MANifesting

Her head swiveled as she studied the room thoughtfully, taking her time before she spoke.

“This is a nice crowd,” she said, leaning in to me. “Some of them are definitely settled in for the whole night, but I think some are just stopping by for an hour or so. There’s a good mix of women to men. People looking for a casual good time, nothing crazy.”

“You hit the nail right on the head,” I said. “No tough guys are looking for a fight, good crowd turnover potential, and nice, friendly ladies.” Leaning closer, I murmured, “And I’m sitting here with the most beautiful woman in the city.”

Her shy little grin nearly undid me.

The band wrapped up their quick rockabilly tune, then began something softer. “Welcome to the newcomers,” the lead singer said. “I’m Rowdy, and these are the Heart Flashers. It’s Friday night, and thanks for starting your weekend with us. We really appreciate y’all dropping by. But how about you amuse us a bit more, and get up and dance to this next one. It’s time for something a bit old-fashioned.”

I stood up as soon as I recognized the song, taking Allie’s hand and leading her to the open space in front of the stage.

As soon as we got there, several other couples joined us for a slow dance. My romantic gesture quickly shifted as Allie clung to me, pressing her entire body to mine. Swaying to the music, I could almost feel our heartbeats sync up.

“Why do I feel a spark every time you touch me?” she asked softly, looking up at me through her lashes with that grin that made my pulse race.

“It’s because you need me,” I heard myself say without thinking. The emotions surging through me were too intense. There was no way I could keep them in check. At the very least, I had to try to be honest.

“Allie, I’d sort of sworn off women for a while, but I really like you. I want to give this whole dating thing another try.”

“Okay,” she nodded.

“We click together so perfectly that it must mean something,” I said, as she snuggled her head against my chest.

When she looked up at me again, I leaned down to catch her lips against mine. In a flash, we were all over each other, clutching each other desperately as people danced around us. The power behind our kiss was startling, as if it had a life of its own.

It was too loud to hear Allie’s moans against me, but I felt the vibration as I realized we were supposed to be watching the band. Instead, I was acting like a horny teenager. Pulling my lips from hers, I’d never been so unprofessional in my life.

Her chin tipped up and down against my shirt, as we went back to gently swaying, not wanting the song to ever end. But we needed to pick up where we’d left off on her couch several days ago.

“Shall I drive you home, gorgeous?”I murmured into her ear.

She nodded, then asked, “Would you like to come in for another peppermint tea?”

“Maybe,” I said, kissing her temple. “I didn’t check out your entire apartment last time.”

“Yes. You’ll probably have to take a better look at…every room.” Those deep eyes seemed nervous, but excited.

“Tell me what room you’re thinking of, sweetheart.”

“The bedroom,” she breathed.

“That’s what I wanted to hear.”

CHAPTER NINE

* Allie *

As I led Kellan into my apartment, I almost pinched myself to check that this wasn’t a dream. He was clearly extremely interested in me. Not just our incredible physical connection, but the way we got along so well.

The one thing I didn’t have a plan for was when dating should lead to sex, figuring that my gut would know. Every single part of me was screaming that this was the absolute perfect time, right now.

The second the door locked behind us, we kicked off our shoes and Kellan took my hand, heading for the bedroom.

He switched on my bedside lamp then pulled me against him. The hard pressure of his body against mine sent my breath into a jagged rhythm. Pure pleasure began to slip up my spine as my skin became warm.

Kellan’s fingers held my hair out of the way as he unzipped the back of my dress. “Sweetheart,” he said gently, “I want to strip you naked and make you feel incredible. How do you feel about that?”

Cupping my chin in his hands, our eyes met. The hunger inside him was written all over his dark blue eyes, his sexy, half-open lips.