A Heart's Forgiveness

by Joanne Schwehm

  I shook my head. “She’s not worth it. Sorry, but I’ve never been a fan of her kind. It isn’t important what she said or how obvious she was when she ordered her shot. I’m in your arms right now, so let’s enjoy this for what it is.”

  “Julie?”

  His voice was like a warm blanket, and all I wanted to do was wrap myself in it like a cocoon. I met his beautiful hazel eyes, which had just the right number of golden flecks. They caught the lights above the dance floor perfectly. “Yes?”

  His forehead was on mine. I closed my eyes and breathed in his masculine scent, which reminded me of amber—rich and earthy. “I’m going to kiss you again, okay?”

  “I was hoping you would.” I steadied myself and lifted my chin.

  When our lips touched, something unspoken passed through me. It wasn’t rushed or as demanding as the kiss we’d shared upstairs. This kiss was softer, deliberate. It claimed me in a way that I didn’t expect. Brett changed me with that kiss.

  He pulled back, excitement etched across his face as his eyes darkened. “Forget dancing. Let’s get out of here.”

  His husky voice wasn’t demanding, but I didn’t hesitate to comply with his request.

  The look in her bright emerald eyes made me feel alive. I took her hand and hurried us off the dance floor. I wasn’t scheduled to close tonight, but I made sure to give Ty a wave, so he knew I was leaving. Julie’s slim fingers tightened around mine when we passed Nikki, who was giving Julie a death stare.

  Once we were outside, the gentle breeze that cut through the humid air didn’t do a thing to cool off what I felt for the woman beside me. I’d had my share of one-night stands, but judging by the way I’d felt when I kissed her, one night with Julie would never be sufficient.

  “I don’t want this night to end. Can I offer you a ride home?” I gazed at her in anticipation.

  “I’d like that.” Her voice was soft and soothing.

  She was different from other women. Whenever I’d wanted to take women home, they were all over me, and when I thought about it, they sounded almost obnoxious, completely the opposite of Julie. It was then I realized I did have a style and a type—she was it.

  We walked across the street to my SUV, and I turned her, so her back was up against the passenger door. Her hair blew in the gentle wind, and the scent of her shampoo infiltrated my nose. Her chest rose. I needed to touch her, to be closer to her. I took her hands and pulled them behind her back. My hips pressed against hers, and our mouths almost touched. After I absorbed her breath, her sweet scent of vanilla and looked at her beautiful eyes, I couldn’t take much more.

  “Let’s go then.” She swallowed hard, and I knew I’d gotten to her.

  I released her hands and opened the door. She slid in. Once I was in the car, I didn’t want to leave, but we couldn’t stay parked. Julie gave me her address, and we drove to her place.

  I thought about turning on some music, but I needed to hear her voice now. She had been with her friend tonight, so I thought of asking about her. That would be a safe bet to get her talking. “So Aubrey seems nice.”

  A genuine smile stretched across her face, which glowed. “She’s the best. I hope Alex doesn’t hurt her.”

  I glanced at her before looking back at the road. Her nose was crinkled, and small lines formed on her forehead.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that” she said. “I know about his reputation. Aubrey isn’t as experienced as he is.”

  “Alex is one of the best guys I know. Yes, he’s had his share of women, but he isn’t a dick or anything.” I shrugged and felt her stare on me.

  “Well, he dated Leah. I remember seeing their picture in the society section. I have a feeling he had a go at it with your friend Nikki, so that doesn’t say much about him. I can’t help worrying about Aubrey.” Julie let out a breath. “Here’s my building.”

  “Nikki isn’t my friend.” I pulled up to the curb and turned off the engine. Julie placed her hand on the door. “Don’t leave yet.” My body turned toward hers, and she looked at me with expectant eyes. “I want to see you again. Can we get together tomorrow?”

  “I’d like that a lot, but if you want to come up, that’d be okay too.” Her lids slowly closed then opened to find me smiling.

  I had opened my door before she changed her mind. I walked around the car. She was already getting out, so I took her hand and closed the door behind her.

