by Karli James
“Yes...”
“Well if you don’t quit looking at me, the way you’re looking at me right now, I’m not going to be able to resist giving you a personal demonstration, right here in this hallway.” Her lips part as her breath catches, her cheeks are still adorably flamed, but then she nods.
“O-okay.”
“Okay?”
“Please.” At that one, barely whispered word, I lose it. I grab her face between my palms and push her back against her door. I swipe my tongue along her bottom lip, nip, tug, suck. She moans, or I moan, or both, all I know is that I’m living in the sweetest fantasy that I never want to wake up from.
Her hands have found their way to my back, right behind my shoulder blades as she leans into it, and gasps. That little opening gave me the push I needed to sweep my tongue inside her mouth, sliding against her own, and I’m starving for more of her.
The kiss turns carnal and fierce as I go deeper and she tastes like oranges, and cranberries, and, everything Kara. We change angles, my hands fist in her hair as I pull back and nip at her bottom lip again. I run my nose down her cheek, along the length of her neck, inhaling her delicious scent. “You smell so fucking good. Like lemons and sugar.”
“It’s my body scrub.” Her voice is breathless where mine is gruff.
“Buy it in bulk.” I run my tongue down to her pulse and lightly suck on that sweet citrus.
“Fuck Kara.” My mouth finds hers again, and I get lost in her completely. Her right leg comes up over my hip as she pushes into me and she can feel exactly how turned on I am. She moans and grinds against me, as I reach under her, cupping her ass in both hands to lift her; holding her body between the door, and me.
Both legs come up around me naturally as I push back against her. One hot hallway kiss and this woman has me ready to explode like a horny adolescent who just discovered his junk has a greater purpose in life.
Her body, these curves, this softness pressed into my own, is one of those beautiful things I’ve ever experienced. My hands want to wander under her shirt, but suddenly she pulls back on a gasp, looking at me with a mixture of lust and confusion in her eyes, and says,
“Holy shit, you lifted me up. How did you do that?” I’m trying to come out of my own lust filled haze as I shake my head and look at her. Wait...she’s fucking serious.
“Presh. What are you on about? You’re a peanut.” Her eyes widen and her sexy slow grin starts to spread across her fucking beautiful face. Oh shit, there’s that dimple. I wanna lick it.
“Oh Jude. I think you’re going to be good for me.”
“You’re just now figuring that out? Don’t question yourself like that again, got me? You were made for these arms Kara, and you may not believe it yet, but I’m not dicking around here. You. Are. Made. For. My. Arms. It’s definitely too early for me to be saying shit like this, and I get it, but I don’t care. I will lift you up and toss you around like a ragdoll to prove it if necessary. You’re not his words.” Yeah, I went there. I got serious. But holy hell this girl is amazing, and not all what she views herself as. How did I lift her up? Umm. Easily.
“Thank you. I don’t…thank you.” I kiss the tip of her nose, as I set her down on both feet.
“You’re welcome. Now go get your sweet ass ready for work. I’ll see you later.”
“You’re coming to the bar?”
“Do I breathe air?” She just smirks and shakes her head.
“See you soon then, Jude.” She looks over her shoulder at me and winks, before heading into her apartment.
I’m walking down the hallway, adjusting myself, breathing heavily in and out to calm the rush of hormones, while simultaneously re-living what just happened, which is in fact counterproductive to calming my hormones and getting my dick to chill out. I realize I’m going to need to take care of that little situation before I go to the bar because if Kara is wearing one of those “gimme them tips” short ass skirts, I will not be able to control myself as I sit there and watch her work. Damn, but that girl can kiss.
Chapter 12
Kara
Oh. My. Gawwwwd. Did I just hardcore make out with Jude against my door? Did I just invite him to the bar? Do I have zero self-control? Why yes Kara, you are in fact a raging liar liar pants on fire girl, who definitely wants to go to pleasureville with Jude Hot As Hell Lawsom. Clearly that’s his actual given name on his birth certificate.
