Page 74 of Forever Wild
Jack’s smirk grows into a full-blown smile.
“Shut up. It’s the champagne. I’m getting a little lightheaded.”
He lets it drop without pointing out that I may indeed know his stats better than the rest of the team. Except Tyler, of course. I maintain that it’s only because Jack’s are so impressive but telling him that would only feed his ego and I’ve already done a good job of that.
Taking my hand in his, Jack leads me through the room. He tips his head as people say hello but doesn’t stop until we’re out in the hallway. There’s an alcove with big windows that look out onto the city. When we’re hidden from view of the main party, his hands come up to either side of my neck and he kisses me.
My surprise is short-lived and a dizzy sensation sweeps through me as his tongue pushes into my mouth. Kissing Jack feels like teleporting to a different world, and I like the glimpses of that place a little too much.
When he pulls back, the room spins, and I struggle to catch my breath. His dark eyes bore into me. The mask is sexy, but I’m itchingto see his full face again.
He moves his hands down my side and I sway slightly.
I laugh softly. “I think the champagne definitely got to me.”
I didn’t drink that much but I barely ate because I was afraid of getting crumbs on this dress.
“You look a little flushed.” Jack brings one palm back up and brushes his knuckles lightly against my cheek. “You’re warm.”
“I’m fine,” I say but as I do, I notice the headache forming at the base of my skull.
His fingers continue to roam my face and the back of my neck. Concern tugs his brows together in the center. “I think you have a fever.”
I want to protest but I think he’s right.
“I’m so sorry. I should probably head out early. The last thing I want to do is faint or puke in front of these people.” My smile is wobbly but I’m suddenly eager to lie down in bed. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m going with you.”
I’m too dizzy to argue. My stomach isn’t upset but my head is starting to throb.
By the time we get to his SUV, I’m burning up. I keep my eyes closed the entire ride and when I open them, we’re back at his place.
“You could have taken me home,” I say.
He doesn’t even bother responding. I know Jack well enough not to fight his need to control the situation. Right now, I’m a problem to be solved. And to be honest, I don’t really want to be alone.
The cool night air feels good against my skin as I walk toward the house. I stumble but Jack is right there to steady me. It feels like he’s two seconds from picking me up and carrying me but I’m so warm, even the thought of being nuzzled up next to him makes me sweat.
In his room, Jack walks in ahead of me and turns on a lamp on his bedside table. I sit on the edge of his bed, and he squats down in front of me. He lifts my left leg and undoes the clasp around my ankle to free my shoe. He presses a kiss on my calf and then sets the sparkly shoe on the floor, before doing the same thing on the other side.
Standing, he takes my hand and pulls me to my feet.
“Turn around,” he says. His voice is quiet, reverent.
I comply, and his fingers work on unzipping the back of the dress.
“This is not how I imagined you taking me out of this dress,” I say as he lets it fall and then helps me step out of it.
I’m standing in front of him in only my panties, but his gaze doesn’t leave my face as he smiles at me. After a beat, he moves over to his dresser and pulls out a T-shirt, then dresses me. It’s sweet and so far beyond how anyone has ever taken care of me.
I tug my hair out from underneath the collar of the shirt. I feel like crap but I don’t want him to leave.
“Get in bed. I’ll bring you some medicine and water,” he says. “Need anything else?”
“No. And I don’t want to kick you out of your own bed. I can sleep on the couch.”
“You think I’m sleeping on the couch?” he asks. “I have like three extra bedrooms.”
