by Lacey Wolfe
UNFORGETTABLE
Copyright © 2014, Lacey Wolfe
Publisher: Southern Girl Press
Edited by Tara Chevrestt
Cover art by Lacey Wolfe
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
www.laceywolfe.com
Unforgettable
The Gentleman’s Club Series
By
Lacey Wolfe
Back Cover Blurb
Can an older man be everything Krista’s been looking for?
Krista Michaels’ dating life has been non-existent since her divorce a year before. When her best friend steps in and declares it’s time for a night out at the newest May/December hang-out, The Gentleman’s Club, Krista enters a whole new world and lays eyes on a man who leaves her speechless.
Neil Clark likes younger women and having a good time. Krista catches his attention right away, From their first conversation, he can tell she isn’t a woman to simply play with. One problem: Krista isn’t interested, or so she says. But Neil isn’t about to let her slip away.
Krista’s heart and mind battle it out as Neil does his best to win her over. But they have one huge difference in what they want out of life, and Krista isn’t willing to give up her values, not for a man, not for money, not for love...
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Epilogue
About Lacey Wolfe
More books by Lacey Wolfe
Acknowledgements
There are so many people in my life who help me each day. From those friends who sit and listen to me talk about writing and publishing, to those who give me advice. My editors who push me with each book to improve my writing. Behind me is a whole team and I’d be lost without them.
A quick shout out to The Wolfe Pack, the best readers’ group out there.
Of course, my family. I couldn’t not thank them. My husband who continues to support me with each book. He encourages me to keep trying, even when I think I want to give up. To my kids who let me write and tell their friends their mom is famous. It’s nice to be famous in their eyes.
Krista stared at the dimly lit building. From the outside, it looked like any other club. A square brick building with no windows. So why was her heart ready to beat out of her chest?
She rubbed her sweaty palms across the cloth seat in the car and turned to her friend. “I feel like a loser. Like I’m coming here with daddy issues.”
Jamie raised an eyebrow as she dropped her lipstick into her purse. “We’ve been over this so many times. No one here is going to think that. It’s a club for younger women who like older men and vice versa.”
“Yeah, but—”
“No buts. Older men are hot. Stop over-thinking and live a little. Now let’s go.” Jamie pushed her car door open without giving her another glance.
Krista wasn’t sure about this. As she climbed out of the vehicle, she couldn’t help but wonder, what if this place only has old men—like old, old men. Not those hot fifty-year-old men you see in movies and such. But the wrinkly ones with canes. Not that there was anything wrong with that; they just weren’t her type.
Jamie stood in the parking lot with her hands on her slender hips. “Come on, Krista, before all the good ones are taken.”
Might as well go through with it since she was already here and dressed up. Krista jogged to catch up with her friend. At the entrance, a big man stood there in the classic get-up. Sunglasses, a black shirt, and tight jeans. He was hot and Krista wondered if she could stay out there with him because he looked more like her type.
“Good evening, ladies. I need to see some I.D.” He held out his hand.
She dug hers out of her wallet and handed it to him. He glanced at the I.D.’s, smiled, and gave them back.
“Enjoy your evening.” He paid them no more attention and promptly spoke to the two women who had been behind her.
Jamie looped her arm through Krista’s and they were on their way to what felt like the unknown to Krista.
Inside was dark as expected, but there was just enough lighting so she wouldn’t trip over anything. There were a lot of women there. Apparently her friend wasn’t the only one with a thing for older men.
There was a small dance floor to her left, but it was mostly set up with various lounge areas. A contemporary feel flowed throughout with black leather sofas, red and white throw pillows, and chrome décor. The bar sat in the center of the room, and Krista was thrilled when Jamie led her in that direction.
A female bartender, who was surprisingly dressed conservative in a white button down blouse, greeted them. “What can I get you?”
“Two sex on the beaches,” Jamie said.
“Suck up.” Krista leaned her back against the bar and glanced around. She didn’t see a man anywhere without a young, beautiful woman at his side. Next to the attached women, she felt like she was wearing a paper sack. Not a man looked in her direction. “I bet all the good ones are taken.”
Jamie twirled a lock of her blonde hair as she checked out the men. “Why do you say that?”
“With the amount of women in here, any man without one at this point must be a loser.”
“Or he’s just waiting on the right woman.” Jamie winked.
The bartender returned with their drinks. Jamie told her to leave the tab open.
“Now what?” Krista asked as she picked up her beverage.
“Let’s find somewhere to sit, drink a little to lighten our mood, and go from there. This doesn’t need to be planned out.”
“This is so stupid.” Krista took a sip of her drink. “It feels like we’re waiting for some man to find us attractive and want to talk to us. It’s just weird.”
