CHAPTER TEN COCKTAILS & DREAMS

Rebel—

The sound of the motorcycle coming down the highway carries to me long before I see Brayden. A thrill shoots through me when he turns in the lot. Excitement and eagerness fill me. I’m like a giddy schoolgirl on her first date.

My mouth curves in a smile when he climbs from his bike, pulls off his helmet, and ambles toward me. Goddamn, that man has a sexy walk.

I stand nervously next to Butcher’s car, feeling unsure, but Brayden takes that all away when he walks right up to me, slips a hand to the small of my back, and pulls my body flush against his, then kisses me.

He’s so self-assured, and his confidence bleeds into me. I soak it up like a sponge. I haven’t felt this comfortable and at ease with a man in a long time. Usually, I’m on the defensive with guys, waiting for that next cutting derogatory remark disguised as a back-handed compliment. But there’s none of that with Brayden.

He seems to like me for exactly who I am. With any other man, I might be worried that it was all just an act to get into my panties. But with Brayden, I don’t have that worry. Any niggling doubts were laid to rest today. What he did at Butcher’s funeral tells me the kind of man he is.

The feel of his mouth on mine drives all those thoughts from my head, until all I can think about is how delicious his kisses are, and how skilled he is at this.

My hands slip around his neck and keep his mouth on mine, not wanting it to end. He shuffles me backward until I’m pressed against the car.

I changed out of the dress when I got to the garage. I thought about slipping into it when Brayden called, but I wasn’t sure where we’d be going. Now I wish I had.

Brayden’s hands move from my hips up my waist and under my tank top to smooth over my bare skin. He stops short just under my bra, and I like that fact that he doesn’t assume anything.

He finally breaks the kiss. “Will you do something for me?”

“What?”

“Go put that sexy dress back on? I want to take you somewhere nice. Anywhere you want to go.”

“For real?”

“For real.” He lifts his chin to the stairs.

“Okay. It’ll only take me a few minutes.”

“Take as long as you want, sweetheart. I’m not goin’ anywhere.”

I dash up the stairs and hurriedly shimmy back into the dress and heels. I add a bit of eyeliner and a more smokey eye shadow. Spraying a little product on my long hair, I run a brush through it until it”s silky and has a glossy sheen. Then I add a touch of perfume and a pair of dangling earrings.

Brayden is sitting on Butcher’s hood, listening to tunes on his phone when I return. As I descend the stairs, his gaze sweep over me.

He slides off the hood. “C’mere, gorgeous.”

I walk to him, and he snags my hand, pulling me in for a kiss. He’s removed his cut, and it hangs over a nearby chair.

I pull back and look at him. He’s wearing the long sleeve black dress shirt, tails out, and a pair of dark jeans and his boots. With the silver rings on his fingers, and the silver chain peeking out of the collar of his shirt, he looks very attractive, and no one would guess he was a biker.

“Where do you want to go, Rebel?”

“Um, I don’t know. What do you feel like?”

“Know any good steak houses? Nice ones with tablecloths.”

“You really want to spend that much?”

“Absolutely. Look at you. I want to take you out and show you off.”

That earns him a big smile. “Um, okay. Percy’s at the Summit, then. We can take my truck.”

“Mind if I drive?”

I dig the fob out of my little handbag and toss it to him. “Not at all.”

He surprises me by opening the passenger door for me. I’m not usually treated like a real lady, and I enjoy it immensely.

It’s a short drive, and Brayden reaches over, taking my hand and bringing it to his lips, kissing the back. Then he threads our fingers together and drives with one hand.

I love that he wants to touch me, but he’s not pawing at me and trying to run his hand under my skirt. He treats me with respect, and its refreshing.

It’s like the difference between a boy and a grown man. Brayden is a grown man, one who is mature and seems like the kind of man who’d take care of a woman, not the other way around. I’ve been with enough guys who practically need a mother to take care of them. I’m not interested in that. When I find a man, I want him to be an equal partner.

I stare out the window and blow out a slow breath, reminding myself not to get ahead of things. It’s just dinner, and he’s leaving on Monday. God, I hate that. I feel like every moment together must be cherished, because they’ll run out all too soon.

I feel like Cinderella going to the ball. It’s all so wonderful, but that clock ticking down to midnight is there in the back of my mind.

We turn in and Brayden parks.

“Wait there,” he says, climbing out, and I frown, wondering what he’s doing. Then I watch him walk around to my door and open it, and my heart melts. No man has ever done that for me.

