Strong Enough

by Teresa Hill

  “Holy shit, your bisexual aren’t you!!!!” Realization hitting me.

  His deep brooding laugh fills the car. “Sure you could say that. I might go for the guys, but I would not throw a hot ass chick out of my bed.” He winks.

  I smile in silence and focus back on the road. Brent turns up the radio and starts to do some sort of dance in his seat that only leaves me laughing. This is going to be one hell of a night if that’s what I have to look at all night long.

  Pulling up to Hunger, I see the valet station and pull in. This may not be Hollywood but that doesn’t mean a girl can’t take advantage of not having to park her car and trek all the way to the club.

  “Valet, nice Miller, would hate to have to walk and risk messing up the clothes looking this good,” he says motioning down his body. I swear this boy is going to be the death of me from laughter.

  “Ok Mr., when we get in there DON’T YOU DARE LEAVE ME! You said you were coming for me so don’t go finding some hot chick to take to the dance floor to show those ridiculous moves to and leave me standing alone. I am uncomfortable as it is just going in there. Promise me.” My eyes were begging for some type of reassurance.

  Leaning over across the center console, Brent is inches from my face. “You, my Miller, are the only hot thing I plan on dancing with. Now let’s get a move on it, we are wasting valuable grinding time.” He winks and backs off. Seems any time a guy gets that close to me I lose the ability to breathe.

  I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding as my car door is opened by the valet attendant, who graciously extends his hand for me to take as I exit my car careful to not cause a “Britney moment” when getting out. Brent has walked around the car and is waiting next to me with a very eager look on his face.

  Giving me a genuine smile, he says, “If I haven’t told you, you look really pretty tonight.”

  “Thanks, now quit being so nice, it’s creeping me out,” I say playfully nudging his arm with my elbow.

  He laughs silently as we walk through the main doors.

  The hallway entry to Hunger is black with red lights lining the floor and nothing hanging on the black painted walls. You can feel the beat of the bass on the floor as the music plays inside. Pushing past another set of doors you enter into the main room. The atmosphere is alive with music and bodies dancing together. The main dance floor is in the middle of the room. I glance at Brent and give him a smile knowing that’s where he wants to go first. To the left is a wide staircase that leads up to the VIP section that overlooks the whole bottom floor. To the right is the main bar that extends the length of the building with mirrored glass covering the bar and rows of liquor placed on shelves on the wall. The bar is very sleek and very busy. I can count at least eight bartenders behind the bar. High top tables are scattered around the room surrounding the dance floor. In the back of the club, past the bar area is a lounge filled with oversized black leather couches and large square red leather ottomans being used as coffee tables. This is the only place besides the VIP area you can sit down and take a load off. The black atmosphere of the club is only offset by the red lights dancing around the club or the spotlights that randomly hit the stage and the dancers on it. The dance floor is packed with people and it looks like a solid movement of people as they dance and grind against each other the beat.

  I motion to Brent to walk to the bar, this requires a drink. I haven’t yet begun to think about the fact I am meeting Zane here. Right now I can’t get Jon out of my mind. His soft hair, kissable lips and the burning desire he has left in me. Part of me wishes I had stayed at the bar and listened to him play and continued to imagine all the things I would do to him or what he would have done to me. A flash of heat washes over my body just thinking about it.

  “Miller, yoo-hoo… hello…” Snapping his fingers in my face back and forth to get my attention.

  “Oh sorry, what were you saying?” Shaking my head back to the present.

  “I wasn’t saying anything, but you sure did zone the hell out. I would suggest I know why but SOMEONE won’t tell me what HAPPENED.” His face stern.

  “Seriously, not this again.” My face showing my annoyance.

  Hands up in the air he mouths the words “fine” to me and backs away toward the bar to get us drinks.

