Dangerous Deception (MF)

Excerpt

STORY EXCERPT

Taking a sip of the frothy liquid, she scrunched her nose at the bitter taste. Thinking she should have ordered her usual Tom Collins, her eyes locked onto the sight of a cowboy strutting toward her. Her eyes roamed across his bright Western shirt that clung to muscled shoulders and a wide chest. Her eyes lowered to the crisp jeans that clad long legs, and she gasped at the brilliance of his silver belt buckle snug against a tight, flat stomach. She forced herself not to lick her lips as he walked, no, sauntered, across the smoky bar. When he nodded his head at her, her heart lurched. He was the cowboy dreams are made of, and she liked what she’d seen. All thoughts of Beau and lost love and silly games flew out of her mind. Here was definitely someone of interest.

Saxon turned quickly, her face warm from the thoughts that filled her mind, but she couldn’t resist turning once again and found herself locking eyes with his. They were the brightest blue she’d ever seen, fringed with thick lashes. He smiled, and she gasped at the sensation. With a quick nod, she turned away as if he wasn’t there, knowing he was the type who wouldn’t be able to resist being ignored. Her fingers grasped the cold drink, and she sipped the chilled beer, trying to calm her nerves. Electricity arced when he leaned over and his warm breath tickled her neck.

“Wanna dance?”

Turning slowly, she let her eyes wander from that square chin down his long, lean body, pausing only slightly at the bulge in his jeans. With one raised eyebrow, she met his eyes.

“I won’t bite.” His voice was deep and sultry.

She cocked her head before answering, “I might.” Her stare dared him to follow that statement.

A low chuckle sounded, and a wide smile showed straight, white teeth. “I’ll take my chances.”

Laughter bubbled up as she set her drink on the bar and let him lead her to the dance floor. An old Don Williams song was playing.  He pulled her into his arms, and Saxon pressed her body against his hard chest.  Heat from his body scorched her. When he pushed his leg between hers, she molded against him, and they moved in sync to the mellow music. He danced smoothly, and she let herself be led. The slight smell of citrus filled her nose, and she wondered if all of him would smell that clean and fresh.

 “I’m Morgan.”

Saxon jumped slightly at the sound of his voice close to her ear.

He chuckled. “Really, I’m harmless.”

“Time will tell, won’t it?” she asked coquettishly.

“Do you have a name?”

“Doesn’t everyone?” Saxon was determined to goad him on.

“Got me there.” He leaned and nuzzled her neck and chuckled when she jerked at his touch.

She was nearly speechless and pulled away as if to flee, fearful of the sexual pull he had on her. Never had such a jolt of lightning gone through her at a man’s first touch, and, suddenly, she wasn’t sure she could pull off the coy playfulness she’d started.

“Okay. You don’t want to tell me your name, so let me guess.”

Raising her eyebrows invitingly, she said, “All right. Guess.”

“Martha.”

“No way.”

“Eldora.”

She laughed out loud at their game. “You’ve gotta be kidding.”

“Thora.” His voice was filled with merriment.

“Oh, my.” She rolled her eyes and teased, “You can do better than that.”

“Debbie?”

She could tell he was enjoying the banter between them as much as she was. Just watching the way his eyes moved over her as he kept throwing out names made her breath catch, and she fought the quivering of her legs. “Nope. Not even close.”

“Hmmm, Annie?”

“Ha! You’ll never guess. Better give up.” It was a dare, and she wondered how he’d respond to it.

“Ah, hell, who cares about names anyway. I know you smell delicious, you feel wonderful, and I can see you’re all woman. Screw names!” With that, he kissed her full lips, a demanding kiss, an invitation for more, and she fought the urge to let him take her away. The dance floor was crowded, but Saxon met his kiss, relished the touch and taste of him. When he finally pulled his head back, Saxon knew her face was red because of the heat staining her cheeks. He chuckled as she ducked her head into his shoulder. When he didn’t offer any other comment in response to her dare, she cocked her head and grinned.

“Didn’t think you’d be a quitter,” she teased, waiting to hear the sound of his voice once again.

“God, woman, who cares what your name is. Come with me. I’ll take you on a fantasy trip that will be more exciting than anything you’ve ever experienced.”

“Tempting,” she whispered, and he nipped her earlobe, letting his hands rub across her back and lower…

“All right. Enough! I’m Saxon.” Her eyes met his in a challenge as she wondered what he’d say.

“Saxon.” He looked at her then nodded his head. “Saxon,” he said again.

She was amazed at the sensual way her name rolled off his tongue. Just the sound of his deep voice caused her to shiver with delight.