Page 77 of Takedown

“Pfft. Adam is not my man,” I tell them.

“Girl, bye. If that guy gets within two feet of you, Adam’s going to beat his ass.” Ananda lets out a loud cackle and high fives her new husband.

“You think it’s funny that a man thinks he owns me?” I ask my friend.

“Ho, you think you own him too. You two are weird. Remember that girl who was flirting with him last night? You walked over there and told her to fuck off.”

“I only did that to get back at him.” The night before while I was talking to a very handsome man at the casino, Adam interrupted claiming I was his girlfriend. “I don’t know why you had to invite him.”

“I only met Ananda because of him,” Dennis says.

I wave him off. Ananda was over one Saturday for a backyard barbeque and Dennis was visiting Adam. Alex invited them to join us, and Ananda and Dennis have been inseparable since. That was less than a year ago.

As if he knows he’s the subject of our conversation, his shadow falls on our table. I know it’s him. I can smell him from across the room. And vacation Adam is sexier than at home Adam. He’s been in shorts the past few days. Shorts and t-shirts that drape across his strong chest and back just right. His biceps are practically too big for his shirts, and I must stop myself from reaching over and laying a hand on his skin. Just like I did last night when I pretended to trip so he could save me. He didn’t disappoint.

“You okay, Mel?” he had whispered in my ear while one of his muscled arms was wrapped around my waist. His Irish brogue always makes my skin tingle. It’s not so thick that I can’t understand him, but it’s enough to make me want to hear more.

Even now, he takes the empty seat next to me and inches closer, closing the space between us. His cologne hits and I involuntarily lick my lips. “What are you drinking, love?” He takes my glass and lifts it to his lips. “It’s strong. Do you think you can handle that?” His blue eyes sparkle, and his full lips turn into a playful smile.

“I’m a big girl. I can take it.” To prove my point, I take the glass from his hand. He lets it go, but he makes sure to run a finger along my hand. His eyes hold mine when I raise the glass to my lips. At the exact same spot where he had put his. He bites his bottom lip while I drink, and the entire time, he never looks away.

“My goodness, it’s gotten hot in here.” I hear Ananda’s voice, but I don’t bother to look up and give her a scathing look. Footsteps approach, and the cute guy from the bar stands at our table. He doesn’t get a word in. Adam stands up and blocks him from my sight.

“Can I help you?” Adam asks the guy. His voice is gruff and the playfulness from just a few seconds ago is gone.

“Just thought I’d see if the pretty lady wants to join me at the bar for a drink.” The guy’s voice is deep, and in any other situation, I’d find it commanding, but next to Adam, he sounds like a child.

“I can get her all the drinks she wants,” Adam says.

Ananda cackles, and I stand up. “Excuse me?” I say to Adam. “Don’t speak for me.”

“I think there’s a misunderstanding,” the guy says. “I’m interested in this pretty lady.” He puts a hand on Leah’s shoulder. Adam instantly relaxes, and Leah and the man start conversing. He pulls my chair out for me and gestures for me to sit. When I do, I turn to face him.

“On that note, my husband and I are going to have dinner in our room and do what people do on their honeymoon.” Dennis and Ananda say goodnight, and Leah and the guy from the bar leave.

When we’re alone, Adam leans back in his chair and gives me that sexy smile again. He refills my glass, and I drain it. Once I’m done, he offers me a glass of water.

“I’m not your property, Flynn,” I tell him.

“Not yet.” He smiles at me, showing off his perfectly straight white teeth. My stomach does a somersault.

“Not ever.”

“We’ll see,” he says with a shrug. He leans closer and his scent invades my senses, driving me almost insane. It’s like every time I’m near him, the feelings are more intense. He takes his index finger and slides it along my cheek. “You feel that, love?” My heart nearly flies out of my chest, and my greedy pussy is begging for that finger to leave my cheek and travel south.

“Feel what?” I lie.

“Don’t do that, Mel. Don’t lie.”

“Why would I lie?”

He reaches for my face and strokes my cheek. I become so lost in his eyes that I stop breathing. Time stands still. Everything and everyone else ceases to exist. I can feel myself flush under his gaze, and I suddenly feel exposed. The feelings in the pit of my stomach become so much that I finally break our stare.

“Because you’re afraid, but you want me. I know it. You know it. Everybody knows it.” He leans over and runs his nose along my neck. He chuckles when he feels me tremble. “Let’s get out of here,” he whispers right in my ear.

“Let me guess. You want to take me back to your room.” I push against his chest, but it’s like a fly trying to push an elephant.

“You like to touch me, huh?” he teases. “I do want you to spend the night with me.” He stands and offers me his hand. “Let me show you around Vegas.” I stare at his hand, and I itch to take it, intertwine our fingers and walk out of this casino together. Images of us at a cozy restaurant feeding each other flash through my mind. I can practically feel him nuzzling the side of my neck while telling me how beautiful he thinks I am. Those big, strong hands holding my waist while we dance closely. And I lick my lips at the thought of his lips touching mine. Just like they did a few days ago on New Year’s Eve.

---