Black

“You’ve done this before.” I’m not asking, because I already know the answer. It’s clear as day.

“Done what?”

“Hooked up, one-night stand, whatever you want to call it.”

“And you haven’t?”

“No. I haven’t.”

“But you don’t want a relationship, so you’ve really left me no other choice. I want you. It’s as simple as that.”

The breath catches in my throat at his blunt words. I should be offended. I want to be offended.

But I’m not—not in the least.

Rex twirls me around and pulls me close. The beat of his heart against mine is steady and strong. His hand skims up my spine before gently cupping the back of my neck. Our eyes lock, and I know, in this moment, that I’ll give in to him. If he keeps pushing me, I’ll cave. And not because I’m weak or because of the tequila flowing through my veins, but because I want to.

For just one night, I want to let go.

I want to explore these crazy feelings rolling around inside of me without fear of repercussions.

Ever so slowly, Rex dips his head. I wait for him to say something—anything—because right now it’s all I can do to breathe. On second thought, maybe I don’t want him to speak; maybe he should just kiss me. What better way to dig myself out of a sexual slump than with a sexy, successful, and charming man?

Maybe a one-night stand is exactly what I need.

“I can’t give you more than one night,” I tell him, finding my voice.

His eyes pierce straight through me. “I’m not sure one night will be enough, but I’m willing to take my chances.”

Sliding my hand down his chest, I fist the front of his shirt, holding him to me—encouraging him to do whatever it is he’s thinking about doing.

Unfortunately, for the second time tonight, fate—or better yet, Erin—has a different plan.

“There you are.” She and Jacob slide up next to us, and she smiles cheekily at Rex when he pulls away from me. Jacob wraps an arm around her waist, reaching the other out to Rex who takes it without hesitation. They shake hands, and then Erin points a finger at Rex. She gives him a stern look, only it loses its punch when she hiccups. “You hurt Shae, and I’ll cut your balls off.”

“She won’t really cut your balls off,” Jacob says, tightening his grip on her.

She turns in his arms. “Yes, I will.” She turns back to Rex. “I absolutely will.”

Rex quickly puts her at ease. “I assure you, I won’t hurt her. I’m rather fond of my balls.”

“Good.” Erin nods. “Good. Now, back to dancing.” She waves a hand toward Rex and me. “Just not too close. She might randomly orgasm.”

My jaw drops. “Erin!”

“What?” she asks, holding her hands out. “You haven’t been with a man in—”

“Okay.” Jacob says, cutting her off. “Time to go home.”

“What did I say?” she says, looking at Jacob innocently as he turns her toward the door.

I wait for them to get out of earshot and wipe my hands down the front of my skirt. “Well, that was awkward.”

Rex seems to take everything in stride, and I’m grateful when he doesn’t comment.

“So your name is Shae?” he asks.

“It is. I guess we never got around to that, did we?”