Indiscretion: Volume One (3 page)

When I reached the main room, my pace quickened until I stopped short of the table and motioned Jackie over. She got up, which took some doing. I grabbed her arm to steady her wobbly stance and turned my head to the side when I got a whiff of her vodka-infused breath.

“What’s up?” she asked and cocked her head to the side, narrowing her eyes. “Where have you been?”

I pressed a hand to my racing heart. “You’re never going to believe who I just met. That guy we were talking about earlier, the one across the room.”

Jackie’s eyes widened. “That hot piece of eye candy in the suit?”

“Yeah. He’s asked me to go with him to one of the private rooms in the back so we can talk, but…I don’t know.”

She craned her neck back, looking at me like I was crazy. “Oh, come on. Are you serious? The hottest guy in this place wants to chat you up and you’re thinking of turning him down?”

“What if that’s not all he wants to do?” I asked with a meaningful look.

“Let’s hope it’s not. Did you see that guy?” She wagged her eyebrows up and down. I couldn’t help the small smile that escaped my lips.

“I don’t know anything about him. He could be a serial killer for all I know.”

Jackie had a give-me-a-break look plastered on her face.

“We’re here for your bachelorette party,” I pointed out. “Not for me to pick up some random guy. It’s your day.”

Not having it, Jackie grabbed both of my shoulders and gave me a small shake. “Have you been tuning me out all night? Nothing would make me happier than seeing you pick up that beautiful piece of man candy tonight. Think of it as an early wedding gift to yours truly.” She winked.

I laughed. “You don’t mind?”

“Go!” She shooed me away. “Seriously. Have fun for once. You’re allowed. Your sister will be leaving for school soon to start her own life, and besides—she isn’t here anyway. You don’t have to spend every waking moment taking care of everyone else. You didn’t have a choice before, but you do now. Have fun. No one here is going to judge you.” Her face was serious and her words heartfelt.

Suddenly, I found myself wanting that freedom that Jackie had been trying to shove on me all night. I felt almost…giddy. I hugged my best friend, and Jackie said in my ear, “Keep your phone on you. Don’t you dare leave this place with him, and if you’re not back in an hour, I’m coming after your ass.”

I laughed at her comment and nodded before heading back to where I’d left Max. His gaze never wavered as I made my way closer to him.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“I reassured my friends that you didn’t seem like the serial killer type, but if I’m not back in an hour they’ll send out the search party.”

“Let’s not waste any time then. I have a feeling an hour won’t nearly be long enough.”

Need shot through me fast and fierce, concentrating in my core, and images of the two of us in all sorts of sexual positions came to mind. I wasn’t even sure they were all anatomically possible. It was all I could do not to fan myself.

He led me down the darkened hallway away from the main room, his hand on my lower back. It was an intimate gesture, and I revelled in the feeling.

With giddy anticipation that I hadn’t experienced in a lifetime, it occurred to me that I’d never done anything like this before—go off to a private room with a complete stranger. That sounded more like Jackie than the responsible and driven woman I’d had to be these past ten years. But I
was
in the mood for some fun, flirting, and maybe a make-out session.

What’s the worst that could happen?

CHAPTER THREE

Max

As we walked, I leaned down close to Chloe’s ear so she could hear me over the music. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of seeing you here before. I’m sure I would have remembered it.”

I still couldn’t believe this goddess of a woman had waited for me. She’d been leaning against the wall, looking a little nervous but all kinds of sexy. Her long, toned legs were crossed one in front of the other. She had a body that wouldn’t quit, with soft, feminine curves in all the right places. To my surprise, what struck me most and held my attention were her eyes. They were so dark they appeared almost obsidian—it was hard to tell where the pupils stopped and the iris began.

I’d seen the club manager in the restroom and inquired if any of the VIP rooms were empty. I hadn’t been sure that she’d accept my offer of a quiet, private space, but the attraction between us was apparent, at least to me, so I’d taken a chance and extended the offer.

“We’re in town for the weekend for my best friend’s bachelorette party. She’s getting married in a couple of weeks.” Looking up at me with a shy smile, she seemed a little tense, nervous.

“Please pass on my condolences to the bride.” I gave her a playful smirk, but based on the crease that appeared at the bridge of her nose, my attempt at humor had fallen flat.

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t tell me…you have a problem with commitment. How original.” Her hands moved to her hips. I liked her sarcasm and her spunk. Most women tried too hard to please me, always agreeing with everything I said instead of formulating their own opinions.

“It was a bad attempt at a joke.” I shrugged one shoulder apologetically. “I have my issues, but I’m sure that’s not one of them.”

Thank God I’d already invited her to the VIP room before I had let that stupid remark fly off my tongue. I’d given her the once-over in the bathroom and noticed how her nipples pebbled under my gaze. I’d had enough experience to know that a woman’s body didn’t react like that to just any man. I couldn’t lie—I was hoping our conversation would lead to my bed later tonight. It’d been awhile since I had anyone in my bed, I’d been so focused on work lately. But when opportunity knocked, or ran right into me as the case may be, there was no way I was going to let a woman like her simply walk on by.

We arrived at the private room. I hadn’t seen it since the club had undergone a complete overhaul and renaming. There was nothing New Yorkers liked more than a grand opening of a new hot spot. The set-up was pretty much the same—streamlined charcoal couches lining two of the walls and a pair of chaise lounges separated by a small glass table on the third. The feel of the room had changed, though. Where before it had been light and airy, now the room was darker and more intimate. It had a distinctive 1920’s feel and swam in a sea of dark greys and navy blues.

“Wow, this room is fabulous. I love the art deco feel,” Chloe said, looking around.

“You’re familiar with design?” I gestured for us to head over to the seating area.

