Every Little Dream(7)

“Sorry about that,” I stammer. “I was just having a drink first.”

The tension in the room skyrockets as they stand face to face. Two guys at the edge of losing it. They don’t say words as they stare each other down. The beefy bartender appears next to us.

“Is there a problem, miss?” He doesn’t wait for an answer but addresses the guy with blond hair. “You need to leave. I don’t want to see you in here again.”

The guy laughs, while his eyes give me a completely different message. “Gotcha. Just stopping by to see a lady friend.”

“I’m not your lady friend.” My words spit out from between clenched teeth.

He trails his hand down my arm. “Catch ya later, sweetheart.” Then he and his friends leave. Moments later their car screeches from the parking lot.

I’m a quivering mess, ready to melt into a puddle on the floor. I’m out of my comfort zone and wondering if my attempt at adventure was totally off.

His hand slips into mine and he leads me back over to the bar. I let him, knowing he’s safe, sensing that behind his tough looks is a good heart. He orders a beer and pushes it into my hands. The icy cold outside feels good and I take a few large gulps while glancing at him for the first time up close. Except the beer goes down the wrong way and I spit it out.

“Hey!” He steps back.

Oh my gosh. It’s the guy from the other night. The one I kissed in a moment of crazy inspiration. The one who called me beautiful. There’s a dark and steamy look in his eyes. Holy shit. Yes, it’s appropriate to swear here. I found the one and he came to my rescue after I rescued him. It’s a sign.

I grab a bunch of tiny napkins and start patting his shirt. “I’m so sorry.” His rock hard muscles tighten beneath my fingers. A curious feeling stirs in my lower stomach.

He chuckles. “If you wanted to feel my abs, all you had to do was ask.”

I stand with my mouth agape. Is this guy flirting with me? He doesn’t seem to recognize me or he’s forgotten. That means my disguise worked. Excitement builds. This is what I need. Someone to bring some excitement to my life.

I throw the napkins on the bar. “Wanna dance?”

“Are you sure you want to after that asshole?” he asks. “Maybe you should’ve brought a friend. Safety in numbers.”

I shrug. “Looks like I found a friend.” I don’t know how I managed it, but my voice sounds low and sexy.

He traces a finger down the side of my body, hitting every curve. I’ve never felt anything so erotic and we haven’t even danced. “I’ll dance with you.”

I push the rest of the beer away, not wanting to experience any more of the buzz that accompanies drinking. I slink onto the floor, assuming he’s following in my wake. His hands are hot on my waist by the time I reach the middle of the floor. I turn slowly, losing myself in the beat of the music. His hands gently feel my curves but in a slow, sexy way, not a demanding way. I don’t feel scared at all. Not like I did outside. Not like I did with the other guy.

I respond and sway into him. I swallow and let the slight buzz consume my good girl inhibitions. I gently caress his neck with my lips. That’s how I’ve seen it in the movies. His skin tastes so good and his scent pulls me in.

“What’s your name?” I murmur.

“Chad.”

“I’m Katie. Hmm. You taste good, Chad.”

He laughs. “Thanks.”

I pull away. Did I say something wrong? Is he laughing at me?

He yanks me back to him. “Where do you think you’re going? It’s only fair I get to taste you too.”

“Um, okay.” I feel the flush to my cheeks.

His lips find the pulse at my neck. Fireworks spread through my body. This isn’t what I expected. I didn’t expect to like it. What have I been missing out on all these years?

In my most daring move ever, I slide my hands under the back of his shirt. They tremble against his hot skin. Justine would absolutely die if she could see me. “Your skin is so soft. I like it.”

I try and choke back the words, but it’s too late. Chad chuckles again. Then he moves closer. “We can go back to my place.”

I nod. Suddenly terrified.

He leads me out. Is this a one-night stand? Will he expect me to sleep with him? My body betrays my fear. Who am I kidding? This is it. My chance. The cool ocean air feels good on my over-heated body. “Do you live far from here?”

“Na. I share a beach house with my roommate.” He turns around and catches me in a kiss. “But he should be gone for the night.”

I see a hint of something troubling in his eyes. It’s in his voice too. “I sense there’s more to that story.”