by Kari March
I had been hard as hell since I noticed her gaping at me with those large brown eyes. Like the deviant I was, I couldn't help but take in her small, curvy figure. I detected the way her body reacted physically when I roamed over the length of her. It was the same reaction I was used to getting from females, but when my eyes connected with hers again, sex was no longer the only thing on my mind. There was something about that girl that caught me off guard. I could tell she was out of the ordinary but in a superior way. I needed to talk to her but I had no clue how I was going to do it. After watching her work behind the bar for nearly two hours, I finally saw my chance and nothing will ever compare to that moment when I finally heard her speak.
Her voice was full of fire for someone so small and even though she took me by surprise with her attitude, I still found her irresistible. She wasn't like any other woman I had met. She didn't throw herself at me or try to flirt shamelessly. She actually treated me like shit, despite her staring problem. She didn't fall down at my feet or bat her eyelashes at me and I think that was the reason I was so attracted to her. She was like a little firecracker—harmless until you lit the fuse.
My whole life, I had been used because of who my father was—Mitchell Greer, the owner and CEO of Greer Talent Agency. It all started when I was a child. I had three sisters that were perfection when it came to talent. One was a staggering model, the other an up and coming actress and the third was making her debut in the music industry; all because of my father and his managing capabilities. GTA Inc. had been the most elite talent agency in Denver, Colorado for the past ten years. Every girl I ever dated abused our relationship, hoping to make it big, by getting in good with my father. GTA created superstars and most girls figured I was their best way to get noticed. Shit, were they wrong. Half the time they would walk away after finally coming to the conclusion that I wasn't going to introduce them to my father. The smarter ones played me even harder, holding on for months, stringing me along, until I had no choice but to introduce them. But it always had the same outcome; as soon as they found out my father wasn't interested, they always bailed—leaving me broken-hearted and alone all over again.
I was a naive dumbass in high school though, thinking girls were actually interested in me and not just using me to get their foot in the door of GTA. Never again would I let myself fall for the superficial type. That was the main reason I stuck to just sex—it was easier that way. When you left emotions out of the picture, you couldn't open yourself up to being hurt.
"Dude, what's up with you tonight?" Blake asked as he raised his beer bottle to his mouth and took a sip. "You practically forced all of us out tonight and now you're brooding in the corner like a bitch. Don't tell me you're still pissed about coming here instead of the club." He looked at me like I was pathetic and I was.
Honestly, I had been pretty mad earlier about coming to a local bar. I was pretty much guaranteed a piece of ass by going to a club and when we started this night that was all I wanted. But once I saw her I couldn't help but feel lucky that I got voted out.
"Fuck off, Blake. I'm not brooding, I'm just thinking. I have...it's just...." Hesitating, I debated whether or not I wanted to disclose what had been on my mind. Blake Bentley had become one of my best friends since we started the academy together but I didn't really want to talk about all this shit with him, especially here. "You know what, forget it. It's not important." Standing up I decided to stop sulking about my past and do what I came here to do. "Shots?" I asked him, tilting my head and raising my eyebrows. "I'm nowhere near drunk enough!"
"Hell yeah," he said readily as he pushed out the chair. "But we better get ‘em from the bar. I haven't seen the waitress since my comment on the shit load of cleavage that just happened to be spilling out of her shirt." Laughing, he cautiously looked around making sure the waitress wasn't in ear shot. "I don't know why she got so embarrassed anyway? I was giving her a fucking compliment."
"Bentley, telling a girl that you want to motorboat her tits is not a compliment."
He shrugged in response.
Blake was your typical run of the mill asshole when it came to women but for some reason they still flocked to him. He never treated any of them with respect or gave them any attention unless he was looking to get laid. His flirting techniques were quite unusual as well— so blunt and degrading. Just like he was with the waitress, but I had no doubt that he would be taking her home tonight, despite the condescending remarks he made about her.
