Caught Looking (Hot-Lanta Series)

by Meghan Quinn

  “Hey speak for yourself, Mikey! I might be spoken for but little Jane over here is on the prowl!” Molly exclaimed.

  “Mikey? Really? I thought we got over that nickname a long time ago and hey, last time I heard Jane, you were getting married.” Michael said.

  Brady sucked in his breath, married? Well, of course, why would this extremely gorgeous woman be available, she would definitely be snatched up by some lucky bastard. She was too good to be single, but then Brady wondered if she was married, why was she in that dress drinking like a catholic school girl released from the confines of her parents for the first time?

  “Yes, last time I checked I was supposed to be married, but when your fiancé fucks his co-worker it’s kind of hard to forget about that and commit your undying love for the man in front of all your friends, family and the gardener your parents so desperately wanted to invite.” Jane stated.

  “Shit, I’m sorry Jane. I didn’t know. What a fucking bastard, do I need to mess him up? I know how to swing a bat pretty well,” Michael said with a wink.

  Jane sighed, “Thanks Michael, but last I heard George got fired and is now living in his sisters basement, working for himself, aka unemployed and mooching. Karma always comes back to bite you in the butt.”

  Brady was surprised by Jane’s attitude. God she was strong and a little feisty, he liked that. If he were in her position he would be wallowing in self-pity. If he were in her position? He was in her position at one point in time. That Hollywood devil bitch Laney Johnson fucked him over big time. She made it seem like she was in love with him when she wasn’t, even though he gave her his whole heart. Come to find out, she was getting quite snuggly with her co-star on her latest movie. He was devastated when he found out she was cheating on him. But of course the media spun their relationship in a whole new direction, depicting him as the asshole breaking the heart of America’s sweetheart. Sometimes you can never win.

  Brady’s relationship with Laney was a mess from the beginning but she had a way of trapping a man. She made it seem like she was the sweetest woman you would ever meet but deep down she had the devil in her. She would always get what she wanted, make promises and break them and she would use her body as a weapon. Her body was one hell of a lethal weapon. Brady had the hardest time resisting her. Somehow she would mess something up between them whether it was forgetting his birthday, not showing up for a game she promised she would be at or backing out of planned vacations, then she would always use her body as an apology and Brady always accepted until he found out she cheated on him. That was the end of Brady dealing with her devil ways.

  The group was talking about local restaurants when he tuned back into the conversation and tried to part from the bad memories of Laney. Jane seemed shy, although he didn’t know why, someone who dressed like that was looking for attention. She had vixen written all over her but carried herself in a way that was genuine and attractive. He wanted to get to know her better. He leaned over to her ear so she could hear him over all the music.

  “Hey sweetheart, can I get you another drink?”

  Jane crossed her legs, showing off the most amazing bronze tan he had ever seen and said, “You can get me a drink, but by no means am I your sweetheart.”

  Hello! Yes, she was feisty. He called the waiter over and ordered her another drink. This was going to be harder then he thought, or maybe he was just out of practice. All he knew was that he was excited and up for the challenge. The gossip magazines always made it seem like he was dating someone new every night but the pictures were either old pictures or pictures of him with just friends, which of course heaven forbid he should have female friends. He actually hadn’t dated someone in two years. It was just too difficult especially now that he was a bit of a celebrity. Every woman threw themselves at him just so they could have a piece of him and his paycheck.

  He was interested in Jane though, she didn’t seem like the average girl. There was something in her eyes that showed innocence and purity which he liked about her. Plus she had a real fire to her and her body was something to drool over. Yes, he would pursue this woman. Thank you Michael for being little Mikey in college and best friends with these two vixens.

  ***

  Oh my god, Brady was actually hitting on her. It had to be the dress. Her face must be just as red as the dress itself. What was she thinking? She was so embarrassed and so not used to getting any real attention from men, let alone from famous men. When she shook his hand she swore they bonded right on the spot but she was not going to fall for it, his handsome manly ways. Yes she was extremely attracted to Brady and more than anything did she want to take him home and run her hands all over his body but she was smarter than that. Tonight was the anniversary of the worst day of her life and she had grown since then. Why would she get involved with someone who was a known playboy? That was just asking to get screwed over once again.

  There was a little voice in the back of her head telling her to let loose and have fun. Maybe she would, might as well flirt back. Nothing would come from it because why would a professional baseball player want anything to do with her? Yes, the dress was doing wonders for her appearance tonight but when it came down to it he was in fact a player and she was just a low key event planner. They had nothing in common, so she might as well practice her flirting and seduction. She needed to get back on the dating train sometime.

  She leaned over to Brady when he handed her the drink he ordered and seductively asked in his ear, “So Brady, Fuck Chuck or Marry; Eva Mendez, Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek?”

  Brady was startled at first then shifted in his seat while he eyed her from the tips of her toes to the top of her head. A devilish grin spread over his face while he leaned in closer and said “Fuck Eva, she is most likely feisty like you, marry Salma because she is a sweetheart and chuck Angelina, I don’t like how the whole Brad Pitt, Angelina thing went down.”

