Page 17 of Flirt Away

“Always easier to talk about it than to implement it in your own life.” He didn’t like how she danced around the core issue and avoided what really bothered her. Until she was willing to put it out there, it would always be something between her and any man she got involved with—only he planned to do his best to make sure he was her last stop. “So, you’re really not embarrassed or ashamed by what happened between us?”

Her pretty little cheeks flushed red. “I wish I could say I wasn’t at all, but part of me is a little.”

He closed the gap between them and wrapped his arms around her, heaving her against his chest. He cupped her face, brushing his thumb across her cheek. “It was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had. You left me breathless and speechless.” He took her hand, placing her index finger on his lower lip before sucking it into his mouth. He let out a guttural moan. “When you licked your fingers with me still on them, I lost all ability to think straight. And then you were gone.”

“I’m sorry. I realized that night that all the issues I thought I’d conquered, I really hadn’t. And they all hit me at once.”

“That makes me sad. But whatever or whoever those issues are, I’m not them.” The sound of meat sizzling reminded him that he was supposed to be cooking dinner. “Why don’t we spend tonight getting to know each other better?”

“Sounds perfect. I’ll go get some plates.” She scurried off to the kitchen. He let out a long breath. Whoever hurt her or gave her the wrong idea about herself would have to deal with him. Because no woman as sweet and special as Dixie should be made to feel as if she didn’t deserve the world on a silver platter.

7

Thus far, they’d kept the dinner conversation light. They’d discussed movies and books and other first-date material topics. Things they both wanted to know about each other, but not the one thing she knew he was most curious about.

And, of course, Dixie had her own list of interesting questions she wanted Zane to answer and it was time to shake things up.

“Why work at Club Allure if you’re not into bondage, being a dom, and all that?” Dixie asked.

“I was interested in trying it, and my older brother is a master, so he introduced me. I sat and watched a demonstration and knew instantly that the lifestyle wasn’t for me. At least not like that, with all the strict rules. I wouldn’t want any woman kneeling or calling me sir or master. Nor do I want to do that in reverse—though I’m more apt to give a woman whatever she wants in the bedroom when she demands it. I like to please. That satisfies me the most.”

“Anything?”

“Within reason. I do have a few hard nos.”

“Such as?” She pushed her food around on her plate.

“I’m not interested in threesomes. I’ve tried them and it’s not my thing,” he said, raising his glass. “I don’t like to share.”

“I’m the same way, though I’ve never tried one, and I can’t say it’s something I’m interested in. Too many hands and pieces to figure out what goes where.”

He laughed. “It does get interesting.”

“And you’ve never hooked up with anyone at the club?”

He smiled that wicked, sultry grin of his that made his eyes twinkle like shooting stars. “I’ve been with someone who works at the club, but never the patrons. Until you.”

“I won’t be a patron. Club Allure isn’t for me.”

“My boss will be sorry to hear that. And even though my job is to sign you up, for selfish reasons, I’m glad you don’t want to be a more permanent member. Though I could tell you enjoyed watching.”

Her insides heated as if she were lying in the hot sun. Her nipples puckered. She took a small bite of her steak and chewed as delicately as she could. She still hated eating in front of men, but she’d made a decision to change, and that started now.

“I did. But I could watch porn with my partner,” she said.

“It wouldn’t be the same. It would be like doing a virtual hot air balloon ride and making the assumption that you’ve experienced not only the view but also the exhilaration of being a few thousand feet above the Earth.” He winked.

“Not a good analogy. I can’t say I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in a hot air balloon.”

“Oh. You have no idea what you’re missing,” he said. “But as far as watching, there are other places and festivals that would give you—us—the same opportunity. Or other options if we wanted. And I’m not saying I’d want it all the time, but I wouldn’t be opposed to doing that again.”

“For a guy who says he’s not into the scene, you sure are interested in all the things Club Allure has to offer.”

He raised his glass. “No. I’m just into you.”

“Oh. Flattery isn’t necessarily the way you’ll get me naked.” She tapped her glass against his and took a hearty sip. “Tell me about your last girlfriend.”

“Last girl I dated, or last serious relationship?”

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