“I think so. Let me check.” I search through my emails and pull up the details on my phone, then tilt the screen so she can see. “It’s down in San Diego. We should leave by five.”
Her eyes bug as they bounce from the time on the dash to the invitation on the screen. “That only gives me, like, four hours.”
“Yeah.”
“Shit. Jude!” She unfastens her seat belt and reaches for the door handle, pushing the door open and sliding out in one fluid movement. “That doesn’t give me much time, but I’ll do my best.”
I scramble to get out of the SUV and meet her at the elevator.Jesus.She’s fast in heels. “Rachel. You don’t have to make this a big deal.” I grab her wrist gently and catch her gaze. “You’re beautiful. Throw on a dress and some of that hot red lipstick later. I don’t want you wasting your whole day getting ready.” I also was sort of hoping we could pick up where we left off with the kissing.
Her brows rise, mouth falls open, and for a split second I wonder if she might slap me.
I release her wrist. “Or you can do whatever it is you were gonna do.”
The doors open with a ding and we step inside. I scan my card and press the floor for my condo before chancing another look in her direction.
She takes a step forward, her eyes eating me up like I’m her favorite snack. “I want to be irritated at your ignorance, but I’m stuck on the fact you called me beautiful.”
“You’re fucking gorgeous.” I can’t hold back my grin. “And I’ll be the luckiest guy in the room tonight with you on my arm.”
“Save your pretty lies for later.” She waves me off, and as the doors open at my floor she struts off the elevator. “Come on! Hustle up. I need in the bathroom, stat!” she calls over one shoulder. But there’s a smile in her voice that fills my chest with warmth. She wants me. I don’t know why or how after last night, but I thank my lucky stars I get another chance. This time I won’t blow it.
38
Rachel
While Jude didn’t give me much notice, this is one of those times being a professional makeup artist comes in handy. As soon as we get back from the club, I race into a shower and shave everything that needs attention. Then I set to work on a dramatic look with heavy eyeshadow while my hair dries. I consider calling in De’Shaun’s help, but even though we’re friends on set, this isn’t a real emergency. Besides, I can handle a simple slick ponytail. It takes time to straighten my long locks, but the effect is worth it. Especially when I slip on my black gown. The front has a high neck—no cleavage, but the backless design of the floor-length dress makes up for it. The satin sheen of the fabric is perfect for showcasing the pendant gold necklace I pick out of my jewelry collection.
Classy and sexy.
Minutes before it’s time to leave, I emerge from the bathroom ready to go with my clutch in hand. Jude waits in the living room. He’s watching television, reclined on the couch, and for a moment I greedily soak up his appearance unnoticed. My God. This man. I’ve seen him in a suit so often, you’d think I’d be immune to him in a tuxedo. Newsflash: I’m not.
His gaze flicks away from the television and his eyes land on me. They widen. His body stills.
“This okay?” I say, suddenly nervous as a wave of inferiority washes over me. This dress is gorgeous, but it’s second-hand and at least five years old. I spin in a circle to release a little anxious energy.
“I changed my mind.” He stands and stalks forward, his eyes heated and jaw tight. “I want to stay in. All night. With you in this dress. Or maybe I’ll take it off.” He rests an open palm on my hip. “Fuck, Rachel. You’re beautiful.”
Before he can kiss me I hold a hand up between us. “Lipstick.”
“Doesn’t matter. We’re ditching the gala.”
A laugh escapes my lips and I step out of his reach. As temping as that is, I can’t help but feel we’d both regret it later. Besides, there’s something tantalizing that comes with anticipation. Even now, my thighs clench together with the promise of what we’ll do when we return tonight. “No way.” I pat his shoulder as I pass by. “I didn’t go through all this work to be late.”
“Damn, woman.” He groans, but follows me out the door.
* * *
I know Jude would have rather stayed home, but I’m enjoying the gala and I think he is as well. He introduces me to Aubrey and Chance as soon as we arrive, and I instantly like them. The guys talk shop and Aubrey tucks her arm in mine, beelining us toward the appetizers and open bar.
“Okay, now that the boys are out of the way, tell me everything.”
“Um.” I pile a scoop of dip onto my plate, and laugh nervously. “What do you want to know?”
“When did you two finally get together? I can’t believe he didn’t tell me—or Chance. This is big.” Her wide eyes stare expectantly, and she claps her hands together.
“Well, we didn’t really make things official until today.” But is that even right? We kissed. Twice. Really good kisses, but that doesn’t mean we’retogethertogether, or exclusive. Does it? Jude’s hungry gaze as he took in my appearance before we left the condo flashes in my mind. Okay, so sleeping together is only a matter of hours away. But where does that put our relationship status? We haven’t discussed it. At all.
“Today is good!” She pats my arm as if sensing my apprehension. “You’ve been staying with him, yes? He’s totally smitten, and Jude doesn’t do smitten. Can’t stop staring, either.” She tilts her head toward the guys and sure enough, Jude’s eyes catch mine.
