The Seduction

“You can’t change who you are. Not even a sex tape can take away from who you are deep inside.” She wraps an arm around me in a brief hug. “It’s not a bad thing,” she assures me.

“Then why does it feel like one right now?”

“Because you want him. Which means you’re going to have to make the first move.” She waggles her eyebrows and makes me smile. “Trust me, he’s not going to turn you down.”

“Ladies, get back to work!” Tank yells from across the bar.

Callie winks at me. “You can do it.”

Nerves churn inside me at the prospect of taking Callie’s advice, but I will. I’m so primed and ready from being around him all the time that I’m surprised my lips haven’t found his by now.

The good news is the next few hours fly quickly because I now have a plan. I’m finally finished, but I pause in the bathroom to freshen up before I head out. Just in case things go the way I want them to.

I step into the darkened bar. Tank has shut off the front lights.

“Ready, Princess?” Zach asks.

I’ve grown used to the nickname, and I like the sound rolling off his lips. I collect my bag and nod, and we walk out the rear exit, his hand against my back. I try not to shiver, to read too much into the now-familiar touch.

“You don’t need to do this every night. I’m pretty sure you made your point and nobody will bother me again.”

I want him to at least admit there’s something more between us before I make a complete fool of myself. My hands are sweaty, and I wipe them together as I wait for his reply.

“I thought we talked about this already. I want to,” he says as we reach his truck.

I turn to face him. I can’t rise onto my tiptoes to get closer to him without my intentions being obvious. Still. I lean into him. “Why?” I ask.

He looks startled. “Why what?”

“Why do you want to? Because you feel sorry for me? Because I don’t need to be your charity case.”

He frowns. “Where is this coming from?”

I sputter with frustration. “Where did you come from?” I challenge right back. “One day you’re here at the bar. A few weeks later, you save me. And after that, you’re my constant companion. I keep asking what your deal is, and you give me all these compliments. So either you’re in desperate need of a friend or—” I gather every ounce of courage I possess.

“Or what?” he asks, his tone dangerous.

“Or you want me.”

His eyes narrow. His cheekbones pull tight. “You’re the one pushing me,” he says. “Unbelievable.”

I straighten my shoulders and meet him head on. “Well, someone has to make a move. I can’t do this anymore. Either you’re in or you’re—”

He cuts me off by pressing his mouth against mine. Pretty darned effective if you ask me. I’m stunned, and then I’m just in the moment. His lips are warm, his taste minty. He’s gentler than I would expect as his lips move over mine. Soft and supple, he’s tasting me and it’s heaven.

Every time I inhale, I breathe him in, and it’s delicious. He’s delicious, but he’s still hesitant, and I can’t imagine why. I dart my tongue out and lick the seam of his lips.

With a groan, he picks me up, and suddenly my back is against the truck, his big, hard body pressing into mine. Warmth that has nothing to do with the summer air rushes through me. This is what I’ve wanted. What I’ve been waiting for. The kiss turns possessive. A tug on my hair tilts my head and positions my mouth so he can dive in. And he does. His tongue thrusts against mine, learns the deep recesses of my mouth. I’m trembling and grab onto his shoulders to steady me.

Touching the muscles in his upper back reminds me there’s more for me to explore. While he devours my mouth, I let my hands roam over him, up his neck, and into his hair. It’s like silk, and I love the feel of the golden strands sliding along my fingertips.

He nips at my lips, and I feel the sensation in my breasts and between my thighs. My hips buck against him, and I’m needy in ways I’ve never experienced. My sex feels swollen and wanting. Now I understand what it means to feel empty and to want more.

I shake and tremble, my hips grinding against him, seeking relief.

“Easy,” he says as if he knows what I’m feeling. His hand strokes my cheek to calm me.

Not possible when I need him so badly. I reach down and cup his thick erection in my hand.