“No. When I see something I want, I don’t give up,” Dinah said proudly as she lifted her mixed drink to her lips.
If her demeanor were different, she could probably pull off the getup she was wearing quite well. Dinah had an abrasive, hardened personality and was rather intimidating to a lot of the men in the club. She was tall, thin, and muscular for a woman, probably two inches taller than Rachel in her bare feet. In tonight’s outfit, she was almost eye level with Eli. Rather than play down the more androgynous and unfeminine aspects of her image, she seemed to capitalize on them with her choice of revealing clothing. Why she came into a country and western nightclub instead of one of the more urban clubs in Morehead where she would fit in better was lost on Rachel.
“Dinah, why is it that you are so determined to get with Eli? Why are you so fascinated with him?”
“In strength and build, he’s my equal, Rachel,” Dinah said, using her name condescendingly. “We’d be incredible in the sack. The question in my mind is why he has this passing fancy for a chubby thing like you?” Foolishly, she didn’t lower her voice when she said it.
Ethan placed a comforting hand on Rachel’s shoulder blade. “Hey, Eli. Things are quiet right now, so why don’t you and Rachel take a break?” He’d heard the entire conversation. “Dinah and I are going to have a talk. I’ll help watch the front. You go ahead,” Ethan said, giving Eli a communicative glance then smiling sympathetically at Rachel.
Eli took Rachel’s hand and led her away to the dance floor. Rachel could see the tension in the rigid set of his shoulders, but he was gentle as he led her away. He turned to her, and his face was unreadable. She coasted into his embrace, her torso pressed against his, his thigh between hers as he quietly guided her around the dance floor. She placed her cheek against his pectorals and smiled softly when his warm, heavily muscled arms slid around her shoulders and down her back, his hands coming to rest at her hips. He felt so powerful and immense wrapped around her like this.
She could hear the frustration in his voice when he spoke. “I’m sorry she said that to you, Rachel. You’re not chubby. You’re perfect.” He kissed her temple.
“I had a feeling she would be very difficult to deal with once she got wind that we had gotten together, and I suppose I’m not surprised she wouldn’t back off. There was no graceful way for either you or me to handle her, and I probably should have let Ethan deal with her before I even walked up. Did you notice how she tried to manipulate you into getting mad at me? That’s her style. Divide and conquer.”
“Emphasis on the conquer. She’s pretty scary.”
“Sex with her must be like a competition,” she said, giggling at last when Eli had a full-body shudder.
“I did not need that image burned into my brain. Thank you very much.”
“I love that we can see the humor in this situation. She’s definitely the worst of them, though.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry she hurt your feelings, Rachel. All I can think about now is how right and beautiful and sweet you felt in my arms last night before I laid you on my bed. You’re not chubby. You’re voluptuous and womanly, and you feel perfect in my arms.” He looked into her eyes with such adoration it took her breath away and made her heart pound.
She gasped quietly when he pressed against her, and she noticed his hardened shaft against her belly. A low ache began in her pussy and her panties became damp. She closed her eyes and experienced the slow burn that was so much a part of being in close proximity to him.
“You, too?” He smiled knowingly at her.
“So much, Eli,” Rachel replied with feeling, pressing herself to him, tightening her arms and gripping his broad, hard back with her hands. “I feel like I could combust right on this dance floor.” Rachel smiled as Eli begin to relax under her hands. The next song began to play, one of her new favorites by Chuck Wicks, called “Hold That Thought.” Rachel smiled at Eli seductively, thinking the DJ had excellent instincts picking music.
“Close your eyes and picture this
Lying in bed in the candlelight
We start to kiss”
“I love this little dress on you. Very sexy.” He slid his hands on the clingy knit fabric over her hips. “Other men in the club are watching you right now. Did you know that?”
She didn’t bother looking around, just gazed into his eyes. “Well, I hope they know I’m yours.”
“Pulling your body in close to mine
Now picture us
That moment before we make love”
She held on to him more closely and gasped as his big hands slowly, purposefully slid down over her ass, squeezing gently as Mr. Wicks continued to croon.
