I bite my bottom lip as he moves our combined hands from my hips to behind my back, kneading my backside through my dress, handcuffing me there. We continue to move as one with the music, the feeling of his firm, defined thighs pressing against mine. His arousal rubs against the lower part of my belly. He leans his face down so we are within inches of each other. I can smell the alcohol on his breath as he sighs.
It is by far one of the most erotically sensual moments of my life. The rest of the world has fallen away. The intoxicating effect he has on my body blocks out the crowd around us, all looking our way, noticing me because of the man I am with. It’s just he and I— Moving. Responding. Arousing. Anticipating.
The song comes to an end, but we remain entranced in each other’s spell. I breathe for what I feel like is the first time since we’ve touched, a long shaky breath. I don’t realize that the music has stopped, and that the event’s emcee is speaking over the microphone about the product of the evening. That except for the small crowd around us, the attention of the club has turned and is focused on the stage.
Colton and I stand there, not moving, feeling like we are barely breathing despite our heaving chests, absorbing each other and the sparks of sexual tension that are igniting between us.
“Colton! Hey, Colton,” a voice breaks through our connection, snapping me out of my spellbound state. Colton swivels his head to find one of the PRX staff calling his name. “It’s time. We need you on the stage. Now.”
He nods curtly before looking back at me, eyes smoldering with an urgency that makes my insides shiver. He unlaces his fingers from mine, releasing his hold on my hands and pulls away slightly. The warmth of his body is gone immediately, but my body is still humming from the connection, aching with need. He gives me a slow, suggestive smile and shakes his head softly. At me? At his own thoughts? At which one I’m not sure.
He reaches up a hand and tugs on my hair, his eyebrows quirk up as if to ask me why the change in my hair. I shrug shyly at him, words escaping me. His name is called again. He turns to go, but not before I watch the transition on his face from the Colton Donavan I know to the public persona. Aloof and untouchable. Sexy and untamable.
We haven’t uttered a single word, and yet I feel like we’ve said so much.
I watch his broad shoulders as he walks through the crowd toward the stage, his bodyguard falling in step beside him, pushing back the swarming people. I watch the spectacle and a little part of me smiles about the fact that I’ve seen the real Colton. At least, I hope I have.
Before I can finish watching his ascent to the makeshift stage, Haddie has me firmly by the arm and is pulling me from the dance floor. My resistance is futile as she drags me down a corridor, past the line for the bathrooms, and toward a small alcove near the exit. She spins me to face her, an incredulous look on her face.
“Ow, you’re hurting me!” I snap at her, yanking my arm away, not exactly thrilled at being taken away from watching Colton.
“What. The. Fuck. Was. That?” she asks, each word a staccato. I don’t even know how to answer her. I think I’m still under his spell. “Holy shit, Rylee! You two were basically fucking each other with your eyes. I mean, I felt uncomfortable watching you, like I was peeping into your bedroom,” she rambles on as she does when excited, “and you know I never get uncomfortable.” She leans back against the wall and tilts her head up to the ceiling, an unbelieving look on her face.
I stand there and stare at her. I don’t know how to answer her, so she continues. “I knew you said you guys had made out,” she continues, ignoring the childlike snort of laughter that comes from me, “but you never told me that there was … that spark … that chemistry … such intensity … My God! I mean, I was hoping when you saw him that—”
“What?” Her last sentence triggers my brain to function. “What do you mean you were hoping?”
She smiles sheepishly at me. “Well …”
What the fuck is going on here? “Quit stalling, Montgomery!”
“Well, I was calling you last night to tell you we had landed him as a guest—Merit’s one of his new sponsors. Anyway, I called just because I was excited. I thought we could sit back and lust after him tonight—I didn’t know anything about what had happened. I talked to Dane and that was when I found out you were out with him.” Her words are tumbling out now. I nod at her to continue, my eyes narrowed, lips pursed. “Then you came home and everything unfolded …”
“And what? You decided not to tell me because …”
“Well,” she contemplates, “After you told me everything, I had no idea that you two—your connection—is that magnetic. That captivating. I thought maybe if you saw him here, I could help you—I could push the issue. Help you have some fun.”
