Page 2 of Tangled Vows

“No way. I don’t approach guys.” It was true. I let them come to me. Less chance of getting rejected that way. My confidence had recovered significantly since leaving my toxic ex, but it wasn’t indestructible. “Besides, I’m on a man ban, remember?”

“I’d break my ban forthat,” Haley mused, fanning herself dramatically.

“Isn’t it your turn to get the next round of drinks?” I asked in a sad attempt to distract her. She chuckled and slipped out of her seat.

“I hear congratulations are in order,” Melody announced, and I was grateful for a change in subject.

A huge smile split my lips, all thoughts of the man at the bar dissipating. I had finally landed my dream job.

I only wished I hadn’t needed my father’s help to get it.

The newly created entry-level position paid slightly more than my previous job at the college, had a better benefits package, and was closer. I had to drive forty minutes into the city, but it still wasn’t as far as the university which only employed me part-time. This was a full-time position, and I was thankful to have it. Even if it was with the same company my father worked for.

He and I didn’t have the best relationship, and I still harbored a lot of animosity toward him from my parents’ divorce. I was trying to leave the past in the past for the sake of my sanity, but there was still a lot of hurt there. Shaking away those thoughts, I reinforced my smile and offered my thanks.

“When do you start?” Delilah asked.

“In a couple weeks. I have to begin meeting with the players to assess their individual needs before all the preseason madness starts.”

“And the team never had a dietician before?”

“Nope. It’s only their third season and up until now, they didn’t have the funding for it. According to my dad, they’vemade a lot of changes this year to try to level up. They’re ranked dead last in the entire league.” I winced. Hopefully my work with the players would help them turn things around. All the top teams employed full-time dieticians because they recognized elite athletes needed proper nutrition to improve strength and performance. That was where I came in.

I filled my friends in on more details about my new position as we sipped our drinks and nibbled on some appetizers Haley had ordered while she was at the bar. After another round of shots, I slipped away to the ladies’ room. The dimly lit hallway was empty, the muffled sounds of the music playing overhead the only noise in the otherwise quiet corridor. After using the facilities, I checked my reflection in the mirror, tucking a rogue piece of hair into place and reapplying my lip gloss.

Satisfied with my reflection, I pushed through the door and immediately slammed into a brick wall. I let out a breathy “oof” as a masculine grunt echoed around me. My hands came up to brace against the solid wall of muscle, and my fingers curled into the soft fabric covering a rock-hard chest. “S-sorry, I didn’t see you there,” I mumbled, stepping back to regain my balance. I looked up to find intense hazel eyes searing into me, and suddenly I couldn’t breathe. The man from the bar stared down at me, his hooded gaze drinking me in.

“It’s you,” I gasped, and his shoulders stiffened. Shit, I sounded like a stalker. “I mean, I saw you at the bar earlier.” I tried to play it cool like I hadn’t been salivating over him and his companions, but my mental faculties were a little sluggish from the shots.

“Is that so?” The corner of his lips quirked up, and just that bare hint of a smile had me melting.

I nodded. “Have I met you before? You look familiar.” Now that I was looking at him up close, I recognized his features butcouldn’t place where I’d seen him before. He studied me for a moment, like he wasn’t sure how to respond.

“I doubt it. It’s my first night in town.” He wasn’t from around here, and that only intrigued me more. Perhaps he was just visiting or here on business. That thought sent a little thrill skittering up my spine.

“How do you like it so far?” I asked, my voice a little breathy.

“I’m enjoying the,” he began, his gaze sliding down my body, “Southern hospitality.” Heat spread from the top of my head to the tips of my toes at his slow perusal, and my nipples puckered against the lace of my bralette. His eyes lifted to mine again and he leaned in, flattening his palm against the wall behind me. He towered over me. His warm, masculine scent filled my nose, and I fought the urge to close my eyes and inhale deeply.

I might have sworn off men for the time being, but one little fling wouldn’t hurt, right? I’d never done the one-night stand thing before, and maybe that was the problem. Maybe throwing myself headfirst into relationships was what doomed them from the start. If I had a casual hookup with a hot stranger, that could keep me satisfied for a while. Besides, he was probably only here for a short time. I’d never have to see him again. Even if he stuck around for a while, what were the chances I’d run into him after tonight? It wasn’t like I lived here. Willow Brook Falls was over half an hour away.

I didn’t know if it was my desperate libido, the liquid courage flowing through my veins, or his intoxicating presence, but I took a chance and did something brazen. Pressing my hand to his chest, I arched toward him and said, “Perhaps I could show you around.” His eyes darkened at the offer, and his gaze dropped to my lips as my tongue darted out to wet them. He was close, so close I could smell the whiskey on his tongue, and I desperately wanted a taste.

“Hmm.” He hummed in approval, the low sound rumbling from his chest. I felt the vibration all the way to my core. Damn, he hadn’t even touched me yet, and I was ready to beg him for more. “I think I’d like that.”

Mere inches separated us, but I was waiting for him to close the distance. My head felt dizzy, and I wasn’t sure if it was the effects of his close proximity or the alcohol. All I knew was I wanted him closer. I wanted his skin on mine and his hands in my hair.

He watched me beneath hooded eyes as he lifted his hand to cup my jaw. His thumb brushed against my lower lip. I closed my eyes, ready to let him devour me right then and there.

His fingers tangled in my hair, and he crushed his lips to mine. I opened to him immediately as he angled my head to deepen the kiss. It was desperate and demanding, but I met his tongue stroke for stroke. My back hit the wall, and he pressed his body to mine, trapping me against him. A thrill shot up my spine at his possessiveness and the impropriety of making out with a stranger in public. I groaned when his rock-hard length pressed into me.

He pulled back, his heated gaze roaming over my features and settling on my kiss-swollen lips.

“What do you say we get out of here?” he asked. My breath hitched as my galloping pulse hammered in my chest. Was he serious? I’d never been bold enough to go home with a stranger before.

Before I could think twice about my response, I drew in a ragged breath and said, “Yes.” His eyes darkened, and he grabbed my hand, pulling me down the hall toward the bar. He tugged his hat lower on his head as we burst out of the hallway, and my gaze immediately went to our table. Haley caught sight of me first, and her mouth fell open. She nudged Brynlee and pointed to where the gorgeous stranger led me through thecrowded space toward the front entrance. Every head at our table turned and took in the sight. I pointed to him with a big, cheesy grin on my face and waved them goodbye. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to find several messages in the group chat.

Haley: Get it, girl!

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