by Nana Malone
“Maybe I can convince you.”
What Jessica wanted him to do was go away, but since her date was otherwise engaged… “One dance, and we'll see where that leaves you.”
“Fair enough.”
Blake wasn’t a great dancer, but he wasn't dreadful. Maybe slightly a breath above. As they danced, he tried rubbing his hands down the back of her dress. When she stopped him, he tried to slide them up her side and graze one of her breasts. With one hand, he held her tight against him, and she could feel his erection pressing into her.
“Okay, you know what? I don’t feel like dancing anymore.”
Eli's voice was harsh in her ear just then. “I can’t even leave you alone for a minute without you getting into trouble.”
Jessica’s body instantly warmed as she extricated herself from her dance partner.
Blake stepped forward as if to protest, but Eli stepped into his path. “It's a better idea for you to find a new partner. Trust me.”
There was no way that Eli’s show of teeth could be misconstrued as a smile. As soon as Blake slunk off, Eli dragged Jessica off the dance floor.
“Eli, stop. Would you behave yourself before you cause a scene?”
But he didn’t seem to care, merely kept tugging on her hand, trying various doors down the hall to the right of the ball room.
When he found one that was unlocked, he let them inside. He didn't search for a light. The moonlight and the city glow provided ambient lighting in the small auditorium. There were several plush couches pushed up by the window, as if they’d been left there for storage purposes.
“You want to tell me what the hell you think you're doing, Jessica?”
She frowned. “Me? I'm the one who was being manhandled, and somehow it's my fault? You’re an ass.”
“You think I didn’t see you at the bar flirting with the guy?”
Enraged, she shoved him away with a hard push. “You think I didn't see that brunette with her hands all over you? And you weren't doing a damn thing to stop it. But I get it. It's not like we're a thing.”
His head jerked back as if she'd slapped him. Through clenched teeth he ground out, “You told me to make nice with the patrons, and that’s what I did. You don’t like it—tough.”
“You know what? This was a mistake.” Pain sliced through her as she spoke. “Maybe this was all a mistake.”
He shook his head and backed away. “Typical.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
“It means that the moment something gets hard, you bail. Well, you’re not getting rid of me as a client. We have a contract, remember?”
“I do not bail.”
“Then why are you trying so hard to run right now? You’re mad at me, and you want to run. But this isn't only about tonight. You're thinking about the other day at the Grove.” He shook his head. “You’re going to have to trust me at some point.”
“I'm not the one with the problem. You can’t just drag me around because I don’t do what you want me to. You can’t control me. And then pitch a tantrum when I don’t act how you want.”
“Now what the hell are you talking about?”
“Tell me, Eli, how do you feel right now? A little out of control, a lot annoyed, a little jealous, but mostly pissed about not being in control?” She smirked and crossed her arms in front of her. “Not so fun when someone does it to you now, is it?” She misread his intent as he stalked over to her. She thought he was going to get in her face and yell. That she was ready for.
The scorching kiss he slanted over her mouth she was not.
Jessica dragged him to her by his tuxedo jacket. She slid her arms inside to the shoulders, dropping it off him smoothly.
Eli spun them both around and flattened her against a wall, wholly devouring her lips. He licked inside her mouth as his hips ground into her. Through his tuxedo pants, his cock burned hot against her belly. Impatient, she quickly unbuttoned his shirt, dragged it out of his pants, and placed her hand on his abs.
His muscles contracted with every flutter of her fingertips. And he murmured hot dirty words against her lips, driving her crazy with his need, his urgency. This was the Eli she craved. The raw and hungry Eli. The one barely controlled with a very tight leash.
Jessica traced a path from his chest to the light trail of hair just above his pants. She went for the button, and his hand snapped to hers to stay it. He didn’t so much as stop her as guide her. Unsure what to do, she stayed perfectly still for several seconds as he continued to kiss her. This whole thing was all kinds of fucked up, but she needed him.
