  Hell yeah, he thought before his manners kicked in. He couldn’t take advantage of her when she was drunk. It went against everything in him. “Emma—”

  “C’mon.” She pulled him inside and closed the door. Leaning on him slightly, she kicked her shoes off and to the side. “Isn’t this house great? Let me give you the tour.”

  “Call your friends,” he repeated.

  With a sigh, she dug through her purse and pulled her phone out. After dialing, she held the phone to her ear and tapped her foot.

  “Hey, Lynn, I’m home now. Bye.” She snapped the phone shut and grinned at him. “Done. Now, the tour.”

  She pulled him from room to room; most of them empty, talking a mile a minute. He let her lead him up the stairs and eventually into her bedroom.

  “Here.” She yanked his hand until they were next to the huge bed. “Sit here. I have to change.” She dropped her phone and purse on the bedside table then pushed his chest.

  Dumbly, he sat with a bounce on the mattress. He watched as she went to the dresser and pulled some clothes out. With a frustrated sigh, he shifted to alleviate the pressure on his erection. He’d wait until she came back from changing then he’d leave. He’d explain that while he couldn’t stay now, he’d love to see her again.

  She stood at her dresser, her back to him, for several minutes, unmoving. He opened his mouth to ask her if everything was alright, but she moved then. Shoving the clothing back into the drawer, she turned and looked at him, bottom lip caught between her teeth. Her chest rose and fell jerkily as she inhaled deeply, then she strode across the room until she stood in front of him.

  “Emma, I should go. You need to sleep.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t want you to go,” she said quietly, but firmly.

  Grasping his shoulders, she pushed until he rested against the mound of pillows. She leaned over and circled her arms around his legs and pulled them up onto the mattress.

  “There. That’s better. You know, Ana was right.” She nodded emphatically as she climbed beside him.

  “Really? About what?” he managed to croak as she began to unbutton his shirt.

  “I need to get laid. I’m glad I found you tonight, Will. ‘Cause, as Ana says, I’m picky.” She unbuttoned the last button and spread the shirt open to expose his chest.

  Oh fuck. How the hell was he supposed to respond to that? “Um, Emma, we really shouldn’t. You’ve had a bit to drink and you’re not thinking clearly.”

  She sat back on her heels and stared at him, tears in her eyes. “You don’t want me? Of course you don’t. You’re just a nice guy who gave a girl a ride home. God, I’m so stupid. I’m so sorry, Will. I don’t know what—”

  Will cut her off by grabbing her around the waist and hauling her up his body. He took her mouth with his. There was nothing gentle about this kiss. He swept his tongue past her lips and tasted her again. He cupped her ass and pulled her hard against his cock before releasing her mouth.

  “I want you, Emma. Don’t doubt that. But I don’t want to do something you’ll regret in the morning, or worse, not even remember.”

  She stared at him with wide brown eyes. “I don’t think I can forget that.” She shifted and laid her head against his bare chest, her cheek cool against his skin. “Okay, you won’t stay, but don’t leave just yet, Will. I don’t want to be alone.”

  Chapter Two

  Thump. Thump. Thump.

  With a groan, Emma rolled from her stomach to her back. God, she had the mother of all headaches. Note to self—don’t overindulge ever again.

  Thump. Thump. Thump.

  What the hell was that? Who on earth would be at her door at… What time was it anyway? One hand to her head, she sat up and squinted at the clock. Shit. It was after eleven. Her friends were there to pick her up. And ready to bust the door down by the sound of things.

  Emma took a deep breath, got out of bed and looked down at herself. God, she hadn’t even taken the time to change when she got home last night. She shook her head. She’d have to tell them to go on ahead of her so she could shower. They wouldn’t want to wait—once Ana had shopping on the brain, there wasn’t an ounce of patience in her. Groggily, Emma headed to the stairs, hand to her aching head. At least they’d stopped banging on the door. She made it to the third step before she stopped, stunned at the scene before her.

  Oh. My. God. It was Will. From last night. Standing inside her foyer with his back to her. He was barefoot in those yummy pants, and even from this angle, she could see his white shirt was unbuttoned and hanging open. What was he doing here? Had he spent the night? She closed her eyes in disgust.

