Second Time Around (Yvonne's Naughty Story Collection)

by Yvonne Michaels

  Release Date: May 22, 2013

  EXCERPT:

  What the hell am I doing here? I have a perfectly comfortable relationship back home. Why in the world did I agree to be dragged out to a bar? A warm sensation spread through her body at the thought of the last night with her lover. At least he’s away on one of his longer business trips. Spending time with Rob and Lisa is the perfect distraction from a few lonely nights.

  “How do I look?” Alexandra pulled at her blue, flannel shirt.

  Lisa rolled her eyes and slammed the Jeep door closed. She shivered in the cool, night air. “I told you already. You look fine.” The gravel crunched beneath her feet as she walked around the front of the Jeep to watch Alexandra begin rolling down the sleeves of her shirt. “You always look fine. Even in my cowboy boots and flannel shirt you look good.” Lisa laughed. “Who are you trying to impress? Rob's buddies? Honey, if you're female and breathing then you'll do fine.” Lisa clicked her tongue. "You know it's going to be hot as all get out in that bar. Why are you rolling your sleeves down?"

  Alexandra shook her head, stirring the blond curls around her shoulders. “I'm not in the mood for twenty questions tonight.” She displayed the long, jagged scar on her right forearm before pushing the sleeve over it.

  Staring up at the neon sign that read Joe's Bar, Alexandra took a deep breath. It had been a long time since she'd stepped foot in a bar like this. She couldn’t imagine Sarah or Allison substituting their afternoon coffee fix for a singles bar. Not that she minded hanging out in bars, but she was technically single, and unfortunately that meant she was fair game for every man with his radar on.

  Lisa opened the heavy, wooden door. Loud, honky-tonk music erupted into the quiet night air. Alexandra stepped inside the darkened foyer with Lisa close behind. Choking on a cloud of smoke, Alex coughed a few times. Not a great place for an ex-smoker. A bridge type path led straight ahead. Glancing to the left, she took notice of several couples sitting at tables with their heads close together. On the other side of the makeshift walkway was a large dance floor crammed with sweaty people of all shapes and sizes doing some sort of line dance.

  Leaning close to Alexandra, Lisa had to yell to be heard, “Rob said he'd be sitting at the bar.”

  Alexandra nodded and followed as Lisa threaded her way in and out of people. A cloud of smoke surrounded them. Apparently every chain smoker within a 50 mile radius was here. Lisa pointed across the room to a long bar lined with stools and patrons.

  “Rob's at the far end.” Lisa yelled.

  Alexandra followed her sister-in-law's petite form to the farthest point of the bar. She was grateful that the music was dramatically muted from this part of the bar. That's when she spotted the muscular, blond, sitting four stools from the end. He certainly looked a lot different than the scrawny 13 year old he was when their parents died. She grinned as Lisa leaned over the blond-haired man's shoulder, “Hey, sexy.”

  Rob turned and smiled before pulling her into his lap and kissing her passionately.

  Alexandra put her hands on her hips, “I see how you are. A hello or something would be nice here. Is this how you greet your big sister?”

  Rob slid his wife off of his lap, jumped up and grabbed Alexandra in his arms. She squealed as her feet nearly left the ground. It took only seconds before she realized his lips were quickly approaching hers. Putting a hand over her mouth, Alexandra shook her head. Rob released her with a big grin.

  “We're not that close.” she laughed, punching him in the arm.

  “That's good to know,” said a familiar voice from the bar.

  Alexandra's stomach flipped over with dual excitement and dread. She watched in shock as Lisa threw herself at the dark haired man sitting next to Rob's vacant stool.

  “J.D.” she squealed and hopped into his lap. “When did you get in town?”

  “This morning. I drove straight out to the field. Rob told me he was meeting you here and I couldn't miss my favorite red head.”

  Rob playfully jerked his wife out of J.D.'s lap. “Get your own woman.”

  Turning around, J.D.'s smile grew warm. “Hello Alexandra.”

  Staring into familiar chestnut eyes, she fought the struggle in whether to run or smack the smile right off his face. Praying no one could see the dread sitting in the bottom of her stomach, she took a chance.

