by Robyn, Amy
“Would you like to dance?” He asks. All I can do is nod. He also looks Native American, yet he has these amazing blue eyes. He is tall, probably six foot two and obviously built like a man who works out regularly. I hope I'm not drooling like an idiot. He wraps his arms around me and we begin to sway in rhythm to the music.
He smells good, like sandalwood and cinnamon. Two scents that normally do not go well together, but on him it is divine. We continue to stare into each others eyes. It is eerie the way this feels. It is as if I have known him forever. When the song ends he leads me off the dance floor and over to the bar.
“Can I get you a drink?” He asks.
“Appletini please” I say.
“My name is Gage Windwalker.” He smiles.
“Ashley Reilly.” I manage to say even with my heart hammering away in my chest. He smiles and orders my drink. He leads me back to the VIP section with his hand at the small of my back. He must have been watching if he knows where I am sitting. He walks past my table though and keeps walking to one in the back of the room. There are three people at the table, two women and one man. He whispers into the man's ear who smiles and stands. He walks over to me.
“Hi I'm Aaron.” He holds out his hand.
“I'm Ashley.” I shake his hand. You can tell these two are brothers, except Aaron has green eyes. I look over at the table where one girl is glaring and one is smiling. It looks like I am pissing off Ms Glare and I have no idea what I could have done. The one smiling jumps up and shakes my hand.
“I'm Jenna. These guys' baby sister.”
“Ashley” I shake her hand. Ms. Glare stands with a huff and she walks away.
“Don't mind her, Aaron is good at pissing her off.” Jenna says as Aaron groans and turns to follow her. Trouble in paradise. Why she would think I am honing in on her territory is beyond me. Gage gestured for me to sit and I shake my head.
“I'm here with my friend Beth.” I look behind me just as Beth walks toward us.
“Bethany.” Jenna shouts as the two hug and exclaim with the, 'it's been forever' and 'what have you been doing?' I just laugh as Gage shakes his head.
“You remember my brother don't you?” Now I'm jealous and I have no idea why. I have never been jealous before in my life. I had a boyfriend in high school who tried to make my jealous so I would sleep with him, by kissing one of the cheerleaders in front of me. I just dumped and told him, that I hope he has better luck with her.
So what if he already knows Beth. So why does it make me want to choke my best friend? Weird, I have never reacted this strongly before. I glare at Beth. It makes me want to run again. I actually take a step back and think about it for a minute.
“Jenna and I went to high school together.” She tells me. I don't care. I really don't. Yeah, sure. I will just keep telling myself that.
“Bethany used to have a crush on my brother Talon. It was hilarious.” I breathe a sigh of relief. Jesus, I am pathetic.
“Thanks brat. I did though, shamelessly. Now I am with a man even more hot.”
“You still with Ryan?”
“Yes for a year now. I think he's getting ready to pop the question.” She tells Jenna. I know he is. He already bought the ring, and I helped him pick it out, but I am not going to tell her and ruin the surprise. I look up at Gage, he's watching me.
I shift uncomfortably under his intense stare. He smiles and grabs my hand and pulls me into the booth next to him. I can hear Jenna and Beth in the background talking, obviously catching up. He keeps my hand even after we are seated. It feels so sweet, it has been a long time , if ever that I have experienced sweet. I could get used to feeling this chemistry too. It is off the charts, making me wet with a single touch of his hand. Doing what normally would take hours of foreplay. Yep, off the charts.
He brings the back of my hand to his lips and brushes his lips across my skin lightly. My heart flutters in my chest. I squirm in my seat and I know without a doubt that I will end up with this man. He smiles at me again. He has dimples. Damn, I'm a sucker for dimples. I want to lick them. Dang, where did that come from. Behave. I tell my wayward thoughts.
“So, tell me about yourself?” He asks as he leans in.
“Not much to tell, really. I am studying business management at the university and I wait on tables to pay rent.” He nods his head, deep in thought for a moment.
“What about your family?” He asks, not knowing this is a sensitive subject.
