by Calista Fox
“Some women find that rewarding,” Jude judiciously pointed out.
“And that’s fine. For them. I wanted to travel and start my own practice. Well, not originally,” she told him before taking another sip. “I’d always had this vision of my father, my brothers and I opening a wellness center, each of us practicing our own specialties that complemented each other and offered a rounded conglomerate under one roof.”
“That sounds ambitious. And clever.”
“I thought so,” she admitted. “Kelly, the oldest, was interested in being a cardiothoracic surgeon. Brandon wanted to pursue G.I. disorders. John, chronic disease management. Denny, sports medicine and ortho.”
“And you always wanted to be a psychiatrist?”
“Yes. I thought we’d all mesh together perfectly, especially with Dad being a world-class and highly sought-after neurosurgeon.”
“But…?”
Kate polished off her bubbly and added the flute to a passing tray. “None of them went into surgery and all became general practitioners. While my brothers do have their individual areas of emphasis, the concept of a private practice with integrated specialties and surgical services flew out the window.”
Kate and Jude moved farther into the room and she politely made the rounds, introducing her date. She was actually glad for the distraction. She’d already divulged more to Jude than she would prefer. Kate hadn’t planned on sharing her life history with him. Particularly not her family history.
Perhaps that was inevitable, though, because a half hour into the party, her parents tore themselves away from their small group of Denny, Charlotte and her folks, and made a beeline for Kate.
“Oh, God…here we go.”
8
She pulled in a deep breath. Let it out slowly. “Incoming: Mom and Dad. Please keep in mind this ‘date’ is for show, Jude. No need to request childhood stories or anything of that ilk.”
His gaze narrowed on her. “You were a bit more forthcoming earlier, on your own. I’ll save the interrogation for when we’re alone.”
“There’s not going to be an interrogation.”
“Turnabout and all that, Kate.” His gaze didn’t waver.
“Jude, I’m not about to let you dissect me and—”
“Darling,” Kate’s mother drawled in her eloquent tone as she approached.
“Mother.” They exchanged double-cheek air kisses.
Kate’s father swooped in and gave her a gentle hug.
“Daddy,” she said.
“Kathryn. We’re so pleased you made it. We know you don’t favor this crowd.”
Kate gave a light smile to keep the conversation on an even keel. “It’s pleasant enough company, Dad. And always wonderful to see you and Mother. Allow me to introduce my escort.”
Kate’s mother perked up considerably. “We’ve been quite intrigued, ever since Charlotte mentioned him at dinner the other evening. You were invited as well, Kathryn.” The comment was made with a hint of accusation that she’d blatantly dismissed the family affair.
Resisting the urge to sigh, Kate simply said, “I’d already told you I’d volunteered to do disaster-relief behavioral health screenings following the fires that swept through some communities upstate. I’m sorry for the schedule conflict. I’m sure your dinner was a lively event.”
“The boys and their wives all came.”
“I apologize for my absence.”
“It was well noted,” her mother quietly stated, falling just shy of adding a tsk.
Kate ignored the admonishment. Gesturing toward Jude, she said, “This is Jude McMillan. Jude, Betsy and Evan Stockman.”
While the pleasantries ensued, Kate gauged the anticipated and only faintly disguised shock over her choice of tonight’s date. Jude was, after all, the direct opposite of Andrew. Moreover, Jude kept that territorial arm around her waist, which her father’s gaze dropped to a time or two.
The worst thing about that? Kate found Jude’s semi-embrace reassuring—in a conversely electrifying and disturbing way. Jude’s unwavering attention and alpha tendencies strengthened Kate’s spirit when faced with a roomful of people who just didn’t ‘get’ her. And that was most shocking of all.
“It’s an honor to meet you,” Jude politely said to her parents.
“Kathryn didn’t tell us herself she was seeing someone,” her mother said. “But that’s not unusual…” she murmured under her breath.
“We’re old friends,” Jude easily explained. “I’m happy to make everyone’s acquaintance.”
