“I’m not offended in the least,” he said, thoroughly amused by Ansley’s theatrics and Kimberly’s delicate way of handling the public acts unfolding in her parking lot.
Ansley thinned her lips. Her nostrils flared. “You aren’t going to do anything about this?”
“What would you like for me to do exactly?” Kimberly asked calmly.
Ansley slapped her hand against her thigh. “Well I guess there isn’t anything we can do. Is there?”
“Probably not.”
A second later, Ansley grunted and disappeared.
“She’s like a disruptive wind,” Kimberly explained. “One minute she’s whistling at an ear-piercing pitch and the next minute, she retreats. Most of the time we don’t even know she’s blown through here except on the rare occasions when her temper tantrum flares then she leaves quite a stir in her wake.”
“I heard that,” she called out from behind closed doors.
“And I knew she did.”
He laughed. “So where were we?”
Slender fingers raked across her brow as he became completely entranced by her pretty oval face. “I guess after that outburst, I should apologize.”
“Why?” Wyatt asked.
“For Mitch and Trixie.”
“They aren’t bothering me. Are they a distraction for you?”
“No,” she replied. “Then again, I’m used to the lifestyle.”
“Are you?” He leaned forward, totally intrigued. Now they were moving the conversation along in a direction he liked.
“Look around, Wyatt. Surely you don’t think I walk through this club with blinders on.”
“I’ve watched you when the lights are dim and the patrons are here. No, Kimberly, you don’t strike me as a woman who wears shades and only sees what she wants to see.”
“Pretending not to notice public sex acts borders the impossible when the club is open for business.”
“So you understand what’s transpiring out in your parking lot at this very minute.”
She shifted in her chair. There was a darker quality to her brown eyes then, but he only saw the richer shade difference for a moment. She immediately dipped her head and kept her gaze downcast.
Wyatt stroked his chin and studied her. She’d been trained properly, schooled in Domination and submission, and showed an outright sign of submissiveness then.
“Look at me,” he rasped. This woman could have him by the balls at the turn of a hand.
She tilted her head and focused on the window before returning her gaze to him. His entire body went rigid at her defiance. He swallowed once, thinking of how he’d love to test her and use his dominance to strengthen her role as a submissive woman.
Think, hell. Tests were among life’s greatest pleasures.
“What is this meeting about?”
“Look out the window, Kimberly.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I want you to tell me what you see.”
She started to defy him. Rebellion existed in her body language and facial expression.
“I want a vivid description. Tell me.”
Kimberly stared at his mouth as if she were totally enchanted by his lips. She acted as if the request proved too enticing to refuse, yet she didn’t avert her gaze again. Instead, her eyes grew heavy. Her stiff jaw loosened and her slender shoulders relaxed.
“Kimberly?” He reached across the table and took her hand in his. “It isn’t as if we are strangers.”
She jerked then and stared at their clasped hands. He wondered how much she remembered of the night they’d danced together. It had been several weeks ago, but he still remembered the way her body had moved against his as the music set the pace for a thrashing tempo, a rhythm that had led many couples into the throes of public passion.
She’d had a few drinks. He’d watched her slam shot after shot and then, she’d made her way through the club, checking on her guests and observing—with lust in her eyes—as some of the couples performed openly for all to see.
“They’re fucking,” she said in a matter-of-fact voice.
“Are they?” His cock twitched in his jeans. They’d bounded over their first hurdle and he couldn’t help but feel as if she’d opened the door to something more.
Directness was precisely what he needed from this woman. Hell, who was he fooling? He longed for more than forthcoming replies to his questions.
He stared at her mouth. God, she had such beautiful, full lips. He wondered if they were enhanced as she swiped her tongue over the shape of her upper lip. Then, because he couldn’t help himself, he imagined her stretched around his size, her lips bowing in acceptance as he sank his cock deep inside her mouth.
Would she slap him if he reached over and…And before he could stop himself, he inched his hand closer to her face and dragged his thumb across her bottom lip.
A playful nip caught him off guard. She bit at the pad and drew the soft tip between her lips. Her wicked tongue slithered over his fingernail.
His breath hitched with the sensation. His body was erect. His nipples were as hard as flat discs. Mesmerized, God help him, he was totally entranced by this woman.
“How do you know they’re fucking?” he asked quietly. “You’ve only looked at me since I asked the question.”
As if he’d broken a hex or whatever spell had been cast, she jolted to an upright attention. She rubbed her lips together as if she were biding time and trying to think of something to say.
To his surprise, she looked at him dead-on again. “If Trixie had been in Mitch’s lap, it wouldn’t have been a problem. The reason Ansley is pitching a fit is because they’re fucking. And apparently, they’re not even trying to hide the fact.”
“Does it bother you?”
“Because my sister’s lover is throwing it to her in the parking lot of a known kink club? Come on. Do you really think I’m a prude?”
“Are you?”
“No.”
“Can I test that?”
She released a sexy and quite throaty gasp. At the same time, a side door opened and closed. There was quick movement in his peripheral. Then he heard heavy footsteps.
“I don’t know,” she replied, grinning. “Can you?”
