One Daring Night
Page 1
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One Daring Night
Mari Carr
Chapter One
Eric Bryant leaned back and sighed, the quiet ambiance of Prime 112, his favorite restaurant, failing to jerk him out of his melancholy. “I’m telling you, man. You were smart to take yourself off the meat market.”
Alex Dare shook his head. “I don’t think it was a completely conscious decision. Took one look at Madison and that was it for me. Believe me, up until I met her, I thought I was pretty happy feasting on the banquet of beautiful women here in Miami and Tampa and…basically everywhere else the team traveled.”
Until an injury had sidelined him forever, Alex had been quarterback for the Tampa Breakers. In retirement, his career had veered into a sports commentator role. One that fit the man well.
“Yeah, well, I think it’s time for me to push away from the feast. I’ve hit my limit.”
Alex laughed. “Jesus. Are we going to talk in metaphors all night? What the hell is wrong with you? You’ve only been in Miami a year. You can’t have already worked your way through all the available women our fine city has to offer.”
“Woke up this morning with a gorgeous blonde in my bed. Naked and stacked with tits out to here.” Eric held his hands a foot away from his chest.
“I’m struggling to find a problem in any of this,” Alex joked.
“Didn’t know her name. Couldn’t have told you what it was if my life depended on it.”
Alex shook his head. “Damn, man. That’s not good.”
“Don’t try to tell me you haven’t been there, done that.”
Alex gave him a rueful grin. “I have been. And I used to cut the hell out of there quick when it happened.”
“That would have worked except for one little problem.”
Alex narrowed his eyes, shaking his head in disgust. “Tell me you didn’t take her back to your place.”
Eric didn’t bother to reply. He figured his face said it all.
“Eric. You broke the cardinal rule. Always leave yourself an escape route.”
Eric raised his hand. “Preaching to the choir, buddy. You don’t have to tell me that. I know it.”
Alex tilted his head, one eyebrow raised. “Well, apparently you forgot.”
“I may have consumed more than my fair share of tequila.” Eric lifted his glass of iced tea as further proof that he wasn’t going to make that mistake again soon.
“Hair of the dog might be a better idea,” Alex suggested.
“No thanks. I’m giving my liver the night off.”
He’d called Alex shortly after he’d managed to extract what’s her name from his house around noon, feeling the need for some male companionship and someone to commiserate with. “Alex, I’ve brought you here tonight to take an oath. I need a witness for this one.”
“I don’t like the sound of this. Promises made while hungover never tend to last long.”
Ordinarily Eric would be inclined to agree with his friend, but this time was different. “I came to Miami for a fresh start. As you know, the move allowed me to make partner in my engineering firm two years ahead of schedule. Now, I’ve got a great condo overlooking the bay and a chance to reconnect with old pals from my college days. The only thing I didn’t think about changing with this move was my…” Eric paused, searching for the word.
“Sex life?” Alex supplied helpfully.
“Yeah. I figured I’d bring the playboy persona down here. Fresh crop of pretty faces and all that jazz.”
Alex took a sip of his beer. “So one night with a woman whose name you can’t remember and that plan has changed?”
Eric wasn’t sure he could explain it to his friend. Eric and Alex had played college ball together for the University of Florida. However, unlike Alex, who’d been drafted by the Breakers, Eric’s football career had ended with graduation. Not that he’d had any real aspirations of going on to play in the NFL. He knew he’d sort of reached his pinnacle with college ball, always destined to be a second string running back. Never first string.
So, he’d put his degree in engineering to good use, joining a lucrative firm in DC, working his ass off until he transferred to the Miami office and made partner. Upon his return, he’d looked up his old friend expecting the two of them could cut a swath through all the single ladies in the city together. What he’d found was a very happily married, head-over-heels-in-love friend.
He didn’t admit it to Alex, but seeing him so happy with Madison had cracked open something in Eric he didn’t realize was there. He’d discovered a desire to fall in love—real love, not the make-believe midnight-to-six a.m. type that ended with him slipping out of some bedroom at dawn with his shoes in his hands.
He was tired of coming home to an empty place, fed up with eating most of his meals alone. What he’d considered the good life for years—a bachelor’s paradise—had turned into a desolate, quiet, lonely existence.
“Listen, Eric, I really think you should reconsider whatever it is you’re about to say. One misstep—”
Eric raised his hand to cut off his friend. He knew in his heart what he was about to say was sincere. “All I need is for you to be a witness to my oath.”
Alex leaned back in his seat and waved his hand, inviting Eric to continue. “Okay, but I’ll warn you now. If you persist, I’m going to hold you to this vow of yours…and I’m going to make it hurt if you break it.”
That was one reason he’d invited Alex to dinner. Speaking the words aloud would help him remain true to them. Plus, Alex was the devil when it came to teasing. If Eric went back on his word, Alex would give him shit from now until the end of time.
“I’m going to marry the next woman I sleep with.”
