The rest of the hour flies by quickly. I hadn’t realized how much time has gone by. Luke and his snake-charming mouth must have me entranced. I may have possibly spent the past hour wondering if he is as good a kisser as I think he’d be. I mean sure, we shared one brief kiss but it wasn’t enough to judge him by. That liquor must be hitting me, there can’t be any other reason I would willingly sit with Luke and allow him to play with me like putty in his hands.
My phone beeps and I look down to see a text from Kiki saying she had to bail, and that she has to work tonight. I look to the table next to me and she is gone; vanished from my sight as I try to see if I can catch her before she is out the door.
I try to hide the disappointment on my face that she just left me here in Luke’s clutches. Then it hits me, she set me up. Her and him. “You,” I grit out, pointing my finger at him. “This was a setup. You had Kiki bring me here so you could get me alone.”
He smiles and doesn’t even try to deny it. “You were having a good time. Let me buy you another drink and I’ll drive you home. I promise I won’t even attempt to flirt. I told you I just want to be your friend Iz.” God, the way he always hangs on the Z when he says Iz makes me feel warm inside. I really don’t have any other way home other than asking Craig, so I agree. What can one drink and one ride home hurt?
Six more drinks and another hour passes and I don’t know what has come over me, I feel reckless and wild. I lick my teeth. “Damn, I can’t feel my teeth,” I say with a giggle. Luke grins at me, obviously entertained with my antics.
“I think I should take you home wildcat,” he says with humor in his eyes. He is leaning close to me; his body fits nicely against mine. I am tucked safely under his protective arm.
“Kiss me,” I tease, grinning at Luke. “That’s what you have been wanting, right? To get me drunk and kiss me senseless,” I continue taunting him by leaning in close to his mouth. I can’t help it, I need to kiss him. God, I want to kiss Luke! I want to feel those torturous lips one more time—just once.
“Already told you I just want to get to know you.” He licks his lips. I think he is about to take the plunge and touch his devilish mouth to mine. He moves back. What the hell? I know he wants to kiss me.
Instead, he picks his beer up from the counter and brings it to those lips I was hoping to taste and takes a long slow drink. I watch the lump in his throat as he swallows and it feels so intimate when his eyes meet mine. I part my lips and let out a small moan while appreciating his sexiness. I can now see why he gets women all the time. And then it hits me…Luke would be the perfect man to lose my virginity to. He is a player and wants no attachments and I need to get over this hurdle.
“I might like you better if you were to take me home and get me naked,” I blurt out the confession that was meant to be spoken silently in my head.
“You, my friend, are cut off.” He takes my glass from my hand.
I am not able to put up much of a fight anyhow. I am too embarrassed by what I just admitted to him. He leaves me alone for a moment to go pay our bill. I tried to pay for my drinks but he wasn’t having any part of it. I watch him at the bar as a woman runs her hand up his arm. Shit, there goes my ride home. Is she why he is in a hurry to take me home? Maybe I am stupid. I thought he liked me but maybe he really does only want to be my friend. My head is swirling with so many scenarios and I don’t know why I care so much about that woman rubbing up against him, but I do.
I continue to watch as she tries to whisper something that is probably provocative and seductive in his ear. Maybe he will take her in the bathroom and fuck her before he takes me home. But I am shocked when he gently blows her off. He looks in my direction and I try to look away and pretend I wasn’t just watching him with her.
Luke walks back over to me with a strange look on his face. “You ready to go?”
I don’t know why but I am not ready for him to take me home. I like that he turned that woman down and now I want to rub it in her face that he is with me. I know it’s petty and childish but I don’t care. I am relishing in the thought that he chose me.
“Dance with me,” I say with a wink, making my way to the dancefloor with the other couples who connected at tonight’s speed dating thingy.
The song is upbeat and flirty. I can see him watching me. He looks like he is unsure of his next move. I want to ask him what has him suddenly so shy. I have seen Luke in action. I know he is a smooth operator, so why isn’t he making a play at me? I work my hips, swaying and rocking in what I hope is a sexy manner. Who knows at this point? I feel invincible right now.
