Part 1

 

New Year’s Eve

 

I stared at my reflection, analyzing every angle. My light hazel eyes popped out from the smoky eye makeup, and my face was framed by what I called miracle curls of my coffee-colored hair. Perfectly pink lips with a hint of mischief finished the look.

The silver off-the-shoulder dress with its flared skirt was festive, along with a mix of cute and sexy. Best thing—pockets.

While I did have a wristlet, I could use the pockets as well. The silver wristlet had just enough room for my phone, lipstick, and some cards and cash.

“How do I look?” I asked as I stepped out of the hotel bathroom.

Jenna’s lips twitched up into a smile. “Like a hot beotch.” She slipped a silver bangle over her hand. “Zip me up?”

I stepped over as Jenna turned, the glitzy deep red of her fitted dress contrasting against her golden, fair skin. Like mine, her dress sparkled in the light.

Chicago’s Resolution Gala was all about the shiny. It was an event we’d both looked forward to for months—the ultimate year-end party. We booked a few nights at the W Hotel with a room overlooking the lake that included a great view of the pier, which was already lit up.

Earlier in the day, the drive up to Chicago from Indianapolis had been filled with car karaoke and a growing buzz of excitement for the evening’s event.

Jenna picked at my hair, fixing a few strands that were bound to be decimated in minutes, but still, she’d spent a considerable amount of time styling it. My hair was normally stick straight and fought every single curl, but Jenna didn’t back down. Her black hair was silky and about as straight as mine, so she knew how to make it submit.

“I think we’re ready.” She picked up her phone and hit a few keys before throwing it down on the bed.

A couch lined the wall under the window, and I sat there as I slipped on my black platform shooties—a combo of heeled sandals and booties. As I stood, I was suddenly four inches taller.

“I wish I was this tall all the time,” I lamented.

Jenna quirked a brow, her own four-inch heels still keeping her an inch shorter than me. “And you could be if you wore those every day.”

“I meant without them, smartass.”

“But just think how banging your legs would look all the time.”

We pulled on our coats so at least part of us would be warm out in the cold of winter in the windy city, and headed down to the lobby.

“Uber is almost here,” Jenna said as she looked down at her phone. “Ready?”

“Ready.”

The drive was a short one, but the line for drop-offs was nearly as long as the pier itself. Thankfully it continued to move at a fairly steady rate. It was way too cold out to walk, especially wearing a dress.

A gust of frigid air swept across my bare legs as I stepped out of the car and I cried out, hurrying my way to the entrance. We presented our tickets, then dropped our coats off at the coat check. With each step, my smile grew and the excitement pumped harder through my veins.

I felt as if my whole face lit up as I looked around in awe. The large dome structure was huge and already bursting with people. Lights of all colors moved around the room and up the dome walls, the music pumping through speakers. The deep bass beats shook the air, higher notes speeding up my blood as they pulsed through me.

“Oh, yeah, tonight is going to be trouble,” Jenna said as she scanned the room. A man in a suit was her weakness—mine too—and there were hundreds of them.

“Hell. Yes.” We high-fived and made our way to the closest bar.

Jenna ordered two vodka cranberries and we decided to move away from the entrance to a less crowded area.

Each step was a half dance—impossible to refuse the music and the movement it demanded.

Between the music and the throngs of people, it took a few minutes to cross the great space. Then finally, we found a spot and paid homage to the DJ and his sick beats.

I let go, eyes closed, arms up, every inch of my body surrendering to the beat. There was no pause, each song rolling into the next with fluid precision. Jenna and I sang, and sometimes screamed, along with the lyrics.

“I’m out,” she said, pointing to her empty cup. I finished off the last few sips of mine, and we located the nearest bar for a refill.

We retrieved our cups and headed back to the area we’d been in when one of the many bodies around us turned suddenly and stepped into me. Everything moved very slow and very fast at the same time.

The wave of red was vivid before it suddenly splashed down all over the front of my dress.

“Shit! I’m so sorry.”

My mouth popped open wide, back hunched with my arms wide in an effort to keep the liquid from my skin. Before me was a black suit with a grey button-down. As I worked my way up, a strong jaw appeared, followed by a set of kissable lips, a slightly crooked nose, and brilliant blue eyes that almost glowed in the low light and made my heart skip. Considering how far I had to crane my neck to see the guy, I could tell he was easily over six feet, and he was staring at me like he was waiting.

“Shit,” was all I could manage before I scrunched my eyes and glanced down. The once silver cloth was stained with red.

“I need to go wash this.”

“Let me help,” he said.

I blinked at him, wondering how he was going to help but not willing to say no because he was too good looking. One of those types you wouldn’t kick out of bed unless he said he was better on the floor.

I nodded and looked to Jenna, who mysteriously didn’t come to the rescue and offer to help. She grinned at me like the Cheshire Cat. “You better go take care of that before it sets. We’ll find someone to clean this up,” she said with a wink.

He held out his hand to help me step away from the pool of liquid and ice at my feet. Once we were a few feet away I thought he would release my hand, but instead he held it tightly as we moved through the mass of people.

We found the restrooms, and I was happy that there was one for families spaced between the men’s and women’s.

“Perfect,” he said as he held the door open, making sure to lock it behind him.

Inside was a good-sized space with plenty of room and a large counter and sink.

