by Molly McLain
I take my first drink of scotch and survey the room. I’m not one who cares much about ambiance, but I’ll admit this place has a certain elegance to it. White tablecloths, twinkling lights as far as the eye can see, a large dance floor with a live band, and tons of flowers. It’s the perfect setting to ring in the new year.
Turning my attention back to the woman at my side, I state, “You’re beautiful.” Her eyes sparkle like sapphires under the twinkling lights, and the smile she gives me makes me feel like I just threw the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl or something. Never has a smile ever made me want so damn much.
Taking her hand in mine, I walk us towards our designated table. I keep my head down, desperate to avoid the mindless chitchat or comparing business portfolios that usually accompanies these events. Instead, I want a private table for two, somewhere quiet, where we can talk alone. And after that, I long to get lost in the scent of her hair and the feel of her skin against mine. Too bad I have to wait a bit longer before I can make that particular dream a reality.
I’m pleasantly surprised to find our table on the outskirts of the room. Normally, when Reid’s name is attached to something, he’s front and center, even if he’d prefer to step aside and watch from the sidelines. Another couple is already seated at our table. They both look up, wide, enthusiastic smiles adorning their faces.
“Good evening,” the woman says cheerfully.
“Hello,” Tara replies, returning the woman’s polite smile, while the man and I each nod our head in acknowledgement.
“It’s such an amazing gala, isn’t it?” the woman asks Tara, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“It is. I’m Tara, and this is Scott.”
“Mark and Joanne. This is our first time in Las Vegas, and I can’t believe we’re here of all places!”
“Your first time? Well, welcome,” I add, pulling out Tara’s chair for her.
“Thank you. It was difficult to leave the kids behind on such a big night, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity for some alone time.” Mark turns to face the woman at his side and smiles lovingly at her.
“So where are you from?” Tara asks while I take my seat beside her. My hand instantly reaches out and grabs hers, linking our fingers together beneath the table. I’ve never been into displays of affection, but for some reason, with her, it just feels right. Resting the back of her hand on my thigh, I can’t stop myself from running my thumb along the side of her hand, gently stroking the smooth skin of her palm. Her touch is like a balm to my wayward past. It soothes away the doubts and erases the questions. It’s just so damn easy being with her.
“We’re from Los Angeles. I’m a pediatric nurse at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, and at this year’s holiday party, I won the grand prize raffle: two tickets to tonight’s events with airfare and hotel accommodations. It was a little hairy getting it all taken care of last minute, but so far it’s been well worth it.” Joanne beams across the table.
“That’s amazing,” Tara replies. “And you have kids?” she asks, feeling right at ease with our tablemates.
“Three. Colton is nine, Sadie is six, and little Ethan is two. It’s our first time away from them like this. I actually cried getting on the plane,” Joanne confesses, her husband squeezing her shoulder in silent support.
“I’m sure. My brother has a nine-year-old, and he hates being away from him. Plus, my best friend and her husband had to leave their two-year-old when they went on their honeymoon earlier in the year. She said it was torture.”
“Do you two have any children?” Joanne asks innocently.
Tara tenses beside me. I feel it ripple through her body as she tightens her hand around mine, pinning my thumb between our palms. “Oh, no. We’re not…I mean, we’re not really…”
Before she can continue, I cut her off. “No, we don’t have any children yet, do we, kitten?”
Her eyes widen slightly as if my statement shocks her. Hell, I’m not exactly sure what made me say it. It just slipped out.
Her body seems to relax and her eyes soften as I bring our joined hands up to my mouth and place a kiss on her knuckles. “No, none yet,” she whispers.
“When you’re ready, it’s the greatest job and most frustrating thing in the whole world all at the same time,” she says with a laugh. “One moment, I’m crying tears of joy at how wonderful my life is and the next second, I’m tripping over a doll and stepping on Legos, all while the baby redecorates my kitchen with green beans.” Mark and Joanne share a knowing laugh, as if she’s speaking of a recent incident. “But it’s so worth it.”