As we moved towards the bar I spotted her immediately. Her actions were effortless, moving in sync to the beat of the music drifting over from the dance floor, as she tossed bottles into the air. She was the sexiest girl I had ever seen. I couldn't help but wonder what her body looked like under those clothes...what her skin felt like...or what it felt like to be inside her. Vivid visions of her laid out on top the bar, me pounding into her and her crying out my name seeped into my mind. I stopped dead in my tracks from the mental picture, my gaze still locked on her, and as if she could sense what I was thinking, her eyes darted up from the drink she was making and found mine.
We got lost in each other as the images continued to spark in my head and a devilish smile spread across my face. Pushing my tongue out I slowly wetted my lips and her eyes got wide, filling with that familiar thirst I had seen many times. She knew exactly what I was thinking, and by her reaction, she was thinking precisely the same fucking thing. Her cheeks filled with a flash of pink before she broke her stare and continued to take orders. I chuckled a little at her embarrassment, then pushed my way past the swarms of people and took a seat next to Blake.
Waiting for her to make her way down to us, I was unable to keep my eyes off of her. I caught her several times peeking in my direction and every time I did that adorable pink color filled her face again.
A few minutes had passed and she still hadn't ventured to our end of the bar and Blake was starting to get impatient as he tapped his fingers on the counter, letting out irritated sighs and grunts.
I stood up and raised my hand in the air. "Excuse me, Miss...." I shouted over the crowd in her direction.
Her head shot up and as soon as she realized who was talking, she took a deep breath. She pushed a loose piece of hair behind her ear before slowly making her way over to us.
"It's about damn time!" Blake rudely blurted out.
She rested her hands on the edge of the bar on either side of her, and leaned into them, never once taking her eyes off of Blake. She looked pissed as hell and I could tell she was not up for his attitude.
Staring daggers at him, she bit back, "Oh, I'm sorry, did you need something before you set out on your motorboatin' trip?"
Blake's eyes grew to the size of golf balls, his face turned red, and his chin about hit the floor. I fought so hard to hold in my hysterics but it was no use....Within seconds I busted out laughing.
"What are you laughing at?" she scolded as her head snapped in my direction.
"Nothin' at all, ma'am," I said, raising my hands defensively with a huge grin on my face. I couldn't believe that there was this much fire coming from someone so small. I could tell she was trying to hide her smirk as she returned her attention to Blake. Damn, she's adorable.
"What's your name?" she asked Blake in the sweetest voice I had ever heard.
Blake looked almost terrified as he looked up at her. Playing it cool, he took a deep breath and gave a typical Blake response. "Wouldn't you like to know, princess?"
Her eyes narrowed and the fake smile on her lips faded. Oh, shit! He's gonna get it. I already learned that the one thing you didn't want to call this girl was princess.
"His name's Blake," I blurted out with a small chuckle.
Blake's head spun towards me and he gave me a dirty look. "Dude?" he exclaimed.
Trying hard not to laugh I shrugged my shoulders at him. "Sorry, man. I couldn't help myself. This is way too much fun watching you squirm."
"Excuse me, boys," she interrupted us. "
Personally, I don't care who you are. But the one thing you will remember is that in this bar we treat people, especially women, with respect." She laid into him again, this time her hand on her hip. "So, Blake was it? If you can't handle that or don't like it, then I suggest you hightail it out of here."
I looked back at Blake and I could tell his ego had been bruised. He was slouching in his barstool, arms folded over his chest and the biggest scowl on his face. It took everything in me to keep from cracking up again. I had never met anyone like this girl, and to top it off, she was chastising Blake in front of everyone. I loved the guy like he was my fucking brother but it was funny as shit to see him like this.
Standing up, I could tell Blake wanted to lay into her but he refrained from it. Throwing her a dirty look, he told me to get the shots and meet him back over at the table, and then walked back towards the rest of our friends. I hadn't known Blake long, but I couldn't help but think that this was the first time he had ever been talked to like this from a female.
