Читать книгу From Best Friend To Daddy - Jules Bennett - Страница 11

Chapter Three

Kate didn’t want to think about why this could potentially be a disastrous idea. How could she form a coherent thought when her best friend had his mouth and hands all over her? She’d never felt this good in her life and her clothes were still on.

Was it the champagne? Surely not. She’d only had two small glasses.

No, it couldn’t be the alcohol. Gray was more potent than any drink he could give her. Why was she just discovering this fact?

Kate’s head spun as she continued to clutch his shirt. She didn’t want to analyze this moment or her emotions. She only wanted to feel.

Part of her wanted to rip off his clothes, but she’d never been that brazen a woman. The few lovers she’d had were all calm, tame...and she’d never tingled like this for any of them.

She’d never ached with desire for her best friend, either, but here they were. A new wave of emotions swept her up, giving her no choice but to go along for the ride and enjoy every glorious moment.

Gray’s firm hands rested on her knees as he spread them wide and stepped into the open space. He continued kissing her as his fingertips slid beneath her short skirt. Every single nerve ending inside her sizzled. When was the last time she’d sizzled?

Oh, right. Never. How did he know exactly what to do and how was she just realizing that her bestie had skills?

Kate tipped her head back as Gray’s lips traveled over her chin and down the column of her throat. She circled his waist with her legs, toeing off her heels. The double thumps of her shoes hitting the hardwood floor sliced through the moment. Gray eased back and pinned her with his dark gaze. She’d never seen that look on his face before—pure hunger, passion, desire. All directed toward her.

Kate looked in his eyes and the need that stared back had her figuring maybe this wasn’t a bad idea at all. No one had ever looked at her with such a need before. Something churned within her, not just arousal, but some emotion she wasn’t ready to identify that coupled right along beside it, making her feel more alive and needed than ever.

Keeping his eyes locked on hers, Gray flipped her skirt up and jerked her by the waist toward the edge of the bar. Kate was completely captivated by the man before her. This passionate, sexual side of Gray had her reaching for the buckle on his belt, more than ready to hurry this process along. He quickly shoved her hands aside and reached for his wallet.

The second he procured a foil packet everything clicked in her mind. This was real. All of this was actually happening. She was about to have sex with her best friend...and she’d never been more thrilled, more excited in her life.

Shouldn’t she be freaking out? Where had all of this come from? Clearly the desire had built up over time.

But she didn’t. Kate waited, anticipation coiling through her. She’d address those questions later. Right now, she had a need, an ache, and judging by Gray’s urgency, he did, too.

He tossed the packet next to her hip on the bar and unfastened his pants. Then, in a move that both shocked and aroused her, he reached beneath her dress, gripped the strip of satin that lay against her hip, and gave a jerk until the rip resounded through the quiet bar. So much for that pair of panties. They were a worthy sacrifice to the cause.

Kate didn’t even get to enjoy the view before Gray sheathed himself and stepped toward her. With his hands firmly circling her waist, he nudged her forward once again, until he slowly joined their bodies.

Oh...my...

On a groan, Kate took a moment to allow her body time to adjust, but Gray clearly was in a hurry. He framed her face with his strong hands, tipped her head and covered her mouth as his hips jerked forward once again.

There was not much she could do but lock her ankles behind his back and match the perfect rhythm he set with their bodies.

“Kate,” he muttered against her mouth.

She didn’t want words. She had no clue what he was about to say, but she didn’t want anything breaking into this moment. Words couldn’t even begin to cover the tumultuous emotions flowing between them and she just wanted to feel. For right now, she wanted this man and nothing else.

Fisting his hair in her hands, Kate slammed his mouth back down onto hers. His hips pumped harder and in the next second, Kate’s entire body trembled. She arched against Gray, pulling from the kiss. Her head dropped back, eyes shut as the euphoria spiraled through her.

She felt him lifting her before he settled her onto the bar. He whispered something just as his fingertips dug into her waist and he rose to tower above her. For a moment she marveled at his strength, but he started shifting again, moving faster and giving her no choice but to clutch his muscular arms.

Gray’s body stilled as he rested his forearms on either side of her head, aligning their torsos. His mouth came down onto her shoulder. The sudden nip of his teeth against her flesh stunned her, arousing her even as she came down from her high. He kissed her there and trailed his lips across her heated skin.

