Talking Dirty With the Player(55)

Then bending me over the back of the couch.

I’m in awe of your ability to read the future.

Judith bit her lip.

Aren’t you supposed to be product launching?

I am. But I’m going to ditch it.

The little tendril became a flower beginning to bloom. She quickly texted a reply.

Why? I thought it was vital?

There was a short pause then she received his reply.

Not as vital as seeing you. Where are you?

Judith’s heart missed a beat. He’d told her the event was something he had to attend because it was apparently vital to his future career. She hadn’t argued because it wasn’t her business. But now he’d ditched it. Because he wanted to see her. She swallowed, a strange ache in the back of her throat.

At the Corner Bar. Why?

His response was cryptic.

You’ll find out.

“You’re looking particularly sphinx-like, Jude,” Marisa said slyly. “Got a sexy text?”

She tried not to blush, she really did, but knew she’d failed as her cheeks started to burn like hot plates. “No, of course not.”

“Ha! Liar.” Christie gave her a knowing look. “You’ve got something going on with someone, haven’t you?”

“I do not!”

“Mosquito bite, my arse,” Marisa scoffed. “Don’t be coy, dear Judith. You’ve got a fancy-man.”

“A fancy-man?” Judith couldn’t help it, she smoothed her black velvet dress and adjusted her fantail necklace. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Marisa sipped her Cosmopolitan, eyeing Judith with more speculation than Judith would have liked. “What do you think, St. John? Is she faking it?”

“Ahem,” Christie muttered.

“No, I’m sorry, but I just can’t get used to calling you Ashton instead. You’ll always be St. John to me.”

Christie rolled her eyes. “Fine. And yes, she’s so faking it.”

Judith opened her mouth, another excuse at the ready, when a deep, smooth voice said from behind her, “Evening, ladies.”

The protests died in her throat as an intense pulse of excitement went through her.

“Caleb,” Christie said happily. “What are you doing here?”

“Nothing much. Just in the area. Thought I’d come check out the action.”

She couldn’t stop staring at him. God, he looked hot. He was in a tux, tie undone to reveal the smooth brown skin of his throat, his black hair spiked, dark eyes glittering in the dim light of the bar. Tall, dark, and dangerous, all right.

Uncomfortably aware of Marisa’s interested gaze on her, Judith tried for cool. “Hi, Caleb.”

His gaze settled on her, beautiful mouth curving in a smile that made her feel breathless. “Hey, babycakes. Joseph told me you needed a lift home.”

“Joseph what? Oh… A lift home. Yes, that’s right. I do.” She grabbed her bag.

Marisa frowned. “Going already? I thought you were going to—”

“No, sorry, can’t.” Judith found herself babbling. “School night. Work tomorrow. You know. Call you. Bye.”

Ignoring her friends’ astonished looks, she turned and began pushing her way through the crowded bar, aware of nothing but Caleb following her. He’d surreptitiously put a hand on her lower back, the heat of his palm glowing there like a hot coal and, oh boy, she was going to go up in flames any minute now.

Outside, there were still too many people around so she kept her grip on her bag to keep from sliding her arms around him.

“My car,” he said shortly, his hand staying on her back, guiding her along the footpath.

“Sure.” She liked his car. It was new and had a very comfortable back seat. Very comfortable indeed.

“Nice excuse about Joseph,” she said as he unlocked it.

He grinned. “I thought so.”

Inside the car, once the doors were closed, he reached for her, pulling her into his arms, his mouth hot and hungry on hers. “God, this—you—was all I could think about all evening,” he murmured as he kissed along her jaw, down her neck.

She sighed, her fingers tangling in his black hair. “Me, too. Are you sure you’re not missing anything important leaving early?

“No.” He kissed her again, hard, before gradually releasing her. “Not a bloody thing. What about you? Did I tear you away from anything vital?”

Judith absently put a hand to her hair and smiled at him. “No. The girls were just expressing their appreciation of the calendar. Especially that pic of you.”

“Well, of course. It’s the best in the whole damn calendar.” He sat back in the driver’s seat, his gaze sliding away from hers unexpectedly.

She frowned. Something about the way he’d said it was slightly off, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was. “What’s up?”