Immediately he began wetting paper towels while I pulled dry ones down. He took hold of the stack in my hand before I could say anything and shoved them down the front of my dress, holding them there. My eyes went wide and I drew in a sharp breath in shock at having some strange man’s hand invade my space like that.

My muscles coiled to slap him, but there was something very clinical about his actions, the crease in his brow as he manipulated the towels, and that stopped me. He had the wet ones pressed against the fabric and was using the dry ones underneath to soak up the moisture. It took about two seconds for the realization to dawn, and his eyes bugged out of his head before meeting my startled gaze.

“I am so sorry.”

“About the drink, or about shoving your hand down a strange woman’s dress?”

“Both, but definitely the latter.” Instead of pulling his hand out, he continued to dab against the fabric. It should have been awkward, but I found it more humorous than anything. “This is how I get stains out of my shirts before they set,” he said by way of an explanation.

I started to giggle, and he began to chuckle. There was a sparkle in his eyes that drew me in. “At least it wasn’t the bottom of my dress.”

“I definitely would have been rightfully slapped.”

“Or junk punched. I mean, I don’t even know your name and you’re already at second base.”

His smile was wide, exposing a perfect row of white teeth. “Hi, I’m Richard. It’s nice to meet you.”

I bit down on my bottom lip. “Hi, Richard. I’m Natasha.”

His eyes left mine and focused on his hands where he was blotting. “I think I got most of it.” He pulled a few more dry towels out, replacing the wet ones to pull out some moisture. “When it dries, you shouldn’t be able to tell.”

A gasp left me as his fingers brushed against my breasts when he pulled his hand out.

He cleared his throat and stepped back, the air noticeably thick between us. The heaviness was something I hadn’t felt in ages, and it was off to experience it with a man I’d first seen not more than fifteen minutes ago.

I turned to the mirror to look at my dress, a darker silver replacing the red and even that was beginning to fade. “Wow, neat trick. I’ll have to remember that. I’m always feeding my shirt at lunch.”

“And all wiping at it does is spread it everywhere.”

“So true.” There was an ease that I wasn’t expecting, a calm, like I’d known him for years. “Thank you for your help, Richard.”

“Anytime,” he said, his lips twitching up into a smirk. “Thank you for not slapping me.”

“I almost did, and you never know. The night is still young.” I reached out and swatted at his ass, which was deliciously muscular.

“I amend my statement—thank you for not slapping my face. You are welcome to slap my ass as much as you want.”

“Masochist.”

He took my hands and placed them on his chest. “I’m a masochist for wanting your hands on my body?”

I drew in a shaky breath. There was a definite current passing between us that wanted more. “Wow, we should get back out there before I do something I have never done before and will probably regret in the morning.”

“You’re right. We should remain chaste and pure and not give in to these lustful thoughts.” He held the door open and ushered me through. The music wasn’t as intense in the hallway as the main room, so we stayed back.

“Who said they were lustful?” I asked. It had been a while since I’d flirted with a guy, let alone one that gave as good as he got.

“I assumed that ‘something’ you were thinking of was my same ‘something’ I was thinking and that, while I probably wouldn’t regret it in the morning, there is a fair chance I’ll want more.”

I quirked a brow at him. “More than a night? We just met.”

“A phone number at the very least.”

I pursed my lips at him, though I was pretty sure I would give him my number. “Hmm, let’s see how the night goes.”

“Does that mean you’ll be my dance partner for the evening?” he asked and held out his hand.

I slipped mine in his and let out a gasp at the current that passed between us. “Oh, I feel like we’re at some high school formal now. All I need is a corsage, booze pilfered from my parents’ lacking at-home bar, and awkward teenage sex, and the night is complete.”

The crease reappeared in his brow. “I’d like to think my performance has improved since prom.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “I have no basis for a comparison other than my own experiences and—” I drew a breath in through my teeth “—there are no lost world wonders there.”

He leaned his shoulder against one of the massive columns. “I can’t tell if the bar is really low or if your expectations are extremely high.”

“Can you make a woman come?” I asked with a quirk of my brow.

“It’s been a while, but the deed would have my full attention.” His tongue peeked out to wet his lips.

I mimicked his stance, leaning against the wide base, facing him. “That’s enough to be a consideration. How long is a while?”

“How long is a while to you?” he countered.

“I had three dates with a guy around Valentine’s Day, hoping to have some great love connection and not be alone on the biggest love-fest day of the year, but the sex put the nail in that coffin real quick.”

“That bad?”

“I’m not sure he ever progressed past prom sex. Plus he barely had it in before he was coming.”

“That is bad.”

I twirled my hand in the air. “Hence my dry spell. Why do I need a guy when my vibe does a better job than any man ever has?”

That perfect grin appeared again. “That sounds like a challenge.”

“Well, I know you have zero hesitation about shoving your hands into my clothes. Assertiveness is sexy.” It was possibly the strangest first conversation I’d ever had with anyone, but I went with it simply because it flowed so well and he never approached or said anything in a sleazy manner.

“I wish my employees thought that. Then again, they’re probably praying I get laid.”

Our exchange had twisted, and I wanted an answer to my question before we veered off course. “So, how long was that while?”

His eyes were locked with mine, unfaltering as his lips ticked. “Two years.”

My mouth dropped open. “No.”

He held his hands up and pursed his lips. “I’m married to my job. Trust me, it’s not for lack of desire or performance ability.”

