Let Somebody Love You: Wells-Ackman, #3

Chapter 1

Sarah Ackman smiled and waved to her son, Mike, before entering her home. Mike sighed in relief. He had just endured the longest three hours of his life. His mom meant well, but she was a nagger, plain and simple. She had been at John and Kate’s, Mike’s best friend and wife, helping them with their newborn twins and Kate’s two year old sister. Mike smiled and shook his head. It was hard for him to believe John was a husband and father. Damn, John was a lucky man to have found happiness with Kate. No one deserved a happy life more than John.

Backing out of the drive, Mike wondered when it would be his turn to find a wife and start a family of his own. That’s what his mom had been nagging him about on the drive home from Springfield, where John and Kate lived. For some reason his family thought he wasn’t even trying to find a happy life, but damn it, he was! He just couldn’t quite reach it, though. None of the women he dated excited him the way Jessica had.

Jessi. He had loved John’s sister to distraction. But Jessi and John had kept a devastating secret. Jessica was dying from a heart condition. They had been trained to keep it a secret by their father, Hank Wells. Even after his death his children had kept the secret, until the bitter end. Mike had never guessed anything was wrong with Jessi. Of course, he had been too excited by finally having Jessica in his bed to have noticed anything amiss.

Mike had been fifteen when he decided John’s sister was the one he wanted. She had been older than him, but he hadn’t cared. Now Jessica, on the other hand, thought Mike was a pesky nuisance. Mike chuckled, remembering the many times he’d tried to

gain Jessica’s attention when he was a teenager. The summer after he had graduated college, he went after Jessi. She never stood a chance against his onslaught, Mike thought with a smile. God, it had been wild and hot between them. They had clashed in and out of bed. They had loved, oh how they had loved. He wanted what he’d had with Jess, the excitement, the challenge, the battle of wills, and the hot, hot sex, but so far it was nowhere to be found.

A car horn blasting, brought Mike back from his thoughts. He’d just been sitting at a stop sign staring into space. With a wave of apology, Mike drove off in the direction of Madison’s medical clinic. Madison had been Jessi’s best friend and doctor. After Jessi’s death, Mike and Madison had become friends. Now they all considered each other family and had many, many family gatherings out at the lake where Mike and his grandad lived. Jessi would be glad they all had become one big family.

Mike strode into Madison’s office a little before noon. Hi Bailey. Would it be okay if I waited for Madison in her office?

Smiling, Bailey said, Of course. Go on back Mike. I’ll let her know you’re here.

Ten minutes later Madison greeted Mike with a hug, before sitting down behind her desk. So how are John and Kate doing with their new brood?

Mike laughed. Hell, it’s chaos. A two year old and twin babies are a lot of work. Amanda was excited about going to help for a few weeks, but my mom, on the other hand, was sad to leave her babies.

Mike’s mom had been helping out since Kate had come home from the hospital after giving birth to her twins. Jason, Mike’s dad, had gone up on weekends to see his wife and visit the newest members of the family, but after a month he suggested his wife come home. So, Mike had driven Amanda to Springfield to help John and Kate and brought his mom back home.

Madison shook her head. I wish I could get away from here and help, but duty calls. They’ll get the hang of it before long. Do you think you’ll have Amanda’s house done by the time she comes back?

Mike was remodeling a house for Amanda so she could move out of the apartment above Ackman Realty. The house had a fenced in backyard for Amanda’s dog, Ian. Yeah, it’s coming along great. We even put in a doggie door for Ian. She has everything packed and ready to go. Just as soon as we finish up the house, I’ll send the guys over to move her things into the new place for her.

That’s nice. Madison had picked up on the fact he was sending someone else over for Amanda’s belongings. Mike hadn’t stepped foot inside that apartment since Jessi’s death, not even after he’d paid to have it remodeled. Mike, can I ask you something personal?

Mike grinned at her saying, Shit Madison, when did you start asking permission to get all up in my personal business?

Screw you, jackass! Anyway, I was just wondering about you and Amanda. It seems like lately the two of you have been spending a lot of time together. Is something going on between you and Amanda the family should know about?

