Page 10 of Captivating Nights

Chapter 8

CALI’S HEAD JERKED BACK at the sound of the raspy voice beside her. She had just cut short one man’s attempt to pick her up and wasn’t in the mood to do so again. The more she tried to drink, the more she realized whatever the hell she’d hoped to accomplish tonight was futile.

Taking a deep breath, she turned in the direction of the voice, nearly doing a double take. Sitting beside her, practically devouring her with his eyes, was the most delicious looking man she’d ever seen. He was the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. Dressed in well-tailored clothing, his shirt accented an athletic build and made him look even taller than he already was. Dark brown hair was parted to the side in casual disarray, as though he’d recently raked his hands through it. The clothes and hair weren’t what captured her attention, though. It was the carved-from-granite cheekbones, along with a pair of piercing eyes that seemed to be stripping her clothing away with each passing second. She lowered her head at the sight of the hazel orbs staring down at her. There was no way she could turn down the drink, especially when she couldn’t even form a coherent thought.

Knowing she needed to say something, Cali cleared her throat and was able to choke out a simple “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, belleza. What’s your name?”

She nearly swooned at his Spanish accent.

Shit!Did he actually expect her to have a conversation with him? Of course he did. The man had just bought her a drink, so it was social etiquette to talk to him. Cali realized how silly she was acting and after a few harsh words to herself, she looked up at him and smiled brightly. “My name is Calista, but everyone calls me Cali.”

The man picked her hand up, brushing his lips over the backs of her knuckles. “That’s a beautiful name and very befitting for the woman who uses it.”

The words flowed off his lips so smoothly and it was impossible to ignore the automatic tingle his touch elicited. While she knew he must use that particular line often, Cali pushed that thought to the back recesses of her mind. Usually, she was more annoyed when men tried to flirt with her, but this one intrigued her. The bartender chose that moment to set a new drink down in front of her, and she took that action as a sign she needed to focus on something else. Thanking the stranger once more, she sipped from the glass.

She was becoming a bit unsteady. The vodka laced drink was making her head swim. Or was it the effect of the intoxicating man sitting beside her? Whichever the cause, she knew this would be her last drink or else she risked embarrassing herself. The last thing she wanted to do was heave all over his designer shoes. What a great impression that would make.

As Cali went to straighten her posture, the effects of her cocktail kicked in, making her sway toward him. On instinct, he reached out to steady her, the movement stirring his clothing. It was then that she caught a whiff of his cologne. Damn if he didn’t smell as good as he looked.

“Thank you, sir. I’m—” she managed to get out before he stepped even closer, cutting her off mid-sentence.

The woodsy scent of his cologne was now even more prominent in this close proximity, making her shiver. He began to speak, and she found herself entranced just by listening to him. His voice was a rich baritone, silky smooth, but with raspy undertones. Her brain went on another detour, taking the path of repeating a lot of the words she’d been writing in those romance books of hers, but with a Spanish accent. She began to grow damp between her legs, the reaction surprising her. Lost in her own thoughts, she was jerked back to the present when he spoke once again.

“My name is Xavier. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cali.”

“Likewise,” she told him with a smile. Nervously, she tucked another strand of hair behind her ear and wondered awkwardly what to do with her hands.

He seemed fascinated by the motion, prompting her to drop her hand back to the bar. Xavier was so far out of her league; Cali still didn’t know what he could possibly want with someone as plain as she was. This had to be fate’s way of being cruel…teasing her by placing someone in her path that seemed to have it all: looks, charm, and sex appeal.

“There’s no need to be nervous,” he told her before grinning. “I’m not planning to devour you… yet.”

The last word came out softer than the others and she tried to pretend she didn’t hear it at all. Her body wasn’t in tune with her mind, though, because her nipples immediately hardened at the image his words invoked, while a small bead of perspiration trickled down between her breasts. The air around them practically lit up with sparks. She’d never had this reaction to any other man before, so it was all more than a little unnerving. Nothing could cool her down. Not the air conditioning in the bar, or the rest of the drink she’d just consumed. Her plan for the evening was coming together. Would she be able to go through with it after all?

If not, it certainly wouldn’t be because no one had caught her interest. She was very interested in the man currently running his hand up her bare thigh.

The room began to spin, causing her to grab the bar top just as his hand slid beneath the silk material of her dress. Oh my God! It was all she could think while her clit pulsed with need. It had been months since she’d last been with a man and a strangled moan escaped her at the thought of Xavier being the next one. He was so incredibly sexy. This whole experience was surreal, and at any moment, she expected to roll over in her bed to find that this was all a dream.

“I-I’m sorry,” she managed to stammer, stopping as he chuckled.

“I like hearing how much you enjoy being touched.” He leaned in closer, his voice a low rumble. “Do you want to know what else I’d like?”

She swallowed hard, shaking her head slowly.

“I’d also like to see those beautiful eyes glazed over with passion when I remove those damp panties you’re wearing and settle between your delectable thighs.”

All color drained from her face as all the blood in her body rushed straight down to the area he’d just mentioned. She’d reached a crossroads. When in her entire life would she ever be approached by someone else like Xavier? His hand continued to rub back and forth over her thigh and she quivered from head to toe.

If all this was an act he used to bait women into his bed, then he could pat himself on the back where she was concerned. He had just reeled her in hook, line, and sinker. Xavier leaned toward her and brushed his lips against her earlobe.

“Ven conmigo, hermosa, y luego ven por mi.”

Her brow furrowed up at the Spanish words he spoke. It had been several years since she’d used much of the language. Xavier flashed a wicked grin before translating the sentence for her.

“Come with me, beautiful, and then come for me.”

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