Page 10 of The Last Love Story (Baker Girls #3)

CHAPTER EIGHT

JADE

Yes.

Justin’s devastating smirk dances in my mind as I imagine his firm body rolling over mine as he thrusts into me.

I mimic the movements I crave with the silicone cock, hitting the deepest part of my core as my vibrator perfectly teases my clit.

A scream builds in my chest, but I bite my lip, holding it back. These walls are thin, and no one else needs to know that I’m getting myself off to the thought of the sweet, caring, playful Greek god of a man I spent the evening with.

I’ve never been complimented so much in such a short time. Never had someone look at me the way he did. The way a man should look at a woman. Like she’s the only thing worth his time.

Justin made me feel treasured, desired, like there was no woman on the planet as meaningful to him as me.

It’s insanity to think that, to believe it. But the look in his eyes after I kissed his cheek? It was the wanton desire I’ve written so many times, but never gotten to see.

When I kissed his cheek, fire blazed through me, and I wanted so much more.

It was right not to pursue it. We’re building a friendship and maybe the potential for something more.

That doesn’t mean I can’t fantasize though. After how hot I was for him tonight, I have to take the edge off.

Twice.

The first time was fast, just working my vibrator over my clit, but it wasn’t enough. I want to live the fucking I didn’t get to have vicariously through a blue silicone dildo.

“Fuck,” I mutter, stomach clenching as beads of sweat form between my breasts.

My nipples could use some love too, but since my hands are occupied, I’ll have to make do.

I swirl my hips as I reposition the vibrator and pull the dildo out before shoving it all the way in again.

Faster. More.

My eyes drift closed as I imagine Justin splayed beneath me as I ride him.

Fuck, I love to ride.

I fight back a whimper, my core tightening as my body lights on fire.

So close. I’m so close and so desperate.

My body shakes as I rock against the vibrator, riding the blue cock until I’m bursting at the seams.

I clamp my mouth shut as I come undone, keeping every moan locked away as my toes curl into the sheets and I arch off the bed.

Slowly, my muscles relax, and I turn the vibrator off, then pull the dildo out and stare at it, slick and sticky.

Maybe one day it’ll actually be Justin’s cock. If it was, I’d be completely feral and suck every drop off him afterward.

That’s almost enough to turn me on again, but I’m wiped. It’s been a long day, and I need to sleep so I’ll be ready for tomorrow.

After getting cleaned up, I nestle under the covers, sated and happy. And because I’m a hopeless lost cause, I fall asleep dreaming of a love story with Justin.

Zoey, Trish, and I weave through the tables in the grand ballroom where the signing event is happening tomorrow.

After a fun panel this morning about writing a series—which Zoey and I were on and Trish moderated—it’s set up time.

“There she is,” Justin croons as I make my way toward the table I’ll be at. Zoey and Trish will be at the table next to me.

“Hey.” I manage to keep my voice calm, even though I feel all breathy and lightheaded, especially knowing I came thinking about him last night. “This is Trish Davies and Zoey Holloway.”

He shakes both of their hands. “Pleasure to meet you, ladies. Zoey, I’ve read your romantasy series. I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next book.”

“Thanks,” Zoey says. Then her face morphs into a wicked smirk. “Glad you enjoyed it. Just not enough to slide into my DMs.”

My eyes flare wide and I elbow her in the side as Trish chokes on a laugh.

Justin chuckles too, then he wraps his arm around me. “What can I say? Jade has a hold on me.”

My whole body flushes red at his words.

I wonder if I have the same kind of hold on him he had on me while I came on that blue dildo last night.

“Of course she does. She’s awesome,” Trish says. “Take care of our girl. ”

“No problem. Come on, darlin’.” Justin walks to the other end of my table and opens one of the totes.

Darlin’, Trish mouths excitedly.

“This is going to be fun to watch play out,” Zoey says.

“I hate you both,” I sing.

“No, you don’t. You love us.” Trish waves her hands to shoo me away. “Go have some fun.”

I shake my head, but follow Justin to the other end of the table.

“Where should I start?” he asks.

“Table runner, then you can put the lighter boxes with stickers and signs on the table and I’ll set those up.” I pull my phone out. “And here’s a picture from my last signing for how I set up my books.”

“Got it.”

Everything comes together fairly quickly, and though we don’t talk much, every so often one of us catches the other staring.

As we finish up, we both reach for the last book, and our fingers brush. My gaze snaps to his, and I swear I can see the sparks dancing in the air around us. The tension between us is palpable.

