I'm not exactly comfortable on Stephan's lap, and in the corner of my eye, I can see one of his friends shooting him an approving nod. This makes me want to roll my eyes. Instead, I focus on the band. The lead singer is pretty hot. Since I am in bright red and sitting a little higher thanks to Stephan's lap, his eyes keep wandering back to me as he sings. I watch him for a bit before my eyes eventually move back to the other side of the room. I see that Jeremy has forgotten about me and is now watching the band perform. Now it's Caleb watching me. He's leaning lazily against the wall, beer in hand. His eyes shift to Stephan before focusing back on me, as if trying to figure out what Stephan will mean to me for the night.
I'm distracted when Stephan's hand shifts from my hip and slides down to my thigh. I glance at him with disapproval. I don't do public displays. I'll kiss, but it stops there. His eyes hold mine as he takes a deliberate pull from his beer while his hand creeps between my thighs. My eyes narrow. Does he really think I'm a sure thing? His eyes tell me he does. Asshole.
Then I find myself cringe inwardly. No, not an asshole. He's simply believing what I've always put out there for the general public to believe. I am easy. I'm not picky. If the guy is hot, I am willing to try him out. Underneath the table, Stephan's hand almost reaches its destination when I reach down and grip his wrist to make him stop. He frowns at me.
What the fuck is happening to me tonight? I don't want to make a scene, so I lean in and say one word in his ear. “Tequila.” He understands I'm hitting the bar again, and nods, reaching into his pocket to pull out a ten. He holds it out to me. I shake my head and give him a sultry smile before standing up and walking away. He doesn't know it, but I won't be coming back.
When I reach the bar, the bartender quirks an eyebrow. “One more,” I say. He moves away and I sigh to myself. If I wasn't avoiding my apartment, I would simply take a cab home.
“If looks could kill, you would be a weapon of mass destruction,” a familiar accented voice drawls over the loud music. The bartender—who'd just set down my shot—snorts loudly and turns away to help the next patron.
I hadn't noticed Caleb had approached me until he spoke. He stands there confidently, that upward curve in the corner of his lip very distinct as he looks at me with laughing eyes. The tightness that had formed in my chest earlier begins to recede as I pick up my shot. I arch an eyebrow at him. “Did you seriously just use a pick-up line on me?”
He shrugs. “It worked, didn't it?”
“How do you figure that?”
His smile widens. “You're not ignoring me.”
I swallow the laugh that wants to escape, because I don't want him to see that I'm amused. Instead of replying, I knock back my tequila. A second later, I set the empty shot glass down on the bar and move past him, only pausing briefly to pat his bicep before I keep walking. After several feet I pause and turn back around to see Caleb's eyes still on me. “Hey, Caleb?”
His eyes drift down to my breasts, clearly distracted. “Yeah?”
“You know what they say about guys with big muscles. Small dicks,” I say distinctly.
His eyes jerk up to mine and he smirks with a gleam in his eye. “We both know you don't have to worry about that.”
I shake my head with bemusement before I walk away for good, making my way back to the group. The group I'd originally came with has become the lesser of the two evils. I'm definitely not going back to Stephan and his grabby hands.
When I approach, I note that Jeremy turns his back on me to talk to Jake. No one would think anything of it, but I know I've unintentionally hurt him. I move to stand by Bev and Charlie until the band finishes their set and they start dismantling their equipment.
Before I can do anything, Ace stands in front of me, his hand gripping my arm gently but firmly as he leads me a ways away from the group. I look up at him with surprise. This isn't like him. In this atmosphere, I don’t exist to him, because he’s usually on the prowl for his next conquest.
He gives me a hard stare. “I said to slow things down, not reject him in front of everyone.”
I wince. He'd seen? That meant the entire group had noticed. “I wasn't—I didn't...” I sigh and rub my temple.
“Fix it.”
“And how am I supposed to do that?” I ask flatly as my hand drops. “You know what'll happen tonight if I approach him and try to make it up to him. We'll end up in bed. He'll turn those brown eyes of his on me and I'll be unable to—” I clamp my mouth shut, realizing I've said too much. Damn it all to hell. I fucking care.