Chapter Six
Jason’s timing sucked. Then again, Jason’s MO had always been showing up where he was least wanted or expected.
“Hey, man,” he said, nodding at Wyatt. “Kimberly, can I talk to you?”
“You’re a popular lady this morning,” Wyatt said.
“You two know each other?” Kimberly asked, immediately frantic.
“I know who he is,” Jason replied.
“Same here,” Wyatt remarked coolly.
“I’m kind of busy,” Kimberly said, cutting her gaze at what appeared to be a very amused Wyatt Clanton.
“With Clanton?” Jason snorted. “Not on my watch you’re not.”
Before she could object much more, Jason dragged her to her feet. “I just need a minute.”
“Wyatt, will you excuse us?”
“Do I have a choice?”
There was a guttural edge to his tone. Given the fact their flirting had spun way out of control, Kimberly had half expected a protest. She was slightly disappointed when he didn’t stand up and tell Jason to fuck off.
Then again, what right did he have?
They approached the bar, and Ansley exited the kitchen at the same time Jason pulled up a bar chair. “Oh joy. Did anyone ever tell you that seeing you first thing in the morning is akin to facing the day with a morning-after pill in hand? You know you want to toss the pill aside, crush it under your foot, but then if you do, there are too many consequences to face. So you opt for plan B and take expected action. In case you’re wondering, I’m supposed to be polite even though you leave a bitter taste in my mouth.”
“Morning, Ansley,” Jason grumbled.
“For the record, I’d like to crush you, Jason.”
“Ansley, dear Go
d, you’re so out of line this morning,” Kimberly said.
“Just sayin’,” she said, returning to the kitchen.
“Don’t apologize for her, baby,” Jason said, patting his leg as if he thought she’d gladly take a seat. “I don’t understand her crazy analogies. I never have.”
“You were insulted.”
“I understood that much.”
“What are you doing here, Jason?”
“I wanted to stop by and see if you have any plans tonight.” Jason’s voice was louder than normal. He shot Wyatt a quick glance and continued. “I wanted to take you somewhere special to make up for last night.”
The second half of his invitation resounded. He definitely wanted Wyatt to hear him.
“I can’t,” she said.
“Sure you can.”
“No, Jason,” she said. “I can’t.”
“Jason?” He balked at that. “Even in public, you know how I expect to be addressed.”
“I’m working,” she said, lowering her voice and her head.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Trixie and Mitch returning to the bar. Trixie went to the restroom. Mitch joined Wyatt at their table.
“Let the bulldog handle things,” Jason said. “Surely Ansley is good for something. Let her earn her keep and close the bar tonight.”
“I have plans,” she said, eyeing Wyatt and wishing that much were true.
“With him?” Jason asked, cutting his gaze sharply to the left. A dry chuckle resounded. “I don’t think so, baby. He definitely isn’t your type.”
“Jason, I said no. You should go.” She turned to walk away, and he grabbed her wrist and pulled her against him. “Do you think you can embarrass me in front of two other Doms? Is that what you think?”
“I’m not trying to embarrass you,” she assured him, keeping her voice low. “I just don’t want to go out with you.”
“I’ll pick you up at eight,” he said, cupping her cheek. “Wear that black lace dress, no panties, and those hooker heels I love. Fishnet stockings, too, baby.”
Kimberly waited until he walked away. He’d taken three steps, perhaps four, when she called after him. “I won’t be here. I said I have plans.”
“Eight o’clock, Kimberly.”
He only addressed her as Kimberly when he was pissed, but his anger was no match for hers.
“I won’t be here. I have a date.”
He stopped and slowly turned around. His shoulders were square. His head slightly tilted. Cold eyes stared back at her. “Cancel it.”
“I can’t,” she said, her gaze darting to the table where Wyatt and Mitch were seated.
“She’s right about that,” Wyatt said, choosing a perfect time to come to her rescue. “I’d hold it against her if she dumped me for you. Especially since it’s no secret how you’ve treated this lady for the better part of five years.”
“Wyatt, this isn’t your concern,” Jason said.
“That’s where you’re wrong.” Wyatt stood. “Kimberly and I have plans tonight. If she cancels on me to be with you, I’ll have a problem and then it will be my concern.”
Jason’s nostrils flared. As if he couldn’t think of any lower punch to throw, he copped an attitude and said, “Hell, man, I don’t know why we’re fighting over her. Look around you. Her sisters and her mother have shared their bodies with a few good men. I see no reason why Kimberly wouldn’t share with several fellas, too.”
* * * *
An hour later, Kimberly held an ice pack to Wyatt’s swollen cheek. She removed the bunched bag and checked out the puffiness and applied pressure again.
“This isn’t necessary,” Wyatt said.
“You already have a shiner.”
“Let me guess, when your club patrons have a brawl, you hold ice against all their cheeks so you can minimize the evidence?” He grinned. “In case someone comes back and slaps you with a lawsuit.”
“I can’t be sued for a customer’s ignorance.”
“How about a brawl instigated by one of your ex-boyfriends?”
“How do you know he’s an ex?”
“Good news travels fast,” Wyatt replied, his lips twitching.
