“You’re a beautiful woman. There aren’t too many men who wouldn’t be attracted to you,” he said smoothly.
“Did that hurt to say?” she teased.
“Nothing about this hurts. That’s what throws me off.”
She realized they were heading down a path of no return, but she couldn’t ignore her emotions. She couldn’t ignore him. “Wendi, can I get another?” She wasn’t ready for the night to end.
“Another too, Bear?” Wendi asked him.
“Nah. I’m good. But how about an ice water.”
Aasia sighed. “Does that mean the evening’s come to an end?”
“No, it only means I’m here to let you do what you feel you need to do. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”
His words said with such grace that she felt her heart skip a beat of appreciation. “That’s giving me a lot of freedom, cowboy.”
He shifted as if to release the restless energy within him. “I’m not the only mysterious one.”
“Me? You think I’m mysterious?” She planted her hand in the center of her chest. “I’m the most open person you’ll ever meet.”
“Really? I must admit, I never saw you as a person who would sell foot pics for income.”
“Are you judging me?”
“Not in the slightest. Look at where you are now. A successful, professional woman.” He relaxed some.
The string between them became shorter. She should have walked away, but she liked the easy conversation. Liked his presence. Her condition tonight could get her into trouble.
Her body felt heated, her breathing labored.
“I need a breath of fresh air. Wendi, sorry but I better skip on another drink.” Aasia slid off the stool and hurried toward the door, feeling very flushed.
In the shadowed parking lot, she gulped in air, giving a little jerk when she realized Bear had followed her outside. She swung around, facing him. “My head is swirling.”
“The alcohol—”
“No, something far more dangerous—much more intoxicating.”
His expression changed from mild shock to acceptance. He covered the distance between them in three long strides and grabbed her hips, pulling her hard against his body. His grip was greedy. Needy. She could feel the length of him through his jeans.
She didn’t feel as powerful as she did moments ago. Now she felt her emotions swarming to the surface. His fingers found the exposed skin at the hem of her shirt that had ridden up on her stomach. His touch left her dizzy and thoughtless. She wanted his touch on every part of her. Her throat tightened as she tried to swallow. Desire snowballed in the center of her chest, threatening to explode.
His hand traveled upward on her back, following the line of her backbone. An eruption of tingles dispersed through the valley and settled in her bottom. With his free hand he cuppedher cheek, the callused pad of his thumb caressed her skin ever so gently. His stare announced that he was trying to understand the desire between them.
Some things were never meant to be understood.
“What the fuck is this hold you have over me?” he whispered.
“I’m sorry.” The two words slipped off her quivering lips.
One brow lifted before he burst into laughter. “Only you would apologize for something you can’t control.” Then he sobered just as quickly.
She moved an inch closer, denying herself the temptation to taste his lips. “Who are you? Bear isn’t your real name.”
“You don’t like the name Bear?” he said.
“I like it, but...”
