Chapter 26
CHAPTER 26
DORI
Isabella’s eyes widen, and she shakes her head.
I shouldn’t ask, but I’ve got to know. “Come on. You can tell us how long ago this happened.”
Isabella isn’t acting like someone who has harbored a longtime crush. If anything, she’s acting like she has a newfound appreciation for Hunter and wants to explore it.
She glances at Jami as she finishes swallowing her food. He reaches his hand out in front of him and knocks over my martini. It spills all over me.
“Shit. I’m sorry, Dori. I was trying to get that piece of sushi.” Jami rushes to my side of the table.
“It’s okay.” I stand, grab my napkin, and start wiping myself off.
“Maybe you should go rinse it off in the bathroom.” He tries to guide me away from the table, his touch light but firm.
He’s behaving strangely; a nervous tremor seems to run through him, so I meet his gaze, searching for answers.
I say to him under my breath, “What is wrong with you?”
“Let’s go to the restrooms and I’ll explain,” he whispers.
With a slight nod and a quiet “Excuse me,” I slip away .
His woodsy cologne floats around me, a subtle but persistent signal that he’s following me.
“Since I’m up, I’m going to use the bathroom. We’ll be right back.” He’s at my side a few seconds later.
“We’re going into the unisex restroom.” His hand finds the small of my back, a comforting weight as we retreat into the bathroom.
My skin heats and takes me out of my thoughts, right into imagining what he wants to do in private. He presses the door open and motions for me to enter.
A shaky breath hitches in my throat as I try to regain my composure. I walk in and grab a couple of paper towels to dry myself off as he locks the door behind him.
I face him as I wipe myself down. “What’s this all about?”
“I don’t want to sit at dinner and talk about Hunter. If I wanted to think about him and you, I’d prefer to do it when other people aren’t around to witness my discomfort. I thought you would figure that out.”
My heart deflates. “I’m sorry. I let my curiosity get the best of me.”
“Yeah, I got that.” His frustrated glare finds mine.
He’s so fucking hot, even when he’s upset with me.
My gaze casts to his lips. They have a subtle curve that promises sinful heavens. His tongue runs over them when he notices where my eyes are. The electricity crackles in the air.
My nipples steeple like they’re trying to command Jami’s attention. His line of sight drops to my chest. He inhales a sharp intake of breath, with a visible gasp escaping his lips on the exhale. My body fills with heat, but I decide to mess with him.
I lean my butt against the counter and take in his fabulous body. “I didn’t think talking about Hunter would matter to you since you and I are only friends.”
“Only friends?” He steps close to me. “Do friends share a text exchange like we did a minute ago? ”
“I don’t know. It depends on what kind of friends they are.”
“You’re just asking for trouble, aren’t you?” He trails his fingertips along the sides of my thighs but stops right before he gets to the top of my stockings.
Chills scatter over my skin. “What if I am?”
“You’re playing a dangerous game, my wicked little temptress.”
“I’m not playing. The longer you make me wait for this to happen, the worse I’m going to torture you.” I toss my hair over my shoulder, purposely exposing his weakness, my neck.
His eyes, scorching with desire, follow my movement. Then he presses against me. “It’s becoming clear to me you need a reminder.”
“Then stop threatening and teach me what I need to know.” I reach my arms around him and draw my nails down his back.
“Fuck, Dori. You’re making this really hard.” He pushes his hips into me as he threads his hands into my hair.
He moves my head to the side by pulling on my hair with a passionate command. His eyes drop to the naked curve of my shoulder. The blood in my veins is racing, so I’m sure my pulse point is thumping hard.
I run my hands over his ass and pull him closer. “Have a taste, Jami. You know you want to.”
His mouth is on my neck before I get the words out. He nips and sucks, a low rumble vibrating from his chest, a sound like distant thunder.
With my heart pounding, I turn my head to find his lips so close to mine. As if on cue, he wraps his hand around the back of my neck and pulls my mouth to his.
His other hand moves to my skirt and he fists the material in his palm as he tugs my dress up. He drags his fingers over my thighs and to my ass. He jerks away.
His eyes flick with an uncaged hunger. “Fuck. You’re wearing thigh-highs and a garter belt? Did you know you were going to be punishing me tonight?”
