Body Shots (16 page)

He bent his lips to her pulse and licked the length of her protruding vein. “Do you want more? Would you trust me with your body?” She nodded her acceptance. “Mm, yes, I want more of you, too, so much more. I want to know all your secret spots, the ones that cause your blood to pound hot in your veins and have you quivering with need. I want you begging beneath me . . . for me.”

With that he bent and tasted her sweet ivory neck, arched up toward him like an offering to a god. He tasted her soft skin and sucked her into his mouth. Then he bit her, lightly, branding her as his woman. He lifted his head, looking down at her pliant body, and groaned, “Open your eyes, angel. If we stay out here much longer, I will have you beneath me, where you belong, which would bring me infinite amounts of pleasure, but having sex in my truck isn't how this night is supposed to go.”

She did then, as he bid. She looked at him finally, her body burning with need. Her chest was heaving like she had just run a marathon. She looked into his eyes and saw that it was the same for him. It pleased her and she wanted more. More of him, more of his touch, she wanted him to appease the hunger that he had created. Instead she said, “Mac, the things you do to me, it's positively not becoming of a lady.” She tried for lightness, but it seemed to fall flat.

“Angel, I want you any way I can get you.” He did smile then, albeit lecherously, but it was a smile nonetheless. “Having you completely willing and quivering underneath me will suffice . . . for now.” He turned the engine off and opened the door. “Come on, we're here.”

As he came around to her side to open her door, she asked, “Where is
here?
”

“Gibby's Bar and Grill.” He took her hand at that, helped her down out of the Blazer, and closed her door. “I hope you like it. It can be a bit loud at times, but I thought we could grab a bite to eat and I could check to see how everything is going.”

“I'm sure I'll love it. Thank you for bringing me.” She leaned up on tiptoe and kissed his rigid jaw, then smiled.

Mac groaned. “Crystal, have mercy. I told you no kisses unless you are prepared to take more.”

“Mm, I can't wait,” she said naughtily.

Mac only grunted his reply and led her to the door where he could hopefully get himself back under control, but he could have sworn he heard a faint giggle from the woman at his side.

 

Wow, what more could a girl ask for anyway? A great movie, wonderful food, stimulating conversation, and all from a devilishly handsome man. She figured she would have to come down from her perch soon enough, but for now she was content to enjoy herself.

Gibby's was much better than she'd expected. Everyone seemed to know each other. The music was a mix of top-forty hits and songs by the top country artists of today. There was something to please every ear. The place had a woodsy, rustic appearance to it. The walls were done in a kind of barn siding wood, which in the end would save money on paint and upkeep. There were wooden wagon wheels hanging from the ceiling with colored lights attached to them. Even the dance floor was made of hardwood, meant to remind customers of the old-time barn dances, when they put it all together. Everything was decorated with taste. The owner obviously wanted the patrons to feel at home, able to kick their heels up and just let loose for the time they were there.

Everyone who walked by their booth greeted Mac with a friendly hello and a handshake. A few of the men who stopped by gave her the once-over, but they were met with a steely look from Mac, completely obliterating any interest they may have shown in her. All waiters and waitresses wore a simple clean white T-shirt and jeans. That way they could be comfortable for the long hours they were on their feet and also blend in with the country décor. She had met Gibby, the owner. He was an extremely large African American. He was a few inches taller than Mac was and much broader. He had a wonderful smile and was as sweet as a teddy bear, but Crystal got the feeling that he could be very mean if provoked. He looked at Mac with the kind of respect that was born from a long and firm friendship.

She looked at Mac and spoke over the music, “Where did you meet Gibby?”

Mac looked at her and waited a beat, as if debating what to tell her. At last, he said, “I met Gibby in somewhat odd circumstances.” He paused. “He was in a bit of trouble when we first encountered each other. He apparently owed some rather nasty people some money, and when I came here for dinner one night, the men were attempting to beat the dollar bills out of him. That's about the time I decided to intervene.”

