Gripped (Prescott #2) Read online

  Time to change the subject. “You said you worked at a shelter. What do you do there?”

  When a smile crossed her face, I relaxed a little. Finally, something she actually wanted to talk about.

  Her face practically glowing, she said, “I’m a teacher and volunteer at the shelter. I cook for them, teach a few exercise classes, and read to the kids. Some kids don’t know basic math or writing skills, so I help with that too.” Her smile faltered. “It’s sad. These people don’t have much of anything at all, so I try to do what I can.”

  “I think that’s great. My brother’s girlfriend is a teacher.” After I had taken a sip of my drink, I asked, “Can I go with you sometime?”

  Beverly squinted at me as if she didn’t believe me. “You want to come with me? To the shelter?”

  “Sure, why not? I promise not to wear this tux. Which won’t be a problem since I need to return it tomorrow.” I let out a chuckle.

  She nodded. “Well, if you promise not to wear that, then sure. They always need volunteers.”

  “Great. Then it’s a date.” Realizing what I’d just said, I focused on my drink as my heart raced. What the hell?

  “A date? I don’t date.”

  She doesn’t what? Swallowing my surprise, I said, “You don’t date? Ever?”

  “No. I mean, I do date, of course, but for now I just want to relax and have fun.”

  I leaned toward her, my lips practically touching her ear as I whispered, “I can be fun.”

  She shivered slightly, and before I leaned back, I couldn’t help but inhale. Her scent was perfect. Not flowery, spicy, or too sweet, it was a pleasant combination of the three, and I knew I’d never forget it.

  Not skipping a beat, she leaned back a bit and looked me up and down. Her tongue peeked out to graze her lip. “I don’t doubt that you’re fun.”

  The powerful pull between us was something I wasn’t used to, and I hoped she could feel it as well. It was comfortable, familiar, as if we’d known each other for a long time.

  Before I could say anything else, Louie stepped up to wipe at the already spotless bar in front of us with his towel. The nosy bastard.

  “So, Beverly, how long have you known Dane?”

  “We just met tonight.”

  I looked back at forth at them. Her genuine smile and easiness with Louie made me wonder how long they had known each other.

  “I see. Well then,” Louie said with a wink, “maybe you and I can go out sometime.”

  Beverly laughed. “Not happening, Louie, but thanks for asking.”

  I was in awe of this woman. She was kind, smart, giving, and stunning—the entire package.

  “You know what they say,” he said in his booming voice. “Thirty times is the charm.”

  When both of them laughed, I realized I was on the outside of a private joke.

  Louie glanced at me. “Are you guys all set, or would you like another drink?”

  Beverly replied first. “I’m good. I should get going anyway. I have an early morning and have reading to do when I get home.”

  “Let me guess,” I said, trying to be funny. “You’re going to go home to read a romance novel.” A laugh escaped me before I could stop it, but the look on her face sent it to an early grave.

  “Do I look like the romance type to you?” She rolled her eyes and tipped up the remainder of her bourbon.

  I took my time going over all her features from her sparkling eyes to those sexy shoes. My eyes had a mind of their own and they were talking to my dick, which was knocking on the zipper of my slacks as if it was asking if he could come out and play.

  “Well, do I?” She set her glass down and swiveled to face me.

  I lifted my hand to my chin, studying her as I stroked the stubble that was coming in. When I realized she was responding to my romance novel question, I said, “Yeah, I think you do. Don’t tell me you don’t want a prince to rescue you from your ivory tower, to ride off into the night with you on his white horse. Every girl wants their Prince Charming.”

  Her chest rose higher and higher with each outraged breath. Her beautiful green eyes deepened from emerald to deep jade in an instant.

  “You couldn’t be more wrong. I’m reading a paper a colleague wrote on the tragedy of inner-city living. Prince Charming and his perfect buddies can stay in the pages of a book. That’s why they’re called fairy tales. I’m not one to believe in love at first sight, in sparks igniting when two people look at each other and all that jazz. It’s ridiculous,” she said with a huff.