Alex didn’t even pretend to take him seriously. He burst out laughing, the sound so loud, several diners sitting around them stopped talking to look. And when they did, Eric observed the lights go on as more than a few slipped out their phones and tried to covertly snap photos of Alex Dare, ex-quarterback and now television personality. For a minute, Eric feared fans seeking autographs would overrun them, but Prime 112 catered to celebrities who clearly returned because they were left in peace.
“I mean it, Alex. No more one-night stands. I’m not sleeping with another woman unless she’s the one. I’ve taken every part of my life seriously except for my relationships. It’s game over on Bachelor Roulette. The next woman I take to my bed will be the one I marry.”
Alex shook his head. “It doesn’t work that way.”
Eric shrugged, refusing to be swayed from his plans. When he made up his mind about something, he usually managed to take stubbornness to a whole new level. And he’d never been more sincere about anything in his life. “I’m serious. The next one will be the one, the last,” he repeated, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
When Alex continued to chuckle, Eric narrowed his eyes. “It’s clear you don’t think I have what it takes to follow through on this.”
Alex sobered up, though his grin remained. “What’s been your longest relationship in the past?”
Eric frowned. He didn’t like where this was going. “Three months.”
Alex started to laugh again, but stopped when Eric’s scowl grew. “Sorry, but damn man, that’s not really a great track record.”
“Stop thinking with your dick.”
“I could have figured that out on my own. What’s the secret? What’s the magic combination?”
Alex paused and Eric appreciated that his friend seemed to be taking his request for help seriously. Finally, Alex said, “Honesty. A sense of humor. Selflessness. And a healthy dose of lust.”
Eric considered the answer, then nodded. “I can do that.”
“Maybe,” Alex said. “But I’m going to make it a little easier for you.”
Eric had counted on this. He’d lost count of the wagers he and Alex had made during their friendship, but he suspected they were well into the double digits. “Name your price.”
“You go back on this and it’s going to cost you. Ten thousand dollars.”
Eric narrowed his eyes. If he agreed, this was going to be the biggest wager they’d ever made. “I break the vow and I pay you ten thousand bucks.”
Alex nodded.
“And what do I get from you when I carry through with it?”
Alex grinned. “I’ll be best man at your wedding and throw you one hell of a bachelor party. Vegas, strippers, the whole nine yards.”
Eric laughed. “Deal.”
Joni Allen walked into the uber-expensive restaurant and found her prey instantly. The hostess asked if she had a reservation, but Joni waved her off.
“I see my party,” she replied as she breezed by the woman without a second glance. Luckily there was a fairly long line of patrons waiting for tables, so the hostess let her go without question.
She never took her eyes off the man she’d come to see. He looked incredibly handsome tonight, his face freshly shaved, his hair combed neatly. He wore the royal-blue sweater she’d given him for Christmas, the one that brought out the rich cobalt in his gorgeous eyes.
Two-timing eyes that were wholly and completely focused on the willowy brunette sitting across from him.
Jeff, her boyfriend—the man she was living with, the guy who’d just two weeks ago mentioned the “M” word in passing and who’d had Joni anticipating an engagement ring on her birthday—had obviously forgotten said birthday was today.
And now the asshole was spending what should have been her romantic evening with someone else.
So far, thirty sucked.
She kept walking toward him, but Jeff never took his eyes off the bimbo he was with. Joni was glad he didn’t see her coming. She was banking on the element of surprise.
After all, she’d been blindsided when her best friend, Erika, had texted her to say she wanted all the details about her romantic dinner at Prime 112 tomorrow. When Joni had replied with a simple question mark, Erika admitted seeing Jeff’s car in the parking lot of the swanky restaurant—one neither she nor Erika could afford to dine in. Obviously her best friend had jumped to the conclusion that Jeff had taken Joni out for a special birthday dinner to pop the question.
Furious to realize Jeff’s earlier text of “Have to work late—sorry” was a lie, she’d hopped in her car without considering her actions. When Joni pulled into the parking lot, she’d glanced through a window and spotted Jeff. She’d watched him take the brunette’s hand in his, kissing her palm. Then the son of a bitch had actually sucked one of the woman’s fingers into his mouth. In three years of dating, he’d never engaged in such a flagrant act of PDA with her. Damn him.
She was only a few steps from the table when Jeff’s gaze drifted to hers. His eyes widened with the briefest glimpse of surprise before dimming with the realization he’d been busted.
“Hey, Jeff.” Joni couldn’t believe she sounded so calm, so nonchalant.
“Joni.” Jeff started to rise, but she pressed on his shoulder.
“No. Don’t bother. I won’t be long.”
Jeff sank back down into his seat. Joni felt the other woman’s eyes on her, but she didn’t even glance in that direction. What she had to say had to be said to the cheating bastard.
“So this is it? This is how it ends?”
“Joni…” Jeff looked around at the other diners. He hated scenes and it only occurred to Joni when she spotted his uncomfortable expression that she’d spoken too loudly. A hush fell as people from the tables close to them suddenly became silent.