He holds his hand out, and I put mine in his, and he helps me down, then clicks the fob to lock the truck. Threading our fingers together, he leads me to the door and holds it for me.

Percy’s is a pretty stone building with lots of up-lighting and the name backlit on the rock wall. A huge glass entryway gives way to an elegant dining room with upholstered chairs, candles, and fine artwork on the walls.

The place is decorated in dark woods, turquoise, and golds.

We’re seated at a small table in the middle of the room, and a moment later, a waiter in a white shirt, black vest, and a long white apron approaches with a cocktail and wine list, welcoming us.

I order a lemon drop and Brayden gets a whiskey sour.

“It’s beautiful in here,” I murmur. “Thank you for taking me.”

“You’re the most beautiful thing in here.”

I smile, pleasure melting over me like honey.

The waiter returns with a silver tray and sets the sugar-rimmed martini glass in front of me and the cut-glass rocks glass in front of Brayden. “Would you like time to enjoy your cocktails before I bring menus, sir?”

“Yes, please.”

“Very good.”

Once he withdraws, Brayden lifts his glass. “To the most beautiful woman in the room.”

I lift my own. “To the most handsome man.”

He grins and clinks his glass to mine. “I’ll drink to that.”

I take a sip of the delicious drink and moan. “That’s so good.”

Brayden sips his, then leans forward, his low deep voice intimate. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“How well do you know Blood?”

“He’s like an uncle to me. He’s been special to me since I was a baby.”

“So, you trust him?”

“Implicitly. Why?”

“He knows about us. He picked up on it at the funeral.”

Everything in me stills. “He said something to you? I mean, I saw him take your side against the guys in the club.”

“He talked to me at the clubhouse later.”

“What did he say?”

“I was afraid he was going to warn me off you, but it was the opposite. He told me if I wanted to see you, he’d run interference. He also told me you mean a lot to him, and he doesn’t want to see you hurt.”

“Wow.” I didn’t expect that.

“That was my first thought, too. No, actually, it was more like what the fuck just happened.”

I huff a laugh. “Blood will definitely surprise you. That’s for sure. But he has this innate quality with people. He can read them like a book.”

“Yeah, I kind of got that.”

“Wow.”

“Look, we don’t have a lot of time to get to know each other, so let me lay it out. I really like you, Rebel. You’re something special. I knew that within the first five minutes of meeting you. I feel relaxed with you.”

“I feel that way with you. There’s no awkwardness or nervousness, I just feel at ease. It’s like we’ve known each other for a long time, but yet, everything is fresh and new. It’s bizarre, really, isn’t it?”

“I get what you’re saying. I think sometimes people just mesh right off the bat.”

The waiter returns with menus. “I’ll give you some time. Would you like another cocktail?”

“Please,” I say, and Brayden nods.

He tells us about the specials and withdraws.

I flip open my menu and scan it. “Everything sounds so amazing.”

Brayden studies his a few seconds then flips it closed and sets it aside.

I glance up. “You barely looked at it.”

“Doesn’t take long. I know what I’m having.”

“What?”

“New York Strip. How about you?”

I scan it again, enjoying reading all the descriptions. “It’s so hard to choose. It all sounds amazing.”

When the waiter returns with fresh drinks, I settle on the salmon, and Brayden gets his steak rare. I file that information away. Perhaps I’ll cook for him someday. Then my smile fades as I remember he’s leaving and I’ll never get that opportunity.

It sucks some of the joy out of me. Then I remember I’m Cinderella, and she enjoyed every moment right up until that clock struck midnight. I vow to do the same.

I take a sip of my second drink, hoping I don’t get too tipsy. I’m not much of a drinker.

“Do you like it here, Rebel? Birmingham, I mean.”

“Sure.”

“Think you’d ever come out to Cali? Let me show you around my town?”

Joy fills me. “You want me to come visit you?”

“Hell, yeah.”

“I’d love that.” When I say it, his face lights up.

“Really? You’d come?”

“Of course. I’ve never been to California. I’ve never seen the Pacific.”

“I’d love to take you for a ride along the PCH.”

“What’s that?”

“The Pacific Coast Highway. The views are spectacular.”

“God, I’m ready to book a flight right now,” I say excitedly.

Our food comes, and we have a wonderful dinner and share a dessert after. Finally, we head out to the truck, hand in hand. I love holding hands with this man. It’s my new favorite thing.

