Red Hot Lovers: 18 Contemporary Romance Books of Love, Passion, and Sexy Heroes by Your Favorite Top-Selling Authors

by Milly Taiden

  Within an hour we’re busy and stay that way until midafternoon. I’m grateful because it means I’m making money.

  As the lunch rush dies down, I begin to make my list for restocking. Turning from the beer cooler, a bright blue shirt catches my eye. Okay, what’s in it is what gets my attention. Derrick walks through the door as if he’s parting the red sea. A group of women are leaving, and they divide to let him through. More than one head follows his movement. Uh-huh, ladies. I get it. You should see what he does with those hands. I chuckle at my inner dialogue.

  “Well, you look happy to see me. And here I thought I had to apologize for this morning, which is why I’m here.”

  “Really? Did Nika force you to?” I tap my pen on the bar as he takes a seat where he sat last time.

  “I don’t do things I don’t want to do.” He licks his lips as he watches me. My pulse quickens, and I fight the urge to squirm. “My approach may not have been the best, but I did mean what I said.”

  Oh, hell. I banter back quickly. “All of it?”

  “All of it, but dinner is negotiable.” A smile reaches his eyes.

  I feel my nipples harden as my insides tremble. This no-games thing is hot. “I think I might like dinner, considering the breakfast you made. Can I get you something to drink?”

  “A Stella, please.” His elbow is resting on the bar, and he rubs his finger along his lower lip.

  I pull a frosted beer glass from the freezer and welcome the chill, hoping it will cool my flushed skin. I ask, “Did you have something in mind?” I quickly add, “For dinner that is.” I watch amber liquid land on the tilted glass and focus on the perfect pour.

  “Dannika has a shoot coming up. She’ll be gone for two weeks, and I could use some help with the dogs. Would you like to come over to run them? And then stay for dinner?”

  I set the glass in front of him, and he takes a large swig. His Adam’s apple jumps in his neck as he swallows. My lips yearn to follow the beer’s trail down his body, and the thought of tasting his cock springs to mind. I clear my throat and the vision. “Sure. I’m free on Wednesday nights.”

  I place a menu in front of Derrick. “Hungry?”

  He leans forward a bit, and his low voice rumbles as he says, “Always.”

  I set my hand on the bar to steady myself, and he latches on. His grip is tight and almost hurts. He pulls me in close, and his musky odor heightens my arousal. He whispers, “Are you wet for me?”

  Holy shit. Game on. “Yes. Do you like that?”

  He smiles slowly and slides his finger down the side of his glass, collecting the moisture from melted frost. I part my lips slightly, and he raises it to my mouth. He says, “Very much.” I suck on his finger and the way his breath catches makes my knees weak.

  I release him, step back, and say, “What can I get you?” I realize I’m ignoring the rest of my customers, and I’d better get to them.

  “A club sandwich, but can you make it to go?”

  “Sure.” I’m dying to ask where it is he needs to be. Instead, I turn and catch the poker guys holding their cards still and watching us. I send them a glare and get back to work. Glad we could entertain you, boys.

  I don’t have a chance to get back to Derrick until his sandwich is ready. I bring it along with the check. “All set. Thank you.” Before he can continue to torture me sexually, a waitress calls my name and I walk away. I glimpse him leaving as I make drinks.

  When I pick up his check I realize he left me another tip of more than fifty dollars. My stomach sinks. I don’t like this. A tip that big once is a nice surprise. Becoming a usual thing? That makes me uncomfortable.

  CHAPTER 8

  My helmet tightens as I yank on the strap. I wiggle it to make sure the fit is snug and then knock on it twice out of habit. I stand to adjust my elbow pads and glance down at my worn Vans. A twinge of nostalgia floods through me. I’m in skater-girl mode and feeling defiant. During my teen years I spent a lot of time in the park working out my angst, and my muscles are eager for the challenge.

  The sexual frustration I felt today was intense. No guy has ever turned me on the way Derrick does. One look from him and my body trembles with need. I stomp on the end of my board and flip it into my hand. I’m monitoring the outdoor skate park at the rec center tonight, but nobody is here. Later in the evening the teen hangout is downtown. I love this shift because it’s the perfect time for me to train. Tonight I need to think instead.

