Page 3 of The Saviors: Part One

“Yes, you can. Use that confidence you used when you kneed that guy in the balls for me. Pull your spine straight, push your tits out, and get your man.” I laugh but do as she says. “There you go. I’m going to go home with,” she shakes her head, “whatever his name is. Do you have your phone?” I nod. “Call me the second you can.” She leans in and hugs me.

“Thank you, Amber. Love you.”

“Love you too. I know you can kick ass, so if you feel uncomfortable at any point, just resort to violence.”

She jumps off the stool with a little wave, sauntering back over to her conquest for the night. I watch them disappear through the door.

“Interesting friend,” Sean says, sliding back onto his stool.

I laugh. “She is. But I love her.”

After Amber’s little pep talk, I can feel myself relaxing around him. She’s right. I’m letting my ex win if I don’t live my life to the fullest. I got away from him, and I need to live like I’m free for once even if it’s just for tonight.

We sit and talk until Jason calls the last call. I have to omit a few truths, but he seems to keep the conversation casual on purpose. I even flirt with him a little. I’m rusty as hell, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

“Where did your friend go?”

“He left. I told him I had other plans.” He looks pointedly at me.

“A little presumptuous, don’t you think?” I joke.

He shakes his head. “No. Just hopeful.”

The lights in the bar get brighter, signaling closing time. I get my first full look at him without the dim lights. He’s even more beautiful with the lights on, and I feel the doubts creeping back in.

“Fuck,” he whispers. “I thought you were gorgeous before, but damn.”

He bites his lip ring again, and I straighten my spine and hope my next words aren’t my demise.

“Do you want to go home with me?”

Chapter2

Chelsea

After I invite Sean back to my house, he settles the bill and leads me to a jacked-up red Chevrolet truck. He only had one drink, so I figure riding with him is safe. He opens the door and helps me climb inside.

The ride is silent with anticipation and nerves. He’s riding with his hand on my thigh, and the only words I’ve said are directions to my townhouse in the city. There’s no way I can take him back to my house hidden in the California hills. I’m a nervous ball of energy when we pull into my driveway behind my car.

I go to slide out of the truck, and he grabs my arm. “We don’t have to do this. I can tell you’re nervous. If you changed your mind, just think of this as a ride home. No harm, no foul.” His smile is so soft the truth tumbles from my lips.

“I don’t do this, or I never have before.”

“If you aren’t sure, don’t invite me into that house. I want you to be comfortable with me here.”

Fucking swoon.

Sliding up against the console, I softly kiss his lips. The cold metal of his lip ring feels different, but not in a bad way.

He places several chaste kisses against my lips, testing the waters. Instead of pulling back, I push harder, inviting him to take it further. With a groan, he sinks his fingers in my hair and slants his mouth over mine. He lightly licks the seam of my lips, and I open for him. His tongue slides against mine, and I’m immediately lost to it. We kiss like that until we’re both breathless when we pull away. Looking into his eyes again, I make my decision.

“Come inside?”

“Fuck, I thought you’d never ask.” He slides out of the truck, walks over, and opens my door. The same thing he did when we left the bar. One night stand or not, he still gets points for manners. I slide my purse around my neck and take his offered hand. I climb out, and he doesn’t let go when my feet hit the ground. With these heels, I’m grateful because that could have been embarrassing as hell.

“That your car?” he asks, nodding his head.

“It is.”