“Did you hear that Falling Down was playing tonight? I can’t believe it! Not only did In This Moment play at the fight, but now the gala too. That alone makes the trip from L.A. worth it,” Joanne adds and continues to talk with Tara about the band performing this evening.
Warmth spreads through my chest at the prospect of having something like what this couple shares. I’ve never really thought much about the whole wife and kids package, except that I didn’t think I wanted it. It didn’t work out so well for my mom and dad, that’s for damn sure. But with Tara? I actually find myself considering my first real relationship since college. And that one only lasted about four months. Tara makes me feel alive and anxious to see what’s around the corner.
Is it still scary as hell? Shit yes. I’m terrified of messing it up like my dad did. My mom left him while I was still in grade school when she found out about his affairs and the result was nothing short of self-destruction on his part. What happens if I mess up with Tara the way my old man did with my mom? Can I survive that kind of heartache? I saw what it did to my dad, how he coped with the loss of his wife by drowning himself in a cheap bottle of vodka; even if it was completely his fault. I never wanted to find out what that misery felt like, therefore I never put myself in a situation, which could result in me experiencing it. But with Tara, I’m ready to fully accept the fate that most likely will accompany a relationship with her.
The more I think about it, the more I want it. Earlier I said I wanted her in my bed, and while that’s still completely true, I can tell it won’t be enough. I don’t just want her for a little while–to scratch a particular itch. I’m talking long-term. The thought of marriage and kids doesn’t send me running for the bar and into a bottle of scotch or bourbon. It grounds me in my seat and makes me want to hold on to her hand tighter so she doesn’t slip away.
As I hold her hand, while the other couples fill in the table around us, I suddenly realize why Reid changed. I know why he left his playboy ways and ruthless business attitude behind in favor of a kinder man who smiles a lot more. It was Dani and their son. Sure, I’ve known it all along, but now I feel it. I get it.
I just wish I had a clue as to what she’s thinking. It’s not like we’ve ever talked about anything serious like a relationship before. Hell, we’ve barely ever talked. We’ve both watched each other from afar, longing and wanting, both too afraid to leap into the unknown. To hell with that. As soon as we leave here, I’m going to find out what exactly our future might hold. Does she want a relationship with me? If the way her hands tremble and her body reacts to my touch are any indication, I’d say the answer is yes. It’s time I let her know just how badly I want her–have wanted her for so fucking long. I’m not letting her go.
Not tonight. Not tomorrow.
The band begins to play a slow ballad, a declaration of love. We’ve spent dinner visiting with those around us and getting lost in our own conversations in between. She shared stories of her childhood with her brother, careful to steer clear of the landmine topic of her father. There’s a whole mess of sticky family drama there that I don’t want to step in.
As dessert is served, Tara shares more stories of the last few years, particularly ones with her best friend, Carly. She shares about the night Carly and Blake hooked up, which resulted in their daughter, Natalia. Funny that Blake was starting an undercover assignment and had to disappear from Carly�
�s life, only to return over two years later. I can’t imagine finding out I’ve got a child that’s almost two. Shit, or a child who’s almost nine. But both Blake and Reid handled it well, all things considered.
Of course, it helps when you fall in love with the mother of your child, too. Blake and Carly were married this past summer, and Reid and Dani will be very soon. Even though I was a skeptic for my entire adult life, it honestly makes me smile to see them both find a happily ever after in the great mess of life.
Who knows? Maybe there is a chance for me after all.
She mentions that while Blake and Carly took off together from the bar that night that she was left behind with Blake’s brother, Luke. An unfamiliar tightening in my gut sets in as I picture Tara and Luke together. This crazy sensation looks and feels a lot like jealousy. I want to ask if they slept together too, but honestly I’m not sure I want to know the answer. If they did, it was before us–before I decided to stake my claim.
