Page 70 of Hidden Hero

She looked up at him, the laughter still lingering in her smile. “You’re pretty good at this,” she teased.

He leaned closer, his voice low and warm against her ear. “I have my moments. But I think it’s you. You make this easy.”

Her heart skipped a beat, her cheeks warming under his gaze. The feel of his arms around her made everything else fall away. For the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to simply exist in the moment and enjoy their connection.

Jeremy pulled her closer as the song shifted into something slower, his cheek brushing against her temple. She relaxed fully into his embrace, her hand slipping from his shoulder to rest against his chest. The steady beat of his heart beneath her palm was as calming as it was thrilling.

And as they moved together on the dance floor, Cora couldn’t help but wonder if this night was the beginning of something truly remarkable.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Jeremy’s voice was low, a warm whisper against her ear that sent a pleasant shiver down her spine.

Cora turned her head slightly, her smile soft and genuine. “If I had come to the wedding alone, I would’ve sat quietly in the back, eaten by myself, made just enough polite conversation not to seem rude, then slipped out before the dancing started. But being here with you…” Her eyes met his. “It makes me feel comfortable. It makes me want to stay, laugh, and enjoy myself.” Her smile deepened as she tilted her head. “What about you? Are you enjoying yourself?”

His gaze held hers, steady and full of something that made her heart skip a beat. “If I had come alone,” he said, his voice rich with affection, “I’d probably be sitting with the detectives, talking shop, eating way too much, and then planting myself at the open bar until it felt acceptable to leave.” He reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingertips lingering on the curve of her neck. “But being here with you? It’s not just a good time. It’s the best time. I feel like the proudest man in the room, having you on my arm.”

Warmth bloomed in her chest, and her smile widened. “I love it when you smile at me, Cora,” he murmured, his eyes locked on hers. “I feel it deep in my chest every time.”

Jeremy’s arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer until she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her. The sensation made her breath hitch, the moment as intimate as if they were the only two people in the room. His voice dropped lower, brushing against her ear like velvet. “And when you turn one of those smiles my way, I feel it… well, everywhere. Including my cock, which, sweetheart, is currently about to knock a hole in my pants.”

Cora’s laugh burst out unexpectedly, a sharp and delighted bark that made her clap a hand over her mouth. She could feel the curious glances of nearby guests, which only deepened her blush. “Jeremy!” she hissed, biting her lip to suppress her laughter. “You can’t say things like that to me in public!”

He leaned back slightly, clearly pleased with himself, a crooked grin lighting up his face. “First of all, no one’s paying attention. They’re all too wrapped up in their own romances. And second…” His grin widened into a smirk. “I guarantee they’re thinking exactly what I’m thinking… when can I get out of here and take my girl home?”

Cora’s cheeks burned, but she couldn’t help smiling back at him. As the song drew to a close, she glanced toward the bride and groom. “Mark and Karen are about to make their exit. We can offer our congratulations, then slip out quietly.”

Jeremy didn’t wait for another word. Stepping back, he grabbed her hand and led her off the dance floor with purposeful strides. After exchanging warm hugs and heartfelt congratulations with Mark and Karen, they maneuvered through the crowd, hand in hand, until they slipped through the doors into the cool night air.

Jeremy hurried toward his vehicle, his grip on her hand firm but tender. The drive back was swift but careful, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel as though the anticipation were too much to contain. When they finally reached his driveway, he pulled in and suddenly stopped, turning to her with a look that made her pulse race.

“Stay there,” he ordered softly, sliding out of the SUV and rounding the front in record time. He opened her door and effortlessly scooped her into his arms instead of offering his hand. One arm supported her back while the other slid beneath her knees, holding her close as he bumped the car door shut with his hip and locked it with the fob.

“Jeremy!” she protested with a laugh, but her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck.

He didn’t answer, his jaw set in determination as he carried her up the steps and to the front door. Somehow, he unlocked the door while holding her cradled in his arms. Once inside, he kicked it shut behind them, the soft thud echoing in the quiet space. Setting his keys on the small table by the door, he looked down at her, his gaze searing.

“This dress is gorgeous,” he said, his voice husky and low. “Beautiful. Probably expensive. And I know you’ll want to wear it again.” His eyes darkened as they trailed down her body. “But right now, all I want to do is tear it off you.”

Cora sucked in a sharp breath, her heart pounding as his words settled over her. “You’re right,” she said, her voice soft but steady. “It is a beautiful dress, and I do want to wear it again. So how about this—I’ll slip out of it before you ruin it?”

A crooked grin broke across his face. “Deal.”

Jeremy set her down gently, his hands lingering at her waist as though reluctant to let go. She smoothed her hands over the fabric and tilted her head. “There’s a hidden zipper,” she explained, twisting slightly to show him. “On the side, not the back.”

He groaned softly. “Fucking hell. I’ve been staring at this dress all night, trying to figure out how to get it off you.”

Cora laughed, the sound light and teasing as she reached for the zipper, pulling it down slowly. The fabric loosened, and she unhooked the snap at the shoulder before letting the dress fall in a soft, shimmering pool at her feet. Bending gracefully, she carefully picked it up and laid it over a chair.

When she turned back to him, now clad in nothing but a strapless bra, matching panties, and her heels, Jeremy’s breath audibly hitched. His eyes roamed over her, reverent and hungry, and at that moment, Cora felt utterly cherished.

31

Holy hell. Jeremy stared at Cora, smiling up at him, clad only in barely-there panties and a matching strapless bra. His mouth went dry, and all quips, cute comments, and throwaway lines flew out the door. Instead, he was humbled straight to his very core. This amazing, beautiful, intelligent, dedicated woman was his. His to love, cherish, and protect. Suddenly, he blinked.Love?

“Hey, are you okay?” Cora asked, stepping closer as she lifted her hand to cup his face.

“Yeah, yeah,” he managed to squeak. He didn’t recognize his voice, not remembering squeaking since he was a preteen. With her hand gently gliding over his face, his brain was scrambled.

“If you’re not feeling well, we don’t have to… um…”

---