Craig knew he should slide over. He shifted enough to at least make it look like he was not attempting to seduce Kelly. She was addicting. Once again, he placed his arm on the back of the booth, making his proximity to Kelly a tad intimate. Her eyes narrowed and she focused on his lips. The woman had the ability to destroy his control. He wanted to kiss her.
Just when he sensed her about to lean toward him, he remembered she was with Dennis. He drew back. Hell. He couldn’t avoid her. Not when Dennis kept throwing them together. He had practically delivered Kelly into Craig’s lap.
He suffered a moment of painful, awkward silence. She played with the label on her bottle. The urge to hold her overwhelmed him, making him lower his guard. He knew it was a bad idea before he asked, but he gave in to his impulse.
“Will you dance with me?”
Amber eyes locked on his. Their faces were so close. If he leaned one inch . . .
“Yes.” Her breath fanned his face.
He swallowed a groan and grabbed her hand, tugging her from the booth. He pulled her to him and savored the sensation of her body pressed against his. The soft brush of her breasts, the sweet scent invading him, how perfectly she fit in his arms as they swayed together.
Arousal slammed into him.
Her fingers played with the hair on his nape while her golden gaze kept him charmed in her spell. He leaned in and relished her heavenly touch. The soft brushing eased the tightness in his neck, yet fueled the ache in his gut. With every second that passed, he wanted her more.
“You shouldn’t look at me that way,” he murmured.
“What way?”
“Like you want me to devour those gorgeous lips.”
Her gaze burned into his, and damn him, he wanted her to burn for him. She ran her tongue over her bottom lip, sending a pang of lust straight to his groin. Then, she stood on her tip toes, pressing her full breasts to his chest and leaned in, as if she expected him to do exactly what he’d said.
She’s not yours.
Doing what he wanted instead of the right thing had gotten him in trouble more times than he wanted to admit. This would not be one of those times. By the barest thread of conscience, he snapped back to reality. He stopped, his entire body tense with frustration and anger. Anger at himself. Anger at the tease who seemed so willing in his arms. He heard strands of music still playing, but they stood unmoving in the middle of the other dancers.
Craig took a firm hold of the arms around his neck and drew them down as a barrier between them. He’d almost fallen. Almost betrayed his best friend. Almost squandered his own self-respect.
“I get it,” he growled in a harsh voice. “You think if the cat can play, so can you.”
Kelly’s faced scrunched up in confusion. “What?”
Disgust filled his insides. Loathing for Dennis, for Kelly, and himself.
“You know, you two are something else. I don’t know what kind of relationship you have, but—”
He broke off, watching the emotions play over her face. Only a second before, he’d been about to kiss her.
“You want to play the same game as Dennis?” With the barest of control, he held on to his anger. His voice grew harsher with every breath. “He flirts over there, and you thought you’d try your wiles on me? I don’t play games. If you think you can use me to make your boyfriend jealous, I’m not your guy.”
Craig strode off the dance floor, not caring if he made a scene. Being in her presence a moment longer was unbearable.
He stormed out the front entrance and was within ten feet of his car when Kelly called out to him.
“Just one damn minute!”
He froze with one hand in his pocket, digging for his keys.
“Who the hell do you think you are to speak to me that way? Better yet, who do you think I am that I deserve it?” She stalked up to him, fury sketched in every line on her face.
“Go back in there, Kelly,” he growled, his gut clenching. “I’m leaving.”
“Not before you explain to me what that,” she swung her arm in a wide arch, “was all about.”
God, the woman was beautiful in her rage. But he couldn’t back down.
Chapter 8
Craig had to be the sexiest man alive. Every move he made enticed her, lured her. He had some serious animal magnetism. Like an exotic panther, his body incited, sleek and sure in his movements. His striking blue eyes mesmerized her, his deep voice lured her. Since the moment she’d jumped out of that shower, she’d been drawn by the electric current flowing between them.
When he had asked her to dance, her breathing had accelerated with anticipation and her skin had prickled. When he’d taken her in his arms, she released a sigh and the rest of the world simply drifted away. With her cheek on his broad shoulder, she had closed her eyes and floated, inhaling his delectable cologne. A scent so delicious, she wanted to turn her lips to his neck and taste with her tongue. When his hand slid down her back and pressed her closer, her stomach dropped. She’d struggled with the unbearable choice—snuggle deeper into his embrace and demand he never let go, or hold her breath until reason returned.
Craig was hot. Dangerous. The rational part of her mind kept saying ‘too fast’. She should have listened. She’d been weak. She’d given in to her heart’s desire. Like a fool, she had stood there, desperately trying to grasp what had happened. Watching him retreat, staring at his back as he shoved his way through the throng of people. It had taken only a moment for shock and confusion to clear, then her own anger erupted from her core.
Now she stood here, facing his ire, as hot as lava and as deep as she imagined a volcano to be. Where his blue eyes had once hypnotized, they now chilled her with intimidating cold.
“I thought you were Dennis’s friend,” she stated with contempt. “How can he even associate with someone so despicable?”
