Rubi suddenly realized what she’d just walked herself into—more entanglement with Wes. Yes, she could program this device for him, but she was already working on two other projects—the NSA app and these new stunt apps for Jax. Not that she couldn’t take on another; she often juggled several at once, but…
“It’s a specialty,” she hedged, “but I don’t know if it’s all that special. ”
Jax’s cell rang, drawing Wes’s attention and giving Rubi a millisecond of relief. She didn’t want to tell him she couldn’t do it, but hell, she really didn’t need to be spending night and day with him—not with his mind so set on starting something with her.
Rubi glanced at Lexi and found her friend studying her with a confused, suspicious look. They both knew Rubi could program the hell out of a freaking caterpillar if asked, and she could tell Lexi was wondering why she didn’t offer up her services—like she did for everything else. For now, Lexi was leaving it alone. Rubi had no doubt she’d get a grilling later.
When Jax disconnected from the call, he looked at Wes. “Bad news, bud. You’ve got Bolton babysitting duty tonight. ”
Rubi winced. The costar of the film, Jason Bolton, was the actor Wes was doubling in the movie. He was also notorious for carousing, drinking, and starting fights. Because Wes coached Bolton on his part in the stunts, he and Wes had built a rapport. And the production company wanted to protect their investment in Bolton by having Wes go out with him as an unofficial keeper.
“No,” Wes whined, dropping back in his chair. “That guy goes out more than anyone I know. ”
“I offered to do it myself,” Jax said, “but Bolton responds better to you. ”
“That guy is a liver transplant waiting to happen,” Rachel said.
“Fucking Bolton,” Wes grumbled. “Remind me not to ever double the asshole again. Last week he nearly got me killed. If I’m going to die, it’s going to be on a bike, not from some jerk starting a bar brawl. ”
The whole topic of dying on a bike after what she’d nearly witnessed today hit Rubi wrong. She needed some space.
“I’ve got to get going, guys. ” She pulled her purse from the chair and bills from her wallet. “I’m behind on my mind-numbingly scintillating NSA project. ”
“You haven’t even eaten,” Wes said. “And you have to drive me back. ”
“I’m sure Jax will get you where you’re going and finish my lunch. ” She stood and held out her hand. “Keys, handsome. ”
He pushed to his feet and slid his hand into his pocket. “I’ll give them to you at the car. That way you have to let me walk you. ”
She dropped her hand and looked at Lexi. “We’re still on tonight?”
Lexi pursed her lips. “Sounds like you’re kinda tight on time. ”
“If I don’t break for an hour or two, my brain will fry. ”
“Okay, if you can do it. If not, tomorrow’s fine. ”
“What about me? And the club?” Rachel asked, a beaming grin on her face. She really was adorable.
“I’ll call you. ”
As Rubi and Wes started through the restaurant to the exit, he pressed his big, warm hand to her lower back. His fingers touched the skin exposed beneath the hem, and Rubi felt as if she’d been shocked with a live wire.
As soon as they stepped out the front door, Wes slipped his arm fully around her waist and pulled her in the opposite direction from her car.
Her heart kicked. “Wes—”
He sidestepped into an alley bordering Crossroads and pushed her against a wall, then leaned his body into hers. All that warm muscle pressed into her, clouding her mind. Banked desire swelled in a hot wave and her entire body tingled to life. She barely managed to keep her hands pressed against his chest instead of wrapping them around his neck to pull his head down. Barely kept herself from sliding his zipper down and hiking a thigh to his hip, opening just enough to take him inside her body.
“Wes, come on. ” She sounded as breathless as she felt.
“If you don’t go to Stilettos for sex, why do you go? There are hundreds of clubs in LA, Rubi. Why Stilettos?”
“It’s none of your—”
He bent his head and kissed her. This wasn’t anything like the sweet start he’d used in the car. His mouth was heavy and hot. His lips demanded she respond. She shouldn’t. She knew she shouldn’t. But her mouth just…did.
Damn, but she loved the way he kissed. Every slid of his lips, every stroke of his tongue smooth and confident and lust-filled. Just the right pressure, depth and tilt. Just the right mix of sensual and sinful. She could easily spend hours kissing this man.