Page 65 of Painting Her Fate

“I’m calling in.” Emma grumbles, eyes closed and head resting

against Wyatt’s chest, “there’s no way I’ll be up in four hours.” She yawns, “I can play sick for a day.”

Her husband peers down at her, a sparkle in his eye, “maybe I’ll do the same- stay home and tend to my wife.” Hint noted; Wyatt plans to keep the party going once home.

“I’ll let you take care of me alright.” Emma quips and Zander sucks

in a breath, ready to change the subject.

“You were rockin’ out, man, guess the whole night worked out for everyone.” Zander bumps shoulders with me playfully. “Couldn’t have done it without you too, Lili.”

I grin and repeat the gesture then stay pinned to his side. He doesn’t move away, rather just gives a twitch of his lips. If Trent wasn’t behind us, I’d probably be doing very bad things to him right now.

What is stopping you? Go ahead, slip your hand lower…

Wyatt beams, “Thanks, man. It felt great to be back on that stage. It’s been far too long. There is no way I could do that fulltime.” He smiles and I can see why Emma fell for this handsome man. He has this professional neatly trimmed business look about him most days, then he allows his rocker side out of its cage now and again. His curly chestnut hair has a prominent widows’ peak and a cowlick on his left side that has strands sticking out every which way. There is just a hint of stubble shadowing his jaw, something I know Emma prefers over whatever Gavin has happening on his face, and I have a better view of his hazel eyes, often hidden behind thick rimmed glasses.

“You were hella sexy up there tonight, babe.” Emma murmurs and pats her man’s bum gently.

Alexander’s fingers sneak their way under my shirt and glide along the open skin at my waist, making a shiver run through me. Our eyes connect and my lips part. He’s definitely having similar thoughts to my own.Read my thoughts, Zander. Ford can lock up. Take me back to my place. I’m not one for begging, but I will if necessary.

Wyatt raps his knuckles twice on the bar top, giving me a start and losing my connection to the man beside me, “Emma and I are going to head out, you riding with us?”

“That be great.” I rush the words out then send Zander a quick glance, catching a flash of disappointment before his stony mask is back. He turned away to grab the cash drawers as I rounded the bar. The loss of his touch and that teasing stare he has leaves me cold and wanting.

Did I just ruin my chances? Damn my immoral sensibilities.

Too often I’ve snubbed men because of their advances. I make them beg for me, make themwantme, all by pushing them away. It’s one habit I’m breaking; consequences be damned.

I say my goodbyes to Trent before he disappears through the swinging door, tip jar in hand. I glance one more time around the empty room then my gaze lands on Zander exiting the back of the bar, his arms filled with two cash drawers. I turn to meet Emma and Wyatt outside.

“Lili, wait.” His command stops me dead in my tracks then turning around just as the song over the speakers cuts off mid chorus. No other noises except Ford banging things in the kitchen. We are alone in this collective space. I catch his hungry stride and find he isn’t stopping; I don’t want him to. His hands cup my face then his lips crash onto mine.

I’m gone. Floating in this delicious torture. The best sensation here and now. All thoughts scatter as my arms come around his waist and I’m quick to battle for control. Our tongues intertwine as we tell our story through a unique dance without spoken words. It’s needy, driving us to give into the thoughts that have plagued us since day one.

“Ow, Ow!” A deep Southern cat call then a whistle rises from behind

Zander. “That’s quite the sight right there!”Bloody hell!

We pull apart, my face strawberry red with embarrassment, no doubt. Zander doesn’t let go of me, instead he takes a deep breath and turns his glare to the intruder.

Disappointment lights Ford’s tone, “Awe, c’mon. Don’t feel like you have to stop on my account, it was getting’ pretty good.”

Ford’s body fills the doorway, one arm slung against the molding, the other holding the door open as he smirks. He pushed off the door and began whistling a tune as he grabbed the cash drawers on the bar.

“Mind yourself, Gunner.” Zander quips, a playful edge in him now.

Ford just chuckles, gives us a little, “uh-huh, sure, I’ll get right on that,” then takes his leave to the office.

Apparently, Ford is one who enjoys watching. I’ll have to keep that in mind whenever he is around so I can deny him a show. I couldn’t stifle my laugh as Zander turned back around, amusement skirting his eyes as he too chuckled, noticing my flaming face. He brushed his knuckles over my cheek, our laughter dying down and the sensual mood filtered back in. The room fell into silence as we just stare into each other’s eyes.

Kiss me again, please.

As if he heard me, Zander leaned in for a quick kiss then pulled back, a small smile still toying within.

“Thanks again for tonight. I owe you twice over now.”

I trail a hand down one of his bare arms and along a vein. Damn those flexing forearms of his; they are doing funny things to my insides, and I like it. I wonder what he’d look like with a dress shirt on, three buttons undone at the top, and his sleeves rolled to the elbow. *whisper*Yes.I didn’t realize I was one ofthosewomen; the one who adores the slight veins, the rough working-man’s hands exploring their body- *Deep breath in*Concentrate.

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