His words were congenial, and Kate was sure she was the only one to detect the tinge of protectiveness in Jude’s tone. She also felt the accompanied tightening of his grip on her.
Damn it! Intimate gestures that were so alluring, so sexy, she had to bite back another sigh.
Not just over the way he stood as strong as oak by her side, in the wake of his own emotional upheaval, no less. But because her parents took obvious interest.
Still, she slid her thankful smile his way. Instantly realizing Jude wasn’t about amassing debts in hopes of it all leading to a massive payoff, in his favor. Though, clearly he did have one thing on his mind when it came to Kate. He flashed her a wicked grin.
Tonight, Jude was in the business of pleasure.
Physical pleasure, without doubt. But there was something else… Jude wanted her to enjoy the evening’s festivities.
He was fantastically conversational, so that Kate relaxed and had absolutely no idea how much time slipped by before Denny and Charlotte joined them.
“Kathryn, you are positively glamorous,” Charlotte beamed as she gave Kate a delicate hug.
“Geez, sis,” Denny contradictorily grumbled with a shake of his head. “Helluva dress.”
Her gaze flitted to her parents. Who exchanged a look of disapproval—at her expense.
Jude casually said, “Red’s her color.”
“You’re gorgeous!” Charlotte concurred.
“The color is so refreshing!” Mirabeth Presley chimed in as she swooped toward the small circle, appearing out of thin air. “Amidst all this black and white. I know you love the formality of it all, Charlotte, but frankly, I admire how Kathryn stands out.”
“A bit too much,” Denny gently chastised.
Kate and her youngest brother butted heads over only one thing: her independent streak. Denny, as with the rest of her family, would prefer she try to be one of the Stockmans. Join the family practice as a GP or, better yet, get married and have a few children. Keep up with her siblings and their growing broods.
Mirabeth unwittingly spared her from an impending lecture by saying, “Kathryn, I’m hosting a fund-raiser for the Copeland Foundation. What would it take to convince you to headline our fashion show?”
Kate’s jaw dropped.
Jude grinned. “Brilliant idea.”
Kate hadn’t even collected her thoughts when Charlotte clapped her hands together and declared, “A remarkable selection, Mirabeth!” She clasped Kate’s free hand. The other one held an empty champagne flute—that Jude quickly and discreetly exchanged for a new one.
“Please consider this,” Charlotte pleaded. “We were literally thrown into the lion’s den at the eleventh hour. Mirabeth and I have no clue how to reel in a new crowd. The ‘usual suspects’ are all expecting the same ole, same ole…and continually expect to donate less and less for said same ole, same ole.”
“We’re desperate for an exciting twist,” Mirabeth added with genuine excitement in her tone. “Something more avant-garde and…what’s the word?” She snapped her beautifully manicured fingers, apparently in hopes the word would miraculously materialize before her very eyes.
“Sophisticated?” Charlotte offered.
“Chanel is the height of sophistication,” Mirabeth countered. “A staple for us, without doubt. I’m thinking of a more heart-pounding showmanship. Fiery, red-carpet-worthy sensationalism that just—”
“Pops,” Jude simply s
aid.
Charlotte and Mirabeth gasped—delightedly.
Kate’s parents and brother gaped—dejectedly.
“Yes!” Mirabeth exclaimed. Much to Kate’s surprise. “That’s precisely what we want. Mr. McMillan, is it?” She batted her long lashes at Jude. “I’m Mirabeth Presley.”
“Jude, please.” He shook her hand carefully. Elegantly.
A stirring sensation rippled through Kate. She’d made her own brilliant selection. Jude really was turning out to be the perfect escort this evening.
“Kathryn, we need you for this event!” Mirabeth insisted.
Kate’s gaze slipped to Jude once more, who still grinned. And gave a brief nod.
Kate took a deep, deep breath.
