Page 1 of Drive me Wild (South Island Shifters)

One

WINTER

“What about that one? Tall, dark, handsome andoh… He’s wearing a wedding ring. Nope, not interested,” Liliana, my best friend, says.

“Oh, he’s cute. A bit short, but that doesn’t mean he’s not packing something decent in his pants. Go talk to him, Winter,” my younger sister, Autumn, says, nudging me with her elbow. I sigh. They’ve been playing this game since we sat down for dinner, and they’re determined that by the time I leave tonight, I’ll have some guy’s number. They’re dreaming. I’m not interested in dating, nor have I been in six years. My ex has shattered my heart, and I’m pretty sure it can’t ever be put back together.

“Alright, you two have had your fun and possibly a little too much wine. Can we talk about something else?” I groan, then sip on my Sprite. Usually, I’d join them in having some wine, but I’m working tonight.

“Spoilsport,” Liliana grumbles as she gives me a sly look and a cheeky grin. She casts her gaze to the bar and smiles. Her boyfriend Christian is working and has served her all night with as much wine as she wants. “I want to hook you up with a cute guy. There’s plenty around.”

“We don’t have time,” I reply, glancing at my watch. Technically I don’t start for another hour, but I won’t tell her that. “Besides, I’m perfectly happy.”

“Are you, though?” Autumn asks. I look at her. “Win, I’m worried about you. All you do is work, then stay home and build LEGO or read. It’s not healthy.”

“I came out tonight,” I protest.

Autumn rolls her eyes. “Yeah, before work.”

Liliana gets up from the table and makes her way towards the bathrooms. I take the opportunity to glance around the room, trying to ignore the conversation. The truth is, I’m not always happy, but I’m also not willing to allow myself to get hurt again.

A man enters the restaurant from the side of the bar, taking my breath away. Literally. He’s tall, with short, cropped hair, a short-trimmed beard, and a toned muscular torso. I’m not usually a girl who likes beards, but it’s sexy as hell on him.

His shirt is well-fitted against his muscular arms. I can’t see beneath it, but I’ll bet anything he’s got washboard abs that I’m itching to run my tongue over, making him groan in pleasure.

It’s a shame I can’t see what he’s wearing on the bottom half, but if it’s anything like his top half, he’s just as gorgeous. Licking my lips, I continue to stare, unable to tear my eyes away from him.

For the first time in six years, there’s a guy who piques my interest. As if sensing me staring, he looks right at me. His vibrant blue eyes pierce the distance between us as they lock right onto mine. An appreciative smile crosses his face, revealing two perfectly formed dimples on either side of his mouth.

My blood pressure skyrockets, butterflies fill my stomach, and my heart races so hard I can hear it pound in my ears. I want to cross the room, leap the bar, and kiss him senseless, letting the entire room know that he’s mine. But he isn’t. For all I know, he could be married.

I’m being stupid. What would a sexy man like him want me for?

It would be a night of sex which I’m sure would be a bed-breaking, sinful and sweet experience, but that’s all it would be. Glancing back at him, I’m surprised to find he’s still staring, and I watch his eyes fill with nothing but a pure carnal desire for me.

He can’t want me. I must be seeing things.I manage to convince myself he has to be looking at someone behind me. I smile, which he returns with a wink.

I don’t believe this. Hedoeswant me!

His attention is stolen away when the female bartender speaks to him, and he replies. I wonder what his voice sounds like. Is it deep and husky? Would he groan loudly during sex or roar out his orgasm? I’ve got to stop these thoughts. I’m going to work and need to focus. Lusting after a man I don’t know but would like to get to know better isn’t going to help with my night. Or maybe I’ll get through it faster.

“Who are you looking at?” Autumn asks. I turn to her and point to the mystery man behind the bar. “Oh, Winter. He is definitely your type. Go talk to him.”

Glancing at my watch, I say, “Oh, would you look at the time, I have to go to work.”

“Don’t be like that. I was teasing,” Autumn says. Our desserts are delivered though I’m no longer hungry for lemon meringue pie, my favourite pudding. I wanthim. Our conversation stalls as we tuck into our dessert, and I take the opportunity to steal a glance at the mystery man only to find he’s disappeared.Damn it.

“What are you two talking about?” Liliana asks, returning to the table.

“Winter just saw a really hot guy whom she likes. He’s over…oh, damn, he’s not there now,” Autumn says. “Looks like you missed out big time, Winter.”

We finish dessert as three guys come over to our table. They all look us up and down, and I find I don’t get the same vibe off these guys as I had with the mystery man. Instead, I feel disgusted.

“Ladies, can we buy you all a drink?” The guy in front asks, wearing a smug grin. He’s definitely got more than drinking on his mind.

“No, but thanks for the offer,” Liliana says.

“Come on, girls, you’ve been trying to hook your friend up all night. We thought we could interest you in a night with us,” the guy says. Liliana looks towards the door, and then her boyfriend Christian appears at the table.

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