The Sextet Presents… Turn Another Paige [A Toy Story] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read Online Free PDF Page A

let you two have some privacy. I’ve been weighing you down for too long. Our lease is up in two months. By then, I should have a job and can afford my own place.”
    Mike’s scowl could have ignited green kindling on fire. “Have we ever— even once —told you we didn’t want you as a roommate?”
    “Well, no. But—”
    “What made you decide to look for a new job? Do you hate working at the bar?” he asked. “Am I a hard-ass boss?”
    “You know I like it there and love working for you. But—”
    Laying his hand over hers, Jude gazed into her eyes. “What’s wrong, Paige?”
    The tenderness in his expression was almost her undoing. Her eyes stung with tears, but she held them back. “Don’t you two want some privacy? Don’t you get sick of having me in your way?”
    The waiter appeared over Mike’s shoulder, looking nervous as he approached the table. She would be too. No one wanted to interrupt a serious and rather stern discussion to ask what the people wanted to eat. She took pity on him and shot him a smile. “Are there any specials tonight?”
    She listened to their waiter’s spiel with little interest, taking ordering dinner as an opportunity to drop the touchy subject. The men thankfully followed suit.
    Dinner was delicious . Lamb noisette. Sweetbread with shallots. Potatoes au gratin. The tastes set off fireworks in her mouth, and she considered exercising her writing skills on Yelp with a review.
    Anything to keep from thinking about the men.
    After the first couple moved to the parquet dance floor to sway with the piano music, Paige had to keep herself from sending furtive glances at the happy people. She loved to slow dance, but seldom had the opportunity. About to suggest that the guys go dance, she was amazed when Jude took her hand and stood.
    “Let’s go, lady,” he said, pulling her to her feet.
    “Go? You mean home?”
    He tweaked her nose. “No, silly. Let’s go dance.”
    As he headed toward the dance floor, he moved so quickly, she had to stumble to keep up.
    “Why?” she squeaked.
    “Why what?” he called over his shoulder.
    “Why do you want to dance with me? Don’t you and Mike—”
    “Like we’d want everyone staring at us. This is Minneapolis not New York City. Besides, it’ll be fun to dance with you.”
    Before she could ask another question, they were on the dance floor.
    Paige stared up at Jude, wondering if she’d ever get over her crush. Figuring this would be a friendly dance, she put one hand on his shoulder and held up the other, expecting him to grasp it. He didn’t. Instead, he drew her into his arms, holding her close—as though they were lovers sharing a romantic dance.
    He was so much taller than she was she had no place to put her face except flush against the base of his throat or turning to lay her cheek against his shoulder. She chose the latter.
    Drakkar Noir . Jude’s cologne filled her senses as the heat from his body warmed her. Since he didn’t seem to mind her being so close, she indulged her fantasies just this once, sliding her arms around his waist and holding him tight.
    The song changed, and the notes of “I Can’t Stop Loving You” filled the enormous room. Paige couldn’t stop herself from humming, wondering if anyone else in the restaurant knew the old Ray Charles standard. It fit her somber mood, and the words echoed her own thoughts. Once she left her guys behind—when she was no longer a part of their lives—she’d dream of the times they shared together. Holding Jude close as they danced as though they were any other loving couple would be one of those treasured memories.
    His soft baritone started crooning in her ear, singing the words that pierced her heart like a knife. He rubbed his chin against the top of her head, and then he kissed her hair. For that moment, she felt cherished.
    “You feel great in my arms,” he said.
    How was she supposed to reply to that? “Um…thanks?”
    He chuckled and gave her a