  “I'm nobody's 'woman' as my brother so elegantly puts it. But yes, I'm Alex.” Ignoring the strange look from Rob and Lisa, silently pleading for him to keep a secret, Alex extended her hand, “And you are?”

  “Johnathan Hamilton,” he answered, taking the proffered hand.

  Alexandra released the breath she was unknowingly holding. The familiar warmth from his hand travelled the length of her arm. This would be harder than she thought.

  Alexandra dropped his hand and glanced between her brother and Johnathan. “So you two know each other from work?”

  “He's my boss.” Rob said.

  A silent O formed on her lips and fear tightened in her chest. Did Johnathan know that all along? Had their meeting in Atlanta not been an accident?

  Lisa tugged on Rob's arm. “Come on, let's dance.”

  Rob smiled at Alexandra apologetically as Lisa half-dragged him to the dance floor.

  “You look like you could use a drink?” Johnathan motioned to the stool Rob had recently vacated. Alexandra sat down trying not to touch him.

  Don’t confuse sexual attraction for common sense, girl.

  “Beer, right?”

  Alexandra nodded, “Why didn't you tell me you were going to be in Texas?”

  Jonathan raised an eyebrow, a surprised look crossed his face as he motioned to the bartender for another beer, “I don't believe I had the opportunity. Besides, that would be a personal issue and off limits, remember?"

  She stared at the rows of bottles behind the bar. "Did you know that Rob was my brother? Did you . . ." Alexandra turned to catch his gaze. "Did you search me out those few weeks because I'm Rob's sister?"

  She could read the annoyance and disgust on his face. "No. I had no idea about your connection to Rob and Lisa until this exact moment. And in case you forgot, you approached me."

  “You're Rob's boss?” Meaning things just became extremely complicated. Alex toyed with the bowl of peanuts in front of her, not looking at him. Her entire world seemed to be crashing around her.

  Jonathan smiled, “Yes. And you're the infamous Alex. That's something I never would have guessed.”

  Immediately suspicious, her emerald eyes narrowed, “Infamous?” she asked.

  Jonathan nodded, “Rob talks about you all the time. Although you aren't at all what I pictured. I'm sure that he has no idea how sexy his sister is.”

  It was Alex's turn to smile. The blatant look of desire in his darkening his eyes sent tiny flames crawling over her skin.

  “Let me guess. Scrawny, flat chested, no make-up, mousy brown hair pulled back in a bun, glasses, dowdy clothing, and no personality. Does that cover the image you had?”

  Jonathan chuckled, nodding. “That seems to fit what I had in mind when Rob told me that his sister was a former investment banker who wrote financial planning books.”

  “Well, then you're not the only one who's surprised. I had no idea that Rob's friend, J.D., was his boss.” Alexandra took a drink of her beer, "Nor that you and J.D. were one in the same."

  She felt his eyes on her throat. “You keep staring at me like that and there's no way we can hide the fact that we know each other.” Alex rasped, her own pulse quickened by the need she recognized in the now golden brown eyes. The same need she had seen on his face only a week ago.

  Jonathan set his beer on the bar, “I’m not sure we can ignore it. I was just thinking about how sweet your skin tastes.”

  Heat pooled between her legs. “Stop it.The last thing we need to do is share our arrangement with Rob and Lisa.” Alex looked around for the aforementioned pair.

  Jonathan opened his mouth to s
peak.

  “J.D.!” squealed a feminine voice. “The boys told me you were in town.” A young woman with straight, brown hair that brushed the top of her blue jean cutoffs bounced over to the bar. Placing herself between Jonathan and Alex, the woman fluttered her lashes at Jonathan. “Aren't you going to dance with me? You know how much I like to dance, J.D.”

  Alexandra couldn't see the annoyed look on Jonathan's face. “Tramp,” she muttered under her breath. The uncharacteristic urge to stake her claim on Jonathan startled her.

  The woman turned to look at Alex, “I'm sorry.” she said haughtily, “Did you say something?”

  Alexandra smiled up at the woman nearly half her age. From the look on the girl's face she knew exactly what Alex had said. He’s not really mine. “I merely suggested that J.D. dance with you. He's not responsible for entertaining me.”

  The girl nodded smugly. “See. You're free to dance with whoever you choose.”

