Alex sat up. “Say the word. I’ll make it happen.”
“Ah. So you’re friends with the guy who runs the black hole?”
“Maybe Iamthe guy who runs the black hole.”
“As much as I appreciate your offer, on second thought, I guess I don’t really want him destroyed. You know, completely. That seems harsh.”
“What do you want?”
“I have no idea.” She lowered her head as sadness overwhelmed her again.
Alex touched her chin. Once again, she didn’t shrink from the stranger’s touch.
It was all she could do not to lean into it.
He looked her deep in the eye. “I think you know exactly what you want.”
Under his intense scrutiny, Dana giggled out of nerves. She cast a glance over his appealing form, and didn’t worry about being discreet this time. “If only you knew.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “I would love to know.”
Do it. Just do it. “I want…to forget about things for a while. With someone.”
“Is that so?” Alex stood before her, his voice a deep rumble. “What if I told you I want the same thing?”
She ran a finger over the taut bulge of his arm. “If that was the case, then I’d ask you to follow me into the ladies’ room.”
“I can get us nicer accommodations.”
“Believe me, right now I couldn’t care less about satin sheets.” This was all about the moment, and the moment was telling her to seize him and do very dirty things with him.
“Are you sure?”
Made courageous by the cheap wine, Dana stood and whispered in Alex’s ear. “Do you have a condom?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m sure. I’m going to head into the ladies’ room and I’d like you to follow me. Don’t leave me hanging.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Her heart rattled in her chest. Amazed at her own bravado, she grabbed her handbag off the bar and walked toward the washrooms in back. Keeping her head high, she entered the ladies’ room, grateful there were no other women in the bar.
What are you doing? This isn’t you, her inner voice railed.
Exactly, she countered.This isn’t me.
When Alex followed her into the washroom two minutes later, Dana didn’t stop to question her actions any longer. He reached her in two strides, took her mouth in a savage kiss, and backed her up toward the sink.
He adjusted his clothes, removing key pieces. As he rolled on the condom, his gaze flicked toward her. “I understand if you want to say no. I don’t want you to have any regrets because of some cheap wine.”
His hand was shaking.
So were hers.
“I didn’t even finish my wine. I’m completely sober and I want this.” She pulled up her skirt. “Am I being clear enough for you?”
“Fuck, yeah.”
