In the car, before he even started the engine, he turned to me.
“Did you have fun?”
“I did,” I said. “My jaw hurts. That was exactly what I needed. Thank you.”
He pouted dramatically. “Damn. I was hoping you’d say no, so I could kiss you again.”
I laughed. While I was still laughing, he leaned in and kissed me again-longer this time, deeper. When he finally pulled back, his thumb brushed my lips.
“Couldn’t help it,” he said. “Want to stop by my bar? It’s nearby. We could dance.”
I nodded. “Sure. Sounds fun.”
His bar was smaller than I expected,intimate. He led me upstairs to a quiet table tucked into the back corner. Dim lights. Decent view. He ordered more drinks, a few snacks.
A moment later, Dominic walked over and sat with us.
“Caroline!” he whined. “Where’s Eleanor? You left her out?”
“She’s with her boyfriend,” I said, amused.
“Seriously? I should text her,” Dominic said, already pulling out his phone.
While he sent the message, he and Jax talked briefly about bar stuff. Then Jax turned to me again.
“I want to dance with you,” he said, leaning closer. “Right here. It’s quieter than the main floor.”
“Yeah, I like that.”
We stayed there, dancing slowly by our table. No crowd, no pressure. Just music, and the feel of his hand on my back. He didn’t say much. Neither did I. It was easy. Comfortable.
By the time he drove me home, it was early morning. He walked me to the entrance of my building and paused before saying goodbye.
“Did you enjoy tonight?”
“I really did,” I said. “You always pick great places.”
“I try,” he said. Then leaned in close to my ear. “So… how big is that little attraction now?”
I smiled. “Might’ve grown a bit.”
He moved fast, pushing me against my door, one hand in my hair while the other held my hip tight. His kiss was hard and deep, his tongue moving with mine in a way that made me feel hot.
I kissed back just as hard, pushing against him as his hand grabbed my butt, pulling me close. I could feel how much he wanted me, and I made a small noise.
The sound made him want more, and he kissed deeper, his tongue moving in my mouth. When he stopped, we were both breathing hard.
“God, woman,” he said rough and low, his eyes full of want. “You’re going to drive me crazy.”
He gave me one soft kiss before stepping back. “Good night, beautiful Caroline. Think about me tonight.”
He waited until I got inside before heading back to his car.
I touched my lips as I went inside. Maybe Eleanor was right, just enjoying the moment wasn’t so bad.
Howard’s POV
“Mom, it’s impossible that you live just to ruin my plans!” Ella shouted at her mother, who was curled up in bed.
“Ella, please lower your voice. My head is splitting,” Diane whispered, her face pale and drawn.
“I don’t care about your head! You’re always doing this!” Ella stormed out of the room.
I looked up from my phone when Ella stomped into the living room. Her face was twisted with anger.
“What’s wrong now?” I asked, setting my phone down.
Ella dropped onto the couch beside me. “Daddy, Mom refuses to go wedding dress shopping with me.”
“She’s sick, Ella.”
“She’s been ‘sick’ for three days! The appointment is tomorrow. The designer won’t reschedule again.”
I sighed. Ella had been planning this wedding for days. “Ask Linda to go with you instead.”
“I already tried. Mom won’t give me the card. Says it has to be her.”
“I put the money in her account yesterday.”
“Talk to her, Daddy. Please?” Ella’s eyes watered.
I stood up. “Wait here.”
The bedroom was dark when I entered. Diane lay there like she was dying. I flicked on the lamp.
“Jesus, Howard. Turn that off.” She covered her eyes.
I ignored her, yanking open drawers and searching through her purse. “Where’s the card? Ella needs to go tomorrow.”
“No.” Diane’s voice was surprisingly firm. “I’m going with her. Next week.”
“This designer won’t reschedule again. Give me the damn card.”
“I said no.” Diane pushed herself up, wincing. “She’s not going without me.”
I slammed the drawer shut. “Diane, don’t start this. I’ve already given you the money.”
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