Mike tilted his head back to look up at the ceiling. Amanda and John had dated for a while before realizing they weren’t attracted to each other romantically. John was more like the brother Amanda had lost and Amanda was a replacement for Jessica in John’s life. Last summer Amanda had moved to Lewisson and began working at Ackman Realty. Mike was pretty sure his family was hoping he and Amanda would end up together. She was similar to Jess, yet so different. He and Amanda were friends, nothing more.

Mike did you hear me? Madison asked, knowing full well he had, but was choosing to ignore her.

Mike’s eyes met hers. Forget it Madison, there’s nothing between Amanda and I. We go out together because .... well hell. Damn it, not that it’s any of your business, but we go out to keep from being hit on. Sometimes we just want to go out and relax, without somebody trying to, you know, he finished with a shrug, glancing away.

Oh, I thought you enjoyed women hitting on you.

I do for the most part, but .... Ahh hell Madison I want what John has. I’m so fucking jealous it’s unreal. There’s nights I lay awake wishing I’d taken Kate from him. Then I’d be the one with a family, not him. Shit, I didn’t mean that. John deserves everything he has and more. Mike leaned forward, bracing his forearms on his thighs, letting his head hang in shame for his thoughts.

Madison’s heart ached for him. She had seen the bleakness in his eyes before he had dropped his head. Oh Michael, honey.

Don’t call me that! he yelled, jumping up to stand in front of the window, his back towards her. He stared out at the cold rain coming down in sheets.

Mike, I’m sor ... Madison began to apologize, but was interrupted.

Hey Madison, here’s those files you wanted to look over.

Jesus, what the hell happened to you? Madison asked, shocked by her colleagues' appearance. Her hair was hanging in wet strands, caked with mud and something else was smeared across her face and glasses. One whole side of her coat was plastered with mud. Madison’s shocked voice had Mike glancing over his shoulder. Jesus what a fucking mess, he thought turning back to stare out the window.

Flipping a slimy wet chunk of hair out of her face, the other woman said, The Wilkes boys, rain, mud, and the Wilkes boys again.

What? Madison questioned, confused by the explanation.

When it started raining so hard, I offered to go get Mrs. Wilkes car and move it up by the front door, since she had two toddlers. Her boys had already pulled half my hair out in the exam room. Anyway after moving her car, I tripped and fell, hence the mud. Then I was helping buckle the boys in not realizing she had given them chocolate cupcakes, she answered, pointing to the other substance on her face and glasses.

Madison began to smile at the story she was hearing. Sorry, guess I should have warned you about her and her two boys.

Glancing Mike’s way, Madison saw him arch, his brow and slant, his head towards the door. His meaning was clear, get rid of the woman. Seeing Madison’s glance and nod, the other woman looked in the same direction as Madison. There was a  man standing in front of the window. A very large muscular man. She only got a glimpse of his profile as he turned back to stare out the window. It was enough to tell he was very handsome. His stance was rigid, letting her know he wasn’t happy with her interruption.

I’m sorry Madison, I didn’t realize you were seeing a patient in your office, she said, laying the files down on the desk. She quickly glanced at the file open on Madison’s desk scanning it’s content out of habit.

Don’t worry about it hon. I’d like to introduce ...

Mike was quick to forestall her, snarling, Don’t bother. I’m not interested in that, he waved a dismissive hand in the woman's general direction, without turning around. Get rid of it. Madison shook her head at Mike’s rudeness.

The woman, already embarrassed by her appearance, was humiliated beyond reason by the man's disgust. The trained doctor in her fled to be replaced by a woman, whose self-esteem had just been bruised. Without conscious thought she blurted out a diagnosis. It’s common in men trying to build muscle to use steroids not knowing all the consequences. Prolonged steroid use often causes impotence in men, she directed towards the man's stiff back, before stomping out of Madison’s office.

Mike’s head snapped up then around to glare at the retreating woman’s back. He let out a low angry growl as he took a couple of steps towards the doorway. Madison planted herself in front of Mike, grinning. He tried to shove her out of his way, but she stood her ground.

