Page 5

Jaden slightly frowned. “I don’t remember Claudia or Samiyah introducing you that way.”
Octavia gave a soft smile. “It’s because they think of me more as a co-worker than an employee. But it’s one in the same I guess.”
Jaden heard her, but his attention remained with Claudia. When he cast a glance back to Claudia, she was back in full swing with his father. The music changed, and Octavia lingered without as much as another word.
Being a gentleman, Jaden asked, “Would you like to dance, Mrs. Davenport?”
“Its Ms. Davenport, and you don’t have to be so formal with me, Jaden. Call me Octavia.”
He offered her a half smile. “Okay, Octavia, would you like to dance?”
“Sure, I thought you’d never ask.”
Jaden was accustomed to women approaching him, but it never seemed to turn him on the way one would think. Jaden was a chaser, wanting to hunt his prey like the animal he was. But this proved to be difficult with his celebrity status in Chicago, and for that reason, he rarely enjoyed the attention.
Offering her his hand, Jaden and Octavia cruised to the dance floor. The upbeat tempo had everyone moving in a quick step. Jaden and Octavia were no different. As they moved, Jaden’s thoughts ventured back to Claudia. She’d seemed hesitant about being around him tonight which was different from the previous moments they’d shared in one another’s company.
Jaden needed to know what it was about. Claudia said the wedding was doing strange things to her, but why would that involve the way she reacted to him? He’d never gotten a chance to ask because she fled so quickly. Jaden wanted to believe it was because Claudia felt the same strong desire and it ruffled her feathers, but he couldn’t be sure. Another part of him wondered if she was uninterested. That would be a first, but it wouldn’t surprise him that the woman he finally set his sights on exploring more than just a physical relationship with, didn’t want the same in return. Oh, the irony.
The weight of his thoughts battered him down, and although it was Octavia that Jaden twirled and two stepped around, it was Claudia that he wanted. Desperately. When the music changed, and a slow tempo sailed from the band, Octavia smiled sheepishly. Jonathon, Jaden’s brother, approached them.
“Hey bro,” Jonathon’s eyes were fixated on Octavia, but he spoke to Jaden. “Do you mind if I cut in?”
Jaden smirked. “Do yah thing brother.” Jaden punched him softly in the arm stepping to the side and Jonathon took his place, giving Jaden the opportunity to seek out the one he wanted. It was a welcomed pardon since Jaden didn’t want to be rude to Octavia. But for this slow dance, Jaden wanted Claudia in his arms. He needed to feel the silkiness of her skin again. When he neared, Christopher twirled Claudia out releasing her at once and bringing her face to face with Jaden.
Her mouth opened in surprise and her palms rested against his broad chest catching her balance. His arms circled her immediately. “You’re good,” Jaden’s thick vocals beat. “I’ve got you.”
A faint smile crossed her lips. “It would seem so. I didn’t see you, where’d you come from?”
“I’ve been with you this whole time. You didn’t feel me?”
Claudia’s belly flopped, and a flush of heat warmed her. She chuckled, “You sure do have a way with words, Mr. Rose.”
His grin was mischievous. “I want you to call me Mr. Rose when I have you…” Jaden paused he wanted to tell her everything he wanted to do to her, but Jaden wasn’t sure if that was the right move. Especially after her hesitation on the beach.
Claudia swallowed the lump in her throat. “You were saying,” she asked seeking courage.
Jaden’s grin spread into a suave smile. “I’ll tell you later.”
“Later?”
“Mmhmm.”
“What makes you think there will be a later?”
“I’m hopeful.”
Claudia’s heart rate increased. She was hyperaware of his muscled chest pressed against her now hard nipples. His solid thighs laced between hers as if they were about to dance a dutty wine. More than anything, Claudia was attuned to his unyielding erection that seemed to extend past the standard length. Her body was screaming at this point, and Claudia was all set to immerse herself in the pleasure that he would most certainly provide.