Melody Anne's Billionaire Universe: Roadside Assistance (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Casey Hagen Page B

can grill you tomorrow. Come on. Everett and Corrine are spending the night. Totally innocent. I’ll even give you your own room.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to the spot just below her ear.
    A shiver rolled through her. Low laughter rumbled up from his throat against her sensitive skin, telling her he felt it, too. “Do the doors have industrial locks?” she asked.
    “Just the standard locks, but heavy furniture that can be slid in front of the door.”
    “I have a feeling I’ll need something, with you lurking.”
    He cupped her chin and kissed her. There was nothing polite about the way he brought her in, and held her there. His harsh breathing mingled with hers. His hands slid into her hair, holding her there as he devoured her. He nipped her upper lip, and she forgot everything and everyone around her. There was only this. This man who, in one day, had managed to turn her routine world upside down and excite her in ways that had her forgetting why this was a bad idea.
    Just once she wanted to throw caution to the wind. She wanted to not worry about her dad, her business, her brother, and just do what felt good. Right now, Lathan fit the bill. The sadness in him called to her. She wanted to ease his pain. She wanted to be what made him forget what tormented him. She wanted to be the fun part of his day.
    He pulled back, and those stormy blue eyes of his searched her face. She had a good idea of what he must be seeing there. No matter how she tried to calm the storm of attraction thundering through her, it was there.
    Brewing…
    “Lathan,” she whispered, rubbing her thumb over his bottom lip. He nipped her thumb, the sting making her squirm. “You may need to move some heavy furniture in front of your door, too.”
    “I like to live dangerously,” he replied.
    “Dangerous often leads to trouble.”
    “Jack, you have trouble written all over you, and have since the minute you kicked open the door of your tow truck and gave me stink eye.”
    “I didn’t give you stink eye.”
    “Yeah, you did. I was just another rich guy with a ridiculously expensive toy.”
    The things he said about himself, reducing himself to something ordinary, grated on her nerves. One thing was for sure: when she walked away in a year, Lathan would know his true worth.
    She slid her palm over the hand the cupped her neck. Strong hands, capable, and hers for the next year. “You could never be just another rich guy. You’re in a class all your own.”
    If the look on his face was any indication, it might just take the next year to make him believe it.
    With the guests finally all gone, they congregated in the kitchen before taking off for the night.
    Annette leaned on the marble kitchen island, sipping a glass of wine. “What do you have planned for tomorrow, Jack?”
    “I planned to head home.”
    “You must have so much to do to prepare for the wedding. I mean, there’s just over two weeks left.”
    Jack felt the blood drain from her face. She had to plan a wedding? She never had any intention of planning a wedding, let alone the kind they would expect. She figured if she got married one day, it would be at a courthouse. No muss, no fuss, a few cold beers after.
    “Ummm…” Jack hedged.
    Annette straightened and smiled. “If you want help, just say the word. I would be happy to guide you.”
    Jack rubbed her forehead with her thumb and forefinger. A throbbing had just started in the front of her skull at the thought of dresses, flowers, food, jewelry, hairdos, and, Jesus, a bridal party. “I think I’m going to need more than guidance.”
    Annette clapped her hands together. “Really? I would love that! You just tell me what you need and I’ll take care of everything.”
    Lathan stepped up behind Jack and circled his arms around her waist. “Mom, easy; I want Jack to have a wedding on her terms.”
    Annette pulled a pad of paper and pen out of the drawer next to the stainless steel refrigerator. “Of course!