She was just about to acquiesce, when her mother finally let out that condemnatory tsk she’d been holding in check. And said, “Honestly, ladies.” Her tone held notable displeasure. “The Copeland Foundation is incredibly prestigious with a renowned reputation. My friends and I support this particular event every year. We expect…we’re accustomed to…we’re…” Her drawn-out sigh held her disconcertion.
Kate’s heart fell.
Her mother said, “I’m so sorry, ladies. Your forward-thinking is to be commended, but as former leaders of the Foundation—and dear friends of the Copelands—we have clear objectives in mind for the promotion of its brand and—”
“Mother,” Kate interjected. “It’s okay.” To Charlotte and Mirabeth, she said, “I’m not comfortable in the spotlight. You understand, right?”
They both hedged.
Kate winced. These ladies who lunched were accepting her into their lair? And her mother was…mortified? Did she fear Kate would disappoint the Foundation and her mother’s close-knit circle of socialites? Or worse…embarrass her?
Kate’s body tensed. Likely, that was precisely her mother’s worry. Image was everything to Betsy Stockman, and being the model doctor’s wife was exceedingly important to her. That meant having the model family to parade around.
Saving her from agonizing over that further, Charlotte suddenly declared, “Oh! I’m getting the signal from Lillian, one of my bridal consultants, that dinner is about to start. Let’s all find our seats, shall we? The cognac-laced lobster bisque is going to curl your toes!”
The group dispersed. Kate let out the breath she’d been holding.
Jude murmured, “Loosen up. Everything’s fine, Kate.”
“Thank you for calling me that,” she said as she gazed up at him.
His expression turned quizzical. “If you don’t like ‘Kathryn,’ why not tell them?”
“Trust me, I have.”
Jude’s expression darkened for a moment. Then he offered his arm once more and led her to one of the many ridiculously long tables. Kate hadn’t expected a small, intimate engagement party, but with this massive turnout, they might as well haul out the officiant and have the ceremony right here and now!
True to Charlotte’s word, the entire meal was one of the most decadent Kate had ever experienced. She wondered how Charlotte’s legion of wedding planners would top this at the actual reception.
Jude chatted amiably with everyone in earshot and the pressure on Kate eased again. By the time the copious amounts of toasts rolled around, she was feeling pretty damn good. She sipped her bottomless glass of champagne and basked in the heat Jude emitted, the familiar riveting scent of him. His very existence was highly stimulating. She’d never permitted herself to consider what it’d be like to interact with him socially, but the simple truth was…he fascinated her on every level. And kept the molten sensation humming through her veins.
Especially as he continually leaned in close to whisper something in her ear, causing his shoulder or thigh to brush against hers. Her pulse quickened further as his warm breath caressed her skin and his fingers swept along her nape.
Having Jude next to her was a fabulous distraction, and the evening slipped by almost painlessly, without too much more scrutiny from her family.
The dancing started and Jude’s head bent to hers as he said, “Why don’t we make a brief appearance on the dance floor? Then I’m taking you upstairs.”
Her breath stuck in her throat.
Jude pushed his chair back and stood. He held his hand out to her, a sexily fiendish look on his handsome face.
Kate’s palm slid over his, making her tingle from head to toe. Though she mostly felt it between her legs.
They joined other couples and Jude pulled her into his strong embrace. Kate doubted she’d get her breath back from here on out. Jude skillfully guided her in a slow dance that went on and on. She melded to him, to hell with decorum and propriety. She knew her family’s gazes were on her, but Kate no longer cared. All that registered was Jude expertly leading her and the excitement permeating the air surrounding them.
She wondered if everyone else sensed it. The desire, the anticipation, the fervent need that mounted with every second they spent in each other’s arms.
Kate fully grasped why he’d decided to rent a hotel room—and was damn glad. She wouldn’t survive the drive back to her apartment. It’d feel a million miles away while Jude’s slow-burn approach raised her internal temperature and increased the yearning deep in her core.
His lips grazed her temple and he said, “I need to make you come again, Kate.”
A moan bubbled in her throat. Her arms tightened around his neck.
