Book 3: Wish Come True Series
Excerpt: Begin Again
Heroine’s point of view
When he opened the door and motioned for me to go ahead of him, I was surprised to discover the room nearly empty, except for two simple wooden chairs. Deep burgundy wallpaper with a velvety texture covered the walls and soothing, sexy music was piped in through small speakers placed strategically around the room…so much nicer than the loud, raunchy fare in the main club.
“Where are we?” I took a gander around with furrowed brows.
He grabbed the two chairs and turned them so they faced each other back to back. Tossing a leg over the seat, he plopped down and rested his arms along the chair back. “Have a seat.”
My tight jeans stretched as I spread my short legs wide enough to straddle the seat of the chair. We were deliciously close to one another. So close I could smell his heavenly scent—a blend of musk and leather with just a hint of vanilla. Mmmm… It made me want to lean in and bury my face in the crook of his neck. I must’ve stared a little too long because a cute smile appeared, bringing out the little crow’s feet in the corner of his eyes. From this distance, I could make out the slight waves in the black hair riding low against his forehead. There was also something about a man with five o’clock shadow that was alluring.
“Well?” I asked, losing myself in the depth of his eyes. “What is this room?”
“You’ve never been to a club for ladies before, have you?”
“Nope.” For some reason my cheeks flushed with heat. Was I about to learn about the back rooms of a strip club?
His eyes danced with something akin to pleasure and his face broke out into a grin. “This room is used for private lap dances.”
My mouth hung open before I could stop it and I cleared my throat, while glancing down at the chair I was sitting on. A vision of Chase dancing provocatively around me filled my head. It was a really hot visual. And he’d be fantastic. I just knew it.
“Really?” I squeaked out. “Ummm…what exactly does that entail?”
“Can’t say I know, Tyler.” He chuckled and the deep sound reverberated through my core, warming me from the inside out. “I’m a waiter, not a dancer.”
“Oh.” I scanned the small room, trying to make contact with anything but his face. Had he heard the interest in my tone of voice? Followed closely by disappointment at his response? “Why did you bring me in here?”
His finger crooked under my chin, turning my gaze to his. “It’s private—and I wanted to be alone with you so we could talk.”
“Okay.” All sorts of tingles were vibrating through me. It was those eyes…deep and penetrating. “Do you bring many ladies in here? Ummm…to talk?”
The corner of his mouth quirked. “Do you slip notes into many waiter’s pockets and then slap them on the ass?”
I laughed out loud and leaned away, holding on tightly to the top edge of the chair back. “Touché!”
“The answer is no. I’ve never brought a woman back here before. You’re my first.”
I cocked a questioning brow at him. “Why me?”
“Not sure,” he said with a shrug. “You’re awful cute. And sassy. But you come from good stock. I can see it in the way your group has been acting all night. You’re not like most of the women who come here.”
“You don’t seem like most of the men who work here.” I leaned in again so our faces were close. Thank goodness I’d eaten those mints. “Why are you a waiter here?”
“Drunk women tend to be very generous with tips—especially to muscular torsos.” He stared down at his hands for a moment. “I need the money to help my sister. I’ve waited at other bars and restaurants. Nothing compares.”
“Why does your sister need help?” He had brought up the topic so I figured it was fair game. Besides, I was curious.
He hesitated for a few seconds while drumming his fingers on the rim of the chair. “My mother is on welfare and tends to use child support for her own needs. I hate it! But I can’t change her habits. So I slip my sister money when I can. She’s seventeen and deserves to have a little something for herself.”
My fingers found his and threaded through them. “That’s so sweet, Chase.”
He glanced down at our entwined fingers and gave a cute little shrug. When he looked back up, I reacted on impulse and brushed his lips with mine. It lasted only a second. But damn,. I definitely wanted more…and so did he. His hand wove into the hair at my nape as he deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue into my mouth for a lazy exploration. That sweet tongue of his had me purring within minutes. He smiled against my lips.
“Meet me tomorrow?” he asked, cupping my cheek in his hand.
I exhaled and shook my head. “Tomorrow is Jordan’s wedding.”
“Well nothing like waiting till the last minute for the bachelorette party.”
“Actually. She doesn’t know she’s getting married. So don’t say anything.”
His brows knitted at the bridge of his nose. “Huh?”
“Her wedding is a surprise.” Jeez, I must’ve sounded crazy. “Long story. And we only have a couple of minutes left. Can we meet on Sunday instead?”
“Sure.” He stood and held out his hand to help me up. “Name the time and place.”
“You stole my line,” I said, squeezing his hand and tipping my head back to meet his gaze. He was tall. I’d have to remember to wear heels around him.
“Yeah, well, I want you to feel comfortable.”
My heart gave a tiny sigh at his thoughtfulness. “Detroit Zoo. One o’clock. I’ll meet you at the gate.”
His fingers caressed my cheek. “It’s a date.”