by Chloe Lang
“Maybe so, bro. I still want to go on a proper date with her.” Alex turned to her. “So, what do you say? Will you go out with me?”
Justin turned to her and grinned. “And me again, too?”
How long had she been hoping Alex would ask? She looked into Justin’s eyes. Why was he grinning? Was he giving his approval? Didn’t make sense since he was from Elko. But he’s grinning.
She gazed at Alex, the man she’d been dreaming about for months. Now I’m in deep shit.
She looked at both men, and swallowed her doubt.
“Yes, I’ll go out with you, Mr. Champion.”
Chapter Four
Justin squeezed Shelby. She came from a poly family. That was what she knew and likely wanted. He’d never really considered it for him and his brothers, but looking at how strongly Alex was acting around her and knowing how attracted Brandon was after seeing her, why not give it a shot? He loved his brothers. They loved him. Why couldn’t they share a woman? A crazy idea, but weren’t crazy ideas what he’d always been drawn to? Crazy is as crazy does. “You two are going to have fun.”
Alex’s eyes widened. “What are you up to, Justin?”
Shelby turned away from Alex and looked at him, her face full of questions.
He leaned close to her so Alex couldn’t see him wink. “Make sure he takes you dancing after, darlin’. My brother is quite good on the dance floor.”
“I will,” she said and kissed him on the cheek. “You’re a bit of a mystery, cowboy, aren’t you?”
“Just how I like to be, darlin’.”
“Don’t let him fool you,” Alex said. “He’s an open book. All his thinking comes from between his legs.”
“I forgot how lusty you boys from Elko can be,” Lily said with a smile.
“Lily, you and I should go.” Norma turned to Shelby. “We’ll meet you at your place, honey. Okay?”
“I’ll go with you. Justin, do you mind letting me out?” she asked, her big blues tempting him with every blink.
God, she’s beautiful. “Not at all, darlin’.” He leaned over and kissed her on her lush lips, enjoying the taste he found on them. It was a quick kiss, though he couldn’t wait to explore her mouth even more. But that would have to be later, after her date with Alex. The game had changed. No longer was he competing with his brothers. Now, the prize was for all of them. Together. How far was he willing to go with this? Pretty damn far for her. Maybe even all the way. But every game started with a roll of the dice or a shuffle of the cards. Chance had a say here. It might only be a fun fling, but who knew? It might even be more. Looking at Shelby, he could almost imagine settling down one day. Almost.
The entrance door to Norma’s opened and the bell on it rang. All of them turned that direction. Brandon walked in.
“So this is where you two disappeared,” Brandon said.
“Bran, chill. I bet you got to eat some of those ribs Shelby keeps telling me about.” Justin saw Brandon’s gaze zero in on Shelby. Yes, he’s into her already. Pretty bad by the looks of him. “How was the barbeque?”
“Fine,” his brother said, not moving his eyes off of the blonde beauty. “I’m headed back to Elko right now for my deposition. Wanted to say good-bye before I took off.”
Alex slapped him on the back. “Thanks for coming, Brandon. It meant a lot to me to have you here.”
“When will you be back in Wilde?” Justin asked, forming a plan to get Brandon and Shelby on a date together.
He shrugged. “I think day after tomorrow. I’m meeting with Jackson Wilde on a real estate case he and I are working on together.”
“Excellent.” Justin turned to Shelby. “Bran’s quite the dancer, too.”
“I’m the one she’ll be dancing with tonight,” Alex informed flatly. “Chinese and dancing.”
“In Elko,” Lily smirked. “Perhaps I could take one of you other Champion boys and we could have a double date.”
“No way,” Norma snapped. “We have a ton to do. Before we leave, we both need to fill out applications with Carlotta.”
“You want me to waitress again?” Lily asked with a frown.
Norma nodded. “It’s what we both know how to do and we need jobs.” The woman turned to them. “Please excuse us, gentlemen. Shelby, can we meet outside in ten minutes?”
“That will be fine,” she answered.
