Abby smoothed her hair into place and took another step back until her hand was on the doorknob. “Well, that’s the thing about women, Tucker. It’s our prerogative to change our mind.”
If he could have taken her right there and then, he would have. Instead, Tucker reached down for the some sort of control and shoved his hands into the front pockets of his dress pants.
He nailed her with a look that was unmistakable.
“Good to know,” he said dangerously, his hand sliding over hers until he opened the door. “Because we’re leaving this reception early.”
He pushed her out into the hall. Bent toward her and licked up the side of her neck. “And then I’m going to take you back to our room and we’re going to get naked.”
He heard her breath catch and grinned.
“I’m going to kiss and lick every inch of your body, Miss Mathews.”
She started down the stairs, hand shaking as it clung to the railing. “Really, Mr. Simon?” she murmured.
“Really,” he answered, heart beating slow and steady. Just before Abby reached the door leading back into the reception, his hand slid over hers, electricity zipping along his forearm. “And then you’re going to have the best sex of your life.”
She paused at that, and he could visualize the smile on her face. “That’s a pretty arrogant statement.”
“No, that’s where you’re wrong, darlin’.” He opened the door, his hot gaze on her face as he waited for her to pass by. “That’s not a statement. That’s a promise.”
Chapter Twelve
Abby stayed away from the champagne. She didn’t have one sip of wine. Didn’t touch any of the beer, imported or otherwise. And she sure as hell didn’t touch any of the hard liquor.
And yet she felt as if every single cell in her body was buzzing. It was as if her equilibrium was off, and like a drunk, she was weaving through the sea of guests, trying to keep her feet planted firmly so that her ass wouldn’t end up on the cool, tiled floor.
Because she sure as heck was drunk.
She was drunk and high on something and that something had a name. Tucker Simon.
That’s not a statement, darling. That’s a promise.
A groan escaped her and she tried to smile at Aunt Virginia as the older woman threaded her arm through Abby’s and led her into a dark corner.
“Are you all right, dear? You look a bit peaked.”
Abby didn’t have to glance up to know that Tucker’s dark gaze was on her. They’d been back at the reception for nearly two hours, though almost as soon as they’d entered the large room, he’d been spirited away by his cousins. He’d taken the bride for a spin around the room and then, of course, Aunt Virginia had claimed him. After that, he’d been surrounded by family and more than few women who were a tad too…overt in their advances.
And all the time, Tucker watched her.
Abby had taken a turn on the dance floor with Cooper and then Beau. She’d done a slow waltz with an old Southerner named Briscoe, who sported a waxed mustache that would have made Custard proud and wandering hands that well, wandered.
Again, Tucker watched.
They were separated, physically, and yet she felt the weight of his gaze, as if he was next to her. Kissing her. Touching her.
“God,” she said softly, pressing a hand to the damp skin behind her neck.
“Would you like some punch?” Aunt Virginia asked.
“No,” Abby replied, cutting off the older woman. Alcohol would only make things worse. “I’m sorry, I just need to…I want…” She looked into the older woman’s eyes and blew out a hot breath. What to say?
I want to have hot, sweaty sex with your nephew, but I don’t know if I should because it might ruin everything? But I’ve wanted him forever it seems and now…now I don’t know what to do about it?
A slow smile crept over Virginia’s face, and she patted Abby’s hand. “I understand, honey. Trust me. Those Simon boys are hard to resist. Why my own husband damn near swept me off my feet the night I met him.” She cocked her head and smoothed her hair back as her gaze wandered the room. A dreamy expression settled in her eyes, and her voice was husky.
“It was love at first sight, and I didn’t stand a chance. He took one look at me and decided he was going to have me and well,” she chuckled. “Have me he did. Right there. That night.”