“We just sort of hit it off. I went to him like you plotted,” I give her a sour look, “and the rest is history. He came over to check my security system”—not a lie—“and we had dinner”—not a lie—“it all just sort of happened.” Liar liar pants on fire.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” she squeals. “This is great! I’m so happy for you.”
Jasper must feel me tense up because he runs his hand up and down my back, soothing me while he continues his conversation with Colt.
“Thanks.”
I can feel my cheeks heat with a blush, whether from embarrassment or because I’m a horrible liar, I’m not sure. Thankfully, Tessa comes up and asks what Jasper and I want to drink before Darlene can give me the third degree.
“I’ll have a lemon drop.” Lord knows I need the liquid courage tonight.
Jasper presses another one of his kisses to the side of my neck and asks if I’m sure I want to drink. I chew on my bottom lip thinking about that. Do I want to drink? I do get pretty loose-lipped the more I drink. I could accidentally spill my secrets…
“I changed my mind. Can I get a vanilla shake? Extra cherries?”
Tessa gives me a knowing smile—probably thinking Jasper just whispered something dirty in my ear and wants me sober for whatever is to come tonight. If she only knew it was a cold, lonely bed while he’s down the hall in my guest room, she’d be pouring me a double lemon drop with a shot or two of vodka just for good measure.
A few minutes later, she comes back with my shake and Jasper’s beer. I pop one of the half-dozen cherries Tessa piled onto my shake into my mouth. The sweet and sour fruit bursts on my tongue, and I let out a little moan of appreciation. His hand flexes on my back, and I can’t help but wonder if the noise did dirty things to his thoughts.
I pick up my shake and turn on the stool so I’m facing our small group again. I slowly wrap my lips around my straw and suck, my cheeks caving in as I slurp the thick cream. Jasper gives me a heated look and adjusts his stance. My eyes flick down and see the thick ridge of his cock. I lick my lips, wanting a taste of him instead of my delicious shake.
Obviously, I didn’t need alcohol to make bad choices. I’m flirting with trouble right now, and I can’t seem to stop.
A little bit later, Colt drags Darlene off to one of the private rooms. Apparently, she’s earned a punishment and he’s keen on giving it to her properly. Once they are out of sight, I let out a sad sigh and put both elbows on the bar top.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Jasper asks.
“It’s nothing.”
“Wrong answer. Something is obviously bothering you. Is it the lie? You can always tell Darlene the truth. She would understand.”
“And worry like a mother hen until she has gray hair. No, this is the right course of action. Besides, it’s not that anyway.”
“Care to tell me what is bothering you?”
I shake my head, not looking up from my empty shake glass. Should’ve known that he wouldn’t accept that as a response. Jasper is a daddy after all, and dominants of all types don’t go for half-assed answers or non-answers like I just gave.
“Tell me, little girl,” he growls.
I look up at him through my lowered lashes and swallow thickly. “I guess I’m a little jealous.”
“Of?”
“Ugh. Isn’t it obvious?” I ask, not wanting to elaborate. It’s bad enough to be jealous of my best friend, but to have to say it out loud is a different kind of bad.
“I’m not a mind reader. You can tell me anything. Your secrets are as safe with me as you are.” He says it with so much conviction that I couldn’t doubt him even if I wanted to.
“I’m jealous of what Darlene and Colt have. They are so perfect together and here I am alone still. It’s been forever since I had anyone care for me like that. Or ever. I don’t think anyone has ever been that way with me before.”
He doesn’t say anything, just looks at me intently like he knows I have more to confess. Damn him. I do.
“I haven’t had a scene in a long… long time.” I look him in the eyes even though it’s hard to confess to any of this with him watching me like he is. “I miss it. A lot. I ache for it so bad it almost hurts.”
“Oh sweetheart,” he says, pulling me against his broad chest. “It’s okay to be jealous so long as you’re still happy for your friends. Quit beating yourself up over it.”
“I am happy for them. So happy. It’s just hard to want what you can’t have.”
Jasper brushes a gentle kiss on my forehead. “I can’t make it all better, but if you want a scene, I can do that.”