Indiscretion: Volume One (2 page)

I gulped. Jackie’s concern was genuine, and none of what she’d said was news to me. I’d had those same thoughts plenty of times, but I kept pushing them away, telling myself I’d deal with them later. Well, later was fast approaching.

Hearing it from Jackie’s mouth brought home the realization that I couldn’t continue to put off dealing with the inevitable—my sister was leaving for college. Dread formed in the pit of my stomach as I tried to picture how I’d fill my days once she was gone. The person who had been my primary focus for the past ten years would soon no longer be a part of my daily routine. I’d taken a chance on Jeff and after how that turned out, well, I’d thought it was better to focus on raising my sister and securing my own future. My love life could wait.

“If you’d walked in on your boyfriend banging his secretary on his desk, you wouldn’t be keen on dating either,” I deadpanned. “But that’s not it…I’ve been stressed out with work. I’m not sure I’m going to meet my sales quota by the deadline. I need that bonus,” I said, massaging my temple. Impending loneliness had been the least of my concerns over the past few weeks. Ever since my Broker’s offer to buy into the firm, I’d been working like mad to make every sale I could at the new condo building.

“Sales aren’t going well?” Jackie asked.

“Well enough.” I shrugged. “Still, I’d feel better if I’d reached my goal already, or if I was only a handful of sales away. That’s the only way I’m ever going to have enough money to buy into the brokerage.”

Months ago, the broker in my office approached me with the deal of a lifetime. To semi-retire, he was going to need a partner to keep the brokerage afloat on a day-to-day basis. He’d offered me first dibs on the buy-in, saying he’d always admired my ‘grit and determination.’ I was ecstatic, of course. I needed this. I had no college education to fall back on, and years ago I’d grown tired of chasing the next deal.

God, if I could make this happen, it would change my life. It would mean that even after losing my mother so young, I’d have the stability and security I’d always sought.

“You’re a great agent,” Jackie assured me with an encouraging smile. “I’m sure it’ll all come together.”

I returned the smile though I didn’t really feel it. “Thanks, but you’re my best friend. You have to say that.” I let out a heavy sigh, wishing I shared my friend’s confidence, and pushed the feeling down. Now was not the time to reflect on life. I was here to have a good time and celebrate Jackie’s happiness—to hell with my own issues. Tonight was all about my best friend, and I’d be damned if my own problems were going to bring my friend down. Jackie loved a good time, and as maid of honor it was my job to make sure I delivered.

“Enough talk about the heavy stuff. Let’s get back to finding a guy for me to flirt with tonight.”

“I thought we’d already found one.” She nodded mischievously toward the insanely hot guy with the blue eyes.

“Yeah, right,” I scoffed. “A little out of my league, I think.”

“Oh, please,” Jackie frowned. “For all we know, he could be covered in back hair and have a small dick.”

I burst out laughing and gave my friend a light smack across the arm. It took me a minute to catch my breath. “You’re horrible.” I grinned at her. “Do you know how long it’s been since I flirted with someone? Maybe I should start with more of an average Joe.”

I was in the mood for some innocent fun tonight. Being away from home and all the memories and responsibilities it held seemed to have had that affect. Even so, I had a feeling any conversation with the blue-eyed stranger had the potential to turn into something not entirely innocent.

“Alright then.” Jackie leaned in to give me a hug as the rest of the bridal party returned from the bar and placed down a variety of drinks and shots. In the spirit of the evening, I picked up a shot of God-knows-what neon concoction and held it in the air. The other girls followed suit.

Smiling at my friend, I shoved down the lump of nostalgia. “I’d like to propose a toast to Jackie and her upcoming nuptials. May she and Rob have a long and happy life together, full of nothing but love, trust, joy…and because it’s Jackie, a whole lot of mind-blowing sex.”