“It’s only punishment if you don’t take advantage of it.”
“You are a naughty one, aren’t you?” He holds my waist and lifts me onto the counter. “Move your skirt and spread your legs.”
I keep my needy eyes on him as I work my skirt up. He steps back and runs his hand over his lips while he stays tuned to my every move.
His eyes trail over my body, lingering on every curve. They fill with immoral want and it’s enough to make me lose my mind. I pull in a ragged breath so I don’t pass out. Wetness soaks my thong.
“You are the most alluring, sensual woman I’ve ever seen.” He rushes to me and frantically moves my dress over my hips. “Spread your legs and lean back.”
His hooded eyes roam down between my thighs. “Get as comfortable as you can, then get ready to feed me.”
I rest on my forearms and butterfly my bent knees with my feet on the counter. The back of my head hits the mirror behind me, but I don’t care.
I twist my hips in a circular motion to lure him in. He takes one of my legs and straightens it, working kisses and tiny bites up as he continues to make his way up.
“You smell delicious and taste that much better.” He continues to move up my inner thigh as his fingers run over my thong. “Fuck, you’re soaking wet.”
“See what you do to me,” I pant.
He works his hand between the material and my opening. Two of his fingers slide into me. His touch sends a shock wave straight to my most sensitive part. I gasp, taking in a frantic breath.
“You’re so tight and wet.” His voice is all low and smoky. “I almost can’t handle it.”
“Jami, I need more. Do something now, or I’m going to burst.” My hands instinctively move toward his shoulders as I grind my hips against his fingers.
“Don’t worry. I’m going to make you come all over my mouth. Then I’m going to go home and go straight to bed without washing my face. I want to dream of you like this while your perfect scent drifts around me.”
He moves my thong to the side with his other hand and finger fucks me as he watches me writhe on the counter.
“Holy fuck. That feels amazing.” I reach up and unbutton my top.
I move my bra over my breast and find my nipple, twisting it between my fingers. He pumps me harder and skillfully works my clit with his thumb.
“That’s it, my sweet temptress. Show me how you like your tits played with.” His blue eyes rove over me in want.
I tug and knead them as I arch my back. He leans over me and sucks on my breasts as I play with them.
His tongue mixes with my fingers. It’s like blending wet desire and hot, sinful need together. It’s taking me to the edge.
“Taste me, Jami. I want your mouth on me.” I press on his shoulders to move him down.
“Tonight, I’ll give you some control, but don’t get used to it.” He descends over my stomach, dragging his teeth against my overly sensitive skin. My abdomen tightens on reflex.
He stands, hooks his powerful arms under my legs, and with a sexy grunt, heaves me toward him. The cold marble of the countertop chills my skin as I lie precariously on the surface.
“Hold your legs.” He presses them back, so I grab them and pull them farther apart. “Perfect.”
He moves my thong to the side and flattens his tongue over my opening. I jerk at the sensation because it’s been so long and I almost forgot how good it feels.
He buries his face between my thighs while licking and sucking my pussy. He laps over my clit, and I grab his head to keep him there.
“Don’t move, Jami. That feels amazing.”
He listens to my demand and stays put. His tongue flicks and sucks me as he pumps two fingers in and out of me. He curls them and finds that perfect spot.
It’s enough to break me, but he keeps going until I almost shake off the counter. White spots take over my vision as I convulse on his face.
“Fuck, that was hot. I want more.” He holds my legs apart and sucks harder.
I try to keep my screams in, which makes it worse. I’m gasping for air while having one of the most intense orgasms I’ve ever had.
“Jami, I’m coming so hard.”
When he realizes I’m way over the limit of what I can take, he lets up on the pressure and gently brings me down from the stratosphere. It’s a small but nurturing way to come off an orgasm. He presses his lips against my inner thigh.
“I love you. Fuck, I love you so much it hurts.” He stands, his eyes unwavering as he gazes down at me, a silent intensity in his stance. “You’re absolutely gorgeous.”
His words strike me, making my stomach flip.
I love this man.
I push up and bring myself back to the room. “Your beard is shiny and covered with my…”
“Yeah. I knew it would be.” He steps closer to me. “Kiss me and taste what a good girl you are.”
