Taming Lo: A You and I Novel

by Melissa Toppen

  The first bridesmaid through is Shira. Too bad she's Bentley's sister. I would have landed that months ago. Something tells me she could use someone like me in her life. Someone to mess up that perfect exterior she puts on for everyone and bring out the wild child I know is hidden deep down inside of her, just begging to be unleashed. It's a shame really. She has so much potential, if she would just let herself go.

  The next bridesmaid is one of Anna's friends that I met at the opening night of Bentley's club in Seattle. Andrea I think. Olive skin, dark hair and even darker eyes. She's a good looking girl. Nice body, pretty smile. But like Shira, she is off limits, only for different reasons. Bentley made it clear the night we met in Seattle that I was to go no where near Andrea. Plus, she has a boyfriend. And while I may be ruthless, I don't fuck other men's girls. Not my style.

  The moment I move my eyes from Andrea to the next girl entering the room, my body immediately goes rigid. It's her. Lo. The one girl that has managed to stick with me past our initial meeting. I think it has everything to do with the fact that she gave me a private dance the first time I visited Allure. I have never had a women move against my body the way she did and then do nothing to take the edge away afterward.

  Reason number one why I avoid the dancers that work for me. It's hard enough managing a club filled with some of the sexiest women I have ever laid eyes on. It's quite another to fuck said women. Things can get really messy really fast and as such, it's a line I refuse to cross, no matter how much I want to.

  I knew better than to let her dance for me. But the moment I saw her on that stage, her body covered in a tight red corset and matching thong, her long blonde wavy hair brushing against her near bare ass, I just couldn't resist the urge to be close to her.

  I am sorely regretting that decision now. Just the thought of what it felt like to have that tight body moving against mine, her crystal blue eyes skating across my face as she trailed her hands lightly across my chest, makes me squirm slightly in my seat. Fuck me. I am not easily rattled by women but this one, well let's just say I have pleasured myself more than once while reliving the private dance she gave me.

  She looks different this time. I mean, she's properly clothed for one. It's hard to see the dancers at the clubs as anything other than dancers but seeing her like this, it's clear that she is so much more than just some run of the mill stripper.

  Her dress fits snugly against her petite frame. Her hair is curled and pulled to the side, tied off and decorated with a flower. She looks so much more innocent than the woman that danced for me and yet, I can still see that woman too.

  The moment her eyes meet mine, I can see the recognition on her face. Her eyes widen and her bottom lip trembles oh so slightly. Just enough that I can see that not only does she remember me, but she's affected by me, that much is clear.

  She flicks her eyes forward and focuses on the aisle in front of her, not looking in my direction again. But that doesn't stop me from noticing the pink hue that has taken over her cheeks or how her steps seem to quicken a bit as she passes the row I am sitting in.

  Watching her backside as she walks past me, I can't help the smile that pulls up my mouth. What was that rule I was just talking about again? Oh yes, I don't fuck my dancers. Fuck me and my fucking rules.

  I have never worked with someone I couldn't resist before, but something tells me that if I don't get at least one go with Lo, it is likely to drive me out of my fucking mind. Friday, my first day at Allure is not until next Friday. Technically she isn't one of my dancers until then, so what is stopping me?

  I know I shouldn't. This plan has bad news written all over it. But like the first time we met, I simply cannot resist exploring more. I need to know what it feels like to bury myself inside her at least once.

  Fuck me.

  Chapter Four

  Lo

  Why does it have to be him? Why, out of every man on this earth, does he have to be the one whose eyes have been burning into my flesh since the moment I walked down the aisle just minutes ago? I thought I would be excited to see him again. After all, I have thought about him on several occasions since the night I danced for him all those weeks ago.

  I flick my eyes in his direction to find his gaze on me has not faltered. I do my best not to squirm and quickly turn my attention away. Dear lord, he's even better looking than I remembered. How is that even possible? His sleeved tattoos are hidden beneath a dark suit that makes him absolutely drool worthy. His dark shaggy hair is still the same stylish mess, and that facial hair.... Oh. My. God. Just the lightest dusting of dark hair across his jaw that instantly makes me wonder what it would feel like against my inner thighs.

