Page 14 of Just One More Temptation

“He’s a selfish bastard,” Noah muttered, just now realizing his hands were clenched in tight fists.

Releasing them, he drew a deep breath and focused on Fallon. He tipped her chin up so she looked him in the eye, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “It was a difficult lesson to learn but you survived the rejection and you’re better for it. He never deserved you.”

“Damn right he didn’t.” She smiled but it wasn’t bright and happy, not that he blamed her.

Just then, a drumroll sounded.

“Oh! The band is starting soon. Come on!” Obviously happy for the distraction, she pulled him out of the hallway, eager to put the memory behind her.

She released his hand and he followed her swaying hips toward the band. But her description of her past relationship left Noah with a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. He desired her beyond all reason, but he didn’t want to be another older man who hurt her in the end.

***

Relieved for thedistraction from the soul-baring she’d just done, Fallon started toward the stage. She walked past Brooke, who called her over. She stepped toward her friend with Noah at her back.

“Is everything okay? You were gone a long time,” she said, looking from Fallon to Noah who remained silent.

“Of course. We were just… talking.” But Brooke knew Fallon as well as she knew herself and she’d obviously read something in Fallon’s expression that had her concerned.

She narrowed her gaze. “If you say so, but I’m here if you need me. Here.” She held out a full drink. “I haven’t taken a sip yet and I can get another one.”

“You’re a good friend, Brookie,” she said, using her childhood nickname. She accepted the glass and took a long sip. “I’m going to get closer to the band. Want to come?”

Brooke shook her head. “I think I’ll wait here.” Her gaze drifted to Aiden and not for the first time, Fallon wondered what had happened between her sibling and Brooke to make her friend sad when Aiden’s name came up or he was around.

“Okay, well, you know where to find me.”

Fallon turned to Noah. “Sorry about that. Let’s go up front.” Once there, she began to sway to the music, the alcohol sliding through her veins and leaving her with a happy, bubbly feeling.

She’d promised Noah fun and she wanted him to let loose and relax for a change. Unfortunately, he remained stiff and unyielding as the crowd filled in around her. Soon she was dancing with other women, moving to the music and enjoying herself, keeping an eye on the sexy man the whole time.

If she couldn’t get Noah to dance, she could at least tease him while she did. She loved the feel of the soft gauzy material of her skirt flowing around her legs. And she admitted to herself, she’d chosen her bright-colored cropped top with Noah in mind, knowing she’d bare more of her stomach as she moved.

Noah stood off to the side, his gaze hot as he watched her. Closing her eyes, she raised her arms, undulating back and forth, getting lost in the rhythm of the talented band. If her shirt raised higher as she stretched, even better.

Suddenly, strong arms came up behind her, wrapped around her waist, and pulled her against him, grinding against her rear. Until that unwanted movement, she’d thought Noah had changed his mind but she knew instantly the uptight man wasn’t the type to grind in public.

She tried to wriggle out of the man’s grasp but he didn’t release her. “Let go!” she yelled over the music.

When he refused to listen, she raised her leg and brought her foot down hard on his. Unfortunately, her ballet slipper didn’t offer much in the way of weight or pain.

“Bitch!” he yelled in her ear.

Her stomach pitched and suddenly she was free. She spun in time to see Noah grab the man’s wrist in his hand. “Ever hear no means no?” A red flush of anger stained his cheeks.

“Let go, asshole,” the obviously drunk man slurred.

“Oh, that’s ironic,” Fallon said.

“I’ve got this,” Remy said, stepping in between her and the jerk of a man. “My bar, my problem.”

“My pleasure.” Noah released the jerk and he stumbled into Remy, who grabbed the back of his shirt. “Let’s go. You’re banned.” He jerked the man toward the back of the bar where the entrance was located, hence the establishment’s name. He looked back at Noah. “Take care of my sister,” he said and dragged the complaining guy out of sight.

She glanced at Noah and this time, he grasped her hand and pulled her off the dance floor. “There’s a reason I don’t come to bars anymore,” he muttered, leading her the way her brother had gone.

“Where are we going?” she asked, rushing to keep up with him.

“Outside where it’s quiet!” Holding her hand, he strode past the bouncer at the door, a man she knew and waved to, and they burst into the fresh,quiet, night air.

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