by Ivy Barrett
Enough about Dillon! She was seated next to a gorgeous man on her way to an upscale party. Even if this was a job of sorts, she intended to enjoy herself. She fastened her seat belt and arranged her hands on top of her purse.
“I appreciate you doing this.” He paused to fire up the engine. It came to life with a mechanical growl that sent vibrations through Katie’s entire body. She pushed back into the contoured seat, trying not to squirm. Maybe there was something to the sports car mystique after all.
“So Josiah wasn’t invited?” Her curious gaze drifted toward the house. There were still lights on inside.
“He was invited. He just chose not to attend.” Chase looked at her, eye narrowed with mock anger. At least she hoped it was pretend. “Should I be jealous? I know he kissed you yesterday.” He set the car in motion, angling away from the curb with surprising restraint.
“Now who sounds jealous?” She smiled at him, enjoying his playfulness. This was the Chase she knew and loved, relaxed and likable. “Has he ever kissed you?”
“Would I admit it if he had?” He fiddled with the controls on the steering wheel for a moment then said, “We’re not a couple. If that’s what you’re asking.”
“I know. You were with Vanessa and Josiah prefers to remain unattached. Still, some of our neighbors would rather believe there’s something kinky going on. Lord knows, the rest of us are boring.”
He shrugged. “Let them think what they like. I honestly don’t care.”
If he didn’t care what others thought of him, she wouldn’t be here right now. He obviously cared what Vanessa and her hoity-toity friends thought. Josiah might be able to shrug off the opinions of others, but Chase was far from indifferent. She didn’t call him on it, however. She needed to fulfil her obligation before she started toying with her companion. “Are you still working at Craig? They do incredible things at that hospital.”
“Yeah, they do, but I sold out.”
She looked at him askance, but he was staring straight ahead. Was he avoiding her gaze or just paying attention to the road? “How did you sell out?”
“I got an offer at a private clinic that specializes in sports medicine. The pay is better and I sure as hell don’t miss rotating shifts.”
“That’s understandable. I did them for years when I first started out. I actually took a small pay cut when I found a job with a fixed schedule. I haven’t regretted it for a second.” They fell into a companionable silence as he worked his way out of the residential area and onto I-25. “So how did we meet? How long have we been together? Are we lovers or am I still playing hard to get?”
He nodded. “Yeah, I guess we better practice our story. It would be like Vanessa to subject you to the third degree right after she says hello.”
“Then let’s stick to the truth as much as possible. I live across the street and you’ve known me for years, but this is the first time we were both unattached at the same time.”
He nodded again. “Works for me.”
“Are we lovers?”
“Of course.”
“Of course?” She laughed. “Vanessa broke up with you what, three weeks ago? If we were dating for real, it’s doubtful I would have slept with you by now.”
He seemed genuinely confused. “What about the third-date rule?”
She knew what he was talking about. If a couple made it to the third date, they usually had sex. It was just such rules that kept her from attempting to find another life partner. “Sex is important to me, always has been. I don’t become intimate with someone unless there’s a real elemental connection. When I give myself to a sexual partner, I surrender everything without reserve. So I have to be really careful.”
His voice turned dark and smoky as desire ignited in his gaze. “Is Josiah right, are you a submissive?”
It was a question she’d struggled with since she learned the definition of the word. “I have nothing against the lifestyle. Trust me, I understand the appeal. But personally, I find labels frustrating.” He took the Speer Boulevard exit. They were only a few minutes from their destination. He seemed to accept her answer, then the first part of his question came back in focus. “Wait a minute. Why were you and Josiah talking about my sexual preferences? In fact, this isn’t the first time I’ve been the subject of your conversation. Josiah told me you think I’m still a virgin.”
“I’m sorry.” He sounded almost sincere. “It was rude of us to talk about your sexual preferences without you being present to set us straight.”
By the end of his apology, it was obvious he was teasing her. “For the record, I’m not a virgin.” He just grinned. “Why does Josiah think I’m a submissive?”
He shrugged. “Just something he said.”
She knew an evasion when she heard one. “One kiss and he thinks he knows all my secrets?” She glanced out the window and muttered, “Silly man.”
“You never really answered the question. Would most consider you a sub?”
So he could duck an issue, but she had to explain? That didn’t seem fair. Still, she had nothing to hide. “I think people should be free to express their sexuality in whatever way they choose. My needs don’t fall neatly into any one category. I’m...complicated.” Her past experience had proven that with glaring clarity, but this wasn’t about her past. She needed to stay focused on her mission. “How do you feel about public displays of affection?”
“I don’t have a problem with them, but Vanessa does.”
Katie grinned. “That could be fun. I don’t mind if you grope me—within reason—to make her squirm.”
The club had valet parking, so Chase pulled up to the front door. One of the valets opened the door for her, and Katie did her best to keep her legs together and her skirt down as she climbed out of the car. Chase offered his arm and escorted her into the club.
