“Hi, there. How’re you tonight?”
“Why rush away? Let’s talk.”
“You’ve got a great ass.”
Having finally escaped, I peeked in the other spacious rooms, saw more of the same, and kept moving. Glass sliders framed the glittering waters of the outdoor pool, and I walked outside, where it seemed less crowded and quieter and where more intimate conversations were taking place. My drink finished, I headed over to the bar and got another, and then I spotted him.
Short pale-blond hair framed a face I could tell was beautiful—even with a mask covering half his features—and his strong jaw was dusted with light-gold stubble. He wasn’t bulky, had more of a runner’s physique—long legs, slim waist, and a taut ass. My mouth dried as our eyes met. His were a clear, pure blue, reflecting wariness, yet I spied a spark of interest. A slow smile crept up my face.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” He licked his lips, and I could see he was just as nervous. His full mouth fascinated me, and I ached to kiss it. What would it be like to taste a man and feel his scruff against my own? Sweat popped up on my arms and ran down my back while at the same time I shivered as if cold.
God, what was happening? I’d been with plenty of girls in college, yet none had affected me like this masked stranger.
“First time?” I managed to ask.
“Yeah. You?”
I nodded. “I didn’t really know these kinds of clubs existed.”
His full mouth quirked a smile. “Oh, yeah. They’re everywhere. You just have to know how to find them.”
He seemed young, around my age, and I wondered how he’d come to be here. Was he closeted because of homophobic parents? Obviously, he had money, as the fee to join this club was steep. “Wanna sit?”
He nodded, and we took seats on one of the couches by the pool. He nibbled on that plump bottom lip I was losing myself in. Would it feel like a woman’s? Doubtful, and I didn’t care. I wanted him with a hunger that was almost frightening. This was the guy. I knew it in my bones. I went for it, deciding I had nothing to lose—we both knew why we were here. Putting my hand over his, I leaned in close.
“I don’t even know what to say.”
He laughed. “Me neither.”
“Are you from California?”
His eyes dimmed. “No. East Coast. What about you?”
Since he wasn’t being more specific, I kept it the same. “Midwest.”
His lips curved upward. “Big difference for you, I imagine.”
“You know it. But I like it. Hoping to stay if things work out for me.”
“Good luck with that, then. I’m not sure. I like it, but I don’t like having to take a car everywhere. No one walks here.”
“You don’t have a car? I thought everyone in California did.”
He grimaced. “No. I don’t drive.” He clasped and unclasped his hands. “So what brings you here?”
Not about to reveal that it was my first time with a man, I gave the easy answer. “I like that the men are vetted. I know that doesn’t mean everything and there can still be problems, but it’s one less thing to worry about.” I took a sip of my drink. “From what I can see, I’m assuming you’re a model or maybe in the fashion or entertainment industry. How come you’re here?”
Outrageously long lashes hid his eyes for a second. “Same as you.”
Another round peg trying to fit into a square mold.
We sat in silence for a few moments, and I liked that he didn’t fill the space with nonsensical chatter. My desire for him grew, and I put my arm around him. He was tall but settled into the crook of my shoulder as if the space were custom made for him. I leaned in and whispered in his ear, “Wanna go somewhere more private? Get comfortable?”
Hot breath hit my cheek, and I smelled his sweat and light cologne. His eyelids fluttered. “Yeah.”
Before we moved, I kissed those delicious lips that had been teasing me since I’d first seen him, and they did not disappoint. Soft yet firm and definitely masculine, they clung to mine. We were panting when we separated and stared at each other. His eyes blew wide with shock, and I imagined mine were the same. Like a live wire, lust burned hot and bright through my blood. Aching with the need to be naked and alone with him, I pulled him to me again. “I want you so bad.”