“What did you do?” Her eyes grew large and she leaned forward, completely riveted to the story.

“I very calmly explained to the men that they were going about getting paid the wrong way.” Mac took a drink from his Pepsi then went on, “Then I paid them the money myself.”

“You actually gave them the money? I mean, you didn't even know Gibby at the time. Why would you do that?” She was dumbfounded.

“Yes, I gave them the money, but Gibby has paid me back every single cent since then. He's a very proud man and he refused to let the matter drop. So we worked out a deal, and here we are today. Hell, I've gotten more than my fair share from our relationship and I gained a very loyal friend to boot. What more can a guy ask for?”

“And it seems he has gained a loyal friend, as well. You're very kind underneath that gruff exterior,” she said in admiration.

“Underneath this gruff exterior lurks a very lusty man, eager for your hot body, angel.” His eyes grew darker with passion and bore straight into hers.

Just then, a waiter came to their table and asked if they wanted anything else.

They both declined, then he said, “I'll be right back. I need to hit the restroom.” He winked, then rose from the booth and went to the far end of the room.

Crystal resumed eating her fries. She had ordered a simple burger and fries, figuring they would be a safe bet. However, she hadn't expected them to taste so good. Gibby's obviously had a wonderful chef tucked back in the kitchen. A shadow covered her table, and she thought it was Mac returning, so she looked up smiling. However, it wasn't. Instead it was a man she didn't recognize. He was tall and blond, very muscular and tanned, as if he worked outside, perhaps in construction or something similar.

“I've noticed you tonight. You're awful hard to miss. A man would have to be blind not to see you, sweetheart. You're very beautiful,” he spoke in a rough voice.

“Thank you.” She never knew quite what to say when a man complimented her.

“My name is Dale.” He extended his hand for her to shake, then said, “And yours is?”

“Her name is Crystal, and she's with me.” Mac spoke from behind the stranger. The look in his eyes was deadly.

“You have a beautiful name, Crystal. Would you care to dance?”

He never took his eyes from her, completely ignoring Mac. She looked at Mac and saw his anger that was barely leashed. Crystal calmly said to the stranger, “I'm sorry, Dale, I'm here with Mac. Thank you for the offer.” She smiled brightly.

“No worries.” He smiled and walked away.

Mac stared at the man's back until he was well away from them; only then did he sit back down. He didn't say a word, just stared at her.

“Now that he's gone, I'd love to dance with you.”

Her eyes brightened at the prospect of being in Mac's strong arms. “You would?”

“I'm anxious to get you in my arms and have
my
hands on you.” He stood and smiled down at her. “May I have this dance?” He bent over her hand as he spoke.

She laughed and said, “Why, of course.”

Mac took her hand in his and led her to the middle of the crowded dance floor. Once there, he put his arms around her and pulled her into his hard length.

Crystal felt at home at last. With Mac's strong arms surrounding her, she felt like nothing could ever harm her. She twined her arms around his neck, and he pulled her even closer still. She immediately felt what he was trying to show her. His rigid length pressed into her belly. She looked up into his eyes as if looking for confirmation; he smiled down at her and rotated his hips, just once. Immediately she felt heat pool between her legs, and her face flamed.

Mac leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Don't be embarrassed. You're beautiful, and feeling your sweet curves against me drives me nuts, but I wouldn't have it any other way.” He rose up and smiled devilishly at her, then once again bent to whisper, “Except if we were both naked, that would be better. Of course, if we were naked, then dancing would be the furthest thing from my mind.”

“You are
so
bad!” She giggled.

“Later I will show you just how good I can be.” He winked.

They finished their dance in quiet, content to hold each other and sway to the beat of the music.