Kate held on to Gray’s shoulders even when their bodies completely stopped trembling. She had no idea what to say at this point. They lay on top of his bar half-dressed and had never so much as kissed more than in a friendly manner before, yet they’d just had explosive sex.

That was one hell of a birthday present.

Okay, maybe those shouldn’t be the first words out of her mouth. But really, what was the protocol for a situation like this? She prided herself on always being prepared, but nothing could prepare her for what just took place. On a bar top, no less.

Gray came up onto his hands and looked down at her. Fear curled low in her belly. Was he waiting on her to say something and cut through the tension? Did they joke about this or did they fix their clothes like nothing happened?

Considering she analyzed everything from every angle, they would have to talk about this at some point. Maybe not right now when her emotions were too raw and she was still reeling from the fact that Gray had pursued her and torn off her underwear. Just the memory had chills popping up over her skin.

Exactly how long had he wanted her like this? There had been quite a bit of pent-up sexual need inside her bestie. Not that she was complaining. Definitely not complaining. Just...confused, and there were so many questions whirling inside her head, she had no clue where to start.

The muscle in Gray’s jaw clenched and the way he continued to study her had Kate fidgeting. The top of her dress had slid down, so she adjusted to cover herself. She lifted onto her elbows and glanced around, anything but having to look right into those dark eyes to see...

She didn’t know what she’d see, but she knew awkward tension had already started settling in.

Gray eased down off the bar and took a step back. Kate started to climb down, but he reached up, lifted her carefully into his arms, and placed her on the floor. The cool wood beneath her feet had her shivering, as did the sweet gesture of how he’d just handled her.

Of course, she could be shivering because her underwear was in shreds on the floor and her best friend was walking away. So much for him being sweet.

Apparently he wasn’t one for chatter after sex, either. The silence only left her alone with thoughts she wasn’t quite ready to tackle.

Kate’s pale pink heels lay on their sides and she padded over to retrieve them. She clutched them against her chest like they could ward off the unknown, because she truly had no clue what was going to happen next.

Hell, it wasn’t only the next few minutes she was concerned with. What about long-term? Did this change everything between them? She hadn’t been lying when she said she couldn’t lose him. Gray was her everything. Absolutely everything.

The only constant in her life other than Tara and Lucy, but Gray was different. He was...well, he was special.

Right now, though, Kate could use some space to think and here on his turf, where her tattered panties lay mocking her, was not the place to clear her head and regroup.

Of all the times not to have her car. Damn it. This was why she always planned things, always had a plan B. But neither plan A nor B had been to leave the rehearsal dinner and have a quickie on the bar top at Gallagher’s.

She was at the mercy of Gray whenever he came back and chose to take her home. Maybe then they’d talk and she’d get a feel for what was going on in that head of his.

Kate was stunned at the way her body still tingled. Gray had awakened something inside her, something she hadn’t even known existed. But she’d made him promise just one night and that’s exactly what she was going to hold on to.

She couldn’t afford to lose him as a friend simply because she’d just experienced the best sex of her life. Gray was the one constant male in her life. He had been in that role since they were in junior high, and he’d come to rescue her from some bullying jerk who was new at the school. Not that she’d needed rescuing, but she’d appreciated it at the time, and he’d been her self-appointed white knight since.

So who was going to save her from him? Because now that she’d had him, Kate knew he’d ruined her for other men.

Gray Gallagher had infiltrated her, body and soul, and she’d better just live with the tantalizing memories, because they were definitely one and done.

She couldn’t emotionally afford to have it any other way.

* * *

Gray took a minute longer than necessary in his private bathroom attached to the back office. The second he’d come back to reality and looked down into Kate’s eyes, he’d seen her withdrawing. He’d instantly wanted her to reconsider that one-night rule. But he hadn’t even gotten her completely undressed. He’d ripped her panties off, and they’d had a quickie on his bar.

Yeah, real smooth. Perfect way to show her she was special and he wanted to do it all over again. He’d be lucky if she didn’t haul off and smack him when he walked back in there. Hadn’t he always told her she deserved better? That she deserved to be treated like she was the most valuable woman in a man’s life?