"I think you may have crushed his ego a bit," I said, leaning onto the bar, raising my eyebrow at her.
"Unfortunately, he'll recover," she censured.
I couldn't help but chuckle, this girl said exactly what was on her mind and I loved it. "Name’s Cam," I told her, holding out my hand.
As she looked down at my offered gesture I prayed she wouldn't tell me to fuck off, we hadn't gotten off to the best start tonight, but once she placed her hand in mine and replied, "Cara," I was done for. Her soft, sweet voice, mixed with the tenderness of her touch and the way she was looking at me, almost brought me to my knees. In the brighter light, I could see her eyes clearly, and they were like nothing I had ever seen. At first glance they were your typical light brown but as I stared into them I could see bright intermixing flecks of green and gold.
We stood there; hands and eyes linked together, for what felt like hours, but were only mere seconds. My palm was sweating and that's when I realized what a complete idiot I must have looked liked.
Shit, she probably thinks I'm crazy. Maybe I am? No one had ever had this effect on me, not even Amber.
Clearing my throat, I slowly released her and exhaled the breath that I had subconsciously been holding. Averting her eyes, she seemed a little on edge as she hastily grabbed a rag and started wiping down the bar.
"Um, so...what can I get you?" she asked apprehensively as she looked up at me through her lashes.
"Oh, yeah, four shots of Captain should do it. Thanks," I answered, taking a seat again.
"You got it."
Just like that she was back to work mode. Grabbing shot glasses one at a time, she flipped them in the air and caught them, before slamming them down on the counter in a straight line. Calling out to her partner in crime on the other side of the bar, she asked for the Captain. The other bartender wasted no time grasping the neck of the bottle and without even looking she tossed it with ease, behind her back to Cara. Naturally, Cara caught it and right away started filling up the glasses.
With her eyes fixated on the shots she began to speak. "So, Cam..." The way she said my name was so damn sexy, my dick jumped at the sound of it. "Are you a pompous jerk just like your friend over there?" Nudging her head in Blake's direction. I was a little shocked at her sudden outburst, but was even more surprised what she said next. "I know your type, cocky, arrogant and pig-headed. You think you're god's gift to women. Well, let me tell you—"
"Easy there, firecracker," I interrupted and her head snapped up at the term of endearment. "Haven't you ever heard the saying, 'don't judge a book by its cover’? Just because I'm confident and you find me irresistible," I implied, wiggling my eyebrows, "doesn't mean I'm a total jackass. Give me a break."
Pushing the shots across the counter I could tell she was irritated with me again and it took everything I had not to laugh. She really was a firecracker—calm on the outside, full of fire and dynamite on the inside. All it took was one spark to light her up and I wanted to be the one to set her on fire.
"It's twenty-five even," she demanded, glaring at me.
Pulling out my wallet I grabbed a fifty dollar bill and slid it across the bar. Just as she reached for it I caught her hand and pulled gently so she would bend forward and meet me in the middle. Leaning closer to her I whispered into her ear, "I won't judge, if you don't judge." I felt a shiver run through her body as I slowly backed away
So, she does like me. Why is she being so difficult then?
I knew she was attracted to me. I could tell by the way her body reacted when I was around. But for some reason her mind was creating a wall and I was determined to break through.
Finally, it was last call. The bar had slowed down considerably seeing that it was now one thirty in the morning. Only a few small groups of intoxicated people were lingering around and Cam and his fire buddies were among them. Most of them were drunkenly dancing, while the rest of them, Cam included, were sitting around the table chatting with a group of girls.
I had successfully managed to avoid Cam and all of his friends since I so idiotically went off on him. I didn't even know why I acted the way I did....well, actually, I knew exactly why I did.
I had been subconsciously pushing away every guy I had ever met since Lance; and Cam, he was no different. As attracted to him as I was, there was no way I was going to let myself fall for his type again. Not ever! Guys like Cam always found a way to crash into my life as fast as lightning, and disappear just as quickly, and I always got burned because of it. I didn't even know why I was getting so bent out of shape about him anyway, he was just a customer and I would more than likely never see him again anyway.
