Page 3 of Howling for Cupcakes

“I don’t know,” she hedged, nervously fiddling with her glass.

“Well, I know. I know that you need some fun and he looks like he’ll break the bed giving you multiple orgasms.”

Geez. Why did she get an immediate visual? A night of fun with a stranger sounded so irresponsible but so fun. The cautious and careful Mari wouldn’t even think of it. She’d be too worried about what people might say. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”

Emily fixed her with a knowing look. “Mari, you’re a gorgeous, intelligent, powerhouse of a woman. You’ve been through hell and come out the other side stronger than ever. If anyone deserves a little fun and adventure, it’s you.” She gave Mari a shot and watched her down it. “Now, go over there and let your inner vixen out. Show that tall, hunky man you’re ready for him to rock your world.”

TWO

Mari took a deep breath, summoning her courage. Emily was right. She’d spent too long playing it safe, hiding from life in the shadows of her past. It was time to step into the light, to take a chance on something new. She downed another shot.

With a determined nod, Mari rose from her seat and made her way to the bar, her heartbeat thundering in her ears. As she approached, the mysterious stranger turned, his gaze locking onto hers once more. Up close, he was even more striking, his chiseled features and intense eyes sending a shiver down her spine.

“Hi,” she managed, her voice sounding breathy and foreign to her own ears. “I’m Mari.”

He smiled, a slow, devastating curl of his lips that made her knees go weak. “Arden,” he replied, his voice a low, seductive rumble. “Can I buy you a drink?”

Mari nodded, sliding onto the stool beside him. As Arden signaled the bartender, she couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation.

They fell into easy conversation, the initial awkwardness giving way to a natural, effortless rapport. Arden was charming and quick-witted, his stories and observations drawing genuine laughter from Mari. She found herself opening up to him, sharing pieces of herself she’d kept hidden for so long.

“So, what brings a gorgeous woman like you to a place like this?” Arden asked, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

Mari laughed, shaking her head at the cheesy pickup line. “Oh, you know, just looking for trouble,” she quipped. “And maybe a handsome stranger to sweep me off my feet.”

Arden clutched his heart in mock surprise. “Well, look no further. I happen to be an expert in both trouble and sweeping women off their feet.”

“Is that so?” Mari challenged, arching a brow. “I might need some proof of these alleged skills.”

“I thought you’d never ask,” Arden winked, extending his hand with a flourish. “Care to dance?”

Mari hesitated for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty flashing through her mind. It had been so long since she’d let herself have fun, since she’d allowed herself to be carefree and spontaneous. But something about Arden’s easy charm and infectious smile made her want to take a chance.

“Why not?” She grinned, placing her hand in his. “Let’s see what you’ve got, Mr. Smooth.”

Arden led her onto the crowded dance floor, spinning her into his arms with a suave, practiced motion. Mari laughed in delight, the sound bubbling up from deep within her chest. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so light, so unburdened by the weight of her past.

They moved together in perfect sync, their bodies intertwining seamlessly like two halves of a whole. Arden’s hand rested on the small of her back, his touch sending shivers of pleasure racing down her spine. Mari lost herself in the music and the joy of being held by someone who made her feel so alive.

As the song ended, Arden dipped her low, his face mere inches from hers. “Not bad for a handsome stranger,” he murmured, his breath ghosting over her lips.

Mari’s heart raced, desire and anticipation thrumming through her veins. “Not bad at all,” she whispered, her eyes locked on his. “But I think I might need a few more demonstrations, just to be sure.”

Arden grinned, a wicked gleam in his eye. “I’m more than happy to oblige,” he purred, pulling her close once more.

As they swayed to the next song, a giddy sense of excitement bubbled up within her. She was playing with fire; falling for a man she’d just met was reckless and impulsive. But for once in her life, she didn’t care. She wanted to live in the moment and embrace the thrill of the unknown.

As the song ended, Arden pulled her close, his lips brushing against her ear. “Want to get out of here?” he murmured, his voice low and full of promise.

Mari’s heart raced, desire and nervousness warring within her. She glanced back at the table, catching Emily’s eye. Her friend grinned, giving her a not-so-subtle thumbs up and mouthing, “Go for it!”

Taking a deep breath, Mari turned back to Arden, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Let’s go,” she agreed, feeling a rush of exhilaration as he took her hand and led her out of the bar.

The cool night air was a welcome relief after the heat and noise of the Rusty Cauldron. They walked hand in hand through the quiet city streets, the silence between them comfortable and charged with anticipation.

They made their way to a very nice hotel and went up to the top floor. In Arden’s room, Mari felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. It had been so long since she’d been with anyone, let alone someone she’d just met. But Arden had captured her attention from the moment he walked into the bar.

She walked into the room and he locked the door behind her. Arden pulled her close, his hands settling on her waist as he gazed down at her with an intensity that stole her breath.

---