Ace stares at me, his eyes searching mine as if trying to figure out just how much I care for Jeremy now that I’ve openly admitted it.
I shut everything down in my mind and give him a cool look. “It's not my fault if you or Jeremy read more into what I put out there. He's a big boy. He can handle it.”
A muscle ticks in his jaw. “So it's like that now, eh?”
“It's the same as it's always been.”
“The only person you're fooling is yourself.”
“Go jerk yourself, Ace.” I turn and walk away, mentally berating myself for not only upsetting Jeremy, but now I've gone and had words with Ace.
This night blows.
Somehow, I manage to push aside my swirling emotions. I. Don't. Fucking. Care. Not at all. They aren't my problem. I find myself back at the bar again, I hold up two fingers to the bartender and he nods. I can feel the darkness building within me, and it's going to be a shit night. My best bet is to just drink myself into oblivion. This way I don't have to feel anything, and I'll crash when I get home. The second the shots are set down in front of me, I down them both, barely even feeling the burn in my throat.
“If you're feeling down, I can feel you up,” a familiar voice murmurs in my ear.
I shake my head and look up to meet Caleb's devilish blue gaze. “You don't give up, do you?”
“If you didn't want the attention, you wouldn't be wearing that poor excuse for a dress.”
I sigh. “A girl can change her mind.”
“Absolutely,” he agrees. “I'm glad you kicked the douche bag to the curb.”
My eyes widen slightly. Was he referring to Jeremy or to Stephan? Probably Stephan.
“I don't blame Jeremy for trying, but the other guy is a tool,” he explains, accurately reading my expression. “I've seen him around campus.”
I decide I'm not nearly drunk enough. I have yet to feel the slightest hint of a buzz. I turn back towards the bartender, and much to my dismay, Caleb slips a strong arm around my waist and propels me away from the bar before I can protest. “What are you doing?”
“I don't mind you buzzed, but you getting tanked is out of the question,” he says firmly in my ear over the music.
My feet pause, but it makes no difference as he physically pulls me towards the dance floor. I shoot him a look. “I meant it when I said you and me are not happening.”
His expression tells me he’s unfazed by my announcement. “I like a good challenge,” he says as he tugs me out among the dancing bodies. He keeps one hand on my hip—as if he's making sure I don't take off—and begins to move to the beat of the song playing over the speakers. It's a deep, grinding beat, and I'm surprised to find that he can dance.
“You dance?” I shout over the music. Ace, Jeremy, and AJ wouldn't be caught dead on the dance floor.
“I learned a long time ago women like to dance, and I don't like being side-lined.”
I have to admit that Caleb's entertaining me. The darkness has lifted, and I find myself giving over to his antics as I begin to dance. We move well together, our moves similar. Soon the space between our bodies begins to disappear as I relax. The tequila's kicking in, and Caleb's been getting closer and closer to me while I barely notice. It's not too long before both his hands are on my hips possessively as our hips brush against one another in a sexy grind.
It's then that I start noticing just how enticing he really is tonight.
I'm likin
g the way his biceps bunch as he grips my body, or the way his shirt clings to his abs, allowing me to see the fine outline of his rigid muscles as they move when he rubs his body against me. I'm beyond turned on as his jean clad thighs brush mine. With the thinness of my dress, I can feel every single brush or touch of his body. He's aware of it too, because once in a while he deliberately brushes his upper body against mine, slowly. When he does this, I can feel it through my bra and pleasure streaks through me. Our bodies are seducing one another while Caleb's face hovers close to mine. He doesn't try to kiss me, and I am thankful for that. My body's so attuned to his right now. I know that every move he makes is deliberate, and seduction is definitely on his mind. I'm helplessly aware that if he kisses me, I'll be leaving with him. He's too irresistible. Yet, I can't pull away.
Caleb chooses that moment to move in closer—if that's even possible. His lips brush my ear as he says, “I want to be your paramedic; I'm mouth to mouth certified.”
