Enough (Falling For A Rose Book 2)

by Stephanie Nicole Norris

  She would be good to win a ticket with a lucky lottery scratch off, let alone be in a relationship with one of the Rose men. Comfortable that she’d shed some light on that train of thought, Claudia could bunker down and ride this wave of situationship until the very end. She was sure when looking back, it would be a mark in her history books she would never forget. And from here on out, she wouldn’t ruin it by speaking too fast. She’d just let it play out.

  Across the table, Jaden sat with his own thoughts. He was under the impression that his simple caresses and show of affection had given Claudia the notion he only wanted to be physical with her. Nothing could be further from the truth. Now he was making it his mission to show her otherwise. No matter how hard it would be to keep his hands to himself. It was true, Claudia was a sexy siren if he’d ever known one and he didn’t think she knew it.

  But if it was one thing Jaden was raised well on, it was showing a woman her worth. Claudia Stevens would know it after he was done and she would never forget it. Jaden pondered on his reasons for pursuing Claudia so intensely. He still wasn’t sure. The attraction between them was compelling, and whenever she wasn’t around, he found himself daydreaming about her.

  It was almost psychotic. He may have to have a conversation with his father about that later. Jaden wasn’t crazy nor did he have a need to be monogamous, but being around Claudia stirred his soul, and he needed to know why. Her silent behavior spoke as if she felt the same way, but her words went another direction. For now, Jaden would enjoy his time with Claudia and work out the kinks later. But first, he was set on showing her the time of her life. An idea came to mind, and a smile spread across his masculine face.

  “Mmmm, what’s that smile all about, Mr. Rose?” Claudia asked.

  “By chance, do you like to dance, Claudia?”

  Chapter Six

  The Lamborghini Coupe pulled into a parking spot, and Jaden cut the growl of the engine. Claudia glanced to the sign that introduced the building.

  “Let’s Move Dance Studio?” Claudia asked, puzzled.

  Jaden’s smile curved into a devilish grin. “Have you ever taken lessons before?”

  Claudia gave off a genuine laugh. “No, I haven’t. We couldn’t afford that sort of thing growing up.”

  “But you wanted to?”

  Claudia poked her lip out in thought, her shoulders bouncing as she mused. “It probably would’ve kept me out of a lot of trouble,” she chuckled.

  Jaden opened his door and jumped out circling the Lamborghini to open Claudia’s door. She slid out gliding into his embrace. They were face to face, she looking into his honey glazed irises.

  “I don’t have on the right clothes for this.”

  Jaden ran an appreciative eye over her thin sequin dress, to the four-inch stiletto’s that boosted her poise. “I’d say, you’re dressed perfectly for this occasion.”

  Claudia blushed and dropped her head. Jaden lifted her chin with a finger. “I love it when you look at me head on. I could get used to staring into the glow of your amber eyes.” He laser gaze traced an outline around her face, “so beautiful.” His hand fell over her ear giving it a gentle caress and tug.

  Claudia blushed again and bit the corner of her lip. “You sure know how to make a woman feel good.”

  “It’s the truth, chérie.” Jaden took a step back and interlaced his fingers with hers. “Come, let’s dance.”

  They strolled to the entrance and entered. The door chimed as they moved through. “I’m surprised they’re still open.”

  “It isn’t that late.”

  Claudia glanced at the time. “It 8:17.”

  “Okay, you got me, I called in a favor.”

  “Un huh, I knew it.”

  “You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”

  They continued to move down the hallway flanked with photographs of famous dancers and ballet stars.

  “No, I’m good. I wanna see what you got.”

  Jaden paused. “What I got? Who said I could dance?”

  Claudia giggled. “Well it was your idea to come here in the first place, so I guess I should’ve asked. Can you dance, Mr. Rose?”

  They stepped into a dance hall surrounded with mirrors on the walls and hardwood floors.

  “Good evening, Jaden, how are you? It’s been a long time.”

  Jaden held a bright smile as the tall, thin Caucasian woman skated to his side to throw her arms around him. Claudia hadn’t missed the informal tone of her greeting, and she wondered just how well the two knew each other.

