“It wasn’t over what. It was over who.” He rubbed his hands together before finally meeting her gaze. “And as much as I would like to explain, out of respect for you and your relationship with your brother, it’s not my story to tell.”
“You argued over a girl?” she asked, putting the pieces together. She was surprised because that thought hadn’t crossed her mind.
“Chloe … don’t push me on this. You need to talk to Linc.”
Beck set his jaw in what she’d come to think of as the expression he used when he wouldn’t budge.
“Trust me, okay? If I thought I should explain things, I would,” he said.
“But you won’t because you’re protecting my relationship with Linc.” She didn’t understand how but she’d accept his request. “Okay.”
“Thank you. So did you have that dress, or did you ask one of your personal shoppers to send it over?” he asked, his irises darkening as his gaze came to rest on her breasts, pushed up slightly by the ribbing beneath them.
Accepting the change of subject, she grinned. “What do you think?”
He ran his finger along the leather strip, and her entire body trembled at his touch, which deliberately included the undersides of her breasts. “I think you wanted something special just for me.” His thumbs brushed over her distended nipples, hard and aroused from his teasing touch. “And I appreciate the effort because I can’t stop staring.” His gaze was hot and still focused on her chest.
Despite being completely covered, exposing no cleavage, this dress managed to tease, and that was exactly what she’d wanted.
“Would you like more dessert?” he asked.
“No, thank you.” She shook her head and sighed. “This was the best meal I’ve ever had.”
Beck’s answering smile warmed her inside.
“That was the plan,” he said. “And since we’re both full, let’s dance before we head home.”
Full or not, she was all too willing to rub her body against his sexy one.
He slid out of the booth and extended his hand, helping her stand in her high heels. As if he’d choreographed it, the music became a notch louder, and he pulled her into his arms.
For the first few minutes, he held her in a respectful position as they swayed in time to the music, but the longer the song went on, the more intimate they became. His hand moved to her lower back, and then his fingers dipped to cover her ass and pull her against his hard body, the swell of his erection obvious and thick against her sex.
“I haven’t danced in a while,” he murmured in her ear.
Her hands came to his shoulders. “This no longer feels like just dancing,” she said, and his low chuckle reverberated inside her.
“That’s because it isn’t. It’s foreplay.”
The word sent a zing straight to her clit. “Not nice when you know we have a twenty-minute ride home.” And she was already soaking wet for him.
“The limo has a soundproof partition.” Dipping his head, he settled his lips against her neck, nuzzling behind her ear before nipping at her lobe.
Her nipples tightened even more, and she rubbed herself against his erection, causing a powerful quiver to pulse through her, and she dug fingernails into the material of his jacket.
“We need to go.” Her knees were already weak at the thought of having him inside her soon.
His green eyes, blazing with heat, met hers, and he treated her to a curt nod. “We do.”
Grasping her hand, he started for the door, pausing only long enough to let her grab her purse before they were rushing for the limo outside.
* * *
Beck didn’t know what it was about Chloe, but she pulled him in, bringing them closer without him meaning to let it happen. She was just so damned easy to talk to. Comforting about his dad, curious about his life and work, and down-to-earth despite her upbringing. She didn’t expect the best, was surprised when he provided it, and was utterly grateful for small favors.
Unlike many of the woman he’d dated, who had obviously been with him for the money and perks that came with it. Which was why he rarely went out with anyone more than twice. Three times, max. He’d heard his brothers use the word fuck buddy, and though he understood the meaning, he’d always been too concerned a woman would assume anything beyond a second date meant real interest on his part.
Though there were probably females he could trust, there were more women who claimed to be fine with a casual, sex-only situation, but deep down they hoped to be the one to change him.
Yet here he was, in over his head with Chloe Kingston. The irony was, when she said she wasn’t ready for a relationship so soon after her broken engagement, he believed her. But he also knew whatever this thing was between them, it went deeper than just sex. And wouldn’t that make her brother happy, he thought, aware of the irony.