“My father died before I was born and my mother passed away a year ago. I have no brothers or sisters. My grandparents passed away when I was ten. My mother was an only child. I have distant family on the reservation but we are not close.” I swallow hard and was ready to see the look of sympathy. Everybody I talk to about my family has had the “look of sympathy” and I hate it. I don't feel sorry for myself so therefore no one else should. what I see is definitely not sympathy. It looks more like understanding and acceptance. Maybe even admiration. Butterflies take flight in my belly. Could this man be more perfect?
“What about you?” I ask.
“My parents are both retired now and I have five brothers and one sister. We own and run a security company called Windwalkers Incorporated. We set up security systems for companies and help the police on missing persons cases. We sometimes take cases for other things but normally we stick to missing persons.” I have actually heard of it before. It was supposed to be one of the fastest growing companies in decades. It is said that it turned a profit of several million in just the first year. I was definitely not asking him about that. I would hate for him to think I was a gold digger. I am most definitely not. Hell, my last boyfriend could hardly pay rent without my help.
All I have ever wanted is the connection my grandmother used talked, the spark that you feel when you just know the man is your soulmate. She always told me to never settle for less. I was starting to think it was a myth until today. How fortuitous that I meet mine today while I feel I'm at an all time low.
Lows seem to be the norm lately. Maybe this is a sign of better things to come. I can always hope. I have to remind myself not to get my hopes up though. Even Gary was great in the beginning. We did not have half the chemistry that Gage and I do, but I had been hopeful. Look where that got me?
I was starting to think that I was not meant to have happiness. Happily ever after is for fairy tales and prom themes. I look at the man next to me and everything south clenches.
“You're lucky to have so much family.” I say willing myself to calm down. Just as he was going to comment, his brother plops down in front of us.
“That woman will be the death of me.” He growls. Gage leans in toward him to talk privately, but of course I could hear.
“It would help if you quit accidentally insulting her.” Gage says. I giggle a little. Men. I roll my eyes.
“What happened?” I asked him. Shit, maybe I should mind my own business.
“I have no idea. We were dancing and she was all soft for a while and then she ran off.” That is strange. He probably has women falling at his feet so therefore he has not had to learn how to talk to women. He probably just crooked his finger at them. Gage is just as good looking. That is like a slap to the face.
“Why does it have to be so difficult?” He asks out loud, but really more to himself. I pat his hand. Gage grabs that hand and glares at his brother. Wow, jealous much. I start laughing and I can't stop. I laugh until tears leak out of the corners of my eyes and I am panting for breath. The guys join in and we make quite a spectacle. I only stop when hiccups start. These guys are too cute. I take a sip of my drink and look out at the dance floor in time to see. Ms. Glare, that Aaron has been talking about dancing very closely with a man. Should I say anything?
“What. The. fuck.” Aaron shouts and storms over to the dance floor. Guess that answers my question.
“Shit, I better go make sure he doesn't start a fight.” I slide out so he can go chase his brother. I decide to sit and wait for
him instead of following. I sip on my drink and listen to Beth and Jenna reminisce about their high school days.
I am panicking a little over how quickly I have taken to Gage. I have not been the best judge of character and I am frightened. I know my grandmother always said to trust my instincts, but my past speaks for itself. I take a deep breath and relax back into the seat. I just need to take this one day at a time. There is no rush. I will see where this is going. I have to. Already though, he seems to be front and center in my thoughts. I sigh in defeat. We will see. That is all I can do.
Chapter 3. Gage
I talk to Sarah as soon as we get into the car. I made sure that she now understands that I have never felt anything more then friendliness toward her and that she needs to move on. She actually has taken it pretty well. Then she tells me that she has actually been using me to make someone jealous. I really hope it is my brother and not another obstacle for him. Come to find out when we get there, they had met before, and he had been a idiot. Leave it to Aaron to completely fuck this up. The most sure footed brother seems to not know how to talk to a woman.