Don’t you dare Mike. I’m trying to convince her to join my practice. She’s here on a trial basis, so I don’t need you scaring her off. Madison was having a hard time keeping her laughter at bay.

Mike was still staring at the door the mess had walked out of. His face and eyes were dark with anger. Finally his eyes dropped to meet Madison’s dancing ones. Did you hear what that bitch said to me? Jesus Christ, where does she get off saying shit like that?

Madison did laugh. Sit down Mike. It was just a misunderstanding. She waited for Mike to take a seat before continuing. She read a file on my desk and thought it was yours. If she only knew how far off from the truth she was. Madison snickered at the look on Mike’s face.

Mike was completely outraged by the idea of anyone thinking he was impotent. You better straighten her out. I’m not ... Hell, he couldn’t even say the word.

Madison laughed uncontrollably. Mike ignored her, picking up a book off her desk, reading the cover out loud. For The Love Of A Cowboy, by Jade Kimber. Oh shit Madison, don’t tell me you read smut books, he said grinning as he arched his brow.

She snatched the book away. I love smut books. I’ve never heard of this author, she said, scanning the back cover. Taylor must have left it behind. I hope she’ll let me borrow it when she’s done reading it. Oh, it says here this is this author's first book. It sounds really good.

Mike rolled his eyes. Pete must be slipping in his old age if you’ve resorted to romance books to spice up your love life.

Madison snorted. You know nothing. Our love life is over the top. Although I have gotten some ideas from this kind of book that Pete has absolutely loved. So, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

Mike laughed, shaking his head. I don’t need a book to get off on. Now from the looks of that mess earlier, I can see why she needs romance novels to get off. Nobody would want something like that between their sheets.

Taylors cheeks burned as she turned away from Madison’s door. She had come back to apologize and grab the book she’d left behind. Quickly she made her way to the restroom to clean up, missing what Madison said next.

Grinning, Madison shook her head at Mike. Says the impotent man. Christ Mike, you’re going to eat those words one day soon, just see if you don’t.

It was Mike’s turn to snort. Highly unlikely. And don’t use that word to describe me again. He shuddered in mock horror.

Well I’ll have to hon. How else will I be able to tell everyone, if I don’t?

Come on Madison have a heart. Can’t you keep this just between the two of us? Mike tried to sway her with a boyish smile.

Oh, hell no! This is too good of a story. There is no way I’m keeping this to myself. I’m not sure who’ll enjoy it more Pete, John, or Charles. Madison’s grin nearly split her face.

Mike sighed heavily. Damn Madison, you make it hard to be your friend. Your day will come. Walk me out?

Sure.

As Madison walked Mike out she invited him and Charles to dinner that night. He agreed with a smile, knowing he’d be taking a lot of ribbing tonight. It would be worth it, just to have a night not spent dwelling on his lonely life.

Taylor stepped out of the restroom just in time to get a glimpse of the man’s smiling face before he pulled the door shut behind him. Madison turned around to see Taylors stunned expression as she stood rooted to the spot.

Shaking her head grinning, Madison approached Taylor. He’s not impotent, by the way. That wasn’t his file.

Ohh, Taylor groaned, closing her eyes.

Madison laughed all the way back to her office. Reaching for the phone as she sat back down Madison chuckled thinking, might as well call Pete now. Her husband howled with laughter, then thanked her for giving him a head start on coming up with ways to torture Mike tonight over dinner. She hung up the phone smiling.

Shrugging she picked up the phone once more, punching in John and Kate’s number, hoping John was home for lunch. Amanda answered telling her yes John was home. Quickly Madison asked a couple of questions before Amanda passed the phone off to John. The story Madison told John had him laughing his ass off. He couldn’t wait to harass Mike, but first he had to share the story with Kate and Amanda. Each would have their own reasons for Mike being taken down a peg or two.

After hanging up, Madison glanced at her watch. What the hell she thought, calling Charles next. She needed to talk to him about something she had already discussed with Amanda anyway. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. Charles enjoyed her story immensely. He told her he thought he’d pay Mike a visit right now to tease him about his inability to satisfy a woman. Madison liked the way Charles’ mind worked.