It pains me–physically and mentally–to watch Tara eat her dessert. It’s some chocolate concoction with a drizzling of caramel and dark chocolate on top. The thing looks rich and sinful, but watching her lick caramel off her fork has my cock completely ready to play under the table.
“You’re killing me,” I whisper in her ear, making damn sure no one else at the table can hear me.
“This is so good. So decadent. So succulent. So creamy and sweet.” Her little tongue swoops out and takes another taste of the mixture on her fork. She gives me a shy little glance over her fork. The little vixen knows exactly what she’s doing to me.
“Are you still talking about the cake? Because I’m pretty sure those are the exact same synonyms I’ll be using when my head is buried between your thighs later this evening.” Bending down, I place a kiss on her bare shoulder. “Just watching you eat that dessert has me so fucking hard, I might suffer permanent damage.”
She swipes her tongue across the fork once more. “Can’t have that, now can we? You should maybe slip into the bathroom and see if you can take care of that problem.”
I laugh hard. “The only way I’m taking care of that problem is by burying it between your legs. I’ve jacked off enough to the mental picture of you and your tongue. Tonight, I get the real thing, kitten. Tonight, you’re mine.”
Her breathing quickens and her eyes dilate until you can no longer tell what color they are. Black. Her eyes are black with desire. “You’ve jacked off to me?”
“Are you kidding? Remember that time about two years ago when we went swimming at Reid’s? You were wearing that tiny pink polka dot swimsuit. I had to excuse myself and jack in your brother’s bathroom so I didn’t walk around with a hard-on all afternoon. Then I went home and did it all over again, picturing you in that suit with my cock in your mouth. Best jack session I’ve ever had.”
I wonder if I’ve gone too far. I’m not gonna lie to her. I really have masturbated dozens of times with images of her in my head. When it comes to her, workouts stopped functioning to relieve the tension years ago. And even a jack session would only take the edge off. That’s when I’d find myself in someone’s bed, but it was usually Tara’s face I saw.
“That’s kinda hot, actually. I wouldn’t mind watching that later,” she whispers, a seductive little smile playing on her lips.
“Yeah?”
“Oh yeah. Maybe I could join you. It’s not like I haven’t had enough practice getting myself off to images of you.” I fucking knew it.
I lean in so that my mouth is against her ear. “That’s definitely something I’d like to watch.” And it makes me feel ten times better knowing that she’s been taking care of her own needs while thinking about me.
What a pair we are. Both of us wanting the other, but neither of us taking the first step to having it. Well, that ends tonight. Tonight, she’ll be in my bed. Hell, I doubt tonight will be near enough to satisfy my craving for her. I might keep her there for days. Weeks. Months.
Forever.
Dancing The Night Away
Tara
I feel like my entire life has been like living in a bubble. I’ve been well protected, well loved, and well taken care of by my big brother. I’ve had fun with my friends and have enjoyed the company of some of society’s most sought-after bachelors. I’ve been content, happy for the most part.
But being with Scott?
It’s like I’m finally living. Everything seems brighter, more real, truer. I don’t have to act a certain way or worry about appearances. With him, I feel free to be me. For years, I haven’t even known who the real me is, but since he sat down in the chair beside me, I feel myself coming alive, smiling more, and enjoying every moment of his company. Maybe it’s the way he seems to feel the same about me. I’ve seen him smile more in the few hours we’ve been together than I probably have the entire time I’ve known him. He seems relaxed, even though the impressive hard-on he’s concealing in his pants would say the opposite.
A line was crossed tonight, on both of our parts. Instead of teasing (oh, but there has been plenty of that tonight) and walking away, we’re falling into something that looks and feels a hell of a lot like a relationship.
And don’t get me started on the whole kids conversation with Mark and Joanne before dinner. When he spoke up and said we don’t have kids yet, my ovaries started crying tears of joy.
Suddenly, we’ve turned our back on the what-ifs. We’ve both tossed our worries about him working for my brother and me being related to his boss right out the window. Oh, they’re still there, and we’ll definitely have to address them, but not now. Now, we’re both free to enjoy each other’s company, as we get ready to ring in the new year.