“That was wonderful. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I enjoyed it.” Brayden opens the door for me and goes around and climbs behind the wheel. “Your turn to show me your town.”

I tilt my head, thinking. “Okay. I know the perfect place.”

Ten minutes later, we pull into the parking lot of Vulcan Park. It’s open until ten, so we’ve got just enough time for me to take him up to the viewing platform at the top of the famous statue.

“Where are we?” Brayden looks around. He glances up at the big iron statue. “What is that?”

“Vulcan, the Roman God of Fire and Forge. It represents our city.” I chuckle as he stares open-mouthed at it.

“Who builds a huge statue of a burly, bearded, bare-assed dude to tower over the entire city?”

I burst out laughing. “We do.”

“Fair enough.”

“Come on. The view is incredible.” I lead him to the elevator.

A security guard greets us. “Evening. It’s windy up there. There’s a storm front rolling in tomorrow.”

“Thanks.” Brayden puts his hand on the small of my back, and we step in.

The doors slide closed, and we ride up ten stories to the observation deck. Stepping out, the wind hits us. “Wow. He was right.”

We walk around the tower to the city facing side, and the view that greets us takes my breath. The city lights are spread before us.

“Wow, that’s something.” I rub my arms, and Brayden puts an arm around me. “You cold?”

“It’s been so mild, but it feels like a cold front just moved in.”

We stay up a few more minutes, then head to the car. Brayden holds my hand the entire drive to the garage, occasionally pressing a kiss to the back.

When we turn in the lot, he parks but doesn’t get out. Instead, he flips up the center console, unbuckles my seat belt, and drags me over to him, pulling me across his lap.

I’m as eager for him as he is for me. We kiss like lovers who’ve been apart for months, which is crazy since we’re not even lovers yet. I don’t know if he thinks we will be, but I have a feeling he’s the kind of man who won’t expect or assume anything.

And I love that about him.

I’m sure it’s the reason he’s kissing me in the truck, because he doesn’t take for granted that he’ll be invited up.

“When does your chapter head home?” I ask between kisses.

He strokes my cheek and brushes his thumb across my lower lip. “Day after tomorrow. They figured everyone would be too hungover to ride ten hours. God, I’m not looking forward to that.”

“I suppose this sounds crazy, but I’m going to miss you,” I whisper.

“I feel it, too, babe. Last thing I want to do is ride away from you. I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to sneak away tomorrow to see you. Will you come by the clubhouse on Monday and see me off? Though your father might catch on when I grab you and kiss you goodbye,” he says with a laugh.

I return his laugh, but I feel like crying just thinking about him leaving. I shake my head. “I won’t care.”

His hand strokes up and down my bare thigh. “You sure about that? I’ll ride away, and you’ll be stuck here dealing with the aftermath.”

“I don’t want to talk about Monday.”

“Me, neither. I guess I’m dragging my feet here, because I don’t want to let you go. It’s gonna kill me to ride away tonight.”

“Then don’t. Stay.”

He lifts a hand and brushes a strand of hair from my face. “You sure about that, honey? Last thing I want is to push you for more if you’re not ready.”

“I’m sure.”

We exit the truck, and I lock up behind us, then take his hand and lead him inside. I head toward the stairs, but Brayden tugs on my hand. I turn, questioningly.

He lifts his chin to Butcher’s car and gives me a wicked grin. He leads me over, cups my waist and sets me on the end of the hood. Without missing a beat, he steps between my thighs. The look on his face is intent and filled with pure male hunger. A zing shoots through my belly, and he braces his palms on the hood on either side of me.

I’m lost in his gaze and drag in a ragged breath.

“You sure about this, Rebel?”

There are only inches separating our bodies, and I feel the sexual energy sizzling between us. He has yet to touch me, and my body vibrates with need.

I nod.

His heavy-lidded gaze locks on mine, then he dips his head and gives me a barely there kiss, and somehow, it’s even more erotic that way. Our mouths are the only place we’re touching, and the way he’s slowed us down is ramping up my desire.

He breaks our kiss, to whisper against my lips. “Say it.”

“I’m sure. I want you, Brayden. So much.”

With my answer, his palms skate up my thighs and under my dress.

“You’re beautiful, Rebel.” His mouth lowers to mine again, and I let my hands trail up his arms and broad shoulders to wrap around him. Everything feels different with him. It’s not like with any other man. I’m so damn hot for him, and we’ve barely started.