“That’s a turnoff.” I straightened and slipped my arms around his arm to pull us away. “Back to the people and the booze that hopefully will not end up on my dress again.”

He held firm, causing me to turn and look at him. “Wait, what was a turnoff?”

“Married to your job.”

“And why is that?”

I tilted my head to look at him, actually believing the two years and quite possibly a lack of women in his life, period. “Because my female brain is already releasing chemicals, making me think of you as more than a night.”

“Chemicals?”

“Hormones, whatever.” I waved my hand in front of me. “There’s this attraction physically, and our banter is on point, making me like your personality more and more with each minute. That then transitions into wondering what happens after tonight. Will this be all? Because as is, I am already interested in getting to know you, which has me thinking about a future with you, because I’m not one of those live-in-the-moment types,” I explained.

“I’m not either.”

“Then you said that, and a bucket of cold water rushed over me because those thoughts of something more were extinguished as soon as I understood there would be no room for anything more in your world than tonight.”

He stared into my eyes, unblinking. “You are so interesting.”

My brow scrunched and I glared at him. “I hate that word.”

“Why?” he asked.

“Because it can go so many ways.” Both good and bad, and I never knew how it was meant.

“I thought the inflection of my voice would be a giveaway that it was a good interesting. I’m quite in awe of you. And to clarify—I’m married to my job because I don’t have anyone in my life. There is nothing but loneliness when I walk into my house.”

The last sentence hit way too close to home, but at least I had Jenna. “Friends?”

He shrugged. “They all have families or live far away.”

“No kids for you?”

He shook his head. “Not yet.”

“Hmm.” I stared out the window at the lake, watching as a party boat set off from the pier. On board was a mirror image to what was happening inside the ballroom where we stood.

“Now what’s going on in that interesting brain of yours?” he asked with a tug on my hand.

“Nothing.”

“I’ve known you for less than an hour, and I already know it’s not nothing.”

The man was observant, driven, witty, courteous, and sexy as fuck. And that was just what I’d picked up in a short time. “Another tick in the you-are-too-good-to-be-true column. Are you a serial killer?”

He threw his head back in laughter. “I do have flaws. Thankfully not of the serial killer variety.”

I narrowed my gaze on him. “Hmm, I’m not so sure you have any so-called flaws.”

“You know nothing about me,” he pointed out.

That was a challenge if I’d ever heard one. Time to test him and his interest level while showing just how observant I was.

“You’re a workaholic who probably orders food in every day or has one of those meal delivery box services. Some big condo that overlooks the lake, devoid of personality or comfort. Your employees dislike and respect you at the same time.”

“How did you know I live in Chicago, let alone have a condo that overlooks the lake? Are you stalking me?” His expression was a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

A laugh left me. “I don’t even know your last name, so that’s a no. And a man who is married to his job isn’t going to go on a road trip for a New Year’s Eve party. You’ll probably sleep in tomorrow and then work from home in the afternoon while downing coffee like it’s life.”

Suspicion and curiosity were quickly replaced with awe. “If we hadn’t met by absolute chance, I would be seriously freaked out by how accurate you are.”

I gave him a shrug and a smirk. “It’s a gift.”

“All I’ve gotten is that you are beautiful and sexy and quite possibly the most perceptive person I’ve ever met.”

“That’s it?”

“And you can hold your own in possibly any conversation or situation. But I’d like to know more than that, and more than how fucking fantastic sex would be with you.”

“You think it would be that good?” I asked, though I had the same feeling.

“Don’t you?”

I tugged on his hand. “Let’s go dance and find out.”

We stopped at one of the thirty bars located around the party on our way back to the area where we’d left Jenna. Richard replaced my drink while getting himself a beer. I took a few quick sips before we moved through the crowd.

Bodies gyrated everywhere, the crowd at max energy. It took some weaving until I located Jenna’s familiar form dancing with a couple of people not far from where we left her.

“Keenan,” Richard called out.

A very handsome black man with a megawatt smile turned at the sound, but didn’t stop dancing with Jenna.

“What happened, man?” he asked, glancing over to me.

“Wardrobe malfunction.”

“And you were being a gentleman helping the lady out?” He gave me a wink.

“He was a perfect gentleman.” It wasn’t a lie. While our conversation had been full of innuendos and highly sexually charged banter, physically his focus was on helping me and making certain I was okay.

“All good?” Jenna asked, giving Richard an appraising once-over before mouthing to me, “He’s hot.”

I mouthed back, “I know,” before Richard caught my attention again.

“Natasha, this is my friend Keenan. Keenan, Natasha.”

Keenan held out his hand, that megawatt smile still covering his face. “Nice to meet you.”

I slipped my hand in his. “Same.”

“So you do have friends,” I said to Richard.

He chuckled. “A few.”

Jenna whipped around to me when a remix of “Heathens” came on, and immediately we began belting out the lyrics and jumping to the beat. Richard and Keenan eventually joined in, both showing off some skillful moves, especially Keenan.

The DJ was good, keeping the energy in the room up, mixing familiar songs with electric beats. Each song rolled effortlessly into the next, and we never stopped. The lights zipped across the crowd in brilliant colors, refracting off any shiny surface.

Smiles lit up every face as everyone let go, if only for a few hours.

Turning to Richard, I smiled and locked eyes with him as I tipped my cup back and gulped down the last of my vodka and cranberry.

“We have some catching up to do.”

