Start Me Up

by Nicole Michaels

  It was still a little early by club standards so it was not yet a total crush, but the place was what Callie liked to call “promisingly packed.” Meaning the chances of finding a hot guy to dance with were pretty good, but it wasn’t so crowded you lost your friends in the crowd.

  Anne headed back to the table where her friends were seated to find one of her drink suppliers waiting for her. He grinned when he spotted her across the room and pushed off from the side of the booth. Oh gosh. What was she getting herself into?

  The deep bass of the dance music seemed to match each of his steps as he prowled toward her, weaving through the high-top tables. Anne couldn’t help looking past his manly swagger at the two goofballs she called her friends giving her the thumbs-up behind him. Eric even pretended to claw like a tiger, his face imitating a growl. Anne really loved those two.

  She met her sexy free-drink man at the edge of the dance floor and he slid an arm around her waist, pulling her in close before he spoke. “We need to dance.”

  She looked up into his eyes as he finished off his beer. She wondered how old he was. It was possible that he was nearing thirty. Maybe. He was probably closer to twenty-five. But who the hell cared right now? Her limbs felt light and tingly. He reached out and set his empty bottle on a nearby table then pushed his body into hers from chest to thigh, backing her into the crowd of moving bodies.

  The friction of his firm torso against her warm languid one was making her head spin. She wrapped her arms around his neck and moved to the music. It was nice to look into a man’s face and see something more than friendliness in his eyes. Although she’d been pretty damn sure she’d seen that earlier this week in Mike Everett’s face … nope, she wasn’t going to think about him.

  She refocused on the cutie in front of her and smiled as one of his hands brushed against her rear and finally palmed it full-on. The worst part was that she allowed him to keep it there. What was wrong with her? It was one thing to look like a rodeo hooker; she hadn’t planned on acting like one, too. But she couldn’t seem to stop herself, or care.

  She turned her head to the right as the handsome stranger ground his body against her. Callie and Eric were dancing beside them now, and they looked good dancing together. For a moment Anne thought about what a bummer it was that they couldn’t be a couple. Of course Callie was a dancer, so she always made whatever move she was doing look incredibly hot.

  Anne did a 180 in her partner’s arms so she could face her friends, and maybe cool the dude off since his hands were getting a little too aggressive. Callie danced up to Anne’s front, a huge grin on her face. Anne could feel all of her sexy stranger moving against her backside, the strong smell of his cologne lingering in the air.

  Callie wiggled her cute small body up against Anne’s. Watching Callie move—or do anything for that matter—usually resulted in Anne questioning her own sexiness, but tonight she didn’t do that; the feel of the cute guy behind her was all she wanted to think about. They all danced together for a moment before Callie leaned close. “He’s really hot, don’t you think.”

  Anne nodded and the hand resting on her rib cage squeezed as if he’d heard the conversation. Those damn club whispers were not as intimate as one hoped.

  Callie got even closer to Anne’s ear. “Don’t look now, but someone to your right is not enjoying our super-sexy show.” Anne’s body tensed as Callie and the stranger behind her kept her in a tight gyrating sandwich. Someone was watching her dance like a floozy to this song about riding some guy’s pony? Great.

  The music was loud and thumped through the floor all the way to her nerve endings. She turned her head toward where Callie had indicated as a warm hand slid up her thigh, pulling her dress higher.

  Her eyes adjusted to the dark area beyond the lights of the dance floor, and she met gazes with none other than Mike Everett. Shit. His eyes were slightly hooded and his lips in a tight line. He was leaning against a high table watching her dance. Another guy sat beside him talking to some woman with her cleavage on display.

  For a fleeting second she felt embarrassed. This was not how a mother or a woman over thirty should act. She would regret it tomorrow, but tonight her alcohol-influenced brain was telling her to let loose … a little. Who cared what Uncle Mike thought about her, and no one else she knew well was here besides her friends.

