know that. It’s a little deep down, which is why I feel
a little insecure sometimes, but I know.”
“Then let me try and
be honorable sometimes.”
“You’re always
honorable, Nate.”
“No, Jade. I’m
really not.”
Now I’m just getting
mad. I stand up and place my hands on my hips. “Do not talk about
my boyfriend that way.”
“Boyfriend, huh?”
“Oh. Umm…I
thought…you said I was your girl…I mean…just forget I said
that, okay?”
“Nope,” he says,
coming to stand in front of me. “I’m not going to forget that the
most amazing woman I’ve ever met just called me her boyfriend. I’ll
remember this moment forever.”
“There you go with
that romance again.”
“It’s becoming a
gift. You’re a
gift. Am I allowed to tell everyone you’re my girlfriend tonight?”
“You really want to?”
“More than you’ll
ever know.”
I know I’m still
standing, but I feel like I’ve melted into a puddle on the floor.
Who knew Mr. Tall, Dark, and Deadly could be so fucking sweet? I know
I look like an idiot as I smile at him, and nod.
“You’re too damn
cute, Jade Garrett. Completely gorgeous, and totally fuckable, but so
cute, too.”
“Right back at ya,
Nate Anderson.”
He leans over and
kisses me, not touching me anywhere but my lips. “Go rest, and I’ll
see you in a few hours. I’ll be the guy knocking at your door to
pick you up for our date.”
“You’re going to
kill me with this romance stuff.”
“You asked for it.”
“Don’t get me
wrong, I’m totally loving it, but I didn’t realize how good you’d
be at it. I can barely stand, I’m so weak in the knees at the
moment. I probably shouldn’t admit that, but it’s true.”
I’m cradled in his
arms within seconds. “I’ll carry you any time you can’t walk.
Unless it’s one of the many times you make me weak. Because I’m
man enough to admit that it happens. Frequently.”
I curl into him as he
carries me upstairs and places me on my bed. He kisses my forehead
and tells me to have sweet dreams about him. Like it would even be
possible to not dream about that sexy hunk of a man.
I wake up to my alarm
going off. Just another thing Nate did for me. I smile, thinking
about being on his arm tonight. It’s petty, but I can’t wait for
him to call me his girlfriend in front of all the women who are going
to the gym tonight. They’re hoping for a piece of him, but I’ve
never played nice in the sandbox—I don’t share.
I put on my dress,
which really does cover everything that should be covered, but still
looks sexy. It’s black with a high neck and short sleeves. The
middle is exposed, with a few pieces of fabric crossing over my ribs,
and the skirt is short, but not scandalous. It fits me like a glove,
showing off my curves without being obvious. A pair of high heeled,
blacksandals with gold stars, and some gold earrings complete the
look. I put my hair in a high ponytail and curl the strands into big
waves that graze my shoulders. I go a little more glam with my
make-up, but it looks good, and not too overdone. At least I think it
does.
The knock on my door
comes just as I’m closing the small gold purse I’ve managed to
fit everything I need into. “Come in,” I say, turning around.
The door opens, and
there’s Nate. And damn if I don’t get weak in the knees all over
again. He’s got on a black suit jacket with a light blue button
down underneath it, and dark wash jeans covering those big and sexy
legs of his. Boots are on his feet, and a wicked smile is on his
face. His short black hair is spiky, he’s trimmed his scruff and
mustache, and his chocolate brown eyes are twinkling, while looking
hungry at the same time. I didn’t know that was possible, but I
should’ve known that anything’s possible with him.
“Angel, you are
seriously trying to kill me.”
“I’m covered up.”
“Nothing can hide
your rack.”
I burst out laughing.
“Thank you for that.”
“You have to
Gabriel García Márquez
Tom Lloyd
Tami Hoag
Shelley Shepard Gray
George R. R. Martin
Christin Jensen
Jenny Schwartz
Cara North
Barry Klemm
Jeff Kaliss