Shrugging off the mix of emotions I was feeling for a complete stranger, I popped a cinnamon bear into my mouth, grabbed a bar rag and headed off to start cleaning up the residual of the night. It was obvious that Cam's group was going to be here until I kicked them out. None of them had paid their tabs or even looked like they were ready to either.
Cam and Blake were deep in conversation, ignoring the girls that were so desperately trying to get their attention. All of the high-pitched giggles and low cut tops were enough to make me puke.
Maybe they weren't such man whores after all.
I went about my business cleaning and picking up beer bottles, until out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Cam watching me. Cracking up about something Blake must have said, he was smirking at me mischievously, and I knew I was their subject of conversation. I felt my cheeks warm and I tried my hardest to ignore them as I continued about my business. There was no way I was going to let them see they were affecting me. Without looking in their direction I strutted back to the bar to throw away the trash I had aimlessly collected. Returning to the tables to arrange the chairs I noticed Cam was still absorbed with me. What is his deal? The look on his face led me to believe that the exchange between him and Blake wasn't innocent, and that piqued my attention. Moving closer to them I attempted to listen to what they were saying but the music was too loud and all I could make out were deep mumbles and laughter.
Giving up, I finished adjusting the tables and chairs in the area. Turning to head back to the bar to start cashing the registers out, I felt a strong hand grasp my shoulder. I jumped and quickly spun around, my hands balled into fists. I was ready for a fight but relaxed when I came face to face with Cam.
"Whoa!" he said, taking a step back. "Sorry there, lil' firecracker, I didn't mean to scare you." He flashed me that overwhelming smile and butterflies fluttered in my stomach. For the second time tonight, I found myself frozen in place from his mouth-watering grin. "Are you always this jumpy?" he asked as the tension in my body started to dispense.
"Only when I'm here," I replied dryly. "I can't even count how many times I've been groped, grabbed or kissed by crazy drunk strangers in this bar." The smile on his face faltered for a split second and I swore I saw a hint of jealousy and anger in his eyes. "Why do you think I have a zero tolerance policy for blatant disr
espect of my waitresses?" I pointed out as I looked at him with a shit eating grin on my face.
"Ohhh, I see," he said, over exaggerating the words. "Well, that makes a bit more sense as to why you castrated Blake then," he snickered. "I don't think he's used to being spoken to like that. Usually, woman worship the ground he walks on, or so I've heard. I'm surprised his super powers didn't work on you."
"Super powers? Oh, please!" I bellowed. "Every night there is a new arrogant prick just like him in here and every night I have to put them in their place or kick 'em the hell out," I explained as my anger started to rise. Just thinking about that type of guy made memories of Lance flash through my head and that always made my temper climb.
Cam's eyes grew larger as I spoke, as if he could sense another one of my mood swings brewing under the surface and he was preparing for the explosion. I knew I needed to try to keep myself from lashing out at this poor guy again. He hadn't even done anything to me and I was taking all of my resentment out on him.
"So...um...do you have any super powers I should be aware of?" I asked, feeling foolish as I tried to steer the conversation in a new direction. Unfortunately, I turned down the one road I didn't want to go down.
Shit, I did not just ask him that!
His face lit up and the playful smirk returned full force as he slowly bent down closer to me. My whole body tensed up as he spoke softly into my ear, "I have more super powers than you'd ever imagine, firecracker."
Backing away just as gradually as he leaned in, he lifted my chin and stared right into my eyes. His hand traced the contours of my face and my whole body came alive. I wanted so badly to lean into his touch but I forced myself to stay still. Scared he would hear the pounding in my chest; I took a deep breath, stepped backwards and watched as his hand fell from my face. I regretted the decision right away and it was even worse when I looked into his eyes.