Weekends Required (Danvers #1)(27)
Quickly jerking her hand away and putting distance between them again, Claire was relieved when their dinner arrived and provided a much-needed distraction. Had anyone else noticed what was going on? Jason quite obviously had but luckily Grayson and Suzy seemed clueless that she’d been groping her boss under the table.
~~~
When was the last time he had an erection at the dinner table? Maybe back in high school or college but certainly never with an important business colleague and two of his employees. Things would be damn embarrassing for him now if he had to leave the table. He had been playing with Claire all evening, teasing her about party entertainment and then moving his thigh closer to hers every time she attempted to put some space between them. When she’d suddenly pressed her thigh tightly to his and her breathing quickened, he was too surprised to move for a minute.
Still thinking it was just an accident, he was even more surprised when she left it there and then shocked when he felt a hand settle on his thigh almost brushing against the length of him. His little assistant was quite obviously turned on, and he hoped that he was what had her so hot and bothered. He tried to keep up with the conversation from the others at the table so that attention would not be focused on what seemed to be going on between them. Was she trying to let him know that she wanted him?
He couldn’t have been more shocked if she’d upended her glass on the top of his head. Darting a glance at her, he saw that she appeared to be deep in thought. Did she even know what she was doing to him? When Claire suddenly jerked against him and looked up with wide eyes, Jason felt the urge to grab her hand and drag her out of the restaurant and to his car. She acted like she’d no idea what had just happened between them.
She quickly removed her hand and pulled away from him as far as she could. If she was dream-walking over there he hoped it continued somewhere a little more private. He was more than willing to let her have her way with him but would like it to be somewhere that wouldn’t get them both arrested. He was so turned on he could hardly stay in his seat.
She looked so beautiful tonight. Somehow, he didn’t think the clothes she was wearing were actually hers because they were far more revealing than she would normally wear. Her pale creamy br**sts swelled out of the top of the dress and miles and miles of legs were on display for the world to see. Well, hell, she did jump out of a cake with next to nothing on, and even though he hated that, he could almost believe that it was just a job to her and not her normal nature.
What made that job necessary to her was a mystery he intended to solve. He hoped the erection pushing at the zipper of his slacks would subside before it was time to leave. Jason settled back in his chair praying that more than his dinner would cool off soon.
~~~
Claire picked at the shrimp and tilapia she’d ordered. Conversation flowed smoothly around the table. More than once she’d caught a questioning glance directed her way from Suzy and had managed a smile of reassurance in return. Grayson was a very entertaining dinner companion and generally kept everyone laughing with stories from various events he had attended.
Suzy continued to be herself and made some comments that Claire was sure that Jason would not appreciate in front of a business associate. She, however, was surprised when instead of being offended Jason openly laughed along with Suzy and appeared in no way offended or put off by her outspoken nature.
Jason’s thigh returned to press against hers, and she’d given up trying to keep distance between them. She knew she’d once again had too much to drink thanks to the man beside of her. When the waiter returned to clear their plates and offer drinks and desert, Claire gratefully ordered a coffee. Soon, everyone was finished and the coffee had helped lessen some of the effects of the Champagne.
“Ladies I think I speak for Jason when I say dinner with you was a great pleasure; this is the most enjoyable meal I’ve had in quite some time,” said Grayson with a smile.
“I completely agree; this has been the most er… stimulating meal I’ve had as well in quite some time,” replied Jason with a rueful smile. Claire wanted to kick him under the table; she was sure his comment was directed towards her, especially the 'stimulating' part.
When Jason took the check from the waiter, Suzy protested, determined to spend Jeff’s money but Jason won in the end and settled the check with the waiter. “Ladies, can I drop you off somewhere?” asked Jason.
“No thanks Mr. D, my wheels are here, and I’m dropping Claire back at the office to pick up her car, so were cool,” replied Suzy.
“I’m actually running by the office myself to pick up some papers I left there, why don’t I drop off Claire and save you the trouble Suzy?” offered Jason.
Claire shook her head, a polite ‘no thank you’ on her lips when to her shock and dismay, Suzy replied, “Hey groovy Mr. D, that would totally save me a trip back into town.” What in the hell has gotten into her? I’m going to strangle her when I get her alone. Not only have I felt my boss up this evening, now thanks to my best friend I have to ride with him too!
As she tried to catch Suzy’s eye, Claire found herself instead staring at the back of her friend's head as she sailed out of the restaurant ahead of them like a queen. She followed as fast as she could, desperate to get Suzy’s attention before Jason and Grayson arrived at the exit of the restaurant.
Just as she reached Suzy and took her arm, she felt her other arm clasped from behind and a voice in her ear, “They’re bringing up my car now,” murmured Jason. Shit, she was well and truly trapped. Claire released Suzy’s arm and settled for giving her a scathing look instead.