When he didn’t move her hand, Jessica tucked her palm under his and guided them into his pants. As she closed her fingers around the rigid length of him, his hand closed over hers. In tandem, they stroked him from base to tip. He showed her how to tease the tip, how to hold the base steady and allow more blood to flow into his cock. He even guided her hand down to his balls and taught her how to pay homage to them. She used the tip of her finger to tease his perineum, and he swore savagely.
“Jesus, Jessica.”
She pressed gently again, and his knees buckled.
His voice was low and strained against her ear. “I don’t want to come until I’m buried deep inside you. But you keep that up, I’m not going to make it another second.”
Reluctantly, she withdrew her hand, and he followed suit. Nuzzling her neck, he then whispered, “Turn around.”
She met his gaze and searched it. Not sure where this was going to go, she complied.
“Good, now place your hands against the door.”
Her hands shaking, she did as he told her. Uncertain, she looked over her shoulder. He was examining the fabric of her dress. Quickly, he grabbed fistfuls of it and dragged it upward, exposing her bare ass to the cool draft.
“Fuck, Jessica, don’t you ever wear underwear?”
Her voice shook as she spoke. “Well, I used to, then this guy I’m seeing kept ripping them off.”
“Wow, he’s got to work on his patience, huh?”
“I’ve been trying to teach him that patience is a virtue.”
That earned her a swift swat on her ass. It surprised more than it hurt.
“I’m not particularly patient when it comes to you.”
“Eli, I need you.”
Eli placed an open-mouthed kiss in the crook between her neck and shoulder. He nipped her skin, then soothed the nips with tiny licks. His hands reached up to her breasts, and he circled her nipples with his thumbs. His forefinger and thumb found her nipple ring and tugged lightly. Jessica moaned. Eventually, as he kissed the nape of her neck, he abandoned that idea and tugged down the top of the dress, exposing her fully.
“Do you have any fucking idea how beautiful you are? So gorgeous. It’s been work trying to keep my hands to myself all night. I’m sorry I over reacted, but you do something to me. I want you, and there goes all my rational thought.”
As one hand caressed her ass, the other slipped around her waist, then down between her thighs. Teasing her slick lips for just a moment, he then slid two fingers into her wet center. Jessica gritted her teeth against the onslaught of need. Only Eli could give her want she craved. Only Eli could give her what she wanted. He sank his finger deep, then stroked her inside out gently. Teasing her, bringing her almost to the heights of pleasure, then bringing her back from the brink. Then back again.
Through a fog of lust, Jessica heard the rip of foil. In another second, the thick hard length of him pressed inside her slick entrance.
“Brace your arms, Jessica. Spread your legs, baby. Wider. Yeah, like that.”
When he slid in to the hilt, Jessica cried out. Eli bit her shoulder as he clamped his hands on her hips. “There’s nothing sexier than when you say my name, Jessica. Say it again.”
“E-Eli.”
He set a bruising pace, but she met him thrust for thrust. She needed his brand on her, all over her. She could pretend she was the kind of girl wh
o could be caught. Who could be possessed by a need so deep.
As he sank into her over and over again, Jessica called out his name again and again. “Eli, Eli, Eli.”
The tingle in her toes started just before he brought a hand around to dip between her thighs and stroke her clitoris. Jessica’s body shook as she came apart in his hands. He followed her quickly with one more thrust then stiffened behind her. He whispered her name and kissed the column of her neck. “So beautiful.”
He carefully slid out of her and cleaned up. Jessica leaned against the wall, panting. In all her years as a sexually experienced pseudo groupie had she felt anything like this? God, no. And when she finally found something like this, it was with a man she shouldn’t want.
After he’d rearranged his clothes, he helped her adjust hers. Her hair was ravaged, so she let it tumble down around her shoulders. No point in trying to pretend the French twist was going to hold.
Before he could lead her out the door, she tugged him back. “Eli?”
“Yeah, beautiful?”
“What are we doing?”
His smile was easy and quick, but something about it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “We’re having fun. Being spontaneous, right?”