He nodded his head, then followed suit. “Another?” he asked once his cup was empty. I nodded, and he looked to Jenna. “Refill?”

Her eyes went wide and she nodded. “Thank you!”

“I’ll help,” Keenan said and they stepped away, leaving us to stay lost in the beat.

“There are major sparks going on between you two,” Jenna said as she fanned herself.

“Trust me, I know.”

“Did you fuck in the bathroom?” she asked.

My mouth popped open. “What? No!”

She shrugged. “You were gone so long, I figured that’s what was going on.”

“Minutes after literally bumping into me?”

She waggled her eyebrows. “I would have.”

“I don’t know what is going on,” I said.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“We’ve had this instant connection. I feel like I’ve known him for years, not to mention the sexual chemistry, which is…wow.”

She bounced with excitement. “You have my permission to go get it, girl. I am good.”

Jenna was a social butterfly so I had no doubt about that, but I wasn’t sure I could do it.

Richard and Keenan returned, drinks in hand, and passed them out.

“Do I need to test this?” Jenna asked, and both men stared at her in confusion. “You know, for drugs?” Both men’s eyes widened as they adamantly shook their heads in protest. “Good. Thank you.”

Richard leaned in. “What is she talking about?”

I reached into my wristlet and pulled out a key fob with a white disc. “Date rape drug tester.”

His mouth dropped open. “I didn’t know such a thing existed.”

I nodded. “Yup. Jenna loves to go dancing, and she’s been slipped a few in the past. Luckily there was always someone she trusted close by to take care of her. As soon as they came on the market, she bought a ton and insisted I carry one around.”

“That’s damn smart and a good thing to have.” He leaned in closer. “Just so you know, I would never do anything like that.”

I bumped his shoulder with mine. “I think we both know you don’t need anything like that with me.”

He bumped me back. “If I do, I’ve been reading this whole night wrong.”

We went back to dancing, and at some point a group of people came up—people who obviously knew Richard and Keenan. Jenna and I paid no attention and continued to dance.

When my third drink was empty and I was feeling tipsy, I leaned in toward Jenna.

“I’m hungry!” I yelled to her. “Feed me, woman!”

She continued to dance as she pointed to the wall where the buffet was set up.

I glared at her. “You don’t love me.”

A kissy face was all the response I got before she used the dance to conceal pointing behind me.

Richard glanced at me from a group of guys he was talking to, a smile on his face.

I used my first finger to point to my open mouth. Oddly, his eyes widened. After a few quick words, he stepped over to me.

“You want to give me a blow job?” he asked.

My eyes widened in horror. “No! Oh my God is that what…it’s the international ‘feed me’ symbol.”

“And with our conversations tonight, I took it as ‘feed me your cock.’”

I shook my head. “You have to deliver before that happens. It’s not all about you.”

A chuckle left him, and he nodded. “Deal.”

“I’m starving.”

He nodded in agreement. “Let’s grab some plates and go upstairs.”

I shook my head. “That’s VIP seating.”

“Yes, it is.”

I stared at him, openmouthed. “You’ve got a table on the balcony?”

“Yes.”

“Lead the way, Mr. VIP.”

The buffet spread was huge, and I began to wonder why we hadn’t been before. I loaded my plate, Richard in step behind me.

“Are you copying me?” I asked as he took the tongs from me.

He glanced at my plate and chuckled at the matching items. “Not intentionally.”

Some flatbreads, cheese, veggies, potatoes, meats, and dips filled both our plates as we made our way upstairs.

Richard flashed his ticket, and the guard stepped aside to let us through. It was quite a walk around the balcony until he stopped at a four-topper and set our plates down. The view of the crowd was insane. Nothing but a mash of bodies in flashes of light in the dark. I was kind of happy to have the brief reprieve.

My feet let out a groan of appreciation when I sat, giving them the first bit of relief in hours.

“Wow, these are great seats,” I said.

“Keenan is to thank for that. It was his idea that we get a table.”

“So, who is Keenan?” I asked with a laugh before crunching on a carrot stick.

“A friend,” he said before taking a bite of one of the flatbreads.

“Well, I gathered that.”

He chuckled and finished chewing. “We met in college and both ended up in Chicago. What about Jenna?”

“We met at my first job after college, became fast friends, and have been inseparable ever since.” I moved on to one of the flatbread pieces, pleasantly surprised by the pop of the unexpected combination of sweet and savory.

“What do you do when you’re not bumping into strange men and having their hand down your dress in less than five minutes?”

I threw my head back in laughter. “Total numbers nerd—I work in accounting.”

It was his turn to laugh. “Finance.”

“You’re kidding.” He shook his head. “Another tick for Mr. Too-Good-To-Be-True.”

He laughed while biting on one of the potatoes. “I’m a numbers nerd as well. I have an unhealthy relationship with spreadsheets.”

My mouth popped open. “I love spreadsheets. Like, legit obsession. Spreadsheets are life.”

He leaned forward conspiratorially. “Do you love pivot tables as much as I do?”

A shudder rolled through me. “Stop talking nerdy to me. I already liked you before I found out about the nerdy side of your athlete-in-a-suit disguise.”

“What?”

I waved my hand in his direction. “Hide the muscles all you want, but that ass says differently,” I said with a wink.

He shrugged. “I think best in the gym when my mind is occupied, and since I’ve already told you how I’m a lonely bastard, pretty much all of my free time is spent there.”

