Page 18 of Regaining Integrity

“Would you like another?”

Shaking my head, I thank him as he walks away. I’ve had four since I arrived, and I’m in no rush to have another. I also don’t want to get drunk, but I will need a ride home. Buzzed driving is still drunk driving, after all.

The band changes to a slower song, causing my hyped-up dancing to slow down to a gentle sway. The fabric of my loose, long-sleeved green dress tickles halfway up my thighs to my change of pace.

It’s possibly the last time I’ll be able to wear something this light before fall truly sets in and the bitter cold of winter takes over.

My head rolls from one shoulder to another. My muscles are liquid, and my mind is at ease until a large, strong hand rests against my stomach and gently forces me back into a tall, firm body.

My breath is robbed from my body. Every cell in my body buzzes with sensation. My stomach clenches in excitement while my nipples bud and grow firm as they brush against my bra's soft fabric.

I didn’t expect Jon to return this quickly, much less grab me in such a possessive way without asking first. His hips sway and rock against the top of my butt and into my lower back.

I can only move the way his body is guiding me to. I’m lost—afloat in a sea of overdriven awareness of a very male body against mine. Just when I feel like I’m going to go mad, either from his invasion of my personal space or his slight moves affecting me so much, I feel somethinglargebegin to stiffen behind me.

Holy shit.

A surprised thrill shoots through me. I’m making him hard. Though I’m confident in myself, my body is enough to drive a man crazy with need. I let a smile weave its way onto my face as I continue to dance with Jon behind me.

I can do this. I can let someone in.

Closing my eyes, I tilt my head to rest on his broad, firm shoulder. It feels bigger than it looks. Jon isn’tnotattractive, but he is not built with muscle.

I don’t open my eyes when his lips brush against my temple and drop to my ear. “I don’t feel so old now that you’re here.”

My eyes shoot open, and my body feels like I just did the polar bear plunge out at the lake as I try to get away from the man who certainly isnotmy coworker.

“Chase!” I get nowhere with his hand keeping me firmly against his body.

“Yeah, it’s me.” I look up over my shoulder at him, finding him smiling widely and very proud of himself for getting the jump on me. The deep vibrations of his strong but fun-loving voice cause me to shiver.

Why does he have to affect me so?

I try to keep my body under control and away from the temptations of Chase’s body, words, and touch.

Darting my eyes away, I conceal my blush by looking around for Jon. He must be making his way—

“Don’t even think about looking for yourfriendto save you. I sent him on his way.”

My mouth drops open at his audacity. “Who do you think you are?” I’m finally able to move away from him but not far enough. He allows me to turn in his embrace, which doesn’t make this situation better.

His free hand reaches up and brushes across my heated cheek. Something I hope he doesn’t feel or see in the low lights of the bar.

My stupid eyes flutter at the simple touch.

Fuck.

I want to get away from him, I truly do, but my body very much wants to stay right here in this close, intimate hold he has us locked in with his corded arms.

God, I hope I’m not drooling and doe-eyed.

“You look fucking hot tonight, but I have to admit you look fuckable in your tight pencil skirts and blouses you wear for work.” The haze is broken, fucked up by him opening his stupid mouth. I’m brought back to every reason I have to stay away from Chase Thorne.

He’s only interested in getting his dick wet, not getting to know me as a person. I’m reminded of who and what he’s like because I know better than almost anyone out there that he’s a player.

Stomping on his booted foot with my five-inch heel, I push myself away from him and do the one thing self-preservation has engraved into me.

I flee.

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