She nodded slowly before she let him take her back to the party. Before she could feel put out about his response, he held onto her hand tight, making it difficult for anyone watching not to have an idea of what they’d been up to.
“We’re leaving; but I need to make the rounds. You okay with that?”
She nodded. Yeah, she was okay with that. “When you’re done there’s something I need to tell you.” She needed to tell him about the car that had tried to run her over. If he had friends looking into Fenton, he’d want to know. She wasn’t used to depending on anyone for help but this was one of those times she needed it.
For the first time in her life, she felt comfortable, like she belonged where she was. But for how long? Given her history, one or both of them getting hurt was bound to happen. And she’d rather it wasn’t her.
Chapter 20
Eli felt like a kid about to ask a date to prom, giddy with excitement and a little nervous. Considering how he and Jessica had spent the night, he shouldn’t have been nervous. Again, he’d slept like the dead, and as usual, Jessica had slipped out of bed before he’d woken up.
When he walked into the gallery, she looked up, confused but smiling. “Hey, what are you doing here?”
“I came to encourage you to play hooky. Since you’re always doing that for me. Come play with me.”
She raised a delicately arched blonde eyebrow. “You mean like a date?”
“Sure.” He could do dating. Right? “Want to go grab a burger and some beer?” Not his choice, but she'd mentioned that the dive bar in Hollywood was her favorite place to mellow out with a drink.
She smirked. “Only the nicest places, right?”
“Anything to make the lady happy.”
“I think I have a better idea.”
The low-lidded gaze she bestowed upon him had his body rigid, hot lava flowing in his blood. She wanted him. When he'd said date, her mind had immediately gone to sex. And to be honest, so had his, but he'd meant what he said about them having some fun. If he wanted to convince her to give him a real chance, he actually had to try doing something with her that wasn’t work or fucking. “I like what you're thinking, but maybe we should stick to something public for the time being.”
“Kinky. I didn't know you had it in you. But I love where your mind is going. This could be the beginning of a beauti—”
He barked out a laugh. “You’re incorrigible.” He tugged her hand and placed it against his chest. “I mean it, Jess, we’re going out. On a real date. Where I take you somewhere low-lit and tell you you're beautiful, feed you, and maybe if you're well behaved, I can worship your body later.”
Her cheeks tinged pink. “You’re serious about going out?”
“Yes, why wouldn’t I be?”
She rubbed her nose. “Okay, well, I have plans for a little later this afternoon. Do you want to come with me?”
He raised his brows. “Where we going?”
***
“When you said you had a thing to do, you didn’t mention that it was at Jason Cartwright's place.”
Jessica blushed. She felt like she was bringing a boyfriend home to meet the family. Sure, Eli had already met her mother, and Izzy, Jason, Nick, and Kara were her extended family. But she didn't want Jason to give Eli the hairy eyeball.
“Well, I wasn’t sure if you'd want to come.” Then realizing he'd probably misunderstand the significance, she stammered, “And this isn't a thing. Or anything. It's just lunch at a friend’s house. It's not like we’re together.” Right. That went well.
Adjusting her vintage Halston wrap dress, she rang the doorbell. Jason swung the door open in all his blond Adonis glory. He was married to her best friend and sort of like her big brother, but Jessica probably would never get over the wow factor of him.
“Jess, there you are!” He scooped her in for a hug and whispered in her ear, “You have to save me. Izzy's trying to cook again. This time it's chili.”
Jessica returned the hug and wrinkled her nose. “What’s our back-up plan for lunch?”
He released her. “I’ve also got some BBQ going, but you know how it is, she’ll be disappointed if we don’t eat it. Frankly, I’m scared.”
From the kitchen, Izzy's voice reverberated. “You know, you two, this house has excellent acoustics. I can hear you.”
Jessica giggled and glanced at Eli. “Eli, I'd like to introduce you to Jason Cartwright. Otherwise known as my bestie's hubby.”
