Next Song I Sing (NEXT TIME AROUND) Read Online Free Page B

height.
    Jasper couldn’t remember the last time he had been so excited by a woman he didn’t even know. She was tall, smiling, and quite an alluring woman altogether. It was all he could do not to reach out and put his hands on her to assure himself she was real.
    Chloe purposely stayed bent over the table until the last minute, and then straightened slowly, her breasts following her slow moments. “Sorry. I seem to be a bit tipsy. Too many mai tais.”
    “Lovely way to enjoy a sunny afternoon by the pool,” Jasper said with smile, placing a solicitous hand on her arm, or at least he hoped it was coming off that way.
    Chloe took two steps and stumbled slightly, forcing Jasper to catch her, which momentarily squashed her ample cleavage against the front of him. “Oops—sorry.”
    She watched his eyes darken and had to restrain the giggle fighting to be set loose. Behind her, Chloe could hear Emma’s and Taylor’s in-drawn breaths at her boldness.
    Turning innocently to look at them, she had to fight laughter at their obvious surprise. She didn’t need a damn quiz to tell her how to interest a man. She just needed the good-looking motivation currently with his hands on her. It was the most wickedly confident thought she’d had in years, and it brought an equally wicked smile to her face.
    “I’m fine girls, but I guess I need to walk off a little of the buzz. Don’t worry. Mr. Wade seems quite dependable. I’m sure he won’t let me fall,” Chloe said, winking at their wide-eyed expressions.
    Chloe turned back slowly, brushing her breast lightly across his sleeve as she put her arm through Jasper Wade’s. He inhaled sharply at the contact, but Chloe pretended not to notice or hear, though of course she had. It was all she could do to bite back a sigh of happiness. “Sorry again. Can’t believe I’m so tipsy. Thank you for helping me, Mr. Wade. You really do have a nice hotel.”
    “Really?” Jasper asked, his voice breaking on the word so he cleared it. “Sorry. I mean—thank you.”
    They walked off then, with Jasper walking slowly and watching every step Chloe took. Taylor and Emma watched them weaving through the dining room, with Chloe acting like she couldn’t walk straight and Jasper Wade carefully holding onto her.
    When Taylor thought they were far enough away not to hear, she leaned on the table and laughed into her hands.
    “Emma,” she said contritely. “You and I should have gone for shorter dresses. It seems the slut we used to loathe and love is back.”
    “Good,” Emma declared, not caring a whit. “That ex-husband of Chloe’s did a number on her head. I don’t like hearing her get all defensive over her body or anything else. Jasper Wade looks like a fun fling.”
    “I don’t know if he’ll settle for a fling. I think he’s in love with her breasts already. That’s pretty serious for some guys,” Taylor said on a laugh. “I prefer leg men myself. They look you in the eye unless you’re naked or wearing a short skirt.”
    “I like men who appreciate the whole package, but they don’t exist,” Emma declared.
    “You know how it works. Breasts, butt, or legs. You pick one asset and play it up,” Taylor ordered.
    “Too much work,” Emma said, laughing at her own lack of interest. It had been a long time since she had been interested enough in a man to try luring him. The last guy had left before she’d found her nerve. Now she was content just to watch Chloe, glad her friend was getting back in touch with the woman she was meant to be.

Chapter 4
     
    A couple hours later when they returned to their room, Jasper Wade was all the three of them could talk about. It reminded Chloe of college days and made her smile.
    “He’s pretty good-looking for an older guy. I love the gray at his temples. He looks so—well, successful, I guess,” Emma said, walking into the bathroom.
    “ Older guy? He’s probably around our age,” Taylor told Emma on a laugh. “We’ve