  Being a gentleman, Jaden threw a lone arm around the woman then slowly pulled away. “Cassie, I’d like you to meet, Claudia Stevens. Claudia this is Cassie Singapore. She’s donated to my mom’s foundation every year since her passing.”

  “How are you?” Claudia asked.

  “I’m good, how are you?”

  “In good hands,” Claudia peeked at Jaden. “For now,” she said repeating what Jaden said earlier.

  “That you are,” Cassie said giving Jaden a wink. “Well the studio is yours for the next hour. I’ve got to go pick up my dog from the babysitter, then I’ll make my rounds and come back to lock up.”

  “How is Kasanova, anyway?” Jaden asked referring to the wiener dog.

  “Better than ever, always eating.”

  They chuckled. “That’s what dogs do most.”

  “You’re right about that”

  “I’ll see you guys in a little bit.”

  “If she’s leaving, who’s going to teach us the dance moves?”

  Jaden strolled to the stereo system with amusement in his eyes. After messing with the dial, a smooth jazz melody played.

  “We’re going to try just a few basic steps,” he said.

  Claudia smirked. “Aaa ha, you’re going to teach me these moves, Mr. Rose?”

  “You sound surprised, chérie.”

  Claudia sauntered deeper into the room and proceeded to take her heels off. “I’ve never known a man who could dance, I mean really dance.”

  “You’ll find that I’m not like most men and you should leave your shoes on. The dance I’m about to teach you works best with the support.”

  Claudia had no doubt he was different than other men, and she wanted to know just how much. Jaden swayed to the music and slowly crossed the room to her. Reaching out, Jaden slid a strong arm around her waist pulling Claudia flush against his chest. With the other hand, he interlocked their fingers.

  “This dance calls for us to be intimate.”

  Claudia’s brows rose.

  “By intimate, I mean close,” Jaden smirked. “Your movements should mirror mine. When we touch, our connection should be as if we’re one. I am an extension of you and vice versa. So wherever I go,” he took a step back, and Claudia moved forward; their thighs causing friction as they stirred. “You go.” He smiled at her ability to learn fast.

  “Like this?” she spoke. Her voice was low just above a whisper.

  Jaden spun her out and tugged her hand, and Claudia twirled back into his embrace. “Just like that,” he confirmed.

  His lips were a breath away from hers, and the temperature in the room warmed. The music continued to serenade them, and Jaden moved in slow steps. Gliding to the right in sync, their bodies caused nerve endings to spark and flutter across one another’s skin.

  “To execute this dance perfectly, confidence must ooze from your body language. Your posture upright,” Jaden said, watching Claudia straighten her shoulders, “your head held high,” he continued. Claudia’s eyes lifted to meet his. It was hard for her to stay that way. Jaden’s undeniable charm made her heart flutter when looking into the depths of his eyes. She could never hold his gaze for long, her head always fell.

  But now in this moment, she followed his instructions wanting to learn something new from him.

  “Yes,” his dark voice beat. “Like that.”

  They moved together, Claudia following his steps. “Keep your chest eleva
ted and spine straight. It helps your core remain strong.”

  Being so close to Jaden with his instructions was driving her libido crazy. Claudia was officially turned on. Hell, she’d been turned on since he pulled to the front of The Garden in his sports car. But this was visceral in a way she’d never thought of intimacy. Her belly flip flopped as her nipples pushed against the firmness of his broad chest. Suddenly, she gained confidence, and this time when Jaden spun Claudia out, her hand went into the air along with her chin.

  When he pulled back, she went gently and charismatic with the grace of a ballroom dancer. Jaden was right; the stilettos boosted her movements. They were ideal for the twirls and quick movements. Jaden stepped forward with a left foot, and Claudia glided back with her right. When Jaden stepped forward with his right, Claudia stepped backward with her left.

  “Yes,” he said. A pleasant smile highlighted his lips. “Now we rock,” he held her, “back and forth.” With his legs apart, Jaden juggled weight from one foot to the other without taking a step, moving them softly to the rhythm.

