Page 29 of Power Play

As we’re chatting, our waitress comes back over to check on us, flirting with Trevor as she does. Trevor, of course, is his usual self—all smiling and happy, willing to play along with her. But I just want another beer. When the waitress looks over at me, I force a quick smile before ordering another beer and a shot of whiskey. We have just enough time for one more drink before heading over to the bar to meet up with everyone else.

Her and Trevor go back and forth a bit more before she finally leaves to go grab our drinks.

“What’s going on with you tonight? You seem more grumpy than usual.”

Rubbing my hands down my face, I sigh, feeling defeated because I really don’t have an answer for him. “I’m not sure, man. Just off this afternoon, I guess.” I’m not lying, I’m really not sure what’s going on with me. I don’t usually feel like this. Are these nerves? I’m not the type to get nervous or antsy, unless it’s something to do with Rory. Yet, I can’t help but wonder if this feeling might have something to do with the little blue-eyed temptress I’m seeing again tonight.

“Everything okay with Rory?” he asks.

“Yeah, she’s fine.”

Our drinks arrive, and my shot hasn’t been on the table for three seconds before I grab it and shoot it back. That should help my nerves.

Trevor grabs his and slams it down before leaning back with a smirk that makes me want to throat-punch him. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with seeing Sawyer again, would it?”

“Man, fuck. I don’t know,” I reply, frustrated. “She’s obviously fucking hot. And she’s cool as shit. But what am I doing? I’m what? Fifteen years older than her? And I have a kid. She’s getting her masters and works at a strip club. There’s zero chance she’d be prepared to spend time with a man who has a kid when she’s practically a kid herself.”

“Don’t be an asshole,” Trevor chides. “She’s not a kid, she’s a whole-ass adult who you’re making a lot of assumptions about. So, what? She’s younger…who cares? Lots of young people have kids. But—”

“No. I’m not talking about Sawyer and Rory in the same subject. That’s where I draw the line. You know damn well I’m not letting someone into Rory’s life again just to have them abandon her. Regardless of what I assume about this, I’m not willing to watch Rory get hurt.”

“Stop with the bullshit excuses. You can’t live your life like that. All I’m saying is that it’s fucking ridiculous to suggest that just because of her age, she’s incapable of being with someone who has a kid. Who knows? She may be incredible with kids.”

“It’s not bullshit. When I was her age, I was partying every weekend and living off my parents. Why would I expect her to be any different?” I question. “At twenty-four, I was in no position to take on the responsibility of caring for a child, and I sure as fuck wasn’t interested in dating someone with a child. I refuse to bring anyone into Rory’s life—my life—until I know for sure it’s going to last. So, I’m just hanging out with friends tonight. Okay?”

“We’ll see. My bets on your little plan failing within the week, so let’s just wait and find out,” Trevor responds with a shit eating grin.

Half an hour later, we are walking into the bar to meet everyone else. Looking around, I don’t see them in our typical spot, and I start to think we may have beat everyone here. That is until I hear her laugh. Turning immediately to find where the noise came from, I stop in my track when I finally see her.

Fuck.

She’s dressed in skintight black pants that hug her curves like a second skin. Jesus Christ. She has black boots on and a tiny lace tank top shows off a hint of her stomach. I want to grab her and run my tongue along the little expanses of skin I can see. I imagine her pale skin reddening beautifully from my teeth.

I want to walk over there and pull her against me. Fuck her mouth with my tongue until she’s breathless and begging for my cock. I want to feel her tremble beneath me, waiting for what I’ll give her and taking everything like a greedy little slut. Just for me.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

It’s one thing knowing I want to fuck someone. I’ll have a one-night stand on occasion. But that never involves me fantasizing about them. Her body is becoming an obsession, one I’m not sure how to get rid of. Or if I even want to.

Twenty minutes ago, I was adamant about how bad of an idea this was, but now all I can think about is how to get her naked and have her screaming my name.

Sawyer must feel my eyes on her because her head snaps up, searching the room, smiling when she notices me.

I can’t move. It’s like my feet are stuck in place and all I can do is watch her. She’s standing on the other side of the room doing the same thing. Finally, she breaks the spell, mouthing “Hi” with a smile. I feel like I’m in a trance or an alternate universe because I actually smile back as I mouth “Hi” in return.

Trevor finally splits off, heading to the bar, while I make a beeline for Sawyer, not stopping till I’m right in front of her. She’s standing with all our friends, but she’s the only one I can focus on. I hear Miles and Cade say hello, but I don’t respond.

She has all my attention and it’s fucking annoying. But I can’t deny that I enjoy it.

I usually don’t get too deep with women outside of the bedroom, so giving or seeking attention has never been high on my to-do list. Normally, I only care about finding the nearest bedroom to fuck in. Or bathroom. Or hell, I’ll take the nearest surface. But not now. Now, I’m just looking forward to talking to her.

“Hey, stranger,” she says, in a way that’s equal parts shy and seductive, sending blood directly to my cock. She’s sipping on her drink and chewing on her straw, making me wish I was the straw.

I haven’t even kissed the woman yet, and my cock already listens to her better than me.

“Hey,” I respond.

“It’s good to see you. How are you?”

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