For Her Pleasure
~The Pleasure Series ~
Angie Daniels
Caramel Kisses Ink
Copyright © 2015 by Angie Daniels
ISBN-13: 978-1-941342-12-1
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now know or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. For questions and comments please contact [email protected] or visit www.angiedaniels.com.
DEDICATION
To all of my loyal readers. Thanks for giving me the best job in the world.
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Coming Soon
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Other Books By Author
About the Author
For Her Pleasure
~The Pleasure Series ~
Angie Daniels
Caramel Kisses Ink
ONE
“Did you see her face?”
There was a rude, high-pitched laugh before a second woman replied, “Oh my goodness, I think she had to pick her jaw up off the ground!”
Mackenzie’s face heated as she listened to the instigators on the other side of the bathroom stall. She couldn’t believe the way the two of them were standing at the sink gossiping as if she wasn’t there.
Well…, in all honesty, they had no idea she was there, hiding in the middle stall for the last half hour.
“Do you know where she went?”
Catty female number two replied, “I don’t know, but if she has any pride left she went home. There’s no way I could hold my head up after that!”
With a groan, Mackenzie Boyd realized that raspy smoker voice belonged to Celina, one of the bartenders she employed. As always, the twig-sized chick was running her mouth about someone or something. Celina rarely ever got the facts right, but for once, she was on point. Tonight had been one of the most humiliating nights of her life.
As part owner of Spanky’s Bar & Grill, Mackenzie had reserved the bar side of the establishment to celebrate the engagement of her best friends, Kaelyn Chamber and Ashton Ray Kilmer. Other than occasionally assisting behind the bar, she had taken the evening off and was laughing with friends when she spotted Allen, the gorgeous hunk she’d been dating exclusively for the past month, walking into the bar. Rushing toward him with excitement, she had thrown her arms around his neck. It had taken her a few seconds before Mackenzie heard the woman behind him clearing her throat, and demanding why her arms were around her husband.
Married?
Mortified, heat flooded her face again. She’d had no idea. Sure Allen wasn’t always available and sometimes when she called him his phone was turned off, but she thought he was just a busy man. When she had asked him if he could attend Kaelyn’s engagement party he said he had to work and wouldn’t be able to, which was why she had been so excited to see him standing at the door. Only he hadn’t been there for the party. No, his wife read his text messages and they just happened to drop by. The woman wasted no time whipping out the pictures to show her their happy family that included four children. But that wasn’t until after she’d started screaming and made a scene in front of all of the guests.
“Do you think she’ll be in tomorrow?” Celina said, breaking Mackenzie away from the humiliating flashback.
There was a rude snort. “She better be. It’s payday.”
The two burst out with laughter and the longer Mackenzie stood in the bathroom stall the madder she became.
I’ve never been a coward, so why am I hiding?
The two were whispering when Mackenzie kicked open the door.
With a collective gasp, the two jumped apart, the looks on their faces were priceless. With her chin tilted upward, Mackenzie sauntered over to the sink and washed her hands. Celina was the first to find the courage to speak.
“Hi, Mackenzie. I didn’t know you were in here.”
“Obviously,” she replied with a rude snort as her eyes met the twiggy woman’s nervous reflection in the large mirror.
“Is there anything we can do for you?” the other asked with false sympathy. She was Lucy, one of the new servers.
Mackenzie swung her head around so fast, the two flinched. “Yes, get back to work. That’s if you want to get paid tomorrow.”
Nodding, the two rushed out the bathroom and she couldn’t resist a grin. One of the perks of being the boss was having the upper hand.
While reaching for a paper towel, Mackenzie caught her reflection in the glass and frowned. She was a beautiful woman, smart and intelligent. What man wouldn’t be proud to be with her, she wondered? If that was the case, what the hell was she doing hiding in the ladies room? With that boost of confidence, and a professional smile plastered firmly in place, Mackenzie headed back into the bar.
The crowd was hyped and the music was loud. The deejay was playing that new song from the Empire soundtrack and the platform stage that doubled as a dance floor was flooded with guests. She moved through the crowd, stopping to speak to a few, while noticing the others, staring and whispering. Allen and his knock-kneed wife were long gone, but it would be awhile before all was forgotten.
Mackenzie, always the bridesmaid, but never a bride. The story of her life, not that she cared. Well at least she hadn’t realized it mattered until Ashton swept Kaelyn off her feet and they fell hopelessly in love. In the last few months, she started to think what the hell had she been doing all these years? There wasn’t a single prospect in sight. Even now she watched as the two danced in each other’s arms with eyes for no one but each other. Their love was the type you read about or saw played out on the big screen. Mackenzie sighed. One could only hope to find the same. In the meantime, it was back to the drawing board in her quest to find a man to warm her bed at night. She just preferred one she didn’t have to share.
