One Special Night Read Online Free Page B

More than the many months before that when responsibilities and the threat of danger had made any kind of pleasure impossible.
    It's not because he's handsome and sexy and smells so damned good , she thought as he drew her tight after another jostle from an exuberant couple joining the festivities.
    The band segued into another rhythm and bluesy tune and they continued dancing. Her breasts tightened into hard peaks as they skimmed against the muscled wall of his chest and their legs brushed with each move of their bodies.   Images of their legs tangled together in pleasure pummeled her.   Between her thighs, a flood of heat and wet erupted at the thought of the pleasure they could share.
    She sucked in a shaky breath and tensed, fighting the irrational need running rampant across her body.
    “Easy, Jasmine.   It is just a dance,” he whispered against the shell of her ear as he bent slightly and tucked his head close to hers.   So close the soft rasp of his evening beard teased her cheek.  
    Eve had also probably said that it was just an apple, only it had turned out to be much , much more.
    He rubbed his hand up and down her back, trying to soothe, but that only brought even more need as she imagined that rough-palmed hand sweeping all along her body and across her breasts.   Touching and caressing her to bring long-denied satisfaction.
    Needing space, she pushed away from him and he eased back , but locked that sinfully chocolate gaze on hers.   “ It's okay, Jasmine.   I won't push,” he said, although in a way , he'd been pushing since the very first moment they'd met.
    Part of her wanted to be thrilled that a man like this would be interested in her.
    The other part brutally reminded her that they moved in different social circles and that she was damaged, emotionally and physically.   He wouldn't have to dig very deep to reveal her very ugly scars.   Scars she wasn't ready to show to anyone.   Ever.   But then again, she wouldn't need to reveal herself if all they had was a quick satisfying fuck in the dark night.
    “I need some space,” she said and shoved away from him.   With quick clipped strides she hurried back to the table where some of the couples had already returned.
    As she sat, she caught a quick glimpse of Tommy from the corner of her eye as he stood on the dance floor, hands jammed into his pockets and his jaw tight with tension.   Before he could join them at the table, the band leader announced that everyone should take their seats for the toast.
    Tommy approached the singer and the man handed him a microphone and a glass of champagne.   He sauntered over to where Nickie and Jase were sitting at a head table just for the two of them, raised his glass, and began his speech.
    “I've known Jase for nearly all of my life.   He's like a brother to me and I always knew that any woman would be lucky to have a man as honorable and loyal as Jase .   I'm glad that it's my wonderful sister Nickie who will be able to share her life with him.   Dude, we are all so glad that you're now officially a member of the family.   We wish the both of you many many happy and healthy years filled with love and joy.”
    He held up his glass and finished with, “May this one special night lead to so many more nights and years together.”
    She raised her glass with a shaky hand, but as she did so, her gaze met Tommy's and there was a hint of challenge there.   A dare for her to let go and explore this night together as well.
    She took a sip and the chill cooled off some of the heat rising in her at his dare.
    She'd never been one to refuse a challenge so she wasn't going to ignore Tommy's and the attraction that had immediately flared to life. It was time to take a chance and enjoy herself .
    “You look . . . different, Doc,” Trevor said as he examined her in the dim light.
    “Must be the civvies,” she teased, wanting to keep the moment lighthearted, but unfortunately that ploy didn't work.
    “You