Bad Bad Girl

Vance turned to find that Neely and Coley had walked into the bar and snuck up behind them. His heart stopped when he made eye contact with Coley. She was stunning. Her casual, natural style suited her perfectly and the curls that she had haphazardly pulled back just begged for his hands to pull them free. The curves of her body, her green eyes, her soft and warm smile, everything about her appearance fascinated Vance like no other woman had ever done.

Neely and Caine instantly started their display of public affection, but all Vance could focus on was the woman standing before him with a goddess-like beauty. A goddess would be the only way he could describe the enchanting effect Coley had on him. How he wanted her pouty lips on his. He could almost taste the kiss. He knew at that very moment, that he was going to make Coley his. His little crush had overflowed to a full on infatuation.

Coley smiled warmly and perched herself on the stool with Vance. The subtle touch of her body against his sent fire coursing through him. God, this woman smelled good. The intoxicating daze Vance was in was interrupted by Coley clapping her hands.

“Matt and Kendall are together! Isn’t that great?” Coley exclaimed.

Coley looked around at everyone’s expressions. Vance could see that no one seemed to be overjoyed by the news.

“What? I think it’s great! Why do you guys look like it’s a bad idea or something?”

Caine was the first to speak. “Kendall isn’t the type of girl Matt usually falls for.”

“So? I wasn’t the type of girl you normally fell for either,” Neely added.

He decided to speak up. “There’s no secret what Matt believes in.”

“And there is no secret what Caine believes in. And Neely and Caine are doing just fine,” Coley pointed out.

Caine looked at his buddies with a knowing look. “No use arguing with the ladies. We’ll never win,” Caine teased.

Neely and Caine went back to their public display of affections and Vance turned his attention on Coley. He adjusted his body to give her more room on the bar stool and placed his hand on her lower back to help secure her to the seat. Her body was warm beneath his hand, and he couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to have his hand touching her bare skin.

“Go home, you two. It’s obvious that you would much rather be doing something other than hanging out at a bar,” Coley suggested to Neely and Caine.

“Are you sure, Coley? I don’t want to leave you alone,” Neely asked with trepidation.

Coley pushed her brother off of the stool. “I’ll be fine. Go!” she directed.

Caine stopped his kissing assault long enough to look at Vance. “You mind making sure my sister gets home all right?”

Vance nodded and placed his hand protectively on Coley’s shoulder. “No problem.” It made Vance feel good that Caine had given his blessing. He could move forward with pursuing Coley.

“All right, we’ll see you guys tomorrow night,” Caine said, reminding the group of the party Caine and Neely were throwing.

Coley moved over to Caine’s empty barstool, while Vance ordered her a drink. He had sat at a bar with Coley more times than he could count, but this time it seemed different. There was chemistry and desire. He had been searching for the right female his whole life. Now, sitting next to him on the barstool, was someone he had known for years. This ‘someone’ was meant to be his.

26

“We’ll arrange pick up of your car tomorrow,” Vance offered as he walked Coley to his truck. He opened the passenger side door for her and helped her inside.

Coley had learned a long time ago, that when it came to things like safety, there would be no use arguing.

When they reached Coley’s house, she turned to Vance and asked, “Would you like to come in for a drink?” She cleared her throat. “I would like you to.” She didn’t want the night to come to an end. She liked spending time with him.

A huge smile washed over Vance’s face. The small laugh lines around his face when he smiled, softened the powerful look he exuded with his sharp-edged jaw line. “That sounds like a great idea.”

Walking into the house, Coley went to the kitchen to get the drinks. Her heart beat so hard against her chest it almost hurt. Every touch of his this evening had sent shock waves all the way to her core, which was getting damper by the minute. The power Vance held over her surprised, yet excited her.

She walked into the living room and handed Vance a drink. She sat next to him, close enough that her leg was softly touching his.

“Vance… I uh…” Coley stammered. She was unsure of what to say.