  Her place was nice, and I was enveloped by the scent that lingered in the air. Her perfume was intoxicating, and I was ready to get drunk.

  She walked into the kitchen, and I couldn’t stop looking at her tight ass as it swayed with each step. “Would you like something to drink?” Her purse landed on the table with a gentle clunk.

  I declined, and she grabbed a bottle of water for herself before joining me in the living room.

  “So speed dating…” I couldn’t help but chuckle. “That really works?” I sat beside her on the overstuffed couch.

  She curled one leg underneath her and turned toward me. “Well, I don’t know what will happen after tonight, but I think some people were pretty happy.” She let out the most adorable giggle.

  “What’s so funny?” Watching her blush was something I could get used to.

  “Aubrey. I’m remembering her list of questions. But what’s comical is how she answered some so she purposely wouldn’t match with anyone. I was ready to kill her. It defeated the entire purpose of her being there.”

  “What would you have asked?” My heart beat wildly because I knew if she had participated, some man would have wanted her as much as I did. But I wouldn’t rush whatever was happening between us—if anything was happening.

  “Hmmm…” Her index finger tapped her chin as her eyes rolled up in thought. “Oh! I know!” She beamed, making my heart swell. She licked her lips and grinned. “If there was a contest, would you win funniest, most popular, best looking, or most likely to succeed?”

  “Yes.” I laughed at myself, and thankfully Julie did too, though she tossed in an eye roll. “Keep them coming, beautiful. I’ll tell you anything you want to know.” As soon as that remark flew out of my mouth, I knew it was a mistake. She didn’t seem the type to hold back.

  Her lips twisted into the cutest grin. “Well, if you want to play it that way, I do have a question for you.”

  Shit. I knew that would happen. “Okay, go.”

  “Between you, Alex, and Tyler, who gets hit on the most?” Her shoulders rolled back, and her chest rose as she waited for my response.

  All I could do was stare at her. We all got propositioned every night, but for some reason, telling her that didn’t make me feel proud or cocky. I almost felt embarrassed. Plus, she had witnessed it tonight. Even though we had just met, I didn’t want to lose her before I had her. “I’d say we’re pretty equal, but probably Alex because he’s the primary owner, and women want a piece of him.”

  Her gaze lowered, and she nodded. I knew she had to be thinking of her friend. For Alex’s sake, I hoped she kept that piece of information to herself.

  “But don’t worry. He looked at Aubrey differently than he’s looked at any woman. What else do you want to know?”

  She gave me a tight-lipped smile. “Do you always take a woman home with you?”

  Boy, she didn’t beat around the bush. “No, I don’t.” I omitted the part about sometimes going to their apartment or just fucked around in my car. Considering we were at her home now, she wasn’t naïve to the fact that I wasn’t a monk. “But I haven’t met anyone like you.”

  Her face softened, and her lips curved up. “What’s so different about me?”

  “Everything.” That was the God’s honest truth.

  “So we’ve established you’re a smooth talker and get hit on a lot, but has a woman ever claimed you as her own?”

  My body tensed. I could tell Julie noticed, and she stared at her hands, which twisted on her lap.

  “Once. I’m divorced. I w
as young and stupid while she was smart and conniving.”

  The long lashes that shadowed her cheeks darted up. “Oh. What was her name?”

  “Samantha and she was the biggest mistake of my life. Can we move on? I’d rather hear more about the sexy woman in front of me.” That wasn’t a line, but discussing my marriage wasn’t what I wanted to do. It would definitely kill the mood—especially mine.

  “Such a smooth talker.” She smiled appreciatively, which made me relax. “What did you think when you first laid eyes on me?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

  For the first time, I saw vulnerability etched in her features, and it was sexy as hell. I could feel my cheeks rise as I recalled her ambling toward me. She was tall—I’d guess around five-foot-seven—slim but not skinny. Her hair, which resembled a golden haze, had rested on her ample sized breasts. The way she carried herself with such grace was a complete turn-on. Other men had had eyes on her, but if she was aware of it, she didn’t let on. The self-assuredness in her stride made me want to be the one to capture her attention.

