“Make that two,” said a man to her right as he tossed some bills on the counter. “I couldn’t say I’ve experienced New Orleans without sampling a Swamp Itch.”
Laughing, Tallie swung around, her eyes growing wide as she recognized the mysterious man she’d been seeing at various places most of the evening. His golden eyes were gleaming with humor as he acknowledged her. “We seem to have a lot in common.”
“You mean like the aquarium?” The first time she’d seen him was as she was leaving the aquarium.
“And the artists on Jackson Square.”
“Yes. Some were brilliant, didn’t you think? We didn’t make it to the paddle boats or the zoo,” she said. “Did we?” She wondered if he had gone there.
“No, we didn’t. We’ll have to save those for next time.”
His voice was deep and crusty and well over the line to absolutely sexy. As their drinks were placed before them, he offered a toast. “Here’s to new experiences.”
“To new experiences.” Tallie grinned. This entire evening had definitely been that and more. She’d gone to school here but had never let herself get drawn into the nightlife. Money was tight and she’d taken her studies seriously. Archeology wasn’t just a degree for her. It was a passion.
Ginger had been right in her speculation that the drinks would be good here. Between the warm, humid air filling the room and the man’s close presence, Tallie all but guzzled the entire glass.
“Two more,” the man said, holding up some money. He laid it on the counter and looked back at Tallie. “Dance with me.”
It wasn’t a question. But when he took her hand in his much larger one she didn’t protest. He led her to the small dance floor, placed her hands on his shoulders and held her close with both arms around her. As expected, he was all hard muscle and iron strength. She was five seven, but the top of her head barely reached his collarbone. Rather than talk, he seemed content to hold her close and move to the soulful music. It worked for her.
She caught a glimpse of Ginger and Mac as they passed by. Both grinned and winked, giving her a thumbs-up. After three songs her mystery man led her back to the bar where their freshened drinks awaited. Like before, she wasted no time emptying her glass.
When the bartender approached, the man ordered for both of them. In French. “You’ll like this drink. It’s a specialty of the house.”
And it was delicious.
“So, do you live here?” she asked, mesmerized by the way his Adam’s apple moved when he swallowed his drink. Was there anything not sexy about this guy?
“No. I live...in various places. No one place I’d call home.”
“Oh,” she replied. “That’s sad.”
“Sad? You think it’s sad to live all over the world?”
“I think its fine to travel on occasion, but you need a home base. At least, I would. A special place you long to return to. Somewhere you can kick off your shoes, turn off the phone, sleep in your own bed and know you’re...well...home.” Tallie patted his arm. “But don’t worry. You’ll get through the hard times and find a home. I guarantee it.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” He pursed his lips as though he found her remark funny.
She finished her drink and he ordered two more. “Where is it you call home?”
“Texas. Far northeast. That’s where I grew up, where my family lives. I’ve been going to school at Tulane. In the morning I head home.”
The band kicked off another song just as the bartender set the two new beverages on the counter. The sexy stranger watched in obvious amusement while she took a sip. “This is really, really good.”
“I’m glad you like it,” he said, standing. “Ready?”
“Yes.”
The tune was slow, moody and the perfect tempo. He once again enclosed her in his powerful arms and she rested her head against his shoulder and swayed to the music. She could smell his essence, feel the heat of his body. His hands moved up and down her back, easing her still closer. Then he cupped her face, brushing her hair back over her shoulders. She couldn’t see much in the dim light, but what she saw was mesmerizing. His amber eyes seemed to glow, but it was his lips that beckoned her. What must it be like to kiss him?
Before the thought could leave her mind he lowered his head and his lips covered hers, warm, gentle, enticing.
Tallie was struck by the soft pliability of his mouth, which was a complete contrast to the hard-muscled body that pressed against her. But the kiss was so brief she wondered if she’d imagined it. He watched her as though looking for any sign she didn’t want to be kissed. She smiled, conveying a silent approval. Apparently satisfied, he again bent his head toward her. “You are so beautiful.” His breath was warm against her ear, sending shivers racing across her skin. He returned to her mouth and drew his tongue across her lips, enticing them to open. Without conscious thought, she complied. His tongue swept inside her mouth, deep and decisive. He tasted of a dark spice, with a hint of the drink they’d been enjoying, along with his own unique all-male flavor, and she couldn’t get enough.
She gently suckled his tongue and he moaned, filling her mouth, going deep, as though he needed to taste all she had to offer. Tallie had never been kissed like this, with such expertise, such blatant sexuality. It was so far removed from the stilted good-night kisses she’d experienced in the past, and she knew now that she’d never really been kissed. Too soon, his lips left hers as he licked and kissed across her jaw to her earlobe. Then, as if he had no choice, his mouth returned to hers and she was once again sinking in a dizzying storm of emotions as his lips, his scent, the feel of his skin and the power of his body, consumed all rational thought.
He made a slight adjustment and she felt his desire press against her belly. Her body’s natural instinct was to push against him. In response, he moaned, low and deep. His lips again covered hers in another deep, drugging kiss laced with pure fire.
The way he held her and kissed her was so primal, so captivating. She could sense his strength even though he held it at bay. He gave her no time to think as he returned to her lips, both hands cupping her face as he pushed any other thought from her mind. Then one hand came around her waist, holding her close while the other entangled in her hair, drawing her head back as the kiss deepened, intensified. She gripped the front of his open jacket and held on as the feel of hot lava ran through her veins, pooling below her belly.
It was amazing how their bodies fit together so perfectly. Her breasts pressed against his broad chest. His muscular thighs and his erection pushed hard against her. A cloud of heat surrounded her and sexual instincts overtook logic as she moved against him. Had they stopped dancing? Were they still on the dance floor?
Tallie didn’t want to open her eyes for fear it might break the spell.
Two
The world around them disappeared. Tallie knew only the warmth and taste of this stranger’s lips and tongue and the incredible way he made her feel. His scent was pure male. His actions screamed experience. Lots of it. And she never wanted this to end. There was something in his voice, in his body language, that drew her to him. Maybe it was a rush of pheromones? Whatever the cause, it was definitely past time to take some risks in her admittedly sheltered life. This man looked like he’d seen both the worst life had to offer and the best. What tremendous hardships had he weathered? No home. Old clothes that didn’t fit. Every time she’d seen him over the course of the evening he’d been alone. She didn’t want him to be alone.
Slowly their lips parted and his strong arms surrounded her, holding her close.
“The music stopped,” he said, his voice deep and raspy. “I could use some fresh air. How about you?”
When she nodded her agreement he took her by the hand and headed for the door. Outside he continued to lead her down the worn sidewalk, where they were surrounded by revelers who didn’t seem to have a care in the world.
Tallie hated for the evening to end. This was one night she would never forget. “Thanks for dancing with me. I love to dance and don’t get to do it very often.”
“It was my pleasure. Let me walk you back to your hotel.”
“Thank you. It’s this way.” She pointed then frowned. “Oh. No, it’s that way.” She looked back at him and detected humor in his eyes. “I can’t remember how I got here. But I’ll figure it out. You don’t have to stay out here because of me.”
“What’s the name of your hotel?”
Surely she could remember. But she finally had to admit she didn’t have a clue. “It’s something in French.” She absently chewed her bottom lip, shook her head and once again looked around where they stood.
“How about coming to my place? We can have a bite to eat, make some tea and I’m sure your memory will come back.”
The delicious drinks were clouding her mind. Even outside in the evening air, her head was still spinning.
“You know you really are a very nice man.”
“Don’t think I’m too nice,” he said, taking her hand and leading her down the darkened street. “Not when I have a beautiful woman in my arms.”