  However, that didn’t keep Anne’s gaze from traveling down his shoulder to his biceps, flexed and pushing at his shirt where he leaned onto the table. His large hand was wrapped around a beer bottle. He was so gorgeous she could feel the heat of embarrassment flush her cheeks again, or maybe it was the shot she’d tossed back a few minutes ago. She was such a fool for having crushed on him.

  Eric returned from a trip to the bar and handed her and Callie a bottle. Anne grabbed hers, threw back her head, and took a long drink before she looked back at Mike, whose eyes hadn’t left her. The colored lights were hot, and a bead of sweat escaped her hairline. She lifted her arm and brushed the drop of sweat from her face.

  Her dance partner, still behind her, took that as some sort of invitation and pulled all of her locks up in his hand. She felt a small tug as he pulled her head to the side a little and then lowered his lips to her neck. Anne gasped at the feel of his hot breath and wet lips. It was a little domineering, and she pulled away, throwing an innocent smile over her shoulder before she looked back at Mike. He had turned away and was now also talking to Cleavage and her friend Even-More-Cleavage. Screw him. Why was she even giving him a second thought?

  The song changed, switching up their rhythm and her partner spoke into her ear. “I’m gonna go get another beer. Don’t leave this spot.”

  Anne nodded, a little relieved. Callie grabbed Anne’s hand, pulling them together. The song that came on was obviously popular because more bodies had closed in around them, shielding her from Mike’s gaze.

  “Holy shit, that was so fucking awesome,” Callie yelled over the music, obviously intoxicated.

  “What do you mean, that was so awkward. He pulled my hair. What the hell?” Anne used her palm to massage where the strange lips had touched her. She was done with this guy. It would probably be wise to get lost in the crowd before he returned.

  “Did you see his face? There is nothing hotter than a guy brooding and jealous.” Callie’s eyes were wild with adrenaline, and Anne realized she hadn’t been talking about Caveman Hair Puller. Callie stood on her tiptoes trying to see Mike over Anne’s shoulder.

  Anne shook her head as Callie grinned, dancing again to the music. She was still young enough to enjoy this kind of drama. Anne had to admit it was kinda fun. She hadn’t done this sort of thing ever, not even in high school. She’d always been too busy trying to be a good girl, get good grades, and make the honor roll. In other words, she hadn’t had a lot of fun—all her own doing, of course. Her parents had never put pressure on her. She did that all by herself.

  But then a sobering thought struck. What if Callie was wrong and Mike was glaring at her because she was acting like a promiscuous cougar at a bar full of college kids, not because he was jealous? He probably never imagined she would be at this place, and now he was no doubt disgusted with her behavior.

  Damn it, she should feel good … and happy. And she did; the buzz she had going made her feel warm all over. But she would feel a lot better if she didn’t have to witness Mike picking up other women. She turned her attention back to Callie, Eric, and the music that was blaring across the dance floor. Mike could think what he wanted. She was done caring. Tonight was about forgetting him.

  Eight

  Thankfully Mike was sitting directly under a speaker so he could barely hear the woman in front of him talking. He nodded when it seemed appropriate. Her smile indicated that she was appeased, and so did her hand resting on his thigh. He tended to avoid Smokey’s on the weekends because this was not his idea of a good time—too loud, too crowded, and too many drunken idiots. Since he’d spent his early twenties one step away from
death or incarceration, he was unfamiliar with the frat-boy party way of life. When had he gotten old? He came to a bar to chill out, have a beer, catch up with Aiden who let him drink cheap in exchange for tune-ups and oil changes, and, yes, occasionally flirt with someone. But this was madness. He couldn’t believe Anne was here, but sure enough she was.

  He risked a look back to the dance floor. He could no longer see her, and he didn’t know if that was good or bad. Watching her body move in that dress, especially before she’d known he was watching, was hot as hell. But seeing that jackass put his mouth on her had been almost more than he could stand. The anger that pounded through Mike’s body when the fucker had pulled Anne’s hair had surprised him. He wasn’t the jealous type¸ never had a reason to be, but something about the sight had made his jaw twitch and his fingers flex.

