Page 7 of Reticent

“Is that so?”

I nod, getting lost in the heat filling his tropical-blue eyes. An unspoken understanding passes between us. I clear my throat and finish the rest of my drink in two large gulps. Liquid courage and all.

“Careful. That drink will sneak up on you.” His deep smoky voice hits me in my private parts.

“I think it’s too late.”

“That’s unfortunate.” He plucks the empty glass from my hand and sets it on the counter.

I cock my head. “Why is that?”

He pulls my stool closer to his, his gaze falling on my lips. “Because …”

I lean in closer. “Because what?”

He brushes the back of his hand down my inked arm. “I want you sober.”

A shiver runs through me. “Too late. I think you need to catch up.”

“What’s your name?”

“Does it matter?”

He cocks his brow. I’m surprised by my forwardness, but I can tell he likes it. There’s no bullshit between us, and I love that.

“No. It doesn’t,” he says after a momentary pause. Heat crackles between us as we draw in for an almost kiss. When he speaks next, his lips nearly brush mine. “Another drink?”

“Yes, please.”

He signals the bartender without taking his eyes off me. “A refill of Highland Park 30,” he says to the body standing in front of us. I don’t know even who it is because I’m locked in on him.

I can survive a night with a man like him. Anything more and I’d be asking for trouble.

Chapter Four

He hasn’t even touched me yet, and I’m already raw with need. So when he ghosts his lips over mine, it takes all that’s in me not to attack his mouth. My desire supersedes my nervousness as this god of a man traces his tongue along my lips. My breath catches as he kisses the corners of my mouth—once, then twice—before coaxing my lips to open for him.

Time and space fade away when our tongues touch and slide together. He’s a good kisser, but I didn’t expect anything less.

We kiss for what feels like minutes. When we finally pull away, my inhibitions have gone up in smoke. I plan to ride until the wheels fall off. When they do, I’ll hop my happy, satiated ass on a plane and catalog tonight as one of the wildest, hottest, most erotic experiences of my life.

* * *

We’ve been lost in each other for hours now. I’ve long stopped counting the drinks between us. We’re grooving to Silk Sonic’s “777” on the dance floor when the upbeat tempo transitions to the seductive sounds of Beyoncé’s “Partition.” It rumbles through the speakers, vibrating through my body as I press into him and take his mouth. I’m ready and restless for a release that only he can provide.

Turning around, with my back to his front, I roll my hips seductively to the beat. His mouth finds my neck, no doubt tasting the salty sweat on my skin. He loves the way I move against him if his growing erection is any sign.

I want more, and he gives me more, pulling my head back by my hair and kissing me hard. Our tongues continue with a dance of their own, well into the next song. When we break free from our kiss, he spins me around and gathers my face in his hands.

“Stay with me tonight. There’s a motel across the street,” he says against my mouth. “You game?”

A motel instead of his place? Sure. Whatever. At this point, I’d fuck him in a bathroom stall. I palm his erection. It’s huge. “Let’s get out of here.”

He laces our fingers and leads me to the bar, where we order two more double shots of whiskey. While he closes out his tab, I send Skylar a quick text.

Me

I’m leaving with bae from the balcony. ikr?! See you back at your place. Don’t wait up.