  Huh, my crown must be dull tonight.

  Tilting my head, I said playfully, “You aren’t?” I knew she wasn’t that type of girl, but for some reason this conversation stirred a fire in her. I was enjoying being the accelerant.

  Her eyes widened. “No, not at all. Let’s see here . . .” She let out a quiet laugh and placed her hands on my cheeks. Drawing me closer, she said in a sexy voice, “Look into my eyes.”

  We stared at each other for a long beat, and the world fell away. Not only did I see heat, I saw passion, and a fascinating woman that I wanted to get to know better. The pull between us, the force she had over me, it was so strong. There was no way she didn’t sense it too.

  Her fingers trembled slightly on my cheeks before she pulled away. “See? Nothing.”

  “Bullshit.”

  Leaning back into her chair, she crossed her arms over her ample chest. “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me. That’s bullshit. No way you didn’t feel anything.”

  “So you know how I feel, do you? Okay, enlighten me. How do I feel?”

  I reached out and took her hand in mine. “I think you’re as attracted to me as I am to you. Do you know when I saw you tonight, it was if all the other people in the room vanished? There was only you . . . all I saw was you.”

  She sucked in a gasp and slid off her stool, averting her eyes as she tucked her purse under her arm. Before she could say anything, I told Louie to bring me my tab. He stepped over to the till while she stared at me, gathering her thoughts.

  After drawing in a small breath, she said politely, “Thank you for the drink.”

  When she turned to leave, I reached out to stop her. Startled, she looked at my hand on her arm and then to me with a raised brow.

  “Wait,” I said. “Let me walk you out.”

  Before she could answer, Louie appeared with my tab and a pen. I scribbled my name on the line and then reached out to shake his hand. “Good seeing you, Louie.”

  “Thanks for coming in.” His face brightened as he turned his attention to Beverly. “Good seeing you, Bev.”

  “You too, Louie.”

  Her voice was like warm melted chocolate, and I wanted to devour her. Trying to shake the naughty visions that thought evoked, I rested my hand on the small of her back as we walked across the shell-strewn bar floor and out to the parking lot.

  She stopped beside a silver Prius. “This is me.”

  Yeah, she would have a hybrid. A woman like Beverly probably wanted to save the world in every way she could. The click of her door lock startled me, and I realized I didn’t want to let her go just yet.

  Before she got into her car, she turned to face me. “Thanks again. It was nice meeting you.”

  I stepped closer, and her face flushed while the irises of her eyes deepened in color. Boxing her in with my arms, I leaned in until our lips were only separated by a breath.

  She opened and closed her mouth but remained silent. Finally, one word slipped out. “Dane?”

  “Yeah?” I licked my lips. The need to taste her consumed me, but this incredible woman deserved more than a kiss in a bar’s parking lot.

  Her expression was shuttered as a light breeze lifted her dark hair ever so slightly. All I wanted to do was touch it, so I did. Reaching up, I moved her hair behind her ear, allowing my knuckles to graze her cheek.

  When she looked up at me, her lips parted, I asked, “Did you want to say something?”r />
  Blinking rapidly, she said, “No, not really. It’s just what you said in there about feeling something, was it a line?”

  “A line? No, it wasn’t a line. I don’t use lines on women.” When her eyebrows rose in disbelief, I chuckled. Busted. “Okay, I don’t use lines on you.”

  Her expression changed as she placed her hands on my chest. Smiling, she said, “Good night.”

  “Beverly, you know what you said about having fun?”

  She grinned. “Yes.”

  I slid my hands to her shoulders and stepped closer. “How about we go back to my place and have some tonight?”

  As soon as I said it, I wanted to suck the words back in. Beverly was not at all like other women, and I was a fool to say what I just did. When her eyes narrowed and her shoulders stiffened under my hands, that just confirmed my stupidity.

  Glaring at me, she said, “Is that the kind of girl you think I am?”

