As Jeremy took my hand and led me out of the bar, my entire body buzzed with anticipation. I wasn't naïve, I knew exactly where this was heading.I'd never done this before. Never gone home with a man I'd just met. But there was something about Jeremy. It wasn't just the raw, physical attraction, though that alone was enough to make my pulse race and throw caution to the wind. It was something deeper, something inexplicable, as if I had known him far longer than just tonight.
There was something about him that made me feel safe with him. When I told him about Preston and the way he had belittled me for my body, I had braced myself for some reaction, some flicker of judgment. But Jeremy had given me none of that. Instead, he looked at me with so much hunger, so much reverence. His gaze alone made me feel desirable. Wanted. Beautiful.
I caught a few women glaring at me as we walked past, their eyes practically burning with jealousy. I resisted the urge to stick out my tongue at them. Petty, Gia. Don't be petty.Jeremy was older than the men I'd dated before, but maybe that was exactly what I needed. Since younger men were too busy being stupid, too caught up in their egos to know how to treat a woman right.
As we stepped outside, the cool night air wrapped around me, sending a shiver up my spine. I hadn't brought a coat, Zara had been too eager to kick me out of the house for me to grab a coat. Jeremy must have noticed my discomfort because, without a word, he shrugged off his coat and draped it over my shoulders. His fingers slightly brushed against my bare skin, and I swear I felt the touch everywhere. A sharp, thrilling jolt ran through me, leaving my body tingling.
"Thank you," I managed to murmur and not sound breathless. He nodded, his eyes dark and unreadable.
I snuggled into the warmth of his coat, inhaling his scent, woody, rich, and undeniably masculine. God, he smelled good. Soon a sleek black SUV pulled up, and the valet stepped out, handing Jeremy the keys. He tipped the guy, then walked over and opened the passenger door for me. A gentleman.
I slid into the passenger seat, my body brushing against his as I got in. Sparks. Actual sparks flew between us, and I could almost swear he felt it too. Jeremy hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking to my lips, before he pulled back and shut the door.
As he climbed in beside me and started the engine, I stole glances at him, watching the way his fingers flexed over the steering wheel, the way he focused on the road. He looked so incredibly handsome. The air between us felt thick, electric.
And we hadn't even made it to his hotel yet. As we joined the light evening traffic, Jeremy's hand reached across the console and held mine not too firm, just gently brushing against my knuckles. The radio played some song in the background, but I couldn't focus on the lyrics. Not when his fingers were lazily tracing patterns on my skin, sending tiny sparks through my entire body.
There were no words exchanged, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. If anything, it only heightened the anticipation crackling in the air between us. I wanted his hand allover my body, his lips on mine. Oh God, what is happening to me!
We drove for a while, and before I knew it, he was pulling up in front of a luxurious five-star hotel. My stomach twisted in nervous excitement as he put the car in park.
"We're here," he said, his voice low and smooth as he turned to look at me. I couldn't seem to find my voice so I seemly nodded.
Before I could reach for my seatbelt, he was already out of the car. My fingers had barely grazed the door handle when he appeared on my side, opening it for me like a gentleman. I tilted my head up to look at him, and for a moment, I was caught in the intensity of his gaze. He looked at me, like he saw me.
His hand found mine again, firm and warm, as he helped me out of the SUV and led me through the grand entrance. The moment we stepped inside, my breath caught in my throat at how exquisite the place looked. The lobby was breathtaking with golden chandeliers casting a soft glow on the polished marble floors. But I barely took it in because all I could focus on was Jeremy.
The way he walked with such confidence. The way his fingers curled around mine. A part of me wondered how many women he had brought here, but I quickly killed the thought. I had no place thinking such.
"Good evening, sir," the concierge greeted him with practiced politeness, giving him a small nod of recognition. Jeremy gave a brief nod in return, not breaking stride as he led me toward the elevators. I followed, my heart pounding harder with every step. Inside the elevator, the doors slid shut with a soft chime, sealing us in. The air between us grew heavier, thick with unspoken words and lingering touches. I could feel the warmth of his body beside me, his presence dominating the small space.
I took a slow breath, my fingers tightening around his. He didn't let go. When the elevator finally stopped, he led me down the quiet, dimly lit hallway until we reached his suite. Swiping his keycard, he pushed open the door and stepped aside, his gaze fixed on me.
A silent question lingered in his eyes. My heart pounded so hard I swore he could hear it. "You good?" he asked.
I nodded, my throat too dry to speak, but inside I was screaming, terrified, thrilled, and already too far gone to turn back.