Page 13 of Before We Were Us
“A glass of Dom Perignon for me,” I say, trying to control my racing pulse. From the first moment I met this man my body came alive. I didn’t know a thing about him besides the fact that he was incredibly handsome and that I enjoyed his attention. One look from him and I’m all twisted up inside. It's so unlike me, I’m used to being in control. From the time I started working for my father I’ve been met with people that look at me as the little lady, a daddy's girl. Truth is I’m stubborn, pigheaded, and can be quite mean and snarky when I want to be. I could run my father’s day to day without a hiccup and I sure as hell don’t need the help of a big strong man to lead me.
“Of course, Ms. Webster.” The waitress offers me a smile. “And for you, sir?” She redirects her attention to Jensen but I don’t miss the way he is watching me with a smirk.
“Your father owns this place too, doesn’t he?”
Shrugging, I don’t have to answer as he shakes his head, his grin widening, before he tells Matilda he’ll have the same.
“I don’t know why I’m surprised.” He chuckles, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table. “Your father seems to have his hands in things all over the city.”
“He does,” I agree, toying with the bracelet on my wrist.
“He is a very impressive man,” he adds and again I don’t deny it. “I must say the offer to cover the expenses of a burial for a woman he’s never known is quite admirable.”
“My father isn’t the kind of man to forget that he once came from hard times.”
Jensen holds my stare. Again I am trapped in that moment where every single part of my body grows warm from his piercing stare and the sweet hunger that pools within my stomach makes me shift slightly in my chair.
When the corner of his mouth tips upward I know without a doubt that he’s picked up on the way he affects me.
nine
. . .
Jensen
Leading Brynn outside, I fight the urge to slide my hand around her waist and hold her closer. I’m not ready for the night to end, just being near her has given me an overwhelming thrill. She’s not just a pretty face with an amazing body, she’s smart and driven. To listen to her talk of her father’s empire and how hard he’s fought to build it, I’m in awe of her. The pride in her eyes, I know that both her and her brother have played their part in making GW Enterprises the loyal, and strong company it is.
Brynn is different from the women I’ve dated in the past. Yes, she is attractive and stylish, obviously loving her fashion and accessories, but she is also brilliant. Her confidence is sexy, and her laugh, I’ve never wanted to hear something more. It’s infectious, and in her presence it is impossible not to enjoy yourself.
Stepping outside, the brisk night air sends a shiver through me and without thinking I remove my jacket and throw it over her shoulders. She pauses, then accepts the offer, pulling it around her body. I don’t miss the way she inhales and I’m assuming it’s because she is breathing in the scent of my cologne.
“Thank you.” Brynn lifts her chin, her eyes meet mine and fuck me I’m met with a come-hither look causing my pants to feel a little tighter.
“I’d really like to see you again.” I step to the side, guiding her along with me as a group of people walk toward the front entrance of Rosalie’s. In the process, we end up closer than before, our chests pressed firmly together. She shivers and I circle my arm around her, rubbing along her back with my palms. “Cold?”
“No,” she wastes no time responding.
She holds my stare, her lips parting slightly, her chest rising and falling with each breath she takes. My fingers flex, gripping her tighter and I know I’m playing with fire. I could be overstepping but I’ve never felt such intense connection with a woman, not like this.
“Tell me that you feel this too.” The way she looks at me, I know I can’t be alone.
Lifting my hand, I cup her cheek and drag the pad of my thumb over her lower lip.
“Tell me I’m not imagining that there is something going on between us?” I lean in before she can stop me and press my lips to hers. A soft, chaste kiss, but my entire body is screaming for more. “Tell me you feel it.”
“I do,” Brynn whispers against my lips and her words cover me like a warm blanket.
When I attempt to pull back so that I can see her face fully, she reaches up and wraps her hands around the back of my neck, pulling me toward her. Suddenly her lips are again pressed to mine and a sigh escapes her. The brush of her tongue over the seam of my lips opens the floodgates and I accept her advances. Dragging my own along hers, we toy with one another.
Not wanting to take things too far, and the fact that we are in public, I pull back and rest my forehead to hers. Together we take a few minutes to calm ourselves.
Holding her close, not wanting to let go, but knowing I have to is difficult to accept.
“Coffee, tomorrow,” she whispers and I smile.
“I was hoping I didn’t have to wait days,” I confess.
“Marco’s.” I lean back so I can get a better look at her. “It’s a little coffee shop across from my apartment building with the best strawberry and peach Danishes in the city.”