I blow out a loud breath, silently staring at her. I know she means well, but at the same time, I don’t need my hand held like a child. I’m mad at her. Mad at Colton for being here with that bimbo. Mad at him for waltzing up to me and taking hold of me as if I belonged to him. Mad at him for making me want him so badly my insides are burning. Silence settles over us.
“Don’t be mad, Ry. I’m sorry. I was doing it from a good place.” She bites her bottom lip, pouting at me, knowing I can never stay mad at her. I smile softly, forgiving her.
I sag back against the wall and close my eyes, listening to the cheering of the crowd at something the emcee said. The question rattling around my brain comes to the surface. “Who’s his plus one?” I ask, referring to the blonde. Is she one of his permanent go-to girls that know there is no hope of commitment? Someone he picked up in the club? Why is he kissing her if he is telling me he wants me? Did he not ask me because I’m not enough—pretty enough, sexy enough, glamorous enough—to be on his arm in public?
“Does it matter?” she sputters, “I mean, Jesus, Rylee, you two are—”
“Who?”
“Not sure.” She shakes her head. “His people just asked for clearance for ten. No names were given.”
I let out a slew of curses that make no sense, it’s just something I do when upset. Haddie eyes me cautiously. “Talk to me, Ryles,” she urges. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
“I’m not lying to myself, am I?” Haddie looks at me, confusion etched on her face. “I mean, I’m not making it up? The chemistry? Colton?”
“Are you crazy?” she stammers, grabbing me by the shoulder and giving me a little shake. “I thought you two were going to spontaneously combust out there! How can you question it?”
The crowd erupts again, the sound echoing down the hallway. I can hear Colton’s voice on the microphone. The rasp of his voice pulls at me. The crowd cheers again at something he says, and I wait for the noise to subside some before I can continue. “If he’s that into me. If there is that much chemistry … then why is he here with that blonde? Kissing her? Why not ask me? Or am I just the girl he wants to fuck on the side?” The confusion and hurt are evident in my voice.
Haddie twists her lips up as she thinks about my comments. “I don’t know, Rylee. There are so many scenarios here.” I raise my eyebrows as if I don’t believe her. “He could have already had her as a date before he met you. Or he could really want you and she could be the piece on the side until you say yes.”
I snort again. “Really? Did you see her?”
“Have you seen you?” she rebukes. “Have you looked in the mirror, Ry? You’re gorgeous on a normal day and you look unbelievable tonight! I’m kind of getting sick of telling you that. When are you going to start believing it?” I roll my eyes at her like a child. She ignores me. “She could be one of his arrangements? Or maybe she is a fame whore who met him here? Or maybe she’s a friend.”
“When’s the last time you kissed a friend like that?” I snip. She just stares at me, arms folded across her chest. “What am I supposed to do?”
“I’d say keep doing what you’re doing. He obviously likes you, including your stubborn streak and smart mouth.”
> “But, how do I—what do I?”
“Rylee, if you’re mad at him, be mad at him. It hasn’t stopped you from saying something to him before, and he still wants you. Just because you’ve decided to sleep with him doesn’t—”
“How do you know I’ve decided that?”
“Oh, honey, it’s written all over your face—and your body for that matter. Besides, anyone watching that display out there already thinks that you have.” She laughs sympathetically at me as my eyes widen. “Look, Ry, every girl in this club would fall into line if he snapped his fingers. Everyone, that is, but you. He’s the one pursuing you. How many times in his life do you think a woman has said no to him? Has walked away from him? Maybe he likes that. And if he does, don’t change it just because you’ve decided you want to do the deed with him.” She wiggles her eyebrows.
“But that’s just it,” I confess. “Am I a challenge or does he really want me? And if it does happen, then will the challenge be over and then he’ll be done with me?”
“Honestly, who the fuck cares?” she castigates me. “You always overthink, overanalyze everything, Ry. Just forget your head for once, ignore its sensible warnings, and follow what your body wants. Follow Colton’s lead, for God’s sake.” I let out a shaky sigh, heeding her words. “Be yourself, Rylee. That’s what he’s liked all along.”