  Jonathan glanced at Alexandra warily. “Are you sure?”

  “Go. I'm a grown-up,” Alex looked pointedly at the woman tugging on Jonathan's arm, “I don't need supervision. Besides, it’s only a dance.”

  The girl glared back in response to the subtle insult. Jonathan allowed himself to be pulled onto the dance floor.

  Alexandra sat drinking her beer and watching the brunette grind her pelvis against Jonathan as a slow love song played. She shook her head in disgust. Get a room. Immediately thoughts of Jonathan and the other woman rolling around on the floor in a passionate embrace jumped into her mind. A sudden wave of jealousy made her stomach churn. What is wrong with me? It's not like we're a couple. He can dance with whomever he wants. She ignored the woman-child and gazed appreciatively at the broad shoulders that stretched the fabric of Jonathan's black t-shirt. She couldn't actually see the muscles that lay beneath the thin fabric, but she knew every hill and valley of his body. Alex caught her breath as her gaze travelled over his slim hips. She loved watching him walk naked across the room. He was in great shape for his age, which she estimated to be late 30s or early 40s. Alexandra watched as the other woman's hands crept over his butt. The song ended and a seductive voice joined the new music. The evil, green spirit of jealousy hooked its claws into her skin as she saw the woman press her small breasts against Jonathan's chest. Shaking her head, Alex downed the rest of her beer and pressed her way through the crowd of sweaty, intertwined bodies. She tapped the brunette on the shoulder. “Can I cut in?”

  “Sure.” Jonathan said, “Thank you for the dance, Rose.”

  Rose glared at Alexandra before turning a seductive smile to Jonathan, “I'll see you later.”

  Every inch of her body screamed at her to grab Jonathan and kiss him until Rose understood that he belonged to her. But she had spent over a decade perfecting the ability to not divulge her real feelings. One little plaything was hardly enough to cause her to lose her composure.

  Jonathan turned and took Alex in his arms. This was a bad idea, she thought as her breasts brushed against his hard chest. Her nipples strained against her lace bra. Heat flooded her face. Rough patches on his hand scraped against her soft palm. Alex remembered those rough hands exploring her soft curves. Snap out of it, Alex!

  “So you're the hands on kind of boss?”

  Jonathan smiled at her quizzically, “What makes you say that?”

  “Your hands. They're rough from working outside. If you sat in the office all day your hands would be smooth.”

  “I would ask if they're too rough but you haven't complained yet.”

  “Shhh.” Looking up, Alex couldn't help but smile. A dampness between her legs made her think she was growing too attached to him. Better to change the topic. “So what's the story with you and Rose? Are you two bed buddies are what?”

  Jonathan chuckled, “You are anything but subtle. She's the bartender's niece. She's here every weekend and always on the dance floor. She latches onto whatever man is available.”

  “Is she old enough to be drinking?”

  Jonathan laughed. “Yes. She's actually 24. I think it's her attitude that makes her seem younger.”

  “You two have never . . .?”

  “God, no. She's young enough to be my daughter.”

  The relief she felt was more than a bit uncomfortable. Alex tried to make her voice sound nonchalant. “Well, you know, some men aren't very discriminant in who they sleep with.”

  “And what about single women? You seem to be very in tune with your sexual desires. Are you simply biding time until you find Mr.Right?” he whispered in her ear.

  Alex breathed in his musky scent. Allowing herself to relax against him, she muttered, “I don’t care anything about finding Mr.Right, but I don’t plan on jumping into bed with every man I meet.”

  “Just me?”

  “Mmmmm, I haven't danced like this in a long time.” They both knew she was avoiding the question.

  Jonathan pulled her closer and whispered. “You don't seem out of practice.”

  His moist, hot breath against her ear sent shivers down her back. Alex turned her head towards his, their lips only inches apart, “I’m sure Rose is fuming.” she whispered.

  “Who cares?” his lips brushed her jawline and her cheek.