Madison was still chuckling over Charles’ plan as she walked out of her office, almost bumping into Taylor. Oops. Sorry about that, she said grinning up at Taylor.

No problem. Umm, about earlier, would you apologize for me? I know I overstepped, but I just ... Taylor hesitated, not knowing how to explain that her self-esteem took a hit.

Madison patted her shoulder, grinning. It’s okay hon. We all get carried away now and then. I know you thought that was his file on my desk and you were trying to help. I already explained to him it was just a misunderstanding. A comical one if you ask me. Seeing Taylor’s red face, Madison added, Laugh it off hon. Laughter is the best medicine after all, you know.

Taylor’s smile was weak as she looked at Madison. Thanks for not being mad. And please apologize to your friend for me. I promise I won’t make another rookie mistake like that again.

Madison nodded walking away. She turned back asking, Hey can I borrow the book you left behind? After you’re done, that is.

Smiling, Taylor answered, Sure thing. I’ll have it finished in a couple of days. It’s really good. I’ve already bought her second book to read.

Thanks. I love to unwind with a romance novel. Plus they help me come up with new ideas to keep my husband entertained in the bedroom, Madison said with a wink before turning to continue down the hallway.

Shaking her head, Taylor smiled. Madison’s candor and sense of humor would take some getting used to. She liked this small town and it’s residents. Still smiling she thought, I think I’ll take Madison up on her offer and stay.

Chapter 2

On Friday, Mike took his crew out for dinner and drinks as a thank you for finishing Amanda’s house ahead of schedule. First thing Monday, he’d send the guys over to her apartment to move her belongings into her new home. She would be returning the following weekend. His men had helped make the house perfect for Amanda and her dog, Ian. They knew she was family and had taken extra care. After eating dinner, they decided to play pool. Mike and Dave were playing against each other, first. Dave chuckled as Mike was lining up to take a shot. Raising a brow, Mike glanced over at Dave’s grinning face.

Sorry Mike. It’s just comical to watch you and the woman at the bar stealing glances as you check each other out. Why don’t you just go on over and get it out of your system. Oh wait, I forgot you’re impotent, right? Dave’s statement started a round of laughter from the rest of his crew.

Mike laughed along good naturedly. Madison had spread the story about her colleagues misdiagnosis. His grandad had found him later that afternoon at Amanda’s house to tease him. Charles had then shared the story with Mike’s crew. They had been ribbing him mercilessly every day since. His crew weren’t the only ones teasing him, though. Pete and John were even worse about hounding him with their stupid jokes. Mike could now admit how funny it had been and joke about it himself.

His eyes slid to the woman at the bar once more. She was watching him in the mirror again. As their eyes met, she quickly lowered her head. Damn, she was a looker. She had dark brown hair flowing in loose waves down her back, high cheekbones and full pouty lips. He couldn’t tell what color of eyes she had from this distance, not that it mattered to him. Eyes weren’t his thing. He was into tall women with large breasts. She definitely fit the large breast part. Her height was still in question, since she was sitting, but it seemed like a possibility from his viewpoint. She was overdressed for this type of bar. Her clothes probably cost more than most people make in a week or two.

Jesus Mike, are you going to play or just stand there and drool? Dave asked, smirking.

Mike grinned and winked. I think I’ll go on over to the bar for another cold beer.

The woman sent a sliding glance Mike’s way as he sat down on the stool next to her. He sat facing her, rudely staring. She groaned inwardly thinking, like you haven’t been staring at him in the mirror all evening? Her face became hot. Should I say something, she wondered. Yes you should, she thought, turning to face him. She lost her train of thought when she saw his handsome grinning face close up. Nothing came out when she opened her mouth to speak.

Mike’s smile deepened. She had the darkest blue eyes he’d ever seen. He had no trouble finding his voice. Well hello. Let me begin by apologizing for ...

No. There’s no need. I should be the one apologizing for being so rude, she quickly interrupted.

Okay. With the apologies out of the way, can I ask why a woman like you is sitting in a dive bar eating alone? He pointed towards the basket containing a half eaten burger and fries.