  I have not been paying much attention to anything around me, even though it looks like I am scanning the room. I honestly cannot tell you anything I have seen. That is until he steps in my line of sight. From across the room we are caught in each other’s sight. As cheesy as it sounds it reminds me of a scene out of a movie. They see each other from across the room and everything else fades away as they make their way directly to each other to meet in an embrace and passionate kiss. This wasn’t quite like that, but when we saw each other at the same time, well, everything else in my mind disappeared. Who was I just thinking about?

  I watch as he shakes a few hands and pats a few backs of the guys standing around him and turns his attention to me. Even from across the club I can see his bright smile and I can’t help but smile back. With each step he takes I find myself taking inventory of him. His hand tucked in the pocket of his bright red slacks which pulls slightly across his large muscular legs when he walks. The fitted black button up shirt lays flat against his flat abs hiding what I already know to be one hell of a six pack. With the sleeves rolled up to the elbow, I notice his forearms flex as he walks and I remember the strength of his arms. His shoes are black and sleek matching the thick black belt he has around his waist. His hair done into a very sexy short mohawk and the slight amount of scruff he left on his face. Yes this is one very delicious man. He has a bit of a swagger in his walk, and I notice as he walks across the room the amount of looks he is getting from the other females in the club. Yet still his focus is on me and I must say I am loving it.

  Just as he reaches me, Brent takes a place next to me reaching out to hand me my drink.

  “Here you go hun, assumed you were sticking with vodka water,” he said with a knowing smile.

  Zane stood in front of me with a smile but also looking a little confused. Realizing this, I made quick introductions.

  Motioning between the two, “Zane this is Brent, my trainer, Brent this is Zane.”

  Zane’s expression eases as he shakes Brent’s hand with a smile. “Hey man nice to meet you. Glad you could make it out.”

  “Yeah thanks, Miller over here was dying to get her groove on and well, didn’t want to pass up a chance to shake it with her.” His words a little more suggestive than they should be.

  Both Zane and I are looking at Brent in confusion. He caught on quick. “Oh I didn’t mean it like that, just meant that, fuck never mind, I’ll catch you two later I’m hitting the dance floor,” he says as he turns and shakes his ass at me a bit causing me to giggle. “One dance Miller, you owe me at least one dance.” And he is gone into the sea of people.

  I look back at Zane to see him already smiling at me. My toes begin to tingle again. Damn toes

  He reaches up and softly brushes a loose hair from around my face. “You look beautiful tonight Reece.” His deep brown eyes looking into mine.

  “Thank you, you look pretty good yourself,” I say a little more playfully with a wink.

  “Thank you.” He winks back.

  His hand fell from my face and is lightly resting on my shoulder as his fingers lightly run over my skin just under the cap of my sleeve. His touch, so soft, causes goose bumps. Damn goose bumps!

  Noticing the chill he slides both his hands up and down my arms. “Cold?” His voice full of sincerity. I laugh inside knowing the only reason I have goose bumps is because his touch gave them to me. “No, I’m ok, but thank you.” I smile back in a flirty way. Ok what’s happening to me? This is not me, I don’t act flirty.

  Attempting to change the mood. “So Zane, what is the party for?” I ask.

  “Well it’s not really a party for a specific reason, just invited people I knew to come out and
have a good time. I have a spot for us upstairs if you want to go up for a bit.”

  “Oh sure, yeah that would be cool,” I stammer out trying to not sound as eager as I might look.

  He offers a small laugh and reaches down and grabs my hand as we starts to walk toward the stairs. His hand wrapped around mine feels comfortable, safe, and familiar.

  When we reach the top of the stairs, Zane nods to the rather large man in a suit standing with his hands crossed in front of him. He reminds me of someone working secret service. The man nods back and gives me a faint smile for which I return.

  The VIP area is full of black oversized comfy looking couches and chairs and low sitting coffee tables unlike the leather couches below. It has a softer more intimate feel. The area is full of people standing and talking, a few dancing together. The couches are filled with couples snuggling up to each other and drinks are flowing all around. Zane leads me past the majority of the couches and people to an area further toward the back where there is a U shaped plush sofa. In the center is a table with a bucket of ice, two glasses, a bowl of limes, a large bottle of water and an unopened bottle of Vodka. It isn’t hard to realize this was set out for us.

