Page 10 of The Hand That Holds Me
“What are sisters for? Come on! We have to find the perfect outfit for your date with, what is his name again?” I mocked her lovingly.
We arrived at the little bar a few blocks from our apartment and I made my way to the back of the room, trying to look like I’m meeting someone who is already there. I don’t want to upset Caroline, but I need to make sure she is okay.
I ordered a glass of house Pinot Noir from the bartender and find a stool at the end of the bar, facing the door. I slowly sip my wine, savoring the fruit flavors as they burst on my tongue, giving me a hint of the oak barrel it was aged in.
I was looking down at my phone when I felt someone sit in the spot directly next to me.Ugh! Really! You can’t sit in one of the other 20 empty spots at the bar?
I discreetly moved away from the man whose cologne is definitely all male. Woodsy, with a hint of sex, is all my wine-fueled brain can sense. I haven’t been with a man in more than six months and just having one sit so close and smelling so good was making me think naughty things.
I giggled to myself at the deliciously naughty thoughts running through my head. People think that only men fantasize about sex, but in reality, women do it too. They think about that sexy man on the motorcycle riding up and ravaging her or the alpha male throwing her down and dominating her.
We all think about sex, but sometimes I’d allow my brain to run wild as I zone out in my filthy mind. I’m not talking whips and chains or anything crazy like that; I just loved when a man takes charge and I give myself over to the pleasure he gives me.
Setting my glass down, I realized I drank the whole thing. I guess I needed that drink more than I thought. I nodded my head toward the bartender for another when the man to my right, turned his head toward me.
The size of this man and his is scent were enough for me to look at him and I was not prepared for the handsome man in front of me. He had dark brown hair that was long enough to run your fingers through and a beard that made me think dirty thoughts.
His tight jeans, white Henley t-shirt and leather jacket he just removed showed off his hard body. Dirty thoughts swirl in my head. I tried to be discreet in my observation of his beautiful body but when I turned his way, all I could do was gawk at him.
Real cool, Maddie.
“Can I buy you another?” the deepest voice I had ever heard, pouring over me like warm molasses.
“No thank you. I can buy my own drinks. I appreciate the offer though.” I declared, without relaying my nervousness. Just looking at this man had my walls crumbling and my insides vibrating.
“It would be my pleasure, Miss…”
“Maddie Johnson, no Miss, just Maddie. And you are?”
“Lucas Walters” he rumbled, gently grasping my hand and slowly kissing the back.
My panties just spontaneously combusted. Lightening ran through my body. I pulled my hand away, cradling it in my lap. One touch from this man had my body lighting up but I needed to get control of myself.
Get it together Maddie. This guy is looking for a good time, just like the rest. No way do those tingles mean anything more than you need to get laid. Even though I am pretty sure that Mr. Lucas Walters know his way around a bedroom, I’m here for Caroline.
“I…thank you, Lucas. I would love another glass of wine”
Damn my southern upbringing. Please. Thank you, Ma’am and Sir. Always show respect and never be rude. Those were my mothers’ rules and I lived by them.
“What brings such a beautiful lady out alone on a Friday night?” he inquired without it sounding bad. Most guys made it sound like there is something wrong if you were alone on the weekends. Like being alone must mean you are hiding a sixth toe or a third nipple.
“I’m here with a friend. She had a drink date with a new guy so I’m sitting here to make sure she is okay. When she lets me know all is good, I am headed home to curl up in bed with a good book”
The groan he released is almost inaudible, but I felt the vibrations deep in my chest.What I wouldn’t give to curl up with him tonight.
“Giving up your Friday night with your…” His eyes flicked toward my ring finger for the barest second, “…boyfriend, to make sure your friend is safe is a really generous thing to do.”
“No boyfriend.” I answered, wondering why I felt the need to add that. I could have let him assume there was someone waiting for me and he would leave me alone to find someone else to flirt with.
The thought of him touching someone else made me momentarily see red.What the hell was that?I never got territorial about a guy, definitely not someone that I just me.
“Good!” is voice cracked and he cleared his throat and repeated in his deep, molasses voice. “Good.”
I smiled up at him, knowing that if nothing else, I could get laid tonight. He could scratch that itch and I’d be on my way.
“So, what brings you to this little corner of Atlanta?” trying to keep the conversation neutral.
“I had a meeting few blocks from here and I needed a drink after the week I had. I’ve heard good things about his place and decided to stop in. I’m really glad that I did.” He smiled a huge smile down at me.