  “I thought you were the most gorgeous woman I’d ever seen, and I was ready to take down anyone to have you to myself.”

  She swallowed hard. “Thank you.”

  All the air was sucked out of my lungs. This gorgeous woman actually thanked me for wanting to take her away from other men? She didn’t even know me or them, but she’d chosen me.

  “I think it’s my turn to ask the questions now.” I scooted closer to her so our knees were touching.

  Her top lip curled under her teeth, and her fingers twirled the ends of her golden hair. I remembered how silky smooth it was and instantly wanted to pull her toward me, but I refrained.

  Two could play at this game, so I asked, “What were you thinking when you first saw me?” I casually leaned back, awaiting her reply.

  “Sex on the bar.” She coolly smiled.

  I thought I may have swallowed my tongue as I pictured her sprawled out naked on the mahogany, her pussy glistening as an invitation for me to bury myself inside her. “I could have arranged that.” My eyebrows waggled.

  She slapped my knee. “Down, boy. I was kidding.”

  “Can’t blame a guy for trying.” I winked. “Want to tell me the truth now?”

  She let out a long breath. “It was an odd feeling.” Her eyes penetrated mine. She was completely serious, and I was completely confused.

  “Odd?”

  “Yes.” She shook her head. “It’s too embarrassing, and I don’t think you need me to boost your ego.”

  I took her hand and felt her pulse race as my thumb made circles on her wrist. “Please tell me.” My heart craved her answer while my nerves frayed.

  After what was probably only a few seconds but seemed like several minutes, she finally spoke. “It was as though time stood still. Everyone and everything in the room disappeared except for you.” She tilted her head and shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t know how to explain it.”

  She didn’t have to go on, because I’d felt the same way about her.

  But then her expression hardened. “Then I saw the other women at the bar come on to you, and I wanted to scratch their eyes out.” Her face didn’t falter. She was as serious as a heart attack.

  “You would have gotten into a cat fight over me?” My lips twisted into a snarky smile. The thought of a woman fighting for me was totally hot, and envisioning Julie doing it was even better.

  “No, I said I wanted to scratch their eyes out. There’s no way I would have ruined my manicure on either of them.” She had glanced at her nails before she flipped her hair in an over-exaggerated manner.

  I burst into laughter. She would have fought to have me to herself. Once I caught my breath and realized what she had said, I continued my line of questioning. “Would you go out with me if I asked you?” I had a feeling I knew the answer, but I wanted to hear it from her. No, I needed to hear it.

  “Are you asking me?”

  I moved my index finger from side to side. “Tsk tsk. You can’t answer a question with a question.”

  The sides of her lips rose into the sexiest smile. “Yes.”

  I’d expected her voice to be shy, but she answered with such definiteness that I could feel it in my pants. “Okay, if I wanted to kiss you again, would you let me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Julie?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m going to kiss you again.” I pulled her onto my lap, and her hands rested on the back of my neck. Her fingers played with my hair. In a minute, she would feel how badly I wanted her.

  “That’s not a question.”

  “I know all I need to know.” I smoothed her hair back and tucked it behind her ear.

  “Then what are you waiting for?” She leaned in closer.

  “Not a thing.”

  My arms stretched over my head as I woke up after a few hours of sleep. Spending time with Brett last night had been so unexpected. I wasn’t sure if it was real or a dream. I rolled to my side, and my cheek sank into my pillow. A smile grew across my face. To think that I’d wanted Aubrey to find someone, and we both may have. Giddiness consumed me as though I were a teenager who’d just experienced her first kiss. I touched my lips and remembered how tender his lips were. Yes, it was definitely real, but the feelings that had soared through me were foreign. I wasn’t one to fall head over heels for a guy, but I had a feeling Brett would be a different story.

  I grabbed my cell off the nightstand and looked at the screensaver picture of Aubrey and me. I hoped she found the right man, and if it was Alex, I hoped he was good to her. She deserved nothing but the best. My finger swiped the screen and clicked on her name.

  “Good morning, sunshine.”

  Aubrey’s perky voice made me smile. Rather than wishing her the same, I let out a sigh.

  “I take it you had a good night?” she said.