  He motions for me to walk around the table toward the middle of the couch where I sit and he joins me.

  “Well looks like you have a pretty good set up here,” I say looking around. “You must be in pretty well with the owners or something.”

  He gives a hushed laugh. “Yeah I guess you could say that, considering I am one of the owners.”

  A blush of embarrassment rises to my cheeks. “Oh, wow, I didn’t know you owned this place.”

  “Well I’m an owner in it, more of a silent partner I would say. I just take advantage of the space every now and again,” he says looking at me intently.

  “So what else do you do then Zane? I bet you’re full of surprises.”

  He adjusts his position, so he is sitting facing me more. I see his eye catch the top of my knee and watch as he slowly drags his vision up my exposed thigh under my short flowing skirt. His attention breaks and he looks back up at me with a mischievous glimmer in his eye. His expression heats up my core and I like the feeling, so much I have to adjust and cross my legs the other direction.

  “Well, I do a few things. My main focus is a nonprofit I started when I left the NFL. It works with kids/teens to teach them about working out and being fit, eating right, self-defense and overall giving them an outlet they would not have had for different reasons. Besides that I invest in business.” Moving his head around showing the club.

  “Self-defense huh, I actually started at the gym because I was interested in their MMA training program to learn self-defense.”

  He tenses up and his demeanor becomes very rigid almost protective. His hand braces the back of the couch almost as if he was shielding me.

  “You okay?” I ask.

  “I’m fine. I just didn’t know you were interested in self-defense classes.” Still sitting stiff.

  “Life happens. I need to be prepared for the next time it happens to….” Stopping myself from completing my thought. I have become too comfortable and it’s showing.

  “Next time what happens Reece?” His tone even.

  “Nothing, it’s nothing. I just think a girl should be prepared. The MMA program they are starting offers self-defense training and I just think it would be a good place to start. I’m not looking at becoming the next MMA champ or anything, even though I totally could kick ass.” I lightly punch his knee playfully to lighten the mood and it seems to work.

  “Ouch, yeah I can see you have a little scrapper in you don’t you,” he jokes.

  I think about that for a minute and he couldn’t be further from the truth. I WISH I had more fight in me. I wish I was able to not be afraid. I wish I was strong enough.

  “What’s going on in your pretty little head?” He tilts his head in questioning.

  His hand rests on my leg and I feel the soft up and down movement as he caresses it. When he touches me I feel so many things. All of it scary and comforting at the same time. “Nothing, I’m good really.” I lie.

  I reach out for my drink and notice it’s empty, he sees it at the same time. “Here let me make you another one.” Turning so he can grab the glass and ice.

  “I am a bartender I can make my own drink ya know.” Looking at him with a smart ass grin.

  “You’re right. You could, but this is my bar. You’re not working so I’ll make it for you.”

  He finishes making my drink and hands it to me. We clink our glasses to a good evening.

  “You know I meant to tell you, you have a glow about you tonight, and you seem more relaxed. I like that,” he says lifting his glass to lips.

  I almost choke on my drink hearing his comment but manage to hide it from Zane. Well hell yeah I’m relaxed. Glowing, not sure but relaxed, yes that I definitely am. I think about Jon, his kisses and his touch. His smell fills my nostrils and I take a small inward breath reminding myself of him.

  “I guess I just had a relaxing day, its carrying over that’s all.” Offering a small smile.

  “Well whatever it is, it works for you.”

  The music shifts from upbeat fast tempo to a slower, sensual sound and I instinctively start to sway slightly to the music.

  Zane stands and holds out his hand. “Dance with me, please?” As he displays a sexy crooked smile.

  I don’t think twice about his request as I place my hand in his. He pulls slightly bringing me to my feet but hard enough that my body collides with his and I instinctively brace myself against his chest. Looking down at my hand over his pec muscle, I can feel him flex beneath his shirt as I look up into his smiling face. His hand wrapped around my back as he held my hand wrapped in his close to his ear.