  “Feel the pace of the song. Sway with it, move with it. The music is also an extension of us both. Like a vine, we move and unravel with it as we also fold and bend to its allure.”

  Claudia had never felt this good while dancing. At most, she’d needed to be intoxicated to get on the dance floor in any club to put her best foot forward and still then she was never as confident as she was now. Gliding with Jaden to this music seemed so normal. And Claudia really felt like an extension of him.

  “You’re a fast learner,” Jaden acknowledged.

  “You’re a fantastic teacher. I like how you take your time with your student. Have you ever thought about making this a profession?”

  Jaden chuckled. “These are only the basics, chérie. I’d have to have a little bit more style to call it a profession.”

  Claudia pressed her lips together. Somehow she knew Jaden was being coy and that he indeed had the style he spoke of.

  “No need to be shy now, you’ve shown your hand.”

  “Have I?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  Claudia giggled and Jaden dipped her with a sway of motion before pulling her back flank against his chest.

  He continued to instruct her, taking two slow steps then rocking side to side. “Step, step, now rock.”

  Claudia was feeling like a professional herself. That was just the self-assurance that exuded from her bones.

  “On the second step, turn out to your side. I’m going to release you. Once I do, make the move your own. I’ll come back to reclaim you, and that’s when the dance gets a bit more intense.”

  Claudia arched a brow. Didn’t he know this dance was already intense? As if reading her thoughts, he spoke. “More.”

  A furnace was the only thing that could describe the temperature of her body at the moment. Claudia inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. Their feet moved, and on the second step, Claudia turned her torso to the side. Simultaneously, Jaden released her and she swiveled to a stop. With her hands, Claudia slid them up the side of her hips while rotating them in a sensual wine as her fingers rode to her breasts.

  Jaden’s gaze darkened and he stalked her with each step; a rhythmic flow in his movements. When he was in arms reach, Claudia held her arms out to him continuing to circle her hips. With ferocity, Jaden pulled her back, and she twirled twice before running into the brick wall that was his chest. With their legs now mixing and mingling, they ground into each other, pelvis to pelvis. Claudia’s heart was slamming against her chest, and she shakily gazed back into Jaden’s golden-brown eyes. Jaden’s barely restrained willpower was hanging on by a thread. His erection was palpable, pushing against his pants with strained fury.

  “How am I doing so far?” Claudia asked now breathless.

  Jaden’s voice was rough and dark when he spoke. “Like you’ve been doing this all your life. Are you sure you haven’t had lessons?”

  Claudia smiled. “I’m certain. I couldn’t forget a dance like this.”

  Jaden tipped his head in agreement.

  “I know you’ve had your fair share of partner’s,” Claudia began.

  He gave her an inquisitive look.

  “Dance partners I mean.”

  “Not as many as you would assume.”

  “Were any of them as intense as this?”

  “Not even close.”

  Claudia registered a smiled and dipped her head. “Somehow I find that hard to believe.”

  “Why is that?” Jaden’s voice saturated her bones, coating her in a trail of chills that seemed to go on forever. Claudia shivered in his arms.

  “With you being anybody’s teacher, a dance like this could only get,” she searched for a word before landing on, “hotter.”

  Dark laughter low and gritty slid from his throat.

  “Are you hot, Claudia?”

  “Hell yes.”

  Jaden laughed again. The timbre of his vocals sending another wave of heat through her. The music faded out, and Claudia pulled apart from him. It was all she could do to keep from melting where she stood. Her panties were drenched and her body awakened. What would she do with this man? Jaden said he wanted to get to know her. But could she be friends with him? Lord knows Claudia was having a hard-enough time as it was in his presence.

  In the past, Claudia and Jaden had been around each other sporadically. No doubt whenever their paths crossed it was intense. But the times apart from him were lengthier. It gave Claudia time to check herself. A man like Jaden Alexander Rose would have her doing things she’d never considered, like dancing in a studio at 8 o’clock at night. With that last thought, Claudia checked the time. It was 9:40.

