Unexpected Chances (4 page)

Tabitha

I’m not sure how many refills Cory’s ordered already tonight. I was under the impression that we were going to hang out here and then leave. Apparently we’re having way too much fun.

Cory has always been, and will be my plus one. Not in that way, but when we are all out he’s my drinking buddy and dance partner.

We’ve been known to throw down a few sessions of karaoke as well. He can’t sing for shit, but give him a few, and he thinks he’s a rock star.

Seth is off trying to pick up Jessica the bartender, and I’m not even sure where the others are. Cory and I are bickering back and forth about music when
“Teenage Dream by Katy Perry”
comes on. 

Cory immediately starts to sing the lyrics to me. When this song released, we would turn up the volume in my Jeep and drive out to the beach. All the boys surf and I used to love to watch them. I know how, it’s just not my thing anymore. When the part about
“Let’s go all the way tonight, no regrets, just love”
comes through, he’s singing and raising his eyebrows at me in a suggestive manner.

“You do realize this is a chick’s song, right?” I yell over at him, laughing.

“Yeah, but how can you not sing it?”

“Oh, I know you can sing it. What are you thirteen?”

“You know you love it when I sing to you. Who else is just as crazy as you are?”

“Only you,” I say with a sigh as I try to remember why we can’t be anything other than friends.

Just as I start to lose focus
“Talk Dirty”
comes blaring through the speakers.

“Come on! I love this song,” I say as I jump up and reach over to grab Cory.

“Nope, that’s all you tonight.”

“Party pooper,” I say with a pout. Turning on my heels, I strut to the dance floor. I love to dance, and shake it. Something comes over me when I hit the floor, like someone’s eyes, are boring into mine.

I turn myself around to search the area, but I don’t see Cory anywhere close by. I shrug it off as I lose myself to the beat. Letting the bass take over my body.

Raising my hands above my head, I swing my hips to the beat. Closing my eyes, I allow it take me away to my dream place. The dance floor’s crowded, full of sweaty bodies.

Just as the beat catches me, and I’m getting into it, I feel a set of arms wrap around my waist. I don’t turn around as I know its Cory. He couldn’t stand to let me have all the fun.

Pushing my backside into his crotch, a set of arms yank me back to him tighter. As I lean back into his chest, something feels different. The chest behind me doesn’t feel like the comfort of Cory’s.

This chest is hard, like I was backed into a brick wall. I keep moving as I try to figure out who’s behind me. I skim my eyes down to the arms wrapped around my waist. I notice the white rolled up shirt and tattoos.

I know then it’s not Cory. I go to sidestep him, to turn around and figure out my mystery dancer, but I’m stopped, and the music comes to an end, it switches to
“Dark Horse by Katy Perry.”

The deep voice whispers into my ear, “Don’t stop and don’t turn around. Feel the beat, let it take over your sexy as sin body.”

I know that voice from somewhere, but can’t place it. The connection I feel being caught in his arms is off the charts. My skin is moist from the sweat of dancing. Little pricks of electricity are rolling over my body.

Deciding to go with it, I lean back more into him and tip my head back under his chin. I move as if my life depends on it. Like if I don’t, it’ll be my last breathe. I’ve never felt like this before.

Closing my eyes all I can envision are Carter Northwood’s magnificent baby blues.

Popping my own open I instantly stop.

I can’t move.

I can’t speak.

All the air has been sucked from my lungs.

I’ve placed that dark sexy masculine voice.

It’s the same one that’s haunted my dreams every night since he opened his mouth.

****

Carter

I spot her right away sitting in the middle of the bar with a group of guys. She’s laughing along at something funny, or from whatever they’ve said. It makes me want to scoop her up and lock her in a room where no other man can touch or look at her.

Where the hell did this caveman macho shit come from? I move with ease across the dark room to a table off in the corner, a perfect section to keep an eye on her from afar. It’s not like I’m going to walk up to her from the start. Shit, I still haven’t even figured out if I’ll introduce myself tonight.

Tossing back a few beers as I watch. She’s so full of life. The group she’s with seems to act like her brothers, but I know she only has one. I’ve picked him out of the bunch pretty quick, seems obvious with the red-hair.

It’s just her and another dude now, laughing and enjoying themselves. I watch him closely.

Fuck was Jack wrong?

Is this dude her boyfriend?

I move over towards the bar, trying to not catch her eyes. It’s a few inches away from where they are seating.  With it being loud, they’re talking over the music. Figuring if I can get close enough, I might be able to figure out if I have a little competition.

Ordering another beer, I hear they guy speaking, but can’t make the words out. Just then Tabitha flies off her seat, grabs at his arm to get him out onto the dance floor.

He brushes her off and waves her off to dance alone.

I prop myself up against the edge of the bar, holding my bottle of beer in the other hand. My eyes are glued to her body. I take a swig of my drink, right as she turns around. It’s like she can feel me watching her.

The guy she’s with walks over to the bar and yells for another round.