  Hmmm, fascinating. He thought she was feisty. Ha, if only he knew that she liked to wear her kitty cat pajamas at night while watching the Golden Girls and enjoying a good facial mask. The Brad and Angelina comment threw her off though, what did he mean? Before she had a chance to even ask him his mouth was practically on her ear when he asked her, “Fuck, Chuck or Marry; Bradley Cooper, Ryan Gosling and Josh Duhamel.

  Oh what a handful of treats he laid out for her, how could she possibly choose? She placed her hand on his thigh, leaned over and whispered in his ear, “Fuck Bradley Cooper, marry Ryan Gosling and chuck Josh Duhamel, no one likes a cheater.”

  Brady stared her in the eyes and she nearly collapsed. Confidence woman, you can do this. Do not show intimidation that is exactly what these kind of men try to do to women. They make them feel intimidated and then make them feel good with compliments as they drag them to bed and end up leaving them hanging in the morning with a taxi fare for their ride home. Brady and Jane just stared at each other for what seemed like forever until Brady startled her when he asked her to dance.

  ***

  Brady nearly fell out of his seat when she placed her hand on his thigh, lord this woman was doing him in. He needed to be closer to her where they could be alone and away from the rowdy table they were sitting at. Michael and Molly were reminiscing about some baseball house party they went to in college where Molly ended up breaking the house’s couch because she acted like it was her own personal wrestling ring with Michael. Lord knew what they were like in college. He could imagine Jane though; she would be rolling her eyes at her two crazy friends while sporting some sexy outfit that drew all the male eyes’ attention.

  He grabbed Jane’s hand and led her out to the dance floor. He was not much of a dancer but he did it every now and then when he was either extremely drunk or needed a reason to get close to a very attractive lady, this time it was the latter.

  The music was blaring and the typical re-mixes and techno tunes were playing but with a sexy red dressed woman in his hands he was feeling it tonight. He wrapped his hand around her wai
st and pulled her close, they rocked together in perfect synchronization. Her curves melted perfectly into his in every way. It was like she was made specifically for him. She turned in his arms so her back was to him and started backing her booty up on him. He had to start thinking of his grand-mother to relieve any naughty thoughts. He didn’t need to embarrass himself with any tightness in his jeans right now. Yup Grandma is what he needed to think about, but my God Jane was a vixen. He tried to think of another way they could dance where her ass was grinding is overly excited pelvis.

  He turned her around in his arms so she was facing him again but no matter what he did now he was turned on, because she was running her hands up his chest and down his arms as she slowly twisted and turned and moved her way up and down his body. Yea he was a goner. His jeans lost any space that was left in them. Okay maybe dancing was a bad idea, who knew his world was going to be rocked tonight when he decided to take the newbie out with Marc.

  ***

  Jane didn’t know what got into her but she was having one hell of a time. She lost all her inhibitions and went for it. She moved up and down and pretty much treated Brady like her own stripper pole. It must had been the drinks in her, because next thing she knew she wrapped her arms around Brady’s neck and moved against his very obvious erection, spurring him on even further. She wanted to nibble on his ear but refrained, she just brought her face real close to his so she could encompass his electrifying scent. She felt a low groan come from the back of his throat. The sound made her feel empowered, something she had not felt in quite some time. She was getting great satisfaction out of turning this extremely attractive man on with no thought of taking him home or taking this any further then the night club.

  “You are slowly killing me woman” Brady whispered in her ear.

  “I know and I can tell you are enjoying it.” She said as she rubbed up against his crotch.

  He groaned again and pulled her even closer. Uh oh, did she go too far? She hoped he didn’t think this was going anywhere? What if he thought he could have his way with her, just use her for what he wanted and leave her the next morning? Why wouldn’t he, it’s not like they were in a committed relationship, this was what single life was like, wasn’t it? Dabbling here and there and having fun? Maybe it’s her turn to let loose and have a little fun. No one said she had to make a commitment or even sleep with the man. She should just let go, push all negative thoughts to the back of her head because right now she was in the arms of the sexiest man she had ever met and he was clearly turned on by her.

  She tilted her head up toward him and licked her lips, clearly indicating she was ready for him to take charge. He looked at her, grinned and leaned down so close to her she thought she might pass out. They were completely still on the dance floor and he was so close to her she could practically taste him. He stayed like that for what seemed like forever, she almost threw herself at him just to get it over with but she needed to be patient and play hard to get…not throwing herself at him like some horny teenager. Finally he started to move again and very slowly was about to place his lips on hers when there was a slight tap on her shoulder. Jane nearly jumped out of her high heels.

  “Hey Chica, we have to go.” Molly said

  Irritated Jane asked why under her breath.

  Molly leaned in her ear and said “George just walked in with the office hooker and I know you don’t want to be involved in any drama crazed reality show scene tonight.”

  All color drained from Jane’s face. She completely went still and fear started seeping into the confident woman that was once on the dance floor. Molly smiled at Brady and grabbed Jane by the arm.

  “Come on Jane, let’s get out of here. Alby pulled his car to the front and he is going to take us home.”

