Bad Bad Girl

“Do you know how beautiful you look tonight?” Vance complimented as he came up behind her.

Coley turned around, startled to find the most stunning man she had ever laid eyes on. There was no doubt in her mind that he exuded authority. Power oozed from his pores. Even as he stood in silence, he had the ability to make you stop and listen. Vance towered over her with his broad shoulders and masculine build. She could smell the scent she had longed to smell again since last night when he left.

Vance walked a little closer and cupped her cheek with his work-roughened palm. “Coley, watching you tonight made me want you in my life more than ever before. I could see how you watched with longing in your eyes at the way Neely and Caine declared their love. I want to be the man who gives you everything you long for.” He paused for a moment as if he could hear the thoughts of her soul. “I’m not one for usually being so free with my thoughts and emotions. But I sat back in silence long enough. Saying nothing kept us apart all this time. If I hadn’t been such a damn fool, that could have been you and I saying our vows. I’m done being the strong and silent type.”

“I liked that about you. The strong and silent type can be sexy,” she teased.

“The strong and silent type ends up alone. I’m done playing games. From this point on, I plan on telling you exactly how I feel. No holding back.” He smiled. “Besides, you’re a writer. Words are important to you.”

Coley looked into Vance’s hazel eyes that were brightened by the surrounding lights. “I like hearing that. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind since last night.” She smiled, revealing how pleased she was that Vance had sought her out.

Vance lightly kissed her cheek. “Be with me. Be mine. Give me that chance and I will never let you down. You will never want for anything, you will never be without. Let me love you, Coley.”

“Yes, I want that. I do. We’ve wasted enough time as it is.”

Vance leaned in closer to kiss her when the magical spell was broken by the back door opening with Sara and Travis walking out.

Coley groaned. “I hate that nut job. Why on earth would she be here?”

Vance placed his hand on the roundness of Coley’s ass. She knew what the gesture meant. She had been around this group long enough to know it was a silent warning to behave. She wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Part of her relished his touch, his hand pressed firmly against her behind. Another part of her wanted to run. She knew this was Vance, and if she wanted Vance, she would have to accept this side of him.

“Shh, don’t start anything. Not tonight,” Vance soothed as Sara and Travis made their way out of eyesight.

“I won’t.” Coley turned to Vance and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You know, if I remember correctly, placing your hand on my ass is something reserved for a couple,” she said as she flirted.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“So, is this your romantic way of asking me to be your girlfriend?” Coley teased.

“No.” Vance kissed Coley’s hand, and ever so softly kissed her lips. “I’m asking you to be more than that. I want you in my life, Coley. Not casual, not temporary, but forever. You’ve been in my life for years and I wouldn’t want to mess anything up unless I was positive that you and I are meant to be. So, yes, I want you, but I want all of you. I want more than just a girlfriend.”

Coley’s heart beat so hard it was working its way out of her chest. “Vance, I want that, too. The thought of you and me, makes me happy.”

“Then tell me that you will embrace my belief, that you will accept my love and devotion. Tell me that you will let me love you each and every day we live.” Vance placed each hand on the sides of Coley’s face and looked deep into her eyes.

Coley paused before speaking, taking in the moment. She stared into his eyes so full of love, hope and desire. She wanted Vance. She knew that she had always wanted Vance since being introduced so many years ago. All she had to do was say yes. All she had to do was accept Vance and his beliefs and she could find the type of love she had always hoped for. She needed to trust in this man and let go. Let go of feeling like she needed to be in control. She needed to let go of the feeling that she had to live in a fantasy world if she really wanted a hero in her life. She needed to allow this man to be her hero. Allow this incredibly sexy man to sweep her off her feet. All she wrote about was possible, if she could just allow this first step and let him love her.