  Obviously he had, otherwise he wouldn’t be answering her door like that.

  “Who the fuck are you, and where the hell is my sister?”

  She groaned inwardly. Her older—and very overprotective—brother, Mark. Lovely. Just freakin’ lovely.

  “Emma’s sleeping.”

  Just the sound of Will’s deep voice set her clit to twitching. Which was highly inappropriate, she was certain, considering the situation.

  “That doesn’t answer the first question, buddy. Who the hell are you?”

  Emma hurried down the rest of the stairs and over to stand next to Will.

  Mark wasn’t alone. Matt was with him, leaning against the doorframe, looking mighty entertained with the whole situation.

  Embarrassment heated her neck and face—and began to flame when she saw her nieces standing behind Mark. They peeked around their dad’s legs and smiled at her.

  “G’morning. What’s going on?” She forced herself to look her older brother full in the face.

  “Who is this, Emma Rose?”

  Oh great, he was double-naming her. Emma placed her hand on Will’s arm and moved closer, still too chicken shit to look at him.

  “This is a friend of mine. And you’re acting like a jerk.”

  “Does your ‘friend’ have a name?” he sneered.

  Matt chose that moment to straighten, take a step forward and offer his hand to Will. “I’m Matt and this is Mark. Obviously, we’re Emma’s brothers.”

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Will…Emma’s friend.”

  She chanced a look at him and saw his amused smile. He reached up and patted the hand that clutched his arm.

  Stop it, she mentally ordered her clit. I will not orgasm in front of my brothers because of a look and a hot voice!

  She noticed movement by the street and tilted her head to get a better look. Oh and it just kept getting better and better. Hannah, Ana and Lynn were strolling up her walk, pissed off looks on each of their faces. Emma knew it was because of her brothers’ presence.

  “Well, well, what have we…” Lynn trailed off as she stepped up beside Matt and saw Will standing next to Emma. “Hey, Will. Fancy meeting you here.”

  “Morning, ladies.” He grinned at her friends then down at her. Damn him, he was enjoying this!

  “I take it you’re not ready for shopping?” Laughter tinged Ana’s voice.

  “Not yet,” she murmured. “I just ne—”

  “Look, Em, I need a favor,” Mark interrupted. “Jeannette is at an appointment and is run
ning late. Accident on the freeway. Matt and I are supposed to meet clients. I need you to watch the girls.”

  Emma slid her eyes shut and took a deep breath. God, she really didn’t want to deal with babysitting. She wanted to find out what the hell happened last night.

  Lynn snorted. “Call your clients and tell them you’re running behind. Emma has plans.”

  “Butt out.” Mark barely spared her a glance, and Emma saw Matt grab Lynn’s arm, keeping her from going after their brother.

  “I did have plans today,” she pointed out.

  “It’s just for an hour. Two, tops. Please, Em. This is really important.”

  Damn it. She looked at her friends and realized from the disappointment etched on their faces, they knew she’d already given in.

  “Why don’t I meet you guys at Luigi’s for lunch? Say around one-thirty? You can do the shoe and purse shopping first. You know I hate that part. Please?”

  “Make it Kincaid’s Place and you’re on. One-thirty. I have my cell if you need anything.” Hannah smiled and looked at the other two. “C’mon, let’s go.”

  Lynn yanked her arm out of Matt’s grip and glared at him. “If you still think your family doesn’t take advantage of her, you’re so not worth it.” She turned on her heel and followed Ana and Hannah to the car.

  “God, what a bitch,” Mark bit out.

  “Hey!” Emma narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t you dare talk like that about my friends. And the girls are right here!”

  “Fine, fine. You have Jeannette’s cell number, right?” He waited for her to nod then crouched down to talk to the girls. “Mommy’ll be here to pick you up in a little bit. Be good for Auntie Emma and I’ll see you tonight. Okay?”

  Both girls nodded and raced to Emma’s side, each wrapping their arms around one of her legs.

  “Thanks, Em. I’ll talk to you soon.” He headed down the walk to his car.

  Matt lingered a moment, looking at her curiously, then followed Mark.

  Will pulled away and shut the front door. He leaned back against it, arms crossed over his chest.

  “Well, that was interesting,” he drawled. “Should we expect your father any time soon?”