I nod my head several times, looking at her. A timid smile forms on my face. “Maybe you’re right.”
“Well, hallelujah!” she yells, flailing her hands over her head. “You finally listened.” She grabs my hand and starts tugging me down the hallway. “Let’s get you freshened up, get you some more liquid courage, and see where the evening and Mr. Sexy Colton lead you.”
It’s been about an hour since Haddie’s pep talk, and my confidence, bolstered by my steady intake of alcohol, is back in full force. We have danced and socialized with some of her co-workers and are now sitting at the purple booth, taking a breather before hitting the floor again. I have tried desperately to not search out Colton. Tried to ignore the fact that he is probably kissing her somewhere in the vicinity. But I do catch my eyes flitting here and there whenever I see a big mob of people. I also note Haddie watching me as I look for him, so I try to sneak glances and be subtle about it. She assures me that he is probably busy with Merit Rum executives. I appreciate the explanation, her trying to make me feel better, so I just push him out of my head. Or try to, with the aid of Tom Collins.
Haddie’s drinks have disappeared at a much slower pace than mine since she is technically “at work” and wants to make sure she has her wits about her. I have a steady buzz, but I’m not drunk. I hate the lack of control that comes with drinking too much alcohol. She is laughing at me as I ask her for the third time to explain a situation with a pretentious A-lister she had to deal with earlier in the week.
“Rylee, my dear, you are—”
“Excuse us ladies, would you mind if we joined you?” I turn to see two attractive gentlemen behind me.
Haddie raises her eyebrows at me in question and looks back at the taller one who’d spoken. “By all means, gentlemen,” she answers, a slow, sexy smile growing on her lips. “I’m Haddie and my friend here is Rylee.” She nods at me as they slide into the booth with us. The tall, dark haired one sits next to Haddie and the other, a blond haired surfer type, sits next to me in the open-ended booth. He has a kind, nervous smile and takes a long sip of his drink.
“Hi, Rylee, my name’s Sam.” He holds out his hand to mine, and I shake it, giving him a shy smile. I glance over to see Haddie engaged in conversation with his pal, her giggly, flirty face on. “So uh, I would offer to buy you a drink, but I can see your glass is already full.”
“Thanks.” I lower my gaze from his and bring my glass to my mouth to take a timid sip through my straw.
“Crazy crowded here tonight.”
“Yeah, I know,” I shout over the noise.
He says something else to me, but I’m not sure what because a loud cheer erupts from the booth next to us. I hold my hand to my ear, indicating that I can’t hear him. He scoots closer, placing his arm behind me on the booth and leans in. “I said that you seem to be having a good time and that I noticed you earlier and am glad I—”
“The lady’s with me.” I suck in my breath at the sound of Colton’s steely voice, the threat in his words clear. My eyes snap up to meet Haddie’s, and I see delight flash in them before she gives me a careful, reassuring look. My heart is beating at a frantic pace, my skin laced with goose bumps, and all because I am so damn attuned to him and his body’s proximity.
I slowly turn to face him, effectively turning my back to press into Sam’s chest, his arm across the back of the booth brushing over my shoulder. I raise my eyes to meet Colton’s and try to ignore the pang of lust that shoots straight toward the juncture of my thighs. His hair is a tad mussed, his shirtsleeves are rolled up to the elbow, that muscle I find so damn sexy is pulsing in his jaw, and his eyes smolder with annoyance. I’ve had just enough alcohol to feel defiant, to test just how irritated Colton really is.
“I’m with you?” I ask, my voice laced with sarcasm. I can feel Sam’s body tense behind me and shift nervously, unaware of the chess game he is currently a pawn in, as Colton’s eyes narrow at me. “Really? Because I thought you were with her.” I shift to the side to look behind him, looking for her. I raise my eyebrows and continue, “You know, the blonde from earlier?”
“Cute, Rylee,” he spits out impatiently. I see his eyes shift, lock with Sam’s behind me, and deliver the hands-off warning.
