Southern Seduction

by Alcorn, N. A.

  Over the past two months, I’ve tried my hardest to fight this attraction, to resist the once dormant feelings that have threatened to surface, and I know he’s been doing the same, even though I have no idea why he’d ever give me another chance after the way I left him. With sudden clarity, I finally know why I left without seeing him one last time. If I had, I don’t think I would’ve ever been able to walk away. Instead, I took the cowardly way out and ran.

  This week has been the most tense-filled one since I stared working at Wellsley. After he caught me in my lie to Ms. Kensington, he left me reeling. The rest of the week I felt like I was walking on eggshells. Any time he tried to get personal, I made some excuse to change the subject or leave the room, and frankly, it’s been exhausting. I know I’m wearing down, and this closeness is going to break me—sooner rather than later.

  “Cheyenne,” he says softly, interrupting my thoughts. His hands land on my thighs as his thumbs rub circles on my jeans.

  A shiver runs down my spine, and when I see him lean in, part of me prays that he’s going to kiss me. It’s been seven long, tortuous days since his lips were on mine, and I’ve been missing them every day since.

  He bypasses my lips and places them just above my ear. “Don’t run from me, Cheyenne,” he whispers gruffly, and it’s uncanny how well he can still read me. While part of me was hoping for a kiss, the other half was prepared to jump up and run to the bathroom.

  Pulling back, he takes one hand off my leg and places it on the table. He downs the rest of his drink, which, on his breath, smells like whiskey, and so many memories come rushing back in. As I take a sip of my own cocktail, my eyes meet his, and the softness in them has me finally relenting. I’m not even sure what this means for us.

  “I don’t plan on it,” I admit, watching as relief floods in his face. “I know you might not believe this, but I remember all of it, too.” If I didn’t have these damn boots on, I’d be showing him my tattoo in intricate detail as some sort of proof, but I’ll have to wait for another day.

  As he leans back, he rewards me with a sexy, heart-stopping smile. He changes the subject, surprising me. “So tell me about your roommates,” he requests, and I do, slightly thankful for the emotional reprieve.

  I tell him all about how Cori and I met when we were assigned to be roommates. He laughs when I tell him about the day we met Bryan. When I mention their love/hate relationship, he simply nods, and I wonder if he’s still as observant as he used to be. He seems to get the hint that I think they would be perfect together, and I swear I see that same look of relief on his face again.

  “Sounds like college was a great time for you,” he comments almost wistfully.

  “To be honest, I was lucky I had them or else I would’ve been a complete hermit. I was so nervous about losing my scholarship that I mostly focused on school and my internship. They were lucky to get me to go out at least a couple of times a month, but fortunately they both were also great study partners. I really won the lottery when I found those two at Berkeley,” I tell him, and I think he understands, knowing my history.

  “I glad you had those two. I worried about you being all alone out there, and Sylvia wouldn’t give me your info after you turned off your phone.”

  I wince, remembering how hard it was to change my number when I got to Berkeley, and once again, I feel like a complete jerk and wonder how he can even stand to talk to me.

  “I even tried to get Dad to at least get her to tell you to call me, but she refused. I kind of panicked a little bit and almost caught a flight out there, figuring I could stalk all the freshman dorms, but then one night by the lake I was re-reading your letter and I realized I needed to respect your wishes,” he admits.

  I’m floored, and I wonder what I would’ve done if he’d have shown up. “She wouldn’t tell you where I was?” I ask, incredulous, but then again, I shouldn’t be surprised. She’d have done anything to keep her new perfect husband, so keeping space between Sawyer and me was high on her list.

  He nods, and I sit back in my chair. “Yeah, and I even begged just to be able to write a letter, a response to yours, but she wouldn’t give me anything.”

  I grab his hands, immediately loving the feel of his warm skin on mine.

  “I’m sorry, Sawyer,” I tell him, knowing it’s not enough. “I did everything so wrong back then.”

  His thumb rubs the top of my hand, and his eyes soften as he stops me. “Not tonight, Cheyenne. Every time we talk about the past, you shut down on me. Tonight let’s just forget all that. This is about us getting to know each other again without all that baggage. Sound okay to you?”

