The Engagement

Chapter Six

The music was sensual with a rough edge, and so was the way he shifted. Her arms came up around his neck of their own volition. She struggled not to get lost, but if the man made love like he danced, she knew she was dead wrong about his skills.

Her body heated, pooling in her belly and dropping lower. Through the thin fabric of her dress, she felt the hard planes of his chest. Her nipples tightened in response, and she thought, if he tried to kiss her right now, she wouldn't stop him.

Those blue eyes seemed fathomless, pulling her in, and she hated that the way he was looking at her made her feel as if she were wearing nothing at all. What was worse, she wanted him to take her out of this club, to his car and to his bed.

Emme prided herself on being in control. Alex made her feel reckless, made her want to toss common sense aside, and do what felt good. There was never another man she could say the same. It made him far too dangerous for her own good. But then, Alex had always been her weakness. She thought the years made her smarter, stronger. Obviously, that was a lie.

When the song ended, they went back to the bar and she ordered another drink. Alex drank a club soda, and watched her down another cranberry and vodka. They hadn't eaten before going to the club. The alcohol was fast going to her head, and she knew it had everything to do with Alex, that she drank as much tonight as she did.

She would have ordered another, but Alex paid her tab and said, "I think that's enough."

"You're not my dad. I make my own decisions."

"I see that. But they aren't wise ones tonight, and you'll pay for it in the morning."

She hated that he was right. "That's my choice."

"Not while I'm here."

"So," she shot back, "go away!"

He grinned at her, leaned in and said, "No."

Kate and Nici had taken their sweet time showing up. They appeared now, and she had a feeling both of them were leaving her alone with Alex on purpose.

"Hey, Em. We're hungry. We thought we'd go get something to eat."

"Sounds good," Emme agreed.

Nici and Kate exchanged glances. Then Kate said, "It looks like you're busy with Alex, so we'll just head out."

This time, Alex said, "Sounds good. Sorry to ruin your girls' night."

Nici grinned, winking. "Not at all. Come on Kate."

Shocked, Emme could only stare after them. After a moment, she managed, "Oh, Nici is going to get tomorrow."

Alex only laughed.

"You shut up. This is all your fault."

"Oh? What is?"

"I... Ruining my night."

"I believe I did you a favor, Em."

She folded her arms under her breasts. "I could have handled that myself. You men, always thinking you're Hercules."

He set his glass down, eyes flashing something dangerous. "A man shouldn't put his hands on a woman."

"As if we're all fragile..." Emme rolled her eyes.

"He was two times your size, Emme. If he wanted to drag you off, you think you could have stopped him?"

She felt the first doubt trickle in. "I could have put him on his knees."