Burn(121)

            His eyes gleamed brighter and he reached over to adjust the top, his fingers brushing over the swell of one breast.

            “That sight is just for me,” he murmured. “Not that you don’t look delectable, that hint of nipple, but no one else gets to see that.”

            She slapped her hands over her chest in horror and then stared anxiously at the other men. “Oh my God. Did they see my nipples!”

            Laughter went up and there was a series of shaking heads. Ash leaned in to kiss her, pulling her into his arms. His entire body shook with laughter.

            “No, baby. Nobody but me saw.”

            As he spoke, he turned, sending a pointed glare in the direction of the other men who immediately shook their heads and donned expressions of complete innocence.

            “I need to put my shoes on,” Josie grumbled.

            Ash eased her down on the couch and then gently slipped her heels back on her feet. There was something extremely decadent about having a man put her shoes back on. His hands were warm and soothing against her skin. He squeezed one foot before stepping back to offer his hand to help her up.

            She rose, experimentally testing her legs. She hadn’t worn the shoes for most of the drinkfest and the last thing she wanted to do was face-plant now that she had them on.

            She was shaky, but Ash firmly grasped her elbow before pulling her into his side. She sighed and melted against him, savoring the heat and scent of this gorgeous male.

            “Thanks for looking after them,” Ash said to Brandon as they walked toward the door.

            “Hey, what about me,” Jace sputtered. “Just remember, it’s your turn next time.”

            Ash grinned. “Looking forward to it.”

            Ash started toward the door, holding Josie tight against his side. She stumbled a bit and he slowed his pace, matching it to her unsteady one. She was melted against him, so soft and sweet that he wished they weren’t so damn far from his apartment. He wanted nothing more than to strip her out of that dress and fuck her in those shoes until they both passed out.

            Gabe and Jace had definitely not lied. He was insanely jealous of them for having experienced this before. But now he had Josie. Josie was a part of his circle of friends, just like he’d wanted. He looked forward with immense satisfaction, secure in the knowledge that from now on, he would have this.

            Other guys might bitch about girls’ night out. Some didn’t like it when their women went out without them. Hell, if they had this to look forward to? There’d be an instant run on sexy dresses and sparkly fuck-me shoes.

            He grinned again as he led Josie toward the ramp leading down to the dance floor. Brandon appeared with another bouncer, flanking Ash and providing a protective barrier so they weren’t jostled by the other club goers.

            When they got outside, he directed Josie toward the waiting car and helped her inside. When he slid into the backseat, Josie was already indelicately sprawled all over the seat, her legs extending sideways. One of her shoes dangled precariously from her foot, and he slid it back on, cupping her ankle as he did.

            She opened her eyes and bestowed a goofy, sweet smile on him.

            “Hi,” she said huskily.

            He laughed and leaned over to kiss her nose. She was so damn cute. And all his.

            “Hi yourself. Have fun?”

            “Oh yeah,” she breathed out. “You were right. Mia and Bethany are the bomb. So are the rest of their friends.” She frowned a minute and Ash looked curiously at her, seeking the source of that frown. “Caro is moving away though. That makes Mia sad. Caro and Brandon are getting married and moving to Vegas. But it’s okay. She’ll still have Bethany. And me,” she said, pointing to her chest.