She smiled at the cute bartender. “Hi, can I order another—”
“These ladies had enough, sorry, man.”
The grinning bartender nodded knowingly at Donovan above Kate’s head. Donovan stood close enough that Kate felt his body heat at her backside as he towered over her. His closed fists showed up next to her hands on top of the bar while he embraced her from behind, caging her in with his strong arms.
Kate tried to turn on her barstool, but he stopped her by placing his chin on her shoulder and whispered in her ear, “I’m taking you home, cupcake.”
“No.” Kate slightly shook her head.
He took her earlobe between his teeth and tugged before his tongue swept over her sensitive skin. Kate held her breath and shivered at his touch. His thumbs caressed the back of her hands while he inhaled her scent from the nape of her neck.
“Mmm. Your smell. I could eat you alive.”
Kate wiggled on the barstool, trying to lose the goose bumps on her skin that had risen at his words. She looked over and noticed that Bree was in the middle of a heated conversation with Declan. She talked while waving her hands and even pushed at his chest. Declan grabbed her hands and pulled her closer to say something in her ear. Kate figured they needed some time and didn’t want to interrupt her friend, but she also wanted to go home as she’d realized the night had come to an end.
Donovan traced featherlight kisses from her jawline down to her shoulder. She closed her eyes and squeezed her thighs together, allowing herself to indulge in his attention for a minute, but just for a moment.
“Let me take you home.”
“Mmmm.” The thought of going home with him seduced her just as much as his touch.
It was all the confirmation he needed apparently, because he instantly swept her off the barstool and stood her in front of him. She had to tilt her head back to look at him, but not so much as she normally did, thanks to the four-inch heels that brought her to a whopping five foot eight.
He took her hand in his and walked them over to Bree and Declan. He grabbed Declan’s shoulder in a firm hold. “I’m taking Kate home.”
He didn’t provide more information before walking away from them, but Kate felt the need to talk to her best friend. When she looked over her shoulder, Bree waved at her and mouthed the words “Call me later.”
Kate nodded and stumbled as Donovan picked up his pace through the crowd on the dance floor. When they finally reached the bouncer to go outside, Donovan slipped the man some bills. The steel doors opened, and she welcomed the breath of fresh air. The end of September was nearing, and it was still seventy degrees at midnight.
Although it wasn’t a cold night, her nipples pebbled, and she let go of Donovan’s hand to cover her chest with her arms. Donovan grabbed her hand again and quirked his brow with a knowing look. The bastard was smirking at her.
“Come. My truck is parked out back.”
He led them over to his black truck and opened the door for her. His big hands grasped her sides while lifting her into the cabin. Her dress slid up her thighs, and Donovan growled something inaudible before he closed her door.
During the drive, they sat in a relatively comfortable silence. Kate laid her head back and turned to the slightly opened window. The fresh air tickled her face, making her smile. She was still in a happy buzz and felt safe knowing that Donovan would take her home. She closed her eyes and figured she could relax somewhat during the ride.