Jenna shows up and explains that she is friends with the owner of the club and we don't need to wait in line. We even get VIP seating. I'm afraid to ask how my sister knows the owner. Sarah comes back to the table saying Aaron is with another woman and I am pissed. What the fuck is he thinking. I storm over, only to find out that it isn't at all what she thought it was.
I actually have to help my brother with the Chief of Police's only daughter. The situation is a mess. Men who have to resort to drugging a woman for sex are despicable. I will let Aaron worry about that. He deals with the police more than I do. Hopefully he can explain it all to Sarah and they can work out their problems.
I'm walking back to the table and I'm suddenly drawn to the dance floor. I know it's her before she even turns around. It's as though there is an invisible string between us, pulling us together. I don't need the imprint to know she is mine. I feel it in my very bones. She's dancing seductively. Her long straight black hair is swaying with her hips. I nearly swallow my tongue as she pulls her hair off of her neck and thrusts her hips out to the faster rhythm of a new song. I groan when she finally turns and faces me.
As soon as our eyes met, it happens. It feels as though everything clicks into place and I can see clearly for the first time in my life. We stare at each other across the dance floor for a what seems like an eternity, but I'm sure it is only a minute or so. I am just unable to tear my eyes away. A slow song start sand I move toward her and hold out my hand. I can't remember saying anything but I must have. She nods her head and takes my hand. Electricity shoots up my arm from our point of contact. My cock begins to harden instantly. My eyes nearly roll back in my head when she wraps her arms around me. Yes, this is my one. I have absolutely no doubt. Even in the dark I know her. My body wants her and my soul reaches out to hers wanting to join together. It's an incredible feeling. I feel peace and exhilaration at the same time.
We sway to the music until the song ends. I tug her hand to follow me. I take her to the bar to order her a drink. She tells me her name and I repeat it over and over in my head. Ashley. Ashley. Ashley. I will never forget it, but I enjoy the sound of it. I lead her back to our table. I can't even let go of her hand. I almost growl at my brother and sister for jumping up and talking to her. I want her all to myself. I know it's selfish but I can't help it. I want those beautiful amber eyes on me, and only me. I invite her to sit with us, but she starts to decline, mentioning that she is at the club with a friend. I am about to say I will go sit with her when her friend comes over. I am shocked when I recognize her as Bethany, Jenna's friend from high school. Conversations start to flow around us and for the life of me I have no idea what is being said.
I finally have the opportunity to pull her away. I pull her over and sit with her in the booth. She tells me about the tragedies she has had to endure and I fall for her a little more. She is so strong and all alone. I want to tell her that she will never be alone again, but I know it's too soon.
When Aaron goes to confront someone dancing with his woman, I get up and follow, even though it nearly kills me. Shit, Aaron is using his gift. Before we get over to them the guy is pulled from her by some unseen force. I really hope nobody saw that. I look around and the only one who is shocked is the man.
Aaron glares at him and the guys holds his hands up in surrender and turns and walks away. I kinda feel sorry for the guy. He was just a pawn in their game. Since a fight has been averted and I am no longer needed I turn away from Sarah and Aaron.
I return to our table and slide in next to Ashley. She looks up at me with her beautiful eyes and it hits me. I am the luckiest son of a bitch to be this connected to such a beautiful woman. The electricity practically crackles between us. Am I always going to react to her like this? Something tells me I will always feel like I have missed a step every time I look at her.
Her eyes take on a yellow shade in this lighting, it reminds me of a cat. She looks frightened and fragile. A protective instinct comes over me and I want nothing more than to be the man she turns to in times of need. I take her hand again.
“What's the matter?” I ask.
“I am wondering when your going to tell me you are a mass murderer or something equally horrible. You seem too perfect.” she says seriously enough to make me laugh.
“There is nothing perfect about me. You are though.” I say as run my thumb across her cheek. Her skin is so soft. I lean forward and brush my lips softly where my thumb had been. She turns her head at the same time and our lips touch. A moan escapes me before I can stop it and I take her lips with mine.