  I grin and answer honestly. “That sounds amazing.”

  The night continues with a comfort level I haven’t felt with a man in years. Cori and Bryan join us at the table from time to time, but I notice they’ve been spending most of the night on the dance floor together. Cori usually finds random dance partners, so I’m pretty sure she’s hanging out with Bryan for my benefit. I just hope she’s not giving him the wrong impression. Who knows? Maybe being so close to him for so long will finally help open her eyes.

  “Have you seen Sylvia?” Sawyer asks, surprising me since he’d said earlier that he didn’t want to talk about the past, but then again, it had to come up sometime.

  Shaking my head, I finish off my drink before I answer. “I haven’t heard from her in a while, and all our contact usually starts with a phone call from her. I assume nothing exciting’s happened or else I’d have heard about it by now.”

  It’s true. Maybe I’m a terrible daughter, but I think we’ve both resigned ourselves to the fact that we’ll never have a normal relationship. Well, I think she’s resigned herself to it. I just lost hope that I’d ever have a mother who cares more about her daughter than her status or the size of her bank account.

  “I haven’t been to Dad’s since you started at Wellsley. I know they went to Tahoe for a while after the holidays. I don’t think they’re back yet.”

  A thought suddenly crosses my mind. “Hey, you haven’t mentioned my being here, have you? I mean, if you have, that’s okay. I just want to be prepared.”

  The waitress interrupts us mid-conversation. “Another round, you two?”

  We both nod, and she grabs our empty glasses. “Whiskey and lemonade, right?” she asks me, and I can feel my cheeks flush as I tell her yes.

  Looking over at Sawyer, I can see that he’s grinning. “Is it as good as Wyatt’s?”

  I shake my head. “Absolutely not. Nothing is, and believe me, I’ve been trying to find the perfect blend and I haven’t been able to. I don’t know why. I guess it just stuck with me, and I’ve never been able to find anything better.” At this point, I have no idea if I’m still talking about the drink or something much bigger, but I decide not to dwell on it.

  “He’ll be happy to hear it. You should come see him sometime. I try to go to Shiloh Grove at least once a month. He’d love to see you back on the farm,” he says.

  Honestly, as much as the thought of setting foot in Shiloh Grove terrifies me, I would really love to see Wyatt again. The last time I saw him was hard, and even though he knew I was leaving, he kept my secret, even if it ended up hurting his nephew.

  “I’ll think about it,” I reply, taking a long drink once the waitress sets it down in front of me.

  “Okay, I promise I won’t push, but I’ll let you know next time I’m headed that way. Oh, and about your mom. No, I haven’t said a word. I’m sure Dad has no idea since he’s retired. I won’t say anything, but if and when you’re ready, I’ll be right there with you if you want me.”

  I can’t help the laugh that escapes my lips. “Oh yeah, the four of us together again. I’m sure that’d be quite a scene,” I say, clucking my tongue.

  He frowns but quickly masks it with a forced smile. Draining the rest of my drink in just a couple of gulps, I realize I’m starting to feel tipsy, probably because I haven’t eaten anything since lunch
. I stand up and hold my hand out, ready to forget all about our parents.

  “Come on, city boy. Why don’t you show me your moves?”

  Grinning, he takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. My heart races in anticipation of him pressed up behind me, and for the first time in a very long time, I feel happy and content, and more than ready to let the past go.

  Sawyer

  Cheyenne opening up to me, even just the little bit that she did, was more than I could have expected. When she told me she remembered it all, I knew she was telling the truth. I could see it in her eyes, and for the first time, I honestly believed that she and I have a chance to figure all this out. As much as I wanted to get down to the bottom of things, I knew I couldn’t push her. I was more than okay with having just casual conversation tonight. It wasn’t until the waitress confirmed her drink order of whiskey and lemonade that I realized just how much she really does remember from that summer.

