On the Naughty List

by Lori Foster

Jake laughed. “I’ve owned this place nearly ten years and he’s never brought a woman here before. If you can think of another label, just let me know.”

  Max joined his friend’s amused chuckling. “See? Proof to back up my claim. Jake Bishop meet Toni …”

  “Larson,” she said, extending her hand before his friend realized how little they knew about each other.

  “Nice to meet you, Toni.” Jake swung a towel over his arm. “Can I get you two something to eat? My burgers are the best.” Without waiting for an answer, he disappeared into the kitchen.

  “Modest guy.”

  Max dragged the empty stool close to hers and swung himself into it. “He can afford to be full of himself. Look at this place. It’s a gold mine. Of course it is the only bar for miles.”

  She nodded. “And one where you’ve got your own table and everyone seems to know you. Do you call this place home?” Toni liked the rustic, comfortable decor. The place emitted warmth and a down-home atmosphere that welcomed its customers and she could see Max spending his free time here.

  “As a matter of fact I do.” He gestured upward. “I rent the place upstairs.”

  “Really.” She leaned forward and rested her chin on her hands. “And here your friend said you don’t make it a habit of luring unsuspecting women to your lair.”

  He shook his head, his gaze never leaving hers. “I haven’t lured you anywhere you didn’t want to go. And if you want me to drive you back to the city after dinner, I will.”

  Her heart beat out a rapid crescendo in her chest. She didn’t want to go anywhere without him. They’d just met tonight but she’d never felt so much so fast. “And if I don’t?” she asked softly.

  Max leaned closer. “If you don’t want to go back, then you stay with me.”

  His warm breath tickled her cheek and she realized she could easily fall hard for this man. All six feet of him put her at a petite disadvantage, yet for a woman who prided herself on her independence, she had to admit she liked his overpowering air and the heady way he made her feel.

  Enough to consider spending the night?

  “Burgers, folks.” Jake arrived, interrupting the electric current of awareness running between them. After serving them their meals, Jake grabbed a chair and dragged it over.

  Max eyed his friend warily. Jake never knew when to butt out. Max ought to resent Jake’s intrusion, but hell, the man was a bartender. Being nosy was his business, and besides, Max needed a break or else he’d grab Toni’s hand and drag her upstairs to his bed—the one thing he wanted and the last thing he ought to do. He needed to build on the tentative start they’d made, not rush into a one-night stand. Which wasn’t to say he wouldn’t follow her lead, Max thought.

  “So where’d you two meet, a costume party?” Jake asked, then gestured to the food in front of them. “Go ’head and eat.”

  Max rolled his eyes. “We met in the city.”

  “I work with his brother,” Toni explained.

  “She’s a lawyer?”

  “Not a typical one,” Max said, knowing Jake was already questioning why he’d fall for one of what Max had always labeled a stuffy breed.

  “This true?” Jake asked.

  “I guess.” Toni shrugged. “At least no more than he’s a typical Corbin.”

  “You two seem to have a handle on each other.”

  Not nearly well enough, Max thought. Not yet.

  Jake leaned forward in his seat, ready for more conversation. “Sounds like a match made in heaven to me.”

  “You realize the place is emptying out while you’re hanging out here?” Max asked.

  “Are you looking to get rid of me?”

  “Could I if I tried?”

  Toni laughed. “You two sound like brothers.”

  Max shrugged. “Live with a guy for four years and you get the urge to kill him every once in a while.”

  “The man speaks the truth.” Jake leaned back and took in the emptying bar. “Less money, more family time. I don’t know whether I love or hate the holidays.”

  “He closes early during the week before Christmas,” Max explained.

  “That’s nice.”

  Max wondered if he mistook the wistful look in Toni’s eyes when Jake mentioned family time and holidays in the same breath. Recalling her childhood, he doubted he was off base and he wanted the opportunity to replace older, sadder memories with newer, happier ones.

  “Well, you two be good.” Jake turned to Toni and winked. “I’m going to start wrapping things up for the night.”