All the girls cheered and clinked the assortment of drinks and shots before tossing them back. Jackie beamed. Whether a result of alcohol, love, or the fact that I was looking to have a little fun, I couldn’t be sure. I hoped it wasn’t the latter or my friend would end up disappointed. Despite what I’d said, I had no intention of pursuing anything beyond a mild flirtation with anyone—blue-eyed stranger included.

Ninety minutes, one drink, and two shots later, I stood in front of the gilded bathroom mirror, mulling over my earlier conversation with Jackie.

It was hard to admit she was right, but I knew it wasn’t normal for a twenty-eight-year-old single female to put as much effort into avoiding a relationship as most others put into finding one. Even so, I wasn’t interested in opening up my heart to be hurt again. My father, my mother, and my ex—all gone. My sister would be added to that list soon. All for different reasons, but gone just the same.

I had no illusions of a happily-ever-after for myself, but there was no denying that a little sexual satisfaction would be a welcome addition to my life. I’d never considered casual sex before, but I hadn’t thought I’d be alone at this age either.

I smoothed the material down on the front of my dress.
Focus, Chloe.
No more thoughts about sex.

But my mind kept wandering.

Maybe if the sex came with no strings attached…and with someone who looked like that guy I’d noticed earlier in the bar. Spending a night between the sheets with a guy like that certainly wouldn’t be a hardship.

Shit, I’d lasted all of five seconds not thinking about sex. I had the mind of a thirteen-year-old boy tonight. Had to be the booze talking—I sounded nothing like myself.

Whatever.
It wasn’t like I had to make a decision on the spot. For tonight, I’d have fun at my bestie’s bachelorette party and see how I felt in the morning—after the effects of the alcohol wore off.

My arms were heavy as I fished a small comb out of my purse and ran it through my long blonde strands. Some hairspray would be good, but there was no sign of the usual assortment of beauty products on the expansive granite counter. Too bad, especially since there hadn’t been enough room to fit any in the microscopic cocktail bag I was carrying.

I returned the comb to my purse and straightened the pale yellow dress Jackie had talked me into wearing. Apparently hems that reached only mid-thigh were for streetwalkers and the trendy alike. As satisfied as I was going to get, I headed toward the bathroom door to re-join the girls. My legs felt leaden, like I’d spent hours in a hot tub, as my stilettos clicked on the marble floor.

With my hand on the door, I glanced back to make sure I hadn’t left anything on the counter when I noticed…urinals?

What. The. Hell.

Shit.
Say it isn’t so.
No, no. I did not go into the men’s room. No freaking way. But with one more panicked glance, I realized I most definitely
did
.
Definitely blaming this one on the booze.
Either that or the artsy signage outside the door that left anyone guessing as to whether the figure resembled a man or a woman.

Turning quickly to make my escape, I whirled around and took a step forward, only to run straight into the opening bathroom door. Pain exploded in my nose and tears immediately pricked my eyes. Someone was entering the bathroom and pushing in the door.

Stunned, I took a step backward and shook my head. Warm hands settled on my upper arms and steadied me. I looked up and was speechless. The hands belonged to the man with the memorable blue eyes I’d spotted earlier.
Of course, why go for slight mortification when you could really out-do yourself?

Sex on legs—that was my only coherent thought at that moment. And I was pretty sure from the grin on his face and the seduction in his eyes that I’d made his hit list.

CHAPTER TWO

Chloe

“I’m so sorry, are you okay?” Sex on legs said.

I didn’t respond. Just stood there, taking in the fine specimen of a man—gaping at him with a dropped jaw. I’m surprised there wasn’t drool making its way down my chin. Dark stubble covering chiseled features led down to an even more defined body. The black shirt under his suit jacket stretched across his muscular frame. It was open at the collar, highlighting his golden skin. I wondered if the expanse of his muscled chest had that same golden glow. The suit looked expensive, certainly custom-made. There was no way he’d pulled it off a sales rack at J.C. Penney. It fit too well. He smelled of expensive cologne mixed with expensive cognac.

