by Elle James
“I’m glad to hear it. Living on your own can be dangerous. It’s nice to know you go home to a gated community.”
She nodded. “I’ll text you the address.”
He stared down at her for a long moment, and then bent to gently kiss her. “Now, go home before I’m tempted to stay here all night kissing you.”
She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment, wondering if she was going to spook him by being too forward. But she wanted him so badly, she had to ask, “Do you want to come back to my place for a drink?”
He hesitated before answering.
Jane held her breath. Had she pushed too soon?
“I would,” he said, “but I want you to know how much I care about you and how much I respect you. If I went with you now, I’d be too tempted to take advantage of you and go beyond kissing.” He pulled her against him and held her long enough for her to understand the extent of his desire. The hard ridge of his cock beneath the zipper of his trousers pressed into her belly.
Her pulse quickened as she stared up at him. “I wouldn’t have asked you to come to my house, if I didn’t want you to go beyond kissing,” she said, her voice husky.
He drew in a long breath and let it out. “Friday. I’m taking you dancing. What happens after that is up to you.” He kissed her forehead, her eyelids one at a time and her mouth. “Still want to come?”
She nodded. “Even more so, now.”
He set her away from him, opened her car door and held it while she climbed in behind the wheel. “I’ll see you Friday.”
With every bit of control she could muster, she closed the door and started the engine.
She glanced in the rearview mirror as she drove out of the parking lot and out onto the street.
If all went according to plan, she’d be in his arms on Friday. On the dance floor and, hopefully, in his bed.
Chapter 12
Max showed up at the gate to Jane’s subdivision Friday evening and waited for the gate guard to check his driver’s license against the list of authorized guests before he let Max past the gate and gave him directions to Jane’s house.
He was impressed by the homes in the community. They were upscale and appeared very expensive. If he’d chosen to live in Austin, it would have been in a neighborhood much like this. Private, carefully guarded and exclusive.
Max wondered how much a fashion merchandiser made to be able to afford to live in such a neighborhood. Each of the homes had to cost several million dollars, and they sat on large, beautifully landscaped lots of an acre or more.
When he pulled into the drive, Jane opened the door and came out before he stepped onto her paved walkway. She wore a blue denim skirt, a white tank top tucked into the skirt and white cowboy boots.
She carried a large leather purse, slung over her shoulder. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, low on the back of her neck, and what little makeup she wore enhanced her eyelashes and lips.
He met her halfway up the sidewalk to her front door and took her hands in his. “You look amazing.”
She grinned. “You don’t look bad yourself.”
He’d worn a starched pair of blue jeans, white button-down shirt, cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. The hat was to help him hide his identity from anyone in the saloon who might recognize him, other than his friends, all of whom were coming and had been warned not to call him Moose or mention the NFL, his team or anything else about football.
Max glanced toward her house. “Do you need to lock up?”
“Already did.” Her brow furrowed. “Did you want to go in?”
“Not unless you do.”
She shook her head. “I have to confess, I’ve been watching videos on the internet. I think I have this two-step thing down. Only, I think it’s probably harder with music and a real partner.”
“You’ll do fine. You did when we danced on our first date.”
“You’re too kind. I’ll probably stomp on your toes until they’re black and blue.”
“I’ll take my chances for the opportunity to hold you in my arms.” He winked and held open the door to his truck. “Your chariot awaits.”
With his assistance, she climbed up into the cab of the pickup and settled her purse on the floor.
Using the GPS, Max drove out of Austin, heading west, following the setting sun. They passed a town called Hellfire and another called Temptation before they came to what appeared to be a large tin shack in the middle of nowhere.
Max pulled into the parking lot where dozens of other trucks and SUVs were parked.
Even before he shut off the engine, he could hear the sound of country music pulsing through the corrugated tin walls.
Jane glanced his way, her eyes dancing. “This should be fun.”
Max dropped down from the truck and rounded the hood to the passenger side.
Jane had the door open and was in the process of climbing out.
He helped her to the ground and nodded toward her purse. “Need that?”
She shook her head. “It can stay in the truck. I won’t need it until later.”
His pulse quickened. She’d brought what she’d need to stay the night at the ranch.
Max was tempted to say, To hell with the Ugly Stick. Let’s go to my place.
But he’d promised to take her dancing, and he wanted to introduce her to his friends. He hadn’t introduced a woman he was dating to his friends in a very long time.
His friends were his family, and he wanted them to know and love Jane.
They walked through the entrance and were greeted by the bouncer, a large, intimidating woman who looked like she chewed on nails for fun. “Can I see some ID?”
Jane laughed and pulled her driver’s license out of her back pocket and showed it to the woman.
Max did the same.
The bouncer jerked her head toward the interior. “Welcome to the Ugly Stick Saloon.”
It took a few moments standing just inside the saloon for his vision to adjust to the dim lighting and to find his friends seated at a table close to the dance floor.
Coop sat with his fiancée, Emma, and Gage had brought Fiona. Sean was on the dance floor with a cute brunette, and Tag was dancing Leslie around in a fast two-step. She was laughing but keeping up effortlessly.
“Gang’s all here,” Max said over the loud music.