She smiled. I was told this place had great burgers. I decided to check it out.

Mike had popped some of her fries in his mouth as he listened to her explanation. I take it you didn’t like the food, he said, watching her closely.

The burger was really good. I guess I just wasn’t that hungry, she answered.

His eyes twinkled as he stared into her eyes. That’s too bad. I was hoping you were, he said, letting his voice drop low.

So, he wants to play games she thought, as she watched him devour the rest of her burger and fries. She wasn’t sure she was up for the challenge. His size intimidated her yet excited her at the same time. What would it be like to have sex with such a large muscular man, she wondered.

Mike winked at her as he called out to the bartender. Hey Steve, add her dinner to my bill.

Sure thing Mike. How about a hefty tip to go along with that? Steve asked with a grin, causing Mike to chuckle. Guess that’s a no, huh?

Standing Mike said, I’m feeling generous tonight, so go ahead and give yourself a tip. Tilting his head towards the dance floor where a few couples were dancing Mike’s gaze held the woman’s. Care to dance?

She nodded, slipping off the bar stool saying with a smile, Yes. I think I’d like that very much.

Mike’s smile was blinding as he took her all in. Oh hell, he was in trouble. She was tall, at least six foot, he thought excitedly. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on her. God, he hoped she would be willing to play tonight.

She had always been self conscious about her height. It wasn’t helping, having a gorgeous male looking her up and down. I know what you’re thinking and it’s no. I never played basketball.

Oh sweetheart, that’s not even close to what I was thinking about, Mike told her, placing his hand on her back as they walked to the dance floor.

That statement had her blushing. This man was dangerous. She was pretty sure he could talk a woman into doing just about anything. Her knees felt weak as he took her into his arms, pulling her close. She thought they fit perfectly together. Mike’s confidence soared when he heard her sigh. They stayed on the dance floor as another slow song began. After the second song ended, Mike led her to a corner table.

Signaling a waitress over he asked, Would you bring me my usual and the lady will have ... he raised a brow in question.

Just a coke for me, she answered.

Not a drinker? Mike asked after the waitress walked away.

I have to work tomorrow so ... she shrugged. You must come here a lot if you have a usual drink and they know what it is.

Maybe more than I should, but hey a guy has to unwind once in a while. Mike saw the guys watching him from the pool table, grinning like idiots.

The woman glanced over her shoulder. Friends of yours?

Something like that. Mike waited for the waitress to set their drinks down before adding, Co-workers actually. I have better taste in friends than that.

She laughed. You were having too good of a time not to be friends.

That’s right, you were watching us in the mirror, weren’t you? She blushed charmingly, he thought. Sorry, I couldn’t help, but tease you. You’re right, they are friends. They’re all good guys and mean no harm by watching us. It’s just their way of harassing me over something someone said about me recently.

Which was? she inquired, her eyes downcast.

He shrugged. It doesn’t seem important any more. Just a silly mistake.

She smiled looking up to meet his gaze. I make a lot of those, so be warned.

Duly noted. Are you sure you don’t want a mixed drink? he asked, as she took a sip of her coke.

Sitting her glass down she asked, Does my not drinking alcohol bother you?

Mike leaned in close, placing his arm on the back of her chair. Oh honey, everything about you bothers me. How about we go back to your place and I’ll show you. Mike let his other hand rest lightly on her knee as his eyes darkened.

Hell, she couldn’t breathe. Lord, how she wanted to drag him off to her bed, but couldn’t. She now knew his game. Not trusting herself to speak, she shook her head no. Mike pulled himself away from her to lean back in his chair. Damn, he thought he’d had her. He was extremely disappointed by her refusal, but didn’t show it, since she watched him closely.

Smiling boyishly Mike said, I hope you don’t hold it against me for trying.

She returned his smile. I should be going. I have an early morning.

He smiled wickedly. Of course you do. Until next time sweetheart. Mike sauntered off, smiling smugly, knowing she watched him. Her eyes had given her away. She wouldn’t say no next time.