  I watch as she downs the rest of her drink and gets up out of her chair. Her slightly glossy eyes let me know that she’s feeling pretty damn good. When she holds her hand out, I grab it and lead her to the edge of the dance floor that’s become pretty full. I should resist, knowing that we’re probably under intense scrutiny, especially since the guys all seem to like to check her out. When she turns around and presses her ass against my groin, all rational thought escapes my mind. My hands come to her hips and she grinds in rhythm to the hip hop song that’s playing over the speakers.

  I didn’t spend four years of Greek living at Auburn without learning how to expertly bump and grind. I slide my hand from her hip to her stomach, pulling her into me as I match her movements. A few songs blend together as I enjoy Cheyenne’s closeness. I can feel beads of sweat rolling down my back, but I don’t care. As much as I’d love to be talking to her right know, hearing her sweet voice, the feel of her pressed up against my body is almost just as good. If it weren’t for the fact that we’re surrounded by coworkers, I’d have already whipped her around so that we could connect in the most intimate of places.

  The music changes and a slow song comes on. Cheyenne turns in my arms, wrapping her own around my waist as she smiles up at me—a smile so sweet that I’m momentarily transported back five and a half years ago.

  I must have a strange look on my face because she cocks her head and looks at me quizzically.

  “Whatcha thinkin’, city boy?” she asks, her drawl emphasizing the words. Her hands slide up my chest and her eyes dance when she feels the muscles under my shirt. “Hmm, I may have to change that to city man.”

  I can barely resist the urge to kiss her at her comment, so I laugh instead. “Hell no, pretty girl. If you start callin’ me city man, I’ll have to call you pretty woman. And, well, there’s no way in hell I’m about to do that.”

  A small giggle escapes her lips, and I wrap my arms around her even tighter. I pull her into my chest, and she tightens her own arms around me as she grins up at me. “Oh, you mean you don’t want to pay me to date you? Come on. I am a pretty cheat date. You should know this,” she says, winking.

  I lean down and my lips hover over her ear. “Are you agreeing to go on a date with me, Cheyenne?”

  She seems to mull it over, apparently not sure what she should say. My mind’s sending her telepathic thoughts chanting, Say yes, say yes, say yes. I’m silently kicking myself, hoping I didn’t speak too soon and ruin all the progress we’ve made tonight. I don’t realize that I’m holding my breath until it releases when she breaks out into a huge smile.

  “Okay, Sawyer. You’re on. I’ll agree to go on a date,” she says, pausing. “On one condition.”

  Groaning, I let my head fall. She places a soft hand on my chin, forcing me to look at her. “Do I even want to know what this condition is?” I ask, causing her to grin wickedly.

  “If you want a date, then you better start it right now. I’m starvin’ and the alcohol’s startin’ to go to my head. See? I can’t even pronounce my Gs!”

  Not wanting to let her continue on her tirade, I grab her hand and pull her off the dance floor. I lead her to our table, where Cori and Bryan are arguing over something. She sits and I place my hand on the small of her back.

  “I’ll go and settle up the tab. Then we’ll get out of here, okay?”

  Her eyes twinkle in the bar light, and I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol or some form of desire. I’m hoping for the latter. “About time. Don’t keep me waitin’.”

  Heading to the bar, I can feel an extra pep in my step, more than ready for a date and some alone time with her.

  I’m cashing out when I feel a presence beside me. Glancing up, I notice Bryan and brace myself for whatever warnings or threats I’m about to get.

  “Let me guess. What are my intentions with your roommate?” I ask in a deep voice, eyebrows drawn.

  He lets out a low chuckle. “What makes you think I don’t claim her as mine?” he asks suspiciously.

  I finish filling out the slip before answering him. “If you wanted Cheyenne to be yours, I doubt you would’ve let her stay in my arms for more than one dance. Not to mention the way you’ve been staring at Cori all night. You didn’t even take a peek at Cheyenne’s ass in her tight jeans. That tells me you’re a good guy.”

  “Observant, eh, Callahan? Fine. I haven’t seen Cheyenne smile so much in a long time. Just don’t hurt her,” Bryan warns me.

  “I don’t know what you know about me, but hurting Cheyenne is something I will never do.”

  Apparently that answer satisfies him because he slaps me on the back and we head to the table to collect the girls.

