Free My Ex-Boyfriend's Wedding by T. Sue VerSteeg Page B

was just enjoying the view." Her stare lingered on his lips.
    Mischief danced in his eyes, but he pointed to her plate, playfully barking, "Eat."
    She sat up straight in her chair and saluted. "Yes, sir." She took a bite and instantly knew it was one of the best meals she'd ever experienced. She stopped herself before she got too full, remembering they would be dancing later—or other things that would be uncomfortable on a full stomach.
    She grinned at the thought of those other things .
    "You look positively evil right now."
    "Just thinking," she purred.
    "Would those thoughts include leather?" He punctuated his statement with a wink.
    "No, but you're on the right track."
    Reaching over to a shelf next to the table, Tony flipped on the stereo. The familiar tinkling of piano music brought a brilliant smile to Jemma's lips. The song "As Time Goes By " filled the night air.
    "Care to dance?" Tony reached a hand across the table.
    "I'd love to." She placed her hand in his and was tugged into his embrace.
    He spun her around the patio as though they were one person. His body pressed tightly to hers as he stared intently into her eyes. As the song played on, she became more and more aware of his cologne, his touch, with each sway. When the song came to an end and another began, he stopped abruptly. He slid a finger across her cheek; his thumb traced the outline of her bottom lip, his eyes intent on every place he touched. Jemma's heart and mind melted into a passion filled puddle; her only tangible thought was that she might stop breathing if he didn't kiss her.
    Luckily, he complied.
    His lips brushed hers in a tender, sweet kiss, which progressed quickly into a heated, searing bond. His fingers trailed down her neck, lightly traced the neckline of her dress, and then crept down her sides to gently cup her breasts. Hunger consumed her with each nibble, each caress. Somewhere within the depths of Jemma's mind, the tiny warning voice grew fainter by the second. There was no turning back.
    She didn't care.
    Her body was in control now, her mind numbed with passion.
    Tony's phone vibrated against her abdomen, and her head fell back in surprise. She raised an eyebrow in question.
    "Oh, hell no," he murmured. His lips quickly claimed hers again.
    Jemma's hands skimmed over the taut muscles of his chest, up his neck, and tangled in his silky hair. With her body pressed tightly against his, his hands swept around, pulling her even closer. The evidence of his arousal pushed against her abdomen, blocking out everything but her primal need.
    Tony's phone vibrated again and again. On the fourth time, he unwound himself from her and pulled away, regret etching his features. He reached down and unhooked the phone from his belt, glancing at the number.
    He inhaled a huge breath and let it out at once. "All of these have been from Kate. She never calls unless it is an emergency." He peered deeply into Jemma's eyes, silently asking permission.
    "It's okay."
    He hit redial. "Hello?" Tony walked away from her, threading the fingers of his free hand through his hair.
    Jemma smoothed her dress back into place and did her best to regain some composure. All she could do was stare into the living room and follow the chimney up to his bedroom window. Anticipation brewed in her belly.
    And a bit farther south.
    "He did what ?" Tony bellowed, spooking away the thoughts. "You've got to be kidding me." He dropped the phone away, mumbling a string of expletives, and then returned it to his ear. "I'll be right over." He swiped his phone off and shoved it back into the case on his belt.
    Jemma walked over to him, lightly touching his arm to get his attention. "Is she okay?"
    He spun toward her. "That bastard boyfriend of hers was caught at a seedy bar on Commercial Street with the woman he'd been cheating with." His jaw was set, pupils dilated, and fists clenched—all good signs that Dalton might want to consider never crossing Tony's path in the near