With Abandon: With or Without, Book 4

trying to figure out what I screwed up.”
    Fussing with the collar, Aubrey chuckled. “Relax. You’re about to jump out of your skin. I was
    staring because you look amazing.”
    “I do?” Matt cocked his head at the mirror. Amazing? He saw the same reflection he always saw
    and…did he look pale?
    His tie was starting to take shape beneath Aubrey’s slim, elegant fingers. Matt followed those fingers
    to the arms and the face just behind his shoulder. Aubrey was the one who looked amazing. He belonged in that sleek black tux.
    “There.” Aubrey gave Matt’s bow one more twisting motion and let go. He grabbed Matt’s shoulder
    and turned him, forcing Matt to end his ogling of Aubrey in the mirror.
    “I’m nervous.”
    Aubrey grinned and kissed his chin. “Nooo…”
    Matt smacked him on the arm. “It’s not funny.”
    “It’s adorable, and you are absolutely gorgeous.” Aubrey stepped back, studying Matt. “It’s going to
    be pure hell trying to keep my hands off you all night.”
    Heat raced up Matt’s neck and face at the thought. That shouldn’t embarrass him now after all they’d
    done, but it did. He wasn’t used to being admired like that.
    Aubrey stared at him. “What’s that look for?”
    “I like that you like the way I look. No one’s ever complimented me like you do.”
    “The people in New Mexico must be blind.” A smirk oozed over Aubrey’s face. “I’m going to have to
    beat the women and probably a few men off of you with a stick.” He caught the back of Matt’s head and
    pulled him down for a kiss. He nibbled softly and sucked at Matt’s bottom lip for several seconds before nudging Matt’s lips open with his tongue.
    Matt sighed into the caress and allowed Aubrey to do what he wanted. He didn’t even try to kiss back.
    The wet slide over his lips, teeth and tongue was soothing. The only person he wanted on him was right
    here, and no way would Matt want to beat him off—well yeah, he would, but not like Aubrey meant. He
    smiled and suppressed the giggle wanting to escape. Time and place, Matthew. Sheesh.
    The whole kiss was gentle and coaxing, meant to reassure. God, he loved this man. Sighing in
    pleasure, Matt wrapped his arms around Aubrey’s waist and kissed back. He could get through anything
    with his mate by his side. Suddenly this party was more of an annoyance than an anticipation. He’d rather skip the party and snuggle in bed.
    The scent of arousal surrounded them. He hadn’t realized he’d gotten hard. He’d been too caught up
    in the kiss, in letting Aubrey love him. But now…now his cock was becoming insistent, and Aubrey’s
    arousal was invading his senses as well.

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    117
    J.L. Langley
    Aubrey’s arms came around his shoulders, and his hands cupped Matt’s neck. He loved how Aubrey
    always held his head and touched his face. It made Matt feel irresistible. He wasn’t, but he loved that his mate thought so.
    Matt pulled Aubrey closer, needing the press of body against his. He circled his tongue around lazily,
    exploring and caressing, wanting to savor the magical moment. Even the feel of Aubrey’s erection against his thigh and racing heart against his chest didn’t make him want to hurry.
    Breaking the kiss, Aubrey smiled at him. “I’d love to continue this, but Tee’s here.”
    What? Matt blinked, trying to focus. Aubrey’s kiss had robbed him of conscious thought, apparently.
    There was a knock at the door. Followed by Tara grumbling, “Come on, guys. I forgot my damned
    key. Let me in.” She sounded annoyed, like it wasn’t the first time she’d knocked.
    Tara was going with them? Had he missed something?
    “Hold your horses.” With a wink, Aubrey headed out of the bathroom.
    Matt didn’t want to feel disappointed but he did. Guilt followed closely after. Tara was his friend. He liked hanging out with her, nearly as much as he did Aubrey. But he couldn’t deny the powerful urge to
    have Aubrey all to himself and for everyone to know Aubrey was his. Which was just dumb. That was a
    ways in the future. He should’ve realized Tara was coming. And really he was glad…he was. If anyone
    could make him feel less edgy, it was Tara. As far as he knew, she went to every social function with
    Aubrey.
    Another feminine voice came from the living room. Telling Aubrey hello and…kissing him? Yeah,
    that was definitely a smack. Who the heck was kissing his man? Matt practically ran into the living