  “I hate to cut this short, but I need to leave.”

  Jaden strolled to the stereo and turned it off. “Is everything alright?”

  “Yes, it’s just,” Claudia sent her fingers through her hair. She’d spoken briefly about her mom but not in detail.

  Jaden approached her. “What is it?”

  “I have to check on my mother. Sometimes she forgets to take her medicine.”

  “Say no more.”

  Jaden pulled out his cell and made a phone call.

  “Hey, are you done?” Cassie answered.

  “Yes, but I didn’t want to leave the studio open.”

  “There’s a spare key on the table next to the piano.”

  Jaden’s strides took him to the table, sure enough, there was a key there.

  “If you’ll just lock up for me, you can drop the keys off at my place.”

  Jaden thought about her request. At this point he didn’t have a choice. For a moment he wondered if leaving a spare key had been intentional. Years ago, he’d taken Cassie on a date that ended in her bedroom. It was a spur of the moment fluke like so many of his other escapades. However, Jaden had made it known he wasn’t interested in anything more and Cassie acted as if she was fine with that.

  Jaden hoped it wasn’t a mistake to call Cassie, but whatever her intentions, Jaden would be as open and honest as he always was.

  “I’ll see you soon,” he said disconnecting the call. Jaden set his sights on Claudia. “After you.”

  Chapter Seven

  The Lamborghini pulled to valet, and Jaden handed the attendant Claudia’s ticket. Back at The Garden, they sat and waited for her car to be pulled around front.

  Claudia took another hand through her hair. “I had a great time.” Her smile was soft and genuine.

  “So did I. We’ll have to put those newfound skills to use one day.” He grinned.

  A look of trepidation crossed Claudia’s features. “You mean behind closed doors, right?”

  Jaden chuckled. “No, I mean in front of the world.”

  Claudia shook her head. “That’s never happening.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’m not as brave as you, Jaden.”

  “Yes you are.”

&nbs
p; Claudia smiled, her teeth on full display as she shook her head. “No, I’m not,” she giggled.

  “We’ll see.”

  “I guess we will.”

  The valet pulled to a stop next to the Lamborghini.

  “So this means I’ll see you again?” Jaden asked.

  “I would love that.”

  Jaden’s smile was full of relief then he opened the door making his way to her side. He pulled the handle, and the door sprang upwards. Jaden held his hand out, and Claudia accepted it standing to her feet. Once again, Jaden didn’t move, instead holding her hostage inside the warm cocoon of his embrace.

  Claudia went to speak but lost the nerve.

  “What is it?” Jaden asked, his voice smooth and barbaric.

  “Nothing,” she gave a shy grin.

  “Nah, you don’t get to do that.”

  “Do what?”

  “Backtrack.” He detained her with a piercing gaze.

  Claudia’s tongue traced her teeth before she meshed her lips together.

  “Don’t hold back; you’re free to say whatever you want with me.”

  A layer of chills ran the length of her. “The night doesn’t have to end here,” she said. “I just need to check on my mother than we could go…” her voice trailed off, “somewhere else.”

  Jaden knew what Claudia implied, and the bulge in his pants agreed, but his resolve held firm. Claudia had mistaken him for only wanting her between the sheets, and he was determined to show her otherwise.

  Jaden took her hand in his and placed a soft, warm kiss on the back, his eyes never leaving hers. “As much as I would love that, chérie, I think it’s best if we leave the night the way it is.”

  Claudia was feeling foolish again not knowing how to take his rejection. Jaden watched her eyes and saw the disappointment.

  “I have wanted to do this all night though.”

  Jaden’s arms moved up Claudia’s back, his palm gripping her head as he pulled her mouth to his. The kiss was magical. Somewhere between a fairy tale and a dream. Soft lips sealed in a seductive caress that took Claudia to a breathtaking oblivion. Paparazzi jumped out of nowhere, crowding their space. Bulbs of light flashed as Jaden deepened the kiss.