With a hand at the small of Jane’s back, Max guided her to the large table and made the introductions of the people seated.
“Guys, this is Jane Gentry.” His chest puffed out. He was so proud to be with her and to show her off to his friends. He went around the table, naming them. “Gage Tate is a good friend of mine from our college days at A&M. Actually, all the men here tonight are friends from my days at A&M,” Max said. “Gage’s lovely date is Fiona McKenzie.”
The couple smiled and shook Jane’s hand.
Max nodded toward Coop and his lady. “Coop Johnson and Emma Jacobs.”
Coop rose to engulf Jane’s hand in his larger one.
Emma rounded the table and hugged her. “It’s so good to see Max with someone. He deserves to be happy, after all his hard work. I’m glad he’s ranching fulltime. It’s hard, but not as hard on his body as—”
“What would you like to drink?” Max interrupted, leaning close to Jane.
Emma’s eyes rounded, and her cheeks flushed pink. “Sorry, didn’t mean to keep a lady from her choice of libations.” She hugged Jane once more and leaned back, studying her face. “I feel like I know you.” Her eyes narrowed for a moment, and then she shrugged. “I’m sure it’ll come to me later.” She sat down beside Coop and rested her hand on his knee.
Max breathed a sigh.
Jane laughed shakily and turned to him. “I’ll have a Miller Lite.”
“Bottle or tap?” He lifted a hand to stop a strawberry-blond waitress passing by wearing a tank top and frayed jean shorts that barely covered her butt and bright red cowboy boots.
She smiled and nodded toward her full tray.
“I’ll be right back to take your order.” After depositing mugs, bottles and snacks at another table, she returned.
“Hi, I’m Audrey Anderson Graywolf. I own this place. We’re a little shorthanded, but we’ll do the best we can. What can I get you?” Her grin spread across her face in a welcoming smile.
“Audrey, could you get us a couple of Miller Lites?” he asked.
She nodded. “I have it on tap or in the bottle.”
“Tap is fine.”
She nodded. “Anything else? Our barbeque sliders are on special tonight and meant to be shared.”
“They’re good,” Coop added.
“Barbeque sliders it is,” Max said with a smile. “Thank you.”
Audrey left, her hair bouncing around her shoulders as she weaved her way between tables, calling out hello to customers entering the building.
Coop leaned forward. “Audrey’s the best. She’s really made this place come to life.”
The music stopped between songs, and the band announced they would be taking a short break.
Sean left his dance partner at another table and sauntered over to join them. “This must be Jane,” he said, holding out his hand. “I see why you talk so highly of her. She’s gorgeous.” He took Jane’s hand in his and raised it to his lips to kiss the backs of her knuckles.
Max glared at him. “Hey.”
Sean grinned and released her hand. “Nice to meet you Jane. Max has only good things to say about you.”
She glanced up at him, her brow rising.
“Only good,” he said, raising is hands in surrender. “I promise.”
Tag and Leslie joined them.
“Jane, I’m so glad to finally meet you.” Tag shook her hand, smiling. “Leslie speaks highly of you.”
Jane shook his hand. “Leslie tells me you’re a big proponent of BODS.”
He nodded. “I am. So far, she’s matched Coop and Gage with the loves of their lives. And look at you two…” Tag grinned. “I’ve never seen Moo—Max so discombobulated.”
Jane glanced at Max, her brow twisting. “Max? Discombobulated?”
Her lips twitched, making Max want to kiss them. “He’s just jealous I have a date and he doesn’t.” When Jane turned back to Tag, Max shot him a warning glare. He’d almost called him Moose.
Jane looked from Tag to Leslie. “Tag isn’t your date?”
Leslie laughed and patted Tag’s arm. “Oh, dear, no. We’re just good friends. He’s been one of my biggest supporters of BODS. I mean, look at him. He’s gotten three out of his group of five men to give it a shot.”
“Coop and Emma were first,” Tag said. They’re getting married in a week.”
Jane reached out and shook their hands again. “That’s wonderful. Congratulations.”
Max found himself envying Coop and Emma. They were already far enough into their relationship to tie the knot.
He wished he and Jane were there. The more he saw her, the more he wanted her to be in his life. Forever.
She hit all the qualifications on his bride test list. She was beautiful without all the makeup. Maybe she wasn’t used to the outdoors as much as he was, but she was willing and had gotten dirty proving it. She was honest, kind and friendly. And she kissed like nobody’s business. Though he’d told his friends that sex wasn’t that important, he found himself longing to take her to bed and see if they fit as well there as they did in every other aspect.
Based on the bag she’d left in the truck, tonight might be his lucky night.
The band started up with “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” breaking into Max’s thoughts.
Sean beat him to the punch by leaning close to Jane and saying, “You look like a woman who needs to dance.” He held out his hand. “Watch me make Max jealous.” He winked at her and grinned at Max. “Mind if I borrow Ms. Jane?”
“Actually, I do,” Max said.
“Good. Then I’ve accomplished my mission.” He pulled Jane’s hand through his elbow and out onto the dance floor.
Max growled.
“She isn’t into Sean,” Tag reminded him.
“Yeah, but he’s good with the ladies,” Max pointed out.