I’m irritated that he’s been all over the club for the past hour and a half, doing God knows what with the blonde, and yet he thinks he can waltz up and lay claim to me? I don’t think so. I reach back and place my hand on Sam’s knee and squeeze it gently. “Don’t worry, Sam, I’m not with him.” I make my voice loud enough that Colton can hear me. I see Haddie’s eyes widen as I hear a low growl from Colton. I can feel Sam flinch against me. I turn back to Colton, defiance in my smirk and challenge in my eyes.
“Don’t push me, Rylee. I don’t like sharing.” I can see him clench and unclench his fists. “You. Belong. With. Me.”
I quirk my eyebrows up, my insolence mounting. “How so, Ace?” I watch his eyes focus on the hand I’ve kept on Sam’s knee. “Last night you were with me, and tonight you’re with her.” I shrug calmly at him, although inside I’m anything but—my heart is racing and my breath has quickened. “Seems to me like—She. Belongs. With. You,” I mimic childishly.
Colton drags a hand through his hair and gives an exasperated sigh as his eyes flicker over everyone in the booth. I can see him try to rein in his frustration and at having to have this conversation in front our little audience. “Rylee.” He blows air out in a sigh. “You—You...” he looks around, out into the crowd and then his eyes finally come back to mine “...you test me on every level. Push me away,” he grunts, realizing he is saying this out loud. “What am I supposed to think?”
I look him up and down, my mouth twisting in thought. I’m kind of enjoying toying with him, making the man who is so sure of himself, who always gets what he wants, have to work at something. “I’m not sure if I want you yet,” I bait him. I hear Haddie suck in her breath at my flippant comment and the ice clink in Sam’s glass as he anxiously drinks what’s left. “A girl’s allowed to change her mind,” I taunt, tilting my head as I regard him. “We’re notorious for it.”
“Among other things,” he says dryly, taking a drink, watching me from over the rim of his glass. “Two can play this game, Ryles,” he cautions, “and I think I have a lot more experience at it than you do.”
My bravado falters slightly from the warning look in his eyes. I withdraw my hand from Sam’s knee and scoot toward the edge of my seat, my eyes never wavering from his. We stay like this for several moments. “You’re playing hard to get, Rylee,” he admonishes.
I glance over at Haddie who’s face is impassive,
but her eyes tell me she can’t believe what is unfolding. I stand up to face him, squaring my shoulders, defiantly raising my chin. “And your point is?”
He tsks at me, shaking his head, and takes a step closer. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself because it’s quite a show you’re putting on here.” He puts a finger under my chin, lifting it so my eyes meet his. “I don’t play games, Rylee,” he warns, his voice just loud enough for me to hear, “and I won’t tolerate them played on me.” Sexual tension radiates between us. The air is thick with it.
I breathe in a slow, calculated breath, trying to form an intelligent answer as his proximity clouds my thoughts and heightens my senses. “Well, thanks for the update.” I slap a hand on his chest and lean in a little closer, my lips near his ear. “I’ll let you in on a little something as well, Ace. I don’t like being made to feel like I’m sloppy seconds to your blonde bevy of babes.” I step back, forcing a confident smirk on my face. “You’re developing a pattern of wanting me right after I know you’ve been with another. That’s a habit you’re going to need to break or nothing else is going to happen here,” I finish, gesturing between the two of us as I raise my eyebrows. “That is, if I want it to at all.” His lips curl.
God, he is gorgeous! Even when he is smoldering with anger, he emits a raw sensuality that my body has a hard time ignoring. I turn to glance at Haddie for encouragement as I hear his name being called by a seductive voice. “Colt, baby?”
The words make me want to vomit.
I turn back to him to see a well-manicured hand slide in between his arm and his torso, splaying over his chest. I see him tense at the touch, his eyes guarded in reaction, and he throws back the rest of his drink, hissing at the sting of it between clenched teeth. I proceed to watch as the blonde from earlier slithers up next to him, eyeing me up and down pityingly, trying to stake her claim. I see the spark in her eye when she recognizes that I’m the one he left her for on the stairs. If looks could kill, I’d be dead. But despite it all, Colton’s eyes remain steadfast on mine.