It took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the dim interior, but Katie was pleasantly surprised by the ambiance. Most of the bars in LoDo were housed in renovated buildings, some dating back a century or more. The long, narrow layout might have preserved the historical charm, but it made for somewhat claustrophobic nightclubs. The owners of this club, however, had exposed support beams while removing walls to create an open, airy interior.
They didn’t even make it to the club’s main room before they were swarmed by acquaintances. Chase slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her against his side. She smiled and nodded as he rattled off names, not giving her enough time to shake hands.
“Vanessa’s here,” a reed-thin blonde warned as Chase completed the introductions.
His casual shrug almost convinced Katie that he didn’t give a damn. “I knew she would be and it’s fine. I’m finished with all that drama.”
Katie nearly laughed. If he’d wanted to avoid the drama, he would have stayed home with Josiah.
Rather than linger in the crush, Chase took her out onto the dance floor. Katie wasn’t much of a dancer, but the pulsing beat of the music made it almost impossible to stand still.
The first song ended, the lights dimmed, and Chase pulled her into his arms. Katie still held her clutch and it ended up lodged between them. He chuckled, then leaned down and whispered, “You can’t avoid me that easily.” Shifting her arm to his shoulder allowed her to press closer to his warm body. His hand moved up and down her back, fingertips exploring the bare expanse. “This dress is cruel.” He lightly nipped the side of her neck. “Makes me want to find out if the rest of you is this soft.”
He suddenly tensed and Katie followed the direction of his stare. Vanessa stood near the edge of the dance floor not bothering to conceal her stare. Her dark hair had been swept up into an elegant twist and her column dress showcased her long, lithe body. With classical features and flawless skin, she wasn’t just beautiful, she was supermodel perfect.
“Are you still in love with her?”
His expression twisted as if she’d just accused him of murder. “It was never love with Vanessa.”
> She didn’t believe him. Nothing less than love could have cut so deeply. “I understand that she hurt you but that doesn’t mean—”
Without warning his mouth covered hers in an achingly desperate kiss. His arms tightened, pressing her firmly against his body. He urged her lips apart and plundered her mouth with his tongue. She forced herself to remain soft and pliant, but she felt invaded, used. This wasn’t an impassioned plea for comfort. It was a “fuck you” to Vanessa.
He broke away with a whispered, “Sorry,” then led her from the dance floor by the hand.
“Was the kiss for my benefit?” He’d exited several tables away from where Vanessa stood but she hurried over to them. Apparently Chase wasn’t the only one not ready to let go.
“Not everything is about you, Vanessa. Maybe someday you’ll figure that out.”
One of her brows arched in silent challenge as her dark gaze shifted to Katie. “Where did you get this little trollop? I hope you didn’t pay much for her.”
She tried to remember that this was jealousy talking, but the snide comment still hurt.
Rather than give in to the insults, she stepped forward and held out her hand. “Katie Mayfield. My rates are extremely reasonable. Would you like me to email you a list?”
Vanessa gasped, then her eyes widened. “You’re that dumpy little girl from across the street.”
Little girl? Was that more or less of an insult than trollop? “Guilty as charged.” She plastered on her sweetest smile. “Thanks for breaking Chase’s heart. If you hadn’t, I couldn’t have been there to pick up the pieces.”
“You’re welcome to him.” Vanessa huffed. “He’s way more trouble than he’s worth.” She turned on the ball of her foot and stalked off as fast as her stilettos would tolerate.
“Was she always that bitchy?” She looked up at Chase and found his gaze fixed on Vanessa’s back.
“No.” Then he shook away the spell and said, “Yes. It was always there. It was just aimed at others until three weeks ago. Or maybe I was just too blinded by her looks to see what she was really like.”
They’d been together for almost a year. If lust was all he’d felt for her, it was more than likely the attraction wouldn’t have lasted so long. He’d cared for Vanessa deeply, cared for her still. The real question was, did he truly want to move on, or should Katie be helping him win Vanessa back?
Help him? Why the hell would she help him do anything? He was trying to seduce her as part of a bet with his best friend! For a minute there she’d been so immersed in her role, she’d forgotten the true purpose for this outing.
“Do you play pool?” He nodded toward the pool tables lining the back wall of the club.
“Badly.”
“Good.” He grinned. “It will give me plenty of reasons to instruct you.”
And instruct her, he did. He pressed against her back and wrapped his arms around her as he helped her position the cue. They frequently paused for leisurely kisses and daring touches that left them both breathless. But each time they broke apart, Katie firmly reminded herself that she was playing a part. This wasn’t real. She couldn’t allow her insides to melt or her pulse to race with anticipation.
Michael, the birthday boy, stopped by with his fiancée. She was all smiles and giggles, and spoke of nothing but wedding plans. Katie pretended to listen as she rambled on and on. The men huddled at one end of the pool table, speaking in hushed tones, which stranded her with the effusive bride-to-be.
By the time Michael motioned his fiancée onward, Katie was ready to pull her hair out. “Oh my God, that woman has a one-track mind.”
“Michael’s not much better. We’re hoping their personalities will return once the wedding is over.” He looked around, obviously searching for Vanessa. “I guess I’ve tortured you enough for one night. It’s been almost two hours.”
