Thinking about Peyton would definitely make the rest of the day more colorful.
Chapter 19
Brett crossed his arms over his chest. Nine PM and Vic was still sticking to her work shenanigans. Going to the bridge to check on employee morale? Carrying it too far. By far.
Now she’d returned to the Neon Lounge, where the strip-off was in full swing. For amateurs, the dancers had talent. However, he didn’t care to watch any more pole-humping.
Probably shouldn’t have drunk those last few highballs. He was feeling a bit loopy, but no matter. Time for him to take Vic in hand. He’d left David at the bar outside, and told him to give them thirty minutes.
He approached her in the judging stand, fully aware she’d be in a snit about it. “Ho, there, Vic. Spare a moment for the old ball and chain?”
She looked away from the contest briefly. “I’m judging.”
Along with three other capable people–the judges she’d designated to do the job from day one. She was only an extra, which she must not know he was aware of. “I think you’re done for the night, love. You’re looking a bit peaked.”
Her face flamed red. “I said–”
He leaned in close and lowered his voice. “Look. I’ll make a scene if need be, but we’re going to talk this out, either here or in the privacy of our suite.”
Her eyes flashed the fire of hell. He’d pay for this, no doubt, but some things called for immediate action. “Please excuse me,” she said to the other judges, who cast curious glances his way. “I should be right back.”
Wrong about that, love.
Once the suite door had locked behind them, Vic let fly. “What the fuck is this, Britt? We’re here on business. You know that.”
“Business, is it? I recall you having a pretty easy time playing hooky from the business yesterday. What professional bug flew up your arse this morning?”
She tugged her heels off and flung them through the bedroom door. “Obviously I took stock of the situation–”
“And what stock caused you to avoid me and David all day and night, Vic? How long did you intend to stay away? Until we make port?”
She paced to the patio door, opened it, then paced back to him. “You’re drunk.”
“Bloody near it.” Fuck if he understood her behavior, but it smacked entirely too much of her behavior prior to their engagement. “What are you running from?”
“I’m not running.”
“You are.”
She sidled up close, kissed along his neck, sliding a hand down his chest. Ah, just as in the old days, she wanted to divert his attention with sex.
In the old days, he’d have withheld sex as a bargaining chip.
Her fingers found his cock, cupped it through his slacks. Her soft moan left goosebumps along his neck. “How about just us, fast, hard, good?” she asked.
Just us. When David waited right downstairs. “Why?”
“I think this is good enough reason.” She squeezed his cock, nibbled along his jaw to his mouth.
Oh, it was reason enough to have a go. “But why just us?”
“I think it’s better with just us. Let’s have David leave, huh?”
What? “Whoa, Vic.” He captured her hand and stepped back. “You’re running from David now? Why?”
She tried to free her hand, moved closer to him. “I’m not running from–”
“You bloody well are! Why?” He stared into her eyes. “Why?”
“Just let it go, Britt. It was fun while it lasted, but it’s time to end it now.”
“Why?” He held her hand fast, wouldn’t break eye contact.
“You’re playing with fire. Don’t.”
“Tell me.”
She looked away, scanning the room for a way out. When she met his gaze again, her eyes narrowed. “Because I’m obviously deficient in the fucking-around gene. I can’t do it without developing feelings. It’s not supposed to be like this, dammit.”
“Feelings,” he repeated. Swallowed hard. “As in love?”
She looked down, sighed, with a catch in her breath.
“Vic? Are you saying you love him?”
The world seemed to freeze. He could hear his own blood rushing through his ears. Definitely too much sauce tonight.
“Yes.” She sobbed and buried her face against his shoulder. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. It’ll be over before it starts. We just need to cut the ties. Okay?” Her free arm wrapped around his neck. “I love you. I swear it.”
“Maybe we should sit down.”
They did, on the armchair with her in his lap.
“How long?” he asked.
She wiped tears away. “A couple days. Maybe since the first time. I don’t know. At first I thought it was a-a-attraction. But it was more. I’m sorry. You probably don’t need to hear all this. Are you mad?” She stared into his eyes.