Craig took a threatening step closer. “It’s because I am his friend that I will not play your little game.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. If you think you can treat me this way because I was with a mar . . .” Her hands shook. She took a frustrating breath. “Yes, he was married. Even so, you have no right to treat me this way.”
“I have no inkling of your past relationships, nor do I care. I’m talking about now. Playing the field. You cannot be true to one man. And I’ll have no part of it.”
She gasped as if he’d slapped her. Tears threatened, and she drew a deep breath to hold them in. “You have no idea who I am.” Her voice trembled.
“I know you belong to Dennis, and that’s all I need to know.” He whirled around, turning his back to her.
Belong . . .
Had she heard correctly? Did Craig think she and Dennis . . .?
He started his car before she forced her legs to move. She pounded on his window.
He glared at her. She thought he was going to drive off and leave her standing there, but he rolled down the window.
“If you hear nothing else, hear this. I belong to no one.”
She didn’t wait for his reaction. She’d been tormented long enough. She would stomp back into the building, but her heels put an end to that temptation very quickly. She hastened her steps and stumbled in her urgency.
Blind to everything around her, she headed to the entrance, determined to find Dennis. At least she had friends inside. Someone would take her home if she couldn’t find him. She refused to turn around. Why had she let down her guard? Begun to believe in men again? She knew better.
Music roared in her ears as she flung open the door. First, she marched to the bar and ordered a B52 Bomber. If ever she needed strong alcohol, it was now. She scanned the crowd, searching for a body, any body, who would drive her home when the time came. She was about to get shitfaced.
The bartender shoved a shot glass her way and she grabbed it. Flinging her head back, she downed the whole thing. The sweet flavor coated her throat and burned her gut. Just what she needed. Hopefully the first of many.
“Any gal that can take a shot like that is my kind of woman.”
Kelly turned and met a well-muscled chest. Her gaze drifted higher. Tall, a handsome face, a nice smile, and twinkling eyes. Either the glimmering glow meant he was happy, or the Kahlua was kicking in. She took a lingering scan, from his button-down shirt with the cuffs rolled up, to his thick belt buckle and faded jeans on a pair of long, muscular thighs, right down to his scuffed cowboy boots. A tall drink of water. Her eyes snapped back to his.
“Well, hello there, cowboy.”
His gaze drifted from her face down the length of her body, giving her the same perusal she’d given him. When his eyes returned to hers, she saw approval in them.
“Can I buy you a beer or another shot?”
“You sure can.”
He signaled the bartender and within seconds, Kelly had one of each. She downed this B52 as fast as the first, waited for the burn, then took a sip of cold beer.
He stepped closer into her space. “Name’s Callum.”
Waves of blond hair bordered an incredibly attractive face. Long enough to tunnel her fingers through. Whiskey brown eyes sparkled with naughtiness, and full sensual lips lifted in a grin. He looked sinfully delicious and she was in no mood to say no.
“Kelly,” she said, giving him her best smile.
“Pretty name,” his deep voice rasped. He tilted his head just so, drawing her notice to a dimple, almost hidden by his five o’clock shadow.
“Thanks.”
“Want to dance, Kelly?”
“Thought you’d never ask.”
He took her hand and led her into the crowd. They slid right into the two-step. She lost track of the number of shots between dances. Her only concern was not to think about a certain man with blazing blue eyes. When the room started to spin, she latched onto her partner’s shoulders.
“Woah, doll.”
“Maybe I need a cold drink.” She grabbed her hair and twisted it into a ponytail. Without anything to hold it up, she dropped it down her back.
Callum stepped to the bar and ordered another round. She snatched up the shot glass and tossed it like water. Grabbing his hand, she boogied back onto the dance floor. The band played a slow number and the bump and grind began.
He held her tight while their hips swayed in sync. The rising bulge left no doubt what was on his mind.
“Kelly.”
She sighed and snuggled deeper into the dark warmth swallowing her.
“Kelly.”
She blocked out the voice calling her name.
“You’re not cutting in, buddy. Go find your own girl.”
“This is my girl. Kelly!”
She thought she recognized that voice. If only the fog would clear in her brain.
“Get lost.” Her tall drink of water shifted her away.
“I’m not going anywhere until you get your hands off my girl.”
Dennis. Uh-oh. He sounded mad.
“If she’s your girl, where have you been? She’s been with me the last hour.”
“Dennis.” Her voice sounded a little fuzzy to her ears.
“Come on, Kelly. I’m taking you home.” He gripped her arm.
“Just a minute, buddy.”
“My name’s not Buddy. And I suggest you step back. She is with me.”
“Buddy? Who’s Buddy? His name is Dennis.” Kelly blinked and tried to point her finger but her arm felt too heavy.
“Kelly? You know this guy?” Callum asked her.
“Of course.” She stumbled forward and landed smack against Dennis’s chest.
“Sorry, man. I didn’t know she was with anyone.” He gave a nod and walked off.
“Hey. Where you going?” She looked up at Dennis. “Where’s he going? We were dancing?”