  Focus Lo.

  I have wanted nothing more than to sink my teeth into this fine man since he stumbled into Allure that night. But I don't know if I can do it. I mean, I can and I definitely want to, but as of Friday, he will be my boss. I will have to face him everyday at the club and honestly, I just don't know how that will work out. If Anna taught me anything, don't mix business with pleasure.

  While it may have worked out for her with Bentley, I remember all the shit she went through in the process, when she was one of the dancers at Allure. Not to mention before Bentley, her hook up with Josh, one of the managers at the club. He wanted more and she didn't and it ended up being a pretty big issue for them both.

  I'd be stupid to think that the same couldn't happen to me. Can he even do just one night? Can he accept that it will never happen again? What if he wants more? What if he doesn't want anything at all? I am so preoccupied with my inner battle, that I find myself blanking for most of the ceremony.

  I am so relieved when Bentley finally pulls Anna into his arms and lays a passionate kiss on her lips, that the moment they take off down the aisle, I practically run behind them, desperate to get out of this room and clear my head for a moment. I just need to get out of the heat of his stare and then maybe, just maybe, I can think straight again.

  ****

  “Poor bastard.” I hear his deep voice radiate behind me, followed by the skid of the chair legs as he pulls out the seat next to me and plops down, leaning forward to rest his elbows against the table.

  “I'm sorry?” I question, turning my face to look at him, regretting it the moment I do. His hazel eyes stand out brightly against his handsome face and it takes everything I have to hold my mouth closed and not gape at how attractive he is.

  “Bentley.” He gives me a lopsided grin and tilts his head to where Bentley and Anna are dancing.

  “Well considering he landed a girl like Anna, I don't know that poor bastard would be the appropriate term to use.” I take a sip of my wine before setting my glass down on the table.

  “It's not about Anna love.” He smiles, revealing a mouth full of perfectly straight white teeth. My god, is there nothing about this man that isn't perfect?

  I picked this spot because it sits at the back of the room, several feet from the dance floor. I was hoping I could hide out back here long enough to avoid any kind of interaction with him. I want him. I know myself well enough to know that if I want any chance of making it out of this night without sleeping with him, I need to stay away from him. But alas, my plan has been foiled.

  “Not much on marriage I gather?” I turn my head to face him as I lean back in my chair. Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I do my best to just keep my shit together.

  “You could say that.” He shrugs, mirroring my action as he leans back in his own chair and turns his face towards me.

  “Well, I agree with you. But for them, I think it'll work.” I say, not able to contain my smile when I look out just in time to see Bentley whisper something to Anna, her head falling back on a laugh the moment he pulls away. They look so incredibly happy that for a moment, even I am envious, and I have no desire to find someone and settle down. Not now, not ever.

  “Perhaps.” He shakes his head slowly as a smile pulls up the corners of his mouth. “We haven't been for
mally introduced.” His smile widens. “Dax Riley.” He says, holding his hand out to me.

  “Lauren Hannock. But everyone calls me Lo.” I say, taking his hand and giving it a light shake before pulling away.

  “Lo.” He lets the word roll off his tongue. “I like it.” He relaxes back in his seat again, his eyes not leaving my face for even a second.

  “What?” I ask, trying to fight down the weird nervousness that this man stirs deep in the pit of my stomach.

  I don't get nervous. I don't pine after men. And I certainly do not battle with whether or not I will or will not sleep with one. If I want to, I do. If I don't, I won't. It's that simple. But with him.... I just can't explain it. I don't know, he just throws me off my game.

  “You are extremely beautiful.” He says, his eyes taking in every inch of my face.

  “From a man who has seen me practically naked, that's the best you got?” I shake my head slowly back and forth at him playfully.