  Bodies parted just long enough to see that Anne and her friends were dancing alone. He stood up, forcing the woman’s hand from his leg. “Excuse me for a minute,” he yelled over the pounding music.

  He gave a slight nod to Derek. He’d told his friend exactly why they were here tonight in order to get him out. Derek wasn’t into the club scene, either, although he was picking up women like he was made for it. No surprise—his friend had the rich-guy look going for him. He just didn’t get out much between making tons of money and caring for his seven-year-old son. Not that his friend was a money-hungry asshole. He was as kind and humble as they come, but he did do well for himself because he was a hard worker. Maybe Derek should hook up with Anne—they both had kids and knew what it was like to be a single parent. He was high-class, had a college degree, and could give Anne everything she deserved.

  Nope, just the thought of it made Mike’s blood boil hotter. Sweet little Anne deserved many things that weren’t taught in school—things he knew very well, and he was going to be the one to give them to her.

  He made his way to the far side of the dance floor, ignoring wandering hands and the suggestive smiles of the women dancing. He knew exactly where he was going, and when he found himself standing directly behind Anne Edmond, he relaxed and breathed in deep. Her scent filled his nose and her hair fell down her back, the colored lights making it sparkle. He’d wondered what it would look like down, and just as he imagined, it was incredibly sexy. In fact, everything about her was making him hard at the moment.

  She stopped dancing and leaned into her friend to talk. Over Anne’s shoulder Mike met Callie’s eyes and winked. He owed her for making this happen. Callie grinned and turned around to dance with Eric, who gave Mike a huge smile.

  Very slowly Mike slipped his hands past Anne’s elbows and wrapped his arms around her waist. She jumped and then relaxed a little, obviously thinking her overeager dance partner had returned. With one hand she lifted her beer to her lips and began to move to the beat, but didn’t melt against him. Mike was sure he could still sense a little tension in her torso, still thinking she was with her previous dance partner. Maybe she hadn’t been into the prick after all … Mike held back a grin.

  She was obviously a little buzzed, so it took her a second to realize something was off, but he knew the minute she did by the instant freezing of her body. She jerked her head to the side.

  Mike chuckled behind her and leaned in to her ear, letting his lips brush against her hair. “Are you done punishing me, Perfect?”

  He couldn’t deny that the way her limbs immediately relaxed into him when he spoke was a complete turn-on and made him relieved. He wanted her to touch him and feel comfortable doing it, wanted her to feel safe. When he pulled her firmly back against his body, she lifted her chin, the crown of her head rubbing against his collarbone as she turned to speak.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said loud enough to be heard over the music.

  He tightened his grip on her waist as he growled into her ear, “I think you do, Anne.”

  She wiggled within his arms and twisted her body around to face him, looking straight into his eyes. She was beautiful tonight. Her dress showed off her soft shoulders, and the leather of her boots looked amazing next to her tan legs. He glanced down, taking in the sight of her breasts pressed against his chest.

  His hands tightened on her hips before sliding down her backside and gently easing up her skirt so he could get a hand beneath it just below her butt. Anne gasped when his palms hit her bare skin. The fullness of her short dress cascaded around his hands, concealing anything indecent. He exhaled hard, loving the feel of her, the softness of her warm skin. Finally having his body flush against hers was better than he expected, and he tried not to think about how moments ago she’d been this close to another man.

  He leaned in and ran his tongue along the soft lobe of her ear before he spoke. “Watching you out here was driving me fucking crazy.”

  He felt a small tremor race through her and then her chest move against his own with each of her deep breaths. They were cheek-to-cheek, and he adjusted just a little, slanting his eyes down to see her. The roughness of his stubble scraped at her tender skin, and when she tilted her face up to meet his eyes he immediately took advantage of the position. This should have already happened, and it would have if they hadn’t been interrupted in the garage. He would be damned if it didn’t happen tonight.

