Page 7 of Bang Buddies With Benefits
Metaphorically of course, as more often than not, we didn’t make it to a bedroom. In fact, our first time had been against the shelves of alcohol in my bar. She’d shown up at one on the dot, told me not to look so damn smug about it, and on the way to grab my motorcycle helmet and keys, we kissed.
Then there was groping and more kissing, and a drive somewhere else seemed like a waste of fucking time—pun fully intended.
“Taking an interest in our resident feminist, I see,” the man I’d just served said. I’d assumed he would’ve walked away as soon as he had his shot, and I kicked myself for not being more discreet. “I get it, she’s smokin’ hot for sure. But her temper’s just as fiery. Trust me, you don’t want to go there.”
My jaw went rigid, and I glowered at the guy until he backed up a pace. Before I could say anything about watching his mouth, another group approached and ordered drinks.
About thirty minutes later, when the event was beginning to wind down, I felt my phone vibrate against my hip. I whipped it out like I was a gunslinger in a duel, grinning when it was the name—and message—I’d hoped to see.
Catalina:??
Me:Aren’t you at some hoity-toity work party?
Catalina:That’s exactly why I need a reprieve. Plus, I’m super horny, and there’s gotta be a supply closet nearby in need of scandalizing.
Me:Meet me outside the double doors next to the bar stand, and we’ll find one.
Catalina: ??
Me:Hey, bringing the eggplant is my job.
I spotted one of the hotel staff and waved him over. They’d told me they could cover for a few minutes if I needed the bathroom or whatever, and I absolutely needed to “whatever.” Then I ducked outside the double doors to wait.
I didn’t have to wait long. As soon as the door closed behind Catalina, I yanked her into my arms and planted my lips on hers. “You look so fucking sexy in this dress.”
“I’ve wanted my hands on you since the moment I laid eyes on you,” she muttered against my mouth as she wrenched the bottom of my stuffy, white button-down shirt out of my black slacks. The studded belt and skull and crossbones buckle were to counteract the boring dress code that came along with these gigs. I didn’t account for how loud of a clanging noise they’d cause, or the way the echo would send my arousal hurtling into pleasure and pain territory.
I glided one of my hands up her leg and slipped it beneath the hem of her skirt, seeking out her damp heat. I groaned as I discovered the boundary of her very tiny thong. “Fuck, it’s been too long.”
“Hey, you’re the one who kept replying with socks.”
I rolled, pinning her against the wall so she wouldn’t go thinking she was the one in control. “You can just say you missed me. No need to get jealous.”
“We both know I don’t do jealousy. But I did miss this.” She cupped me over my slacks, and a hiss came out. I glanced down the hall, seeking a closet we could disappear into. I was so focused on those doors that I didn’t sense the one next to us opening until it was too late.
I cupped the back of Cat’s head, guiding it to my shoulder to protect her identity the best I could. “Occupado,” I said, immediately recognizing it as a mistake onlyafterthe word came out.
The man who’d ordered the whiskey and a handful of older men gaped at us, equal parts shell-shocked and intrigued.
“Catalina?”
My lame attempt to conceal her identity came crumbling down around us, her unique beauty and style working against her for what I assumed was the first time ever.
Panic widened the big brown eyes that met mine for the briefest instant. She tugged at the hem of her skirt, further admitting guilt that I had a feelingwouldbe used against her in a court of lawyers. “I can explain.”
“It’s my fault,” I said. Completely true. I should’ve hauled her into one of the closets before the kissing and groping.
“The bartender?” A laugh came from the douchebag I should’ve punched earlier, when he’d slammed Catalina and her fiery temperament. “This is too good. Looks like Christmas came early for me.”
“Seriously, Mark? What’s wrong with being a bartender?” Catalina snagged hold of my hand, squeezing so hard I might never have full circulation in it again. Despite the situation being a total shitshow, warmth unfurled in my chest. I didn’t think I’d ever see the day she would need assurance from anyone, and while I understood I was just in the right place at the very wrong time, I still experienced a twinge of pride she’d picked me. “The truth is that Zac is my boyfriend.”
Trepidation flickered through her features, and time slowed to a halt as she swallowed and added, “Fiancé, actually.” Her pleading gaze met mine, begging me to go along with the ruse. “As you all know, work’s been extra hectic, and he’s been traveling, so we haven’t seen each other for a while. I didn’t even realize the party he was working tonight would be the party I was attending—that’s how fixated I’ve been on my caseload.” The laugh that followed dripped nervousness, and not knowing how else to help, I joined in, my guffaw loud enough to eclipse hers.
“What are the odds?” Given I’d jumped at the chance to have a run-in with Cat and jog her memory about how good we were together, they landed in the ninety-percent range.
“We intended to sneak in a quick moment alone to catch up and make a plan to make up for lost time, and we got a bit carried away. Totally inappropriate, and I hope you’ll accept my—er, our—sincere apology.”
“Your…fiancé?” Alarm replaced the pompousness wafting off the prick.
