Page 64 of Beautiful Distraction

He likes a challenge. I should have known it. And of coursehis caveman ego would make him think I dressed like this to get a reaction fromhim.

I got a reaction big time. I can see it in the swelling ofhis pants.

Now I’m screwed.

I know it.

It’s the memory of our kiss that’s making me lose it, andthere’s nothing I can do about it.

I can’t help myself. I want more.

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CHAPTER SIXTEEN

According to Kellan, it’s a thirty-minute drive to the bar.However, in his SUV, in spite of the mud caking the tires, we make it infifteen. He drives like a maniac, which is most certainly the reason why hebumped into my car.

I sit in the passenger seat, grasping at the armrest forsupport. When the SUV finally comes to a screeching halt, we’re in front ofwhat looks like another oversized barn with a big flashing neon light showing arodeo rider sitting on a bull.

As soon as we step through the open door, I can see it’sfull. A live band is playing, and people are dancing.

Kellan and Mandy will fit right in. I can see that themoment we enter and join the crowd of patronage. There are people of all ages,all singing and chatting and having a good time.

As we head straight for the bar area on the left side, Ipeer around me at the vastness of the space. The wooden décor screams Westernchic. The hayforks hanging on the walls would be a major security breach backin NYC, but not here.

Here, they actually give the place an authentic atmosphere.

As we approach the bar, countless eyes turn to take us in.Back in NYC, we’d be barely more than shadows. But here, off the grid, whereeveryone seems to know everyone, I bet we’ll be the talk of the town bytomorrow morning.

My work attire doesn’t seem to help either. Everyone’sstaring at me like I’ve just stepped off a different planet. I wouldn’t besurprised if people assumed if I was Kellan’s accountant or attorney.

Mandy disappears after coming up with a bullshit excuse thatshe has to visit the restroom when I know for a fact she’s going to check outthe live band.

Kellan waves over a bartender to place an order while I turnaway to take in the scene.

“I think I’ll have to punch in a few faces tonight,” Kellanwhispers in my ear, his hot breath brushing the nape of my neck as he leansinto me. His palm is flush against the small of my back, riding so low his fingersare almost caressing my ass.

“Why? Because every woman in the room hates me?” I ask,ignoring the evil glances addressed at me.

“Forget the women. I’m talking about the men.”

“Got it. Wearing an office outfit isn’t something peoplearound here do,” I mutter. “You could have told me.”

“Women wear business outfits, just not in thisestablishment, which is why you’ll be every guy’s wet dream tonight,” Kellanwhispers again. His hot breath is on my earlobe now, doing incredibly sexythings to my body. My nipples stab the fabric of my shirt, begging to be suckedinto his hot mouth. His fingers travel a little lower, brushing the contours ofmy hip bone, then moving to my ass. “Damn, woman, you’re so hot you’ll bemywet dream.”

My head snaps back to him and our lips almost meet before Ijolt back, seared by the want in his green eyes.

Where the hell did that come from?

And what the fuck was I thinking not following my firstinstinct and staying away from him?

We’re at the bar, his hand on my ass, and people are stillstaring. No one knows me, but they know Kellan. Even though I shouldn’t carebecause I’ll be gone in a few days, I don’t want to be the talk of the town. Idon’t want people to think that I’m his squeeze or fuck or whatever Kellancalls his conquests. He’s pretty much made it clear that he doesn’t dorelationships, and I’m not stupid enough to think I could possibly be theexception.

The bartender approaches us with our beer bottles, exchangesa few words with Kellan, and then leaves again.

“You could havetold me to wear something more inconspicuous.” I throw him an icy glare, whichearns me a laugh in return.

“Ava, you wouldn’t be inconspicuous wearing a paper bag overyour head. It’s the ass.”

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