They handed the cues to the couple waiting for the table and picked their way through the crowd. Katie was torn by her discovery. She liked Chase, had always found him physically attractive, but he was obviously still hung up on his old flame. Even pretending to want his attention was going to be hard. Inwardly she cringed. It hadn’t been hard to let him kiss her. She’d enjoyed the feel of his strong body and the firm, skilled slide of his lips. But it hadn’t stirred the same instinctual hunger that she’d felt when Josiah kissed her. It was all very confusing.
They stepped out into the cool spring night and Katie shivered. The air was mild, but it felt cold after the packed nightclub.
Chase could see the Porsche in the adjacent parking lot, so he asked the valet just to give him the keys. After receiving a generous tip, the valet agreed. They walked across the street, his arm resting across her shoulders. “Thanks for this.” He looked down at her as he squeezed her shoulder. “I had fun.”
A feminine laugh drew Katie’s head around and she spotted Vanessa and three friends huddled on the opposite corner. Katie couldn’t see who held the cigarette, but a conspicuous haze surrounded them. Vanessa made a bland motion toward Katie, and the companions tittered. God, she hated gossipy females.
They reached the Porsche and she acted on instinct. She turned Chase around and shoved his back against the side of the car. Thank heaven the alarm didn’t go off or her impulsive act would have been humiliating rather than daring.
“What are you—”
“We have an audience. Just go with it.” She dropped to her knees and pain sliced up one leg. Shit. She’d forgotten she was in a dress. Ignoring the pain, she pretended to fumble with the front of his pants.
It took Chase a moment to recover from the shock, then he played along wonderfully. He tangled his fingers in her hair, gasping and moaning just loud enough to be convincing. Katie rocked back and forth, bobbing her head, all the while fighting not to laugh.
“Oh my God,” someone cried.
“Get a room!” That had definitely been Vanessa. Heels clattered loudly against the sidewalk as the four snobby bitches rushed back inside the club.
A few seconds later Chase pulled Katie to her feet and hugged her, laughing uproariously. “That was so damn perfect. I could—in fact I think I will kiss you.” The kiss started out light and playful, but it quickly took on a life of its own. For the first time he wasn’t kissing her to make his old girlfriend jealous. They were alone in the parking lot and he was finally focused entirely on her. One of his hands pressed against the side of her face while his other arm banded her waist. He moved his head from one position to another, searching for the perfect angle.
Suddenly she found herself pressed up against the Porsche and Chase was rubbing against her, grinding his obvious erection into the softness of her belly. Surprised and a little confused, she turned her face away, panting as she waited for her head to clear.
“This isn’t part of our deal,” he whispered, his breath teasing her ear. “This is just you and me.”
“And the three valets.” She pointed.
He looked over his shoulder at their new audience and began to laugh again.
Hurrying around to the passenger side, she impatiently waited for him to trigger the locks. She didn’t take a deep breath again until she was safely inside the relative privacy of the car. “That was insane.” She cried with a helpless laugh. “I don’t know what made me do that.”
“It was brilliant.” After starting the car, he maneuvered out of the parking lot, then took a right on Blake. He flew down the car-lined street, obviously lost in the moment.
“Slow down. There are pedestrians everywhere.”
“Sorry.” He downshifted and backed off the accelerator. “I know she’s back inside telling everyone what she saw.”
“Perfect,” she muttered sarcastically.
“No. It is perfect. Vanessa would barely let me hold her hand in public.”
“And I’ll go down on you in a parking lot.” She sighed. The only consolation was she was unlikely to ever see Vanessa or any of her friends again. “I’m rather fond of oral
sex, but I prefer it in the privacy of my own home.”
“Really?”
She looked at him, confused by the challenge in his tone. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“How are you enjoying oral sex if you never bring anyone home with you?”
She glanced out the window, feeling exposed beneath his penetrating stare. “I enjoy it in the privacy of his home.”
“Sure you do.” The gentle mocking in his tone made her clench her teeth. “When’s the last time you had sex, oral or otherwise?”
It had been over two years. The realization shocked her. She was about to admit the embarrassing truth when a current of air drifted across her knee and intensified the burning. Looking down, she gasped. “Shit. I’m bleeding all over the car.”
“What?” He quickly pulled to the side of the road and turned on the hazard lights. “What happened?”
“Rough pavement. Bare knees.”
“This happened in the parking lot? Why didn’t you say something?”
She dug a small package of tissues out of her purse, but half her leg was covered in blood. “Turn on the overhead. I can’t figure out where this is coming from.”
The overhead light came on and she straightened her knee as far as the dashboard would let her. The entire surface was abraded, but there was one deep laceration to the right of her patella. “I must have landed on a piece of glass.”
“Is it still in there?”
She carefully pushed on the outside of the wound, but didn’t feel a solid object. “I don’t think so. But it needs to be flushed out good before I encourage the blood to coagulate.”
“Will it need sutures?”
“No. I can patch this up at home.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Take me home.”