“You rubbing against me isn’t helping matters,” he told her.
“You’re the one who suggested we dance,” she reminded him.
“I’m about to bite that tempting bottom lip of yours. Or let my hand slip to your ass.”
“Don’t you dare,” she warned. “I’m already odd-man-out at this affair. Let’s not worsen the affliction.”
“Nothing to worry about there. Because we need to leave, Kate.”
She stared up at him. Her stomach flipped at the raw intensity glowing in his eyes.
He whispered, “I’m getting hard.”
Kate’s pulse vibrated against her erogenous zones. “It’s a miracle my knees haven’t given out yet.”
“Definitely need to get you into a bed.” His low tone was devilish…and insistent.
“I believe we’ve spent an acceptable amount of time here,” she conceded.
“Nice to see I’m not the only one eager to get naked.”
“I’m dying to feel you inside me, Jude.” She wasn’t exaggerating.
He groaned. A quiet, though arousing sound that sparked a near-desperation within her.
“Take me upstairs,” she told him. “Now.”
He gave her a dramatic twirl—for show, she was sure—and then placed his hand at the small of her back and led her around for Kate to say her goodbyes to her family. Mirabeth and Charlotte were visibly disappointed Kate was cutting out early. Well, quite possibly, Mirabeth’s disappointment was related to Jude departing the festivities. Kate could certainly understand that sentiment. She’d be bummed as well to lose the striking eye candy, were she not the one secretly heading upstairs on Jude’s arm.
She caught yet another look of disapproval from her parents that she was the first to leave, but Kate was no longer concerned with that. Jude was already ushering her to the door and she was already luxuriating in the trill along her spine at this one impulsive and privately scandalous thing she was about to do.
Kate wasn’t the one-night stand type. Which was actually unfortunate for her, because she didn’t really date, either. Meaning it’d been forever and a day since she’d engaged in a sexy affair. And never before had she been entangled with a man as gorgeous as Jude McMillan.
“I had my assistant make the reservation when you stepped into the ladies room before dessert,” Jude explained as they traveled the marbled hallway toward the lobby, then rounded the corner to the check-in area, which they bypassed and went directly to the bank of elevators.
Continuing, Jude said, “The suite butler will meet us at
the door.”
They waited, alone, for the elevator to arrive.
He added, “I barely made it through that endless dinner. The dancing was a true testament to my fortitude. That hotter than hell body of yours grinding against me was practically my undoing.”
Moments later, they stepped into the car.
Jude’s arm went around her waist.
He was just about to yank her to him, she suspected, when a hand shot through the slit of the closing doors and they automatically jerked open.
A couple in formal eveningwear joined them.
Kate caught Jude’s under-the-breath grunt that their private party had been crashed.
As he bristled, she inquired of the couple, “An evening at The Met?”
“Yes,” said the woman in a luxurious black satin gown and diamonds. “La Traviata.”
“One of my favorite Verdi operas,” Kate mused.
Jude’s arm around her tightened. A thrill shot through her.
The small-talk only heightened the anticipation mounting between them.
The car stopped and the couple departed.
Jude murmured in her ear, “I could have already been inside you, Kate.”
She drew in a sharp breath. “There are probably cameras in here, Jude.”
“I can be discreet. And you’re not wearing any panties, remember?”
She didn’t really believe he’d dare do such a thing—at The Plaza! Then again… As she gazed up at his broody visage, she felt a tickle against her clit that all-but confirmed that, yes…he would do such a thing.
Kate barely heard the ding of the car or felt the halting at their floor, she was so enrapt by Jude. She walked with him to his suite, where they were greeted; though, Jude efficiently dismissed the butler for the evening.
Inside, candles were lit, as was the fireplace. Kate barely noticed. Jude instantly had her in his arms, kissing her senseless. His tongue twisted with hers, delving deep as he clutched her to him in a tight and territorial embrace that set every inch of her ablaze. Made her burn for him from the inside out.