STORY EXCERPT

“There.” Tyson tapped his shoulder and pointed over to the bar. “Almost didn’t recognize her. I don’t think a lot of the guys have put two and two together yet. But damn, she certainly has their attention.”

“Holy—” Graham’s breath did more than hitch, it nearly stopped. His heart raced as he looked her over from head to toe. Jordan was a fucking knockout. Her black and cream strapless dress perfectly hugged every flawless curve of her body. And her shoulders and legs? Why the hell did she hide those? Jordan certainly worked out. A body like hers didn’t come naturally. It was the result of dedication and training, and parts of Graham’s body were definitely taking notice. Who was he kidding? Every part of his body was fully aware of the gorgeous vision in front of him.

She walked away from a couple of the guys who were talking to her. He watched her order a drink from the bartender. A few moments later, he handed her a martini with a wink. A bit of jealousy ran through him. Was the bartender flirting with her or looking for a nice tip?

She took a sip and went to walk away…until Mike approached her.

The man really didn’t know when to stop, did he? Before Graham let bitter feelings rip through him, he and Tyson watched Mike’s body language from across the room. Even though he didn’t know what Mike was saying, he studied Jordan’s reactions to him. Mike was clearly agitating her.

“Well, are you going to make your move or keep staring at her from across the room?”

“I think I need to rescue her from Mike,” Graham said and started toward the bar.

Tyson grabbed his arm. Graham turned back around to him. “Tread lightly, G. She may not be the I-want-to-be-rescued type.”

Graham nodded and contemplated what Tyson said as he crossed the ballroom. He may be right, but he could swoop in now and explain later.

* * * *

Jordan realized she was downing her berry martini way too fast, hoping Mike would go away or the drink would magically make him disappear—or at least make this conversation less excruciating. Actually, to be a conversation, two people would have to be participating. Mike was the only one talking and all about himself. It seemed to be his favorite subject.

No such luck. The martini did not possess the magical powers she was hoping for.

She tried walking away a few times, but he boxed her in each time. She also attempted to get Neal’s attention who was too busy on the other side of the large room. She didn’t want to make a scene, but she also had dignity. A fine balance Jordan was struggling with at the moment because she was certain this man didn’t hear the word “no” very often. He was so full of himself, she was beginning to find it humorous. She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at him. Jordan cussed at her tendency to laugh when she was in a bizarre situation. She had done it the other day during Graham’s photo session when he complimented her. Although she found that to be a different kind of ridiculous.

She downed the rest of her drink and set it on the bar when she felt a warm hand on the small of her back. As the heat rushed through her, she immediately knew who it was before she even turned around.

“There you are. I’ve been looking for you.”

She turned to see Graham standing beside her. He pressed a soft, sweet kiss to her cheek. The moment—the sensation—left her stunned at first, then tingling all over. How in the world did he ignite so much in her with a simple touch?

She gazed up and down his body, admiring how handsome he looked in his suit.

“May I have this dance?” he kindly asked.

She looked at Mike with the smirk he had on his face—one she would love to wipe off. Then she turned to Graham, smiled and said ever-so-politely, “I would love to.”

He took her hand, kissed the top of it and led her to the dance floor. He was such a gentleman. He drew her into his arms and began moving her around so naturally. The man could definitely dance.

“Mike should thank you, you know. I was close to decking him.”

Graham chuckled. “I don’t doubt it. It would have been fun to watch.”

Jordan’s lips curved. There was something special about Graham. She felt it but couldn’t begin to comprehend it. The more she was around him, the more she wanted to discover just what it was, despite the need to stay focused on her job.

“Thank you for coming over, but I didn’t need to be rescued.”

“I know you didn’t.”

The tone in his voice sounded sincere. She was surprised he wasn’t insulted by her comment like some men would have been. It was necessary for him to know she could take care of herself. It was her strong nature and the way her parents raised her and her sisters.

He pulled her body closer to his as they glided as one across the dance floor. She became fully aware of how perfectly they fit together. He was able to lead her with the right signals and her body reacted effortlessly.