Her friend sighed. “Live a little. Jeez. How well has it been working out with the men your own age?”
Jamie had a point. Dating had been non-existent. “But still,” Krista protested halfheartedly.
Her friend glared at her. “If you want to leave, I’ll give you my keys. I’m not going to force you to stay.”
“I might.” A deep masculine voice sounded from behind them.
A shiver swept down Krista’s spine. Her heart rate sped up and it felt like slow motion as she spun around to see who had spoken to her. Oh. My. God! She laid eyes on one of the most gorgeous men she’d ever seen. He put George Clooney to shame.
“Would you gorgeous ladies care to join me?” He motioned toward an empty couch.
“We’d love to.” Jamie smiled and looped her arm through Krista’s.
Krista attempted to speak, but no words were forming as she was led over. She expected Jamie to sit next to the sexy man and keep him for herself,
but instead, her friend left a gap for Krista to sit in the middle.
“I’m Neil.” He took a sip from his drink. The light gold liquid flowed to his lips and Krista found herself jealous of the glass.
“I’m Jamie, and this is my friend Krista Michaels.”
Why the heck did Jamie just given him my last name?
Neil rested his glass on the armrest. He was at ease and in his comfort zone as he straightened his light blue tie. “It’s nice to meet you both. First time here?”
“Yes. Though it’s a relatively new place. Have you been here much?” Jamie crossed her legs.
“A few times. I’m friends with the owner.” His gaze stayed on Krista.
She stared back, mesmerized by him. He had dark hair with slight streaks of grey at the temple. Not too much, just was the right amount. Perfect. Like him. Now if only she could speak, she might get somewhere.
“What do you do for a living?” He spun the glass around with his fingers.
“We’re both teachers,” Jamie answered.
His eyes widened. “This must be your favorite time of the year. Summer vacation.”
“It is.” Jamie poked Krista in the side.
Krista nodded since for whatever reason, her mouth still wasn’t working.
“Are you always so quiet?” Neil smirked. A tiny dimple formed on his chin. She loved a man with dimples.
“Usually she won’t shut up.” Jamie giggled. “What’s up, Krista?”
“I love your name by the way.” His blue eyes locked on her.
Speak. Mouth move. “Thank you.” She finally managed a word.
He took a long drink then set the cup down on the table. He sat back, pulling one leg up and resting his ankle on the opposite knee. “I’m going to be frank. When I see something I like, I go after it. And I like what I see, Krista. Are you single?”
His bluntness caused a wave of pleasure to ripple though her. “I am.”
“I’m attracted to you very much, but I don’t want to waste my time if you don’t feel the same.” He paused, staring at her with a longing in his eyes. Finally, he moistened his lips. “That isn’t entirely true. If you weren’t interested in me, I’d try harder. I don’t like not getting what I want, and I want you.”
Her heart raced to a speed she was worried might put her in a panic attack. Never had a man simply told her the extent he wanted her. Was she expected to answer him? And if so, what should she say: Yes you can have me right here however you want?
“Say something,” Jamie whispered as she nudged Krista with her shoulder.
She mumbled, “What do I say?”
Neil chuckled. “I’m going to get another drink. I’ll be right back.”
As soon as he was gone, Jamie grabbed Krista’s arm and spun her around. “What the hell is your problem? Please tell me you find him attractive.”
Tall, dark, handsome, and he wore a designer suit. That was a no-brainer. “I do. So much I can’t form sentences. The way he talks and how honest he is. Oh my goodness, I’m so turned on.”
Jamie laughed. “Maybe he’s a Dom.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. I don’t want to be tied up and spanked.” At least she didn’t think she did. Right about now she was pretty sure Neil could do whatever he wanted to her and she’d oblige.
Jamie snickered. “I guess you’re the lucky one tonight. Should I leave you two alone and go find my own man?”
“No!” She clutched on to her friends hand. “Please.”
Krista glanced toward the bar. Neil’s back was to her. She licked her lips, wondering what it would be like to kiss him. Surely he was a pro. He was most likely a renowned bachelor and had kissed many, many women. No, no, she didn’t want to think about that.
“So what do you think?” Jamie sipped through her pink straw. “Think you’ll get to know him?”
“I’d be stupid not to.” Krista was infatuated by his back side. The way he wore his slacks…it was as though he had them custom made to his ass. Heck, he was probably loaded and had a tailor on speed dial.
Neil turned and headed back their way. Krista couldn’t take her eyes off him. As he took a seat, she hadn’t realized that Jamie had wiggled out of her grip.
“I’ll be right back.” Jamie hopped off the couch and was gone before Krista had a chance to protest.
I’m going to wring her neck. Hadn’t she just asked her not to leave her?