That man lifted me up like I weighed NOTHING, shoved me back against the door and honestly if it hadn’t been from the pure shock and realization of that alone I would have continued to dry hump his sexy ass until I came right then and there.
I realize I’ve jumped about twenty-five steps in the past three days, but I can’t deny that I’m happy. Zero regrets. I have a shit eating grin spread across my face as I drive into work, and all I can think about are his sexy lips and his sweet words. The way that man can move in and out of seriousness is unbelievable.
Jude seems to get my hesitations, and my fears with very little detail or explanation as to why I feel the way I do—it’s incredibly endearing. His ability to make me forget; to just get lost in the moment, and to put me completely at ease is not lost on me. It’s not a small thing, it’s a big, giant, telling thing about who he is, and all he could be to me.
Those moments when he’s looking at me like I’m all there is—It’s both terrifying and exhilarating. I’ve never been anyone’s everything. I’ve never had anyone look at me with such adoration. I’ve also never had anyone make me feel so at ease. His sense of humor is off the wall, the cuss words, the sap, the sensitivity. It’s the oddest, and the most alluring combination on a man I’ve ever encountered. I have no idea what’s going to happen with Jude, but I know I’m not ready to let him go; I know I have to find out. He’s worth the potential fall out, and the hurt that comes with it.
I park and make my way into the bar, punch in, and see Allison already at her hostess station. She stops, stares, and grins. Oh no. What’s going on? She saunters over like she’s working he fucking run way.
“Did you get laid?” I can feel my eyes widen in total shock.
“What the hell are you talking about?” She points her finger and twirls it in my face.
“You got that glow about you; did you have sex with online guy?”
“Oh my gosh Allison, no! I did not. However—"
“I knew it! You little slut.”
“Shut your pie hole, we did not have sex! But we have been talking the past few days, and I may or may not have had the hottest kiss of my life with him today against my apartment door.” Her grin spread wider as she ran behind the bar to squeeze the hell out of me.
“I am so proud of you!”
“For making out with Jude?”
“Yes! No! I just mean, for putting yourself out there. For allowing yourself to feel something. This obviously wasn’t just a kiss. I’m so happy for you. This is amazing. When are you seeing him again?”
“Well…actually, I think he’s coming to the bar tonight so I’ll introduce you. However, behave.”
“What? Me? I’m always an angel.” She smirks.
“No, you’re not. You little asshole. No telling embarrassing stories or asking intruding questions.”
“I would never!”
“You would. You have. Don’t.”
“I promise to be on my very best behavior in front of online guy.”
“Oh my gosh, his name is Jude! Just call him Jude. Please?” She squeezes me again.
“Yes friend, I promise. I’ll be good. I love you.”
“All right, that’s enough. I love you too.” Just as she’s about to turn and walk away we startle at a deep male voice that I haven’t heard in quite some time.
“Don’t you ladies work?” I look up to see my brother Drew sliding onto on a stool. I glance over at Allison who is narrowing her eyes; these two have never really gotten along. Allison is a bit over the top, and my brother is serious, quiet, sometimes shy, bu
t mostly just reserved. He’s never been able to deal with Allison’s bubbly nature, and she’s never been able to stand how he can be a bit of an asshole.
“Drew! What are you doing here?”
“Can’t I come get a beer and catch up with my sister?”
“Of course, you can. I just didn’t hear from you. Usually you text if you’re stopping down.”
“Yeah sorry, last minute decision. Kind of a shit week at work.” Allison snorts.
“Got something to say there, Ally?” She glares.
“You know I fucking hate that nick name.” He smirks.
“Yeah, I know.”
“Shit week at work, Drew? What’d they do, turn the air conditioning down in the office? Did it get a little stuffy around that damn tie you’ve yet to loosen?” Drew flushes and grits his teeth, his hand flying to the top knot of his tie as he begins to tug and loosen it away from his neck.
