When You're With Me by Wendi Zwaduk Read Free Book Online

sweatshirt. “He’s a good man. He didn’t try to paw me when Tiny gave him free rein. I find it a bit suspicious and flattering at the same time. Do you think he’s Silver Steel material?” She shivered in her teal Silver Steel T-shirt and thin blue jeans. At least she’d had the foresight to remember to wear a bra. “He was supposed to walk me to my car, but I doubt he’s got time. Goldie threw herself at him, not that I’m surprised. She throws herself at everyone.” Her inexpensive plastic watch said seven after two. Her heart sank with each passing minute. Foolish. Ramon lied to get what he wanted and disappeared when it mattered most. “I’ll bet he forgot.”
    “He’ll come.” Ross put his arm around her. “He’s different and he’s honourable.” Jude grinned. Ross had never been fond of any of her proposed dates. “Tiny’s got him doing paperwork right now. Drive up to the door and I’ll send him your way.”
    “I can do that.” Jude unlocked the door to her rusty red Neon. Not much of a car, but it got her where she needed to go. “Better yet, tell him I went home and will see him tomorrow. I have a meeting with my professor about my exhibition and need my sleep. He shouldn’t care.”
    Ross nodded. “Goodnight, Jude.”
    Jude stepped on the gas and headed across town to her apartment building. Her eyelids drooped despite the urge to return to the club and hunt down Ramon. She parked the car, locked the doors, and stepped into the empty elevator. “I’ll dream about him tonight and decide if he’s worth the trouble tomorrow.”

    * * * *

    Saturday night, Jude danced to the same songs and charged her moves with a sensuality she directed at Ramon. He stood guard by the main doors and winked once. She imagined his hands caressing her body and his kisses on her lips. When she walked off the stage after her last turn, she shook with pent-up energy.
    Andie grabbed her arm. “Going to hunt him down?”
    Jude bit her bottom lip and glanced at her friend. “Should I? I want to, but something’s holding me back. He’s been here lots of times before Tiny hired him, but still.”
    Andie peered beyond the curtain to the crowd. “Looking at him, I hear you. He’s got an air of conquering hero to him, like he’s never come across someone he can’t bend to his wishes.” She wrapped her arm around Jude. “But I also watched him stare at you. That man’s in lust. He grabbed a man by the scruff of his neck and escorted him out of the club without taking his eyes off you.”
    Jude scrunched her nose, but couldn’t hold back the smile. “Yeah?”
    Andie let the curtain fall back into place. “He’s on break. Why don’t you go out there and plop down on his lap? I’ll bet he’d love it. Wear the red tank top with the slit.”
    A fresh rush of excitement hurtled through Jude’s veins. She raced to her makeup table. When she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror, she paused. Pink tinged her cheeks. A sparkle shone in her eyes. She puckered her lips and fluffed the curls in the clip holding her hair away from her face.
    “He sees the beauty you hide and I’m sure he digs it.” Andie dropped the top on the table. “Go get your man.”
    Jude struggled into the tight garment and adjusted her bust. She took a deep breath and fanned her face. “Do I look nervous? I’m scared to death.”
    Andie winked and Jude strolled out of the dressing room. She needed this. Needed a stable relationship in her life and to be cared about. Sex would be the icing on the cake. Maybe he’d be the one guy she wouldn’t have to play up to and could be herself with. Then again, maybe he’d be the one to cut her down. The handsome ones always had the barbs that cut the deepest. As much as she wanted to fall into his arms and explore his body, she hesitated. My heart won’t be involved.
    Before she even reached the table, Ramon stuck his arm out. Jude swatted his hand away. “Expecting someone?”
    He