  “Would you have preferred, I have not been able to stop thinking about you since I saw you almost naked?” He smiles, seeing how my body stiffens at his words.

  “Better. But I hate to tell you, you're wasting your time. I am not a fancy lines kind of girl.” I laugh, when he cocks his head to the side and really looks at me, his eyes remaining playful.

  “Hmmm. Well then, what kind of girl are you?” He asks, his tongue sliding slowly across his bottom lip, immediately distracting me. I wish I could say that this man has no effect on me whatsoever but the truth is, it is taking everything I have not to let on just how much he actually does.

  “Considering you have been watching me all night, why don't you tell me.” I tease.

  “Who says I have been watching you all night?” He fakes innocence.

  “Are you denying it?” I challenge, having caught his eyes on me on more than one occasion throughout the evening.

  “Now, I didn't say that.” He laughs. “But that is besides the point. So tell me Lo, what kind of girl are you?”

  “The kind you wouldn't be able to handle.” I promise, loving the way his eyes darken at my words.

  “I wouldn't count on that.” He lets out a deep laugh.

  “I would.” I can't contain my smile when he laughs harder, his smile stretching across his entire face.

  “Let's get out of here.” He laughs again when he sees the look of instant surprise that crosses my face.

  “Now?” I ask, not sure what else to say and needing to stall for a moment to gather my bearings.

  “All of your maid of honor duties have been fulfilled. I doubt the bride and groom will even stay for that much longer. Come on, I'll buy you a drink.” He pushes out of his seat and extends his hand to me.

  Looking to his hand and then back to his face, I hesitate, knowing if I leave with him that I am sealing my fate. “Pretty sure they have drinks here.” I say, scrunching my forehead as I look up at his playful expression.

  “They do, but it's the atmosphere that leaves a bit to be desired, wouldn't you agree?” One side of his mouth pulls up in a knowing smirk.

  Letting out a loud sigh, I shake my head and look back to his still outstretched hand. Finally taking it, I allow him to pull me to my feet before responding. “One drink.” I agree. “Nothing more.”

  “We'll see.” He chuckles lightly as he steps away from the table and pulls me alongside him. His hand falls to the small of my back as he leads me to the corner of the dance floor where Bentley and Anna are talking to an older couple that I don’t' recognize.

  The moment we approach, Bentley turns towards Dax and extends his hand, giving it a shake. “Thanks for coming man.” He smiles. Bentley Reed has to be one of the sexiest men I have ever seen. When he smiles, revealing two perfect dimples, even I melt a little. And for the record, I don't melt. Anna really is one lucky girl.

  “Wouldn't have missed it.” Dax replies, dropping his hand and leaning in to lay a light kiss on Anna's cheek. “Anna, you look as lovely as ever.” He smiles, really laying on the charm.

  “Where are you two off to?” Anna asks, clearly picking up on the fact that we came over to say our goodbyes. She flicks her eyes between me and Dax before settling a knowing look on me.

  “We are just gonna grab a quick drink.” I quickly respond, knowing that Anna knows me too well to know that this night will end with just a drink.

  “Uh huh.” Her smile stretches across her beautiful face. “Well, you two have fun.” She laughs lightly and throws me a discreet wink before dragging her husband back out onto the dance floor.

  “Oh we will.” Dax says low enough that only I can hear him. Throwing him a playful dirty look over my shoulder, I quickly spin and walk away, knowing full well that he is just steps behind me the entire walk across the ballroom and out into the hallway.

  “What's your rush?” He laughs behind me, causing me to spin around to face him.

  “Let's get a few things clear Mr. Riley.” I snap, growing increasingly frustrated with myself and the unexpected way being around Dax makes me feel. “I agreed to have a drink with you. That's it.”

  “Why do I get the feeling you are trying to convince yourself of this and not me?” He questions, his hazel eyes sparkling with a challenge.

  “Shut up for a second.” I shake my head at him. “I'm serious. You are technically my boss.” I start, but he immediately cuts me off.