“So you can peacock on these rare nights out?”

He smirked and shook his head. “I was a high school football player, you got me there. Got a football scholarship to college and not halfway through my freshman year, I was injured. Keeping my strength up helps keep the pain away.”

It was quite possibly the most serious thing said all evening, and damn if it didn’t endear me to him further. “What happened?”

He finished his bite and wiped his mouth. “I intercepted a pass and was booking it toward the goal. I made it thirty yards before I was tackled by two players and we went down wrong. Broken leg, broken elbow.” He pointed to his right leg and left elbow. “End of a dream.”

“Did they not heal right?” I couldn’t even imagine the depth of despair that would create.

He shook his head. “It took two surgeries to fix my tibia, and one for the elbow. They were both fucked. It took years for me to figure out how to manage them so that I’m not popping pills all the time for the rest of my life. What about you?”

“No football injuries for me.”

Another chuckle before he speared a piece of cheese. “Sports?”

“Does riding my bike count? Or spending my summer in the pool?” I asked. “I did play some sports, but I only got as far as high school freshman softball. My brother is the sporty one. He went on to minor league baseball. Plays for the Indians.”

“Cleveland?” he asked, impressed but confused, as the Cleveland Indians were major league.

I shook my head. “Indianapolis Indians. They’re a triple-A team.”

“That’s cool.”

“Otherwise, my favorite form of exercise just isn’t happening lately.” I didn’t mean to steer what was a neutral, good, get-to-know-you kind of conversation back to sex, but watching him bite into a strawberry and lick the juice from his lips was more than I could take.

“Of the naked variety?”

“Of course, but like I said, not happening.” I let out a sigh and tried to redirect again. “So I spend the most boring hour a day on the elliptical machine with the music blaring so loud it pisses my neighbors off. I hate apartment living.”

“Poor sound insulation,” he said in a knowing tone.

I nodded. “Too right. I mean, one reason it’s so loud is because they’re both screaming.”

His plate was mostly demolished, as was mine. The food settled, my stomach happy to have something besides liquid in it.

“I’ve lived with neighbors like that, always fighting,” he said.

I shook my head. “Oh, no. They’re not fighting. They fuck like twenty-four seven.” His eyes met mine, and I realized I’d done it again. “Doesn’t matter anyway. I’ll be out of there in a few months.”

“Another apartment?”

I pulled out my phone and brought up the listing for a property I’d had my eye on. “Me and Jenna are both looking at this condo complex downtown on the river. We can be neighbors.”

His brow scrunched as he looked over the photos. “Wait, where do you live?” he asked.

“Indianapolis.”

His lips formed a thin line. “Damn, I wish you lived here.”

His wish made my heart jump and my chest clench. I was buzzing with the idea of seeing him after tonight. “I hooked you already, did I?” I tried to play off how much I liked the idea.

“You’ve had me since I shoved my hand down your dress. Nice breasts, by the way.” He winked at me.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “Well, Indianapolis isn’t far, and therefore, neither are my breasts.”

He stared at me, studying me for a moment. “How are you single?”

Given his scrutiny, that was not what I was expecting.

I blinked at him. “How are you? I mean, I’m a weird, numbers-obsessed, nerd hottie. Guys get so confused they don’t know if they like me or just want sex. You’re a straight-up god-like man…I’m still trying to find a flaw.”

“I’m scarred. That’s a flaw.”

I shook my head. “That just makes you more perfect.”

“You’re pretty flawless yourself, you know,” he said as he set his hand on mine.

I bit down on my bottom lip and looked away, but he wouldn’t let me. He hooked his finger under my chin and made me look at him. “I wasn’t going to come out tonight, but I’m really glad I did. And I’m even more glad I bumped into you and spilled your drink all over your dress.” His eyes grew heavy and he cleared his throat before standing. “Let’s go dance.”

He held out his hand and I slipped mine in, rising back up. “What just happened there?”

He pulled me closer until our bodies were aligned. Electric heat poured through me when his arms wrapped around my waist, hands spread across my back. My heart sped up to triple time.

Leaning forward, he bent down and ran his nose up the column of my neck, his lips at my ear. A shudder ran through me, and I leaned farther into him. The desire to be skin to skin with him was strong.

“My mind went to the gutter and I was consumed with wanting to spill another fluid all over you. Inside you.”

“Fuck,” I hissed as my knees went weak, my fingers fisting his shirt.

“Now, I need to get you onto the dance floor before I steal you away to my place to ring in the New Year.”

That was such an appetizing proposition, and as much as my body wanted to convince him that was the right move, I knew it wasn’t. Despite Jenna’s opinion, which was for me to go get it. “Let’s go.”

The group that included Jenna and Keenan had grown, new friends and old having joined. I recognized a guy I’d gone to college with.

“Brent!” I cried out.

“Hey, little Nat,” he said, stepping forward and pulling me into a hug, lifting me from the ground before setting me back down and moving away. He was still as tall and lanky as I remembered, and at least six inches taller than Richard. “Long time. What have you been up to?”

I shrugged. “Work, and hanging out with her.”

Brent glanced over to Jenna who smiled and waved at us, shaking her ass and hips. I was beginning to wonder how she was still standing. Then again, she loved to dance.

“Jenna’s your friend?” he asked.

I narrowed my gaze at him. “Yeah. Why?”

“Because I like her.”

“Because she’s Japanese?” Brent always did have a thing for Asian girls.