Jason nodded sagely. “It's a title I’ve grown accustomed to.” Sticking a palm out, he beamed his good old boy smile at Eli. “Dude, I'm a huge fan of yours. I already have an eye on a couple of your pieces for the house. Ever since I let Izzy redecorate, she’s stripped my walls bare. For the most part. I'm looking for some new art.”
Jessica held her breath as she watched the two of them interact. Their exchange looked friendly enough. Gone was Eli's usual taciturn, uncompromising face. He looked relaxed almost. Like he was prepared to enjoy himself.
“Thanks for letting me crash the family picnic.”
“No sweat. Jessica never invites anyone over. No matter how often I tell her she should.”
She groaned as he led them down the long, arched walkway that led to the expansive living room. “Real subtle, Jason.”
Jason shrugged. “It's the truth.”
As they entered the living room, Jessica caught sight of Aaron, Jason's agent, who was playing video games with Nick. After introductions were made, the boys settled in for a video game tournament, and Jessica joined Izzy in the kitchen. “I hear you’re trying to poison us all.”
Izzy raised a dark eyebrow. “Hardy har.” She glanced in the living room. “So now you’re dating him?”
“Uh, it's not a date.”
Izzy eyed the flowers and wine Eli had brought along. “Are you sure about that?”
Throughout lunch, Jessica stayed at Eli's side. She felt light and bubbly. So much so that she was able to ignore most of Aaron’s jibes. She recognized the signs. She knew what was happening, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to do anything about it. She was falling for Eli, hard. He was all wrong. But right in so many ways. Maybe it was time to stop fighting what she thought she didn’t want anymore and give in. Look at that, her actually growing up. If that was even possible.
He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the temple. “Penny for your thoughts?”
Smiling, she said, “Oh, nothing. Merely wondering if I knew myself at all, all these years.”
He nodded. “I always figured the point was we are all trying to figure it out.”
“Yeah, I guess.” She shrugged. “I guess my problem is thinking I had it all figured out years ago and realizing I was probably wrong.”
“Are you two going to
start making out now? Cause that's going to make me a bit ill.” Aaron plopped himself down on the other side of Eli. “So, Eli, when are you going to get yourself some real representation and stop slumming it with Jessica here?”
Jessica felt Eli go rigid beside her, and she squeezed his hand. “You’ll have to forgive Aaron. He can’t help being a douchebag.”
Izzy reached over and scooped up Jessica’s and Eli's cleared plates. “He honestly can’t help it. He’s a bit of an asshole.” She grinned at Aaron, who scowled in return.
“I’ve earned your husband a hefty sum,” said Aaron.
“And that, my love, is why we keep you around.” Izzy winked at him before sashaying off.
Eli relaxed next to Jessica. Turning to Aaron he said, “You have much experience with artists?”
“Ask any actor in my roster, and he considers himself an artist. But none like you so far. From what Jessica's been saying, I think I can get your work in some movies.” He proffered a card. “You should give me a call sometime.” He sauntered off and followed Nick and Jason down the deck stairs leading to the tennis court.
Eli turned to her. “Is he always like that?”
Jessica shrugged. “Pretty much. He's a total shark. Jason insists that's he's not really that much of an asshole, but Iz and I have a hard time believing it.”
Izzy came out, trailed by the nanny, who was holding Kara. “We're going to work off some of the steaks and chili with a friendly game. You guys up for it?”
Jess raised an eyebrow. Just as she got the impression Eli was going to say yes to be polite, she put a hand on his thigh. “I think we'll pass. You guys always cheat anyway.”
Izzy smiled serenely. “It's not cheating because my husband can serve balls over a hundred miles an hour.”
“I call that cheating.”
The two of them watched her go. “She plays as well?”
Jessica nodded, sending her blond hair swinging over her shoulders. “Yeah. She used to play for USC. Could have gone pro, but life changed, I guess. And she quit for a while.”
“Let me guess, they're going to hustle Aaron out of some money.”