  “Not yet actually.” He laughs, taking a commanding step towards me.

  “Fine. But you will be.” I continue.

  “I asked you to have a drink with me Lo, not marry me. I don't think it requires you to lay out any ground rules or anything. I don't bite.” He laughs, holding his hands up in front of himself. “Promise.”

  “And why don't I believe that?” I narrow my eyes at him.

  “Are you always this difficult?” He asks, taking another step towards me, leaving him standing directly in front of me.

  “Actually, no.” I laugh, thinking over his statement. “You make me nervous.” I admit, regretting saying it the moment it leaves my lips.

  “Well I have a confession.” He says, leaning in so close that our noses almost touch. “You make me nervous too.” He whispers, causing my breath to hitch and my stomach to twist tightly.

  For a moment I think he's going to kiss me and I hold my breath, not sure if I want him to or not. But then he smiles a knowing smile and pulls back on a light laugh. “Now. How about that drink?”

  Chapter Five

  Dax

  Something about watching Lo shift nervously in the passenger seat of my truck has my body wired so tightly, I feel like I might explode at any moment.

  “You okay?” I ask, not able to control my smile as I flip my eyes between her and the road. I like that I make her nervous. It means that she wants me.

  “Fine.” She gets out weakly, before seeming to find her voice. “I didn't have you pegged as a truck guy.” She smiles apologetically, her forehead scrunching together in the most adorable way as she looks around the cab of my new black Dodge Ram.

  “You don't like trucks?” I ask.

  “No. I mean, yes, I do like trucks. I just didn't picture you as a truck kind of guy. I had you pegged more for a muscle car guy.” She says, her stare hot on the side of my face.

  “So you've thought about what I would drive? Wow, you really are obsessed with me.” I joke, loving the way her eyes widen when my gaze darts towards her for a brief moment.

  “Shut up.” She rolls her eyes at me and then turns her face to the passenger window, the city of Chicago passing by through the dark tinted glass.

  Slowing to a near stop, I pull off of the road and into a small hotel parking lot. Lo shifts inward and looks up at the hotel directly in front of us but doesn't say a word. Putting the truck in park, I power off the engine before turning to see her twisting the ends of her blonde hair around her finger.

  My mind instantly flips to the image of me taking her hard, a handful of those beautiful wa
ves tangled tightly in my fist. Shaking my head, I clear my throat and push open the drivers side door, sliding out into the cold winter air.

  “I thought you were taking me for a drink.” She says, climbing out of the truck and shutting the door just as I reach the passenger side.

  “I am.” I laugh. “I'm staying here until I find a place more permanent.” I respond. “Being bounced between Philadelphia and Seattle gave me very time to apartment hunt. There's a nice little bar inside.”

  “Aren't we a bit overdressed?” She asks, looking down at her floor length evening gown that is currently covered by a long black coat, a shiver running through her entire body just as she speaks. January in Chicago is just as brutal as Philly. We have been out of the truck a total of ten seconds and already her cheeks are bright red from the cold wind.

  “Do you really care?” I ask on a laugh.

  “Not at all actually.” Her lips turn up in a full smile as her teeth chatter together in the cutest fucking way.

  Fuck me.

  “Well then come on, before we both freeze to death.” I laugh, taking her hand in mine and pulling her through the parking area towards the front door. “Watch your step.” I pull her into my side as we step through the revolving glass doors that lead into the lobby of the hotel, not missing the way she stiffens at my touch.

  “Aren't you the gentleman.” She says sarcastically, pushing away from me the moment we step inside. Without a word, she slides her coat off and drapes it across her forearm before crossing the lobby, her heels clicking on the marble floor with each step that she takes.

  “It's this way...” I start to say, but then immediately close my mouth when I realize that she knows exactly where she's going.

  “I've been here before.” She throws me a smile over her shoulder before pushing her way through the double set of wood doors that lead into the small hotel lounge, that sits along the back wall of the main floor.