  “No, I’m just hoping that you are because you’re with me. I wasn’t kidding before. When I saw you tonight, I knew I needed to have you.”

  “What do you mean, have me?” Bringing her other hand to my chest, she pushed me back. Hard.

  Damn, she was going to make me say it. But I had a different idea.

  Taking her face in my palms, I tilted her head a bit and brought my mouth as close to hers as I could without touching. Her breath smelled of the sweet bourbon she’d just enjoyed. The swell of her breasts brushed against me and her breathing quickened. Rather than go in for the kill, I dropped a gentle kiss on the curve of her neck. I could feel her pulse stutter beneath my lips as I lingered there for a moment.

  After I stepped back, still holding her beautiful face in my hands, she blinked a few times before saying, “I should go.”

  I released her and moved aside so she could open the door and slide into her car. As she settled into the seat, the slit in her dress fell to the side, exposing one long, toned leg. She went to close her door, which I prevented by putting my hand on it.

  “Can I call you?”

  Beverly shrugged, not meeting my eyes. “You have my number, so I guess that’s up to you.”

  “It’s been a pleasure. I’ll talk to you soon.” I pushed her door shut, and standing alone in the dark parking lot, watched her drive away.

  Pleasure? I hadn’t scratched the surface yet on how much pleasure I wanted to give this woman.

  CHAPTER 4

  ~ Beverly ~

  As I pulled away, the sight of Dane watching me in my rearview mirror made me feel as if this night wasn’t a total waste. He seemed genuine, which to me was an important quality in a person, but I wasn’t sure if I believed everything he’d told me.

  And who tells a woman they want to have her?

  Eavesdropping during dinner on the conversation around our table, I’d learned he’d had his share of women. Based on the chemistry between us, I was quite confident he’d rock my world and me his, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted that. Not now, anyway; it could complicate my life, and that was the last thing I needed. Plus, the comment about him having all the pretty female golfers made me wonder if I was going to be a notch in his bedpost rather than a nice memory.

  Pushing away my thoughts of Dane, I concentrated on the road. The short drive to my parents’ home from the bar was a blessing. All I wanted to do was get out of this dress and take my shoes off.

  When I pulled into their driveway, I let out a sigh of relief. Greenery with scattered hydrangea bushes lined the driveway that led to their large home, which had a castle-like feel due to its facade fashioned from stucco and natural stone. The driveway continued past the main house to the small guest house nestled next to it, and that was where I was temporarily living.

  Once inside, I flipped on the light and tossed my clutch onto the plush sofa. It looked so inviting, but I knew if I sat down, I would never make it to my bedroom.

  So I bent over and literally peeled my shoes off my feet, wiggling my toes once they were freed from the tight leather, and grabbed my cell phone. The coolness of the hardwood floor was welcome, soothing my tired soles as I made my way to my bedroom, decorated in soft blue and beige hues. It was such a relaxing retreat, perfect for winding down. I had to hand it to my mother; she knew how to decorate a home.

  After I put my shoes in the closet and shimmied out of my dress, I got ready for bed. I placed my phone on the charger and headed into the bathroom to brush my teeth. The smile on my face in the mirror startled me when I realized it was mine. It had been a while since I’d been so lighthearted.

  Deciding my reading could wait until tomorrow, I pulled the duvet back and climbed into bed, but not before I turned off the light. Moonlight shone brightly through the wooden blinds, creating shadowy lines on the walls.

  As I lay there thinking back on my evening, a faint glow emanated from my phone on the nightstand, alerting me to a text.

  DANE: Did you get home okay?

  BEVERLY: Yes, thank you. Did you?

  DANE: Yes.

  BEVERLY: Okay. Good night.

  DANE: Wait.

  BEVERLY: For?

  DANE: I can’t stop thinking about you.

  My body warmed at the thought of him thinking of me, but then quickly cooled. This could be a quick fling and nothing more. He was here in New York and I would soon be moving to Virginia. Besides, we lived in two separate worlds, although he did seem down-to-earth and not at all pretentious, which was extremely appealing.

