Chapter Two
Jeremy nodded to Gloria, who was now holding two bouquets, and ushered Jade to a pew. Her delicate perfume softened the stale, paper-scented air of the chapel as she stiffly sat. Her hands were clammy and cold as ice. Did she have a fever? The temptation to trace his fingers over her brow and check was strong, but he resisted, seeing as how many people were currently watching them.
The ceremony was almost over. Once the guests were distracted he’d get her some water and find out what the hell was going on. They sat in forced silence, the minutes ticking by at the speed of centuries. And then it happened. The mother of his child became Mrs. Tyson Adams.
Tyson was a good man, a friend, and a great stepfather to his daughter, Mia. Sitting in on Kat’s marriage to another man had not been anticipated, but with the passing of time, he couldn’t regret the way things had turned out. As much as he loved Kat for the incredible mother she was to their daughter, he’d never been in love with her. He was glad to see she was finally getting the happy ending she deserved.
Jade was another unanticipated part of his current life. She’d matured from a beautiful girl into a stunning woman, one that exuded confidence. He worked hard to maintain an appropriate level of friendship with Kat’s best friend, but lately, his control was slipping.
The other night he had to literally drag himself away from the bar after she shamelessly invited him to her place for a nightcap. Truth was, he was dying to take her to bed. Jerking off to mental images of her sexy mouth, those playful glances she tormented him with on a daily basis… It was getting old and he was running thin on patience. Every soft tinkling of laughter from her lips sent blood rushing to his cock. If everything went according to plan, he’d wake up wrapped around her body tomorrow morning.
It was only a matter of time until they found themselves in a tangled mess of naked limbs and sweaty sheets, and he’d hoped—now that Kat was officially married to Ty—that tonight would be the night. But looking at Jade now, with her skin paler than usual and a gleam of moisture coating her skin, it seemed his plans might be postponed.
For months, he fought his desires out of respect for his family, Kat and Mia. It wasn’t that sleeping with Jade was a bad thing. On the contrary, the experience would probably be earth shattering. But his daughter adored Jade and he didn’t want to mislead his impressionable little girl.
As a new father trying to make the right impression on an observant four-year-old, he avoided the complications of dating. When he needed to get laid, he looked for company in the next town.
His situation with Mia was still new and delicate, their relationship just starting to become natural. He also didn’t want to jeopardize the comfortable rapport he shared with Kat and Tyson by sleeping with Kat’s best friend.
He should leave well enough alone, but even now, as he held Jade’s delicate hand with her dainty white-tipped nails, he couldn’t seem to stop the ache from forming in his pants. He wanted her with an intensity he’d never wanted anyone.
She was a temptress, from her sun-bleached hair to her generous curves all the way down to her sexy feet that carried more feminine grace than most women could muster in their entire lives. He longed to kiss every square inch of her body under a pile of sex-warmed blankets and fantasized about it daily.
His dick throbbed in a constant state of arousal every time she was near. Even now, sensing she wasn’t feeling well, he shifted uncomfortably to hide the erection pressing up on his zipper.
Yes, his control was definitely dwindling.
Running his thumb over the soft flesh of her wrist, he accepted she was ill and that their moment would eventually come, but not tonight—no one was coming tonight.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Jade’s hand pulled from his as she applauded with the rest of the guest and awkwardly rose from the pew. Her typical agility seemed off. He eyed her as he clapped, wondering if maybe she and the other bridesmaids had a few drinks before the ceremony, but he didn’t smell alcohol on her breath.
As the recessional started, Jeremy placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, escorting her from the chapel. Jade blinked thick, golden lashes at the bright August sky as they stepped into the thick heat. Voices faded, replaced with the hum of insects lulling over the grass.
He didn’t give her a chance to fall in line with the wedding party. “Come with me.”
“What?” She tugged back on his arm as he ushered her toward the doors. “We have to—”
“Jade.” He leveled his tone with authority and gave her a stern look. The last thing Kat needed was Jade making a scene by falling over or getting sick.
With a sigh, she let him lead her out of the church.