“Now hold that thought
Hold it right there”
“Oh,” she uttered softly as her cunt contracted suddenly. Her panties grew even damper as his hands lingered there for a moment. He dipped his head and kissed her, inhaling her panting breaths. His hands slid back over her hips, coming to rest again on her lower back, but this time one of his long fingers settled into the cleft at the top of her ass in a clear mark of possession.
“You do that again and I might make a fool of myself right on this dance floor,” she said shakily, wondering if that had been a mini-orgasm she’d just experienced.
A wolfish grin spread across Eli’s face. “Oh? Wouldn’t that be something?”
Rachel felt her cheeks flush and whispered, “I think I just came…a little.”
Eli smiled tenderly as he nuzzled her temple. “And the evening has only just begun.”
“Mmm, I know. I wish there was something I could do for you, to return the favor,” she said with a giggle.
He groaned softly. “I’ll have to look forward to when I get you home. I need to check the restrooms while I’m on this side of the club. Need to slip in the ladies’ room for a few minutes?” He maneuvered to the edge of the dance floor closest to the restrooms.
As they approached the doors he said, “Take your time. I’ll wait outside the door for you and walk you back. Ace Webster is here again. He must have come in while we were on the dance floor.”
“I’ll see you in a few minutes. Don’t rush,” she replied as he kissed her gently on the cheek and pushed open the door for her before stepping down the hall.
As she entered one of the stalls, the restroom door opened and clicking heels tapped on the restroom tiles. She grinned, guessing correctly who had joined her in the restroom.
“Grace, is that you?” Rachel asked.
“Yep, we’re alone, for now. Are you okay? You looked a little shaky when Eli brought you to the door.”
“I’m fine. Is Eli waiting outside for me?”
“No, not yet. Ethan told me that Dinah warned to allow the bouncers to do their jobs and leave them alone. He told her specifically to leave Eli alone. He’s so thoughtful to do that.”
Rachel exited to stall. “I know. I should have let him deal with Dinah from the very beginning. I probably only aggravated her.”
Grace shrugged. “I’m anxious to see how you do with all the other groupies. Ace Webster was asking how long you’ve been an item. I think he wants to dance with you.”
Rachel shook her head. “I’m not dancing with anyone but Eli tonight or any other night. He seems very nice, but I’m here with Eli. I would be very upset to watch Eli dance with another woman, and I know he’d feel the same.”
“If the opportunity comes up, I’ll mention of that. The one thing I can tell you is that he is a decent guy. Persistent maybe, but decent. If you tell him flat-out no, he’ll back off, I’m sure.”
“I hope it doesn’t come to that.” Rachel fluffed her hair and opened her evening bag to fix her lipstick as she eyed Grace. “All right, time for show and tell.”
“Hmm?” Grace asked innocently as she ran her fingers in her hair, rumpling it.
“You said earlier your dress is very camouflaging so no one knows what you do or don’t have on under there.” Rachel
arched an eyebrow. “I have to see. I’m dying of curiosity.”
“It’s a very sexy teddy with a built-in underwire bra. It’s very sheer and matches my skin tone, so at first glance, I look naked in it. The sexy thing about it is that it’s a thong, and the entire torso is dozens of little tiny strips of the sheer fabric all crisscrossing. I’m not sure I should show you because it’s like I’m nekkid.”
“Oh, come on! I’m like another sister. You’d show Charity, wouldn’t you?”
Grace snickered. “She’d give me no choice!”
“Please? I wanna see.”
So Grace showed her. Giggling, she stepped into the handicapped stall and motioned Rachel to come in, too, and she closed the door in case someone came in. The sheer fabric had a slight sheen to it, and it did match her skin tone perfectly.
“Do they know this is what you have on underneath your dress?”
Grace smiled and nodded with a naughty twinkle in her eyes. “Yeah, I hinted to Jack, and Ethan figured it out when we came in and he put his arms around me. Adam should be here any minute, and I told him earlier I was going to wear it tonight.”
“It’s beautiful on you, Grace.”
“I think you would look pretty in it in black with your dark hair and lashes. Maybe I’ll get it for you for a bridal shower gift.”
