"Sure," a couple of the guys chorused together. Everyone suddenly found great interest in their food and no one else said a word as they finished their lunch and then rushed out the door.
Emily cleaned up quickly and rushed upstairs to get ready for her evening out. She had the whole afternoon to pamper herself, since everyone was going to eat dinner at the bar. She was actually a little giddy as she took a long bath and spent extra time on her hair, clothes and make-up.
"Damn girl, you look good. I call the first dance," her favorite ranch hand, Eric said, as she walked into the smoky bar with Mark, who hadn't said one word to her on the ride there. He seemed to be angry with her and she couldn't figure out why.
"Thank you Eric and yes I would love to dance with you," she told the man. He wasted no time in abandoning his seat and pulling her out onto the dance floor.
Emily was having an amazing time. She had no idea how long she'd been dancing, because as soon as one song ended another of the hands grabbed her and she was off doing another two-step. She had not laughed so much in far too many years.
"It's my turn to take this lady around the dance floor," the creepy ranch hand Chris said. He was standing far too close to her and placed his hand on her back. She felt violated by just that little bit of touching.
She was trapped because she hadn't turned any of the other guys down but she really didn't want to dance with him. He didn't put off good vibes at all. She was getting ready to get through the dance as best as she could.
"This dance is already taken," Mark said, as he cut in. Normally Emily would've been really irritated with any man who was as high handed as Mark was being but she was so relieved to not have to dance with Chris she gladly accepted his offer.
Neither Mark nor Emily noticed the look Chris gave them both. He didn't say a word but his hands clenched tight and if looks really could kill, they both would've been dead.
"You seem to be having a good time," Mark said through clenched teeth.
"I haven't been out in such a long time. I'm always just Mom, so yes I'm having a really great time. It's nice to have some adult time," she said and then actually giggled as he spun her around.
The giggle stopped instantly when he slammed her body into his, pressing her close. He rubbed his hands from her shoulders, down her lower back and up again. She felt electricity shooting from her stomach, all the way to her toes.
"If you'd wanted to go out, all you had to do was say something," he snarled.
"Mark why are you so upset? This is a fun night and you should be enjoying yourself," she said to him, completely clueless.
"How do you expect me to enjoy myself when you're in the arms of other men? I've respected your wishes and haven't been pursuing you but damn it, I shouldn't have to watch you in the arms of my crew," he said, growing louder with each word he spoke.
He had her pulled so tightly against him she could barely breathe. She didn't even notice they'd stopped dancing. Luckily the bar was loud and smoky, with a lot of people on the dance floor and no one was paying them any attention.
Mark finally growled low in his throat and then crushed his lips down to hers. He pushed his tongue up against her bottom lip, demanding entrance and she willingly obliged. She forgot about all the reasons she'd decided being with him was a bad idea and just enjoyed being in his arms again.
His hands caressed her silk covered thighs, making the fabric draw up inch by inch. He was slowly walking them into a dark corner, where they could have more privacy. She couldn't even feel the movement of her own two feet. She was focused on nothing but Mark and what he was doing to her body.
His caressing fingers reached the edge of her dress and were stroking the uncovered top of her thighs. She could feel the heat pooling in her core and she wanted him to relieve the pressure continuing to build there.
Her hands gripped tightly behind his neck, pulling him even closer. The kiss continued until she needed so much more from him than just his lips on hers. She needed him to join them together again. She needed it more than she needed air.
His lips left hers, allowing a gasp of air to enter, only to be rushed back out when he ran his tongue along the length of her throat. He nipped at her tender flesh and she moaned in pleasure. "Please Mark … " she begged.
"Uh boss … " a voice interrupted them.
Emily slowly became aware of her surroundings again and realized they were practically making love up against a dirty wall in a bar. She was horrified at her own behavior. She wasn't ever that brazen kind of girl. She ducked her head into Mark's neck, hoping to avoid anyone's eyes.
"What do you want?" Mark snapped at the unfortunate guy.