  For the next hour, while Jake cleared out the remaining customers and then locked the door behind Max and Toni, promising to return early for a real cleanup, Max ate and watched Toni do the same. He wasn’t a man prone to talking about himself but she had him explaining the types of cases he handled and describing the thrill of working in the field as opposed to behind a desk or in a courtroom. To his surprise, she didn’t turn her nose up or question his choices. If anything, she not only approved but seemed to envy his ability to walk away from the pressure and grind to do what he enjoyed.

  Max studied her. Now that she’d paid off her student loans, she could afford to start making choices out of enjoyment and not necessity. He wondered if she even realized she had that option, but before he could delve deeper into her life, the conversation detoured yet again.

  But no matter what they discussed Max found himself drawn to her. Not just because they shared a passion for take-out Mexican food and Rollerblading in fresh air, but because she was unique: She was a woman who made him want to open up, a woman who interested him so much he wanted to know more about her life, and a woman who accepted the choices he made. A woman he desired not just in his bed, though that was a given, but in his life, to see where things led.

  And if her footwork was any indication, she wanted the same thing. She’d obviously let her elf boots fall to the floor and she’d brushed her foot against his leg once too many times for comfort or accident. The light flush in her cheeks and her inability to look him head-on told him she didn’t find her overt moves easy. But he was grateful for her interest and he intended to keep things light and fun—to give her space to decide how far she wanted to take things, knowing he wouldn’t accept just tonight. It would be her decision to stay or go, no matter how much his body throbbed with growing need.

  Conversation became more difficult as she intentionally massaged his calf with the arch of her foot, inching upward beneath the table.

  He leaned closer. “You’re a naughty girl, Toni.” He captured her foot between his legs, stilling her arousing movements.

  It was either stop her or let her continue her upward climb, in which case their evening would end before it ever began. And with the bar empty and Jake gone, Max would much rather start their time together fresh and new.

  “Being naughty’s the whole point, Max.”

  “You sound like a woman with a plan.” He paused, thinking of their unusual meeting. “And it started with that kiss.”

  “You’re astute. No wonder they call you detective.” Her lips lifted in a smile. “I already told you I acted on opportunity.”

  “In a way that was out of character.” Max was as certain Toni wanted him as he was that she had a bad case of nerves.

  “And you know this how?” She drummed her fingertips on the table, trying hard to maintain her nonchalant façade.

  Max grinned. “Gut instinct.”

  Toni inclined her head. Not only did he understand her well but he seemed to see inside her, too. Her aggressive act was just that, but in no way did that minimize how badly she wanted this night.

  He stopped her nervous tapping and threaded his fingers through hers. “Relax, sweetheart.”

  The softly spoken endearment wrapped around her heart and her adrenaline picked up speed. “You really think that’s possible?”

  He shrugged. “I know so. We’re going to get to know each other better. We’ll have fun. And nothing will happe
n that you don’t want to happen. So relax and come with me.”

  She’d follow him anywhere, Toni thought. And despite the fact that she’d never done anything that resembled a one-night stand before, she wanted everything to happen. She just needed to gather her nerve. Her hand entwined with his, she let him lead her around the bar and into a back room she hadn’t seen earlier because of the crowds.

  In the corner, beside the rack holding the pool cues, a Christmas tree took up a lot of space in the small room. The tree beckoned to her, with its worn ornaments, aged by time and handling, hanging from its branches. Though it wasn’t professionally decorated with pricey ornaments like the one in the office, this Christmas display showed thoughtfulness, warmth, and caring.

  She reached out and lightly fingered a cut-out teddy bear hanging from a crudely bent pipe cleaner. “This is so sweet.”

  Max came up behind her. His body heat and masculine scent put her nerve endings on high alert.

  “Jake’s daughter made it her first year in kindergarten,” he said.

  “And this one?” With a trembling hand, she pointed to a clay angel, made with obvious talent and love.