I hadn't planned on kissing her yet, but I sure as hell am not going to stop now. I slide my tongue along the seam of her lips until she opens her mouth to me. I thrust in my tongue past her lips and tangle it with hers. Her flavor explodes in my mouth and I moan again.
I nearly pull her onto my lap, but stop myself. No way was I going to scare her away. I have been granted this gift of utter perfection and I will not push to soon. If you could dig into my brain and find what my ideal woman is, it would be her. Her body is perfect, thin yet curvy. Her height perfect. I can kiss the top of her head easily and still grind my cock into her belly as we kiss while standing. I just know her pussy will feel perfect as well. She was made for me just as I was made for her, after all. Oh god, Do not think about her pussy. I scold myself. My cock is now pounding on my zipper asking to be released. So not happening.
I pull away when I know my control is close to slipping. I tip her chin up with my thumb so I can look into her eyes.
“Do you have your cell phone with you?” She reaches into her pocket and pulls it out. I take it out of her hand and program my number in and then call myself. It vibrates in my pocket twice before I hang up. I hand it back to her. They have already announced last call so I know we will be getting the boot soon.
“I would like to take you to dinner tomorrow night. Are you free?”
“I have school and then work at the diner. I won't be free until eight.” She bites her lip and I nearly groan. Jesus, the effect she already has on me.
“How about Saturday?”
“I am working the breakfast shift at the diner and then off until Tuesday. I'm on spring break from school for the next two weeks starting tomorrow.” Is it to soon to take her away? Yes, probably.
“Alright, how about I pick you up at the diner at noon?” I ask
“That would be great. I work at Benjamin's on Broad street and Temple.”
“I love that place. They have the best breakfasts in town.” She nods and smiles at me. Her smile is so beautiful that I would do just about anything to see it again. I look around and see my sister and Bethany watching us. I smile at them.
“Sarah and Aaron already left. Well stormed out is more like it. Our oldest brother sure needs to learn how to talk to women.” Jenna says and laughs.
“I don't t
hink it's women he has problems talking to, just Sarah.” We both snicker at this.
“I'm taking off now. It was great seeing you again, Bethany. It was great meeting you Ashley. I'm sure I will be seeing you again”. She said the last with a smirk. Smart ass. She hugs Bethany and kisses me on the cheek before she leaves. I really don't want to be apart from her, not yet. Would it be completely caveman of me to throw her over my shoulder and carry her to my place. My dad really has some more explaining to do. I had no idea I would feel this out of control. Don't get me wrong I will take “out of control” any day if it involves Ashley. I follow the ladies to their car and kiss Ashley softly on her lips. It takes willpower that I didn't know I possessed to walk away. I get in my car and program her number into my phone from my missed call log and can not help a quick text
“I really enjoyed meeting you and I cant wait to see you again on Saturday”. I don't wait for a response, just put the car in drive and pull away. I get home and strip on my way to the bedroom. I climb in to bed with my phone in my hand. I have to see her response.
“Me too, and I can't wait either”. I can't resist responding.
“Did you two make it home OK?”, My phone dings.
“Yes we did. I'm already in bed.” That short circuited my brain. I picture her in bed and my cock stands up. I reach down and stroke it once before responding.
“I would love to know what you are wearing but I will behave and not ask.” My phone dings.
“Then I will not tell you that I only sleep in my panties.” Fuck, pre-cum leaks out the tip. She is killing me.
“Your killing me.”
“Boxers or briefs?”
“Nothing to bed, boxers during the day.”
“Who is killing whom?” I belly laugh like a school boy.
“Turnabout is fair play.” I send.
“Well tease, I am going to sleep. Sleep well. Xoxo.” My heart skips a beat at the hugs and kisses. I am turning into a fucking girl. I look down at my cock that is standing up and wagging like a well trained dog wanting attention. Well, definitely not a girl. I stroke him again. I groan at the sensation. Shit, I have not had a good spank session in a long time. I know though that this boy is not going to behave until he gets some attention.