Gray slammed his hand against the wall and cursed himself for being such a jerk to the one woman he cared most about. Now he was going to have to go out and face her, make some excuse as to his behavior, and then drive her home in what he was sure would be uncomfortable silence.

What a fantastic way to end an already crappy day. He’d already been in a bitch of a mood when he’d seen that best man flirting with her. He shouldn’t be jealous, but damn it, he couldn’t help how he felt.

He’d faced death when he’d lost his mother at the tender age of five. He’d faced the enemy when he’d been overseas in the army. He faced his father, who was disappointed because Gray hadn’t settled down and started a family. But Gray was not looking forward to facing his best friend, because if he saw even the slightest hint of regret or disappointment in her eyes, he would absolutely be destroyed.

Knowing he couldn’t stay hidden forever, he made sure his clothes were adjusted before he headed out. The second he rounded the corner from the back hallway, he stilled.

Kate stood frozen just where he’d left her. She clutched her shoes, worried her bottom lip with her teeth, and stared at the spot where he’d taken her like some horny teen with no experience.

But it was the pale pink bite mark on her shoulder that had him cringing and cursing himself all over again.

Damn it. What the hell was wrong with him? His Kate was a lady. She was classy. She was so far above him and he’d treated her like a one-night stand.

Oh, wait. That’s exactly what this was, per her last-minute request. It wasn’t like he gave her ample time to get used to the idea of the two of them together.

Still, Kate deserved better and he damn well was going to show her. Screw the one-night rule. If anyone should be proving to her exactly how she should be treated, it was him.

“I’ll take you home.”

Kate jumped and turned to face him, her eyes wide. His voice came out gruffer than he’d intended.

With a simple nod, she headed toward the back door. Gray didn’t move from his position and ultimately blocked the opening to the hallway. He waited until she stopped right before him. He shouldn’t touch her, shouldn’t push this topic, but damn if he couldn’t help himself. There had to be something he could do to redeem his actions.

Reaching out, he traced one fingertip over the faint mark on her shoulder.

“We good?”

Wow. He’d had several minutes to think of something tender, kind, and apologetic to say, and that’s the best he could come up with?

Yes, he saw confusion looking back at him, but there was more. Kate wasn’t upset, not at all. She had questions, of that he was sure, but she wasn’t angry. Thankfully he hadn’t botched this night up too much.

Kate attempted a smile. “We’re good,” she murmured as her eyes darted away.

She may not be angry, but she was no doubt wondering what they should do next. Kate planned everything and this whole experience had definitely not been planned.

Enter the awkward tension he swore wouldn’t be there. He promised her they wouldn’t change. He promised they’d be friends just like before.

Yet she couldn’t even look him in the eyes.

“Kate.”

Her focus darted back to him, but he didn’t see regret. Kate’s pretty blue eyes were full of desire... Damn if that didn’t just confuse the hell out of him. She might be wanting to ask him about what just happened, but she also wasn’t sorry.

Gray didn’t know what else to say at this moment. The dynamics had changed, the intimacy too fresh. Maybe once they had some time apart and saw each other at the wedding tomorrow they’d laugh and joke and go back to the Gray and Kate they’d been hours ago.

Or maybe they’d find the nearest closet and rip each other’s clothes off. Things could go either way at this point.

Gray moved out of her way so she could pass. Her hair hung down her back in dark waves, her dress was slightly askew, and she still clutched her shoes. He’d turned a moment of intimacy with his best friend into forcing her to do a walk of shame from his bar.

He was no better than the prick who’d cheated on her and broke her heart. But Gray would make this up to her. He had to.

* * *

Kate adjusted her one-shoulder bridesmaid’s dress for the fifth time in as many minutes. Thankfully Lucy hadn’t chosen strapless dresses. Kate needed this chiffon strap to cover Gray’s mark. She didn’t know what she would’ve done had he chosen the other shoulder.

Part of her loved the mark. She’d be lying if she said otherwise. She’d never had a man lose such control, and the fact he hadn’t even been able to get them out of their clothes was thrilling. Sex should be thrilling, or so she’d heard before, and she’d always wondered if that was a myth. Now she knew.