His lips twitched up into a smirk. “That may be part of it. So who’s the guy you came over with?”

I glanced over to Richard, who was talking with Keenan but kept glancing over to me. I crooked my finger at him, and he closed the few feet that separated us.

“Brent, this is Richard. Richard, this is an old college friend, Brent.”

“Nice to meet you.” Richard held out his hand and Brent took it.

“How long have you two been together?” Brent asked.

“We just met tonight,” I answered.

Brent’s brow scrunched and he looked between us, at the way Richard’s arm sat loosely around my waist. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“Fooled me,” he said.

I stole a glance at Richard, who was smiling at me.

“Come back, Brent!” Jenna called out.

A smile broke out on his face. “Gotta dance.” His hips began to shake to the beat as he backed up until he bumped Jenna.

Richard drew me closer, his mouth near my ear. “I was starting to get a little jealous there.”

I angled my face toward his. “Jealous? Really?”

His thumb stroked against my waist. “I seem to have claimed you as mine tonight, and here is this other guy who is friendly with you.”

I turned in his arms, my hands resting on his chest. “Oh, claimed me as yours.”

“What?”

I nipped at his jaw. “Definite turn-on, in both words and possibility.”

A groan left him. “You are going to kill me.”

“Kill you how?”

He returned my nip with one of his own. “Death by constant erection.”

Heat flooded my face and I glanced down, but between the darkness and the fabric, I couldn’t see anything. Taking hold of my hips, he spun me around and used the music and dancing as an excuse to grind against me.

“Oh,” I said in surprise before reaching up and cupping his neck.

We were in our own little world, moving to the music, our lips drawing closer. Before we could connect, Jenna yelled out, breaking the spell of our bodies.

“Woohoo! Get it!” She laughed.

Keenan followed suit, giving a whistle. “Damn, Rick.”

Richard chuckled against my neck before reluctantly creating space between us. The energy that moved around us was intoxicating. I’d never been so turned on and desperate for any man.

Neither of us was interested in anyone or anything else going on. It was like as soon as our eyes had met, we were hooked on some chemical level. All conversation throughout the evening only intensified the feeling.

A remix of Lykke Li’s “Little Bit” pumped through the speakers. The words rang out as Richard and I danced, our fingers linking together.

In that moment, I was a little bit in love with him.

Was it real? No, but for the moment, it felt real. The interest in knowing more about him was there, and I was desperate for more information but was silenced by every cell in my body calling out for his. The need to know his hands on my skin was a desperation that demanded action.

“I’ll go get us some drinks,” he said after a few highly charged songs.

“Can you get me a Cosmo?”

When he returned I greedily gulped down the liquid, desperate to quench my thirst, which wasn’t the best idea.

Shortly thereafter I swayed on my feet. “I have to go to the bathroom,” I said to Richard.

He leaned in. “I’ll take you.”

“That’s a little weird.” I looked over to Jenna, who was completely wrapped up with Brent. I didn’t want to pull her away from that.

“After everything that’s happened tonight, you think that is weird?”

I shrugged, and my foot wobbled a little on the heel. Richard grabbed my arm to steady me, and I fell against his chest.

“Okay, you can help me,” I relented. The wobble only highlighted the ache in my feet that I’d successfully ignored since we ate.

“Thought so.”

I patted his chest. “You just don’t want to lose sight of me.”

“In this crowd?” he asked. “No. Remember, you’re my dance partner tonight.”

I angled my head back. “I want to be more than that.”

He brushed my hair back behind my ear, his gaze locked with mine. “Much more.” He took my hand and guided us to the restrooms, but instead of releasing me, he tugged me back into the family restroom.

“Fuck, my feet hurt,” I whined as I leaned against the handrail. They throbbed, and even the slight release of some weight helped. I forgot about the pain while dancing, but without the distraction, it hit me full force.

Richard’s eyes trailed down my legs to my heels, then back up, stopping at the hem of my dress. In one smooth motion he stepped forward, leaned down, and hooked his hands to the back of my thighs, lifting me from the ground. A squeak of shock left me as his hands trailed up, slipping under my dress until he was cupping my ass. My legs spread without thought, crossing around his waist as his hips pinned me to the wall.

“Better?” he asked, his lips no more than a few inches from mine.

“That wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but it works.”

“What did you have in mind?” His gaze flickered to my lips, then back up.

My lips twitched up into a smile and I flexed my legs. A gasp left me as the hard length of his cock pressed against my clit.

“You like bumping into me,” I purred.

A groan left him, his hips flexing. “It’s that magnetic pull you have. I just can’t help myself.”

“How did we end up in this bathroom again?” I asked.

“You needed an escort.”

I quirked a brow. “To pee? Isn’t it a little early in our relationship for you to be in the room for that? I mean, I know your hands are on my ass, but your lips haven’t even—”

His lips crashed to mine, ending my sentence along with my incessant wondering of how his kiss would feel—spine-tingling, clit-pulsing, heat-spreading, glorious perfection.

A moan left me, my hips undulating against him as I ran my hands around his neck and wound my fingers into his soft hair. A moan vibrated in his chest and his kiss became harder, deeper, as he drew me impossibly closer, bending me until I surrendered all thoughts.

“How many people do you think have had sex in here tonight?” I asked when we parted.

His hips continued to rock against me, his teeth nipping at my bottom lip. “As long as I’m one of them, I don’t give a fuck.”