Another pick-up line is the last thing I expect, and it lightens the seductiveness of the moment. Laughter bubbles up from my throat as I pull back and look up at him. “Do those really work?”
He arches an eyebrow, deliberately glancing down at our bodies that are still pressed up against one another. “Do you really have to ask?”
I shake my head. “What do you do, surf the net for pick-up lines? We both know you don't need them.”
“Evidently, I do with you,” he says dryly.
“Why me?”
He meets my curious gaze. “Just trying to get your attention. And no, I don't research pick-up lines. A friend of mine back home likes to use them as conversation starters. Most of the time it works, and once in a while it doesn't.”
I shake my head and pull away from him. “I'm thirsty.” His eyes light up, his mouth opening. “Don't even think about it,” I laugh as I turn and walk away, knowing he'll be right on my heels.
When I reach the bar, Caleb snakes an arm around my waist, his head bending low to mine as he says, “Ask for water or soda.”
I tilt my head slightly so I can pointedly meet his gaze. “I'm not going home with you.”
“Keep saying it if it makes you feel better.”
“You're incorrigible,” I say as I step up to the bar. When the bartender looks at me expectantly, I order a tequila and hear Caleb sigh from behind me. When the shot glass is set in front of me, I reach for it, but Caleb beats me to it. He downs it before I can do or say anything, causing me to stare at him. That was mine.
He flashes me a smile. “Thanks.” He motions to the bartender and asks for water.
Two minutes later, I'm walking away from the bar with a water in my hand while Caleb walks beside me. I don't know how he does it. Maybe it's because he's just so playful. Either way, I need to watch myself, or he'll talk me right out of my panties before I'm even aware of it.
Chapter four
After I'm properly hydrated, Caleb coaxes me back out on the dance floor. I'm smart enough to know I should be leaving right about now. Alone. But Caleb's playfulness tonight is irresistible. I'm used to men coming at me with single minded determination but not in the lighthearted way that Caleb is tonight. I know he wants me in his bed. I see it in his eyes, the way they flicker over my body with an intensity that makes my breath catch.
I find myself struggling with the slutty parts of me that want to go back to his place to take what he's offering. It'd be good. Real good. Then there's the other part of me tonight that is moodier, almost angry over the fact that I've given my body over so very often, only to find that the darkness within me hasn't eased or disappeared. It's always there, always waiting.
Caleb's hand on my jaw—tilting it upwards so he can peer into my eyes—has me coming back to the present. His eyes hold mine. “Hey there.”
I need to escape him before this sexual inferno he's woken up inside me takes over. I smile and pull back slightly. “I need to use the ladies room,” I tell him lightly as I fight for control, desperately trying to calm the flames of desire.
Those blue eyes search mine, and something shifts within their depths. He nods and slowly releases me.
I dart off before another word can be said. I'm such a little chicken shit. A couple days ago I would have probably left with him already for the night. I'd be on my back by now, experiencing the mind blowing orgasms that his eyes are promising me.
I find my escape in the women's restroom, and I quickly move to the sink to run icy cold water over my wrists as I fight the urge to jump Caleb. Somewhere inside me, I fear that once would not be enough with him. I've always been able to hold myself at a distance with Jeremy—well, mostly. It's easy to have sex with him, then the next day everything is back to normal. He lets me control the way we interact. He takes his cues from me.
Caleb isn't the type to be controlled.
I shake my head as I think of how he's gotten under my skin for the evening with his teasing. The man is determined and his tactics work. He'd probably seen my conversation with Ace and had known that I'd welcome the light hearted side of him versus the 'in your face' sexual determination that he's hidden well tonight. And I've been falling for it, too.
Well, not anymore.
Maybe I can sneak out and get a cab without him knowing. With that thought in mind, I quickly use the bathroom, wash up, and then exit the rest room only to come to a surprising halt. Caleb stands by the door, waiting. I manage a teasing smile to hide my dismay. “You might want to dial back your psycho a bit, Cowboy,” I say lightly as I move to walk away from him to enter the bar. I only get two steps away from him before his hands settle on my shoulders, and I find my back pressed against the opposite wall in the narrow hallway. My eyes widen as he stands before me, all confident and suddenly commanding.
