"If Blayze trusts you, then I must as well. I will discuss this with Josie and get back to you. Key in your communication access so I can call you directly if Blayze is not available."
After shutting down the connection, Blayze turned to Belle and grinned. "Would you still like that strong drink? It can be easily arranged."
"You heard that?" she asked, blushing all over. "It wasn't meant for your ears, but yes, I still want it. In fact, I need it. I've never faced an alien king with news that he not only lost some of his people, but they are under suspicion of terrorist actions. It's like having a death wish of my own. You think the director had that in mind? Does he want me gone?"
"If he does, then he is a foolish man. You handled this well. Without you, this could have ended badly. I do not think he would have survived Maxxus's anger. They would have clashed, and the loser would have been your director. Will you join me for that drink? I have spent the last month with three men on an oil rig far out in the ocean. I would enjoy some female companionship, a stiff drink, and some music. My friends taught me how to dance a little. I was going out tonight anyway. See, I have cowboy boots. My hat is in the locker room with my wallet. What else could you accomplish tonight?"
"Nothing. I'll have to call in and give the director an update. He's going to argue that I wasn't tough enough and he'll want me to push for more answers. I can appease him by saying I intend to spend time with you later tonight. He won't know it's for fun. I'm not dressed appropriately either, but I have my belongings in the car outside."
"What if tomorrow he asks for the information you supposedly were grilling me for?" Blayze questioned.
"I'll say you're a hard case, stubborn and tight-lipped. Then, I'll tell him I forced the truth out of you, and you're innocent of everything. Frankly, I don't think he'll even ask once he hears how angry Maxxus is over your people being watched. He'll have too much explaining to do to his superiors. Is there somewhere here I can change? I would ask the receptionist, but she doesn't like me very much."
"She takes her job very seriously. You can change in the locker room. I will show you where. Let us get your luggage."
"You don't have to come," Belle protested. "I can carry it."
"I do not doubt it. My offer was more about getting you back inside, past the gatekeeper. She may shoot you this time," he teased.
"Good thinking. I have a gun too, and we wouldn't want to have a shootout in the front lobby." Laughter continued as they retrieved the bag she needed and made it back in safely. The scary receptionist was nowhere to be found. Belle's driver was ordered to drop off the rest of her possessions at the hotel, where accommodations had been made by the agency.
Blayze was shocked to see the transformation in Belle. Her red waves spilled all the way to her waist. Her eyes were accentuated by the green tank top that matched them perfectly and hugged her body, revealing the curves her black jacket had hidden. The jeans, ripped in all the right places, were practically painted on. She looked so tasty, his mouth watered.
"Wow," he could not help saying. "You clean up good. That's how the guys I work with would phrase it."
Belle grinned at his misuse of the phrase. "Actually, they would say that if I changed from this to the suit. Dressing fancy is what is referred to as cleaning up."
"They would be dead wrong. I like this look much better." His eyes matched his name. They were blazing.
"You don't look too shabby either. The hat suits you." She was afraid to add how much she liked the way his jeans clung to those muscular thighs and his perfect backside. She really didn't care whether he could dance or not and the stiff drink wasn't needed any longer. He was intoxicating enough.
"Times awastin', pretty lady," he replied, sounding like a true Texan, accent and all.
"Your companions have rubbed off on you. Maxxus would be appalled!" Belle joked.
"No need to worry, ma'am. What he don't know won't hurt him. Did I say it right?" Blayze asked quite seriously.
"Perfect, cowboy. Let's head'em up and move'em out." she replied with a giggle.
The bar was crowded, and the dance floor was small, but it didn't matter. The music was loud and lively, and the drinks were strong. It was an excellent spot to forget their troubles and have a good time. Blayze did not care for the men's interested looks coming Belle's way. He put a possessive hand on her lower back and steel in his gaze, daring anyone to come near at their own risk.
One drink gone and it was off to the dance floor. Blayze recognized the song and the dance moves with relief. His friends had taught him this one first. It was simple and repetitive. Belle seemed to know it too. They jumped right in, their boots echoing off the wood floor along with everyone else's. The next one was a whole other story. He did not know it and tried to leave the floor. Belle tugged on his hand and begged, "Please, I love "Cotton-Eyed-Joe." I can teach you. It's simple." Unable to resist those sparkling eyes, he complied. A few stumbles later, he had the hang of it and shared her enthusiasm.
By the time they left the floor, sweat was dripping down their happy faces, and their worries had vanished. Another drink was ordered, and Belle showed him how to make a toast. Just as their glasses clinked, someone bumped Belle from behind, and the whiskey spilled all over them as her soft chest slammed into Blayze's hard one.
The crowd and its sounds disappeared. Only the two of them existed, in a world all their own. Cautiously, Blayze lowered his head and raised a hand to settle on her neck. He fully expected her to pull away. Instead, her eyes slowly drifted shut, and her pink lips parted slightly. More courageous now, he allowed his lips to brush over hers. It was like an electric shock to his system. Her soft whimper and her body swaying closer enticed Blayze to go further. He gave her a real kiss, and his heart began to pound against his chest. Growing braver as she offered no protest, he wrapped his other arm around her and let his tongue sweep over her now swollen lips. She opened her mouth further, meeting his tongue with hers. They were lost. Blayze slipped his hand down past her waist, cupping her rounded bottom. Hers slid inside his shirt, flattening over his heart. "Come home with me," he said against her mouth. "I want more of you."
Belle wanted to say yes more than anything. This was how attraction should feel: steamy and uncontrollable. She'd never felt it this way before. But, reality kicked in. She didn't know Blayze, not really. One-night stands weren't for her. It was her job and duty to prove his innocence. It was up to her to keep the weredragons from taking the blame for something they didn't do. No matter how good it felt, she couldn't do this. "I can't Blayze. I'm so sorry. This was a mistake. I want you, really, I do. But, it's bad timing. Thank you for a great night. I'll be in touch."
She ran, and he did not stop her.
