“Last Call!” Her mood crashed and splintered into a million pieces like a fallen glass.
They’d been drinking together for the past hour and half, and she was sad to see their night coming to an end.
“Time really does fly when you’re having fun.” Jay frowned.
“Always.” She paused. “Thank you.”
“For what?” He scrunched his face up. A look of confusion filled his dark green eyes.
“Making my birthday so awesome.” She shrugged.
A brilliant flash of white gleamed as he delivered a toothpaste perfect smile. She pressed her thighs together. Heat radiated from her core.
“You know … I should be thanking you.” He countered her.
“Me? What did I do?”
“You were yourself. Tonight uh, it holds bad memories for me. You allowed me to forget for a while.”
The pain in his eyes twisted her stomach into knots. He had such an expressive face. Whatever happened must be devastation worthy. She placed her hand on top of his. “I’m glad.”
“Can I walk you back to the hotel? It’ll make me feel better.” He tilted his head as if waiting for permission.
“
Sure.”
The bartender returned and slid them their cards, wrapped up in receipts, and Kansas removed her hand.
“I left something special for you.” The bartender winked at Jay and sashayed off.
Kansas signed her name and watched out of the corner of her eyes as he grimaced.
Writing his name onto a copy, he balled up the other. “Nope.” He tossed the wadded paper ball onto the tray.
“You’re not interested? She’s really pretty.”
“Not my type.” The heated look he sent her way made her heart race. “You ready?” He rose from the bar-stool.
“Yes.”
Together they left the bar. The night held a slight chill, and the darkened streets were alive with activity. A strange sight in the small town. The show was based here, so the convention they held was always a big deal. It amused her, people being so excited about their tiny slice of paradise. She’d visited other places, even copped an internship at a place in Chicago, fresh out of college. It was enough for her to decide this would always be home. Country living suited her just fine, thank you very much. Her town was full of laid back, honest people who believed in hard work and old-fashioned values. Jay understood. He came from a small town in Texas, which explained the sexy drawl. Figures. The one man I’m interested in is just passing through. There was an intriguing chemistry between him she longed to explore. It’s probably for the best anyways. A man like this could break your heart. I barley know him, and he’s all ready under my skin, twisting my guts up like pretzels and inspiring lust.
Their arms brushed as they walked. Jolts of electrical energy ran up her arm, puckered her nipples, and made her wish she was a woman who took more risks. He took her hand. Excitement rippled through her body.
“Is this okay?” The uncertainty in his voice endeared him even more. Their gazes locked, and the connection between them sizzled.
“Very.” She’d never had such a strong reaction to a man. Her body grew more sensitive with every step. The bra caressed her like a lover, and her silk underwear tantalized and teased where they rubbed against her swollen clit. If he could do all this by holding my hand, what would sex be like? The naughty musing embarrassed her. Still, once the seed was planted, it refused to leave. Like a devil on her shoulder her conscience whispered all the reasons why she should take him to her room and make love until the sun rose or they collapsed from exhaustion, whichever came first. I probably misread things.
“Do you mind if we go in a side door?” His words broke the amicable silence held between them.
“Not at all.”
They walked through a side entrance to the elevators on the back side, and he pressed the round button in.
“Can I walk you to your room?”
“Sure.” There were no warning bells chiming in her head, and it was far too crowded to try anything. Besides, Mya should be in their room by now. Ding. The elevator reached the bottom floor, and opened. They stepped into the empty square.