Her Three Wilde Champion Men (Wilde, Nevada 2)

“It’s a beautiful night. I would like that very much.”

Heading to the club, she imagined Justin and Brandon waiting there for them. That would be the perfect date. But the Champions weren’t from Wilde. And even though they had grown up only thirty miles away from her hometown, it might as well have been around the globe. They didn’t understand the kind of families that lived there, including hers.

As they got close to their destination, she noticed that there were only five vehicles parked in front. “Pretty tame for a Saturday night,” she said.

“Let’s check it out anyway, sweetheart.” He opened the door and they walked in together.

As her eyes adjusted, she saw a lone table on the side of the dance floor. The place was empty, except for the band on the stage. “What’s going on?”

The bandleader waved at them and then spoke into the microphone. “Welcome, Miss Taylor, to Elko’s Dance Hall.” He turned to the other musicians and they began playing a soft, romantic ballad.

“There’s our table, Shelby. Follow me.” Alex grabbed her hand and walked her over to the table, which was beautifully decorated with flowers, a bottle of champagne chilling in a silver bucket of ice, one tall white lit candle, two crystal stem glasses, and chocolate-covered strawberries on a silver platter.

Her heart swelled in her chest. “You did all this for a first date? Quite impressive, Alex. I bet most women faint about now.”

“Since you’re the first I’ve ever done this for, you tell me. Do you need a cold cloth or would you rather sit?”

She laughed. “I’m shocked by this, Alex. How in the world did you get this for a Saturday night? I know Elko isn’t Wilde, but people still like to go out on the weekends here, don’t they?”

Alex grinned and pulled out a chair for her. “I may be from Elko, but I have my ways, Wilde.” Then he sent her a secretive wink.

She took a seat and he pulled his chair close to hers. One of those unending tingles fired up inside her. This date was turning out to be better than she’d imagined it would be.

He popped the cork of the champagne and filled her glass. The bubbles sparkled, reflecting the flame of the candle on the table. Then he poured himself a glass.

She gazed at him, astonished by how charming he was being tonight.

“You do like champagne, Shelby?” he asked, placing his arm around her shoulder.

She nodded and brought the drink up to her mouth. The first sip was sweet and tickled her lips. “This is very yummy.”

He held up his glass. “A toast.”

God, this man is perfect. Too perfect. But he’s still from Elko. How can I have a chance with him and Justin? And what about their other brother, Brandon?

“Don’t like toasts?” he asked. “You seem a million miles away, sweetheart.”

“Sorry. I’m just floored by all of this. No one has ever done anything close to this for me.” She brought her glass up to his and touched the edges together. “Yes. I would love a toast. But from me, if you don’t mind.”

“But I do, Shelby. I may be old fashioned, but as the man, I’d like to offer the first one.” He didn’t wait for her to respond, which was just to her liking. She’d always been attracted to self-assured men, powerful men, with just a touch of manly arrogance thrown in for good measure. “To you, Shelby. The most beautiful woman in all of Nevada. I’m thrilled you are with me tonight. I hope to make this evening so special that you won’t be able to forget one second of it.”

“Oh, I won’t, Dr. Champion. You’re doing quite well.”

“I’m glad,” he said and clinked their glasses together. Then he brought his up to his lips and drank the entire contents down in a single gulp.

She sipped hers, enjoying the sight of his lips being moistened by the golden liquid. God, how much she wanted to taste the champagne from his mouth.

Suddenly, Alex put his glass down on the table, put his hand on the back of her neck, and leaned in and kissed her. Was he reading my mind? The bubbly still on his lips tasted sweet to her. His tongue traced the edge of her lips, and she felt the tingle multiply into a sea of warm sensations, spreading through her body, just under her skin. A sweet shiver rolled up and down her spine. When he pressed deeper into her, sweeping into her mouth with his tongue, she melted into him, surrendering into his amazing kiss. She’d been dreaming of this for so long, and now here he was—embracing her. Being in his arms was like heaven. So strong. So powerful. So possessive.

The band changed songs as Alex released her mouth but not his hold on her.

Her heart was racing in her chest. She looked into his eyes, wishing tonight could last forever. But it couldn’t. Tomorrow would come. He’d said it. He was old fashioned. Not Wilde old fashioned. Elko old fashioned. She could never have her dream. Ever. Not

with the Champions. It just wasn’t possible.

“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours, Shelby?” he asked, but it sounded more like a demand from a Dom to her ears. But it wasn’t. He wasn’t a Dom and she wasn’t his sub, though with everything inside her she wished it could be the other way.

“I just love this song,” she said, which was at least a partial truth.