“Extremely modern,” I agree. “I’m Ty, by the way,” I formally introduce myself. “Ty Winters.”
That amazing smile reappears. Damn, I feel the fucking thing in my groin.
“Simone.” She lifts her hand, and I immediately take it. The electric charge is instantaneous. We both vibrate from it. It's magnetic.
“It's a pleasure.” I’m unable to peel my eyes away from her.
There’s a shy but strong air about her. A little bit of bait and a whole lot of intrigue.
One touch just isn't enough. The band slows down the music, providing me the perfect opportunity. “Would you like to dance?” I ask as an edgy rendition of “Wonderful Tonight” flows through the speakers.
“I would love to.” A dark pink stains her cheeks as she accepts. I mentally list a few other ways I can cause her face to blush that color.
Placing our glasses on a nearby table, I lead her out to the dance floor as it crowds quickly.
There’s a momentary awkwardness on her part as I slip my arm around her waist and pull her flush against me. This isn't a platonic encounter. It's a bold statement.
After several beats of the music and a few sways, her body softens, succumbing to my insistent hold. She feels like perfection in my arms as I inhale her floral scent.
We dance silently, cheek to cheek, getting swept away in the hypnotic notes. It’s crazy. I don’t know this woman past much more than her name, but I'm drawn to her like a mesmerizing flame. I rub my cheek then my nose against hers, inching the corner of my mouth closer and closer to her lips. An overpowering need to taste her takes over. A breath away from kissing her, she looks up at me with conflicting brown eyes. I pause, awaiting her permission. Armed and ready to cross the line.
We listen to a set of the chorus, trapped in a spellbinding stare. Then she moves, closing the tiny gap between our mouths. I seize her head immediately, delivering a heart-stopping kiss right in the middle of the dance floor for everyone to see. It's one of the most epic moments of my life. An unexpected embrace with an unexpected stranger on an unexpected New Year’s Eve.
Our tongues tangle, our lips compelled as we’re enslaved by the heated bond. My pulse is pounding, my head is throbbing, and my hands are shaking as we both fight for the kiss to continue. Neither one of us willing to break the tie. But basic human need wins over, and we pause for an intake of air.
“I know this is forward.” I breathe heavily with my eyes closed and my forehead pressed against hers. “But…”
Simone looks up at me with utter terror. “I can't.” She cuts me off right away. It's as if she can read my mind. Read my rampant desire. All my yearnings. I need this woman tonight, like I need oxygen to survive.
“Yes, you can. No one has to know, if that's what you're worried about.” I try to persuade her. “I'm a discreet man.”
“It's not that.” The terror in her eyes has morphed into despair. “I just can’t . . . be with a man.” The strong, confident woman who was just standing before me has withdrawn suddenly into a timid wallflower.
“You can be with me,” I press.
“I'm sorry, Ty.” She rubs her arms agitatedly and looks everywhere but at me. “I can't be with anyone.”
“If you give me one night, I can change all that.” I don't know what her dilemma is, but I'm confident I can overcome it.Wecan overcome it.
“I wish that were true. I really do.” Simone sighs apologetically. “But no one can change it.”
“You’ve never met anyone like me.” I rise to the challenge. One side of her mouth curves up.
“I have a feeling that's true. Your reputation precedes you.”
“You know who I am?” I cock my head. “You’ve known the whole time?”
“I had a suspicion at first, but wasn't one hundred percent sure until you told me your name.”
“Have we met before?” I rack my brain. I would have surely remembered meeting a woman like her.
“Not officially.”
“What does that mean?” I question.
“Our families run in the same circles,” Simone provides me with a vague response. I scrutinize her.
“What’s your last name?”
