Wicked: Jade Butterfly [Wicked Series Book 3] by Lily Graison Page B

head left and right. For some reason, getting caught sneaking out of Christian's room was unsettling. It was silly, really. She was a grown woman but she felt almost juvenile. If anyone saw her, they'd know why she was still there. And that was the problem. She barely knew Christian. She'd met him twice and only had a brief conversation with him one of those times. Last night was the first time she'd actually talk to him in any great length. Having someone know she'd jumped into his bed so quickly left a bad taste in her mouth. She wasn't easy. Would others think she was?
    Deciding a hasty exit was best, she hurried around the pool, dodging the chairs that had been pushed askew and headed for the archway that led to the main building. When she reached it a flash of color to her left caught her eye.
    "Well, good morning, Cinderella. If I'm not mistaken, you missed the coach last night. Your pumpkin is still parked out front though, shriveling in the Vegas heat."
    Jessi held back a smile as Roxy laughed, followed by Holly. The girls were lounging in the deck chairs, both in their bikinis.
    "Let me guess,” Holly said. “It was so late, you just didn't have the energy to walk back to the hotel last night?"
    "Oh, I'm sure she didn't have the energy."
    "Don't you two have anything to do,” Jessi said, finally grinning.
    "We are. We're catching some rays and giving you a hard time."
    "Go grab your swimsuit and join us."
    "I'd love to,” she said, “But I need to find Joan and go over the shots for the wedding."
    "Any plans tonight?"
    "I'm not sure yet."
    "Well, you know where we are. There's a call button on the front door. Just hit that and one of us can buzz you in."
    "Will do.” She gave them a wave and walked through the main building, out the front door and across the courtyard toward the hotel. She wondered for the first time since the night before if Faith had made it back to the hotel. She felt bad for practically ignoring her friend all night but she hadn't seen her since the limo ride. “She's a big girl,” she said to no one. “I'm sure she's fine."
    She entered the main hotel and made her way to the elevators, the rose Christian had left for her still in her hand. She stared at it while waiting for the lift and was surprised by the tingles that raced up her spine. A smile crept slowly over her face and the thoughts of seeing him again caused butterflies to dance in her stomach. As odd as she felt sleeping with him so soon, she couldn't help be excited by it all and the fact he wanted to see her again. She was pretty sure it wasn't just for sex. He'd made love to her twice more during the night and from the look on his face as he did, she wouldn't be surprised if he didn't want something more serious out of their budding friendship. His little game of “what are you looking for in a man” told her he was interested. The way he made love to her told her more than that. Of the few men who'd been in her bed, not one of them was as intense as Christian. He may have been a little clumsy and unsure of himself but the look on his face was one she'd never forget. He saw nothing but her. With every touch he inflamed her senses, every sigh pierced her soul until he consumed her.
    "You going up, Miss?"
    Jessi lifted her head, seeing a man inside the elevator holding the door for her. She smiled at him and walked inside, hitting the button for her floor before sighing heavily.
    She looked back down at the rose and remembered the note in her pocket. Christian wanted to see her again and no matter how it made her appear to others, she was looking forward to seeing him as well. She looked up at the numbers inside the lift as they illuminated each floor and smiled. Wild horses couldn't keep me away.
    * * * *
    "Someone is awfully quiet today,” Mick said.
    "I noticed that too,” Luke said. “It can only mean one of two things."
    "Don't even start,” Christian said.
    "She either left him hanging..."
    "Or tore him