Her eyes followed him as he walked away. Had she made a mistake in turning him down? It definitely felt like a huge mistake. Sighing, she stood up and walked out of the bar. Respectability. A word to live by her father always said. That’s what she would have given up if she’d allowed herself to wrap herself around that man. Mike. His name was Mike. Her smile was self mocking as she made her way to her car and her lonely bed.

Dave was the only one brave enough to give Mike a hard time, as he joined his snickering friends. So the lady turned you down, huh? She must have heard about your problem. Guess she just wasn’t into cuddling all night and wanted a real man in her bed.

Mike laughed. Good thing I like you or I’d punch you right in your big mouth.

Are you losing your touch Mike? One of the other men asked.

Mike snorted. Not hardly. I’m thinking she’s planning on making me work for it. And trust me, I’m up for the challenge. In more ways than one, he joked with an exaggerated wink.

As the laughter died down Dave shook his head saying, I don’t know Mike. It looked more like she shot you down completely.

Have faith. She’ll come around.

Hell Mike, your self-confidence is just a little too cocky. It’s going to land you in big trouble one of these days. Just see if it doesn't.

Mike just smiled at Dave’s warning. It wasn’t long before he got bored and called it a night. Mike reminded everyone Monday would be moving day and not to be late. He waved off their jokes of him being a puss for leaving so early. On the way home, Mike found himself smiling as the woman’s image floated around in his head. God, he loved a challenge. He hoped she was up for one hell of a good time.

His Grandad was in the living room watching TV when Mike walked into the house. Hey old man, what’s up?

Charles rolled his eyes. The better question would be, why are you home so early? It’s barely ten o’clock. Did you get kicked out of the bar for fighting again? he asked, glancing in Mike’s direction. Charles did a double take when he saw Mike’s  expression. It had been a long time since he’d seen Mike so ... hell he couldn’t even think of a word that truly described the expression on Mike’s face.

Stop looking at me like I’ve grown two heads. And no I didn’t get kicked out for fighting. Why do you have to keep bringing that up anyway? Hell, it was over four years ago when that happened. Jesus. It was Mike’s turn to roll his eyes.

Don’t get lippy with me boy. So, why are you home so early on a Friday night? Charles asked, studying his grandson with a keen eye. Looking, should I dare say, happy.

You’ve got to be kidding me. First, you all hound me for not being happy go lucky, now you’re going to gripe because I might be happy. Jesus make up your fucking mind. Should I call Mom and Madison so you all can have a gabfest at my expense? Mike threw his hands up in the air as he turned away and made his way upstairs.

Since Mike had still been smiling, Charles didn’t take offence to his words. Mike was just bull shitting. Although, something was definitely up. Charles rubbed his chin deep in thought. He began to smile, then chuckled out loud. Picking up a picture of his deceased wife Charles said, It’s a woman. Maybe he’ll come back to life. Charles shook his head. Best keep this to myself, just in case I’m wrong, he said running a single finger across his beautiful Miranda’s face.

Upstairs, Mike paced his room. He felt restless and excited. His blood was humming as it coursed through his veins. The way he was feeling was like ... hell, he didn’t know what he was feeling. Suddenly, he stopped pacing and the beginnings of a smile began to appear. He felt like dancing.

Chapter 3

Amanda called Mike on Thursday, letting him know she had decided to stay another week at John and Kate’s. They made plans for him to come up the following weekend on Friday. He would spend two nights with his friends then drive her back to Lewisson on Sunday. Mike let her know they had moved everything from her apartment into her new house. They had even unpacked most of her belongings. Amanda thanked him, glad she would only have a few boxes to unpack when she got back.

Since his weekend plans had changed Mike decided to go back to Bill’s Place, the bar where he’d met the woman last Friday night. He went early hoping she’d show up again for dinner. Mike had spent the week trying to find out who she was, but no one seemed to know her. Glancing at his watch again, he shook his head and ordered another beer. He was about to give up when she walked in around eight-thirty. His body tensed up as he watched her take a seat at the bar, ordering a mixed drink. She began sipping her drink as her eyes roamed the crowd in the mirror's reflection. He waited for her to find him in the mirror.

