Page 52 of The Jellybean Dilemma

“You want another shot? Or a sipping drink?” His lips were so close, they nearly brushed my ear.

It took me a moment to form an answer. “Shot.”

“I was hoping you’d say that. Two Slippery Nipples, please.” Just hearing him say that word had mine tightening under my dress. He handed me my shot, brushing against my chest as he did. “Your Slippery Nipple, madam.”

Heat pooled low in my abdomen. Greg talking dirty was not a fantasy I’d engaged in up to this point. Shame on me. I took the shot. Wait, no, we’re over. No more pining after him, dreaming about him, dancing with him.

“Are you good at math?”

I shook my head, half paying attention.

“Me neither. But that’s okay, cause the only number I’m concerned with is yours.” His arm brushed against me.

The punchline sank in through the alcohol haze, and I smiled. “I like that one.”

But he stayed serious. “I always thought that happiness started with an h.”

I frowned, waiting.

He touched my cheek. “Turns out mine started with u.”

My inhibitions melted away, and all I wanted was Greg’s mouth on mine. So, I closed the gap, threading one of my hands into his hair before tugging him to me. He groaned my name against my lips. I didn’t want to stop when he pulled away, but I sensed the storm raging within him.

“I’ll be back, Jellybean. Order me another shot, then we’re dancing.” He kissed my hand and disappeared.

I ordered two straight up whiskeys this time, and a big glass of water which I gulped. I wasn’t one to fall for the cheesy lines or over the top sappy bullshit, but I knew Greg. I knew when he was teasing, and he’d meant every word of that last one. I felt off-balance, as if the ground had shifted beneath me, and I was still waiting to see what landmarks remained in place.

“All right. What’d ya get us?” His hand was on my waist, and his words rumbled through his chest now pressed against my back.

My stomach flipped, and I leaned into him. “Whiskey. Bottoms up.”

We drank, then his hand slid to my ass, and he gave it a little pinch.

I smacked him. “What was that for?” Shock and a teensy bit of delight darted through me.

He chuckled. “You said bottom, and I couldn’t resist. You, Jellybean, have a fine ass.”

“A fine-ass what?” I couldn’t help but tease.

“A fine-ass ass!”

We both laughed, then we weaved our way to the dance floor where we made complete and utter fools of ourselves. Half the time we were facing one another when we were supposed to be facing the same way. Sometimes I dosied when he doed. And whenever I kicked, it usually ended up connecting with someone else.

When the song ended, we stumbled off the floor, deciding it was safer to take up residence at the bar. Thankfully, the rest of the crew wasn’t too far behind. Erin was begging to go to The Black Jacket, but Mandy didn’t seem to want to let go of Peter. I knew exactly how she felt. Somehow, Erin talked her into one more place.

This time I knew what to say to Greg. “One more for the road?”

The side of his mouth tipped up in a half smile. “I have the perfect one. Want to go outside and get some fresh air with me? Because you just took my breath away.” He offered me his arm.

“That is perfect.” I kissed his cheek before getting into the limo. The tinted glass made it impossible for him to see me, but I watched him until he was out of sight. And he never looked away from my window.

When I saw him at the next bar, his back was to me, and I nearly gave myself away by squealing. I’d hoped Peter would meet us there since that seemed to be his game plan, but I hadn’t been sure. I took a deep breath before I walked right by Greg, then paused, turned, and said, “Do you believe in love at first sight? Or do I need to walk by again?”

He threw his head back and laughed, his arms shooting out to pull me toward him for a sound kiss. “That’s my gimmick,” he growled.

“I can Google, too.” His smirk made my knees weak, and I was grateful his arms were around me.

“Speaking of. Is your name Google? ’Cause you have everything I’m searching for.” He waggled his eyebrows, so over the top.

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