  BEVERLY: What are you thinking?

  DANE: Do you really want to know?

  BEVERLY: I asked, didn’t I?

  He didn’t reply right away, so I figured maybe he’d changed his mind and no longer wanted to tell me. Staring at the wall, I waited, and when I looked at the clock on my phone, five minutes had passed. I was disappointed, but wasn’t going to text him again.

  Just as I reached out to put the phone back, it vibrated in my hand.

  DANE: I want you.

  A broad smile spread across my face. My heart raced and my nerves tingled. Here we go again.

  BEVERLY: You want me?

  DANE: Yeah.

  BEVERLY: For?

  DANE: Anything and everything you want to give me.

  I shifted on the sheets to find a cool spot. His words made me feel as if I were lying under an electric blanket.

  BEVERLY: That’s pretty vague.

  DANE: You’re not going to make this easy.

  BEVERLY: I’m anything but easy.

  DANE: That’s good to know. What are you doing?

  BEVERLY: Texting with you.

  A laugh escaped me. This was too much fun, flirting and being silly, and I wasn’t so tired anymore.

  DANE: You’re a funny lady. Tell me.

  BEVERLY: I’m lying in bed.

  DANE: That’s perfect.

  BEVERLY: It is since it’s late and I’m tired.

  DANE: Okay. I’ll see you soon.

  My mind raced; I couldn’t imagine what he meant. He didn’t know where I lived, so he couldn’t just show up—unless he thought I was going to invite him over, which definitely wasn’t happening. But the anticipation, the mere thought of it, made my heart beat faster.

  BEVERLY: You’re awfully presumptuous.

  The thoughts that ran through my mind were vivid, titillating, awakening parts of me that had been dormant for a long time.

  DANE: What I meant was I’ll see you in my dreams. I can picture you now. Do you sleep naked?

  I let out a breath of frustration. That wasn’t what I was expecting at all.

  BEVERLY: Good night, Dane.

  DANE: Good night, Beverly.

  • • •

  My headboard creaked as I pushed my hands against it in a forceful stretch the next morning. When I rolled to my side, pressing my cheek to my pillow, the black dress draped over the chair came into view. Memories of Dane flashed back, bringing a smile to my face.

  I grabbed my phone to see if any other messages had com
e in while I was sleeping. Not only were my dreams consumed with him, but when I woke, he was who I thought of first. Sadly, there were no new messages.

  The hardwood was cold on my feet as I slid out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. I turned the shower on and waited for it to fill the room with steam. After stripping out of my pajamas, I checked my reflection in the etched silver mirror that hung above the marble vanity. Slowly, my face disappeared in a damp fog.

  Sighing, I stepped into the shower and welcomed the water that beat on my skin. I grabbed my favorite body wash and squirted it onto a washcloth, letting the water run onto it before smoothing it all over my body. The scent of wildflowers and jasmine, my favorite, filled the shower.

  Closing my eyes, I inhaled the fragrance as my mind drifted to Dane. The images that ran through my head were both sweet and lustful, which was a heady combination. Just the thought of him made my body crave more; I needed more.

  My heart never felt like it did last night when I first laid eyes on him. No one had ever made me feel as if I were going to combust just by sending me a text. And that kiss on my neck? I’d felt it all the way to my toes. Who was this man, and what was his story?

  Once the suds were gone, I stepped out onto the tile and into my robe. As soon as I opened the bathroom door, the drop in temperature brought me back to my senses.

  The closet and drawers were filled with clothes, some that I’d left here and others my mother had purchased for me. As I walked my fingers across the hangers hanging in my closet, I considered what to wear for the day. After pulling on a pair of shorts, a collared golf shirt, and my sandals, I tied my hair in a ponytail and headed for the main house. The weather was unseasonably warm, so I planned on hanging by the pool. I grabbed my bikini and tossed it into my bag along with my phone, sadly still devoid of new messages.