  Cheyenne

  I’m trying to ignore Cori’s speculative grin as I wait for Sawyer to close the tab. Anxious to get some food in my stomach and some more alone time with him, I’m not ready to tell her all the details.

  “You two seem cozy tonight,” she says, her pencil-thin eyebrows rising.

  Her words wash over me and all of a sudden I’m aware of my surroundings. Shit. Were Sawyer and I just dancing suggestively on display for all our coworkers? This is exactly what I’ve been trying to avoid, but he’s just too damn irresistible. We have too much history for me to keep fighting the attraction between us.

  “Nope, don’t you dare, Cheyenne. Get out of your head right this second.”

  “I’m not in my head,” I tell her, but she gives me a knowing look. “I’m serious. Okay, maybe I was for a minute, but I’ve pushed all inner thoughts away. We’re heading out to get something for dinner. See you at home.

  She grins at me wickedly. “Yeah, see you there. Probably tomorrow morning.”

  She’s still laughing when the guys return to the table. “What’s up?” Bryans asks, and Cori just says that she’ll tell him later.

  Sawyer looks at me, eyebrows raised, I shrug and then hop down from my seat.

  “Let’s get out of here.”

  When we get outside, he asks about my car. I tell him that I rode with Bryan, so he leads me onto the sidewalk. We walk for a couple of blocks, and once we’re far enough away from the bar, he slips his hand into mine, intertwining our fingers. I shiver at the contact and he stops to look at me.

  “Cold?” he asks, looking concerned.

  My cheeks flush at having been caught. “Not exactly,” I tell him, and his smirk lets me know he understands me.

  We’re about to pass a small park when he pulls me inside. He presses me up against the thick trunk of a tree. With one hand on my waist, he brings the other one up to cup my cheek.

  As he looks down into my eyes, the familiar feeling of butterflies attacks my stomach. I watch as he closes the distance between us, and this time, when his lip met mine, I don’t fight it.

  My hands slip around his waist and I pull him closer to me. His lips devour mine like it’s been six years since we’ve been in this position, not just a few days. He’s kissing me with a fiery hunger, and at the most inopportune time, my stomach decides to growl. His lips
spread into a grin pressed firmly against mine. I can feel him shaking against me as he silently laughs.

  “I guess I better feed you,” he says, breaking away, but I pull him back in, standing on my toes to press a kiss to his lips, my tongue invading his mouth. His meets mine with soft strokes as I press myself against him, wanting his friction, but he keeps himself just out of reach.

  “Come on, city boy,” I say, breaking our kiss as my hands run down his back, stopping just above his ass. “Don’t stop when we’re just gettin’ started. I’m throwing caution to the wind tonight.”

  “You are a temptress, but I promised you a date, so I’m going to give you one.” He steps out of my embrace and slips his hand into mine.

  We walk in a comfortable silence until we reach a residential area not far from my own place. I look around, spotting familiar landmarks, and I’m beginning to realize that we’ve never talked about where he lives. Is it possible that he’s been right around the corner this whole time? Coming to a quiet building, we enter and he leads me to an elevator. We go to the top floor when he gets off and I follow him down the hall, not stopping until he gets to the last door.

  “Your place?” I ask, cocking an eyebrow up.

  “Hey, I said I’d feed you, and since it’s getting late, I thought it’s be nice to just come back here and talk in peace without having to raise our voices like we had to do at the bar.”

  As my other eyebrow rises, I give him a playful slap on the arm. “When I said we could go on a date, I meant you taking me out. I didn’t mean for you to find a sneaky way to lure me into your lair.”

  He laughs as he takes my hand, pulling me down the long hallway. “No ulterior motives here, Cheyenne. Other than just wanting to spend time with you without giving everyone at Wellsley more stuff to gossip about. Cross my heart,” he says, making the motions over his chest.

  “Yeah, yeah. You say that now. I may have been a naïve girl once upon a time, but I remember how you city boys can be.” I wink at him, only teasing, and he just shakes his head and leads me to the kitchen. “Actually, it works for me. If I spent any more time in that loud bar, I was bound to get a headache.”