At this moment in time, I couldn’t have picked a better place to be.

“Still striking out with that one, huh?” The bartender asks, as she slides over a bucket full of beers.

“You know it. No matter how hard I try, I’ll never get that one to settle for me,” he replies in a voice laced with hurt.

“You know you’re not good enough for our Firecracker. Plus, Seth would hunt you down and kill you for messing with his baby sister.”

“Yeah, we all know. It was in the best friend contract. Fuck with my sister, I’ll fuck you all up,” he says with a laugh, turning to head back to his table.

Not thinking with my head, I place my bottle down on the bar and move to the dance floor. Her back is towards me. She’s lost in the beat, moving as if they are one and the same.

Strolling up behind her, I wrap my arms around Tabitha’s waist. She stiffens for a moment before relaxing into me. Not sure if she thinks I’m someone else or not, because it sure doesn’t stop her. She’s grinding against me in a seductive style. Which in return is making me lose my mind; right here on this dance floor.

I thought I just wanted to throw her over my shoulder earlier this evening. Now I’ve moved it up to kidnapping.

Her body starts to turn, when the song switches. It’s as if she’s figured out I’m not who she thinks.

My grip tightens around her waist, leaning down I whisper into her ear, “Don’t stop and don’t turn around. Feel the beat; let it take over your sexy as sin body.”

It takes her a bit to relax into me, but she finally gives into the music and the hold I have on her. She’s sweating, and all I can think is how good she will taste. How I desire to lick every inch of her body. To feel the mixture of sweat and her. My mouth waters from the image.

Just as I can picture this act, she relaxes into me. Leaning her head into my chest, I lean down and place a small kiss on top of her head. So soft that only I know it. Inhaling the fragrance of what I assume is her shampoo, strawberries and honey.

I know this song and I know my time with her in my arms is coming to an end. Just as I’m fixing to release her and walk away, she stiffens in my arms.

As still as a statue.

It’s now, that I have to choose either sink or swim.
 

Tabitha

The person behind me must realize that I’ve caught on. He loosens his grip, and I can feel him backing away. Before he can slink away, I turn abruptly.

Looking up, I’m taken back by his features. I knew what his face looked like, but the body that goes along with it.

No… I wasn’t expecting this.

Carter has to be at least six feet tall, with broad shoulders. I glance his full length and catch a glimpse of some colorful and all black artwork running up and down both arms.

I lick my lips while staring up at him.

Pulling myself back to the situation, I glare. I’ve got to dig deep, and find that anger I had a few moments ago.

I do the only thing that I know to do. Reaching out I slap him right across his face before I start to raise my voice.

“What the hell gives you the right to think you can just walk up and dance with me? You don’t know me? How the shit fire did you even know where I would be?” I scream at him.

“Calm down, Tabby Cat. I can explain.”

As I’m causing a scene, I glance around and notice Cory heading my way. Shit, this is not going to end good for anyone.

Cory is standing right behind Carter now, “Hey man, I’d suggest you back the fuck away from her right now,” he spits out, and I notice his eyes are fuming with pure madness.

Carter goes to turn around, but I place my hand on his chest and shake my head at him. Cory’s had a few drinks, and is in super protective mode.

“Cory, why don’t you get us some water and cool off. I’ll be right over.”

“Fuck that, Firecracker. I’m not leaving you here with this asshole.”

“I can handle it,” Stating sternly, as I try to get my point across to him.

“Whatever!” he says, throwing his hands up. Before he turns to walk away, “I’ll be watching you asshole. Touch her again, and I’ll beat your ass.”

I turn to look at Carter “You happy now?”

“Who’s that guy?” Carter asks.

“That’s one of my friends, not that it’s any business of yours,” I say, as I turn to walk off the dance floor. Embarrassed from the scene, and ready to leave. I try to see if I can spot anyone else, but all I notice is Cory fuming at the table.

If looks could kill, Carter would be dead right about now.

An arm reaches out to me stopping me, “Can I talk to you a moment?”

Releasing all the air from my lungs, I try to gather my senses before I speak. “I don’t have anything to say to you, Carter. If you need to talk about the contract, you can call the office. Angela is back, and I know she’d love to discuss it with you all day long.”

I snatch my arm from his hold, angry with myself that I want to hear what he has to say.

His voice alone, sends chills through my body that I can’t explain.

As I was looking at him and trying to distract Cory, I felt this pull to protect him. Usually only protecting my family and friends. I don’t know this man, but I want to know more.

I have to know more about him.

If I don’t figure out this hold he has on me, I might never be able to breathe again.

Being in his arms tonight was the best, and worst thing that I’ve ever felt in my life. I’m not even sure why I thought it was Cory. He makes me feel safe, and secure. But Carter Northwood could bring down my universe with one look, one touch, and one word.

Back at our table, I try to not look at Cory. I don’t need the million questions and the attitude.

