leaving out about a million other things he’d mentioned. “He’s challenged him for the title.”
Dean didn’t look happy about that, either. “He told him in person? Tonight?”
“It’ll be official tomorrow,” I added.
“He had to dance with you to tell you that?”
“Let it go, Dean,” I replied.
He grunted, and his hand slipped lower on my back. I was beginning to become overly aware of our current embrace, and it had nothing to do with decorum in the slightest.
“You’re dancing,” I said, my eyes widening.
He smirked, tension bleeding from his shoulders, and he spun me around. “So?”
“I’m surprised. Like, genuinely surprised,” I said as he tightened his grip on my hand.
His lips pulled up in one corner. “That I’d make an effort?”
“Last time, you looked like you were in agony.”
“I was.”
I smiled, not knowing if I should run or let this play out.
“What changed?” I asked, choosing the latter.
His chest rose as he sucked in a deep breath. Lowering his gaze, he seemed to savor his response before letting me hear it. He was having too good a time with the anticipation for my liking.
Finally, he murmured, “My eyes were opened.”
My heart leapt. “Dean…”
Before I could say any more, he let go of my waist and tugged me from the dance floor. His grip was like steel as he led me across the ballroom, through the crowd, and off to the side.
“Dean,” I said, almost falling ass over tit in my sky-high heels. “What are you doing?”
He pushed through a side door, and we emerged into a hall that was devoid of life. At the realization he was looking for a darkened corner, I began to tremble, my gaze darting to and fro, trying to find a way out. I’d wanted this, but now it kind of terrified me. It was a line I was willing to cross a week ago, but now? I wasn’t sure it was such a great idea.
Dean wasn’t listening to my pleas. He was too intent on his path to stop and hear me. Finally, he found a quiet corner away from the commotion of the Gala, and he tugged me into the little alcove, pinning me against the wall.
Trapped.
“I wanted… I wanted to make this night special for you, but I can’t hold back anymore. You’re not listening. I need you to listen, Jo.” His hands cupped my face, and I froze, completely under his spell. “I made a mistake.”
“What?” My heart sank. He wanted to sweep my off my feet and now… He was regretting it?
He lowered his head until our eyes were level. “I should never have pushed you away.”
There was a split second where time stood still, where the world stopped turning and it was just him and me. Then he claimed me in a blaze of heat, his mouth moving desperately against my own, and all the walls I’d put into place just disintegrated. My willpower was totally shot.
I threw my arms around his neck and parted my lips, thrusting my tongue against his. I just let go and poured every last drop of my lust, longing, and anguish into our embrace, and I let the doubts fade away. He matched me stroke for stroke, his touch as fevered as mine.
The floodgates had opened, and we’d let out a tsunami.
Not breaking away from our kiss once, he bunched my skirt up, and I threw my leg around his waist, holding him against me. One hand hooked around my knee, holding me open, and his other hand traced a path along my inner thigh until his fingers brushed over the silk finish of my bikini briefs…right over the sweet spot.
I didn’t do a thing to stop him as he pushed the material aside and slid a finger through my wetness. His touch sent a shiver down my spine, and I arched into him, wanting more.
“You’re so wet,” he murmured, his lips brushing against mine.
I didn’t want to hear him speak a single word. I didn’t want him to whisper dirty things into my ear. I just wanted him to end my suffering.
Forcing my mouth against his, I kissed him deeply, and as his tongue thrust against mine, he plunged a thick finger inside me. The sudden invasion caused my back to arch, and I pushed my breasts against his chest.
This time, he was the one moaning into my mouth as he slid a second finger in with the first, exploring every inch of me. We moved against one another, dangerously close to giving