Already, Sean had Jane dancing around the floor to the song and shouting bullshit with the rest of the crowd.
Max held back from marching out onto the floor and punching his friend’s lights out. Had the song been good for the two-step, he might have done it.
He wanted to be Jane’s dance partner when she did the two-step for the first time in a dance hall.
The song ended, and the dancers all laughed and clapped.
Max moved toward Sean and Jane as they headed back to the table.
Before they reached him, a large, swaying cowboy grabbed Jane’s elbow and jerked her toward the dance floor.
At first, Sean didn’t see him. He was too busy flirting with a woman he’d danced with earlier.
Meanwhile, the big, burly cowboy dragged Jane in amongst the dancers.
Her brow furrowed, and she glanced around the room as if searching for…
Their gazes met, and she mouthed the word, Help.
Max picked up speed and charged into the dancers, bumping them aside to get to Jane.
The cowboy had his back to him when Max politely tapped his shoulder.
“Shove off,” the cowboy said, his voice slurring.
“That’s my girl you’ve got there,” Max said, his voice stern.
“She’s mine now,” the cowboy said and pulled Jane closer.
“Perhaps you’d better ask her who she prefers,” Max said, standing so close the cowboy had to stop or plow into him.
“You heard me, shove off!” The cowboy dropped his hold on Jane and swung at Max.
Max ducked the swing and used the cowboy’s momentum to spin him around. He grabbed his arm and yanked it up behind his back.
Audrey and the female bouncer were there immediately.
“Greta Sue, take Billy Ray’s arm, while I call for the deputy sheriff to help him find his way home.”
“I’ve got him,” Greta Sue said in a disturbingly deep voice.
Max yielded his hold on Billy Ray and kept his body between the cowboy and Jane until Greta Sue guided the man out of the building, pushing his arm up between his shoulder blades until the man was staggering on his tiptoes to relieve the pain.
A hand touched Max’s shoulder. He turned to face Jane. “Sorry for that.”
“Why? You saved me from getting my toes stomped. And you probably saved that man’s life. If he’d driven himself home, he might have run off the road, or killed someone else.” She held open her arms. “I thought we were going to two-step. Is this a song we can dance to?”
“I don’t care if it is or isn’t. I want you in my arms.” He pulled her close and held her for a moment, just swaying. “You smell good, like honeysuckle in the spring.”
She laughed and smiled up at him. “And you smell like manly heaven.”
His lips twisted. “I’ll take that as a compliment. I think.”
She nodded. “You should.”
“I wanted to be the first man to lead you out on the dance floor in a two-step.”
“This might be your lucky day. I’m not sure what dance moves Billy Ray was using, but it wasn’t a two-step.” She took her hand in his and guided his other one to the middle of her back.
Max started dancing, murmuring, “Quick, quick, slooow, slooow.” When she had the steps down, he asked, “Got it?”
She nodded. “Got it.”
He circled the dance floor with Jane in his arms, loving every minute of being with her. He could see them dancing the two-step with gray hair, years down the road. She’d look amazing with gray hair. Never had he imagined himself with anyone, drifting into old age.
The music slowed to a tune perfect for belly-rubbing and swaying in place. Max gathered Jane close and rested his chin against her temple.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his face down close t
o hers. “I could stay like this forever,” she whispered.
“Me, too.” Then he kissed her, and she kissed him back.
The music ended, and the band announced another break, but Max and Jane continued to sway and kiss.
When he finally came up for air, the crowd in the bar burst into applause, wolf-calling and whistling.
Jane blushed.
“Did you want to stay and dance?” he asked. “I have wine and food at the ranch, if you’d rather go somewhere quieter.”
She nodded. “I would. But what about your friends?”
Max nodded toward their table. “Coop and Emma left while we were dancing. Same with Gabe and Fiona. Tag and Leslie seem to be enjoying dancing with each other, and Sean’s found another lady to entertain him. They won’t miss us.”
“If you’re sure, I’d like to go.” She touched his chest. “I enjoyed dancing with you.”
“And you’re a quick learner. We make a good team.” He hoped they could become a permanent team. “As they said, Coop and Emma are getting married in a week. How are you with attending a wedding?”
“I’ve been to one or two.” Her lips twitched. “I was well-behaved at both, if that’s what you’re asking.”
He chuckled. “I’d be honored if you’d be my plus one.”
“I’d love to go.”
“Do you need to look at your calendar first?”
“I’m free. My last formal commitment from my previous career is tomorrow night.”
“I’m booked tomorrow night as well. If I hadn’t had that one engagement, I’d have loved seeing you again.”
“Again?” She slipped her hand into his. “We haven’t parted yet.”
He smiled. “Right. Shall we slip out while no one is looking?”
She nodded. “That would eliminate the need for long goodbyes.”
“True.” He cupped her elbow and walked her toward the exit.
Greta Sue held out her hand toward Max. “Thank you for helping with Billy Ray, Mr. Smithson. I love watching you on Monday nights.” She grinned and pumped his hand.
“Uh, thanks,” Max said, his cheeks hot as he shook Greta Sue’s hand and hurried Jane outside into the clear night air.
