Chapter 24: Family Dinner

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Ally's POV

The clinking of cutlery and soft laughter filled the warm, inviting dining room of Dani and Kevin's home.

I decided to sit down next to Joe.

To the rest of the family, we were just exes maintaining a cordial friendship. But little did they know that we just got back together.

And I just happened to be in the mood for a little.. tease.

As Dani began serving the appetizers, I leaned in close to Joe, my lips nearly brushing his ear.

"Remember that music video we did?" I whispered, my voice low and sultry.

Joe's eyes widened slightly, his hand freezing midway to his water glass.

"Uh, yeah," he managed, his voice a bit strained, "What about it?"

I sat back, a mischievous glint in my eye.

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking about how tense it was under those lights."

Kevin, oblivious to the exchange, chimed in.

"You two should definitely collaborate again sometime. That music video you did together was a huge hit."

Joe nodded, trying to maintain his composure as my foot slowly trailed up his calf.

As the main course was served, I kept letting out little appreciative moans that only Joe could hear. His eyes kept darting to me, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"This steak is delicious, Dani," I said, my voice dripping with double meaning as I looked directly at Joe, "So... juicy and tender."

Joe nearly choked on his wine, earning concerned looks from the rest.

"Are you ok, Joe?" Pri asked.

"Fine," Joe croaked, reaching for his water, "Just went down the wrong way."

I bit back a smirk, patting Joe's back with feigned concern. My hand lingered, tracing small circles that sent shivers down his spine.

"So, Joe," Nick trailed off, "how's the new music coming along?"

Joe cleared his throat. "It's great. Still in the works, though."

"Oh, I'm sure Joe's got plenty of inspiration these days," I said, my hand disappearing under the table and rubbing slightly over his member.

His eyes widened, as he shifted in his seat.

"Y-yeah," he stammered, "Lots of new ideas."

I smiled innocently. "I'd love to hear them sometime. Maybe we could collaborate again."

The double meaning hung in the air, unnoticed by the others but crystal clear to Joe. He met my gaze, a mix of frustration and desire in his eyes.

As dessert was served, I made a show of licking chocolate sauce from my spoon while my eyes locked on Joe's.

His knuckles turned white as he gripped his own spoon, transfixed.

"This dessert is amazing, Dani," I purred.

Joe abruptly stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"I need some air," he announced, his voice rough.

As he headed for the patio, I rose gracefully.

"I'll check on him," I offered, following Joe out, leaving everyone with concerned puzzled faces.

In the cool night air, Joe turned to face me, his eyes dark with a pent-up desire, and pushed me up against the wall in one swift motion.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Ally," he growled softly, gripping tightly around my waist.

I leaned closer, a victorious smile playing on my lips.

"Am I?" I whispered, my finger tracing his jawline, "Well, seems to me like I'm winning."

Our faces were inches apart, the tension between us palpable. Just as Joe leaned in, the patio door opened.

We pulled apart, my expression innocent once more.

"Everything ok out here?" Kevin asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Just fine," I said brightly, "Joe was feeling a bit flustered. But I think he's cooled down now, haven't you, Joe?"

Joe nodded as he met my gaze, a silent promise passing between us.

--

Joe's POV

As we returned from the patio, my mind was racing. Ally had pushed me to the brink, and now it was my turn to return the favor – subtly, of course.

We settled back at the table, and Dani began serving coffee. I volunteered to help, using the opportunity to lean close to Ally as I set her cup down.

"Two can play at this game," I murmured, my breath hot against her ear.

Ally's eyes widened slightly, but she maintained her composure.

"So, Ally," Pri said, "any exciting campaigns coming up, babe?"

Before Ally could respond, I chimed in.

"Oh, I'm sure Ally's schedule is very... flexible," I said, my voice laden with innuendo, "She's always been great at adapting to new positions. Isn't that right, Ally?"

Ally nearly choked on her coffee, shooting me a look that was part warning, part intrigue.

"You know me, always ready for a challenge," she replied, her tone light.

As we began clearing the plates, I made sure to stay in Ally's line of sight, stretching to reach high shelves, knowing full well how my shirt would ride up.

When I returned to the table, I noticed Ally's gaze following me. I smirked, leaning in close as I sat down.

"Saw something you like?" I whispered.

Ally's breath finally caught.

"Please excuse me," she announced, her flushed cheeks, "I need to use the bathroom."

Following her, in the hallway, we collided. Ally's back pressed against the wall, and my hands tangled in her hair.

Our eyes locked, and before we could second-guess ourselves, I leaned in, capturing her lips with mine

"We shouldn't," Ally whispered, even as she pulled me closer.

"Definitely not," I agreed, kissing her again.

Nick's voice preceded him around the corner.

"Hey, is everything okay? You've been gone a while and—"

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