The kiss consumes us, confirming what I already know. Bryce Randolph is still the man of my dreams. Heat pools at my core, and I cross my legs tightly to try to control the pulsing need. My movement rubs me against his bulging erection, which sends a shock through my body. He stills, but I continue squirming in his lap.
He pulls back slightly, pecking and nipping my swollen lips. “You have to stop.”
“Why?” I ask breathlessly.
“Because there are certain things a man prides himself on, and you’re testing me.”
“How am I testing you?”
His eyes meet mine and soften. “God, I love your innocence. You’re testing me because it’s not cool to blow my load in my pants, which is what was going to happen if you kept grinding against me.”
A giggle escapes, and I slowly rotate my hips on his lap one more time. “I’m not that innocent, Bryce.”
“He’s not going to make the loser list, is he?” Quinn interrupts us, smirking.
“Not tonight,” I answer her and try to hold a serious expression, but it’s useless. Bryce’s chest shakes against my back until he can’t hold it in, laughing out loud. We join until tears stream down my cheeks. The guy to Quinn’s right watches us with a grin on his face, clearly amused at our inside joke.
Once we compose ourselves, she introduces Dean to us, and we all shake hands before I pour everyone a glass of champagne. The conversation is light and easy until the lights flash, indicating five minutes to midnight. We take our drinks and join the crowd at the edge of the dance floor, watching the celebration in Times Square on the large screens around the room. Once the countdown starts, Bryce pulls my back to him and nuzzles the sensitive spot below my ear. I lose concentration and forget to actually cheer as the clock strikes midnight and balloons and confetti fall from the ceiling. His hands twist my hips until we’re facing each other, and he captures my mouth in a scorching kiss.
We pull apart when Quinn taps us on the shoulder and clears her throat loudly. She smiles at both of us, and we clink glasses, downing the champagne in one gulp.
“Okay, now it’s time to party.” She raises her arms in the air and motions to the waitress, who is carrying a tray of shots.
“Babe? How long do we need to stay? I’d like to have a private celebration,” Bryce murmurs.
“I can’t leave Quinn. Never leave a woman behind.”
“She’s primed to go. We could be here all night.”
“I’ll give her a curfew. Can you handle a few hours?
&
nbsp; “You gonna dance with me?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then, yeah, I can deal. We’ll find a way for you to make it up to me.”
“Where are you staying?”
A sly grin slides across his face. “Same hotel, one floor up. As soon as we get back tonight, I want you moving your stuff into my room.”
“Absolutely.”
His smile widens, and he leans in close. “No parents in the house with us. No sneaking out early in the morning. You and me with no interruptions. How does that sound?”
Desire floods my body, and when our gazes meet, he sees it. His hand reaches for mine, and he leads me to the crowded dance floor.
Chapter 6
Sunshine warms my face, and I crack open one eye, blinded by brightness. Swift movement shakes the bed slightly, and then the room is bathed in darkness again. Strong arms slide around my waist as Bryce situates himself against my back. His breathing evens out, indicating he’s fallen back asleep.
My mind replays through the events of last night. We finally talked Quinn into leaving around two a.m. Bryce helped pack my bags, and I followed him to his room. Once we got here, I changed into my pajamas, washed my face, and gave myself a pep talk. Bryce hadn’t pressured me at all, but anticipation burned through me. I’m not entirely inexperienced, but I also don’t have a great track record—hence the loser list.
When I walked out of the bathroom, Bryce had changed into athletic shorts and was waiting for me on the balcony. I gasped at the sight of him. It had been a long time since I’d seen him shirtless, but nothing could have prepared me. Moonlight spread across the small space, allowing me to see every ridge and plane that contoured his stomach, chest, and shoulders. His biceps bulged as he braced himself against the railing.
“Hi.” My voice was barely audible.