Just Want Somebody to Love. Keri Ford
“And yet, everyone lies at Christmas and birthdays. Suddenly it’s okay.”
“True. So, in the interest of a good lie, tell me about your pretend rules.”
He stopped their dancing and frowned at her. “See, now when you say it like that, you ruin the magic of how this plan works. You can’t call them lies and pretend all in the same sentence. It pulls you out of the belief.”
“I’m sorry.” Her heavy breaths fell across his neck. They couldn’t get any closer unless they removed clothes. Which he was completely up for.
She tucked in against him, and he liked that she could do that. They weren’t just standing next to each other but were close. He wrapped his arm around her lower back. “So.” He tried to focus on his thoughts instead of the hundred other things rushing through his blood. “My rules to women.”
“I’m ready.” She lifted off him and cleared her throat with a slight shake of her head. “I think I can handle them.”
A woman with an amazing sense of humor did exist. “We’ll see. They’re pretty tough. Rule number one: I don’t sleep with just anyone. I’m not easy. I seem to give off that vibe.” He shrugged. “I don’t know what it is. But you women, you’re like carnivores or something.”
She straightened and flicked her hair back. “I’m so disappointed now. I came on to you because I thought you were a sure thing. I don’t have time for complicated.”
Music to his ears. This wasn’t only promising, it was enjoyable. “I know. I just can’t give up my integrity like that. I’m a sensitive guy with emotional needs. I need a connection.”
“I understand.” She rubbed his shoulder and dipped her brows together. “It’s okay. I don’t want to pressure you into anything.”
“Good. I think we’re getting on the same page. Rule two. This one is kind of useless given my brother owns this bar, but I don’t accept open drinks from strange women.”
“Smart, I might drug you and take advantage.”
“I know. You women. And you were already plotting with your friends. I bet you’re stronger than you look. You’re like four foot two or something, and you can probably lift a car.”
“Hey.” She pushed on his shoulder. “I’m five and a half, I’ll have you know.”
His turn to laugh. Yeah right. “You mean five foot and half an inch?”
She lifted her chin. “Sounds the same in my book.”
“Fair enough.”
“And number three?”
This one was all serious and no pretend. “I always drive my car, so don’t try to pick me up. We can meet. Or I can pick you up.”
“That’s reasonable.”
Then he could leave whenever he wanted. Be it in twenty minutes or just before dawn. “And that’s all my rules. Any problems?”
“I’m good with them, but I’m concerned with number one. Sounds like we need a connection.” She tipped her head to the side. “How intense of a connection are we talking? Is it like a firm, emotional thing?” She lifted her hand in a so-so motion. “Or can we play a little fast and loose?”
“Somewhere in between those two. I kind of just know it when I feel it.”
“One of those hard to explain things.”
“Exactly.” Something about this night, he didn’t know. She was perfect. Couple that with his dreams coming true. Everything around him sighed at once and announced, this is your day. “I think you’re starting to get me.”
“Sounds like we’re off to a good start before I take advantage of you.” With them so close, it would take next to nothing to have his lips on hers. She whispered, “What about more of a physical connection? Like chemistry.”
His throat dried out, and he was torn between carrying her out the door and continuing this. Each option had its benefits, but dancing with her and the way she talked, he didn’t want to give up. It was a twisted new-to-him version of foreplay. He had a feeling later on it would be so worth the wait. “I’m a huge fan of chemistry. But…”
“That’s a long but.”
“It’s a little embarrassing.”
“I can keep secrets.”
“That’s good. I just don’t want you to think less of me. As a man.”
Her hands moved up and down his arms, then around his neck. “I’m pretty sure that’s not possible.”
Goodness, this woman was created for him, for tonight. Forget dancing, he’d like to tip her backward and see how those lips would feel on his and get a taste of the fiery tartness her drink had left behind. When she’d said surprise her, he’d picked something to match her. Tart. He did like things bursting with flavor. He cleared his throat and pulled out the story he’d heard a buddy of his tell before. “There was this one time I tried for a sexual connection.” He glanced around the crowded floor and leaned in beside her ear to whisper. He couldn’t believe he was about to say this, but he liked this girl and the way she rolled with the punches. He faked a frown. “And I’m still not sure if that was a woman or a man in drag.”
Her head tipped and she laughed. She played with the short hairs at his nape. The breathy tone of her voice. The look of her eyes. He wanted to watch them roll back as her nails went over his skin. Story was worth it. “I can assure you, I’m all woman.”
He stopped their dancing again. “That’s what she—he, whatever, said too.”
“Are you getting anything masculine off me?”
He choked. “No.”
She nodded. “Thank heavens. You almost gave me a complex.”
“But I haven’t kissed you yet. Before, there was some…” He couldn’t say it, but he wanted to hear her laughter again. “Whiskers. I didn’t see them, but I felt them.”
Her eyes widened, and he hoped to God she realized this wasn’t a true story.
She breathed out. “You’re full of trouble, aren’t you?”
“Depends on who you ask.”
“Fair enough. To make sure we’re feeling the same—because if I drag you off somewhere and you change your mind, I’m going to have a rough night—let’s establish a connection. What do you do for a living?”
“I work in a restaurant.”
“Gah.” She shook her head. “No dice. I’m partner in my family’s farm.”
“Man. That one is usually a winner. At some point, most women have worked in some sort of waitressing. I’ve stretched my limits to retail in the past, but it makes me uncomfortable.”
“We can’t have you uncomfortable.” She rubbed her hand over his shoulder, and fingers pulled at the hairs at his neck. A chill tickled across him. “I need you to be relaxed. And agreeable.”
His throat tightened. He’d never ran with this game for so long before. “That’s the easiest way to get me how you want me.”
“Good to know. What about family?”
“I have a brother.” He tipped his head at the bar. “Brandon.”
She tsked. “What a coincidence. I have two older brothers.”
He leaned back a little. “Look at that. We do have something. I can feel your younger siblingness now, since you’ve mentioned it.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.” He tapped his chest. “It’s an intense thing. It’s hard for people