Rational Joni would have been mortified to make such a spectacle of herself, but this was pissed-off Joni. And she didn’t really give a fuck who heard what she had to say.
“Three years, Jeff. I supported you for three years. Worked my ass off while you went to school for your degree.” He’d graduated the previous month and landed an amazing job at the hospital as a physical therapist. After years of scraping to get by as a couple, Joni had actually been looking forward to a future where they’d have two decent incomes to live on instead of her mediocre one.
“I didn’t want you to find out this way,” Jeff started.
Joni laughed. It was a bitter sound, but a laugh just the same. “Oh yeah. Because there’s always a better way to find out your boyfriend is cheating on you.”
“Boyfriend?” The brunette had foolishly decided to enter the conversation. Probably not her wisest move, given Joni’s current state of mind.
She turned on the woman. “Ex-boyfriend. And you are?”
The woman fell silent, clearly uncertain if she should give her name to the raving lunatic Joni must appear to be.
After an awkward moment of silence, Jeff lifted his hand. “Joni, this is Heidi.”
Joni narrowed her eyes at him. Did he really just introduce her to the woman he was cheating on her with?
Joni searched her memories of the past three years, trying to figure out if Jeff had always been such a tool, but she was sure there had been no clues that indicated such. Or maybe love really was as blind as folks liked to say.
“Well, Heidi. I hope you and Jeff have a wonderful night and future. Because he’s all yours now.”
Jeff tried to rise again, but Joni shoved him back into his seat. As long as she was standing and he was sitting, she was in the position of power. She wasn’t going to give that up.
“Please, Joni. Let me explain.”
She shook her head. “No. I’d rather Heidi explain. Are you here with Jeff on a date?”
Heidi looked around the now-silent dining room, then nodded slowly.
“And have you been out with him prior to tonight?”
Heidi nodded again. “I didn’t know he had a girlfriend.”
Joni raised her hand. “Don’t worry, Heidi. I don’t blame you.” Joni was careful to make her voice as kind as possible when she asked, “And have the two of you consummated this relationship?”
Heidi frowned and for a second, Joni wondered if the woman knew what the word consummate meant.
Then Heidi whispered, “Yes.”
Joni stiffened her spine, working overtime to keep the tears at bay. She wanted to rail, to call Jeff every horrible name she could think of, but the breath would be wasted. The damage was done.
“You’ll find your things outside tomorrow morning. Don’t come by until then.”
Jeff winced. “God, Joni. You gotta let me—”
“No. I don’t have to do anything,” Joni said, cutting off whatever pleading Jeff planned to do. “You see, I don’t want you anymore. I’m done. Have a lovely dinner.”
With that, she spun on her heel and headed back to the door. The hostess looked equal parts horrified and impressed. Joni latched on to the impressed and let that tiny spark of appreciation carry her out of the restaurant and all the way to her car.
She still felt eyes on her, so she started the car and put it in drive. Unfortunately, the tears she’d tried to hold at bay came, blinding her. Her foot pressed firmly on the brake. She couldn’t see the steering wheel, let alone the road.
Rather than let her tears fall, she simply sat, frozen, as she concentrated on her breathing. One breath in,
one out. Three times she repeated the in and the out. Then, she closed her eyes, sucking in more air.
It occurred to her after several minutes of the quiet inhalations and exhalations, her tears weren’t ones of sorrow.
They were angry tears. Raging, furious, fiery tears. Tears she refused to shed. A brash sense of recklessness washed through her. She’d wasted years of her life in a relationship with a faithless, ungrateful man. Joni had always been the quiet, reliable woman, but no more.
She was overwhelmed by the desire to do something crazy, wicked, completely out of character.
But what?
She had about as much adventure in her as a brick wall. Then she considered how much that description fit. She was sturdy, steady, immovable. Once she’d made a serious commitment to Jeff, she never considered anything else.
Now, her mind raced with the need to move. Fast. Heedless. Jeff had torn down her wall and left her exposed. But somehow that didn’t seem as frightening as much as it felt freeing.
She could do anything now. Be anyone. No…better than that…she could finally be herself.
In one blinding flash of brilliant white light, Joni’s blinders fell away. She could see.
So it was time to move.
But where?
Eric noticed the curvy woman the second she walked into the restaurant. The way she stormed toward their table would have sent his hackles up and had him warning Alex that danger was approaching, except she wasn’t looking at them. Instead, all her focus was solely on the occupant of the table next to theirs.
The guy at that table appeared to be clueless about the tractor beam he was trapped in, too wrapped up in looking at the nondescript flavor of the month sitting with him.
While the brunette seated there was almost a cliché as far as attractiveness went, the storming invader was the more interesting of the two females. God. She was gorgeous. Fire incarnate with her long, curly strawberry-blonde hair, the embers of it catching the muted light, with each step revealing another shade, flickering, wild, untamed. Beautiful.