Page 43 of Make You Stay

What the hell was I doing again?

Through some miracle, I focus long enough to get off a shot, and her ball teeters before dropping in the pocket.

Chloe releases the pool cue, an excited yelp coming from her lips as she claps her hands.

I step back, but she turns, hands on hips and a come-hither expression on her face. “That’s it? One and done?”

No, sweets, it will last all night. You have my word.

I catch Jack’s grin at our openly flirtatious display. “I’m going to set up. You two finish it out.”

Thanks, man, I owe you one.

“You want more lessons?” I ask Chloe, loving the way my heady stare seems to unhinge her.

“Only if you’re offering.”

I wrap my arms around her again, but this time, I don’t give a damn what ball she aims for. I know whatI’maiming for—her affections. Pushing her long hair over one shoulder, I nuzzle her neck, hearing her breath hitch. “You smell good.”

She smiles, but I can tell she’s desperately trying to appear unaffected. “Eau de pool hall, with the faint underpinnings of beer.”

“My favorite scent.” I adore this smart ass.

She chuckles before returning her focus to the game, intent on the task at hand.

But we have two different outcomes. She wants to learn how to play pool, and I want to learn how to play her.

I drift my lips along the column of her neck, barely dusting her skin. But it’s enough. It’s more than enough. Her entire body clenches at my subtle exploration, her breathing shallow and heated. “Best smelling beer ever.”

“Amber,” she manages, her voice soft. “It’s amber.”

“No, Chloe. It’s you.”

“Maybe it’s just what I do to you.”

That’s it. I don’t give a damn how many people are here. I want to bend her over this table and sink inside her until tomorrow morning. “You have no idea.”

“Aidan, care to join us, or are you too busy with the beautiful lady?”

Glancing up, I see Carl motioning to the stage. Playtime is over.

“Time to go to work.”

“I can’t wait to see you play,” she exclaims, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

I can’t wait to play you, sweets.

* * *

I never toldChloe what instrument I play, but she’s obviously impressed when I take my place at the front of the stage. Perhaps if I hadn’t rushed off to get married, I would have pursued a career in music, but now, it’s a way to blow off steam and a hell of a good way to garner attention from the ladies.

The only difference is now I’m only concerned aboutonelady.

Our band plays a good mix of rock-and-roll covers, with a few of my originals thrown in. Each member is solid, and my voice attracts women like moths to a flame.

As I scan the audience, I notice Barbara has arrived, and luckily, she isn’t alone. I know she hoped something would grow from our dinner date, but I felt nothing with her.

Unlike with Chloe, where I feel everything.

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