The temptation to lick his neck was so strong her fingers curled involuntarily, fisting in his hair, the soft texture crushed against her palms. “In bed? Or all the time?”
He didn’t answer, not with words. Instead, that low rumble escaped his chest, the vibrations passing to where her breasts were pressed tight to him. Her nipples were the first to go, like an early-warning system, this one of lust, the nubs springing to full attention.
As the reverberation continued, warning bells went off in her belly, but it was too late. Her clit had already run up the white flag of surrender, all of her absolutely and completely ready for him to be a bossy bastard.
In bed and out, if that’s what it took. Fantasy world, meet reality. For one brief moment in time, she intended to live her dream.
“Treat me nice, and you can be as bossy as you want.”
He stood there silently, and she thought he might kiss her. Anticipation rose, her pulse pounding so hard stars floated before her eyes.
Instead, he brushed his cheek against hers as he pulled away, the scruff on his jaw leaving a lovely ticklish sensation that kick-started the butterflies in her stomach all over.
Jim held out his hand. “What type of food do you like?”
“Surprise me.”
He should have known his evening wouldn’t keep rolling as smoothly as he’d hoped. He wasn’t that lucky, not with Damon around. Jim had barely gotten Lillie settled in a quiet, intimate seating area, drinks on the way as he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close.
“Tell me what you’re doing in Vegas. It sounds as if this is your last hurrah or something.”
She opened her mouth, that hint of hesitation showing, but before any lies could come out—
“This is where you got to.” Damon dropped himself onto the bench on the other side of Lillie.
“Go away,” Jim ordered.
His friend only grinned harder, smiling at Lillie as if he’d just discovered the female race. “Well, aren’t you the most delightful thing. And look, you’re here, sitting with one of the most boring individuals on the face of the planet. I’m so glad I came to save you.”
Lillie fluttered a few times. “Hi. You must be Damon.”
Jim laughed.
At least he did until instead of looking shocked, Damon sat back and nodded approvingly. “I can see Jim has already been singing my praises. My reputation precedes me.”
“If you don’t get out of here, your head will be preceding your body out the front door.” Jim adjusted the silverware on the table, curling tighter around Lillie.
Damon arched one brow in the Vulcan imitation he saved for special occasions. “Someone’s getting all possessive and growly and stuff. Now I’m even happier I found you two.”
“Choose now,” Jim warned. “You can stay, or you can keep your teeth.”
Under his arm Lillie’s body shook slightly, and he quickly moved to check she was okay.
She was more than okay, her smile the brightest he’d seen since meeting her. “Are you hungry, Damon? Because we’re getting a bite to eat.”
Shit. “Damon is not hungry.”
“Actually, I’m starving.” Damon jerked the menu out of Jim’s hands and peered at it intently. “I hear the steaks here are good.”
Jim was ready to slice up his best friend and pop him on the barbecue when Lillie laid a hand on his thigh and snuggled closer. “You can share my menu,” she offered.
She smiled up at him, and damn if there was any way he could refuse those beautiful green eyes anything. “Fine. We can let the freeloader hang around during dinner.”
“I’m paying,” Lillie insisted.
Damon’s amusement could be heard instantly. “You really think you can wrestle the bill from both of us?”
She was worrying her bottom lip. Jim placed a finger over it and stilled her. Leaning in, he brushed his lips over hers. On this issue, he agreed one hundred percent with Damon.
“Humour the big, bad predators,” he murmured against her mouth, stealing another almost kiss as an appetizer. “We can afford it.”
“So can I.” She waved the banker’s note in the air.
“Put it away.”
“I’m not freeloading—”
“Stop protesting.” Her attitude was damn refreshing, and he couldn’t resist telling her so. “But I’m glad I don’t have to worry that you’re with me for my money.”
Utter shock crossed her face at the suggestion. “Of course I’m not with you for your money.”
Damon dropped his menu on the table and motioned for the waiter. “So, what are you with him for? Because I’m far better looking, and I’m not a bed hog.”
Jim reconsidered his earlier leniency. His friend would look lovely on a spit. “Where would you like me to send your remains?”
Lillie laughed, tucking her fingers around Jim’s biceps as she answered Damon. “I’ll just have to take your word for that.”