Bait: The Wake Series, Book One(5)

“We close at two. You guys want last call?” The big barman came to stand in front of us and we shared a questioning glance between ourselves.

Casey ordered, “Yeah, we'll have two Remy Martins. Neat.”

I choked. “Whoa, that's a serious nightcap. You're going out after this?” The drink would most likely put me, thoroughly, on my ass for the night.

“That depends.” He hunched over the bar, putting his head in his hand, and looked at me with a devilish grin. His fingers ran through his thick curls, almost boyishly. “I'm going to be honest with you. I saw you when we walked in and I tried to ignore you. I have a girlfriend. At least tonight I do.” Then he looked away and clarified, “I won't by tomorrow night. I was breaking things off with her tonight and my plans got a bit...hijacked.” Casey’s hazel eyes studied me, trying to read what I thought of his statement.

“Okay.” I wasn't sure where he was going with that, but I'd been having such a good time with him. I sort of hoped that he’d ask me to continue the night with him, and go somewhere else like he’d told Cory he might. I tried not to let my budding disappointment show.

The bartender placed both our cognacs on napkins and left us to them.

“I want you to know that I'm not some jerk or * that sleeps around on his girl. I know we'll see each other tomorrow after I've talked to Aly, and you are bound to hear Cory or Micah ask about it.” He was very serious and didn't break eye contact with me.

“We were just dancing. It really isn't that big of a deal,” I said making light of our night. Sure, we were a wash of blurred lines on the dance floor, but after getting some distance it seemed like we were mutually fine. At least I hoped I looked like I was collected.

I had a boyfriend.

Why didn't I just say it? Even he didn't want to seem like some manwhore, so maybe he would have respected me if I told him about Grant.

Casey swiped both his hands through his brown mess and pulled it away from his face.

The bar stool rumbled across the wood floor as he turned sharply to face me. He grabbed the seat I was in and pulled it closer. My crossed legs were situated in between his and he handed me my tumbler while taking his own.

“Go ahead, Blake. Take a sip.”

I hesitated and looked into his bright eyes. He nodded, telling me to do what I was told. So, I did. It was very warm and it slid like molasses down my throat. I felt the fire when it topped my stomach. Then he removed the glass from my hand and put it back on the shiny bar-top.

Casey leaned into my space and we were face to face. I watched as his blue-ish, green-ish, brown-ish, grey eyes circled my mouth. Then they went south, down my neck and returned to me directly.

“I want you tonight. You've got something I need. I don't know what it is. I'm probably crazy. Humor me though,” he sighed, then said, “be with me.” The warmth from the nightcap spread throughout my belly and his words heated everywhere else. I wanted him, too, but no one had ever just flat-out presented themselves like that to me. It was so daring.

It was also the sexiest, most confident request I'd ever heard. I felt desired in a new and foreign way.

“I don't, exactly, know what to say. I don't even know you. I don't live here. I have to leave on Sunday.” I have a soon-to-be fiancé. I'd left out the only good reason there was. The only valid reason I had.

“Blake, I don't normally do this, and I don't know where all of this is coming from. But I just can't not tell you. I can't not try. I think if I did, then I might always wonder what you'd be like. What we'd be like, together. I know I don't know you. You don't know me, but shit!” The slap of his hand on the bar snapped at my ears and I straightened. Then he continued, the sensual timbre of his voice back to normal. “I want you.”

I didn’t know where it came from, but it felt instinctive. My hands went to his cheeks and pulled him to my mouth. I had to. The choice was made for me. My lips were thankful.

Casey reached for me and pulled me to him. I stood in between his legs, with my hands still framing his beautiful face.

I parted my lips and it was enough of an invitation for him to accept. Before I knew it, our mouths were swimming with each other, cognac and desire like I'd never tasted before.

But I had a boyfriend.

With that thought I begin to pull away.

“Stop it,” Casey whispered around the kiss and smile on his busy lips. “We'll sort it all out tomorrow. Be with me tonight. Please?” Then he held me tighter and lifted his eyes to mine and repeated his plea, “Blake, please?”