He breaks the kiss and presses his forehead to mine, staring intently into my eyes. He feels how special this is, just like I do. It’s there, written on his face.

I cup his cheeks and kiss him and feel his hands hook in my panties and drag them off me.

“Lean back,” he orders, and I place my palms on the shiny red hood. He drops to his knees and flips the hem of my dress up, exposing my bare pussy to his gaze. “So pretty. So goddamn beautiful.”

My belly quivers in anticipation of that first sweet touch, but he makes me wait, his palms slowly stroking up my thighs again. When his thumbs finally brush over me, I jump like a jolt of electricity hits me.

His touch is gentle as he strokes over my pussy lips, teasing my throbbing clit out from hiding.

My hips lift off the hood, wanting more, desperate for it.

Brayden dips his head and runs the flat of his tongue over me. The sensation is incredible, and I stutter in a gasp. He licks and toys with my clit with his tongue, and I throw my head back.

His elbows keep my thighs pinned wide, and I can feel my response flowing from my pussy.

“Oh, God,” I moan.

Brayden thrusts two fingers into my dripping pussy, and while his thumb keeps at my clit, those fingers seek out and find that sweet spot deep inside me. I gasp and buck when he finds it. He keeps at it, driving me wild.

“You like that, baby?”

“God, yes,” I pant, and he doesn’t let up. I’m so close, climbing that mountain up and up until I shoot over the top and shatter into a million pieces as his mouth sucks hard on my clit.

My spine arches, my head thrown back, and my breasts thrust out.

My orgasm is stronger than any I’ve ever had, and my body shudders and quivers.

Brayden comes to his feet, grabs my face, and hauls my mouth to his. He kisses me deeply, and I taste myself on his lips. It’s so erotic, and a moan vibrates from his throat.

When we break apart, he strips the dress over my head and tosses it aside. Now I’m completely naked before him, and his gaze settles on my breasts.

“Gorgeous. Just like I knew they’d be.” His big hands cover them, kneading and squeezing. “So damn full. Your skin is like silk.”

I thread my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck and pull his head down, needing his mouth on them. He’s all too happy to give me what I want, his mouth closing over one throbbing nipple to tease and suck until I’m whimpering. Then he moves to the other.

Once he’s had a taste of both, and I’m getting ramped back up again, he unzips his jeans and pulls out his hard dick, a drop of precum glistening on the tip.

I swallow, desire flooding me again. Before I can prepare, he grabs my waist and pulls me off the hood, then spins me around to face the car.

“Bend over, darlin’, and spread your legs. Let me see that pussy, all wet and ready for me.”

I’m eager to comply and bend over, pressing my bare breasts to the cool metal hood.

“Let me see that tight little ass in the air for my hungry eyes.”

I comply, thrusting my ass high and my legs wide. I shiver in anticipation.

“Fuck, yes. Look at that pretty glistening pussy just waiting for my throbbing cock. You make me hard as fuck, baby girl.” He takes it in his hand and swirls the head in my wetness, circling my opening, and I fling my head back, my mouth dropping open. “You want my hard dick, Rebel?”

“Yes. Fuck me, please.” I practically dance on my toes, eager for it, and feel his palm smack my ass.

“I say when.”

I nod and look over my shoulder at him, filled with need and desire.

He sinks into me, giving me every inch of him, and my lids drift closed at the exquisite sensation of being filled completely.

One of his arms comes around me, and his fingers dip between my legs to seek out my clit, stroking me while he slides in and out, slowly at first, but soon gaining speed.

My breasts rock and sway with every thrust until they’re bouncing.

“Damn, that’s sexy as hell. You’ve got some pretty tits, baby.”

Soon he has me so worked up; I know I’m about to explode. He grabs my hips in his big hands and drives into me, making me feel every inch of him dragging over my super sensitive nerves.

He releases my hips and closes his big palms over my breasts, his thumbs pinching my nipples until I know I’m about to explode again.

“Oh, God,” I pant.

“Not yet, baby. Wait for me.”

“Please. I’m going to come.”

“Now,” he growls, and we both explode together, his body plunging into me and holding me firmly as he comes inside me.

As I sink back to earth, I realize I’m naked, and he’s completely dressed, with just his pants undone. The uneven power dynamic doesn’t escape me; it just makes it that much hotter.

I feel his lips on my shoulder and down my spine. Then he pulls back and fastens his jeans.

Before I realize what he’s about, he turns me, scoops me into his arms, and carries me up the stairs to my bed.