Page 197 of If Our Hearts Collide

“Burst of Sunshine.”

I smile and take a few more drinks. “Thank you. I hope you can replicate it when I want another one.”

His smile is genuine. “Just know your limits and adhere to them.” He tips his head forward. “The pleasure was mine.”

I feel a presence at my side. Turning, I look into the grayish-blue eyes of a walking sex god. He is dressed in just a pair of black jeans, although his chest and arms are covered in an abundance of tattoos. From the way he carries himself to the confidence he has in his knowing grin, the man oozes sexual energy. I feel it radiating off him in copious amounts.

He looks like the kind of trouble that most women would lose their clothes for…

“What’s your name, little one?”

Oh great, he sees me as prey.

“Penny.”

He reaches out a hand, and without thinking, I join his with mine. I watch in awe as he kisses the tops of my fingers, one by one—never removing his eyes from mine.

Dayyyyum. Maybe being prey has its sexual perks.

“My name is Wesley. What brings you here tonight?”

I take a sip of my cocktail, feeling the buzz starting to form in my head and in my limbs. Or perhaps that is just attraction. “I came tonight to step out of my comfort zone. I was here once before and didn’t accomplish what I set out to do.”

Wesley orders a drink from the bartender as he thinks about my answer. “What are you looking to accomplish tonight in terms of limits?”

I shrug, while playing with the cocktail napkin collecting the moisture under my glass. “I’m actually not sure. I know there are scenes in the upstairs rooms, but my feet are too scared to venture up there without some liquid courage.”

He laughs lightly. “There’s nothing to be afraid of here. This place should be a safe haven for anyone who wants to have their fantasies played out.” His hand touches the back of my chair, while his thumb grazes against the exposed section of my shoulder blades. “Your bracelet allows you to control the flow. If you want to watch only, that is your choice. If you want to experiment, then that is fine too.”

“It sounds simple enough in theory,” I say with a laugh, trying to keep the mood light. If I get too much inside my head, I’ll just make a beeline for the exit and then regret what could have been.

Wesley studies me for a moment, his hand rubbing along the side of his cheek. I wonder if he’s going to fill the pause in our conversation with small talk, when he clears his throat and lifts his chin in confidence. “Would you like to dance?”

I look out at the area where bodies are mingling. I was out on the dance floor already tonight, but I never actually did any dancing before running into Daphne.

“I, um…”

Before I can change my mind, I find my head nodding. My hand joins Wesley’s offered one, allowing him to pull me off thestool and guide me to the center of the room. Facing each other, we sway to the upbeat music.

I missed the stage of my life—often experienced during college—where clubbing is the norm. I’m out of practice and not even sure I’m doing it right. Would I even know if I was?

I always feel weird, no matter how many times Luke has assured me that dancing is awkward for everyone.

So I just go through the motions and try not to overthink everything.

Wesley’s fingertips play with the hem of my halter top, tickling the skin underneath the fabric, as he draws me closer. I wish I felt more for him than he seems to for me, because he is nice and attentive. Yet, there isn’t anything sparking between us.

Sure, he’s attractive. But I need more than that.

I need comfort.

I need safety.

And I need someone who makes my toes curl just from the thought of him touching me.

And unfortunately, that isn’t Wesley.

He leans in closer to me, his mouth taking the lead. His lips part, and I can smell the alcohol on his breath, he is that close. My spine stiffens, and I tilt my head to the side to feign oblivion.

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