Excerpt of Plus One by Brighton Walsh

Given how their afternoon had unfolded, the heat that ricocheted between them throughout the evening really shouldn't have been a shock. Olivia had felt Ian's want since she'd emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a sleek, fitted, black dress. Through the wedding ceremony, tucked into his side as his arm rested innocently against the pew behind her, she thought she'd burst at the feel of his finger tracing her bare shoulder. It had been a mindless touch, something she hadn't even been sure he'd been aware of, and yet it had set her entire body aflame.

And now. Now, she was pressed against him as they danced, his hand touching her bare skin thanks to the low, open back of her dress. He held her close, closer than he ever had before, and even though she was two martinis into the night, she still found herself tongue–tied.

His fingers slowly slid up her back, following the line of her spine, and though she tried to hold it in, a shudder ran over her body. Her nipples hardened, and a tingle grew low in her belly. All from a single caress against her bare back. Jesus, if an innocent touch like that had her wet and ready to go, what would happen if he stroked her not so innocently?

She looked up into his eyes to find him staring directly at her. His eyes bounced over her face, no doubt taking in her heated cheeks, eyes heavy with desire, and parted lips. He pulled her close, and brought their clasped hands up toward her face. He brushed a single finger down the line of her jaw, and instead of moving away, swept his finger over her lips. It was scarcely a brush of skin on skin, but she moaned. It was low and breathy, and barely loud enough for her to hear, let alone Ian. Yet she knew the exact moment he did.

His eyes, scorching with a want she knew all too well, bored into hers.

"Liv." He managed to convey so much want and need with that single word.

She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry, and tried to not sound breathless when she answered. "Yes?"

Ian's finger was still on her lip, caressing it back and forth, and his focus switched between her mouth and her eyes. When he didn't say anything more, she couldn't take it any longer. Her tongue darted out, lightly brushing against his finger. With their eyes locked, she took the tip of his finger into her mouth and sucked gently.

"Jesus Christ." It was a low rumble, spoken under his breath, but she heard it clearly. With a soft pop, she released his finger, her eyes imploring him.