I brushed my mouth over hers in a kiss so sweet I felt her relax against me instantly. Naturally, the crowd went wild, clapping and chanting that they wanted more kisses.
I held one hand up to silence them whilst the other arm I had firmly around Jada’s back, sliding down from time to time down to her shapely ass.
“On behalf of Jada and myself, we’d like to thank everyone for coming this evening. I need to admit that I’ve been away on business most of the week, and I was extremely late getting here this evening. I know Jada is not too happy with me right now, but I promise I’ll make it up to her.”
I stared at Michael Sinclair and looked directly into his eyes, challenging him, letting him know Jada was mine now and there wasn’t a thing he could do about it. He may have kept her from my bed last Sunday, but tonight, she was all mine, every delectable inch.
“So, where do I start?” I heard Jada inhale a deep breath and let it out slowly; I continued. “It may come as no surprise to most of you that Jada and I have known each other our whole lives. However, when we ran into each other recently in Sydney, we were more shocked than anyone when our feelings for each other changed in such a short amount of time. But the fact of the matter is, I’m absolutely crazy about her, and she feels the same about me.” I gave her a questioning gaze, reeling her in.
“I speak for both of us when I say we’re happy to be here amidst our families and friends, celebrating what we both wanted but never thought we’d find. Thank you.” I brought Jada’s left hand to my mouth and kissed her engagement ring.
Jada reached up and caressed the side of my face with the back of her hand. God, she drove me insane. I curled my hand around her neck and yanked her forward for a prolonged kiss. I pressed her firmly against my body, my mouth controlling hers in a possessive kiss. I could hear clapping and the clicking of a camera in the background. I’m sure a zillion pictures were taken at that precise moment.
There was no going back now.
No more games.
No more denial.
***
JADA
“You know, Jada, I still can’t believe you kept this a secret from me,” Mia stated as we were both clearing some of the rubbish off the tables. “How I missed the love between the two of you in Sydney, I have no idea. It is so powerful. The two of you just can’t keep your hands off one another. In fact, I’m surprised Max even left you alone with me now, while we clean up.”
Powerful? Was Mia right?
“Mia, stop exaggerating!”
“What? I’m right, aren’t I? It’s what you’ve always wanted, isn’t it? Ever since we were little, you were always infatuated with him. And now you’re in love! It’s just so bizarre that you met up in Sydney and I didn’t even notice. You little sneak!”
God, I hated lying to Mia. I’d never lied to her about anything.
“So, where is Max anyway?” Mia asked.
“Um…he’s talking to his friend Zane and Marco about some business matter or venture they all need to discuss. He better not be too long; my feet are killing me in these heels, and I’m dying to take this dress off and get straight to bed!”
“Oh, Jada,” Mia giggled. “I just bet you are! So…when did Zane arrive? I never saw him at the party.”
“Really now?”
“What?” Mia feigned innocence.
“Stop pretending you are not interested in Zane, Mia. Your eyes light up at the mention of his name, and how could you not notice him at the party? The guy is built like a tank.”
Mia’s face turned crimson.
“Well, he is sort of hot, but he hardly says a word to me every time I see him. He’s always so secretive, you know, with him being a private investigator and all. Anyway, I’m pretty sure he’s involved with someone and has been for nearly two years. Don’t worry; if I knew for certain he was available, I would be making a move on him pronto! And why, might I add, are you looking at him? You should only have eyes for my brother,” Mia interjected. “I must admit, though, after the speech Max gave earlier, I am experiencing a twinge of jealousy. Yet at the same time, I am so happy my best friend has found the type of love all women dream of.”
“Oh, Mia,” I said as we hugged each other.
If only she knew the truth.
***
MAX
“Here’s the file on Tate Turner you wanted, Max. There’s a copy for you and a copy for the lawyer, Archer McBride. The warden says Turner is being a troublemaker ever since he set foot in the joint.” Zane placed the file on the big oak desk.
“Great, this is exactly what I needed. I’ll courier it over to Archie’s Melbourne office first thing Monday morning.”