“You workin’ behind the bar now Allison? If so, you may want to adjust your ice queen routine if you expect to make any tips.”
“Alright, alright. Stop it. Both of you. For one blessed night just get along. Allison, go be a hostess. You have customers that just walked in anyway. Drew, sit there, shut up, and be nice. Otherwise, go home. I love you both. Now knock it off.” Drew chuckles.
“Yes, mom.” Allison huffs as she walks away and I’m fairly certain I hear her mumble “douchebag” under her breath, but I don’t touch it. Drew just arches a brow and shakes his head. I give him a pointed look.
“What?”
“Don’t ‘what’ me. Why are you always such a dick to her?”
“She irritates the shit out of me, Kar. How are you friends with her? She talks nonstop, she’s constantly giddy, she’s too…much. She’s overwhelming. I don’t get your relationship.”
“Drew, I’m a lot more like her than you to be honest, and the only reason you can stand me apparently is because I’m your sister. Now tell me what’s going on at work before business picks up and I have to ignore you.” I set a beer down in front of him, and Drew studies it for a minute before taking a long pull off the neck.
“Firm’s not doing well.”
“What do you mean the firm’s not doing well?”
“I don’t really know. I’ve been so close to becoming a partner for a year now, and every single time something happens where they have to give me the same, ‘we’re sorry’ speech. Something just doesn’t feel right. Then, today when I’m going through some case files and their corresponding billing, I’m noticing discrepancies that I didn’t make. Things aren’t adding up. Literally or figuratively.”
“What? You think they’re scamming clients?”
“I don’t Kar, I really don’t know. But my gut is churning and I’ve felt a little sick all week over it. I think it’s time for me to look at other firms.”
“Drew, wow, I’m so sorry. Is this going to be hard for you? There aren’t too many firms in this rinky-dinky town we live in.”
“Trust me, I know. I was so damn thankful when I landed there, and now I feel like I’m sitting on an IED just waiting for the whole thing to blow up in my face. I do not want to be there when shit hits the fan, I really don’t.”
“Well Drew, I don’t want to get personal, but you’re a smart guy—surely you’ve saved money living in that same small ass townhouse you’ve had right? Could you just walk away, take a break before you pick it back up?” He nods, thoughtful.
“I thought about that, I have. I just hate to leave my clients in a lurch.”
“Your clients will survive. They’ll either have another lawyer at the firm take over, or they’ll also go elsewhere. I know you’re a good man, I know you want to do the right thing, but if I’ve learned anything in recent years sometimes doing the right thing means putting yourself first.”
“When did my kid sister become so wise?”
“Since I went through hell with that d-bag and realized no one should ever be allowed to dictate my life, and my emotions. I’ll never put myself through that kind of hurt again. I’ll never be that damn stupid, ever again.”
“You weren’t stupid Kara. You were in love. In love with an asshole, yes, but still.”
“I wasn’t in love.” Holy shit. I wasn’t in love with Craig. Ever. If I hadn’t just naturally blurted it out, I don’t think I would have ever realized it, let alone admitted it to myself or aloud.
“You weren’t in love? What were you then?”
“Scared.” Drew’s brows cinch together, and his eyes darken.
“What the fuck do you mean, scared? Kara, I swear to God if that man did something to you, you need to tell me now. We can fight it, there’s probably still time on that statute of limitations.” I’m grinning because I’ve now had two men that I think so highly of get so pissed on my behalf, all in the same day. Blessed.
“No Drew, he never was physical. But he was mean. He wrecked me in a lot of ways. People don’t talk about emotional or verbal abuse enough; they don’t give it it’s credit due. The damage that words can do—it’s really a terrible, never ending cycle. I won’t ever let myself go through that again. Which is why I’m so happy I met Jude.” See what I did there?
“Say what now? You’re dating?”
