Page 3

“You alright?” a man asked, lifting his hand to my arm and cupping my elbow.

Looking up, I was shocked and embarrassed that it wasn't a wall I had driven myself into, but a guy. As my gaze settled on his face, I had trouble catching my breath.

His eyes were almost black, so dark I couldn't tell the difference between his pupils and iris'. His jaw was hard, covered in a light stubble, with angles so sharp they looked like they could cut diamond.

Tilting his head, jet black hair fell across his brows, tickling his lids. Brushing his hair from his face, he smiled down on me, and my heart skipped inside my chest. Thick muscles firmed beneath his shirt as his biceps tightened with each move he made, making my stomach tumble into knots.

He was beautiful. . .

Darting my eyes away, I was suddenly extremely nervous, like a school girl in the presence of her boy crush. “Uh, yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Sorry about that, I didn't know you were right behind me.”

He looked slightly anxious as he glanced over the faces around us, his eyes wide and serious. I could feel the tension around him, like a hot air balloon about to burst. “Not a problem.” His thumb swirled over my elbow, drawing invisible designs against my skin. Lowering his eyes to mine, his voice came out smooth as cognac. “Can I buy you a drink?”

Fiddling with the strap on my purse, I looked down at the floor. “I was actually just leaving, but thank you anyway.”

Why are you saying no?

Emery, what the hell is wrong with you?

Relaxing his body, whatever had concerned him before seemed to disappear as his muscles loosened and his eyes drew me in. Licking his lips, he smirked. “Come on, let me buy you one drink. It can be my apology for almost knocking you off your feet.”

Pursing my lips, I debated his offer. I had been ready to hightail it out of the fucking place, thinking I had wasted my time and the night was ruined. But wasn't this the point? A night of forbidden thoughts, a mystery man in the darkness to make me feel good, to help me let loose for once in my life?

What the hell, it couldn't hurt anything to stay a little bit longer.

“Alright, one drink.”

The man slipped his hand down my arm, braiding our fingers together. My skin tingled, buzzing and zipping with electric shocks that crawled up my arm, curling hard into my chest.

I was feeling him, all of him with just one touch. Strong and confident, his shoulders stiffened as his long legs strode with determination back towards the crowded room.

Guiding us around people and between clusters of dancers, he led me back to the bar. Pulling out the stool, he helped me up and asked, “What's your poison?” Leaning against the bar, he stared down at me, wearing a smile that made my brain turn to mush.

“I don't really have a poison, I'll have whatever you're having.”

Grinning, he waved the bartender over. “Two Manhattans.” Licking his lips, his eyes rode my body. “You here with friends?”

“Not exactly.” Hanging my head, I picked at my nails. “Blind date.”

“Ah, gotcha.” Raking his fingers through his hair, he watched me curiously. “I'm guessing it didn't go well since you were trying to sneak out of here.”

Chuckling, I smiled up at him. “It didn't go at all, he never showed up.”

“Dick,” he said, rolling his eyes while laughing. “He doesn't know what he missed out on then. I guess that works in my favor.” Winking, the bartender slid the drinks in front of us and the man picked his up. “Here's to a fresh start.”

Clinking our glasses together, I took a small sip. “Thank you for this.”

“It's my pleasure, beats drinking alone, that's for sure.” Chuckling, he turned against the bar, resting his elbows on top. “So, what do you do?”

“What do I do?”

“Yeah, for work, what do you do?” The corner of his lip lifted as he draped a single finger over my wrist and stroked my skin.

His touch was tender and sensual. The gentle motion created waves across my flesh, making my cheeks blush and my sex throb with delirious need.

Flicking my eyes away, I stared into my drink. “I'm a vet tech.” Pushing the tip of my finger against the small napkin, I moved it around aimlessly over the bar top. “What about you?”

Thinning his lids, he rocked his head on his shoulders. “Let's just say I used to be a bodyguard. . .” Pausing, his lips pursed as he lifted his cup, wrapping the rim of his glass. “Kind of.” Taking a sip of his drink, he swallowed and I watched the lump in his throat.