 

“Thank you for a wonderful time, Mac.” They stood at Mollie's front door in that awkward moment when women were often left wondering,
Is he going to kiss me? Should I invite him in? Will he think I'm being too forward if I do? Will he think I'm a prude if I don't?
She hadn't a clue as to the answers. When she and Richard had dated, it all seemed so fast and he took all the control while she was left following his lead. This whole thing with Mac was new ground for her, and he was not Richard, thank God. She could tell he was leaving it up to her to decide whether things proceeded or not. She quickly acted on impulse and went for the plunge, saying, “Won't you come in for a drink, Mac?” She held her breath.

“I thought you'd never ask.” His mouth quirked up in a devilish grin. She opened the door, and Mac followed her into the house. After their dance together, they had walked out of the bar and grill hand in hand without speaking to each other or anyone else. The drive home was made in silence, as well. It seemed that neither of them wanted to chance breaking the magical spell that had been woven around them. The whole night seemed special somehow, despite the events earlier in the evening. Maybe, just maybe, it was
because
of those events, as if God had granted them this enchanted evening as a reprieve. Whatever the reason, Mac was glad he was the man who was lucky enough to spend it with Crystal.

They walked into the living room, and Mac had the oddest feeling come over him. It was as if he was home. How strange for him to feel this way after all this time of never really feeling at home no matter where he was. He'd never felt this way before, even growing up. His father had always made him feel like he was a burden rather than a gift. His mother seemed to barely be there, like a shadow to his father. She was always in the background, quiet and content to bend to her husband's rule. Still, he didn't want thoughts of his less-than-ideal childhood to interfere with his night with the sexy woman at his side.

“Crystal, it's a cool evening. Why don't we take our drinks out to the porch? We could sit and watch the stars. What do you say?” While he was strolling down memory lane, she had already prepared a serving tray with iced tea and cookies.

“That sounds like a great idea.” Her eyes lit up like a child's in a candy store.

“Here, I'll carry the tray. You just get the door.” He picked up the laden tray and proceeded out the door.

“You just don't want tea all over you.” She snorted as she held the door open for him.

“Well, you may have a point there, angel.” He waggled his eyebrows.

They sat down on the cushioned porch swing, and Mac put the tray on the table in front of them, then handed her a glass of tea. After taking a long swallow of his own, he remarked, “Mm, tastes good.”

“Thanks. I didn't know if you took sugar in yours or not, but sweet tea is all I drink. I can get you something else if you want, though. I'm sure we have something in there.” She paused, then said, “I'm rambling, aren't I? Sorry.” She took a deep fortifying breath and went on, “I'm just nervous.”

“Don't be.” He leaned back into the swing, put his arm around her shoulders, and pulled her into the crook of one arm. “Just enjoy the night, Crystal.”

Crystal leaned her head on Mac's shoulder and let out a contented sigh. “If time could just stand still right now.”

“No way, angel. I've got way too much in store for you later,” he murmured. “For now, just relax and look at the beautiful clear sky.” He smiled down at her and kissed the top of her head in a loving caress.

She closed her eyes and knew a sense of belonging in Mac's arms. He was everything a woman could want. Now she just had to figure out a way to hold on to it. That would be the biggest challenge of all.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he said, his voice low and intimate.

“Just thinking what a wonderful night I had.”

“Ah, but the best is yet to come, angel,” he murmured.

She was about to ask what he meant by that, but he hushed her. “Let your fears go for now. Just feel me next to you, Crystal. Just me. Nothing else exists.”

“Oh Mac,” she breathed out. “The things you say . . . you make me want to let myself go and trust you to catch me.”

“I
will
catch you,” he replied emphatically. “You should have no fear when I'm with you. I won't let anything happen to you.”

“Make love to me, Mac.”

He leaned near her ear and whispered, “That's been the only thing on my mind since the first moment I saw you.”

After that stark confession, the only sounds were of Crystal and Mac touching and kissing. It was the single most beautiful experience of her life. When Crystal's cell phone rang, breaking the spell, she heard Mac groan. A perfect moment ruined by technology. What else was new?