Page 89 of Heartless

So, I hadn’t lied when I’d replied, “No, but it’s complicated, and I can’t really explain, right now.”

After another soft lip touch, Matt’s arms had tautened around my waist.“When things get simpler, call me.Bianca’s got my number.”He’d leaned closer.“Better yet, come to New York for the weekend.”

“I’d like that,” I’d said with a smile.

Then, he’d French kissed me for a long time.

When I’d reentered the house, Bianca and Camila had been waiting in the hallway, both smiling big.Bianca had looped her arm around my waist.“How’s your Venus?”

I’d laughed then.“Glorious.”

Bookended by my two friends, I’d gone back to my birthday party.

****

Seated on the sofa, I grabbed my watered-down cocktail.Camila and Vince were standing by the stereo unit with their cells in hand, busy picking up the playlist while Jake and Bianca were talking quietly on the other side of the sectional.

We’d had cake, and more food than I’d ever eaten in my whole life.Silas had just left to drive Lauren back to her hotel, and by the way she’d been eyeing him all day, my guess was if she had her way, they wouldn’t be back for a while.

“Are you enjoying your party, cara?”Bianca asked.

“I’m loving it.”

Jake smiled at me.I hadn’t found the opportunity to thank him for allowing the whole day to happen in his house.Before losing my nerve, I stood up.He was only a few feet across, but my heart had started to sprint.Bianca hooked her arm over the back of the sofa and twisted toward Camila and Vince.

“Cami, do we have more Champagne?”

By the time I reached him, Bianca was on her way to the kitchen with Camila.

I sat beside Jake and cleared my throat.“Jake, I just wanted—”

His warm hand cupped the side of my neck.“Eyes on me, baby.”

Rolling my shoulders back, I licked my dry lips and watched in no small amount of fascination as his gaze darkened, and his body hardened.

“Thank you for today,” I whispered.

As his fingers trailed off in a slow glide, I shivered.And it hit me.A simple touch from him shook me more than a full make-out session with Matt.

His lips twitched.“How was your junk food fest?”

I was about to reply when Vince appeared before us.He extended his open hand, and a strand of his hair flopped over his smiling eyes.

“Bianca told me you loved dancing.Show me your moves, flower, and I’ll show you mine.”

Trying to ignore the rumbling rolling off Jake’s chest, I gaped at Vince.I was half-awed, half-excited, but all-out terrified by his credentials.

“Vince, I learnt how to dance with YouTube—”

He grabbed my hand and tugged.“You’re going to love the next song.Just follow my lead.”

“Vince—”

Then, the first notes of Chaka Khan’sAin’t Nobodyfilled the room, and I had no choice but to stand up and dance.

****

Jake