Phoenix Rising

It was perfect.

"Oh that's great! Give me those bedroom eyes."

I smiled like a cat with a bowl of sweet cream. I had made up my mind and now all I had to do was set my plan in motion. I giggled with excitement.

After all this time, I'd finally found the man I was going to let into my bed. And I hadn't had to go looking. He'd practically fallen into my lap.

Clint McRae was going to make me a woman.

Chapter Nine

Clint

Dear lord in heaven, help me not make a damned ass out of myself.

I splashed water on my face, then looked up at myself, leaning against the sink. I had to get out of here. I was way too riled up. I was no good around horses right now. It was dangerous.

Never mind it being dangerous around Phoenyx.

I didn't trust myself not to toss her over my shoulder and carry her off with me. I wanted to do things to her. Not gentle, sweet things like a beautiful, young girl deserved.

Rough and filthy things.

Unspeakable things.

Things that could get a man thrown in the clink.

I splashed more water on my face. Then I tugged my jeans out and splashed icy water on my stomach and cock. I flinched at the cold but it didn't do a damn thing to make it lie down.

"Bad dog." I muttered, shaking my head. There was no use for it. I had a twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week kind of boner. I had to git, while the gittin' was good.

I left the bathroom, sneaking around the back way towards my car. I left my favorite lawn chair where it was. I figured it would still be here tomorrow. I couldn't take one more second of almost-naked Phoenyx, covered in slippery soapy suds.

I cursed as my hard on got even harder, just at the thought of her in that get up, doing those things.

I cursed again as a Phoenyx caught up to me, still wearing next to nothing. I didn't slow my pace. I kept right on walking. That didn't stop her. Those impossibly long legs of hers kept up with me just fine.

I tried not to notice that her barely covered chest was bouncing with each step. I wanted to grab her, kiss her hard and bury my face in between those luscious tits of hers. I would wrap her long, silky legs around me and–

"Where are you going?"

"PJ's. I need a drink."

I'd spoken without thinking. PJ's was in town and not more than a couple miles from my house. I could leave my car there and stumble home after a few drinks.

More than a few drinks.

I knew I was gonna have to tie one on to clear my head. A big, Phoenyx Delancey sized bottle for starters. It was a time honored way to avoid thinking about a woman.

"Great, I need one too. I'll follow you."

I stopped in my tracks.

"Do. Not. Follow. Me."

She smiled at me.

"Are you okay?"

I grunted and practically ran for my car. She was still standing there when I peeled off. Her pretty head was tilted to one side, as if she was hatching something.

I shuddered to think what that might be.

I was still hot and bothered, sitting at the bar an hour later when Phoenyx walked in. She'd put on some clothes thank the good lord. Too bad those clothes were a skin-tight pair of jeans and a hot pink camisole that didn't cover much more than the bikini.

She'd done something to her face too. I exhaled sharply when I realized she was wearing makeup. Just a little around the eyes and something pink and shiny on her lips. She'd curled her hair too.

I knew it was for me. She was sending me a signal. One that would be impossible to resist.

God help me, but I lit up at the sight of her. I'd thought she was off the charts pretty before. But right now, she shined.

The air in the room changed as she strode across the bar. Every man in the place sat up straight. I stared straight ahead, refusing to pant after her like the rest of the pack.

Goddammit.

Things were about to get real.

Chapter Ten

Phoenyx

“So,” I said, popping a hip and leaning against the bar. “What are you drinking?"

Clint gave me a sideways glance as I shrugged and slid onto the bar stool beside him. I could instantly tell a couple of girls were real peeved to see me with him. I just tossed my hair and smiled warmly at him, laying my hand on his arm.

He looked at my hand, then back at my face before turning back to his drink. He took a long sip and put his glass down again before answering.

"Whiskey."

I wrinkled my nose at that. The bartender came over. He was in his early thirties, like Clint. No wedding ring. Not that I cared, I just wanted to know before I used him as leverage.