As her eyes traveled around her establishment, she tried her best to smile at everyone who cast a glance in her direction. Never let them see you sweat was her motto, regardless of how hard it may be.
Mackenzie felt a light tap at her shoulder and swung around. The moment she spotted her cousin Charlie Batum, she groaned. How long has he been here?
“Hey cuz!” she said and gave him a quick hug.
Drawing back, his hazel gaze swept her up and down. “Are you okay? I saw what happened. Were you really having an affair with that woman’s husband?” he added with a look of outrage.
Mackenzie rolled her eyes and prayed for strength as she tilted her head to meet his eyes. “Chuck, I had no idea the guy was married.”
“Did you even bother to ask?” he said as if it were her fault.
Mackenzie glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention to his line of questioning and luckily the other guests were more interested in celebrating. “Of course I asked!” she snapped. Mackenzie took his arm a
nd led Charlie out into the corridor away from all the gossipers. But in a small town like Sheraton Beach, no place was safe. The residents loved gossip. “I’d rather everyone not hear my business.”
“They’ve already heard! I guarantee my mother will be calling me within the hour.”
Mackenzie groaned again. That meant she needed to expect a phone call from her parents as well.
“I hope you stay away from that man.”
“Of course,” I said as if the answer was obvious. Just like her cousin, she loved her men tall, handsome, and athletic, but married men were definitely a no-no. And because she had values, and hadn’t a clue, Mackenzie refused to be made to feel stupid.
Charlie dragged a hand across his dark curls and blew out a frustrated breath. “You really should find a man of your own.”
“No shit?” she said and chuckled. “What do you think I’ve been doing?”
He pursed his lips, clearly unhappy with her choice of words. “I have this guy at work I would love to—”
She held up a hand. “Like the last one you hooked me up with whose breath smelled like spoiled fish. No thank you.”
“But—”
“No Chuck. No,” she hissed and then forced a smile as she patted his arm. “I’m going back to enjoy the party. You should do the same.” Mackenzie sauntered off despite his protest. She knew her cousin meant well, and always tried to behave like the brother she never had, but there were certain times she just wished he’d mind his own business. Like now for instance.
She walked behind a long bar that was backed by a mirror that ran the entire length. Pasha, a cute mother of two, was mixing drinks and working the busy counter while Celina stood beside her, chatting away. When she spotted Mackenzie, her eyes widened before she cowardly hurried down to the other end of the bar and got to work.
“How’s it going?” Mackenzie asked as she signaled a customer for their order.
“Busy, but everyone is having fun. Your friends really look happy,” Pasha commented while popping the top off of a bottle of beer.
As she reached for the tequila bottle Mackenzie glanced over at the happy couple, still slow dancing. “Yes, Kaelyn really is.” She and the freelance photographer had been best friends since college. It was Mackenzie who had convinced Kaelyn to give the small beachfront town a chance. Within months of relocating, she had met Ashton, who Mackenzie had known since grammar school.
Mackenzie served several customers and once things slowed, she poured herself a double shot of tequila. After she moved out from behind the bar, she glanced around the room. It was like any bar with dozens of wooden tables and chairs, a dance floor, and a bar that was the length of the room. There wasn’t an empty chair in the house, and the bottles had been flowing for hours. She had already arranged for taxi service for any guests who were too drunk to drive.
Mackenzie looked over at Charlie. He was out on the dance floor, moving with little to no rhythm. It didn’t matter how much time she spent trying to teach him to feel the beat of the music, he still ended up looking like Carlton from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. He was a good guy and probably would make a great husband if he wasn’t already married to his work.
As she brought the glass to her lips and took a sip, her eyes shifted to the end of the bar. Celina and Lucy were standing at the end of the bar. Probably gossiping about me. Tomorrow, she would make sure they both personally came to her office to get their checks so she could remind them who’s boss.
Hearing a familiar laugh, she whipped around and when her eyes landed on a man standing to the far side of the bar, her heart slammed against her ribcage. Goodness, she had never seen anyone as fine as he was in all of Delaware… Or any of the surrounding states.
Mackenzie took a long swallow from her glass as she took in all his fine qualities. And there were definitely plenty. He had on a red shirt that showcased nice, wide shoulders and abs to die for. His arms were folded, but she could make out his broad chest that filled out the shirt and those explosive guns that strained against the fabric. His was a body built for power.
She swallowed hard as her eyes perused his body. He was the epitome of tall, dark and handsome, with an athletic body that guaranteed a woman an ooh-wee moment. His muscled legs were clearly outlined beneath a pair of dark-washed jeans that were stretched tight, showcasing a beautiful butt. No other man managed to make her feel the fluttering sensation that was curling low in her belly, except for firefighter Ryan Young.