  Alex tilted her head back. His lips brushed hers. It was light at first, testing, tasting. The tenderness broke away at the barrier around her heart. He playfully bit and sucked her bottom lip. Alex closed her eyes as he once again softly pressed his lips to hers. Alexandra snaked her arms around his neck. His tongue brushed her lips, softly probing, tenatively asking for entrance. Alexandra felt her mouth open of its own accord, allowing his tongue access to the recesses of her mouth. Her body vibrated with the fire streaming through every pore. The center of her attention was solely on the sensations of his tongue teasing hers. His gentle probing, inviting her to let go. Alex silenced a groan as his hand caressed her cheek. Tiny flames licked at her face, travelling down her neck, to her breasts. She felt a familiar dampness in her panties. Her mind screamed at her to stop. He had never kissed her. That was something they didn't do.

  “Would you two like to be alone?” Lisa's voice had the effect of a bucket of ice water on the pair. They had forgotten the dance floor full of people. Alexandra pushed him away, stumbling backwards from the force. Jonathan grabbed her shoulders to steady her.

  Alex felt a knot in her stomach, “Wow, that . . . Excuse me,” she pulled out of Jonathan's embrace and made her way towards the neon Restroom sign beside the bar. How could I let this happen? Her throat constricted. The smoke swirled around her, choking off what little air she was able to breathe in. Glancing at the front door, Alex turned on her heel. Fresh air, she pushed and nearly ran through the crowd, nice cool air.

  Opening the heavy door, a warm breeze rushed over her already heated body. Alex sat down on a nearby bench, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, relaxing in the quiet. “What am I thinking? I can't do this. ” Seeing Jonathan outside of their safe haven brought too many emotions to the surface. Being emotional was dangerous and she knew it.

  Fear and anger threatened to overwhelm her. I enjoyed that way too much. Tears threatened to fall and the ache in her heart grew. Oh God I can't do this. I'm not ready for it to be more. Alexandra knew kissing was too much. It was too personal.

  Rubbing her temples with her fingertips she closed her eyes. The torment continued as those dark, golden brown eyes danced before her. Her lips parted as she remembered his soft mouth and the tenderness in which he kissed her.

  “Ahem”

  Alex snapped her eyes open. Rose. All of the passion and fear fled. “Yes?” she looked at Rose coldly.

  “You're way out of your league.”

  Alex shook her head, “I'm sorry. I must have come in during the middle of this movie. I have no idea what you're talking about.”

  Rose crossed her arms under her breasts. “J.D. belongs to me.”

  Alex raked a glance over the younger woman. She too
k in the silky, brown hair, blue eyes and red full lips. She noticed that Rose was thin with curves in all the right places. The red tank top and cutoff blue jean shorts accentuated her long legs and flat stomach. If she was the least bit insecure she would have caved. Alex stood up and realized that she met Rose eye to eye. “I don't see a ring on your finger. Jonathan can see anyone he wants and most men want a woman in place of a girl.”

  “You bitch,” Rose hissed, raising her arm to strike.

  “I wouldn't do that if I were you. What would Jonathan think of such unladylike behavior?” sarcasm dripped from her voice.

  Rose screeched, spun around and stormed into the bar. Alex shook her head. Just like a child to throw a tantrum.

  The large, wooden door swung open once more. Lisa strode outside. “Hey girl. I didn't mean to embarrass you in there. It just sort of came out. I'm sorry.”

  Alex took a deep breath, “I understand. I can't believe I let it happen.”

  “You're allowed some fun. And Jonathan's a nice guy. Although, he's not much of a one night stand kinda guy.”

  “Great, lucky me.”

  “It was just a kiss. It's not like I caught you two in bed together.” Lisa laughed.

  Alex chuckled. If you only knew.

  Lisa rolled her eyes, “A kiss is hardly anything to worry about.”

  Alex caught her gaze, “You weren't in that kiss. The man could make you lose your soul.”

  “Oh.” Lisa’s eyes grew owl-like.

  “If you don't mind, I'd like to go back to the house. I really don't want to see him right now.”

  “Alex, I should tell you . . .”

  “Lisa, please. I know Rob will want to stay but I can't go back in there after that,” Alex pleaded.

  “Well it looks like you won't have to.”

  “What?”

  “Here comes J.D.”

  “Hey, give us a few minutes okay Lisa?” she whispered.

  “Sure. Look here's the keys to the Jeep. You can head home and I'll ride home with Rob.”

  “Thanks.”