It wasn’t what I wanted, but want was taking a backseat to need, and I needed him desperately.

A rattle of the handle and a pounding on the door jolted us back to awareness. “Somebody in there?”

A groan left him and his head fell down to my shoulder. With reluctance, he released me and set me back down on my feet.

With him spun around and the sink running, I finished what I’d come in to do, which was still weird with him there, and we stepped out, receiving curious glances from those outside.

“Why don’t we go upstairs so you can sit down?”

I nodded as we walked. Each step was torture, but I pressed on until I found a little alcove between two of the large columns. The space was partially obstructed by a potted tree.

With a tug, we slipped into the small space and I leaned against the corner of the column and the window, which had a slight ledge. The darkness shielded us some from those walking by.

“Are you okay?”

I nodded. “Maybe the four-inch heels weren’t the right choice for a long night.”

“Well, if it makes a difference, I appreciate them,” he said as his fingers skimmed against my thigh.

Oddly it did, and his touch only ignited my need for more.

“The fireworks are starting soon,” I said.

“And?”

“My hotel isn’t far.”

He froze and stared at me for a moment. “Fuck, yes.”

He started to pull me, and a hiss of pain left me as I stumbled. Strong arms caught me, drawing me closer and lifting me enough to take the pressure off.

“Sorry,” he said.

“Eager much?” I reached out and pressed my hand against the hard line beneath the fabric of his suit.

“Does that answer your question?” he asked with a low groan.

I wrapped my fingers as far around as the fabric allowed, earning a low groan as he sagged into me. “It’s a pretty good indicator.”

“Do you think you can walk? That dress is too short for me to carry you, and there are too many people bumping around for you to take your shoes off.”

I drew him closer until his lips were on mine. One brief touch and I was pinned between his body and the brick wall. Electric tingles danced across my skin from each point of contact.

“Your dick is doing all the thinking,” I whispered.

“Says the woman who is grabbing onto my ass and pulling me closer, rubbing her body against mine.”

I pressed my lips against his neck, then nipped the spot with my teeth. “I blame you.”

After hours of flirting and touching, we were both out of our minds with want.

“Fuck,” he hissed. His hand disappeared under the edge of my dress, and I drew in a sharp breath when his fingers pressed against my clit. My eyes were locked with his, both of us lost as his fingers slipped beneath the edge of my thong and across my slick opening. His eyes grew darker, heavier. “You’re so wet.”

A low moan left me as two fingers slipped between my folds. It wasn’t the body part I was aching for, but all that mattered was that he was touching me.

He worked his fingers hard, his body blocking me from view. I bit down on the lapel of his jacket to keep from crying out as he slapped against my clit with each thrust of his fingers that were drilling into me. My muscles locked down, but my knees turned weak. Richard kept me up with one strong arm wrapped around my waist.

A frustrated growl left him, and he withdrew his hand. Before I could protest, he spun me around and knotted his hand in my hair, pulling back and to the side before biting down on my shoulder, no longer a man but an animal fueled by lust.

My mouth popped open, vision fuzzy while my pussy clenched in desperation.

His fingers returned, answering my call, and picked up in pace, furiously moving in and out with purpose. I didn’t even notice he’d released my hair until I felt cool fingers against my tight nipple after his hand slid down the front of my dress.

“Oh my God,” I hissed, unable to keep my keening locked away.

“You make the hottest sounds.” His hand clamped down on my breast, using it as an anchor point, pinching my nipple between two fingers.

The added sensation quickly had me on edge with his relentless momentum. My head fell back against his shoulder, back arched, one hand pressed against the brick while the other reached back to fist his hair.

“R—” My breath hitched, muscles tense. “Richard.”

Everything became fuzzy, my whole body tense, and then I crashed. There was no holding back my sounds or the rocking as each pulse slammed through me.

His fingers slowed while my shaking subsided. After removing them he spun me back around, holding me close, his forehead resting against mine.

I was still coming down from the intense orgasm he’d just given me.

He ground his teeth together as some semblance of rationality returned. “I need to get you home.”

I shook my head and reached for his waist. “I can’t wait.”

“I don’t have anything on me.”

I pulled at his zipper and slipped my hand inside, sifting through the layers until I felt the hot silkiness of his cock. He jerked at the touch, his whole body shaking.

“Pull out.”

Our breaths mingled and his gaze was clouded and lost to the singular purpose his body demanded, and so was I.

Frantically, he maneuvered his cock out through the hole made by the zipper and lifted my leg. He arranged my skirt to hide us before finding my opening and slamming in.

Every nerve lit up, a blaze of fire and electricity that burst from my core all the way to the top of my head and tips of my toes, before racing back. A second of pause and he pulled out, only to slam back in and send the sensation through me again when he bottomed out.

I’d never felt so full, so complete.

It was too much after just coming, and I clamped down on his neck to silence my moans. His breath was hard against my skin, fingers digging into my thigh as his frantic pace picked up.

I was lost in a sea of nothing but pleasure and the growing tension as I moved with him. A second orgasm slammed into me and I clamped down on him, my legs locking him all the way in. Spasms rocketed through me again, blinding white clouding my vision.

A strangled groan and a whispered “fuck” could be heard as he shuddered before frantically reaching between us. He was barely out before he was coming.

Warm droplets fell against my skin as his cock jerked, the hot head rubbing against me with each involuntary thrust of his hips.