“What grade do you teach?” He rubbed his chin and held his hand there a moment.
“Sixth.”
He nodded. “Easy?”
“Uh, depends on the kid, really. It’s a big transition year for that age.”
He swirled liquid in the glass. “Would you be interested in dinner with me? Tomorrow maybe?”
That was soon. “Um.”
“Please don’t feel pressured, but I’d like to take you out somewhere private where we could get to know one another better.”
Somewhere private? Was he expecting sex? She didn’t know if she could just get away tomorrow. She wasn’t the only one she had to think about. “I’m honestly not sure.”
“I understand.” He reached into his pocket and removed a card. He set his glass on the armrest and scribbled on the back of the card before handing it to her. “My private cell number is on there. Normally I like to do the calling—call me old fashioned—but I can see things might be different with you. Call or text and let me know. Either way, my evening will be free, and I hope I can spend it with you.”
Krista took the card just as Jamie returned.
“What did I miss?” her friend asked slyly.
Neil winked then directed his sexy gaze toward Jamie. “I was just asking your friend out for tomorrow night, but she isn’t sure.”
Krista gave her friend a pleading look, hoping she’d catch her drift.
“I’ll make sure she can.” Jamie smiled.
Krista sighed. It was a good thing Jamie was her best friend or else she’d have smacked her. She still might.
“As much as I don’t want to, I won’t take up any more of your time.” Neil stood and straightened his jacket.
He reached his hand out toward Krista. She took it, expecting him to shake it. Instead, he yanked her up and pulled her close, leaving only a few mere inches between them. She gasped from the closeness and as he leaned forward, she worried she would faint. He pressed his lips to her cheek and her eyes closed on instinct as she inhaled his aftershave that reminded her of sandalwood.
“Please call me,” he said softly into her ear before turning and walking away.
Krista was left speechless as she watched him cross the room and head toward the back. She glanced at Jamie who sat there with a smug look on her face.
“See, told you this was a good idea.” Jamie gloated.
* * *
Neil entered his home and went straight to his office later that evening. He needed to know more about Krista. While he didn’t have much to go on, he knew her name and she was a teacher. Surely she couldn’t be that hard to find.
She most likely wouldn’t call or text, but there was no way he was letting her go. He couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was, but from the moment he’d laid eyes on her, he’d wanted her. He was bound and determined to do whatever it took to make sure that happened.
A few months before, he’d joined The Gentleman’s Club. At first he wasn’t too sure about it. The place was an exclusive May-December type club. Women were young, men were older. Once a woman hit a certain age, she wasn’t welcome anymore, but the club did its best not to make that known to avoid lawsuits. The bouncer typically did a good job not hurting anyone’s feelings. When it came to men, they had to be at least forty, five years younger than he was.
The point of The Gentleman’s Club was for older men and younger women to find love, or at least hook up. He wouldn’t necessarily say he only liked younger woman, he was just very fortunate that younger women seemed to enjoy him.
And if it hadn’t
been for the club, he might not have encountered Krista.
He searched her out on the Internet. He told himself he would not do a background check. He simply wanted to find her address and phone number. It took willpower not to learn everything he could, but he knew that would only lead to trouble. He’d slip up during a conversation and freak her out, losing her. He didn’t want that.
It didn’t take long. He copied her information on a piece of paper, folded it up, and put it in his wallet. After closing the laptop, he decided to call it an evening. He’d watch a little TV until he fell asleep.
As he entered the living room, his cell phone vibrated. He removed it from his pocket to see he’d received a new text from a number he didn’t recognize.
I’d love to have dinner with you tomorrow night if the offer still stands – Krista
Neil grinned. He was definitely surprised to have heard from her already.
Great. I’ll pick you up at six at your place. Have a wonderful evening.
Krista hadn’t heard from Neil all day and six o’clock was approaching fast. She gazed out the sidelight window by her front door. She’d never sent him her address and was curious why he hadn’t asked. How would he know where she lived? What were the chances she was the only Krista Michaels in town? Then again, a man with his money had access to anything he wanted.
Taking a deep breath, she leaned against the wall and prayed he wasn’t standing her up, especially when she was dressed to impress.
She wore a black strapless dress that was very low cut in the back. It was open and dipped down to right above her tailbone. She’d gone out this afternoon and bought a pair of plain black stilettos. Her red locks were curled tightly so they bounced on her shoulders. It had been a long time since she’d been on a date. She really hoped this wasn’t some cruel joke.
The sound of an engine pulled her from her thoughts and she peeked through the window to see a limo at the end of her driveway. She covered her mouth to suppress the gasp. The driver left the vehicle to open the back door. Neil stepped out in a navy pinstripe suit. He nodded at the man and headed toward her door.
