Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 18896 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 94(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18896 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 94(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
He shrugged. “I know so. We’re going to get to know each other better. We’ll have fun. And nothing will happen that you don’t want to happen. So relax and come with me.”
She’d follow him anywhere, Brandy thought. And despite the fact that she’d never done anything that resembled a one-night stand before, she wanted everything to happen. She just needed to gather her nerve. He put too much cash on the table and rose. She noticed for the first time the bar had emptied out of customers while they talked.
She placed her hand in his and let him lead her into a back room she hadn’t seen earlier because of the crowd. Only the main manager remained, locked up in her office. Even Stevie had gone home.
“As I’m sure you know, Remy and Zach recently expanded the bar. Once they started showcasing bands on alternate Fridays, they needed space. Then the building next door became available for rent so they put in a game room.”
“I haven’t been in this room often.”
In the corner, beside the rack holding the pool cues, a Christmas tree took up a lot of space in the small room. The tree beckoned to her, with its worn decor, aged by time and handling, hanging from its branches. Though it wasn’t professionally decorated with pricey ornaments like the one in the office, this Christmas display showed thoughtfulness, warmth, and caring.
She reached out and lightly fingered a cut-out teddy bear hanging from a crudely bent pipe cleaner. “This is so sweet.”
Max came up behind her. His body heat and masculine scent put her nerve endings on high alert.
“The daughter of one of the bartenders, Luke, made it her first year in kindergarten,” he said.
“And this one?” With a trembling hand, she pointed to a clay angel, made with obvious talent and love.
“A customer.” Max’s warm breath fanned her ear. “Remy could tell you who gave him each one.”
Brandy nodded, impressed. “And what was your contribution?”
“What makes you so sure I made one?”
“Intuition.” The man would put his mark on everything in his life, she thought. Including herself.
“Smart woman. I supply the tree each year.”
Brandy turned to find him very close and what little composure remained nearly shattered beneath his steamy gaze.
“Ever play pool?” he asked, changing the subject.
Brandy’s shoulders lowered and she smiled, feeling on safer ground. “Too many times to count.”
“Then we don’t need lessons.” He grabbed her hand and strode the few steps to the pool table. Wrapping his hands around her waist, he lifted her onto the lacquered edge.
She licked her lips, wondering why she’d deluded herself into an illusion of safety. Around Max, she was constantly off balance, desire never far away. “No lessons,” she agreed, wondering what would come next.
“Then how about we play each other? For intriguing stakes.” His deep eyes bored into hers.
“What do you have in mind?”
“It’s called getting to know you. For every ball I miss, I admit something about myself. Something deep and personal or… something I desire.” His voice deepened to a husky drawl.
She tried to swallow but her mouth had grown dry. “And if you get the ball into the pocket?”
She watched the pulse beat in his neck, and acting on impulse, she pressed a light kiss against his skin. He let out a low growl. “If I make my shot, you remove an article of clothing. Same rules apply for you. What do you say?”
Arousal beat a heavy rhythm in her veins. Naughty or nice, Brandy thought. Did she have the nerve to participate in his game? To take their night to its ultimate conclusion?
Under ordinary circumstances, probably not. But nothing about Max or her growing feelings for him was typical—or easy. However, her pool game had never been a problem—not since she’d waitressed in college and learned from the best. “I say, why not?”
He handed her a cue, then proceeded to set up the table. “Do you want to break or should I?”
“I’ll do it.” Brandy figured it was a win-win situation. Either she revealed something about herself or he revealed a bare body part—either way she wouldn’t be the one overexposed.
* * *
Max stepped back, leaning on his cue as Brandy lined up her shot. The one thing he’d forgotten when suggesting this game was her skimpy outfit—and if the thought of their rules had him hot and bothered, the reality of watching her bent over the table inspired erotic images to rival his steamiest daydream.
“You do realize the lighter the stick, the farther the follow-through,” she said.
“It’s also been said a heavier stick gives you more power,” Max replied but he wasn’t concentrating.
The white fur trim of her skirt had lifted a notch, revealing thigh-high stockings and an enticing glimpse of the pale skin peeking above the elastic lace trim. The sudden rise in heat had nothing to do with the room temperature and everything to do with his sexy elf. His fingers itched to cup her soft flesh and he wanted to lose himself inside her.