ADULT EXCERPT

They walked outside back to his car. The parking lot was nearly empty except for the players and coaches who were still at Seasons. With his hand on her door, he said, “Jordan?” She turned around, bringing her eyes to meet his. Hints of gold were emphasized by the streetlights. He cupped her face. “I’ve been waiting to do this all evening.”

He kissed her hard. His cock sprung to attention. Jordan leaned against the car and put her hands on his waist, coercing him to press firmly against her. She kissed him back with same intensity.

“What time do you have to leave tomorrow?” he asked while trailing kisses down her neck.

“About twelve forty-five,” she breathlessly answered.

“Come back to my place and stay with me tonight?”

“Okay. Can we stop by my place so I can grab my stuff first?”

“Of course.”

Graham was thankful they didn’t live very far. Jordan ran into her apartment and was back out in less than five minutes. Her quick timing impressed him. She already had her camera stuff and laptop, so she just needed clothes and some other necessities.

When she got back into the car, he looked at her and gave her his best quirky yet sexy smile he could conjure up.

“What?” she asked him.

“Nothing.” He grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles.

“Come on. Tell me,” she probed.

“You were fast, that’s all. I like that.”

She leaned over the console of the car and kissed his cheek, then his neck. “First of all,” she nibbled on his earlobe. “I don’t need a lot of time to grab a bunch of stuff. Second, I thought we were in a hurry to…um…celebrate.” She sat back in her seat and winked at him.

Graham’s lips curved up as he backed out of the parking space. “That we are.”

He helped Jordan bring her bags up from the car. They set them down right inside the door and immediately began stripping their clothes off. They were being sloppy, nearly falling over trying to hurry and totally amused with the whole situation.

Graham retrieved a condom from his pocket. They were standing a few feet apart from each other when he stopped to look at Jordan and found her admiring him in the same manner. He studied everything from her sexy smile all the way down to her polished toes.

“Put that on,” she demanded.

He opened the condom and rolled it on. As soon as he was done, she jumped into his arms. He caught her with ease even though he wasn’t expecting it. Her tongue slid into his mouth. The taste of the bittersweet lemonade from her meal still lingered on her lips. With her arms and legs wrapped around him, he moved a few steps forward and pressed her up against the wall. She moved a little and sank down on him.

Graham groaned out his pleasure. “Damn, you feel so fucking good.”

He rocked into her and prized the feeling of her naked body relying on his strength to hold her. He knew she was a strong woman, but having her like this—giving him her whole body—made him want to pleasure her forever.

He dipped his head down, sucked on her breasts and was rewarded with her moan. She moved her hands through his hair, keeping his head down to show him where she wanted his attention at the moment. He felt her muscles start to twitch.

“Oh God, Graham.”

He met her lips, and their tongues played wildly. He thrust harder, banging their bodies against the wall. Her pussy squeezed him as she soared through her orgasm pulling him right along as they panted each other’s name.

Sweaty and thoroughly pleased, he took a step away from the wall, slid out of Jordan and set her down on her feet. Her arms lingered around him as they caught their breath. She placed a sweet kiss on his lips.

“How long do you think the fireworks will last?”

Her sincere tone held so much hope. She truly was an open, honest woman.

“I hope forever,” he answered truthfully and kissed her forehead. It earned him a genuine smile from her. He really wanted them to last for an eternity. The connection he had with Jordan was blowing his mind.

He made his way to the bathroom and disposed of the condom. He cleaned himself up a bit.

“Mind if I jump in the shower real quick?” she asked, leaning in the doorway of the bathroom.

“Be my guest.” He opened the linen closet and handed her a towel and a washcloth. Help yourself to whatever else you may need.”

“Thanks.” She turned the water on and put the towels on the rack.

He realized he was lingering in the bathroom watching the way she moved, so he started walking away.

“And Graham?”

He turned around. “Yeah?”

She came up to him, cupped his face and kissed him so perfectly it nearly made him melt. Damn, do men even melt?

“That’s all.”