I watch as the playful facade from earlier fades from his expression. “I don't think so, Sparky,” he muses, but the look in his eyes is anything but playful.
I lick my bottom lip nervously, and his eyes drop to the movement, causing them to darken even further. I mentally curse myself before pasting a cool smile on my lips. “What, no pick-up line?”
“It's time for the fun and games to end.”
“I'm not going home with you,” I warn defiantly.
He invades my personal space, his body moving in as his warm hands settle on my hips. His face hovers mere inches from my own. “Yeah, you are,” he says softly. “You're a fire cracker, I'll give you that. You've got a smart mouth and a temper to match or so I've heard.” His right hand begins to massage my hip, sliding down and then curving towards my ass. “I've got you primed and ready to go tonight. All you need is someone to light the fuse, and you'll go up in fucking flames,” he says seductively before his lips capture mine.
I'm helpless to stop him. His words have my body tingling, my panties dampening. He'd been toying with me all night. He got my defenses down, and now he's playing his winning card. Son of a bitch. But yet I'm still here, pressed against the wall, his mouth moving over mine, teeth nipping gently as he asks for me to open up. Instead of pushing him away, I find myself slightly bewildered. The way he spoke, the way he his body molds to mine, you'd think he'd be more demanding with this kiss. He nibbles gently on the lush fullness of my lower lip, and I'm opening my mouth before I can think better of it. His tongue sweeps in as if he owns me, and here comes Mr. Dominating. My body tenses as his hands run along the back of my hips to cup my ass, then he pulls me up against his full erection and grinds his hips slightly into mine. His tongue dances in and out of my mouth, mimicking his body's movement. Mimicking sex. All I can think about is what it’d feel like to have him inside me. I’m so wet right now just from the thought.
The low moan I release escapes into his mouth, and his hands tighten on my ass reflexively as he pushes further into me, causing my legs to spread further. His mouth shifts to the corner of my mouth, and he rasps against my lips, “You coming or not?”
The innuendo isn't lost on me. I shiver as
the seam of his jeans brushes against that oh so sensitive spot between my legs in a seductive rhythm. The thin material of my dress is no match for him. I bite my lip hard to keep from telling him what he wants to hear.
Caleb pulls back, and his blue eyes hold mine. “One night. That's all I'm asking for, Zoey.”
“Okay,” I whisper as my resolve crumbles. I'm so screwed. Literally and figuratively.
“About fucking time,” he mutters. He grabs my arm and drags me towards the door at the end of the hall that has an exit sign above it.
Now that I've made up my mind and the internal struggle is over, I find myself anticipating what the night will bring. Soft laughter escapes as he tugs me outside, the door slamming shut loudly behind us. “In a hurry, are we?” I tease. If we're going to do this, I'm going to fight to stay in control of the situation.
His warm hand tightens around mine as we hurry around the building to the darkened side parking lot. “You would be too if you remembered how it is between us,” he says, reminding me that we've been down this road before. Only tonight I won't be passing out on him.
And I'll definitely be remembering it.
Caleb leads me to what looks like a dark blue Ford Focus. He unlocks the passenger door, but before I can climb in, he steps forward and traps me against the car with his body. His lips angle over mine, and now that I've made up my mind to take what he's offering, I allow my hands to slide up his shoulders to settle along the nape of his neck. The kiss is hot, and intense, as his tongue skillfully teases mine. It’s deep and hungry, but not nearly satisfying enough. He must be thinking along the same lines I am, because he tears his lips from mine, then gently nudges me to the side so he can open the door for me. Even in a hurry, he's not forgetting his manners. I like that. I study him for a moment, and our eyes connect. His lips curve in a sensual smile. “Get in, Zoey.”
Poison Me Sweetly (Long Beach Series Book 1) Page 6