“You shouldn’t have thrown the first punch,” Kimberly said, easing the pressure when he flinched.
“He should’ve kept his mouth shut.”
“You could’ve killed him,” Kimberly said, remembering how Jason had doubled over in pain as Wyatt had delivered a series of rapid left and right hooks. “Sticks, stones, and a man with damning fists break bones, remember.”
“And the shit he dishes doesn’t hurt you?”
“No,” she replied, setting the bag of ice on the table. “I’ll get you something to drink.”
He grabbed her wrist before she made a clean getaway. “I was serious about that date.”
She stared at their connection, willing herself to meet his gaze, but unable to do so without his permission. Cursing herself for her submissive nature, she slowly lifted her head. “Why do you want to go out with me?”
His lips curved in a generous smile. “Because that prick of an ex-boyfriend of yours interrupted a mighty interesting conversation. I want to finish it.”
“And where would we pick up?”
“Where we left off,” he rasped, his voice laden with sex appeal.
“Where would we go?”
He winked. “Let me worry about that one.”
At the same time, Trixie and Mitch approached them. Trixie’s face was flushed, but Mitch acted calm and cool, as if he’d never thought of fucking in a public place, let alone followed through with the illicit act.
“Guys, we’re gonna have to meet up tomorrow,” Trixie said. “I completely forgot about Cazeron’s first riding lesson and Brock is pissed off because we aren’t there. How about four o’clock here tomorrow? Sound okay?”
“How about your place?” Kimberly suggested, hoping to avoid another Jason run-in.
“Perfect,” Trixie replied.
“See you then,” Mitch said, acting mysterious as he led Trixie away.
“Do you know what this is about?” Kimberly asked.
“Sort of…but no questions tonight.”
“That’s not fair.”
“Where I lack in fairness, I’ll overcompensate in other ways. How does that sound?”
“Enticing.”
“Oh, honey, that’s the understatement of the year.”
Chapter Seven
“So where are you going on your first date?” Ansley asked, giving her a glare of disapproval. “Don’t answer that. It’s obvious he’s taking you to a wake before you go out on the town.”
“Ansley,” Kimberly deadpanned, studying her choice of dress in the mirror. Maybe her sister was right. The dark dress she wore hung right above her knees.
“Don’t Ansley me. I don’t know what you’re trying to prove, but Wyatt isn’t this good old country boy who wants everything left to the imagination.”
“How do you know?” Kimberly asked.
“Trixie,” Ansley quickly replied. “Just trust me. Those clothes have to go. You look like you’re attending a funeral or a boring board meeting.”
“I think you look very nice,” Tristan said, always ultracareful in dishing out compliments. “Ansley, we’re late. Bailey, Graham, and Elliott are probably wondering where we are by now.”
“I don’t feel good about leaving until she and Wyatt ride off into the sunset.” Ansley entered the walk-in closet, thumbed through a few clothes, and exited with her arms loaded down. “Now here you go…several choices to consider.”
Kimberly made eye contact with Tristan. “Don’t make me say it.”
“Your wish is my command,” Tristan said, wrapping his fingers around Ansley’s and pulling her to the door. “Have a good time tonight, sister-in-law.”
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Ansley sang, swinging the door wide.
“I’d be fucked every which way this side of r
aunchy if those were the only boundaries I had,” she called out, never bothering to look around the corner.
“Well there’s an idea.” Wyatt’s voice filled the room.
Kimberly ducked out of sight. She threw her arms over her head before raking her fingers across her forehead, listening to the greetings exchanged in her living room. Not one to put off facing the music, she cursed under her breath and peered around the bedroom wall. “I thought we were meeting downstairs.”
“Bye, guys!” Ansley exclaimed, laughter in her voice.
“Have a good time tonight,” Tristan said, shaking hands with Wyatt.
As soon as the room cleared, Kimberly fell under his scrutiny. Those chocolate eyes seemed to melt as they wandered over her, appraising her, summing up her attire. She stood with her hands clasped in front of her. Her gaze dropped to the floor as he walked around her, circling her like a predator.
“What were you and Ansley discussing when I walked in?”
“I think you heard enough.”
He stopped behind her. She could feel, literally feel, his hot gaze glued to her ass. He took a couple of steps forward, the creaks in the floor verifying how closely he stood.
Lifting her hair with one hand, he ran his fingers over the top of her zipped dress. “I didn’t hear the entire conversation.”
Her breath caught in her chest. Without thinking, she turned to face him. “What are you doing?”
“Turn around, Kimberly.”
“No.”
“I’m unzipping you.”
“Just because you walked in on sibling bickering, don’t think—”
He placed three fingers over her lips. “Why don’t we take one step at a time? Okay?”
Her mouth dried with his fingertips against her lips. Stunned silent, she longed to tease him as she’d taunted him earlier. She wanted to nick the pads of his fingers, bite playfully at the tips, but she knew better than to tempt the devil living inside this man.
The longing in his eyes made her a believer. Too much play before their date could result in a delay of game, a date night inside her loft apartment that would likely leave her bound to her bed with a man she shouldn’t seduce, a Dom she wasn’t even sure she could handle.
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