She had been searching for a few minutes before she found him. Her heart skipped a beat when their eyes met in the mirror. He signaled for her to come to him. She shook her head slightly. His sensual smile made her stomach tighten, way down low. She gulped her drink and ordered another. What was she doing? Playing with fire, that’s what she was doing. He had been on her mind all week. She had come back tonight hoping he would be here, since he was a regular. And sure enough he was here and alone. Or maybe not, she thought, when a woman sat down next to him. She watched in the mirror as he frowned at the woman and shook his head no. The woman stood and flounced off.

Mike’s eyes met hers in the mirror again. He flashed her another sexy smile and once again beckoned to her. She turned around to face him, tilting her head towards the empty stool next to her. He shook his head. Did she have the courage to walk across the room? Not yet. Facing the bar once more she downed her second drink and ordered another. If she didn’t get her nerves under control soon she’d be too drunk to enjoy him, she thought smiling. Taking a deep breath, she picked up her drink and made her way to his table. He indicated the chair next to him. She opted for the chair across from him.

He smiled at her defiance. Guess you’re not working tomorrow, he said, glancing at the drink in her hand.

What makes you say that? This could just be a coke.

Mike chuckled. I watched Steve add rum to the glass. You might want to slow down, though. I’d hate for you to pass out before we had our fun.

Blushing she asked, Are we going to have fun?

Oh, I hope so sweetheart. I truly do hope so. Finish your drink, then we’ll start by dancing.

Didn’t you just tell me to slow down? she asked, hurriedly finishing her rum and coke.

He stood, holding out a hand. She placed her hand in his, letting him help her stand. Leading her to the dance floor Mike said, I did, but we’re going to be on the dance floor a long time. Do you know why? She shook her head. Foreplay, he whispered in her ear.

He hadn’t been teasing. Once they were out on the dance floor, he used his whole body to entice her. As tall and muscular as he was, it was hard to believe how smooth and sensual his movements were. She loved the way their bodies moved together. His hands were magical as they pulled her closer. He knew exactly where and how to touch her causing her need to build. It wasn’t just physical exertion from dancing that had her body so heated. Just when she thought she might rip his clothes off right there on the dance floor, respectability be damned, Mike dragged her off the dance floor. He didn’t take her back to their table. Instead, he just kept going until they were outside. Pinning her against the building, he took her mouth savagely. She responded wildly trying to draw him closer.

Mike retained enough sense to break the kiss and back away. Breathing hard, he said, Let’s go to your place.

No. Your place. Now.

Can’t. I share a place. We can’t go there.

She groaned. I’m in a hotel about twenty minutes away.

Shit. Come on, he grabbed her hand, dragging her towards the parking area. Where's your car?

The blue Lexus under the light.

Great. Get in and I’ll follow you to the hotel. Hurry, he called out, sprinting towards his truck.

It was too much time to think. By the time she pulled in at the hotel, she’d changed her mind. Mike yanked her out of the car. One look at her face had him cursing under his breath. No way in hell was he letting this opportunity slip away. His mouth covered hers when she tried to explain her change of heart. Mike was relentless with his kiss until he felt her rubbing her body against his. This time when they broke apart, she grabbed his hand leading the way to her room.

The minute she had the door open, Mike was all over her tugging her clothes off as he backed her to the bed. Shoving her down on the bed, his dark eyes raked her body. He groaned. She was sheer perfection. Her eyes glittered as she watched him strip his clothes off. He was an adonis, twice over. Her hot eyes drank him in as he knelt on the bed over her. Reaching out, his hand cupped her breast. His thumb flicked over her nipple as he stared into her eyes.

To hell with this she thought, reaching up to pull his head down to kiss his lips. Mike was lost. She was like a mindless need he had no control over. It took him a minute to realize she was fighting him. She was trying to shove him off. Mike stilled and raised his head to look down upon her face. He felt utter confusion when he saw the desire still bright in her eyes. She bucked and rolled till she was astride him. She gazed down at his astonished expression, her smile becoming predatory as she began to move slowly against him.

Jesus, how the hell had she been able to lift his weight? Christ, excitement shot through him like he’d never experienced before in his