Moments later, I feel him coming up behind me. Electricity and excitement is coursing through my veins. He wraps his arm around my waist and I lay my head back on his shoulder as we move together. We fit together nicely and he isn’t half bad at dancing. He sings the song low in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. My arm is stretched, wrapping my hand around his smooth head. God, it feels good to touch him. I feel so turned on right now.
We continue to grind and press our bodies tightly together until I feel like I am about to burst. I want Luke to have his way with me. I don’t care what I said about him before. If dancing with him can feel this good, I can only imagine what doing other things with him could feel like.
“Take me home Luke,” I say grinding my ass into his crotch. My panties are soaked. I can feel that he is aroused.
He just laughs and says, “Sure thing, tight ass.”
*~*
I awaken to the sounds of birds chirping and insects buzzing. My head is pounding. I squint, trying to avoid the sunlight that is beaming down over me with warmth. The night before comes rushing back—me in Luke’s truck, nuzzling up against him and purring like a cat in heat. Oh my God! I can never look at him again. Ever!
My cheeks redden; I don’t remember even getting into my bed. Did Luke have to carry me in? My head continues to throb as I try to retrace how I got into my bed. Slowly peeling my blanket back, I am only in my bra and panties. If he stripped me down and copped a feel I will kill him. But there is that whole I am never going to look at him again thing. So there goes that plan. I slip on a tank that is lying on the floor and stumble my way to my bathroom.
After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I work my way into the small kitchenette for some aspirin and water. I am so thirsty. I quickly down a glass and my pain reliever. Immediately, I fill my glass again and start to chug and then I get choked and spit the water out as I see him…Luke. He is sleeping on my couch peacefully and very much only in his boxer briefs. Regaining my breath and composure before I awaken him, I seriously debate on slipping out before he wakes. Shit, did we mess around last night? I can’t help but blush at the thought as I remember the way he felt pressed against me on the dance floor. Oh hell, the dance floor. I wanted him; I asked him to take me home. And not just for a ride in his truck!
Breathe Izzy! Think! I press my fingers to my temples and rub softly to alleviate some of the pressure. A soft moan leaves his throat. I can’t help but look over at him and wonder what he is dreaming about.
He is way too big for my tiny couch, it is almost comical. His tan, lean, muscular body is draped over the cushions and his feet are hanging over the arm. He cannot be comfortable. Serves him right for getting an unwarranted peek at my goods.
I don’t know what to do. I grab my phone from the counter as it begins to vibrate with a text from Kiki.
Kiki: I was going to ask how last night went, but considering I can see Luke’s truck parked at your trailer, it went really good. ;)
Me: This is all your fault and no we didn’t do anything. At least I don’t think. Shit! He is asleep on my couch. What do I do?
Kiki: There is a hot guy on your couch, stop talking to me and go give him a happy wake up!
Me: No! I need to get him out of here before the whole resort is gossiping about us.
Kiki: LOL! You totally told on yourself I was only kidding about the truck.
&
nbsp; Me: I hate you!
Kiki: Have fun! I am currently discussing your love life with Bess and Herbert.
Well that is just great. Bess and Herbert are the nosiest bunch of old turds ever! Knowing Bess, she will have everyone thinking Luke and I are married by tomorrow. I throw my phone onto the counter with too much force and it makes a banging noise. I groan, afraid to see if I just cracked my screen. I can’t afford to replace it if I have.
I suddenly feel uncomfortable as I feel a hand on my shoulder. “Good mornin’ Iz.”
I freeze as I realize Luke is standing incredibly close in his undies and I am only dressed in a skimpy tank and mine. Thank the Lord…I am wearing pretty panties. It really isn’t any different than him seeing me in my swimsuit for work but there is something intimate about panties. He removes his hand and starts going through my cabinets like this is a normal everyday occurrence. My skin feels seared where his hand was resting against me.
Why is he so comfortable being here? Did he used to sleep over with whoever lived here before me? Is that what happened to the last lifeguard? Did he have a relationship with her and break her heart? Jesus, I am acting like some sort of obsessed loon. It’s none of my business. I have got to stop these thoughts about Luke. He has a long list of women and I don’t know why I care all of the sudden.