“Grace, he hasn’t proposed. Do you know something I don’t?” Rachel asked, surprised by Grace’s comment.
“Only what I see, Rachel. He is so in love with you. I’ll bet you’re hitched by Christmas!” Grace predicted.
“Kelly said the same thing today when we were shopping.”
“Oh, isn’t she the cutest little thing you ever saw? And that baby boy with jet-black hair. He’s as sweet as he could be, like a little sack of sugar! Maybe you would have black-haired babies, too! The two of you would make gorgeous babies!”
“Well, let him propose first before you start planning baby showers, okay?” Rachel laughed and let Grace get her dress straightened out before they exited the restroom stall.
“Ethan and Jack are probably looking for me. I’ll see you out there, okay, sweetie?”
“Sure. Grace?” Rachel called out. When Grace turned to look at her, she said, “Thanks for looking out for me. I appreciate it.”
“What are friends for? Love ya, babe!” She sashayed through the door, smiling. Rachel returned her lipstick to her bag and washed her hands.
Slipping out of the door into the dark hallway, Rachel bumped into a tall, hard body. In the dark, she thought it was Eli and relaxed, putting out her hands to steady herself. She made contact with a hard chest and washboard abs as strong, warm hands grasped her upper arms and kept her from stumbling.
A second later, she knew it wasn’t him because his scent was totally different, a dark, spicy fragrance mixed with the clean smell of an unfamiliar soap. Her hand brushed a butter-soft leather blazer, and she knew instantly whom she was holding on to. Ace Webster. She released her hands straight away and tried to back up, expecting him to do the same. Instead, his hands remained, gently holding her upper arms, and he leaned in closer, effectively pinning her to the wall in the dark, narrow hallway.
His voice was soft and husky. “Miss Lopez, how nice to see you again. I noticed you dancing earlier, and hoped I might talk you into dancing with me this evening.” He leaned in close to her. “Your scent is beautiful, womanly.” He dipped his head to nuzzle her hair. Her heart pounded, and she shrank from him but backed into the solid wall.
Grace had assured her he was a decent guy. Rachel felt like intense might be a better description at the moment. Before Eli had come into her life, she probably would’ve enjoyed this attention, his spicy, clean scent and the solid strength that he emanated. Right now, she did not enjoy his close proximity and certainly not the way he inhaled her fragrance. Good gracious, would he be able to detect her recent arousal? She vehemently hoped not because that felt like an invasion of something sacred between her and Eli.
She breathlessly placed a hand on his chest to stop him and spoke quickly. By her tone, she made sure to leave nothing to his imagination concerning what she thought about his offer and advances. “Mr. Webster, I thank you for your kind invitation, but I can’t dance with you. I am very deeply in love with Eli Wolf. Grace and Jack brought me in so I could be with him tonight, and I’ll only dance with Eli. I’m sorry to disappoint you.”
“Loyalty like yours is rare in today’s culture,” he said, but his actions led her to believe he was unconvinced. He hadn’t backed away and continued to breathe in her scent. As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she could see his eyes and the lust and desire that smoldered there. “I hope someday I am lucky enough to have a woman who is as loyal to me as you are to Mr. Wolf. It’s my loss.” Rachel cringed inwardly and balled her hands into fists as he leaned even closer. She feared he might try to kiss her before he looked to the side and grinned. “Mr. Wolf, nice to see you again,” he murmured.
Chapter Fourteen
Rachel was filled with relief. “Your hands are on my girlfriend, Mr. Webster.” Eli asked harshly. His eyes glittered dangerously as Ace backed away and released her arms.
“Rachel and I bumped into each other in the hallway as we passed,” Ace replied, holding up his palms in surrender. “I didn’t want her to fall.” He turned to Rachel and kindly said, “Miss Lopez, a pleasure to see you again. Have a good evening.” He continued down the hallway to the men’s room.
Eli approached Rachel and hugged her. “You’re pale. Are you all right?”
She nodded, clinging to him briefly. “The hallway was dark. I bumped into him and thought for a second it was you. He asked me to dance with him.” Ace had sounded as though he wanted to offer a lot more.