I take a gulp of my water and hear Cory, “Who was that? Don’t play stupid with me. You better be happy that I saw that and not Seth.”

“Cory, back off. I’m not your property or anyone else’s. It was a misunderstanding. Nothing more, okay,” I let out with my voice laced like venom.

“No, you sure the hell aren’t my property. If you were, you know what I would do,” he says, as he steps closer to me. He places his finger under my chin and lifts my head up to look at him.

“Tabitha, you know you mean the world to me. I’ll never allow someone to hurt you. Why can’t you see how much you mean to me? Hell, I think I’m in love with you.”

It’s like someone has ripped my heart out. “Cory, you know I love you, but not like that.”

“I know, Firecracker. But a guy can have hopes and dreams, can’t he?”

I don’t respond; all I can do is shrug it off as it’s no big deal. I knew one day it would come to this.

I’m totally screwed now.

I can’t lose one of my best friends over love.

Cory knows my history; he knows my dislikes, my likes; everything. He’s the one that comes to rescue me when I’m stuck in a bind. If I’m sick, he brings me soup and stays with me until I’m better. Need a movie date, call Cory.

What am I going to do now?

This could ruin everything between us, not to mention the fact that Carter is glaring holes through Cory from the back of the bar. He didn’t leave like he should have. No, this hardheaded man marched to the back of the room and is currently camped out like he’s on guard duty.

“Come on. I’m ready to go home,” I say, looking down at the table. When I look up and over to Cory, his eyes are full of hurt and disappointment.

Great, now I have to fix this.

“Where’s my brother?”

“Left a little while ago. I told him I’d make sure you got home safe, and that’s what I plan to do.”

Cory places his hand on my lower back to guide me out of the bar.

I wish his touch could drive me as mad as Carter’s, but nothing.

When we make our way outside, I take in the fresh air from the night. Opening my eyes to walk forward, I can still feel the heated ones on me from Carter.

****

Carter

Tabitha shivers in my arms, I’m not sure if it’s from fear or my touch. I’m sure it’s from the fear of the unknown, the fact that she was dancing with a stranger.

When she turns around and looks up at me, those green eyes of her almost bring me to my knees. They captivate me, almost as if she’s casting a spell on me.

I watch as she licks her lips. This simple act makes me want to taste them. I need to see if they are as good as they look.

They’re pink and swollen; she must have been biting them as we were dancing. The image in my head of her biting her lips as she screams out my name from underneath me.

Just as I have the perfect picture in my head, I feel a slap across my face. The force knocks my head to the side. As I bring myself back to look at her, I see why her friends call her, Firecracker.

She fires off at me, “What the hell gives you the right to think you can just walk up and dance with me? You don’t know me? How the shit fire did you even know where I would be?”

All I can say is, “Calm down, Tabby Cat I can explain.”

Just as I get it out, she pushes me to the side. That guy that’s hitting on her all night has come to the rescue.

I size him up, just in case he throws the first blow. I know he’s throwing them back hard tonight, so, I’m not worried that I can hold my own with this one.

Standing off to the side where Tabitha pushed me to, I watch as she tries to rein him in. She seems to be a pro at handling situations like this one.

I can feel my crotch tighten, just by watching her. It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen a woman do.

Hell, I’ve seen some sexy things in my past. But her, she’s different. Even as I watched her drink and laugh tonight with her friends, I found it sexy. Once she got on this dance floor tonight and started to move, I about lost it.

Tabitha’s calmed down the grump for now, and I watch him stalk off the floor.

“Who’s the guy?” I ask, and can tell she doesn’t want to answer me, but she does. 

“That’s one of my friends, not that it’s any business of yours.”

I notice her take in her surroundings, almost as if she’s getting prepared for another round. Her shoulders stiffen as she starts to walk away.

I reach out and grab her arm, “Can I talk to you a moment?”

She might as well have told me to fuck off. It’s okay; I’ll allow her to walk away from me, for now.

Standing in the middle of the dance floor, I watch her make it back over to her table. As she gets settled, I make my way over to the corner booth. I have to make sure he doesn’t give her a hard time.

I vowed to myself when she walked away that if he does, she’s leaving with me. I’m to the point that I’m not above throwing her over my shoulder, and tossing her smart ass in the back of a cab.

The guy that I’ve learned is Cory, steps up to her. I watch as he lifts her chin up to look at him. I need to know what he’s saying to my, Tabby Cat.

The look on her face is as if he’s breaking her little by little.

I’ll get Jack to look into this guy, and see what the history is with them.

For now, I’ll watch, but not for long. Tabitha Jean Michaelson will be mine, sooner, rather than later.

Following them out into the night. It’s as if I’m stalking her, but then when thinking about it, I guess I am.

They flag down a cab, and I watch as he instructs the driver where to go. Tabitha starts to step into the back of the cab, but looks up at me. Our eyes lock onto each other’s. I can’t bring myself to look away from her; it’s as if she’s telling me something.

I’m not sure what yet, but I plan to figure it out.