  “A customer.” Max’s warm breath fanned her ear. “Jake could tell you who gave him each one.”

  Toni nodded, impressed. “And what was your contribution?”

  “What makes you so sure I made one?”

  “Intuition.” The man would put his mark on everything in his life, she thought. Including herself.

  “Smart woman. I supply the tree each year.”

  Toni turned to find him very close and what little composure remained nearly shattered beneath his steamy gaze.

  “Ever play pool?” he asked, changing the subject.

  Toni’s shoulders lowered and she smiled, feeling on safer ground. “Too many times to count.”

  “Then we don’t need lessons.” He grabbed her hand and strode the few steps to the pool table. Wrapping his hands around her waist, he lifted her onto the lacquered edge.

  She licked her lips, wondering why she’d deluded herself into an illusion of safety. Around Max, she was constantly off balance, desire never far away. “No lessons,” she agreed, wondering what would come next.

  “Then how about we play each other? For intriguing stakes.” His deep eyes bored into hers.

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “It’s called getting to know you. For every ball I miss, I admit something about myself. Something deep and personal or … something I desire.” His voice deepened to a husky drawl.

  She tried to swallow but her mouth had grown dry. “And if you get the ball into the pocket?”

  She watched the pulse beat in his neck, and acting on impulse, she pressed a light kiss against his skin. He let out a low growl. “If I make my shot, you remove an article of clothing. Same rules apply for you. What do you say?”

  Arousal beat a heavy rhythm in her veins. Naughty or nice, Toni thought. Did she have the nerve to participate in his game? To take their night to its ultimate conclusion?

  Under ordinary circumstances, probably not. But nothing about Max or her growing feelings for him was typical—or easy. However, her pool game had never been a problem—not since she’d waitressed in college and learned from the best. “I say why not?”

  He handed her a cue, then proceeded to set up the table. “Do you want to break or should I?”

  “I’ll do it.” Toni figured it was a win-win situation. Either she revealed something about herself or he revealed a bare body part—either way she wouldn’t be the one overexposed.

  Max stepped back, leaning on his cue as Toni lined up her shot. The one thing he’d forgotten when suggesting this game was her skimpy outfit—and if the thought of their rules had him hot and bothered, the reality of watching her bent over the table inspired erotic images to rival his steamiest daydream.

  “You do realize the lighter the stick the farther the follow-through,” she said.

  “It’s also been said a heavier stick gives you more power,” Max replied but he wasn’t concentrating.

  The white fur trim of her skirt had lifted a notch, revealing thigh-high stockings and an enticing glimpse of the pale skin peeking above the elastic lace trim. The sudden rise in heat owed nothing to room temperature and everything to his sexy elf. His fingers itched to cup her soft flesh and his body begged to be cradled in her feminine heat.

  The sudden crack of the stick hitting the cue ball broke his train of thought and echoed in the otherwise silent room. Still in a sweat, Max forced himself to focus on the game in time to see a flash of color and a ball ease into the corner pocket. “I’m impressed.”

  She straightened and grinned, looking pleased with herself. “One lesson I learned early in life was to never agree to a game I couldn’t win.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” He reached for the bottom of his shirt and yanked it over his head, grateful for her decent shot and the opportunity to cool off.

  Her lashes fluttered quickly and her eyes opened wide as she stared at his bare chest.

  “What’s wrong? Did you forget the rules?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “Of course not.” Appearing more flustered than before, she settled in for the next round of play. But this time her hands shook and Max knew for sure his lack of clothing had rattled her. At least now they were on equal footing, he thought, taking in the seductive wiggle of her behind as she lined up her shot.

  Sure enough, the next ball went shimmying toward the back wall, missing the pocket. “Sorry, sweetheart. Confession time.”

  She turned toward him, eyes big and imploring, a pout on her lips.

  He shook his head. “No poor-me look is going to sway me, now spill.” He paused, thinking of her alternatives. “Or you could always opt to speed the game along and remove an item of clothing.”