“Let’s go, Lily,” Norma said. Then the two women walked over to Carlotta, who was behind the counter.
“I guess I need to go, too,” Shelby said, slipping out of the booth.
He, Alex, and Brandon surrounded the sexy blonde. Looking down on her, Justin knew he’d never seen anything more beautiful in his entire life. He glanced at his brothers, whose eyes were fixed on her, too. It would be difficult to get them on board with the Wilde way of things, but it would be worth it. Tough or not, he wanted to find out how far they could go down this path.
Shelby chewed on her lower lip, letting him know that she, too, wanted the same thing.
* * * *
The Chinese restaurant in Elko was packed. Shelby took another bite of her sesame chicken. She and Alex sat right in the middle of the room. Every eye seemed to be pointed at them.
“You sure are interested in your food,” Alex said.
She looked up at him and saw his wide grin. “What do you mean?”
“You keep looking down at your plate. Is everything okay?” he asked with obvious concern.
“Everyone is looking at us, Alex. No wonder. A Wilde woman and an Elko man aren’t the typical duo in this town or in Wilde either, I suppose.”
He laughed. “How do they know you’re from Wilde? They might be looking our direction because you’re a very attractive woman. Have you thought about that?”
Him calling her attractive caused heat to rush to her cheeks. “No, I hadn’t. Perhaps the stares are more about how handsome you are or because they miss their former doctor. Have you thought about that?”
A couple of women walked up to their table, a redhead and a brunette.
The redhead placed her fingers on Alex’s shoulder. “Dr. Champion, how are you doing?”
The other woman flipped her hair back. “We sure miss you around here,” she added
“I was right that everyone was looking at you, wasn’t I?” Shelby felt a tinge of jealousy sweep through her. Why? She was with him, not these two. Besides, this was a first date. Maybe he’d been with one or both of these women when he lived in Elko. That thought didn’t sit well with her. “Care to introduce me to your friends?”
He motioned to the redhead. “This is Lucille.”
“Of course she is.” Shelby giggled and then instantly wished she could learn to keep her mouth shut. Unfortunately, she’d never been able to. Whenever something entered her head, it rushed out of her mouth like a waterfall. “I’m a huge fan of the old television show. You know Miss Ball was quite the looker in her movies.” Shit. Shut up. “And talented, too.”
“You’re from Wilde, aren’t you?” Lucille asked. “I remember you used to be a cheerleader for the Wilde Wolves, right?”
“My cheering days were a long time ago,” she said, still thinking these two were being quite rude. Wilde and Elko never mixed. Why had she agreed to this date? Justin had tricked her into saying yes was why. Back at the ground breaking ceremony, she shouldn’t have agreed to take the cowboy to her office. That mistake had led her down this flight of fancy, something that could never be—her with the Champions.
“That’s where I know you from,” the brunette said with a sneer.
“Shelby, this one is Trixie.” Alex frowned.
Not Ethel? She stifled another giggle.
“Ladies, if you will please excuse us,” Alex continued. “I’d like to be alone with my date.”
“When you get tired of Wilde trash, we’ll be here for you, Alex,” Lucille snapped. “Willing and waiting.”
Instant rage filled every cell of Shelby’s body. It was high school a
ll over again with Elko girls ridiculing her. God, how long would she have to suffer their slurs? She jumped to her feet and got right in front of the bitch. “Who you calling trash? Don’t you know we Wilde girls are always packing? Kind of dumb of you to push me, Elko, don’t you think?”
“Come on, Lucille. Let’s get out of here.” Trixie pulled the other woman back. “She’s not worth it. Doc will call us later. He always does.”
Lucille glared at her for a bit before finally leaving with Trixie.
“Wow, Shelby. I’ve never seen those two back off so quickly.” Alex, still sitting, looked at her. “I’ll never have to worry about you taking care of yourself.”
