Page 8 of The Keeper

Let’s see how far we can go.

“Funny how you should mention another time,” I said matter-of-factly. “We’re going back to my place after you finish your drink.”

“That’s presumptuous. Why?”

I moved closer. The tops of my thighs brushed against her crossed legs, putting her knees dangerously close to the growing bulge straining at the zipper of my pants.

“Because as much as I want to, fucking you in public isn’t something I’m prepared to do yet,” I replied in a calm, even tone.

Her pupils dilated. Her breathing stuttered enough for me to know she’s, at the very least, curious.

“What makes you think I’m that kind of girl?”

“What kind? The kind of girl who wants to be fucked in public or the kind of girl who wants a one night stand?”

She grabbed the skewer of olives from her martini, trapped one in her teeth and pulled it into her mouth. The coy way she looked down and then back at me told me all I needed to know.

I didn’t come here tonight looking for a random hook up. Don’t get me wrong. Running into her again pleased me in a way I didn’t anticipate. And flirting with her was a major turn on. There was just something different about her. Something I couldn’t quite figure out yet. Something keeping me on the edge of restraint and reckless taking.

“You don’t even know me,” she said in a low voice. “How can you assume I’d want any of that?”

I shrugged. “You’re right. I can’t assume.” I let my hand fall between the bar counter and her thigh. Neither one of us broke eye contact. The way she looked at me with such intensity cemented my belief she also felt whatever this was building between us.

Toying with the hem of her dress, I slid my hand under the material. Nobody could see what I was doing, but she could certainly feel the metal rings I wore. Her breath hitched and her legs squeezed together slightly. It sent a surge of lust through me. She wet her lips just as her eyelids fluttered shut.

So fucking beautiful.

I didn’t move any closer. I only watched her while I continued feeling my way along her thigh. A faint, dreamlike smile crossed her lips.

Don’t think I needed to assume anymore.

“How long are you here for?” I asked, removing my hand from her leg.

The sudden loss of contact seemed to rouse her from wherever she’d disappeared to. She pressed her hand to her flushed cheek, taking a deep breath. “Oh, um, not long. Just a few days.”

“Are all those days spoken for? Or do you have any free time?”

Her eyes lit up with the same flirtatious spark I saw earlier. “They’re spoken for. So if you were going to ask me on a date, I’m afraid this is it.”

I laughed. “Wow. Who’s being presumptuous now?”

She laughed with me. It was light and melodic and I never wanted to stop hearing it.

“You’re a fun one, Xavier Maddox.” She paused, biting down on her lip. “I should probably get back to my friends though.”

“That’s a shame, Victoria…” I let the last syllable trail up in a question.

“Chase.”

“Chase,” I repeated with a smirk. “Is that what I’m supposed to do now? Chase you?”

She did this adorable head tilt. “And you were doing so well with the flirting.”

“Was I?” I lowered my eyes to her legs. “I’d like to think so.”

When I looked up she had another dreamlike smile. She was also staring at my mouth. Really staring at it. I parted my lips, just to see what she’d do. Her eyelids hooded.

Okay, I could at least try for a friendly kiss. Or not so friendly.

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