  Setting my board down, I prepare to fall into the bowl. A quick push off and I roll over the lip. The rumble of the wheels on concrete vibrates through my legs as I go with the flow. Rising up on the other side, I let the board fly up, and I twist around to fall back in. Absorbing the shock with my legs, I let momentum propel me. Each time I gain speed and the rush of it surges through my veins. The need to focus on my movements consumes me as I get into the danger zone. Any false move right now means I’m crashing, and hitting concrete at this speed hurts.

  The concentration becomes too much to handle, and I slow things down. My mind returns to thoughts of Derrick. I can’t believe I have a dinner and fuck date. Nobody says that. I snort to myself because while guys don’t say it out loud, it’s definitely what they want to happen. Maybe they should say it because I’m getting flustered knowing that’s the plan.

  A pair of preteen boys distracts me from my thoughts, and I pop up onto the edge to stop. “Hey guys.”

  Too cool to smile, they nod. I fist bump them as I walk over to the bench where I left my bag. Velcro lets loose with a rip when I take my elbow pads off. Putting them in my bag, I notice a text message light up my phone. It’s Casey, making plans for a girls’ night. Pulling it out, I see there’s a stream of notifications. Seems we’re going dancing, which fits well with my schedule. Working until nine almost every night puts a cramp in my social life.

  I immediately text the group. “I’m in. OK if I bring a friend?” I’m thinking Nika would like to join us.

  I read back through the texts and realize it’s not a girls’ night. Boyfriends are coming too. Uh-oh. Should I invite Derrick so he can meet some guys?

  The girls will dance all night, but the club is attached by a lobby to a burger place with pool tables, and the guys will bounce back and forth between the two. The crew going is all couples. Will that be weird? Hell, I’m not sure I’m ready to invite Derrick yet, but how do I invite Nika only? Sugar. I’m overthinking this in a big way. When did I become such a girl? I chuckle and tell myself to stop. I’ll just invite them both.

  My phone vibrates with a text to the group from Lori. “Sure!”

  I text back. “It will be two. Derrick and Nika. They moved here from NH, not sure where.” Lori is from New Hampshire too.

  No time like the present. I text Nika. “Dancing and pool tomorrow night with friends. You and Derrick want to come?”

  She texts right back. “Yes! So bored.”

  Ugh. She didn’t answer the Derrick question. My phone vibrates again. “You ask D. 603-555-7399”

  That makes me snort. She’s trying so hard to set us up. If she only knew. I imagine her sitting in front of the TV with him and watching for his reaction to my text.

  I text Derrick. Going out with friends to dance and play pool tomorrow night. The guys will play pool; the girls will dance :) Want to come? Nika said yes.”

  Seconds later he texts back. “Do you always text complete words and sentences?”

  I shake my head. I can’t stand textspeak, and my friends know it. I reply, “Yes. Do you?”

  “I do. Textspeak is an insult to the English language.”

  I smile and wait for his answer. Figures he has the same hang-up I do. It must be a control freak thing.

  “What time, and where?”

  “I can meet you outside the Fish Bowl at 9:30. Do you need directions?” I’m pretty sure I know the answer, but I can’t resist pushing the guy navigation button.

  A text from Nika comes in. “He’s :)” />
  I text her back. “The girls will wear dresses. Short and tight. :)”

  She replies. “D <3 —> u”

  What the hell does that mean? He’ll like that on me? I’m going to have to clue her in too.

  Derrick texts me. “I’ll find it. Dannika is squealing, thank you for asking us.”

  Wow, that was kind of sweet. Careful, Derrick, I’ll think you want more than sex. My mouth turns up in a smile. Maybe I do too.

  ***

  Truth? I don’t wear dresses. I was a tomboy for so many years that they weren’t part of my usual wardrobe. But tonight I think a short, tight dress is just what I need to leave Derrick panting.

  Casey hands me a black dress with lace sleeves. “Try this one. With your hair, black is definitely the color you should wear.”

  I strip down to my thong and push-up bra, and wiggle into the tiny piece of spandex. Yanking on the bottom to pull it further down my thighs, I realize I’ll be spending my night trying to remember not to flash everyone.