“I know, I heard what you said. Thank you, honey, for those sweet words. I didn’t like seeing his hands on you.”
“I know. You looked very angry.” She trembled in his embrace, soaking in his warmth and strength. A minute ago, if she could have backed through the wall away from Ace, she would have.
“Not at you, at him. Do you think he took no for an answer?” he asked as he escorted her down the hallway back out to the club.
“His attitude changed after I told him I was in love with you. Maybe he’ll respect that and find another dance partner.”
“He looked like he was about to kiss you when he noticed me standing there,” Eli said, sliding a hand over her shoulder.
“I thought so, too. I’m relieved he noticed you there when he did. That hallway was a bad place for a fight.”
“If I had felt the need to use my fists, I would never have done it in such close proximity to you. I’d have taken him out the backdoor. I sort of wish I had, so we could settle this once and for all.”
“He seems like a decent enough guy, if a little persistent. I hope he finds someone else to pay attention to.” Changing to a safer subject, she said, “Grace said Ethan warned Dinah to leave the bouncers alone.”
“She reminded me a little of what Ethan has told me about Patricia Ramirez.”
“I’m sure Ethan was probably thinking the same thing, since he was on the receiving end of Patricia’s obsession back in June. It’s rare for Ethan and Ben to ban someone from the club, and they wouldn’t do it without good reason.”
During Patricia’s days hanging out at The Dancing Pony with her friends, she’d gotten involved in some pretty sordid affairs and tried to intimidate some of the single women that came there. Patricia was a master manipulator and she’d spread a rumor that could have gotten Grace hurt and that wound up being the reason she got banned from the club.
They returned to the front where Mike and Rogelio carded a group coming in the door. Eli helped Rachel into her seat and checked in with the other two bouncers.
Rachel sat quietly for a good part of the evening, doing her best to let Eli focus on his job. She felt that he’d had enough distractions for the night. She’d been there an hour when he leaned over to h
er, concern in his eyes.
“You’re awfully quiet. Everything okay?”
She looked up at him and sighed inwardly at the masculine beauty of his face. His massive presence next to her, coupled with his gentle but confident strength, made her heart do flip-flops. The tender look in his eyes made her melt inside thinking about what had happened on the dance floor.
“I’m trying to not distract you and let you do your job. Since we got together, I feel like I’ve kept you from working when I’m up here with you.”
“Are you bored?”
“No.”
“You seem withdrawn. Ethan does not mind that you sit up here with me, and he doesn’t expect you to sit quietly in your chair. Since you started sitting up here with me, I’m less distracted because there is no longer a stream of women who come to the front trying to get my attention. Mike said the same thing earlier. Honey, you being up here is a good thing. I don’t want you to think you distract me from my job.” He twined his fingers in hers and pulled her from her seat.
“I don’t want you to regret having me up here with you.”
“No regrets, remember?” He drew her arms around his waist and kissed her sweetly.
“Thanks. I’m trying to figure out how I fit in up here. Last night was so busy with other distractions that I didn’t have a chance to contemplate it.”
“It’s been nice to be able to work without the constant distraction of giggling females hovering around me, but I don’t need for you to sit there quietly. When you’re up here with us, it’s okay to be involved in conversations. It’s also okay if you want to mingle around the club. There must be people here you know tonight. Of course, there is always Grace. I thought you would have danced at least one dance together by now.”
“She and I thought it would be best if we didn’t because of the thing with Ace. We both agreed that might be asking for more trouble. And I don’t want to dance with anyone else but you. I’m content to wait until you have a break later on tonight.”
“The club is so crowded now he may not even see you. I’ll stay where I can see you, and I’ll intervene if he approaches you. I know that’s a sticky situation, but it’s not anything I can’t handle, honey. I don’t want it to keep you from having a good time when you come in. This is supposed to be fun for you, and you already know how I feel about watching you dance.”
The Divine Creek Ranch Collection, Volume 1 [Book 1 - Divine Grace, Book 2 - Her Gentle Giant, Book 3 - Heavenly Angel] (Siren Everlasting Collection) Page 74