“So,” I start, trying to be casual. “You know you have your own home to go to and find whatever it is you are looking for.” Why is he still here? I don’t want to be rude. However, shouldn’t he be gone already? If my memory serves me correctly, he is not the kind of man that stays the night, ever.
He grins lazily. “We are becoming friends Iz and friends have breakfast together.” He brushes up against me, opening my drawer I keep my silverware in. He smells good. Sigh…his skin touching against mine feels too good. It doesn’t feel friendly at all.
“I don’t recall inviting you for breakfast.” I smirk, being smart with him. Did I just flirt with him? Why am I flirting with him and liking it when he smiles at me like that?
“If I recall correctly Iz, you invited me to do so much more.” I can’t believe I acted that way last night. I don’t know if I should apologize or what, but he is probably used to it. An awkward silence stretches between us and I am unsure what to do or say.
He uses my bathroom and I try to remember to breathe as I think about him being in my bathroom practically naked, but then I get a visual of him peeing and that is just weird.
His breath is still sticking to my ear as he continues making himself at home, cooking my eggs and frying my bacon. I leave him and go back to my small bedroom to get dressed. I make my bed, pick up my dirty laundry, anything to avoid going back in there with him. I don’t want to see anyone with the way my head is feeling. It feels as if there is an army of miniature carpenters hammering nails into my skull.
Thankfully, I am off today so I can hide all day. I don’t want to deal with people pressing me for gossip about Luke and our friend status. As large as this place is, it sometimes seems so small seeing how everyone seems to know each other’s business. I swear Kiki knows what I am doing before I do it most days.
“You alive back there,” Luke calls from the kitchen.
“Yeah, just a minute.”
I will let Luke stay for breakfast but then he has got to go. I have a book I have been dying to read waiting for me and today is the perfect day to spend with one of my book boyfriends.
Leaving on my tank, I pull my denim cutoffs on over my hips. My boobs are popping out a bit so I add a white and maroon checked button down over them.
Running my brush through my hair, I smooth out the tangles from the previous night. A dab of Chap Stick and some mascara finishes me off.
Back in the small kitchen, Luke has the eggs ready but the bacon not so much. He shoves a plate of scrambled eggs in my direction.
“Thanks.”
We eat our eggs in awkward silence and he flips the bacon as it crackles and pops. He has the temperature up too high. Grease splatters, landing on my arm. I bite into something hard, and I stick the tip of my tongue out and remove a piece of eggshell. Discreetly, I put the piece of shell in a napkin and shove my plate away telling him that my stomach isn’t ready for real food. At least he tried.
“Are you working today?” He asks with a gleam in his eye.
I want to lie and answer yes but before my brain can register the thought, I spit out an eager, “No.” Really Izzy, calm down. I scold myself mentally. I act as if a good-looking man has never showed me any attention. And this is Luke. The man has tried everything under the sun to get in my pants. Hell, he gets in anyone’s pants.
“Good, I want to take you somewhere. Do you have boots?” he asks as he finishes burning the bacon.
I nod, curious as to where he could want to take me. Pulling my boots from my storage tote that holds my shoes, I slip them on and grab my phone and keys as Luke leads me to his truck after getting dressed. Thank God, he put some clothes on. I was going to ask him about his tattoos but I didn’t want him to think I was gawking at him. Well I kind of was but still…he has a four-leaf clover on his right shoulder blade. Is that what brings him so much luck with all the women?
“I need to stop by my place for a minute. That alright with you?” He really isn’t asking but I answer that it is anyway.
I get into the cab of his pickup and try to sit as far away from him as I can.
“You know Izzy, you can let go of the handle and relax,” he says, gazing at me with his eyes all soft and dreamy.
No I can’t, I think to myself, because if I let go, I am going to give in to his wicked charm and paw at him like a bearcat getting its last meal. I am starving for a man and Luke isn’t just any man. He is a man that has the ability to hurt me if I’m not careful. I like him much more than I should. This crush has long left the crush station. I like him a lot.
