After slipping on a simple black dress, nothing too revealing, Baylee checked herself out in the mirror and frowned. Her ample breasts made it impossible for her to hide any cleavage, but it was the best she could do. Before leaving her room, she swiped on clear lip gloss over her raspberry-colored lips then walked out to meet the sex god.
* * *
The restaurant Axe chose was located on the outskirts of town, nestled in a valley. Baylee spotted the name of the eatery, Le Crystal, on an unassuming sign partially hidden by a weeping willow.
When she pulled into the small parking lot, she noticed Axe’s electric-yellow Harley. She parked in the space next to it. Up close, his bike looked massive, powerful, and gorgeous—just like the owner—and the chrome reflected the sun’s fading rays.
Inside, she greeted Axe with a big smile. “I checked out your bike. It’s awesome.” Like you. Her gaze skimmed over him, taking in his tanned skin and chiseled cheeks.
Axe snagged her around the waist and nuzzled his face against her soft hair. “Thanks.” He kissed her on the cheek. “You look gorgeous, as always.”
The hostess showed them to their table, a small one tucked into a dark corner.
“I read that your club owns a restaurant. Is this it?”
“No.”
She surveyed the place, noticing the intimate lighting, the couples at small booths and tables holding hands and kissing. “This place is not easily seen from the road. I missed it twice. It’s secluded.”
“Never noticed.”
“Are you hiding me?”
Axe smiled as he shook his head.
“Are you married?”
He burst out laughing. “Fuck no. Why’d you think that?”
“I don’t know. This place seems like somewhere a husband would take his mistress.”
“It does have a reputation for that. The food is good, though, and I wanted to get away from the brothers. I didn’t wanna bump into any of them tonight.”
“I guess being with the same group of people all the time would be too much. You live at the club, don’t you?”
“Yeah, but I’ve been thinking about getting my own place. Do you live alone in Denver?”
“Yes. I live in a high-rise downtown, and I love it.”
When the waitress came over, they both ordered sirloin steaks, loaded baked potatoes, and green beans with cherry tomatoes.
Baylee, sipping her third glass of red wine, gazed into Axe’s dark eyes. The way he spoke, the way his shirt clung to his upper torso, and his cute, crooked smile exuded so much sexiness that Baylee was ready to forgo dinner and drag him straight to her hotel room. Maybe it was the wine, but her body was tingling, every nerve on fire.
“Do you have a girlfriend?” The question popped out of her mouth before she could stop it.
“No. Do you have a boyfriend?”
She shook her head. “Too busy.” She motioned the waitress to bring her another glass of wine. “Why don’t you have a girlfriend? You’re handsome. I’m surprised some woman hasn’t snatched you up.”
“I don’t wanna be snatched up.”
“Never?”
“That’s right. I’m a one-night type of guy. Don’t go in so much for repeat performances.”
“You could’ve fooled me. You keep pushing me for an encore.” She giggled. I’m getting smashed.
A bemused smile brushed across his lips as he scooted his chair closer to hers. “You’re different. I most definitely want a repeat performance with you.”
The waitress set down another glass of red wine in front of Baylee.
Axe kissed Baylee’s cheek, his hand resting on her upper thigh. “You’re my spicy minx.” He nipped and kissed a trail to her earlobe, taking it into his mouth and sucking it gently.
She demurely pulled away.
“Why’re you being so shy, sweetheart? It isn’t like I’ve never done that to you before.”
“That was different. I didn’t know you. You were nameless—no information. Now, you’ve morphed into someone real. You’re not a fantasy anymore.”
“Isn’t reality better than fantasy? You can’t fuck a fantasy.”
“I did.” She giggled again.
He sat back, a wide grin on his face. “I like you tipsy.”
“I hope you like me drunk, because that’s where I’m going.”
The waitress brought their steak dinners, and Axe ate all of his and most of hers. Blame it on nerves or stress, but Baylee had decided to drink her dinner, and by the time she and Axe were in the parking lot, she was in no shape to drive.
“You’re riding with me. We’ll come back tomorrow and pick up your car. Have you ever ridden on a bike?”