  He dipped his face down and lightly brushed his lips to her soft, full ones, tempting her with light kisses. She was still at first, but it didn’t take her long to respond, and when she did it wasn’t just her mouth that reacted. Her whole body once again molded against his, and the slow movement of her hips pressed his growing erection into her lower stomach. She drew in a quick breath through their kiss, subsequently torturing him more. He coaxed her lower lip into his mouth and sucked lightly, and he swore he heard her moan even over the noise.

  After a moment she pulled free of his hands and kiss; she briefly looked into his eyes before leaning in and taking control, crushing her hot mouth into his. Mike groaned against her as he ran one hand up the length of her, from her hip to the side of her breast, the other hand cradled the back of her head, angling her face just the way he wanted it.

  The intensity of the moment was explosive, messy, and wet. Anne’s hands found their way to his neck, and she hung on tight as her right leg shifted forward, perfectly pressing her center against his upper thigh. He rocked into her, knowing the friction would be just what she wanted, and his intuition was rewarded when she threw back her head, eyes wide. Her lids fluttered as he continued to press their bodies together to the rhythm of the music.

  He could feel the people around them, hear the bass pounding in his ears, but right now his attention was focused on soft, warm Anne. He dipped his head once more and ran his lips along her jaw as he trailed his fingers up her rib cage. She was still flat against his chest, so nobody saw when he slipped his hand between them and laid his hand against her breast, and gently squeezed.

  Anne’s head snapped up as if she needed a breath, her hands grabbed at both sides of his face, pulling him back to her. He was ready to kiss her again but she leaned into his ear and made him as hard as a rock with her sexy voice. “I want you. Bad.”

  It was his turn to shiver, because he was not expecting to hear those words. He’d known Anne was attracted to him, but he didn’t know what to expect tonight and had come prepared to work for what he wanted. And it looked like work he would, just in a different manner than he’d originally expected. He had no problem there—he was ready to give her whatever she wanted. He lowered his head to her ear again as her hands clutched his biceps. “You’re gonna have me, Anne. Tonight.”

  Nine

  Anne allowed Mike to lead her through the pressing bodies at the bar but pulled back when she realized they were heading for the door. He turned to look with questioning eyes, and she jerked her head toward the table where Callie and Eric had reconvened. He nodded and turned to follow her, obviously understanding that she needed to tell them she was leaving.

  She’d said she want
ed him. She even said bad, and he’d taken it as an invitation for immediate action. Of course he had, because if she was honest with herself that was exactly what it had been. Hell, it had nearly been a plea. Was that what she had intended? Going home with sexy Mike Everett? She wanted to, yes badly, but now that his tongue wasn’t part of the equation her senses were coming back, reminding her that just a few hours ago she was cursing his existence. But God, his touch was amazing, those strong hands, his hard chest, and that very talented mouth. What woman could say no to that?

  She made her way across the bar toward her friends with Mike at her heels. When they reached the booth his hand landed on her neck. The gesture was a little possessive; his rough thumb stroked a path toward her hairline, sending a chill down her spine. Everything about him made her nerves tingle with impending ecstasy. His muscular arms had enveloped her on the dance floor, and having his hard thigh between her legs had given her a hint at what his naked body would look and feel like all over. There wasn’t even a question that this man knew how to make her feel good; just thinking of him could induce orgasms. Not that she’d done that. Today.

  The music had grown louder in the last hour, or maybe she was a little too intoxicated. Either way she leaned down to speak directly into her friend’s ear, but before Anne opened her mouth Callie beat her to it with a smug grin. “Leaving so soon?”

  Anne cocked her head to the side, annoyed at being so predictable. But God, yes, she was leaving, and she was excited and scared and overwhelmed. A shot glass full of something pink and orange sat in front of Callie untouched. Anne picked it up and downed it in one motion, ignoring Callie’s weak protests. If she was going to leave this bar with Uncle Mike, she couldn’t lose her buzz. Some extra liquid confidence couldn’t hurt. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”