“You’re going home.”
Kelly shoved the hair out of her face. “No. I’m not messing up any more plans. You were with a girl, so go back to her.”
“Where’s Craig?”
“Who the hell cares? I need another drink.” Dennis grabbed her arm before she got two steps.
“No, sweetheart. You’re done.”
“What’s going on? Need help?”
“Thanks, Pete. I got this.”
“Oh my God. Kelly.”
Gail?
“What happened? Did that guy do something?”
“You guys sound like a bunch of geese. You’re making my head hurt. I want to dance.” She snatched Pete’s hand. “Come on, Pete.” She glanced back at Gail. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“All right,” Pete said, and twirled her around the floor.
She was having a great time, when all of a sudden cold air blasted her face.
“Nice move.” Dennis slapped Pete on the back.
“Figured it was the quickest way to get her out of there.”
She heard them all laugh. Dennis, Pete, and Gail. “Hey. What’s going on?”
“In the car, sweetheart.” She latched onto Dennis’s neck as he lifted her into the air.
“Always wanted to be swept off my feet.” She giggled.
Kelly felt hands on her body and heard the click of a seatbelt.
She settled back into the nice comfy leather.
~ ~ ~
Craig rolled over for the umpteenth time and kicked the covers off his feet. He peeked at the red numbers on his alarm clock. Three AM. Shit. Ten minutes later than the last time he looked.
The scene between him and Kelly weighed heavily on his soul. The moment he’d wrapped his arms around her, he knew he was in trouble. He wanted her so badly he ached in his bones. Need roared in his belly. Knowing he couldn’t have her only made it worse. If it were anyone other than Dennis, he just might throw his friendship out the freakin’ window.
Dennis had been acting like a dick. Actually, he was acting like himself. Like a single guy on the prowl. Women loved his refined manners and flare. Craig couldn’t fault the guy for that. But if you had a girlfriend, you didn’t play the field. He wanted to knock his buddy on his ass.
He slipped his feet to the floor and scrubbed a hand over his face. Might as well give up. Sleep wasn’t in the cards tonight.
He strode naked through his hotel room and stopped in front of the wall to wall glass window. Stars scattered in a black sky, disturbed by a distracting glow from the city lights. Being high in the sky gave him a sense of peace. Helped him forget the fast pace of the demanding city below. Another reason he longed for his cabin in the mountains. He should have gone there.
Okay, maybe ‘belong’ had been a bad word choice. Maybe it stamped too close to ownership. But, dammit. If his best friend had a claim on Kelly, she wasn’t free. No matter how perfect she felt in his arms, no matter if her eyes invited his advances, her lips his kiss, she was not his to take. He would never encroach on his buddy’s . . . Shit!
There he went again.
Well, hell. Those two gave the impression they were an item. Kelly lived with Dennis. They shared a bedroom, a shower. He couldn’t even think of the word shower without Kelly’s image flashing all naked and brilliant in his mind. What the hell kind of magic had she bewitched him with? It sure as hell seemed like a spell. His actions were completely different than his norm. Women didn’t affect him like this.
Kelly did.
He padded to the Mini Bar, looking for something stronger than a cola. Several miniature bottles with various alcohols filled the glass cabinet beside the refrigerator. The emotions attacking his system were more than the raging stirrings
of lust. He could probably drink every bottle in the bar and still crave Kelly. He was in one hell of a fix.
He opted for a bottle of water instead.
He dropped into a large cushioned chair and leaned his head on its soft back. Staying with Dennis had not been an option with Kelly there. How had Craig eluded meeting Kelly so many times? How did Dennis and Kelly manage a long-distance relationship? Did Kelly love Dennis?
He growled, and realized the water was not going to cut it.
It was going to be a long night.
~ ~ ~
Somewhere down a deep tunnel, a noise like a droning sounded. It grew louder. A weight sat on Kelly’s head, thumping like a hammer. The damn noise continued, making the pressure unbearable. Kelly struggled from darkness to consciousness.
Oh, hell. The pounding grew worse, and she thought her head might explode. Her cell phone vibrated on the nightstand.
She pulled the pillow over her head and groaned with a new flash of pain. She must have swallowed a stick of dynamite during the night.
Dammit, will you stop! she screamed inside her mind. Even that sent a thunderbolt through her head. Finally, it stopped, only to start again.
Suddenly, the blast of music came out of nowhere. Why had she chosen a hard rock group for her ring tone? The vibration against the wood sounded like a damn jackhammer.
Shit!
I’ll kill whoever is on the other end.
She slammed out a hand, smacking her phone to the floor. Great. Now she had to lean over to get the damn thing. Why the hell didn’t they just hang up?
She rolled to her side and . . . Dammit. She hit the floor with a thud. Her head yelled in protest. But, she’d found her phone. It poked her chest.
“For God’s sake, who is this?” She yelled, but it came out as a croak. She never once considered or cared who was on the other end of the phone.
Dennis laughed. She hated him right now.
Instant Enticement Page 11