  All of a sudden, I was a school girl describing her first crush. “Oh, Aubrey, Brett’s amazing. We talked and danced and talked some more, and then we kissed. He’s great. We’re going out again today. We actually might meet up with you and Alex later for drinks. Now tell me all about Alex. What do you think?” I sat up in bed, praying that her night had gone as well as mine.

  Aubrey exhaled. “Julie, first, I’m glad that you met Brett. You guys look great together, and I could tell that you both hit it off.” She giggled and told me about all the women who had been vying for Alex’s affections even though she was there when they did it.

  That was exactly what I’d been afraid of. There were two women in particular that I was concerned about, and they were Leah and Nikki. Flaunting their asses and boobs around, they left little to be desired.

  My phone beeped. When I looked at the screen, I saw Brett’s name, and my heart rate accelerated. I was nervous that he might be canceling on our date. “Hey, chica, I gotta go. Brett’s calling. Maybe we’ll see you later.”

  I took a breath, calmed my nerves, and pressed the green button on my phone. I tried to keep an even voice. “Hello.”

  “Hello yourself, gorgeous.”

  I felt my smile grow. Brett’s voice was like hot melted caramel, and I knew I’d crave and never tire of it. Rather than act as if I was crushing on him, I decided to have a bit of fun—not only to calm my shaking hands but to mess with his ego.

  “Who is this?” My hand covered the phone as I tried to stifle a snicker.

  “I’m wounded.” He chuckled, and I grinned. “If you need a reminder, I’m the man who made you moan last night as my tongue tasted yours. The guy who held you close and felt your soft curves when we were chest to chest and sensed your pulse race as I tangled my hands in your hair.” I was rendered speechless, and he continued. “You know, the one whose name you’ll be screaming as I give you more pleasure than you’ve ever known.”

  My hand mindlessly rubbed the inside of my thigh. The joke was on me because I couldn’t say anything more than his name, and I wasn’t ev
en sure if it was audible.

  “Ahh, so you do remember me.” His tenor voice reverberated through the phone and down to my girly parts. “How did you sleep?”

  “Once I crawled into bed, I slept great.”

  He let out a ragged breath. “Next time… maybe I’ll stay.”

  My eyelids fluttered closed at the thought of falling asleep in his strong arms. What is going on with me?

  “I need to see you. I’ll pick you up in an hour for lunch, and then we can come back here for drinks.” He didn’t bother asking, and he didn’t need to.

  I stood and walked into my bathroom. “Then I need to shower and get ready. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Did you have to tell me you’re going to get naked and wet?” He growled. “My mission is to get you like that all on my own.”

  Heat rose from my toes to the back of my neck. I stripped down and turned on the water so it would warm up, although I needed to cool off. “See you soon, Brett.”

  We hung up, and I stepped into the steam-filled shower. I squirted vanilla-scented body wash onto my hands and let them caress every inch of my skin. I thought of Brett’s hands on me instead of my own. I licked my lips as I moved them slowly over my curves. The anticipation of spending the day with him made my heart soar. What would his hands feel like on my skin? I imagined they’d be soft and smooth rather than calloused and rough, but either way would be fine with me.

  The city’s hustle and bustle couldn’t distract me from thinking about Julie. I’d never experienced anything like this, not even when I was married to Samantha. After that relationship had gone south, I’d decided to go back to my old ways and play the field—a big field. Needless to say, when I met Julie, I couldn’t wait to get her in bed, but sitting and talking to her had been fantastic. That was a rarity for me. Bringing a woman back to my place, or going to hers, to talk and get to know each other wasn’t my norm.

  I’d had my share of women. It was difficult not to while being a bartender. Women didn’t need a lot of liquid courage to tell me about the horrible men in their lives or their lack of a love life in general. Shit, sometimes women would lean over the bar, crook their flawlessly manicured fingers, and tell me they wanted to fuck me. So my pickings weren’t slim, and I’d acted on some of them, but none of those women had made me feel like Julie had without even saying a word. The sight of her strutting toward me, poised and confident, got me hot and hard. I needed to get to her place.