  “My sweet sixteen was my worst birthday,” she said quickly, obviously making her choice.

  He suppressed a laugh. “What happened?” He stepped closer, wishing she’d taken him up on his alternative offer.

  “My dog ran away.”

  “I’m not buying that.” He folded his arms across his chest, gratified when her eyes followed the movement. “But I am listening.”

  Her arm brushed his and she didn’t break contact as she said, “My father died suddenly, the day before I turned sixteen.”

  Max breathed in deeply. A punch in the gut would have been more gentle, but it was his own fault. He’d suggested they reveal something deep and personal, and she had. She trusted him, showing it far more than if she’d removed her clothes.

  “What happened?” he asked softly. Though she couldn’t have any fond memories of the man, losing a parent couldn’t be easy. “Heart attack?”

  She nodded. “And instead of grief, I felt nothing but relief.” The strain in her face and the guilt in her eyes were obvious. “And here I thought my shooting first would leave you more exposed.” She shook her head and treated him to a brief smile. “Your turn.” She gestured to the cue.

  Max swallowed hard. Had he really thought this would be light and easy?

  “Okay.” Still shaken, he bent over the table and took in his options before lining up his shot, missing the pocket by too much.

  He felt her light touch as she tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to find her in his personal space, within kissing distance. He reached for her shoulders and held on.

  “You didn’t have to do that,” she whispered, calling him on his deliberately missed shot. An easier play had sat by the corner pocket but he’d chosen to forfeit instead.

  “No, I didn’t. But I wanted to.” He’d had two choices. Open a vein and exchange information or watch her peel off the clingy green suit.

  No matter how much he’d rather see her undress, he owed her and had to reveal a personal secret. She’d opened up to him tonight. Twice. If his goal was getting closer, he had to return the favor. Besides, he wanted to let her in. For the first time, h
e wanted to connect with a woman in more places than in bed. He’d proven himself adept at making selfish choices in life, Max thought, but not when it came to Toni. She was too special.

  Gratitude flickered in her eyes and she waited in silence for him to pay up. He wasn’t comfortable and hated like hell for having put himself in this position, but he supposed that spoke of Toni’s effect on him. “My father resents me for leaving the business and I’ve never measured up to Stephan as Dad’s favorite son.” He tensed, having admitted his deepest vulnerability and laid it out there for her to see.

  Her gaze softened. “Your father’s a fool, and if you repeat a word of that to my boss, you’ll pay in spades,” she said, then wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.

  Her lips lingered over his and as his chest rasped against her fur-lined V-neck, he needed more than a simple kiss. He fumbled for her zipper, the one that would allow him to peel off the outfit and bare her for him to see. But she pulled back before he could get a decent grasp and he groaned.

  “Your last miss didn’t count,” she said in a husky voice. “Now play pool.”

  He wagged a finger in the air. “Like I said, naughty girl.”

  “What fun is it if you don’t have to work for it?”

  “Trust me, sweetheart, it’d be plenty fun. But if you insist, I’ll take another turn.” Having laid his soul bare, he knew it was time to turn up the heat. “But before I make this next shot …”

  “You’re too confident about your gaming abilities,” she said, interrupting him.

  “Aren’t you the one who said never play a game you can’t win? But if at any point you change your mind …”

  She shook her head. “I wouldn’t have let you drive all the way out here if I wasn’t sure.”

  He let out a slow breath of air that did little to help his rapidly beating heart. “Just remember, it’s your choice.”

  She looked at him in a way no one—no woman—had ever looked at him before, with just the right mixture of trust, reverence, and desire to make a man fall to his knees.

  “You’re a nice guy, Max.”

  He’d never been called nice before and he knew his actions tonight were as unique as she was. “You’re pretty damn special yourself.” He leaned over the table and easily made his next shot, then walked a few steps to line up the next. “But something tells me you won’t be thinking such great thoughts about me after this,” he said, sinking another ball as he spoke, then his third before shifting her way.