Page 38 of Rush

I thought nothing could top my birthday last year, but turning 22 this year is becoming by far one of my greatest birthdays ever. It may have something to do with the fact that, once again, Jameson is in the picture to celebrate with me. I woke up surprised, not really expecting to do much this year, only to get breakfast in bed with Dylan and Jameson. Afterwards, he took Dylan out of my room and entertained her, so I could soak in the bathtub and get ready for the day. They both surprised me next with a sleigh ride outside of town. Watching Dylan’s face light up with joy was the highlight of the day for both of us. When we got back to my place, I got yet another present. Riley, Emma and Isla were there ready with snacks, wine and plans to get dressed up and hit the scene downtown. Jameson had laughed at my shocked face before scooping up Dylan and making himself scarce.

After a few hours of playing with my hair, makeup and filling the girls in on my relationship changes, we’re finally ready to head out for dinner. The second I step out of my room and into the living room, the air around me shifts instantly. I stop in my tracks to find the girls watching me, glee on their faces and smirking.

“What?”

“I said to get her a nice dress, Emma. That is a piece of fabric.” Jameson’s voice carries across the room.

My gaze slides to his and my body flushes instantly. He doesn’t look as mad as his words suggest. In fact, he looks like he wants to devour me alive. His cheeks are flushed, and his eyes are so dark the brown is almost black.

Emma rolls her eyes. “It's a birthday dress, Caveman. Chill out.”

Jameson turns to her. “What would Sheppard say about the little number you have on?”

Emma’s mouth drops open and her hands go to her hips. “Don’t you even dare, Kane. You told me to get a dress that she would feel beautiful in and I delivered.”

“She’d look gorgeous in a Moomoo, Emma so that point is moot,” he argues, his jaw tensing and his arms crossing over his chest.

I laugh and walk over to him, laying my hand on his crossed arms and kissing the edge of his jaw. With the heels on, I’m a couple inches taller and in perfect height to reach him easily. “I love my dress. Thank you.”

Jameson scoffs. “Barely a dress,” he mutters under his breath. His arms then wind around my waist and he tugs my body into his. “You look beautiful, Sammy.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind staying here with Dylan tonight?” I peer up at him and his gaze softens. His fingers brush my curls back behind my ears.

“Not at all. I’ll be here waiting for you when you get back.” He leans in and kisses the edge of where my lips and cheek meet.

“Naked?” I whisper for only him to hear. Jameson groans low, and his arms tighten around me.

“I don’t even want to know what they’re saying,” Emma says loudly.

“Little kids are around.” Riley points to Dylan and Isla, who only laughs at her.

My cheeks tinge pink with embarrassment. I hide my face in Jameson’s neck, but he only laughs at my friends' antics. “Maybe I should just stay in with you and we can celebrate.”

“Hell no! That dress and those heels deserve a night out,” Emma argues.

Jameson’s hands move to my shoulders, roam up my neck and cup my face. His eyes roam over me, and I can tell he likes the bright red lipstick I’m wearing when he bites his bottom lip. “Pretty Girl, you look too amazing not to have some fun tonight. Enjoy your time with the girls and I’ll be here waiting for you.”

I lift my chin and my lips graze over his. He groans low in his chest and I feel it vibrate through mine. “I’ll ruin your lipstick if you keep that up, Sam.”

Giggling, I step out of his hold, my hand running down his chest. “Not my lipstick, Kane. I have to draw the line somewhere.” He rolls his eyes, but I don’t miss the way he has to discreetly adjust the front of his pants. My whole body goes up in flames just thinking of the reaction he gets from me.

“All right, lovebirds.” Riley snaps her fingers. “We have a reservation to get to before the club opens.”

My friends hustle me out of my apartment after we all kiss Dylan goodbye. When we get downstairs, my eyes widen, finding a limo waiting for us. Emma shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders as we all get in.

“It's a birthday gift from Hawke this year. I told him about how nice it was last year, and well, he didn’t want us all driving around tonight either.”

“That’s very nice of your boyfriend,” I tell her, a smirk on my lips. Emma huffs.

“Shut it. It's still a fairly new thing.”

“Yet she’s living with him,” Riley teases, and we laugh at Emma’s stricken face. It's only then that I notice Isla has gone quiet.

I reach across the seats to her and squeeze her hand. “You okay?”

Her silvery eyes meet mine and there’s a hint of nervousness in them. “I’m alright. Just a little hungry.”

“Me too,” Riley adds and rubs her stomach.