“You’re right about that, Dr. Champion. I can take care of myself quite well. I’ve been doing it for a very long time.” Her insides were still burning from being called trash and finding out he’d been with those two skanks. What kind of man would bed women like Lucille and Trixie? Maybe Alex was all sexy gift wrapping with nothing inside. “Perhaps I should call Norma and Lily to come get me and that way you can have your standby ménage tonight.”
“I would never lower myself to their standards, Shelby. The whole town knows about those two.”
“He’s right about that, dear,” an elderly woman at the table behind them said. “They are a disgrace. You two look quite good together,” the woman added with a wink.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
The lady smiled.
Shelby looked around the whole room. Everyone was blatantly staring at her. Some were nodding their approval. “Seems like I’ve created quite a stir.”
“Not you, sweetheart. Them. Lucille and Trixie.”
“No, it’s me,” she said, feeling so foolish for acting so rashly. High school was over. “I’m really sorry for making a scene. I get a little crazy around Elko girls. You know how it is between Wilde and your hometown.”
“Not with me, it isn’t. Those two need to apologize, not you. They like causing trouble. Always have.” He stood up and put his arm around her. “They’re more suited for Justin than me.”
Was he teasing or serious about Justin? She wondered.
“Shelby, how about we move to the next phase of this evening’s festivities? I’m ready to dance. How about you?”
She wished there was another place to dance in Wilde other than The Masters’ Chambers, but there wasn’t. If there were, she would’ve suggested they leave Elko right now. “If it’s away from here and those two in the corner, I’m more than ready.”
He walked her to the exit of the restaurant, which unfortunately led right past the table Lucille and Trixie were sitting at.
As they passed, Shelby couldn’t hold back her sarcasm. “Good night, ladies. Don’t trouble yourself by waiting by the phone. This cowboy’s mine.” She was shocked to have said that out loud, so unlike her. My time with him might only be for the evening, but they don’t have to know that.
As they walked out the door, Alex burst into laughter. “You are too much, Shelby.”
“You have no idea, Dr. Champion.”
“The dance hall is to our left. Only three blocks away.” He pulled her in tight. “How about we walk there?”
“It’s a beautiful night. I would like that very much.”
Heading to the club, she imagined Justin and Brandon waiting there for them. That would be the perfect date. But the Champions weren’t from Wilde. And even though they had grown up only thirty miles away from her hometown, it might as well have been around the globe. They didn’t understand the kind of families that lived there, including hers.
As they got close to their destination, she noticed that there were only five vehicles parked in front. “Pretty tame for a Saturday night,” she said.
“Let’s check it out anyway, sweetheart.” He opened the door and they walked in together.
As her eyes adjusted, she saw a lone table on the side of the dance floor. The place was empty, except for the band on the stage. “What’s going on?”
The bandleader waved at them and then spoke into the microphone. “Welcome, Miss Taylor, to Elko’s Dance Hall.” He turned to the other musicians and they began playing a soft, romantic ballad.
“There’s our table, Shelby. Follow me.” Alex grabbed her hand and walked her over to the table, which was beautifully decorated with flowers, a bottle of champagne chilling in a silver bucket of ice, one tall white lit candle, two crystal stem glasses, and chocolate-covered strawberries on a silver platter.
Her heart swelled in her chest. “You did all this for a first date? Quite impressive, Alex. I bet most women faint about now.”
“Since you’re the first I’ve ever done this for, you tell me. Do you need a cold cloth or would you rather sit?”
She laughed. “I’m shocked by this, Alex. How in the world did you get this for a Saturday night? I know Elko isn’t Wilde, but people still like to go out on the weekends here, don’t they?”
Alex grinned and pulled out a chair for her. “I may be from Elko, but I have my ways, Wilde.” Then he sent her a secretive wink.
She took a seat and he pulled his chair close to hers. One of those unending tingles fired up inside her. This date was turning out to be better than she’d imagined it would be.
He popped the cork of the champagne and filled her glass. The bubbles sparkled, reflecting the flame of the candle on the table. Then he poured himself a glass.
She gazed at him, astonished by how charming he was being tonight.
“You do like champagne, Shelby?” he asked, placing his arm around her shoulder.