  Jane nodded, smiled the best she could at Brady and took off with Molly. So much for the confident girl in the red dress, she thought. The mention of George’s name along with that bitch that ruined her relationship made her turn green and she was going to lose all the contents in her stomach if she didn’t get out of the bar quick.

  Chapter 3

  Brady stood in the middle of the dance floor shocked, what just happened? A minute ago he had the sexiest woman he had ever met in his arms inches from asking her to go somewhere more private when out of nowhere her friend came over whispered something in her ear, freezing Jane completely stiff. Then her friend escorted Jane away, leaving Brady all alone and confused as hell. He was so shocked it didn’t even register to him to chase after her and make sure she was ok. What the hell just happened?

  The next morning Brady was still perplexed and it annoyed him that he cared so much. She was just another girl he met at Deuces, why did it matter so much to him? Maybe because it was the first time in a long time he was genuinely interested in someone, rather than just trying to scratch an itch he might have. He didn’t even scratch as much as people thought he did. He thought about his interaction with Jane was pretty sure she was enjoying herself last night. One clue that she was into him was when she sucked in her breath when he was millimeters away from kissing her. Damn, double damn. He needed to figure out a way to see her again without looking too desperate. He would talk to Michael, maybe he could come up with a way to get Jane’s attention.

  Damn, Brady was going to get slack for looking like some love sick puppy begging his buddy to set up another date for him but he didn’t care. Jane had made an impression on him. He saw something different in her than any other woman. She was sweet and sultry but mysterious at the same time. He was intrigued and he needed more time with her, he needed to figure out why Jane turned his stomach into knots.

  ***

  Michael sat in his brand new house thinking about last night. When he was traded to the Braves he knew he would be in the same city as Molly and Jane but he had no clue he would run into them one of the first nights he was out. It was so good to see both of them, it brought back all the amazing memories they had together but Michael couldn’t help but feel a little bitter toward Jane. They were such good friends in college and after they graduated as well. But once George proposed to her she cut off all communication with Michael. He had a real hard time dealing with the loss of their friendship so he diverted his attention elsewhere. That was when he decided to marry Kelly and start a life with her.

  He wanted to reconnect with Jane but didn’t know how to push pass the hurtful feelings he had. He would just have to talk to her about them, this was a chance for him to rekindle what he had in college with Molly and Jane and he didn’t want to lose it. He knew having friends in a new city would be nice and maybe it would give Kelly a chance to meet some new people. He worried about her since the move. She was very mad and reluctant to move. All of a sudden, Michael’s thoughts were interrupted by his phone ringing. He looked down at his caller ID, Brady.

  “Hey Brady, how’s it going?”

  “Pretty good, how are you feeling after last night?”

  “Good actually, I didn’t have much to drink. I saw that you got a little comfortable with my friend Jane.” Michael thought about how Jane was all over Brady and vice versa. It bothered him a little. He was not sure if it was because he didn’t get to spend time with Jane last night or if it was because he always harbored feelings for her.

  “Yea, I was actually calling you about her.” Michael heard Brady clear his throat. “God this is embarrassing. I was wondering if you could possibly set something up where we all hang out again. I want to get to know Jane some more. She was pretty amazing, but she was also a little stand off-ish. I am afraid if I ask her out myself she might turn me down and say no.”

  Michael laughed, “A girl turning you down? I don’t believe it.”

  “Well in any case, do you think you can set something up?”

  Michael thought about it. Did he really want Brady pursuing Jane? Well it was not like Michael could pursue her himself. He was married and Jane never thought of Michael that way. George was an awful human to Jane and
if he could pick anyone to help Jane become herself again, Brady was a good option. He was fun, nice and could help Jane come alive again. He was a little nervous about Brady’s reputation for having so many women but after meeting Brady and getting to know him, he seemed like a really nice guy. Why not, Jane could use a little fun.

  Michael replied, “Yea, I will call Jane and see if her and Molly want to hang out. I miss them and it would give me a good opportunity to catch up as well.”

  “Thanks man, I appreciate it.”

  “Just don’t hurt her, alright?” Michael said in a serious tone.

  “You got it, I promise to be an upstanding gentleman.”

  “I will text you the details later.”

  Michael hung up the phone and hoped the phone number he still had for Jane was the right one. He needed to push past his distaste for what happened when George and Jane got engaged and help bring the friend he used to know back from the dead.

  ***

  What was she thinking last night just throwing herself at Brady Matthews like that? She was somewhat grateful George walked in and Molly escorted her out to Albert’s car. She so much enjoyed the intimate and very sexy dancing she was doing with Brady but lord knows she would have been hurt somehow so she was grateful their private soiree stopped before it even had a chance to begin.

  She couldn’t believe she was so bold though. When she was dating George she really toned down her out-going personality and eventually lost herself. She didn’t realize the change in her personality until she left George that was when she noticed how much she changed because of him. It was like George brain washed her and turned her into a robot. She always thought she wanted to be a wife, who took care of her husband and be a mother but ever since she started her own business, her goals in life changed. She wanted to be successful and able to provide for herself. Show the world that she didn’t need George, or any man for that matter, to have the ability to take care of her, to take care of herself.