I pull him to me and lick his lips. Our mouths collide and my mind spins. As much as I’d like to say this was exactly what we needed, how he proclaimed his love for me felt like we were worlds apart.
He pulls away and runs his thumb over my lower lip. “How are you feeling right now? ”
“Better than you.” I jump off the counter and pull my skirt down. “How long have we been in here?”
“I don’t know, but that doesn’t matter right now. What’s done is done.” He adjusts himself and then pulls me into his arms. “Before you ask. I don’t regret this and I hope you don’t either.”
My eyes widen, and I slide my hands around his neck. “Why would I regret this? You’re the one who wanted to take this slow. If you remember, I was at your house last night begging for this. You are the one who said we needed to be friends first.”
His eyes penetrate mine like he’s trying to send me a secret message through osmosis. “I know what I said, but that’s not what I want. It’s what has to be, though. At least for a while longer.”
“What does that mean?” A vise grips my heart, and the pain is so sharp I push away to escape it. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to go cold on me again.”
“Do you trust me?” He reaches for me and pulls me back to him.
I resist a little, so I trip into his arms. “Yes. More than most people I know.”
“Good. I need you to if this is going to work.” He swallows as his eyes send me a message I’m not clearly receiving.
“What does that mean? You’re going to need to explain because I’m having a hard time reading between the lines, Jami.”
“I don’t want to fuck this up. We both have a lot of things to take care of before we can move forward. That said, I want this with you. I’m ready to take on Aiden.”
“Do you mean that?”
“Yes. I’m done stepping aside and waiting for you to choose someone else. If you decide it’s not me you want, then I’ll pack up and move once the app is up and running. But I’m going to fight for you. Just give me more time to do it publicly.”
“Why am I getting the feeling you’re hiding something from me?”
“This is where I need you to trust me. Give me a little while to get my mess straightened out.”
Mess?
Jami doesn’t get himself into trouble.
My world tips slightly. “What kind of mess are you in, Jami?”
He presses his forehead against mine and holds my sides in his hands. He takes a minute to breathe. I run my fingers through the back of his hair, fighting the dreadful heaviness filling the room in a thick fog.
My heart plummets with his lack of explanation. “Please talk to me, Jami. I can handle anything if you tell me what to expect.”
“I’ve gotten myself into a bind. I wish I could tell you everything, but I can’t. One day, when I know it’s safe, I’ll explain everything. Hang on and trust me until then.” He presses his lips to my forehead.
“Now I’m terrified. What the fuck is going on? And don’t give me this trust me bullshit.” I take a step back, his touch lingering on my skin even as I push him away.
The blood in my body runs hot and cold because I’m both worried sick and pissed off to all lengths.
“Dori, please. I need a little more time. If I tell you now, I’ll lose everything.”
“Tell me what you’ll lose and then I’ll decide if I can wait.” My hands rest on my hips as he considers my demands.
He runs his hand over his beard as he makes his decision. A heavy breath blows between his lips. He draws in a lungful of air and concedes.
“I’ll lose you, Aiden, my career, and any chance of ever making another dollar. It’s bad. That’s why I need you to trust me.”
“I do. I always have.”
Jami shakes his head and scrapes his teeth over his bottom lip. “Shit, I’m already risking it all just by being in here with you.”
“Why? What does being in here with me have to do with it?”
“Jesus Christ, Dori. Isn’t it enough to know I’m trying to get it fixed so we can be together? If I tell you anything else, I’m putting it all on the line.” He grasps the edge of the counter as his eyes dart around the floor.
My stomach flips inside out. I’ve never seen him in this much turmoil. It’s seeping from his pores and filling me with dread.
A part of me wants to pound on his chest until he tells me what I want to know, but something tells me that will only make matters worse for him.
“Jami, please talk to me.”
“I can’t. Not right now. Just give me a little more time.”
I join him at his side and run my hand over his back. “If you can promise me you’re working toward us figuring this out, I’ll give you more time to tell me.”
“Trust me, I’m doing everything I can to get us to the finish line.” He takes my hands in his. “While I’m doing this, I need you to do something for me. Everything about our relationship rides on it.”