She nodded and brought the drink up to her mouth. The first sip was sweet and tickled her lips. “This is very yummy.”
He held up his glass. “A toast.”
God, this man is perfect. Too perfect. But he’s still from Elko. How can I have a chance with him and Justin? And what about their other brother, Brandon?
“Don’t like toasts?” he asked. “You seem a million miles away, sweetheart.”
“Sorry. I’m just floored by all of this. No one has ever done anything close to this for me.” She brought her glass up to his and touched the edges together. “Yes. I would love a toast. But from me, if you don’t mind.”
“But I do, Shelby. I may be old fashioned, but as the man, I’d like to offer the first one.” He didn’t wait for her to respond, which was just to her liking. She’d always been attracted to self-assured men, powerful men, with just a touch of manly arrogance thrown in for good measure. “To you, Shelby. The most beautiful woman in all of Nevada. I’m thrilled you are with me tonight. I hope to make this evening so special that you won’t be able to forget one second of it.”
“Oh, I won’t, Dr. Champion. You’re doing quite well.”
“I’m glad,” he said and clinked their glasses together. Then he brought his up to his lips and drank the entire contents down in a single gulp.
She sipped hers, enjoying the sight of his lips being moistened by the golden liquid. God, how much she wanted to taste the champagne from his mouth.
Suddenly, Alex put his glass down on the table, put his hand on the back of her neck, and leaned in and kissed her. Was he reading my mind? The bubbly still on his lips tasted sweet to her. His tongue traced the edge of her lips, and she felt the tingle multiply into a sea of warm sensations, spreading through her body, just under her skin. A sweet shiver rolled up and down her spine. When he pressed deeper into her, sweeping into her mouth with his tongue, she melted into him, surrendering into his amazing kiss. She’d been dreaming of this for so long, and now here he was—embracing her. Being in his arms was like heaven. So strong. So powerful. So possessive.
The band changed songs as Alex released her mouth but not his hold on her.
Her heart was racing in her chest. She looked into his eyes, wishing tonight could last forever. But it couldn’t. Tomorrow would come. He’d said it. He was old fashioned. Not Wilde old fashioned. Elko old fashioned. She could never have her dream. Ever. Not
with the Champions. It just wasn’t possible.
“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours, Shelby?” he asked, but it sounded more like a demand from a Dom to her ears. But it wasn’t. He wasn’t a Dom and she wasn’t his sub, though with everything inside her she wished it could be the other way.
“I just love this song,” she said, which was at least a partial truth.
Without a word, he swept her to her feet and led her to the dance floor.
As he twirled her around the room, she felt her breathing rise, part from the dancing and part from being close to him. The force of Alex Champion was much more than she’d imagined. Sexy as hell and a man’s man. The perfect combination to get her motor running, and boy, was it running tonight.
“You’re quite the dancer,” she said.
He twirled her around a couple of times. “So are you, sweetheart. So are you.” Then he pulled her in close, stilling his feet and pressing his lips once again to hers. This time the kiss was even more hot, more passionate, more…everything.
As her toes curled, a million thoughts flashed through her head.
Oh God! Alex, I need you.
Chapter Five
Standing in his apartment in Wilde, Alex kissed Shelby, inhaling her scent of jasmine. Her aroma reminded him of spring.
They’d danced for hours, taking only a few breaks to enjoy the champagne and strawberries. Not wanting the night to end yet, he’d asked her to come to his place for a nightcap. After saying she trusted him since she’d known him for over a year, Shelby had agreed to one drink.
Now, he was once again enjoying the taste of her lips. Shelby was like no other woman he’d ever known. Sweet and spicy. Warm and fiery. Kind and sexy as hell.
He slipped his hands down her sides until they found the curve in her hips and was rewarded by a delicious moan from her lips into his mouth. Why had he waited so long to ask her out on a date? Work was the reason, but it wasn’t a good one. Not one damn bit. She was worth playing hooky, worth the project being delayed, worth whatever to get a chance to have her next to him.