Pulling the book toward me, I place it in its spot, trying to shake off the overheated, lightheaded feeling that swamps me after a tiny touch from Justin.

“I think that’s everything.” I stand back and look at the table.

“Want to grab some lunch?” Trish asks, walking over with Zoey.

“Sure. But can we be totally cheesy and stop by the book arch to take pictures first? It’ll be too crazy tomorrow.”

“Oh yeah. We have to,” Zoey says. “I love the book arch. It’s the perfect blend of whimsical and timeless.”

“You should have one at your wedding,” I say dreamily to Trish.

She thinks for a second. “Maybe if it wasn’t going to be outside at Mama and Papa O’s. I don’t know how well it would hold up outdoors. Plus, what if it rains?” Trish elbows Zoey. “Maybe you should have one at your wedding.”

“Are you engaged too?” Justin asks.

Zoey sighs heavily. “No. She just likes to cause trouble.”

Justin’s eyes move between the three of us. “No wonder the three of you are such good friends.”

I put a hand to my chest in mock offense. “Excuse me. I’m not a troublemaker. I’m a good girl.”

Justin bites his lip, then leans down and whispers, “I’ll bet you are.”

Oh, shit.

I cause trouble. I’m in trouble. So much trouble everywhere.

When we get out to the book arch, we take turns snapping individual and group photos. After I take one of Justin with Zoey and Trish, I hand him back his phone, but he gives me that devilish smile that melts me.

“Don’t I get one with you?”

“Of course,” I squeak. Then I clear my throat. “Let’s do it.”

We walk over to the book arch and settle in the middle of it. Justin wraps his hand around my waist, but when his fingers dig into my side and he inches me closer, my breath catches.

That’s not how he stood with Trish and Zoey.

He did the Keanu Reeves thing where he put his hands out flat with his arms behind them, but obviously not touching them.

But me? He’s touching me.

And every glorious inch of his body touching mine has me on fire.

This is beyond being in trouble. With every second I spend with him, I want more. When he touches me, I want to rip my clothes off and explore the depth of the connection between us.

I’m emotionally charged, wildly uninhibited, and absolutely intoxicated with him.

That’s a dangerous place to be.

Lunch was… tense.

We laughed. We had a good time. But every time Zoey and Trish weren’t looking, Justin’s eyes were on me. Or mine were on him. Or both.

Then he gently grazed his hand over my thigh when he asked if he could pay.

That same hand has been on my lower back the entire walk—and elevator ride—back to my room.

It’s fine.

It’s not like I’m going to spontaneously combust or anything.

“Thanks for lunch,” Zoey says, as we get to our rooms.

“No problem. I appreciate y’all keeping me company. Despite being in this world for a while, I don’t actually have too many author friends, and only a couple of narrator ones.”

“We’re happy to claim you,” Trish says. Then her eyes meet mine. “Jade, did you want to come over and watch a movie before the mixer tonight?”

Justin’s hand slides off my back, and he angles his body so he can meet my eyes. “Actually, if you have a few minutes, I wanted to talk to you about something. Here or in my room. Whatever works.”

The heat of Zoey’s and Trish’s stares burn into me, but I ignore them.

“Sure. We can go to your room.”

I’m not trying to be forward, but the walls are thin, and unless we’re whispering, Zoey and Trish will be able to hear everything. Not that I’m expecting to rip our clothes off and jump into bed, but whatever this conversation is, should be private.

He holds out his arm. “Right this way then, darlin’.”

Zoey flares her eyes at me as Trish pumps her eyebrows.

“I’ll text you later,” I call as Justin leads me away .

Okay. Time to be cool. Calm. Collected.

Except I’m not cool.

I’m sweating everywhere.

Pits, boobs, ass. I’m like a fountain. In the worst way.

Breathe.

When we get back to Justin’s room, I’m grateful the AC is on full blast because I need it. I’m about to go stand next to it when Justin grabs my hand.

“What’s up?” I croak.

“Well, I couldn’t stop thinking about what you told me yesterday—your insurance not covering your surgery. It’s not okay. You don’t need that financial burden or extra stress. I did some research last night, and I think I might’ve found a solution to your problem.”

My brows lift in surprise. I did plenty of researching too. Was there something I missed? There’s some uncertainty in his eyes, and he looks a little sheepish. I tamp down the hope trying to blossom in my gut.

“Oh? What’s that?”

He stares at me for a beat, then a calm confidence takes over, and he smiles.

“We should get married.”