  “I don’t know, Casey. This seems a little indecent.”

  “Seriously? You have no trouble wearing a cropped shirt and jeans so low everyone knows you wax regularly, but a short dress is indecent?” She holds up a pair of purple pumps. “You wear size eight, right?”

  “Yeah. Great color.” I was thinking about wearing flats for ease of movement, but the heels will definitely make my legs appear more defined. The leather is cool when I slip them on my feet and I pause to take a look in the full-length mirror.

  “Damn it. I hate that you wear my clothes better than I do.” Casey plops on her bed with her phone.

  “No, I don’t. You carry yourself with elegance. I walk like I’m about to take someone down.”

  “It doesn’t seem to stop men from watching. Maybe they like thinking you could slam them down and straddle them at a moment’s notice.”

  “Cute. Real cute.” But I snicker at the thought of body-slamming Derrick onto the dance floor.

  A flash makes me turn toward Casey. She smirks at me. “Jason wanted to see you in a dress.” She taps her phone with her fingers to send the picture to him.

  “Tell him if he’s lucky I’ll even wear it out tonight.” Jason is Casey’s boyfriend, and we’ve been friends for a long time. No doubt he’ll tease me later, but I don’t really mind. I have no trouble giving it right back.

  “You look great in that. Do you like it? Or do you want to try more?”

  “Nope, this is good. You’ve worked your magic once again.” I twist to check out my ass, and decide it’s definitely going to make Derrick take notice.

  “What are you wearing?”

  Casey hops up from the bed. “Check this out.” She whips off her shirt and drops her shorts to put on a salmon-pink-colored dress. It has a low neck and cut-out sides. She cocks a hip and puts a hand on it. “So?”

  “Hot. We might even get the guys to dance tonight instead of play pool.”

  “Yeah, but I think most of the time girls dress for each other.” She pinches my butt as she walks by me toward her bureau. “Are you going to bring Derrick home tonight? I can stay at Jason’s.”

  “I don’t know. I…”

  “You what? Since when did you get shy about hooking up?” Casey taps a bit of powder off her makeup brush and rubs it on her face.

  “He’s not predictable. I’m not sure what will happen.” I push jewelry around on her nightstand, searching for earrings I might want to wear.

  “And you hate that, don’t you?” Casey turns to look at me.

  “I should, but…”

  “Oh, my God! He’s more than sex for you, isn’t he?”

  “No!” Wait. Is he? “I mean. Fu-ngus, I don’t know. Maybe?” A flush rises to my cheeks, and it’s not from almost swearing.

  “Well, I hope so. It’s about time you fell for someone, and God forbid, cared.”

  I snort. “Yeah, well let’s not go that far.” But I’m afraid I’m falling, and don’t want to stop.

  CHAPTER 9

  I look down at my phone to read the text from Nika. “On r way” My stomach flips and I yank at the bottom of my dress. The click of my heels on the sidewalk sounds like a time bomb ticking.

  “Gretchen, walk with us.” Jason’s usual teasing tone is missing. He and Casey have stopped so I can catch up to them.

  Casey grabs my hand and looks at my nails. “Okay, good. They aren’t bleeding yet. Try to keep your fingers out of your mouth.” She smiles at me, but I know she’s half serious and I pull my hand back.

  Clenching my fingers into fists, I say, “I’m fine. Really, it’s just some guy.”

  Jason links his arm in mine. “Just some guy doesn’t get a dress. I can’t wait to meet the man who’s melting the ice princess.”

  I snort. “I’m still quite frozen, thank you very much.” I place my hand over my heart. “Yup, cold as ice.” I then rub myself down over my breast and around my hip with a flourish. “But this? This body is smoking hot. Hard to resist, no?” I chuckle along with Jason and Casey.

  Casey says, “You are hard to resist. But it’s okay to like someone for more than sex.” She leans into Jason and he kisses the top of her head.

  A tiny jolt makes my heart flutter. Casey is head over heels in love with Jason, and they’re so happy. I suppose feeling that way wouldn’t be such a bad thing. If only I knew how.