  He turns his head slightly and places the sweetest and most sensual of kisses on the inside of my wrist before he looks down at me. His hand moving to caress the small of my back. I lean in and can smell that familiar smell and close my eyes as I process it.

  He drops our hands and begins to move. “Wait where we going? Thought you wanted to dance?” I ask questioning.

  “Oh we are, and don’t think it’s for one song either. Sweetheart, I want to dance with you where everyone can see.” He glances to his right and down to the main dance floor.

  I suddenly grow nervous, embarrassed and worried, so I pull back a little on his hand.

  “Zane, can we just stay up here? I um, I just, well, see…” Stammering to get out what I am trying to say.

  He closes the gap between us and lifts my chin to his face. “Don’t be afraid or nervous. You look amazing and well, I want everyone to see that. I won’t leave your side. Trust me, okay?” He pleads with his eyes.

  Still unsure I just nod my head up and down as he still holds it and smiles. Leaning in he kisses my forehead and grabs my hand again to make our way down the stairs. Damn forehead kisses!!

  The vibe on the main level has slowed from when we first walked in. Couples are dancing close blocking out the world around them. They are focused only on each other and the movement of their bodies to the music.

  He is leading me to the dance floor as we gently push our way past people until I find us in the center. People are all around us and I start to get nervous as I look all around. He can see the panic in my face. Pulling me close again, his arm circling my body, he whispers in my ear, “I won’t let anything happen, just relax and dance with me.” He kisses the nape of my neck. It’s moments like this I am glad I decided to wear my hair up. The heat from his kiss runs the length of my spine. Draping my left arm over his shoulder I move in closer as my body is pushed up against his. My four inch heels put me closer to his height and they allow us to fit closely together. The hypnotic beat of the music penetrates my hips as I move back and forth against him holding him closely. Being this close to him reminds me of security. It’s that same familiar feel that I get around him. I bury my face in the crook o
f his neck trying to find a way to bring us even closer. I feel his hands exploring over my back and down my ass as our bodies move together to the beat. He bends his head into my shoulder and begins to kiss his way to my neck. I can feel his hand slide down the side of my skirt until he can reach around and palm the bottom of my ass with his hand. As he squeezes I push my hips into him more. I rub my hand up the outside of his arm feeling all the ridges of the muscles and gently squeeze in some places along the way until my hand wraps around his neck. Pulling my face back while still holding his neck he looks at me and our lips collide. Passion fills me and his lips move against mine. Opening my mouth a little he takes the cue and slides his tongue in massaging mine with his. It’s a deep kiss; one that makes me feel like I want to eat him up, like I need to crawl into him to be closer. His lips leave mine for a brief minute only to return with a light nibble that only drives me wild. My hand slides down his back until it rests on his tight and firm ass that I can’t but help squeeze.

  “You fucking drive me wild do you know that?” His voice hushed and close to my ear. “Since the first time I ever saw you….” He stops.

  I moan lightly in his ear for approval. I can’t find the words to tell him what he does to me but driving me wild is definitely up there.

  “Wild huh, I like the sound of that.” My quick wit comes back with.

  “Mmmmmmmmm,” he moans as my fingers run up his back to the base of his neck and slay through his hair.

  The music is faint in my head, but we are still keeping rhythm with it and each other. Zane places both of his hands on my hips and pushes me back just enough to spin me around and pull me close so my back and ass are flat against him. With his hands still on my hips he guides my movement slowly. I reach my hands up and around his neck allowing myself to lie against his strapping chest. His face lowers to the crook of my neck where he begins to lightly kiss and suck. My body pushes further into him and my ass takes on a mind of its own rubbing and grinding against him. I can feel my efforts are working on him when his palm splays out against my tummy and he pushes me further back and feel the hardness up against my ass. I can’t help but smile and moan softly into his ear.