Analyzing this over and over wasn’t going to change the future. Gray wasn’t going to happen again. On that they’d agreed, so now she had to figure out how to not compare any other man to her best friend. But at least the standards were set and she wasn’t going to settle for someone who didn’t at least give her a little spark.

Kate had definitely had a happy birthday. At least she had until he’d come from the bathroom and couldn’t get her out of the bar fast enough. Did he regret what they’d done? Or worse. Was she a disappointment?

“Hey, you okay?” Tara whispered.

“Fine.”

Kate smiled for the camera and hoped they were nearly done with all the photos. What did it matter if Gray found her lacking in the skill department? They weren’t doing anything again anyway.

He’d barely said a word when she’d picked him up this morning and she hadn’t seen him at the wedding. But the church had been packed, so that wasn’t a surprise. She’d see him at the reception for sure. He was in charge of all the drinks and had brought a few of his employees to serve as waiters.

She felt a bit odd not sharing her epic, mind-blowing, toe-curling experience with Lucy and Tara. If this had been any other man she’d had wild sex with late at night in a closed bar, she would’ve texted them immediately after, but this was Gray. He was different and what they shared was...well, it was something she still couldn’t describe.

“I think we got them,” the photographer announced. “We’ll do more at the reception.”

Kate resisted the urge to groan. This was Lucy and Noah’s day. She shouldn’t be so grouchy, but smiling and posing and pretending to be in a good mood was not working for her. All she could think of was Gray: what they’d done, what she had missed from him that led up to that moment, how he’d react seeing her again.

Kate lifted the long skirt of her dress and stepped off the stage. A hand slid over her elbow.

“Wait a second,” Tara said.

Turning her attention to her friend, Kate dropped her dress and clutched the bouquet. “What’s up?”

“That’s what I want to know.”

Tara’s questioning gaze held Kate in place. “I’m just going to hop on the shuttle to take me to the reception so I can get some food. I’m starving.”

Rolling her eyes, Tara stepped closer. “You’ve been acting weird all day. What happened from last night to this morning?”

What happened? Oh, just a quickie on the bar top at Gallagher’s, third stool from the left. Well, Gray had shoved the stool out of the way when he’d climbed up to her, but still. She’d never be able to look at that space again without bursting into internal flames. Her panties would probably melt right off.

“I just had a late night.” Kate opted to go with some form of the truth. “Gray and I left the rehearsal and headed back to the bar so he could pull more champagne and wine from the back stock. I just didn’t get much sleep before we had to be up and ready.”

Tara’s bright blue eyes studied Kate a moment longer than she was comfortable with. Gathering her skirt in her hand once again, Kate forced a smile.

“C’mon,” she said, nodding toward the front of the church. “Let’s go get on the shuttle so they can take us over to the food and dancing. I’m ready to get rid of these heels.”

Tara nodded. “Will you get some pictures of me dancing with Marley?”

Marley, Tara’s five-year-old daughter. She shared custody with her ex, Sam Bailey. Sam had brought Marley to the wedding since this was his weekend to have her. Tara had been surprised that Sam had taken Marley to get her hair done and her nails painted.

Kate knew Sam had some issues several months ago, but she saw the man was trying. Okay, using the word “issues” was really sugarcoating things. But addiction was such a delicate topic and Kate still wasn’t sure how to approach it with Tara.

But Kate saw Sam fighting to get his family back. The man had gone to rehab, he’d gotten a new job, he’d gone to counseling. There was a determination in him now that Kate hadn’t seen before. Tara wasn’t ready to see it and Kate worried irreparable damage had been done and their marriage was over for good.

None of that was Kate’s business and she had her own issues to worry about right now. Like seeing Gray at the reception. She didn’t like the silence that had settled between them this morning. That wasn’t like them. They were always bantering or arguing or joking about something. It was their thing. They lived to annoy the hell out of each other and for some strange reason, it worked for them.

Damn it. She knew sleeping with him would change things, but she’d been unable to prevent herself from giving in. One second they were friends, and the next he’d kissed her against his truck and made her want things she never realized she was missing.

Well, she had to just suck it up and get over this awkward hurdle. She wanted her friend back and she wasn’t going to let great sex stand in their way.