  The heavy beat of bass blasts out at us when Jason pushes the door open. It leads to a flight of stairs that take us underground. An open area of tile is adorned by video games with a restaurant on the left and the Fish Bowl on the right.

  Jason veers to the left, but Casey grabs his hand. “Not yet. You guys have to give us our obligatory dance before we set you free.” He hunches his shoulders because he knew the deal.

  We enter a throbbing room with blood red light oozing around as the lights swing in slow circles. Scanning the room, I find Lori, Kaleb, Nick, and Megan standing at a table by the edge of the dance floor.

  I tap Casey’s arm to get her attention over the loud music and point. “There they are.”

  Jason leans close to us. “What do you want? I’ll bring it over to you.”

  Casey and I order vodka and club soda and make our way toward our friends. Lori rushes up to me. “Oh, my God. You look amazing!” A petite girl with shiny, almost black, hair she hugs me with strength beyond her size.

  “Thanks. You do too.” She’s wearing a red dress that leaves no curve unseen, and by the way Kaleb is checking out her ass, I’m thinking it’s on purpose.

  Kaleb winks at me. “You look great, what’s the occasion?”

  Casey smirks at me, I glance quickly at the door, realizing Nika and Derrick should be here any minute. “Feeling crazy.” I wink right back and give him a hair flip.

  I watch dimples appear on his face as Megan slides up to me for a hug. “Great to see you. You’ve been working way to much this summer.”

  “I know, but I’ve got a car to fund. I’m almost there.” Nick gives me a nod, and I smile back at him. He’s a man of few words, and I respect his need for space.

  I glance again at the door and notice a few heads turning. Nika has walked in, and if her height at well over six feet with heels isn’t the reason for people to stare, then it’s surely the model grace. She struts toward us as if she’s on a catwalk, and I feel invisible. Damn if she doesn’t work her shimmery blue dress in a way that makes every girl in this room green with envy. It’s loose and short, making you notice her legs, but there’s no disguising the killer body underneath as movement forms it around her torso.

  Megan leans in toward Lori and me. “Crap, is that your friend?”

  “Yup, but you’ll like her.”

  Lori says, “Who cares about her, looks what’s following.”

  Derrick saunters behind her, appearing as if he’s on the runway too. He’s in loose jeans hung low and a skin-tight gray T-shirt that reveals a well-earned chest. I lick my lips as if it can soothe t
he sudden burning in the pit of my belly. Fuck, he’s hot.

  I call up my inner sex goddess, throw back my shoulders, and move forward to meet them. “Hey, you look fantastic, Nika.”

  She gives me a quick air kiss, and her floral perfume wraps around me as she gives me a once-over with her eyes. “Nice.” Turning to Derrick she says, “Don’t you think, D?”

  He too gives me the once-over with his eyes, but he takes his time and mentally undresses me along the way. The tiny bit of thong I have between my legs is now soaked, and I will my trembling not to show. He stops at my eyes and tilts his head. “How do you dance in that?” A smile twitches at his lips, and my desire becomes a flash of anger. Prick.

  I put my hands on my hips, and with a glare I say, “I guess you’ll just have to find out.” I turn on my heel and lead them to the table.

  “Hey, guys, this is Nika and Derrick. They’re twins and moved here from New Hampshire.” I point at each person around the table. “Lori, Megan, Kaleb, Casey, Jason, and Nick.”

  Lori says, “Where in New Hampshire? I’m from the Hanover area.”

  Derrick answers. “Exeter.”

  “Near Phillips Exeter Academy?”

  Nika pipes in, “Yes, Derrick and I actually went there. He was the popular one. I was the geek.” She flashes a million-dollar smile.

  Megan says, “I doubt you suffered.”

  Nika says, “Actually, you’d be surprised. I was a gangly girl with braces. The only date I had was senior prom, and it was with my best friend’s brother.”

  Lori cranes her neck up to her. “Well, I’m going to guess that isn’t a problem now.”

  “Thanks.”

  Nika is fidgeting with the hem of her dress, so I interject. “Should we go get you drinks?”

  Derrick touches my arm. “I’ll get them.” He scans the group. “Anyone need anything?”

  Heads shake, and Casey moves the conversation to something more comfortable.