“I studied architecture in college.”

Interesting. “So you’re an architect then?”

A wave of sadness passed over her features. “Um…no, it didn’t work out. Long story.” She dismissed the topic with a wave of her hand.

It was clear she didn’t want to broach the subject further, so I dropped it. “What do you do for a living?”

“I’m in real estate. You?”

I raised my brows in surprise at the coincidence. “I work for a real estate developer, actually. Right now I’m getting a new project off the ground.” I gestured to the banquette. “Have a seat, and I’ll order us some drinks. What can I get you?”

“Maybe just a wine spritzer if that’s no trouble?”

“Not at all. Give me a minute and I’ll be right back.”

When I returned, I found Chloe settled into one of the banquettes, looking more relaxed than when I’d left. She said nothing as I approached, but our gazes locked. From the rise of her breasts, I gathered she’d taken a deep breath.

“Here you are, gorgeous.” I handed her the wine glass, angling my body next to her, my knee just barely touching her thigh.

“Thanks.” She looked at me with a flirty smile.

“So are you enjoying New York City?”

“We only arrived earlier today. We haven’t had an opportunity to see much yet. I’m assuming you’re from New York?” She sipped from her wine glass, drawing my attention to her pink lips.

“Guilty as charged. Is this your first time in the Big Apple?”

“It is. Since you’re the expert, what would you recommend we see while we’re here?” She had an enthusiastic smile on her face and looked at me in anticipation.

“You can’t visit New York without going to Central Park. It really is the heart of the city.”

She nodded. “I didn’t realize until recently that the park was designed top to bottom and that all of the earth was brought in to fill over top of the granite. It was genius of the designer to put all the roadways below grade so the traffic isn’t as disruptive to the park.” I couldn’t help but notice the spark in her eye when she spoke.

Hmm…beautiful and smart. “Most people don’t know that about the park.” I reached forward to grab my cognac off the table and took a sip.

She shrugged and her hands fell to her lap, looking a little embarrassed. “Oh…well, I like to read. When I knew we were coming here, I got a couple of books about the city.”

“If you’re into art at all, the Guggenheim has a great exhibit on right now.” I pushed back the thought that I could be the one to show it to her.

Her eyes lit up with excitement. “I’d love to see the Guggenheim. I don’t know anything about art, but the architecture of the building alone would be thrilling.”

I told her about some of my favorite pieces at the museum. If I were to compare her to a piece of art, she’d be like a Monet—all pastel shades, soft brush strokes, and muted lines. Me, I’d definitely be more of a Salvador Dali—dark colors, seeming chaos, and jagged edges.

We talked more about the city for what could’ve been minutes or hours. I had no sense of time around this woman. I enjoyed talking to her more than I’d enjoyed a conversation with anyone in a long time. She was intelligent and said what she wanted without giving the impression that she was weighing her thoughts based on what my reaction might be. Not something I had much experience with—with either gender. Most people clamored to be whatever it was they
thought
I wanted, in both business and personal dealings.

My last name had always made sure of that.

As she told me about how she’d managed to get a table in the bar tonight, I was paying attention, but the longer I sat there watching her glossed pink lips, the easier it was to become preoccupied with my own thoughts. Preoccupied with all the places on my body I wanted to feel those lips—south of the border being predominate in my mind. I had to know how she tasted.

Maybe she’d slap me, maybe she’d rush out of the room, but I hadn’t made it to where I was in life by playing it safe. Whatever her reaction, it was a chance I was willing to take.

CHAPTER FOUR

Chloe

We were in the midst of talking when Max brushed his hand across my cheek and pushed a stray piece of hair behind my ear. His touch had my brain turning to mush. The thumb on his other hand moved up and down my cheek, and I couldn’t stop myself from leaning my head into his hand. I let out a breath I hadn’t known I was holding as he gave me another slow, half-crooked smile. It had sex and sin written all over it. Right now that sounded like a good combination. It’d been so long since a man had awakened me sexually, and never so quickly. It was frightening how quickly my lust for him had overcome me. But it was equal parts exhilarating. Need built inside me, pulsing in my most private of places.

Max leaned into me and placed his lips on mine, running his tongue along the seam of my mouth. He slid his tongue inside, and I tasted the spice of his cognac and…man.
Holy hell.
The kiss wasn’t gentle as I’d expected. It was primal, heated—taking ownership of my mouth.

He gently pushed me down and moved so he was over top of me. I lay against the velvet of the banquette, the soft pile of the material against my bare legs adding to the multitude of sensations racing through my body. Pressing his hard body into me, he leaned down and took my mouth again.

A girl could get lost in this.
A fleeting thought in the recesses of my mind had me tugging at Max’s hair to interrupt the kiss. His response was to deepen our kiss further, if that was even possible. I began batting at his chest, trying to push him off, and he pulled back with a concerned look on his face.

“You’re not married or have a girlfriend or anything, do you?” My voice sounded lusty even to my own ears. I didn’t want to know the details of his life, had purposely not asked. Tonight could only be a one-time indulgence. For once in my entire life, the mix of alcohol, happiness for my friend, and my own loneliness was allowing me to ignore the voice inside my head telling me this was not a good idea. Finally, I was living in the moment. Even so, I had to know he was unattached. I would never do to someone else what had been done to me.

“Of course not.” He shook his head and grinned.

“Perfect.” My last coherent thought faded into the abyss as I pulled Max down, every nerve leaping to attention when he pressed into me.

After a few minutes, Max pushed up and walked to the door, locking it and effectively giving us total privacy. He turned and held my gaze, the look in his hooded eyes telling me he wanted me every bit as much as I wanted him. Sauntering back to me, he removed his suit jacket, throwing it across one of the seats.