I blinked a few times and came back to myself. God, how long had I been standing here, gaping at him like an idiot?

“I’m fine.” It was mostly true. My nose was tender but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. I moved to get free of his grip. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the feel of his large hands. I liked it
too
much. What I really wanted to do was close my eyes and memorize the sensation of his hands on my bare skin.

“I’ve had women fall all over me before, but this is taking it to a new level,” he said with a hint of amusement.

I gave a small smirk, hoping I indicated that I didn’t find his remark humorous.

He took me in slowly from head to toe. “I’m pretty sure I’m in the right place…but there’s certainly nothing masculine about you.”

I felt his gaze travel up my body. My skin heated under his close examination of what I was now certain was a dress with too little material. My face burned red hot, and I pulled at the hem of my skirt. “My mistake—obviously.”

A slow grin spread across his face, showcasing a killer smile. “Well, it looks like your mistake is my good fortune. I was hoping to connect with you at some point this evening. You’ve saved me the discomfort of approaching a table full of women.”

“You were? I mean, you saw me out there?” I motioned with my hand to the main room.

“You’re a difficult woman not to notice.”

“Oh.” If bumping into the door with my face hadn’t been sobering, this statement certainly was. My eyes widened in surprise. I wouldn’t have thought a man like him would look twice at me.

He laughed, probably because I was still stupidly standing inside the men’s restroom having a conversation with him.
Smooth, Chloe.

“Give me a minute and we’ll continue this conversation. Wait for me in the hall.”

It didn’t sound like a request. This man was used to giving orders that were obeyed. Embarrassment told me to flee far and fast, but an impulsive desire to run my hands over his body won out. There was something about him, beyond the insanely hot exterior. Like a spark seeking shelter in the rain, I felt drawn to him. I had no doubt that underneath him, that spark would ignite into a blazing inferno given the chance.

“Okay.” My response tumbled out weakly. I hated myself for agreeing so easily, as he’d obviously expected me to. I probably came off like a lovesick puppy starved for attention, happy to get whatever meager scraps I could. The fact was though, I did want to talk to him. Maybe flirt a little. Perhaps steal a kiss or two. Was there really any harm in that? I was a grown woman, single, and yes, maybe a little sexually frustrated. If I wanted to talk to an attractive man, what was there to stop me? For the first time in ten years, I didn’t have to consider what example I was setting for my little sister.

I stepped into the darkened hallway. Unable to stand still, I began pacing. A tall, dark-skinned man headed down the hall and went into the men’s room. I leaned against the wall and took a deep breath just as Sex on legs exited. I really needed to find out his name before I accidentally verbalized my little nickname to him.

As if reading my mind, he gave me a smile full of charm and character and held out his hand to me. “I’m Max. And you are…” His brow lifted.

My nipples pebbled at the sound of his deep, smooth voice. I took his hand and cleared my throat. “Chloe.”

His hand was large and warm. He held on to mine a little longer than necessary, brought it up to his mouth, and placed a soft kiss on my knuckles. A tingling sensation ran up my arm from our point of contact. I looked up into his eyes when he released my hand and gulped. The butterflies in my stomach were working overtime. I’d never really understood what those romance novels I read meant when they said a person could get lost in someone’s eyes. But at this moment it all made perfect sense. It was like we were having a conversation without speaking.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Chloe. Would you be comfortable heading down to one of the VIP rooms to talk? It’d be quieter. Private.”

Private. Oh, God. Should I?

He seemed harmless enough, but I was more concerned with myself at the moment. So what if I wanted to claw his clothes right off of him? I wasn’t an animal. Surely, I could control myself.

“Um, sure.” I shrugged feigning nonchalance. “Just let me go and tell my friends where I am. It’s your turn to wait in the hall. I’ll be right back.”

He laughed, and I pushed off the wall. It took me a moment to fully get my balance. I headed toward the bar area. My limbs felt wooden and my movements stilted under his watchful eye.