“I don’t…I’m not sure what we’re doing. But I know I like him. I know he’s planning on coming here tonight. I know he’s important to me. And I know you better be nice to him if you’re still when he shows up or I will cut you.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, so violent.” But he’s grinning. “I trust you, Kar. If you this guy puts a happy smile on your face, then I’ll be fine. Just no making out in front of me.”
“Deal.” Now I gotta get to work. Bar is about to fill up with idiots. Love you brother. Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be back.”
“I’ll be here.” I make my rounds and try not to look back at the front door too many times. I’m like a lovesick puppy waiting for its owner to come home. Just then I feel the vibration of my phone letting me know I have a text. I quickly check and see that it is in fact, from my owner, I mean Jude.
Jude: Hey Boopsies, just letting you know that I’m still coming. Stopped to pick up my sister and best friend, Liam.
Kara: Hey! I thought I was your BFF.
Jude: Of course, you are Presh, but he’s my best GUY friend.
Kara: I’ll allow it. Better hurry up though, bar is filling up. I’m gonna be busy tonight.
Jude: On our way.
Kara: :)
I pocket my phone and glance up in time to see Drew smirking at me. I just shrug. Yeah, so? So, I’m hooked on Jude. I’m okay with it. For however long it lasts, I’ll be happy. One of servers comes over and puts in a drink order – it’s not a full-service restaurant, but we do have a lounge and bar menu available. I pour, shake, stir, pour, garnish, done. I put them on the pickup station and notice Allison glaring daggers at my brother’s back. I roll my eyes at her when she realizes she’s been caught. She shrugs and flounces. Those two, seriously. Get over it. No one is asking you to be best friends, just stop being dicks to each other. Lawwd, help those idiots. Amen.
I’m pulling drafts when Jude walks in with his little crew. I’m glad he brought some people because I am seriously going to be busy tonight. It’s not even quite nine p.m., and already the bar is getting full.
His sister Nina, now that I’m not looking at her with green all up in my eyes, is honestly one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen. His friend Liam? Umm. Do hot guys run in packs? Seriously what is going on, here? This town isn’t that big, how did I not ever know these men existed here? Liam is tall, and built like a linebacker. I did see him the last time they were here, but clearly, I was not paying enough attention.
“Hey, stop ogling my friend like that, you’re giving me a complex.” I look to my left and notice Jude standing there, staring at me with a smirk.
“I can’t help it, he’s just so pretty. Have you seen him?” Liam shakes his head and laughs an endearingly s
hy laugh. Nina elbows him in the side.
“Please, do not encourage his ego.” I laugh.
“Hi guys. Glad to see you again, Nina. Liam, nice to meet you.” Nina grins, and nudges her brother.
“Thank you for forgiving this asshole. He’s dense at times, but super loveable.”
“Bye Neens.” She throws her head back and laughs.
“No way, not until Liam buys my drink.”
“What the hell woman, why am I buying your drink?”
“You know what you made me do.” I arch a brow at that. Liam looks a little sheepish, but no one plans on explaining further apparently.
“Yeah, okay. Fine. Whatever she wants and I’ll take the IPA on draft.”
“I’ll have a Long Island, please.”
“Got it, that will be fourteen, even.” Liam tosses down some cash as he’s rolling his eyes.
“A Long Island, Nina, really? You trying to get hammered tonight?”
“In more than one way, actually.” I watch Jude straighten, narrow his eyes, and mime gagging as I grab a glass and a shaker. Liam halts completely.
“The fuck?”
“What? You can be my wingman. I’m on the prowl. And look at that fine specimen of a man sitting down there at the other end. Maybe he could be my night of funzo.” The boys look over, and I look down the bar and realize she’s talking about my brother. Now I want to gag.
“That’s my brother Drew, actually.” Jude’s head swivels over to me with a look of shock on his face.
“Your brother is here?”
“Yeah he popped down to visit. He knows you were stopping down. Feel free to introduce yourself, I’m going to have to go make more rounds before I catch a breather. Nina, my brother isn’t really a night of funzo guy, but good luck. Save me the deets. I will never need them.” She busts out laughing.