Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 111980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 560(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 373(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 560(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 373(@300wpm)
I improvise, doing my best to waltz like I’ve learned in class, to swing like he’s taught me, then to slide a hand down to the small of her back like I know how, because I know her.
I know this woman. I know what she likes. And screw her back. My hand drifts lower, lower, lower still, resting on top of her sweet curves as I dip her.
Farther than I’d planned. So far her red hair is spilling behind her, nearly sweeping the floor. Her eyes widen, flickering with the slightest bit of fear that she might fall—but also excitement, knowing I won’t let her. It’s like she’s on a roller coaster—the good fear, tinged with exhilaration.
She’s under my control, sweet and submissive, lips parted, breath catching. Waiting for me to keep her safe. I do more than keep her safe. I kick it up a notch, ad-libbing one more time as I drop a quick kiss to her lips. Her sweet, spicy cinnamon scent fries my brain. Knocks my senses loose. I tug her up and yank her close to my chest.
“How was that?” I’m asking her dad, but I’m really asking her.
Chloe’s breath comes fast and staggered. She nods, like she’s transfixed. That makes two of us.
“Surprisingly good,” her dad says.
Never underestimate the power of a little motivation. Letting go of her, I head to the corner of the studio, passing Ian on the way. He’s standing by the mirror, watching the scene unfold with curious eyes. Let him. I grab a small paper bag I left in the corner. It contains a gift. I bring the bag back to her father and hand it to him. “For you.”
He peers inside, and a smile spreads on his face like sunrise. “My favorite. Luca’s too,” he says, taking out the bottle of whiskey I picked up at Prohibition Spirit for them. With a bow on it, too, just the way they like.
I stick out a hand and shake. “Thanks for the dance lesson tonight, Mr. Rivers. We’re going to rehearse some more now.”
I swing my gaze to Chloe, savoring the way her hazel eyes flash with sexy hope. “My house this time.”
“Yes, we are.”
I take her hand, and we go.
* * *
I don’t pull up to my house right away. I flick on the blinker and turn onto her block. Chloe jerks her gaze to me.
“Wait. I thought…” Then she waves a hand. “Never mind. It’s fine.”
I’m quiet till I pull into her driveway, smothering a smile. I know what she’s thinking—that I don’t want her at my place for some reason. When I cut the engine, I nod toward the windshield and her home beyond.
“Get your dog and whatever you both need for the morning. In case you need to be fucked like the dirty woman you are all night long.”
“Oh,” she says, her lips parting in a circle of surprise. “You’re getting the blow job of a lifetime tonight.”
A groan works its way up my throat, but I waste no time. I get out of the car, stride around to her side, and swing open the door. “You’ve got one minute. I’d suggest you make the most of it.”
“Yes, sir.” She rushes up the steps and punches numbers into the lock.
“And leave the dress on, Chloe. The shoes too.”
She wiggles her butt, tossing me a sexy glance over her shoulder. “You have a thing for me in this dress.”
I nod toward the door, firm and clear. “Go. I’m not a patient man tonight.”
Exactly sixty seconds later—and I do count them on my watch—she’s racing out with the dog on a leash, a small blue duffel bag on one shoulder, and a bigger canvas bag on the other, full of (presumably) dog toys, judging by the squeaky alligator peeking out of the top.
She flies down the steps and slides back into the front seat as I invite Captain to the back. He barks out a hello.
“Hey, handsome,” I say to the friendly boy.
Then I get back behind the wheel, and I drive. A few minutes later, we pull up to my place, and for a second—maybe more—a warning sign flashes in my head.
Be careful. Don’t go there. Romance only leads to heartbreak.
But this isn’t romance. This is just…a night together.
At least, that’s what I tell myself. I’m not sure I believe it, though, as I bring her to the door and let her inside.
It’s the first time a woman’s been in my house since Katya and I split up. The first time I’ve brought a woman to this new home of mine where I’m building this new life. And my chest tightens with worry and hope as I flick on the light.
I hope she’ll like it.
I worry she’ll hurt me.
Captain bounds in first, sniffing the floor, the couch, the coffee table. With bright eyes and a curious smile, Chloe sets down her duffel bag and Captain’s bag too, then spins around, seeming to take it all in until her gaze lands on one of the plants. “You have a peacock plant,” she says, her voice filled with more wonder than I’d expect.