“Dance with me, beautiful,” he says after standing up and extending his hand towards me. I take it willingly.
We find a place on the dance floor and quickly begin to sway in time with the beat. The slow song is a love ballad, one I’ve known since I was a girl. Neither of us speaks as we move in unison around the floor. Scott has amazing rhythm, which compared to my last date on a dance floor (remember Eddie from my office at Carly’s wedding?), he dances like a dream.
One song turns into a second, and by the third, the band has turned it up a notch. We dance several more upbeat songs, each of us smiling and lost in the feel of our bodies moving together. He shed his tuxedo jacket before dinner, and now I’m treated to a delicious view of his white shirt molding perfectly to toned, hard muscles. My libido just sat up and started wagging its tail.
Just when I’m about to suggest a break, another slow song begins. I’m pulled into his arms once more. It’s crazy how well we just fit together, like puzzle pieces aligning perfectly and clicking into place. Taking a deep breath, I’m rewarded with the scent of his cologne mixed with a touch of sweat. His hands hold me tightly, my body presses firmly against his. Suddenly, I wish we were alone and our clothes would evaporate into thin air. My head rests on his chest while his chin drops down to frame my forehead. I exhale deeply and relax into his strong embrace.
A slight commotion draws our attention to the side of the dance floor. Through the crowd of celebrators, I can see the MMA fighter, Gavin, dancing with a woman. She’s gorgeous as she gazes up at him with love in her eyes. In fact, as I look around, everyone seems to be dancing with someone special. There’s love in the air tonight, and for some reason, it really settles in my chest and warms my heart.
“Do you wonder why we’re here together tonight?” I think aloud, vocalizing my thoughts without realizing it.
He pulls back slightly, gazing down into my eyes. “What do you mean?”
“Well, it just seems odd to me that Dani would call me up and practically demand I take her ticket tonight. I mean, she didn’t even offer me the second ticket on the off chance I could secure a date.”
“Reid basically did the same thing,” he states, saying what I already suspected. “He had one ticket and I was to use it. End of story.”
“That’s what I
mean. Why not give you both or me both tickets? Why give you one and me one?” I say aloud, staring up at his hypnotizing eyes.
“They planned this,” he whispers, the hint of a smile playing on the corner of his mouth.
“I think they did.”
He pulls me in tight again, my cheek instantly seeking out the place just above his heart. It beats strong and loud against my face as I wonder what all of this means. Is this permission for me to date Scott? Not that I would need permission from my brother or anyone, but if Reid understood our hang-ups, maybe this was his way of letting us know he was okay with it. Oh, who am I kidding? Dani totally orchestrated this entire scene. It’s not like Reid to worry about my love life, but Dani? She has suspected my little crush on Scott since Blake and Carly’s wedding earlier this summer. I can totally see the wheels in her beautiful head spinning as she worked out this evening. Reid just went along with it because, let’s face it, he’d do anything for her.
I bring my arm forward and let it slide up his abdomen. Sure, I’ve seen Scott in swim trunks on a few occasions and yes, I memorized every ripple and plane of his hard body, but now I’m allowed to freely touch him. And my God, does he feel magnificent. Toying with the silk of his necktie, I let the soft material slide through my fingers.
“Do you know I consider this my go-to tie?” he asks, the sound of his voice vibrating deep in his chest.
“Do you now?” I reply, moving my hand upward along the tie until I’ve reached the loosened knot at the top.
“Absolutely. Whenever I have a big case or an important meeting, I wear it. It represents power and confidence.”
“So why wear it tonight?” I ask, looking up into his hungry eyes.
“When I was getting ready, I wasn’t sure why, but something told me to wear it tonight. Then, when I saw you sitting in the front row, wearing red of all colors, I knew why. I felt it in my bones. You were supposed to be mine tonight. It’s finally brought me the one thing I’ve wanted most in this world.” His eyes turn molten right before my own.