In the background I heard the countdown going on before there was nothing but screams and cheers.

“Happy New Year, Richard,” I whispered against his lips.

His breath was still harsh as he came down. “Happy New Year, Natasha.”

I swept a few strands of his hair from his forehead. “Better?”

He nodded. “And you?” There was a tingle as his lips worked their way down my jaw. “Did I accomplish my task?”

“You don’t know?” I asked as I ran my hands up and down his back.

He chuckled. “I counted twice.”

“Once with your fingers, and right at the end when my pussy milked your cock.”

Another groan. “I wanted to stay inside you so badly.”

We stayed in our little bubble for a few minutes, relishing our hidden time alone.

“I guess we should get your coat now,” he said. He pulled the handkerchief from his top pocket and swiped up the now cooled droplets from my skin before discreetly righting our clothing.

Sex had released the pressure, but with his words I knew that wasn’t enough for him, just as it wasn’t enough for me.

“I need to tell Jenna I’m leaving. She’ll probably stay until closing.”

I moved to step forward, but my legs gave out. Before I careened into the ground, I was swept up in Richard’s arms.

“Whoa! I’ve got you,” he said as he held me close, keeping me upright.

“All your fault,” I whimpered. My legs were going to take a minute to recover. When was the last time I could say a guy did that? Richard definitely deserved a repeat performance.

A chuckle rumbled deep in his chest. “Damn straight.”

“Don’t get all cocky on me now.”

“No, I was all cocky in you.”

I shook my head and rolled my eyes. “That was bad.”

“Was it?”

“Definitely.”

“Hmm, I’ll have to blame it on the slow return of blood to my brain.”

I glanced down to his crotch. “There was an awful lot elsewhere.”

We headed back to where our quasi group had spent the evening. Richard kept his arm around me, holding me close and taking on much of my weight. Halfway there, near the window, sat Jenna on the floor with Brent and a few others crouched and standing around her.

“Nat! There you are,” Jenna called out. One of her shoes was off and her ankle was twice the size of normal.

I ran over to Jenna the best I could with Richard’s assistance. Between my Jell-O legs and my dead feet, it wasn’t an easy journey.

“What happened?” I asked as I leaned over. A little wobble of my own and Richard’s strong hands were wrapped around my waist to help steady me.

“I drank and I danced and then I fell,” she said with more than a few slurs, but a smile on her face. It wasn’t surprising, considering I never saw her eat anything but there was always a drink in her hand.

The truth was, I would probably be in the same place if I hadn’t met Richard, if he hadn’t distracted me from everything and everyone.

“We should get you back to the hotel, babe,” I said as I brushed the hair back from her face. I froze for a moment before looking up to Richard. There was disappointment there along with understanding.

He pressed his lips to my shoulder.

“Can we order room service?” she asked.

“Sure. I’m going to go get your coat,” I said as I took her clutch from her and pulled out her ticket. “You stay here.”

Richard helped me to the coat check and held me close as we waited in line.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“She needs you.”

“And I need more of you.”

He placed a kiss on my forehead. “Same, but I’ve been selfish enough with you tonight. You’ll just have to promise me a rain check.”

“I like that idea.”

After retrieving the coats and returning, I threw Jenna’s at Brent, who happily helped her into it.

My legs were steadier and I didn’t require Richard’s assistance anymore, but that didn’t mean I didn’t want him close. My feet still hurt, but I was able to push it out of my mind to help Jenna. His fingers laced with mine as we made our way through the crowd yet again. Brent followed behind, helping Jenna.

There was a line of taxis waiting in the drop-off zone, and Richard pulled open the back door of one so Brent could set Jenna inside. They both pulled out their phones as they chatted, giving me the opportunity to do something I really didn’t want to do.

I stepped closer to Richard and he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Will you be okay?” Richard asked as he brushed my hair behind my ear.

I nodded, my heart heavy. I didn’t like the feeling. I didn’t like leaving him. “I’m so sorry,” I said, holding onto the open edges of his suit jacket and tugging.

“Me too.” He pressed his lips against my forehead.

“I wasn’t ready for tonight to end.” My voice caught, and I dreaded him walking away.

“Did I earn your phone number?” he asked.

I smiled at him and patted his chest. “And a blow job,” I said before rattling off my number.

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine with soft, languid kisses, savoring each second of connection. “I had a wonderful evening, Natasha.”

“So did I.”

The cab driver yelled out, asking if we were ready. Reluctantly we pulled apart.

“Jenna, get that ankle looked at as soon as you can,” Richard said.

“Aye, Aye, Captain Richard!” She giggled before whispering to Brent and pulling him in for a kiss.

My chest hurt, and my heart begged for time to stop. Each inch that increased the gap between us felt the size of the Grand Canyon. With a pained expression, he turned to walk away.

“Richard!” I called out. He twisted back around just in time for me to fling myself into his arms. I crashed my lips to his. Our mouths parted for one last taste as he held me tightly to him.

“Happy New Year,” I whispered against his lips.

“Happy New Year.” We shared a soft kiss, then another, before I stepped away, our hands holding on, reaching out for those last seconds of connection.

As we pulled away, I watched as he took out his phone and typed at the screen, his gaze flickering back to the cab.

I should have gotten a picture with him.

It was a night I would never forget and a man to always remember. I didn’t know what the future held, but I begged for him to be in it.