Luke
I have to admit Izzy sure looks good in my truck. She smiles at me from the cab as I lock my door. I needed to freshen up a bit after the night I had. I was afraid to take too long changing my shirt. I was afraid when I came out that Izzy would be gone. She is always so standoffish about being alone with me. In a way, it’s cute.
I see Craig slowing as he drives by. I wave at him and smirk as he gets an eye full of who is with me. I want him to know Izzy will be with me, she just doesn’t know it yet. Wait…what did I just say? I shake my head and get in my truck. When I rejoin her, she is singing along with the radio. Shaking my head at her choice, I chuckle.
She smacks me hard in the gut. “Not everyone has the voice of a rock star.” She goes back to singing Beyonce.
“I have a few rules for my truck. Number one, don’t touch my radio and number two, no cat in heat screeching. Number three, you sit by me.” I change the station to rock and Kid Rock is belting out lyrics about a first kiss. Not exactly what I was going for but much better. Izzy has a scowl on her face, mocking offense over my comment about her singing. Her voice is actually nice but I enjoy seeing her cheeks flush.
I stop the truck on the side of the road when she refuses to sit next to me. “What are you doing?” She looks at me with this bewildered expression on her face.
I don’t say anything. I go around to her side of the truck, open the door and shove her into the middle of the seat. Her mouth is still hanging open when I get back in and get back on the road.
“Much better,” I tell her as she still sits there shocked that I actually did just do that.
After a minute or two, she relaxes and puts her head on my shoulder. Her head nestled against me feels so good. My gut instinct is to kiss the top of her head. However, I stop myself. I am sure that would really freak her out. I have to get a grip. It’s just so hard. I like this girl a lot.
“So what is it we are doing today friend?” She watches the scenery as it blurs by.
“You ever been muddin’?”
“Um…no,” she answers weakly.
“Well swe
et cheeks, that is about to change.” I pull into my friend Ryan’s driveway; he is a regular at the bar and a good friend. I back up to the trailer that is waiting for me. Ryan owns an ATV shop and he lets me borrow his four-wheeler when I want to ride. I used to have my own, but after the shit with Kirstie, I sold it when I moved.
After getting the trailer hitched, I grin at an anxious Izzy as she fidgets with her hair, twirling it around her finger. “Nervous?” I ask as I drive us to the property Ryan owns. He had planned to build a larger home but the financing fell through. So for now he uses the land as a rider’s playground.
The ground is still wet from the heavy rain we received a few days ago. I can’t wait to see Izzy all muddy and freaked out. I just know she is a prissy girly girl.
She shakes her head no, but her body language says something else. “Do I make you nervous Iz?”
“You wish,” she spits out quickly. A smile spreads across her blushed cheeks as she stares at me quizzically. “Just trying to figure you out Luke Greene.”
“I am an open book, got nothing to hide Iz,” I say with a wink. I know it is bullshit; only thing to hide is the fact that I like her a lot.
She waits patiently as I get the ATV unloaded. When I wave her over, she seems apprehensive. “Don’t we need helmets or protective gear or something…?” She looks a little pale.
“Only thing you need to do is wrap those arms around me and let me take care of you today Iz. Trust me, you’ll be fine.” I wink and smack her on her ass, earning me a smack back. I wasn’t expecting that. Izzy just keeps surprising me. I can read most women easily but she is complex. Nothing like what I am used to—it’s refreshing.
Izzy
“Ahh! Slow down Luke!” I am screeching as Luke is whipping us right into a puddle of mud as he guns the gas on the four-wheeler. Why in the hell did I agree to get onto this deathtrap with him? Oh yeah, it was those dang eyes and his tempting lips. My right arm is beating on his back while my left is snaked around his waist, holding on for dear life. And the only response I get is the jerk laughing at me. Mud splashes all over the two of us. I am pretty sure a bug just went down my throat as I was screaming. I cough and wheeze, trying to clear my throat.
Drunk on You (Happy Endings Resort Book 3) Page 3