As if he’d known he was being watched, Ryan turned his head slightly, and as soon as his intense dark gaze spotted her, a smile curled his luscious lips.
She chugged down the drink, then set the empty glass onto the counter. With a wicked grin, Mackenzie moved toward him taking in his piercing dark eyes, high cheekbones and wide masculine nose. His watchful eyes were on her.
“Hi,” Mackenzie said when she reached him.
“Hello.” His voice was what erotic dreams were all about. It rumbled like thunder skimming her skin.
She cocked her hip to the side and stared up at him. He was six-five, an entire foot taller than her. “You decided to come.”
Ryan nodded. “You know Ashton and I go way back.”
“Yeah, I know.” He was also Charlie’s best friend. She tried to collect her thoughts, but it was hard to concentrate when he was standing so close. Ryan was both handsome and intimidating.
“How long you’ve been here?” she asked and the look in his eyes told her long enough to have seen the drama unfold.
He laughed low. “You always did pick the losers.”
Not at all interested in another lecture, Mackenzie turned away but before she could put some distance between them, Ryan reached out and caught her arm with his hand. “Where are you going? I want to dance.”
Without even waiting for a response, he led her up the steps onto the dance floor. A slow song she barely recognized was playing. Ryan drew her into his arms and once she was pressed up against him, she exhaled. He smelled amazing. It was a woodsy scent that he had made his own. Large arms looped around her waist, urging her to fit closely. His body was hard and strong, just the way she liked it. Automatically, her hands found his forearms. His skin warmed her fingertips. As they moved together she felt his rock hard abs, brushing against her breasts. Obviously, her nipples beaded in response. His wide shoulders blocked her view, but she didn’t give a damn.
“I think I need to keep an eye on you,” he whispered close to her ear, sending electric pulses through her bloodstream.
Mackenzie tilted her head back and gazed up into his eyes. “Why’s that?”
“Because you seem to migrate toward trouble.”
She tilted her chin up in a gesture of defiance. “And hanging with you would be an improvement?”
He mumbled against her ear, “You could do a lot worse.”
“That’s not saying much,” she replied with a laugh. Everyone knew Ryan had a reputation of being a heart-breaker.
“At least I don’t have a wife,” he teased with that spine-tingling voice of his. One hand rose to encircle her slender neck. Goodness, he was so dangerously seductive. No wonder women fell at his feet.
Her smile became a smirk. “Okay, you got me there.”
His eyes caught hers once more and this time she lost herself in the sight. He was so handsome with a square face that was undeniably masculine and beautiful chocolate-brown eyes framed by long, dark lashes. How many years had she spent fantasizing about Charlie’s best friend, wondering what it would be like to date him… to share his bed? Oh, she’d lived in Sheraton Beach all her life and had heard the rumor. She had even seen some of the women Ryan had dated and she had never thought any of them were what he needed. Most were superficial or high maintenance. She never could understand why he even wasted his time.
The song was captivating and she found herself gyrating her hips to the beat. One of Ryan’s hands was at her waist and the other at the center of her back, holding her bod
y against his, causing her nipples to ache. Her heart was pounding like crazy and she was certain he felt it as well.
He guided her into another dance routine, which she followed easily. While they gazed at each other, Ryan continued to caress her and a tremor shot through her body, making her shiver in places he hadn’t touched. She stared up into eyes that were dark, compelling, and downright tempting, and at that moment Mackenzie knew exactly what it was she wanted to do.
Her heartbeat pounded louder than the music surrounding them as she said, “You’re right. I could do a lot worse. What would you say if I told you I wanted a lot more than your eyes on me?”
His eyes narrowed a bit. “What are you saying?”
There was one thing she wanted. After that entire fiasco and trying to be committed to one man, she wanted to just live wild and reckless for a moment.
Mackenzie leaned forward, wet her lips and replied, “When am I going to get my chance with Ryan Young?”
She felt his body stiffen. “Are you serious?” he asked.
For a moment she almost regretted her proposition, but the twinkle in Ryan’s eyes spoke volumes. She had his attention. Everyone knew his reputation of dating women for two weeks before moving on to the next. Now was her turn.
“Do I look like I’m playing?” she purred and his eyes never once left her face. “You think maybe you can pencil me in for fourteen days on your calendar?”
Before she had a chance to hear his response, Kaelyn appeared beside her. “Mackenzie, I’ve been looking all over the place for you,” she said then looked up at Ryan and smiled. “Hey Ryan. Thanks for coming.”
Following a grin, he replied, “I wouldn’t miss it.”
The song ended and Mackenzie moved away from his touch.
“I just heard what happened. Can we talk?” Kaelyn asked as her eyes searched hers.
For Her Pleasure (The Pleasure Series Book 2) Page 1