Impossible To Resist (BWWM Romance Book 1)(12)

“You look beautiful.”

She gave him a strange look, as if waiting for a punchline. “Thanks again.”

“Can we call a truce and be nice to each other for one night?” Jared decided to take the direct route.

“We aren’t at war.” A.J. rolled her eyes at him. “We’ve been over this.”

“Just for one night do you think you could put aside all of the things you don’t like about me and give me a shot?” Jared tried a slightly different approach.

A.J. seemed to consider his suggestion for a long while. He watched the indecision flicker across her face and felt certain she’d refuse him. But she didn’t. “Okay. I can do that.” She extended her hand. “I’m Alexis, it’s nice to meet you.”

Jared grinned and shook her hand. “I’m Jared. It is a pleasure to meet you, Alexis.”

“Lovely reception, isn’t it?” She gestured around them.

“Yes, it is,” Jared agreed. “Would you care to sit with me?” She nodded and he led the way to an unoccupied table, even pulled a chair out for her. He sat and extended his bad leg so that he still faced her. “So, Alexis, what do you do?”

She smiled. “I’m a physical therapist.”

“That sounds interesting.” Jared leaned back in his chair. “Any interesting patients?”

A.J. chuckled. “Actually, there is this one guy. He has a huge ego and is incredibly stubborn.”

“Sounds like an ass.” Jared played along. “You must be a saint to deal with people like that.”

“Actually, I usually work with kids.” A.J. relaxed some, she leaned back in her chair and crossed her long legs. “They are much easier to work with. It’s quite rewarding, actually.”

“Must be.” Jared recalled how the kids reacted to her. “You have any kids of your own?”

“Nope,” A.J. shook her head, “but I’d like to someday.”

“Me too,” Jared blurted before he realized what he’d agreed with.

They talked through dinner, mostly about their likes and dislikes, avoiding the heavy topics -especially his job. Jared could not recall ever having a conversation like this with a woman. They actually had a lot in common and he found himself making excuses to touch her, even a little brush of the arm or leg. He was surprised at how easy it was to make A.J. laugh and even more surprised when she agreed to dance with him. Jared led her to the dance floor and pulled her close.

“Don’t stress your leg,” A.J. warned.

“I won’t,” Jared assured her. “Why do you think we sat for so long?”

A.J. accepted this and leaned in close, rested her chin on his shoulder, and allowed him to lead. She smelled incredible. Jared was keenly aware of her closeness, how she felt in his arms, how she took on some of his weight when they rocked toward his bad leg. Nobody else existed but her, and Jared realized for the first time in his life that this is what life was all about, this is what made people want to marry and spend a full life together. Jared could spend the rest of his life with A.J. in his arms. Then the song ended and she pulled away, led him off the dance floor and toward the door.

“I have to go, Jay.” A.J. sounded apologetic, even seemed genuine. “I really enjoyed tonight but I have to get home.”

“Did I do something?” Jared asked.

“No,” she shook her head, “you were wonderful, surprisingly wonderful. I just have responsibilities and I have to go.”

“Can I see you again, like this?” Jared held her hand, dragging out the good-bye.

A.J. hesitated, she bit her lip. “I’ll think about it.”

Jared seized the opportunity to convince her. He pulled her in until her body was flush against his, every curve melting into him. A.J.’s eyes flared and then closed as he slanted his mouth on hers. Jared’s heart beat faster. A.J.’s soft lips actually kissed him back, her fingers roved up his spine sending chills over his whole body. He slid his hands down to the curve of her ass and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Jared pushed his tongue into her mouth, loving her taste and wanting more.

A.J. ended the kiss and looked into his eyes as if searching for something. “I’ll see you Monday. We’ll talk then.”

She detached from him, brushed her lips over his cheek, and slipped away leaving Jared feeling tense and frustrated in more ways than one. He hung out alone in the lobby for a long while, willing his body to obey. Monday could not arrive soon enough.

“There you are!” Rick, obviously intoxicated, stumbled up to Jared. “Tell me you didn’t screw things up, you looked so cozy earlier.” He threw and arm around Jared’s shoulders and turned him back toward the reception.

“It went well, Rick,” Jared assured him, “really well.”

“Good! That’s what I was hoping to hear.” Rick slapped him on the back. “Let’s go celebrate!”

He led Jared toward the bar but Paul and Max intercepted them, apparently aware of their Dad’s condition.

“There you are, Dad!” Paul greeted his father. “Let’s get you home, okay?”

“No! Let’s celebrate some more!” Rick swayed a bit but Jared helped keep him upright.

“We can celebrate at home, okay, Dad?” Max countered. He winked at Jared. “Jay will come with us and everything, right Jay?”